bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Evolving Scenario of Non-AIDS-Defining Cancers: Challenges and Opportunities of Care
Authors: Vaccher Emanuela , Serraino Diego , Carbone Antonino , De Paoli Paolo
Published: June 2014

Background.

The impact of highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART) on the risk of non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs) and the role of biological and clinical factors in their pathogenesis are debated issues. The purpose of this review is to examine the epidemiology, etiology, and not-yet-defined pathogenic characteristics of NADCs and discuss topics such as treatment strategies, comorbidity, and multidrug interactions. Four types of NADCs that deserve special attention are examined: anal cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), hepatocellular carcinoma, and lung cancer.

Methods.

The PubMed database and the Cochrane Library were searched by focusing on NADCs and on the association among NADCs, HAART, aging, and/or chronic inflammation. All articles were reviewed to identify those reporting variables of interest.

Results.

NADC incidence is twofold higher in patients with HIV/AIDS than in the corresponding general population, and this elevated risk persists despite the use of HAART. The mechanisms that HIV may use to promote the development of NADCs are presently unclear; immunological mechanisms, either immunodeficiency and/or immunoactivation, may play a role.

Conclusion.

Recent clinical studies have suggested that equivalent antineoplastic treatment is feasible and outcome can be similar in HIV-infected patients on HAART compared with uninfected patients for the treatment of HL and anal and lung cancers. However, patients with advanced HIV disease and/or aging-related comorbidities are likely to experience worse outcomes and have poorer tolerance of therapy compared with those with less advanced HIV disease.
Narratives in Oncology
Authors: Dizon Don S.
Published: June 2014

The importance of personal narratives in stimulating conversation and facilitating lifelong learning is stressed. A call for narratives in oncology is presented.
The Generification of the Fossil Record
Authors: Hendricks Jonathan R. , Saupe Erin E. , Myers Corinne E. , Hermsen Elizabeth J. , Allmon Warren D.
Published: June 2014

Many modern paleobiological analyses are conducted at the generic level, a practice predicated on the validity of genera as meaningful proxies for species. Uncritical application of genera in such analyses, however, has led—perhaps inadvertently—to the unjustified reification of genera in an evolutionary context. While the utility of genera as proxies for species in evolutionary studies should be evaluated as an empirical issue, in practice it is increasingly assumed (rather than demonstrated) that genera are suitable proxies for species. This is problematic on both ontological and epistemological grounds. Genera are arbitrarily circumscribed, non-equivalent, often paraphyletic, and sometimes polyphyletic collections of species. They are useful tools for communication but have no theoretical or biological reality of their own and, whether monophyletic or not, cannot themselves operate in the evolutionary process. Attributes considered important for understanding macroevolution—e.g., geographic ranges, niche breadths, and taxon durations—are frequently variable among species within genera and will be inflated at the generic level, especially in species-rich genera. Consequently, the meaning(s) of results attained at the generic level may not “trickle down” in any obvious way that elucidates our understanding of evolution at the species level. Ideally, then, evolutionary studies that are actually about species should be pursued using species-level data rather than proxy data tabulated using genera. Where genera are used, greater critical attention should be focused on the degree to which attributes tabulated at the generic level reflect biological properties and processes at the species level.
Fabrication and electrochemical properties of copper oxide (CuO) nanowire–cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticle heterostructures for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Li Yuan , Kumar Kuldeep , Chopra Nitin
Published: June 2014

Nanoscale heterostructures of metal oxides with controlled morphology, interface and phase purity have been considered of great importance for efficient and cost-effective water splitting process. Here, we report the fabrication of CuO nanowire–Co3O4 nanoparticle heterostructures for the oxygen evolution reaction in the electrocatalytic water splitting process. The synthesis was achieved in a facile and surfactant-free two-step thermal growth process, where free-standing CuO nanowires were first produced by directly annealing a piece of copper foil in the air. This was followed by dip-coating of cobalt salt on the surface of CuO nanowires and subsequent thermal treatment in air to result in the uniform formation of Co3O4 nanoparticles on the CuO nanowires. The morphology and structure of the heterostructures were characterised by the microscopic and diffraction methods. CuO nanowires or the heterostructures were further coated onto a glassy carbon electrode for oxygen evolution in the electrochemical water splitting. The effective surface areas of the electrodes were measured using the Randles–Sevcik equation. Their electrocatalytic activity was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Tafel methods.
Phase Behavior and Adsorption of Pure Substances and Mixtures and Characterization in Nanopore Structures by Density Functional Theory
Authors: Li Zhidong , Jin Zhehui , Firoozabadi Abbas
Published: June 2014

