bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of intracellular and synaptic organization in cochlear inner hair cells revealed by 3D electron microscopy
Authors: Bullen Anwen , West Timothy , Moores Carolyn , Ashmore Jonathan , Fleck Roland A. , MacLellan-Gibson Kirsty , Forge Andrew
Published: June 2015

The ways in which cell architecture is modelled to meet cell function is a poorly understood facet of cell biology. To address this question, we have studied the cytoarchitecture of a cell with highly specialised organisation, the cochlear inner hair cell (IHC), using multiple hierarchies of 3D electron microscopy analyses. We show that synaptic terminal distribution on the IHC surface correlates with cell shape, and the distribution of a highly organised network of membranes and mitochondria encompassing the infranuclear region of the cell. This network is juxtaposed to a population of small vesicles and represents a potential new source of neurotransmitter vesicles for replenishment of the synapses. Structural linkages between organelles that underlie this organisation were identified by high resolution imaging. Together these results describe a cell-encompassing network of membranes and mitochondria present in IHCs which support efficient coding and transmission of auditory signals. Such techniques also have the potential for clarifying functionally specialised cytoarchitecture of other cell types.
Consumer Search and Double Marginalization
Authors: Janssen Maarten , Shelegia Sandro
Published: June 2015

The well-known double marginalization problem understates the inefficiencies arising from vertical relations in consumer search markets where consumers are uninformed about the wholesale prices charged by manufacturers to retailers. Consumer search provides a monopoly manufacturer with an additional incentive to increase its price, worsening the double marginalization problem and lowering the manufacturer's profits. Nevertheless, manufacturers in more competitive wholesale markets may not have an incentive to reveal their prices to consumers. We show that retail prices decrease in search cost, and so both industry profits and consumer surplus increase in search cost. (JEL D11, D42, D83, L12, L25, L60, L81)
Clientelism in Indian Villages
Authors: Anderson Siwan , Francois Patrick , Kotwal Ashok
Published: June 2015

We study the operation of local governments (Panchayats) in rural Maharashtra, India, using a survey that we designed for this end. Elections are freely contested, fairly tallied, highly participatory, non-coerced, and lead to appointment of representative politicians. However, beneath this veneer of ideal democracy we find evidence of deeply ingrained clientelist vote-trading structures maintained through extra-political means. Elite minorities undermine policies that would redistribute income toward the majority poor. We explore the means by which elites use their dominance of land ownership and traditional social superiority to achieve political control in light of successful majoritarian institutional reforms. (JEL D72, H23, I38, J15, O15, O17, O18)
On Early Election Calling
Authors: Viskulova Viktoriya
Published: June 2015

Every year the Russian Federation holds thousands of elections — primary, early, occasional, runoffs, etc. This article describes a great number of early election campaigns in Russia, reflects some discrepancies in the statistics, and also reveals some problems of an election process. The author touches upon the following points: 1) proves that early elections are called due to early termination of powers of the elected authorities and officials; 2) demonstrates a variety of the RF constituent entities’ legal approaches to determining of initiators of early election calling; 3) suggests an all-in-one approach to early election calling — by election committees. In her article the author uses statistical technique, comparative juridical and legal modelling methods. As a result the author proposes some amendments to the RF Federal Law “On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum”. The author assumes that it is the election committees that should call for early elections, and not the elected public authorities or local governments.
Legal Methodology for Evaluating Educational Institutions in the Russian Federation
Authors: Yeryemina Olga
Published: June 2015

The nationwide trend of improving public authorities’ efficiency has put the education system under new performance conditions — commitment of educational institutions to improve their efficiency. The article describes methodological aspects of evaluating educational organizations, identifies components of evaluation activities’ logical structure. The main emphasis is on legal mediation of educational organizations’ appraisal. The author examines legal basis of educational organizations’ appraisal, highlights types of documents on issues relating to quality appraisal and performance evaluation of educational organizations. The author analyzes both the federal regulatory level, and regional, municipal, and local levels of the regulatory impact. The author notes key legal problems of the emerging system of educational institutions’ performance evaluation at various levels of public authority. The author considers some negative consequences of the introduction of the system of educational organizations’ performance appraisal.
Phase Portrait of Single-Channel Ecg in Asseessment of Functional Reserves of Cardiovascular System
Authors: Минина  , Minina E. , Файнзильберг  , Faynzilberg L.
Published: June 2015

To study and simulate of dynamic behavior of complex biomedical systems the methods of chaos theory and synergetics are used. These methods provide an opportunity to adequately disclose and analyze the mechanisms the functioning of a living com-plex system, considering the phase trajectory in the state space. When various approaches to the study of the behavior of biological systems in phase space, can "produce" separate diagnostic characteristics that didn’t duplicated by other methods of analysis, and complement each other.

Found that the original features of the phase portrait of single-channel ECG device that can be computed by appliance "FAZAGRAF®" with finger electrodes have an additional diagnostic value in quantifying the level of functional reserves of the cardiovascular system, and also have practical significance in the differential diagnosis of functional status and reserves cardiovascular system in different populations in screening studies in clinical practice and sports medicine.

