bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structured Genome-Wide Association Studies with Bayesian Hierarchical Variable Selection
Authors: Zhao Yize , Zhu Hongtu , Lu Zhaohua , Knickmeyer Rebecca C , Zou Fei
Published: April 2019

It becomes increasingly important in using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to select important genetic information associated with qualitative or quantitative traits. Currently, the discovery of biological association among SNPs motivates various strategies to construct SNP-sets along the genome and to incorporate such set information into selection procedure for a higher selection power, while facilitating more biologically meaningful results. The aim of this paper is to propose a novel Bayesian framework for hierarchical variable selection at both SNP-set (group) level and SNP (within group) level. We overcome a key limitation of existing posterior updating scheme in most Bayesian variable selection methods by proposing a novel sampling scheme to explicitly accommodate the ultrahigh-dimensionality of genetic data. Specifically, by constructing an auxiliary variable selection model under SNP-set level, the new procedure utilizes the posterior samples of the auxiliary model to subsequently guide the posterior inference for the targeted hierarchical selection model. We apply the proposed method to a variety of simulation studies and show that our method is computationally efficient and achieves substantially better performance than competing approaches in both SNP-set and SNP selection. Applying the method to the Alzheimers Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) data, we identify biologically meaningful genetic factors under several neuroimaging volumetric phenotypes. Our method is general and readily to be applied to a wide range of biomedical studies.
Pharmacokinetic interactions study between carvedilol and some antidepressants in rat liver microsoms – a comparative study
Authors: Abrudan Maria Bianca , Popa Daniela Saveta , Muntean Dana Maria , Gheldiu Ana Maria , Vlase Laurian
Published: April 2019

Background and aims. Cardiovascular diseases and depressive disorders are some of the most frequent diseases. The probability of concomitant prescription of antihypertensive and antidepressive medication is increasing. The aim of this study was to investigate the enzyme inhibition by bupropion, sertraline and fluvoxamine on the metabolism of carvedilol using rat pooled liver microsomes and to assess the importance of these interactions from the pharmacokinetic mechanism point of view.

Methods. Two substrate concentrations (0.5 and 1 μM) and four inhibitor concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.75 and 1.5 μM) were used for each tested inhibitor.

Results. The results of the in vitro experiments showed a significant decrease of the metabolic rate of carvedilol to 4'-hydroxyphenyl carvedilol, for all tested inhibitors, when the inhibitor was added to the incubation mixture containing the substrate. Moreover, an increase of the area under the concentration-time curve for carvedilol was observed after incubation with each  tested inhibitor compared with the control state (no inhibitor). The most potent inhibitor was sertraline, followed by fluvoxamine and bupropion.

Conclusion. The co-administration of tested antidepressants led to a significant alteration of carvedilol’s metabolism in vitro. CYP2D6 inhibition is the main pharmacokinetic mechanism that can explain these drug-drug interactions, with possible clinical implications.
Existence, uniqueness and numerical solution of a fractional PDE with integral conditions
Authors: Martín-Vaquero Jesus , Merad Ahcene
Published: April 2019

This paper is devoted to the solution of one-dimensional Fractional Partial Differential Equation (FPDE) with nonlocal integral conditions. These FPDEs have been of considerable interest in the recent literature because fractional-order derivatives and integrals enable the description of the memory and hereditary properties of different substances. Existence and uniqueness of the solution of this FPDE are demonstrated. As for the numerical approach, a Galerkin method based on least squares is considered. The numerical examples illustrate the fast convergence of this technique and show the efficiency of the proposed method.
Stability and Hopf bifurcation of a delayed reaction–diffusion predator–prey model with anti-predator behaviour
Authors: Liu Jia , Zhang Xuebing
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we study the dynamics of a delayed reaction–diffusion predator–prey model with anti-predator behaviour. By using the theory of partial functional differential equations, Hopf bifurcation of the proposed system with delay as the bifurcation parameter is investigated. It reveals that the discrete time delay has a destabilizing effect in the model, and a phenomenon of Hopf bifurcation occurs as the delay increases through a certain threshold. By utilizing upperlower solution method, the global asymptotic stability of the interior equilibrium is studied. Finally, numerical simulation results are presented to validate the theoretical analysis.
A new eigenvalue problem for the difference operator with nonlocal conditions
Authors: Sapagovas Mifodijus , Čiupaila Regimantas , Jakubėlienė Kristina , Rutkauskas Stasys
Published: April 2019

In the paper, the spectrum structure of one-dimensional differential operator with nonlocal conditions and of the difference operator, corresponding to it, has been exhaustively investigated. It has been proved that the eigenvalue problem of difference operator is not equivalent to that of matrix eigenvalue problem Au = λu, but it is equivalent to the generalized eigenvalue problem Au = λBu with a degenerate matrix B. Also, it has been proved that there are such critical values of nonlocal condition parameters under which the spectrum of both the differential and difference operator are continuous. It has been established that the number of eigenvalues of difference problem depends on the values of these parameters. The condition has been found under which the spectrum of a difference problem is an empty set. An elementary example, illustrating theoretical expression, is presented.
Humanitarika Švedijoje – didvyrė ar tarnaitė?
Authors: Voidogienė Eglė
Published: April 2019

[full article and abstract in Lithuanian; abstract in English]

