bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ПЕРЕБІГУ РЕВМАТОЇДНОГО АРТРИТУ У ХВОРИХ З НЕАЛКОГОЛЬНИМ СТЕАТОГЕПАТИТОМ
Authors: Smiian S. I. , Dankiv L. V.
Published: May 2017

Все більше уваги останнім часом дослідники звертають на виявлення супутнього ураження печінки у хворих на ревматоїдний артрит (РА). Тому пошук нових патогенетичних підходів щодо проблеми взаємозв’язку між морфо-функціональним станом печінки та перебігом РА є актуальною проблемою, яка потребує детального вивчення, визначення показань до додаткових обстежень та оптимізації лікувального процесу.Мета дослідження – вивчення морфо-функціонального стану печінки, частоти виявлення НАСГ та оцінка клініко-лабораторних характеристик перебігу і програм лікування РА залежно від факту наявності патології печінки.Матеріали і методи. Для аналізу інтенсивності болю було використано  візуальну аналогову шкалу болю (ВАШ), для характеристики активності РА застосовувували шкалу активності хвороби DAS28. Пацієнтам проводили лабораторне обстеження, що включало біохімічний аналіз крові з метою вивчення функціонального стану печінки, визначали активність аланінамінотрансферази (АЛТ), аспартатамінотрансферази (АСТ), г-глутамілтрансферази (ГГТП), лужної фосфатази (ЛФ), білірубіну, загального білка. Оцінку титру антитіл до циклічного цитрулінового пептиду (АТ ЦЦП) проводили методом ELISA. Для візуалізації змін печінкової паренхіми усім хворим проводили ультразвукове дослідження за допомогою В-режиму із одночасною еластографією методом SWEI.Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Встановлено, що наявність неалкогольного стеатогепатиту (НАСГ) у хворих на РА асоціювалась із збільшенням тривалості захворювання та високим ступенем активності запального процесу. Серед пацієнтів даної групи переважали хворі з наявністю позитивних АТ ЦПП. Структура супутніх станів продемонструвала високий відсоток хворих із  метаболічним синдромом у поєднанні з АГ та ЦД серед когорти за умов поєднання РА і  НАСГ. Також  встановлено, що серед обстежених із НАСГ була достовірна більшість пацієнтів, які постійно отримували ГКС і метотрексат в дозі більше 15 мг на тиждень.Висновки. У пацієнтів за умов поєднання РА і НАСГ спостерігається зростання частоти супутньої патології (АГ, ЦД 2 типу, ожиріння) та тяжкості й вираження клінічних симптомів РА (інтенсивність больового синдрому (ВАШ, мм), наявність АТ ЦЦП,  зростання ступеня активності). Одночасно відзначено, що більшість пацієнтів даної групи постійно використовувала глюкокортикостероїди (ГКС) і дози метотрексату більше 15 мг на тиждень.
ОЦІНКА ВМІСТУ CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD16+, CD22+-ЛІМФОЦИТІВ У ХВОРИХ ІЗ РІЗНИМИ ВАРІАНТАМИ ПЕРЕБІГУ ВІДДАЛЕНОГО ПЕРІОДУ ЧЕРЕПНО-МОЗКОВОЇ ТРАВМИ
Authors: Salii Z. V.
Published: May 2017

Патологія нервової системи пов’язана з низкою імунних процесів: деструктивні зміни в тканинах мозку контролюються імунною системою, а втрата регуляторних механізмів з боку ЦНС спричиняє імунні порушення.Мета дослідження – з’ясувати особливості імунних порушень залежно від варіанта перебігу віддаленого періоду черепно-мозкової (ЧМТ).Матеріали і методи. У 280 хворих із наслідками ЧМТ та 30 пацієнтів контрольної групи дослідили вміст основних субпопуляцій CD. Середній вік основної групи – (42,54±0,59) року, середній катамнез травми – (8,02±0,49) року. В 130 пацієнтів діагностували стаціонарний перебіг віддаленого періоду ЧМТ, 57 – із пароксизмальним та  93 – з прогресуючим. Неврологічний дефіцит оцінювали за шкалою NOS-TBI, когнітивний – за Монреальською шкалою когнітивного дефіциту (МоСА). Вміст основних субпопуляцій  CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD22+, CD16+ - лімфоцитів дослідили методом проточної цитофлуориметрії (проточний цитофлюориметр Epics XL (“Beckman Coulter”, США).Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Незалежно від варіанта перебігу травматичної хвороби головного мозку, вміст субпопуляцій лімфоцитів (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ та CD22+) був достовірно нижчими, ніж у групі контролю (р<0,05). Значення імунорегуляторного індексу у пацієнтів усіх груп було нижчим за значення контролю, досягнувши мінімального – 1,68 у групі з пароксизмальним варіантом перебігу. За умови стаціонарного та пароксизмального перебігу віддаленого періоду легкої (ЧМТ) встановлено достовірну різницю (р=0,001) значень СD16+-лімфоцитів. Пацієнти з пароксизмальним перебігом наслідків травми середньогї тяжкості (СТЧМТ) мали нижчі значення CD4+ порівняно з групою прогресуючого перебігу (р=0,037). Для пароксизмального варіанта перебігу тяжкої (ТЧМТ), порівняно зі стаціонарним, було характерним достовірне (р=0,034) збільшення вмісту CD4+-лімфоцитів при достовірному (р=0,038) зменшенні вмісту СD22+-лімфоцитів. При прогресуючому перебігу наслідків ЛЧМТ уміст СD4+-лімфоцитів зростав при подовженні катамнезу травми (r=0,43, р=0,046), а рівень СD3+ – знижувався при вищих показниках тривожності (r=-0,50, р=0,018). У цій групі кореляції між МоСА-тестом та: СD3+ - r=0,46, р=0,032, СD4+ - r=0,48, р=0,025, СD8+ - r=0,53, р=0,012 вказують на негативний вплив імуносупресії на когнітивне функціонування.Висновок. У пацієнтів із наслідками ЧМТ встановлено достовірне (р<0,05) зниження рівня субпопуляцій: CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD22+ - лімфоцитів при зростанні CD16+ - лімфоцитів. За прогресуючого перебігу наслідків ЛЧМТ рівень СD4+ зростав із подовженням катамнезу травми, рівень СD3+ – знижувався при вищих показниках тривожності, а кореляції СD3+ СD4+, СD8+ з МоСА-тестом вказували на негативний вплив імуносупресії на когнітивне функціонування.
ДИФЕРЕНЦІЙОВАНИЙ ПІДХІД ДО ЛІКУВАННЯ ХВОРИХ З ГОСТРИМ ХОЛАНГІТОМ, УСКЛАДНЕНИМ БІЛІАРНИМ СЕПСИСОМ
Authors: Davlatov S. S.
Published: May 2017

