bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lack of Emotional Awareness is Associated with Thwarted Belongingness and Acquired Capability for Suicide in a Military Psychiatric Inpatient Sample
Authors: Baer Margaret M. , LaCroix Jessica M. , Browne Joy C. , Hassen Helena O. , Perera Kanchana U. , Weaver Jennifer , Soumoff Alyssa , Ghahramanlou‐Holloway Marjan
Published: November 2018

Objective

To examine potential links between facets of impulsivity and emotion dysregulation to components of the Interpersonal‐Psychological Theory of Suicide (thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and acquired capability) among U.S. military personnel.

Method

The current study performed secondary data analysis from a randomized control trial testing the efficacy of a cognitive therapy for 134 service members (71.64% male, 68.66% Caucasian; mean age: 30.14) admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit for a suicide‐related crisis. We utilized the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, the Barratt Impulsivity Scale, the Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale, and the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire.

Results

All emotion dysregulation dimensions and one impulsivity facet (attentional) were positively correlated with perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Lack of emotional awareness was positively associated with acquired capability. After controlling for depression, hopelessness, and demographic covariates, lack of emotional awareness was significantly associated with both thwarted belongingness and acquired capability, but not perceived burdensomeness, and impulsivity dimensions did not link to any variable of interest.

Conclusions

Findings imply that individuals with reduced emotional awareness may have difficulty cultivating interpersonal bonds and be more vulnerable to elevated acquired capability. Lack of emotional awareness may be a potential contributor to both suicidal desire and capability.
Evolution of quasi-history of the Planck blackbody radiation equation in a physics textbook
Authors: Persson J. R.
Published: November 2018

In physics textbooks, the emphasis is normally placed on the physics. In order to give the subject a deeper dimension, the inclusion of history and persons involved in the development has been increasing. However, the actual historical development does not always follow a linear progression, which is the way the physics is presented in textbooks. In order to study how the inclusion of “history” has influenced the presentation, a study of the development of a well-known history in different editions of a physics textbook is done. The gradual development of a quasi-history is observed and possible explanations for this are investigated.
Daily Physical Activity by Occupational Classification in US Adults: NHANES 2005–2006
Authors: Steeves Jeremy A. , Tudor-Locke Catrine , Murphy Rachel A. , King George A. , Fitzhugh Eugene C. , Bassett David R. , Van Domelen Dane , Schuna John M. , Harris Tamara B.
Published: November 2018

Background: Little is known about the daily physical activity (PA) levels of people employed in different occupational categories. Methods: Nine ActiGraph accelerometer-derived daily PA variables are presented and ranked for adults (N = 1465, 20–60 y) working in the 22 occupational categories assessed by NHANES 2005–2006. A composite score was generated for each occupational category by summing the rankings of 3 accelerometer-derived daily PA variables known to have strong associations with health outcomes (total activity counts [TAC], moderate to vigorous PA minutes per week in modified 10-minute bouts [MVPA 10], and percentage of time spent in sedentary activity [SB%]). Results: Classified as high-activity occupational categories, “farming, fishing, forestry,” and “building & grounds cleaning, maintenance” occupations had the greatest TAC (461 996 and 449 452), most MVPA 10 (149.6 and 97.8), most steps per day (10 464 and 11 602), and near the lowest SB% (45.2% and 45.4%). “Community, social services” occupations, classified as low-activity occupational categories, had the second lowest TAC (242 085), least MVPA 10 (12.1), fewest steps per day (5684), and near the highest SB% (64.2%). Conclusions: There is a strong association between occupational category and daily activity levels. Objectively measured daily PA permitted the classification of the 22 different occupational categories into 3 activity groupings.
Interventions for Promoting Physical Activity Among Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rezende Levy Silva , Lima Markus Brendon , Salvador Emanuel Péricles
Published: November 2018

Background: Engaging in physical activity (PA) can bring many benefits to individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and understanding the best interventions to promote PA is essential. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature to check the effectiveness of interventions aimed at increasing the PA level in SCI individuals. Methods: The bibliographic search was performed in the PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus databases, including randomized controlled trials involving humans, in which PA level was the primary or secondary outcome, and with samples composed entirely or partially of individuals with SCI. The articles were analyzed by 2 researchers using descriptive statistics and the quality of the studies was assessed using the CONSORT criteria. Results: Seven articles were selected. The studies used different strategies of intervention. Six out of the 7 studies included in the analysis proposed interventions that were effective in increasing PA level (action plans/coping strategies, home exercises, behavioral intervention, elaboration of intentions, workshops, and education for the promotion of PA). In only 1 study, the proposed strategy was not effective (reading a guideline). Conclusion: It is concluded that these 6 interventions are effective in increasing the PA level in SCI individuals.
Indicators of Physical Activity Among Children and Youth in 9 Countries With Low to Medium Human Development Indices: A Global Matrix 3.0 Paper
Authors: Manyanga Taru , Barnes Joel D. , Abdeta Chalchisa , Adeniyi Ade F. , Bhawra Jasmin , Draper Catherine E. , Katapally Tarun R. , Khan Asaduzzaman , Lambert Estelle , Makaza Daga , Nyawornota Vida K. , Ocansey Reginald , Subedi Narayan , Uddin Riaz , Tladi Dawn , Tremblay Mark S.
Published: November 2018