Phase behavior in shale remains a mystery because of various complexities and effects. One complexity is from nanopores, in which phase behavior is significantly affected by the interaction between the pore surfaces and fluid molecules. The result is the heterogeneous distribution of molecules that cannot be described by bulk-phase thermodynamic approaches. Statistical thermodynamic methods can describe the phase behavior in nanopores. In this work, we apply an engineering density functional theory (DFT) combined with the Peng-Robinson equation of state (EOS) to investigate the adsorption and phase behavior of pure substances and mixtures in nanopores, and include the characterization of pore structure of porous media. The nanopores are represented by carbon-slit pores each consisting of two parallel planar-infinite structureless graphite surfaces. The porous media are activated carbons and dry coal, each modeled by an array of polydisperse carbon-slit pores. We study the influence of multiple factors on phase transitions of various pure light species and their mixtures in nanopores. We find that capillary condensation and hysteresis are more likely in heavier hydrocarbons, at lower temperatures, and in smaller pores. For pure hydrocarbons in nanopores, the phase change always occurs below the critical temperature and saturation pressure. For mixtures in nanopores, there may be a phase change above the cricondentherm. We characterize the pore structure of porous media to obtain the pore-size distribution (PSD), surface area (SA), and pore volume (PV) on the basis of the measured adsorption isotherms of pure substances. Then, we use the computed PSD to predict the adsorption of mixtures in porous media. There is agreement between the experiments and our predictions. This work is in the direction of phase-behavior modeling and understanding in shale media.
Challenge and response in the Colorado River Basin
Authors: Robison Jason , Bratrschovsky Katja , Latcham Jaime , Morris Eliza , Palmer Vanessa , Villanueva Arturo
Published: June 2014

The Colorado River Basin supplies water to roughly 40 million people in the south-western United States. A complex interstate regime that has evolved across the past century governs allocation and management of these coveted flows, and formidable challenges face this regime in contemporary times – a historical era aptly dubbed the ‘era of limits’. This paper illuminates these challenges and offers modest input regarding potential responses to them. We initially survey the evolution of the interstate water regime and outline its essential features as well as those of the basin. We then turn to the contemporary challenges and potential responses, which generally concern an unprecedented imbalance between water supplies and demands, long-standing disagreements over the meaning of the Colorado River Compact, water rights held by American Indian tribes on reservations throughout the basin, and ongoing biodiversity protection and salinity control efforts. We conclude by reflecting on lessons from and for the Colorado River Basin vis-à-vis the interstate water regimes existent in the other four basins encompassed within the Harvard Water Federalism Project.
Challenge and response in the Mississippi River Basin
Authors: Niebling William , Baker Jonathan , Kasuri Laila , Katz Sarah , Smet Kim
Published: June 2014

This paper discusses the historic and contemporary challenges in the management of the lower Mississippi River Basin, and describes the evolving role of the federal government in addressing these challenges. In the early eighteenth century, the federal government was responsible for maintaining a navigable channel. After repeated calls by states for federal assistance with flood control and a devastating flood in 1927, the federal government additionally became the primary body responsible for protecting the Delta from floods. Although the resulting flood control system provided greater protection, it also brought new challenges, such as an increasingly large hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico, land subsidence in southern Louisiana and water quality issues. The confluence of these environmental concerns and changing national values have once again broadened the scope of federal responsibility to include environmental management and ecosystem restoration, along with its original involvement in navigation and flood control. This triad of responsibility carries with it often-competing objectives that must be balanced within legal and institutional constraints, most notably a deficit of available funding for inland waterway projects and what appears to be a lack of political will for continued investment in the maintenance of existing and development of new projects.
Clinical trial design: increasing efficiency in evaluating new healthcare interventions
Authors: Treweek Shaun
Published: June 2014

Professor Shaun Treweek speaks to Adam Born, Assistant Comissioning Editor:
Professor Shaun Treweek is Chair in Health Services Research at the University of Aberdeen (UK) and has over 18 years experience as a health services researcher specializing in trial methodology. He is active in the field of pragmatic trial design, the design and pretrial testing of complex interventions, interventions to improve recruitment to trials, and theory-based methods to assess the implementation potential of interventions. Professor Treweek previously helped create the Tayside Clinical Trials Unit at the University of Dundee (UK) and served as the Assistant Director 2010–2013. His interest in trial methodology began before his time in Dundee when he spent 6 years in Oslo (Norway) working at the Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services.
Pre-study feasibility and identifying sensitivity analyses for protocol pre-specification in comparative effectiveness research
Authors: Girman Cynthia J , Faries Douglas , Ryan Patrick , Rotelli Matt , Belger Mark , Binkowitz Bruce , O’Neill Robert ,   for the Drug Information Association CER Scientific Working Group
Published: June 2014

The use of healthcare databases for comparative effectiveness research (CER) is increasing exponentially despite its challenges. Researchers must understand their data source and whether outcomes, exposures and confounding factors are captured sufficiently to address the research question. They must also assess whether bias and confounding can be adequately minimized. Many study design characteristics may impact on the results; however, minimal if any sensitivity analyses are typically conducted, and those performed arepost hoc. We propose pre-study steps for CER feasibility assessment and to identify sensitivity analyses that might be most important to pre-specify to help ensure that CER produces valid interpretable results.
Challenges of cluster randomized trials
Authors: Campbell Michael J
Published: June 2014

Cluster randomized trials are trials that randomize clusters of people, rather than individuals. They are becoming increasingly common. A number of innovations have been developed recently, particularly in the calculation of the required size of a cluster trial, the handling of missing data, designs to minimize recruitment bias, the ethics of cluster randomized trials and the stepped wedge design. This article will highlight and illustrate these developments. It will also discuss issues with regards to the reporting of cluster randomized trials.
Some results for Carlitz’s q-Bernoulli numbers and polynomials
Authors: He Yuan
Published: June 2014

