bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perioperative Goal Directed Therapy During Kidney Transplantation: An Impact Evaluation on the Major Postoperative Complications
Authors: Cavaleri Marco , Veroux Massimiliano , Palermo Filippo , Vasile Francesco , Mineri Mirko , Palumbo Joseph , Salemi Lorenzo , Astuto Marinella , Murabito Paolo
Published: November 2018

Background: Kidney transplantation is considered the first-choice therapy in ESRD patients. Despite recent improvements in terms of outcomes and graft survival in recipients, postoperative complications still concern health-care providers involved in the management of those patients. Particularly challenging are cardiovascular complications. Perioperative goal-directed fluid-therapy (PGDT) and hemodynamic optimization are widely used in high-risk surgical patients, and are associated with a significant reduction in postoperative complication rates and length of stay (LOS). The aim of this work is to compare the effects of perioperative goal-directed therapy (PGDT) with conventional fluid therapy (CFT), and to determine whether there are any differences in major postoperative complications rates and delayed graft function (DGF) outcomes. Methods: Prospective study with historical controls. Two groups, a PGDT- and a CFT- group were used: the stroke volume (SV) optimization protocol was applied in PGDT group throughout the procedure. Conventional fluid therapy with fluids titration at a central venous pressure (CVP) 8-12 mmHg and mean arterial pressure (MAP) >80mmHg was applied to the control-group. Postoperative data collection including vital signs, weight, urinary output, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, serum potassium, and assessement of volemic status and the signs and symptoms of major postoperative complications occurred at 24h, 72h, 7 days and 30 days after transplantation. Results: Among the 66 patients enrolled, 33 were in each group and both groups had similar physical characteristics. Good fuctional recovery was evident in the 94% of patients. The statistical analysis has showed a difference in postoperative complications as follows: significant reduction of cardiovascular complications, DGF episodes (p<0.05) and surgical complications (p<0.01). There were no significant differences in pulmonary or other complication. Conclusions: PGDT and SV optimization effectively influenced the rate of major postoperative complications, reducing the overall morbidity and thus the mortality in patients receiving kidney transplantation.
Effects of Sodium Substitution on the Rate Performances of Spherical LiMn2O4 Cathode for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Jiang Jiangbing , Li Wei , Deng Haojie , Xu Lijian
Published: November 2018

Sodium substitution Li1-xNaxMn2O4 cathodes were synthesized by a solid-state reaction method. The morphologies and crystal structures of Li1-xNaxMn2O4 were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. All Li1-xNaxMn2O4 samples exhibited a single phase LiMn2O4 spinel structure with good crystallinity. The effect of Na+ ions on the electrochemical performance of Li1-xNaxMn2O4 was investigated by galvanostatic charge-discharge test. The results showed that lithium substituted by sodium deteriorated its capacity retention but enhance its discharge capacity when it worked at large current densities. The initial discharge capacity was 114.2 mAh/g for Li0.94Na0.06Mn2O4, and 93.1 mAh/g remained after 300 cycles at a current density of 2220 mA/g in the voltage range 3.0–4.3 V at room temperature.
Sex-Specific Proteomics Changes Induced by Genetic Deletion of the Fibroblast Growth Factor 14 (FGF14) Regulator of Neuronal Ion Channels
Authors: Sowers Mark , Di Re Jessica , Wadsworth Paul , Shavkunov Alexander , Lichti Cheryl , Zhang Kangling , Laezza Fernanda
Published: November 2018

Fibroblast growth factor 14 (FGF14) is a member of the intracellular FGFs, a group of proteins with roles in neuronal ion channel regulation and synaptic transmission. We have previously demonstrated that a male Fgf14-/- mouse model recapitulates salient endophenotypes of synaptic dysfunction and behaviors associated with schizophrenia (SZ). As the underlying etiology of SZ and its sex-specific onset remain elusive, the Fgf14-/- model provides a valuable tool to interrogate pathways that might be related to the disease mechanism. Here, we performed label free quantitative proteomics and bioinformatics to identify enriched pathways at the proteome level in the male and female hippocampi from Fgf14+/+ and Fgf14-/- mice. We discovered that many differentially expressed proteins in Fgf14-/- animals are associated with SZ. In addition, measured changes in the proteome and signaling pathways were predominantly sex-specific with the male Fgf14-/- being distinctly enriched for pathways associated with neuropsychiatric disorders and addiction and the female exhibiting modest changes. In the male Fgf14-/- mouse the major protein changes that could in part explain the previously described neurotransmission and behavioral phenotype of this model were loss of ALDH1A1 and PRKAR2B. ALDH1A1 has been shown to mediate an alternative pathway for GABA synthesis, while PRKAR2B is essential for dopamine 2 receptor signaling, which is the basis of current antipsychotics. Collectively, our results provide new insights in the role of FGF14 and support the use of the Fgf14-/- mouse as a useful preclinical model of SZ for generating hypothesis on the disease mechanism, sex-specific manifestation and therapy.
High 1RM Tests Reproducibility and Validity Are Not Dependent on Training Experience, Muscle Group Tested or Strength Level in Older Women
Authors: Barbalho Matheus , Gentil Paulo , Raiol Rodolfo , Del Vecchio Fabrício Boscolo , Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo , Coswig Victor Silveira
Published: November 2018

