bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to Change the Culture on HSE Towards Excellence in a Brown Field
Authors: Peball Ulrich , Simion Ana-Maria
Published: January 2011

An international Oil and Gas Company took over a state owned Romanian oil company in 2005 with about 22.000 employees, operating in more than 300 fields all over the country with significant offshore operations in the black Sea. The Original Company had been in operation for 150 years with 50 years under communist management and had become available for buy out after several restructuring efforts by the state.

It was understood from the due diligence process that the HSE performance of the Company was far from that normally expected by modern international standards and that the technical infrastructure as well as the attitude of the workforce towards HSE needed significant improvement.

In the early years after take over the focus was very much on inventorying the existing infrastructure and an assessment of technical safety conditions. The HSE organization was expanded, re-structured and the people trained in modern HSE practices and techniques. A lot of energy was spent in easy, quick wins, such as housekeeping campaigns, fixing the most obvious and unacceptable hazards and endowing the workforce with PPE that conformed to EU Standards.

3 Years after the take over the Management focus of the organization was changed from just production towards production, cost and HSE performance. This has been achieved by change in the Management and training the Managers in HSE understanding and skills such as HSE leadership aspects.

The introduction of annual HSE objectives combined with a Balanced Score Card which the company tied to personal performance bonuses as well as benchmarking the performance at all operational levels helped significantly in the implementation of strategic objectives defined by the new Parent Companies headquarters mantra of; "what gets measured get done".

The results of these initiatives can be seen in the in lost time injury rates which dropped from 1,1 to 0,19 (per million work hours) and also in the level of proactive involvement of the whole workforce through hazard and near miss reports which increased from 35 in 2006 to 25.000 per year in 2009.
Assessment of Co-Processing Technology as a Total Solution to Treat Oily Sludge Waste in Indonesia
Authors: Bakhtiar Nofti C , Sembiring Indra , Adnan Alkifli , Imantyoko Agung
Published: January 2011

Upstream oil & gas sector commonly generate oily sludge wastes. This waste can be treated with many methods according to the technical-economic assessment. Recently, co-processing technology usually being chooses in Indonesia. Therefore we need to evaluate co-processing in the legality, technique and economic aspects as the treatment option in Indonesia. The use of co-processing technology as Alternative Fuel and Raw Materials AFR) in cement industry can be implemented into 3 categories, i.e. co-processing of waste, alternative raw materials and mineral components. According to the legality assessment, co-processing comply with Ministry of Environment (MOE) requirements in utilization license because there are three cement industry licensed by MOE, minimal waste heating value 3,000-7,000 kKal/kg (above 2,500 kKal/kg or 4,500 BTU per lb) and controllable emission quality. At the technical aspect, co-processing can be execute easily, fast, practically and total solution (no slag and bottom ash) with no long term liability for the generator. Oily sludge wastes only need to be handling/packing and then transport to the Collector/Profiteer, treatment less than one month for a thousand ton of wastes and wastes actually destroyed without any residue. At the economic aspect, co-processing approximately costs about U$ 80-170 per ton. This cost is more competitive than other methods. Beside that aspects, co-processing give ecological benefits as a waste recovery and decrease the cement industry emission rate. Finally, co-processing is decent to be considered as the main option for oily sludge treatment according this study.
Using the Brain to Improve Incident Investigation
Authors: Locker Brian
Published: January 2011

Why do we have problems during the course of our lives and our business operations? And why do we not achieve the investigation results we want and need? These are simple questions but there is no one simple answer. There are, however, some common threads that help to explain why some business and investigation processes flow smoothly and produce excellent results, and why other processes become derailed and produce negative results. The author details the main process improvement elements for both business and investigation processes. This is followed by a description of the functionality of two parts of the non-conscious brain, the Reticular Activation System (RAS) and the Amygdala. The paper describes how the RAS and the Amygdala can and do play important roles in the successes and failures we experience during our everyday lives, during the course of business and during incident investigations.

The concepts and principles in this paper are useful to and may be applied by anyone committed to improving their business processes. Particular focus is place on incident investigation processes.

