bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Environmental Policy Affect Income Inequality? Evidence from the Clean Air Act
Authors: Jha Akshaya , Matthews Peter H. , Muller Nicholas Z.
Published: May 2019

This paper quantifies the impact of environmental policy on income inequality. We focus on the Clean Air act and the National Ambient Air Quality standards for fine particulate matter and ozone. Using a matched difference-in-differences estimator, we find evidence that both standards increased inequality in market income and a measure of income that deducts per-capita air pollution damage from adjusted gross income. While pollution standards can reduce pollution levels and thus result in significant environmental benefits in aggregate, our findings suggest that these standards appear to distort the distribution of economic resources in complex, and at times unfortunate, ways.
Recommendations of the Polish Psychiatric Association for treatment of affective disorders in women of childbearing age. Part III: Approach to pregnancy loss and unsuccessful in vitro treatment of infertility
Authors: Rymaszewska Joanna , Szczesniak Dorota , Cubała Wiesław , Gałecki Piotr , Rybakowski Janusz , Samochowiec Jerzy , Szulc Agata , Dudek Dominika
Published: May 2019

W artykule przedstawiono rekomendacje Polskiego Towarzystwa Psychiatrycznego dotyczące postępowania w przypadku utraty ciąży oraz niepowodzeń leczeniem niepłodności metodą in vitro. Z punktu widzenia psychologicznego utrata ciąży lub śmierć okołoporodowa jest jednym z najbardziej stresujących wydarzeń życiowych człowieka niosących za sobą ryzyko wystąpienia zaburzeń afektywnych, lękowych lub objawów zespół stresu pourazowego. Psychologowie, lekarze specjaliści i pozostały personel medyczny powinni zapewniać opiekę zintegrowaną a jednocześnie zindywidualizowaną, opartą na szacunku, empatii i kompetencji. Niezbędne etapy wsparcia kierowanego wobec pacjentki doświadczającej utraty ciąży obejmują: 1) wyczerpujące wsparcie informacyjne ze strony lekarza prowadzącego dotyczące stanu zdrowia, ewentualnych przyczyn śmierci płodu, sposobu postępowania oraz etapów indukcji porodu obumarłego płodu/ terminacji ciąży/zabiegu; 2) możliwość konsultacji psychologicznej na każdym etapie oraz 3) wyczerpujące informacje na temat obowiązującego stanu prawnego (zabezpieczenia społecznego oraz prawa pracy). Kolejne niepowodzenia podczas zapłodnienia in vitro mogą wywoływać emocjonalne konsekwencje podobne do tych, które obserwuje się po poronieniu. Frustracja trwająca zbyt długo może sprzyjać wystąpieniu objawów depresji i nasilaniu się patologicznego lęku. Przedstawiono podstawowe rekomendacje dotyczące psychoterapii i farmakoterapii w przypadku utraty ciąży czy niepowodzeń w leczeniu niepłodności metodą in vitro.
Adverse outcomes during pregnancy and major congenital malformations in infants of patients with bipolar and schizoaffective disorders treated with antiepileptic drugs: A systematic review
Authors: Giménez Anna , Pacchiarotti Isabella , Gil Joaquín , Murru Andrea , Gomes Susana P. , Pinzón Justo E. , Anmella Gerard , Gómez-Ramiro Marta , Verdolini Norma , Valentí Marc , Goikolea José M. , Vieta Eduard
Published: May 2019

Cel pracy

Leki przeciwpadaczkowe (LPP), które są powszechnie stosowane w zapobieganiu nawrotom i leczeniu ostrych faz choroby afektywnej dwubiegunowej (ChAD) oraz zaburzeń schizoafektywnych (schizoaffective disorder, SAD), często wiążą się z działaniami niepożądanymi w czasie ciąży oraz z poważnymi wadami wrodzonymi (major congenital malformations, MCM). Celem niniejszej pracy było podsumowanie dostępnych badań oceniających skutki stosowania leków przeciwpadaczkowych u ciężarnych kobiet z ChAD i /lub SAD.

Metoda

Przeszukano cztery bazy danych od początku do 18 stycznia 2019 roku. Do przeglądu włączono recenzowane badania obserwacyjne dotyczące stosowania LPP u ciężarnych kobiet z ChAD lub SAD. Wykluczono badania nieprzedstawiające danych dotyczących ChAD lub SAD, nie określające stosowanych LPP lub nie oceniające wyników ciąży lub poważnych wad wrodzonych

Wyniki

Łączna ilość znalezionych badań wyniosła 2861. Po usunięciu zdublowanych badań i zastosowaniu kryteriów włączenia/wykluczenia do przeglądu włączono 9 badań obserwacyjnych oceniających pacjentki z ChAD i SAD. Badano następujące LPP: lamotrygina (LTG), kwas walproinowy (VPA), karbamazepina (CBZ), okskarbazepina (OXC), topiramat (TPR) i gabapentyna (GBP). Kwas walproinowy i karbamazepina były lekami przeciwpadaczkowymi, których stosowanie najczęściej wiązało się z poważnymi wadami wrodzonymi. Lamotrygina wykazywała najlepszy profil bezpieczeństwa. U leczonych i nieleczonych kobiet z ChAD obserwowano wyższe wskaźniki powikłań w czasie ciąży w porównaniu ze zdrowymi ciężarnymi.