It was found that the original characteristics of the phase portrait single-channel ECG: βT, STR, αQRS and σQRS, and significantly different in the groups with different levels of functional reserves of the cardiovascular system and have additional diagnostic value. Dynamics of changes in the characteristics of the phase portrait single channel ECG with stepwise increasing load quantitatively reflects the differences in the level of functional reserves and orientation of compensatory and adaptive processes.
Method of Diagnostics the Severity Level of Degenerative and Dystrophic Disease of the Spine in the Patients
Authors: Жлоба  , Zhloba A. , Никитина  , Nikitina V. , Баранцевич  , Barantsevich E.
Published: June 2015

Diagnostic research can be used to diagnose the severity level of degenerative and dystrophic disease of the spine (DSP) in the patients. The authors analyzed the results of the examination of 60 patients suffering from DSP. Inclusion criteria patients in the study were that they have verified DSP. Diagnoses of diseases in the patients were clinically verified and by means of neuro-imaging methods: X-ray study of the spine and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine. Criterion for exclusion from the study was the absence of DSP. The age of the patients of the 1st group was 61,1±8,3 years, the age of the patients of the 2nd group 2 was 58,1±10,9 years. Method to diagnose the severity of the current verified DSP in patients differs in that the discriminant function D. was calculated using discriminant analysis. If the value of D>0, then the patients have DSP with diskogenic disorders, if D<0 – the patients have DSP without hernia formations of intervertebral disks. Discriminant function: D=6,029×P+0,292×G-3,709×psevdoparal+0,088×ascending-0,691×TT+2,550×CDBVofVBP+1,537×HDL-4,9. Neurological study of the patients with DSP is insufficient for the study of pathogenetic mechanisms of formation of neurological disorders. A great role in patients with these diseases plays the formation of violations of production of antioxidants, hypercholesterolemia, coagulographic disorders of the blood plasma.
Pharmacological Modulation of Compensatory Mechanisms Energy Metabolism in the Brain of Prenatal Alcoholic Animals
Authors: Соколик  , Sokolik E. , Егоров  , Egorov A.
Published: June 2015

The studies have shown that drinking alcohol by woman during pregnancy can lead not only to a full fetal alcohol syndrome, but also causes less severe dysmorphic, cognitive and behavioral disordersl, i.e. fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, leads to low birth weight, fetal death, and other complications of pregnancy.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of neuroprotective drugs tiocetam, cerebrocurin and piracetam on the marks of thin elements of energy metabolism and compensatory shunts in the brain of animals early age undergoing prenatal alcoholism.

In pregnant rats with alcoholism were found neuroprotective and nootropic effects of cerebrocurin and tiocetam after parenterally administered to newborn animals for a period of 25 days. The above drugs have a beneficial effect on the main elements of the energy metabolism on the neonatal brain.

On the severity of mitoprotective and energotropic mechanisms of neuroprotective action, aimed at reducing the negative impact of alcohol on the progeny, tiocetam and cerebrocurin far exceed basic nootropic drug piracetam.
Molecular-Epidemiological Monitoring of Strains of Streptococcus Pneumoniae Isolated from Elderly Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Чулакова  , Chulakova O. , Балабанова  , Balabanova L. , Мартынова  , Martynova A. , Шепарев  , Sheparev A.
Published: June 2015

Community-acquired pneumonias in the elderly patients are the significant epidemiological problem for the public health of almost all countries. Especially urgent is the problem of microbiological and epidemiological monitoring for the S.pneumoniae strains as one of the ubiquitary pathogens, causing the community-acquired pneumonias and the other respiratory tract infections of various severities, what is determined by their different epidemiological significance.

Multiloci sequesterant is a promising method of molecular-epidemiological monitoring, identifying epidemically dangerous clones such ubiquitaria of the pathogen as S.pneumoniae.

The purpose of this research was to carry out the multilocus sequence typing of strains of pneumococcus isolated in the elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonias, bronchitis. Materials and methods were 14 strains of S.pneumoniae, isolated in patients with community-acquired pneumonias (7 of them – multiresistant), 8 strains were isolated from the patients with the chronic pulmonary obstructive diseases and 4 strains – from carriers of activators. Multilocus sequence typing was carried out according to method of M.C. Enright and B. G. Spratt (1998). Results: all strains, isolated in all populations were the related isolates of the species Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most of them (18 of 26) have a unique genotype, determining the presence of one sequence-type for each strain. From 14 strains, isolated from the elderly with community-acquired pneumonia, 6 were related to the profile Taiwan 19F-14. Among strains isolated from the patients with COPD, the prevalence of any genotype wasn’t identified. Conclusion: multilocus sequence typing allows to identify the new genotypes and to predict the appearing of epidemiologically dangerous strains with new proprieties.
AMPA Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors Pathogenesis Symptomatic Epilepsy in Gliomas of the Cerebral Hemispheres
Authors: Костюкевич  , Kostyukevich A. , Очколяс  , Ochkolyas V. , Скоромец  , Skoromets A. , Гурчин  , Gurchin A.
Published: June 2015

