bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Placental location and development of preeclampsia: a longitudinal study
Authors: Priyadarshini Ananya , Upreti Purnima , Nautiyal Ruchira , Goyal Mamta
Published: March 2019

Background: Preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A number of pregnant women suffer from it after 20 weeks of their pregnancy. The study was designed to know the association between location of placenta and the development of preeclampsia in pregnant women. the purpose of the study is to determine the incidence of lateral location of placenta and to study the relation between placental location and development of preeclampsia.Methods: A prospective study conducted on pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic of SRHU Hospital over period of 12 months. The study was hospital based longitudinal study with a sample size of 100 cases presenting over a period of 12 months in Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. Simple Random Sampling was used for random selection of antenatal case at 18 to 24 weeks gestation with singleton pregnancy, after taking written consent and agreeing for follow-up till delivery.Results: Out of the total 100 cases taken for the study, there were 68 cases of lateral placenta and 32 cases of central placenta. Most of the cases belonged to middle class living in urban areas. The development of preeclampsia is mainly due to mineral deficiency and high systolic BP.Conclusions: In present study, 48.5% patients with lateral placenta and 46.9% with central placenta developed pre-eclampsia.  There was a significant association that was found between laterality of placenta and development of PIH. The laterally located placenta is associated with increased risk of developing preeclampsia. Therefore, looking for placental laterality at the time of a mandatory antenatal ultrasound scanning (level II) may serve as a non-invasive test to predict pre-eclampsia.
Mean platelet volume (MPV) as a diagnostic marker in neonatal sepsis
Authors: . Prathyusha , N. Shreekrishna G. , Bhat Sinchana , P. Sahana
Published: March 2019

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a frequent and important cause of morbidity and mortality which accounts for one quarter of neonatal deaths. There are very few studies done in India to evaluate the role of MPV as diagnostic marker of neonatal sepsis.Methods: Prospective case control study in a tertiary care hospital. Neonates > 30 weeks gestation admitted to neonatal intensive care unit during the study period of 1 year with clinically suspected were included in the study. Neonates with Septic screen positive and culture positive sepsis were included in group A and normal neonates were included in Group B. MPV was done for all the subjects and values more than 10.2fl was considered positive. Newborns with congenital anomalies and who were already on antibiotics prior to admission were excluded from the study. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0.Results: 106 neonates were included in the study. MPV showed statistically significant difference between the study groups (mean 12.8±1.52, 10.82±1.20 respectively) at a cut of value of 10.2fl and a sensitivity of 93%, specificity of 84 % with a positive predictive value of 83% and negative predictive value of 94%.Conclusions: MPV can be used as an adjuvant marker along with established septic screen to ensure early diagnosis and treatment of neonatal sepsis with no additional expense.
Funções dos Tutores Presenciais na Educação a Distância
Authors: Lemos Suyane de Souza , Pasquetto Rodrigo Giliardi
Published: March 2019

O estudo apresenta uma investigação do papel do tutor presencial como elemento importante no processo de ensino-aprendizagem. O tutor precisa ter sua função, sua prática, seu papel compreendido e estudado. Realizou-se uma revisão da literatura sobre o tutor presencial no contexto de educação a distância buscando responder à seguinte questão norteadora: quais as principais funções do tutor presencial no processo de ensino-aprendizagem? O estudo revelou reflexões acerca das principais funções, que são favorecer a habilidade de trabalhar em grupo, promover a cooperação entre os alunos e estimular a interação entre os grupos, com o objetivo de incentivar os alunos a enfrentar as dificuldades presentes nessa modalidade de ensino, além de acompanhamento, orientação da aprendizagem e supervisão do processo de avaliação.

Palavras-chave: Tutoria presencial. Educação a distância. Aprendizagem.
[18F] FDG Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Tumor and Penumbra Imaging Features Predict Recurrence in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Mattonen Sarah A. , Davidzon Guido A. , Bakr Shaimaa , Echegaray Sebastian , Leung Ann N.C. , Vasanawala Minal , Horng George , Napel Sandy , Nair Viswam S.
Published: March 2019

We identified computational imaging features on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) that predict recurrence/progression in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We retrospectively identified 291 patients with NSCLC from 2 prospectively acquired cohorts (training, n = 145; validation, n = 146). We contoured the metabolic tumor volume (MTV) on all pretreatment PET images and added a 3-dimensional penumbra region that extended outward 1 cm from the tumor surface. We generated 512 radiomics features, selected 435 features based on robustness to contour variations, and then applied randomized sparse regression (LASSO) to identify features that predicted time to recurrence in the training cohort. We built Cox proportional hazards models in the training cohort and independently evaluated the models in the validation cohort. Two features including stage and a MTV plus penumbra texture feature were selected by LASSO. Both features were significant univariate predictors, with stage being the best predictor (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.15 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.56–2.95], p < 0.001). However, adding the MTV plus penumbra texture feature to stage significantly improved prediction (p = 0.006). This multivariate model was a significant predictor of time to recurrence in the training cohort (concordance = 0.74 [95% CI: 0.66–0.81], p < 0.001) that was validated in a separate validation cohort (concordance = 0.74 [95% CI: 0.67–0.81], p < 0.001). A combined radiomics and clinical model improved NSCLC recurrence prediction. FDG PET radiomic features may be useful biomarkers for lung cancer prognosis and add clinical utility for risk stratification.
Deep Learning Approach for Assessment of Bladder Cancer Treatment Response
Authors: Wu Eric , Hadjiiski Lubomir M. , Samala Ravi K. , Chan Heang-Ping , Cha Kenny H. , Richter Caleb , Cohan Richard H. , Caoili Elaine M. , Paramagul Chintana , Alva Ajjai , Weizer Alon Z.
Published: March 2019

