bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of the fritillary species systematically close to Melitaea lutko Evans, 1932 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) with analysis of their geographic distribution and interrelations with host plants
Authors: Kolesnichenko Kirill A. , Kotlobay Anatoly A.
Published: July 2022

This review considers a fascinating, from a zoogeographical viewpoint, group of closely related species: Melitaea lutko Evans, 1932, M. timandra Coutsis & van Oorschot, 2014, M. mimetica Higgins, 1940 stat. rev. and M. shahvarica sp. nov. It is a taxonomical and geographical review of these species, and data on the biology of M. shahvarica sp. nov. and nominate subspecies of M. timandra are discussed. A new species, M. shahvarica sp. nov. from Shahvar Mt. (Iran), and a new subspecies, M. timandra binaludica subsp. nov. from Kuh-e-Binalud Mts (Iran), are described. The specific structure of the group given in previous publications is critically evaluated. Hypotheses about a possible phylogenesis of the study group are provided.
Moving from a reactive to a proactive society: recognizing the role of environmental public health professionals
Authors: Kong Elaine
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how society is naturally reactive to issues that could have been prevented or minimized in hindsight. Environmental public health professionals (EPHPs) take a proactive approach to health and safety to prevent the occurrence of adverse events that can negatively impact the health of individuals. The Canadian healthcare system largely invests in hospitals and acute care compared to public health. EPHPs have been actively mobilized to assist with the pandemic response and have demonstrated their versatility in skillset—EPHPs have performed a variety of activities, such as enforcement action, education, and contact tracing. Despite EPHPs proving to be a valuable resource during the pandemic, there remains a sense of under-recognition and underappreciation for the work being done. Indeed, the nature of public health work relies on efforts occurring behind-the-scenes—trends over time will reveal the outcomes of health initiatives. Although it is challenging to obtain timely health evidence to justify investment into public health, a continued passive approach to prevention will be harmful to society. Greater acknowledgement and investment of resources into the health protection field can help establish a proactive attitude to thereby lessen the economic and health burdens our communities may face in the future.
Kant and Wittgenstein on Thought Experiments and the Matter of Transcendental Arguments
Authors: Fuentes González Sergio Alberto
Published: July 2022

It is necessary to reconsider P. M. S. Hacker’s assessment of Kant and Wittgenstein’s philosophical affinities and the question concerning Wittgenstein’s alleged use of “transcendental arguments”. First, Alfred Norman’s reading of the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus as a thought experiment receives revision to develop a view of the Critique of Pure Reason as a large-scale thought experiment that shares important logical features with the Tractatus. Then the question is addressed whether the middle Wittgenstein and the pre-critical Kant employed any thought experiments that could be equally characterised as “transcendental arguments”. A rational reconstruction of both thinkers’ arguments is carried out in the light of the contemporary literature on thought experimenting. The novelty and relevance of this approach is the emphasis laid upon a largely neglected affinity between Kant and Wittgenstein, namely the systematic use of thought experiments in their epistemological pursuits. The conclusions are: i) Wittgenstein’s and Kant’s magna opera can be seen as philosophical thought experiments that attempt to try out the limits of language and the limits of possible experience respectively; ii) Both philosophers developed arguments that can be designated as transcendental if only from a methodological standpoint; and iii) some key arguments put forward by the middle Wittgenstein in the determination of the structure of visual space could be characterised better as thought experiments than transcendental arguments.
The future climatic variabilities in the Mano River union, its implications on socio-economic development
Authors: Solomon Mahmoud , Abiodun Oludayo , Olalekan Olusina , Bolarinwa Olaleye
Published: July 2022

Knowledge of climatic variability of any country or region is essential to socioeconomic development. This is particularly important as most sectors of national development can be altered if the climatic conditions are unsuitable. A hypothetical case lies in the fact that agriculture largely depends on apposite climate for fruitful production. The Mano River Region consists of some of the world's poorest and least developed nations (Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote D'Ivoire). The primary means of sustenance in this region is rain-fed agriculture. Knowledge of current and future climatic conditions in the region will be of significant benefit to the economy of the region. This work investigates the current and future state of climate in the region using six climatic parameters (Maximum and minimum temperature, Precipitation , Relative Humidity, Wind Speed and Solar Radiation) spanning 1975-2018. To model the im-pact/relationship, Kalman Filter was used. These variables were grouped into state transition and control variables. Transfer functions which depict relationships between every two variables at a time with one being input and the other considered as output were used to determine state transition and control variable matrices. Control variables (population and land use) were introduced to control the dynamism of the model in MATLAB environment. Results show that there is a drastic variation in climate in the region within the period of the data. This work establishes that there are rapid variabilities in these parameters which can be attributed to increase in population and loss of vegetation.
Precipitation patterns in the Gambia from 1981 to 2020
Authors: Ceesay Abdoulie , Touray Lamin
Published: July 2022

