bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Military Grammar of Agrarian Reform in Peru
Authors: Puente Javier
Published: January 2019

This article places the 1969 Peruvian agrarian reform as a defining moment in the history of Latin American militarism and rural capitalism. By unpacking agrarian reform and the rhetorical transformation of indios into campesinos, this article reveals how General Juan Velasco’s military government (1968–75) enforced economic, ideological, and social discipline through a seemingly empowering language of revolution. Capitalizing on enduring radical demands for land redistribution, Velasco’s military-controlled state co-opted claims for land and social justice promoting a revolutionary message against imperial and oligarchic domination while drawing rural populations into more exploitative social relations. The same social and economic reforms meant to benefit thousands of campesinos through access to land facilitated an unprecedented scenario of rural and agrarian capitalism. Once the military garnered social consent, lands and lives fell under state surveillance, decimating communal autonomies, threatening family subsistence, and unleashing mounting degrees of violence against campesino dissidence and resistance.
Indigenous Resistance in an Era of Climate Change Crisis
Authors: Niheu Kalamaoka’aina
Published: January 2019

In an era of climate change crisis precipitated by global extraction of resources and defended by a military-industrial complex, Kanaka Maoli, or the First Peoples of Hawai’i, have struggled over the decades to resist the militarization of our homeland. The struggle for return of land is intrinsically tied to the resistance to military and the capitalistic exploitation via the development, occupation, and sale of our homelands. By exploring the key struggles of the Kalama Valley and Wai’ahole/Waikane resistance, the reawakening of culture reveals how indigenous systems of sustainability, based on traditional technology and science, provide a pathway forward during these troublesome times.
Comparison of three heterochromatin protein 1 homologs in Drosophila
Authors: Lee Dong Hoon , Ryu Hyun Wook , Kim Go Woon , Kwon So Hee
Published: January 2019

Heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) is an epigenetic regulator of chromatin structure and genome function in eukaryotes. Despite shared features, most eukaryotes have a minimum of three HP1 homologs with differential localization patterns and functions. Most studies focus on Drosophila HP1a [also known as Su(var)205], and little is known about the properties of HP1b and HP1c. To determine the features of the three HP1 homologs, we performed the first comprehensive comparative analysis of Drosophila HP1 homologs. HP1 differentially homodimerizes and heterodimerizes in vivo and in vitro. HP1b and HP1c, but not HP1a, are localized to both the nucleus and cytoplasm. The C-terminal extension region (CTE) targets HP1c and HP1b to the cytoplasm. Biochemical approaches show that HP1 binds to various interacting partners with different binding affinities. Each HP1 associates differently with RNA polymerase II; a gene reporter assay revealed that HP1a and HP1b, but not HP1c, inhibit transcriptional activity, suggesting that HP1c serves as a positive regulator in transcription. Thus, these studies provide the basic clues pertaining to the molecular mechanism by which HP1 might control cellular processes in a homolog-specific manner.
Encoding phase spectrum for evaluating “electric qualia”
Authors: Caputi Angel Ariel , Aguilera Pedro Aníbal
Published: January 2019

The most broadly expressed and studied aspect of sensory transduction is receptor tuning to the power spectral density of the incoming signals. Temporal clues expressed in the phase spectrum are relevant in African and American pulse emitting electric fish showing electroreceptors sensing the signals carried by the self- and conspecific-generated electric organ discharges. This article deals with the role of electroreceptor phase sensitivity in American pulse Gymnotiformes. These fish show electroreceptors sharply tuned to narrow frequencies bands. This led to the common thought that most electrosensory information is contained in the amplitude spectra of the signals. However, behavioral and modeling studies suggest that in pulse Gymnotiformes electroreceptors also encode clues embodied in the phase spectrum of natural stimuli. Here we show that the two main types of tuberous primary afferents of Gymnotus omarorum differentially respond to clues embodied in the amplitude and phase spectra of self-generated electrosensory signals. One afferent type, pulse markers, is mainly driven by the amplitude spectrum while the other, burst coders, is predominantly sensitive to the phase spectrum. This dual encoding strategy allows the fish to create a sensory manifold where patterns of “electric color” generated by objects impedance and other potential sources of “colored” images (as large nearby objects and other electric fish) can be represented.
The clinicopathologic features and response to treatment of patients with Nonhodgkin Lymphoma: A single-center experiment in Turkey
Authors: Yildirim Rahsan , Sincan Gulden
Published: January 2019

Objective: We aimed to compare laboratory features, histopathological types, response to treatment of patients with non hodgkin lymphoma in our department and other regions.

Methods: A total of 80 patients nonhodgkin lymphoma were evaluated. Because we had only 80 patients with complete data, we used T test for comparison of groups. We evaluated the parameters affecting surveillance with cox regression analysis.

Results: The most common histological types of nonhodgkins lymphoma was diffuse large b cell lymphoma (n: 63, 78.75%). Thirty-nine percent of all patients had anemia, 32% had hypoalbunemia, 71.25% had elevated serum LDH, 32.5% had elevated serum ß2 microglobulin value. Advanced age, the presence of bulky disease, elevated Ki-67 level, IPI score, refractory to first line treatment were found to be correlated with shorter survival time. We treated 77 (96.25%) patients with doxorubicin containing regimen. Complete and partial remission rates of first line treatment were 77.5% and 10%, respectively. Seven (8.75%) patients died because of disease progression and 1 (1.25%) patient died due to sepsis.