Background: The maximal one-repetition test (1-RM) is widely used in scientific research; however, there are conflict results regarding its reproducibility in elderly population. The present study aimed to analyze the reproducibility the test both before and after a 12 week training period by using the bench press and leg press 45° 1-RM tests in the elderly taking into consideration the training experience and strength level of the women. Methods: Elderly women (n = 376; age, 68.5 ± 14.1 years; height, 162.7 ± 5.5 cm; body mass, 71.2 ± 16.0 kg) who underwent ≥3 months of resistance training performed an initial week of familiarization and a second week of testing and retest, with a 48–72 hour interval. Results: The results showed maximal and relative load strength of 39.3 kg and 0.59 kg/body mass for lower limbs and 20.9 kg and 0.31 kg/body mass for upper limbs. The Kappa indices were 0.93 and 0.95, and the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.99 and 0.99 for the lower and upper limbs, respectively. Conclusion: Therefore, the present study confirms that the 1-RM test has high reliability and reproducibility in the elderly, for both upper and lower limbs.
40Ar/39Ar Geochronology of the Malyy (Little) Murun Massif, Aldan Shield of the Siberian Craton: A Simple Story for an Intricate Igneous Complex
Authors: Ivanov Alexei V. , Vladykin Nikolay V. , Demonterova Elena I. , Gorovoy Viktor A. , Dokuchits Emilia Yu.
Published: November 2018

The Malyy (Little) Murun massif of the Aldan Shield of the Siberian Craton has long been a kind of the geologists’ Siberian Mecca. It attracted thousands of geologists, prospectors and mineral collectors despite of its remote location. It is famous for a dozen of new and rare minerals, including gemstones charoite and dianite (the latter is the market name for strontian potassicrichrerite), as well as for specific alkaline igneous rocks. Despite of this, the age of the Malyy Murun igneous complex and associated metasomatic and hydrothermal mineral associations remained poorly constrained. In this paper, we provide extensive 40Ar/39Ar geochronological data to reveal its age and temporal history. It appeared that being unique in terms of rocks and constituent minerals, the Malyy Murun is one of multiple alkaline massifs and lavas emplaced in Early Cretaceous (~137-128 Ma) within a framework of extensional setting of the Aldan Shield and nearby Transbaikalian region. The extension has occurred 40-60 million years after the supposed closure of the Mongolia-Okhotsk Ocean and peak of orogeny in Early-Middle Jurassic.
Chaperoning the Mononegavirales: Current Knowledge and Future Directions
Authors: Latorre Victor , Mattenberger Florian , Geller Ron
Published: November 2018

The order Mononegavirales harbors numerous viruses of significant relevance for human health, including both established and emerging infections. Currently, vaccines are only available for a small subset of these viruses and antiviral therapies remain limited. Being obligate cellular parasites, viruses must utilize the cellular machinery for their replication and spread. Therefore, targeting cellular pathways used by viruses can provide novel therapeutic approaches. One of the key challenges confronted by both hosts and viruses alike is the successful folding and maturation of proteins. In cells, this task is faced by cellular molecular chaperones, a group of conserved and abundant proteins that oversee protein folding and help maintain protein homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of how the mononegavirales interact with cellular chaperones, highlight key gaps in our knowledge, and discuss the potential of chaperone inhibitors as antivirals.
Aulas de História e os Direitos das Crianças e dos Adolescentes: entre possibilidades e desafios
Authors: Miranda Humberto Silva
Published: November 2018

O que faz uma criança ou um adolescente se tornarem “sujeito de direitos”? Qual a relação do Ensino de História com os direitos humanos desses agentes sociais? A partir dessas perguntas, pretende-se problematizar a relação do saber histórico escolar com os direitos humanos das crianças e dos adolescentes, procurando questionar as possibilidades e os desafios vivenciados nas aulas de história frente às novas formas de entender as culturas infantis. A partir da promulgação do Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente, a sociedade brasileira firmou um novo compromisso político com a forma de pensar as infâncias e este deve ser vivenciado nos espaços sociais onde esses meninos e meninas circulam. O Ensino de História se relaciona diretamente com esta questão e a partir da sua prática podemos efetivar o princípio reconhecido pelo Estatuto de conceber esses agentes sociais como “sujeitos de direitos”.
PROFIL KESIAPAN SEKOLAH ANAK MEMASUKI SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Rahmawati Anayanti , Tairas Mareyke Maritje Wagey , Nawangsari Nur Ainy Fardana
Published: November 2018

