bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prohibitins and Ras2 protein cooperate in the maintenance of mitochondrial function during yeast aging.
Authors: Kirchman Paul A , Miceli Michael V , West Roger L , Jiang James C , Kim Sangkyu , Jazwinski S Michal
Published: December 2019

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has a finite replicative life span. Yeasts possess two prohibitins, Phb1p and Phb2p, in similarity to mammalian cells. These proteins are located in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where they are involved in the processing of newly-synthesized membrane proteins. We demonstrate that the elimination of one or both of the prohibitin genes in yeast markedly diminished the replicative life span of cells that lack fully-functional mitochondria, while having no effect on cells with functioning mitochondria. This deleterious effect was suppressed by the deletion of the RAS2 gene. The expression of PHB1 and PHB2 declined gradually up to 5-fold during the life span. Cells in which PHB1 was deleted in conjunction with the absence of a mitochondrial genome displayed remarkable changes in mitochondrial morphology, distribution, and inheritance. This loss of mitochondrial integrity was not seen in cells devoid of PHB1 but possessing an intact mitochondrial genome. In a subset of the cells, the changes in mitochondrial integrity were associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species, which co-localized with the altered mitochondria. The mitochondrial deficits described above were all suppressed by deletion of RAS2. Our data, together with published information, are interpreted to provide a unified view of the role of the prohibitins in yeast aging. This model posits that the key initiating event is a decline in mitochondrial function, which leads to progressive oxidative damage that is exacerbated in the absence of the prohibitins. This aggravation of the initial damage is ameliorated by the suppression of the production of mitochondrial proteins in the absence of Ras2p signaling of mitochondrial biogenesis.
Analysis of microsatellite instability and loss of heterozygosity in breast cancer with the use of a well characterized multiplex system.
Authors: Powierska-Czarny Jolanta , Miścicka-Sliwka Danuta , Czarny Jakub , Grzybowski Tomasz , Wozniak Marcin , Drewa Gerard , Czechowicz Włodzimierz , Sir Jan
Published: December 2019

Analysis of microsatellite instability (MI) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) is recommended for screening patients with sporadic and hereditary malignancies. This study shows an application of a fluorescent hexaplex PCR system for microsatellite typing on A.L.F. DNA Sequencer (Pharmacia Biotech). This technique detects changes in microsatellites providing a time-efficient, reliable and accurate method for MI and LOH analyses. The Fragment Manager software was used for automated size calculation and quantitation of DNA fragments, enabling rapid and precise measurement of allelic ratios. We examined 70 breast cancer and 70 control DNA specimens, classified all the patterns of microsatellite alterations, and set up MI and LOH assessment criteria for the automated multiplex fluorescent method.
Plant purple acid phosphatases - genes, structures and biological function.
Authors: Olczak Mariusz , Morawiecka Bronisława , Watorek Wiesław
Published: December 2019

The properties of plant purple acid phosphatases (PAPs), metallophosphoesterases present in some bacteria, plants and animals are reviewed. All members of this group contain a characteristic set of seven amino-acid residues involved in metal ligation. Animal PAPs contain a binuclear metallic center composed of two irons, whereas in plant PAPs one iron ion is joined by zinc or manganese ion. Among plant PAPs two groups can be distinguished: small PAPs, monomeric proteins with molecular mass around 35 kDa, structurally close to mammalian PAPs, and large PAPs, homodimeric proteins with a single polypeptide of about 55 kDa. Large plant PAPs exhibit two types of structural organization. One type comprises enzymes with subunits bound by a disulfide bridge formed by cysteines located in the C-terminal region around position 350. In the second type no cysteines are located in this position and no disulfide bridges are formed between subunits. Differences in structural organisation are reflected in substrate preferences. Recent data reveal in plants the occurrence of metallophosphoesterases structurally different from small or large PAPs but with metal-ligating sequences characteristic for PAPs and expressing pronounced specificity towards phytate or diphosphate nucleosides and inorganic pyrophosphate.
Targeting BACE with small inhibitory nucleic acids - a future for Alzheimer's disease therapy?
Authors: Nawrot Barbara
Published: December 2019

beta-Secretase, a beta-site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme (BACE), participates in the secretion of beta-amyloid peptides (Abeta), the major components of the toxic amyloid plaques found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). According to the amyloid hypothesis, accumulation of Abeta is the primary influence driving AD pathogenesis. Lowering of Abeta secretion can be achieved by decreasing BACE activity rather than by down-regulation of the APP substrate protein. Therefore, beta-secretase is a primary target for anti-amyloid therapeutic drug design. Several approaches have been undertaken to find an effective inhibitor of human beta-secretase activity, mostly in the field of peptidomimetic, non-cleavable substrate analogues. This review describes strategies targeting BACE mRNA recognition and its down-regulation based on the antisense action of small inhibitory nucleic acids (siNAs). These include antisense oligonucleotides, catalytic nucleic acids - ribozymes and deoxyribozymes - as well as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). While antisense oligonucleotides were first used to identify an aspartyl protease with beta-secretase activity, all the strategies now demonstrate that siNAs are able to inhibit BACE gene expression in a sequence-specific manner, measured both at the level of its mRNA and at the level of protein. Moreover, knock-down of BACE reduces the intra- and extracellular population of Abeta40 and Abeta42 peptides. An anti-amyloid effect of siNAs is observed in a wide spectrum of cell lines as well as in primary cortical neurons. Thus targeting BACE with small inhibitory nucleic acids may be beneficial for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and for future drug design.
Differentiated Paju cells have increased resistance to toxic effects of potassium ionophores.
Authors: Teplova Vera , Jääskeläinen Elina , Salkinoja-Salonen Mirja , Saris Nils-Erik L , Serlachius Martina , Li Feng-Yen , Andersson Leif C
Published: December 2019

