bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASSOCIATION OF TNF- α-308G>A POLYMORPHISM WITH SUSCEPTIBILITY TO CELIAC DISEASE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: AFLATOONIAN Majid , MOGHIMI Mansour , AKBARIAN-BAFGHI Mohammad Javad , MOROVATI-SHARIFABAD Majid , JARAHZADEH Mohammad Hossein , NEAMATZADEH Hossein
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence to show that TNF-α -308G>A polymorphism may be a risk factor for celiac disease, but the results are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: Thus, we aimed to perform a meta-analysis involving published studies up to January 2019 to elucidate the association. METHODS: To assess the effect of TNF-α -308G>A polymorphism on celiac disease susceptibility, we searched PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases to identify eligible studies, without restriction. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the susceptibility to celiac disease. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies with 1147 cases and 1774 controls were selected for this meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that TNF-α -308G>A polymorphism was associated with increased risk of celiac disease (A vs G: OR=2.077, 95% CI=1.468-2.939, P=≤0.001; AA vs GG: OR=8.512, 95% CI=3.740-19.373, P=≤0.001; AA+AG vs GG: OR=1.869, 95% CI=1.161-3.008, P=0.010; and AA+AG vs GG: OR=4.773, 95% CI=3.181-7.162, P≤0.001). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity also revealed significant association in Caucasians. In addition, there was a significant association between TNF-α -308G>A polymorphism and celiac disease risk in Italy, Spain and PCR-FRLP group studies. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis suggests that the TNF-α -308G>A polymorphism plays an important role in celiac disease susceptibility. However, our results are still needed to strengthen by further studies in different ethnicities and larger sample sizes.
SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS IN PATIENTS AFTER POSTERIOR LUMBAR SPINE FUSION
Authors: Byvaltsev Vadim Anatol'evich , Stepanov Ivan Andreevich , Borisov Vladislav Eduardovich , Abakirov Medetbek Djumabekovich
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACT Objective: Infectious complications are the most common cause of unsatisfactory results of surgical treatment and prolongation of hospitalization in patients following spinal surgery. The purpose - to assess the microbiological characteristics of SSI in patients after posterior lumbar fusion for degenerative disease, and to determine the relationship between these characteristics and surgical features of SSIs. Methods: A single-center retrospective non-randomized cohort study was performed, 1563 patients aged 37 to 59 years were included in the study. Microbiological characteristics were analyzed, and their interrelations with the surgical features of all cases of SSIs were determined. Results: The incidence of SSIs was 2.67% (41). Monomicrobial SSIs were detected in 46.3% (19) patients, polymicrobial in 36.5% (15) cases, and negative results of inoculation in 17.07% (7) patients. The most frequent pathogens of SSIs in the study group were S. aureus and S. epidermidis - 37.9% (33) and 24.1% (21), respectively. The period of development of symptoms of SSIs in patients after posterior lumbar fusion averaged 25.9±65.3 days. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus and S. epidermidis (MRSA and MRSE) were verified in 24.1% (21) cases. Conclusions: Assessment of microbiological characteristics should be carried out in all diagnosed cases of SSIs in patients after spine surgical interventions, as these are closely linked to the surgical features of the infectious process. Also, the treatment tactics for this group of patients should be determined by a medical team working in conjunction. Level of evidence IV; Descriptive study.
A Coupled Operational Semantics for Goals and Commitments
Authors: Telang Pankaj R. , Singh Munindar P. , Yorke-Smith Neil
Published: May 2019

Commitments capture how an agent relates to another agent, whereas goals describe states of the world that an agent is motivated to bring about.  Commitments are elements of the social state of a set of agents whereas goals are elements of the private states of individual agents.  It makes intuitive sense that goals and commitments are understood as being complementary to each other. More importantly, an agent's goals and commitments ought to be coherent, in the sense that an agent's goals would lead it to adopt or modify relevant commitments and an agent's commitments would lead it to adopt or modify relevant goals.  However, despite the intuitive naturalness of the above connections, they have not been adequately studied in a formal framework. This article provides a combined operational semantics for goals and commitments by relating their respective life cycles as a basis for how these concepts (1) cohere for an individual agent and (2) engender cooperation among agents.  Our semantics yields important desirable properties of convergence of the configurations of cooperating agents, thereby delineating some theoretically well-founded yet practical modes of cooperation in a multiagent system.
Western blot v1
Authors: Ollauri-Ibáñez Claudia , Núñez Elena , Egido-Turrion Cristina , Sousa Laura , Rodríguez-Barbero Alicia , Lopez-Novoa Jose , Pericacho Miguel
Published: May 2019

Standard protocol for western blot
Immunofluorescence of cell cultures v1
Authors: Ollauri-Ibáñez Claudia , Núñez Elena , Egido-Turrion Cristina , Sousa Laura , Rodríguez-Barbero Alicia , Lopez-Novoa Jose , Pericacho Miguel
Published: May 2019

Protocol for the immunofluorescence of cells in culture seeded on glass coverslips.
Tumor hemoglobin and DNA measurement v1
Authors: Ollauri-Ibáñez Claudia , Núñez Elena , Egido-Turrion Cristina , Sousa Laura , Rodríguez-Barbero Alicia , Lopez-Novoa Jose , Pericacho Miguel
Published: May 2019