We compared the performance of different Deep learning-convolutional neural network (DL-CNN) models for bladder cancer treatment response assessment based on transfer learning by freezing different DL-CNN layers and varying the DL-CNN structure. Pre- and posttreatment computed tomography scans of 123 patients (cancers, 129; pre- and posttreatment cancer pairs, 158) undergoing chemotherapy were collected. After chemotherapy 33% of patients had T0 stage cancer (complete response). Regions of interest in pre- and posttreatment scans were extracted from the segmented lesions and combined into hybrid pre -post image pairs (h-ROIs). Training (pairs, 94; h-ROIs, 6209), validation (10 pairs) and test sets (54 pairs) were obtained. The DL-CNN consisted of 2 convolution (C1-C2), 2 locally connected (L3-L4), and 1 fully connected layers. The DL-CNN was trained with h-ROIs to classify cancers as fully responding (stage T0) or not fully responding to chemotherapy. Two radiologists provided lesion likelihood of being stage T0 posttreatment. The test area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.73 for T0 prediction by the base DL-CNN structure with randomly initialized weights. The base DL-CNN structure with pretrained weights and transfer learning (no frozen layers) achieved test AUC of 0.79. The test AUCs for 3 modified DL-CNN structures (different C1-C2 max pooling filter sizes, strides, and padding, with transfer learning) were 0.72, 0.86, and 0.69. For the base DL-CNN with (C1) frozen, (C1-C2) frozen, and (C1-C2-L3) frozen, the test AUCs were 0.81, 0.78, and 0.71, respectively. The radiologists' AUCs were 0.76 and 0.77. DL-CNN performed better with pretrained than randomly initialized weights.
Quantitative Non-Gaussian Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Metrics and Surgical Pathology for Stratifying Tumor Aggressiveness in Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas
Authors: Núñez David Aramburu , Lu Yonggang , Paudyal Ramesh , Hatzoglou Vaios , Moreira Andre L. , Oh Jung Hun , Stambuk Hilda E. , Mazaheri Yousef , Gonen Mithat , Ghossein Ronald A. , Shaha Ashok R. , Tuttle R. Michael , Shukla-Dave Amita
Published: March 2019

We assessed a priori aggressive features using quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging metrics to preclude an active surveillance management approach in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) with tumor size 1–2 cm. This prospective study enrolled 24 patients with PTC who underwent pretreatment multi-b-value diffusion-weighted imaging on a GE 3 T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) metric was calculated from monoexponential model, and the perfusion fraction (f), diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*), and diffusion kurtosis coefficient (K) metrics were estimated using the non-Gaussian intravoxel incoherent motion model. Neck ultrasonography examination data were used to calculate tumor size. The receiver operating characteristic curve assessed the discriminative specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy between PTCs with and without features of tumor aggressiveness. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on metrics using a leave-1-out cross-validation method. Tumor aggressiveness was defined by surgical histopathology. Tumors with aggressive features had significantly lower ADC and D values than tumors without tumor-aggressive features (P < .05). The absolute relative change was 46% in K metric value between the 2 tumor types. In total, 14 patients were in the critical size range (1–2 cm) measured by ultrasonography, and the ADC and D were significantly different and able to differentiate between the 2 tumor types (P < .05). ADC and D can distinguish tumors with aggressive histological features to preclude an active surveillance management approach in patients with PTC with tumors measuring 1–2 cm.
Phosphorylation of basic amino acid residues in proteins: important but easily missed.
Authors: Cieśla Joanna , Frączyk Tomasz , Rode Wojciech
Published: March 2019

Reversible phosphorylation is the most widespread posttranslational protein modification, playing regulatory role in almost every aspect of cell life. The majority of protein phosphorylation research has been focused on serine, threonine and tyrosine that form acid-stable phosphomonoesters. However, protein histidine, arginine and lysine residues also may undergo phosphorylation to yield acid-labile phosphoramidates, most often remaining undetected in conventional studies of protein phosphorylation. It has become increasingly evident that acid-labile protein phosphorylations play important roles in signal transduction and other regulatory processes. Beside acting as high-energy intermediates in the transfer of the phosphoryl group from donor to acceptor molecules, phosphohistidines have been found so far in histone H4, heterotrimeric G proteins, ion channel KCa3.1, annexin 1, P-selectin and myelin basic protein, as well as in recombinant thymidylate synthase expressed in bacterial cells. Phosphoarginines occur in histone H3, myelin basic protein and capsidic protein VP12 of granulosis virus, whereas phospholysine in histone H1. This overview of the current knowledge on phosphorylation of protein basic amino-acid residues takes into consideration its proved or possible roles in cell functioning. Specific requirements of studies on acid-labile protein phosphorylation are also indicated.
Induction of the multixenobiotic/multidrug resistance system in HeLa cells in response to imidazolium ionic liquids.
Authors: Rusiecka Izabela , Składanowski Andrzej C
Published: March 2019