The present study used composite analysis and rainy season definition to investigate rainfall patterns in The Gambia from 1981 to 2020. Rainfall dataset as observed by 10 meteorological stations scattered across The Gambia was used. Results showed that the highest single month rainfall ever recorded in The Gambia during the study period was observed in Sapu, in the eastern sector of the country. The station recorded a total rainfall amount of 767 mm in August, 1999, while the lowest single month rainfall ever recorded was 463 mm in September 2012. It was observed in Jenoi, a station situated in the western sector of the country. Climatological results showed that the study area experienced monomodal rainfall regime during the West African Monsoon, and that the southern part of the western sector region such as Sibanor tend to receive more rainfall compared to other regions of the study area. Part of the central region receives the least annual rainfall. The eastern sector of The Gambia received much of its rain from May to October with July - September as the peak of the rain season. During May - October, Sapu received the heaviest rainfall while Fatoto received the least amount. Results also show that July - September is the period when significant amounts of rainfall are received over the eastern sector of the study area. While May and October are both transitional months, the eastern sector of the study area receives more rains in October than in May. The western sector of the study area, on the other hand, received much of its rain from June to October with July - September as the peak of the rain season. During June - October, Sibanor received the heaviest rainfall while Jenoi received the least amount. The results also show that July - September is the period when significant amounts of rainfall are received over the western sector of the study area. Although June and October are both transitional months, the western sector receives more or less the same rain amounts in June and October. Results further found that, to avert losses associated with excess or deficit in crop water requirement, in the eastern sector, crops with high water requirement should be grown before August as maximum rainfall is observed in August, whereas crops with minimum water requirement should be grown in May or October, that is when minimum rainfall is experienced. In the western sector, on the other hand, crops requiring high water amount should be grown before August or September when maximum rainfall is recorded in the sector, whereas crops with minimum water requirement should be grown in June or October. This study will help create awareness on the erratic rain seasons due to Climate Change, and to provide farmers with information on rainfall distribution in The Gambia to avert losses and impacts associated with water deficit or excess on society, agriculture, and the environment.
Analysi̇s of li̇fe sati̇sfacti̇on level of uni̇versi̇ty students usi̇ng hi̇erarchi̇cal li̇near modeli̇ng
Authors: Pekdoğan Serpil , Yurtçu Meltem
Published: July 2022

Life satisfaction is among the basic components which demonstrate that individuals can lead a quality life. Many intertwined factors affect individuals' life satisfaction. Analyzing these factors at different levels will allow the analysis results to be more significant. This study aimed to reveal the effects of variable at the student and department level that will affect the life satisfaction level of university students, using the Hierarchical Linear Modeling. In addition, the study aimed to reveal which variables have a significant effect on life satisfaction in this two-level structure. The sample of the research consists of 1237 students, studying in 30 departments in different faculties at Inönü University in the 2020-2021 academic year. The variables about students represent the first level while variables about department represent the second level. Considering the life satisfaction levels of individuals, it was concluded that 13% of the variability was due to the differences between departments and that 87% of variability due to the differences between students. It was also concluded that variables that became important in explaining the differences between students' life satisfaction at the first level were: working, selfregulation, physical discomfort, physical activity variables and that variables such as gender, age, income, having a sibling, relationship status, family cohesion, emotion regulation, parents' education level, having close friends and a religious belief were found to be insignificant in explaining life satisfaction at the student level and that the added variables could explain 75% of students' life satisfaction. Variables at the department level explain 6% of the differences between departments. It was concluded that the variable that could explain the differences between students' life satisfaction at this level was the variable of departments' scores on assigning teachers and that the number of students and faculty members in the department were found to be insignificant.
Hrišćanske vrednosti - faktor smisla/svrhe života mladih
Authors: Kačarić Ninoslav
Published: July 2022