Background: This study compares results of physical activity report cards from 9 countries with low to medium human development indices, participating in the Global Matrix 3.0 initiative. Methods: Country-specific report cards were informed by relevant data and government policy documents, reporting on 10 core indicators of physical activity for children and youth. Data were synthesized by report card working groups following a harmonized process. Grade assignments for each indicator utilized a standard grading rubric. Indicators were grouped into one of 2 categories: daily behaviors and settings and sources of influence. Descriptive statistics (average grades) were computed after letter grades were converted into interval variables. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were calculated for all correlation analyses. Results: Mean grades for daily behaviors were higher (C) than those for settings and sources of influence (D+). Twenty-nine out of the possible 90 grades were assigned an incomplete. There were moderate to strong positive and negative relationships between different global indices and overall physical activity, organized sport and physical activity, active play, family, community and environment, and government. Conclusions: Findings demonstrate an urgent need for high-quality data at the country level in order to better characterize the physical activity levels of children and youth in countries with low to medium human development indices.
IFN-γ–inducible antiviral responses require ULK1-mediated activation of MLK3 and ERK5
Authors: Saleiro Diana , Blyth Gavin T. , Kosciuczuk Ewa M. , Ozark Patrick A. , Majchrzak-Kita Beata , Arslan Ahmet D. , Fischietti Mariafausta , Reddy Neha K. , Horvath Curt M. , Davis Roger J. , Fish Eleanor N. , Platanias Leonidas C.
Published: November 2018

The kinase ULK1 promotes a cascade required for the antiviral activity of IFN-γ.
Phosphoproteome and gene expression profiling of ALK inhibition in neuroblastoma cell lines reveals conserved oncogenic pathways
Authors: Van den Eynden Jimmy , Umapathy Ganesh , Ashouri Arghavan , Cervantes-Madrid Diana , Szydzik Joanna , Ruuth Kristina , Koster Jan , Larsson Erik , Guan Jikui , Palmer Ruth H. , Hallberg Bengt
Published: November 2018

A transcription factor family and a phosphatase are identified as targets of ALK signaling in neuroblastoma.
Role of Rifampin against Staphylococcal Biofilm Infections
In Vitro
, in Animal Models, and in Orthopedic-Device-Related Infections
Authors: Zimmerli Werner , Sendi Parham
Published: November 2018

Rifampin has been used as an agent in combination therapy in orthopedic device-related infections (ODRI) for almost three decades. The aim of this review is to provide data regarding the role of rifampin against biofilm infection
in vitro
, in animal models, and in clinical ODRI.
Draft Genome Sequence of Enterococcus faecium CL-6729, a Clinical Isolate Showing Constitutive Vancomycin Resistance
Authors: Monteiro da Silva Beatriz Nascimento , Faria Adriana Rocha , de Souza Stephanie da Silva Rodrigues , Planet Paul J. , Merquior Vânia Lúcia Carreira , Teixeira Lúcia Martins
Published: November 2018

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of an unusual
Enterococcus faecium
isolate (CL-6729) showing constitutive expression of the VanA type of vancomycin resistance. The isolate was recovered from a patient with a nosocomial urinary tract infection in Brazil.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Very Virulent Strain of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Circulating in Russia
Authors: Shirokov Dmitriy A. , Dubovoi Alexandr S. , Manuvera Valentin A. , Samuseva Galina N. , Dmitrieva Margarita E. , Lazarev Vassili N.
Published: November 2018

A novel strain of infectious bursal disease virus, named DD1, was isolated from broiler chickens in Russia in 2016. Here, we present its complete genome sequence.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Escherichia
Phage vB_EcoM-Pr121LW, Isolated from Soil in an Organic Farm
Authors: Liao Yen-Te , Liu Fang , Wu Vivian C. H.
Published: November 2018

Here, we report a new member of rV5-like phages,
Escherichia
phage vB_EcoM-Pr121LW, isolated from soil samples and lytic against different serogroups of Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) strains. With molecular properties that contain no antibiotic resistance, virulence, or lysogenic genes, this phage is a potential biocontrol agent against STEC.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequences of Five Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates from the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand
Authors: Pinpimai Komkiew , Roe Wendi D. , Biggs Patrick J. , Dittmer Keren E. , Michael Sarah A.
Published: November 2018

Klebsiella pneumoniae
is a Gram-negative bacterium that can be found in the environment, as well as on mucosal surfaces of humans and animals. Here, we report the genome sequence of five
K. pneumoniae
isolates from substrate samples and bird feces collected in the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Propionibacterium australiense NML (LCDC) 98A072
T
and NML (LCDC) 98A078, Associated with Granulomatous Bovine Lesions
Authors: Bernier Anne-Marie , Bernard Kathryn
Published: November 2018

Draft genome sequences of
Propionibacterium australiense
isolates NML 98A072
T
and NML 98A078, derived from granulomatous lesions of infected bovines, were assembled and studied. Respectively, the genome sizes were 2.99 and 3.01 Mb, with G+C contents of 68.4% and 68.5%.
Genetic Analysis of
NDT80
Family Transcription Factors in
Candida albicans
Using New CRISPR-Cas9 Approaches
Authors: Min Kyunghun , Biermann Amy , Hogan Deborah A. , Konopka James B.
Published: November 2018