The multixenobiotic/multidrug resistance (MXR/MDR) system controls transport of foreign molecules across the plasma membrane as a preventive measure before toxicity becomes apparent. The system consists of an efflux pump, ABCB1, and/or a member of the ABCC family. Ionic liquids are broadly used solvents with several unique properties such as wide liquid range, negligible vapor pressure, good thermal and chemical stability and extraordinary dissolution properties for organic and inorganic compounds. Ionic liquids containing imidazolium ring are frequently used as solvents in drug synthesis. Constitutive and induced amounts of ABCB1 and ABCC1 proteins were estimated here by Western blotting and quantified by flow cytometry in HeLa cells exposed to three homologous 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium and one benzyl ring substituted salts. Aliphatic substituents in position 1 of the salts caused a weak toxicity but 1-benzyl ring was strongly toxic. An 8-day long treatment with 10(-4) M 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride resulted in an about 1.5-fold increase of ABCB1 level and over 2-fold increase of ABCC1 level. The amounts of both investigated ABC-proteins were linearly dependent on the length of the imidazolium ring side chain. Such distinctive changes of the amount of MXR/MDR proteins measured in cultured cells may be a useful marker when screening for potential toxicity of various chemicals.
A conjugate of pyridine-4-aldoxime and atropine as a potential antidote against organophosphorus compounds poisoning.
Authors: Lovrić Jasna , Berend Suzana , Lucić Vrdoljak Ana , Radić Božica , Katalinić Maja , Kovarik Zrinka , Želježić Davor , Kopjar Nevenka , Rast Slavko , Mesić Milan
Published: March 2019

A conjugate of pyridine-4-aldoxime and atropine (ATR-4-OX) was synthesized and its antidotal efficiency was tested in vitro on tabun- or paraoxon-inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of human erythrocytes as well as in vivo using soman-, tabun- or paraoxon-poisoned mice. Its genotoxic profile was assessed on human lymphocytes in vitro and was found acceptable for further research. ATR-4-OX showed very weak antidotal activity, inadequate for soman or tabun poisoning. Conversely, it was effective against paraoxon poisoning both in vitro and in vivo. All animals treated with 5 % or 25 % LD(50) doses of the new oxime survived after administration of 10.0 or 16.0 LD(50) doses of paraoxon, respectively. Based on the persistence of toxicity symptoms in mice, the atropine moiety had questionable effects in attenuating such symptoms. It appears that ATR-4-OX has a therapeutic effect related to the reactivation of phosphylated AChE, but not to receptor antagonization.
Metabolism of bradykinin in aorta of hypertensive rats.
Authors: Bujak-Giżycka Beata , Olszanecki Rafał , Madej Józef , Suski Maciej , Gębska Anna , Korbut Ryszard
Published: March 2019

Alterations in the formation and metabolism of bradykinin (Bk) are hypothesized to play a role in the pathophysiology of hypertension, atherosclerosis and vascular complications of diabetes. However, despite its prominent role in cardiovascular regulation, studies on bradykinin have been limited by various difficulties in accurate measurements of this peptide in biological samples. In this study, using the LC-ESI-MS method we estimated the conversion of exogenous Bk to its main metabolites - Bk-(1-5) and Bk-(1-7) - in endothelial cell culture and in fragments of aorta of normotensive (WKY) and hypertensive rats (SHR). The effects of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitors were more pronounced in SHR: perindoprilat inhibited Bk-(1-5) formation by 49 % and 76 % in WKY and SHR rats, respectively, and tiorphan tended to decrease formation of Bk-(1-5) in both groups of animals. The degradation of bradykinin and generation of both metabolites were significantly higher in the aorta of SHR rats than in WKY controls. Our results show that even in relatively early hypertension (in 4-month old SHR rats) inactivation of Bk by aorta wall is enhanced.
Phenolic compounds from Achillea millefolium L. and their bioactivity.
Authors: Vitalini Sara , Beretta Giangiacomo , Iriti Marcello , Orsenigo Simone , Basilico Nicoletta , Dall'Acqua Stefano , Iorizzi Maria , Fico Gelsomina
Published: March 2019

Since antiquity, Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae) has been used in traditional medicine of several cultures, from Europe to Asia. Its richness in bioactive compounds contributes to a wide range of medicinal properties. In this study, we assessed A. millefolium methanolic extract and its isolated components for free radical scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-pycrilhydrazyl, total antioxidant capacity (based on the reduction of Cu(++) to Cu(+)), and ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation. The activity against chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum was also tested. Chlorogenic acid, its derivatives and some flavonoids isolated by semipreparative HPLC and identified by NMR and spectrometric techniques were the major bioactive constituents of the methanolic extract. The latter exhibited significant antioxidant properties, as well as its flavonol glycosides and chlorogenic acids. With regard to the antiplasmodial activity, apigenin 7-glucoside was the most effective compound, followed by luteolin 7-glucoside, whereas chlorogenic acids were completely inactive. On the whole, our results confirmed A. millefolium as an important source of bioactive metabolites, justifying its pharmaceutical and ethnobotanical use.
Activation of phenylpropanoid pathway in legume plants exposed to heavy metals. Part I. Effects of cadmium and lead on phenylalanine ammonia-lyase gene expression, enzyme activity and lignin content.
Authors: Pawlak-Sprada Sylwia , Arasimowicz-Jelonek Magdalena , Podgórska Magdalena , Deckert Joanna
Published: March 2019

