bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Hip Fractures: A Cochrane Review
Authors: Guay Joanne , Parker Martyn J. , Griffiths Richard , Kopp Sandra L.
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND:

This review focuses on the use of peripheral nerve blocks as preoperative analgesia, as postoperative analgesia, or as a supplement to general anesthesia for hip fracture surgery and tries to determine if they offer any benefit in terms of pain on movement at 30 minutes after block placement, acute confusional state, myocardial infarction/ischemia, pneumonia, mortality, time to first mobilization, and cost of analgesic.

METHODS:

Trials were identified by computerized searches of Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (2016, Issue 8), MEDLINE (Ovid SP, 1966 to 2016 August week 1), Embase (Ovid SP, 1988 to 2016 August week 1), and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (EBSCO, 1982 to 2016 August week 1), trials registers, and reference lists of relevant articles. Randomized controlled trials involving the use of nerve blocks as part of the care for hip fractures in adults aged 16 years and older were included. The quality of the studies was rated according to the Cochrane tool. Two authors independently extracted the data. The quality of evidence was judged according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations Working Group scale.

RESULTS:

Based on 8 trials with 373 participants, peripheral nerve blocks reduced pain on movement within 30 minutes of block placement: standardized mean difference, −1.41 (95% confidence interval [CI], −2.14 to −0.67; equivalent to −3.4 on a scale from 0 to 10; I2 statistic = 90%; high quality of evidence). The effect size was proportional to the concentration of local anesthetic used (P < .00001). Based on 7 trials with 676 participants, no difference was found in the risk of acute confusional state: risk ratio, 0.69 (95% CI, 0.38–1.27; I2 statistic = 48%; very low quality of evidence). Based on 3 trials with 131 participants, the risk for pneumonia was decreased: risk ratio, 0.41 (95% CI, 0.19–0.89; I2 statistic = 3%; number needed-to-treat for additional beneficial outcome, 7 [95% CI, 5–72]; moderate quality of evidence). No difference was found for the risk of myocardial ischemia or death within 6 months but the number of participants included was well below the optimum information size for these 2 outcomes. Based on 2 trials with 155 participants, peripheral nerve blocks also reduced the time to first mobilization after surgery: mean difference, −11.25 hours (95% CI, −14.34 to −8.15 hours; I2 statistic = 52%; moderate quality of evidence). From 1 trial with 75 participants, the cost of analgesic drugs when used as a single-shot block was lower: standardized mean difference, −3.48 (95% CI, −4.23 to −2.74; moderate quality of evidence).

CONCLUSIONS:

There is high-quality evidence that regional blockade reduces pain on movement within 30 minutes after block placement. There is moderate quality of evidence for a decreased risk of pneumonia, reduced time to first mobilization, and reduced cost of analgesic regimen (single-shot blocks).
Preventing Adverse Events in Cataract Surgery: Recommendations From a Massachusetts Expert Panel
Authors: Nanji Karen C. , Roberto Sarah A. , Morley Michael G. , Bayes Joseph
Published: October 2017

Massachusetts health care facilities reported a series of cataract surgery–related adverse events (AEs) to the state in recent years, including 5 globe perforations during eye blocks performed by 1 anesthesiologist in a single day. The Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety, a nonregulatory Massachusetts state agency, responded by convening an expert panel of frontline providers, patient safety experts, and patients to recommend strategies for mitigating patient harm during cataract surgery. The purpose of this article is to identify contributing factors to the cataract surgery AEs reported in Massachusetts and present the panel’s recommended strategies to prevent them. Data from state-mandated serious reportable event reports were supplemented by online surveys of Massachusetts cataract surgery providers and semistructured interviews with key stakeholders and frontline staff. The panel identified 2 principal categories of contributing factors to the state’s cataract surgery–related AEs: systems failures and choice of anesthesia technique. Systems failures included inadequate safety protocols (48.7% of contributing factors), communication challenges (18.4%), insufficient provider training (17.1%), and lack of standardization (15.8%). Choice of anesthesia technique involved the increased relative risk of needle-based eye blocks. The panel’s surveys of Massachusetts cataract surgery providers show wide variation in anesthesia practices. While 45.5% of surgeons and 69.6% of facilities reported increased use of topical anesthesia compared to 10 years earlier, needle-based blocks were still used in 47.0% of cataract surgeries performed by surgeon respondents and 40.9% of those performed at respondent facilities. Using a modified Delphi approach, the panel recommended several strategies to prevent AEs during cataract surgery, including performing a distinct time-out with at least 2 care-team members before block administration; implementing standardized, facility-wide safety protocols, including a uniform site-marking policy; strengthening the credentialing and orientation of new, contracted and locum tenens anesthesia staff; ensuring adequate and documented training in block administration for any provider who is new to a facility, including at least 10 supervised blocks before practicing independently; using the least invasive form of anesthesia appropriate to the patient; and finally, adjusting anesthesia practices, including preferred techniques, as evidence-based best practices evolve. Future research should focus on evaluating the impact of these recommendations on patient outcomes.
Illustrative examples of probable transfer of resistance determinants from food animals to humans: Streptothricins, glycopeptides, and colistin
Authors: Webb Hattie E. , Angulo Frederick J. , Granier Sophie A. , Scott H. Morgan , Loneragan Guy H.
Published: October 2017

