bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limiting factors for anaerobic digestion of olive mill wastewater blends under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions
Authors: Zema Demetrio Antonio , Zappia Giovanni , Benalia Souraya , Zimbalatti Giuseppe , Perri Enzo , Urso Elena , Tamburino Vincenzo , Bernardi Bruno
Published: July 2018

Experimental trials of anaerobic digestion of olive mill wastewater (OMW) blended with other agro-industrial by-products were carried out to evaluate biogas production and sensitivity of the process to inhibiting compounds. Blends containing different percentages of OMW, digested liquid manure, and citrus peel were subjected to a batch anaerobic digestion process under both mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. The results showed that blends with percentages of OMW higher than 20% (v/v) had low methane yields due high concentrations of polyphenols (PPs) and/or volatile fatty acids (concentrations above 0.8 g kg–1 and 2.4 g L–1, respectively). The addition of other substrates such as citrus peel may have induced synergic inhibiting effects of PPs and essential oils (EO) on microbial growth. Thermophilic processes were more sensitive to these inhibiting compounds than mesophilic processes. The results of this study suggest that reducing PPs and EO concentrations in blends subject to anaerobic digestion below the inhibiting concentrations of 0.6 g L–1 and 0.5 g kg–1, respectively, is suitable. Additionally, it is advisable to maintain the volatile fatty acids content below 2 g L–1 to avoid its evident toxic effects on the growth of microorganisms in biochemical processes.
Optical sensing for stream flow observations: A review
Authors: Tauro Flavia , Petroselli Andrea , Grimaldi Salvatore
Published: July 2018

Images are revolutionising the way we sense and characterise the environment by offering higher spatial and temporal coverage in ungauged environments at competitive costs. In this review, we illustrate major image-based approaches that have been lately adopted within the hydrological research community. Although many among such methodologies have been developed some decades ago, recent efforts have been devoted to their transition from laboratories to operational outdoor settings. Sample applications of image-based techniques include flow discharge estimation in riverine environments, clogging dynamics in irrigation systems, and flow diagnostics in engineering infrastructures. The potential of such image-based approaches towards fully remote observations is also illustrated through a simple experiment with an unmanned aerial vehicle.
Performance of Latex agglutination, ELISA and RT-PCR for diagnosis of Rotavirus infection
Authors: Hamzavi Hosna , Azaran Azarakhsh , Makvandi Manoochehr , Karami Sahar , Roayaei Ardakani Mohammad , Mozaffari Nejad Amir Sasan
Published: July 2018

The rotavirus is one of the major factors of inducing the acute gastroenteritis infection in children under 5 years of age. The laboratory diagnosis is progress and bringing it under control as well as avoiding its diffusion. The purpose of the present study was to determine the performance of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Latex agglutination (LA) tests against reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for evaluating the children’s acute gastroenteritis by rotavirus. One hundred feces specimens were collected from February to May 2014 and analyzed by LA, ELISA and RT-PCR. In this study, the positive results for rotavirus detected by ELISA, LA and RT-PCR were 37, 43 and 27%, respectively. In addition, the result showed that the sensitivity and specificity of ELISA and LA were 74 and 85%, respectively, when compared to RT-PCR. For laboratory detection of Rotavirus infection, RT-PCR has the highest sensitivity and specificity but because of the high costs, ELISA and LA based kits with good performance, as shown by this study, can be preferred for the routine use.
Inhibition study of proinflammatory factor with ethanolic extract of propolis on innate immunity from diabetes mellitus mice model
Authors: Pristiwanto Bambang , Sumitro Sutiman B. , Djati Muhammad S. , Soewondo Aris , Tsuboi Hideo , Rifa’i Muhaimin
Published: July 2018

Health becomes an important topic today. One current problem was how to treat the effects of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus (DM). Thus, this study used an ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP), to test their ability as the supplement in the diabetes treatment to reduce inflammation, through proinflammatory factor response, especially nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). The streptozotocin- induced diabetes mellitus (SID) mice model was used, and expression of an proinflammatory factor was analyzed in their innate immunity cells with 3 doses of EEP, i.e. 50 mg/kg body weight, 100 mg/kg body weight, and 200 mg/kg body weight. Treatment of EEP in SID with three doses treatment decrease the number of macrophages with NF-κB expression significantly with DM control group. The results of B cells with NF-κB expression showed that EEP treatment in SID could decrease in dose 1 and dose 3, but not in dose 2. Proinflammatory cytokines expression of macrophage, especially Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Interferon-γ, with EEP treatment in SID could decrease in three doses. This study suggests that EEP could reduce inflammation by inhibiting the development of NF-κB in innate immunity cells.
Accuracy of serum markers, progesterone and vitamins measurements for early screening of abortions in the eastern region of Algeria (Batna)
Authors: Mouffouk Sara , Yahia Mouloud , Mouffouk Chaima , Boukrous Hanane , Saaidia Aicha , Douha Fairouz , Achi Naima
Published: July 2018