The aim of this research is to analyse the legitimacy problem of the humanities in Sweden. The first part presents the analysis of the arguments for the humanities published in relevant studies, anthologies as well as articles in the most popular cultural and academical magazines in Sweden from 2004 to 2014. The method was based on the Grounded Theory’s elements and had three steps. The result was four big categories of the arguments which also reflected four concepts of the humanities that were prevailing in Sweden. 1) Civic humanities. The authors argued that the humanities are necessary in order to build a democratic society and educate citizens who would be able to think critically and act responsibly. This group of argumentations was the biggest and the most popular. 2) Heroic humanities. It was claimed that the humanities are necessary to face the most serious challenges, globalization, homophobia, Islamophobia, climate change etc. 3) Integrative humanities that are considered as most valuable when they collaborate with other disciplines. 4) Existential humanities. According to this group, the humanities are most valuable when they raise the existential questions. The second part presents a short analysis of the programs of political parties from the year 2018. Although the legitimacy problem of the humanities has not taken a bigger part there, we can find links to all four concepts.
HALOTOLERANT BACILLUS SP. AS A SOURCE OF ANTIFUNGAL AGENTS AGAINST MAJOR MUSHROOM PATHOGENS
Authors: S. Fernandes Michelle , Kerkar Savita
Published: April 2019

The present study focuses on bioprospecting of halotolerant bacteria from a hypersaline environment for antifungal agents against major mushroom pathogens. A total of 20 morphologically different fungi were isolated from composts and infected fruiting bodies of Agaricus bisporus; belonging to the genera Trichoderma, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Mucor and Rhizopus. In addition, 131 halotolerant bacteria out of 280 exhibited antifungal activity against phytopathogens, Trichoderma sp., and Penicillium sp. The isolates (80) showing maximum and consistent activity were screened against the isolated mushroom pathogens, Trichoderma harzianum MTCC 3178 and Lecanicillium fungicola MTCC 2016. About 33.8% halotolerant bacteria produced an antifungal metabolite that inhibited the mycelial growth of Trichoderma harzianum MTCC 3178, 20% inhibited mycelium growth of Lecanicillium fungicola MTCC 2016, 48.8% other Trichoderma spp., 26.3% Penicillium spp. and 2.5% inhibited Aspergillus spp. The bacterial isolate BGUMS93 showed highest broad spectrum activity against these pathogens. Carbohydrate utilization profile, biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed BGUMS93 as Bacillus sp. (KC991034.1) with 97% similarity to Bacillus subtilis. BGUMS93 produced extracellular antifungal metabolites in butanol extract showing maximum activity against Trichoderma harzianum MTCC 3178 and in chloroform extract against Lecanicillium fungicola MTCC 2016. Thus, Bacillus spp. from Goa’s salterns could be a way to provide natural fungicide as an alternative to synthetic fungicides used in mushroom cultivation.
ANTI QUORUM SENSING AND ANTI BIOFILM POTENTIAL OF ANOGEISSUS ACUMINATA AND MALLOTUS ROXBURGHIANUS MUELL. AGAINST PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA PAO1
Authors: Hnamte Sairengpuii , Subhaswaraj Pattnaik , Kumar Ranganathan Sampath , Rao Ampasala Dinakara , Muralitharan Gangatharan , Siddhardha Busi
Published: April 2019

Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes severe persistent infections in immunocompromised patients by showing tolerance conventional antibiotic therapy by virtue of specialized hierarchy of quorum sensing (QS) network. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of two Mizoram medicinal plants i.e., Anogeissus acuminata and Mallotus roxburghianus Muell. in attenuating QS regulated P. aeruginosa virulence. The crude leaf extracts were tested for their ability to combat QS associated virulence phenotypes such as pyocyanin production, LasB elastase and Staphylolytic activity and production of biofilm determinants such as alginate and exopolysaccharide in P. aeruginosa PAO1. The gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of phytocompounds, the synergistic activity of which is responsible for the anti QS activity. The in silico studies provide the binding efficacy of obtained phytochemical with QS receptor protein, LasR. The in vitro studies followed by in silico analysis demonstrated the efficacy of phytochemical of A. acuminata and M. roxburghianus Muell. in competitively inhibiting the binding of natural ligand with LasR and thereby altering production of virulence phenotypes. The efficacy in down regulating bacterial virulence shown by A. acuminata and M. roxburghianus Muell. provides promising alternatives to develop next generation anti-pathogenic agents.
APPLICATION OF DNA MARKERS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF ALLELE STATE OF THE KEY GENES OF CAROTENOGENESIS IN MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) SEEDS
Authors: Prysiazhniuk Larysa , Honcharov Yirii , Melnyk Serhii , Dikhtiar Iryna
Published: April 2019