Use, overuse, and misuse of antimicrobials contributes to selection and dissemination of bacterial resistance determinants that may be transferred to humans and constitute a global public health concern. Because of the continued emergence and expansion of antimicrobial resistance, combined with the lack of novel antimicrobial agents, efforts are underway to preserve the efficacy of current available life-saving antimicrobials in humans. As a result, uses of medically important antimicrobials in food animal production have generated debate and led to calls to reduce both antimicrobial use and the need for use. This manuscript, commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) to help inform the development of the WHO guidelines on the use of medically important antimicrobials in food animals, includes three illustrations of antimicrobial use in food animal production that has contributed to the selection—and subsequent transfer—of resistance determinants from food animals to humans. Herein, antimicrobial use and the epidemiology of bacterial resistance are described for streptothricins, glycopeptides, and colistin. Taken together, these historical and current narratives reinforce the need for actions that will preserve the efficacy of antimicrobials.
ЛИБЕРАЛЬНЫЕ МЕРЫ И СИЛЬНАЯ ВЛАСТЬ. К 190-ЛЕТНЕМУ ЮБИЛЕЮ Б.Н. ЧИЧЕРИНА
Authors: Nikotin Aleksei Dmitrievich
Published: October 2017

Цель: выявить общее и особенное во взглядах Б.Н. Чичерина, как ярчайшего представителя русского либерализма рубежа XIX–XX вв., на проблему политического устройства России, перспективу развития гражданских и политических свобод.Методология исследования: при работе с текстами анализируемых концепций применялся сравнительный метод (компаративный), системный метод.Результаты исследования: в статье рассматриваются политико-философские взгляды крупнейшего теоретика русского либерализма рубежа XIX–XX веков Б.Н. Чичерина. Автор, отмечая широту научных взглядов русского либерала, сконцентрировался на его представлениях о предпочтительной для России форме правления и необходимости реформы государственно-правовой системы России. Особое внимание уделяется взглядам Б.Н. Чичерина на проблему осуществления индивидуальной свободы человека, его гражданских и политических прав в условиях сильной государственной власти, выстраиванию правовой системы взаимодействия государства с гражданским обществом.Область применения результатов: полученные результаты могут быть применены в научных политологических и социально-философских исследованиях, а так же в ходе преподавания социально-гуманитарных дисциплин.
ИНФОРМАЦИОННОЕ ПРОТИВОСТОЯНИЕ РФ И США В ПЕРИОД «ТЮЛЬПАНОВОЙ РЕВОЛЮЦИИ» В КИРГИЗИИ
Authors: Medovkina Lina Yuryevna
Published: October 2017

В статье автор рассматривает проблему информационного противостояния Российской Федерации и США во время «тюльпановой революции» 2005 г. в Киргизии. Кыргызстан стал первой постсоциалистической страной Центральной Азии, в которой произошла цветная революция. Отмечается, что в 2004 г. Государственный департамент США выделил гранты неправительственным организациям Киргизии на помощь независимым СМИ и распространение пропагандистской информации. Финансовые и человеческие ресурсы, предоставляемые США, обеспечили объединенной киргизской оппозиции финансовую и моральную поддержку, что дало возможность пойти в наступление на РФ в информационном поле. Противостояние в информационном поле РФ и США во время «тюльпановой революции» оказалось выигрышным для Запада и проигрышным для РФ, так как технологии противодействия информационному влиянию оказались слабыми.Целью исследования является изучение информационного противостояния РФ и США в период «тюльпановой революции» 2005 г. в Киргизии.Метод или методология проведения работы. В качестве методов используется контентный анализ, методы систематизации и синтезирования информации. Методологические подходы представлены системным анализом рассматриваемого феномена.Результаты проведенного исследования могут быть использованы в качестве объективного подтверждения применения методов информационного противостояния в ходе конфликта между государствами.Область применения: государственная информационная политика.
КОЛИЧЕСТВЕННЫЙ И КАЧЕСТВЕННЫЙ АНАЛИЗ ИННОВАЦИОННОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ В РОССИЙСКОМ РЕГИОНЕ
Authors: Donskova Lyudmila Ivanovna , Chubarova Olga Ivanovna
Published: October 2017

Разработан подход к исследованию инновационной деятельности и ее оценке в количественных и качественных показателях, проведен анализ на основе статистических показателей и метода экспертных оценок на примере малого и среднего бизнеса. Результаты исследований инновационной деятельности по правовым, финансовым, кадровым вопросам, несмотря на ее специфику, позволяют выявить незначительные связи регионального бизнеса с инновационной деятельностью, оценить невысокую инновационную активность большинства предприятий малого и среднего бизнеса. Это дает возможность внести корректировки в инновационную деятельность предприятий, особенно в части интеграционной деятельности с региональной администрацией по инновационному развитию региона.Цель – представление инновационной деятельности и ее составляющих в количественных и качественных показателях, что позволяет информативно охарактеризовать их в российской практике в целом и в малом и среднем бизнесе на региональном примере.Метод или методология проведения работы: общенаучные (абстрактно-логические, анализа и синтеза), монографический, экономико-математические методы, статистические методы (группировки), а также метод экспертных оценок.Результаты: получены количественные и качественные параметры, характеризующие актуальные аспекты инновационной деятельности в Российской Федерации.Область применения результатов: полученные результаты целесообразно применять органам управления региональной администрации и экономическим субъектам, осуществляющим инновационную деятельность.
ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ KAHOOT! ПРИ ГЕЙМИФИКАЦИИ В ОБРАЗОВАНИИ
Authors: Tsarev Roman Yurievich
Published: October 2017