Species-specific changes in expression of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and lignin content were detected in roots of soybean (Glycine max L.) and lupine (Lupinus luteus L.) seedlings treated with different concentrations of cadmium (Cd(2+), 0-25 mg/l) or lead (Pb(2+), 0-350 mg/l). The stimulatory effect of both metals was observed in mRNA coding for PAL in soybean. In the case of lupine, changes of PAL mRNA level were dependent on the metal used: Cd(2+) caused a decrease, whereas Pb(2+) an increase of PAL transcript level. The activity of PAL was enhanced in both plant species at higher metal concentrations (15-25 mg/l of Cd(2+) or 150-350 mg/l of Pb(2+)); however it was not directly correlated with PAL mRNA. This suggests a transcriptional and posttranscriptional control of PAL expression under heavy metals stress. In soybean, Cd(2+) or Pb(2+) treatment increased lignin content, while in lupine the effect was opposite. The decreased lignin accumulation in lupine roots in response to heavy metals, despite an increased PAL activity, suggests that the activated phenylpropanoid pathway was involved in the synthesis of secondary metabolites other than lignin.
Activation of phenylpropanoid pathway in legume plants exposed to heavy metals. Part II. Profiling of isoflavonoids and their glycoconjugates induced in roots of lupine (Lupinus luteus) seedlings treated with cadmium and lead.
Authors: Pawlak-Sprada Sylwia , Stobiecki Maciej , Deckert Joanna
Published: March 2019

We examined changes in profiles of isoflavonoids in roots of lupine (Lupinus luteus L. cv. Juno) seedlings in response to treatment with two heavy metals: cadmium (at 10 mg/l) and lead (at 150 mg/l). Overall, 21 flavonoid conjugates were identified in root extracts, some of them with up to six positional isomers. The total amount of all isoflavonoids increased by about 15 % in cadmium-treated plants and by 46 % in lead-treated ones. Heavy metals markedly increased the content of two compounds: 2'-hydroxygenistein glucoside and 2'-hydroxygenistein 7-O-glucoside malonylated. Possible functions of the identified isoflavonoids in yellow lupine exposed to heavy metal stress are discussed.
Diagnosis and treatment difficulties in 18-year-old male patient with hereditary hemochromatosis, chronic hepatitis B, Gilbert syndrome and ulcerative colitis.
Authors: Sikorska Katarzyna , Liberek Anna , Romanowski Tomasz , Szlagatys-Sidorkiewicz Agnieszka , Landowski Piotr , Bielawski Krzysztof P
Published: March 2019

Among possible causes of chronic hepatitis in adolescents most common are infections, autoimmune disorders and metabolic diseases. Thus, diagnostic procedures should be multidirectional. This study reports diagnosis and treatment difficulties in an 18-year-old male patient with hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), ulcerative colitis (UC), chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and Gilbert syndrome. The presented case illustrates problems in diagnostics related to the presence of numerous disease conditions in one patient. It should be taken into consideration that these diseases coexisting in one patient can mutually affect their symptoms creating specific diagnostic difficulties.
Computational study of binding of epothilone A to β-tubulin.
Authors: Kamel Karol , Kolinski Andrzej
Published: March 2019

Understanding the interactions of epothilones with β-tubulin is crucial for computer aided rational design of macrocyclic drugs based on epothilones and epothilone derivatives. Despite numerous structure-activity relationship investigations we still lack substantial knowledge about the binding mode of epothilones and their derivatives to β-tubulin. In this work, we reevaluated the electron crystallography structure of epothilone A/β-tubulin complex (PDB entry 1TVK) and proposed an alternative binding mode of epothilone A to β-tubulin that explains more experimental facts.
Prokaryotic toxin-antitoxin systems--the role in bacterial physiology and application in molecular biology.
Authors: Bukowski Michal , Rojowska Anna , Wladyka Benedykt
Published: March 2019

Bacteria have developed multiple complex mechanisms ensuring an adequate response to environmental changes. In this context, bacterial cell division and growth are subject to strict control to ensure metabolic balance and cell survival. A plethora of studies cast light on toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems as metabolism regulators acting in response to environmental stress conditions. Many of those studies suggest direct relations between the TA systems and the pathogenic potential or antibiotic resistance of relevant bacteria. Other studies point out that TA systems play a significant role in ensuring stability of mobile genetic material. The evolutionary origin and relations between various TA systems are still a subject of a debate. The impact of toxin-antitoxin systems on bacteria physiology prompted their application in molecular biology as tools allowing cloning of some hard-to-maintain genes, plasmid maintenance and production of recombinant proteins.
Expression of cellular retinoic acid-binding protein I and II (CRABP I and II) in embryonic mouse hearts treated with retinoic acid.
Authors: Stachurska Emilia , Loboda Agnieszka , Niderla-Bielińska Justyna , Szperl Małgorzata , Juszyński Michał , Jozkowicz Alicja , Dulak Jozef , Ratajska Anna
Published: March 2019