Гнійний холангіт – одне з найчастіших і найтяжчих ускладнень доброякісних і злоякісних захворювань жовчних шляхів.Мета дослідження – покращення результатів хірургічного лікування хворих із гострим холангітом шляхом диференційованого застосування міні-інвазивних методів попередньої декомпресії жовчовивідних шляхів та удосконаленого методу детоксикації – плазмаферезу.Матеріали і методи.  Дослідження проводили на базі клініки Самаркандського державного медичного інституту. Було включено 217 пацієнтів із гіпербілірубінемією, гострим холангітом, біліарним сепсисом і тяжким біліарним сепсисом. Для 17  пацієнтів (перша група) застосовували традиційне лікування з інфузійною та антибіотикотерапією; для 18 хворих (друга група) було застосовано плазмаферез у поєднанні з непрямою електрохімічною оксигенацією (НЕХО) плазми гіпохлоритом натрію; ще для 18 пацієнтів (третя група) з додатковим озонуванням плазми (ПА з НЕХО + Озон) із наступною реінфузією детоксикованої плазми.Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. У хворих із тяжким ступенем ендогенної інтоксикації у післяопераційному періоді найбільш тяжко виражений ендотоксикоз та поліорганна недостатність були у хворих першої групи. В той час як серед пацієнтів другої та третьої груп відмічалися кращі результати хірургічного лікування завдяки розробленому лікувально-діагностичному алгоритмові.Висновки. Розроблена диференційна двоетапна хірургічна тактика з виконанням міні-інвазивних декомпресій та із застосування плазмаферезу дозволяє купірувати явища ендотоксикозу, холестазу та дисфункції печінки, таким чином поліпшуючи результати лікування хворих із гострим холангітом.
STUDY OF INDIVIDUAL ORTHODONTIC SIGNS IN THE PUPILS OF JUNIOR SCHOOL AGE FROM UZHHOROD
Authors: Melnyk V. S. , Sabov A. V. , Horzov L. F.
Published: May 2017

У ході епідеміологічного стоматологічного обстеження було виявлено, що поширеність неправильного зубного прикусу в дітей та підлітків (за даними Стоматологічного естетичного індексу (DAI, 1989) становить у середнім 54 %Мета дослідження – вивчити індивідуальні ортодонтичні особливості в учнів молодших класів м. Ужгорода. Обстежено 152 учнів, серед них 46,7 % хлопців і 53,3 % дівчаток.Матеріали і методи. Проведено стоматологічне обстеження, основні методи якого включали: висоту підборіддя, характер дихання, стан нижньощелепного суглоба, закриття губ, носогубні впадини, впадини підборіддя, розмір ротової щілини, мову, шкідливі звички. Отримані результати наведено у спеціально розробленій таблиці обліку ортодонтичних особливостей.Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Згідно з даними дослідження, висота підборіддя була нормальною в 58,2 %, зменшилась у 33,5 % та збільшилась у 8,2 %. Більше ніж у половини школярів відзначали порушення закриття губ. Носогубні впадини і впадини підборіддя були помірно виражені у 58,6 % дітей. Серед шкідливих звичок найбільш поширеним було кусання губ та щік, – 84,8 % із 152 обстежуваних дітей. Виявлено значну різницю між хлопцями та дівчатами.Висновки. У ході дослідження встановлено, що вивчені ортодонтичні ознаки мають високий показник поширеності серед дітей молодшого шкільного віку м. Ужгорода. Спеціалісти повинні посилити роботу щодо попередження виявлених порушень, залучаючи батьків, учителів, логопедів і дантистів.
ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ ПАТОГЕНЕТИЧНОЇ ТЕРАПІЇ ПАЦІЄНТІВ З ІШЕМІЧНОЮ ХВОРОБОЮ СЕРЦЯ ІЗ НОРМОБІОЦЕНОЗОМ І ДИСБІОЗОМ КИШЕЧНИКА
Authors: Khimion L. V. , Busyhina O. S. , Produsevych L. V.
Published: May 2017

