bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological responses of crop plants against Trichoderma harzianum in saline environment
Authors: Yasmeen Roomana , Siddiqui Zamin Shaheed
Published: June 2017

The physiological response of crop plants againstTrichoderma harzianum(Th-6) in a saline habitat was studied.Trichoderma harzianum(Th-6) is an endophytic fungus that shows salt tolerance and establishes a symbiotic relationship with a host plant. To evaluate the role ofTrichoderma harzianum(Th-6) in mitigating the consequences of salinity stress on crop plants, seeds of maize and rice were coated withTrichodermabefore sowing and salt treatment. Later, after germination, twenty-one day old seedlings were subjected to NaCl concentrations (50, 100 and 150 mM). Salinity negatively affected all investigated physiological parameters in both crops. Treatment of seeds withTrichodermaimproved plant growth andTh-treated plants exhibited substantial physiological adjustment in a saline environment compared toTh-untreated plants. TheTh-treated plants under salt stress showed higher relative water content and stomatal conductance, better photosynthetic performance and higher pigment concentrations, as well as higher catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. Moreover, proline content in salt stress environment was higher inTh-treated plants, while H2O2content declined. The physiological role ofTrichoderma harzianumin mitigating the salt related consequences of both crop plants is discussed.
Influence of Cyanobacterial Bloom on Freshwater Biocoenosis. Use of Bioassays for Cyanobacterial Microcystins Toxicity Assessment
Authors: Piontek Marlena , Czyżewska Wanda
Published: June 2017

The issues presented in this study concern a very important problem of the occurrence of cyanobacterial blooms in surface water used for water supply purposes. The objective of this study was to analyze the occurrence of cyanotoxic risk in the catchment area of the Obrzyca River (including Sławskie lake which is the beginning of the river), which is a source of drinking water for the inhabitants of Zielona Góra. In order to evaluate toxicity of cyanobacterial bloom it was conducted toxicological testing using aquatic invertebrates (Daphnia magna, Dugesia tigrina) and heterotrophic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas fluorescens). Test samples were collected from May to October, 2012. The most toxic was a sample collected from Lake Sławskie on 20th October when cyanobacteria bloom with a predominance of Microcystis aeruginosa occurred and the amount of microcystins was the largest. The methanol extract of the sample was toxic only above a concentration of 6·103 mg·dm-3. The lethal concentration (48-h LC 50) for Daphnia magna was 3.09·103 and for Dugesia tigrina (240-h LC 50) 1.51·103 mg·dm-3 of microcystins (MC-LR, MC-YR and MC-RR). The same extract stimulated growth of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis cells.
Compost leachate treatment using polyaluminium chloride and nanofiltration
Authors: Simonič Marjana
Published: June 2017

Laboratory scale filtration tests utilizing leachate were conducted to investigate fouling and filtration performance of nanofiltration membranes. The work presented in this study is conducted on real samples rather than model water. Physico-chemical analyses showed that the leachate contained a lot of organic substances, exceeding 20000 mg/L O2 expressed as chemical oxygen demand. Proper pre-treatment method must be chosen in order to reduce fouling index. Coagulation pre-treatment using poly-aluminium chloride was chosen. Two thin film polysulfone membranes were used, purchased by Osmonic Desal. The focus of this research is to assess the influence of the particle size and zeta-potential of the colloidal fraction in leachate on nanofiltration performance. The isoelectric point of both membranes was 4.7 and 4.3, respectively. The fouled membranes were negatively charged over the pH range with isoelectric point shifting to the left (lower pH) indicating the foulant material mainly not charged. It was confirmed by its zeta-potential, measured at -2 mV.
History, Art and Consumerism— Richard Powers’ Three Farmers on Their Way to a Dance
Authors: Kušnír Jaroslav
Published: June 2017

This article analyzes three narrative lines as depicted in Richard Powers’ Three Farmers on Their Way to a Dance (1985) and the way his depiction of real, photographed, present and past characters along with a narrative reference to a photograph create a metafictional and intertextual frameworks through the use of which Powers symbolically points out a sensibility of the late 20th century and its difference from early 20th century related to the vision of the world, understanding of reality, art, and history. In addition, the article emphasizes Powers’ use of postmodern allegory and the way it creates another meaning which points out a commercial and consumerist character of the 20th century and which also symbolically represents a history of technical and artistic depiction of the world.
Assembly maps for topological cyclic homology of group algebras
Authors: Lück Wolfgang , Reich Holger , Rognes John , Varisco Marco
Published: June 2017

We use assembly maps to study

𝐓𝐂
⁢

(

𝔸
⁢

[
G
]

;
p
)

\mathbf{TC}(\mathbb{A}[G];p)

, the topological cyclic homology at a prime p of the group algebra of a discrete group G with coefficients in a connective ring spectrum

𝔸

\mathbb{A}

.
For any finite group, we prove that the assembly map for the family of cyclic subgroups is an isomorphism on homotopy groups.
For infinite groups, we establish pro-isomorphism, (split) injectivity, and rational injectivity results, as well as counterexamples to injectivity and surjectivity.
In particular, for hyperbolic groups and for virtually finitely generated abelian groups, we show that the assembly map for the family of virtually cyclic subgroups is injective but in general not surjective.
The Glass Transition Temperature and Temperature Dependence of Activation Energy of Viscous Flow of Ovalbumin
Authors: Monkos Karol
Published: June 2017