Presented in the article are the results of the assessment of 108 maize lines in terms of presence of favourable alleles of high carotenoid content in grain. The relationship between the genetic distances of the allele state of the key carotenogenesis genes and the content of carotenoids in maize grain was determined using the Mantel test. Favourable alleles in maize lines were identified by three out of four carotenogenesis markers under study: lcyε-SNP216, lcyε-3'INDL and crtRB1-3'TE. The frequencies of the favourable alleles varied from 0.28 by markers lcyε-SNP216 and crtRB1-3'TE to 0.90 by marker lcyε-3'INDL. Eight of the studied lines contained favourable alleles by these polymorphic markers. According to the result of spectrophotometric analysis of the content of carotenoids, the highest value (7.15 μg/mg) was found in line DK2732 and the lowest (0.7 μg/mg) in line ISK31. In order to assess the efficiency of the proposed markers for evaluation of the content of carotenoids in maize grain, genetic distances between the studied lines were determined by the allele state of the genes under study and by the content of carotenoids. Mantel test showed that there is a correlation between genetic distances by DNA markers and content of carotenoids. Therefore, DNA markers lcyε-SNP216, lcyε-3'INDL and crtRB1-3'TE are suitable for the assessment of maize breeding material for the purpose of selection for a high content of carotenoids in grain.
Comparative evaluation of Anyplex II MTB/MDR/XDR and resazurin microtiter assay for detection of drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: H. Helal Zeinab , El Menofy G. , Abdul-Khalek Ibrahim Zeinab , Seif El-din Ashour Mohamed , K. Abdulal Abeer
Published: April 2019

Drug-resistant (DR) tuberculosis (TB) is a persistent threat and presents the main challenge for TB control programs. Rapid diagnosis is essential for controlling drug-resistant cases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of multiplex real-time PCR assay using Anyplex II MTB/MDR/XDR (Anyplex) kit to detect DR-TB and its concordance with Resazurin microtiter assay (REMA). The susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, to isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RIF), ofloxacin (OFX), and kanamycin (KAN), was evaluated by using REMA and Anyplex kit with 32 drug-resistant TB and 18 susceptible strains. Proportion method was used as gold standard. All susceptible strains were susceptible to REMA and Anyplex methods. Anyplex and REMA identified 75% and 85% of the multidrug-resistant (MDR)-TB isolates, respectively. The sensitivity of the REMA assay as compared to PM was 96.4 %, 90.9%, 85.7%, and 100%, respectively, for INH, RIF, OFX, and KAN, whereas the sensitivity of Anyplex was78.5 %, 77.2%, and 85.7% for INH, RIF, and OFX, respectively. The agreement between Anyplex and REMA was relative to INH, RIF, and OFX (kappa scores, k =0.8, 0.79 and 0.83 respectively). There was no isolate identified as KAN resistant by Anyplex. REMA, as a rapid phenotypic method, is suggested for detecting drug-resistant TB isolates that have not been detected by the Anyplex method.
MOLECULAR MODELING AND IN SILICO CHARACTERIZATION OF NITROGEN METABOLITE REPRESSOR NmrA OF OPPORTUNISTIC HUMAN PATHOGEN Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Tausif Chaudhry Muhammad , Chaudhry Raheela
Published: April 2019

The most prevalent airborne human pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus is ubiquitous in soil and like other ascomycotous fungi it can utilize a variety of nitrogen sources. Nitrogen metabolite repression (NMR) may induce virulence in A. fumigatus as in pathogenic fungi but the mechanism of regulation and its key components are not identified. The present study focuses on the molecular modeling and in silico characterization of the main player of this regulation, the NmrA of A. fumigatus. Physiochemical and structural characterization using various sequence and structure based predictors and quality assessment of the proposed two- and three-dimensional models were carried out. The characteristic motifs such as glycine-rich NAD(P)-binding motif (GxxGxxG) and altered active site motif (HxxxK) were located in NmrA along with DNA-binding residues (T11, R39, D40 and A45). The results obtained using bioinformatics tools indicated that the protein was hydrophilic in nature, stable in vitro and had very low disorder probability. Based on the quality score, the proposed secondary and tertiary structures were correct and extremely good to represent NmrA of A. fumigatus. Phylogenetic analysis signified its close relation with NMR regulatory protein of opportunistic human pathogens A. lentulus and A. novofumigatus.
THE INFLUENCE OF STORAGE CONDITIONS ON THE STALING RATE AND STARCH RETROGRADATION IN WHEAT ROLLS PACKAGED IN A MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE
Authors: Kwaśniewska-Karolak Izabella , Mostowski RadosÅaw
Published: April 2019

This study focused on the effects of low storage temperature (1 and -18 °C) and time (10 weeks) on the physicochemical properties of wheat rolls packaged in a modified atmosphere. We determined the moisture content, total acidity, crumb firmness (texture profile analysis; TPA) and parameters reflecting resistant starch (RS) development: blue number value, enthalpy and temperature of starch melting, and crystallinity of starch. It was showed that RS increased over time under both storage conditions. The increase was greater in frozen rolls (56%) than in refrigerated ones (20%), based on the enthalpy of RS melting. Changes in the moisture level and RS melting enthalpy were negatively correlated, which may suggest a relationship between the processes of moisture migration and starch structure reorganization. The presence of crystalline structures suggested advanced starch structure reorganization.
INFLUENCE OF ADDITIVE PREMIX, WHEY PROTEINS, EXTRUDED AND GERMINATED FLOUR ON GLUTEN FREE DOUGH RHEOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND FLATBREAD CHARACTERISTICS: A MIXTURE DESIGN APPROACH
Authors: P. Patil Sonal , S. Arya Shalini
Published: April 2019