In this study we have investigated the impact of differentiation of neuronal cells on their sensitivity to microbial toxins. We used the human neural crest-derived tumor cell line Paju, which can be induced to differentiation in vitro by treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. Addition of the highly toxic potassium ionophores cereulide (4.5 and 9.0 ng/ml) or valinomycin (20 ng/ml), to cultures of undifferentiated Paju cells caused collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential - measured with the fluorescent probe 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetrabenzimidazole carbocyanine iodide (JC-1) followed by detachment of the cells and their apoptotic death. After induced differentiation of the Paju cells, their mitochondria retained the membrane potential upon exposure to the toxins and the cells displayed increased resistance to apoptosis as compared with undifferentiated cells. This effect may be caused by an elevated expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and of the neuroprotective factor, stanniocalcin, in differentiated cells.
Cd2+ -promoted mitochondrial permeability transition: a comparison with other heavy metals.
Authors: Belyaeva Elena A , Glazunov Vadim V , Korotkov Sergey M
Published: December 2019

We compared action of Cd(2+), Hg(2+), and Cu(2+) on isolated rat liver mitochondria in the absence of added Ca(2+) and P(i). The heavy-metal ions produced dose-dependently: (1) enhanced membrane permeabilization manifested in mitochondrial swelling and activation of basal respiration, (2) inhibition of uncoupler-stimulated respiration, and (3) membrane potential dissipation. Among the metals, Cu(2+) exhibited maximal stimulatory effect on basal respiration and minimal inhibitory action on DNP-uncoupled respiration whilst Cd(2+) promoted the strongest depression of uncoupled respiration and the largest swelling in NH(4)NO(3) medium. Dithiothreitol induced a basal respiration release if added after high [Cd(2+)] and [Hg(2+)], and the stimulation was CsA-insensitive.
The effect of some epsilon-aminocaproic acid derivatives on platelet responses.
Authors: Bruzgo Irena , Tomasiak Marian , Stelmach Halina , Midura-Nowaczek Krystyna
Published: December 2019

epsilon-Aminocaproic acid (EACA) is a synthetic low molecular drug with antifibrinolytic activity. However, treatment with this drug can be incidentally associated with an increased thrombotic tendency. The aim of the present work was to test synthetic EACA derivatives for their antiplatelet activities. We investigated the effect of three EACA derivatives with antifibrinolytic activity: I. epsilon-aminocaproyl-L-leucine hydrochloride (HCl*H-EACA-L-Leu-OH), II. epsilon-aminocaproyl-L-(S-benzyl)-cysteine hydrochloride (HCl*H-EACA-L-Cys(S-Bzl)-OH) and III. epsilon-aminocaproyl-L-norleucine (H-EACA-L-Nle-OH) on platelet responses (aggregation and adhesion) and on their integrity. It was found that: 1. as judged by LDH release test, none of the tested compounds, up to 20 mM, was toxic to platelets, 2. in comparison with EACA, all the synthetic derivatives inhibited much stronger the ADP- and collagen-induced aggregation of platelets suspended in plasma (platelet rich plasma) and aggregation of these cells in whole blood, 3. EACA and its derivatives exerted a similar inhibitory effect on the thrombin-induced adhesion of platelets to fibrinogen-coated surfaces. Since platelet activation and blood coagulation are tightly associated processes, the antiplatelet properties of EACA derivatives are expected to indicate reduced thrombotic properties of these derivatives compared to EACA.
Effect of tetrazole moiety on coordinating efficiency of deltorphin.
Authors: Łodyga-Chruścińska Elzbieta , Ołdziej Stanisław , Micera Giovanni , Sanna Daniele , Chruściński Longin , Olczak Jacek , Zabrocki Janusz
Published: December 2019

A study of the effect of the tetrazole moiety, a cis-amide bond surrogate, on the Cu(II) coordinating properties of oligopeptides is reported. Insertion of the tetrazole moiety Psi[CN(4)] into the peptide sequence of [D-Ala(2)]deltorphin I changes considerably the coordination ability of the peptide. Potentiometric and spectroscopic results show that if the tetrazole moiety is in a suitable position in the peptide chain, i.e. it follows the second residue, a stable CuL species involving 3N coordination is formed in the physiological pH range. The tetrazole Psi[CN(4)] ring provides one of these nitrogens. The data indicate that Cu(II) ions are strongly trapped inside a bent peptide backbone. The peptide conformation changes achieved by Cu(II) coordination may be essential for the binding of tetrazole deltorphins at opiate receptors.
Stereochemistry of insect kinin tetrazole analogues and their diuretic activity in crickets.
Authors: Nachman Ronald J , Coast Geoffrey M , Kaczmarek Krzysztof , Williams Howard J , Zabrocki Janusz
Published: December 2019