Wnioski

Stosowanie leków przeciwpadaczkowych w ciąży może mieć niekorzystne skutki oraz prowadzić do poważnych wad wrodzonych u dzieci kobiet z ChAD lub SAD, przy czym wyższe ryzyko występuje przy stosowaniu wyższych dawek. U tego typu pacjentek można rozważyć podawanie lamotryginy, biorąc pod uwagę niski poziom działań niepożądanych. W czasie ciąży należy unikać stosowania kwasu walproinowego i karbamazepiny.
Misophonia – a review of research results and theoretical concepts
Authors: Siepsiak Marta , Dragan Wojciech
Published: May 2019

Mizofonia jest stosunkowo mało zbadanym zjawiskiem odnoszącym się do doświadczania silnych emocji (głównie złości i wstrętu) oraz reakcji somatycznych (np. skurczów mięśni, wzmożonego bicia serca), podczas kontaktu ze specyficznym bodźcem dźwiękowym. Wśród najczęściej spotykanych awersyjnych dźwięków tego typu wymienia się m. in odgłosy jedzenia, oddychania, pisania na klawiaturze. Doświadczanie mizofonii związane jest z cierpieniem i znacznym obniżeniem jakości życia. Zjawisko to zostało po raz pierwszy zidentyfikowane w 2002 roku. Od tamtej pory opisano liczne studia przypadków oraz opublikowano dane pochodzące z badań psychofizjologicznych, neuropsychologicznych i kwestionariuszowych. Prace te wskazują, że mizofonia jest zjawiskiem spójnym i możliwym do wstępnego zidentyfikowania. Z najnowszych badań wynika, iż zjawisko to występuje samodzielnie, niezależnie od żadnego konkretnego zaburzenia. Wciąż jednak wiele pytań dotyczących definicji i kryteriów diagnostycznych mizofonii pozostaje bez odpowiedzi. W prezentowanym artykule opisano najważniejsze problemy diagnostyczne mogące pojawić się w pracy klinicznej z osobami z mizofonią. Przedstawiono ponadto główne koncepcje teoretyczne dotyczące mizofonii oraz związane z nimi wyniki analiz empirycznych.
Characteristics of olfactory function in a healthy geriatric population. Differences between physiological aging and pathology
Authors: Mydlikowska-Śmigórska Agnieszka , Śmigórski Krzysztof , Rymaszewska Joanna
Published: May 2019

Zmiany poziomu sprawności węchowej są wczesnym symptomem rozwoju chorób neurozwyrodnieniowych, w szczególności choroby Parkinsona oraz choroby Alzheimera. W populacji zdrowej funkcjonowanie węchowe cechuje niezależność od poziomu inteligencji oraz różnych funkcji poznawczych, np. sprawności pamięciowej. Najlepsze funkcjonowanie węchowe u osób zdrowych przypada na okres pomiędzy 20 a 40 r.ż. W populacji geriatrycznej stwierdza się pogorszenie sprawności węchowej. Z tego względu istotne znaczenie ma wiedza na temat różnic między zmianami związanymi z fizjologicznym starzeniem się, a objawami wskazującymi na zmiany patologiczne w mózgu. W artykule omówiono struktury neuroanatomiczne szlaku węchowego oraz ich zmiany inwolucyjne, które mogą przyczyniać się do pogorszenia sprawności węchowej wraz z wiekiem. Przedstawiono dane na temat częstotliwości występowania dysfunkcji węchowych, różnic międzypłciowych w zakresie funkcjonowania węchowego oraz charakterystyki pogorszenia tej sprawności w wieku podeszłym. Ponadto opisano związane z wiekiem zmiany dotyczące pamięci zapachów. Autorzy sugerują, iż głównym kryterium pozwalającym różnicować między fizjologiczną a patologiczną utratą sprawnością węchu jest świadomość/brak świadomości deficytu w tym zakresie.
The child's "difficult" temperament and its relation with parental stress in groups of parents bringing up boys and girls
Authors: Szymańska Agnieszka , Aranowska Elżbieta
Published: May 2019

Cel pracy

Celem badań było sprawdzenie, czy trudne cechy temperamentu dziecka, czyli: mała elastyczność, niska wytrwałość, niski poziom dobrego samopoczucia i zły nastrój są związane z rozbieżnością rodzicielską (zdefiniowaną jako odległość między celami rodziców, tj. cechami, które rodzice chcą kształtować u dzieci a poziomem rozwoju dziecka w zakresie kształtowanych cech) oraz trudności, jakie rodzice doświadczają w związku z dzieckiem (stres rodzicielski).

Metoda

W badaniu postawiono hipotezę, że trudne cechy temperamentu dziecka wiążą się z rozbieżnością i doświadczanym stresem rodzicielskim. Badaniem objęto 319 rodziców dzieci w wieku 3-6 lat (144 dziewczynki i 175 chłopców). Do analizy wykorzystano uogólnioną analizę skupień k-średnich przeprowadzoną przez algorytmy data mining.

Wyniki

Badanie wykazało, że a) wyższy stres rodzicielski jest silniej związany z negatywnym nastrojem dzieci i wyższą elastycznością temperamentalną, b) niższy stres rodzicielski jest związany z wyższym pozytywnym nastrojem u dzieci. Ta relacja występuje zarówno w grupie rodziców wychowujących chłopców, jak i dziewczynki.

Wnioski

Stres rodzicielski związany jest szczególnie z temperamentalną cechą nastroju. Im niższy jest pozytywny nastrój dziecka tym bardziej rodzic doświadcza stresu w relacji z dzieckiem.
Prevalence of pain in patients with multiple sclerosis and its association with anxiety, depressive symptoms and quality of life
Authors: Łabuz-Roszak Beata , Niewiadomska Ewa , Kubicka-Bączyk Katarzyna , Skrzypek Michał , Tyrpień-Golder Krystyna , Majewska Anna , Matejczyk Anna , Dobrakowski Paweł , Pierzchała Krystyna
Published: May 2019

Cel pracy

Ból jest jednym z najczęściej zgłaszanych objawów stwardnienia rozsianego (SR). Wpływa na codzienne funkcjonowanie chorych, ogranicza zdolność do pracy, zmniejsza radość życia.
Celem pracy była analiza wpływu dolegliwości bólowych na jakość życia oraz występowanie objawów lękowych i depresyjnych u chorych na SR.