Cilj istraživanja, čiji se nalazi u radu predstavljaju, je da se utvrdi u kojoj meri su hrišćanske vrednosti faktor smisla/svrhe života mladih. U radu se testira teza po kojoj daroviti pojedinci imaju jače naglašen smisao/svrhu života, gde suštinu čini potpuniji i zreliji odnos prema Bogu i ljudima, kojim se pojedinac rukovodi u samoostvarivanju, zadovoljavajući svoje bazične psihičke potrebe za zaštitom, sigurnošću, ljubavlju, podrškom u svemu što radi i istrajava na putu ličnog i moralnog uzrastanja u hrišćanskim vrednostima. Uzorak čini 151 ispitanik - studenti sa Visoke škole - Akademije SPC za umetnosti i konservaciju u Beogradu, i Tehničkog fakulteta "Mihajlo Pupin" u Zrenjaninu, Univerziteta u Novom Sadu. Prediktivne varijable su: 1. pol, 2. fakultet, 3. prosečan uspeh na studijama, 4. pohađanje/nepohađanje verske nastave u osnovnoj i/ili srednjoj školi; a varijable kriterijuma odnose se na: 1. hrišćanske vrednosti (HV) kao orijentir u sopstvenom razvoju ličnosti i uzrastanju u duhovnosti, i 2. svetovne vrednosti (SV) koje se nalaze u koncepciji smisla/svrhe života kao orijentira kojim se mladi rukovode. U ovom istraživanju korišćena je metoda sistematskog neeeksperimentalnog posmatranja, a kao instrumenti inventar smisla/svrhe života, po uzoru na istraživanja Seane Moran (Moran, 2009). Relijabilnost skale proveravana je Cronbachov Alpha koeficijentom i iznosi 0,90 za hrišćanske vrednosti (HV), i 0,78 za svetovne vrednosti (SV). Osnovni nalazi odnose se na sledeće: hrišćanske vrednosti predstavljaju značajniji faktor smisla/svrhe života darovitih studenata, što se ogleda u prepoznavanju i negovanju Bogom darovanih sopstvenih potencijala, čime se rukovode u razvijanju ličnosnog integriteta.
Correlation between iris color and glaucoma type
Authors: Kević Angelina , Lisičić Nikola , Božić Marija
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Glaucoma is a group of diseases, etiologically very different, which is characterized by typical damage to the optic nerve and visual field defects. The most common cause of this disease is higher intraocular pressure (IOP) than the vascular system of the optic nerve head can withstand. Aim: The aim of our study was to examine the correlation between iris color and glaucoma type through a cross-sectional study. Material and methods: Total of 117 patients with glaucoma that were treated at the Clinic for Ophthalmology of the University Clinical Center of Serbia, in the glaucoma clinic, relevant data was recorded, including iris color and the type of glaucoma that was diagnosed and under therapy. The correlation between iris color and sex of patients, age, type of glau-coma, values of IOP of both eyes (IOP OD/OS) and central corneal thickness of both eyes (CCT OD/OS) was examined. Results: The population of our patients consisted of 38.5% men and 61.5% women. Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) was present in 34.2% and primary angle closure glaucoma (PCAG) in 28.2% of patients. Blue iris was found in 16.2%, green in 6.8%, light brown in 29.9% and dark brown in 47% of patients. The mean IOP is 17.6 ± 6.5mmHg for the right and 16.9 ± 6.1mmHg for the left eye, and for CCT 547.6 ± 69.3mm for the right and 546.6 ± 64.2mm for left eye. Statistically significant correlations were found between glaucoma type and sex (p = 0.001), glaucoma type and iris color (p = 0.031) and CCT and iris color (p = 0.027). Conclusion: A statistically significant correlation of iris color and glaucoma type was confirmed , indicating that people with darker irises develop glaucoma more often than people with lighter irises. The relationship between sex and IOP with iris color was not determined. Results show a higher incidence of glaucoma in females, as well as higher values of CCT in people with darker irises.
Esej povodom 30 godina od nastanka Društva selekcionera i semenara Republike Srbije
Authors: Mirić Mladen
Published: July 2022

Društvo selekcionera i semenara Srbije danas broji više stotina naučnika i stručnjaka, koji su podarili Nov i respektabilan sortiment za desetine najvažnijih gajenih kultura. U isto vreme, umnožavali su to sortno seme da bi ga izvozili u oko 40 država srodne klime, među kojima su i najveće naučne sile. Stoga tvrdimo da nema manjeg naučnog društva, a većeg uspeha ili rezultata, mada se o tome jedva nešto zna. Nažalost, došlo je doba rijalitija i skandala o kojima svet bruji, gde prave vrednosti nemaju mesta. Otuda smatram da NAM ovaj članak treba radi budućnosti: da ostanemo bez skandala, ali ne i blistavih rezultata, koje uredno pohranjujemo u časopisu ,,Selekcija i semenarstvo'', koji nas okuplja bezmalo tri decenije. Neka ovo postane apoteoza hraniteljima naroda koji nisu želeli moć nad nama, već su radili za našu moć, za narodnu korist i sreću, a ko gradi sreću bližnjih taj mora biti istinski srećan, a mi ga ovim činimo i slavnim, za pamćenje. Dosad smo diplomate zvali Vaše, a vas (drage kolege) moramo oslovljavati sa Naše ekselencije.
Predictive modeling of critical headway based on machine learning techniques
Authors: Radović Dunja , Stojčić Mirko
Published: July 2022

Due to the impossibility of directly measuring of critical headway, numerous methods and procedures have been developed for its estimation. This paper uses the maximum likelihood method for estimating the same at five roundabouts, and based on the obtained results and pairs of accepted and maximum rejected headways, several predictive models based on machine learning techniques were trained and tested. Therefore, the main goal of the research is to create a model for the prediction (classification) of the critical headway, which as inputs, i.e. independent variables use pairs - accepted and maximum rejected headways. The basic task of the model is to associate one of the previously estimated values of the critical headway with a given input pair of headways. The final predictive model is chosen from several offered alternatives based on the accuracy of the prediction. The results of training and testing of various models based on machine learning techniques in IBM SPSS Modeler software indicate that the highest prediction accuracy is shown by the C5 decision tree model (73.266%), which was trained and tested on an extended data set obtained by augmentation or data set augmentation (Data Augmentation - DA).
Selection of key indicators for efficient organization of occupational safety affairs in the business system: AHP approach
Authors: Vranješ Biljana , Vajkić Mile , Haznadarević Lutvo , Stanković Milena , Stojiljković Evica
Published: July 2022