Insect kinin analogues of the sequence Phe-Phe-psi[CN(4)]-Ala-Trp-Gly-NH(2) containing (L-Phe(2),L-Ala(3)) and (L-Phe(2),D-Ala(3)) stereochemical variants of the tetrazole moiety, a mimic of the type VI beta-turn, demonstrate significant agonist and partial antagonist activity, respectively, in a cricket diuretic bioassay. A comparison of the solution conformations of these two stereochemical variants indicates a structural basis for their divergent bioactivities. The (D-Phe(2),D-Ala(3)) stereochemical variant was synthesized and found to demonstrate significant agonist activity. The results further define stereochemical requirements for the diuretic activity of insect kinins in crickets and provide valuable information for the design of biostable analogues capable of disrupting digestive and diuretic processes in pest insects.
Conformational properties of N-acetyl-L-alanine N',N'-dimethylamide.
Authors: Siodłak Dawid , Rzeszotarska Barbara , Broda Małgorzata A
Published: December 2019

Ab initio/DFT analysis of the conformational properties of free Ac-Ala-NMe(2) (N-acetyl-L-alanine-N',N'-dimethylamide) in terms of the N-H.O, N-H.N, C-H.O hydrogen bonds and C(delta+) = O(delta-) dipole attractions was performed. The Ala residue combined with the C-terminal tertiary amide prefers an extended conformation and that characteristic of the (i + 1)th position of the betaVIb turn. These can be easily remodelled into a structure compatible with the (i + 1)th position of the betaII/betaVIa turn. The residue has also the potential to adopt the conformation accommodated at both central positions of the betaIII/betaIII' turn or the (i + 1)th position of the betaI/beta'I turn.
Comparison of proteins based on segments structural similarity.
Authors: Plewczynski Dariusz , Pas Jakub , Von Grotthuss Marcin , Rychlewski Leszek
Published: December 2019

We present here a simple method for fast and accurate comparison of proteins using their structures. The algorithm is based on structural alignment of segments of Calpha chains (with size of 99 or 199 residues). The method is optimized in terms of speed and accuracy. We test it on 97 representative proteins with the similarity measure based on the SCOP classification. We compare our algorithm with the LGscore2 automatic method. Our method has the same accuracy as the LGscore2 algorithm with much faster processing of the whole test set, which is promising. A second test is done using the ToolShop structure prediction evaluation program and shows that our tool is on average slightly less sensitive than the DALI server. Both algorithms give a similar number of correct models, however, the final alignment quality is better in the case of DALI. Our method was implemented under the name 3D-Hit as a web server at http://3dhit.bioinfo.pl/ free for academic use, with a weekly updated database containing a set of 5000 structures from the Protein Data Bank with non-homologous sequences.
Interaction of an anticancer ruthenium complex HInd[RuInd2Cl4] with cytochrome c.
Authors: Trynda-Lemiesz Lilianna
Published: December 2019