Современный уровень развития общества диктует новые требования к организации образования. Одним из актуальных направлений развития образования является геймификация образования, которая позволяет добиться высокой мотивации и вовлеченности студентов в образовательный процесс.Целью работы является проверка гипотезы о том, что использование игровых моментов в обучении, основанных на активном применении информационных технологий, в частности интернет-ресурса Kahoot!, повышает вовлеченность студента в образовательный процесс, его мотивацию при обучении, формирует комфортную среду, вызывающую интерес к изучению предметной области.Новизна исследований состоит в методической организации процесса обучения, в рамках которого выполняется текущий контроль усвоения материала, тем самым реализуя активные методы обучения. При реализации предлагаемого подхода использовалось интернет-ресурс Kahoot!, предоставляющий возможности активизации внимания и контроля усвоения материала студентами.Представленные в статье результаты подтверждают эффективность предложенного подхода и использования в его рамках Kahoot!, который позволил сформировать интерактивную электронную образовательную среду.
COOMA: ОБЪЕКТНО-ОРИЕНТИРОВАННЫЙ СТОХАСТИЧЕСКИЙ АЛГОРИТМ ОПТИМИЗАЦИИ
Authors: Tavridovich Stanislav Alexandrovich
Published: October 2017

Стохастические методы оптимизации такие как генетический алгоритм, алгоритм роя частиц и другие успешно применяются для решения оптимизационных задач. Они основаны на схожих идеях и требуют минимальной адаптации при применении. Но существует несколько факторов, затрудняющих использование стохастических методов оптимизации на практике: мультимодальность целевой функции, наличие системы ограничений, необходимость поиска наилучшей конфигурации параметров алгоритма, увеличение объема пространства поиска и др.В статье предлагается новый Алгоритм каскадной оптимизации и модификации объектов (COOMA), который развивает лучшие идеи известных стохастических методов оптимизации и может применяться к широкому кругу задач, описанных в терминах объектно-ориентированного подхода с использованием практически любых типов параметров, переменных и связей между объектами. Объекты различных классов помещаются в пулы, которые формируют иерархическую структуру в соответствии со структурой связей между классами. Алгоритм также выполняется в соответствии с этой иерархией: методы пулов верхнего уровня перед изменением своих объектов вызывают аналогичные методы вложенных пулов. Алгоритм состоит из шага инициализации и серии итераций, на которых происходит модификация объектов до тех пор, пока не будут выполнены критерии остановки. Объекты модифицируются с использованием операций (инерционного) движения, репликации и мутации. Двухуровневая версия алгоритма реализует механизм автоматического подбора параметров оптимизации.Результаты проведенных серий тестов демонстрируют возможность использования предлагаемого алгоритма для решения многоуровневых задач (с объектами нескольких взаимосвязанных классов), задач с мультимодальной целевой функцией и системами ограничений. Алгоритм реализован на языке Java, исходный код может быть предоставлен по запросу.
ИМИТАЦИОННАЯ МОДЕЛЬ УСВОЕНИЯ И ЗАБЫВАНИЯ ЛОГИЧЕСКИ СВЯЗАННОЙ ИНФОРМАЦИИ
Authors: Mayer Robert Valerievich
Published: October 2017

Учебный материал представим в виде совокупности большого числа информационных блоков, состоящих из элементов учебного материала (ЭУМ), поэтому его усвоение и забывание происходит иначе, чем в опытах Эббингауза. Цель статьи состоит в построении компьютерной модели усвоения и забывания логически связанной информации, позволяющей: 1) обосновать скачок понимания в процессе обучения; 2) получить кривую забывания для осмысленной информации. Методами моделирования получены графики зависимости уровня знаний от времени. Показано, что процессы усвоения и забывания происходят по логистическому закону.
Early Results of the PETTICOAT Technique for the Management of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection
Authors: Kotha Vamshi Krishna , Pozeg Zlatko , Herget Eric , Moon Michael , Appoo Jehangir ,   on behalf of the Canadian Thoracic Aortic Collaborative (CTAC)
Published: October 2017

Conventional surgical techniques for acute Type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) generally fail to address residual dissection in the descending aorta. The persistence of a false lumen is associated with visceral malperfusion in the acute setting and adverse aortic remodeling in the chronic setting. Hybrid aortic arch repair techniques may improve perioperative and long-term mortality by expanding the true lumen and obliterating the false lumen. However, there is a limit to the extent of aortic coverage due to the concomitant risk of spinal cord ischemia. In Type B dissection, the PETTICOAT (Provisional Extension To Induce Complete Attachment) technique, which entails stent graft coverage of the primary intimal tear followed by bare metal stent placement distally, may improve true lumen caliber and promote false lumen thrombosis without increasing the risk of spinal cord ischemia, as intercostal branches remain perfused through the bare metal stents. The technique of hybrid arch with surgical creation of a Dacron landing zone covering a stent graft in the proximal descending aorta and bare metal stents in the thoraco-abdominal aorta is a promising concept in the treatment of ATAAD.
Defining what matters most to patients
Authors: Coleby Tracey
Published: October 2017