Conclusion: The frequency of lymphoma subtypes, clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes and survival rate vary from region to region. Therefore it is important to determine dissimilarity of these parameters for improve of survey.

How to cite this:Yildirim R, Sincan G. The clinicopathologic features and response to treatment of patients with Nonhodgkin Lymphoma; A single-center experiment in Turkey. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(1):82-85. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.1.415

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Oberflächliche Phlebitis und Venenthrombose der oberen Extremität – banal oder nicht?
Authors: Recke A. L. , Kahle B.
Published: January 2019

Hintergrund: Armvenenthrombosen (AVT) und oberflächliche Phlebitiden der oberen Extremität spielen in der phlebologischen Literatur eher eine Nebenrolle.

Fragestellung: Werden AVT und oberflächliche Phlebitiden der Armvenen im klinischen Alltag unterschätzt?

Methodik: Literaturrecherche in medizinischen Datenbanken unter Verwendung folgender Stichworte: venous thrombosis, upper extremity, venous catheter, pulmonary embolism, thoracic outlet, varicose veins in upper limbs, superficial phlebitis upper extremity/ limb

Ergebnisse: AVT treten bevorzugt nach Anlage von Venenkathetern oder Venenverweilkanülen auf. Malignome sind an zweiter Stelle als ätiologisch relevant zu nennen. Neurovaskuläre Kompressionssyndrome spielen eine untergeordnete Rolle. Oberflächliche Phlebitiden der Armvenen finden in der Literatur wenig Erwähnung, die Erkenntnisse sind heterogen.

Zusammenfassung: AVT sind häufiger als erwartet und oft klinisch stumm. Phlebitiden, die in Verbindung mit einer Venenverweilkanüle auftreten, sollten duplexsonographisch abgeklärt werden. Weitere Studien, insbesondere zur Rolle der oberflächlichen, katheterassoziierten Phlebitiden, wären wünschenswert.
Dziedzictwo zmagań o wschodnie granice Rzeczypospolitej 1918-1920
Authors: Mikołajczyk Jolanta
Published: January 2019

The Legacy of the Struggle for the Eastern Border of the Second Polish Republic 1918-1920. About the Soliders Fallen in the Fights and Their Graves in the Territory of MałopolskaAfter nearly a hundred years since the struggles waged in the years 1918-1920 on the eastern border of the reborn Republic of Poland, many graves and war cemeteries – a testimony of these events – have disappeared forever. Many of those who gave their lives to their homeland have been forgotten. The article attempts to indicate locations the area of the Małopolskie voivodship where one can find graves of those who died during the above period and a list of basic information about the persons buried there. The first part of the study presents approx. 40 places – war burial sites and graves (single and collective) – based on data published on websites run by the Małopolska Provincial Office in Kraków. The second part contains information about the few fallen in the province who could be identified and are buried in family graves. Two war cemeteries are also indicated (located in Nowy Sącz and Nowy Targ), whose original boundaries (and with them burial sites of soldiers) were irretrievably destroyed. The soldiers of the Polish Army buried there died in military hospitals due to diseases and wounds. The preserved space, however, leaves room for their commemoration.
Crack e Mídia: O que dizem as principais revistas jornalísticas do país?
Authors: Silveira Pollyanna Santos da , Casela Ana Luisa Marliére , Monteiro Érika Pizziolo , Ferreira Gabriela Correia Lubambo , Freitas Jéssica Verônica Tibúrcio de , Machado Nathália Munck , Costa Pedro Henrique Antunes da , Ronzani Telmo Mota , Noto Ana Regina
Published: January 2019

O estudo visa analisar os conteúdos divulgados pelas principais revistas de circulação na mídia digital brasileira acerca do consumo de crack. Pesquisa documental, exploratório-descritiva, com abordagem qualitativa das três revistas semanais com maior circulação no país. O acesso foi através dos sites das revistas, as palavras-chave: "crack", "óxi" e "merla" foram utilizadas e apenas a categoria de notícias foi incluída. As 661 notícias encontradas foram analisadas em relação a duplicação, quando "crack" não foi utilizado como droga e quando não era o tema central na notícia. Restando assim, 559 notícias. A análise de conteúdo temática identificou os principais temas presentes. A maior parte das notícias é permeada pela criminalização e moralização dos usuários de crack, relacionando-se principalmente ao tratamento, bem como o tráfico, com reportagens de ações policiais e ao enfrentamento do fenômeno, através de iniciativas de combate. Compreende-se a mídia enquanto formadora de opinião, mas também como produto sócio-histórico que reflete posições e visões de mundo. Observa-se a necessidade de modificação da abordagem ao fenômeno do crack pelos meios de comunicação analisados, na tentativa de estimular um debate ampliado e realista sobre a temática, em detrimento dos correntes discursos maniqueístas, estigmatizantes e de sobreposição de racionalidades.
Atitudes dos vizinhos de Serviços Residenciais Terapêuticos em relação aos pacientes psiquiátricos e aos serviços
Authors: Tostes Joanna Gonçalves de Andrade , Bandeira Marina , Oliveira Marcos Santos de
Published: January 2019