ABSTRAK 
School readiness is childrenâ€™s readiness to enter elementary school. School readiness is needed so that children can attend all school activities in elementary school well. This study aims to determine the condition of school readiness owned by children before entering elementary school. Method used in this research is survey. Data analysis was carried out descriptively by comparing the average score of each dimension in school readiness. Results show that the average score from the highest to the lowest in the dimension of school readiness are academic knowledge, dimension, physical health and motor development dimension, basic thinking skills dimension, self-discipline dimension, social  emotional maturity dimension, and communication skills dimension. Achievement of the average score in cognitive dimensions (academic knowledge and basic thinking skills dimension) and physical health and motor development dimension are higher than non-cognitive dimensions (self-discipline, social emotional maturity and communication skills dimension). This condition needs to get attention because the realization of school readiness is a combination of all dimensions in school readiness. The low in one of these dimension will affect to the overall of school readinessâ€™s quality. 
Keywords: School readiness, Children, Entering elementary school
Kesiapan sekolah merupakan kesiapan anak untuk masuk Sekolah Dasar (SD). Kesiapan sekolah diperlukan agar anak dapat mengikuti semua kegiatan sekolah di SD dengan baik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kondisi kesiapan sekolah yang dimiliki oleh anak sebelum memasuki SD. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah survei. Analisis data dilakukan secara deskriptif dengan membandingkan nilai rata-rata setiap dimensi dalam kesiapan sekolah. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa nilai rata-rata dari tertinggi ke terendah dalam dimensi kesiapan sekolah adalah dimensi pengetahuan akademis, dimensi  kesehatan fisik dan perkembangan motorik, dimensi ketrampilan berpikir dasar, dimensi disiplin diri, dimensi  kematangan sosial emosional dan dimensi kemampuan berkomunikasi. Capaian nilai rata-rata dimensi kognitif (dimensi pengetahuan akademis dan ketrampilan berpikir dasar) dan dimensi kesehatan fisik dan perkembangan motorik lebih tinggi jika dibandingkan dengan capaian nilai rata-rata dimensi non kognitif (dimensi disiplin diri, kematangan sosial emosional dan kemampuan berkomunikasi).. Kondisi ini perlu mendapatkan perhatian karena terwujudnya kesiapan sekolah merupakan perpaduan antara semua dimensi dalam kesiapan sekolah. Rendahya salah satu dimensi akan mempengaruhi kualitas kesiapan sekolah secara keseluruhan.
Kata Kunci: Kesiapan Sekolah, Anak, Masuk Sekolah Dasar
ESP Water Injector Well with Injection Pressure Available for Real-Time Monitoring Recovered 30% of Production in Low Producer Wells: Case Study
Authors: Cueva Diego , Jaramillo Dorian , Villalobos Jorge Luis , Amores David , Sotomayor Alejandro
Published: November 2018

In Ecuador, the fields are getting more challenging in terms of reservoir depletion. Inchi field is an example of such a field in which the production is normally obtained using electric submersible pumps (ESP), with a fast production decline. The wells start with production rates of 1,000 BOPD, and immediately production and pump intake pressure begin to decrease, thus requiring a secondary recovery technique such as water injection. However, the water to inject at required pressure is not always available, andspecial facilities are required to execute this operation, which increasescapital expenditures (CAPEX). Using a new approach that used the advantages of ESP sensors and operational flexibility, a production well was selected and converted to an injection well thus avoiding the high investments in surface facilities and making the secondary recovery a feasible option for low-producing wells.

The Inchi A8 well on the Inchi A pad, was converted toa production injection well due to lack of available water in the field and production facilities. The paper includes an analysis of the completion design, ESP design, sensor installation modification for real-time injection pressure monitoring, ESP performance, injection stimulation, and results with the performance analysis for production recovery of nearby wells. The experience shared in this paper will let the reader understand the challenges for installation of a production injection well driven by the specific needs for and the advantages of injection pressure monitoring.

After the installation of the production injection completion, the decrease in production and reservoir pressure stopped, the production in the field increased up to 166 BFPD in the Inchi 01 and Inchi A5 wells, the flowing bottomhole pressure has increased inan average of 100 psi in the wells Inchi 01 and Inchi A5, and in the well Inchi B6 the flowing bottomhole pressure is steady now closed to 600 psi (before was constantly decreasing). The injection pressure monitoring has been useful especially during the injection pressure tests performed by a testing unit, which allows to check the actual injection index of the reservoir. The savings associated with the installation of the production injection well include eliminating the need for additional surface facilities, a pipeline to bring water from the main station, and the construction of the water treatment plant in the location.

This paper presents a design guideline for future production injection well applications, the benefits to in having a real-time injection pressure monitoring, and the way to usea conventional ESP discharge pressure to monitor the injection pressure and its performance.
Power Consumption Measurements & Optimization Automated With Null Electrical Risk In Esp Systems
Authors: Zabala Garces Wilson Andres , Martinez Rodriguez Gustavo
Published: November 2018

In times of increased focus on return on investment, Operators look beyond negotiating lower prices for surface and downhole Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) equipment and strive to harness greater efficiencies across the board. In regions with expensive utility costs, high water cuts and/or heavy crudes there has been a focus on with power consumption.

When the downhole conditions of an ESP lifted well are steady, the electrical power consumption is stable and conventional measuring methods are reliable (although risky). In many cases, well conditions vary considerably causing fluctuations in power comsumption, making trending difficult. In addition, the practice of measuring power quality is considered a High-Risk task with the technicians being exposed to Medium Voltage when taking manual readings with specialised measuring instruments. Several cases of electrical accidents have occurred in the oil industry so far and sometimes increasing the protection for the executor of work is not enough to prevent any incident.