The amount of hemoglobin has been used by some authors to estimate the vasculature density of the organs (more hemoglobin, more vascularized). In most cases it is represented as mg hemoglobin / g tissue. In our case, in the tumors we relate the amount of hemoglobin with the amount of DNA, since there may be edema that contributes weight, but that really is not a tumor mass.
Metastasis assays v1
Authors: Ollauri-Ibáñez Claudia , Núñez Elena , Egido-Turrion Cristina , Sousa Laura , Rodríguez-Barbero Alicia , Lopez-Novoa Jose , Pericacho Miguel
Published: May 2019

This protocol include two part. First we explain how quantify tumor circulating cells that are released from a primary tumor generated by subcutaneous injection of fluorescent tumor cells. This protocol was adapted from the following article: Wyckoff, J. B. et al. Direct Visualization of Macrophage-Assisted Tumor Cell Intravasation in Mammary Tumors. Cancer Res. 67, 2649–2656 (2007). In the second part, how to analyze lung metastasis in the same tumor model is explained.
Aortic ring assay v1
Authors: Ollauri-Ibáñez Claudia , Núñez Elena , Egido-Turrion Cristina , Sousa Laura , Rodríguez-Barbero Alicia , Lopez-Novoa Jose , Pericacho Miguel
Published: May 2019

Culture and analysis of mouse aortic rings.
Wound healing migration assay (Scratch assay) v1
Authors: Ollauri-Ibáñez Claudia , Núñez Elena , Egido-Turrion Cristina , Sousa Laura , Rodríguez-Barbero Alicia , Lopez-Novoa Jose , Pericacho Miguel
Published: May 2019

Protocol for assess cell motility by the wound healing or scratch assay.
Transwell assay v1
Authors: Ollauri-Ibáñez Claudia , Núñez Elena , Egido-Turrion Cristina , Sousa Laura , Rodríguez-Barbero Alicia , Lopez-Novoa Jose , Pericacho Miguel
Published: May 2019

Protocol for study the migration and ECM invasion in vitro using transwells.
Adult mouse kidney dissociation (on ice) v8
Authors: Potter Andrew
Published: May 2019

Protocol for adult (8-10 week) mouse kidney dissociation performed on ice to reduce artifact gene expression. The first layer, consisting of collagenase digestion, breaks down the tissue and releases some cells and glomeruli and tubules. The second layer consists of bacillus licheniformis digestion for 15 min. augmented with a thermomixer at 1400 RPM and passaging with a 27 gauge needle. The second layer is meant to thoroughly break up remaining tubules and glomeruli, releasing cells such as podocytes. The final yield is 250K cells from 18 mg tissue with 98% viability, approximately 14,000 cells/mg tissue. Approximately 1% of released cells are podocytes (visualized using kidneys from MAFB-GFP+ mice using a hemocytometer).
Tecnologia versus Desempenho Educacional: um Estudo Sobre a Performance das Escolas
Authors: Nogueira Lauro , Lima José Vitor Cosme , Vieria Bianca Alencar
Published: May 2019

O uso de tecnologias no contexto escolar tem se tornado algo essencial nos últimos anos. Nesse ensejo, professores, alunos e demais profissionais envolvidos fazem uso frequente das mais diversas ferramentas tecnológicas em praticamente todas as atividades. Todavia, ainda não há consenso sobre a forma mais eficiente desses recursos no ambiente escolar. Diante disso, este estudo teve como principal objetivo investigar qual a influência das ferramentas tecnológicas no desempenho dos estudantes das escolas brasileiras. Para tanto, aplicou-se o método de inferências em distribuições contrafatuais desenvolvida por Chernozhukov, Fernandez-Val e Melly (2013), sobre os dados da Provinha Brasil 2013. Os principais resultados indicam que o instrumental tecnológico tem grande importância nos resultados educacionais. Porém, há diferenças substanciais conforme região e pontos da distribuição. Especificamente na Região Nordeste, a contribuição do arcabouço tecnológico cai pela metade. Por exemplo, o efeito do tratamento médio do acesso à internet de banda larga para as escolas de todo o país é de 3,4% contra 1,7% para escolas nordestinas na mesma faixa etária de resultado educacional observado.  No tocante à decomposição do efeito do tratamento, os resultados informam que as características observáveis são cruciais nos resultados educacionais. Além disso, verifica-se que os efeitos dos fatores não observáveis são bastante incipientes. Palavras-chave: Tecnologia. Desempenho das Escolas. IDC. AbstractThe use of technologies in the school context has become essential in recent years. In this context, teachers, students and other professionals involved make frequent use of the most diverse technological tools in practically all activities. However, there is still no consensus on the most efficient form of these resources in the school environment. Therefore, this study had as main objective to investigate the influence of the technological tools on the students’ performance of the Brazilian schools. In order to do so, Inference Method was applied in counterfactual distributions developed by Chernozhukov, Fernandez-Val and Melly (2013), on the data of Provinha Brasil 2013. The main results indicate the technological instruments and great importance in the educational results. However, there are substantial regional nouns and distribution points. Specifically in the Northeast Region, the contribution of the technological framework is halved. For example, the average treatment effect of broadband Internet access such as schools across the country of 3.4% versus 1.7% for northeastern schools in the same age range of observed educational outcome. Regarding the decomposition of the treatment effect, the results report that the observable characteristics are crucial in educational outcomes. In addition, the effects of unobservable factors are quite insipid. Keywords: Technology. Performance of schools. IDC.
Testimonios
Authors: Voces y Silencios. Revista Latinoamericana de Educación
Published: May 2019

