bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTERVAL-VALUED INTUITIONISTIC FUZZY ORDERED PRECISE WEIGHTED AGGREGATION OPERATOR AND ITS APPLICATION IN GROUP DECISION MAKING
Authors: Zhou Wei , He Jian Min
Published: January 2014

An important research topic related to the theory and application of the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy weighted aggregation operators is how to determine their associated weights. In this paper, we propose a precise weight-determined (PWD) method of the monotonicity and scale-invariance, just based on the new score and accuracy functions of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy number (IIFN). Since the monotonicity and scale-invariance, the PWD method may be a precise and objective approach to calculate the weights of IIFN and interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation operator, and a more suitable approach to distinguish different decision makers (DMs) and experts in group decision making. Based on the PWD method, we develop two new interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation operators, i.e. interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy ordered precise weighted averaging (IIFOPWA) operator and interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy ordered precise weighted geometric (IIFOPWG) operator, and study their desirable properties in detail. Finally, we provide an illustrative example.
Antiretroviral Pharmacokinetics in Mothers and Breastfeeding Infants from 6 to 24 Weeks Post-Partum: Results of the Ban Study
Authors: Corbett Amanda H , Kayira Dumbani , White Nicole R , Davis Nicole L , Kourtis Athena P , Chasela Charles , Martinson Francis , Phiri Grace , Musisi Bonaface , Kamwendo Deborah , Hudgens Michael G , Hosseinipour Mina C , Nelson Julie AE , Ellington Sascha R , Jamieson Denise J , van der Horst Charles , Kashuba Angela ,   the BAN Study Team
Published: January 2014

Background

An intensive, prospective, open-label pharmacokinetic (PK) study in a subset of HIV-infected mothers and their uninfected infants enrolled in the Breastfeeding, Antiretroviral and Nutrition (BAN) Study was performed to describe drug exposure and antiviral response.

Methods

Women using Combivir® (zidovudine [ZDV] + lamivudine [3TC]) + Aluvia® (lopinavir/ritonavir [LPV/ RTV]) were enrolled. Breast milk (BM), mother plasma (MP) and infant plasma (IP) samples were obtained over 6 h after observed dosing at 6, 12 or 24 weeks post-partum for drug concentrations and HIV RNA.

Results

A total of 30 mother/infant pairs (10 each at 6, 12 and 24 weeks post-partum) were enrolled. Relative to MP, BM concentrations of ZDV and 3TC were 35% and 21% higher, respectively, whereas LPV and RTV were 80% lower. Only 3TC was detected in IP with concentrations 96% and 98% lower than MP and BM, respectively. Concentrations in all matrices were similar at 6–24 weeks. The majority (98.3%) of BM concentrations were >HIVwt IC50, with one having detectable virus. There was no association between PK parameters and MP or BM HIV RNA.

Conclusions

ZDV and 3TC concentrated in BM whereas LPV and RTV did not, possibly due to protein binding and drug transporter affinity. Undetectable to low antiretroviral concentrations in IP suggest prevention of transmission while breastfeeding may be due to antiretroviral effects on systemic or BM HIV RNA in the mother. Low IP 3TC exposure may predispose an infected infant to HIV resistance, necessitating testing and treating infants early.
Brood Surveys and Hunter Observations Used to Predict Gobbling Activity of Wild Turkeys in Mississippi
Authors: Palumbo Matthew D. , Vilella Francisco J. , Strickland Bronson K. , Wang Guiming , Godwin Dave
Published: January 2014

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks utilize data from turkey hunter observations and brood surveys from across the state to manage wild turkey Meleagris gallopavo populations. Since 1995, hunters have collected gobbling and jake observation data, while the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks' personnel and cooperating wildlife managers of several natural resource agencies throughout the state have collected brood survey data. Both sources of data serve to forecast poult recruitment and gobbling activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate if these data can serve as a viable predictor of gobbling activity. We used three mixed models to investigate the relationship between the number of jakes observed per hour of hunting 1 y prior and the total number of poults per hens 2 y prior (model 1), number of gobblers heard per hour of hunting and the number of jakes observed per hour of hunting 1 y prior (model 2), the number of gobblers heard per hour of hunting and the total number poults per total hens observed 2 y prior (model 3) using data from 1995 to 2008 among five wild turkey management regions encompassing the state. We incorporated region as a random effect to account for spatial variation. We found the number of jakes observed per hour of hunting 1 y prior correlated with the total number of poults per total hens observed 2 y prior. We also found the number of gobblers heard per hour of hunting correlated with the number of jakes observed per hour of hunting 1 y prior. Additionally, we found that the total poults per total hens observed 2 y prior was correlated to the number of gobblers heard per hour of hunting. Our results show promise for using indices of gobbling activity, jake observations, and brood surveys to estimate gobbling activity.
Why Independent Inventors Never Quit? In Search of Contribution of Inventive Outcomes on Subjective Success of Independent Inventors
Authors: Wickramasinghe CN , Ahmad N , Rashid S
Published: January 2014