This paper presents the performance of one smart tracking system of continuous power quality measurement that reflects the real power consumption over a given period allowing to determine the most accurate voltage optimisation for the entire ESP system. The results is increasing energy savings, reducing potential penalties from utility companies and makes a potentially hazardous procedure redundant.
ESP Reliability Statistical Modelling Using Weibull Analysis, Case Study from Sudan
Authors: Babiker Mohammed , Tajeldin Abdalla , Ahmed Abubakr
Published: November 2018

The Electrical Submersible Pumps as a mean of oil production has an increasing importance in the oil fields operations. The need for an artificial lift and particularly the ESP is increasing day after day. The Operating companies who depend of ESP as a major production approach need reliable systems to manage the economics and cost of production, especially in the changing market of oil and gas.

ESP reliability is a major factor that influence decisions among other related factors such as cost, delivery, etc. It is common to use central tendency parameters such as average run life, and mean time between failures, to quantify or estimate ESP reliability, or to compare between different ESP performances, but those parameters doesn't really measure the reliability. We aim through this study to provide a simple statistical method used in many areas of other production industries as a methodology to measure the reliability of ESP systems, and to predict the run life in future.

The analysis will figure out statistically two aspects: first, the types of the failures: infant mortality, constant failure rate, and wear out failures. Second the characteristics run life which is the run life where 63% of the population already failed.

Based on the Weibull data analysis, the study built a prediction model to determine the reliability of an ESP group at a certain time with a certain level of confidence. Likewise, the model can predict how much percentage will fail by a certain time, and these valuable outcomes is utilized to appropriately plan and budget for pump repair activities & related requirements of replacement equipment and spare parts.
Successful Field Trial Deployment of ESP Rigless Technology in the Middle East: A Step Forward to Reduce Well Intervention Expenditure
Authors: Avila Romero Miguel A. , Fardan Ali A. , Bespalov Eugene , Alsiemat Mohamed
Published: November 2018

One of the biggest challenges faced by the industry in general is the cost incurred due to the limited operating life of electric submersible pump (ESP) systems and the need for workover operations (WO) to replace the pumps. The impact of current methods on the total cost of ownership is well understood within the artificial lift industry. To address this problem and reduce the dependence on rigs for WO, the owner is undertaking a series of field trials of the latest generation of rigless wireline-deployed ESP replacement systems.

This paper details the field experience gained to-date while carrying out the appraisal for this technology. This field trial includes harsh downhole environments with high H2S content. It also addresses several key parameters such as success criteria, selection of completion equipment, well control contingencies to adhere to operator’s policies, and details of the planning and execution phases. The paper also provides a comparison between the conventional and the rigless ESP deployments, as well as results and lesson learned.

The partial results of this initial technology appraisal indicates that it has the potential to drastically lower ESP operating costs by reducing production deferment, minimizing HSE exposure, diverting rigs to other operations, and positively impacting asset value.

By sharing real-world lessons learned about technology deployment, the paper will serve as a guide to other operators as they look for ways to improve ESP cost efficiency.
Long-Stroke Rod Pumping Systems LSPS in High-Volume Unconventional Applications
Authors: Spivey Sebastian , O'How Darcey
Published: November 2018

With drilling/completion developments and changes in well production rates creating greater challenges for reciprocating pump systems, there is currently a much larger "need" for the benefits provided by long-stroke pumping systems (LSPS). This need includes the ability to economically produce the required (often higher) volume of oil and gas while providing acceptable life-cycle costs/runtimes, which are frequently impacted by deviation, gas, debris, and increased loads. Additionally, lower oil prices in the past 3-4 years have also emphasized the importance of the LSPS's ability to minimize operating costs and maximize mean time between failures (MTBF).

This paper will demonstrate how an effectively designed and operated LSPS can improve rod pump efficiency, and achieve higher production rates while reducing failures and operating costs within high production/deviated applications.
Improving ESP Reliability and Increasing Production in Challenging Conditions Through Real-Time Surveillance: A Case Study in Qarun Fields
Authors: Abdelmotaal Hatem , Ghaleb Ali , El-Hamid Ahmed Abd , Mahmoud Ahmed , Mohamed Hasan , El-Wahab Ahmed Abd , Munoz Miguel , El-Mageed Said Abd , El-Gawad Ashraf Abd
Published: November 2018

Electrical submersible pumps (ESPs), one of the main artificial lift methods employed in the Western Desert of Egypt, can significantly influence the operating costs associated with producing assets. ESP well interventions are typically complex and costlier than other artificial lift-related workovers. Consequently, it is important that operators develop a strategy to closely monitor ESP-lifted producing wells to maximize production potential, ESP efficiency, and run-life. This case study reviews the experience gained from developing a monitoring program and response strategy to optimize ESP well value in Egypt.