A further investigation for Carlitz?s q-Bernoulli numbers and polynomials is
performed, and several new formulae for these numbers and polynomials are
established by applying some summation transform techniques. Special cases
as well as immediate consequences of the main results are also presented.
Restricted ascent sequences and Catalan numbers
Authors: Callan David , Mansour Toufik , Shattuck Mark
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we identify all members of the (4,4)-Wilf equivalence class
for ascent sequences corresponding to the Catalan number Cn = 1 / n+1
(2n/n). This extends recent work concerning avoidance of a single pattern
and provides apparently new combinatorial interpretations for Cn. In several
cases, the subset of the class consisting of those members having exactly m
ascents is given by the Narayana number Nn;m+1 = 1 / n (n/m+1)(n/m). We
conclude by considering a further refinement in the case of avoiding 021.
Identification of Clostridium septicum in a tubo-ovarian abscess: A rare case and review of the literature
Authors: Yavuzcan Ali , Çağlar Mete , Dilbaz Serdar , Kumru Selahattin , Avcıoğlu Fatma , Üstün Yusuf
Published: June 2014

Introduction. Tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) is a conglomerated mass of pelvic
organs including tube, ovary, and bowel. The most commonly isolated
organisms from TOAs are Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Bacteroides species.
Case Report. We reported a case of Clostridium septicum (C. septicum)
infection from a ruptured TOA with atypical clinical features. Culture of
intra-abdominal free fluid obtained during surgery yielded C. septicum.
VITEK II (bioM?rieux, France) automated system was used for advanced
identification of the bacteria. Parenteral clindamycin in combination with
an aminoglycoside was used. The patient was discharged 19 days after the
surgery and was clinically asymptomatic 6 months after the surgery.
Conclusion. The differential diagnosis of TOA caused by C. septicum can be
difficult, due to the lack of the symptoms. Tissues infected with C.
septicum can become necrotic. A combination of early, adequate antibiotic
therapy and surgery is the key point of the treatment.
Paraganglioma of the thyroid gland: A case report
Authors: Filipovic Aleksandar , Vuckovic Ljiljana , Pejakov Ljubica
Published: June 2014

Introduction. Thyroid paraganglioma is a very rare malignant neuroendocrine
tumor. Immunohistochemical features of thyroid paraganglioma are helpful for
the diagnosis. Case report. A 69-year-old female came to hospital with the
presence of a growing thyroid nodule of the left lobe. Ultrasonic neck
examination showed 5 cm hypoechoic nodule in the left thyroid lobe. Thyroid
scintigraphy showed a big cold nodule in the left lobe. Computed tomography
(CT) scan showed left lobe thyroid tumor with tracheal deviation on the
right site. Extended total thyroidectomy was done. Intraoperative
consultation with the pathologist confirmed thyroid cancer. The pathologist
diagnosed thyroid paraganglioma on the base of immuohistochemical
investigation. This thyroid paraganglioma was positive for neuron-specific
enolase, chomogranin A, synaptophysin, and S-100 protein highlighted the
sustentacular cells. Tumor cells were nega-tive for thyroglobulin,
epithelial membrane antigen, cytokeratin, calcitonin, and carcinoembryonic.
After the surgery the patient was treated with chemotherapy, peptide
receptor radionuclide therapy, and permanent TSH suppressive therapy. The
patient was followed with measurements of thyroid hormone and serum
neuron-specific enolase, chromogranin A level, every 6 months. Gastroscopy,
colonoscopy, chest and abdomen CT scan as well as further tests (chest
x-ray, ultrasound of the neck, and whole body octreotide scintigraphy) were
done. No primary neuroendocrine tumor in digestive sistem or in the chest
was found. After more than 3 years the patient has no evidence of the
recurrent disease. Conclusion. Radical resection of thyroid paraganglioma,
followed by chemotherapy and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, should
be considered the treatment of choice in patients with thyroid gland
paraganglioma.
Glycaemic control and prevalence of hypoglycaemic events in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated with insulin analogues
Authors: Plavsic Ljiljana , Mitrovic Katarina , Todorovic Sladjana , Vukovic Rade , Milenkovic Tatjana , Zdravkovic Dragan
Published: June 2014