Cellular retinoic acid binding proteins are considered to be involved in retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathways. Our aim was to compare the expression and localization of cellular retinoic acid binding proteins I and II (CRABP I and II) in embryonic mouse hearts during normal development and after a single teratogenic dose of RA. Techniques such as real-time PCR, RT-PCR, Western blots and immunostaining were employed to examine hearts from embryos at 9-17 dpc. RA treatment at 8.5dpc affects production of CRABP I and II in the heart in the 48-h period. Changes in expression of mRNA for retinaldehyde dehydrogenase II (Raldh2), Crabp1 and Crabp2 genes also occur within the same time window (i.e. 10-11dpc) after RA treatment. In the embryonic control heart these proteins are localized in groups of cells within the outflow tract (OT), and the atrioventricular endocardial cushions. A gradient of labeling is observed with CRABP II but not for CRABP I along the myocardium of the looped heart at 11 dpc; this gradient is abolished in hearts treated with RA, whereas an increase of RALDH2 staining has been observed at 10 dpc in RA-treated hearts. Some populations of endocardial endothelial cells were intensively stained with anti-CRABP II whereas CRABP I was negative in these structures. These results suggest that CRABP I and II are independently regulated during heart development, playing different roles in RA signaling, essential for early remodeling of the heart tube and alignment of the great arteries to their respective ventricles.
Retinol binding protein-4 as a serum biomarker of intrahepatic lipid content in obese children--preliminary report.
Authors: Romanowska Anna , Lebensztejn Dariusz M , Skiba Elżbieta , Tarasów Eugeniusz , Kaczmarski Maciej
Published: March 2019

Obesity, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia are the most significant risk factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) but the role of adipokines in the pathogenesis of this disease is not clear. Assessment of retinol binding protein (RBP-4) seems to be promising because data from animal and human studies suggest its role in the pathomechanism of insulin resistance. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the serum levels of RBP-4 in children with NAFLD.
Fasting serum level of RBP-4 was determined in 42 obese children with suspected liver disease and 20 lean controls. The degree of liver steatosis was graded in ultrasound according to Saverymuttu. The intrahepatic lipid content was assessed noninvasively in a semiquantitative fashion using ¹HMR spectroscopy (1.5-T scanner with PRESS sequence).
Fatty liver was confirmed in 30 children by ultrasonography (16 of them had also increased alanine transaminase (ALT) activity). Serum concentrations of RBP-4 were significantly higher in obese children with NAFLD compared to controls. Significant correlations were found between RBP-4 level and ultrasonographic grade of liver steatosis, intrahepatic lipid content (¹HMRS) and triglycerides level, while the serum level of RBP-4 was not significantly higher in children with advanced liver steatosis (grade 2-3, n = 11) compared to patients with mild steatosis (grade 1, n = 19). The ability of RBP-4 to differentiate children with advanced liver steatosis from those with mild steatosis was not significant.
RBP-4 can be considered as a convenient serum marker of intrahepatic lipid content in obese children.
Was the serine protease cathepsin G discovered by S. G. Hedin in 1903 in bovine spleen?
Authors: Palesch David , Sieńczyk Marcin , Oleksyszyn Jozef , Reich Michael , Wieczerzak Ewa , Boehm Bernhard O , Burster Timo
Published: March 2019

In the beginning of the 20th century, enzymes with proteolytic activity were classified as peptidases, Erepsin, and proteases. Among these, pepsin, trypsin, and autolytic enzymes were of the protease class. Spleen-derived proteases were poorly characterized until Sven Gustaf Hedin performed several digestion experiments with bovine spleen. He incubated minced bovine spleen under acidic or neutral conditions and characterized two active proteases; the results were published in 1903. The first protease was named α-protease and was active under neutral conditions. The second was named β-protease and was active under acidic conditions. We replicated Hedin's experiments according to his methods and found, by using activity-based probes to visualize proteases, that the historical α-protease is the present-day serine protease cathepsin G (CatG), which is known to be important in several immune processes, including antigen processing, chemotaxis, and activation of surface receptors. The β-protease, however, comprised different proteases including CatX, B, S, and D. We suggest that Hedin described CatG activity in bovine spleen over 100 years ago.
Straight and branched (ω-1)-hydroxylated very long chain fatty acids are components of Bradyrhizobium lipid A.
Authors: Choma Adam , Komaniecka Iwona
Published: March 2019

Lipopolysaccharides of seven Bradyrhizobium strains and three whole-cell fatty acid preparations from bacteria isolated from nodules of Sarothamnus scoparius (common broom) were studied for the presence of very long chain (ω-1)-hydroxy fatty acids. Several such fatty acids were identified. Among them, straight-chain as well as mono- and dimethyl branched acids with chains in the range from 26 to 34 carbon atoms were found. Pyrrolidides and 4,4-dimethyloxazoline derivatives were used to determine the branching position. Carbons at the (ω-10) and/or (ω-11) positions in alkyl chains were points of attachment of methyl groups. These data complete the structure of bradyrhizobial lipid A with important details. The obtained results can be applied in the chemotaxonomy of Bradyrhizobium.
Bacterial recognition of thermal glycation products derived from porcine serum albumin with lactose.
Authors: Sarabia-Sainz Andre-I , Ramos-Clamont Gabriela , Winzerling Joy , Vázquez-Moreno Luz
Published: March 2019