Spontaneous abortion is an involuntary interruption of pregnancy before 22 weeks of gestation. According to the Algerian National Institute of Public Health the percentage of women suffering from permanent complications during pregnancy is approximately 15%. The aim of this study is the determination of some biochemical analytes, including folic acid, vitamin B12, alphafoetoproteine, beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), progesterone and oestradiol (uE3), which are involved in the detection of pregnancy failures. This case-control study was carried out on women in the process of abortion and a control group with viable pregnancies in the East region of Algeria (Batna) during the year 2015. In the present investigation, 69 pregnant women during the first and second trimester were recruited during the first and second trimesters as cases (with miscarriages) and the control group (n=69) was constituted of women who had normal ultrasound. The average concentration of alpha-fetoprotein is significantly low during the first trimester, but it is very high during the second trimester between cases and controls. The median values of β- hCG, uE3 and progesterone decrease very significantly. The mean concentration of serum folate and vitamin B12 did not change significantly between cases and controls in the first and second trimesters. The results of this study revealed that, spontaneous abortions are associated with changes in serum markers and progesterone, which could form an important part in the early diagnosis of non-viable pregnancies. However, vitamins levels have no significant effects on these pregnancies.
Diketopiperazine from marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas ruthenica KLPp3
Authors: Sulieman Faiq , Ahmad Asmat , Usup Gires , Kuang Lu Chung
Published: July 2018

Sub-minimum inhibitory concentration levels of Pseudoalteromonas ruthenica KLPp3 extract showed antibiofilm activity against Vibrio alginolyticus and Serratia marcescens. The KLPp3 crude extract was fractionated by thin layer chromatography, flash chromatography, solid phase extraction and semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography. The pure compounds were then identified using H-nuclear magnetic resonance, C-nuclear magnetic resonance, 2D-nuclear magnetic Resonance and mass spectrometry. Nine fractions were collected from purification with two active fractions. One fractions were identified belong to the family of diketopiperazine.
Study on the protective effect of an innovative cow milk-based product against some human skin-bacterial pathogens
Authors: Cosentino Carlo , Elshafie Hazem Salaheldin , Labella Cristiana , D'Adamo Carmine , Pecora Giovanni , Musto Mauro , Paolino Rosanna , Camele Ippolito , Freschi Pierangelo
Published: July 2018

There is a growing interest related to the possible use of some components of cow milk that behave as immunomodulators, exert biological activity, and have anti-inflammatory factors. The aims of the study were: i) to investigate the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Podolian cow milk; ii) to test the efficacy of some hand soaps supplemented with different percentage of cow milk compared to placebo; iii) to evaluate the antibacterial activity of milk added to soap. Antioxidant activity of Podolian milk resulted in mean 97.03% and 52.09% utilizing 2,2’-azinobis 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-acid and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl methods, respectively. The efficacy test showed that the most effective soap was obtained adding 5% of Podolian milk. For this soap, total counting bacterial test evidenced the highest reduction of bacterial hand contamination assessed by 98%.
Aborto por causal ¿Una opción viable? Análisis desde la perspectiva biojurídica / Abortion by causal. A viable option? Analysis from the biojuridical perspective
Authors: López Erika Valdivieso
Published: July 2018

El presente trabajo aborda el análisis desde la perspectiva biojurídica, de la propuesta de despenalización del aborto por causal, específicamente las referidas a embarazos causados por violación y con malformaciones fetales incompatibles con la vida. Lo que se busca es dar una respuesta a los planteamientos de la legalización del aborto desde el reconocimiento del derecho a la vida del concebido y de su dignidad. Asimismo, establecer los límites a los derechos de la mujer a la libertad sexual, al libre desarrollo de la personalidad, a la igualdad y a la salud que sustentan la despenalización del aborto, desde la perspectiva de la condición de “otro” que ostenta el concebido. Todo ello, con el fin de contribuir a un análisis integral de lo que significaría el reconocimiento del aborto como “derecho”: un grave retroceso legislativo y social. ---------- The present work approaches the analysis from the biolaw perspective, of the proposal of decriminalization of abortion by causal, specifically those referred to pregnancies caused by rape and with fetal malformations incompatible with life. What is sought is to provide an answer to the legalization of abortion from the recognition of the right to life of the conceived and its dignity. Likewise, it establishes the limits to women’s rights to sexual freedom, to the free development of personality, to equality and to health that sustain the decriminalization of abortion, from the perspective of the condition of “other” that holds the conceived. All this, in order to contribute to a comprehensive analysis of what the recognition of abortion would mean as “right”: a serious legislative and social setback.
Il dibattito in Bioetica - Tra breve si avrà nei Paesi Bassi anche l’assistenza al suicidio per persone sane?* / The debate in Bioethics. Will healthy people get soon access to assisted suicide in The Netherlands?
Authors: Jacobus Eijk Willem
Published: July 2018

* Questo articolo è un’elaborazione di un altro apparso che trattava lo stesso argomento sulla rivista olandese online Pro Vita Humana (Eijk WJ. Straks ook medische hulp bij suïcide voor mensen die gezond zijn?. Pro Vita Humana 2017; 24 (1), (accesso del 10 maggio 2018, a: http://provitahumana.nl/pvhcoart201711.html). Non disponibile / Not available
The effects of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis and its supernatant on some bacteriological and sensory values in Rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss) fillets
Authors: Abbaspour Anbi Asad , Razavilar Vadood , Neyriz Naghadehi Moslem , Seidgar Masoud , Nekuiefard Ali , Asadpour Osalou Yoseif Ali
Published: July 2018

Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) have a great potential as bio-preservatives. The live cells and supernatant Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis induced bacteriological changes in Onchorhynchus mykiss fillet by spray and immersion methods was studied during vacuum- packaged storage at 4 °C for 15 days. 40 kg of O. mykiss were prepared from a culture farm in Oshnavieh (Northwest Iran) and 112 fillet samples (100g) were prepared by aseptic method. L. lactis subsp. lactis (PTCC1336) bacteria was cultured in MRS culture medium. Its supernatant (2%, 4%) was extracted and 106 CFUml-1 dilutions of LAB were prepared and tested on the fillets to enhance their shelf life. All samples were evaluated regarding to growth of psychrotrophic, psychrophilic, mesophilic bacteria, molds and yeasts. Four characteristics including of odor, flavor, texture and color of fillets after and before cooking were evaluated for sensory analysis on days 1, 5, 10 and 15 and compared with control samples. The 4% supernatant and live bacteria were more effective than that of 2% and control (P<0.05). The amounts of corrosive bacteria in 4% and live cells in storage time were less than human consumption limits (7log CFUg-1), whereas in control and 2% supernatant treatments were more than that limits. The results showed that increasing the percentage of supernatant was more effective on bacteriologic factors and enhanced sensory characteristics of rainbow trout fillets (P<0.05).
Isolation of an Escherichia coli mutant susceptible to a quinolone in an anaerobic environment
Authors: Debbia Eugenio A. , Marchese Anna
Published: July 2018

Quinolones are bactericidal agents that interfere with the essential prokaryotic enzyme DNA gyrase. While their mechanism of killing appears to be elucidated, one interesting feature is represented by the fact that, under anaerobic conditions, the growth of bacteria is inhibited but their viability is not affected by the first generation of quinolones such as nalidixic acid. More information about the mode of action of these drugs in anaerobiosis might be gained through the availability of strains subjected to enhanced killing in oxygen-deprived media. It has been assumed that when a population of a AB1157(F’lac) strain is exposed to nalidixic acid, plasmid-free cells could be recovered from culture treated with sub-inhibitory concentrations of the drug (2 mg/L) in aerobiosis, and, at the same drug level, only from the rare spontaneous susceptible mutant(s) in anaerobiosis. Among plasmid free bacteria found, 1 isolate demonstrated the same MIC value to nalidixic acid in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The mutation was co-transferred with Tn10 inserted at 28.5 min of the Escherichia coli genetic map into a wildtype strain. These transductants revealed the same phenotypes of the original mutant: susceptibility to nalidixic acid under anaerobic conditions (assessed by time-kill tests) and elongated cells during the aerobic growth, generation time about 65 min in comparison to 25 min of the control. Time kill experiment under aerobic environment revealed that the transductant was also susceptible to ciprofloxacin but not nalidixic acid in the presence of chloramphenicol (50 mg/L). These results suggest a possible role of bacterial topoisomerase in the anaerobic susceptibility to nalidixic acid of the mutant.
Cognitive impairment in neuromuscular diseases: A systematic review
Authors: Orsini Marco , Andorinho de F. Ferreira Ana Carolina , Damm de Assis Anna Carolina , Magalhães Thais , Teixeira Silmar , Bastos Victor Hugo , Marinho Victor , Oliveira Thomaz , Fiorelli Rossano , Oliveira Acary Bulle , De Freitas Marcos R. G.
Published: July 2018

Neuromuscular diseases are multifactorial pathologies characterized by extensive muscle fiber damage that leads to the activation of satellite cells and to the exhaustion of their pool, with consequent impairment of neurobiological aspects, such as cognition and motor control. To review the knowledge and obtain a broad view of the cognitive impairment on Neuromuscular Diseases. Cognitive impairment in neuromuscular disease was explored; a literature search up to October 2017 was conducted, including experimental studies, case reports and reviews written in English. Keywords included Cognitive Impairment, Neuromuscular Diseases, Motor Neuron Diseases, Dystrophinopathies and Mitochondrial Disorders. Several cognitive evaluation scales, neuroimaging scans, genetic analysis and laboratory applications in neuromuscular diseases, especially when it comes to the Motor Neuron Diseases, Dystrophinopathies and Mitochondrial Disorders. In addition, organisms model using rats in the genetic analysis and laboratory applications to verify the cognitive and neuromuscular impacts. Several studies indicate that congenital molecular alterations in neuromuscular diseases promote cognitive dysfunctions. Understanding these mechanisms may in the future guide the proper management of the patient, evaluation, establishment of prognosis, choice of treatment and development of innovative interventions such as gene therapy.
Treatment of piriformis syndrome with oxygen-ozone therapy
Authors: Valdenassi Luigi , Bellardi Debora
Published: July 2018