The purpose of the research is to study the role of AMPA receptors of glutamate in the mechanisms of the development of epi-lepsy in the patients with gliomas of the big hemispheres of a brain. Materials and methods: 92 patients with gliomas of the big hemispheres of a brain have been examined. Immune enzyme method of semi-quantitative determination of the level of auto-antibodies to NR2A subunit of NMDA and GluR1 subunit of AMPA receptors of glutamate was used. Results: The frequency and clinical features of symptomatic epilepsy have been studied. The reaction of NMDA and of AMPA receptors of glutamate depending on localization and degree of malignance and features of clinical course of the disease, have been examined. Conclusion: A high-technology of patho-morphological research of brain tumors made in recent years has revealed that glial tumors start releasing glutamate by themselves, as their anaplasia level increases, which causes exitotoxical effect in anatomical lines of peritumoral area. Such blastomastoma growth features form specificity of clinical aspect of disease, including epileptic syndrome. It is shown dominative increase the level of auto-antibodies to GluR1 subunit of AMPA receptors of glutamate in the patients with gliomas, current with epileptic syndrome. Under the effect of the tumor on the frontal and temporal share the maximum level of autoantibodies, mainly to GluR1 subunit of AMPA receptors of glutamate is registered.
Long-Term Results of Conservative Treatment of Osteomyelitis Spine
Authors: Веретельникова  , Veretelnikova I. , Носков  , Noskov V. , Стариков  , Starikov T. , Гатин  , Gatin V. , Ардашев  , Ardashev I. , Петрова  , Petrova O.
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study was to analyze long-term results of conservative treatment of patients with osteomyelitis of the spine. The authors examined 135 patients with osteomyelitis of the spine. Conservative treatment was made in 67 (50%) patients, other patients was carried out surgical treatment. Indications for treatment included: early diagnosis of the disease, the absence of sig-nificant lesions destruction of vertebral bodies, neurological complications, the presence of comorbidity and organ failure. The complex conservative treatment consisted of: antibacterial and detoxification therapies, orthopedic immobilization, immune-corrective and tonic medicines. In the preoperative and long-term period (time from 1 year to 15 years after surgery) the clinical, paraclinical, radiation methods and classification developed by Frankel H.L.et al (1969) were used for evaluation of neurological disorders. Long-term results included assessment of pain on VAS and quality of life questionnaire developed by Oswestry and SF-36. For statistical analysis of the material was used the software package Statistica 6.1 (license agreement BXXR006B092218FAN11). Long-term clinical, laboratory and x-ray methods didn’t shown recurrence of the disease. In 16 patients with neurological complications after treatment, regression of neurological symptoms was revealed. Pains in the spine, associated with symptoms of degenerative disc disease without neurological deficit, were established in some patients. At most patients the presence of spontaneous fibrous or bone block is marked at the level of former inflammatory process with symptoms of degenerative disc disease in the lower divisions. All patients returned to their previous jobs in terms from 6 to 12 months after the treatment. Thus, the authors concluded that conservative treatment of the patients with osteomyelitis of the spine is defensible, harmless and effective method in particular indicated cases.
Modern Views on Surgical Anatomy of the Inguinal Canal at the Inguinal Hernias
Authors: Любых  , Lyubykh E. , Черных  , Chernykh A. , Закурдаев  , Zakurdaev E.
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this work is to study surgical anatomy in the patients with inguinal hernias of various kinds. Material. This work is performed on 41 corpses with inguinal hernias. Topographic and anatomical dissection of the inguinal canal with measurement of the linear parameters of anatomical structures, histological examination of specimens of the internal oblique abdominal muscles, the transverse fascia of the abdomen were carried out. Results. The authors have studied the structure of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal in the patients with oblique, direct, supravesical and inguinal-scrotal hernias. At persons with direct and supravesical inguinal hernias, a deformation is observed, mainly, in the medial inguinal fossa and supravesical fossa, showing great value inguinal gap, bland crescent aponeurosis, thinning of the transverse fascia of the abdomen. Increase of deep inguinal rings is observed in persons with oblique inguinal hernias. Dystrophy of abdominal muscles has always with inguinal hernias, and it is pronounced in the patients with inguinal-scrotal hernias. Conclusions. At surgical treatment of patients with direct inguinal hernias it is necessary to carry out correction of a posterior wall of the inguinal canal, in the patients with oblique inguinal hernias the anterior wall of the inguinal canal has to be surely restored. In the application of mesh materials in patients with large inguinal hernias, the results of treatment are doomed to fail, because the endoprosthesis only closes hernial wall that when failure of muscle function will clearly increase.
Oxibiotic Cytotoxicity of Neutrophils of Peripheral Blood after the Polychemotherapy at the Cancer Ovarian
Authors: Генинг  , Gening S. , Пирмамедова  , Pirmamedova S. , Насырова  , Nasyrova E. , Антонеева  , Antoneeva Inna , Генинг  , Gening Tatyana , Абакумова  , Abakumova Tatyana , Мясникова  , Myasnikova D.
Published: June 2015