Ішемічна хвороба серця (ІХС) є основною причиною кардіоваскулярної смертності в Україні, показники якої не знижуються.Мета дослідження – вивчити ефективність стандартної патогенетичної терапії пацієнтів з ішемічною хворобою серця із нормобіоценозом (НБ) і дисбіозом (ДБ) кишечника.Матеріали іа методи. Обстежено 68 хворих у віці від 50 до 65 років, серед яких 20 % жінок. Пацієнти з ІХС із постінфарктним кардіосклерозом, хронічною серцевою недостатністю (ХСН) II функціонального класу (ФК) (NYHA) і дисбіозом кишечника І і ІІ ступенів (n=45) і хворі, яких зіставили за статтю, віком, ФК ХСН (n=23) із нормобіоценозом кишечника отримували стандартне лікування хронічної ІХС. Тривалість спостереження становила 8 тижнів.Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Установлено позитивний вплив стандартної терапії на клінічний перебіг захворювання, ліпідний обмін і пероксидне окиснення ліпідів, показники імунного запалення, системної запальної відповіді й антиоксидантного захисту в обох групах пацієнтів. Виявлено, що наявність дисбіозу кишечника І і ІІ ступенів асоціюється з меншим ступенем позитивної динаміки більшості зазначених параметрів.Висновки. Стандартна терапія хворих на ІХС із нормобіоценозом і дисбіозом кишечника І і ІІ ступенів супроводжується позитивним впливом на клінічний перебіг захворювання у формі зменшення кількості нападів стенокардії на тиждень, збільшення дистанції тесту з 6-хвилинною ходьбою і поліпшення психологічного статусу.
Особливості впливу крововтрати на динаміку поглинально-видільної та глікогенсинтезувальної функції печінки внаслідок краніоскелетної травми
Authors: Zayets T. A. , Marushchak M. I. , Pidhaina I. Ya.
Published: May 2017

Introduction. Many scientific researches were described about functional state of a liver as a model of multiple organ dysfunction in severe conditions of experimental injury. Important sensitive markers of liver failure are: absorption function and excretion function of a liver, with its function of synthesizing of glycogen.The aim of the study – to learn the dynamics of absorption and excretion of a liver, with its function of synthesizing of glycogen in response to cranioskeletal injury, combined with blood loss.Methods of the research. The experiments were performed on 54 white nonlinear male rats. In both experimental groups with sodium thiopental anesthesia we modeled a closed head injury according to the method in our own modifications. In addition, by a specially designed device was applied one-off challenge on each thigh, causing a closed fracture of the femur. We determined the duration of the selection of bromsulphalein in bile and glycogen content in the liver.Results and Discussion. The results indicated that under the influence of simulated injuries we observed violations of absorption and excretion of a liver, with its function of synthesizing of glycogen. The largest deviations occurred after 7 days of post-traumatic period. Thus, in terms of additional bleeding violation of the liver was bigger. The reasons were: apparently deepening traumatic shock, the development of hypoxia, systemic response to inflammation.Conclusions. The experimental cranioskeletal injury is accompanied by violation of absorption, excretion and function of synthesizing of glycogen, manifested increasing duration of start and duration of bromsulphalein allocation and reduction of glycogen in the liver tissue, especially at 3 and 7 days post-traumatic period. Additional blood loss is accompanied by an even greater violation of these features since the first day of the experiment. After 3 and 7 days post-traumatic period the beginning and duration of allocation of bromsulphalein are significantly higher and glycogen content – less than in the group of animals with cranioskeletal injury, but without additional bleeding.
Роль оксидативного стресу у патогенезі хронічного ентероколіту на тлі експериментального стрептозотоцинового діабету
Authors: Lisnianska N. V.
Published: May 2017

Introduction. In the medical literature there are a sufficient number of publications reporting on the relationship between inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer and type 2 diabetes, together with inflammation and dysbiosis. Existing data suggest that, on the one hand, diabetes is an important factor in the pathogenesis of diseases of the intestine, and on the other hand, chronic bowel disease is associated with diabetes.The aim of the study – to evaluate changes in oxidative processes in serum and small intestine tissues of rats with chronic enterocolitis on the background of streptozotocin-induced diabetes, in terms of oxidative modification of proteins.Materials and Methods. The study was conducted on 106 white male nonlinear-rats. Diabetes mellitus (streptozotocin diabetes STD) was modeled by a single intraperitoneal streptozotocin administration. Chronic enterocolitis (ChEC) was modeled by free access to animals in 1.0 % carrageenan solution in water for 1 month. The degree of oxidative modification of proteins (OMP) was determined according to the formation of aldehyde and ketone groups during transfarmation 2.4 dinitrophenylhydrazine to the 2.4-dynitrofenilhidrazone.Results and Discussion. The results of our research proved that neutral ketone derivatives content, recorded at a wavelength of 370 nm, exceeding reference values of 2 and 3 experimental groups by 7.5 % (p<0.05), and 4 – by 15.0 % (p<0.01). The level of alkaline oxidizing modified proteins in the serum, recorded at a wavelength of 430 nm, statistically significantly increased in the STD in 91.6 %, in the ChEC in 64.5 %, and during combined pathology – in 166.9 % (Table. 1). In the small intestine tissue concentration of OMP370 also increased in all experimental groups regarding control, particularly in groups 2 and3 in 26.8 % in the 4 – in 82.1 % (p <0.01). Content of alkaline aldehyde derivatives content, recorded at a wavelength of 430 nm, increased both in STD and ChEC with an average of 46.0 %, while in ChEC on the background of STD – in 151.4 %.Conclusion. During chronic enterocolitis on the background of diabetes mellitus increases the oxidative modification of proteins, which is characterized by growth and aliphatic aldehyde and ketone derivatives with neutral and alkaline character in serum and small intestine tissues, with a predominance of protein fragmentation effects (p <0.05).
Відмінності вмісту металотіонеїну у мозку гризунів за умов постнатального розвитку та кадмієвої інтоксикації
Authors: Shiyntum H. N. , Ushakova G. A.
Published: May 2017