Testimonios
El profesorado como proyecto profesional. Prácticas y perspectivas de los actores en el inicio
Authors: Mercado Roxana , Saporiti Paola , Coronda Andrea
Published: May 2019

In this study we investigate how a group of students started their careers as primary school teachers in 2010, by exploring different topics related to the choice of career from a position of uncertainty. For many of the students, teaching was an alternative, as they had already had experience of studying, and several knew about the transmission of knowledge, through their experience of teaching Music, Catequesis or Student Support.  This was analysed from a theoretical point of view based on the notion of “working with the other” to support the choice of teaching leading to the idea of the transmission of values and religious service.  However, we also questioned the idea of vocation, which we analysed from the perspective of social trajectories and habitus, in order to understand that this was a process of social construction which takes place in the family.  Many of the young people consulted had family members who were teachers and they had asked their advice when they were taking the decision about entering the profession. We also discussed the question of gender in relation to teaching as a professional option.  We noted a strong association between teaching and the mother figure, particularly with respect to the care and control of young children. In this study we analyse different aspects of the process of entering the teaching profession, documenting and highlighting the views and opinions of a group of student teachers as social actors, in order to understand that these processes and issues, although occurring in the context of a teacher training institution, are constructions which originate in the daily life of social and family backgrounds.
Influencia internacional e iniciativa nacional en la formulación de políticas educativas: tres estudios de caso de El Salvador
Authors: Edwards D. Brent , Martin Pauline , Victoria Libreros Julián Antonio
Published: May 2019

In this article, we analyze and compare three cases of education policy formation from El Salvador, a country affected by civil war during 1980-1992. The three policy cases presented began to emerge in the early 1990s and subsequently impacted—to varying degrees—the creation during 1993-1995 of the Ten Year Plan (1995-2005). Specifically, we investigate the formation of: the “Education with Community Participation” (EDUCO) Program; the policy to focus on gender equality in education; and the policy for education in values. In these cases, we focus on the relevant political-economic aspects of the context in order to unpack the interaction, impact, and influence of local, national, and international actors in the process of policy formation. The findings specify the ways in which the formation of these policies reflected dynamics of imposition, hybridization, and negotiation. We conclude by reflecting on some of the challenges that face ministries of education and which contribute to their vulnerable position in the present context of globalization.
Ensayos y narrativas para pensar lo nuestro americano
Authors: Alvarado Mariana
Published: May 2019

The "proposals for the incorporation of Latin American thought in education" generated within the framework of the project Diversity and Integration in Our America have been developed as dialogical practices of thought and writing. This article illustrates the context of the production, circulation and transfer of pedagogical mediation aimed at bringing Latin American thought to school contexts. In addition, it is concerned with the bases and actions which facilitate this inclusion as part of the contents of the curriculum.
Morphology, Structure and Catalytic Properties of Pd-CeO2/Al2O3 Catalysts for Methane Oxidation and Coats Based Thereon
Authors: Shikina N. V. , Pod’yacheva O. Yu. , Ishchenko A. V. , Khairulin S. R. , Tkachenko T. B. , Moroz A. A. , Ismagilov Z. R.
Published: May 2019

Morphologies and structures of catalytic compositions and coats based thereon were studied using Pd-CeO2/Al2O3calcined at 100, 500, 1000 °C and the coats prepared by gas dynamic cold spraying onto a metal foil. It was established that the methods for preparation of the initial catalytic composition and for introduction of the active components to the coat influenced the phase composition, particle size and activity to oxidation of methane. The introduction of the active components by impregnation of the pre-deposited alumina layer was shown to provide the uniform distribution of Pd and Ce through the support profile, formation of nanosize PdO particles and of the interacting phases between the catalyst and support components. The impregnated catalyst was most active to oxidation of methane. The method for preparation of the coats has no limitations in scaling-up and, therefore, can be widely used for production of full-size catalysts on metal foils to be used for various energy devices.
Evaluation of the Physicochemical and Biological Stability of Cetuximab under Various Stress Condition
Authors: Farjami Afsaneh , Siahi-Shadbad Mohammadreza , Akbarzadehlaleh Parvin , Roshanzamir Khashayar , Molavi Ommoleila
Published: May 2019

Cetuximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and it is approved for treatment of human colorectal cancer and squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck. The aim of this research was to study the stability of cetuximab finish product (5 mg/mL) under various stress conditions including mechanical, thermal, light stress, and various freeze-thaw cycles. To determine the effects of environmental stresses on the physicochemical properties and bioactivity of cetuximab, a combination of physicochemical and cell-based biological methods including size exclusion chromatography (SEC), cation exchange chromatography (CEX), flow cytometry-based binding assay, and MTS cell viability/proliferation assay was used. The results obtained by the SEC and CEX methods revealed that incubation of cetuximab at 25 and 30 °C, shaking, and various freeze-thaw cycles caused no physicochemical instability. However, functional analysis of the samples exposed to the above-mentioned conditions revealed a significant decrease in the bioactivity of cetuximab indicated by a significant reduction in the cell binding and growth inhibitory effects of cetuximab in EGFR overexpressing cancer cell line (A431). Incubation of cetuximab at 40 and 50 °C led to polymerization and fragmentation of the mAb and resulted in a significant decrease in the bioactivity of the mAb. Our findings show that the light exposure had the most destructive effects on physicochemical and biological characteristics of cetuximab. In conclusion, we found that all mentioned stress conditions significantly affect the bioactivity of cetuximab. Our finding highlights the importance of bioactivity evaluation of biopharmaceuticals in their quality control assessment.
99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT imaging contribution in the diagnosis of patients with hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Nevena Manevska , Sinisa Stojanoski , Bojana Stoilovska , Irena Sazdova
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Hyperparathyroidism is presented with increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion due to hyperfunctioning of one or more of the four parathyroid glands. Primary hyperparathyroidism (p-HPT) can be due to parathyroid adenoma, hyperplasia or carcinoma of the parathyroid gland. Secondary hyperparathyroidism (s-HPT) is usually a response to hypocalcaemia and consecutive hyperplasia of the glands. Our aim was to compare the efficacy of 99mTcmethoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) SPECT/CT in identification of the location of the lesion(s) in cases of HPT by comparing these results with the findings of ultrasound (US) and planar scintigraphy. Methods: Forty one consecutive patients (54±17 age, 12 males and 29 females) with primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism were included. All patients were examined by US and afterwards patients underwent conventional double-phase 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy combined with neck SPECT/CT procedure. Planar images (early and delayed), US and SPECT/CT image sets were evaluated for adenoma localization at the neck and thorax. Regions of interest (ROIs), equal sized, were selected and compared, over the hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue (accumulated impulses-counts value) and over the contralateral lobe of the thyroid gland (control counts value). Results: The ultrasonography detected 24 positive findings. The late phase of planar scan detected 26 positive findings. SPECT/CT presented with bigger detection rate than late planar phase or US (75.6%, 63.4%, 61.5%) and with higher sensitivity (100%, 83.8%, 77.4%), respectively. Conclusion: The SPECT/CT study seems reliable, sensitive and with added value in diagnosing hyperparathyroidism as a complementary method to planar scintigraphy. US as compatible method, should be performed prior the scintigraphy protocols.
Diastolic left ventricular functional indices: Comparison between gated myocardial perfusion SPECT and echocardiography
Authors: Bigdeloo Leyla , Dabbagh Kakhki Vahid Reza , Ghaderi Fereshteh , Peyvandi Lida , Ghahremani Somayeh , Atar2 Baharak
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Many patients have only diastolic dysfunction without any abnormality in systolic function. We compared cardiac diastolic parameters obtained by gated myocardial perfusion SPECT (Gated SPECT) with those evaluated by echocardiography. Methods: Forty-nine patients (aged 37-85 years, 19 males and 30 women) underwent Gated SPECT and echocardiography. Gated SPECT images were obtained with 16 frame/cardiac cycles. We derived the following diastolic indices: peak filling rate (PFR), time to PFR (TTPFR), mean filling rate in the first 1/3 of the diastole (MFR/3) and second filling rate (PFR2) due to left atrial contraction. In echocardiography we obtained the indices of ventricular filling: E wave, A wave, the E/A ratio, and the E wave deceleration time (DT) were considered. The LV isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) was also determined. Results: There was no significant correlation between echocardiographic findings and diastolic gated SPECT findings. Using Post-Hoc One-way analysis significant difference was seen only in MFR/3 between diastolic dysfunction groups (P value=0.02). There was no significant difference in other diastolic gated SPECT variables in these groups. Conclusion: Diastolic parameters obtained from 16-frame/cardiac cycle gated SPECT didn’t correlate with echocardiographic indices.
Scintigraphic evaluation of gastric emptying after greater curvature plication in comparison with sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Osama Hegazy Tarek , Kandeel Ahmed , el shawadfy Mohamed , Kassem Khalid , Hassan Mohamed
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Laparoscopic gastric plication (LGP) is a relatively new restrictive bariatric procedure that emerged to avoid the problems and to reduce the cost of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. In this study we present the initial short-term outcome of LGP and its effect on gastric emptying and compare it with the results of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Methods: From May 2016 to April 2017, a total of 50 patients were allocated to undergo either LGP (n = 25) or LSG (n = 25). Data on the operative time, complications, hospital stay, overall cost of LSG and LGCP, body mass index loss (BMIL), post-operative gastric emptying (the first study to asses gastric emptying after LGP), percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), and improvement of comorbidities were collected during the follow-up examinations. Results: All procedures were completed laparoscopically. The mean operative time was significantly higher for the LGP group. The mean hospital stay, cost and %EWL were significantly higher in the LSG group. The mean gastric emptying t1/2 was 40 ± 13 minutes for LGP group and 28.3 ± 8.31 minutes for LSG group (P = 0.001). Conclusion: There is significant acceleration of gastric emptying after LSG more than after LGP with significant effect on weight loss.
Meningioma: A false positive finding of metastasis from prostate adenocarcinoma using 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT scan
Authors: Aghaei Atena , Aryana Kamran , Salek Roham , Zakavi Seyed Rasoul , Ahmadzadefar Hojjat
Published: May 2019