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as atitudes das pessoas que moram na vizinhança de Serviços Residenciais Terapêuticos (SRTs) em relação aos pacientes psiquiátricos e aos serviços de saúde mental, no município de Barbacena, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Foi avaliada uma amostra probabilística estratificada, composta por 110 vizinhos. Utilizou-se a Escala de Atitudes da Comunidade em Relação aos Doentes Mentais (CAMI-BR) e um questionário sociodemográfico e de informações sobre saúde mental. O resultado do escore global da CAMI-BR mostrou que, em geral, as atitudes dos vizinhos tenderam do neutro ao positivo. Os escores das subescalas foram significativamente diferentes entre si, com atitudes mais positivas na subescala de Benevolência e mais negativas na subescala de Autoritarismo. Observou-se uma ambivalência nas atitudes, apontando para a necessidade das pessoas receberem mais informações sobre os transtornos psiquiátricos e os serviços comunitários de saúde mental, visando a combater as atitudes estigmatizantes e a possibilitar uma melhor reinserção social dos pacientes na comunidade.
Relação entre a violência e a saúde mental das mulheres no Brasil: análise das políticas públicas
Authors: Medeiros Mariana Pedrosa de , Zanello Valeska
Published: January 2019

A violência de gênero tem sido fortemente associada a prejuízos na saúde mental das mulheres, tais como a configuração de quadros de depressão, ansiedade, fobias, transtorno pós-traumático, suicídio, problemas alimentares, etc. O presente artigo teve como escopo analisar se, e como, as políticas públicas desenvolvidas para as mulheres e aquelas resultantes da Reforma Psiquiátrica dialogam entre si no que tange ao tema dos impactos da violência na saúde mental das mulheres. Para isto, foi realizada uma análise dos três Planos Nacionais de Políticas para as Mulheres (2004-2013), da Lei Maria da Penha (2006) e da Política Nacional de Enfrentamento à Violência contra as Mulheres (2011), das quatro Conferências Nacionais de Saúde Mental (1987-2004) e da Lei da Reforma Psiquiátrica (2001) buscando-se evidenciar as interseccionalidades (in)existentes entre ambas as políticas. A análise demonstrou que o diálogo entre estes documentos ainda é incipiente e a violência de gênero contra as mulheres não tem sido tratada claramente como um fator de risco para a saúde mental. Faz-se mister visibilizar esta relação e propor aos serviços de saúde intervenções mais eficazes para lidar com mulheres que foram ou estão sendo vítimas de violência.
Psychological Violence in Current Musical Education at Conservatoires
Authors: Fernández-Morante Basilio
Published: January 2019

This article presents an analysis of the yet limited bibliography related to violence in music education. From ethnography (Kingsbury, 1988; Nettl, 1995) to case studies (Musumeci, 2005; 2008), biographical analysis (Smilde, 2009a; 2009b) and a more organizational point of view underlying workplace bullying in arts jobs (Quigg, 2011). Perhaps the biggest taboo in formal music teaching is the intended use of psychological violence in classrooms, especially in higher studies. Unfortunately, researches highlight that this issue is still present. These studies gather testimonies of students who suffered psychological violence during their music education. The findings start to shed light on a topic that all experienced educational agents at Conservatories have known; cases of greater or lesser severity of psychological and/or sexual harrasment. In closing, some measures are proposed to allow Conservatories to cope with this issue. The end of violence is an essential requirement to quality of life from music education.
Cemento-Osseous dysplasia-related jaw necrosis − a case report and literature review
Authors: Atiea Tasnim , Henien Marianne , Sproat Chris , Thavaraj Selvam , Patel Vinod
Published: January 2019

Abstract: Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is most commonly related to medications such as anti-resorptives and anti-angiogenics or head and neck radiotherapy. However, in addition to these, alternative causes of ONJ have also been reported including; infection, chemical toxicity, trauma and vascular ischaemia, but this list is not exhaustive.

It is well accepted that cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD) can increase the risk of infection, poor healing and osteomyelitis due to the reduced vascularity. However, necrotic and exposed COD has not been widely reported. This case report describes a patient with COD-related necrosis in the anterior mandible and hence provides an additional member to the ever growing list of potential predisposing factors for jaw necrosis

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Cemento-osseous dysplasia is a well recognized and benign condition commonly diagnosed from radiographs. The condition carries an increased risk of osteomyelitis and slow healing following oral surgery and, at its extreme, can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw, which remains an important condition of which the general dental practitioner (GDP) should be aware.
Loss of vitality in an unrestored, caries-free, lower premolar
Authors: Sangar Taranjit , Bateman Geoff
Published: January 2019

An apical abscess associated with a caries free and unrestored tooth (virgin tooth) is uncommon. This may present diagnostic challenges and risk in general dental practice. The following report illustrates the diagnostic challenges and the initial management of pain in the case described.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Patients presenting with endodontic pain should be examined carefully, with particular reference to radiographic exposure of suspect teeth. Dentists should come to a presumptive diagnosis only after such careful examination and not make assumptions based on either a tooth of apparent integrity or, alternatively, heavily restored in nature.
Effect of ZnO Nanoparticles on Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Viability, Morphology, Particles Uptake, Cell Cycle and Metabolites
Authors: Mancuso Luisa , Manis Cristina , Murgia Antonio , Isola Michela , Salis Andrea , Piras Federica , Caboni Pierluigi , Cao Giacomo
Published: January 2019