Modern technological development of the modern society has been evaluated by the number of patents, commercialization and economic gains of technological innovations. Hence, the success of inventors has been purely measured by the objective measures of the invention process outcomes. Even though, this approach agreed with elite organizational inventors, independent inventors of a society are more humanitarian than the organizational inventors. Hence, the pure objective outcome measures were unable to address the question of why independent inventors continue in inventive activities even they are not objectively successful. Previous studies on the independent inventors has not focused on the social and psychological factors. Hence, the understanding of the subjective outcomes of inventive activities have remained unexplained. Along with the traditional objective outcome measures, the present study explains the inventive career satisfaction and sense of inventive community as two subjective outcomes of the inventive activities of independent inventors in Sri Lanka. It explores how the objective outcomes and subjective outcomes of the inventive life relates to the ultimate global happiness and satisfaction of the life of the independent inventors.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/kjm.v1i1.6444 Kelaniya Journal of Management Vol.1(1) 2012:1-25
An Evaluation on Risk and Return of Mutual Funds in India
Authors: Bhuvaneswari P , Fernando WRPK
Published: January 2014

The Indian capital market has witnessed unprecedented developments and innovations particularly during the decades of 1980s and 1990s. The review studies have analyzed different types of mutual funds by using various measures. Hence, the present study analyzed the risk and return of mutual funds performance of top performing funds for the last three years (2008- 2010). The study concluded that beta values of top six schemes were significantly related to their market index values. The sample of schemes namely Reliance Banking Fund-Growth Plan- Growth Option and UTI Transportation and Logistics Fund - Growth are significantly related to their market value in 2010 only. All sample schemes except Reliance Banking Fund-Growth Plan-Growth Option earned negative returns in the year 2008. Results of the study indicate that the all sample schemes earned positive return in the year 2010. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/kjm.v1i1.6447 Kelaniya Journal of Management Vol.1(1) 2012:68-80
A Cluster Randomized Trial of Alcohol Prevention in Small Businesses: A Cascade Model of Help Seeking and Risk Reduction
Authors: Reynolds G. Shawn , Bennett Joel B.
Published: January 2014

Purpose.

The current study adapted two workplace substance abuse prevention programs and tested a conceptual model of workplace training effects on help seeking and alcohol consumption.

Design.

Questionnaires were collected 1 month before, 1 month after, and 6 months within a cluster randomized field experiment.

Setting.

Texas small businesses in construction, transportation, and service industries.

Subjects.

A total of 1510 employees from 45 businesses were randomly assigned to receive no training or one of the interventions.

Intervention.

The interventions were 4-hour on-the-job classroom trainings that encouraged healthy lifestyles and seeking professional help (e.g., from the Employee Assistance Program [EAP]). The Team Awareness Program focused on peer referral and team building. The Choices in Health Promotion Program delivered various health topics based on a needs assessment.

Measures.

Questionnaires measured help-seeking attitudes and behavior, frequency of drinking alcohol, and job-related incidents.

Analysis.

Mixed-model repeated-measures analyses of covariance were computed.

Results.

Relative to the control group, training was associated with significantly greater reductions in drinking frequency, willingness to seek help, and seeking help from the EAP. After including help-seeking attitudes as a covariate, the correlation between training and help seeking becomes nonsignificant. Help-seeking behavior was not correlated with drinking frequency.

Conclusion.

Training improved help-seeking attitudes and behaviors and decreased alcohol risks. The reductions in drinking alcohol were directly correlated with training and independent from help seeking.
Children's, Their Guardians', and Health Care Professionals' Perceptions of Child Overweight in Relation to Children's Weight Loss Attempts
Authors: Tarasenko Y. N. , Rossen L. M. , Schoendorf K. C.
Published: January 2014

Purpose.

To examine accuracy of children's, their guardians', and health care professionals' (HCPs') perceptions of child overweight and obesity, the degree of agreement between their perceptions, and relationships with weight loss attempts among overweight or obese children.

Design.

Cross-sectional study using 2005–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Setting.

United States.

Subjects.

Out of 4691 children and adolescents, ages 8 to 15 years, 16.4% were overweight (body mass index [BMI] percentiles 85–94.99) and 19.3% were obese (BMI percentiles ≥95).

Measures.

Age and sex-specific BMI percentiles; responses of adult proxies (guardians) on whether they considered their child overweight and whether an HCP had ever told them that their child was overweight; responses of children and adolescents on their self-perceived weight status and whether they were trying to lose weight; children's and guardians' socio-demographic characteristics.

Analysis.

Weighted percentages; sensitivities and Cohen's kappas; adjusted prevalence ratios.

Results.

Children, their guardians, and HCPs underestimated child's actual overweight or obesity status. Little agreement existed between overweight or obese children, their parents, and HCPs on whether these children were overweight or obese. Overweight and obese children perceived as such by themselves, their guardians, and HCPs were 88% and 32%, respectively, more likely to attempt weight loss based on multivariable analyses.

Conclusion.