Piriformis syndrome is a pain-causing disease of the sciatalgic type, also called false sciatalgia. Indeed, it is possible that a suffering of this muscle, caused by different etiologies, is responsible for a more or less pronounced sciatalgic pain. All this in the absence of overtly pathological problems such as a disc hernia, a canalized stenosis or a mass in a ischio-crural region. We dealt with this problem in a group of patients who had been submitted to various therapies in the immediately preceding periods: pharmacology, tecartherapy and manual physiotherapy. After these treatments, these subjects had the same painful symptoms without any improvement. Therefore, they were treated with oxygen ozone by infiltration. Evaluation according to the visual analog scale, baropodometric examination and clinical trials of Freiberg and Page and Nagle were performed before, in the middle, and at the end of the treatment. The results were very encouraging, showing a noticeable improvement until the disappearance of symptoms.
Oxygen-ozone therapy in the treatment of functional overload syndromes of music professionals
Authors: Cuccio Gaetano , Franzini Marianno , Valdenassi Luigi
Published: July 2018

Musculoskeletal disorders of musicians and entertainment professionals in general have been the subject of studies and research since the nineteenth century. For the physician, they represent a grouping of pathologies that are easy to diagnose but difficult to cure, especially due to the high frequency of relapses. Oxygen-ozone therapy is an effective method for the treatment of these illnesses without the side effects of other drugs.
The use of ozonated water and rectal insufflation in patients with intestinal dysbiosis
Authors: Loprete Fortunato , Vaiano Francesco
Published: July 2018

A functional intestinal Flora, physiologically speaking, is an important indication of a healthy organism; therefore, it is an important ally for the Function of Defense. The study was conducted on an adult population from January 2012 to June 2013. 34 individuals were considered, regardless of age and sex, of which 23 females (67.6%) and 11 males (32.4%), aged between 27 and 62 (average: 43.9 years). For the evaluation of abdominal pressure- like pain and discomfort caused by other typical disorders of dysbiosis, a visual-analogue scale was chosen, according to the Scott and Huskisson model. The results of the study made it possible to verify - first of all - that intestinal dysbiosis is a disease with a higher incidence with respect to what clinical data does not allow to establish on the basis of subjective and objective symptoms. In conclusion, the study confirmed the validity of the treatment with ozonized water combined with rectal insufflation of oxygen and ozone mixture.
Ozone therapy in painful lipodystrophies. A preliminary study
Authors: Cardoso Olga , Rossi Pierluigi , Galoforo Antonio , Collodo Guido
Published: July 2018

The study focuses on lipomas, which are quite common, occur in one person out of every thousand and generally arise individually, although about 20% of those who suffer from them may have multiple cases. Ozone oxygen therapy has been shown to be effective and free of adverse side effects in all treated patients, and there are no contraindications to the use of the therapy. In most patients, the lipoma shrinks completely. The oxygen-ozone procedure is a scientifically approved and highly effective treatment for lipodystrophy.
Pharmacoeconomic analysis of ozone therapy supported by agent based process simulation and data mining
Authors: Remondino Marco , Valdenassi Luigi , Franzini Marianno
Published: July 2018

Pharmacoeconomics is the set of methods applied to the economic evaluation of pharmacological treatments. Its goal is to determine the best possible health outcome with the available resources by comparing costs (inputs) and the consequences/benefits (outcomes) of one or more alternative choices. Ozone therapy can be considered as a powerful alternative to traditional methods in the management and treatment of several diseases, like, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, lumbago, disc hernia, knee and hip disease, fibromyalgia, stroke outcomes, neurodegenerative syndromes and more. It is thus a very interesting topic to compare the costs and outcomes of ozone based treatments with those coming from other alternative methods, with the perspective of pharmacoeconomics. Several methods have been proposed for pharmacoeconomical analysis, including statistical and simulation tools. The purpose of this research paper is to review some of the simulation tools that could be used in this field and in particular to propose a hybrid simulation method, defined as agent based process simulation, which considers not only the involved costs, but also other non-monetary outcomes. In the same vein, a data mining set of techniques is proposed to collect data and to feed the simulation model.
Waardenburg Syndrome with Isolated Deficiency of Myenteric Ganglion Cells at the Sigmoid Colon and Rectum
Authors: Watanabe Shun , Matsudera Shotaro , Yamaguchi Takeshi , Tani Yukiko , Ogino Kei , Nakajima Masanobu , Yamaguchi Satoru , Sasaki Kinro , Suzumura Hiroshi , Tsuchioka Takashi
Published: July 2018

Waardenburg syndrome (WS) has the characteristic clinical features caused by the embryologic abnormality of neural crest cells. WS patients sometimes suffer from functional intestinal obstruction. When it is Hirschsprung disease (HD), the WS is diagnosed as type 4 WS. We report a case of WS which did not have myenteric ganglion cells in the sigmoid colon and rectum. Whether to diagnosis this case as type 1 or 4 WS is controversial. Moreover, this is the third report which has peristalsis failure caused by abnormal myenteric plexus. In all three cases, the eosinophils had aggregated in the myenteric layer of the transition zone. During embryonic life, enteric ganglion cells migrate to the myenteric layer from the proximal to the distal side sequentially and, subsequently, to the submucosal layer through the circular muscle. Therefore, we hypothesize that myenteric ganglion cells that had already migrated were eliminated by an eosinophil-mediated mechanism in these three cases. We believe this report may be helpful to elucidate the pathogenesis of some types of HD.
A Case of Atypical Systemic Primary Carnitine Deficiency in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alghamdi Abdulrahman , Almalki Hani , Shawli Aiman , Waggass Rahaf , Hakami Fahad
Published: July 2018