Qarun Petroleum Company (QPC), one of the main operators in the Western Desert of Egypt, operates more than 340 ESP producing wells. Similar to other ESP operators in the area, QPC deals with a range of challenges that can affect ESP performance, run-life, and ESP uptime. To address these challenges, a number of wells were selected for a monitoring program based on the transmission of downhole sensor and surface data. The program called for dedicated surveillance engineers to analyze and review the data in real time to identify any suspicious events that may pose a risk to the ESP's performance. Furthermore, a robust communication workflow was developed to enable the surveillance engineers, field operators, and production engineers to communicate, identify root causes of the captured events, and take corrective actions in a timely manner. Actions could then be executed remotely, eliminating health, safety, and environment risks and reducing the time required to optimize the performance of the ESP wells.

The surveillance system proved to be valuable in several instances. Events that could have drastically affect production, such as motor overheating and gas interference were detected in real time. Flow recirculation was also identified more rapidly than without the system; thus, improving operational responsiveness and reducing deferred production. In addition, an ESP failure was avoided by optimizing the pump speed automatically to avoid gas-locking effects without compromising production. This study showed that production gains up to 9,000 BOPD were possible. Moreover, significant improvements in ESP run-life was observed in the monitored wells when compared with premonitoring performance.

Field case studies are used in this study to demonstrate the well production and operating expenditure improvements resulting from real-time surveillance and continuous performance monitoring for ESP wells and fields.
ESP Runlife Improvement through Auditing of ESP Workshops
Authors: Edries Tamer , Sayed Eid , Abuelneel Mahmoud , Gahlan Ibrahim , Dwiggins Jeff , Dwiggins Chase , Ghazaly Safwat
Published: November 2018

A continuous process improvement programme was undertaken to further enhance electric submersible pump runlife in Egypt. Certain improvements had previously been achieved. However the process improvement team noted that suppliers systems did not remain consistent and that an ongoing effort for improvement must be achieved. This paper presents the audit teams efforts to implement a system for continual process improvement. This system that has been put in place will yield ongoing ESP runlife improvement.

The initial step of the process calls for a detailed system review. This required a team of 4-6 experienced auditors broken into working teams. Each of the suppliers processes are carefully audited in detail. From this effort, a detailed list of findings is developed that leads to a corrective action plan. The corrective action plan requires routine feedback (typically monthly) on goal achievement.

The process calls for setting goals, verification of goals and ongoing corrective action plans. Where warranted, these process improvements will be pushed deeper into the supplier's organization to ensure that these improvements are maintained on an ongoing basis. The method for completing this process is through a detailed auditing system. Through the auditing process, significant improvements have been achieved that have led to ESP runlife improvement.

EGPC, Khalda Petroleum and Artificial Lift Solutions have developed a unique process for auditing and ensuring process improvement.
Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Oil on Steady-State Foam Flow in Porous Media
Authors: Tang Jinyu , Vincent-Bonnieu Sebastien , Rossen William R.
Published: November 2018

Foam flow in porous media without oil shows two regimes depending on foam quality (gas fractional flow). Complexity and limited data on foam/oil interactions in porous media greatly restrict understanding of foam in contact with oil. Distinguishing which regimes are affected by oil is key to modeling the effect of oil on foam. We report steady-state corefloods to investigate the effect of oil on foam through its effect on the two flow regimes. We fit the parameters of a widely used local-equilibrium (LE) foam model to data for concurrent foam/oil flow. This research provides a practical approach and initial data for simulating foam enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in the presence of oil.

To ensure steady state, oil is coinjected with foam at a fixed ratio of oil (Uo) to water (Uw) superficial velocities in a Bentheimer Sandstone core. Model oils used here consist of a composition of hexadecane, which is benign to foam stability, and oleic acid (OA), which can destroy foam. Varying the concentration of OA in the model oil allows one to examine the effect of oil composition on steady-state foam flow. Experimental results show that oil affects both high- and low-quality regimes, with the high-quality regime being more sensitive to oil. In particular, oil increases the limiting water saturation (Sw*) in the high-quality regime and also reduces gas-mobility reduction in the low-quality regime. Unevenly spaced ▿p contours in the high-quality regime suggest either strongly shear-thinning behavior or an increasingly destabilizing effect of oil. In some cases, the pressure gradient (▿p) in the low-quality regime decreases with increasing Uw at fixed gas superficial velocity (Ug), either with or without oil. This might reflect either an effect of oil, if oil is present, or easier flow of bubbles under wetter conditions. Increasing the OA concentration extends the high-quality regime to lower foam qualities, indicating more difficulty in stabilizing foam. Thus, oil composition plays as significant a role as oil saturation (So).