Background/Aim. An ideal insulin regimen for children and adolescents with
type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) should be physiological, flexibile and
predictable, protecting against hypoglycaemia. The aim of this study was to
evaluate the influence of insulin analogues on glycaemic control and the
occurrence of hypoglycaemic episodes in children and adolescents with T1DM.
Methods. The study group consisted of 151 children and adolescents (90 boys,
61 girls) treated with human insulins for at least 12 months before
introducing insulin analogues. All the patients were divided into two
groups: the group I consisted of 72 (47.7%) patients treated with three
injections of regular human insulin before meals and long-acting analogue
(RHI/LA), and the group II of 79 (52.3%) patients treated with a combination
of rapid-acting and long-acting analogue (RA/LA). The levels of glycated
hemoglobin (HbA1c) and the number of hypoglycaemic episodes were assessed at
the beginning of therapy with insulin analogues, and after 6 and 12 months.
Results. The mean HbA1c was significantly lower in the group I (RHI/LA)
after 6 months (9.15% vs 8.20%, p < 0.001) and after 12 months (9.15% vs
8.13%, p < 0.001) as well as in the group II (RA/LA) after 6 months (9.40%
vs 8.24%, p < 0.001) and after 12 months of insulin analogues treatment
(9.40% vs 8.38%, p < 0.001). The frequency of severe hypoglycaemia was
significantly lower in both groups after 6 months (in the group I from 61.1%
to 4.2% and in the group II from 54.4% to 1.3%, p < 0.001), and after 12
months (in the group I from 61.1% to 1.4% and in the group II from 54.4% to
1.3%, p < 0.001). Conclusion. Significantly better HbA1c values and lower
risk of severe hypoglycaemia were established in children and adolescents
with T1DM treated with insulin analogues.
Downregulation of Carnitine Acyl-Carnitine Translocase by miRNAs 132 and 212 Amplifies Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion
Authors: Soni Mufaddal S. , Rabaglia Mary E. , Bhatnagar Sushant , Shang Jin , Ilkayeva Olga , Mynatt Randall , Zhou Yun-Ping , Schadt Eric E. , Thornberry Nancy A. , Muoio Deborah M. , Keller Mark P. , Attie Alan D.
Published: June 2014

We previously demonstrated that micro-RNAs (miRNAs) 132 and 212 are differentially upregulated in response to obesity in two mouse strains that differ in their susceptibility to obesity-induced diabetes. Here we show the overexpression of miRNAs 132 and 212 enhances insulin secretion (IS) in response to glucose and other secretagogues including nonfuel stimuli. We determined that carnitine acyl-carnitine translocase (CACT; Slc25a20) is a direct target of these miRNAs. CACT is responsible for transporting long-chain acyl-carnitines into the mitochondria for β-oxidation. Small interfering RNA–mediated knockdown of CACT in β-cells led to the accumulation of fatty acyl-carnitines and enhanced IS. The addition of long-chain fatty acyl-carnitines promoted IS from rat insulinoma β-cells (INS-1) as well as primary mouse islets. The effect on INS-1 cells was augmented in response to suppression of CACT. A nonhydrolyzable ether analog of palmitoyl-carnitine stimulated IS, showing that β-oxidation of palmitoyl-carnitine is not required for its stimulation of IS. These studies establish a link between miRNA-dependent regulation of CACT and fatty acyl-carnitine–mediated regulation of IS.
Elevated Levels of hs-CRP Are Associated With High Prevalence of Depression in Japanese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: The Diabetes Distress and Care Registry at Tenri (DDCRT 6)
Authors: Hayashino Yasuaki , Mashitani Tsuyoshi , Tsujii Satoru , Ishii Hitoshi ,   for the Diabetes Distress and Care Registry at Tenri Study Group
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVE

Because of the absence of data on the direct association between inflammation and depression in patients with diabetes, we examined the association between hs-CRP levels and the high prevalence of depression in adult patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Cross-sectional data were obtained from 3,573 patients with type 2 diabetes recruited from a Japanese diabetes registry. A multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders was used to assess independent associations between hs-CRP levels and major depression, as defined by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9.

RESULTS

Mean age, BMI, and HbA1c levels were 66.0 years, 24.6 kg/m2, and 7.4% (57.8 mmol/mol), respectively, and 122 patients (3.4%) suffered from major depression. In the age- and sex-adjusted model, the odds ratio (OR) for major depression was 1.86 (95% CI 1.01–3.42; P = 0.045) in the highest CRP quintile compared with that in the 3rd CRP quintile; however, this association disappeared after adjustment for other possible confounders (OR 1.58 [95% CI 0.85–2.94]; P = 0.148). Among patients with a BMI of ≥25 kg/m2, a significant association was observed between the highest hs-CRP quintile and major depression (multivariable-adjusted OR 2.69 [95% CI 1.09–7.08]; P = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a significant positive association between high hs-CRP levels and depression in patients with diabetes who had a high BMI.
Effect of Exenatide, Sitagliptin, or Glimepiride on β-Cell Secretory Capacity in Early Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Gudipaty Lalitha , Rosenfeld Nora K. , Fuller Carissa S. , Gallop Robert , Schutta Mark H. , Rickels Michael R.
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVE

Agents that augment GLP-1 effects enhance glucose-dependent β-cell insulin production and secretion and thus are hoped to prevent progressive impairment in insulin secretion characteristic of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The purpose of this study was to evaluate GLP-1 effects on β-cell secretory capacity, an in vivo measure of functional β-cell mass, early in the course of T2D.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a randomized controlled trial in 40 subjects with early T2D who received the GLP-1 analog exenatide (n = 14), the dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor sitagliptin (n = 12), or the sulfonylurea glimepiride (n = 14) as an active comparator insulin secretagogue for 6 months. Acute insulin responses to arginine (AIRarg) were measured at baseline and after 6 months of treatment with 5 days of drug washout under fasting, 230 mg/dL (glucose potentiation of arginine-induced insulin release [AIRpot]), and 340 mg/dL (maximum arginine-induced insulin release [AIRmax]) hyperglycemic clamp conditions, in which AIRmax provides the β-cell secretory capacity.