Despite the growing interest in nanoparticles (NPs), the evaluation of their safety use has to be deeply considered, but standardized procedures for the evaluation of their toxicity have not been defined. In vitro methods are ideal in toxicology research because they can rapidly provide reproducible results while preventing the use of animals. Primary cells are considered a better option as model systems for predicting toxicological behavior, although several cell types do not survive enough in culture and isolated cells can have substantial variability when obtained from different donors. Recently, a new test for acute toxicity based on the use of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs) has been developed and successfully tested in our laboratory following the ICCVAM (Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods) guidelines [1]. Along these lines, the aim of this study is to evaluate the acute cytotoxicity of ZnO nanoparticles using the new toxicity test based on hBMMSCs, while comparing their behavior with respect to the toxicity of ZnO micrometer ones. For this reason, we assessed the citotoxicity by performing Neutral Red assay, the cellular uptake by transmission electron microscopy and the effects on hBMMSCs cycle by FACS analysis. Furthermore, we also analyzed by means of GC-MS the polar metabolite profile of hBMMSCs samples treated with ZnO micro- and nanoparticles. Our results show that despite the slight differences in terms of cytotoxicity, nano and microparticles show a very different behavior with respect to their effects on hBMMSCs cycle, metabolite profile and cellular uptake.
Role of Green Route Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles in Medicinal Applications with Special Reference to Cancer Therapy
Authors: Begum S. Rizwana , Rao D. Muralidhara , Reddy P. Dinesh Sankar
Published: January 2019

Nanotechnology is a blazing field for the researchers in modern branch of science along with engineering have lot of applications. Nanotechnology is an imminent field with new outlet to fight and prevent many diseases using nanoparticles. Among the most promising materials Silver nanoparticles are having antimicrobial properties which are synthesized from medicinal plant and acts against chronic diseases. Silver nanoparticles synthesized from medicinal plants have lot of applications and eco-friendly, cost effective in nature. The present review article mainly focuses on biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles from medicinal plants and its role on cancer cells. Cancer is one of the most difficult health issues on globe. Although number of treatments may include radiation, chemotherapy and surgery, but these procedures not only targets tumor tissue but also normal healthy tissue. In recent years silver nanoparticles are considered as promising tool for cancer therapy. A numerous studies both in-vitro and in-vivo suggested that sliver nanoparticles can be used as cytotoxic and genotoxic agent due to their apoptotic inducing and anti-proliferative properties. However there is need to overlook the mechanism regarding the anti-cancerous activity. A silver nanoparticle deploys in every field of engineering science and medical sciences are still attracting to explore new scope of nanobiotechnology attributed with smaller size particles.
Cassava Forage (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Ruminant Feed Nutritional Value at Altitudes in the West Java
Authors: Rochana Ana , Indriani Nyimas Popi , Wiradimadja Rachmat , Ayuningsih Budi , Winaryanto Sugeng , Dhalika Tidi , Rahmat Dedi , Kamil Kurnia A.
Published: January 2019

Cassava leaves as a source of high protein for ruminants and high potential was necessary to be explored as a feed. The cassava leaves was suitable for farmers because its availability was quite a lot, especially during cassava harvest. The purpose of this study was to determine the content of cassava leaf substances grown at various altitudes in the West Java. The study was conducted from May to June, 2016. Determination of area (village) was based on the number of cattle in the area. The sampling was done in stages (multistage sampling) to get secondary data. Selected villages were taken six times sample on each height (low, medium and high). The variables measured in this study were dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, calcium, phosphorus and TDN (Total Digestible Nutrient) derived from cassava leaf. The method used was experimental with Completed randomized design (CRD). The results showed that the content of dry matter, crude fiber and phosphorus in the highlands was greater than the medium and low plains. Crude Protein, Calcium and TDN showed the same value at various altitudes. Crude fats in the highlands and medium produce were the same but were higher than in the lowlands.
Effects of Moringa Peregrina and Ferric Chloride (FeClƒ ) On Water Treatment Sludge Dewatering
Authors: Mazaheri Ramtin , Ghazani Mostafa Tizghadam , Alighardashi Abolghasem
Published: January 2019

In the present study, an active component of Moringa peregrine (MP) was used in comparison with ferric chloride (FeCl₃) for the conditioning of water treatment sludge. The comparison was based on dewatering characteristics of the conditioned sludge determined by capillary suction time (CST), specific resistance to filtration (SRF), tests of time of filtration (TTF) and sludge cake moisture content. The results indicated that MP showed relatively comparable conditioning effect as ferric chloride. Sludge conditioned with ferric chloride, showed better results than MP. According to CST, SRF and tests of time of filtration (TTF) and sludge cake moisture content results, optimum dose for MP, and ferric chloride was 100 ml/l. From the results of the study it could be concluded that MP alone could be effectively used and replace ferric chloride for dewatering of water treatment sludge.
Acid Black 172 Dye Decolorization and Bioelectricity Generation by Microbial Fuel Cell with Filamentous Fungi on Anode
Authors: Osman Mohamed E. , Khattab Om-Kolthoum H. , A.A. Abo Elnasr , S. Abdel Basset
Published: January 2019