The paper presents the results of viscosity determinations on aqueous solutions of ovalbumin at a wide range of concentrations and at temperatures ranging from 5°C to 55°C. On the basis of these measurements and three models of viscosity for glass-forming liquids: Avramov’s model, free-volume model and power-law model, the activation energy of viscous flow for solutions and ovalbumin molecules, at different temperatures, was calculated. The obtained results show that activation energy monotonically decreases with increasing temperature both for solutions and ovalbumin molecules. The influence of the energy of translational heat motion, protein-protein and protein-solvent interactions, flexibility and hydrodynamic radius of ovalbumin on the rate of decrease in activation energy with temperature has been discussed. One of the parameters in the Avramov’s equation is the glass transition temperature Tg. It turns out that the Tg of ovalbumin solutions increases with increasing concentration. To obtain the glass transition temperature of the dry ovalbumin, a modified Gordon-Taylor equation is used. Thus determined the glass transition temperature for dry ovalbumin is equal to (231.8 ± 6.1) K.
Medical laboratory associated errors: the 33-month experience of an on-line volunteer Canadian province wide error reporting system
Authors: Restelli Veronica , Taylor Annemarie , Cochrane Douglas , Noble Michael A.
Published: June 2017

Background:

This article reports on the findings of 12,278 laboratory related safety events that were reported through the British Columbia Patient Safety & Learning System Incident Reporting System.

Methods:

The reports were collected from 75 hospital-based laboratories over a 33-month period and represent approximately 4.9% of all incidents reported.

Results:

Consistent with previous studies 76% of reported incidents occurred during the pre-analytic phase of the laboratory cycle, with twice as many associated with collection problems as with clerical problems. Eighteen percent of incidents occurred during the post-analytic reporting phase. The remaining 6% of reported incidents occurred during the actual analytic phase. Examination of the results suggests substantial under-reporting in both the post-analytic and analytic phases. Of the reported events, 95.9% were reported as being associated with little or no harm, but 0.44% (55 events) were reported as having severe consequences.

Conclusions:

It is concluded that jurisdictional reporting systems can provide valuable information, but more work needs to be done to encourage more complete reporting of events.
Neotectonic interpretations and PS-InSAR monitoring of crustal deformations in the Fujian area of China
Authors: Guo Jianming , Xu Shiyang , Fan Hailong
Published: June 2017

A neotectonic structural interpretation was conducted in the Fujian Province, west of the Taiwan Strait, by using computer image processing and 3D visualizations to enhance linear structural traces. The major faults in this area can be grouped into two conjugate shear fracture zones, with one trending to the northeast and the other trending to the northwest. PS-InSAR technology uses stable permanent target scatterer points to determine deformation rates and can effectively reduce the influence of spatiotemporal decorrelations and atmospheric anomalies that affect conventional D-InSAR techniques and prevent the formation of interference fringes. This study focuses on the fault zones located in the Quanzhou area of Fujian Province, where the 1604 M7.5–8.0 historic earthquake occurred. In total, 22 scenes of ERS SAR data from 1996 to 1999 were processed using PS-InSAR methods. The results show that the line of sight direction displacement rate of the main fault in the study area is 3–5 mm/yr, which indicates that the faults in this area are still active and subject to earthquake risk.
Pore Distribution Characteristics of the Igneous Reservoirs in the Eastern Sag of the Liaohe Depression
Authors: Zongli Liu , Zhuwen Wang , Dapeng Zhou , Shuqin Zhao , Min Xiang
Published: June 2017

In the Es3 formation (third section of the Shahejie) of the Eastern sag section of the Liaohe Depression, basalt and trachyte are predominant in the igneous rock. The reservoir consists of complex reservoir space types. Based on the porosity bins of nuclear magnetic logging and the porosity distribution of electric imaging logging, the pores’ sizes and distribution, as well as the mutual connectivity of the reservoir, were analyzed. Also, the characteristics of the different reservoirs were summarized. In regards to the oil reservoirs, large pores (PS>10) were found to account for the majority of the reservoir spaces, and the pore distribution was concentrated and well connected. However, for the poor oil reservoirs, the large and small pores were found to alternate, and the pore distribution was scattered and poorly connected. Within the dry layers, the smaller pores (PS<10) were predominant. The pore distributions were found to be influenced by lithology, facies, and tectonism. The reservoirs of the pyroclastic flow of the explosive facies had good connectivity, and the interlayer heterogeneity was relatively weak. This reservoir’s pore distributions were found to be mainly dominated by the larger pores (PS10-PS13), which displayed a concentrated distribution mainly in one porosity bin. Therefore, it was taken as a favorable facie belt in the eastern sag of the Liaohe Depression. The examination of the pore distribution characteristics of the igneous rock was the key to the evaluation of the properties and effectiveness of the igneous reservoirs in this study, which potentially has great significance to the future exploration and development of igneous rock.
Calcareous nannoplankton and foraminiferal response to global Oligocene and Miocene climatic oscillations: a case study from the Western Carpathian segment of the Central Paratethys
Authors: Holcová Katarína
Published: June 2017