A 73-year-old man with history of prostatic adenocarcinoma radical prostatectomy underwent 99mTc-MDP whole-body bone scan and subsequent 68Ga-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligand PET/CT for restaging due to a gradual rise of prostate-specific antigen levels. Whole-body bone scan showed two focal zones of slightly increased uptake in the right fronto-parietal and temporal bones. 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT scan showed local recurrence in the prostatic bed and two foci of slightly increased uptake in the right temporal and fronto-parietal lobes. A brain CT scan, with IV contrast confirmed that foci of increased uptake in the temporal and parietal lobes were consistent with typical meningioma.
18F-FDG PET/CT findings in a possible MELAS syndrome: A case study
Authors: Emami-Ardekani Alireza , Emami-Ardekani Alireza , Harsini Sara , Fard-Esfahani Armaghan , Baseri Farzaneh , Eftekhari1 Mohammad
Published: May 2019

Mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome is a rare congenital disorder of mitochondrial DNA, presenting a wide range of clinical symptoms comprising headaches, seizures, aphasia, hearing loss, visual defects, and hemiparesis. Herein we report a case of a previously asymptomatic 40-year-old male who presented with recurrent headache, seizures, Wernicke’s aphasia, and impaired visual acuity. Investigations included CT, MRI, MR venography, MR spectroscopy, and PET/CT with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG-PET) of the brain. PET imaging showed diffuse increased 18F-FDG uptake in the right hemisphere and left temporal lobe; additionally, decreased 18F-FDG uptake was observed in the left frontoparietal lobe. The patient underwent treatment by levetiracetam, co-enzyme Q10, riboflavin, L-carnitine, and lacosamide, followed by improvement of his clinical signs and symptoms indicative of partial response to the therapy. Key
Reforming of deposits in ancient oil and gas basins (on the example of deposits of the Baikit anteclise eastern slope of the Siberian Platform)
Authors: Stoupakova Antonina V. , Khvedchuk Igor I. , Sautkin Roman S. , Korobova Natalia I. , Sivkova Ekaterina D.
Published: May 2019

The paper considers the stages of formation of modern deposits within the south-western part of the LenaTungussky oil-bearing basin. The main oil and gas source strata capable of generating hydrocarbons are described, the structure of the terrigenous reservoir is considered, a model of deposits formation is developed. The secondary transformation of the reservoir in the zone of development of paleo water-oil contacts, which completely seal the void space, are revealed. The presence of several paleo water-oil contacts is evidence of multi-stage reshaping of deposits. After changing the structural plan in the Paleozoic-Mesozoic time, these zones operate as lithologic impermeable beds. Accordingly, most of the generated hydrocarbons are distributed on the migration path within the slopes of modern large structures and in the reformed non-anticlinal traps. The study of the migration paths of hydrocarbons from generation to accumulation and features of secondary transformations made it possible to establish the presence of a complex multi-stage re-formation of paleodeposits and identify the mechanisms of their formation.
Geology and coal bearing capacity of the Russian Arctic in connection with prospects of development of the region
Authors: Pronina Natalia V. , Makarova Elena Yu. , Bogomolov Aleksandr Kh. , Mitronov Dmitriy V. , Kuzevanova Evgenia V.
Published: May 2019

Detailed geologic information can be priceless for oil- and gas- oriented geologic exploration in Arctic aquatic basins. Exploration reports on coal basins and deposits located along the Arctic coast are highly detailed and can be used for reconstruction of facies and thermobaric conditions of the poorly explored offshore areas. The article summarizes information on the Russian Arctic coal basins geology: geological structure, tectonic settings, coalforming environments and coal quality parameters. Coal basins of the region contain not only brown and bituminous coals for energetics, but include valuable coking coal (Pechorskiy, Tungusskiy, Beringovskiy basins), anthracite, thermoanthracite and graphite (Taimyrskiy, Tungusskiy basins, Dolgozhdannoye deposit), related coal methane (Pechorskiy basin, coal deposits of Spitzbergen) and trace elements (Lenskiy basin, coal basins and deposits of Chukotka and Frantz Josef Land). It is also can be used for production of advanced materials (adsorbents, sunthetic graphites, etc).
Conditions of formation and forecast of natural reservoirs in clinoform complex of the Lower Cretaceous of the Barents-Kara shelf
Authors: Mordasova Alina V. , Stoupakova Antonina V. , Suslova Anna A. , Ershova Daria K. , Sidorenko Svetlana A.
Published: May 2019

Unique Leningradsky and Rusanovsky gascondensate fields in the Barrem-Cenomanian layer are discovered in the Kara Sea. Non-industrial accumulations of oil and gas have been discovered in the Lower Cretaceous sediments of the western part of the Barents Sea shelf. However, the structure and oil and gas potential of the Lower Cretaceous sediments of the Barents-Kara shelf remain unexplored. Based on the seismic-stratigraphic and cyclostratigraphic analysis, a regional geological model of the Lower Cretaceous deposits of the Barents-Kara shelf was created, the distribution area and the main stages of the accumulation of clinoforms were identified. As a result of a detailed analysis of the morphology of clinoform bodies, paleogeographic conditions were restored in the Early Cretaceous and a forecast of the distribution of sandy reservoirs was given
THE NONPROFIT SECTOR ROLE AND IMPORTANCE
IN THE SOCIAL STATE DEVELOPMENT: TO THE QUESTION
OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS SPECIAL LEGAL STATUS
Authors: Zelepukin Roman Valerevich
Published: May 2019