Advanced communication skills are needed to identify patients' needs and provide the psychological and social support they require. Meanwhile, early access to palliative care will improve symptom control
Time to cool it!
Authors: Davis John
Published: October 2017

Evaporation, condensation, cooling, dissolving, filtering and melting are all key scientific words which can be demonstrated with simple, practical experiments.
Integrative analysis of GWAS, eQTLs and meQTLs data suggests that multiple gene sets are associated with bone mineral density
Authors: Wang W. , Huang S. , Hou W. , Liu Y. , Fan Q. , He A. , Wen Y. , Hao J. , Guo X. , Zhang F.
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Several genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of bone mineral density (BMD) have successfully identified multiple susceptibility genes, yet isolated susceptibility genes are often difficult to interpret biologically. The aim of this study was to unravel the genetic background of BMD at pathway level, by integrating BMD GWAS data with genome-wide expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) and methylation quantitative trait loci (meQTLs) data

Method

We employed the GWAS datasets of BMD from the Genetic Factors for Osteoporosis Consortium (GEFOS), analysing patients’ BMD. The areas studied included 32 735 femoral necks, 28 498 lumbar spines, and 8143 forearms. Genome-wide eQTLs (containing 923 021 eQTLs) and meQTLs (containing 683 152 unique methylation sites with local meQTLs) data sets were collected from recently published studies. Gene scores were first calculated by summary data-based Mendelian randomisation (SMR) software and meQTL-aligned GWAS results. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was then applied to identify BMD-associated gene sets with a predefined significance level of 0.05.

Results

We identified multiple gene sets associated with BMD in one or more regions, including relevant known biological gene sets such as the Reactome Circadian Clock (GSEA p-value = 1.0 × 10-4 for LS and 2.7 × 10-2 for femoral necks BMD in eQTLs-based GSEA) and insulin-like growth factor receptor binding (GSEA p-value = 5.0 × 10-4 for femoral necks and 2.6 × 10-2 for lumbar spines BMD in meQTLs-based GSEA).

Conclusion

Our results provided novel clues for subsequent functional analysis of bone metabolism, and illustrated the benefit of integrating eQTLs and meQTLs data into pathway association analysis for genetic studies of complex human diseases. Cite this article: W. Wang, S. Huang, W. Hou, Y. Liu, Q. Fan, A. He, Y. Wen, J. Hao, X. Guo, F. Zhang. Integrative analysis of GWAS, eQTLs and meQTLs data suggests that multiple gene sets are associated with bone mineral density. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:572–576.
Pemanfaatan Sumber Daya Danau Secara Multifungsi dan Peran Komunitas Lokal di Danau Maninjau
Authors: Endah Nur Hadiati
Published: October 2017

Danau Maninjau yang terletak di Kabupaten Agam memiliki peran penting bagi perekonomian Provinsi Sumatera Barat. Meskipun demikian, pemanfaatan secara multifungsi tanpa disertai upaya pelestarian yang berkelanjutan, mengakibatkan nilai ekonomis danau menjadi turun sehingga menimbulkan dampak negatif lain. Keberadaan budidaya keramba jaring apung (KJA) di satu sisi telah memberikan kontribusi pendapatan cukup besar kepada pemerintah daerah, namun berdampak menimbulkan konflik masyarakat. Artikel ini akan mendiskusikan masalah pemanfaatan danau untuk perekonomian daerah dan sejauh mana peran masyarakat dalam upaya pelestarian Danau Maninjau. Artikel ini ditulis berdasarkan sumber hasil penelitian “Optimalisasi Pemanfaatan Danau secara Multifungsi untuk Pembangunan Daerah”. Sumber data dikumpulkan melalui penyebaran kuesioner, wawancara mendalam, Focus Group Discussion, dan observasi lapangan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan, meskipun masyarakat memiliki Environmental Attitude (sikap terhadap lingkungan) yang positif tetapi tidak sampai terwujud dalam Actual Behavior. Faktor budaya, regulasi dan pengawasan merupakan faktor yang melatarbelakangi tidak optimalnya pemanfaatan dan upaya pelestarian danau.
PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVELOPMENT FROM NEW ORDER REGIME TO REFORMATION REGIME IN INDONESIA: PERSPECTIVE OF TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION SYSTEM
Authors: Asmara Anugerah Yuka , Mitsufuji Toshio
Published: October 2017

PV has been firstly introduced in Indonesia by government as part of new and renewable enegies (NREs) since new order regime. During this regime, directive of PV development was totally determined by strong role of government. Afterwards, in reformation regime, role of enterprises to develop PV appeared when government issued regulation about use of local products as well as formation of the directorate of NREs at Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resource (ESDM) in 2010. To capture phenomena of PV development during new order regime to reformation regime, technological innovation system (TIS) is used on this study. This study is a qualitative analysis using case study method developed by Yin. Finding of this study is that PV projects and its technology cannot be massively developed without intervention of government both in new order regime and reformation regime.
Controlled atmosphere and refrigerated storage in cut roses ‘Avalanche’
Authors: Dias Gláucia Moraes , Santos Lucas Gomes , Cia Patrícia , Sigrist José Maria Monteiro , Honório Sylvio Luís
Published: October 2017