Additives, elastic proteins and flour modification treatments such as germination and extrusion help in the enhancement of the viscoelastic as well as subjective properties of a dough system and flatbread characteristics. Hence, in the present study efforts were made to substitute the gluten free formulation with modified flours as well as elastic proteins and additives. Mixture design approach was used for the purpose using central composite design. Response variables were dough rheological parameters like stickiness and strength along with flatbread characteristics like L value, tear force and extensibility. Regression equations were developed to predict the responses of dough rheological parameters and flatbread characteristics. 3D plots were drawn to understand the behavior of these responses. Optimised levels were 1.5% additive premix, 10% extruded flour, 20% germinated flour and 5% whey protein that resulted in 39.09 g dough stickiness, 2.14 g dough strength, 40.9 L value, 224.67 g tear force and 1.70 mm extensibility. Principle component analysis showed significant relationship between dough rheological parameters (dough stickiness, dough strength) and flatbread characteristics (L value, tear force extensibility).
PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILE AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF WATER PEPPER (POLYGONUM HYDROPIPER L.)
Authors: Mihaylova Dasha , Vrancheva Radka , Ov Ivan , Popova Aneta
Published: April 2019

Polygonum hydropiper L. (water pepper), an important medicinal plant from the Polygonaceae family, is traditionally used in folk medicine as an anti-cancer and anti-rheumatic agent, against diarrhea, positively influencing cerebral ischemia, Parkinson’s disease, and with neuroprotective effects. The aim of the current study was to evaluate and compare the total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of water (infusion, decoction and microwave) and alcohol (tincture) extracts of Polygonum hydropiper. The total flavonoid content, total monomeric anthocyanin content and detailed phenolic acids profile were additionally assessed. The polyphenol content was established to be in range from 5.02 ± 0.07 to 17.44 ± 0.24 mg GAE/g dw, the total flavonoids from 3766.27 ± 118.25 to 6909.66 ± 66.03 µM QЕ/g dw and total monomeric anthocyanins from 0.26 ± 0.14 to 3.17 ± 0.44 mg/l. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by four common procedures, the highest results were established for the decoction, and tincture extracts. The phenolic acids profile revealed the highest yield, in respect of total phenolic acids, in the water pepper tincture - 3243.74 µg/g dw. As a result, the consumption of P. hydropiper extracts could be recommended as a good source of biologically active substances with potential benefit effects.
LEVISTICUM OFFICINALE AND ITS EFFECTS ON BOVINE SPERMATOZOA ACTIVITY
Authors: Tvrdá Eva , Varga AnikÃ³ , Slávik Marek , Árvay JÃºlius
Published: April 2019

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a versatile medical, aromatic and spice plant of the family Apiaceae. Its extract has the ability to decrease blood pressure, to support digestion and bile secretion, to regulate irregular menstrual cycle and to act as a gentle aphrodisiac. The aim of this study was to identify major chemical components of the lovage extract followed by a comprehensive evaluation of its in vitro effects on selected quality parameters of bovine spermatozoa. Lovage extracts were subjected to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) which identified rutin, kaempferol, chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid among the most dominant chemical components of the plant material. For the in vitro experiments, 10 ejaculates from sexually mature bulls were exposed to solutions with a gradually increasing concentration (300; 150; 75 and 37.5 μg/mL) of the extract. All analyses were performed following 0, 2, and 24 hours of in vitro culture. The motility evaluation was done using the computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) method, which revealed that higher concentrations of lovage extract (especially 300 μg/mL) had an immediate negative effect when compared to the control group (P
STORAGE OF EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL AND ITS IMPACT ON FATTY ACID LEVELS
Authors: Kráčmar Stanislav , Fišera Miroslav , Přikrylová Veronika , Fišerová Lenka , Málek ZdenÄk , Tvrzník Pavel
Published: April 2019

Peroxide value, acid value, and fatty acid content were monitored during two-year storage in the following products: Luccese Olio extra vergine d´oliva (LOEVDO), Blanqueta extra-virgin olive oil (BEVOO) and Agrocreta extra-virgin olive oil (AEVOO). In LOEVDO and BEVOO, peroxide value increased by 50%; AEVOO showed 80% growth. Maximum acid value was found solely in LOEVDO (
A nátrium immunmoduláns szerepe
Authors: Agócs Róbert István , Sugár Dániel , Pap Domonkos , Szabó Attila J.
Published: April 2019

Abstract:

High salt intake, which is common in the Western world, is the cause of several lifestyle diseases. Recent investigations shed light on novel extrarenal processes, which play role in the maintenance of sodium balance. In the short term, sodium storage of the skin may serve as a buffer against volume overload arising from the osmotic properties of sodium. Increased tissue sodium concentration may also potentiate immune response against infections. In the long run, however, tissue sodium concentration over a certain limit may initiate pathophysiological processes by provoking inflammatory response. Due to the immune modulating role of sodium, the effector cells of the innate as well as the adaptive immune system are activated, while certain regulator cells of the same systems are repressed, ultimately resulting in a proinflammatory state characterized by the imbalance of the immune system. Experiments applying dietary salt overload/salt depletion imply the role of sodium in the initiation/exacerbation of several diseases. Thus the relationship between sodium and the immune system may give an explanation to the pathomechanism of diseases with so far unknown origin such as hypertonia (primary, salt sensitive) or autoimmune diseases – all these putting tremendous pressure on the healthcare system due to their increasing incidence. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(17): 646–653.
Features of the Semantic-Syntactic Process of Adverbialisation in Modern Colloquial Speech
Authors: Degaltseva Anna
Published: April 2019

