bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
О вариативности переводов ранних комедий Шекспира: некоторые замечания
Authors: Макаров Владимир Сергеевич
Published: March 2019

В статье представлены некоторые особенности анализа корпуса русских переводов четырех ранних комедий У. Шекспира на основе посегментного сопоставления их с помощью платформы Version Variation Visualization. Хотя высказанная в прошлых работах идея о влиянии жанра на структуру корпуса пока не нашла подтверждения, по результатам двухлетнего проекта оказалось возможным описать характерную структуру корпуса переводов шекспировских пьес по их вариативности и проанализировать динамику изменения этого показателя.
Efecto de la orientación emprendedora en las exportaciones de las empresas Colombianas.
Authors: Gálvez-Albarracín Edgar Julian , Reyes-Velasco Miguel Fernando , Rodríguez-Orejuela Augusto
Published: March 2019

En el actual entorno de competencia globalizada es importante que las organizaciones consideren incursionar en mercados externos, por ello este trabajo busca determinar cómo influye la orientación emprendedora de las empresas colombianas en su disposición hacia los mercados internacionales. El estudio es cuantitativo y correlacional, para ello se empleó el modelo de regresión lineal, los resultados denotan que la primera variable influye positiva y muy significativamente sobre la segunda, especialmente en el caso de las empresas exporadoras no tradicionales. Se concluye que cuanto más orientados hacia el emprendimiento estén los directivos de las empresas, éstas tendrán mayor propensión a exportar
Causas de los accidentes de trabajo en la ciudad de Cartagena durante el periodo 2009 - 2012
Authors: Yánez Contreras Martha , Acevedo González Karina
Published: March 2019

La accidentalidad laboral es un problema que trasciende el ámbito económico al afectar la vida personal y familiar del trabajador, a la empresa y a la sociedad. El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar las causas de los accidentes de trabajo en la ciudad de Cartagena mediante la estimación de un modelo panel cuya unidad de análisis son los grupos de trabajadores definidos por la rama de actividad económica, durante el periodo 2009 - 2012. Se encontró que el número de accidentes laborales se incrementó de 12.030 en el año 2009 a 14.352 en el año 2012, lo que representa un incremento aproximado de un 6% promedio anual. El número de lesiones fatales se redujo durante este periodo en 3% anual. Como consecuencia de los accidentes laborales, se reconocen en promedio 13 pensiones de invalidez y se realizan 336 indemnizaciones anuales. Se concluye, que tanto las características propias de trabajo como las formas de organización, inciden en la ocurrencia o no de los accidentes; no obstante se encontró un papel destacado de la estabilidad en la empresa (medido por la antigüedad y los contratos indefinidos) en la menor ocurrencia de estos.
Tuz Stresinin Yem Bezelyesi (Pisum sativum ssp. arvense L.) Seçilmiş Genotipinde Çimlenme ve Fide Gelişimi Üzerine Etkileri
Authors: DEMİRKOL Gürkan , YILMAZ Nuri , ÖNAL AŞCI Özlem
Published: March 2019

Bitkisel üretimde stres
faktörleri verimde azalmaya neden olmaktadır. Bu çalışma, yemlik kullanıma
uygun olduğu belirlenen yem bezelyesi genotipinin tuzluluğa toleransını
saptamak amacıyla gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışmada farklı NaCl dozları (0, 30,
60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270 ve 300 mM) uygulanmıştır. Deneme Tesadüf
Parselleri Deneme desenine göre 10 tekrarlı olarak kurulmuştur. Çalışmada,
çimlenme oranı, ortalama çimlenme süresi, radikula ve plumula uzunluğu,
radikula ve plumula taze ağırlığı ile radikula ve plumula kuru ağırlığı
incelenmiştir. Araştırmada, tuz stresi tüm parametrelerde istatistiki olarak
anlamlı bir farka sebep olmuştur. Sonuç olarak çalışılan genotipin 90 mM’ın
altındaki tuz dozlarına dayanıklı olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Comparison of Conventional PCR Method With Cefoxitin Disc Diffusion, Automated System and Isolation on Chromogenic MRSA Medium Methods for The Detection of Meticillin Resistance In Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated From Various Clinical Specimens
Authors: KAYA Esra , ARAL Murat , ORHAN Zerife , YALÇINKAYA Kezban Tülay , UĞURLU Hacer
Published: March 2019

Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA) is one of the most important infectious agents. Therefore,
fast and accurate diagnosis of MRSA is utmost important. Although mecA
gene detection by PCR is reference method, conventional methods are preferred
in routine practices due to simplicity. As conventional methods last 48-96
hours, several chromogenic media have been developed. Our objective was to
compare the methods used for meticillin resistance detection with PCR.
Forty-eight S. aureus strains isolated from various clinical specimens
were included. Of the 48 S. aureus strains, 19 were mecA gene-positive
and 29 were negative. mecA gene-positive 19 strains were also
meticillin-resistant by automated system and disk diffusion. On chromogenic
agar, 15 of 19 MRSA strains were meticillin-resistant and 4 were
meticillin-sensitive. Twentynine mecA gene-negative strains were
susceptible to meticillin by automatized system and disk diffusion. Among 29 mecA
gene-negative MSSA strains inoculated on chromogenic agar, 17 were
methicillin-resistant. According to our study, chromogenic media would be
ineffective to detected to meticillin-resistance because of low sensitivity and
specificity in routine.
Farklı Gelişme Dönemlerinde Hasat Edilen Saz Bitkisinin (Phragmites Australis) Yem Değerinin Belirlenmesi
Authors: BÜYÜKKILIÇ BEYZİ Selma , SIRAKAYA Selim
Published: March 2019