Accurate and shared perceptions of adiposity in children and adolescents between children themselves, their guardians, and HCPs are positively associated with weight loss attempts among overweight or obese children in the United States.
Hollandse helden. Gemeenschap en natie in middlebrowromans
Authors: Boven, van Erica
Published: January 2014

This article proposes a new approach to middlebrow novels, focused on ideological topics and social functioning. As a demonstration of this approach two very popular middlebrow novels are analyzed on the keyword ‘Dutch’ (Hollands) and a network of related terms: Hollands glorie (1940) by Jan de Hartog and Die van ons (1945) by Willy Corsari. It is argued that these novels express norms and values on social solidarity and national community, in the narration as well as thematically. These values were hold broadly and strongly in the 1930s and 1940s. By giving shape to these central norms the novels could fulfill essential social needs and fundamental psychological functions. The novels meet the middlebrow program that advocated a view on literature as a binding force in society.
De modaliteit van temporaliteit
Authors: Boogaart Ronny
Published: January 2014

This contribution discusses three problems with the analysis of Dutch zullen (‘will’/’shall’) proposed by Verkuyl & Broekhuis. First, they do not distinguish systematically between instances in which the finite form is constituted by the main verb and instances in which the finite form is an auxiliary such as zullen; the semantics they assume for PRES is too vague to capture the interpretation of tensed forms, especially that of epistemic modals. Second, both diachronic and synchronic evidence suggests that there cannot be an absolute distinction between the temporal and the modal reading of zullen. Third, tense itself may also be used to convey modality. This is particularly clear for the past tense of zullen and it cannot be captured by a temporal definition of PAST.
Temporaliteit én modaliteit: een repliek
Authors: Verkuyl Henk J. , Broekhuis Hans
Published: January 2014

This reply addresses Ronny Boogaart’s comments on our contribution Temporaliteit en modaliteit. A general problem with these comments is that Boogaart does not seem to appreciate that we make a strict distinction between semantics (the meaning of the sentence) and pragmatics (the use of the sentence in a given context). The former determines the situations in which a given sentence is true, whereas the latter determines a subset of these situations that are ‘intended’ by the speaker. The central role we attribute to pragmatics in determining the actual location of the eventuality in the relevant present/past tense domain immediately refutes RB’s claim that we do not explicitly refer to contextual factors.
Temporaliteit en modaliteit
Authors: Verkuyl Henk J. , Broekhuis Hans
Published: January 2014