A microbial fuel cell (MFC) has great potential for azo dyes decolorization and electricity generation by using filamentous fungi as biocatalysts. In this study, Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma harzianum were inoculated in anode chamber of double-chamber MFC to decolorize azo dye acid black 172 with Potassium Ferricyanide in the cathode chamber. During MFC operations, Acid black 172 oxidized and produced a maximum open-circuit voltage of 890 mV, and maximum current density of 163 mA/m2 with an external resistance of 1000Ω. Also, variable parameters such as dye concentration, Co-substrate and dye as a sole carbon source were studied to improve microbial fuel cell performance.
An instrument to identify computerised primary care research networks, genetic and disease registries prepared to conduct linked research: TRANSFoRm International Research Readiness (TIRRE) survey
Authors: Jennings Emily , de Lusignan Simon , Michalakidis Georgios , Krause Paul , Sullivan Frank , Liyanage Harshana , Delaney Brendan C.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The Translational Research and Patients safety in Europe (TRANSFoRm) project aims to integrate primary care with clinical research whilst improving patient safety. The TRANSFoRm International Research Readiness survey (TIRRE) aims to demonstrate data use through two linked data studies and by identifying clinical data repositories and genetic databases or disease registries prepared to participate in linked research.

Method

The TIRRE survey collects data at micro-, meso- and macro-levels of granularity; to fulfil data, study specific, business, geographical and readiness requirements of potential data providers for the TRANSFoRm demonstration studies. We used descriptive statistics to differentiate between demonstration-study compliant and non-compliant repositories. We only included surveys with >70% of questions answered in our final analysis, reporting the odds ratio (OR) of positive responses associated with a demonstration-study compliant data provider.

Results

We contacted 531 organisations within the Eurpean Union (EU). Two declined to supply information; 56 made a valid response and a further 26 made a partial response. Of the 56 valid responses, 29 were databases of primary care data, 12 were genetic databases and 15 were cancer registries. The demonstration compliant primary care sites made 2098 positive responses compared with 268 in non-use-case compliant data sources [OR: 4.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.93–5.35, p < 0.008]; for genetic databases: 380:44 (OR: 6.13, 95% CI: 4.25–8.85, p < 0.008) and cancer registries: 553:44 (OR: 5.87, 95% CI: 4.13–8.34, p < 0.008).

Conclusions

TIRRE comprehensively assesses the preparedness of data repositories to participate in specific research projects. Multiple contacts about hypothetical participation in research identified few potential sites.
A CASE OF GRADE IV REAL L5 SPONDYLOLISTHESIS
Authors: Dulaev Aleksandr Kaisinovich , Nadulich Konstantin Alekseyevich , Teremshonok Andrey Vasilyevich , Lebedev Valeriy Borisovich
Published: January 2019

A clinical case of grade IV rigid real L5 spondylolisthesis treated by one-stage three-step surgery is presented. A patient had neurological deficit and marked static disorders. The follow-up period was seven months. The treatment resulted in restoration of normal anatomical relations and spine balance, reduction of neurological deficit, and formation of a bone block.
SPINAL HYDATIDOSIS IN A CHILD
Authors: Mushkin Aleksandr Yuryevich , Pershin Andrey Aleksandrovich , Kovalenko Klarissa Nikolayevna
Published: January 2019

A report of a rare case of the spinal hydatidosis in a child is presented. Spinal hydatidosis with a total spinal instability caused by the natural history of the disease and inadequate surgical treatment was diagnosed in a 10 year-old girl. At the department the excision of paravertebral and prevertebral hydatid cavernous masses followed by anterior L1–L5 reconstruction and posterior spinal CD-instrumentation was performed. Early post-op results are satisfactory, supporting ability of the spine is restored, that allowed physical and social rehabilitation of the child. Diagnostic pitfalls are identified and discussed.
POTENTIALITIES OF FUNCTIONAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY AND DOPPLER SONOGRAPHY IN DIAGNOSIS OF VERTEBRAL ARTERY BLOOD FLOW ABNORMALITIES
Authors: Malyavkina Svetlana Anatolyevna , Kinzersky Aleksandr Yuryevich
Published: January 2019

Objectives. To improve diagnosis of a vertebral artery syndrome by combination of a multiplanar functional ultrasonography of the cervical spine and dopplerography of an extracranial segments of the vertebral artery (VA). Material and Methods. To diagnose a VA syndrome 12 patients with uncovertebral arthrosis and 22 patients with cervical spine instability underwent ultrasound examination. VA was investigated in the mode of energetic dopplerography through anterior-lateral horizontal paratracheal approach, which provides one plane visualization of VA in osseous canal, uncovertebral junction, intervertebral disk and the spinal canal at the disk level. This technique allows direct estimation of interrelations between VA and mentioned above bone and soft tissue structures. To detect cervical spine instability the ultrasonography with functional tests was performed. All patients underwent conventional duplex dopplerography. Results. The examination revealed changes in a VA blood circulation in the presence of uncovertebral arthrosis and cervical spine instability. Conclusion. The suggested technique provides more precise diagnosis of VA compression level in the spinal canal in the presence of uncovertebral arthrosis and permits to trace interrelation between changes in arterial blood circulation and instability of intervertebral motional segments.
Investigation of Mechanical and Anti-Corrosion Properties of Flame Sprayed Coatings
Authors: Musztyfaga-Staszuk M. , Czupryński A. , Kciuk M.
Published: January 2019