The choice of an adequate way of organizing occupational safety in the production system is crucial for the efficient implementation of all activities and achieving the set goals of occupational safety and health. The decision-making process for the employer is often extremely complex due to the presence of competitive and conflicting goals among the available criteria or alternatives. The application of the AHP approach is a suitable tool to help the employer in the decision-making process in choosing how to organize occupational safety. The selection of criteria used for the selection of alternatives for the organization of occupational safety and health was performed after the analysis of three different organizational models of management of protection in business systems from different industries. The conducted AHP analysis identified the organization of occupational safety and health independently in the business system in a special organizational unit (service, sector, department, etc.) as the optimal alternative from the perspective of the employer as a decision maker.
Greening of historically formed recreation areas in small towns of Russia on the example of Udmurtia cities
Authors: Kuzmina Nadezhda Mikhailovna , Fedorov Aleksandr Vladimirovich , Ardasheva Ol'ga Al'bertovna , Cheremnykh Ekaterina Nikolaevna
Published: July 2022

The preservation and popularization of the historical environment of the city represents the involvement of open spaces in social turnover. The purpose of the work is to characterize the floral design of historically developed urban gardens and parks of Udmurtia cities: Izhevsk, Sarapul, Glazov, Votkinsk. A brief history of the studied objects of culture and recreation is presented. The most important component of the aesthetic appeal of gardens and parks is floral decoration. The emotional state of citizens depends on the quality and decorativeness of the floral decoration of recreation areas. 404 objects of floral decoration were examined using the route method. There are 15 types of floral decoration in the studied area. The features of the typical composition of floral decoration of gardens and parks of Udmurtia cities are noted. A brief description of the qualitative and decorative condition of flower beds is given. The disadvantages of floral design were revealed: poor quality care of plants, flower beds without using the laws of composition, abandoned flower beds of perennials. The positive side can be considered the extensive species composition of perennial flower and ornamental crops. In total, 98 species of ornamental herbaceous plants have been identified and identified in gardens and parks. Annual crops – 27 species, perennial – 71 species. Highly decorative flower beds are marked, only in gardens and parks of Izhevsk. There are 23% of flower beds in the Kirov Central Park and in the Summer Garden named after Gorky's 19% of flower beds have a high decorative rating (4 points). In second place are the flower beds of Glazov gardens and parks. The city parks of Sarapul and Votkinsk have remained at the level of previous decades in terms of their level of well-being, they need to be revitalized in accordance with new concepts of the organization of city parks. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that for the first time an assessment was given of the quality and decorativeness of the floral decoration of the historically formed recreation areas of the cities of Udmurtia.
Analysis of the "Melloni" decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union
Authors: Lebedeva Yana Igorevna
Published: July 2022

The subject of this article is the Melloni decision, which was rendered by the Grand Chamber of the Court of Justice of the European Union on February 26, 2013. The purpose of the work is to analyze this decision, which the modern Dutch researcher L. Besselink considers as determining the modern parameters of the conflict between EU law and the constitutional law of the member states. The article uses such methodological techniques as analysis and synthesis. The structure of the article reflects the circumstances of the case; the content of the preliminary request sent by the national Court; the sequential consideration of issues by the EU Court; as well as the subsequent decision of the Constitutional Court of Spain, which was made on the basis of the position of the Court. The article concludes that the "supremacy, unity and effectiveness" of EU law requires that the national court refuse to apply higher national standards in favor of acts of the Union, including those that do not have direct effect. By its nature, the decision of the EU Court of Justice is rather deaf in relation to the constitutional features of the member states. It is noted that the court should have adhered to a more compromise position taken in the case of Omega, Sayn-Wittgenstein and Filipiak. In general, this solution has great theoretical value for specialists studying EU law.
Effective implementation of measures to ensure environmental safety is one of the main components of Russia's stable development in modern conditions
Authors: Sarkisov Vladimir
Published: July 2022

Ensuring environmental safety is an integral component of the stable development of each country, and every year there is an increase in the amount of funding for environmental protection. In Russia, the implementation of measures to improve the environmental situation is one of the key tasks, since the annual damage to the economy, according to experts, is up to 4% of GDP. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the implementation of the national project “Ecology” and analyze the effectiveness of the formed measures to stimulate the enterprise to switch to green technologies within the framework of the federal “Introduction of the best available technologies". Dialectical, comparative, and static research methods were used to identify key results.   In recent years, the level of emissions in relation to the capacity for their disposal has been growing, which in turn reflects high environmental risks. The key industries that have a negative impact on the environment are coal and iron ore mining. There is an increase in waste from these industries, which is a significant threat. In the course of the study, it was revealed that the proposed measures do not fully allow companies to dynamically switch to green technologies, which in turn will not significantly change the environmental situation in the country until 2024.
A new genus and species of frog from the Kem Kem (Morocco), the second neobatrachian from Cretaceous Africa
Authors: Lemierre Alfred , Blackburn David C.
Published: July 2022