Bu
çalışma, saz bitkisinin (Phragmites
australis) yem değerini belirlemek amacıyla düzenlenmiştir. Bu amaçla,
bitki en uygun hasat zamanı tespiti için 3 farklı gelişim döneminde (Haziran
ayı içinde 2 hafta aralıkla) hasat edilmiştir. Hasat sonrası bitki kurutulmuş
ve öğütülerek kimyasal analizler ile besinsel özellikleri saptanmıştır. Saz
bitkisinin hasat zamanı, kimyasal bileşim (kuru maddede) ve diğer besin değeri
unsurlarını önemli derecede etkilemiştir (P<0.05). Saz bitkisinin hasat
dönemlerine göre ham protein (HP), ham yağ, ham kül, nötr deterjan lif, asit
deterjan lif ve asit deterjan lignin içerikleri sırasıyla; %10.63-17.30,
%2.05-2.57, %7.65-8.75, %64.0-70.75, %33,26-37-14 ve %3.11-4.20 arasında
değişmiştir. Saz bitkisinin metabolik enerji (ME) değeri 2.10-2.15 Mcal/kg KM, nispi
yem değeri (NYD) ise 78.72-90.49 arasında bulunmuştur. Araştırma sonucu
incelendiğinde saz bitkisinin HP, ME ve NYD değeri bakımından yonca gibi bazı
kaba yemlere benzer özellik gösterdiği görülmektedir. Bitki bu özellikleri
nedeniyle ruminant beslemede kullanılabilecek bir kaba yem olduğu söylenebilir.
Isıl Yabancı Ot Kontrolü İçin Özel İmal Edilen Gaz Memelerinin Performansı
Authors: ARSLAN Selçuk , TURALOĞLU Çağdaş , TURSUN Nihat
Published: March 2019

Bu
çalışmanın amacı, yabancı ot kontrolünde kullanılan alev makinelerinde
kullanılabilecek ve ticari gaz memelerine göre daha uygun bir gaz memesi geliştirmektir.  Bu amaçla, üç farklı meme tasarlanmış ve 1.0-3.0
bar aralığında basınç-debi karakteristikleri gravimetrik olarak belirlenmiştir.
Üç delikli 1 mm çaplı memenin (Tip1) 1.5-2.5 bar basınçlarda aralığında,
yabancı ot mücadelesinde genellikle gerekli olan 40-130 kg ha-1
propan (LPG) dozlarını uygulayabileceği bulunmuştur. Bu meme tipi, ticari gaz memesine
göre düşük dozlar için gerekli ilerleme hızını azaltmış, yüksek dozlar için
gerekli olanı ise yükseltmiştir. Böylece ticari gaz memesi için 2.0 bar
basınçta gerekli olan 1.8-8.1 km h-1 aralığındaki hız sınırı 3.5-6.5
km h-1 aralığına çekilmiştir. Yüksek dozlarda gerekli olan ilerleme
hızları biraz artırılmış olduğundan uygulamada özel imal edilen gaz memesi
kullanılarak alev makinesinin alan iş başarısının artırılabileceği bulunmuştur.
En düşük dozda ise ilerleme hızının düşürülmüş olması alan iş başarısını
azaltacak olsa da yabancı otların aleve maruz kalma süresi %20 kadar artacağı
için alev uygulamasının ısıl etkinliğini potansiyel olarak artıracaktır. Tip2
ve Tip3 memeler, delik çapları küçük olduğu için traktöre bağlanacak bir alev
makinesi için uygun bulunmamıştır. Sonuç olarak, yabancı ot mücadelesinde
kullanılacak alev başlıkları için daha uygun bir ürün (Tip1) elde
edilebilmiştir.
El consentimiento “desde adentro”
Authors: Acosta Miguel Angel
Published: March 2019

En este trabajo intentamos brindar una visión panorámica, aunque con abundancia de detalles, sobre el complejo mecanismo y las estructuras cerebrales que conforman un proceso decisional -jurídicamente relevante- donde el sujeto manifiesta su intención de comprar, vender, donar, renunciar, afianzar, arrendar o garantizar. Se trata de un primer abordaje al problema desde una cátedra universitaria de grado, considerando que en los códigos de derecho privado sólo cuenta la exterioridad de la declaración de voluntad y el sistema judicial raramente se aboca a investigar qué ocurre adentro del cerebro del sujeto declarante: sus angustias, sus miedos, sus recuerdos profundos o sus lesiones cerebrales no aparentes. Esos estados interiores que preceden y afectan las decisiones, sólo afloran cuando se invocan en juicio y la mayoría de las veces su prueba resulta bastante dificultosa. Sin embargo los avances médico-psicobiológicos y la ayuda de las nuevas tecnologías nos presentan un nuevo escenario que facilita la superación de esos escollos, aunque no de modo absoluto. La investigación se inicia con dos preguntas básicas, que se van desarrollando y explicando a medida que se avanza en la descripción topográfica del cerebro. Una vez pasada esa fase se repara en las sustancias y compuestos químicos que actúan en el cerebro y sobre todo en los circuitos cerebrales. Finalmente se extraen conclusiones que, por supuesto, no son definitivas, sino que constituyen una invitación a seguir estudiando y profundizando esta más que interesante área de las ciencias en su convergencia con el derecho.
La responsabilidad extracontractual del estado por la actividad del legislador frente a la confianza ciudadana
Authors: Fuentes Orozco Jesús José
Published: March 2019