Transcription factors play key roles in regulating virulence of the human fungal pathogen
C. albicans
. In addition to regulating the expression of virulence factors, they also control the ability of
C. albicans
to switch to filamentous hyphal growth, which facilitates biofilm formation on medical devices and invasion into tissues. We therefore used new CRISPR/Cas9 methods to examine the effects of deleting three
C. albicans
genes (
NDT80
,
REP1
, and
RON1
) that encode transcription factors with similar DNA binding domains. Interestingly, double and triple mutant strains mostly showed the combined properties of the single mutants; there was only very limited evidence of synergistic interactions in regulating morphogenesis, stress resistance, and ability to metabolize different sugars. These results demonstrate that
NDT80
,
REP1
, and
RON1
have distinct functions in regulating
C. albicans
virulence functions.
Extradural meningeal cystic lesion corresponding to type I meningeal cyst in a dog
Authors: Tirrito Federica , Lombardo Rocco , Matiasek Kaspar , Rosati Marco , Cozzi Francesca
Published: November 2018

An 11‐year‐old spayed female dobermann was referred for progressive general proprioceptive ataxia and tetraparesis. MRI of the cervical spinal cord demonstrated a compressive, extradural, rounded space‐occupying lesion at the C6‐C7 right vertebral arch. The lesion was hypointense on T1‐weighted images and hyperintense on T2‐weighted images. The dog underwent decompressive surgery; a cystic lesion was removed. Histopathological examination revealed an extradural meningeal cyst corresponding to type I meningeal cyst. A few months after surgery, the neurological condition was substantially improved and no further deterioration was revealed one  year later. This is the first reported case of type I meningeal cyst in veterinary medicine. Meningeal type I cysts should be a differential diagnosis for large breed dogs with compressive myelopathy and imaging finding of extradural cystic lesions.
Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model with proper time regularization in a finite volume
Authors: Wang Qing-Wu , Xia Yonghui , Zong Hong-Shi
Published: November 2018

Based on the two flavor Nambu–Jona-Lasinio (NJL) model with a proper time regularization, we used stationary wave condition (SWC) for the first time to study the influence of the finite volume effects on the chiral phase transition of quark matter at finite temperature. It is found that when the cubic volume size [Formula: see text] is larger than [Formula: see text] fm, the chiral quark condensate is indistinguishable from that at [Formula: see text]. Here, it should be noted that 500 fm is far greater than the size of QGP produced at laboratory and the lattice QCD simulation space size. It is also much larger than the previous limit size [Formula: see text] fm estimated by the commonly used anti-periodic boundary condition (APBC). We also found that when the space size [Formula: see text] is less than [Formula: see text] fm, the spontaneous symmetry breaking concept is no longer valid. In addition, we first introduce the spatial susceptibility, and through the study of the spatial susceptibility, it was revealed for the first time that the chiral phase transition caused by the finite volume effects in the non-chiral limit is a crossover.
The Z boson in the framed standard model
Authors: Bordes José , Chan Hong-Mo , Tsou Sheung Tsun
Published: November 2018

The framed standard model (FSM), constructed initially for explaining the existence of three fermion generations and the hierarchical mass and mixing patterns of quarks and leptons,[Formula: see text] suggests also a “hidden sector” of particles3 including some dark matter candidates. It predicts in addition a new vector boson [Formula: see text], with mass of order TeV, which mixes with the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of the standard model yielding deviations from the standard mixing scheme, all calculable in terms of a single unknown parameter [Formula: see text]. Given that standard mixing has been tested already to great accuracy by experiment, this could lead to contradictions, but it is shown here that for the three crucial and testable cases so far studied (i) [Formula: see text], (ii) [Formula: see text], (iii) [Formula: see text]), the deviations are all within the present stringent experimental bounds provided [Formula: see text] TeV, but should soon be detectable if experimental accuracy improves. This comes about because of some subtle cancellations, which might have a deeper reason that is not yet understood. By virtue of mixing, [Formula: see text] can be produced at the LHC and appear as a [Formula: see text] anomaly. If found, it will be of interest not only for its own sake but serve also as a window on to the “hidden sector” into which it will mostly decay, with dark matter candidates as most likely products.
Numerical analysis of capture and isolation of magnetic nanoparticles in microfluidic system
Authors: Guo Jianjiang , Wang Yanfei , Xue Ziqi , Xia Hui , Yang Ning , Zhang Rongbiao
Published: November 2018

Rapid capturing and isolation of magnetic nanoparticles is critical for microfluidic biodetection system. A numerical model based on multiphysics coupled-field finite-element method is developed for evaluating the capture and segregation of magnetic nanoparticles in microfluidic channel. The model consists of microfluidic channels surrounded by four electromagnets changed periodically. The trajectories and trapping efficiencies are numerically analyzed for multiple magnetic nanoparticles released in microfluidic channel. Simulation results showed that magnetic pole current, inlet velocity and diameter of magnetic nanoparticles have an impact on the capture efficiency of magnetic nanoparticle. Thus, the model with the optimal parameters can reasonably predict and evaluate completely trapping of 180 nm magnetic nanoparticles in the simulation. The numerical analysis will encouraging for the design and development of new microfluidic bioseparation and detection microsystems.
An adaptive edge-detection method based on histogram
Authors: Zhao Hongyang , Shang Miaoyi
Published: November 2018