The study of semantic-syntactic compression is an urgent linguistic problem. One of the processes that lead to the statement meaning complication is adverbialisation, the essence of which is that the adverb, which is grammatically dependent on the verb, semantically refers to the statement or one of its basic proposition components. This work is carried out in line with semantic syntax and is devoted to studying the adverbial complicator functioning (adverbs that complicate the semantic structure of the sentence) in modern colloquial speech. Native speakers use these language units to add event propositions, logical propositions of characterization or comparison to a statement, to characterize the actants of basic propositions and to express the confidence category or the statement objective content evaluation as well. The adverbial complicators which can be transformed into social actions, emotional or mental states of a subject prevail in colloquial speech. Adverbs-complicators are used most frequently with the verbs of speech and intellectual activity expressing the emotional or mental state of a person. Adverbs that involve logical propositions are usually used to describe a person's behavior or character. Such language units, which are used to evaluate the objective content of a statement, prevail among the adverbs expressing modus categories.
Experience with the use of large-span LVL constructions
Authors: Pertceva Anastasiia , Khizhnyak Nikita , Astafieva Natalia
Published: April 2019

Nowdays, when people build any building or structures, they almost always use timber elements. Such structures can be found in ceilings, in coverings, beams, trusses, partitions, walls and even in enclosing structures. Wood is of particular interest in modern construction, in times of special attention to energy efficiency, as renewable material for 100 %. Many European countries are puzzled by the widespread use of renewable materials in the construction process, the Russian Federation also seeks to improve the energy efficiency of structures and materials, while not neglecting the bearing capacity and durability of structures.

There is a special attention is paid to glued laminated timber constructions in this article. They are gaining momentum in the construction of many structures, including large-span sports and entertainment facilities, such as indoor stadiums, sports complexes, swimming pools, indoor concert halls and playgrounds and also shopping malls.

Advantages and disadvantages of using such material in the construction of large-span structures were considered in this work. In addition, there were analyzed possibilities of using such constructions instead of metal structures.

A comparative table of the properties of glued laminated timber and ordinary timber and comparative table of glued laminated timber and steel structures are given in work.
Beliefs About Advanced Cancer Curability in Older Patients, Their Caregivers, and Oncologists
Authors: Loh Kah Poh , Mohile Supriya G. , Lund Jennifer L. , Epstein Ronald , Lei Lianlian , Culakova Eva , McHugh Colin , Wells Megan , Gilmore Nikesha , Mohamed Mostafa R. , Kamen Charles , Aarne Valerie , Conlin Alison , Bearden James , Onitilo Adedayo , Wittink Marsha , Dale William , Hurria Arti , Duberstein Paul
Published: April 2019

Background

Ensuring older patients with advanced cancer and their oncologists have similar beliefs about curability is important. We investigated discordance in beliefs about curability in patient-oncologist and caregiver-oncologist dyads.

Materials and Methods

We used baseline data from a cluster randomized trial assessing whether geriatric assessment improves communication and quality of life in older patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers. Patients were aged ≥70 years with incurable cancer from community oncology practices. Patients, caregivers, and oncologists were asked: “What do you believe are the chances the cancer will go away and never come back with treatment?” Options were 100%, >50%, 50/50, <50%, and 0% (5-point scale). Discordance in beliefs about curability was defined as any difference in scale scores (≥3 points were severe). We used multivariate logistic regressions to describe correlates of discordance.

Results

Discordance was present in 60% (15% severe) of the 336 patient-oncologist dyads and 52% (16% severe) of the 245 caregiver-oncologist dyads. Discordance was less common in patient-oncologist dyads when oncologists practiced longer (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84–0.97) and more common in non-Hispanic white patients (AOR 5.77, CI 1.90–17.50) and when patients had lung (AOR 1.95, CI 1.29–2.94) or gastrointestinal (AOR 1.55, CI 1.09–2.21) compared with breast cancer. Severe discordance was more common when patients were non-Hispanic white, had lower income, and had impaired social support. Caregiver-oncologist discordance was more common when caregivers were non-Hispanic white (AOR 3.32, CI 1.01–10.94) and reported lower physical health (AOR 0.88, CI 0.78–1.00). Severe discordance was more common when caregivers had lower income and lower anxiety level.

Conclusion

Discordance in beliefs about curability is common, occasionally severe, and correlated with patient, caregiver, and oncologist characteristics.
Mesothelin Expression Is a Predictive Factor for Peritoneal Recurrence in Curatively Resected Stage III Gastric Cancer
Authors: Shin Su-Jin , Park Sejung , Kim Min Hwan , Nam Chung Mo , Kim Hyunki , Choi Yoon Young , Jung Min Kyu , Choi Hye Jin , Rha Sun Young , Chung Hyun Cheol
Published: April 2019

Background

Mesothelin is overexpressed in many solid tumors, and recent studies have shown that mesothelin expression is associated with poor outcomes in several malignant tumors and may play a role in cancer progression. Clinical trials of mesothelin-targeted immunotherapies are currently under way, but the correlation between mesothelin expression and gastric cancer prognosis is still unclear.