Introduction. Metal-binding metallothionein genes are found in a vast population of organisms. These proteins are non enzymatic and very rich in cysteine residues. The various metallothionein isoforms in different brain regions arguably change over time.The aim of the study – evaluating the distribution of metallothionein in different brain regions of gerbils and Wistar rats at different stages of postnatal development (PND), under standard and low dose Cd-induced conditions.Materials and Methods. 18 Mongolian gerbils and 36 Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (n=6), by age and condition of experiment: groups 1, 2, 3, 4 – 1, 30, 90 and 180-days old were exposed to standard conditions; group 5 and 6 – 180-days old+0.1 or 1.0 µgµg Cd2+ per animal everyday for 36 days. The metallothionein content in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and thalamus were detected by the ELISA.Results and Discussion. Obtained data was shown the dynamic of metallothionein distribution in different brain regions of gerbils and Wistar rats depending on the stage of postnatal development and functional capacities. The content of metallothionein in the hippocampus continually decreased in both animal types but the cerebella metallothionein distribution pattern was different from that of the hippocampus, but identical in both rodents, rising from day one before decreasing on day 30. The low levels of metallothionein under the influence of Cd were proportional to the doses administered.Conclusions. The level of metallothionein in the brain varies depending on the stage of development of the functional capacities of the brain parts. The significant down-regulation of metallothionein in the investigated brain regions under Cd influence suggests that a decrease in metallothionein levels depends on the dose of Cd and on the time necessary for its accumulation.
Окиснювальна модифікація білків у щурів різного віку за умов гострого отруєння токсинами блідої поганки
Authors: Kuzmak I. P. , Dmukhalska Ye. B. , Pydruchna S. R. , Yaroshenko T. Ya , Krynytska I. Ya. , Kulitska M. I.
Published: May 2017

Introduction. In recent years, scientific articles of domestic and foreign scientists obtained numerical data on the important role of oxidative modification of proteins in the development of many diseases. It is known that entering the organism of toxic compounds, including toxins of Amanita phalloides, sharply oppress antioxidant system increases the contents of peroxidation products lipids and proteins in liver, kidneys.The aim of the study – to examine the dynamics of oxidative modification of proteins in rats of different ages affected by poison Amanita phalloides toxins in different periods of the experiment.Methods of the research. In all experimental groups poisoning was modeled by single intraperitoneal administration Amanita phalloides extract obtained by the method of H. Wieland (85 mg / kg body weight). Euthanasia was performed under sodium thiopental anesthesia at 6, 24 and 72 hours after poisoning. Oxidative modification of proteins in blood serum was investigated by Meschyshen method.Results and Discussion. Protein oxidative modification indices in all age groups rats on the model of toxic injury by Amanita phalloides toxins were investigated. It was found out that the progression of the pathological process in the liver and the depletion of the compensatory capacity in animals with acute poisoning by Amanita phalloides leads to the activation of free radical oxidation of proteins and cause the increasing of protein oxidative modification indices. The most pronounced changes occur in 6- and 18- month rats in 24 hours after intoxication.Conclusions. It was defined, that the progression of the pathological process in the liver and the depletion of the compensatory capacity as a result of poisoning by toxins of Amanita phalloides cause the increasing of protein oxidative modification indices. It can be considered as one of the earliest markers of damage to organs and tissues including hepatocytes and reliable early predictor of the development and pathology related oxidative stress.
Особливості змін показників системи гемостазу та рівня с-реактивного протеїну у хворих на гострий холецистит
Authors: Stepas J. M. , Lapovets L. E. , Akimova V. M. , Lavro Z. Ya.
Published: May 2017

Introduction. Acute cholecystitis, which is requently complicated by the bile ducts mechanical obstruction, is characterized by a variety of symptoms – from local inflammation to significant changes in hepatocytes and cholestatic intoxication. These symptoms often manifest violation of the liver functions, which is involved in the synthesis of most proteins, as the system of hemostasis, as well as the so-called «acute phase proteins».The aim of the study – to determine and conduct comparative analysis of hemostatic parameters and level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC).Methods of the research. 67 people were examined: 20 of them – healthy, 25 – patients with ACC without complications (1 group) and 22 – patients with ACC complicated with obstructive jaundice (2 group ). The study of hemostasis was performed by determining platelet count, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen concentration, the content of soluble fibrin-monomeric complexes (SFMC), antithrombin III activity (ATIII) and Hagemann-dependent fibrinolysis. Determination of CRP level in blood serum was also performed.Results and Discussion. We found a significant elongation of the PT, APTT, increased concentration of fibrinogen, SFMC content, Hagemann-dependent fibrinolysis and the level of CRP in patients with ACC in comparison with the control group (p<0.05, p<0.001). In addition, a significant decrease in ATIII level and reduction of the number of platelets in patients with ACC in comparison with the practically healthy people (p<0.05) was found.Conclusions. The basis of the identified changes in parameters of hemostasis system most likely lies in hepatocellular insufficiency as the cause of the reduced synthesis of many components of haemostasis on the background of inflammatory liver damage. Disorders of primary and secondary hemostasis with insufficient anticoagulants activity can lead to multiple lesions in hemodynamics and microcirculation. The increase in the content of SFMC in plasma suggests the presence of DIC syndrome. A prolongation of PT and APTT will characterize DIC syndrome as the use factors of a phase hypocoagulation.A significant increase in the level of CRP in patients with ACC complicated with obstructive jaundice indicates its involvement in the progress of the inflammatory process.
Зміна деяких показників антиоксидантної системи в щурів з токсичним ураженням ацетамінофеном на тлі цукрового діабету 2 типу
Authors: Furka O. B. , Ivanusa I. B. , Mykhalkiv M. M. , Klishch I. M.
Published: May 2017