Recently, glyco-therapy is proposed to prevent the interaction of bacterial lectins with host ligands (glycoconjugates). This interaction represents the first step in infection. Neoglycans referred to as PSA-Lac (PSA-Glu (β1-4) Gal) were obtained by conjugation of porcine serum albumin (PSA) with lactose at 80 °C, 100 °C and 120 ºC. Characterization studies of the products showed that PSA could contain 1, 38 or 41 added lactoses, depending on the reaction temperature. These neoglycans were approximately 10 times more glycated than PSA-Lac obtained in previous work. Lactose conjugation occurred only at lysines and PSA-Lac contained terminal galactoses as confirmed by Ricinus communis lectin recognition. Furthermore, Escherichia coli K88+, K88ab, K88ac and K88ad adhesins showed affinity toward all PSA-Lac neoglycans, and the most effective was the PSA-Lac obtained after 100 ºC treatment. In vitro, this neoglycan partially inhibited the adhesion of E. coli K88+ to piglet mucin (its natural ligand). These results provide support for the hypothesis that glycated proteins can be used as an alternative for bioactive compounds for disease prevention.
Association between estrogen receptor alpha gene polymorphisms and bone mineral density in Polish female patients with Graves' disease.
Authors: Ignaszak-Szczepaniak Magdalena , Horst-Sikorska Wanda , Dytfeld Joanna , Gowin Ewelina , Słomski Ryszard , Stajgis Marek
Published: March 2019

Graves' (GD) hyperthyroidism leads to reduced bone mineral density (BMD) accompanied by accelerated bone turnover. Ample studies have identified association between estrogen receptor (ESR1) gene polymorphism and decreased BMD and osteoporosis. In contrast, number of publications that link ESR1, BMD and Graves' disease is limited. The purpose of this study was to identify the association between ESR1 polymorphisms and BMD in premenopausal women with GD and to determine whether ESR1 polymorphic variants can predispose to GD. The study included 75 women aged 23-46 years with GD and 163 healthy controls. BMD was measured at lumbar spine and femoral neck. We investigated two SNPs in the ESR1 gene and analyzed genetic variants in the form of haplotypes reconstructed by statistical method. Three out of four possible haplotypes of the PvuII and XbaI restriction fragment length polymorphisms were found in GD patients: px (55.3 %), PX (33.3 %) and Px (11.4 %). Women homozygous for xx of XbaI and for pp of PvuII had the lowest BMD at lumbar spine. Moreover, the px haplotype predisposed to reduced lumbar BMD. No associations were observed for femoral neck BMD. No statistically significant relationship were found between ESR1 polymorphisms or their haplotypes and GD. These results indicate that the PvuII and the XbaI polymorphisms of ESR1 gene are associated with bone mineral density in premenopausal women with GD and may help to estimate the risk of bone loss particularly at lumbar spine. However, none of the ESR1 gene alleles predict the risk of GD in Polish female patients.
Plant nucleoside 5'-phosphoramidate hydrolase; simple purification from yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus) seeds and properties of homogeneous enzyme.
Authors: Guranowski Andrzej , Wojdyła Anna M , Rydzik Anna M , Stepiński Janusz , Jemielity Jacek
Published: March 2019

Adenosine 5'-phosphoramidate (NH₂-pA) is an uncommon natural nucleotide of poorly understood biochemistry and function. We studied a plant enzyme potentially involved in the catabolism of NH₂-pA. A fast and simple method comprising extraction of yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus) seed-meal with a low ionic strength buffer, ammonium sulfate and acetone fractionations, removal of contaminating proteins by heat denaturation, and affinity chromatography on AMP-agarose, yielded homogenous nucleoside 5'-phosphoramidase. Mass spectrometric analysis showed that the lupin hydrolase exhibits closest similarity to Arabidopsis thaliana Hint1 protein. The substrate specificity of the lupin enzyme, in particular its ability to split the P-S bond in adenosine 5'-phosphorothioate, is typical of known Hint1 proteins. Adenosine 5'-phosphofluoride and various derivatives of guanosine 5'-phosphoramidate were also substrates. Neither common divalent metal cations nor 10 mM EDTA or EGTA affected the hydrolysis of NH₂-pA. The enzyme functions as a homodimer (2 x 15,800 Da). At the optimum pH of 7.0, the K(m) for NH₂-pA was 0.5 µM and k(cat) 0.8 s⁻¹ (per monomer active site). The properties of the lupin nucleoside 5'-phosphoramidase are compared with those of its counterparts from other organisms.
Special Appreciations Are Given to Top Five Peer-Reviewers of Journal of Food Quality and Hazards Control in 2018
Authors: Achinko D. , Athari S.S. , Boughattas S. , Fall C. , Maurady A.
Published: March 2019

The article's abstract is no available.
Antibacterial and Antioxidant Characteristics of Zataria multiflora Boiss Essential Oil and Hydroalcoholic Extract of Rhus coriaria L.
Authors: Langroodi A. Mojaddar , Tajik H. , Mehdizadeh T.
Published: March 2019