Cytochrome c is an important electron transfer protein in the respiratory chain, shuttling electrons from cytochrome c reductase to cytochrome c oxidase. Extensive chemical modification studies indicate significant electrostatic interactions between these proteins and show that all structural and conformational changes of cytochrome c can influence the electron transport. In the present work we examine the effect of an anticancer ruthenium complex, trans-Indazolium (bisindazole) tetrachlororuthenate(III) (HInd[RuInd(2)Cl(4)]), on the conformation of cytochrome c, the state of the heme moiety, formation of the protein dimer and on the folding state of apocytochrome c. For this purpose, gel-filtration chromatography, absorption second derivative spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP(AES)) were used. The present data have revealed that binding of the potential anticancer drug HInd[RuInd(2)Cl(4)] complex to cytochrome c induces a conformation of the protein with less organized secondary and tertiary structure.
Prevalence of non-odontogenic infectious lesions of oral mucosa in a group of Iranian patients during 11 years: a cross sectional study
Authors: Haghighat Sara , Rezazadeh Fahimeh
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives: Oral mucosal infections are an important type of oral lesions. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiology of oral mucosal infectious lesions in patients who referred to Oral Medicine Department of Shiraz Dental School, Iran during 11 years. Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, records of all patients who referred to Oral Medicine Department of Shiraz Dental School from September 2007 to January 2018 were assessed and those data sheets which their definitive diag- nosis were a kind of oral mucosal infectious lesion were recorded. Pearson Chi- square test was used for statistical analysis. Level of significance was considered as P value < 0.05. Results: Overall prevalence of oral mucosal infectious lesions was 9.47%. Generally, mean age of patients was 42.92 ± 18.84 and most of them were female. Most common type of infectious lesions was fungal infections, but viral and bacterial infections were less common. Among fungal infections, most lesions were candidiasis and only 3 cases were diagnosed as deep fungal infection. HSV infection was the second common oral infectious lesion. There was a significant relation between infectious lesion and systemic disease or medication use (P=0.000). Conclusion: This study is the first epidemiologic study in Iran, concerning oral mucosal infectious lesions. Total of 9.47% of oral lesions were infective, candidiasis and HSV lesions were the most common oral mucosal infective disease, which were more prevalent amongst female, middle age people and patients with systemic disease.
Cloning and sequencing of the ompL37 gene present in Leptospira interrogans, a surface protein in pathogenic leptospires
Authors: Rezaei Elaheh , Khaki Pejvak , Moradi Bidhendi Soheila , Noofeli Mojtaba , Soltani Maryam Sadat
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives: Leptospirosis, an infection caused by pathogenic leptospires, is associated with insufficient sanitation and poverty. Leptospira is transmitted through contact with contaminated urine of reservoir animals. The primary objective of this study was to clone and sequence the ompL37 gene present in local and vaccine serovars. Materials and Methods: A total of 16 Leptospira interrogans serovars were cultured in EMJH liquid medium. After grow- ing, genomic DNA was extracted using phenol-chloroform method. Primer pair was synthesized to amplify the 996 bp ompL37 sequence. The amplified ompL37 gene was cloned into pTZ57R/T vector. The sequences obtained from this study were compared with an only recorded sequence in the Genbank by the Meg Align software. Results: PCR products showed an amplified 996bp ompL37 gene product belonging to pathogenic serovars, while no ompL37 products were amplified in non-pathogenic serovars. Sequences comparison tests from 16 native serotypes exam- ined in this study displayed a similarity range of 84% to 99.5% among serovars used. The results showed that two serotypes of L. interrogans including Serjoehardjo (RTCC2810 and RTCC2821) had the highest identity up to 95.5%. Two serovars of L. interrogans including Pomona (RTCC2822) and Icterohaemorrhagiae (RTCC2823) had the lowest identity about 84%. Conclusion: As the results showed, ompL37, present on the surface of such bacteria, showed a conserved sequence. ompL37, as a key role in cell adhesion and pathogenicity, can be used for designing diagnostic tests and vaccines. Furthermore, se- quencing of various sites in ompL37 gene, including binding sites and immunogenic epitopes, can be valuable alternatives for future studies.
Physico-chemical and cytotoxic analysis of a novel large molecular weight bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus casei TA0021
Authors: Noroozi Elham , Mojgani Naheed , Motevaseli Elahe , Modarressi Mohammad Hossein , Tebianian Majid
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives: Antimicrobial peptides produced by lactic acid bacteria have gained enormous attention owing to their health benefits. This study aimed to isolate, purify and characterize the antibacterial protein produced by au- tochthonous Lactobacillus casei TA0021 strain. Materials and Methods: The antagonistic activity of L. casei TA0021 against a number of pathogenic bacteria was tested by agar well diffusion assay. The antimicrobial agent in the neutralized supernatant fluids was subjected to the action of proteolytic enzymes, catalase, lipase and lysozyme, and their tolerance to variable pH and temperature was estimated. The proteinaceous antagonistic compound was precipitated by 60% w/v ammonium sulphate, desalted and subjected to cation exchange and gel filtration chromatography. Approximate molecular weight of Lactocin was determined by SDS-PAGE and non-denaturing gel electrophoresis. Hemoglobin release assay and cytotoxicity effect of Lactocin TA0021 was determined. The results were statistically analyzed. Results: The antagonistic agent active against Salmonella Typhimurium and Shigella flexneri appeared resistant to catalase and lipase treatments, while sensitive to the tested proteolytic enzymes. Lactocin TA0021 resisted acidic pH values of 3.0, while alkaline pH values of ˃9 completely destroyed the activity. The antibacterial peptide was approximately 68 KDa and heat labile as lost its activity at 100°C after 5 minutes. The bacteriocin was non-toxic to MRC-5 cell lines and non-hemolytic. Purification method lead to increase in antibacterial activity while, subsequent decrease in recovery and yield was observed with increasing purification fold. Conclusion: The purified antimicrobial protein from L. casei TA0021 might be used for application in medicinal and food products.
The effect of zinc supplementation on pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1 AND IL-6) in mice with Escherichia coli LPS-induced diarrhea
Authors: Yusuf Sulaiman , Soenarto Yati , Juffrie Muhammad , Lestariana Wiryatun
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives: Inflammation in the intestine causes diarrhea due to an increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6. These are triggered by the exposure of E. coli-LPS to epithelial cells of the intestinal mucosa as well as low concentration of zinc in plasma such as in infants or children who are experiencing diarrhea. This paper aims to determine the effects of zinc supplementation on pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6) in mice with E. coli-LPS-induced diarrhea. Materials and Methods: This study used a controlled trial experimental design in the laboratory. A sample size of 20 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: 1) Control group was given standard foods, 2) Trial group was given E. coli-LPS 2.5 mg/kg/oral once on day1, 3) Prevention group was given E. coli-LPS + 30 mg/kg/oral of zinc once daily for 12 days, 4) Therapeutic group was given E. coli-LPS, and were then given 30 mg/kg/oral of zinc once daily for 12 days if diarrhea occurred. Blood samples of mice were taken through the orbital sinus on the 0, 5th, 10th hour, and on the 4th, 8th and 12th days. Results: Positive effects of zinc supplementation on levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were observed, in which the higher levels of zinc were present, the lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially TNF-α were observed. However, there was an increase of IL-1 and IL-6 levels on the 8th day in the prevention and therapeutic groups. Conclusion: Oral zinc supplementation had a significant positive effect on the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Where there were higher levels of zinc, lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α were present.
Zinc solubilization characteristics of efficient siderophore-producing soil bacteria
Authors: Eshaghi Ebrahim , Nosrati Rahim , Owlia Parviz , Malboobi Mohammad Ali , Ghaseminejad Pejman , Ganjali Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives: Iron and zinc are two essential micro-nutrients for plant growth and development. Therefore, isolation of siderophores-producing and zinc-solubilizing rhizobacteria involved in bio-availability of these elements is of great interest. Materials and Methods: In this study, soil samples collected from slightly alkaline soil types were screened for high levels of siderophore secretion and zinc solubilization. Results: Among positive colonies, three isolates, named F21A, F37 and F38, were able to secrete siderophore at high levels, ranged between 200 and 300 µM/liter. A close association was observed between siderophore production capability and growth rate as an indicator of active metabolism. Siderophore production was closely correlated with the level of zinc ion released into the medium as well. All three siderophore producing isolates were able to withstand temperature as high as 37°C, high concentration of NaCl (up to 2.5%) and a wide range of initial pH from 6 to 9 while hydrolyzing Zn compounds actively. One of the isolates, F21A, tolerated the presence of 200 mgl-1 of zinc. Biochemical and molecular characteristics are indicative that these isolates are Pseudomonas japonica. As experienced in a greenhouse experiment, inoculation with the F21A and F37 isolates significantly increase the plants height, fresh and dry weight of corn with compared to control. Conclusion: These findings demonstrated that the potential of P . japonica strains as plants growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in iron and zinc deficient soils.
Serum protein electrophoresis pattern in patients living with HIV: frequency of possible abnormalities in Iranian patients
Authors: Nozarian Zohreh , Mehrtash Vahid , Abdollahi Alireza , Aeinehsazi Saloomeh , Khorsand Atieh , Eftekhar-Javadi Arezoo , Safaei Masoumeh , Nili Fatemeh
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives: This prospective case-control study was conducted to evaluate abnormal serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) patterns in patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and its relation with disease severity markers and anti-retroviral treatment status. Materials and Methods: Thirty-seven HIV-positive patients and 24 healthy individuals were evaluated in the course of this study. The healthy HIV-negative individuals were selected as control group. Pregnant women, patients with malignancies, children, hepatitis B- and/or C-positive patients, those with a history of an autoimmune disease, or previous corticosteroid administration were excluded. SPEP—which detects serum levels of albumin, total protein, gammaglobulin—, CD4+ T-cell counts, viral load, and antiretroviral treatment status were assessed. Data were analyzed by SPSS™ software. Results: Twelve patients (32 percent) demonstrated polyclonal gammopathy on SPEP, while only 1 (4 percent) healthy individual had the same pattern (P-value = 0.007). No statistically significant connection between SPEP patterns and antiretroviral treatment status was observed (P-value > 0.05). Interestingly no statistically significant relationship between CD4+ T-cell counts and polyclonal gammopathy was discerned. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups with regards to serum albumin and total protein levels. The serum albumin to total protein percentage, serum gamma globulin to total protein percentage, and serum albumin to globulin ratio was compared between the groups and a statistically significant difference was observed. Conclusion: Polyclonal gammopathy on SPEP is common among HIV-infected patients. Moreover, the SPEP patterns cannot be used as an indication of a patient’s negative or positive response to treatment.
Evaluation of Serum Biomarkers and Other Diagnostic Modalities for Early Diagnosis of Preeclampsia
Authors: Felicia Sunjaya Angela , Paulo Sunjaya Anthony
Published: December 2019