Introduction. Acetaminophen has dose-dependent effect on the liver, which is the degree of damage depends on the concentration of this drug in plasma. When administration in large quantities of acetaminophen (accidentally or with suicidal intent) centrolobular massive necrosis occurs in the liver. Diabetes is also a risk factor for cirrhosis.The aim of the study – to study the effect of acetaminophen on main indices of antioxidant system in liver homogenate and blood plasma of rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus in time dynamics.Methods of the research. We conducted two series of experiments. In the first series toxic lesion was caused by a single intragastric administration of acetaminophen suspension in 2 % starch solution to animals in a dose of 1250 mg/kg (1/2 LD50). In the second series the suspension of acetaminophen in 2 % starch solution in a dose of 55 mg/kg was given, which corresponds to the highest therapeutic dose during 7 days. Non-genetic form of experimental type 2 diabetes mellitus was modeled by single intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin solution in doses 65 mg/kg to rats, which was diluted by citrate buffer (pH 4.5) with the previous intraperitoneal nicotinamide administration in doses of 230 mg/kg. Rats with the same body weight, which were given the same amount of solvent (citrate buffer pH 4.5), were used as the control group.Results and Discussion. The results of the experiment show that a greater toxicity in the experimental animals causes the administration of acetaminophen on the background of type 2 diabetes.Conclusion. Toxic lesion by acetaminophen in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus is accompanied by significant violation of enzymatic components of the antioxidant system, have a compensatory nature and direct to neutralize of free radical oxidation products.
Endogenous Hydrogen Sulfide Enhances Carotid Sinus Baroreceptor Sensitivity by Activating the Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily V Member 1 (TRPV1) Channel
Authors: Yu Wen , Liao Ying , Huang Yaqian , Chen Selena Y. , Sun Yan , Sun Chufan , Wu Yuming , Tang Chaoshu , Du Junbao , Jin Hongfang
Published: May 2017

Background

We aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of hydrogen sulfide (H
2
S) on carotid sinus baroreceptor sensitivity and its mechanisms.

Methods and Results

Male Wistar‐Kyoto rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were used in the experiment and were given an H
2
S donor or a cystathionine‐β‐synthase inhibitor, hydroxylamine, for 8 weeks. Systolic blood pressure and the cystathionine‐β‐synthase/H
2
S pathway in carotid sinus were detected. Carotid sinus baroreceptor sensitivity and the functional curve of the carotid baroreceptor were analyzed using the isolated carotid sinus perfusion technique. Effects of H
2
S on transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) expression and S‐sulfhydration were detected. In SHRs, systolic blood pressure was markedly increased, but the cystathionine‐β‐synthase/H
2
S pathway in the carotid sinus was downregulated in comparison to that of Wistar‐Kyoto rats. Carotid sinus baroreceptor sensitivity in SHRs was reduced, demonstrated by the right and upward shift of the functional curve of the carotid baroreceptor. Meanwhile, the downregulation of TRPV1 protein was demonstrated in the carotid sinus; however, H
2
S reduced systolic blood pressure but enhanced carotid sinus baroreceptor sensitivity in SHRs, along with TRPV1 upregulation in the carotid sinus. In contrast, hydroxylamine significantly increased the systolic blood pressure of Wistar‐Kyoto rats, along with decreased carotid sinus baroreceptor sensitivity and reduced TRPV1 protein expression in the carotid sinus. Furthermore, H
2
S‐induced enhancement of carotid sinus baroreceptor sensitivity of SHRs could be amplified by capsaicin but reduced by capsazepine. Moreover, H
2
S facilitated S‐sulfhydration of TRPV1 protein in the carotid sinus of SHRs and Wistar‐Kyoto rats.

Conclusions

H
2
S regulated blood pressure via an increase in
TRPV
1 protein expression and its activity to enhance carotid sinus baroreceptor sensitivity.
Automating the Incremental Evolution of Controllers for Physical Robots
Authors: Faíña Andrés , Jacobsen Lars Toft , Risi Sebastian
Published: May 2017

Evolutionary robotics is challenged with some key problems that must be solved, or at least mitigated extensively, before it can fulfill some of its promises to deliver highly autonomous and adaptive robots. The reality gap and the ability to transfer phenotypes from simulation to reality constitute one such problem. Another lies in the embodiment of the evolutionary processes, which links to the first, but focuses on how evolution can act on real agents and occur independently from simulation, that is, going from being, as Eiben, Kernbach, & Haasdijk [2012, p. 261] put it, “the evolution of things, rather than just the evolution of digital objects.…” The work presented here investigates how fully autonomous evolution of robot controllers can be realized in hardware, using an industrial robot and a marker-based computer vision system. In particular, this article presents an approach to automate the reconfiguration of the test environment and shows that it is possible, for the first time, to incrementally evolve a neural robot controller for different obstacle avoidance tasks with no human intervention. Importantly, the system offers a high level of robustness and precision that could potentially open up the range of problems amenable to embodied evolution.
Evolutionary Developmental Robotics: Improving Morphology and Control of Physical Robots
Authors: Vujovic Vuk , Rosendo Andre , Brodbeck Luzius , Iida Fumiya
Published: May 2017