Metoda

Badaniem objęto 144 osoby (110 kobiet i 34 mężczyzn) z rozpoznanym na podstawie kryteriów Mc Donalda (2005) SR. Badanie przeprowadzono na podstawie autorskiej ankiety dotyczącej aktualnych i przebytych dolegliwości bólowych, kwestionariusza EuroQol 5D samooceny jakości życia chorych oraz szpitalnej skali oceny lęku i depresji (HADS).

Wyniki

Wśród wszystkich badanych, aktualne dolegliwości bólowe zgłaszało 117 osób (81,3%), natomiast 120 osób (83,3%) deklarowało występowanie dolegliwości bólowych w przeszłości. Aktualnie chorzy zgłaszali: bóle kończyn –79 osób (54,9%), bóle głowy i twarzy –72 (50%), bóle kręgosłupa –72 (50%), bolesne kurcze mięśni –54 (38,6%), ból w gałce ocznej –37 (25,7%), objaw Lhermitte’a –32 (22,2%). Nasilenie objawów lękowych i depresyjnych było istotnie statystycznie wyższe u osób zgłaszających dolegliwości bólowe w porównaniu z chorymi bez tego typu dolegliwości (HADS-L: 8,0±4,3 vs 5,1±4,3; p<0,01; HADS-D: 6,0±4,2 vs 3,4±3,7; p<0,01), zaś jakość życia była istotnie niższa (EQ 5D: 8,1±1,9 vs 6,3±1,4; p<0,0001). Stwierdzono związek pomiędzy występowaniem bólu a płcią (p<0,01), wiekiem (p<0,05), stopniem niesprawności (p<0,05), wykształceniem (p<0,001) i pracą zawodową (p<0,01).

Wnioski

Ból u chorych na SR wiąże się z wyższym nasileniem objawów lęku i depresji oraz niższą jakością życia. Płeć żeńska, starszy wiek, niższe wykształcenie, większa niesprawność oraz brak pracy zawodowej predysponują do występowania dolegliwości bólowych u chorych na SR.
Hydrocarbon prospectively determination of “eagle field”, coastal swamp ii Niger delta.
Authors: M T Olowokere , Hassane Amadou , M. A Alonge , E. Ajibade Adekola
Published: May 2019

Seismic and well log data were collected from onshore depobelt of Nigeria with a total of 1000 seismic lines and 3 wells. The main objective of the study was to determine hydrocarbon prospectivity and reserve estimates of the field. The evaluation centred on seismic interpretation and 3D visualisation (DHI detection) of the “Ejanla Field” 3D in total, Four horizons have been interpreted regionally for correlation purposes and three as prospect specific horizons. Four prospects and some, more speculative leads were identified in the area of which most are conventional three way dip/fault closures and some hanging wall closures. The potential for stratigraphic trapping was also recognized. The study showed that the small closure areas and limited hydrocarbon column lengths affected the number of prospects and at the shallow levels.The main risk to oil prospectivity in the area as revelled by the data interpretation is gas which may have resulted from the observed higher geothermal gradient in the deeper depth. Reservoir development and retention (overpressure) for prospects and leads in the deeper and more distal sedimentological settings form additional risks.
Depositional Environment and facies analysis of Useni- 1, Niger Delta Basin, using well logs, core data
Authors: O. Aigbadon G. , O. Akpunonu E. , O. Agunloye S. , Ocheli A. , O .Akakaru O.
Published: May 2019

This study was carried out integrating well logs and core to build reservoir model for the Useni-1 oil field. Core data and well logs were used to evaluate the petrophysical characteristics of the reservoirs. The paleodepositional environment was deduce from the wells and cores data. The depositional facies model showed highly permeable channels where the wells where positioned. The environments identified that the fluvial channel facies with highly permeable zones constituted the reservoirs. Four reservoirs were mapped at depth range of 8000ft to 8400ft with thicknesses varying from 20ft to 400ft. Petrophysical results showed that porosity of the reservoirs varied from 12% to 28 %; permeability from 145.70 md to 454.70md; water saturation from 21.65% to 54.50% and hydrocarbon saturation from 45.50% to 78.50 %. Core data and the gamma ray log trends with right boxcar trend indicate fluvial point bar and tidal channel fills in the lower delta plain setting. By-passed hydrocarbons were identified in low resistivity pay sands D1, D2 at depth of 7800 – 78100ft in the field.
The pattern of contact lens uses among university female students at Hafr Al-Batin university, Saudi Arabia
Authors: G. Mohamed Asmaa , M. Gomaa Salma
Published: May 2019

Background: Contact lens (CL) are widely used in Saudi Arabia, and interest in the lens among the population is increasing rapidly especially among the younger population. CL has become more important as an optical correction method. Many people compromise their visual health due to bad habits for wearing a contact lens.Aim: The present study aimed to assess the pattern of CL uses among university female students.Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. 225 students were agreed to participate in the study from four colleges. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect necessary information regarding; socio-demographic characteristics, history of using CL and eye complains.Results: The findings revealed that the majority 74.7% of university students using lens mostly for cosmetic purpose and 45.2% wear CL from 5-12/day.Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study, health education programs incorrect and careful practice regarding CL wear should be directed to the university students to prevent complications resulting from the wearer's inappropriate behavior.Â Â Â
A Educação de Adultos nos espaços pedagógicos da Intervenção Comunitária
Authors: Fraga Nuno , Pereira Gorete , Gonçalves Glória
Published: May 2019