In order to solve the problems of poor adaptability when setting threshold and the high probability of detecting pseudo-edges in the existing methods of edge detection, the paper proposes an adaptive edge-detection method based on histogram. Multi-scale wavelet transform is used to preprocess the image, the image details are highlighted obviously, and it also can avoid the effect of manual setting filter coefficients. Difference of gray values between the pixels of local area are used to calculate the gradients comprehensively, it extends the gradient direction to four directions. When calculating the gradient of edge pixel, the four directions make the expression of the gradients of edge points more perfect and avoid the edge points missing. The adaptive method is used to compute the threshold of edge-detection, the image is represented by histogram. Then use the ratio of the number of pixels in the bar and the total numbers of pixels to set the initial threshold. The regions on both sides of the initial threshold are used to calculate the high threshold and low threshold until the reasonable error between the current threshold and the previous threshold is very small iteratively. The acquired threshold makes the self-adaptability more reasonable and stronger, it also avoids the detection errors, the connection errors and the pseudo-edges which are caused by setting threshold artificially. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm of edge detection has a good effect of preserving edge detail and filtering noise of image.
AN EMPIRICAL APPROACH TO MODELING PRESSURE BUILDING-UP PROCESS INSIDE PNEUMATIC ARTIFICIAL MUSCLE ACTUATORS
Authors: ZHONG JUN
Published: November 2018

Pneumatic muscle actuators (PMAs) have great potential in robotics and industrial applications. However, high non-linearities hamper the further applications in accurate performances. Pressure built-up process is highly non-linear due to non-linear elasticity of rubber tube of the PMA and air driving mode, and brings great challenges in approximation. This paper analyzes the experimental responses of charging and discharging process, respectively, and employs second-order linear system to model the charging and discharging dynamics inside PMA. Experiments are performed to validate the effectiveness of the established models and comparison between simulated curves and experimental data indicates that the built-up models can capture the dynamics of pressure changing processes inside PMA.
Munsell Color Specification using ARCA (Automatic Recognition of Color for Archaeology)
Authors: Milotta Filippo L. M. , Stanco Filippo , Tanasi Davide , Gueli Anna M.
Published: November 2018

Munsell Soil Charts are a very common tool used by archaeologists for the color specification task. Charts are usually employed directly on cultural heritage sites to identify color of soils and collected artifacts. However, charts are designed to be used specifying the color through subjective perception of users, by visual mean, in a time-consuming and error-prone procedure. It is likely that two users may estimate different Munsell notations for the same specimen, as colors are not perceived uniformly by different people. Hence, estimation process should be repeated several times and by more than a single expert user to be considered reliable. In this work, we employ our framework, Automatic Recognition of Color for Archaeology (ARCA), specifically designed to provide a method for objective, deterministic, fast, and automatic Munsell estimation. ARCA is a valuable asset for archaeologists as it provides the definition of a smooth pipeline for an affordable Munsell notation estimation: image acquisition of specimens with general purpose digital cameras in an uncontrolled environment, manual sampling of specimen images in the ARCA desktop application, automatic Munsell color specification, and report generation. We further assess our method with improved color tolerance validations and evaluations, introducing a comparison between Δ
E
00
, Δ
E
76
, Δ
L
*, Δ
a
*, and Δ
b
* differences. One of the main contributions of this article is the extension of our former dataset ARCA108. We gathered two additional sets of images obtaining a new dataset consisting of pictures of Munsell Soil Charts Editions 2000 and 2009 plus images from a real test case with 16 pottery shards. The new dataset counts 56,160 samples and 328 images, so it has been called ARCA328. Experimental results are reported to investigate which could be the best configuration to be used in the acquisition phase.
RecurTutor
Authors: Hamouda Sally , Edwards Stephen H. , Elmongui Hicham G. , Ernst Jeremy V. , Shaffer Clifford A.
Published: November 2018

Recursion is one of the most important and hardest topics in lower division computer science courses. As it is an advanced programming skill, the best way to learn it is through targeted practice exercises. But the best practice problems are time consuming to manually grade by an instructor. As a consequence, students historically have completed only a small number of recursion programming exercises as part of their coursework. We present a new way for teaching such programming skills. Students view examples and visualizations, then practice a wide variety of automatically assessed, small-scale programming exercises that address the sub-skills required to learn recursion. The basic recursion tutorial (RecurTutor) teaches material typically encountered in CS2 courses. Students who used RecurTutor had significantly better grades on recursion exam questions than did students who used typical instruction. Students who experienced RecurTutor spent significantly more time on solving recursive programming exercises than students who experienced typical instruction, and came out with a significantly higher confidence level.
Multiple-Choice Questions in Programming Courses
Authors: Abreu Pedro Henriques , Silva Daniel Castro , Gomes Anabela
Published: November 2018

Low performance of nontechnical engineering students in programming courses is a problem that remains unsolved. Over the years, many authors have tried to identify the multiple causes for that failure, but there is unanimity on the fact that motivation is a key factor for the acquisition of knowledge by students.

To better understand motivation, a new evaluation strategy has been adopted in a second programming course of a nontechnical degree, consisting of 91 students. The goals of the study were to identify if those students felt more motivated to answer multiple-choice questions in comparison to development questions, and what type of question better allows for testing student knowledge acquisition.

Possibilities around the motivational qualities of multiple-choice questions in programming courses will be discussed in light of the results.