Background: The increasing demand for natural preservatives results in their extended usefulness. The objective of the present study was to investigate the physicochemical and antioxidative characteristics of Rhus coriaria L. (sumac) fruit and comparison of its antioxidative and antibacterial activity with Zataria multiflora Essential Oil (ZEO) as native Iranian natural additives.
Methods: Antioxidant activities of Z. multiflora Boiss and sumac were analyzed by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, 2, 2'-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS). Reducing power tests were used for measuring antioxidant activity. Total phenolic content of extract and essential oil were studied as well. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), and Fractional Inhibitory Concentration (FIC) of a hydroalcoholic extract of sumac and ZEO against of Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes were studied. Statistical analysis of data was performed using the SPSS software.
Results: The phenolic content in sumac extract (305.65 mg/g) was significantly (p˂0.05) higher than ZEO (179.42 mg/100 g). The highest level of antibacterial activity was demonstrated by ZEO with the MICs of 0.625 for S. Typhimurium and 1.25 mg/ml for L. monocytogenes.
Conclusion: Sumac extract showed more potent antioxidative activity than ZEO. However, based on the results of antibacterial activity, ZEO had more potent than sumac extract, significantly.
Load and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Microorganisms in Muscle Foods Sold in Akure, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Bodunde R.S. , Ogidi C.O. , Akinyele B.J.
Published: March 2019

Background: Muscle foods, notably red meat, poultry meat, and fish are the first choice of animal source food with adequate protein for human. The present study was undertaken to analyze the load and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of microorganisms in muscle foods sold in Akure, Southwest Nigeria.
Methods: Hundred muscle food samples, including meat and fish were collected from different locations (A-E) of Akure, Nigeria and examined microbiologically using cultural techniques, biochemical tests, and analytical profile index. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns were also determined in isolated microorganisms from muscle foods against different antibiotics. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 17.0.
Results: The highest (p<0.05) total viable bacterial count (8.3×106 CFU/g) were obtained from pork, including with 6.0×105 CFU/g for Staphylococcus and 5.8×105 CFU/g for Salmonella-Shigella. Mackerel collected from location D (Kings market) had the highest (p<0.05) bacterial count of 9.97×105 CFU/g, followed by 8.57×105 CFU/g, and 7.03×105 CFU/g in locations C and E, respectively. Low fungal counts were recorded ranged from 1.0×102 to 1.30×102 spore forming unit/g. The highest (p<0.05) occurrence of 26.50% was observed for Escherichia coli. The isolated microorganisms displayed varying degree of resistance (33.3 to 100%) to commonly used antibiotics.
Conclusion: The microorganisms found in muscle foods from Akure, Nigeria could be considered as result of poor hygiene of the retailers or handlers. Also, presence of the multidrug resistant bacteria in muscle foods distributed in this region could pose a serious risk factor to public health.
Meat Quality of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Brown Trout (Salmo trutta fario) Farmed in Bulgaria
Authors: Zhelyazkov G. , Stratev D.
Published: March 2019

Background: Fish meat is outlined with high nutritional value having essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, mineral and vitamins. In this short report, we compared the meat quality of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) farmed in Bulgaria.
Methods: Ten fishes from each species were purchased from a fish farm and their morphological parameters were determined. The technological properties of meat were analyzed such as water holding capacity and cooking loss as well as chemical composition such as water content, protein, fat, dry matter, and ash. Results were processed by STATISTICA 6.0 software.
Results: Higher values were significantly determined in brown trout for standard body length (p<0.05), body height (p<0.001), and body width (p<0.01); while differences in total body length were not relevant (p>0.05). Water holding capacity of rainbow trout meat (9.49±3.86%) was considerably better (p<0.001) than that of brown trout meat (15.85±1.11%). Cooking loss in rainbow trout (31.78±6.17%) was lower (p<0.001) than that of brown trout meat (44.48±4.20%). Protein, fat, and dry matter contents were higher in brown trout (p<0.001). No statistically significant differences were found out with respect to ash content (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Meat of rainbow trout cultivated in Bulgarian farm exhibited better technological properties than that of cultivated brown trout; however, nutritional value of brown trout meat was superior.
Isolation and identification of native degrading fungi from Wastewater's pollutants in cardboard recycling industry
Authors: Hosseini Zeinab , Taghi Ghaneian Mohammad , Jafari Nadoushan AbbAsali , Ehrampoush Mohammad Hassan , Namayandeh Seyedeh Mahdieh , Ghafourzadeh Mahin
Published: March 2019