A model fit assuming a fixed Sw* and including shear thinning in the low-quality regime does not represent the two regimes when the oil effect is strong enough. In such cases, fitting Sw* to each ▿p contour and excluding shear thinning in the low-quality regime yield a better match to these data. The dependency of Sw* on So is not yet clear because of the absence of oil-saturation data in this study. Furthermore, none of the current foam-simulation models captures the upward-tilting ▿p contours in the low-quality regime.
FORECASTING OF TRIAZOLE, AMIDE, PIPEREDINYLE THIAZOL ISOXAZOLINE, OXAZOLE FUNGICIDES HAZARDOUS EFFECT ON HUMAN HEALTH IN CONSUMPTION OF VEGETABLES GROWED IN THEIR APPLICATION
Authors: Antonenko Anna , Vavrinevych Olena
Published: November 2018

The chemical plant protection products application is an integral part of intensive crop production technologies. However, scientists have proven that the increase in chemical pollution of the environment in 2 times increases the general level of morbidity of the adult population by 25%. That is why the risk assessment of pesticide-contaminated products consumption is an important part of the regulatory process. Methods. The parameters of fungicides difenoconazole, tebuconazole, cyflufenamid, oxathiapiprolin, famoxadone persistence in agricultural crops were studied in the field experiments. For the integrated assessment of the potential risk of pesticide-contaminated products consumption for human (RPCPC), a methodology developed on the basis of the Institute of Hygiene and Ecology was used. The acceptable daily intake (ADI), the half-life period (τ50) in plants and the average daily consumption of the product have been evaluated using four-graded scale. Results. According to the persistency in tomatoes and potatoes, fungicides difenoconazole, cyflufenamid, famoxadone are pertained to 3 classes of hazard (5-14 days); tebuconazole - to 2 class (15-30 days); oxathiapiprolin - to 4 class (less than 5 days). After the addition of all the obtained points, the RPCPC value (tomatoes and potatoes) for difenoconazole, cyflufenamid, famoxadone amounted 8 points (2+2+2× 2 and 2+2+4, respectively); tebuconazole - 8 points (3+1+2×2 or 3+1+4, respectively); oxathiapiprolin - 6 points (1+1+2×2 or 1+1+4, respectively). Discussion. Thus, the studied compounds belong to the 3rd class of hazard according to pesticide-contaminated products consumption for human index value. The results obtained by us correlate with the studies carried out in the previous stage. The exception was only difenoconazole, which was classified as hazard class 2 due to its high toxicity for human.
RECURRENT GLIOBLASTOMA MANAGEMENT USING STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY AND SYSTEMIC TREATMENT
Authors: Glavatskyi Oleksandr , Zemskova Oksana
Published: November 2018

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system in adults. Dismal survival rates and poor prognosis for recurrent GBM patients still remains a challenging problem. Despite aggressive initial treatment, above 100 % GBM patients have development of recurrent diseases. Management of GBM recurrence is still debatable. The multimodality approaches using combination of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), cytostatic agents (Тemozolomide (TMZ)) and antiangiogenic therapy (bevacizumab (BEV)) are often beneficial for such patients and may achieve survival improving. Aim of research: to assess the efficacy and toxicity of combination therapy approach using stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and systemic treatment (chemotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy) in glioblastoma multiforme recurrence treatment. Materials and methods: at the State Institution “Institute of Neurosurgery named after acad. A.P. Romodanov of NAMS of Ukraine” (Kyiv, Ukraine) 21 patients (pts) with GBM recurrence were treated (8 females and 11 men; median age at time of diagnosis 52.4 (29.7–69.3) from January 2014 till December 2017. The initial surgical treatment as gross total tumor resection was performed in 12 pts (57.1 %), subtotal resection – 5 pts (23.9 %), biopsy – 4 pts (19 %). 12 pts (57.1 %) were MGMT methylated and 9 pts (42.9 %) were MGMT unmethylated. In all cases adjuvant radiation therapy (60 Gy in 30 fractions) were used, 12 pts of them (57.1 %) – in combination with TMZ followed by 6-12 courses of chemotherapy (TMZ) according Stupp protocol. Recurrent disease was treated by SRS followed by TMZ + BEV. SRS was performed by means of “Trilogy” LINAC (“Varian”, USA) with a median dose and fractions of 19.2 Gy (range, 12.0–36.0) in 1 to 5 fractions. Results: median survival after initial diagnosis was 18.3 months, and 1- and 2-year survival rates of 85.7 % (18 from 21 pts) and 38.1 % (8 from 21 pts) respectively. The median survival from the time of recurrence treatment was 8.3 months. The 6‐ and 12‐months overall survival from SRS were 95.2 % (20 from 21 pts) and 23.8 % (5 from 21 pts), respectively. Adverse radiation effects were noted in 6 (28.6 %) pts and were controlled with corticosteroids. Adverse events grade 1-2 related to the systemic therapy included hematological complications, fatigue, hypertension and proteinuria were observed in 23.8 % (5 from 21 pts) without the occurrence of grade 3 events. Conclusion: recurrent GBM management using combination of SRS, chemotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy is a promising multimodal treatment approach providing survival improving whereas appropriate toxicity ratio. Further studies of combined treatment of GBM relapse are needed.
Pulse Crops for the Northern Great Plains: I. Grain Productivity and Residual Effects on Soil Water and Nitrogen
Authors: Miller P. R. , Gan Y. , McConkey B. G. , McDonald C. L.
Published: November 2018