The reactions of foraminiferal and calcareous nannoplankton assemblages to global warming and cooling events in the time intervals of ca. 27 to 19 Ma and 13.5 to 15 Ma (Oligocene and Miocene) were studied in subtropical epicontinental seas influenced by local tectonic and palaeogeographic events (the Central Paratethys). Regardless of these local events, global climatic processes significantly influenced the palaeoenvironment within the marine basin. Warm intervals are characterized by a stable, humid climate and a high-nutrient regime, due primarily to increased continental input of phytodetritus and also locally due to seasonal upwelling. Coarse clastics deposited in a hyposaline environment characterize the marginal part of the basin. Aridification events causing decreased riverine input and consequent nutrient decreases, characterized cold intervals. Apparent seasonality, as well as catastrophic climatic events, induced stress conditions and the expansion of opportunistic taxa. Carbonate production and hypersaline facies characterize the marginal part of the basins. Hypersaline surface water triggered downwelling circulation and mixing of water masses. Decreased abundance or extinction of K-specialists during each cold interval accelerated their speciation in the subsequent warm interval. Local tectonic events led to discordances between local and global sea-level changes (tectonically triggered uplift or subsidence) or to local salt formation (in the rain shadows of newly-created mountains).
Geochemistry, environmental and provenance study of the Middle Miocene Leitha limestones (Central Paratethys)
Authors: Ali Ahmed , Wagreich Michael
Published: June 2017

Mineralogical, major, minor, REE and trace element analyses of rock samples were performed on Middle Miocene limestones (Leitha limestones, Badenian) collected from four localities from Austria (Mannersdorf, Wöllersdorf, Kummer and Rosenberg quarries) and the Fertőrákos quarry in Hungary. Impure to pure limestones (i.e. limited by Al2O3 contents above or below 0.43 wt. %) were tested to evaluate the applicability of various geochemical proxies and indices in regard to provenance and palaeoenvironmental interpretations. Pure and impure limestones from Mannersdorf and Wöllersdorf (southern Vienna Basin) show signs of detrital input (REEs = 27.6 ± 9.8 ppm, Ce anomaly = 0.95 ± 0.1 and the presence of quartz, muscovite and clay minerals in impure limestones) and diagenetic influence (low contents of, e.g., Sr = 221 ± 49 ppm, Na is not detected, Ba = 15.6 ± 8.8 ppm in pure limestones). Thus, in both limestones the reconstruction of original sedimentary palaeoenvironments by geochemistry is hampered. The Kummer and Fertőrákos (Eisenstadt–Sopron Basin) comprise pure limestones (e.g., averages Sr = 571 ± 139 ppm, Na = 213 ± 56 ppm, Ba = 21 ± 4 ppm, REEs = 16 ± 3 ppm and Ce anomaly = 0.62 ± 0.05 and composed predominantly of calcite) exhibiting negligible diagenesis. Deposition under a shallow-water, well oxygenated to intermittent dysoxic marine environment can be reconstructed. Pure to impure limestones at Rosenberg–Retznei (Styrian Basin) are affected to some extent by detrital input and volcano-siliciclastic admixture. The Leitha limestones at Rosenberg have the least diagenetic influence among the studied localities (i.e. averages Sr = 1271 ± 261 ppm, Na = 315 ± 195 ppm, Ba = 32 ± 15 ppm, REEs = 9.8 ± 4.2 ppm and Ce anomaly = 0.77 ± 0.1 and consist of calcite, minor dolomite and quartz). The siliciclastic sources are characterized by immobile elemental ratios (i.e. La/Sc and Th/Co) which apply not only for the siliciclastics, but also for marls and impure limestones. At Mannersdorf the detrital input source varies between intermediate to silicic igneous rocks, while in Kummer and Rosenberg the source is solely silicic igneous rocks. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) is only applicable in the shale-contaminated impure limestones. CIA values of the Leitha limestones from Mannersdorf indicate a gradual transition from warm to temperate palaeoclimate within the limestone succession of the Badenian.
Entire function sharing a small function with its mixed-operators
Authors: Dong Xianjing , Liu Kai
Published: June 2017

In this article, we investigate the uniqueness problem on a transcendental entire functionf⁢(z){f(z)}with its linear mixed-operatorsTf, whereTis a linear combination of differential-difference operatorsDην:=f(ν)⁢(z+η){D^{\nu}_{\eta}:=f^{(\nu)}(z+\eta)}and shift operatorsEζ:=f⁢(z+ζ){E_{\zeta}:=f(z+\zeta\/)}, whereη,ν,ζ{\eta,\nu,\zeta}are constants. We obtain that if a transcendental entire functionf⁢(z){f(z)}satisfiesλ⁢(f-α)<σ⁢(f)<+∞{\lambda(f-\alpha)<\sigma(f\/)<+\infty}, whereα⁢(z){\alpha(z)}is an entire function withσ⁢(α)<1{\sigma(\alpha)<1}, and iffandTfshare one small entire functiona⁢(z){a(z)}withσ⁢(a)<σ⁢(f){\sigma(a)<\sigma(f\/)}, thenT⁢f-a⁢(z)f⁢(z)-a⁢(z)=τ,{\frac{Tf-a(z)}{f(z)-a(z)}=\tau,}where τ is a non-zero constant. Furthermore, we obtain the value τ and the expression offby imposing additional conditions.
Characterisation of Cements From Dominantly Volcanic Raw Materials of the Carpathian Bend Zone
Authors: Halmagy Timea , Mosony Emilia , Fazekas József , Spataru Maria , Goga Firuta
Published: June 2017