Examples are given to illustrate why the author believes a well designed ‘expert system’ based investigation system is more effective than many of the other analytical tools available. The author concludes the paper by making practical suggestions as to how one can take maximum advantage of the Reticular Activation System and the Amygdala to develop solid business and investigation systems. These, in turn, produce desired results.

As the late Earl Nightingale reportedly stated, "for most people and organizations, success remains a puzzle." Results do not meet expectations. Both chronic problems and acute incidents too often occur and persist during the course of our lives and our business operations. These serve to prevent, or more commonly degrade, any success individuals and organization may have. To make matters worse, if and when these problems and incidents are analyzed (investigated), resulting improvements are too often not realized, are ineffective or are only temporary. Truly understanding how the Reticular Activation System and Amygdala affect our thinking, decision making and ultimately, our business processes and results is hugely powerful.
Importance of Having a Good Robust Crisis / Emergency Response System During a Major Project in Yemen
Authors: Syed Bilal , Hirst Robert
Published: January 2011

The objective of this paper is to share the development of the crisis/ emergency response system and how it effectively helped save human lives during the project phase by timely evacuations when required

Yemen LNG Company faced the challenge to undertake the largest ever industrial investment project in Yemen – namely constructing an LNG terminal and pipeline to provide gas to the international markets from the remotest and poorest areas of Yemen. Yemen is ranked among the poorest countries in the world according to the World Bank indicators. Constant security threats, coupled with the omnipresent tribal conflicts make it a high risk context in which to operate. In spite of these major hindrances, the Company was able to complete the project in a safe manner in spite of having mobilized significant man-power (the peak being over 13,000 personnel), The multinational team of up to 67 nationalities at site gelled together to produce the end result and are proud of having achieved an undertaking whose safety record is one of the best of any major project being undertaken by a member company of the Internaqtional Association of Oil & Gas Producers (OGP). This was achieved by having developed a crisis / emergency response system which was in place from the early stages of the project. Emergencies both within the project area and also for humanitarian reasons were dealt with in an effective manner.

The systems were developed/ implemented and were exercised in a way such that there was a constant improvement process ongoing which incorporated the learnings at all times. The importance of having such systems in place cannot be overstated, especially in a country like Yemen where the state emergency response infrastructure and facilities are not available to be called upon. Not only did the project people benefit from this initiative, but people outside the project locus also benefited, as a number of emergencies were dealt with on humanitarian grounds. The paper highlights the processes that were followed in order to achieve the results of evacuating personnel safely to secure destinations.
Reduction of Human Error by Inherently Safer Design: A Case Study
Authors: Hossein Nia B.. , Zeinolabedini M.. , Nabhani N.. , Roayaei E..
Published: January 2011

It has been estimated that up to 90% of all workplace accidents have human error as a main cause. Error must be accepted as a normal component of human behavior. Exhortations to ‘be professional’ or to ‘be more careful’ are generally ineffective, because most errors are committed inadvertently by people who are already trying to do their job professionally and carefully. They did not intend to commit the error. Many factors influence human operator failure probability that some factors are physiological (‘not doing what you meant to do’), some factors are psychological (i.e. making the wrong decision).and some are both. It has been well understood by safer professionals that human factor greatly contribute to success or failure of process safety programs in the chemical process industries as well as represent the area needing the most emphasis to reduce risk. Well-designed human systems can produce inherently safer plant designs and operating procedures. If we understand how humans work and how human error occur, we can design better systems for managing, supervising, designing, training, auditing and monitoring. This has been visualized in a real accident; which has been analyzed as a case study.
Steps to Health, How to Motivate Employees to More Physical Activities
Authors: Schnieders Guido , Barenschee Axel
Published: January 2011

The problem: Overweight and related illnesses

A company with its employees mirrors normally the society, which includes that to a certain extent the problems of a society can be found again in site of a company's community.

One of the problems of the wealthy societies of the world is overweight. Globally more than 1 billion overweight adults, at least 300 million of them obese. This includes a major risk for chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and stroke, and cancer. Some of the key causes for this phenomenon is the increased consumption of energy-dense foods high in saturated fats and sugars, and reduced physical activity.