Evolutionary algorithms have previously been applied to the design of morphology and control of robots. The design space for such tasks can be very complex, which can prevent evolution from efficiently discovering fit solutions. In this article we introduce an evolutionary-developmental (evo-devo) experiment with real-world robots. It allows robots to grow their leg size to simulate ontogenetic morphological changes, and this is the first time that such an experiment has been performed in the physical world. To test diverse robot morphologies, robot legs of variable shapes were generated during the evolutionary process and autonomously built using additive fabrication. We present two cases with evo-devo experiments and one with evolution, and we hypothesize that the addition of a developmental stage can be used within robotics to improve performance. Moreover, our results show that a nonlinear system-environment interaction exists, which explains the nontrivial locomotion patterns observed. In the future, robots will be present in our daily lives, and this work introduces for the first time physical robots that evolve and grow while interacting with the environment.
Metaphor in International Law: Language, Imagination and Normative Inquiry
Authors: Del Mar Maks
Published: May 2017

This article investigates the role and value of metaphor in normative inquiry, offering both a general framework and applying it to the theory and practice of customary international law. Metaphor is defined as the practice of supposing relations between images from a perspective. The second part of the article unpacks each of these elements, i.e. supposition, relating, image-making and perspective-taking. It considers what role each of these elements plays in metaphorical cognition and why that role is valuable (epistemically and politically). The third part of the article turns to metaphors in customary international law, focusing on metaphors of the path, ripening and crystallisation. It is argued that the shift in metaphorical practice from that of the path to crystallisation is part of what both constitutes and enables a change from a state-practice heavy approach to an opinio-juris weighted one.
Gaspare Berti’s Legacy
Authors: Favino Federica
Published: May 2017

Documentation regarding the practical mathematicians in the early modern age is as rare as it is precious. In fact, where it exists, it permits us to document the culture of mathematics at a time of strong interchanges between the ‘artisan epistemology’ and erudite scientific culture. This paper will present a complete edition of the post-mortem inventory of the Roman mathematician Gaspare Berti (1601–1643), which was discovered among the notary papers of the Roman Court of Auditor Camerae. This document is of great interest, both generally and in particular. On the one hand, it sheds light on a figure who has remained unknown for centuries, except for his pioneering work on the vacuum in the early 17th century. On the other hand, thanks to an exceptional wealth of details, through the inventory we are given a deeper look from within at the ‘trading zone’ between practical and theoretical mathematics in the particular context of Baroque Rome. This almost photographic documentation contextualizes the lively world of practical mathematics, allowing comparison with the ‘big narrative’ of its alleged decline after Galileo’s condemnation.
A new species of the genus Mallomonas (Synurophyceae), Mallomonas spinosa sp. nov., from Vietnam
Authors: GUSEV EVGENIY S.
Published: May 2017

Mallomonas spinosa sp. nov. is described from Vietnam. This species has domeless scales with unique four-edged spines, and which are ornamented with papillae. Mallomonas spinosa belongs to the section Papillosae. The morphological characteristics of the scales of the new species are documented by scanning electron micrographs and discussed in detail, including a comparison with related species in the genus Mallomonas.
A new diploid species of Leucanthemum (Asteraceae, Anthemideae) from Liguria (northwestern Italy)
Authors: MELAI MARTINA , MARCHETTI DINO , BERNARDELLO REMO , PERUZZI LORENZO
Published: May 2017

A new diploid (2n = 18) species, Leucanthemum ligusticum, is described from siliceous outcrops in eastern Liguria (northwestern Italy). This species differs from L. pluriflorum—endemic to northwestern Spain, Galicia and Asturias—and L. monspeliense—endemic to northeastern Spain and central and southern France—mainly by longer petioles of basal and lower cauline leaves, shorter teeth of lower cauline leaves, and narrower ligulate florets and involucral bracts. This new species has western European affinities. Because L. ligusticum is diploid, it is one of the "basic units" of Leucanthemum and therefore a key species for inferring evolutionary relationships in this genus.
Encyonopsis neerlandica, a new freshwater diatom species (Bacillariophyta) from moorland pools in The Netherlands
Authors: VAN DE VIJVER BART , VERWEIJ GEURT L. , VAN DER WAL JAKO , MERTENS ADRIENNE
Published: May 2017

A new cymbelloid diatom species, Encyonopsis neerlandica sp. nov., is described from several moorland pools from The Netherlands. The new species belongs to the complex of species around E. microcephala. Based on light and detailed scanning electron microscopy, the morphology of Encyonopsis neerlandica is discussed and compared to similar species from this complex. Encyonopsis neerlandica is characterized by its rather large valve dimensions, the narrowly to clearly lanceolate valve outline with convex to weakly convex margins and rostrate to subcapitate apices. The distal raphe fissures are ventrally deflected. There is a clear difference between the rounded areolae near the valve margin and the transapically elongated areolae near the axial area.Notes on the ecology of the species are included.
Imagining the Ordinary in Participatory Climate Adaptation
Authors: Vaughn Sarah E.
Published: May 2017