In conclusion, it seems clear that student performance varies according to the type of question. Our study points out that multiple-choice questions can be seen as a motivational factor for engineering students and it might also be a good way to test acquired programming concepts. Therefore, this type of question could be further explored in the evaluation points.
A Strong Graded Relationship between Level of Obesity and COPD: Findings from a National Population-Based Study of Lifelong Nonsmokers
Authors: Fuller-Thomson Esme , Howden Kaitlyn E. N. , Fuller-Thomson Lilia R. , Agbeyaka Senyo
Published: November 2018

Factors associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among never-smokers have received little research attention. One potential risk factor for COPD is obesity, which is of particular importance in light of the global obesity epidemic. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between COPD and levels of obesity in a nationally representative sample of non-Hispanic white never-smokers. Data were drawn from the 2012 Center for Disease Control’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Pearson’s chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were conducted in a large nationally representative sample of non-Hispanic white respondents aged 50 and over (76,004 women; 37,618 men) who reported that they had never smoked. A dose-response relationship was observed for both men and women: the prevalence of COPD increased from 2.5% in men and 3.5% in women who were of a healthy weight (BMI < 25) to 7.6% in men and 13.4% in women who had a BMI of 40 or higher. Even after adjusting for 7 potential confounds (e.g., age, education, and income), the odds of COPD were 3.21 higher for men (95% CI = 2.46, 4.20) and 4.00 higher for women with class III obesity (95% CI = 3.52, 4.55) in comparison with those of healthy weight. Regular screening for COPD is warranted in never-smoking obese patients who are aged 50 and over. Future research is needed to investigate plausible mechanisms for this association, including (1) the role of chronic inflammation associated with obesity and (2) the impact of central obesity on respiratory system mechanics.
Why Do Cancer Patients Have Difficulties Evaluating the Need for a Second Opinion and What Is Needed to Lower the Barrier? A Qualitative Study
Authors: Peier-Ruser Karen S. , von Greyerz Salome
Published: November 2018

Background: Requesting a second opinion (SO) is common in oncology. The reasons and barriers for patients not seeking an SO have yet been to be investigated. Why do patients have difficulties evaluating their need for an SO and what could be done to minimize these barriers? Patients and Methods: A 2-stage qualitative study was conducted. 1) Participants were studied in 3 focus groups (FGs). The participants themselves analyzed and then grouped their statements into defined categories. 2) Results of the FGs were discussed with 7 experts from different professional backgrounds. The interviews were unstructured and detailed in the protocol. The statements underwent thematic analysis. Results: The following 4 main barriers were identified: 1) state of shock, 2) pressure of time, 3) sense of excessive demands and uncertainty triggered by information overload, 4) fear of jeopardizing the patient-physician relationship. The following 4 main suggestions for minimizing the barriers were identified: 1) written patient information, 2) improvement of communication, 3) patient empowerment (PE), 4) holistic approach. Conclusion: These barriers incapacitate the patients from evaluating the need for an SO. To minimize the barriers, PE, self-management support and shared decision making is recommended. While the implementation of these concepts advances, patients can be empowered by psycho-oncological assistance.
Association between rs120963, rs152451, rs249935, rs447529, rs8053188, and rs16940342 Polymorphisms in the PALB2 Gene and Breast Cancer Susceptibility: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Yayun , Dong Xiaoqiang , Wang Yongpan , Wang Quan , Gu Haiqing , Huang Weiqiang
Published: November 2018

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the rs120963, rs152451, rs249935, rs447529, rs8053188, and rs16940342 loci in the PALB2 gene and breast cancer risk. Methods: Studies investigating the association between SNPs in the PALB2 gene and breast cancer susceptibility were retrieved from the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure), WanFang, and CBM (China Biology Medicine) databases. Eligible studies were screened according to inclusion/exclusion criteria and principles of quality evaluation. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 14.0 software. Odds ratios with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were pooled to assess the association between SNPs in the PALB2 gene loci rs249935, rs447529, rs8053188, rs16940342, rs152451, and rs120963 and breast cancer susceptibility. Results: A total of 9 case-control studies were eligible for this meta-analysis. SNPs in the PALB2 gene loci rs120963, rs249935, and rs447529 were significantly associated with an increased or decreased risk of breast cancer. No significant association was detected for rs152451, rs8053188, and rs16940342 under 4 genetic models. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that SNPs in the PALB2 loci rs120963/rs249935/rs447529, but not in the other 3 loci (rs152451/rs8053188/rs16940342), may contribute to breast cancer susceptibility.
Cluster Analysis of Chronic Rhinosinusitis Suggests Gender-Based Differences
Authors: Jurlin Lana , Gregurić Tomislav , Baudoin Tomislav , Grgić Marko Velimir , Pažanin Leo , Košec Andro , Scadding Glenis , Kalogjera Livije
Published: November 2018

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the interaction between the overall severity of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) before treatment and subjective improvement following surgical or medical treatment. Procedures: A group of 97 patients with CRS completed the visual analog scale (VAS) symptom score and the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22) questionnaire in the moment of their sinus computerized tomography (CT) scan. Data were analyzed via a 2-step cluster analysis based on gender, polyp presence, CT scan, and VAS scores for symptoms. Results: There were 3 clusters: the first cluster comprised 37 female patients with CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), the second cluster comprised 30 patients with CRS and NP (CRSwNP; 15 males and 15 females); and third cluster had 30 male patients with CRS without NP (CRSsNP). Different symptom patterns between clusters were identified. After adjustment for polyp presence, gender, eosinophilia (p = 0.021), and the SNOT-22 score (p = 0.005) were found to be better outcome predictors than the CT score (p = 0.26). Conclusion: Long-term patient satisfaction is significantly associated with the subjective symptom severity prior to treatment, i.e., postnasal drip and overall disease severity (SNOT-22 score), but not with the objective severity of the disease (CT score and inflammation).
Recurrent Acute Diverticulitis: When to Operate?
Authors: Al Harakeh Hassan , Paily Abhilash J. , Doughan Samer , Shaikh Irshad
Published: November 2018