Introduction: By increasing the amount and diversity of bio-environmental wastewater pollutants, it is essential to be controlled and planed the environmental contaminants to eliminate or minimize. Cardboard recycling industry wastewater has the potential of environmental pollution; it is contaminated with various fungal species that may be effective in the decomposition and removal of pollutants. The aim of this study was the isolation and identification of native fungal species that decontaminate organic pollutants in the cardboard recycling industry wastewaters.
Methods: In this study, which is a descriptive study, samples were randomly taken from different area of wastewater of cardboard recycling industry. Samples were cultured on Saboraud dextrose agar medium for isolation of probable fungal species, which decomposers of wastewater. The isolated fungal colonies were enumerated and purified based on morphological characteristics and microscopic analyzing as far as possible.
Results: The average count of the total number of fungi species in wastewater of cardboard recycling industry was 2.5×102 CFU/ml of these 2.1×101 were saprophytic fungi. The most prevalent fungal species were identificated from the wastewater include Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillum, Geotrichum, Mucor, Drechselera, Paecillomyces, Alternaria, Fusarium and Absidia. The highest frequency of fungal species Aspergillus nige, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillum were 30.89%, 22.76% and 14.63% respectively.
Conclusion: It seems that native fungi isolated from the cardboard recycling industry wastewater in this study are from fungi that have the potential for bioremediation of wastewater contaminants based on scientific literature and can be used for evaluating of their ability to decompose wastewater from this industry.
Explaining the Lived Experience of Men with Physical-Motor Injury in Marriage: A Phenomenological Approach
Authors: Sharifi Ardani Ahmad , Abdollahi Tazerjan Saeedeh , Fattahi Ghasem
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Physical-motor injury is a type of injury that limits one or more of the basic activities of a person's life and prevents the physical and mental development of an individual. Therefore, men with this type of disability will face certain challenges and problems during their lifetime. One of the most important challenges is marriage and the choice of the spouse to support the emotional, psychological and physical aspects of the man. The aim of the present study is to explain the lived experiences and challenges of men with marital-related physical-motor injuries.
Methods: This research was carried out in a qualitative way, through the phenomenology of lived experiences, via a purposive sampling technique and in-depth interviews with 16 males with physical-motor injuries. The interviews were recorded, then recorded in transcripts and analyzed by Colaizzi's method.
Results: The findings of the lived experiences and challenges of men with physical-motor injuries were summarized in 6 main themes (occupational concerns, fear of disability in sexual relations, fear of rejection, therapeutic problems, religious beliefs, self-affirmation in life), and 20 sub-themes coded as subcategories of the main themes.
Conclusion: These findings can provide the necessary data for recognizing the main problems, concerns and challenges of men with physical-motor injuries in their marriage, and provide a platform for many professionals and authorities to provide services and supports for social rehabilitation of the physical-motor disabled.
Analyzing the Barriers to Knowledge Distribution in Hospital Managers A qualitative study in educational hospitals in Shiraz and Kerman
Authors: Heydaripur Moslem , Yazdanpanah Abbas , Torabi pur Amin
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Hospital managers routinely make complex and important for the health of their Society.The quality of these decisions depends on the amount of information, experience and knowledge of the managers. This study aimed to identify barriers to the  knowledge sharing among managers  of educational hospitals in the south-east of the country.
Method: This is a qualitative study that was done using the phenomenological method. The research community was composed of all managers of selected educational hospitals in Fars and Kerman provinces. The research sample was selected through in-sample sampling and among managers who were somehow involved in the dissemination of knowledge. The total number of statistical population consisted of 40 hospital managers, with 26 of these semi-structured interviewers. Sampling was carried out to the extent that the data from 26 interviews reached the saturation level, then the results were analyzed using a seven-step method.
Results: The results of this study showed that the main barriers to knowledge dissemination among hospital managers in seven main sections, each in subcategories including: cultural barriers in 9 sub categories, financial facilities in 2 sub categories, development and promotion of education in 13 sub categories , Policies, rules and regulations in 9 sub-categories, communications in 8 sub-categories, human resources in 9 sub-categories, and management policies in 10 sub-categories.
Conclusion: Knowledge dissemination among managers is essential in order to increase their level of knowledge and their ability to make better decisions. With the importance of proper education, the culture of studying and the transfer of experience and knowledge in hospitals and universities, the culture of collaborative learning is institutionalized. Review some of the laws of the media to support managers and their job stability and their educational policies, and increase the quality of education in universities. Managers use appropriate methods and communication skills and have individual and organizational interactions. Due diligence and attention to the ability of managers, proper information and managers' moves towards collaborative and team processes can remove barriers to knowledge dissemination
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING PATTERN OF TEMPO WEEKLY NEWS MAGAZINE
Authors: Santana Kunia Septiawan , Othman Siti Suriani
Published: March 2019

Purpose of the study: Through an investigative news, “Kapal Patroli Pembawa Selisih” (Tempo, 2004, May 16), this research is conducted for the purpose of examining Tempo’s investigative reporting pattern – how Tempo conceptualize its investigative reporting, how Tempo plan its investigative reporting, how Tempo evaluate its investigative reporting and how Tempo conduct its investigative reporting.

Methodology: This study uses qualitative method with case study approach, through interpretive framework. Case study approach designed for this research is a single case (embedded) in nature, which applies multi-level analysis. Analysis is carried out to discover the answers to understand the reporting of investigation, both stated by literature and meanings conceptualized by Tempo Magazine itself. ‘One observation’ is the terminology of investigative reporting (11-steps of investigative reporting by Paul N. Williams).

Main Findings: Investigative reporting by Tempo Magazine is a rigorous and systematic reporting, disclosing wrongdoing based on evidence, facts and data. Investigation’s editorials of Tempo Magazine form special teams. The investigation team gives emphasis to quality and capacity of journalists, which coordinated by an editor. Investigasi rubric is systematically a reporting unit integrated with Tempo’s editorial management. 

Applications of this study: Tempo’s investigative activity in Indonesia is not only a matter of press action. Its presence encourages democratic verve in Indonesia. Tempo’s reporting pattern represents social, cultural, politics and other subjects. As a matter of fact, Tempo’s investigative reporting is linked to Indonesia’s Human Rights Affair, in articulating freedom of thought and opinion. Thus, this research is able to be use as material for research in politics, sociology, communication, media and cultural studies.

Novelty/Originality of this study: Investigative reporting is rather a unique topic of research. Most of the research discuss investigation within the news themes and its impact, or journalistic professionalism. Thus, the research on Tempo’s investigative reporting has its novelty.