O presente artigo visa problematizar a educação de adultos em ambientes não formais de aprendizagem. Apresenta-se uma análise às políticas de educação e formação de adultos em Portugal, destacando-se a nível local o potencial de práticas de intervenção pessoal, social e de emancipação desenvolvidas em contextos de Intervenção Comunitária e associadas à dimensão da Aprendizagem ao Longo da Vida. Enquadra-se a metodologia de investigação-ação participativa (IAP) como roteiro de planificação e desenvolvimento das práticas de intervenção. Através da análise de conteúdo a nove projetos de Intervenção Comunitária decorridos entre os anos de 2014 e 2017, foi possível concluir que ao nível do trabalho desenvolvido em ambientes não formais de aprendizagem o foco da Aprendizagem ao Longo da Vida reconstrói-se por práticas de ação participativa, onde os objetivos da intervenção nascem das problemáticas do público-alvo, das suas características enquanto grupo social e cultural específico, com vista à aquisição de competências e habilidades essenciais à vida em sociedade.
Clinical significance of HDAC9 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hu Yuzhi , Sun Lei , Tao Shaofu , Dai Min , Wang Yandong , Li Yong , Wu Jiebin
Published: May 2019

In recent years, most related studies have found that chronic hepatitis B virus infection is the main cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the specific pathogenesis is still unclear. To investigate the function of HDAC in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), this study used qRT-PCR to determine the expression levels of miR-376a and HDAC9 mNRA in HCC and para-cancerous tissues. The clinical significance of HDAC9 in HCC was assessed in a study cohort containing 37 patients with HCC using immunohistochemistry. The expression level of miR-376a in liver cancer tissues was significantly lower than that in para-cancerous tissues, while the expression level of HDAC9 mRNA in liver cancer tissue was significantly higher than that in para-cancerous tissues. The expression of HDAC9 occurred mainly in the nucleus. There was a significant correlation between tumor differentiation and HDAC9. Survival analysis showed that HCC patients with higher HDAC9 expression had poorer prognosis, and subsequent multivariate analysis showed that HDAC9 expression level was an independent predictor. There was a definite correlation between HDAC9 and the expressions of AFP and Ki67. These results suggest that the expression level of HDAC9 in HCC is abnormally high while the expression level of miR-376a is significantly decreased, indicating that HDAC9 may be a potential prognostic indicator of HCC.
Delayed development influences the outcome of different grades of D5 and D6 blastocysts during freeze–thaw cycle
Authors: Zhang Huina , Arhin Samuel Kofi , Zhao Junzhao , Hou Xiaohong , Chen Yilu , Huang Zhaoxia
Published: May 2019

To analyze the effects of blastocysts on the 5th day (D5) and 6th day (D6) of frozen–thawed blastocyst transplantation on pregnancy outcome and provide evidence for further improvement of the strategy. This study included transfers from the Reproductive Medicine Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University during freeze–thaw cycles from January 2016 to December 2017. They were divided into D5 group (1616 cases) and D6 group (619 cases) according to blastocyst formation and development. Each group was further divided into 5 groups according to the quality of the blastocyst and the number of transplants, making a total of 10 groups. Following the frozen transplantation cycle, the transplanting rate was significantly higher for D5 (41.73%) than for D6 (23.98%) (P < 0.05); the ongoing pregnancy rate (47,40%) was also significantly higher than that of D6 (28.43%) (P < 0.05).In the frozen–thawed blastocyst resuscitation transplantation, compared to D6 blastocysts, D5 blastocysts were more conducive to blastocyst implantation and could be used to achieve better clinical pregnancy outcome. In blastocyst selection, a single D5 excellent blastocyst transplant is preferred. Only at the 6th day of non-excellent D6, 2 blastocysts are recommended for transplantation.
Roles of Sema3A and VEGF165 in cortical neurons and vascular endothelial cells during oxygen glucose deprivation stimulation
Authors: Yang Ying , Li Chen , Wang Ruili , Wang Hui , Ma Qiaoya , He Ya , Zhang Pengbo
Published: May 2019

To investigate the expressions and roles of semaphorin3A (Sema3A) and vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) in cultured rat cortical neurons and vascular endothelial cells after oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) stimulation. Cultured cortical neurons (NC) and vascular endothelial cells (VEC) of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (SPF grade) were randomly divided into control group and OGD treatment group. Western blot assay, immunofluorescent staining and immunohistochemical methods were used to determine the expressions of VEGF165, Sema3A and neuropilin-1 (Nrp-1) protein. Cell migration was determined by Transwell, while TUNEL assay was used to measure apoptosis. The expressions of Sema3A, Nrp-1 and VEGF165 in NC and VEC cells after OGD treatment were up-regulated, when compared with the control group. With transfection of Sema3A shRNA, apoptosis of neurons decreased significantly after 2 h of OGD treatment, but the apoptosis of VEC cells was not obvious. The migration rate of VEC cells in the treatment group was significantly increased, relative to that of the control group. Stimulation with OGD induces neuronal expression of VEGF165 and regulates the migration of vascular endothelial cells, thereby enhancing their participation in angiogenesis, which may involve Sema3A.
ABC, a patented innovation in the infusion of teas and herbal plants: enrichment of Camellia sinensis leaves with dry extracts from herbal plants
Authors: Maixent Jean Michel , Zeil Jean Marc
Published: May 2019