Objective: Recurrent acute diverticulitis carries a major burden to any form of health care. Patients present repeatedly to medical centers with a multitude of symptoms and may require different modalities of treatment with significant morbidities and impact on quality of life. Methods: We therefore wanted to identify factors that would imply the need and time of surgery versus conservative management. The literature was thoroughly searched for major studies tackling this topic. Furthermore, studies reporting on decision making based on quality of life were included. Risks of developing recurrent diverticulitis and the potential need of surgery were identified. Relevant surgical details that would decrease recurrence were also denoted. Results: Surgery has been the mainstay of treatment for quite some time. However, the paradigms of treatment have changed over the last few years, especially when long-term population studies confirmed that not all patients require surgical treatment with its associated risk of morbidity. Conclusion: Treatment now has to be patient-tailored with special attention to the subgroup of high-risk patients. These patients must be adequately selected, identifying the impact of the disease on the quality of life and weighing in the risks of the surgical intervention.
СТАН СИСТЕМИ ПРОТЕЇНАЗИ/ІНГІБІТОРИ ПРОТЕЇНАЗ У ЩУРІВ У ДИНАМІЦІ ІММОБІЛІЗАЦІЙНОГО СТРЕСУ НА ТЛІ ГІПОТИРЕОЗУ
Authors: Lyubovich O. Ye. , Klishch I. M. , Volska A. S. , Kurylo Kh. I.
Published: November 2018

Вступ. У патогенезі багатьох патологічних станів важливе місце посідають порушення протеїназо-інгібіторної системи. При відсутності належного контролю за протеолізом розвиваються патологічні стани, що супроводжуються виникненням деструктивних, запальних та імунних реакцій. Ряд дослідників встановив захисну дію йодовмісних тиреоїдних гормонів при стресі, які реалізуються в результаті їх взаємодії з клітинним геномом, що призводить до стимуляції локальних стрес-лімітуючих систем.

Мета дослідження – встановити особливості функціонування системи протеїнази/інгібітори протеїназ за умов іммобілізаційного стресу на тлі зниження рівня йодовмісних гормонів щитоподібної залози.

Методи дослідження. Гіпотиреоз моделювали, щоденно вводячи тваринам per os тиреостатик мерказоліл (“Здоров’я”, Україна) у дозі 25 мг/кг протягом 21-ї доби. Гострий іммобілізаційний стрес моделювали шляхом прив’язування піддослідних щурів у положенні на спині за 4 кінцівки без обмеження рухо­мості голови тривалістю 3 год.Для дослідження концентрації йодовмісних гормонів щитоподібної залози, активності протеїназної системи і вмісту інгібіторів протеолізу використано спектрофотометричні та імуноферментні методи.

Результати й обговорення. Досліджено вплив іммобілізаційного стресу в щурів з попередньо змодельованим гіпотиреозом на показники протеїназо-інгібіторної системи крові. На стадії тривоги розвитку стрес-реакції в евтиреоїдних тварин встановлено підвищення протеолітичної активності крові на тлі збільшення вмісту α1-інгібітора протеаз та α2-макроглобуліну, що вказує на посилення антипротеолітичного потенціалу для стримування розвитку деструкції.На стадії резистентності відбувалася стабілізація протеолітичної активності крові. Однак при тривалому стресі (стадія виснаження) вона знову достовірно зростала на тлі зниження активності інгібіторів протеаз, що свідчить про виснаження захисного інгібіторного резерву. У тварин з гіпотиреозом на всіх стадіях розвитку стрес-реакції мало місце достовірне підвищення протеолітичної активності крові, причому показники інгібіторів протеаз достовірно зменшувалися. Це призводило до різкого зростання індексу протеолізу, що відбувалося на тлі збільшення проникності лізосомальних мембран.

Висновок. На тлі гіпотиреозу спостерігають інтенсивніше, ніж у евтиреоїдних тварин, зростання протеолітичної активності крові на фоні пригнічення антипротеазної активності та збільшення проникності лізосомальних мембран.
ВИВЧЕННЯ ГІПОГЛІКЕМІЧНОЇ ДІЇ ФІТОЗАСОБУ, ЩО МІСТИТЬ СУХІ ЕКСТРАКТИ З ЛИСТЯ ШОВКОВИЦІ БІЛОЇ, СТУЛОК КВАСОЛІ ЗВИЧАЙНОЇ І ПАГОНІВ ЧОРНИЦІ ЗВИЧАЙНОЇ
Authors: Dub А. І. , Lishch І. М. , Vronska L. V. , Stechyshyn I. P.
Published: November 2018

Вступ. Цукровий діабет – це соціальна катастрофа, яка позбавляє життів мільйони людей, і найгіршою тенденцією є те, що дві третини з них мають працездатний вік. Незважаючи на те, що сучасний фармацевтичний ринок представлений широким арсеналом лікарських засобів, які застосовують для профілактики та лікування хворих на цукровий діабет, пошук нових гіпоглікемічних засобів є актуальним завданням сучасної фармації. Завдяки комплексу біологічно активних речовин у рослинах, фітозасоби проявляють багатогранну дію на людський організм, забезпечуючи вплив на різні ланки розвитку діабету та його специфічних і неспецифічних ускладнень при мінімальному ризику токсичних чи алергічних проявів, та можуть слугувати альтернативою для синтетичних цукрознижувальних препаратів.