This article examines the ways Red Cross training in vulnerability capacity assessment (VCA) structures people’s understandings of the ordinary. This examination is situated within the context of Georgetown, Guyana, after disastrous flooding in 2005 led the Red Cross to deploy VCAs as a method for participatory climate adaptation. The article focuses on the circulation of narratives about the ordinary, which are used by VCA trainees to cultivate ethical responses to flood hazards and the use of water management equipment. It is argued that participatory climate adaptation can be understood as not simply a mode of governance, but rather as a model for reimagining the ordinary. While other scholarship on participatory climate adaptation addresses how daily life is informed by the political and ideological dynamics of such projects, this article focuses on the ordinary from the view of “mobile” climate adaptation technologies. From this perspective, VCA trainees take action but often times rely on sheer intuition to create knowledge practices in an attempt to navigate crisis in the everyday. In turn, they learn that while the VCA may nourish alternative forms of expertise, it is no easy or fool-proof solution for climate adaptation.
Recent Lightning-Related Fatalities and Injuries in Bangladesh
Authors: Dewan Ashraf , Hossain Md. Faruk , Rahman Md. Masudur , Yamane Yasuke , Holle Ronald L.
Published: May 2017

A database of lightning-related deaths and injuries in Bangladesh was developed from 1990 to mid-2016 from a variety of sources that contains a total of 5468 casualties, composed of 3086 fatalities and 2382 injuries. Spatial, temporal, and demographic aspects of these lightning casualties are evaluated in order to aid relevant entities in effective management of lightning-related meteorological hazards. The annual averages for Bangladesh are 114 fatalities and 89 injuries over the entire period. Weighting by population reveals a fatality rate of 0.92 per million people per year and an injury rate of 0.71. In contrast, the latest 6 years have a fatality rate of 1.6 and injury rate of 1.4. The rural portion of lightning fatalities is 93%. Most fatalities occurred between early morning (0600 LST) and early evening (2000). Through the year, more fatalities occur during the premonsoon season of March through May than during the monsoon season (June–September). The interannual time series of fatalities indicates an increase since the late 2000s, which is a result of greatly improved communications leading to better media reporting of lightning casualties. Bangladesh has also become much more populous in recent years. As a result, the most recent 6 years have 251 fatalities per year, which may be considered as the current estimate. The majority of lightning-related deaths occurred to males. Farming is the major activity at the time of lightning fatalities followed by being inside a dwelling and returning home or walking around homesteads/courtyards.
Development and Validation of the Climate Change Hope Scale for High School Students
Authors: Li Christine , Monroe Martha C.
Published: May 2017

Hope is an important component that helps engage people in solving problems. The development of an instructional model on climate change and forests provided an opportunity to design and test a measurement tool to assess hope about climate change. In this article, we described the process and determined the reliability and validity of a newly developed 11-item Climate Change Hope Scale (CCHS). The study involved high school students from the southeastern United States during fall of 2013 and spring of 2015 ( N = 1,902, 14-18 years old). The factor analysis confirmed a three-factor solution with good model fit: (a) collective-sphere willpower and waypower, (b) personal-sphere willpower and waypower, and (c) lack of willpower and waypower. This study suggests that the CCHS is a valid, reliable, and feasible tool to measure hope in the context of climate change among U.S. high school students.
Understanding Local Sea Level Rise Risk Perceptions and the Power of Maps to Change Them: The Effects of Distance and Doubt
Authors: Retchless David P.
Published: May 2017

Audiences that view sea level rise as a distant hazard or hold doubtful or dismissive beliefs about climate change in general may not be receptive to information about this hazard. This study explores how maps may address these challenges to sea level rise communication by making visible the impacts of sea level rise on local communities. Using an interactive map of sea level rise in Sarasota, Florida and an accompanying online survey, it considers how college students from nearby and far away from Sarasota, and with different views about climate change, vary in their risk perceptions. Results show that, consistent with spatial optimism bias, risk perceptions increased more from pre- to post map for respondents far away from Sarasota than for those nearby, while respondents who were initially doubtful or cautious about climate change showed larger increases in risk perceptions than those who were disengaged or alarmed.
When the farm-gate becomes a revolving door: An institutional approach to high labour turnover
Authors: Staelens Lotte , Louche Céline
Published: May 2017

By adopting an institutional theory lens, the aim of the article is to better understand the actions and mindset of managers toward high labour turnover in the cut-flower industry in Ethiopia. Our mixed-method approach explores the ways in which managers deal with, and legitimize, high levels of labour turnover. Our results show that they engage in three types of practices – predicting, containing and accommodating – whose objective is to make labour turnover tolerable, rather than reduce it. Interestingly, managers do not legitimize their practices through the use of cost-benefit arguments, as the literature would have suggested, but blame the institutional context. This article highlights the context-dependent aspects of labour turnover and explains how managers may find themselves in a deadlock situation. It informs the debate in human resource management research about managerial practices at the bottom of global value chains.
Between Two Worlds? Value Preferences of Immigrants Compared to Local-Born Populations in the Receiving Country and in the Country of Origin
Authors: Tartakovsky Eugene , Walsh Sophie D. , Patrakov Eduard , Nikulina Marina
Published: May 2017