This article presents the results of an examination of the properties of thermal flame sprayed coatings produced by material in the form of four powders (two polymers: PA11 and PA12 CastoPlast, and two high purity: tin and aluminum) on the substrate of the unalloyed structural steel of S235JR grade. Investigations of coating properties are based on metallography tests (SEM and CLSM), measurement of microhardness (acc. to PN-EN ISO 6507-1:2007), anticorrosive (acc. to PN-EN ISO 9227:2017-06) and bend testing. Results demonstrate properties of flame sprayed coatings that are especially promising in the industrial applications where corrosion-resistant coating properties are required. Consequently, performed experiments show that the highest corrosion resistance is demonstrated by steel samples with a polyamide anti-corrosion system. Accelerated corrosion tests showed the lowest corrosion resistance of the tin coating system, however, they do not fully correspond to the corrosion processes in operating conditions.
Estimation of Endostatin level in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients and its relation with some parameters
Authors: Al-Khafaji Khama’al Hussein Abod , Al-Dujaili Mohammed Noori , Al-Dujaili Arshad Noori
Published: January 2019

Biomarkers are attractive non-invasive tools for estimating and monitoring pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) disease and for predicting survival in patients with PAH; therefore, many studies encouraged the investigation of new biomarkers to facilitate the diagnosis of PAH. Endostatin (ES) is an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis. It is produced by proteolytic cleavage of the collagen XVIII that is present in both normal and cancerous tissue. In vitro examination shows that ES can manage endothelial cells (EC) physiology in ways that could influence angiogenesis. For example, solvent ES hinders EC movement and prompts improvements of the cytoskeleton that incorporate the loss of Actin stretch strands and central grips. This effect embraces restrictions on the α5β1integrins, Tropomyosin, and putative heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Consequences for the human EC cytoskeleton include Es-induced down-regulation of Mitogen-actuated Protein Kinase (MAPK), Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), the Urokinase Plasminogen Activator (uPA) System, and the RhoA GTPase. Human ES has likewise been shown in a few investigations to repress EC multiplication. Moreover, ES-instigated cell cycle capture in the G1 stage is joined by Cyclin D1 down-regulation. Of note, ES blocks the proliferation and organization of endothelial cells into new blood vessels, and in animal studies, ES also inhibits angiogenesis and the growth of both primary tumors and secondary metastasis. ES was initially identified by its capacity to inhibit tumor angiogenesis in vitro and also in vivo. It can also be found in both healthy and patient’ serum, and has been detected in peripheral circulation. ES could be an attractive, non-invasive prognostic marker for some diseases, notably PAH. Therefore, the presented work is aimed at investigating the ES level in blood serum as a biomarker for detection, diagnosis and early treatment of PAH patients. In doing so, the association is ascertained between gender, age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumferences, smoking, types of PAH (primary and secondary) and this potential biomarker is assessed in PAH patients.
A comparative study of phenolic compound antioxidant activity by the polarography method, using microsomal lipid peroxidation in vitro
Authors: Gordiienko Anatolii , Blazheyevskyi Mykola , Iurchenko Ivan
Published: January 2019

For comparative purposes, a quantitative estimation of antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds of different classes was conducted by way of the polarography method, via the ADP-Fe2+ model of the induced ascorbate-dependent lipid peroxidation of rat liver micro-somes within an in-vitro system. As a result, it was recognized that the antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds depend on the nature and chemical structure of several substances. In respect of such activity, leaders in the classes of investigated polyphenolic compounds are: Propyl gallate = Gallotannin (Phenolcarboxylic acids and their derivatives) > Quercetin = Myricetin (Flavonols) > Luteolin (Flavo n) = Mangiferin (Xanthones) > Kaempferol (Flavonols) = Catechin (Flavans). Thus, the assessment of the inhibition ability of the lipid peroxidation of microsomes by phenolic compounds can be used as an accessible test for the preliminary quantitative estimation of their antioxidant properties.
Gastric lipomatosis
Authors: Cieszczyk Katarzyna , Pasnik Iwona , Wronecki Lech , Ostrowska Anna , Bojar Pawel , Marzec-Kotarska Barbara , Szumilo Justyna
Published: January 2019

Gastric lipomatosis is a condition characterized by the presence of multiple lipomas or diffuse mature adipose tissue infiltration within the gastric wall. The diffuse form is thought to be an extremely rare, with only few described cases. The lesion may be asymptomatic or associated with symptoms and signs depending on location and size. Treatment depends on clinical presentation, range and complications. In a symptomatic disease, it should be surgical, but conservative treatment is preferred for asymptomatic and solitary lesions. Among diagnostic methods, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are thought to be the most valuable.
Influence of Transition Metals on Animal and Human Health: A Review
Authors: Bilčíková Jana , Fialková Veronika , Kováčiková Eva , Miškeje Michal , Tombarkiewicz Barbara , Kňažická Zuzana
Published: January 2019