Neobatrachia, a clade representing the majority of extant anuran diversity, is thought to have emerged and diversified during the Cretaceous. Most of the early diversification of neobatrachians occurred in southern Gondwana, especially the regions that are today South America and Africa. Whereas five extinct neobatrachians have been described from the Cretaceous of South America in the last decade, only one is known from Africa. This difference in the known extinct diversity is linked to the lack of well-preserved specimens, understudy of fragmentary remains, and lack of known Cretaceous sites in Africa. Study of fragmentary anuran remains from Africa could allow for the identification of previously unknown neobatrachians, allowing for a better understanding of their early diversification. We reanalysed several previously described anuran specimens from the well-known Kem Kem beds, including using CT-scanning. Through our osteological study, we determined that several cranial bones and vertebrae represent a new hyperossified taxon for which we provide a formal description. Comparison to other hyperossified anurans revealed similarities and affinity of this new taxon with the neobatrachiansBeelzebufo(extinct) andCeratophrys(extant). Phylogenetic analyses supported this affinity, placing the new taxon within Neobatrachia in an unresolved clade of Ceratophryidae. This taxon is the oldest neobatrachian from Africa, and reveals that neobatrachians were already widespread throughout southern Gondwana during the earliest Late Cretaceous.
Tumor budding of cervical squamous cell carcinoma: epithelial-mesenchymal transition-like cancer stem cells?
Authors: Zheng Shaoqiu , Luo Jing , Xie Shoucheng , Lu Shanming , Liu Qinghua , Xiao Huanqin , Luo Wenjuan , Huang Yanfang , Liu Kun
Published: July 2022

Recent evidence indicates that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the origin of cancers. Scientists have identified CSCs in various tumors and have suggested the existence of a variety of states of CSCs. The existence of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like CSCs has been confirmed in vitro, but they have not been identified in vivo. Tumor budding was defined as single cell or clusters of ≤ 5 cells at the invasive front of cancers. Such tumor budding is hypothesized to be closely related to EMT and linked to CSCs, especially to those migrating at the invasive front. Therefore, tumor budding has been proposed to represent EMT-like stem cells. However, this hypothesis has not yet been proven. Thus, we studied the expression of EMT markers, certain CSC markers of tumor budding, and the tumor center of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CxSCC). We performed tissue chip analyses of 95 primary CxSCCs from patients. Expression of EMT and CSC markers (E-cadherin, β-catenin, vimentin, Ki67, CD44, SOX2 , and ALDH1A1) in a set of tumor samples on tissue chips (87 cases of tumor budding/the main tumor body) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. We found that the cell-membranous expression of β-catenin was stronger in the main tumor body than in tumor buds. Compared with the main tumor body, tumor buds had reduced proliferative activity as measured by Ki67. Moreover, vimentin expression was high and E-cadherin expression was low in tumor buds. Expression of EMT-related markers suggested that tumor buds were correlated with EMT. We noted that CxSCC tumor buds had a CD44negative/low/SOX2high/ALDH1A1high staining pattern, indicating that tumor buds of CxSCC present CSC-like immunophenotypic features. Taken together, our data indicate that tumor buds in CxSCC may represent EMT-like CSCs in vivo.
A study of the Development of Ship Integrated Combat Capability Operational Test and Evaluation using Missile Live-Fire and Reaction Time Analysis
Authors: Kim Byungjun , Kang Jeongseok , Hur Jangwan , Ko Jangsoo
Published: July 2022

This study aims to introduce missile live-fire during the ship operational test and evaluation(T&E) as a means of verifying the integrated combat capability(ICC) of various systems installed on naval ships. The research method identified domestic and foreign T&E systems and cases, and reports related to ICC, which were written during the ship's design stage. As a result of research, Republic of Korea is not conducting the missile live-fire at the ship T&E stage due to the lack of relevant systems, while the U.S. is conducting it based on the mission-based T&E and the end-to-end test system. As a way to improve within the current domestic ship acquisition systems, the reaction time analysis, a quantitative analysis result of ICC calculated at the ship basic design stage, was proposed to be verified by missile live-fire during ship operational T&E.
The Study on the Performance Prediction of Precision Linear Shaped Charge Using Numerical Analysis Method
Authors: Lee Sieun
Published: July 2022

Linear Shaped Charge(LSC) is widely used as a separation system in the field of weapon system. However, there are some disadvantages that are charging lots of explosives due to lack of uniformity and having difficulties of the design of liner and explosives because of manufacturing process. In order to solve these problems, Precision Linear Shaped Charge(PLSC) that can design a liner independently and charge explosives uniformly has been developed. In this study, PLSC was designed to have a proper liner shape and amount of explosives, and the penetration test of PLSC with different stand-off distance from liner to target was conducted. On the basis of the penetration test results of PLSC, the numerical analysis method using AUTODYN was established and verified. The penetrative mechanism and characteristics of PLSC with targets of different materials was analyzed from experimental and numerical results.
Formation of the α1‐microglobulin chromophore in mammalian and insect cells: a novel post‐translational mechanism?
Authors: Åkerström Bo , Bratt Tomas , Enghild Jan J
Published: July 2002

α1‐Microglobulin is an immunosuppressive plasma protein synthesized by the liver. The isolated protein is yellow‐brown, but the hypothetical chromophore has not yet been identified. In this work, it is shown that a human liver cell line, HepG2, grown in a completely synthetic and serum‐free medium, secretes α1‐microglobulin which is also yellow‐brown, suggesting a de novo synthesis of the chromophore by the cells. α1‐Microglobulin isolated from the culture medium of insect cells transfected with the gene for rat α1‐microglobulin is also yellow‐brown, suggesting that the gene carries information about the chromophore. Reduction and alkylation or removal of N‐ or O‐linked carbohydrates by glycosidase treatment did not reduce the colour intensity of the protein. An internal dodecapeptide (amino acid positions 70–81 in human α1‐microglobulin) was also yellow‐brown. The latter results indicate that the chromophore is linked to the polypeptide. In conclusion, the results suggest that the α1‐microglobulin gene carries information activating a post‐translational protein modification mechanism which is present in mammalian and insect cells.
Echinococcosis of the liver during pregnancy
Authors: van Vliet W. , Scheele F. , Sibinga‐Mulder L. , Dekker G.A.
Published: July 2002