We consider the theme of the nonprofit organizations special legal status development in the context of the role and importance of the nonprofit sector in the state social policy. Along these lines, we note the characteristics essence of the Russian state as a social one. We disclose nonprofit organizations special administrative and legal statuses: socially oriented nonprofit organizations, performers of socially useful services, social service providers. The characteristic of dynamics of the legislation establishing the revealed statuses is given. We analyze the conditions and procedure for obtaining these statuses. Thus, we note a wide approach developed in law enforcement practice to the recognition of the activities of nonprofit organizations as socially oriented. We note the nonprofit organizations recognition conditions as executors of socially useful services, as well as the legal consequences implementation problems of obtaining this status. We substantiate public services performers differentiation necessity and social services providers. Some statistical data are given; also we summarize the state policy measures on interaction with the nonprofit sector as a whole, and on the involvement of nonprofit organizations in the sphere of social services. These measures are noted in the President of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Russian Federation acts analysis. We highlight and describe the development and adoption process of the draft Federal law “On the state (municipal) social order for the provision of state (municipal) services in the social sphere”, its advantages and disadvantages. To conclude this study, we consider that the state is interested in cooperation with the nonprofit sector, which was embodied and detailed in the identified special status of nonprofit organizations; also we note the prospects for further development of the identified status.
Assessment of Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices among Street Food Vendors and Consumers’ Perceptions of Street Food Vending in Maseru Lesotho
Authors: Letuka Ponts'o , Nkhebenyane Sebolelo , Thekisoe Oriel
Published: May 2019

Street vended foods are ready-to-eat food and beverages prepared and/ or sold in the streets. This trade provides for 85-99% of total employment in most African countries and 50% or more is constituted by women. The preparation of street vended foods is normally under unsatisfactory conditions and these may lead to the contamination of food. This descriptive survey was conducted in Maseru around the taxi ranks amongst 141 participants (48 food handlers and 93 consumers) using a semi structured questionnaire, open ended questionnaire and observation checklist. Majority of the food handlers were females (n=35, 60%) and males constituted only (n=23, 40%). On average the vendor population that participated in this study was considered to have poor knowledge of food safety since they scored 49%±11. With regard to the consumers, 63% were males and 37% were females, and only 6% reported that they never buy street vended foods mainly due to the food safety issues and hygiene. Based on the results of this study, it is thus recommended that educational interventions be implemented. The observation study showed that they also operated under unhygienic conditions and 95% of food handlers had the incorrect knowledge that washing utensils with detergent leaves them free of contamination. Regarding the consumer perceptions, they highlighted that the trade has the potential to grow and be profitable on condition that hygiene is emphasized and infrastructure improved so as to provide safe quality food.
Operative Treatment of Neer Type-II Distal Clavicular Fractures
Authors: Hohmann Erik , Tetsworth Kevin , Glatt Vaida
Published: May 2019

» Deforming forces make it difficult to reduce and maintain reduction of Neer type-II distal clavicular fractures.

» Contemporary surgical techniques are associated with high rates of union and good and excellent outcomes.

» Plate fixation of distal clavicular fractures does not address horizontal and vertical instability.

» Hook-plate fixation has the highest complication rate.

» Augmentation of the coracoclavicular ligament is recommended to neutralize the opposing forces.
Identification of SNP Targeted Pathways From Genome-wide Association Study (GWAS) Data
Authors: Bakir-Gungor Burcu , Sezerman Osman Ugur
Published: May 2019

The identification of the variants that explain familial risk of a specific disease is important since it enables the development of genetic risk prediction tests, diagnosis tools and therapeutical applications. One possible reason of multifactorial diseases is the alterations in the activity of biological pathways, where a series of mutations occur in distinct genes. While each of these variations extends slightly the likelihood of having the disease, they work together to give birth to the perturbations in normal biological processes. We provide a protocol \(termed PANOGA, Pathway and Network Oriented GWAS \(Genome-wide association study) Analysis) to devise functionally important pathways through the identification of genes within these pathways, where these genes are targeted by single nucleotide polymorphisms \(SNPs) obtained from the GWAS analysis. Additionally, PANOGA helps to identify other disease related genes, not targeted by the SNPs, which are also located within these affected pathways. The program accepts tab delimited or excel file containing SNP rsIDs vs. genotypic p-values and is available at: http://akademik.bahcesehir.edu.tr/~bbgungor/panoga_protocol.zip
Multiple Iteractive Labeling by Antibody Neodeposition (MILAN)
Authors: Cattoretti Giorgio , Bosisio Francesca Maria , Marcelis Lukas , Bolognesi Maddalena Maria
Published: May 2019

Multiplexing, labeling for multiple immunostains the very same cell or tissue section in situ, is of considerable interest. The major obstacles to the diffusion of this technique are high costs in custom antibodies and instruments, low throughput, scarcity of specialized skills or facilities.