Tea and herbal infusions have been known for millennia for their health benefits. However for plants and active ingredients (of mineral and animal origin), it is necessary to consume very large quantities to achieve what is called the health claim dose, i.e., the dose for which the effect on health claim is established. Camellia sinensis leaves is traditionally used as plant infusion. This article aims to review the innovation afforded by the ABC (Bio Concentrate Assets®) patent. The ABC patent has developed an exclusive method of enriching organic tea leaves with organic herbal dry plant extracts using organic acacia gum. This method allows the coupling of concentrated dry extracts from medicinal plants on the Camellia sinensis leave extracts using acacia gum (arabic gum) and to reach to low enough health claim doses thanks to a higher concentration of active ingredients (tested until 10 ingredients). An example of ABC application is provided in a brief overview of manufacturing process for the "Gingo® tea” preparation. The main advantages of the ABC patent application are discussed. In conclusion, the ABC process offers a real breakthrough in the market of teas and herbal teas for health and wellness.
Ginkgetin inhibits proliferation of HeLa cells via activation of p38/NF-ÎºB pathway
Authors: Cheng Jianxia , Li Yun , Kong Jianping
Published: May 2019

Effect of ginkgetin on proliferation of human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells and the underlying mechanism   were investigated. Human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells were cultured at 37 °C in 10 % fetal bovine serum (FBS) supplemented RPMI 1640 medium in a humidified incubator containing 5 % CO2. Cell proliferation was determined using MTT assay, while real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to determine the levels of expression of interleukin 1Î² (IL-1Î²), tumor necrosis factor-Î± (TNF-Î±) and interleukin 8 (IL-8). The expressions of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF- ÎºB) were determined using Western blotting. Treatment of HeLa cells with ginkgetin significantly and time- and dose-dependently inhibited their proliferation (p < 0.05). The invasion of the cells were also significantly and dose-dependently decreased, when compared with control cells (p < 0.05). The expressions of p-p38 and p-NF-ÎºB were significantly and dose-dependently down-regulated, relative to control group (p < 0.05). However, the expressions of p38 and NF-ÎºB in ginkgetin-treated cells were not significantly different from those of control group (p > 0.05). The results of qRT-PCR and ELISA showed that the levels of expression of TNF-Î±, IL-1Î² and IL-8 mRNAs were significantly and dose-dependently reduced in HeLa cells after 48 h of treatment with ginkgetin, when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The anti-proliferative effect of ginkgetin on HeLa cells is exerted via a mechanism involving the p38/NF-ÎºB pathway.
Nppc/Npr2/cGMP signaling cascade maintains oocyte developmental capacity
Authors: Celik Onder , Celik Nilufer , Ugur Kader , Hatirnaz Safak , Celik Sudenaz , Muderris Iptisam Ipek , Yavuzkir Seyda , Sahin ć°brahim , Yardim Meltem , Aydin Suleyman
Published: May 2019

The follicle must fulfill the following criteria if it is to survive the period between early embryonic life and the luteinizing hormone (LH) peak. It should (i) be surrounded by pregranulosa cells; (ii) complete the first meiotic division and become dormant; and (iii) continue metabolism during the dormant stage. Interaction between the natriuretic peptide precursor type C (Nppc) and its receptor, natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (Npr2), affects female fertility through the production of oocytes with developmental capacity and maintain oocyte meiotic arrest. While Nppc is expressed in mural cells, cumulus cells express Npr2. Nppc/Npr2 system exerts its biological function on developing follicles by increasing the production of intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This pathway not only contributes to the development of ovary and the uterus, but aids the formation of healthy eggs in terms of their morphological and genetic aspects. A defect in this pathway leads to asmall ovarian size, string-like uterine horns, and thin endometrium and myometrium. Disorganized chromosomes, abnormal cumulus expansion and early meiotic resumption occur in animals with defective Nppc/Npr2 signaling. The types and number of oocytes also decrease when there is incompetent Nppc/Npr2 signaling. This paper extends on most recent and relevant experimental evidence regarding Nppc/Npr2/cGMP signaling with regard to its crucial role in maintaining oocyte meiotic arrest and the production of oocytes with developmental capacity. We further discuss whether the agonist or antagonist forms of the members of this exciting pathway can be usedfor triggering final oocyte maturation.
Hydro-thermal priming enhance seed germination capacity and seedling growth in sugar beet
Authors: Alipor Shima , Taghvaei Mansour , Jalilian Ali , Kazemeini Abdolreza , Razi Hooman
Published: May 2019

Seed priming improves seed performance in many crop species. In this study, the influence of hydrothermal priming on seed parameters of sugar beet is investigated in both laboratory and field conditions. In the laboratory, the treatments consist of a combination of cultivars (Arya and Shokoofa), hydro-priming at two temperatures (10 and 15 °C) for 6, 10, 14, 18, 22 hours. Germination traits and seedling growth were measured for determination of optimum hydro-thermal priming. Also, the protein pattern in the optimum hydro-thermal priming treatments and unprimed seeds were compared by electrophoresis. In the field experiment, the percentage and rate of emergence of primed and unprimed seeds were measured. Results showed that hydro-thermal priming had a positive effect on final germination percentage, mean germination time and uniformity of germination. Optimum hydro-thermal priming time and the temperature were 6 and 10 hours at 15 °C for Shokoofa and Arya cultivars respectively. Hydro-thermal priming increased the seed emergence percentage in the field by 15%. There was no significant difference in protein pattern between primed and unprimed seeds. In general, hydro-thermal priming not only increases sugar beet seed germination in the laboratory but also has a more positive effect on the emergence in the field condition.
Effect of combination of all-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide on apoptosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia cells
Authors: Hu Jiane , Sun Qiuyan , Fang Wei , Wang Qinglin
Published: May 2019