In Brazil, there are few studies on cut flowers cold storage, and there is no research on the association of controlled atmosphere with flower cooling. Worldwide research in this sector is considered scarce; this requires the establishment of adequate postharvest technology, involving cold storage and controlled/modified atmosphere for cutting flowers. In Brazil, roses are the most widely cultivated cut flower and a single producer exports three pallets of this species by airfreight per week. The objectives of this work were to define the concentrations of O2 and CO2 in which cut roses ‘Avalanche’ should be submitted, defining procedures for postharvest conservation and establishing technical guidelines for the exportation of cut roses under controlled atmosphere. The experiments were carried out at 1±1 °C with the help of a flowchart to dose the gases, and the concentration of O2 , CO2 and ethylene were assessed. Phase 1 experiment had O2 concentration set at 21% associated with four different concentrations of CO2 , 10, 20, 30 and 40%. Phase 2 experiment had O2 at 3% associated with four different concentrations of CO2 , 3, 6, 10 and 15%. The controlled atmosphere with 3% O2 and 6% CO2 associated with 1+1 °C was indicated for the storage of cut rose ‘Avalanche’.
Evolución del Estado del Bienestar desde una perspectiva de género. ¿Genealogía de una expropiación?
Authors: Lucas-García Jezabel , Bayón-Calvo Siro
Published: October 2017

La cobertura de las necesidades sociales de la población ha sido objeto de diferentes formas y grados de intervención a lo largo de la historia de los Estados modernos. Sin embargo, el Estado del Bienestar no ha generado estrategias que garanticen la equiparación en el acceso a los derechos sociales de hombres y mujeres. Cuestiones como el trabajo reproductivo, la subsidiariedad respecto al mercado de trabajo, o el desigual grado de mercantilización han tenido un papel secundario.Este trabajo trata de analizar la genealogía del Estado del Bienestar bajo una perspectiva de género, estudiando las críticas que la teoría feminista ha planteado. Para ello, se ha realizado una aproximación histórica teniendo en cuenta las corrientes feministas que analizan la evolución de la vindicación del movimiento de mujeres dentro del ámbito de la promoción del bienestar social. Además, se presentan datos que avalan los argumentos y reflexiones propuestas.Estos elementos permiten iniciar una reflexión sobre la posibilidad de que se haya producido un ejercicio de expropiación del bienestar social. En este sentido, aquellas personas que han contribuido a la provisión de cuidados (mayoritariamente mujeres), se han podido ver desprovistas de protección en favor de mejorar las condiciones de vida y la promoción de aquellos que lo han hecho a partir de los rendimientos del trabajo productivo.
Bioactive chemical compounds in Eremurus persicus (Joub. & Spach) Boiss. essential oil and their health implications
Authors: Salehi B. , Ayatollahi S. A. , Segura-Carretero A. , Kobarfard F. , Contreras M. d. M. , Faizi M. , Sharifi-Rad M. , Tabatabai S. A. , Sharifi-Rad J.
Published: October 2017

The genus Eremurus is native to Eastern Europe and temperate Asia. Particularly, Eremurus persicus (Joub. & Spach) Boiss. is highly valued in traditional foods and medicine. Scientific knowledge about E. persicus chemical composition and bioactivity is required. Therefore, the present study is aimed to determine the volatile composition of E. persicus essential oil (EO) by means of gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization/mass spectrometry detection. Moreover, the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of the EO were tested. Interestingly, the anti-dermatophyte potency was close to that of the drug griseofulvin, with minimum fungicidal concentration ranging between 0.7 and 4.5% depending on the fungi strain. The EO was also effective against hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep-G2) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) human cancer cell lines in a concentration (200-1500 ng/mL)-dependent manner, with a decrease of the cell viability up to 65% and 52%, respectively. The E. persicus EO was rich in terpenes and oxygenated terpene derivatives. Individually, limonene (16.25%), geranylgeraniol (15.23%), n-nonanal (9.48%), geranyl acetone (9.12%), benzene acetaldehyde (8.51%), linalool (7.93%), Î±-pinene (6.89%), and 1,8-cineol (5.22%) were the most abundant volatile compounds and could be chosen as analytical markers of this essential oil. In conclusion, our results suggested that this EO possesses a wide range of bioactive properties that could be useful in nutraceutical, functional foods and cosmeceutical formulations.
Null genotype of GSTT1 may be associated with esophageal cancer risk: a meta-analysis in Chinese individuals
Authors: Liu Y-P. , Li L.
Published: October 2017

Many studies have analyzed the association between between GSTT1 polymorphism and esophageal cancer, however, the results remained inconclusive. We therefore performed an updated meta-analysis based on Chinese individuals. PubMed, Springer Link, Ovid, Chinese Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and Chinese Biology Medicine were searched up to December 2016. An OR with the corresponding 95% CI was used to assess the strength of the association. This meta-analysis included 12 studieswith 1246 cases and 1863 controls. Overall, GSTT1 null genotype was associated with an increased esophageal cancer risk when all studies in Chinese populations pooled into this meta-analysis. In stratified studies with geographical location, significantly increased risk was found in North China (OR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.11–1.91) and in studies with population-based control (OR = 1.29, 95%CI: 1.07–1.55). This study suggested that GSTT1 null genotype may be potential biomarkers for esophageal cancer in China, especially in North China. Studies with larger sample sizes and wider spectrum of populations are warranted to verify this finding.
STAT3 regulates cytokine expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from asthma patients
Authors: Yang Q. , Xu W. , Long Y. , Kuang J. , Li J.
Published: October 2017