Subjects, Materials, and Methods

Mesothelin expression in tumor cells was evaluated immunohistochemically in 958 patients with advanced gastric cancer and interpreted according to the intensity and extent of staining. Samples were scored from 0 to 2, with high expression defined as a score of 2. Clinicopathological factors, overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and sites of initial recurrence, including peritoneal recurrence, were evaluated. Staging was performed according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer 7th edition.

Results

High mesothelin expression was observed in 49.7% of patients and significantly associated with high pathologic T (p = .021) and peritoneal recurrence (p = .018). Multivariate survival analysis showed that high mesothelin expression was independently associated with poor RFS (p = .001), OS (p = .001), and peritoneal recurrence (p = .002) in addition to stage, lymphovascular invasion, and Lauren classification. In a subgroup analysis of peritoneal recurrence, high mesothelin expression was also an independent prognostic factor in stage III (p = .013) and diffuse/mixed type gastric cancer (p = .010).

Conclusion

High mesothelin expression is correlated with poor outcomes. In addition, mesothelin expression, Lauren classification, and stage are meaningful predictive factors for peritoneal recurrence. Moreover, mesothelin was a significant predictor of a high risk of peritoneal recurrence in patients with stage III gastric cancer.

Implications for Practice

This study demonstrates that high mesothelin expression correlates with poor outcomes and is a significant predictor of peritoneal recurrence in patients with stage III gastric cancer. This study provides instrumental evidence for designing anti-mesothelin antibody-drug conjugate clinical trials in patients with diffuse-type gastric cancer to reduce their high risk of peritoneal carcinomatosis.
Study of microbial combination and nutrients in remediation of petroleum-contaminated soil
Authors: Ra Thu , Zhao Yaling , Zheng Maosheng
Published: April 2019

In this study, degradation of polluted soil (with 1, 4 and 9% petroleum contamination) was performed using different microbial combinations and nutrients. Biosurfactant production and lipase production of the isolated microbes were also tested. A5 and A14 (isolated from petroleum-contaminated soil (PCS)) and G1 and G6 (isolated from garden soil) showed a positive result in the biosurfactant production test. A1, A5, A6, A13, A14, A15, A16, G1 and G5 showed zones around agar wells; these bacterial strains produced lipase. Combinations of microbes were applied in treatment of 1% PCS; the combination of only bacteria and the combination of bacteria and fungi showed petroleum degradation of 71 and 73·17%, respectively. In 4 and 9% PCS, the degradation activities of microbes decreased; the microbes needed a longer time to activate the large amount of petroleum. Furthermore, tests with and without nutrients were conducted to determine the effect of using nutrients in bioremediation of PCS. The results showed that petroleum degradation percentages from the treatment using nutrients were about 5% higher than the degradation percentages from treatments without nutrients.
The bearing capacity of a granular layer on clay
Authors: Lees Andrew S.
Published: April 2019

Granular layers are often placed over weaker clay soils to improve the bearing capacity of working platforms and spread foundations. Their design requires the calculation of a two-layer bearing capacity. The commonly used existing calculation models are quite empirical with imprecise input parameters and can err on the non-conservative side in some situations. Other proposed methods tend to involve multiple design charts and are suited only to either strip or circular foundations. In this paper a new and highly practical design method is proposed whose input parameters are derived directly from the shear strengths of the two layers without the need for empirical-based charts. The output can be obtained either from a single chart or a few equations that are straightforward to implement into a spreadsheet. It can be applied quite generally to both surface and shallow embedded foundations, circular and rectangular and with dry or saturated granular layers, and also to working platform design for tracked plant. The method was validated using three independent numerical studies and centrifuge testing. The results showed that, although errors can increase for foundation shapes towards square or circular and with increasing overburden, the errors are smaller than those of the commonly used existing methods and are also conservative.
Impact of lot and sublot sizes on smoothness specifications using road data in the USA
Authors: Haider Syed Waqar , Musunuru Gopikrishna , Chatti Karim
Published: April 2019

The construction quality of a lot is often measured by collecting and testing a few samples. The statistics of an acceptance quality characteristic of the lot determined based on the samples are used to make an inference on the overall construction quality. The quality measure most commonly used to quantify the quality is per cent within limits (PWL). The PWL value of a lot depends on the samples’ statistical parameters obtained within sublots. This paper evaluates the effects of lot and sublot sizes on estimation of PWL. The results show that, as the sublot size increases, the variability in measured International Roughness Index (IRI) values decreases and the PWL value increases if the mean IRI obtained for all of the sublot sizes is lower than the upper specification limit irrespective of the lot size. Pay factors for smaller lot sizes represent more rational justification of payment based on the true quality.
Presentación
Authors: Martínez Barrios Patricia
Published: April 2019

Nos complace presentar en esta versión 36 de la revista Educación y Humanismo ocho textos resultados de investigación y dos de revisión bibliográfica que apuntan hacia una nueva comprensión del aprendizaje de los estudiantes en ámbitos de nuevas complejidades presentes en contextos contemporáneos,  desde experiencias diversas provenientes de universidades de España, México, Colombia y Venezuela.
Transfection of Crypthecodinium cohnii using labelled DNA v1
Authors: A. Fernández Robledo José
Published: April 2019