For the purpose of an assessment of influence of chemotherapy by САР scheme on aerobiotic cytotoxicity in neutrophils of peripheral blood of 43 primary patients with cancer ovarian at the III-IV clinical stages on FIGO the level myeloperoxidase and activity in the spontaneous NST-test was determined. Cages were allocated from a blue blood on a double gradient fikoll-urografin (ρ = 1,117 and 1,077 g/ml). Comparison of the quantitative variables corresponding to normal distribution was carried out by means of Student´s test. Results are presented in the form of average cytochemical coefficient. The patients passable inspection and treatment in Ulyanovsk in regional clinical oncological clinic, received a polychemotherapy course, according to САР scheme. Indicators of aerobiotic cytotoxicity, absolute and relative quantity of neutrophils of peripheral blood were defined till 3 days after introduction of chemotherapeutic agent. As a result of the conducted researches it is established that in the patients at the IV clinical stage on FIGO the increased to polychemotherapy absolute and relative quantity of neutrophils decreases and practically the indicators characterizing aerobiotic cytotoxicity don´t change. In the patients at the III stage of a cancer ovarian on FIGO increase of absolute and relative quantity of neutrophils at simultaneous decrease in indicators myeloperoxidase and NST-test takes place. The obtained data testify to need of individual monitoring of reactivity of neutrophils at suffering from cancer ovaries at the III-rd stage of a disease after the first course of polychemotherapy according to CAP scheme.
The Role of Normobaric Hypoxic Therapy in the Formation of an Adequate Individual Style of Activity of Preschool Children
Authors: Сязина  , Syazina N. Yu. , Франтасова  , Frantasova E.
Published: June 2015

A pilot study to assess the effects of normobaric therapy on the formation of an adequate individual style of activity for preschool children was carried out. In this study, 35 preschool children with neuropsychological disorders, including 18 boys and 17 girls, took part. The survey was carried out using the apparatus "Aquatimer". The results of the study allowed the authors to conclude: intermittent therapy used in the rehabilitation process, can affect the physiological status of the preschool child and bioelectric activity of the brain. Indicators of emotional state, as well as the indicator of their functional asymmetry are of great diagnostic value, because the function of each hemisphere has its own specifics, which affects any human activity. The results of the research can be used not only psychologists, but also by teachers to diagnose emotional development of children, the reasons for their broken social adaptation and conflict.

Knowledge about the relationship between emotional state and the presence of functional asymmetry of the cerebral hemispheres allows to more accurately diagnose and correct communication characteristics of preschoolers with their peers, improve their socialization process and to widen the sphere of our influence on this process.
Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields with a Frequency of 5 HZ on Biochemical Indices of Blood in the Wistar Rats
Authors: Алиева  , Alieva D.O. , Савин  , Savin Eugene , Субботина  , Subbotina Tatyana , Яшин  , Yashin A.
Published: June 2015

Biological effect of electromagnetic fields on an organism of persons and animals were investigated quite a lot. The observed effects, if they occur, are still unclear and difficult to determine, therefore, this issue remains relevant. Recently many sources of electromagnetic radiations work in a pulse mode. From all variety of electromagnetic fields most biologically active are considered the pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF). According to some information the impulse of radical categories can exceed 3 kW/m, but in their study it is necessary to consider a variety of parameters defining the bioeffects and to predict the consequences of influences of ubiquitous EMF. The experimental results received by authors for the last year, devoted to study of biochemical indicators of blood in the rats at the effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields were systematized and analyzed in this paper. PEMF effect was carried out with a frequency of 5 Hz. 5 in the sessions of PEMF for 30 minutes per each within four weeks. The obtained data are mathematically processed. The results of comparison of these data with control group of indicators allowed to revealing the pathological changes at PEMF impact with a frequency of 5 Hz on blood in the rats.
The Control Unit Loads for the Preparation of the Teeth
Authors: Шемонаев  , Shemonaev V. , Моторкина  , Motorkina T. , Пархоменко  , Parkhomenko A. , Кормилицин  , Kormilitsin S.
Published: June 2015

Work abrasive dental rotary tool is associated with tissue damage teeth. In case of non-observance of the thermal mode of preparation, it is possible the development traumatic pulpitis and violation of the local structure of hard tissues. To reduce unwanted consequences of preparation of teeth is mandatory, subject to such rules as the conduct of a stage of preparation of water-air cooling, the correct selection tool to perform certain tasks, the use of qualitative new tools, etc. One of the recommendations which aim to reduce the undesirable effects of preparation of hard tooth tissues, is to limit the load on the tool. In the available literature found research dedicated to finding the optimal values load on the tool preparation. It is believed that the load on the tool preparation to be about 20 g. At various times, the authors developed several devices designed to bring the power supply dental rotary tool to the recommended values. However, in the available literature hasn’t been met mention of using the proposed device. Thus, the problem of control load preparation remains unresolved. The authors developed a device that allows for preparation of teeth with preset effort. The article provides a technical description of the proposed device.
The Analysis of the Dynamics and the Structure of Mental Disorders in the Republic of Mordovia
Authors: Подсеваткин  , Podsevatkin D. , Подсеваткин  , Podsevatkin V. , Подсеваткина  , Podsevatkina S. , Блинов  , Blinov Dmitry , Кирюхина  , Kiryukhina S.
Published: June 2015