Asthma is a common long term inflammatory disease of the airways. This disease affected millions of people worldwide. Recently, it is demonstrated that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays critical role in asthma occurrence. In the current study, we isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with mild and moderate asthma, and then determined the correlation between STAT3 and cytokine expression. We found that the concentration and mRNA level of cytokines was increased in PBMCs from asthma patients. The concentration and mRNA level of cytokines was altered by the regulation of STAT3 expression and the concentration and mRNA expression level of cytokines was positively correlated with STAT3 activation. Furthermore, phosphorylated STAT3 expression in PBMCs from asthma patients was increased compared with the control. Collectively, this study directly proved that STAT3 was correlated with cytokine expression in PBMCs from asthma patients, providing a potential linkage between STAT3 and pathogenesis of asthma.
Insufficient decontamination in Sewage treatment plants induce the risk of artificial selection of extended-spectrum Î²-lactamase producing Escherichia coli
Authors: Gundogdu A. , Kilic H. , Kurekci C. , Alp E.
Published: October 2017

Quantitative data about extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing E. coli (ESBLEC) in the wastewaters are scarce, especially in developing countries. These data could be useful to raise awareness about the potential risk of spreading ESBLEC strains in the community. Water samples were collected weekly over a 10-week period, from one urban sewage treatment plant (STP), one rural STP and one hospital complex's wastewater (HWW) in Turkey. Mean E. coli and ESBLEC loads were determined for each sampling point. For the 580 ESBLEC isolated, antimicrobial resistance profiles, phylogenetic grouping, presence of common beta-lactamese-typesand integrons were studied using PCR. The mean ESBLEC ratio was accounted for 0.58%, 0,12%, 1.53% of the total E. coli in urban, rural untreated wastewater and HWW, respectively. These values were higher for the outlets. The mean number of different antimicrobial classes to which the strains were resistant was highest in urban STP (4.0± 1.6). The antimicrobial resistance ratios of ESBLEC strains isolated from HWW were observed to be in between those of urban and rural STPs. The most common phylogenetic group was C composing (29.7%) and the most susceptible strains belonged to phylogroup B1. Wastewater treatments without sufficient decontamination, resulting in artificial selection of ESBLEC might lead to public health risk as these strains reach communities through environment. To avoid such risks and protect the human health as well as the environment, well-established decontamination measures imposing barriers against this artificial selection should be implemented.
Study of anticancer and antibacterial activities of Foeniculum vulgare, Justicia adhatoda and Urtica dioica as natural curatives
Authors: Batool R. , Salahuddin H. , Mahmood T. , Ismail M.
Published: October 2017

High-throughput technologies, such as synthetic biology and genomics have paved new paths for discovery and utility of medicinally beneficial plants. Bioactive molecules isolated from different plants have significantly higher biological activities. The present study was done to analyze antibacterial potential of some medicinal plants against multi drug resistant (MDR) pathogens and anticancer effect against MCF-7 cell line. Methanolic and ethanolic extracts were tested for their antibacterial activity by disc diffusion method against six MDR bacterial strains and for cytotoxicity evaluation by MTT assay. Ethanolic extracts of the three tested plants exhibited growth inhibitory effect against Klebsiella pneumonia, Serratia marcescens and Methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was more resistant to all extracts as its growth was least inhibited by the extracts of all tested plants. Ethanol extract of Foeniculum vulgare exhibited significant inhibition of cancer cells proliferation. Methanol extract of Justicia adhatoda also showed considerable inhibition of cancer cells. Future studies must converge on detailed investigation of modes of action of extracts of tested plants.
Functional role of inflammation in the surgical injury induced vascular remodeling of male albino rats
Authors: Song X. , Li L. , Wu Y. , Zhang L. , Li X.
Published: October 2017

Our present study investigates the cellular and molecular inflammatory events in male albino rat arterial injury. Male albino rats were subjected to longitudinal incision and carotid artery clamping for the duration of 45 days. Heat shock protein (HSP) 27, HSP70, HSP47 and Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-ÎºB) expressions were determined by qPCR and Western blot method. The morphology of vessel wall alteration was studied by the light microscopy. The expression of NF-ÎºB was found to be increased after ten days of carotid artery injury. The qPCR and Western blot analysis showed elevation in HSP47, HSP27, and HSP70 expression, ten days following the surgical injury. The neointima-formation and the media layer discontinuity were evidenced by light microscopy. The dendritic-like cells were in close contact with the lymphocytes. Our study reports that the surgical injury induces an inflammatory response through the increased NF-ÎºB and HSPs expression.
Predictive role of cytokines IL-10, IL-12 and TNF-Î± gene polymorphisms for the development of osteonecrosis of the femoral head in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Yuan L. , Li W. , Tian Z. B. , Li Y. , Sun S.
Published: October 2017