La jurisprudencia administrativa colombiana, al igual que la francesa, ha admitido que el actuar del legislador puede comprometer la responsabilidad patrimonial extracontractual del Estado. Para ello, se ha acudido a títulos de imputación tanto de naturaleza objetiva como subjetiva, pero recientemente el Consejo de Estado agregó como referente autónomo de imputación la violación de la confianza legítima. Esto, de ninguna manera implica una intromisión indebida del poder jurisdiccional en la libertad de configuración que le asiste al legislador, pues la dogmática administrativa en la materia busca que el Congreso preste la debida atención a la necesidad de regular la transición legislativa, so pena de la asunción de los daños antijurídicos que esta omisión genere. Adicionalmente, es coherente con la esencia de esta figura, que la eventual reparación del perjuicio causado esté sujeta a los parámetros de la pérdida de la oportunidad, atendiendo la probabilidad de acceso a un derecho o beneficio.
Capacidades dinámicas en las empresas
Authors: Labarcés Ballestas Carlos , Hernández Anaya Anua , Quintero Barraza Cristina
Published: March 2019

En el presente artículo científico se realizó una revisión sobre la aplicación de las capacidades dinámicas como generadoras de ventaja competitiva en las diferentes áreas de una empresa; por otra parte, se encontró que estas se están aplicando en sectores intensivos en tecnología los cuales en aras de elevar la eficiencia de los resultados han optado por trabajar en redes empresariales. Inicialmente se aborda la teoría de los recursos y capacidades, después los conceptos de capacidades dinámicas definidos por varios autores y, finalmente, se presentan algunas conclusiones entre las cuales se encuentran que la reconfiguración y articulación de áreas dentro de una empresa orientada hacia una renovación estratégica provoca una capacidad dinámica a mediano plazo.
Responsabilidad social universitaria
Authors: Blanco Miranda Vera J.
Published: March 2019

La desigualdad e injusticia social existente, el deterioro del medio ambiente, la pérdida de valores éticos y morales y el uso irresponsable del conocimiento científico y tecnológico, nos obligan a repensar sobre el tipo de educación que estamos ofreciendo en las universidades, puesto que son estas las instituciones a quienes la sociedad les ha encomendado la misión de formar a los individuos responsables de transformar el mundo que habitamos por uno más humano y sostenible. Este compromiso, de cara al siglo XXI, es necesario asumirlo desde una mirada social no solo para cumplir con el acometido de la UNESCO que declaró el decenio del 2005-2014 como la década para la educación del desarrollo sostenible, sino, por la necesidad inaplazable de formar ciudadanos y ciudadanas capaces de responder con sentido crítico y compromiso ético a los cambios económicos, sociales, culturales, políticos y ambientales originadas por la globalización y la sociedad del conocimiento. Se requiere, por parte de las universidades, un nuevo compromiso desde sus funciones misionales en especial el reto de transformar sus prácticas educativas centradas en la transmisión del conocimiento de manera memorística y descontextualizada de la realidad, por prácticas educativas que hagan de ella una universidad socialmente responsable. En este sentido, y con base a la revisión de la literatura y la evidencia empírica existente, se pretende abordar una aproximación teórica al concepto de responsabilidad social universitaria, con el propósito de contribuir a la sistematización del mismo y a la identificación de estrategias y políticas que permitan la humanización de la educación como forjadora de los profesionales que el país y el mundo necesita para alcanzar la paz, la justicia social, el bienestar, la equidad y el desarrollo humano sostenible dentro de un marco donde se respeten los valores y derechos democráticos, civiles, ambientales y culturales.
HIV and pregnancy: fact sheet of a tertiary care hospital in Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Choudhary Sandhya , . Swati
Published: March 2019

Background: As HIV infection in women occurs primarily during reproductive years, hence incidence of HIV infection especially in sexually active women is more sensitive marker to track course of HIV epidemics. Pregnant women represent low risk population, so prevalence in pregnant women is proxy to HIV in general population.Methods: A prospective study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in JLN Medical College, Ajmer from April 2015 to August 2018. It included women attending antenatal clinic and emergency ward of labor room of our hospital.Results: Total 71 women were found positive for HIV out of 36,006 pregnant women who attended antenatal clinic, giving the prevalence of 0.197%. Out of these 71 cases, 1 case was positive for both HIV1 and HIV2. The prevalence of HIV positive women delivering in our hospital was 0.269%. 40.84% women belonged to age group 25-29.9 years and 39.43% to 19-24.9 years. Among 71 antenatal seropositive women, primigravida and second gravid accounted for equal fraction of the study population i.e. 33.80% each. 19.72% came from urban areas while 80.28% were from rural areas. 22.53% (16/71) had sero-discordant spouses. All seropositive women had singleton pregnancy and were housewives. 94.61% were registered for Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) and 5.39% went loss to follow up.Conclusions: The serodiscordance rate in our region is quite high (22.53%). Increased awareness in society leading to increase in number of pregnant women attending ICTC will help in reducing transmission of HIV by safer sex practices.
How conscious are adolescent boys about their body image?
Authors: Patidar Ritesh , Verma Yogendra Singh , Gaur Ajay
Published: March 2019

Background: Perceived body image is an important determinant of nutritional status of adolescent boys. Body image misconception during adolescence is mostly unexplored field in Indian boys. The objective of this study is to assess the perceived body image and degree of dissatisfaction about it, among adolescent boys of different socioeconomic class.Methods: This multistage observational study was conducted on 200 adolescent boys of Gwalior in two different schools. Anthropometric measurements were taken. Information about socioeconomic status and perceived body image, desired body size and actual body size was collected with predesigned questionnaire.Results: Out of 200 study subjects 155 had normal BMI and 36 had high BMI, remaining were thin. Majority of adolescents (90%) desires to be neither thin nor fat and 10% (20) studied adolescent boys desires thin body. Lesser number of study subjects (63, 31.5%) adolescent boys were satisfied with their perceived body image. Satisfaction was more (34.65%) in middle adolescent age group as compared to late adolescent (28.28%). Almost two third (137, 68.6%) adolescent boys were dissatisfied with their perceived body image. Majority of adolescent boys (160, 80%) correctly estimated their body image, only 03% adolescent boys overestimated their body image whereas 17% adolescent boys underestimated their body image.Conclusions: Majority of adolescent boys are dissatisfied with their body image and almost all of them desire to have perfect body size.
Comparison of the effectiveness of oral sucrose solution and topical anaesthetics during immunization in infants between age 6 weeks-6 months
Authors: Kumar Ashwani , Narang Gursharan Singh , Singh Gurmeet , Kaur Jaskeen
Published: March 2019