Objective: Preeclampsia (PE) is a multi-systemic complication of pregnancy often characterised with the onset of hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. Today, PE is the leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. An early detection of PE would allow a chance to plan the appropriate monitoring and for clinical management to be immediately done following early detection thus making prophylactic strategies much more effective. Materials and methods: This systematic review aims to evaluate the potential of the various serum biomarkers and diagnostic modalities (uterine artery Doppler, MAP, and maternal history) available for early prediction of PE with articles included and obtained through MEDLINE Full Text, Pubmed, Science Direct, ProQuest, SAGE, Taylor and Francis Online, Google Scholar, HighWire and Elsevier ClinicalKey. Results: Ninety-five articles were found that fulfilled all of our inclusion criteria. Placental growth factor (PlGF), pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFLT) and placental protein 13 (PP-13) were the most commonly studied biomarkers. Whereas uterine Doppler scanning and Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) were the most commonly studied out of other modalities. Conclusion: Current evidence shows serum biomarkers such as PIGF, PP-13 and sFlt yielded the best results for a single biomarker with others having conflicting results. However, a combination model with other diagnostic modalities performed better than a single biomarker. In the future, new techniques will hopefully provide sets of multiple markers, which will lead to a screening program with clinically relevant performance. However further studies are required to improve current methods.
A Rare Case of Serous Papillary Ovarian Epithelial Type Carcinoma in Testis: A Rare Testicular Neoplasm
Authors: Abdollahi Alireza , Ensani Fereshteh , Ayati Mohsen , Jahanian Sepideh , Eftekhar Javadi Arezoo , Khorsand Atieh
Published: December 2019