Grain producers need to know the comparative productivity of pulse crops, and their effects on soil N and water, to optimize diversified cropping systems. The objective was to compare grain productivity, water use efficiency (WUE), and apparent N margin among dry pea (Pisum sativum L.), lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), and desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and their effects on subsequent soil water and N when grown on loam and clay soil textures. This study was conducted in Saskatchewan, Canada, between 1996 and 1999. On the loam soil, pea yield equaled wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and was 39 and 34% greater than that of lentil and chickpea, respectively. On the clay soil, pea yields were 26% less than spring wheat yield, equal to chickpea yield, and 29% greater than lentil yield. The apparent N margin for pea averaged 40 and 32 kg ha−1 greater than for lentil and chickpea, respectively, indicating superior N2 fixation. Postharvest soil water status to a 122‐cm depth was greater for all pulse crops compared with wheat on both soils, ranging from 25 to 49 mm greater under the clay soil and 12 to 31 mm greater under the loam soil. Postharvest soil water differences occurred primarily below 61 cm. However, differences in soil water status to a 122‐cm depth disappeared by spring. Conversely, postharvest differences among crops for soil N increased over winter due primarily to an increase in soil N status above 61 cm. By spring, all three pulse crop stubbles had greater soil NO3–N than wheat, averaging 28 and 12 kg ha−1 greater at the clay and loam soil sites, respectively. Pulse crop productivity was less on the clay than the loam soil, but beneficial effects on soil water and N were greater, indicating that pulse crops will be economically valuable on both soil types.
Nutritional and Antinutritional Factors of Some Pulses Seed and Their Effects on Human Health
Authors: Parca Filiz , Koca Yakup Onur , UNAY Aydın
Published: November 2018

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) realizes about fifteen
pulses (primary and minor) such as dry peas, black beans, chickpeas, roman
bean, beans, and lentils etc. cultivated worldwide over a hundred countries.
Similarly pulses especially bean, chickpea and lentil are really popular in
Turkish Cuisine culture and there are many meals made with the pulses in
Turkey. Thus, seed quality of the pulses is too significant for producers to be
sold at higher prices. Moreover, it is also important for human health with
over nutrition rates and has high levels of minerals as well as folate and
other B-vitamins and diminished rate of diseases particularly resulting from
obesity due to the high level of fiber and protein rates. But pulses seeds have
also antinutritional factors such as some enzyme
inhibitors (trypsin and chymotrypsin proteinase inhibitors), phytic acid,
flatulence factors, lectins and saponins, and some different allergens. The
factors cause some health problem such as mineral (Fe, Zn, Mg etc.) deficiency
of human body. So, we prepared the review to show situation of some pulses in
Turkey and in the world and to explain some antinutritional factors (secondary
metabolites) of pulses seeds besides some nutritional characteristics.
Financial sustainability management of the insurance company: case of Ukraine
Authors: Pikus Ruslana , Prykaziuk Nataliia , Balytska Mariia
Published: November 2018

In the current conditions of the Ukrainian economy, which is characterized by crisis phenomena and frequent changes in legislation, the insurance organizations are facing a number of difficulties in maintaining their financial sustainability. Moreover, these processes take place under the increased requirements for solvency of insurers. However, a significant part of domestic insurance companies is financially unstable, which is conditioned not only by the lack of funds, but also by the low level of management. This situation hinders the further development of the insurance market in Ukraine and has a negative impact on all areas of the domestic financial system and prevents it from successful integration into the European financial field. In order to address this problem, it is necessary to distinguish the key groups of risks that affect the financial sustainability of insurance organizations, among which there are the following: insurance, strategic, market risk, risk of inefficient capital structure, risk of limiting the insurance company’s liquidity, tax risk, investment risk, operational risk, the risk of ineffective organizational structure of the enterprise, and information risk. It should be noted that under conditions of changing environment, the impact of these risks only increases, and therefore the task of minimizing the impact of these risks on the activities of insurance companies is highly important. Accordingly, the authors of the article proposed a four-stage strategy to manage the financial sustainability of the insurance company, the purpose of which is to identify the risks of limiting the insurer’s financial sustainability, their qualitative and quantitative assessment, as well as the development and implementation of appropriate measures to minimize and eliminate unacceptable consequences.
Synthesis, characterization and filtration performance of the polyvinylidene fluoride membrane modified by poly(methyl ethacrylate-co-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid)
Authors: Zhang Q. Y. , An Q. , Guo Y. G. , Zhang J. , Zhao K. Y.
Published: November 2018

To enhance the anti-fouling and separating properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes, an amphiphilic copolymer of methyl methacrylate and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, poly(MMA-co-AMPS), was designed and synthesized. Through a phase-inversion process, the poly(MMA-co-AMPS) were fully dispersed in the PVDF membrane. The properties of membrane including the surface and cross-section morphology, surface wettability and fouling resistance under different pH solutions were investigated. Compared to the unmodified PVDF membranes, the contact angles of modified PVDF membranes decreased from 80.6° to 71.6°, and the pure water flux increased from 54 to 71 L·m−2·h−1. In addition, the hybrid PVDF membrane containing 0.5 wt% copolymers demonstrated an larger permeability, better fouling resistance and higher recovery ratio via pure water backlashing, when it was compared with the other blend membranes, and the virgin one in the cyclic test of anti-fouling. The modified membranes with the copolymers possessed an outstanding performance and may be used for further water treatment applications.
The Role of Mitochondria in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Glimpse of Various Pathogenetic Mechanisms
Authors: Yang Shi-Kun , Zhang Hao-Ran , Shi Shu-Peng , Zhu Ying-Qiu , Song Na , Dai Qing , Zhang Wei , Gui Ming , Zhang Hao
Published: November 2018