Background: Routine childhood immunization is a proven tool for eradicating and controlling infectious diseases. Despite its key role in maintaining global public health, many individuals either refuse or delay immunization because of pain from the needle puncture. Several methods have been employed to reduce injection pain during immunization in children.Methods: Study comprised of 210 healthy infants coming for immunizations. They were divided into three groups A, B and C having equal number of infants. Group A was given oral sucrose solution, group B was given topical anaesthetic prior to immunization; whereas group C acted as controls. Response to pain was recorded among the three groups and findings were analyzed.Results: Infants enrolled in group A, i.e. those who were given 24% oral sucrose solution before immunization showed significant reduction in pain (measured by modified behaviour pain scale) as compared to control group at 15 seconds and 60 seconds of injection administration. Infants enrolled in group B, i.e. those who were sprayed topical local anaesthetics (10% lignocaine spray) before immunization showed significant reduction in pain as compared to control group at 15 seconds and 60 seconds of injection administration.Conclusions: Administration of oral sucrose solution and application of topical local anaesthetics are effective measures to reduce injection pain during immunization. Administration of oral sucrose solution before immunization showed greater reduction in pain as compared to application of topical local anaesthetics in present study.
Unexpected domain composition of MACC1 links MET signaling and apoptosis.
Authors: Kokoszyńska Katarzyna , Kryński Jacek , Rychlewski Leszek , Wyrwicz Lucjan S
Published: March 2019

Colorectal cancer, one of the most challenging malignancies, still has a limited number of recognized prognostic and predictive markers indicating appropriate treatment. MACC1 (metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1), a novel regulator of tumor growth and metastasis has recently been identified as an important prognostic factor of metastatic disease in colorectal cancer. The mechanism of MACC1 activity remains undetermined. Here we apply a combination of fold recognition and homology modeling algorithms to draft MACC1 function. The applied methods revealed that the MACC1 protein consists of four domains: ZU5, SH3, and two C-terminal death domains (DD). Previously a similar domain architecture (ZU5-DD) was observed in other proteins, involved mainly in signal transduction and apoptosis regulation. Based on the specific aspects of the closest homologues' biology functional hypotheses on MACC1 are proposed. A broad range of bioinformatic analyzes indicates that MACC1, besides its involvement in signal transduction from the MET receptor, links MET signaling and apoptosis.
A novel lectin with antiproliferative activity from the medicinal mushroom Pholiota adiposa.
Authors: Zhang G Q , Sun J , Wang H X , Ng T B
Published: March 2019

Little was known about biological activities of compounds from the medicinal mushroom of the genus Pholiota. A lectin from the Pholiota adiposa has now been isolated and its properties tested. The isolation procedure included ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and CM-cellulose, and fast protein liquid chromatography-gel filtration (FPLC) on Superdex 75. The lectin was composed of two identical subunits, each with a molecular mass of 16 kDa. Its N-terminal amino-acid sequence showed little similarity to sequences of other Agaricales lectins. The hemagglutinating activity of the lectin was stable at temperatures up to 50 degrees C, and in NaOH and HCl solutions with concentrations less than 25 mM. It was inhibited by inulin (12.5-200 mM), but enhanced by Cu(2+) (6.25-25 mM), Fe(2+) (12.5-25 mM), and Al(3+) (6.25-25 mM) ions. The lectin showed antiproliferative activity toward hepatoma Hep G2 cells and breast cancer MCF7 cells with an IC(50) of 2.1 microM and approximately 3.2 microM, respectively. It exhibited HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitory activity with an IC(50) of 1.9 microM. When compared with P. aurivella lectin, the only Pholiota lectin published to date, P. adiposa lectin differs in chromatographic behavior, molecular mass, N-terminal sequence, and effect of cations on hemagglutinating activity. In the case of the lectin from P. aurivella, its antifungal, antiproliferative, and HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitory activities have not been determined.
Helicobacter pylori increases expression of proapoptotic markers Fas and FasL on CD4 lymphocytes in children.
Authors: Kotłowska-Kmieć Aldona , Bakowska Alicja , Szarszewski Adam , Kamińska Barbara , Łuczak Grazyna , Radys Wojciech , Landowski Piotr , Brodzicki Jacek , Korzon Maria , Liberek Anna
Published: March 2019

The pathomechanism of Helicobacter pylori action upon gastric mucosa and its role in the pathogenesis of gastritis have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the most prevalent lymphocyte subpopulations of the gastric mucosa in gastritis in children, as well as to evaluate the expression of Fas and Fas ligand receptors (FasL), periapoptotic markers of gastric mucosa lymphocytes before and after H. pylori eradication. Forty nine patients aged 6 to 17 years, investigated due to chronic abdominal pain, were studied. The obtained tissue samples were analysed by immunohistochemistry. Different lymphocyte subsets were quantified on the basis of surface antigen expression (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20), secreted cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IFNgamma) and Fas and FasL proteins in the gastric mucosa. B and T helper lymphocytes were found to play a major role in the inflammatory infiltration in the gastric mucosa in children during H. pylori infection. Their expression was found to decrease after eradication. The enhanced expression of Fas receptor on lymphocytes before treatment and a decrease of this expression after eradication of H. pylori were shown. It was demonstrated that there is a correlation between CD4 and Fas receptor expression that may induce apoptosis of the helper lymphocytes in infected children.
Effect of insulin and glucose on adenosine metabolizing enzymes in human B lymphocytes.
Authors: Kocbuch Katarzyna , Sakowicz-Burkiewicz Monika , Grden Marzena , Szutowicz Andrzej , Pawelczyk Tadeusz
Published: March 2019