This article reviews Binary Tense theory as developed by Verkuyl (2008) on the basis of three oppositions proposed by Te Winkel (1866): present—past, synchronous—posterior and imperfect—perfect. Verkuyl followed Te Winkel in assuming that the verb zullen (‘will’) can be used as a temporal auxiliary expressing posteriority, but here it will be argued that zullen should be considered a purely modal verb and thus does not contribute to the temporal meaning of the clause. The notion of posteriority is, in fact, an integral part of the meaning of past and present, and can be brought to the fore by the use of temporal adverbs like morgen ‘tomorrow’ or by pragmatic considerations. The article discusses several proposals in the Dutch linguistic literature in which the modal nature of zullen is recognized, but they fail to be convincing in the absence of a crucial innovation: the rejection of the point of speech n as the present in favor of assuming a present tense domain in which n is a moving point that splits the actualized part of the present from its non-actualized (modal) part.
Modelling NO2 concentrations at the street level in the GAINS integrated assessment model: projections under current legislation
Authors: Kiesewetter G. , Borken-Kleefeld J. , Schöpp W. , Heyes C. , Thunis P. , Bessagnet B. , Terrenoire E. , Gsella A. , Amann M.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. NO2 concentrations at the street level are a major concern for urban air quality in Europe and have been regulated under the EU Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution. Despite the legal requirements, limit values are exceeded at many monitoring stations with little or no improvement in recent years. In order to assess the effects of future emission control regulations on roadside NO2 concentrations, a downscaling module has been implemented in the GAINS integrated assessment model. The module follows a hybrid approach based on atmospheric dispersion calculations and observations from the AirBase European air quality database that are used to estimate site-specific parameters. Pollutant concentrations at every monitoring site with sufficient data coverage are disaggregated into contributions from regional background, urban increment, and local roadside increment. The future evolution of each contribution is assessed with a model of the appropriate scale: 28 × 28 km grid based on the EMEP Model for the regional background, 7 × 7 km urban increment based on the CHIMERE Chemistry Transport Model, and a chemical box model for the roadside increment. Thus, different emission scenarios and control options for long-range transport as well as regional and local emissions can be analysed. Observed concentrations and historical trends are well captured, in particular the differing NO2 and total NOx = NO + NO2 trends. Altogether, more than 1950 air quality monitoring stations in the EU are covered by the model, including more than 400 traffic stations and 70% of the critical stations. Together with its well-established bottom-up emission and dispersion calculation scheme, GAINS is thus able to bridge the scales from European-wide policies to impacts in street canyons. As an application of the model, we assess the evolution of attainment of NO2 limit values under current legislation until 2030. Strong improvements are expected with the introduction of the Euro 6 emission standard for light duty vehicles; however, for some major European cities, further measures may be required, in particular if aiming to achieve compliance at an earlier time.
Description of the ERA-CLIM historical upper-air data
Authors: Stickler A. , Brönnimann S. , Jourdain S. , Roucaute E. , Sterin A. , Nikolaev D. , Valente M. A. , Wartenburger R. , Hersbach H. , Ramella-Pralungo L. , Dee D.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Historical, i.e. pre-1957, upper-air data are a valuable source of information on the state of the atmosphere, in some parts of the world dating back to the early 20th century. However, to date, reanalyses have only partially made use of these data, and only of observations made after 1948. Even for the period between 1948 (the starting year of the NCEP/NCAR (National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research) reanalysis) and the International Geophysical Year in 1957 (the starting year of the ERA-40 reanalysis), when the global upper-air coverage reached more or less its current status, many observations have not yet been digitised. The Comprehensive Historical Upper-Air Network (CHUAN) already compiled a large collection of pre-1957 upper-air data. In the framework of the European project ERA-CLIM (European Reanalysis of Global Climate Observations), significant amounts of additional upper-air data have been catalogued (> 1.3 million station days), imaged (> 200 000 images) and digitised (> 700 000 station days) in order to prepare a new input data set for upcoming reanalyses. The records cover large parts of the globe, focussing on, so far, less well covered regions such as the tropics, the polar regions and the oceans, and on very early upper-air data from Europe and the US. The total number of digitised/inventoried records is 61/101 for moving upper-air data, i.e. data from ships, etc., and 735/1783 for fixed upper-air stations. Here, we give a detailed description of the resulting data set including the metadata and the quality checking procedures applied. The data will be included in the next version of CHUAN. The data are available at doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.821222.
Biopharmaceutical characteristics of autologous red blood cells ghosts containing cytokines and antibiotics
Authors: Zhumadilov Zhaxybay , Berikkhanova Kulzhan , Shulgau Zarina , Gulyayev Alexander , Bokebayev Zanybek , Mussin Nadiyar , Nurgozhin Talgat