To study the effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) combination treatment on apoptosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia cells (NB4), inflammation and prognosis. The effect of ATRA - ATO combination on the proliferation of NB4 was determined using MTT assay. Apoptosis of NB4 cells was assessed with TUNEL assay. The effect of ATRA-As2O3 combination on the expressions of IL-6 and TNF-Î± in NB4 cells was determined using ELISA kits, while its effect on the quality of life of 25 acute promyelocytic leukemia patients admitted to our hospital was scored, as an index of prognosis. The combination treatment with ATRA and ATO significantly inhibited the proliferation of NB4 cells and promoted their apoptosis, relative to the model group. In addition, the combination treatment reduced serum IL-6 and TNF-Î± levels in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia, and improve their quality of life and survival. Combination treatment with ATRA and ATO significantly inhibits the proliferation of NB4 cells and promotes their apoptosis, and reduces inflammatory responses in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia, while improving their quality of life and prognosis.
Lipopolysaccharide pretreatment inhibits oxidative stress-induced endothelial progenitor cell apoptosis via a TLR4-mediated PI3K/Akt/ NF-ÎºB p65 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Meihui , Xia Liang , Fu Guosheng
Published: May 2019

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) improve neovascularization and endothelium regeneration. Transplantation with EPCs is a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ischemic diseases. However, the transplanted EPCs are susceptible to adverse environments such as hypoxia, inflammation and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of transplanted EPCs greatly reduces their therapeutic efficacy. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a highly immunogenic antigen. Recent findings suggest that low dose of LPS pretreatment has protective effect against apoptosis. In this study, the role of LPS in apoptosis of EPCs was investigated. Pretreatment with 1µg/ml LPS prevented oxidative stress-induced EPCs apoptosis and ROS generation, which effects were abolished by TAK-242, a specific TLR4 antagonist. Further investigation of the mechanisms demonstrated that the activation was mediated by TLR4, and that PI3K/Akt/ NF-ÎºB p65 signaling pathway may play a critical role in the process.
Molecular detection of ALS1, ALS3, HWP1 and SAP4 genes in Candida Genus isolated from hospitalized patients in Intensive Care Unit, Tehran, Iran
Authors: Ardehali Seyed Hossein , Azimi Taher , Fallah Fatemeh , Aghamohammadi Nicka , Alimehr Shadi , Karimi Ahmad Moein , Azimi Leila
Published: May 2019

Candida species are considered as one of the important cause of nosocomial and community infections. Candidacies are fourth caused by septicemia in some countries and possess extra cost to the health care system. The aim of this study was survey the presence of virulence factors associated with various candida geniuses in samples which have been collected from the intensive care unit. In this cross-sectional study, various clinical specimens have been collected from patients which hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Milad hospital, Tehran, Iran. The species of candida has been determined by CHROM agar. Finally, adherence factors genes and proteinase gene have been detected by PCR. In this research, 100 samples have been collected from patients that colonized with candida. C. albicans (63%) and C.glabrata (19.4%) are the most identified species, respectively. The species of four specimens have been not detected according to the color of CHROM agar candida medium and two different genus of candida has been isolated from 7 patients. The frequency of Als1, Als3, HWP1 and SAP1 genes among C. albicans was (92%), (94%), (95%) and (88%), respectively. The most detected virulence factor was HWP1 and SAP4 was the lowest one. At least two virulence factors have been detected in 95% of different Candida species that can cause invasive fungal properties. These results are important for infection control committee in the hospital because invasive fungal diseases can make a serious problem for patients that hospitalized in ICU.
Anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and sedative-hypnotic activities of lucidone D extracted from Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Feng Xia , Wang Yan
Published: May 2019

Inflammation and insomnia are two types of symptoms very likely occur in life, seriously perplexing people's work and life. How to alleviate these symptoms is an urgent medical problem. Lucidone D (LUC) is a terpene from the ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum fruiting body. Triterpenoids are also the main pharmacological components of Ganoderma lucidum. In recent years, people pay more and more attention to its anti-inflammatory effect. In this study, LPS induced RAW264.7 macrophage inflammatory response model was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of LUC. The results showed that LUC could significantly inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators NO, which may play a role by down-regulating the expression level of iNOS and COX-2 proteins. Meanwhile, the production of TNF-Î± and IL-6 was significantly inhibited. These results indicate that LUC has obvious anti-inflammatory activity. Writhing and sedation tests in ICR male mice showed that LUC showed significant analgesic and sedative effects. In conclusion, these results suggest the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and sedative effects of LUC in vitro and in vivo.
A hesperetin derivative plays a role in immunoregulatory effect on human macrophages
Authors: Ma Jian-li , Li Chun
Published: May 2019

The immune system is an important physiological defense system. Its balance and stability are closely related to the body's health. Once the immune system loses its dynamic balance, the immune response will be blocked, which will lead to the occurrence of various diseases. Hesperetin is a kind of natural flavonoids extracted from citrus fruits of Rutaceae and it has many pharmacological activities. However, its water solubility and liposolubility are poor, and it is easy to be quickly metabolized in vivo, so it is difficult to maintain high blood drug concentration. Therefore, its derivative (HES) was found by structural modification. In this study, THP-1 cells were used as experimental model to investigate the immunomodulatory effect of HES in vitro. The results showed that HES participates in immune response by enhancing phagocytosis of macrophages to promote the release of NO, IL-6 and IL-1Î², and enhancing immunity by up-regulating the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL proteins. This study provides a theoretical and practical basis for the development of HES as an immunomodulator in the future.
Sliced Inverse Regression: application to fundamental stellar parameters
Authors: Kassounian Sarkis , Gebran Marwan , Paletou Frédéric , Watson Victor
Published: May 2019