We have validated and detail here a method based on common primary and secondary antibodies, diffusely available fluorescent image scanners and routinely processed tissue sections \(FFPE). It entails rounds of four-color indirect immunofluorescence, image acquisition and removal \(stripping) of the antibodies, before another stain is applied. The images are digitally registered and the autofluorescence is subtracted. Removal of antibodies is accomplished by disulphide cleavage. In excess of 50 different antibody stains can be applied to one single section from routinely fixed and embedded tissue. This method requires a modest investment in hardware and materials and uses freeware image analysis software.
HUKUKİ STATÜSÜ VE İDARİ TEŞKİLATTAKİ YERİYLE CUMHURBAŞKANLIĞI HÜKÜMET SİSTEMİNDE CUMHURBAŞKANI YARDIMCILARI
Authors: MUTLU Azer Ebru
Published: May 2019

Cumhurbaşkanlığı hükümet sistemi, Türk idare hukukunda, merkezi idarenin başkent teşkilatını önemli şekilde değiştirmiştir. Yeni sistemin getirdiği en önemli yeniliklerden biri de cumhurbaşkanı yardımcılığı makamıdır. En temel görevi cumhurbaşkanına vekâlet etmektir. Cumhurbaşkanı yardımcılığı gerek Anayasa’da gerek cumhurbaşkanlığı kararnamelerinde düzenlenmiştir. Cumhurbaşkanı, yardımcı veya yardımcılarını, milletvekili seçilme yeterliliği olan kişiler arasından bizzat atar ve görevden alır. Cumhurbaşkanı yardımcılarının anayasal görev ve yetkilerinin yanı sıra kanun, Türkiye Büyük Millet Meclisi İçtüzüğü ve cumhurbaşkanlığı kararnameleri ile verilmiş görev ve yetkileri de bulunmaktadır. Cumhurbaşkanı yardımcıları cumhurbaşkanına karşı sorumludur. Cumhurbaşkanı yardımcılarının cezai, kişisel ve hukuki sorumlulukları Anayasa’da düzenlenmiştir. Cumhurbaşkanlığı hükümet sisteminden farklı olarak, başkanlık sisteminin anavatanı olan Amerika Birleşik Devletlerinde, başkanın yanı sıra başkan yardımcısı da halk tarafından seçilerek göreve gelmektedir. Amerika’da başkan yardımcısının seçilebilmesi için başkanla aynı seçilme yeterliliğine sahip olması gerekir. Başkandan sonra yürütme kanadındaki en yetkili kişidir. Türkiye’deki sistemde cumhurbaşkanı yardımcılığı ile başkanlık sisteminin anavatanı Amerika’daki başkan yardımcılığı arasındaki bu farklılıklar bazı eleştiri ve önerilere sebep olmuştur.
The impact of foreign ownership on corporate governance: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Shubita Rawan , Fawzi Shubita Moade
Published: May 2019

This research explores the influence of foreign ownership on non-financial public shareholding firms in the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE). The study involved an investigation into the connection between non-Jordanian ownership and the company growth opportunity, stock liquidity, leverage, dividend policy and business output. The results highlight that foreign ownership can provide improved corporate governance practices by playing a decisive role in increasing the growth opportunity and enhancing the firms’ market valuation, as measured by Tobin’s Q. Moreover, the findings indicate that companies with foreign board membership have better operating performance and higher firm value. The rewards were reaped by foreign investors based on their superior monitoring ability, which affects the decisions made and actions taken by management.
Successful conservative management in cervical Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Ahmad Khurram , Solehria Tahira Bashir
Published: May 2019

Incidence of cervical ectopic pregnancy is 6% of all the ectopic pregnancies. And this percentage is rising since last decade with increased incidence of ectopic pregnancies in general. Assisted reproduction, tubal pathology due to pelvic inflammatory disease or/and adhesions due to surgery are leading causes for increased incidence of ectopic pregnancy. Modern diagnostic techniques and regular follow up in assisted reproduction cases, pick up ectopic pregnancy at an earlier gestation. Previously hysterectomy was the only resort in majority if not all the cases of cervical ectopic pregnancies But now in selective cases like saving fertility in a patient a promising management has emerged It is however emphasized that appropriate treatment option - medical or surgical should be considered according to individual case. This case of ectopic cervical pregnancy at 6 weeks of gestation is managed successfully by conservative management.
Counseling in Medical Institutions; Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Afzal Saira
Published: May 2019

It is really hard to imagine the spectrum of challenges faces by Medical Students. The lack of organized counseling and relevant policy in Medical Institutions has worsened the existing situation for students facing problems in learning, adjustment in medical institutions and coping with increased stress of studies. The progress in lifelong learning notion is seriously hampered in practical situation for the young brilliant and energetic minds who face multi facet problems and challenges, and cannot find the way out on their own.
Indications and Complications of Obstetric Hysterectomy in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Lahore
Authors: Munir Shamila Ijaz , Iqbal Riffat , Humayun Shamsa , Chaudhary Saima
Published: May 2019

OBJECTIVES: To find out the frequency of obstetric hysterectomy, its indications and associated maternal complications in a tertiary care hospital of Lahore, Pakistan. METHODOLOGY: This is a retrospective observational descriptive study. It was done in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of a Tertiary Care Hospital, Lahore from Feb 2015 to Jan 2016. All the records of patients, who had undergone hysterectomy, within 24 hours of normal delivery or caesarean section, were reviewed. The details of age, parity, booking status, indication and Complications of operation were recorded on a predesigned proforma. RESULTS: The total deliveries during the period were 5, 754. Obstetric hysterectomy was performed in 26 patients. This gives frequency of the emergency obstetric hysterectomy in our unit to be 4.5/1000 births. The major indication was previous caesarean sections with placenta previa and/or accreta in 17 cases (65.38%), followed by massive postpartum haemorrhage due to uterineatony in 4 cases (15.38%), uterine rupture in 3(11.5%) and abruption placenta in 2 (7.6%). Most common complication was haemorrhagic shock seen in 14 patients. There were 5 cases of bladder injury, 2 Ureteric injury and 2 vault hematomas. Maternal deaths occurred in 3 cases. CONCLUSION: Emergency obstetric hysterectomy is increasing with increased frequency of caesarean sections and placenta previa and accreta. Antenatal booking of high risk patients, timely referral to tertiary care hospital with good surgical expertise and ICU care can reduce morbidity and mortality in such cases.
Effect of Production of Multiple Keloids on Health of the Animal
Authors: Babar Abdul Mannan , Nagi Abdul Hannan
Published: May 2019