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Transport systems based on autologous red blood cells for targeted drug delivery can be considered as a promising approach in the treatment of surgical infections. Experimental studies have revealed the feasibility of targeted drug delivery by encapsulation of cytokines and antibiotics into autologous erythrocyte ghosts.Purpose: To study biopharmaceutical characteristics of autologous erythrocyte ghosts containing cytokines and antibiotics (pharmacocytes). Material and methods: The erythrocyte pharmacocytes were prepared by the hypotonic hemolysis method, or  the use of human red blood cells. The association and dissociation indicators of rifampicin and cytokine substances with the erythrocyte ghosts were conducted using standard methods.Results: We have defined the following extracellular concentrations to be optimal for deposition of drug substances into pharmacocytes: for rifampicin – 10 000 μ/ml,  erythropoietin - 1000 IU / ml, TNF-a - 5000 IU / ml, IL-1-β - 5000 U / ml, IFN-γ - 10 000ME / ml, IL-2 - 50 000 IU / ml, angiogenin - 0.04 mg / ml. Two types of correlations of cytokines and pharmacocytes were identified. In this study, we found that 40-60 % of the erythropoietin, IFN- γ and angiogenin were bound to red blood cells ghosts, more than 10% of which were bound irreversibly.   For TNF-a,  IL-1-β and IL-2, the red blood cells ghosts were capable of binding and depositing within 10-20 % of the input extracellular concentration, and these bindings were almost completely reversible. The rifampicin was bound by red blood cells ghosts with 5 % efficiency and also completely reversibly.Conclusion: The study has shown the effectiveness of inclusion of the studied components, such as erythropoietin, IFN-γ and angiogenin into the red blood cells ghosts, with significant efficiency (40-60 %). It presents the potential of using this system in targeted delivery of cytokines and antibiotics for treatment of surgical infections, thus facilitating the reduction in toxicity and adverse systemic effects of drugs and improving the treatment results.
Pre-conception preparation at the antiphospholipid syndrome as way to improve reproductive health
Authors: Tanysheva Gulyash , Kabylova Saule , Kinayatova Sholpan , Zhumazhanova Aizat
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Reproductive health is characterized by the condition of the woman in association with the course of pregnancy and childbirth. In this case, the absence of disease plays a fundamental role. Unfortunately, conditions that can negatively impact reproductive health and cause deterioration of pregnancy and delivery outcomes are frequent in women of reproductive age. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is one of the leading conditions that can negatively affect reproductive health and lead to various complications in pregnancy including fetal loss.Materials and methods: We assessed the effectiveness of pre-conception preparing, including traditional therapy of APS in conjunction with system enzyme therapy (SET) and plasmapheresis sessions. We conducted a study in two groups: women with APS and pre-conception preparing (n = 49) and the control group were women without pre-conception preparing (n = 46).Results: The effect of pre-conception preparing in women with APS was assessed by the course and outcome of pregnancy. The total number of women with complications of pregnancy were 39.1% lower in the study group compared to the control group. Risk of miscarriage in the basic group observed 68.7 % less frequently compared to the  control group. The frequency of pre-eclampsia was 63.5 % less in the study group compared to the control group. We observed significantly lower rates of placental insufficiency in the study group and the difference in this parameter reached 65.2%. The risk of pre-term birth was 59.4 % lower in the study group compared to the control group.Conclusion: We concluded that pre-conception preparing in women with APS increases the possibility of physiological course pregnancy. Pre-conception preparing reduces the incidence of miscarriage, pre-term labor, and the development of pre-eclampsia, and placental insufficiency.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacterium Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
Authors: Kozhakhmetov Samat , Kushugulova Almagul , Supiyev Adil , Tynybayeva Indira , Kairov Ulykbek , Saduakhasova Saule , Shakhabayeva Gulnara , Bapishev Kenzhebulat , Nurgozhin Talgat , Zhumadilov Zhaxybay
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Lactobacilli are a bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. Some species of this genus have probiotic properties. The most common of these is Lactobacillus rhamnosus, a microoganism, generally regarded as safe (GRAS). It is also a homofermentative L-(+)-lactic acid producer. The genus Lactobacillus is characterized by an extraordinary degree of the phenotypic and genotypic diversity. However, the studies of the genus were conducted mostly with the unequally distributed, non-random choice of species for sequencing; thus, there is only one representative genome from the Lactobacillus rhamnosus clade available to date. The aim of this study was to characterize the genome sequencing of selected strains of Lactobacilli.Methods: 109 samples were isolated from national domestic dairy products in the laboratory of Center for life sciences. After screaning isolates for probiotic properties, a highly active Lactobacillus spp strain was chosen.Genomic DNA was extracted according to the manufacturing protocol (Wizard® Genomic DNA Purification Kit). The Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain was identified as the highly active Lactobacillus strain accoridng to its morphological, cultural, physiological, and biochemical properties, and a genotypic analysis.Results: The genome of Lactobacillus rhamnosus was sequenced using the Roche 454 GS FLX (454 GS FLX) platforms. The initial draft assembly was prepared from 14 large contigs (20 all contigs) by the Newbler gsAssembler 2.3 (454 Life Sciences, Branford, CT).Conclusion: A full genome-sequencing of selected strains of lactic acid bacteria was made during the study.
Health benefits of new symbiotic “NAR”
Authors: Saduakhasova Saule , Kushugulova Almagul , Kozhakhmetov Samat , Shakhabayeva Gulnara , Supiyev Adil , Khasenbekova Zhanagul , Tynybayeva Indira , Nurgozhin Talgat , Zhumadilov Zhaxybay
Published: January 2014