This paper presents the results of laboratory investigations regarding the production of cements from local raw materials, such as limestone from Varghis, gypsum from Nucsoara, basaltic scoria from Racosul de Jos, volcanic tuff from Racosul de Sus, diatomite from Filia, and red mud from Oradea. The raw mixtures, based on modified Bogue calculations, contain limestone, gypsum, and one or two of the above-mentioned materials. The cements resulted from clinker grinding in a laboratory gas furnace at 1260-1300 °C, with one hour at the peak temperatures, and were characterised for Blaine specific surface area, specific density, and mineral phases. Physico-mechanical properties, such as water content for normal consistency, setting time, soundness, and compressive strength were also determined. Results show that these cements contain belite, ferrite, calcium sulphoaluminate, anhydrite, and some minor compounds.
Effects of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) gene 86 bp VNTR polymorphism on recurrent pregnancy loss: a case-control study
Authors: Hajizadeh Yasamin Sayed , Emami Elina , Nottagh Marina , Amini Zahra , Maroufi Nazila Fathi , Azimian Saba Haj , Isazadeh Alireza
Published: June 2017

Objective

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a heterogeneous disease which is defined as two or more consecutive fetal losses during early pregnancy. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) is a anti-inflammatory cytokine, which inhibits IL-1 activity by binding to its receptors. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between RPL and IL-1Ra intron 2 polymorphism (86 bp VNTR) in Iranian women.

Materials and methods

In this case control study, genetic polymorphism was studied in 140 RPL patients and 140 healthy women as controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood samples and polymorphism analysis was performed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Finally, the data obtained were analyzed by statistical software.

Results

We found an increased frequency of the IL-1Ra 1/1 genotype in the case group compared to the control group. Whereas, the frequency of IL-1Ra genotype 1/2 was higher in control group than in the case group. However, we did not observe an association between IL-1Ra 86 bp VNTR polymorphism in intron 2 and RPL patients (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

IL-1Ra VNTR polymorphism may not be a genetic factor for RPL. However, investigation of IL-1Ra polymorphism was recommended in other populations and patients with recurrent pregnancy loss.
Study on Gamma Prime and Carbides of Alloy A286 by Traditional Thermodynamic Calculation
Authors: Yao Zhi-Hao , Ruan Ya-Ting , Dong Jian-Xin , Yu Qiu-Ying , Zhang Shi-Qing , Chen Xi
Published: June 2017

Equilibrium phases in alloy A286 and the influence of element contents on gamma prime (γ′) and carbides were studied by Thermo-Calc calculation. The phase equilibria, solidification behavior, and precipitation behavior of equilibrium phases were investigated. In the results, Al is considered as the critical element for γ′ phase control, and C is the vital element for the regulation of MC and M23C6 phases. The influence extents of different elements on the transition temperature and the maximum content of γ′ phase, MC phases, and M23C6 phases are determined in order as Al>Ti>Cr>Mo, C>Ti>Ni>Cr>Mo, and C>Ni>Cr>Mo, respectively.
Editorial. Prevention of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Masuzaki Ryota , Omata Masao
Published: June 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth common cancer in the world, showing the third highest cancer related mortality. The prognosis of HCC patients depends not only on tumor stage but also on the background liver function reservoir. Effective treatments for HCC include percutaneous ablation, surgical resection and liver transplantation. Although short-term prognosis of HCC patients has been much improved recently due to advances in early diagnosis and treatment, long-term prognosis is as yet far from satisfactory as indicated by the overall survival at 10 years after apparently curative treatment of only 22%-35%.

Primary prevention aims to evade the tumor development with health measures that prevent people from exposure to known risk factors like hepatitis viruses or alcohol, or attenuating liver disease progression to HCC. While secondary prevention aims to diagnose HCC at an early, potentially curable stage, tertiary prevention aims to reduce the risk of HCC recurrence after curative treatment. In this article we focus on prevention of HCC and the new advance in this field.
Original Article. Dynamic Changes of Multiple Immune Cells in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Undergoing Antiviral Treatment
Authors: Zhang Pei-yan , Yao Si-min , Zhang Fan , Zhang Ming-xia , Li Wei , Yuan Jing , Chen Xin-chun , Zhou Bo-ping
Published: June 2017

Objective Various immune cells in patients with CHB have been demonstrated to play critical roles in HBV infection. The goal of this study is to observe changes in Th17, Treg, Th1 and B lymphocytes from peripheral blood and to evaluate immune status of CHB patients undergoing antiviral treatment.

Methods Total of 49 CHB patients, 19 asymptomatic carriers and 29 healthy donors were included in our present study. The frequencies of peripheral Th17 cells (CD3+CD4+IL-17+Tcells), Treg cells (CD3+CD4+CD25+CD127- T cells), Th1 cells (CD3+CD4+IFN-γ T cells) and B lymphocytes in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results The frequency of Th17 cells increased after treatment for 6 months, but there was no statistically significant difference of IL-17 expression between baseline and 6 months after treatment. The frequencies of Treg cells, momory B cells and total CD19+ B cells decreased after antiviral treatment. The frequencies of Th1 cells and plasma cells increased after antiviral treatment.