A 20‐year‐old Turkish woman with three huge echinococcus cysts of the liver was admitted in the third trimester of pregnancy. During pregnancy she received albendazole and during vaginal delivery she received both albendazole and medication aimed at preventing anaphylactic reaction. We believe that the presence of large hydatid cysts during pregnancy should be managed conservatively with courses of albendazole after the first trimester of pregnancy.
Detection of lipofuscin‐like fluorophore in oxidized human low‐density lipoprotein
Authors: Itakura Koichi , Oya-Ito Tomoko , Osawa Toshihiko , Yamada Satoshi , Toyokuni Shinya , Shibata Noriyuki , Kobayashi Makio , Uchida Koji
Published: July 2002

It has recently been shown that the lipid peroxidation product 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (HNE) forms a fluorescent hydroxyiminodihydropyrrole derivative with the ϵ‐amino group of lysine residue. In this study, we raised a monoclonal antibody (mAb2C12) directed to the fluorophore–protein conjugate and found that the antibody was specific to the chromophore structure of the compound. Immunohistochemical analysis of atherosclerotic lesions from the human aorta showed that the fluorophore was indeed present in the lesions, in which intense positivity was primarily associated with macrophage‐derived foam cells and thickening of the neointima of the arterial walls. Antigenic materials were also detected in the oxidatively modified low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) with Cu2+ and in the oxidatively modified bovine serum albumin with an iron/linoleic acid autoxidation system, indicating that the HNE, which originated from the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, could be a potential source of the fluorescent chromophore in oxidized LDL.
Development of Mammalian Serum Albumin Affinity Purification Media by Peptide Phage Display
Authors: Sato Aaron K. , Sexton Daniel J. , Morganelli Lee A. , Cohen Edward H. , Wu Qi Long , Conley Greg P. , Streltsova Zoya , Lee Stan W. , Devlin Mary , DeOliveira Daniel B. , Enright Jasmin , Kent Rachel B. , Wescott Charles R. , Ransohoff Tom C. , Ley Arthur C. , Ladner Robert C.
Published: July 2002

Several phage isolates that bind specifically to human serum albumin (HSA) were isolated from disulfide‐constrained cyclic peptide phage‐display libraries. The majority of corresponding synthetic peptides bind with micromolar affinity to HSA in low salt at pH 6.2, as determined by fluorescence anisotropy. One of the highest affinity peptides, DX‐236, also bound well to several mammalian serum albumins (SA). Immobilized DX‐236 quantitatively captures HSA from human serum; mild conditions (100 mM Tris, pH 9.1) allow release of HSA. The DX‐236 affinity column bound HSA from human serum with a greater specificity than does Cibacron Blue agarose beads. In addition to its likely utility in HSA and other mammalian SA purifications, this peptide media may be useful in the proteomics and medical research markets for selective removal of mammalian albumin from serum prior to mass spectrometric and other analyses.
Molecular studies of trophoblast HLA‐G: polymorphism, isoforms, imprinting and expression in preimplantation embryo
Authors: Hiby S.E. , King A. , Sharkey A. , Loke Y.W.
Published: July 2002

There is considerable interest in human HLA‐G arising from the observation that it is expressed selectively on the surface of extravillous trophoblast, the fetal cell population directly in contact with the mother. We investigated several aspects of the molecular biology of this unusual molecule. Limited polymorphism at the nucleotide level, and even more restricted variation at the amino acid level, was found in our Caucasian population. A further unusual aspect of HLA‐G is the occurrence of alternatively spliced mRNAs. Spliced messages that could give rise to either membrane‐bound or soluble proteins have been reported and six of these alternative forms were detected in all first trimester and term placentae, highly purified villous and extravillous trophoblast and the cell lines, JEG‐3 and 221‐G. An additional novel splice variant involving loss of part of the 3′‐untranslated region was observed with two alleles. Using a sensitive RNase protection assay higher levels of the membrane‐bound RNAs as compared to the soluble forms were detected in first trimester and term placentae as well as in JEG‐3. Contrary to previous findings our term samples taken from the maternal aspect showed higher levels of both mRNA species when compared to first trimester placenta. The question of imprinting was addressed through the detection of heterozygotes both in placental tissue and, more tellingly, in the purified trophoblast cells. There was no evidence of imprinting. In addition we did not find mRNA for HLA‐G in human two to eight‐cell embryos or in blastocyst or in sperm samples1.
Post‐operative analgesia following total knee replacement: an evaluation of the addition of an obturator nerve block to combined femoral and sciatic nerve block
Authors: McNamee D. A. , Parks L. , Milligan K. R.
Published: July 2002

Background: Femoral and sciatic nerve block may not provide complete post‐operative analgesia following total knee replacement. This study was designed to evaluate whether the addition of an obturator nerve block to combined femoral and sciatic nerve block improves the quality of post‐operative analgesia following primary total knee replacement.