Introduction: The immune-modulatory effects of synbiotics and their ability to reduce free radical levels may be useful for functional food that is able to be active throughout whole period of colonization of the gastrointestinal tract.The aim of the present study was to investigate the immune-modulatory and antioxidant effects of the synbiotic product "NАR," a probiotic beverage.Methods: The presence of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, αTNF, γIFN, Ig A, Ig M, and Ig E was studied in vitro using a solid immunosorbent analysis. The total antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase were determined by a spectrophotometry using the Sigma-Aldrich sets.Results: Studies of the immune-modulatory properties of the synbiotic product NAR showed 1.7 fold increase of γINF levels (p<0.01) in blood after consumption of the synbiotic product “NAR” in comparison to control values, whereas the concentrations of IL-4 and Ig E decreased 2.0 times (treatment: 9.3; control: 18.7; p<0.01) and 1.3 times (p<0.1), respectively. The consumption of the synbiotic product “NAR” caused an increase in the proportion of γINF/IL 4 (treatment: 15.4; control: 4.4; p<0.01), which indicates a reduction in functional activity of Th2-type lymphocytes in comparison with the function of Th1 cells.Our study showed a high level of the total antioxidant activity of the synbiotic product (67.4 mmol/ml). The antioxidant activity of the intact cells of consortium (15.3 mM/ml), which was the basis for the preparation of the symbiotic product, is several times lower than the activity observed in the symbiotic samples.Expression of SOD is one of the mechanisms of antioxidant stress radicals inactivation by bacteria. The analysis identified a superoxide dismutase activity of synbiotic product (1.42 U/mg protein). A glutathione reductase activity of the synbiotic product was elevated (0.06 U/ml). Conclusion: The majority of the inflammatory mediators found in the blood after the consumption of symbiotic product NAR were inflammatory mediators that activate a cellular component of the resistance. Moreover, the symbiotic product has a high antioxidant activity.
Antioxidant activity of the probiotic consortium in vitro
Authors: Saduakhasova Saule , Kushugulova Almagul , Kozhakhmetov Samat , Shakhabayeva Gulnara , Tynybayeva Indira , Nurgozhin Talgat , Zhumadilov Zhaxybay
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Available evidence suggests that probiotics have different biological functions that depend on several mechanisms, such as antioxidant and DNA-protective activities. The probiotic consortium includes bacterial cultures such as Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, and other bacterial cultures isolated from traditional Kazakh dairy products (ayran, kumys, shubat, and healthy clinical material). The aim of this study was to investigate the total antioxidant activity of the consortium of probiotic bacteria and to determine the activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and DNA-protective action.Material and methods: In vitro comet assay was used to determine the antigenotoxicity of the probiotic consortium. Total antioxidant activity was determined using a method of analysis with Trolox as the equivalent. The analysis method of superoxide dismutase activity assesses the inhibition rate of the nitroblue tetrazolium reduction to formazan by superoxide dismutase. Determination of glutathione reductase activity is based on the measurement of the NADPH oxidation speed.Results: A significantly high level of the total antioxidant activity of the probiotic consortium intact cells (15.3 mM/ml) was observed whereas the activity index of  lysate  was 11.1 mM/ml.The superoxide dismutase activity of probiotic consortium lysate was evaluated, with values that peaked at 0.24 U/mg protein. The superoxide dismutase activity of the consortium was lower in comparison to L.fernentum E-3 and L.fernentum E-18 cultures with values of 0.85 U/mg and 0.76 U/mg protein, respectively. SOD activity of probiotic consortium whole cells was not observed, which is typical for lactic acid bacteria.Glutathione reductase plays an important role in the optimal protection from oxidative stress. Glutathione reductase activity of the studied probiotic consortium was low; moreover, the activity of the lysate was two times higher than the activity of the cells reaching 0.01 units/ml. Investigations by Dr. Li have shown that the intracellular glutathione may give a significant protection of Lactococcus from the damaging action of H2O2, even at very low concentrations.The data from our study suggests that the co-incubation of the epithelial cells with probiotic bacteria reduces the percentage of damaged cells (damage index–0.60).Conclusion: The studied probiotic consortium has antigenotoxic and antioxidant activities. Preparations and products of this probiotic consortium may serve as a protective component in the intestinal microbial ecosystem.
Evaluation of communication between physicians and patients in Astana City Hospital №1
Authors: Zhumadilova Anara , Craig Brett J. , Tsoy Alexey , Gabdrakhmanova Alla , Bobak Martin
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Communication between patients and health care providers is important for the effective functioning of health care systems. Miscommunication often stems from discrepancies in expectations of both healthcare professionals and patients due to cultural and historical influences. We investigated the degree to which health care providers (doctors and nurses) and patients in Kazakhstan believe that interaction between doctors and patients should be doctor- or patient-oriented.Material and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 163 patients and 176 health care providers (71 doctors and 105 nurses) in a general hospital in Astana, Kazakhstan. The subjects completed a structured questionnaire containing the Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS), and scales assessing life and job satisfaction, effort-reward balance of healthcare professionals, and the patients’ perceptions of communication practices.Results: An overwhelming majority of doctors (81.7%), nurses (88.1%), and patients (92.3%) were doctor-oriented. Among health care providers, PPOS was not associated with age, sex, life and job satisfaction, or effort-reward imbalance. Among patients, PPOS was not associated with age, sex, or specialty of health care provider. However, higher PPOS among patients (indicating preference for patient-oriented interaction) was associated with higher satisfaction with communication with health care providers and, less strongly, with their life satisfaction.Conclusion: The main finding of this study is the very small proportion of doctors, nurses and patients who believe that interaction should be patient-oriented. These results highlight the necessity of improvement of communication among health care providers towards patient-oriented approach in order to decrease miscommunication with patients. The fact that most patients prefer doctor-oriented interaction may reflect historical stereotypes; educational/information interventions among patients may also be needed.
Study of genetic markers of cardiac arrhythmias in Kazakhstan
Authors: Bekbossynova Makhabbat , Akilzhanova Ainur , Abilova Zhannur , Abdrahmanov Ayan , Nuralinov Omirbek
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Cardiac arrhythmias are the most common cause of mortality and sudden cardiac death worldwide. In the past decade, genetic factors underlying arrhythmogenic diseases have been revealed and given novel insights in to the understanding and treatment of arrhythmias predisposing one to sudden cardiac death.Material and methods: We conducted a pilot genetic screening of two patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) and 14 patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT) for genetic variants in the human ryanodine receptor gene 2 (hRYR2). The most relevant 45 hot-spot exons of hRYR2 were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and directly sequenced.Results: One novel mutation in a CPVT patient (c.A13892T; p.D4631V) and a novel mutation in a VT patient (c.G5428C; p.V1810L) were identified. Both variants are located at phylogenetically conserved positions and predicted pathogenesis. Three known synonymous SNPs (rs3765097, rs2253273, and TMP ESp1 237664067) were detected in the study group. No further variants within the target regions were detected in the study group.Conclusion: The results of study can be applied to risk asssessment for life-threatening arrhythmias and assist in development of appropriate strategies for prevention of sudden cardiac death. The implementation of these strategies would assist in the management of patients with genetically determined arrhythmias in Kazakhstan.
Peptidoglycan Hydrolases of Local Lactic Acid Bacteria from Kazakh Traditional Food
Authors: Shaikhin Serik , Moldagulova Asel , Kazhybayev Abzal , Kairova Markhabat , Lee Constantine , Urazova Maira , Almagambetov Kairtai
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Peptidoglycan (PG) is a major component of the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria and is essential for maintaining the integrity of the bacterial cell and its shape. The bacteria synthesize PG hydrolases, which are capable of cleaving the covalent bonds of PG. They also play an important role in modeling PG, which is required for bacterial growth and division. In an era of increasing antibiotic-resistant pathogens, PG hydrolases that destroy these important structures of the cell wall act as a potential source of new antimicrobials. The aim of this study is to identify the main PG hydrolases of local lactic acid bacteria isolated from traditional foods that enhance probiotic activity of a biological preparation.Methods. Lactococcus lactis 17А and Lactococcus garvieae 19А were isolated from the traditional sausage-like meat product called kazy. They were isolated according to standards methods of microbiology. Genetic identification of the isolates were tested by determining the nucleotide sequences of 16S rDNA. The Republican collection of microorganisms took strains of Lactobacillus casei subsp. Rhamnosus 13-P, L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis CG-1 B-RKM 0044 from cheese, Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei B-RKM 0202 from homemade butter. They used the standard technique of renaturating polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to detect PG hydrolases activity.Results. According to the profiles of PG hydrolase activity on zymograms, the enzymes of Lactococci 17A and 19A in kazy are similar in electrophoretic mobility to major autolysin AcmA, while the lactobacilli of industrial and home-made dairy products have enzymes similar to extracellular proteins p40 and p75, which have probiotic activity.Conclusions. Use of peptidoglycan hydrolases seems to be an interesting approach in the fight against multi-drug resistant strains of bacteria and could be a valuable tool for the treatment of diseases caused by these microorganisms in Kazakhstan.
In vivo Biotinylation Based Method for the Study of Protein-Protein Proximity in Eukaryotic Cells
Authors: Kulyyassov Arman , Ramanculov Erlan , Ogryzko Vasily
Published: January 2014