RESULTS

The change in AIRpot was significantly greater with glimepiride versus exenatide treatment (P < 0.05), and a similar trend was notable for the change in AIRmax (P = 0.1). Within each group, the primary outcome measure, AIRmax, was unchanged after 6 months of treatment with exenatide or sitagliptin compared with baseline but was increased with glimepiride (P < 0.05). α-Cell glucagon secretion (AGRmin) was also increased with glimepiride treatment (P < 0.05), and the change in AGRmin trended higher with glimepiride than with exenatide (P = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

After 6 months of treatment, exenatide or sitagliptin had no significant effect on functional β-cell mass as measured by β-cell secretory capacity, whereas glimepiride appeared to enhance β- and α-cell secretion.
Food-Insecure Dietary Patterns Are Associated With Poor Longitudinal Glycemic Control in Diabetes: Results From the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study
Authors: Berkowitz Seth A. , Gao Xiang , Tucker Katherine L.
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether dietary patterns associated with food insecurity are associated with poor longitudinal glycemic control.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In a prospective, population-based, longitudinal cohort study, we ascertained food security (Food Security Survey Module), dietary pattern (Healthy Eating Index–2005 [HEI 2005]), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in Puerto Rican adults aged 45–75 years with diabetes at baseline (2004–2009) and HbA1c at ∼2 years follow-up (2006–2012). We determined associations between food insecurity and dietary pattern and assessed whether those dietary patterns were associated with poorer HbA1c concentration over time, using multivariable-adjusted repeated subjects mixed-effects models.

RESULTS

There were 584 participants with diabetes at baseline and 516 at follow-up. Food-insecure participants reported lower overall dietary quality and lower intake of fruit and vegetables. A food insecurity*HEI 2005 interaction (P < 0.001) suggested that better diet quality was more strongly associated with lower HbA1c in food-insecure than food-secure participants. In adjusted models, lower follow-up HbA1c was associated with greater HEI 2005 score (β = −0.01 HbA1c % per HEI 2005 point, per year, P = 0.003) and with subscores of total vegetables (β = −0.09, P = 0.04) and dark green and orange vegetables and legumes (β = −0.06, P = 0.048). Compared with the minimum total vegetable score, a participant with the maximum score showed relative improvements of HbA1c of 0.5% per year.

CONCLUSIONS

Food insecurity was associated with lower overall dietary quality and lower consumption of plant-based foods, which was associated with poor longitudinal glycemic control.
Ethical Considerations in Publishing Medical Articles in Iranian Journals
Authors: Koushan Mohsen , Pejhan Akbar , Shomoossi Nematullah , Shomoossi Azam
Published: June 2014

Publication ethics has always been a major concern of chief editors and members of editorial boards of journals. Therefore, the current study intends to investigate ethical issues in sticking to publication ethics in major medical journals in Iran.

This descriptive analytical study was conducted on Iranian medical journals approved as “scientific research journals” published from 2011 to 2012; the sample included 109 articles from 102 journals published in Persian. For data gathering, a checklist was developed, and completed through careful scrutiny of the articles and contact with authors. Ethical misconducts were recorded and summarized to compute the misconduct cases.

Ethical misconducts included lack of the ethics committee approval (81.7%), unstated informed consent (45%), authors with insufficient contribution (46.8%), dispute on the order of authors (84.4%), honor authors (8.3%), ghost authors (6.4%), salami publishing (10.1%), concurrent submission (4.6%), missing acknowledgements (49.5%) and not mentioning the financial support providers (56.9%).

The results indicated that some ethical considerations are ignored in publishing medical articles. Therefore, both journals and authors need to take action to avoid misconducts.
Subconjunctival Infection due to Dirofilaria Repens ‐Case Report
Authors: Božinović Marija Trenkić , Tomašević Branislav , Gabrielli Simona , Otašević Suzana , Petrović Aleksandar , Cancrini Gabriella , Tasić Aleksandar , Trenkić Milan
Published: June 2014

The aim of the survey was to present the clinical course and surgical treatment of the first case of human ocular dirofilariosis on the territory of the city of Niš, in the southeast Serbia.

Male patient, 57 years old, visited an ophthalmologist because of extreme swelling and redness of the eyelids of the right eye, scratches and pain in his right eye. On standard examination on biomicroscope, temporally 3 mm from the limbus, intrapalpebrally, a mobile parasite was observed in the subconjunctival space. Complete extraction of the living parasites, 13 cm long, was performed. A sample of the nematode based on morphological and morphometric characteristics was identified as Dirofilaria repens-like. The diagnosis was confirmed with molecular methods.