Conclusions This study highlights that the reestablishment of immune function during antiviral treatment in CHB patients, which caused by the antiviral drugs or the patients themselves. CHB patients may exhibit varied responses to these antiviral drugs. It is essential to supplement immune therapy during the antiviral treatment, but Th17 may play a limited role in inflammation during antiviral treatment, targeting Th17 therapy may not be useful for CHB treatment. More time and more experiments are critical to explain it.
Polymorphisms of AZIN1 rs2679757 and TRPM5 rs886277 are Associated with Cirrhosis Risk in Chinese Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Peng Li-jun , Guo Jin-sheng , Zhang Zhe , Liu Li-li , Cao Yi-rong , Shi Hong , Wang Jian , Friedman Scott L. , Sninsky John J. , Wang Ji-yao
Published: June 2017

Objective Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have linked many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to the outcomes of a variety of liver diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of several candidate SNPs with the risk and severity of cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis B in a Chinese population.

Methods A total of 714 Chinese participants with persistent HBV infection were studied. Patients were divided into cirrhotic (n = 429) and non-cirrhotic (n = 285) groups based on clinical and pathological evidence. The progression rate and severity of liver cirrhosis were evaluated with an arbitrary t-score system. Genotypes of six SNPs in five candidate genes were detected with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The genotypic distributions of the SNPs were compared between the age-matched cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic subjects. The association between the risk of SNPs and the severity and progression rate of cirrhosis was further analyzed.

Results Rs2679757 polymorphism of the antizyme inhibitor 1 (AZIN1) gene and Rs886277 in the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M, member 5 gene (TRPM5) were found to be associated with cirrhosis risk in CHB. They were also correlated with the overall severity and progression rate of cirrhosis. Genotype frequencies of other SNPs were not different between the cirrhosis and non-cirrhosis groups.

Conclusions AZIN1 rs2679757 and TRPM5 rs886277 are associated with the risk and the progression rate of HBV-related liver fibrosis in Chinese patients. The emerging SNPs associated with cirrhosis prognosis warrant further clinical validation in other CHB cohorts or ethnic groups, and merit mechanistic studies to reveal their roles in fibrosis progression.
Quasispecies of Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Cheng Jun , Quan Min , Li Min , Liu Shun-ai , Wang Qi
Published: June 2017

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) circulates in blood and replicates in the presence of quasispecies. During HBV replication, HBV DNA polymerase lacks fidelity and proofreading function partly because its exonuclease activity is either absent or deficient. Therefore, HBV genome is mutated with unusually high frequency. And these mutations can affect more than one open reading frame due to overlapping genes. Otherwise, natural substitutions, deletions or insertions involving the Cp/EN∥ locus in the X gene can significantly alter the extent of viral replication activity. Particular selection pressures such as host immune system and antiviral therapy readily select out escape mutants from this pre-existing quasispecies pool. Antiviral drug resistance in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can be caused by the viral mutation frequency, the intrinsic mutability of the antiviral target site, the selective pressure exerted by the drug, the magnitude and rate of virus replication, the overall replication fitness of the mutant, the genetic barrier of the compound and the availability of replication space. Potent inhibition of HBV replication could be able to prevent the development of drug resistance because mutagenesis is replication dependent. Viral load may decline to a point where the continued production of quasispecies with the potential to resist new drug treatments no longer occurs, if viral replication can be suppressed for a sufficient length of time.
Chronic Liver Failure after Treatment with Infliximab for Ankylosing Spondylitis in a Patient with Hepatitis B
Authors: Li Yun-ru , Chen Feng-xin , Duan Xue-fei , Gao Xue-song , Fan Xiao-ling
Published: June 2017

A 50-year-old man with ankylosing spondylitis was treated successfully with infliximab, who was also a HBV carrier for about twenty five years. After injection with infliximab for four times, he developed jaundice and HBV DNA was detectable in serum. Serum aminotransferase and total bilirubin levels were higher than normal. Then he was hospitalized and treated with entacavir and Chinese herb medicine. But his liver damage aggravated and was diagnosed as acute on chronic liver failure. Finally, liver transplantation was carried out and he was cured successfully.
The Correlation between Gene Polymorphism and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chi Zhao-Chun , Geng Chang-Xin , Dong Quan-Jiang
Published: June 2017

The association of gene polymorphism and susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been widely studied in recent years. Gene mutations are closely related to HCC. Understanding and measuring the gene mutations are useful to reduce the incidence of HCC and improve its prognosis.
Detection of Mutations Resistant to Lamivudine or Adefovir in HBV and Its Management
Authors: Jia De-xing , Feng Jing , Li Ping , Lun Xiu-ying , Yu Xian-jie
Published: June 2017

Objective Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) naïve chronic hepatitis B(CHB) patients were given rescue combination therapy after drug resistance to lamivudine or adefovir. Evolution of HBV mutation patterns and its impact on antiviral effects were studied.