Methods: Sixty patients were randomised into one of two groups: combined femoral and sciatic nerve block with 15 ml 0.75% ropivacaine to each nerve or combined femoral and sciatic nerve block with 15 ml 0.75% ropivacaine to each nerve and an obturator nerve block with 5 ml 0.75% ropivacaine.

Results: Peripheral nerve blocks were successful in 85% of patients. The group which received the obturator nerve block showed a significant increase in the time until their first request for analgesia (mean 257.0 vs. 433.6 min) and a significant reduction in the total requirements for morphine throughout the study period (mean 83.8 vs. 63.0 mg) (P<0.05). There were no systemic or neurological sequelae in any of the groups.

Conclusions: The addition of an obturator nerve block to femoral and sciatic blockade improved post‐operative analgesia following total knee replacement.
Impaired noradrenaline-induced lipolysis in white fat of aP2-Ucp1 transgenic mice is associated with changes in G-protein levels
Authors: FLACHS Pavel , NOVOTNÝ JiŘí , BAUMRUK Filip , BARDOVÁ Kristina , BOUŘOVÁ Lenka , MIKŠÍK Ivan , ŠPONAROVÁ Jana , SVOBODA Petr , KOPECKÝ Jan
Published: July 2002

In vitro experiments suggest that stimulation of lipolysis by catecholamines in adipocytes depends on the energy status of these cells. We tested whether mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCPs) that control the efficiency of ATP production could affect lipolysis and noradrenaline signalling in white fat in vivo. The lipolytic effect of noradrenaline was lowered by ectopic UCP1 in white adipocytes of aP2-Ucp1 transgenic mice, overexpressing the UCP1 gene from the aP2 gene promoter, reflecting the magnitude of UCP1 expression, the impaired stimulation of cAMP levels by noradrenaline and the reduction of the ATP/ADP ratio in different fat depots. Thus only subcutaneous but not epididymal fat was affected. UCP1 also down-regulated the expression of hormone-sensitive lipase and lowered its activity, and altered the expression of trimeric G-proteins in adipocytes. The adipose tissue content of the stimulatory G-protein α subunit was increased while that of the inhibitory G-protein α subunits decreased in response to UCP1 expression. Our results support the idea that the energy status of cells, and the ATP/ADP ratio in particular, modulates the lipolytic effects of noradrenaline in adipose tissue in vivo. They also demonstrate changes at the G-protein level that tend to overcome the reduction of lipolysis when ATP level in adipocytes is low. Therefore, respiratory uncoupling may exert a broad effect on hormonal signalling in adipocytes.
Multiple isoforms of mitochondrial glutathione S-transferases and their differential induction under oxidative stress
Authors: RAZA Haider , ROBIN Marie-Anne , FANG Ji-kang , AVADHANI Narayan G.
Published: July 2002

The mitochondrial respiratory chain, which consumes approx. 85–90% of the oxygen utilized by cells, is a major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mitochondrial genetic and biosynthetic systems are highly susceptible to ROS toxicity. Intramitochondrial glutathione (GSH) is a major defence against ROS. In the present study, we have investigated the nature of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) pool in mouse liver mitochondria, and have purified three distinct forms of GST: GSTA1-1 and GSTA4-4 of the Alpha family, and GSTM1-1 belonging to the Mu family. The mitochondrial localization of these multiple GSTs was confirmed using a combination of immunoblot analysis, protease protection assay, enzyme activity, N-terminal amino acid sequencing, peptide mapping and confocal immunofluorescence analysis. Additionally, exogenously added 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), a reactive byproduct of lipid peroxidation, to COS cells differentially affected the cytosolic and mitochondrial GSH pools in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Our results show that HNE-mediated mitochondrial oxidative stress caused a decrease in the GSH pool, increased membrane lipid peroxidation, and increased levels of GSTs, glutathione peroxidase and Hsp70 (heat-shock protein 70). The HNE-induced oxidative stress persisted for longer in the mitochondrial compartment, where the recovery of GSH pool was slower than in the cytosolic compartment. Our study, for the first time, demonstrates the presence in mitochondria of multiple forms of GSTs that show molecular properties similar to those of their cytosolic counterparts. Our results suggest that mitochondrial GSTs may play an important role in defence against chemical and oxidative stress.
Experimental colitis induced by dextran sulphate sodium in mice: beneficial effects of sulphasalazine and olsalazine
Authors: Axelsson L.‐G. , Landström E. , Bylund‐Fellenius A.‐C.
Published: July 2002

Background:

Animal models of inflammatory bowel disease are artificial and more or less representative of human disease. However, the dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) induced intestinal inflammation model has recently been shown to fulfil some pathological criteria for an adequate experimental model.

Aim:

To determine whether this form of experimental intestinal inflammation responds to established therapy used for human inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods:

DSS was used to induce intestinal inflammation in conventional Balb/c mice and athymic nu/nu CD‐1(BR) mice, and the well‐documented 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA) based anticolitis drugs sulphasalazine (SASP) and olsalazine (OLZ) were used to study therapeutic effects. Parameters which have been shown to reflect DSS‐induced intestinal inflammation (body weight, colon length, spleen weight, diarrhoea, and rectal bleeding) were measured in the Balb/c mice.