For ocular dirofilariosis, surgical methods and complete extraction of the parasite are the only ways to achieve complete recovery.
Variability in Soil Properties as Influenced by Different Land Use Types in an Ultisols of the Tropical Region, Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Egbuchua Collins Nnamdi
Published: June 2014

The study was conducted in the 2010 - 2012 cropping seasons in a typical ultisols of the tropics. The aim was to assess variability in soil properties as influenced by three land use types namely: oil palm plantation, maize and yam cultivated lands. The study consisted of both field and laboratory studies. The field study was made up of a land use that was carefully surveyed, mapped into 20 × 30 m2 and plotted into 5 homogenous units of 0.25 ha. Soil samples were randomly augered by grid survey at 5 m equidistant points and surface 0-15 cm samples collected using screw auger for laboratory analysis of the particle size distribution and some chemical characteristics of the soils in the different land use types. Variation in properties within land use types was measured by estimating the coefficient of variance. The results of the study showed that particle size distribution varied from sand in the oil palm land use type to sandy loam in the maize and yam land use types. The variant ratio tests were 84.4%, for sand, 0.51% for silt and 27.4% for clay, and were less variable. The soil pH ranged from strongly acid (5.25) to moderate acid (5.65) and less variable (CV% = <15%). The variant ratio test was statistically not significant (10.7%). The organic carbon (35.7%), total nitrogen (34.5%) and available phosphorus (27.2%) variant ratio tests were non-significant and less variable. The exchangeable bases, exchange acidity and ECEC were also non significant and less variable. The results indicated clearly that variability could occur within soil units and therefore called for caution in assessing uniformity of soil properties within soil areas under cultivation
Productivity of Palm Oil Extraction Technology in Cameroon
Authors: El Khatib Bassel , Sisak Ludek
Published: June 2014

Agriculture and forestry remain the leading sectors in Cameroon, accounting for some 36% of the merchandise exports and for more than 40% of GDP in 1998/99. Agriculture alone accounts for more than 30% of GDP and provides employment for about 68% of the active population.

The Cameroon government and industry stakeholders have continuingly expressed concern about the impact of rising food import on the local industries and the rural communities especially as vegetable oils, particularly the palm oil, has a vital role to play not only as nutritional source for the Cameroon population, but for their contribution to rural incomes and employment opportunities. Particularly, Cameroon government is expecting a significant progress in implementation of new oil extraction technology where mainly in the palm oil processing technology the value added chain in this commodity is expected.

Cameroon’s oil palm industry still plays a significant role in the national economy, providing oil for house hold consumption, industrial use as well as employment for thousands of Cameroonians who are engaged in production, processing and marketing. This project aims at bringing clarity on to what extent the up to date oil extraction processing technology installed in a concrete rural district, and under a clear management and regulatory structure and environment, outperforms in terms of productivity (tons of palm oil produced), quality (price of the crude palm oil) and income generation, the existing traditional manual processing palm oil producing system.

The methodology applied within this study consists of comparing key indicators across populations of small scale palm oil processors in interaction with traditional non sophisticated technology with different work environment, production capacity, socio-economic status and income levels (cross-sectional statistical analysis)
Porter’s Competitive Advantage Model and its Application in Bottled Drinking Water in Iran
Authors: Bakhshinejad Mahmood
Published: June 2014

Since the classical economics, the model of competitive advantage at different levels (national, industry, firm) has been considered attentively by experts in economics and management. In recent years, one pivotal issue in the field of management has been the identification of competitive advantage sources and the breakthrough strategies for its preservation and development. The main purpose of this article is to explain one of the popular theories concerning the competitive advantage model, that is Porter’s model, to show whether it is applicable in a country like Iran, which possesses a highly dominant government-based economy, or not. Besides, if it requires any modification in its pattern, what form of modification should it comprise? In terms of methodology, thus, this may be deemed an applied developmental research. Primary data targeted was obtained by means of a quantitative survey using a questionnaire technique of data collection. The questionnaire survey took place in the period from 10/2010 to 6/2011 and a total of 109 firms (undertaking their activities in the territory of the Iran) were involved. The results of the study show that Porter’s model in both the upstream and the downstream forms must become developed and rectified. Ultimately, the most advantageous shape of the model for detecting the sources of competitive advantage in bottled drinking water industry is offered
Results of Microbiological Research in the Polish Part of the Muskau Arch - The Largest Amd Environment in Poland - Final Report
Authors: Bożęcki Piotr , Rzepa Grzegorz , Ratajczak Tadeusz
Published: June 2014

This work presents the results of microbiological investigations carried out in the Polish part of the Muskau Arch. In this abandoned lignite mining area highly acidified Fe-rich waters have been formed as a result of sulphide oxidation. Microbiological tests have shown that all studied groups of microorganisms exhibit both time and spatial variability. The most common group of microorganisms are bacteria Galionella sp.
Integrated Analytical System in the Monitoring of Carboniferous Mine Wastes from the “Bogdanka” Hard Coal Mine
Authors: Bzowski Zbigniew
Published: June 2014

In order to evaluate usefulness of wastes for utilization it is necessary to use modern chemical testing methods. The proposed analytical system of the XRD-XRF-ICP-GC methods enables to conduct an examination of carboniferous waste rocks. The offered system of chemical testing is less time consuming and much more efficient. Within a reasonably short period of time, it allows to obtain information about mineralogical and chemical properties of the carboniferous waste rocks. In the paper application of such an integrated system has been illustrated with the examples drawn from the monitoring of the carboniferous wastes rocks from the “Bogdanka” coal mine.
Approaches to Post-Mining Land Reclamation in Polish Open-Cast Lignite Mining
Authors: Kasztelewicz Zbigniew
Published: June 2014