Introduction: The spatiotemporal order plays an important role in cell functioning and is affected in many pathologies such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. One of the ultimate goals of molecular biology is reconstruction of the spatiotemporal structure of a living cell at the molecular level. This task includes determination of proximities between different molecular components in the cell and monitoring their time- and physiological state-dependent changes. In many cases, proximity between macromolecules arises due to their interactions; however, the contribution of dynamic self-organization in generation of spatiotemporal order is emerging as another viable possibility. Specifically, in proteomics, this implies that the detection of protein-protein proximity is a more general task than gaining information about physical interactions between proteins, as it could detail aspects of spatial order in vivo that are challenging to reconstitute in binding experiments in vitro.Methods: In this work, we have developed a method of monitoring protein-protein proximity in vivo. For this purpose, the BirA was fused to one of the interaction partners, whereas the BAP was modified to make the detection of its biotinylation possible by mass spectrometry.Results: Using several experimental systems, we showed that the biotinylation is interaction dependent. In addition, we demonstrated that BAP domains with different primary amino acid structures and thus with different molecular weights can be used in the same experiment, providing the possibility of multiplexing. Alternatively to the changes in primary amino acid structure, the stable isotope format can also be used, providing another way to perform multiplexing experiments. Finally, we also demonstrated that our system could help to overcome another limitation of current methodologies to detect protein-protein proximity. For example, one can follow the state of a protein of interest at a defined time after its interaction with another protein has occurred. This application should be particularly useful for studying multistep intracellular processes, where the proximities between proteins and protein properties typically changed in a sequential manner.Conclusion: This approach has promised in adding temporal dimension in addition to helping reconstruct cell topology in space.
Deprivation of human natural killer cells and antitumor immune response
Authors: Ogay Vyacheslav , Sekenova Aliya , Choi Inpyo
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Cell-based immunotherapy has been given increased attention as a treatment for cancer. Human natural killer (NK) cells are resident lymphocyte populations. They exhibit potent antitumor activity without human leukocyte antigen matching and without prior antigen exposure. They also are a promising tool for immunotherapy of solid and hematologic cancers. However, most cancer patients do not have enough NK cells to induce an effective antitumor immune response. This demonstrates a need for a source of NK cells that can supplement the endogenous cell population.Material and methods: In this study, we derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from peripheral blood T-lymphocytes using Sendai virus vectors.Results: Generated iPSCs exhibited monoclonal T cell receptors (TCR) rearrangement in their genome, a hallmark of mature terminally differentiated T cells. These iPSCs were differentiated into NK cells using a two-stage coculture system: iPSCs into hematopoietic CD34+ cells with feeder cells M210-B4 (ATCC, USA) and CD34+ cells into mature NK cells with AFT024 cells (ATCC, USA). Our results showed that iPSC-derived NK cells expressed CD56, CD16, NKp 44 and NKp 46, possessed high cytotoxic activity  and produced high level of interferon-γ.Conclusion: Based on our data, derivation of NK cells from induced pluripotent stem cells should be considered in the treatment of oncologic diseases.This would allow for the development of cell therapy for cancer using immunologically compatible NK cells derived from iPSCs. This may contribute to a more efficient treatment of oncologic diseases in addition to traditional cancer treatment.
The EU and the European Social Charter: Never the Twain Shall Meet?
Authors: Khaliq Urfan
Published: January 2014