José A. Fernández Robledo Nastasia J. Freyria Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences
Utilisation of Uses and Gratifications Theory and Newspapers by Citizens for Political Information Purposes
Authors: Umuerri Alex Eloho
Published: April 2019

One of the theories in mass communication studies, namely the media uses and gratifications theory has always attracted the attention of scholars in researches. This article explored the effectiveness of the utilisation of the uses and gratification theory in newspapers by citizens for the political information purposes. The study employed the survey research method to explore two Nigerian newspapers, namely Urhobo Voice, and Urhobo Vanguard; the research questions posed from the theoretical premise of the uses and gratifications theory. The result indicated that the newspapers were not the leading sources of political information for the residents; instead, radio played the leading role as attested to in this study. Secondly, voter education was found as the most helpful factor, as indicated by respondents. The study recommends establishment of daily newspapers as a way to bridge this gap of citizens not attesting to the use of the newspapers as their leading source of political information, and also to ensure that journalists provide adequate coverage on issues of election campaigns and government-related political matters for the enlightenment of citizens.
The problem of terror in the context of palpitant accents of modern civilization development
Authors: Petasyuk Olena
Published: April 2019

This article examines the theory of the problem of terror; sources and consequences of The Great Purge. A special attention is given to historical and psychological features of the main ideologists and those who were involved in terror. Author makes urgent conclusions.
European culture of memory on enviromental disasters
Authors: Perga Tetyana
Published: April 2019

The origin of the European culture of remembrance of environmental disasters is investigated. It is proved that it’s important part occupies the «culture of disaster», which was formed at the beginning of the first millennium A.D. in response to natural disasters. It is analyzed its essence, which means a broad range of preventive measures aimed to minimize the material and cultural losses from possible natural and man-made disasters. Promising areas of 217 development and the role of memory in the maintaining and updating information on such events are discussed.
SPORTS MARKETING IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FITNESS SERVICES IN THE RUSSIAN MARKET
Authors: Kurichin S.
Published: April 2019

The article analyzes the Russian market of fitness services in order to form a new package of services for developing segments of the target audience of Moscow fitness clubs. The novelty of the article is, in view of the challenges of the market, to offer up-to-date marketing mix tools to promote the new services of the sports club Enforce.
USING DIFFERENT TOOLS FOR ANALYSIS OF POPULARITY AND EFFICIENCY OF A BUSINESS PROJECT IN THE MEDIA MARKET
Authors: Gamayunov N. V. , Mategorin N. V.
Published: April 2019

The proposed article is devoted to the study of basic tools for analyzing the popularity and effectiveness of a business project in the market in the field of media entrepreneurship. The most common and used tools are listed.
Statistical Model Fitting and Model Selection in Pedestrian Dynamics Research
Authors: Bode Nikolai W.F. , Ronchi Enrico
Published: April 2019

Pedestrian dynamics is concerned with understanding the movement patterns that arise in places where more than one person walks. Relating theoretical models to data is a crucial goal of research in this field. Statistical model fitting and model selection are a suitable approach to this problem and here we review the concepts and literature related to this methodology in the context of pedestrian dynamics. The central tenet of statistical modelling is to describe the relationship between different variables by using probability distributions. Rather than providing a critique of existing methodology or a "how to" guide for such an established research technique, our review aims to highlight broad concepts, different uses, best practices, challenges and opportunities with a focussed view on theoretical models for pedestrian behaviour. This contribution is aimed at researchers in pedestrian dynamics who want to carefully analyse data, relate a theoretical model to data, or compare the relative quality of several theoretical models. The survey of the literature we present provides many methodological starting points and we suggest that the particular challenges to statistical modelling in pedestrian dynamics make this an inherently interesting field of research.
Antibiotic sensitivity profile and resistance of microorganisms isolated from south Indian population, a hospital based study at Velappanchavady, Chennai, India
Authors: S. Brethis C. , G. Mahender , S. Thamizharasan , K. Suresh Kumar , T. Sudharson
Published: April 2019

Background: Increasing rates of antibiotic drug resistance has been noted in recent times and this adversely affects the prognosis and outcomes of patients. There is a greater need for local resistance prevalence data in order to guide empirical prescription and to identify areas in which medical need for newer antimicrobial agents is greater.Methods: A prospective hospital based observational study was carried out to determine antibiotic sensitivity profile and resistance pattern of microorganisms. Samples were collected from urinary tract infections, while cultures from blood stream infections, sputum samples and Serology. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by the standard disc diffusion method. Data interpretation was based on CLSI, 2017 guidelines for antimicrobial susceptibility testing.Results: The predominant isolates from the samples were, Staphylococcus aureus (16.7%) 67, K. pneumoniae (11.5%) 46, E. coli (29.4%) 118, P. aeruginosa (6%) 24. Escherichia coli, the most common causative organism showed high resistance to commonly used drugs such as Ampicillin (60.1%) 71, Amoxicillin (53.4%) 63, Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (44.1%) 52 and Nalidixic acid (53.4%) 63. E. coli was found to be most sensitive to Amikacin (51.7%) 61, Piperacillin (69.5%) 82, Norfloxacin (61.9%) 73, Meropenem (76.3%) 90 and Imipenem (68.6%) 81. Klebsiella was most sensitive to 30 (65.2%) ofloxacin, 31 (67.4%) ciprofloxacin followed by 24 (52.2%) ceftriaxone and least sensitive to 7 (15.2%) Amoxicillin and 12 (26.1%) Ampicillin.Conclusions: Among commonly used antibiotics resistance to Penicillins (Ampicillin, Amoxicillin) was highest. Resistance to Fluoroquinolones (Ciproﬂoxacin) was seen in majority of the patients. Among broad spectrum antibiotics Imipenem, Meropenem resistance was seen in lesser proportion of the patients.
Pharmacoepidemiological survey of schizophrenia in a tertiary care teaching hospital
Authors: Barman Sarajita , Roy Dolly , Yashin Ali N. N. , Ghosh Prosenjit
Published: April 2019