This article presents the analysis of the dynamics of primary morbidity and prevalence of psychic disorders among the adult and children´s population of the Republic of Mordovia, according to registration form № 12 “Information about diseases, registered on the territory medical service organization" and to registration form № 30, "Information on the activities of the hospital". The list of possible causes and regularities of the dynamics of mental morbidity was identified. It is established that the level of mental disorders of non-psychotic character from 2007 to 2011, is higher by 1.5 times in the region than the average for the Russian Federation. There are breaches of the principle of continuity of outpatient and inpatient psychiatric services. The number of patients with first time diagnosed mental illness, taken on clinical supervision in the Republic of Mordovia, is lower by 2 times than in Russia on average. The authors note that the high level of neurotic in the region indicates a social determinism of non-psychotic mental disorders.
Analgesia in the Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndrome (Litterature Review)
Authors: Иванов  , Ivanov D. , Корниенко  , Kornienko E.
Published: June 2015

Coronary arteries disease and its complications are the most frequent causes of death among people all over the world. Spasm and thrombosis of the coronary arteries are the main pathogeous causes of severe complications. The present review is devoted to the actual problem of increasing the effectiveness of conservative treatment of patients with ischemic heart disease by means of various methods of anesthesia. Modern concepts of the pathophysiology of coronary arteries disease, in particular, mechanism of pain, presented in the current views on the state of analgesia in cardiology, are described. The authors made analysis available today drugs used in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome and myocardial infarction. The action mechanisms of drugs from the point of view of clinical pathophysiology are presented. The authors identified advantages and side-effects of several drugs groups. The possibilities of using thoracic epidural anesthesia for care coronary heart disease, the mechanism of action of epidural anesthesia, clinical features, its anti-ischemic effect on the myocardium, the effect on the hemodynamics are described in details. Possible side effects and complications that the doctors encountered in medical practice and ways of their correction are described. In conclusion, the authors emphasize the perspective of wide practical use of epidural analgesia using local anesthetics and narcotic analgesics in cardiac patients.
Infectious Mononucleosis: Etiological Factors, Diagnosis and Treatment Problems
Authors: Тюняева  , Tyunyaeva N. , Софронова  , Sofronova L.
Published: June 2015

The present review examines the modern view on the problem of infectious mononucleosis. It is noted that this disease is a polyetiological entity and is usually caused by various lymphotropic infections that are often representatives of the Негреsviridae family. Etiological factors, pathogenesis, and the most typical clinical manifestations are described. Clinical and laboratory features depending on the type of pathogen are presented. Differential diagnosis complications are discussed. The authors present comparative analysis of different approaches to this issue reported by other investigators. The authors have made the following conclusions: 1. Infectious mononucleosis presents a variety of clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic to life-threatening, can have a chronic course and form a contingent of sickly children. 2. On the basis of using only routine clinical and laboratory methods of examination, it doesn’t always possible to diagnose the disease. 3. Today there is no single opinion about the treatment infectious mononucleosis, are clearly not designed clinical examination doesn’t clearly developed. 4. Currently, there is no doubt as to the urgency of the threat of infectious mononucleosis in pediatric practice and the need for more detailed study.
Update on smoking cessation medications
Authors: Attar-Zadeh Darush
Published: June 2015

There are many pharmacotherapies available to aid smoking cessation. Practice nurses should ensure they are up to date on these options
Travelling safely on cruises
Authors: Brewer Catherine
Published: June 2015

Cruise ships are prone to outbreaks of infectious disease and it is important that patients are aware of how to protect themselves
Complex Biological Profile of Hematologic Markers across Pediatric, Adult, and Geriatric Ages: Establishment of Robust Pediatric and Adult Reference Intervals on the Basis of the Canadian Health Measures Survey
Authors: Adeli Khosrow , Raizman Joshua E , Chen Yunqi , Higgins Victoria , Nieuwesteeg Michelle , Abdelhaleem Mohamed , Wong Suzy L , Blais David
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

In a collaboration between the Canadian Laboratory Initiative on Pediatric Reference Intervals (CALIPER) and the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), we determined reference value distributions using an a priori approach and created a comprehensive database of age- and sex-stratified reference intervals for clinically relevant hematologic parameters in a large household population of children and adults.