Systemic primary carnitine deficiency (SPCD) is an autosomal recessive inborn error of fatty acid metabolism caused by a defect in the transporter responsible for moving carnitine across plasma membrane. The clinical features of SPCD vary widely based on the age of onset and organs involved. During infancy, patients might show episodes of hypoketotic hypoglycemia, hepatomegaly, elevated transaminases, and hyperammonemia. Skeletal myopathy, elevated creatine kinase, and cardiomyopathy are the main manifestations in children with SPCD, while in adults, the disorder is usually manifested as cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, or fatigability. Here, we report a 5-year-old boy with SPCD that presented as dilated cardiomyopathy with atypical features, such as anemia, respiratory distress, and proximal muscle weakness. This report supports considering carnitine deficiency treatment in the work-up of unexplained pediatric dilated cardiomyopathy.
Sewing Needle Migrating from Esophagus into Prevertebral Space: A Challenging Case
Authors: Sathe Nilam Uttam , Shelke Sheetal , Priya Ratna , Chavan Kamini
Published: July 2018

Oesophageal foreign body presents as a medical emergency and requires immediate evaluation and treatment. We are reporting a rare case of sewing needle in esophagus migrating into the prevertebral space at thoracic inlet level. A 13-year-old mentally retarded female child was brought in emergency at midnight with complaint of accidental ingestion of sewing needle with the thread. Patient was posted for rigid esophagoscopy under general anaesthesia, no needle could be visualised and only thread of the sewing needle was removed. So patient was taken up for neck exploration along with gastroenterologists. Further careful dissection confirmed the needle in the pre vertebral space, which was removed successfully with artery forceps. Patient was given IV antibiotics for 10 days. Patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged after 10 days. Pointed metallic slender foreign bodies can perforate and migrate very fast in the neck or chest and can lead to morbidity and mortality. Multidisciplinary approach offers a great advantage in surgical planning and proper patient management.
Informed Choice in a Multicultural World
Authors: Petrou Mary
Published: July 2018

Knowledge and autonomy are key aspects of informed choice; it is important to define what is important for participants to understand, when accepting or declining screening and for individuals to understand that screening is optional and their own personal choice [...]
Renal Complications in Thalassemia
Authors: Sleiman Joseph , Tarhini Ali , Taher Ali T.
Published: July 2018

Thalassemia is a disease with an extensive morbidity profile affecting almost every organ system. Renal involvement, once considered rare, is an underestimated and poorly studied complication that has been on the rise ever since medical advances granted patients longer life spans. Several studies and reports have emerged recently to shed light on the seriousness of this complication, although data is still lacking in terms of pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. In this review, we evaluate and compare renal involvement in the transfusion-dependent and independent variants of β-Thalassemia, highlighting the pathophysiology of kidney damage that involves iron overload, chronic anemia, and iron chelation therapy. An in-depth and focused review of the types of injuries incurred is also presented along with the diagnostic biomarkers accompanying each type of injury. Most research so far has focused on the transfusion-dependent thalassemia population being the group with most renal involvement, however recent reports have shown evidence of comparable, if not worse, involvement of the non-transfusion dependent population, sometimes leading to end-stage renal disease. As such, we try to shed light on distinct renal involvements in NTDT whenever available.
Challenges to Management of Pain in Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Kanter Julie
Published: July 2018

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is one of the most common blood disorders in the world. Pain is the primary reason for which individuals with SCD interact with the healthcare system. Generally speaking, there are two types of SCD pain: vaso-occlusive pain (or sickle cell disease crisis) and chronic pain caused by an accumulation of organ and tissue damage over time. However, despite its frequency, we have limited understanding about what causes pain in sickle cell disease, how best to manage pain in SCD and (most importantly) how to prevent pain in SCD. For medical providers, pain is also an elusive target due to the difficulty in objectively measuring pain and the importance of relying on patient reported outcomes. To face the challenges in managing pain in SCD, we will review the current understanding of the pathophysiology of vaso-occlusion, the multiple dimensions of the pain experience, and the current methods of measuring and managing pain. We will also review new pharmacologic agents undergoing clinical trials in SCD that will help to prevent pain and improve outcomes in SCD.
National Policies in Ensuring Access to Quality and Safety of Drugs: A Challenge or a Prerequisite
Authors: Hadipour Dehshal M. , Tabrizi Namini M.
Published: July 2018

Access to the essential medicines is an important challenge in the developing countries. To have access to the quality and affordable medicines, the pharmaceutical decision makers try different strategies. The production of generic and copy medicines is one of the strategies that if adopted based on the recognized standards and norms can be effective in raising the health status in the developing countries. However, the regulation enfeeblement has somewhat impaired the quality of generic and copy medicines and harmed the health life of consumers. Here we aim to reflect over the role of different beneficiaries including international organizations, governments, pharmaceutical companies, and NGOs in ensuring the feasible and sustainable access of citizens to the essential medicines. We also aim to highlight the importance of the patient status in the enhancement of the medical delivery.
Quality of Life: Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia vs Non-Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia
Authors: Karimi Mehran , Cohan Nader
Published: July 2018