The paper presents the situation regarding the reclamation of post-mining land in the case of particular lignite mines in Poland until 2012 against the background of the whole opencast mining. It discusses the process of land purchase for mining operations and its sales after reclamation. It presents the achievements of mines in the reclamation and regeneration of post-mining land as a result of which-after development processes carried out according to European standards-it now serves the inhabitants as a recreational area that increases the attractiveness of the regions.
Research on using Mineral Sorbents for A Sorption Process in the Environment Contaminated with Petroleum Substances
Authors: Pijarowski Piotr Marek , Tic Wilhelm Jan
Published: June 2014

A research on diatomite sorbents was carried out to investigate their ability to remove hazardous substances from oil spillages. We used two types of sorbents available on the market with differences in material density and particles size of composition. As sorbents we used Ekoterm oil and unleaded petrol 95 coming from refinery PKN Orlen S.A. Two types of sorbents with similar chemical composition but different granulometric composition were used. They are marked as D1 and C1 samples. The fastest absorbent was C1, but D1 sample was the most absorptive.
The Determination of Main Obstacles for the Developing of Highquality Documentation during EIA Process on Natura 2000 Sites
Authors: Michalcová Zuzana , Baus Peter
Published: June 2014

The issues of protection and management of biodiversity has become one of main environmental policy tasks in Europe and elsewhere. As an application of precautionary principles the EU member states are required to assess projects and plans which alone or in combination with other plans or projects are likely to have significant negative effects on Natura 2000 sites. Several EU provisions set out the obligations for such assessment (the Birds and Habitat Directives, EIA and SEA Directives). One of the key steps in the assessment process is to carry out the EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) the final outcome of the assessment. If there is possibility of significant negative effects on Natura 2000 sites, the result of the process also has to be a part of EIS. The main goal of this study was to find out, what are the practitioners´ opinions and attitudes on the quality of EIS in Slovakia, especially in the case when the assessment process is related to Natura 2000 sites. Because it often involves practitioners from a very wide range of disciplinary and professional backgrounds, the contribution tries to show to what extent does the professional background or practitioners working positions influence their perception of EIS quality.
Separation and Concentration of Succinic Adic from Multicomponent Aqueous Solutions by Nanofiltration Technique
Authors: Antczak Jerzy , Regiec Justyna , Prochaska Krystyna
Published: June 2014

This paper applies the determined suitability of nanofiltration (NF) membrane separation for selective isolation and concentration of succinic acid from aqueous solutions which are post-fermentation multicomponent fluids. The study analyzed the influence of concentration and the pH of the separated solutions on the efficiency and selectivity of NF process that runs in a module equipped with a ceramic membrane. Moreover, the effect of applied trans-membrane pressure on the retention of succinic acid and sodium succinate has been studied. The investigations have shown that in the used NF module the retention of succinic acid salt is equal almost 50% in the case of a three-component model solution, although the degree of retention depends on both the transmembrane pressure and the initial concentration of separated salt.
Comparison of Hydrolytic Resistance of Polyurethanes and Poly(Urethanemethacrylate) Copolymers in Terms of their Use as Polymer Coatings in Contact with the Physiological Liquid
Authors: Król Piotr , Chmielarz Paweł , Król Bożena , Pielichowska Kinga
Published: June 2014

PU elastomers were synthesized using MDI, PTMO, butane-1,4-diol or 2,2,3,3-tetrafiuorobutane-1,4-diol. Using the same diisocyanate and polyether reagents urethane segments were prepared, to be inserted in the poly(urethane-methacrylate) copolymers. Bromourethane or tetraphenylethane-urethane macroinitiators were used as transitional products reacting with MMA according to the ARGET ATRP. 1H and 13C NMR spectral methods, as well as DSC and TGA thermal methods, were employed to confirm chemical structures of synthesised elastomers and copolymers. To investigate the possibility of using synthesized polymers as biomaterials a research on keeping them in physiological liquid at 37°C was performed. A loss in weight and ability to sorption of water was determined and by using GPC the molecular weight changes were compared. Additionally, changes in the thermal properties of the samples after exposure in physiological liquid were documented using both the TGA and DSC methods. The studies of surface properties (confocal microscopy and SFE) of the obtained polymers were performed. The structure of the polymer chains was defined by NMR. Possible reasons of hydrolysis were discussed, stating that new copolymers are more resistant and polar biomaterials can be less interesting than elastomers.
Removal of Organic Dyes from Aqueous Solutions with Surfactant-Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Wybieralska Katarzyna , Wajda Anna
Published: June 2014

The paper presents the results of studies on the possibility of using magnetic nanoparticles modified with selected hydrophobic surfactants for model post-production water purification. Colloidal solutions of iron hydroxide (III) and iron oxide (II and III) were obtained and their particles were subjected to surface modification using surfactants. Thus obtained magnetic fluids were used as active agents in the process of removing selected organic dyes from their aqueous solutions. The effectiveness of the modified compounds was analysed using spectrophotometric methods. It has been shown that the effectiveness of the process depends on the type of surfactant used to modify selected magnetic nanoparticles.
Quantification of the Radiative and Convective Heat Transfer Processes and their Effect on mSOFC by CFD Modelling
Authors: Pianko-Oprych Paulina , Kasilova Ekaterina , Jaworski Zdzisław
Published: June 2014