Results:

Significant amelioration was seen on these parameters after different treatment protocols. Survival in nu/nu CD‐1 mice was studied, and after 16 days a death rate of 50% was noted in the DSS group. SASP (100 mg/kg/day) and OLZ (50 mg/kg/day) significantly prolonged the survival to 29 and 38 days, respectively. SASP and OLZ showed a dose‐dependent effect in the range between 10 and 100 mg/kg/day, doses closely corresponding to those used in humans.

Conclusions:

SASP and OLZ are able to ameliorate the DSS‐induced intestinal inflammation. The dose‐response patterns suggested that the active therapeutic moiety for the two drugs appears to be mainly the liberated 5‐ASA molecule.
Graduated compression stockings in the prevention of venous thromboembolism
Authors: Agu O , Hamilton G , Baker D
Published: July 2002

Background

Surveys still show a wide variation in routine use of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis despite its established place in current patient management. This article reviews the mechanism of action, efficacy and complications of stockings in preventing DVT.

Methods

Relevant publications indexed in Medline (1966–1998) and the Cochrane database were identified. Appropriate articles identified from the reference lists of the above searches were also selected and reviewed.

Results and conclusion

Graduated compression stockings reduce the overall cross-sectional area of the limb, increase the linear velocity of venous flow, reduce venous wall distension and improve valvular function. Fifteen randomized controlled trials of graduated compression stockings alone were reviewed. Stockings reduced the relative risk of DVT by 64 per cent in general surgical patients and 57 per cent following total hip replacement. The effect of stockings was enhanced by combination with pharmacological agents such as heparin; the combination is recommended in patients at moderate or high risk of DVT. Knee-length stockings are as effective and should replace above-knee stockings. Complications are rare and avoidable.
Effect of propanolol on the expansion of abdominal aortic aneurysms: a randomized study
Authors: Wilmink A B M , Hubbard C S F F , Day N E , Quick C R G
Published: July 2002

Background

This study investigated whether propanolol reduces the growth rate of small screen-detected abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs).

Methods

This was a prospective blinded randomized study of men with an aneurysm between 3 and 4·5 cm detected in a community-based screening programme.

Results

Some 477 patients were randomized: 256 to take propanolol 40 mg and 221 controls. The mean growth rate in the propanolol group was 0·06 (95 per cent confidence interval 0–0·14) versus 0·1 (0·02–0·19) mm in the control group (P = 0·48). Propanolol decreased growth in 59 patients with an AAA larger than 3·9 cm (0·13 (0–0·31) versus 0·43 (0·26–0·60) mm in controls; P = 0·02). Compliance with propanolol treatment was poor: 31 per cent of the active treatment group were on beta blockers compared with 15 per cent in the control group. The growth in patients actually taking beta blockers was 0·24 (0·11–0·38) versus 0·25 (0·17–0·33) mm (P = 0·91). Stiffness measurements did not differ significantly between patients taking beta blockers and controls. Subgroup analysis showed an increased stiffness in the patients on beta blockers (mean(s.d.) 31·1(4·2) versus 23·4(1·9) in controls in aortas larger than 3·4 cm; P = 0·057).

Conclusion

Propanolol is not associated with a significant reduction in the growth of small aneurysms. Propanolol reduces the growth of aneurysms larger than 4 cm. Compliance with propanolol treatment for small aneurysms is low. Treatment of small screen-detected aneurysms with propanolol cannot be recommended.
Severe dietary restriction initiated in aged rats: evidence for poor adaptation in terms of protein metabolism and intestinal functions
Authors: Chambon‐Savanovitch C. , Felgines C. , Farges M.‐C. , Pernet P. , Cézard J.‐P. , Raul F. , Cynober L. , Vasson M.‐P.
Published: July 2002

Background

Protein energy malnutrition is a common finding in elderly people, increasing morbidity and mortality in aged inpatients. Investigations need to be developed to counteract malnutrition‐induced alterations early and to avoid potential irreversible lesions. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate time‐response to severe dietary restriction (DR) initiated in aged rats in terms of protein metabolism and digestive trophicity.

Materials and methods

After the acclimatization period, 22‐month‐old male rats were randomized into six groups: three control groups, fed ad libitum for 3, 6 or 12 weeks with a standard diet and three corresponding dietary‐restricted groups fed for the same periods with only 50% of the spontaneous intake. Intestinal mucosa, liver and skeletal muscles (soleus, extensor digitorum longus and tibialis anterior muscle) were removed when the rats were killed.

Results

DR induced dramatic body weight loss (up to 50% of initial body weight after 12 weeks DR). Protein metabolism was affected in terms of nitrogen balance (P < 0.01) and protein content, in particular at the splanchnic level. Morphometrically, the intestine structure was altered after 12 weeks of DR (P < 0.01), and this atrophy was correlated with malabsorption of mannitol (P < 0.01). Ileal hydrolase activities were decreased throughout the 12 weeks of DR.

Conclusions

Aged rats clearly exhibit a defect of adaptation to long‐term DR initiated at an advanced age. Severe DR leads to malnutrition, which becomes of major importance after 12 weeks, in particular at the intestine level. Hence, application of these experimental results to elderly, malnourished people may contribute to a better knowledge of denutrition‐induced disorders.