The interest of the company

The aim of each company is to conduct a successful business. At the end the shareholders what to get their share from their original investment. Most companies have identified clearly that one of their most valuable asset are their employees. Imagine how much investment was taken to get an employee to the top of his performance: Selection process prior to hiring, induction into the company, in-house trainings, etc. At the start up every employee runs on a lower performance rate, because he need to learn how the company is functioning. t is the natural interest of a company to maximize the results out of each worker. Part of this is to try to influence the employee towards a more healthy behavior, with consequently less lost times caused of illnesses.

Beside these economic arguments, it is clearly a focus from the United Nations and its members to develop all societies towards this direction. More interested readers can have a look into the relevant publications of the UN.
The Medical Evacuation of Patients with Infectious Diseases from Developing Countries: Duty of Care
Authors: Quigley Robert L.
Published: January 2011

As commerce, particularly in the petroleum industry, increases in the developing countries of the African continent, so too does the risk of exposure to highly infectious endemic diseases. Such diseases include avian/swine flu, the viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF), and multiple drug resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) to name but a few. Although many countries, through their own Departments of Health, have adopted protocols to report and manage such illnesses, there are limited, if any, guidelines/procedures/vehicles to transport infected patients to centers of medical excellence (COME). Consequently, as these conditions are time-sensitive and many patients never receive adequate medical care, the absence of protocol may violate our duty of care.

From our own experience we have learned that medical transport of contagious/infected cases requires complete cooperation and authorization by all government officials responsible for Public Health in the countries concerned as well as in the countries where aircraft would refuel or fly over to reach their final destination.

During the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic, we developed innovative safety measures to protect our medical teams/flight crews from contamination during medical evacuation/transport. Those measures included the design, in accordance with International Health Authority Guidelines (WHO, CDC), and implementation, of a compact, portable isolation unit (PIU), ideal for regional ground/air travel. More recently, we have incorporated a disposable biological containment unit (BCU) into our comprehensive protocols which is designed for a Gulfstream III, ideal for trans-ocean/continental travel.

Both the PIU and BCU enhance our ability to medically transport patients. We have demonstrated that: (1) efficient movement of the sick/infected patients has a positive impact on their outcome and (2) the creation and credentialing of a global network of preferred providers willing and able to accept such patients facilitates the transfer to the nearest COME rather than repatriations which may not always be practical or realistic.
A Carbon Footprint Management Program for Resource Consumption Cost Reduction
Authors: Rodrigues Clarence , Jeyaseelan Jeyalal , Unnithan Sreeja
Published: January 2011

The Petroleum Institute's (PI) Occupational Carbon Footprint Management Program is a two-phase program that was initiated in 2008. Some of the major accomplishments of the first phase included: Developing a method to generate/calculate PI's carbon footprintIdentifying strategies for reducing PI's carbon footprintIdentifying major areas of energy/resource consumption to reduce costs

In 2009 (phase 2), some of the major accomplishments included: Developing and implementing strategies indentified in Phase 1Measuring the results of these strategiesImproving estimates of PI's carbon footprint through enhanced data collectionIncreasing awareness among the PI on energy conservation and sustainability

This paper discusses the second phase of the program and details the various initiatives that were implemented to manage and reduce the Institute's carbon footprint and energy usage. One initiative in particular, of controlling building temperatures during business and non-business hours through HVAC adjustments, generated savings of 837,833 AED, representing a 23% savings over the previous year. Electricity use accounted for almost 90% of the PI's carbon footprint also making it the largest source of energy consumption. The greatest contributor to electricity consumption was the energy used to run the HVAC system. This paper will also detail the methodology used to develop PI's composite carbon footprint which totaled 13,253.5 metric tons of eCO2 for 2009. This value was reduced to 13,241.4 metric tons of eCO2 by an offset of 12.1 tCO2e due torecycling. Other carbon footprint reduction strategies will also be discussed including a lighting and lunimaries analysis study, awareness and education on sustainability, a water conservation project and the ecnouraged use of public transportation.
Industrial Hygiene Risk Assessment Using A Risk Assessment Matrix And A Dedicated Software
Authors: Courandier Jean-Michel , Pradier Bernard
Published: January 2011