In diabetes several aspects of immunity are altered, including the immunomodulatory action of adenosine. Our study was undertaken to investigate the effect of different glucose and insulin concentrations on activities of adenosine metabolizing enzymes in human B lymphocytes line SKW 6.4. The activity of adenosine deaminase in the cytosolic fraction was very low and was not affected by different glucose concentration, but in the membrane fraction of cells cultured with 25 mM glucose it was decreased by about 35% comparing to the activity in cells maintained in 5 mM glucose, irrespective of insulin concentration. The activities of 5'-nucleotidase (5'-NT) and ecto-5'-NT in SKW 6.4 cells depended on insulin concentration, but not on glucose. Cells cultured with 10(-8) M insulin displayed an about 60% lower activity of cytosolic 5'-NT comparing to cells maintained at 10(-11) M insulin. The activity of ecto-5'-NT was decreased by about 70% in cells cultured with 10(-8) M insulin comparing to cells grown in 10(-11) M insulin. Neither insulin nor glucose had an effect on adenosine kinase (AK) activity in SKW 6.4 cells or in human B cells isolated from peripheral blood. The extracellular level of adenosine and inosine during accelerated catabolism of cellular ATP depended on glucose, but not on insulin concentration. Concluding, our study demonstrates that glucose and insulin differentially affect the activities of adenosine metabolizing enzymes in human B lymphocytes, but changes in those activities do not correlate with the adenosine level in cell media during accelerated ATP catabolism, implying that nucleoside transport is the primary factor determining the extracellular level of adenosine.
Inhibition of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase by 2-[2-nitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]-1,3-cyclohexanedione.
Authors: Molchanov Sergey , Gryff-Keller Adam
Published: March 2019

Triketone herbicides are inhibitors of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), a key enzyme of the tyrosine transformation pathway, common for plants and animals. One of these herbicides, 2-[2-nitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]-1,3-cyclohexanedione (NTBC), is so selective and efficient that it can be applied as a medicine in a hereditary metabolic disease - tyrosinemia type I. In this paper the available information concerning the molecular mechanism of HPPD inhibition by NTBC, originating from experimental investigations as well as theoretical modeling, has been collected. It is supplemented by results of additional theoretical DFT and/or MP2 calculations of the energetic effects of individual elementary molecular transformations. All these data are discussed and a consistent picture of HPPD inhibition by NTBC is proposed.
Staphylococcus aureus as an infectious agent: overview of biochemistry and molecular genetics of its pathogenicity.
Authors: Plata Konrad , Rosato Adriana E , Wegrzyn Grzegorz
Published: March 2019

Although it is estimated that 20-30% of the general human population are carriers of Staphylococcus aureus, this bacterium is one of the most important etiological agents responsible for healthcare-associated infections. The appearance of methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains has created serious therapeutical problems. Detailed understanding of the mechanisms of S. aureus infections seems necessary to develop new effective therapies against this pathogen. In this article, we present an overview of the biochemical and genetic mechanisms of pathogenicity of S. aureus strains. Virulence factors, organization of the genome and regulation of expression of genes involved in virulence, and mechanisms leading to methicilin resistance are presented and briefly discussed.
Measurement of functional independence level and falls-risk in individuals with undiagnosed phenylketonuria.
Authors: Mazur Artur , Jarochowicz Sabina , Ołtarzewski Mariusz , Sykut-Cegielska Jolanta , Kwolek Andrzej , O'Malley Grace
Published: March 2019

The aim of the study was to determine the level of functional independence in adult patients with previously undiagnosed or untreated phenylketonuria (PKU). The study was conducted among 400 intellectually impaired adult residents of Social Welfare Homes in South-Eastern Poland born prior to the introduction of neonatal PKU screening programs. PKU was screened by filter paper test using tandem mass spectrometry methods, and confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis of PKU organic acids in urine. Degree of functional independence included the assessment of activities of daily living (Barthel Index) and measures of balance and gait (Tinetti scale). Eleven individuals with previously untreated PKU were identified whereby eight presented with moderate disability and three with mild disability. Six had a high risk of falls and five had a moderate risk of falls. This study indicates that there is considerable number of undiagnosed PKU patients within the Polish population who require assessment and management in order to reduce the impact of the neurological and neuropsychiatric problems associated with the condition. Appropriate therapy for those with undiagnosed PKU should, in particular, address the risk of falls.
Small intestine bacterial overgrowth is frequent in cystic fibrosis: combined hydrogen and methane measurements are required for its detection.
Authors: Lisowska Aleksandra , Wójtowicz Jerzy , Walkowiak Jarosław
Published: March 2019