Methods Total of 142 naïve CHB patients treated with lamivudine were randomly divided into two groups when lamivudine resistance occurred. One group was added with adefovir, the other was switched to entecavir and adefovir. Seventy-two naïve CHB patients treated with adefovir were randomly divided into two groups when adefovir resistance occurred. One group was added with lamivudine, the other was added with entecavir. HBV polymerase reverse transcriptase mutations associated with resistance were analyed before and after 48 weeks of rescue therapy, respectively.

Results The mutation patterns of M204V/I, M204V+L180M were predominantly found in CHB patients after lamivudine resistance. Meanwhile, the entecavir resistance mutation patterns were also detected. Therefore, patients with lamivudine resistance could develop more diverse drug resistance mutations if they were switched to entecavir and adefovir. The mutation patterns of rtA181 were predominantly found in CHB patients after adefovir resistance and rescure therapy with add-on entecavir was more effective than with add-on lamivudine

Conclusions Resistance mutation analysis chould help to choose NAs, reduce resistance and ehance antiviral effects.
Liver Histopathological Features Influencing HBeAg Seroconversion in Patients with HBeAg-positive Chronic Hepatitis B Treated with Pegylated Interferon α
Authors: Hu Yao-ren , Yan Hua-dong , Gao Guo-sheng , Zhu Cheng-liang , Cheng Ji-fang
Published: June 2017

Objective To investigate the efficiency of pegylated interferon α therapy for patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and explore whether liver histopathological features and other factors might influence HBeAg seroconversion.

Methods Total of 80 HBeAg-positive CHB patients who received liver puncture were treated with pegylated interferon α once a week for 48 weeks. The rate of HBeAg seroconversion was determined after therapy, and the factors influencing HBeAg seroconversion were analyzed.

Results The rate of HBeAg seroconversion was 30.00％ at the end of treatment. The rate of HBeAg seroconversion gradually increased with the elevation of liver inflammatory activity (χ2 = 9.170, P = 0.027). But liver fibrosis has little correlation with the rate of HBeAg seroconversion (χ2 = 5.917, P = 0.116). Except HBeAg, other baseline indexes including gender, age, serum ALT and serum HBV DNA 1evels had no statistical difference between the patients with HBeAg seroconversion and the patients without HBeAg seroconversion. By binary logistic regression analysis, liver inflammation and HBeAg were influencing factors for HBeAg seroconversion.

Conclusions Pegylated interferon α therapy induces a higher rate of HBeAg seroconversion in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with severe liver inflammation, so the liver biopsies should be performed in time.
The Denver Tube Combined with Antiviral Drugs In the Treatment of HBV-related Cirrhosis with Refractory Ascites: A Report of Three Cases
Authors: Wang Xiao-jin , Shi Li-qin , Fu Qing-chun , Ni Liu-da , Zhou Feng , Chen Jin-wei , Chen Cheng-wei
Published: June 2017

Treatment of nucleos(t)ide antiviral drugs for decompensated HBV-related cirrhosis can significantly improve the prognosis. But those patients with refractory ascites possibly deteriorate due to the complications of ascites before any benefit from anti-viral drugs could be observed. Therefore, it is important to find a way to help the patients with HBV-related cirrhosis and refractory ascites to receive the full benefits from antiviral therapy. Peritoneovenous shunt (PVS) using Denver tube enables ascites to continuously bypass into systemic circulation, thereby reducing ascites and albumin input and improving quality of life. We report herein 3 cases of decompensated HBV-related cirrhosis with refractory ascites, PVS using Denver tube was combined with lamivudine for antiviral treatment before and after. Then, ascites was alleviated significantly or disapeared and viral responsed well. All patients achieved a satisfactory long-term survival from 6.7 to 14.7 years. It was suggested that the Denver shunt could be used as an adjuvant method to antiviral drugs for decompensated HBV-related cirrhosis with refractory ascites to help the patients reap the full benefits and maximize efficacy of antiviral treatment.
The Temperature Dropped to Normal When Rash Had Appeared For 12 Hours: An A typical Case of Measles in Adult
Authors: Liu Chun-ling , Wang Chun-wei , Liu Ying , Zhou Ping , Li Xiao-juan , Si Hui-yuan , Zhang Hongwei
Published: June 2017

A twenty-eight-year-old male patient with five-day’s fever (the highest body tempreture reached 39.4°C) and 10-hour’s rash (first on face) presented to the department of emergency for “drug rash”, at that time his temperature was 38.6°C. Two hours later, his temperature fell to normal. Then this patient’s entire body rash increased significantly and lasted for 13 hours. Serum measles antibody IgM(+) confirmed the measles diagnosis. He had received measles vaccine as a baby. Clinicians should be aware of this atypical clinical manifestation of adult measles. If this kind of patients were misdiagnosed as drug rash and given corticosteroid, measles disease may be aggravated. Specific serum measles antibody testing may be the only reliable method for differential diagnosis, but the earliest time point for examining the antibodies of measles still needs precise research.
Acute Respiratory Disease at a Chinese Military Recruitment Training Center: Three-Year Consecutive Investigation
Authors: Zhang Jun-fei , Fang Jian , Song Hai-yan , Wu Wei-li , Liu Bo , Chen Cong-xin
Published: June 2017

Background Military recruits are at a higher risk of acute respiratory disease (ARD) and the causative agents might change over time, which needs to be investigated.