The progressive neurodegenerative process in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is accompanied by chronic inflammation, including activation of microglia and astrocytes that express pro-inflammatory cytokines. Up to now, numerous studies of genetic epidemiology have assessed the association of anti- and pro-inflammation cytokines gene polymorphisms and risk of ONFH in different populations, but contradictory results were obtained due to the genetic heterogeneity of in different populations. In the study, 250 ONFH patients and 228 matched healthy controls from Shandong Province were recruited to evaluate the influence of interleukin-10 (IL-10) rs1800872, IL-12 rs3212227 and tumor necrosis factor-(TNF-Î±) rs1800629 polymorphism in ONFH. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) locus was genotyped using the PCR-RFLP method. The genotypic and allele frequencies of TNF-Î± and IL-10 did not show significant difference between ONFH patients and normal controls. However, the frequencies of wild (AA) and homozygous mutant (CC) genotype of IL-12 rs3212227 in controls were more than that in ONFH patients, but that of the heterozygous genotype was more in patients with ONFH. Thus, our findings indicate that IL-12 rs3212227 AC genotype confer genetically susceptibility to ONFH in the Chinese Han population.
Some heavy metals in Luciobarbus esocinus for public consumption and consumer protection
Authors: Düşükcan M. , Canpolat í–. , Eroğlu M.
Published: October 2017

In this study, the concentrations of some heavy metals were determined in the muscle of Luciobarbus esocinus Heckel, 1843 and in water where they live. The results were evaluated in term of potential human risk of consumption of this fish and the relationship between the heavy metal load of fish and some of their biological aspects (weight, length and sex). In addition, the accumulation factor of heavy metals in the muscle of L. esocinus were also determined. The Cr, Pb and Ni were not found in detectable levels according to results obtained by ICP. Only Cu, Zn and Fe were detected. It was found that heavy metals concentrations in the muscle of L. esocinus were higher than that in the water. The concentration of heavy metals showed differences according to weight, length and sex of fish. The results were discussed and compared with tolerable values for heavy metals provided from the EPA, FAO and WHO in order to determine whether this fish species has any risk for human consumption.
Risk assessment of a formamidine pesticide, Amitraz, focusing on thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Meriç Turgut ć°. , Keskin E.
Published: October 2017

Amitraz, a formamidine pesticide, and their metabolites have the potential to disrupt endocrine homeostasis in a variety of organisms, nevertheless there is a lack of information concerning such effects and underlying mechanisms in any fish species.To evaluate the potential impacts of Trasil (EC; active constituent 200 g amitraz/L), a commercial product of amitraz, on thyroid hormone (TH) homeostasis of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss); mRNA levels of thyroid hormone receptors (TRs), TRÎ± and TRÎ², were determined by RT-PCR soon after sub-lethal administration in a static bio-assay system. The sub-lethal exposure of 0.84 mg/L amitraz resulted in upregulation of both TRÎ±and TRÎ²genes for muscle and liver, respectively in a tissue-manner, though the differences were found statistically insignificant (P>0.05). The present results emerged an endocrine interaction between amitraz based formulation and TH homeostasis, but still needs further detail studies to a better understanding of TH mechanism in teleosts in response to environmental compounds.
Transcriptomic analysis of human non-small lung cancer cells A549 treated by one synthetic curcumin derivative MHMD
Authors: Zhou G. , Sun G. , Zhou Y. , Wang Q.
Published: October 2017

In our previous studies, we have identified one curcumin analog MHMD could induce apoptosis of lung cancer cells A549 via extrinsic and intrinsic pathways in our previous studies. But the specific regulatory genes and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, the transcriptomic profile of A549 cells was detected with RNA-seq technique after MHMD treatment at 48 h. A total of 16584651 clean data from 21831774 sequence reads were obtained and 80.75% of them could be mapped on the human test genome. 18635 unigenes with the mean length of 4027 bp were finally assembled. 850 up-regulated and 855 down-regulated genes were differently expressed in MHMD-incubated A549 cells, which were involved in many cellular pathways of MHMD-treated A549 cells. Furthermore, the major genes involved in the apoptotic and NSCLC pathways were analyzed. mRNAs of four genes (casp7, p53, tgfa, prkar1b) were validated by RT-PCR, which suggested that MHMD indeed activated the apoptotic pathway of A549 cells.
Effects of Rare Earth Metal Addition on Wear Resistance of Chromium-Molybdenum Cast Steel
Authors: Kasinska J. , Kalandyk B.
Published: October 2017

This paper discusses changes in the microstructure and abrasive wear resistance of G17CrMo5-5 cast steel modified with rare earth metals (REM). The changes were assessed using scanning microscopy. The wear response was determined in the Miller test to ASTM G75. Abrasion tests were supplemented with the surface profile measurements of non-modified and modified cast steel using a Talysurf CCI optical profilometer. It was demonstrated that the modification substantially affected the microstructure of the alloy, leading to grain size reduction and changed morphology of non-metallic inclusions. The observed changes in the microstructure resulted in a three times higher impact strength (from 33 to 99 kJ/cm2) and more than two times higher resistance to cracking (from 116 to 250 MPa). The following surface parameters were computed: Sa: Arithmetic mean deviation of the surface, Sq: Root-mean-square deviation of the surface, Sp: Maximum height of the peak Sv: Maximum depth of the valley, Sz: Ten Point Average, Ssk: Asymmetry of the surface, Sku: Kurtosis of the surface. The findings also indicated that the addition of rare earth metals had a positive effect on the abrasion behaviour of G17CrMo5-5 cast steel.
Improving Quality and Occupational Safety on Automated Casting Lines
Authors: Kukla S.
Published: October 2017