We present a method for deriving the stellar fundamental parameters. It is based on a regularized sliced inverse regression (RSIR).We first tested it on noisy synthetic spectra of A, F, G, and K-type stars, and inverted simultaneously their atmospheric fundamental parameters: T
eff., log g, [M/H] and v sin i. Different learning databases were calculated using a range of sampling in T
eff., log g, v sin i, and [M/H]. Combined with a principal component analysis (PCA) nearest neighbors (NN) search, the size of the learning database is reduced. A Tikhonov regularization is applied, given the ill-conditioning of SIR. For all spectral types, decreasing the size of the learning database allowed us to reach internal accuracies better than PCA-based NN-search using larger learning databases. For each analyzed parameter, we have reached internal errors that are smaller than the sampling step of the parameter. We have also applied the technique to a sample of observed FGK and A stars. For a selection of well-studied stars, the inverted parameters are in agreement with the ones derived in previous studies. The RSIR inversion technique, complemented with PCA pre-processing proves to be efficient in estimating stellar parameters of A, F, G, and K-type stars.
Multi-criteria GIS analysis of the topography of the Moon and better solutions for potential landing
Authors: Valjarević Aleksandar , Živković Dragica , Gadžić Nebojša , Tomanović Dušan , Grbić Mirko
Published: May 2019

During the past twenty years, the need to reach theMoon by the private space missions has been growing. Some of the private missions are supported by Google Lunar X-prize and Space-X. In the period between 2020 and 2050 private companies will be planning landing to the Moon with their own capacity. These missions can send new geodesy and cartography data. Lunar topography modelling with new satellite and remote sensing data gives plenty of possibilities for its exploration. GIS (Geographical Information System) may be successfully to the Moon topography analysis. According to the results after GIS numerical analysis 30% of the territory of the Moon showed excellent characteristics for landing. The most useful parts of the Moon for potential landing belong to the altitude between 2,000 and 3,000 m and on the plateaus with the north-east direction of azimuth. These plateaus have an excellent inclination of 3° and azimuth of 120°. The main aim and goal of this investigation would be in better understanding of Moon topography and relief. With help of GIS numerical methods, the astronomical geodesy may be applied in better way. A potential mission to the Moon can use this topography investigation, presented maps and results.
New Distance Concept and Graph Theory Approach for Certain Coding Techniques Design and Analysis
Authors: Ouahada Khmaies , Ferreira Hendrik C.
Published: May 2019

A New graph distance concept introduced for certain coding techniques helped in their design and analysis as in the case of distance-preserving mappings and spectral shaping codes. A graph theoretic construction, mapping binary sequences to permutation sequences and inspired from thek-cube graph has reached the upper bound on the sum of the distances for certain values of the length of the permutation sequence. The new introduced distance concept in thek-cube graph helped better understanding and analyzing for the first time the concept of distance-reducing mappings. A combination of distance and the index-permutation graph concepts helped uncover and verify certain properties of spectral null codes, which were previously difficult to analyze.
Radial averaging operator acting on Bergman and Lebesgue spaces
Authors: Korhonen Taneli , Peláez José Ángel , Rättyä Jouni
Published: May 2019

It is shown that the radial averaging operator

T
ω

⁢

(
f
)

⁢

(
z
)

=

∫

|
z
|

1

f
⁢

(

s
⁢

z

|
z
|

)

⁢
ω
⁢

(
s
)

⁢

𝑑
s

ω
^

⁢

(
z
)

,

ω
^

⁢

(
z
)

=

∫

|
z
|

1

ω
⁢

(
s
)

⁢

𝑑
s

,

T_{\omega}(f)(z)=\frac{\int_{|z|}^{1}f\bigl{(}s\frac{z}{|z|}\bigr{)}\omega(s)%
\,ds}{\widehat{\omega}(z)},\quad\widehat{\omega}(z)=\int_{|z|}^{1}\omega(s)\,ds,

induced by a radial weight ω on the unit disc

𝔻

{\mathbb{D}}

, is bounded from the weighted Bergman space

A
ν
p

{A^{p}_{\nu}}

, where

0
<
p
<
∞

{0

0

,

\eta(\{z\in\mathbb{D}:|T_{\omega}(f)(z)|\geq\lambda\})\lesssim\lambda^{-p}\|f%
\|_{L^{p}_{\nu}}^{p},\quad\lambda>0,

are established for arbitrary radial weights ω, ν and η. Moreover, differences and interrelationships between the cases

A
ν
p

→

L
ν
p

{A^{p}_{\nu}\to L^{p}_{\nu}}

,

L
ν
p

→

L
ν
p

{L^{p}_{\nu}\to L^{p}_{\nu}}

and

L
ν
p

→

L
ν

p
,
∞

{L^{p}_{\nu}\to L^{p,\infty}_{\nu}}

are analyzed.
A Path-Specific Interpolation-and Weighting-Method to Speed up Ray-Tracer Path-Finding
Authors: Rembold Bernhard
Published: May 2019

Ray-tracers are used for modeling the propagation behavior of mobile communications or radar within a given scenario. The necessary CPU-time for the path-finding is often the bottleneck of the simulation. The paper shows a new interpolation method, which exploits the similarity of an incoming plane wave at a receiver position with that in the vicinity of the position. This is combined with a linear weighting, as in general the waves at other receiver positions can be used for the interpolation. Examples using a ray-tracer equipped with the method demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.
Effects of Back Pressure on Flow Regime and Suction Performance of Gas–Liquid Swirl Ejector
Authors: Kim Sang-Hoon , Kim Sang-Min , Ko Tae-ho , Kim Hyung-min , Yoon Jisang , Yoon Woong-Sup , Lee Joonsang
Published: May 2019