Methods The nasopharyngeal swabs and blood samples were consecutively collected from conscripts for three years in a military training center. The real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR assays were conducted for 15 species of common respiratory pathogens; the serum anti-Legionella pneumophila antibodies were detected by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) assay, and serum anti-Microplasma pneumoniae antibodies, serum anti-influenza B virus and anti-influenza A virus-IgM and IgG were detected by ELISA.

Results The prevalences of ARD were 59.3% (108/182) in 2008, 23.3% (50/215) in 2009, and 19.6% (40/204) in 2010. Among the patients with ARD from 2008 to 2010, the influenza B virus infection accounted for 45.4%, 30.0% and 55.0%, and seasonal influenza A virus infection for 8.3%, 8.0% and 5.0%, respectively; the positive rates of serum anti-Legionella pneumophila and anti-Microplasma pneumoniae antibodies in recruits was lower than 10% each year respectively in the three years without diagnostic significance.

Conclusion The early appropriate diagnosis and treatment of ARD in military personnel will ensure the power strength of armed forces.
A case of cutaneous nocardiosis caused by Nocardia cyriacigeorgica in a diabetic patient
Authors: Jia Yuchi , Song Shiduo , Wu Xiaomei , Qi Wei
Published: June 2017

We present a case of cutaneous abscess with Nocardia cyriacigeorgica in a diabetic patient, and review the published work. This patient had infectious abscess on his left lower thigh and the right lower abdomen. The isolated organism was identified by DNA amplification and sequence analyses of the 16S rRNA. After incision and drainage, the clinical application empirically used linezolid and SMZCo took effect.
Self-care challenges in adolescents: a comprehensive literature review
Authors: Masoumi Maryam , Shahhosseini Zohreh
Published: June 2017

Background

Adolescence is the period of accepting self-care responsibility. Many severe diseases that cause early mortality are rooted in adolescence. Hence, adolescence is the definitive time for preventive interventions such as self-care behaviors. In addition to the benefits of self-care behaviors, evidence shows that adolescents face barriers in performing self-care behaviors.

Objective

The aim of the current study to review the self-care challenges for adolescents.

Methods

Databases such as Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science, Scientific Information Database and Scopus were searched to extract papers published from 1994 to 2016 based on the inclusion criterion. The inclusion criterion was English language papers from famous authors on self-care behaviors in adolescents.

Results

The results of the current study showed that adolescents face cultural (two subcategories, beliefs and convictions, knowledge), socio-economic (five subcategories, family, healthcare providers, peers, social support, economic status) and personal (three subcategories, mental health, gender, ethnicity) challenges.

Conclusions

Self-care behaviors in adolescents are influenced by biological, psychological, economic and social factors. As this is a multifactorial process, people who deal with adolescents should have enough knowledge regarding adolescent health status and also learn how to perceive the role of culture in self-care behaviors of the adolescents.
Non-Polynomial Spline Method for One Dimensional Nonlinear Benjamin-Bona-Mahony-Burgers Equation
Authors: Ravi Kanth A. S. V. , Deepika S.
Published: June 2017

In this paper, non-polynomial spline method for solving one dimensional nonlinear Benjamin-Bona-Mahony-Burgers equation is presented. Stability analysis of the present method is analyzed by means of Von Neumann process and the method is proven to be unconditionally stable. Truncation error of the proposed method is also discussed. Few numerical evidences are given to prove the validation of the proposed method.
Distribution of static pressure of seeds in a shallow model silo
Authors: Horabik Józef , Molenda Marek
Published: June 2017

The influence of the filling method, the seed size and the aspect ratio on the radial distribution of the vertical pressure on the floor of a shallow model silo and radial distribution of tangent stress within the material was investigated. Three filling methods were applied: central, circumferential and distributed. Seeds of five varieties were used: horse bean, field pea, wheat, vetch, and rapeseed. Vertical pressure on the floor of a shallow bin was found to be influenced by the filling method and the seed size and aspect ratio. A significant dip of vertical pressure in the middle radial location was observed in all tests, except two: central and circumferential filling of rapeseed. Wall friction was mobilized in the highest degree in the case of the central filling, while the lowest was mobilization of friction in the case of the circumferential filling.
Breaking tester for examining strength of consolidated starch
Authors: Stasiak Mateusz , Molenda Marek , Bańda Maciej , Wiącek Joanna , Dobrzański Bohdan , Parafiniuk Piotr
Published: June 2017

A new method based on the measurement of force required to break by bending a vertical column of consolidated powder was elaborated, and its results were compared with the ones obtained from the Jenike shear test. A new apparatus was built based on a vertical cylindrical chamber divided into two cylinders connected with a horizontal hinge. The apparatus was tested with samples of potato, maize and wheat starches with moisture content of 6, 12 and 17% and with the addition of a lubricant. Results of testing revealed significant differences in measured force required to rotate the upper part of the cylinder away from the lower one. The average force varied from 0.138 N for maize starch to 0.143 N for potato starch, while, for various moisture contents, the measured force varied from 0.135 N for 6% to 0.143 N for 17% mc. The results were compared with the results of a direct shear test.
Observed and modelled solar radiation components in sugarcane crop grown under tropical conditions
Authors: Santos Marcos A. dos , Souza José L. de , Lyra Gustavo B. , Teodoro Iêdo , Ferreira Ricardo A. , Santos Almeida Alexsandro C. dos , Lyra Guilherme B. , Souza Renan C. de , Lemes Marco A. Maringolo
Published: June 2017