The paper presents a practical example of improving quality and occupational safety on automated casting lines. Working conditions on the line of box moulding with horizontal mould split were analysed due to low degree of automation at the stage of cores or filters installation as well as spheroidizing mortar dosing. A simulation analysis was carried out, which was related to the grounds of introducing an automatic mortar dispenser to the mould. To carry out the research, a simulation model of a line in universal Arena software for modelling and simulation of manufacturing systems by Rockwell Software Inc. was created. A simulation experiment was carried out on a model in order to determine basic parameters of the working system. Organization and working conditions in other sections of the line were also analysed, paying particular attention to quality, ergonomics and occupational safety. Ergonomics analysis was carried out on manual cores installation workplace and filters installation workplace, and changes to these workplaces were suggested in order to eliminate actions being unnecessary and onerous for employees.
Effect of Microwave Heating on Moulding Sand Properties with Gypsum Binder
Authors: Paduchowicz P. , Stachowicz M. , Granat K.
Published: October 2017

The paper presents results of initial research on the possibility of applying microwave radiation in an innovative process of making casting moulds from silica sand, where gypsum CaSO4∙2H2O was acting as a binding material. In the research were compared strengths and technological properties of moulding mixture subjected to: natural bonding process at ambient temperature or natural curing with additional microwave drying or heating with the use of microwaves immediately after samples were formed. Used in the research moulding sands, in which dry constituents i.e. sand matrix and gypsum were mixed in the ratio: 89/11. On the basis of the results of strength tests which were obtained by various curing methods, beneficial effect of using microwaves at 2.45 GHz for drying up was observed after 1, 2 and 5 hours since moisture sandmix was formed. Applying the microwaves for hardening just after forming the samples guarantees satisfactory results in the obtained mechanical parameters. In addition, it has been noted that, from a technological and economic point of view, drying the silica sand with gypsum binder in microwave field can be an alternative to traditional molding sand technologies.
The Effects of Pressure During the Crystallization on Properties of the AlSi12 Alloy
Authors: Pastirčák R. , Ščury J. , Moravec J.
Published: October 2017

The paper deals with the impact of technological parameters on the mechanical properties and microstructure in AlSi12 alloy using squeeze casting technology. The casting with crystallization under pressure was used, specifically direct squeeze casting method. The goal was to affect crystallization by pressure with a value 100 and 150 MPa. From the experiments we can conclude that operating pressure of 100 MPa is sufficient to influence the structural characteristics of the alloy AlSi12. The change in cooling rate influences the morphology of the silicon particles and intermetallic phases. A change of excluded needles to a rod-shaped geometries with significantly shorter length occurs when used gravity casting method. At a pressure of 100 MPa was increased of tensile strength on average of 20%. At a pressure of 150 MPa was increased of tensile strength on average of 30%. During the experiment it was also observed, that increasing difference between the casting temperature and the mold temperature leads to increase of mechanical properties.
Risk Assessment of Defect Occurrences in Engine Piston Castings by FMEA Method
Authors: Piątkowski J. , Kamiński P.
Published: October 2017

The FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) method consists in analysis of failure modes and evaluation of their effects based on determination of cause-effect relationships for formation of possible product or process defects. Identified irregularities which occur during the production process of piston castings for internal combustion engines were ordered according to their failure rates, and using Pareto-Lorenz analysis, their per cent and cumulated shares were determined. The assessments of risk of defects occurrence and their causes were carried out in ten-point scale of integers, while taking three following criteria into account: significance of effects of the defect occurrence (LPZ), defect occurrence probability (LPW) and detectability of the defect found (LPO). A product of these quantities constituted the risk score index connected with a failure occurrence (a so-called “priority number,” LPR). Based on the observations of the piston casting process and on the knowledge of production supervisors, a set of corrective actions was developed and the FMEA was carried out again. It was shown that the proposed improvements reduce the risk of occurrence of process failures significantly, translating into a decrease in defects and irregularities during the production of piston castings for internal combustion engines.
Microstructural and Mechanical Characterization of Solidified Austenitic Stainless Steels
Authors: Aktaş Çelik G. , Polat Ş. , Atapek Ş. H. , Haidemenopoulos G. N.
Published: October 2017

Among the family of stainless steels, cast austenitic stainless steels (CASSs) are preferably used due to their high mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. These steels owe their properties to their microstructural features consisting of an austenitic matrix and skeletal or lathy type δ-ferrite depending on the cooling rate. In this study, the solidification behavior of CASSs (304L and 316L grades) was studied using ThermoCalc software in order to determine the solidification sequence and final microstructure during cooling. Theoretical findings were supported by the microstructural examinations. For the mechanical characterization, not only hardness measurements but also tribological studies were carried out under dry sliding conditions and worn surfaces were examined by microscopy and 3D profilometric analysis. Results were discussed according to the type and amount of microstructural features.