METHODS

The CHMS collected data and blood samples from 11 999 respondents aged 3–79 years. Hematology markers were measured with either the Beckman Coulter HmX or Siemens Sysmex CA-500 Series analyzers. After applying exclusion criteria and removing outliers, we determined statistically relevant age and sex partitions and calculated reference intervals, including 90% CIs, according to CSLI C28-A3 guidelines.

RESULTS

Hematology marker values showed dynamic changes from childhood into adulthood as well as between sexes, necessitating distinct partitions throughout life. Most age partitions were necessary during childhood, reflecting the hematologic changes that occur during growth and development. Hemoglobin, red blood cell count, hematocrit, and indices (mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) increased with age, but females had lower hemoglobin and hematocrit starting at puberty. Platelet count gradually decreased with age and required multiple sex partitions during adolescence and adulthood. White blood cell count remained relatively constant over life, whereas fibrinogen increased slightly, requiring distinct age and sex partitions.

CONCLUSIONS

The robust dataset generated in this study has allowed observation of dynamic biological profiles of several hematology markers and the establishment of comprehensive age- and sex-specific reference intervals that may contribute to accurate monitoring of pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients.
DRAFT MODEL FOR CREATING A FINANCIAL INDICATORS OF BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Authors: Strelcova Iveta
Published: June 2015

The paper deals with a problem of developing, defining and applying budgetary indicators of engineering constructions, and particularly bridges. It is a draft of a Model for development of budgetary indicators of bridge construction in the pre-investment phase of a project. It could, according to classification and evaluation in terms of criteria and search for the most accurate valuation unit of complex structures such as bridge construction, serve investors and public administration authorities for rapid investment planning and professional control of completed buildings. Such a unique tool has never been developed in the Czech Republic so far.Bridges as buildings complement any landscape and in the outer parts of cities, they often establish a viewpoint. They belong among important parts of any highway or expressway. Without them, it would be impossible to establish grade-separated crossings with other roads - roads, railway lines or sections of rivers. They are also important in overcoming obstacles of natural and artificial character such as deep valleys, lakes, or steep mountainsides.The aim of the paper is to analyse a current state of the valuation of bridges and the subsequent establishment and validation of the Model for the development of budgetary indicators of the bridge construction.
DETECTION OF NONSTATIONARITIES OF SEVERAL SMALL CZECH RIVERS BY STATISTICAL METHODS
Authors: Jarušková Daniela , Horáková Hana , Satrapa Ladislav
Published: June 2015

The paper presents some results of a research devoted to a statistical analysis of discharges in pilot catchments in the Czech Republic with the aim to detect changes in their stochastic behaviour that might be caused by climate changes. The nonstandard statistical methods are applied to detect changes in annual means as well as in seasonal behaviour of runoffs series.
Education of Older People for Combating Their Loneliness
Authors: Goriup Jana , Čagran Branka , Krošl Katja
Published: June 2015

The article discusses education of older people for combating their loneliness, the reasons for it, and its consequences. The current theoretical findings were the reason for the empirical study of the research problem by the authors. In the empirical part, some aspects of the life of older people regarding their residences were compared: among older people living with their relatives, alone, with a partner, or in a retirement home, with special regard to the reasons/causes for residence, and the feeling of loneliness and contacts with relatives. The obtained empirical results showed that older people living alone or in a retirement home are in a worse position compared to those living with relatives or with a partner. The most at risk are older people living alone.
(Re)Claiming Voices: Digital Storytelling and Second Language Learners
Authors: Grigsby Yurimi , Theard-Griggs Carolyn , Lilly Christopher
Published: June 2015

With almost five million English language learners in the United States, digital storytelling is increasingly being used in second language learning classrooms. As a teaching and learning strategy, digital storytelling can promote critical thinking, connect new content with prior knowledge, enhance memory, and foster confidence and motivation for learning. Digital stories possess unique narrative qualities that often center on identity negotiation and the ways culturally and linguistically diverse students make meaning out of their lives. Fostering hands-on, active learning, digital storytelling is an interactive way to include culturally and linguistically diverse students’ voices in a curriculum that may not easily represent them. Practical implementation of digital storytelling is included.
Magnesium alloys for vascular stents: the biological bases
Authors: Castiglioni Sara , Maier Jeanette A.M.
Published: June 2015

Bioabsorbable vascular stents in magnesium alloys provide an attractive alternative to standard stainless steel metal stents, because of their adequate radial force, high biocompatibility, low thrombogenicity and intrinsic dissolution in body fluids. Since magnesium is the major component of the alloys, high concentrations of this element can be achieved in the local microenvironment as a results of corrosion. Magnesium is known to grant cardiovascular protection and to be beneficial for the cells of the vascular wall. This review summarizes present knowledge about the effects of high magnesium levels on smooth muscle and endothelial cells.
Lipoxin A4 methyl ester alleviates vascular cognition impairment by regulating the expression of proteins related to autophagy and ER stress in the rat hippocampus
Authors: Jia Yanqiu , Jin Wei , Xiao Yining , Dong Yanhong , Wang Tianjun , Fan Mingyue , Xu Jing , Meng Nan , Li Ling , Lv Peiyuan
Published: June 2015