The net radiation over vegetated surfaces is one of the major input variables in many models of soil evaporation, evapotranspiration as well as leaf wetness duration. In the literature there are relatively few studies on net radiation over sugarcane crop in tropical climates. The main objective of the present study was to assess the solar radiation components measured and modelled for two crop stages of a sugarcane crop in the region of Rio Largo, Alagoas, North-eastern Brazil. The measurements of the radiation components were made with a net radiometer during the dry and rainy seasons and two models were used to estimate net radiation: the Ortega-Farias model and the Monteith and Unsworth model. The highest values of net radiation were observed at the crop development stage, due mainly to the high indices of incoming solar radiation. The daily average albedos of sugarcane at the crop development and mid-season stages were 0.16 and 0.20, respectively. Both models showed a better fit for the crop development stage than for the mid-season stage. When they were inter-compared, Monteith and Unsworth model was more efficient than Ortega-Farias model, despite the dispersion of their simulated radiation components which was similar.
Effect of tillage practices on least limiting water range in Northwest India
Authors: Kahlon Meharban S. , Chawla Karitika
Published: June 2017

Tillage practices affect mechanical and hydrological characteristics of soil and subsequently the least limiting water range. This quality indicator under the wheat-maize system of northwest India has not been studied yet. The treatments included four tillage modes, namely conventional tillage, no-tillage without residue, no-tillage with residue, and deep tillage as well as three irrigation regimes based on the irrigation water and pan evaporation ratio i.e. 1.2, 0.9, and 0.6. The experiment was conducted in a split plot design with three replications. At the end of cropping system, the mean least limiting water range (m3 m-3) was found to be highest in deep tillage (0.26) and lowest in notillage without residue (0.15). The field capacity was a limiting factor for the upper range of the least limiting water range beyond soil bulk density 1.41 Mg m-3 and after that 10% air filled porosity played a major role. However, for the lower range, the permanent wilting point was a critical factor beyond soil bulk density 1.50 Mg m-3 and thereafter, the penetration resistance at 2 MPa becomes a limiting factor. Thus, deep tillage under compaction and no-tillage with residue under water stress is appropriate practice for achieving maximum crop and water productivity.
Original article. Mitigation of diazinon-induced cardiovascular and renal dysfunction by gallic acid
Authors: Ajibade Temitayo Olabisi , Oyagbemi Ademola Adetokunbo , Omobowale Temidayo Olutayo , Asenuga Ebunoluwa Racheal , Afolabi Jeremiah Moyinoluwa , Adedapo Adeolu Alex
Published: June 2017

Studies of the link between environmental pollutants and cardiovascular dysfunction, neglected for decades, have recently provided new insights into the pathology and consequences of these killers. In this study, rats were divided into four groups, each containing 10 rats. The rats in group one served as controls and were administered normal saline, whereas the rats in group two were orally gavaged with 3 mg/kg of diazinon (DZN) alone for twenty one consecutive days. The rats in groups 3 and 4 were administered respective 60 mg/kg and 120 mg/kg gallic acid (GA) in addition to DZN for twenty one consecutive days. Exposure of rats to diazinon significantly (p<0.05) reduced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and reduced glutathione (GSH) content. Malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) contents were also significantly (p<0.05) elevated following DZN exposure. DZN further caused a significant (p<0.05) decrease of heart rate and QT interval prolongation. Hematologic analysis revealed significant reduction (p<0.05) in packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, and total white blood cell count of rats administered only DZN. Observations in this study suggest a modulatory role of gallic acid in diazinon-induced anemia and associated cardiovascular dysfunction in rats. Treatment with gallic acid reversed the oxidative stress markers studied, increased the antioxidant defence system and reduced deleterious effects on hematological parameters in rats. Pathologic findings of the heart and kidney were also found to be lessened.
The order of starlikeness of uniformly convex functions
Authors: Wiśniowska-Wajnryb Agnieszka
Published: June 2017

We investigate classes of
The Weyl–von Neumann theorem in von Neumann factors
Authors: Kamiński Krzysztof
Published: June 2017

In a von Neumann factor
A remark on observability of the wave equation with moving boundary
Authors: Ammari Kaïs , Bchatnia Ahmed , El Mufti Karim
Published: June 2017

We deal with the wave equation with assigned moving boundary (
Communication Formations
Authors: Dolník Juraj
Published: June 2017

This paper is intended to be a contribution to research of communication formations that are shaped by systematic communication. The approach of the author is based on the idea that the human being has a gift for making signs and people make use of this property if they are adapting to a situation of recurrent coexistence. This property enables the participants of such a situation to create social signs with the structure sociolect as the form of the sign: the semantic interpretation of this form as the meaning of the sign. One way of analysing this meaning is by looking at the foundation of the motivation of animal and human behaviour. The author argues that this meaning is based on a feeling of safety and the participants of potential communication formations follow the principle of coordination in order to sustain this feeling and to introduce the state of communication comfort.