Background:

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a polysystem autoimmune
disease that adversely affects human health. Various organs can be affected, including the
kidney or brain. Traditional treatment methods for SLE primarily rely on glucocorticoids and
immunosuppressors. Unfortunately, these therapeutic agents cannot prevent a high recurrence
rate after SLE remission. Therefore, novel therapeutic targets are urgently required.

Methods:

A systematic search of the published literature regarding the abnormal structure and
function of mitochondria in SLE and therapies targeting mitochondria was performed in several
databases.

Results:

Accumulating evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction plays important
roles in the pathogenesis of SLE, including influencing mitochondrial DNA damage, mitochondrial
dynamics change, abnormal mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism, mitophagy,
oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions, apoptosis and NETosis. Further investigation
of mitochondrial pathophysiological roles will result in further clarification of SLE. Specific
lupus-induced organ damage also exhibits characteristic mitochondrial changes.

Conclusion:

This review aimed to summarize the current research on the role of mitochondrial
dysfunction in SLE, which will necessarily provide potential novel therapeutic targets
for SLE.
Recent Patents, Formulation Techniques, Classification and Characterization of Liposomes
Authors: Sheoran Reena , Khokra Sukhbir Lal , Chawla Viney , Dureja Harish
Published: November 2018

Background:

During past decades, liposomes have emerged as efficient carriers for drugs, diagnostics, vaccines, nutrients and other bioactive agents. Liposomes, the spherical vesicles consisting of phospholipids bilayer have the ability to encapsulate both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs. Extensive studies have been done in the past for investigating a number of drugs and genes for controlled release with liposomal formulation. Liposomes have also been investigated for their use in cancer treatment. Liposomes offer various advantages because of their biocompatible, biodegradable, nontoxic and non-immunogenic nature.

Methods:

Liposomes have cell-specific targeting with important applications in the fields of nanotechnology like cancer therapy, diagnosis, gene delivery, cosmetics, agriculture and in food technology. They are prepared by various methods like sonication method, ethanol injection method, lipid film hydration method, micro-emulsion method.

Conclusion:

This review will provide an overview of classification, the various formulation methods, characterization, patented formulations and applications of liposomes with future prospects.
Mitochondria-Targeted Drugs
Authors: Zinovkin Roman A. , Zamyatnin Andrey A.
Published: November 2018

Background:

Targeting of drugs to the subcellular compartments represents one of the modern trends in molecular pharmacology. The approach for targeting mitochondria was developed nearly 50 years ago, but only in the last decade has it started to become widely used for delivering drugs. A number of pathologies are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, including cardiovascular, neurological, inflammatory and metabolic conditions.

Objective:

This mini-review aims to highlight the role of mitochondria in pathophysiological conditions and diseases, to classify and summarize our knowledge about targeting mitochondria and to review the most important preclinical and clinical data relating to the antioxidant lipophilic cations MitoQ and SkQ1.

Methods:

This is a review of available information in the PubMed and Clinical Trials databases (US National Library of Medicine) with no limiting period.

Results and Conclusion:

Mitochondria play an important role in the pathogenesis of many diseases and possibly in aging. Both MitoQ and SkQ1 have shown many beneficial features in animal models and in a few completed clinical trials. More clinical trials and research efforts are needed to understand the signaling pathways influenced by these compounds. The antioxidant lipophilic cations have great potential for the treatment of a wide range of pathologies.
Subjective Self-Rated Speech Intelligibility and Quality of Life in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease in a Malaysian Sample
Authors: Chu Shin Ying , Tan Chai Li
Published: November 2018

Objectives:

This study compared the Quality of Life (QOL) of individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) with a healthy control from a sample in Malaysia. The relationship between the QOL, age, gender, duration of disease, self-rated speech scale, and life satisfaction level was examined.

Methods:

Fifty-four individuals with PD and 55 non-PD control adults completed the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) and rated their speech intelligibility [Self-Rated Speech Scale (SRSS)] and life satisfaction level [Life Satisfaction Scale (LSS)] on a 10-point scale.

Results:

PD participants reported significantly lower QOL scores than the control group (Mann-Whitney U). Although there was no significant relationship between the QOL, age, gender, and duration of disease for PD participants, moderately significant correlations were observed between QOL, LSS and SRSS ratings (Spearman correlation). Individuals with PD showed lower QOL and higher concern in their communication than the control group.

Conclusion:

Identifying patients’ perception of their speech performance could help clinicians to better understand patients’ needs when delivering speech therapy services.