Ovarian epithelial type carcinomas of testis are an extremely rare group of tumors, a few cases of which having been reported. We present the case of a 67-year-old man, presented with testicular mass and inflation, who underwent radical orchiectomy and pathological and immunohistochemical assessments revealed serous papillary carcinoma of ovarian epithelial type tumor of testis.
Quality of life of Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dehvan Fazel , Saeed Dler Mohammed , Hasanpour Dehkordi Ali , Ghanei Gheshlagh Reza
Published: December 2019

Background & Aim: Diabetes is one of the most common chronic metabolic disorders, and one of the essential health-related challenges in today’s world. In addition to different kind of disabilities, diabetes complications can severely impact the quality of life of patients. The present systematic review and meta-analysis are aimed at examining the quality of life of Iranian patients who have type 2 diabetes based on the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. Methods & Materials: A total of 16 articles published in Persian and English were reviewed without any time limitation. The search was conducted in Iranian databases, including Scientific Information Database, Magiran, and IranMedex; and international databases, including Google Scholar, Web of Science, Pub Med, and Scopus. The data was examined using the meta-analysis method and the random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. The analyses were conducted in Stata, version 11. Results: The mean quality of life score for patients with type 2 diabetes was 61.90 (95% confidence interval: 54.40-69.40). The highest and lowest quality of life scores were for social support (49.19) and mental health (42.96) dimensions, respectively. No significant association was found between the mean quality of life score and year of publication, methodological quality, and mean age of participants (P>0.05). Conclusion: Given that patients with type 2 diabetes have a lower quality of life, especially in terms of mental health, it seems necessary to better understand psychological problems common in this group of patients and design strategies to overcome them.
Practice environment and work-related quality of life among nurses in a selected hospital in Zamboanga, Philippines: A correlational study
Authors: Paolo Barandino Jan , Platon Soriano Gil
Published: December 2019

Background & Aim: Nurses often work in problematic work environments, characterized by various difficulties and stress-factors that can undermine nurses’ full capacity to provide excellent care. Also, the nurse practice environment can have an impact on the quality of work-life, nurse recruitment and retention, and quality patient outcomes. Thus, the study assessed the relationship between practice environment and work-related quality of life as perceived by nurses in a selected hospital in Zamboanga City, Philippines. Methods & Materials: A descriptive correlational design was used in the study, and the total population of nurses was recruited as participants. The Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index and Work-Related Quality of Life Scale were used to gather the needed data. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and Spearman rank-order correlation. Results: A total of 103 nurses were surveyed in the study. In the perceived practice environment scale, it was revealed that the nursing foundation for quality of care was the highest (M=3.01, SD=0.20) and staffing and resource adequacy was the lowest (M=2.56, SD=0.45). On the other hand, job career satisfaction was the highest (M=3.64, SD=0.57) and stress at work was the lowest (M=2.55, SD=0.22) in the perceived work-related quality of life scale. The study showed a significant relationship between the perceived practice environment and perceived work-related quality of life (rho=0.287, p=0.003). Conclusion: The study revealed that nurses have a favorable work-related quality of life and practice environment. However, formulating and enhancing programs for nurses such as incentive and professional development should be done as this can help foster and sustain a positive practice environment and job satisfaction.
Predicting factors of postnatal information needs of Afghan migrants women in Iran
Authors: Sharifi Mahnaz , Amiri-Farahani Leila , Haghani Shima , Hasanpoor-Azghady Seyedeh Batool
Published: December 2019

Background & Aim: Since women experience numerous physical and psychological changes after childbirth, the postnatal period is a sensitive stage for mothers, and they should have access to essential information to cope with these changes. This study aims to determine the predicting factors of the postnatal information needs of Afghan immigrant women living in Iran. Methods & Materials: The present research is a cross-sectional study performed on 280 Afghan pregnant women referred to the selected perinatal health clinics in the southeast of Tehran province from May 22 till July 22, 2018. Using continuous sampling, data were collected by a questionnaire asking for demographic, midwifery, and postnatal information needs. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA, independent t-test, and multiple linear regressions were used for data analysis in SPSS version 21. Results: The findings revealed that the highest and lowest postnatal information needs consisting of having information about postnatal problems (M=3.40, SD=0.3) and initiation of sexual intercourse after childbirth (M=3.08, SD=1.15). According to the multiple linear regression model, receiving routine pregnancy care (P=0.01) and age (P=0.04) were both significantly correlated with the mean of postnatal information needs so that these two variables predict 24% of the total score of postnatal information needs. Conclusion: Women must receive postnatal training and information based on their needs; the demographic and midwifery characteristics of Afghan women should also be considered too.
PROPOSTA DE EMENDA À CONSTITUIÇÃO Nº 65 DE 2012: RÉQUIEM AO LICENCIAMENTO AMBIENTAL
Authors: Gordilho Heron José Santana , Siqueira Raissa Pimentel S.
Published: December 2019