In the present study, we investigate value preferences of immigrants, comparing them with local-born populations in the receiving country and in the immigrants’ country of origin. In addition, we test the effect of time in the receiving country on the value preferences of immigrants. Three groups of respondents took part in the study: Israeli-born Jews ( n = 1,082), immigrants from the Former Soviet Union in Israel ( n = 237), and Jews living in Russia ( n = 935). Differences in value preferences between the groups and their relationship with time in country in the immigrants’ value preferences were hypothesized on the basis of four psychological mechanisms: premigration formation of values and their preservation in the new country, self-selection of immigrants, acculturation (classical and paradoxical), and a reaction to the stress of adjustment in the new country. The results obtained demonstrated that the value system of immigrants in general was different from the value system of the nonimmigrant populations in both the country of origin and in the receiving country. When comparing immigrants and two other populations in each of the 19 basic values separately, it was found that immigrants reported higher levels of power dominance, power resources, and security social values, and lower levels of values of universalism tolerance, universalism concern, benevolence dependability, and self-direction thought than both the other groups. Results mainly corroborated what we have termed a Stress Reaction Value Constellation model. Adjustment difficulties encountered by immigrants in the receiving country and their survival needs may explain the specific pattern of value preferences found among immigrants.
Understanding the Relation Between Participating in the New Culture and Identification: Two Studies With Latin American Immigrants
Authors: Cárdenas Diana , de la Sablonnière Roxane
Published: May 2017

Participation in a new culture and identification with a new culture are important issues faced by millions of immigrants today. Literature describes three possible relations between participation and identification. First, some researchers postulate that they are part of the basic acculturation phenomenon and hence equivalent (Model 1). Others postulate that either identification with a new culture encourages participation in it (Model 2) or participation helps identification with a new culture (Model 3). The goal of the present article was to determine which model best describes the relation between participating in a new culture and identification with it. In Study 1, Latin American immigrants ( N = 146) answered a questionnaire, and the fit of each of the three models was compared using path analyses. Results showed that the best fitting model was one where participation in the new culture positively predicted identification with it. These results were confirmed in Study 2, where semistructured interviews of 15 immigrants were analyzed. The two studies in the present article help us understand the relation between participation in the new culture and identification as well as the scope of the changes brought on by immigration.
Duplicated or Hybridized Peptide Functional Domains Promote Oral Homeostasis
Authors: Basiri T. , Johnson N.D. , Moffa E.B. , Mulyar Y. , Serra Nunes P.L. , Machado M.A.A.M. , Siqueira W.L.
Published: May 2017

Proteins that have existed for millions of years frequently contain repeats of functional domains within their primary structure, thereby improving their functional capacity. In the evolutionary young statherin protein contained within the in vivo–acquired enamel pellicle (AEP), we identified a single functional domain (DR9) located within the protein N-terminal portion that exhibits a higher affinity for hydroxyapatite and more efficient protection against enamel demineralization compared to other native statherin peptides. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that multiplication of functional domains of naturally occurring pellicle peptides amplifies protection against enamel demineralization. In addition, a specific amino acid sequence from histatin 3 (RR-14) was introduced to the hybrid peptides for further testing. Enamel specimens were sectioned to 150-µm thickness and randomly grouped as follows: DR9, DR9-DR9, DR9-RR14, statherin, histatin 1, or distilled water (control). After submersion for 2 h at 37°C, the specimens were placed in 2 mL demineralization solution for 12 d at 37°C. Upon sample removal, the remaining solution was subjected to colorimetric assays to determine the amount of calcium and phosphate released from each specimen. DR9-DR9 amplified protection against enamel demineralization when compared to single DR9 or statherin. Notably, the hybrid peptide DR9-RR14 demonstrated relatively strong protection when the antimicrobial property of these peptides was tested against Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans. DR9-RR14 was able to maintain 50% of the antifungal activity compared with RR14 for C. albicans and similar values of S. mutans killing activity. This study has pioneered the functional exploration of the natural peptide constituents of the AEP and their evolution-inspired engineered peptides. The knowledge obtained here may provide a basis for the development of stable (proteinase-resistant) synthetic peptides for therapeutic use against dental caries, dental erosion, and/or oral candidiasis.
Daylight photodynamic therapy in Scotland
Authors: Cordey Helen , Valentine Ronan , Lesar Andrea , Moseley Harry , Eadie Ewan , Ibbotson Sally
Published: May 2017

Chronic sun-induced dysplastic skin changes (actinic keratoses) are extremely common in fair-skinned people in Scotland. These changes are a major cause of morbidity and may develop into skin cancer. Actinic keratoses are often extensive and pose a therapeutic challenge as field-directed treatment is required for chronic disease management. One such treatment approach is hospital-based photodynamic therapy, which is a well-established treatment in Scotland for actinic keratoses, using a photosensitiser pro-drug and red LED light irradiation. However, photodynamic therapy using daylight as the activating light source is increasingly and effectively used in continental Europe, but had not been explored in Scotland until we initiated this in 2013. We report our experience of daylight photodynamic therapy in 64 patient-treatment courses and demonstrate that this can be an effective, well-tolerated treatment, which is liked by patients. Our most recent data show that most patients (73%) achieved clearance or at least a good response to treatment and had high levels of satisfaction with daylight photodynamic therapy. Daylight exposure measurements indicated that treatment is feasible in Scotland between April to September. Daylight photodynamic therapy is an important advancement in treatment options for Scottish patients with extensive pre-cancerous field changes and provides opportunities for home-based treatment and increased efficiency of photodynamic therapy services.