The CFD modelling of heat transfer in a microtubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (mSOFC) stack has been presented. Stack performance predictions were based on a 16 anode-supported microtubular SOFCs sub-stack, which is a component of the overall stack containing 64 fuel cells. Both radiative and convective heat transfer were taken into account in the modelling. The heat flux value corresponded to the cell voltage of 0.7 [V]. Two different cases of the inlet air velocity of 2.0 and 8.5 [ms–1] were considered. It was found that radiation accounted for about 20–30 [%] of the total heat flux from the active tube surface, which means that the convective heat transfer predominated over the radiative one.
Nanocolloidal Ru/MgF2 Catalyst for Hydrogenation of Chloronitrobenzene and Toluene
Authors: Pietrowski Mariusz , Zieliński Michał , Wojciechowska Maria
Published: June 2014

The use of magnesium fluoride support for ruthenium active phase allowed obtaining new catalysts of high activities in the hydrogenation of toluene and ortho-chloronitrobenzene. Ruthenium colloid catalysts (1 wt.% of Ru) were prepared by impregnation of the support with the earlier produced polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-stabilized ruthenium colloids. The performances of the colloidal catalysts and those obtained by traditional impregnation were tested in the reactions of toluene hydrogenation to methylcyclohexane and selective hydrogenation of ortho-chloronitrobenzene (o-CNB) to ortho-chloroaniline (o-CAN). It was shown that the use of chemical reduction method allows obtaining highly monodisperse ruthenium nanoparticles of 1.6–2.6 nm in size. After reduction in hydrogen at 400oC, the colloidal ruthenium nanoparticles were found to strongly interact with MgF2 surface (SMSI), which decreased the catalyst ability to hydrogen chemisorption, but despite this, the colloid catalysts showed higher activity in o-CNB hydrogenation and higher selectivity to o-CAN than the traditional ones. It is supposed that their higher activity can be a result of high dispersion of Ru in colloid catalysts and the higher selectivity can be a consequence of the lower availability of hydrogen on the surface.
Carbon Shale Combustion in the Fluidized Bed Reactor
Authors: Olek Małgorzata , Kandefer Stanisław , Kaniowski Wiesław , Żukowski Witold , Baron Jerzy
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this article is to present the possibilities of coal shale combustion in furnaces with bubbling fluidized bed. Coal shale can be autothermally combusted in the fluidized bed, despite the low calorie value and high ash content of fuel. Established concentrations of CO (500 ppm) and VOC (30 mg/m3) have indicated a high conversion degree of combustible material during combustion process. Average concentrations of SO2 and NOx in the flue gas were higher than this received from the combustion of high quality hard coal, 600 ppm and 500 ppm, respectively. Optional reduction of SO2 and NOx emission may require the installation of flue gas desulphurization and de-NOx systems.
Flame Retardant and Antimicrobial Jute Textile Using Sodium Metasilicate Nonahydrate
Authors: Basak S. , Samanta Kartick K. , Chattopadhyay S.K. , Das S. , Narkar R. , Dsouza C. , Shaikh A.H.
Published: June 2014

Flame retardant and antimicrobial functionalities were imparted in jute textile using sodium metasilicate nonahydrate (SMSN), commonly known as “water glass”. Sodium metasilicate nonahydrate (SMSN) was applied in jute fabric in different concentration by padding method followed by drying. Flame retardancy of the fabric was evaluated by Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) and burning behaviour under vertical flammability tester including the char length. Burning rate was found to decrease by almost 10 times after an application of 2% SMSN compared to the control sample. Thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis of both the control and treated jute fabrics were utilized to understand the mechanism of developed flame retardance in jute fabric. It was observed that the SMSN treated samples showed excellent antimicrobial property against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Antimicrobial properties of both the control and treated jute fabrics were also measured quantitatively.
Foams Stabilized with Nanoparticles for Gas Well Deliquification
Authors: Knapik Ewa , Stopa Jerzy , Marzec Anna
Published: June 2014

This study examined the interaction of solid nanoparticles and anionic and non-ionic surfactant at an air–water interface. Aqueous foams stabilized by silica nanoparticles in water with different levels of salinity were studied in detail. The stability of solid/surfactant dispersion was evaluated visually. Nanoparticles content impact and concentration of surfactant on the foamability, deliquification of foams and structure of wet foams were studied. It was found that the foamability of dispersion depends either on the surfactant concentration or on the nanoparticles concentration. The adsorption of hydrophobically modified silica particles and surfactants reduces the air/water interface tension. The results of the examinations showed that the use of nanoparticles allows to increase the efficiency of brine unloading even up to 20%. Surfactant particle and nanosilica present synergistic action, use of 4 wt% of nanoparticles allows to reduce surfactant consumption up to half. The cost of the preparation of the proposed dispersion is slightly higher, about 5%, compared to the sole surfactant.