Although the improvements in the treatment and management of thalassemia patients in new years lead to the improved survival and quality of life (QOL) in this group of patients, QOL is still is an important dimension of care in thalassemic patients [...]
Efficacy of ChemoID® guided drug selection for palliative chemotherapy in advanced recurrent high-grade ovarian adenocarcinoma: Case study
Authors: DeEulis Timothy G. , Howard Candace M. , Valluri Jagan , Claudio Pier Paolo
Published: July 2018

Notwithstanding tremendous advances in surgery, primary chemotherapy, and novel treatments for recurrent disease, the diagnosis of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in 2016 remains ultimately fatal in the majority of cases. Advanced therapy refractory EOC patients are often treated in hospice and with chemotherapy palliative care. The main goals of chemotherapy for recurrent/refractory ovarian cancer are the palliation of disease-related symptoms, and improvement of quality and quantity of life. Unfortunately, there is contradicting evidence suggesting that chemotherapy has a role in palliation of symptoms with an apparent improvement in quality of life. Anticancer drugs have a high rate of failure and chemotherapy response assays have been used to identify which drugs are more likely to be effective against those of gynecological origin. ChemoID® is a functional drug response assay which measures the sensitivity of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and bulk of tumor cells to chemotherapy to determine the most effective combination of anticancer drugs for solid tumors. We present a clinical case that demonstrates the utility of ChemoID® guidance to commonly available drugs with identified toxicity profiles and predictable cost profile available at POS, along with rapid response in correcting symptomatic disease features, and minimal treatment burden from toxicities. We observed in the reported case the survival and symptom management benefits of ChemoID® guided therapy even after plateau of response to cisplatin. Further studies are indicated to increase the clinical adoption of ChemoID® for gynecological malignancies in the palliative setting.
In vitro protocol for validating interface pressure sensors for therapeutic compression garments: Importance of sphygmomanometer placement and initial cuff diameter
Authors: Jung Inhwa , Xie Zhaoqian , Huo Qingze , Kim Jongwon , Lee Jaehyuk , Ji Bowen , Xu Shuai
Published: July 2018

An optimal protocol is needed to validate the performance of future interface pressure sensors for compression garments when using a sphygmomanometer. PicoPress® was used on a rigid plastic cylinder (r=4 cm). An FDA-cleared aneroid sphygmomanometer was used to apply pressures from 10-60 mmHg with a diameter of 8 cm or 12 cm placed either beneath the sphygmomanometer’s airbag or fabric cuff. A two-tail t-test was performed (P<0.05 for significance) for all applied pressures. PicoPress® outputs vary with sensor placement (airbag vs fabric cuff) and the initial cuff diameter. Sensor placement overlying the sphygmomanometer’s fabric cuff compared to the airbag led to significantly higher pressures (37%-135%) depending on the cuff diameter size. These differences were nearly all statistically significant (P<0.05). Validation of new interface pressure sensors deploying a sphygmomanometer for calibration should specify the location of sensor placement location and initial diameter with a preference for placement under the airbag.
Reparing veins and saving lives, while giving birth to modern venous surgery: lesson from the icon inside and outside the operating room
Authors: Gianesini Sergio
Published: July 2018

Not available.
Isolation and characterization of a new cell line from spontaneous mouse mammary tumour, MBL-6, for in vivo cancer studies
Authors: Langroudi Ladan , Hasan Zuhir M. , Ardeshirylajimi Abdolreza , Soleimani Masoud
Published: July 2018

In search for treatments against breast cancer, cell lines are one of the basic resources, particularly as in vitro models. Additionally, animal models of cancer are used as the successive step in therapeutics research. In this regard, human breast cancer cell lines provide fundamental models in vitro. However, in vivo studies require immunodeficient mice, which lack the influence of other in vivo factors such as the native microenvironment and the immune system. There are few standard models to study the pathogenic mechanism at molecular level and cell signaling pathway of breast cancer. In this study, a new mouse breast cancer cell line, MBL-6, was successfully established and characterized from tissues of a spontaneous mammary tumor. The cell line had epithelial morphology, formed adherent monolayer, maintained continuously in vitro and was able to form new tumors when injected subcutaneously in syngeneic mice. The growth pattern and metastasis evaluations revealed a considerable in situ duration before invading distant organs. Real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis showed the expression of ER-, PR- and Her-2 receptors. The chromosome analysis showed numerous chromosomal abnormalities. Aggressive tumorigenecity in tumorigenesis test and the IC50 to cyclophosphamide (CTX), celecoxib (CLX) and cisplatin (CPN) was also evaluated. The numerous tests performed on the new MBL-6 cell line suggest that it is in good quality and may be used in animal models of breast cancer studies.
Toxicological evaluation of chronic oral administration of Melissa officinalis hydro-ethanol extract in Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Hashemnia Mohammad , Rezaei Farid , Nikousefat Zahra , Bahiraei Maral
Published: July 2018