Exploration and production of oil and gas potentially exposes workers to some inherent health hazards associated with the use of chemicals, to physical and biological agents and poor ergonomic design of work places. Health hazards and the associated occupational illnesses can be easily overlooked in a regular HSE Management system since health hazards are not always apparent and may take many years for the effects to manifest in workers. Putting in place an effective risk assessment tool and an employee health management system will help employers to answer the very important question - when, where, how and to what hazard is an employee potentially exposed at work? An industrial hygiene risk assessment methodology was developed within TOTAL E&P branch. The method entails the systematic assessment of the potential risk of tasks resulting from the intrinsic hazard of chemical products and other hazardous agents (noise, radiations, extreme temperatures, biohazards, etc), estimating the duration and frequency of tasks and the occurence of adverse effect carried out by Similar Exposure Groups (SEGs) of workers. The method also estimates the protection means available in the workplace and hence calculates the residual risk to be managed by employers.

The results of the risk assessment exercise are consolidated in a Risk Assessment File document detailing monitoring data and action plans to mitigate high potential residual risks.

To facilitate this risk assessment process and enhance employee health data archiving and retrieval, a database management and risk assessment software was set up. The software includes Chemical/MSDS management, Human Resources information, Risk Assessment, Workplace and Personnel Monitoring.

The use of the software has greatly enhanced the access to employee exposure assessment records and overall management of occupational health of the Company's workforce.
Leadership & Commitment for HSE Excellence – What Really Worked!!
Authors: Mataqi Ismail Y. , Adivi Bala Siva
Published: January 2011

The role and influence of leadership and its commitment have come into sharp focus in the industry worldwide and in particular oil and gas industry recognizes that leadership is a key consideration in the creation of an incident free workplace. The sustained drive and commitment of the management is identified as the most critical aspect of creating and maintaining strong Health Safety Environment (HSE) culture. Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), one of the premier Oil &Gas companies in the Gulf region, gives top most commitment to HSE and considers HSE as one of the key strategic objectives of its business strategy and number one priority in its endeavor towards sustainable development. KOC recognized the importance of leadership towards HSE in not only just delivering the best decisions, but involves commitment to the implementation and practicing. KOC strongly believes that Leadership and Commitment act as fundamentals to HSE performance, and to business success. This paper focuses on the enhanced HSE performance after visible Leadership and Commitment in West Kuwait (WK) Asset. In the past, attempts to improve safety were seen as short term ‘actions; something to do because ‘we have to’, often resulting in them being treated as a distraction from the ‘real’ work priority issues. This paper presents that how the leadership and its commitment created the work environment necessary for people to develop the confidence and competence to practice and adherance to safety. This paper also focuses on the process and methodology of the implementation of various initiatives taken by the Management which enabled West Kuwait to achieve a substantial lowering of HSE risks, reduction of disabling injuries and frequency rates, Motor Vehicle Accidents and frequency rates, and employee HSE behavior, enhanced Integrity Management, enhanced Contractor's HSE performance and many more indirect positive results.
Work Related Stress Survey for South and East Kuwait Directorate
Authors: Hussain Zainab , Al-Kahloot Issam
Published: January 2011

HSE Team South and East Kuwait Directorate have taken the initiative to assess work related stress in S&EK directorate. The survey covered 124 employees who are working in the field offices (Burgan New Complex) from different Groups and 54 employees FD-S&EK employees who are working in Ahmadi new complex, and 56 employees shift workers whom are working in production operations and water handling. detailed questionnaire was used to collect stress related information from employees themselves, such as Bio data and general Information, Physical Health, Sources work pressure, Coping Strategies and finally their suggestions that could help them to reduce work stress.

Health Effects Findings are: 59% feeling exhausted sometimes and unable to sleep.56% are complained that their tendency to eat or drink is decreased sometimes.56% are complained from headache sometimes47% feeling depression sometimes

Causes of work related stress:

A- Demand Factor: 88% were found that their work require taking important decision.88% having too much work to do.84% have to work for long hours

B- Control: 59% complained from unfair distribution of work.41% found that lack of participation in decision making is source of stress.