O presente artigo é uma nota legislativa, que a partir do método histórico-evolutivo, promove a análise da Proposta de Emenda Constitucional n. 65, de 12 de dezembro de 2012, que visa promover alterações ao procedimento de licenciamento de empreendimentos potencialmente causadores de significativo impacto, no sentido de torná-lo mais célere. A seção inaugural será dedicada à análise do licenciamento ambiental, enquanto instrumento da Política Nacional do Meio Ambiente, perquirindo a logicidade que permeia o procedimento trifásico, sem prejuízo da análise do rito especial conferido aos empreendimentos potencialmente causadores de significativo impacto ambiental. Em seguida, será relatada a tramitação da Proposta nas Casas Legislativas para, por fim, registrar fundamentadamente os efeitos que adviriam da eventual aprovação, a ruptura à lógica trifásica do licenciamento ambiental, além da violação aos princípios do poluidor-pagador e participação popular.
LOS BIOCARBURANTES SOSTENIBLES: UN ANÁLISIS DEL MARCO REGULATORIO DE LA UNIÓN EUROPEA
Authors: Rigo Portocarrero Izabel , Amin Ferraz Daniel , Oliveira Liziane Paixão Silva
Published: December 2019

Los recursos naturales son finitos, y la intensidad de la contaminación es-tablecida en la sociedad moderna es insostenible. No se debe seguir so-brecargando la biosfera sin antes considerar sus límites y replantear los patrones de consumo y utilización de los recursos naturales. Con base en tal escenario, se fijaron metas muy ambiciosas relativas al desarrollo de combustibles alternativos. En particular, en la Unión Europea (UE), se es-tableció un importante objetivo de sustitución de un 10% de combustibles fósiles por fuentes renovables en el sector de los transportes para 2020. Sin embargo, surgieron dudas sobre la sostenibilidad de la expansión de la demanda de la primera generación de esta energía, que aumenta la presión para intensificar la producción agrícola, generando una potencial amenaza a la seguridad alimentaria. En la UE, estas preocupaciones se tradujeron en una fuerte oposición a la producción de la primera generación de biocar-burantes y el incentivo a un desarrollo cauteloso de las generaciones más avanzadas, orientando el enfoque de la política europea de biocarburantes hacia la sostenibilidad. En este contexto, se propone analizar la evolución de las regulaciones europeas para los biocombustibles sostenibles entre 2005-2014, etapa que coincide con la madurez de la producción y el consu-mo global de los biocarburantes, además de abarcar los cinco años previos y posteriores a la entrada en vigor de la Directiva de Energías Renovables de la UE. Este estudio se realizó con la revisión bibliográfica de fuentes primarias y secundarias, basada en textos normativos de la Unión Europea.
Rol de la disposición a la tecnología en la valoración de elementos tangibles y no tangibles de servicios posventa.
Authors: Castillo Rony
Published: December 2019

Los servicios de posventa han ido adquiriendo un rol preponderante para la generación de resultados para las firmas y la satisfacción de clientes, siendo relevante la comprensión de distintos aspectos de su gestión para la mejora continua de su desempeño. Con base en estos servicios, la presente investigación analiza el rol moderador de la disposición de los clientes en la tecnología en la relación causal, tanto de los elementos tangibles como no tangibles, de los servicios posventa en el valor experiencial de clientes y su disposición de compras futuras; y muestra en sus resultados el impacto favorable que tiene, para las personas con una alta disposición hacia la tecnología, un desempeño positivo de estos recursos en la provisión de estos servicios. Muy probablemente, dado que los elementos tradicionales de los servicios, en general, y los posventa, en particular, van a ir perdiendo su relevancia por la irrupción de la tecnología propia de una auténtica revolución digital como la actual, la presente investigación evalúa cómo los elementos propios de estos servicios influyen en el valor de los clientes, centrándose en cómo la disposición a la tecnología modera este vínculo y tiene el potencial de influir en la valoración final de esta relación en el futuro.
Emprendimiento de base tecnológica: Un reto por cumplir.
Authors: Gómez-Zuluaga María Eugenia
Published: December 2019

Este artículo describe los resultados de la investigación realizada en el marco de la Red Universitaria de Emprendimiento REUNE, adscrita a la Asociación Colombiana de Universidades ASCUN, en la que participaron la Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, la Universidad de Medellín, la Universidad de Antioquia, la Universidad Santo Tomás y la Universidad Francisco de Paula Santander. El proceso investigativo fue de carácter exploratorio, transversal y de campo, con el cual se buscaba identificar si las instituciones de Educación Superior colombianas desarrollan prácticas específicas para la generación y acompañamiento de emprendimientos de base tecnológica. Uno de los resultados más llamativos es que existen vacíos conceptuales y diferentes comprensiones respecto a lo que se entiende por emprendimiento y empresas de base tecnológica entre las IES encuestadas. La relevancia de los resultados obtenidos en la investigación se vincula con el creciente interés del país hacia el tema del emprendimiento basado en un conocimiento especializado, el cual es fortalecido por la reciente aprobación de la Ley de Spin-Off, con la cual se busca definir lineamientos y normas que permitan a las universidades públicas y privadas crear empresas de base tecnológica (spin-off), emprendidas por sus investigadores y que estos obtengan incentivos por la aplicación de sus resultados de investigación.
Dealing with heterogeneity: An analysis of Spanish universities
Authors: Berbegal-Mirabent Jasmina , Gil-Doménech Dolors , De la Torre Rocío
Published: December 2019