Niobium, osmium, scandium, tungsten and vanadium are transition metals naturally occuring in the environment, particularly in the Earth’s crust. Anthropogenic activities, primarily industrial technologies, have precipitated significant alternations in the concentration and distribution of these metals. Such a dramatic change resulted, by all means, in the bigger potential of the environmental exposure, which poses a threat not only to humans but to all biological systems. Certain elements naturally occur in the animal and human plasma and tissues, but their concentrations are sometimes too low to be detected using the existing modern technologies. In small amounts, such elements are not harmful and some of them have even been suggested to have a beneficial role in the human or animal physiology. However, exposure to excessive antropogenically elevated levels can exert serious negative effects on the environment, agriculture and health. The findings summarized in this paper provide a review of the current knowledge about the implications of the transition metals considered on the health, accentuating the insufficiency and need for more relevant data.
Influence of the Storage Period on the Quality Characteristics of Table Eggs
Authors: Stojčić Mirjana Đukić , Perić Lidija
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the storage period on the quality characteristics of Bovans Brown table eggs. Eggs from 47-week-old hens were sampled on the day of laying and stored in a refrigerator (4°C) for periods of 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Measurements were performed for each storage period relative to the most important quality parameters of eggs. The following egg parameters were evaluated: weight, weight loss, shell breaking force, albumen height, Haugh units and yolk color. The results obtained show that the albumen height and Haugh unit (HU) were affected by the storage period and are of immense importance. The following parameters were found to be significantly influenced by different storage periods: weight loss (P<0.05), albumen height (P<0.05) and Haugh unit (P<0.01). Rapid reductions in the albumen height were recorded during 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of storage (ranging from 6.90 mm to 6.07mm). Moreover, the Haugh unit values also decreased during storage from 81.27 to 74.89 at 4°C. The present results suggest that the albumen height and the Haugh unit are the most important parameters of egg quality, obtained from commercial layers raised in battery cages, affected by a storage period of 4 weeks.
Creativity’s Need for Relevance in Research and Real Life: Let’s Set a New Agenda for Positive Outcomes
Authors: Kaufman James C.
Published: January 2019

Despite an ongoing surge of interest in creativity (both in academia and the public eye), it is essential that researchers focus on why creativity matters. Studies that empathize variables that help increase creativity are absolutely valuable, but I argue that need more work on how creativity can lead to positive outcomes. Much of the existing literature examines how creativity can improve school or work performance – which it does. Yet when these studies are compared with similar ones on conscientiousness, it is hard to argue that increasing creativity is the best way to succeed in school or work (at least using traditional metrics). I argue that as a field, we need to expand our ideas about how creativity can be beneficial. I end with an open call for suggestions.
The Creative Problem Finding Hierarchy: A Suggested Model for Understanding Problem Finding
Authors: Abdulla Ahmed M. , Cramond Bonnie
Published: January 2019

This paper proposes a model, which hopefully will allow researchers in the psychology of creativity to confirm that the different levels and different labels for problem finding can be unified under one construct - problem finding (PF). Although no clear distinctions are made among the levels and terms used in the PF literature, the current efforts suggest that there are important differences that can be explained by (a) how well- or ill-defined a problem is, and (b) the degree to which ideation and evaluation are required. Based on these two criteria, a rubric is presented that allows distinctions to be made among five the PF processes: (a) problem discovery, (b) problem formulation, (c) problem construction, (d) problem identification, and (e) problem definition. The authors examined the literature on PF in English from 1960 to 2015 using the following databases: (a) Academic Search Premier, (b) PsycARTICLES, (c) PsycINFO, (d) Dissertation Abstract, (e) Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), (f) Psychology & Behavioral Science Collection, and (g) the Google Scholar. This search resulted in 199 articles in which at least 13 different terms were used to describe the process of finding a problem. Only a few articles endeavored to distinguish among the terms used in the literature. This paper concludes by suggesting that one term (i.e., problem finding) is to be used to avoid confusion. If this is not possible, for whatever reason, the term used instead should be defined and the reasons for the choice of terms clearly stated.
Burned Out Myths and Vapour Trails: Vaporwave’s Affective Potentials
Authors: Killeen Padraic
Published: January 2019