Melissa officinalis is a plant that has been widely used as an herbal medicine in many countries. Unfortunately, despite the prevalent medicinal uses of the plant, there are no reports on the possible toxic effects of M. officinalis. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of long-term administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of M. officinalis on some biochemical and hematological parameters and histopathology of organs. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to three equal groups. The animals in groups A and B received 600 and 1200 mg/kg M. officinalis extract, respectively, for 30 days. The rats in group C were given gavaged saline as control. The animals were euthanized at the end of experiment and the blood samples were collected for biochemical and hematology analysis. Additionally, appropriate tissue samples were collected from kidney, liver, spleen, heart and lung for light microscopic examination. M. officinalis caused a significant increase in the alanine aminotransferase level in the treated rats. Although the increase in creatine phosphokinase and lactate dehydrogenase levels were observed in group A and B, respectively, but there were no significant differences. A significant decrease was observed in the total protein and albumin concentrations in serum of treated rats as compared to the control group. The creatinine concentrations were significantly higher in the group B when compared to the other groups. There were no significant differences in cholesterol, triglyceride and urea concentrations between all groups of rats. The main histopathologic findings in the liver were included hepatocyte degeneration, congestion and dilation of sinusoids, proliferation of bile ducts and infiltration of mononuclear cells around the portal area. Histopathologic examination of the kidneys showed a tubular degeneration and necrosis, tubular and glomerular atrophy and congestion. These lesions were more prominent in the high dose treated rats. The findings suggest that long-term administration of M. officinalis extract even at low doses induces hepatic and renal lesions in rats.
Antioxidant activity and storage regime of defatted grape seeds flour
Authors: Bogoeva Adelina L. , Durakova Albena G. , Pavlov Atanas I. , Yanakieva Velichka B. , Vrancheva Radka Z. , Bozadzhiev Bozhidar V. , Choroleeva Kornelia B.
Published: July 2018

In the present paper, we examined the antioxidant activity of a defatted grape seeds flour of different grape varieties locally grown in Bulgaria. The seeds are retrieved after alcoholic fermentation and the antioxidant activity of the flour was assessed by using four different methods, namely DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and CUPRAC. The results are presented in mM TE/g extract. The values are 586,08 (±41,55); 945,41 (±90,97); 553,39 (±45,57) and 667,73 (±64,30), respectively. The results are also showed in mM TE/g flour. The values are 58,67 (±4,16); 94,64 (±9,11); 55,40 (±4,56) and 66,85 (±6,44), respectively. During three-month storage of the flour in plastic bags (temperature 25 ºC and relative humidity 75%), no living cells of pathogenic organisms (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp.) or apparent molding were detected. The flour particle size has not changed either.
Treatment with different fining agents of white musts from spoiled wine grapes
Authors: Meistermann Eric , Pinsun Michel
Published: July 2018

Fining agents have evolved significantly over the last twenty years. The need for winemakers to have objective references about the new products has prompted this study. The experiment consists in comparing the new fining products (charcoal, pea proteins, derivatives of chitin and composite products generally mixing PVPP + various proteins + bentonite) with reference products such as casein and PVPP and with non-treated controls. Fining agents were applied during clarification of 15 different musts obtained from wine grapes affected by different degrees and types of rot: fresh and dry Botrytis cinerea rot, powdery mildew and Botrytis contaminated with other fungi (Aspergillus, Penicillium, Basidiomycetes), giving the bunches offflavours that were earthy and resembled fresh mushrooms. This study highlights the importance of good clarification of musts. The quality of control wines, without any treatment, increases with the clarity of the must. In most experiments, clarification of the must around 50 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) can eliminate or reduce any organoleptic defects in wine without fining. Use of pectolytic enzymes may be necessary in order to reach this level of clarity. The new allergen-free fining agents have the same effectiveness as reference products such as casein and polyvinylpolypyrolidone (PVPP). Composite products are more efficient than pea protein alone and less than products including charcoal. However, the improvement of aromatic quality goes hand in hand with loss of body and persistence.
Cytodiagnosis of extramedullary hematopoiesis in serous effusion: A rare presentation unfolding the underlying etiology
Authors: Kishore Manjari , Gupta Prajwala , Malhotra A. K. , Kumar Vijay , Singh Sanchit , Bhardwaj Minakshi
Published: July 2018

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) usually involves reticuloendothelial system. However, it rarely may be present in the serous body effusions. In our case, the fluid cytology of both peritoneal and pleural fluid was diagnostic of the EMH in a patient with an undiagnosed underlying etiology.
Effect of valproic acid on survival in glioblastoma: A prospective single-arm study
Authors: Valiyaveetti Deepthi , Malik Monica , Joseph Deepa M. , Ahmed Syed Fayaz , Kothwal Syed Akram , Vijayasaradhi M.
Published: July 2018