Universities are highly dependent on regulatory frameworks, the geographical setting as well as on requirements for the creation of the different outputs they pursue. As a result, universities are heterogeneous organizations. This study analyses universities’ heterogeneity in Spain. By using a dataset from the Spanish higher education system, we model the objective function of universities and investigate which factors help explain universities’ performance, in terms of the three missions that they mostly perform (teaching, research and technology transfer). Also, a cluster analysis is performed to categorise Spanish universities. The findings contribute to better understand the different behaviours shown by universities. The findings underline the heterogeneity of Spanish universities: while some universities focus more on formation (teaching) goals, other universities excel at disseminating knowledge through different scientific outputs. The study concludes with a detailed inter- and intra- group analysis.
Competitividad Empresarial en Costa Rica: un enfoque multidimensional
Authors: Alonso Suyen , Leiva Juan Carlos
Published: December 2019

Este artículo evalúa la eficiencia competitiva de sesenta y siete pequeñas y medianas empresas costarricenses para el 2017. A partir de las bases teóricas del Enfoque Basado ​​en Recursos, se aborda metodológicamente la medición de la competitividad empresarial del grupo de empresas en estudio a través de un índice compuesto por diez pilares, según lo propuesto por Lafuente, Leiva, Moreno y Szerb (2019b). Estos pilares se encuentran interconectados y configuran la competitividad empresarial de las pymes.  Para estimar su eficiencia, se realiza un modelo de análisis envolvente de datos (DEA por sus siglas en inglés), con especificación de un input y un output. Los resultados de la investigación indican que las empresas agrupadas en los sectores de manufactura y servicios muestran los índices de competitividad y eficiencia mayores, lo que es explicado por los pilares de innovación de productos y redes de negocios; mientras que los pilares menos priorizados son internacionalización, mercado interno y recursos humanos. Se concluye que el índice de competitividad es una herramienta que favorecería la toma de decisiones empresariales, pues contribuiría con en el diseño de estrategias empresariales orientadas hacia una configuración más homogénea en la asignación de recursos y capacidades.
On The Local Edge Antimagic Coloring of Corona Product of Path and Cycle
Authors: Aisyah Siti , Alfarisi Ridho , Prihandini Rafiantika M. , Kristiana Arika Indah , Christyanti Ratna Dwi
Published: December 2019

Let  be a nontrivial and connected graph of vertex set  and edge set  . A bijection  is called a local edge antimagic labeling if for any two adjacent edges  and , where for . Thus, the local edge antimagic labeling induces a proper edge coloring of G if each edge e assigned the color  . The color of each an edge e = uv is assigned bywhich is defined by the sum of label both and vertices  and  . The local edge antimagic chromatic number, denoted by  is the minimum number of colors taken over all colorings induced by local edge antimagic labeling of   . In our paper, we present the local edge antimagic coloring of corona product of path and cycle, namely path corona cycle, cycle corona path, path corona path, cycle corona cycle.Keywords: Local antimagic; edge coloring; corona product; path; cycle.
Assessment of Chemically Modified Lignocellulose Waste for the Adsorption of Cr (VI)
Authors: Tejada-Tovar Candelaria , Herrera-Barros Adriana , Villabona-Ortíz Angel
Published: December 2019

Chromium (Cr(VI)) presents carcinogenic and mutagenic effects in living beings. Biosorption is an alternative to conventional technologies for the treatment of waste water. The aim of this study was to assess the use of corncob and orange peels modified with citric acid and calcium chloride, respectively, for the removal of Cr(VI) using a batch system taking into account pH and particle size. Biomaterial were characterized using an elemental and chemical analysis, and FTIR, in which was evidenced the presence of hydroxyl, carbonyl and carboxyl groups, belonging to the cellulose and lignin that are attributed for the presence of active centers which intervene in the adsorption process. Adsorption experiments through batch system were performed using a solution of potassium dichromate at 100 ppm, 150 rpm, varying pH (2, 3, 4 and 6) and particle size (0.355, 0.5 and 1 mm). From de results was found that maximum removal percentage was obtained at pH 2 and particle size of 0.355 using corncob and orange peels. Final concentration of Cr(VI) was determined by using the standard method ASTM D1687-02 with 1,5-diphenylcarbazide at 540 nm. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms were assessed with the best conditions found, in which the experimental data was adjusted to the Pseudo-second order and Freundlich models, respectively. R2 value greater than 0.95 suggests that the process is controlled by a chemical reaction leading the formation of multilayers. The performance of the biomass in terms of q0 was found to be: corncob>orange peels>corncob modified>orange peels modified.
Olhares sobre o Teatro para crianças, as Infâncias e as Escolas
Authors: De Medeiros Pereira Diego , De Paula de Lemos Neris Elisabete
Published: December 2019

Este texto apresenta os resultados de dois anos de pesquisa teórico-prática acerca das relações entre teatro e diferentes infâncias. Por meio da exposição de levantamento bibliográfico realizado sobre o tema são discutidos os modos pelos quais se tem produzido espetáculos teatrais para crianças. A escola é enfatizada como um espaço de formação das referências artistas e estéticas de seus educandos. Reflexões acerca do processo de criação coletiva de um experimento cênico, bem como sua circulação por escolas da rede pública de ensino de Santa Maria (RS), põem em pauta a necessidade de que o teatro infantil seja objeto de estudo nos cursos de formação de professores e artistas de teatro.