As a “born digital” audiovisual music genre and visual aesthetic, vaporwave channels remnants of popular culture, advertising, and consumer technology from the 1980s and early 1990s. retrieving the strange sense of affective potential that still echoes within the outmoded, depleted myths of that era. In doing so, it opens up a unique vantage-point on our present moment, and our contemporary attachments to digital media and a still unrelenting consumer culture. Just as Walter Benjamin believed “revolutionary energies” to resound in the outmoded objects of nineteenth century culture, vaporwave invites us to recognise the affective potentials still incipient in the sounds and images of the recent past and, in doing so, to acknowledge the affective potential available in our own cultural moment.
Integrated Production of Biofuels and Succinic Acid from Biomass after Thermochemical Pretreatments
Authors: Kuglarz Mariusz , Grübel Klaudiusz
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study was to develop an effective thermochemical method for treatment of industrial hemp, in order to increase its bioconversion to biofuels and bio-products. Industrial hemp was subjected to various thermochemical pretreatments using: alkaline (3 % NaOH), oxidative (3 % H2O2 at pH 11.5) and glycerol-based methods (70-90 % of glycerol, 1-3 % NaOH), prior to enzymatic hydrolysis with Cellic® CTec2/Cellic® HTec2 (15 FPU∙g−1 glucan). Innovative pretreatment with glycerol fraction (80 % glycerol content, 2 % NaOH, 12.5 % biomass loading) showed to be superior over commonly used alkaline and oxidative methods with respect to by-products generation and sugar losses. Integrated process of ethanol production from enriched cellulose fraction (172 kg EtOH∙Mg−1 of dry hemp) and succinic production from xylose-rich residue after ethanol fermentation (59 kg∙Mg−1 of dry hemp) allowed to convert about 97 % of sugars released (glucose and xylose) during enzymatic hydrolysis of pre-treated biomass. The present study showed that it is possible to replace 50 % of the costly yeast extract, used during succinic fermentation as nitrogen source, by alternative nitrogen source (rapeseed cakes) without significant deterioration of succinic yield. Pretreatment liquor after lignin precipitation (52 kg∙Mg−1 of biomass treated) exhibited a high biodegradability (92 %) and allowed to produce 420 m3 CH4/Mg VS). Results obtained in this study clearly document the possibility of biofuels (bioethanol, biogas) and bio-chemicals production from industrial hemp, in a biorefinery approach.
Impact of Shelterbelts on Oxidation-Reduction Properties and Greenhouse Gases Emission from Soils
Authors: Szajdak Lech Wojciech , Gaca Wioletta , Augustin Jürgen , Meysner Teresa
Published: January 2019

The Typic Hapludalfs soils under two old shelterbelts (200 years old) Robinia pseudacacia and Crataegus monogyna, multi species of trees (young shelterbelt - 20 years old) and neighbouring cultivated fields were investigated. The function of shelterbelts of different age and plant composition in agricultural landscape and estimation of biochemical and chemical soil conditions for the decrease of greenhouse gases release from soil to the atmosphere was the aim of the research. In soils under shelterbelts were estimated activities of several enzymes participating in the oxidation-reduction processes, ferric and ferrous ions and the evolutions of gases like N2, N2O, CO2, and CH4. The soils under old shelterbelts characterized higher peroxidase activity than in young shelterbelt and adjoining cultivated fields. However, no significant differences were observed for nitrate reductase activity between old and young shelterbelts. There were proved differences between emission of N2O in soils under shelterbelts and in adjoining cultivated fields. Furthermore, it was observed significant effect of the young shelterbelt on the decrease of carbon dioxide release than in the adjoining cultivated field. The manipulation of the landscape through the introduction of shelterbelts of different age and the composition of plants leads to the modification of biogeochemical soil conditions for N2O and N2 formation and finally decrease of the greenhouse gases evolution from soils to the atmosphere. Thus the creation of new shelterbelts is favourable factor for agricultural landscape.
Hit evaluation of an α-helical peptide: Ala-scan, truncation and sidechain-to-sidechain macrocyclization of an RNA polymerase Inhibitor
Authors: Kamal Ahmed Ashraf Moustafa , Habib Monica , Haupenthal Joerg , Hartmann Rolf Wolfgang , Empting Martin
Published: January 2019

RNA polymerase (RNAP) remains a relatively underexplored target with only rifampicin and fidaxomicin in clinical use. Hence, the concurrent rise in bacterial resistance rate urges the search for novel RNAP inhibitors with a novel mode of action. In this work, we investigated the impact of several systematic modifications including sidechain-to-sidechain macrocylization in the α-helical content and biological activity of a previously identified inhibitory sigma factor fragment. Ala-scan results, peptide truncation from both the N- and C-terminus and modifications inspired by other RNAP inhibitors revealed novel structure activity relationships but did not yield a superior sequence. Additionally, four insertion points for non-natural amino acids bearing side chains required for macrocylization were explored. Linear precursors showed improved stabilization of the α-helical content compared to the original sequence as demonstrated by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. However, this increase in α-helicity did not translate into improved biological activity. Instead, complete abolishment of RNAP inhibitory activity occurred. We hypothesize three possible reasons for such a discrepancy and offer the basis for further optimization efforts for this peptidic RNAP inhibitor.
Randomization Tests that Condition on Non-Categorical Covariate Balance
Authors: Branson Zach , Miratrix Luke W.
Published: January 2019

A benefit of randomized experiments is that covariate distributions of treatment and control groups are balanced on average, resulting in simple unbiased estimators for treatment effects. However, it is possible that a particular randomization yields covariate imbalances that researchers want to address in the analysis stage through adjustment or other methods. Here we present a randomization test that conditions on covariate balance by only considering treatment assignments that are similar to the observed one in terms of covariate balance. Previous conditional randomization tests have only allowed for categorical covariates, while our randomization test allows for any type of covariate. Through extensive simulation studies, we find that our conditional randomization test is more powerful than unconditional randomization tests and other conditional tests. Furthermore, we find that our conditional randomization test is valid (1) unconditionally across levels of covariate balance, and (2) conditional on particular levels of covariate balance. Meanwhile, unconditional randomization tests are valid for (1) but not (2). Finally, we find that our conditional randomization test is similar to a randomization test that uses a model-adjusted test statistic.