Background: Retrospective evidence suggests that valproic acid (VPA), an antiepileptic drug, is associated with improved outcomes in glioblastoma. The exact mechanism of interaction of VPA with radiation and temozolomide (TMZ) is still unclear. Laboratory studies show that VPA can enhance tumor cell kill while at the same time protect the normal neural tissue. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the benefit of VPA on outcomes in glioblastoma. Materials and Methods: In this single-arm prospective study, patients of glioblastoma were started on seizure prophylaxis with VPA (15–20 mg/kg/day) following maximal safe resection. All patients were treated with chemoradiation to a dose of 60 Gy in 30 fractions with concurrent TMZ followed by adjuvant TMZ for 6 cycles. VPA was continued during adjuvant treatment and follow-up. Survival analysis was done using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Results: Twenty patients were enrolled in the study. Median age was 47 years. M:F ratio was 3:1. Treatment was well tolerated with no grade 3/4 adverse events. 8/20 patients experience seizure episodes during treatment and/or follow-up which needed additional antiepileptic drugs for control. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 10 months and 16 months, respectively. Younger patients (age ≤45 years) showed a significantly better OS (25 months) versus older patients (8 months) (P = 0.002). Conclusions: Incidence of seizures on VPA prophylaxis was 40%. Median PFS and OS were comparable to historical controls. There was no significant treatment-related toxicity. The results need validation in larger prospective randomized studies.
conversando con...EMILIO TUÑÓN (parte 2): Dibujar para entender II. La mano que piensa, procesa, construye
Authors: Raposo Grau Javier Francisco , Salgado de la Rosa Mariasun , Butragueño Díaz-Guerra Belén
Published: July 2018

A  lo  largo  de  esta  entrevista,  hemos podido comprobar que Emilio Tuñón, ahora en solitario como arquitecto, al frente de la firma Tuñón Arquitectos, y durante muchos años en compañía de su socio Luis Moreno Mansilla, ambos al frente de la firma Mansilla + Tuñón Arquitectos, son profesionales de alto nivel profesional y humano. 

De la entrevista realizada a Emilio Tuñón podemos destacar la perfecta articulación de sus contenidos a las respuestas formuladas en relación a la disciplina del dibujar, la coherencia de su discurso, nada improvisado, sino profundo y de convicción madura, y su amabilidad y generosidad en cuanto a sus comentarios, siempre con una mirada hacia la disciplina del dibujar como modo de pensar, procesar y construir un lenguaje, que nos hace capaces de entender el mundo que nos rodea… de entender el dibujar como una manifestación natural de extensión de la mano, del ojo, de la cabeza…

(Esta entrevista es continuación de la primera parte publicada en el número 32 de la Revista EGA)
La arquitectura defensiva de la Corona de Aragón en los siglos XIV y XV. Entre la ballesta y la pólvora
Authors: Cabodevilla-Artieda Ignacio
Published: July 2018

Un estudio profundo de las expresiones arquitectónicas del gótico en los territorios de la Corona de Aragón, tanto españoles como del sur de Francia, sardos, sicilianos o napolitanos, y que voluntariamente se aleje de una lectura basada en los límites nacionales actuales permite descubrir la existencia de unas características estéticas, tipológicas y constructivas, en definitiva, una esencia común a todas ellas que trasciende las diferencias y particularidades locales y que denominamos gótico mediterráneo; más allá de la presencia común en todas las variantes del gótico de unos estilemas formales y decorativos, el gótico mediterráneo tiene una personalidad propia que se extiende, en las zonas mediterráneas de las actuales España, Francia e Italia, unos territorios con unas condiciones climáticas y físicas con grandes similitudes que mantuvieron una estrecha relación política, económica y cultural durante siglos dentro de la estructura de la Corona de Aragón.

Estas relaciones se plasman en unas tipologías arquitectónicas, ya sean religiosas, civiles o militares, que se extienden por todo el territorio de la Corona y dotan de un sentido artístico y constructivo unitario a la arquitectura mediterránea de los siglos XIV y XV.
La sección, como instrumental de exploración arquitectónica
Authors: García García Tomas , Montero Fernández Francisco J.
Published: July 2018

Los lugares que nos llevan a comprender el concepto de espacio arquitectónico, los que nos muestran el alma del espacio y el verdadero lujo de la arquitectura, son aquellos que no se describen en su exterior, aquellos que no se muestran de forma evidente, que requieren de una cierta exploración, aquellos que permanecen en silencio y a oscuras, porque la luz les llega tímida, densa y filtrada.

Plantear la sección como instrumento de exploración arquitectónica es insistir en la idea de hurgar con las manos en el interior de la realidad, en lo excitante de rasgar la apariencia de lo visible para descubrir lo que hay dentro de las cosas.

Un instrumento eficaz que puede aplicarse tanto a un relato de Perec, de John Cheever, como a una iglesia de Francesco Borromini o a una casa residencial abandonada en Englewood, Nueva Yersey.
La retícula en el proyecto arquitectónico de Richard Meier
Authors: Ovando Grajales Fredy
Published: July 2018

Si se observa por primera vez una imagen aérea del Centro Getty, proyectado por Richard Meier en 1984, cuesta distinguir que este complejo arquitectónico esté realizado a partir de dos retículas superpuestas, difíciles de visualizar, ciertamente, en el aparente caos que presenta el conjunto ante los ojos de los espectadores 1. Meier ha recurrido al uso de la retícula como herramienta proyectual hasta sistematizar un método con el que ha creado un estilo propio perfectamente identificable. La retícula, junto a su obsesivo uso del blanco en sus edificios, es el sello distintivo en la obra de este arquitecto norteamericano, visible en los pisos, en las ventanas y en los muros de sus obras. Y aunque Meier no es el único que usa la retícula en su proceso proyectual, sí que es uno de los más destacados, como se explicará a continuación.