Since autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress mechanisms are involved in some neurodegenerative and cerebral vascular diseases, we suspected that similar mechanisms might participate in vascular cognitive impairments induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Lipoxin A
Convergence to equilibrium of gradient flows defined on planar curves
Authors: Novaga Matteo , Okabe Shinya
Published: June 2015

We consider the evolution of open planar curves by the steepest descent flow of a geometric functional,
with different boundary conditions.
We prove that, if any set of stationary solutions with fixed energy is finite,
then a solution of the flow converges to a stationary solution as time goes to infinity.
We also present a few applications of this result.
9α-hydroxyparthenolide in Zoegea leptaurea subsp. mesopotamica (Czerep.) Rech. (Asteraceae)
Authors: Nawrot Joanna , Dawid-Pać Renata , Kaczerowska-Pietrzak Kinga , Urbańska Maria , Nowak Gerard
Published: June 2015

From the aerial parts of Zoegea leptaurea subsp. mesopotamica (Czerep.) Rech. (syn Zoegea mesopotamica Czerep.), 9α-hydroxyparthenolide was isolated. This compound was identified by spectral methods (1H NMR and 13C NMR). This research confirmed earlier indications about the presence of 4,5-epoxygermacranolides in the Zoegea L. genus. Thus, distinctive chemistry feature of plants in this taxon has chemotaxonomic implications.
Oil yield and fatty acid profile of seeds of three Salvia species. A comparative study
Authors: Ben Farhat Mouna , Chaouch -Hamada Rym , Landoulsi Ahmed
Published: June 2015

A comparative study of the oil yield and fatty acid composition of three Salvia species seeds collected in different locations has been conducted. Seed oil extraction was made using a Soxhlet-extractor and fatty acid analysis was undertaken using a GC-FID. The effect of the collecting site on oil yield, as well as the content of individual fatty acid and total fatty acid and fatty acid content was significant. Seed oil yield varied from 14.94 to 22.83% and the total fatty acids ranged from 67.36 to 82.49 mg/g DW. α-Linolenic (24.02-49.19%), linoleic (20.13-42.88%), oleic (12.97-17.81%) and palmitic (8.37-16.63%) acids were the most abundant fatty acids in all analyzed samples. α-Linolenic acid was found to be the major fatty acid in S. verbenaca and S. officinalis species, however, S. aegyptiaca was characterized by the prevalence of linoleic acid. Among the unsaturated fatty acids, which were represented in all samples in high amounts (78.16-89.34%), the polyunsaturated fatty acids (α-linolenic and linoleic acids) showed important levels ranging from 63.09 to 74.71%. Seeds of S. verbenaca were the richest in polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Psychoactive plants used in designer drugs as a threat to public health
Authors: Rondzisty Agnieszka , Dziekan Karolina , Kowalska Aleksandra
Published: June 2015

Based on epidemiologic surveys conducted in 2007-2013, an increase in the consumption of psychoactive substances has been observed. This growth is noticeable in Europe and in Poland. With the ‘designer drugs’ launch on the market, which ingredients were not placed on the list of controlled substances in the Misuse of Drugs Act, a rise in the number and diversity of psychoactive agents and mixtures was noticed, used to achieve a different state of mind. Thus, the threat to the health and lives of people who use them has grown. In this paper, the authors describe the phenomenon of the use of plant psychoactive substances, paying attention to young people who experiment with new narcotics. This article also discusses the mode of action and side effects of plant materials proscribed under the Misuse of Drugs Act in Poland.
Extracellular matrix in obesity – cancer interactions
Authors: Barreto Stephany C. , Hopkins Christina A. , Bhowmick Meghnad , Ray Amitabha
Published: June 2015

Obesity or overweight is a risk factor for several health disorders such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers. Furthermore, obesity affects almost all body systems including the extracellular matrix (ECM) by generating a pro-inflammatory environment, which are associated with abnormal secretions of several cytokines or hormonal substances, for example, insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), leptin, and sex hormones. These chemical mediators most likely have a great impact on the ECM. Accumulating evidence suggests that both obesity and ECM can influence tumor growth and progression through a number of chemical mediators. Conversely, cells in the connective tissue, namely fibroblasts and macrophages, support and aggravate the inflammatory situation in obesity by releasing several cytokines or growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). A wide range of functions are performed by TGF-β in normal health and pathological conditions including tumorigenesis. Breast cancer in postmenopausal women is a classic example of obesity-related cancer wherein several of these conditions, for example, higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, impairment in the regulation of estrogen and growth factors, and dysregulation of different ECM components may favor the neoplastic process. Aberrant expressions of ECM components such as matrix metalloproteinases or matricellular proteins in both obesity and cancer have been reported by many studies. Nonstructural matricellular proteins, viz., thrombospondins, secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), and Cyr61-CTGF-Nov (CCN), which function as modulators of cell-ECM interactions, exhibit protean behavior in cancer. Precise understanding of ECM biology can provide potential therapeutic targets to combat obesity-related pathologies.
The direct and indirect effects of corticosterone and primary adipose tissue on MCF7 breast cancer cell cycle progression
Authors: Shpilberg Yaniv , Connor Michael K. , Riddell Michael C.
Published: June 2015

Background: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. Glucocorticoids (GCs) have the potential to directly affect breast cancer or indirectly via changes to the tumor growth microenvironment a breast cancer is exposed to. The role of GCs in breast cancer progression by direct and indirect means are not fully understood.