Keloids are fibrous tumors developed in the process of wound healing. Keloids are found solely in human species, and not in animals. Keloid animal model has been developed by the authors. Now authors want to investigate if multiple keloids can be produced in one animal without causing any untoward effects on the health of that animal. Objective | To find out effect of production of multiple keloids on health of the animal. Methodology| The study was Quasi-experimental trial and settings were Experimental Research/Pathology Laboratories, University of Health Sciences, Lahore. The duration was 12 months. Two rabbits were taken; one as control, and other as interventional. In interventional rabbit eight keloids were produced, four on each ear, using Mannan & Hannan technique. Results | Eight keloids were produced in one animal without causing any untoward effects on the health of that animal. Conclusion| Multiple keloids can be produced in one animal without causing any untoward effects on the health of that animal.
In Vitro Cytotoxic Potential of Plant Terpenes and Selected Medicinal Plants of Pakistan against NIH 3T3 Cell Line.
Authors: Malik Shazia Kanwal , Ahmed Maqsood , Khan Farah
Published: May 2019

Background: Medicinal plants are used in anticancer therapies from ages. The very first time we have not only screened anticancer medicinal plants from Pakistan but also identified anticancer plant terpenes. This study will definitely pave the way towards anticancer drug development after animal trials. Materials and Methods | This study was based on ethanolic extraction of fruits/seed of 25 plants. The cytotoxic potential of extracts and plant terpenes was evaluated against mouse fibroblasts (NIH 3T3) cell line by using MTT (3- [4, 5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay and compared with cyclohexamide. Results | Ethanolic extracts were nontoxic against NIH3T3 cell line. On the basis of the % inhibition plants were graded as B.lycium, 48% > T.bellerica, 47% > C.verum, 45% > Z.tenuior, 39% > H. adenophyllum, 38% > C. carandas, 31% > C.behen, 29% > P. juliflora, 28% & P.granatum, 28% W.somnifera, 27% > E.cheiri, 26% > S. potatorum, 24% & M.incana, 24% > D. peregrina, 21% & B.lanzan, 21% > L. maldivica, 20% > F. lyrata, 18% > F.arabica, 16% & R. indica, 16% > C.absus, 13% & C.paniculatus, 13%. > C. diurnum, 12% > J.mimosifolia, 11% > D.malabarica, 8% > C. speciosa, 3% as compared to the reference drug Cyclohexamide, 70%. Whereas the maximum % inhibition was exhibited by n-Hexadecanoic acid (88%), followed by Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (16%) and Methyl decanoate displayed 11%. C50 of n-Hexadecanoic acid and Cyclohexamide was 3.1±0.2 and 0.8±0.2 respectively. Conclusion| Plant extracts and terpenes was found to be inactive against 3T3 cell line.
Molecular identification of biological contaminants in different drinking water resources of the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abada Emad , Al-Fifi Zarraq , Al-Rajab Abdul Jabbar , Mahdhi Mosbah , Sharma Mukul
Published: May 2019

Drinking water quality plays a remarkable role in human infections and diseases. This study used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques to detect bacterial pathogens. In addition, a physicochemical analysis was performed on drinking water samples from several sources. A total of 123 drinking water samples were collected from different areas in the Jazan region in Saudi Arabia: ground water (40 samples), bottled water (15 samples), tap water (52 samples), and water purification shops (16 samples). To isolate the bacterial pathogens, the water samples were spread on Nutrient and MacConkey agar media, and the grown pathogens were then identified by the 16S ribosomal RNA technique. In 87 (70.7%) of the 123 drinking water samples, there was no pathogen growth on the two-culture medium. However, 36 (29.3%) of the samples were found to be contaminated with bacteria. The physicochemical analysis indicated that the water samples were within the Saudi drinking water standards. The bacteria were resistant to Cefotaxime, Cefotaxime/Clavulanic acid, Erythromycin, Penicillin G, Rifampin and Sulfamethoxazole–Trimethoprim, respectively. The findings suggest that in Jazan, bottled water is a safer source of potable water than tap water. The contamination in the water may be occurring at the reservoirs rather than the water sources.
Rainfall and social disputes in Iran
Authors: Feizi Mehdi , Janatabadi Najmeh Heidarzadeh , Torshizi Ahmad Saradari
Published: May 2019

Water crisis and, particularly, drop in rainfall in Iran are not only an environmental matter but also a security issue. This paper tries to draw attention to the substantial social consequences of climate change in Iran and particularly addresses whether precipitation scarcity from 2007 to 2014 has a conflict-making effect in the province of Iran using the system GMM model. We show that rainfall shortage and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), as an index of drought, could stimulate the propensity for individuals to engage in disruptive activities in provinces of Iran.