This article examines the relationship between the EU and the Council of Europe’s Social Charter. It considers the differing approaches to the protection of economic and social rights and the relationship between the two legal orders. It further examines whether the EU should consider acceding to the European Social Charter so as to ensure the effective protection of economic and social rights.
Using Comparative Reasoning in Human Rights Adjudication: The Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights Compared
Authors: McCrudden Christopher
Published: January 2014

This chapter examines the relationship between the methods that the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) use to decide disputes that involve ‘human’ or ‘fundamental’ rights claims, and the substantive outcomes that result from the use of these particular methods. It has a limited aim: in attempting to understand the interrelationship between human rights methodology and human rights outcomes, it considers primarily the use of ‘comparative reasoning’ in ‘human’ and ‘fundamental’ rights claims by these courts. It is not primarily concerned with examining the extent to which the use of comparative reasoning is based on an appropriate methodology or whether there is a persuasive normative theory underpinning the use of comparative reasoning. The issues considered in this chapter do some of the groundwork, however, that is necessary in order to address these methodological and normative questions.
From Hard to Soft: Governance in the EU Internal Market
Authors: Hatzopoulos Vassilis
Published: January 2014

At least three generations of governance methods have been—and are still being—used for the regulation of the internal market: the classic EU method, leading to harmonisation and (more rarely) unification; the ‘new approach’ based on mutual recognition and the use of standards; and ‘new governance’ which does not entail any formal delegation of powers to the EU and operates through self-regulation, the creation of EU agencies and networks, administrative cooperation and other means of open coordination. It is impossible to establish either a hierarchy or a clear chronological order between these methods, while it is also quite difficult to reach a clear conclusion as to their efficiency. What is certain is that all methods of governance are under constant adjustment and that they all feed into one another in order to secure the smooth operation of the internal market. The interaction between these methods is the topic of the present chapter.
The Import of International Customary Law into the EU Legal Order: The Adequacy of a Direct Effect Analysis
Authors: Croquet Nicolas AJ
Published: January 2014

The EU case law, embodied by the Racke judgment, constituted a normative compromise between the judicial treatment of international customary law and that of international treaties. Indeed, the lack of precision of an international customary norm would not prevent it from being assessed by the EU Courts on the merits of the case, albeit to a lesser degree of judicial review. The lack of precision of an international treaty provision would in contrast make it unenforceable on the facts of the case (subject to two exceptions and the doctrine of consistent interpretation), whereas when sufficiently precise, the treaty provision would be assessed in full by the EU Courts. In Air Transport Association of America, the Court of Justice projected onto the challenged EU secondary act a hybrid and alternative direct effect analysis, borrowed in part from the classical approach to direct effect and in part from the first branch of the direct concern standing requirement whilst also adopting an absolute manifest violation test due to an imprecision bias targeted at all international customary norms. The Court of Justice thereby disrupted this normative compromise: any international customary norm, provided that it or the challenged EU secondary act passes the hybrid direct effect test, would also trigger a marginal form of judicial review in validity review actions before the EU Courts, regardless of its nature and inherent qualities. This chapter aims to argue that the direct effect requirements, which emerge from the case law on the import of international treaties into the EU legal order, remain adequate to assess the judicial enforceability of ordinary international customary law in the EU legal system minus the requirement revolving around the broad logic and nature of the international customary norm. International customary norms should, accordingly, be assessed on the basis of the same direct effect criteria as those applicable to the Constitutive Treaties and EU secondary acts when assessing their relation to Member States’ national legal orders. However, the precision and unconditionality criteria ought to be appreciated with more flexibility with regard to the import of international customary norms in order to account for their unique normative character. The ‘express reference’ ‘implementation’ exceptions specific to the international treaty judicial context may also be transposed to the assessment of international customary law in validity review actions. The application of the doctrine of consistent interpretation to international customary norms and their use as interpretative tools before the EU Courts constitute judicial implications of the principle of primacy of international customary law binding upon the Union over inconsistent EU secondary acts.
Judicial Review of Measures Implementing Security Council Resolutions: The Relevance of the EU Principle of Loyal Cooperation
Authors: Nanopoulos Eva
Published: January 2014

In recent years, the question of whether, and to what extent, measures implementing United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolutions can be subject to judicial review has stirred heated debates. This contribution takes a fresh look at the question in the context of the EU’s implementation of a series of Security Council Resolutions relating to the fight against terrorism using the well-established EU principle of loyal cooperation. It suggests that the principle could play a role in determining the appropriate standard and intensity of judicial review, and considers the value of approaching the question in that way.