Aim: To study the direct and indirect effects of GCs on breast cancer cell cycle regulation.

Methods: MCF7 breast cancer cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of corticosterone (CORT) to investigate the direct effects. In addition, MCF7 cells were cultured in conditioned media (CM) from primary adipose tissue excised from CORT-supplemented lean and obese male rats.

Results: CORT alone resulted in dose-dependent increases in p27 and hypophosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (Rb) which was accompanied by a reduction in the number of cells in S-phase. CM prepared from adipose tissue overrode these direct CORT effects, suggesting that the tumor growth microenvironment created in the CM dominates MCF7 cell cycle regulation.

Conclusions: The direct inhibitory effects of CORT on cancer cell cycle progression are largely limited by the hormone’s effects on adipose tissue biology.
Obesity and hypogonadism are associated with an increased risk of predominant Gleason 4 pattern on radical prostatectomy specimen
Authors: Neuzillet Yann , Raynaud Jean-Pierre , Lebret Thierry , Pichon Audrey , Radulescu Camelia , Molinie Vincent , Botto Henry
Published: June 2015

Purpose: To compare histological features of prostate cancer according to both obesity, defined by a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2, and androgenic status in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy.

Materials and methods: Between March 2007 and September 2013, clinical, pathological and biological data were prospectively collected for patients referred for radical prostatectomy in a single European center. Preoperative total testosterone (TT) and bioavailable testosterone (bioT) serum determinations were performed. The threshold for hypogonadism was set at TT <3 ng/mL. The preoperative PSA value was registered. Gleason score (GS) and predominant Gleason pattern (PrdGP) were determined in prostate tissue specimens, and crosschecked by two uro-pathologists. Statistical analyzes were done for PrdGP4 risk assessment.

Results: A total of 937 consecutive patients were included. One hundred and thirty-five filled the criterion for obesity (14.4%), out of which 42 had TT <3 ng/mL (31.1%), while in non-obese patients, only 97 had TT <3 ng/mL (12.0%). In prostate specimens, mean GS was 6.8±0.5: 291 patients (31.1%) had a PrdGP4. The incidence of PrdGP4 was higher (p<0.001) in the 135 obese patients [50% when hypogonadal (p<0.02) or 42% when eugonadal (p<0.005)] than in non-obese patients (28.9% and 27.1%, respectively). In multivariable analyzis for PrdGP4 risk, obesity, TT <3 ng/mL, PSA, and age were independent risk factors.

Conclusions: Both obesity and hypogonadism are independent risk factors for PrdGP4 in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy and should be taken into account in localized prostate cancer management, to improve the therapeutic choice, especially when prostate sparing approach is considered.
Impact of school participation on quality of life of Brazilian children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Presumido Braccialli Lígia Maria , Silva Michelle Zampar , Braccialli Ana Carla , Sankako Andréia Naomi , de Cássia Tibério Araújo Rita
Published: June 2015

The study aimed to analyze the impact of school participation on quality of life of Brazilian children with cerebral palsy. Participants of the study were primary caregivers of children with CP: 39 caregivers of children not attending regular or special school and 74 caregivers of children attending regular or special school. Children with CP, including males and females, were between 4 and 12 years old. Data collection was carried out through individual interviews and application of the questionnaire Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children CP QOL-Child (4–12 years). There was a significant difference in quality of life between the group of children attending school and the group not attending school for the Functioning Domains (p=0.0014), participation and physical health (p=0.0277) and emotional well-being (p=0.05). The worst score was obtained for the pain and impact of disability domain and impact of disability for both groups. We also found significant difference in the distribution of quality of life between genders. The results indicated that the opportunity to experience school has a positive impact on the quality of life of children with cerebral palsy in relation to functioning, participation and physical health and emotional well-being, regardless of gender and age.
Energy Reform in ASEAN: Balancing Political, Economic, and Scientific Objectives
Authors: Kampan Palapan , Tanielian Adam
Published: June 2015

This article focuses on the past, present, and future of environments in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as the region moves toward the 2015 launch of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). Policies and data are compared between the ten nations in the group and with others such as the United States, Australia, and European Union (EU) members. Opportunities to promote and support expansion of renewable energies are explored alongside factors constraining green growth initiatives. Climate science and statistical analyses are used to bolster recommendations in favor of implementation of new environmental legislation such as a regional cap-and-trade mechanism and carbon tax. A holistic approach to environmental protectionism is proposed in consideration of conflicting economic and scientific interests, which have resulted in poor enforcement of existing regulations.