Hydrogen breath test (BT) is commonly used as a diagnostic tool for the detection of small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). It was reported that colonic methane production is far more frequent in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients than in other subjects. Therefore, measuring exclusively hydrogen in the diagnostic breath test for diagnosing SIBO might be of limited value. We aimed to assess the usefulness of combined measurement of hydrogen and methane expiration for the diagnosis of SIBO in CF.
The study comprised 62 CF patients aged 5 to 18 years. Three-hundred-ninety subjects assessed due to gastrointestinal symptoms for the presence of SIBO served as a comparative group. In all subjects hydrogen/methane BT using glucose was performed. A positive BT was defined as fasting hydrogen > or = 20 ppm or fasting methane > or = 10 ppm or a rise of > or = 12 ppm hydrogen or > or = 6 ppm methane over baseline during the test.
In 23 (37.1%) CF patients and in 52 (13.3%) subjects from the comparative group abnormal BT results were found. In seven (11.3%) CF patients and 29 (7.4%) of the other subjects studied methane measurement allowed diagnosis of SIBO.
Small intestine bacterial overgrowth is frequent in cystic fibrosis. For its detection in cystic fibrosis and other gastrointestinal patients, combined hydrogen and methane measurement instead of hydrogen breath test should be applied. Without the additional measurement of methane a significant percentage of SIBO will be missed.
Glutathione reductase activity correlates with concentration of extracellular matrix degradation products in synovial fluid from patients with joint diseases.
Authors: Sredzińska Krystyna , Galicka Anna , Porowska Halina , Sredziński Łukasz , Porowski Tadeusz , Popko Janusz
Published: March 2019

The mechanisms underlying cartilage matrix degradation in joint diseases is not fully understood but reactive oxygen species are implicated as main causative factors. Comparative studies of glutathione reductase (GR) activity in synovial fluid from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), reactive arthritis (ReA) and osteoarthritis (OA) as well as correlations between GR activity and concentration of the major cartilage components in synovial fluid are presented in this study. We found significantly higher activity of GR in RA (about three-fold) and ReA (about two-fold) than in OA. In RA and ReA patients, GR activity in synovial fluid correlates negatively with the concentrations of collagen and degradation products of sulfated glycosaminoglycans. In OA patients the activity of GR was significantly lower than in RA and ReA, which positively correlated with the concentration of collagen and showed a tendency for positive correlation with the degradation products of sulfated glycosaminoglycans. Our results suggest that in RA and ReA patients increased activity of GR does not prevent the increased degradation of collagen and proteoglycans by ROS.
Molecular cloning, expression and characterization of Bmserpin-2 gene from Bombyx mori.
Authors: Pan Ye , Xia Hengchuan , Lü Peng , Chen KePing , Yao Qin , Chen Huiqin , Gao Lu , He Yuanqing , Wang Lin
Published: March 2019

Serpins are a broadly distributed family of protease inhibitors. In this study, the gene encoding Bombyx mori serpin-2 (Bmserpin-2) was cloned and expressed in E. coli. The Bmserpin-2 cDNA contains a 1125 bp open reading frame (ORF). The deduced protein has 374 amino-acid residues, contains a conserved SERPIN domain and shares extensive homology with other invertebrate serpins. RT-PCR analysis showed that Bmserpin-2 was expressed in all developmental stages of B. mori larvae and various larval tissues. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that Bmserpin-2 protein was located in the cytoplasm. Interestingly, real-time quantitative PCR revealed that the expression of Bmserpin-2 in the midgut of susceptible B. mori strain 306 significantly increased at 72 hours post inoculation (hpi) when infected with BmNPV. However, there was no significant increase of the Bmserpin-2 expression in resistant strain NB infected with BmNPV. Thus, our data indicates that Bmserpin-2 may be involved in B. mori antiviral response.
Matrix metalloproteinases in serum of Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy patients.
Authors: Niebroj-Dobosz Irena , Madej-Pilarczyk Agnieszka , Marchel Michał , Sokołowska Beata , Hausmanowa-Petrusewicz Irena
Published: March 2019

In the pathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are supposed to be involved and may have diagnostic/prognostic value. Serum levels of MT1-MMP, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were quantified by ELISA and zymography in 22 EDMD patients and 15 age-matched controls. In the autosomal-dominant EDMD MMP-2 and MT1-MMP were increased in all cases, and MMP-9 was increased in two of the eight examined patients. In the X-linked EDMD MMP-2 expression was increased in all the cases, MMP-9 level was elevated in 3 of the 14 cases, and MT1-MMP was decreased in eight of these patients. There was no evident correlation between the MMPs level and the different cardiac parameters including left-ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left atrial diameter and left ventricular ejection fraction in either form of EDMD. The presented results indicate that a changed level of matrix metalloproteinases, especially that of MMP-2 in serum, may be of value for detection of cardiac involvement in EDMD patients, especially in those patients with no evident subjective cardiac symptoms. Further follow-up studies of MMPs are needed to check if their determination is of value for monitoring of the progression of atrial/ventricular dilatation. MMPs determinations may also be useful for monitoring DCM treatment by synthetic MMPs inhibitors.
Differential response of antioxidant enzymes to cadmium stress in tolerant and sensitive cell line of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).
Authors: Gzyl Jarosław , Rymer Katarzyna , Gwóźdź Edward A
Published: March 2019

Previously, a stable cell suspension of cucumber tolerant to 100 microM CdCl(2) was obtained (Gzyl & Gwóźdź, 2005, Plant Cell Tissue Organ Cult 80: 59-67). In this study, the relationship between the activity of antioxidant enzymes and cadmium tolerance of cucumber cells was analyzed. A cadmium-sensitive and the cadmium-tolerant cell lines were exposed to 100 microM and 200 microM CdCl(2) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APOX) and guaiacol peroxidase (POX) were determined. In the sensitive cell line, a decrease of total activity of SOD and POX was observed, whereas the activity of CAT and APOX significantly increased in metal-supplemented medium. By contrast, in the tolerant cells, the total activity of antioxidant enzymes decreased (SOD, CAT) or was maintained at approximately the same level (APOX, POX). Moreover, a different pattern of isoenzyme activity was observed in the tolerant and sensitive cells. These results suggest that an enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes is not directly involved in the increased tolerance to cadmium of the selected cucumber cell line.
The profile of ErbB/Her family genes copy number assessed by real-time PCR in parathyroid adenoma and hyperplasia associated with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism.
Authors: Bednarz Natalia , Błaut Krzysztof , Sworczak Krzysztof , Oseka Tomasz , Bielawski Krzysztof P
Published: March 2019

Hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is a relatively frequent endocrinopathy, however, the molecular mechanisms of its etiology remain poorly understood. This disorder is mainly associated with benign tumours (adenoma) and hyperplasia of the parathyroid, hence, the focus is directed also to genes that are likely to be involved in carcinogenesis. Among such genes are ErbB/Her family genes already used in diagnosis of other tumours (e.g., breast carcinoma) and reported also to play a role in development of endocrine lesions. So far, ErbB-1/Her-1/EGFR expression has been detected in pHPT-associated adenomas and hyperplasia as opposed to no expression in normal parathyroid tissue. Moreover, losses or gains of the fragments of chromosomes where ErbB/Her genes are located have been reported. In this study, the gene dosage of ErbB/Her family genes were determined for the first time in parathyroid adenomas, hyperplasia and morphologically unchanged tissue in order to establish their putative role in the development of the disease. Genomic DNA was isolated from 33 patients with sporadic hyperparathyroidism and the gene copy numbers were assessed using real-time PCR. The ErbB/Her genes' profile was unaltered in most of the examined samples. Two low-level amplifications of ErbB-1/Her-1/EGFR gene, two deletions of ErbB-2/Her-2, and six deletions of ErbB-4/Her-4 were found. The ErbB-3/Her-3 gene remained unaffected. No correlation with clinical parameters was found for any gene. Both the low number of alterations and a lack of their associations with clinical parameters exclude the prognostic value of the ErbB/Her genes family in parathyroid tumourigenesis. Nevertheless, the ErbB-4/Her-4 deletions seem to be interesting for further investigations, especially in the context of PTH secretion.
Chimeric protein ABRaA-VEGF121 is cytotoxic towards VEGFR-2-expressing PAE cells and inhibits B16-F10 melanoma growth.
Authors: Smagur Andrzej , Boyko Mariya M , Biront Nadiya V , Cichoń Tomasz , Szala Stanisław
Published: March 2019

It has been known that VEGF(121) isoform can serve as a carrier of therapeutic agents targeting tumor endothelial cells. We designed and constructed synthetic cDNA that encodes a chimeric protein comprising abrin-a (ABRaA) toxin A-chain and human VEGF(121). Expression of the ABRaA-VEGF(121) chimeric protein was carried out in E. coli strain BL21(DE3). ABRaA-VEGF(121) preparations were isolated from inclusion bodies, solubilized and purified by affinity and ion-exchanged chromatography (Ni-agarose and Q-Sepharose). Finaly, bacterial endotoxin was removed from the recombinant protein. Under non-reducing conditions, the recombinant protein migrates in polyacrylamide gel as two bands (about 84 kDa homodimer and about 42 kDa monomer). ABRaA-VEGF(121) is strongly cytotoxic towards PAE cells expressing VEGFR-2, as opposed to VEGFR-1 expressing or parental PAE cells. The latter are about 400 times less sensitive to the action of this fusion protein. The biological activity of the ABRaA domain forming part of the chimeric protein was assessed in vitro: ABRaA-VEGF(121) inhibited protein biosynthesis in a cell-free translation system. Preincubation of ABRaA-VEGF(121) with antibody neutralizing the biological activity of human VEGF abolished the cytotoxic effect of the chimeric protein in PAE/KDR cells. Experiments in vivo demonstrated that ABRaA-VEGF(121) inhibits growth of B16-F10 murine melanoma tumors.
N-myc downstream regulated 1 gene and its place in the cellular machinery.
Authors: Kitowska Agnieszka , Pawełczyk Tadeusz
Published: March 2019

The exact function of the protein product of N-myc downstream regulated 1 gene (NDRG1) is unclear. Depending on the tissue type the NDRG1 protein is localized in the cytoplasm, nucleus, mitochondrion or membranes. Moreover, the expression of NDRG1 may be altered by several factors such as hypoxia, heavy metals, DNA damage, hormones, oncogene, and tumor-suppressor genes. A number of studies emphasize the role of NDRG1 in cancerogenesis. Presumably NDRG1 participates in angiogenesis, metastases, and mechanisms leading to anti-cancer drug resistance. This review summarizes current knowledge about the NDRG1 gene and the position of NDRG1 protein in the cellular machinery. The role of NDRG1 in cancer pathogenesis and its possible usefulness as a prognostic factor for patients with cancer is also discussed.
Cloning and characterization of the yak gene coding for calpastatin and in silico analysis of its putative product.
Authors: Zhang Liping , Ma Binyun , Wu Jianping , Fei Chunhong , Yang Lian , Wan Hongling
Published: March 2019