Мета дослідження – вивчити гіпоглікемічну дію фітозасобу (комбінація сухих екстрактів з листя шовковиці білої Morus alba L., стулок квасолі звичайної Phaseolus vulgaris L., пагонів чорниці звичайної Vaccinium myrtillus L.).

Методи дослідження. Дослідження проводили на щурах-самцях лінії Вістар, яким внутрішньошлунково профілактично вводили фітозасіб упродовж 7 днів у різному дозуванні. Як референс-препарати було використано: настій з лікарського збору “Арфазетин”, суспензію таблеток “Метформін”. Визначали концентрацію глюкози у крові тварин натще (до та після введення відповідних засобів), а також за умов проведення орального тесту толерантності до глюкози.

Результати й обговорення. В усіх дослідних групах, тварини яких отримували фітозасіб, спостерігали зниження базальної глікемії після семиденного профілактичного введення, а також зменшення розвитку глікемії за умов проведення орального тесту толерантності до глюкози. Гіпоглікемічна дія фітозасобу в дозуванні з розрахунку 100 мг/кг сухого екстракту з листя шовковиці білої є порівнюваною з дією препарату “Метформін” та достовірно перевищує дію настою з лікарського збору “Арфазетин”.

Висновки. Отримані результати дослідження вказують на виражену гіпоглікемічну дію фітозасобу, що містить сухі екстракти з листя шовковиці білої, стулок квасолі звичайної і пагонів чорниці звичайної. Подальше вивчення гіпоглікемічної дії досліджуваного фітозасобу буде здійснено в обраному дозуванні – з розрахунку 100 мг/кг сухого екстракту з листя шовковиці білої.
ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ СУХОГО ЕКСТРАКТУ З ЛИСТЯ ХОСТИ ЛАНЦЕТОЛИСТОЇ ДЛЯ КОРЕКЦІЇ МЕТАБОЛІЧНИХ ПОРУШЕНЬ ЗА УМОВ АДРЕНАЛІНОВОГО УРАЖЕННЯ МІОКАРДА
Authors: Lynda O. S. , Fira L. S. , Lykhatskyi P. H.
Published: November 2018

Вступ. Однією з особливостей розвитку серцевих захворювань є активація процесів пероксидного окиснення ліпідів, збільшення кількості прооксидантних процесів, що є наслідком впливу на живу систему гемодинамічних порушень і спричинених ними гіпоксичних явищ. Для лікування захворювань серцево-судинної системи використовують рослинні препарати на основі речовин флавоноїдної природи, які мають широкий спектр активності. Застосування лікарських засобів на основі даних речовин зумовлене вираженими антирадикальними властивостями.

Мета дослідження – встановити антиоксидантні та мембранопротекторні властивості сухого екстракту з листя хости ланцетолистої на моделі ураження міокарда токсичними дозами адреналіну.

Методи дослідження. Дослідження виконано на білих щурах-самцях, яким моделювали некротичне ушкодження міокарда шляхом введення 0,18 % розчину адреналіну гідротартрату з розрахунку 0,5 мг/кг маси тіла. Одній із груп тварин, уражених адреналіном, вводили сухий екстракт з листя хости ланцетолистої в дозі 100 мг/кг маси тіла, іншій – кардіопротектор корвітин у дозі 42 мг/кг маси тіла. У сироватці крові визначали вміст ТБК-активних продуктів, активність аспартатамінотрансферази та креатинфосфокінази, активність супероксиддисмутази і вміст церулоплазміну, в міокарді – вміст ТБК-активних продуктів та вищеназвані органоспецифічні ензими.

Результати й обговорення. Встановлено, що введення адреналіну в дозі 0,5 мг/кг маси тіла призводило до активації процесів пероксидного окиснення ліпідів у міокарді та сироватці крові щурів, на що вказувало збільшення вмісту ТБК-активних продуктів протягом 48 год від початку експерименту. Водно­час відмічали зниження в сироватці крові активності супероксиддисмутази та підвищення вмісту церулоплазміну, що свідчило про глибокі порушення в ензимній ланці антиоксидантної системи. Дослідження активності аспартатамінотрансферази в щурів, уражених адреналіном, показало її зростання в сироват­ці крові у всі терміни дослідження та зниження в міокарді. Аналогічні зміни відзначено при вивченні активності креатинфосфокінази у тварин після розвитку адреналінової кардіопатії. Застосування сухого екстракту з листя хости ланцетолистої мало ефективний вплив на про- та антиоксидантні показники в щурів після ураження, а також привело до нормалізації активності органоспецифічних ензимів міокарда.

Висновок. Сухий екстракт з листя хости ланцетолистої проявляє антиоксидантні властивості за умов адреналінової кардіопатії, що може бути передумовою для подальших експериментальних досліджень даного лікарського засобу.
THE EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF VITAMIN E ON NITROSO-OXIDATIVE PROCESSES IN MUCOUS MEMBRANES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF CYCLOOXYGENASE BLOCKAGE ON THE BACKGROUND OF THE LOW INTENSITY X-RAY IRRADIATION
Authors: Ilnytska Kh. M. , Datsyuk L. O. , Sklyarov O. Ya.
Published: November 2018

Introduction. The simultaneous effect of several ulcerogenic factors, different due to their mechanism of action on the mucous membranes of the digestive organs needs deep elucidation. The studies were focused on the combined effect of the low intensity X-ray irradiation and cyclooxygenase blockage. It is important to evaluate the antioxidant effect of vitamin E under the conditions of simultaneous effect of different pro-inflammatory factors, acting on the nitroso-oxidative processes.