Background: Prevalence of chronic schizophrenia is somewhat less than 1% of the population but this is one of the most important psychiatric illness due to its early onset, chronicity and associated disability.Methods: A prospective and observational study was carried out on 76 patients for 12 months. Patients of either sex, aged between 18 to 50 years who were diagnosed as schizophrenia according to DSM IV-TR were screened and recruited for the study. Prescriptions were analyzed for socio demographic details and psychotropic drugs prescribed.Results: Out of 76 patients 46 (60.53%) were males, maximum occurred 19 (41.30%) between 18 and 25 years of age. Females were 30 (39.47%), maximum occurred 12 (40%) between 34 - 39 years of age. 52 (68.42%) were from urban area and 24 (31.57%) were from rural area. 26 (34.21%) were illiterate, 24 (31.58%) primary educated, 16 (21.05%) secondary educated and 10 (13.16%) higher secondary and above. 20 (26.32%) were unemployed, students 9 (11.84%), housewives 19 (25%), agricultural workers 10 (13.16%), nonagricultural outdoor workers 4 (5.26%) and nonagricultural indoor workers were 14 (18.42%). Only atypical antipsychotics were prescribed .Olanzapine was prescribed in 30 (39.47%), risperidone 16 (21.05%), amisulpride 13 (17.11%), aripiprazole 11 (14.47%) and quetiapine 06 (7.89%) respectively.Conclusions: The sociodemographic factors associated with schizophrenia are urban locality, illiteracy, low socioeconomic status and unemployment. The treatment pattern observed correlates with the changing trends in the treatment of schizophrenia worldwide.
The study of adverse drug reactions of antihypertensive medicines in essential hypertension patients in Hi-Tech Medical College and Hospital, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Authors: Roy Bikash , Mohanty Srikanta , Prasad Anju , Pattanayak Chaitali , Palit Ratna , Chouhan Ashok Singh
Published: April 2019

Background: Every drug has the potentiality to cause an adverse drug reaction (ADR). ADRs are a major problem in drug therapy .The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and causality of ADRs to antihypertensive agents used for the essential hypertensive patients attending at the general medicine out patients departments of Hi-Tech Medical College and Hospital, Bhubaneswar Odisha, during the time period of November 2016 to October 2018.Methods: This prospective-observational study was carried out in general medicine outpatient department of Hi-Tech Medical College and Hospital, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.Results: Out of 254 patients, 78 (30.71%) patients were developed ADRs to antihypertensive drugs. 51 (65.38%) were female and 27 (34.62%) were male. Calcium channel blockers were the commonest therapeutic class of antihypertensive drugs associated with ADRs (n = 50, 64.10%). According to WHO causality assessment scale most of the ADRs were “probable” 41 (52.56%), followed by “possible” 21 (26.92%), unclassifiable 13 (16.67%) and unlikely 3 (3.85%).Conclusions: The results of this study concluded that antihypertensive drugs able to induce the development of adverse drug reactions, which were significant cause of increase burden on health care system and decrease the quality of life, the health care professionals should take care about the rational use of antihypertensive agents. Thus, to minimize the incidence of adverse drug reaction and to increase the quality of life.
Prescribing pattern of ophthalmological medication in geriatric inpatients of a tertiary care hospital
Authors: A. Sudhindra Prathap , S. Radhika M. , Rai Reethesh Kumar
Published: April 2019

Background: Older people are potentially at greater risk of medication error. Gaining insight into the prescribing pattern especially in eye diseases as they are a common problem in elderly, in order to identify prescribing related problems is the fundamental step in improving the quality of prescription and patient care.Methods: Prescriptions fulfilling inclusion criteria were collected from hospital Medical record department (MRD) and analyzed using the World Health Organization (WHO) core prescribing indicators for rationality of prescriptions.Results: Among 811 prescriptions analysed, 52.7% (428) were of male patients, those aged 60-70 years were 77.2% (626) and patients with only cataract constituted 77% (625). Prescriptions with oral antibiotics were 57.1% (334); topical antibiotics were 35.8% (429) and topical analgesics 46.2% (553). Out of 1182 FDCs noted, 59% (479) were found to be rational and 34.6% (281) were from Essential Medicines List 2014. Only 2% (61) drugs were prescribed using generic name while 64.06% (1606) of drugs were from the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (April 2015). Average number of drugs per encounter was 3.7. Percentage of encounters with antibiotics was found to be 43.8% and no prescriptions with injections were noted.Conclusions: Although usage of antibiotics and topical drugs was conforming to WHO recommended standards, there is a need to improve prescription pattern by using generic names and drugs from Essential Drug List.