The calcium-activated neutral proteases, mu- and m-calpain, along with their inhibitor, calpastatin, have been demonstrated to mediate a variety of Ca(2+)-dependent processes including signal transduction, cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, differentiation, apoptosis, membrane fusion, platelet activation and skeletal muscle protein degradation. The cDNA coding for yak calpastatin was amplified and cloned by RT-PCR to investigate and characterize the nucleotide/amino-acid sequence and to predict structure and function of the calpastatin. The present study suggests that the yak calpastatin gene encodes a protein of 786 amino acids that shares 99 % sequence identity with the amino-acid sequence of cattle calpastatin, and that the yak protein is composed of an N-terminal region (domains L and XL) and four repetitive homologous C-terminal domains (d1-d4), in which several prosite motifs are present including short peptide L54-64 (EVKPKEHTEPK in domain L) and GXXE/ DXTIPPXYR (in subdomain B), where X is a variable amino acid. Our results suggest the existence of other functional sites including potential phosphorylation sites for protein kinase C, cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinase, casein kinase II, as well as N-myristoylation and amidation sites that play an important role in molecular regulation of the calpain/calpastatin system. The regulation of the calpain/calpastatin system is determined by the interaction between dIV and dVI in calpains and subdomains A, B, and C in calpastatin.
Effect of alpha3beta1 and alphavbeta3 integrin glycosylation on interaction of melanoma cells with vitronectin.
Authors: Janik Marcelina E , Przybyło Małgorzata , Pocheć Ewa , Pokrywka Małgorzata , Lityńska Anna
Published: March 2019

The metastatic transformation of melanocytes is associated with altered expression of adhesion molecules, including alpha(v)beta(3) and alpha(3)beta(1) integrins. Integrin alpha(v)beta(3) is a primary vitronectin (VN) receptor, while both integrin types take part in adhesion to VN when they are in complex with uPAR. Although their role in melanoma cell interaction with VN is of great interest, the influence of N-oligosaccharides attached to these glycoproteins is still unappreciated. The present study assesses the role of alpha(v)beta(3) and alpha(3)beta(1) integrins and the influence of their glycosylation status on WM9 and WM239 metastatic melanoma cell interactions with VN. Cell adhesion to and migration on VN were selected as the studied cell behaviour parameters. Function-blocking antibodies and swainsonine (SW) treatment were used in these tests. Both cell lines interacted with VN in an integrin-mediated but cell-line-specific manner. In WM9 cells, migration was not completely inhibited by antibodies against alpha(3)beta(1) or alpha(v)beta(3) integrins, suggesting the participation of other VN receptors. In both cell lines in coprecipitation test the formation of an integrins/uPAR complex was shown. In the presence of SW formation of the complex did not occur, suggesting the participation of glycosylation in this process. Additionally, the adhesion properties of WM9 cells were changed after SW treatment. Our results suggest that in these two metastatic cell lines integrin-linked N-oligosaccharides influence the VN adhesion receptor activity and function.
Cystic fibrosis is a risk factor for celiac disease.
Authors: Walkowiak Jarosław , Blask-Osipa Anna , Lisowska Aleksandra , Oralewska Beata , Pogorzelski Andrzej , Cichy Wojciech , Sapiejka Ewa , Kowalska Mirosława , Korzon Michał , Szaflarska-Popławska Anna
Published: March 2019

The coexistence of cystic fibrosis (CF) and celiac disease (CD) has been reported. To our knowledge there is no study directly comparing the incidence of CD in CF patients to that in the general population at the same time. There is no published data on genetic predisposition to CD in CF patients either. Therefore, in the present study we aimed to assess the genetic predisposition to CD and its incidence in CF patients comparing it to data from the general population.
Two hundred eighty-two CF patients were enrolled in the study. In 230 CF patients the genetic predisposition to CD (the presence of HLA-DQ2/ DQ8) was assessed. In all CF patients, serological screening for CD was conducted. In patients with positive antiendomysial antibodies (EMA) gastroduenoscopy was offered. Intestinal histology was classified according to modified Marsh criteria. The results of serological CD screening in 3235 Polish schoolchildren and HLA-DQ typing in 200 healthy subjects (HS) were used for comparison.
Positive EMA was found in 2.84% of the studied CF patients. The incidence of proven CD was 2.13%. The incidence of CD as well as positive serological screening were significantly more frequent in the CF group than in the general population. The frequency of CD-related HLA-DQ alleles in CF and HS did not differ.
Genetic predisposition to celiac disease in cystic fibrosis patients is similar to that of the general population. However, our results suggest that cystic fibrosis is a risk factor for celiac disease development.
Effect of pentoxifylline on proteinuria, markers of tubular injury and oxidative stress in non-diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease - placebo controlled, randomized, cross-over study.
Authors: Renke Marcin , Tylicki Leszek , Rutkowski Przemysław , Knap Narcyz , Zietkiewicz Marcin , Neuwelt Alexander , Aleksandrowicz Ewa , Łysiak-Szydłowska Wiesława , Woźniak Michał , Rutkowski Bolesław
Published: March 2019

Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and/or angiotensin II subtype 1 receptor antagonists (ARB) is a common strategy used in the management of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there is no universal therapy that can stop progression of CKD. Pentoxifylline (PTE) is a non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor with anti-inflammatory properties. It has been reported to have promising effects in CKD treatment.
In a placebo-controlled, randomized, cross-over study we evaluated the influence of PTE (1200 mg/day) added to RAAS blockade on proteinuria, surrogate markers of tubular injury and oxidative stress-dependent products in 22 non-diabetic patients with proteinuria (0.4-4.3 g per 24 h) with normal or declined kidney function [eGFR 37-178 mL/min]. In an eight-week run-in period, therapy using ACEI and/or ARB was adjusted to achieve a blood pressure below 130/80 mm Hg. Next, patients were randomly assigned to one of two treatment sequences: PTE/washout/placebo or placebo/washout/PTE. Clinical evaluation and laboratory tests were performed at the randomization point and after each period of the study.
The PTE therapy reduced proteinuria (by 26%) as compared to placebo. There were no differences in alpha(1)-microglobulin, urine excretion of N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase (NAG), hsCRP, the urinary excretion of 15-F(2)t-isoprostane, blood pressure (BP), eGFR and serum creatinine between the PTE and placebo groups.
Pentoxifylline may decrease proteinuria in non-diabetic patients with CKD.