The aim of the study – to investigate the effect of vitamin E on nitroso-oxidative processes in the mucous membranes of the digestive organs under the action of the low intensity X-ray irradiation and COX blockage.

Research Methods. In the homogenates of the mucous membranes of stomach, small and large intestine in rats (n=64) the activity of NO-synthase, arginase, myeloperoxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, TBA-active products,nitrite-anioncontent and sum of nitrites and nitrates were determined.

Results and Discussion. It was established that the effect of vitamin E on the background of the low intensity X-ray irradiation resulted in the decrease of iNOSactivity level (р<0.05) and nitrite-anion content (р<0.05) and increase of catalase and MPO activity in the mucous membranes of the digestive organs compared to indices obtained under the conditions of X-ray irradiation. Blockage of COX activity by indometacin on the background of the introduction of vitamin E and simultaneous effect of the low intensity X-ray irradiation revealed the peculiarities of antioxidant action of vitamin E in the mucous membranes of the digestive organs.

Conclusions.Under the conditions of COX blockage on the background of the low intensity X-ray irradiation the level of lipid peroxidation processes increased, iNOSand сNOS activity decreased compared to indices under the independent effect of irradiation, whereas compared to data under the effect of indometacin lipid peroxidation processes and iNOS activity decreased. Vitamin E exerts antioxidant effect under the conditions of ulcerative action of indometacin on the background of the X-ray irradiation.
АКТИВНІСТЬ БІОЕНЕРГЕТИЧНИХ ПРОЦЕСІВ В ОРГАНІЗМІ ЩУРІВ, ОДНОЧАСНО УРАЖЕНИХ КАРБОФОСОМ І ТЕТРАХЛОРМЕТАНОМ, ПІСЛЯ КОРЕКЦІЇ МЕКСИДОЛОМ
Authors: Boyko L. A. , Fira L. S. , Burmas N. I.
Published: November 2018

Вступ. Потрапляючи в організм людини і тварин, фосфорорганічні речовини викликають активацію вільнорадикальних процесів, пригнічують захисно-компенсаторні сили, інгібують ензими, які беруть участь у процесах енергозабезпечення клітин. Тетрахлорметан, ксенобіотик, який використовують у промисловості, сільському господарстві та побуті, має токсичний вплив на печінку. В реальному житті нерідко трапляється комбінована дія декількох токсичних чинників, які, залежно від умов, можуть порушити рівновагу окиснювальних процесів в організмі та призвести до тяжких захворювань.

Мета дослідження –вивчити інтенсивність процесів енергозабезпечення в організмі щурів за умов одночасного ураження їх фосфорорганічними сполуками і тетрахлорметаном, а також ефективність застосування при цьому антиоксиданта мексидолу.

Методи дослідження. Дослідження проведено на білих щурах-самцях, яким щоденно протягом 30 днів вводили карбофос (20 мг/кг) і тетрахлорметан дворазово через добу (1 мл/кг). Тварин виводили з експерименту під тіопентал-натрієвим наркозом на 10 і 30 доби отруєння карбофосом та 4 і 7 доби після ураження тетрахлорметаном. У печінці та серці щурів визначали активність сукцинатдегідрогенази, цитохромоксидази та вміст глікогену, в сироватці крові – вміст глюкози.

Результати й обговорення. Протягом усього експерименту спостерігали прогресуюче зменшення в печінці та міокарді уражених тварин активності сукцинатдегідрогенази та цитохромоксидази, яка до кінця дослідження виявилась найнижчою. Вміст глюкози в сироватці крові після ураження токсикантами максимально збільшився наприкінці експерименту. В цей же період відзначали максимальне зниження вмісту глікогену в печінці та міокарді уражених тварин. Застосування мексидолу призвело до підвищення активності мітохондріальних ензимів, а також нормалізувало вміст глюкози у сироватці крові та глікогену в печінці й міокарді уражених щурів, що підтвердило його антигіпоксантні властивості.

Висновок. Комбіноване ураження щурів тетрахлорметаном і карбофосом призводить до значних порушень в енергозабезпеченні органів тварин. Доведено ефективність застосування мексидолу як антигіпоксанта.
A new species of Cyclopogon (Orchidaceae: Spiranthinae) from Southwestern Ecuador: Cyclopogon soniae-juaniorum
Authors: ZAMBRANO ROMERO BOSCO JAVIER , SOLANO RODOLFO
Published: November 2018

The most species-rich genus of Spiranthinae Lindley (1840: 441, 462) is Cyclopogon Presl (1827: 93) with 83 species (Chase et al. 2015). It is distributed from Florida to northern Argentina and southern Brazil, including the Antilles, but the greatest species richness is found in Brazil and the Andean regions of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. One species, Cyclopogon obliquus (Smith 1910: 74) Szlachetko (1994: 425) has been reported as naturalised in Southeast Asia (Salazar 2003).
Bile acids and the metabolic syndrome
Authors: McGlone Emma Rose , Bloom Stephen R
Published: November 2018

Bile acids have important roles in the regulation of lipid, glucose and energy metabolism. Metabolic diseases linked to obesity, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, are associated with dysregulation of bile acid homeostasis. Here, the basic chemistry and regulation of bile acids as well as their metabolic effects will be reviewed. Changes in circulating bile acids associated with obesity and related diseases will be reviewed. Finally, pharmaceutical manipulation of bile acid homeostasis as therapy for metabolic diseases will be outlined.