The back pressure of a gas–liquid swirl ejector is a critical parameter that affects the flow regime and entrainment performance of the system. In the case of a weak swirl injection, the motive jet carries relatively higher axial momentum thus remains in a single phase and the liquids appear glassy. With increasing in the back pressure of the bubble flow, the suction rate drops rapidly. For a strong swirl injection, the liquid jet is disintegrated due to higher angular momentum and the spray is atomized. Augmentation in the back pressure also causes the reduction in the suction rate but it tends to grow more gradual than the weak swirl injection. As a result, the suction rate of the strong swirl is greater than that of the weak swirl in the majority of the back-pressure range. However, owing to the high transition pressure, only the weak swirl entrains the air in the bubble flow regime at low back pressure. The relationship between the suction and the swirl intensity is not fixed and is influenced by the back pressure.
Crystal structure of diaqua-bis(cinnamato-κ2
O,O′)zinc(II), C18H18ZnO6
Authors: Kang Jaeun , Ok Kang Min , Do Junghwan
Published: May 2019

C18H18ZnO6, monoclinic, C2 (no. 5), a = 11.7049(4) Å, b = 5.09430(10) Å, c = 14.3230(4) Å, β = 100.370(2)°, V = 840.11(4) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0309, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0583, T = 293(2) K.
The crystal structure of 3-methoxyphenanthridin-6(5H)-one, C14H11NO2
Authors: Wu Deng-Ze
Published: May 2019

C14H11NO2, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 12.7731(19) Å, b = 5.4767(9) Å, c = 17.3616(18) Å, β = 119.747(7)°, V = 1054.5(3) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0562, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1907, T = 298(2) K.
Challenges Facing Social Enterprises in the United States
Authors: Abramson Alan J. , Billings Kara C.
Published: May 2019

Hybrid organizations that combine social purpose and profit motive appear to have grown significantly in number in the U.S. in recent decades. However, these organizations, which we call “social enterprises,” face challenges that impede their growth and hinder their ability to deliver greater benefits. To better understand what these challenges are, this paper surveys the growing literature on social enterprises which suggests that social enterprises now face these major obstacles: ill-fitting legal forms, obstacles to effective governance, problems in evaluating impact, weak supportive networks, difficulties in raising funding, and management tensions. Deepening understanding of the challenges facing social enterprises should help guide those interested in strengthening public policy toward social enterprise and other aspects of the support system for these organizations.
Recent development of Supercapacitor Electrode Based on Carbon Materials
Authors: Li Zhenhui , Xu Ke , Pan Yusheng
Published: May 2019

Supercapacitor has gained significant attention due to its fast charging/discharging speed, high power density and long-term cycling stability in contrast to traditional batteries. In this review, state-of-the-art achievements on supercapacitor electrode based on carbon materials is summarized. In all-carbon composite materials part, various carbon materials including graphene, carbon nanotube, carbon foam and carbon cloth are composited to fabricate larger specific surface area and higher electrical conductivity electrodes. However, obstacles of low power density as well as low cycling life still remain to be addressed. In metal-oxide composites part, carbon nanotube, graphene, carbon fiber fabric and hollow carbon nanofibers combine with MnO2respectively, which significantly address drawbacks of all-carbon material electrodes. Additionally, TiO2is incorporated into graphene electrode to overcome the low mechanical flexibility of graphene. In organic active compounds part, conducting polymers are employed to combinate with carbon materials to fabricate high specific capacitance, long-term thermal stability and outstanding electroconductivity flexible textile supercapacitors. In each part, innovation, fabrication process and performance of the resulting composites are demonstrated. Finally, future directions that could enhance the performance of supercapacitors are discussed.
Financial Risk Assessment: Case of „Lietuvos Geležinkeliai“, AB
Authors: Skvarciany Viktorija , Germanaitė Laura
Published: May 2019

This research paper focuses on the analysis of the financial risk of Lietuvos geležinkeliai, AB (eng. Lithuanian Railways), which activities are passenger and freight transportation by rail. In order to assess the financial risk of the leading company areas of financial risk were identified and are as follows: liquidity risk, credit risk and market risk. However, due to limited access to statistics only financial report of the organisation were analysed and, hence, just liquidity and credit risk were investigated. Consequently, the limitation of the current research is that only two categories of financial risk were analysed. For the purpose of financial risk analysis, the key indicators of liquidity and credit risk were distinguished from the literature. The results showed that the biggest problem of the company is too small short-term assets and the profitability indicators, which were strongly influenced by net profit (loss).
On the use of uno in Colombian Spanish: the role of transitivity
Authors: Hurtado Luz Marcela , Ortega-Santos Ivan
Published: May 2019

Our goal is to explore the intersection of two bodies of literature, namely, the one on impersonal constructions with an emphasis on uno ‘one’, and the one on the effect of transitivity and the focus of attention on the distribution of overt vs. null pronouns, where it has been shown that overt pronominal subjects are disfavored in transitive contexts as opposed to intransitive contexts. Through a variationist analysis of the expression of uno in Barranquilla, Colombia, in the PRESSEA-BARRANQUILLA corpus, we extend this line of inquiry to this impersonal pronoun and study in detail for the first time the effect of the various components of transitivity on the distribution of overt pronouns. Specifically, various transitivity parameters put forward by Hopper and Thompson are shown to correctly predict the distribution of uno, namely, number of participants and kinesis whereas sentence polarity, aspect and individuation of the object yield mixed results meriting future research.
Alternations should resurface next to surface generalizations: The reflexive-prepositional alternation in Portuguese
Authors: Szcześniak Konrad
Published: May 2019

This study examines a pair of constructions in Portuguese, the transitive construction and its paraphrase equivalent involving reflexive verbs with prepositional phrase complements. Each pattern’s thematic cores and semantic properties will be described, with the underlying assumption that the pair represents a verb alternation. The two Portuguese patterns will be held up as a case in favor of preserving alternations in cognitive models of grammar. First, it will be argued that whatever irregularities they may exhibit are only apparent and do not pose a challenge to the notion of alternations. Second, some important intuitions regarding the use of a verb in related constructions are only possible when the constructions are considered together.