C-Relationship: 56% complained from lack of consultation and Communication41% complained from lack of involvement & information

D-Change: 56% having Lack of consultation and communication.

E- Role: 59% complained that they dont receive adequate training.

F-Support Factor: 66% complaining of lack of encouragement by superiors53% feeling that their work is not valued.

The significant of the study is it presents recommendations to reduce the work related stress for both the organization and for each employee's group (office workers and shift workers)

Shift-Worker recommendations was categorized into Dietary and EatingPatternsSleep andSocial Activities
The Effect on Learning, Communication, and Assessment When Student-Created Youtubes of Microteaching Were Used in an Online Teacher-Education Course
Authors: O'Connor Eileen A.
Published: January 2011

This pilot study within an online teacher-education course required pre-service teachers to develop self-videotaped microteaching lessons which were posted in a private YouTube. Analysis of the students' YouTube lessons, course postings, and peer interactions found that students learned the technology requirements quickly, were able to develop useful collegial relationships, and were adept at developing science lessons that integrated data-probe and spreadsheet technology. The YouTube lessons, though, illustrated how these pre-service teachers still struggled with creating student-centered lessons. The utility of a performance assessment that can be taped, stored, and analyzed reinforces the value of this approach; YouTube-like postings could help fields with service and performance components (social work, nursing). New methods for modeling, supporting and assessing students in such areas will be needed. However, the value of instruction that is better aligned with the desired outcome argues the value of investing in supporting, integrating, and designing assessments for these rapidly-expanding technology-and-communications tools.
Refocusing the Vision: The Future of Instructional Technology
Authors: Pence Harry E. , McIntosh Steven
Published: January 2011

Two decades ago, many campuses mobilized a major effort to deal with a clear problem; faculty and students needed access to desktop computing technologies. Now the situation is much more complex. Responding to the current challenges, like mobile computing and social networking, will be more difficult but equally important. There is a clear need for colleges to develop pilot projects and appropriate educational plans to prepare for these new learning environments.
Using Vouchers to Increase Access to Maternal Healthcare in Bangladesh
Authors: Rob Ubaidur , Rahman Moshiur , Bellows Benjamin
Published: January 2011

The maternal mortality ratio (322) is comparatively high in Bangladesh. The utilization of maternity care provided by trained professionals during and after delivery is alarmingly low, primarily due to lack of knowledge and money. The overall objective of this operations research project was to test the feasibility and effectiveness of introducing financial support (voucher scheme) for poor rural women to improve utilization of antenatal care (ANC), delivery and postnatal check-up (PNC) from trained service providers. A pretest-posttest design was utilized. A total of 436 women were interviewed before and 414 after the intervention to evaluate the impact of interventions. In-depth interviews were conducted with users and non-users of vouchers. Findings show that institutional deliveries have increased from 2% to 18%. Utilization of ANC from trained providers has increased from 42% to 89%. Similarly, utilization of PNC from trained providers has increased from 10% to 60%.
HIV Knowledge and Stigmatization among Adolescents in Yemeni Schools
Authors: Al-Iryani Buthaina , Raja'a Yahia A. , Kok Gerjo , Van Den Borne Bart
Published: January 2011

The number of assessments on HIV knowledge and stigmatization among adolescents in Yemen is still very limited. This cross-sectional study aimed to have a better understanding on the level of knowledge on HIV transmission and prevention. Also, this study explored the level of stigma and discrimination among students toward people living with HIV (PLWH). The study sample consisted of 2,274 male and female students (mean age 16.6 years) randomly selected from 27 high schools in Aden, Yemen. The results revealed low levels of knowledge on major prevention measures, such as condoms, where only 49.4% knew that condoms could protect from HIV infection; and high levels of misconceptions on the modes of transmission. In addition, the study revealed a high level of stigma and discrimination toward people living with HIV. The results would serve as a baseline for implementing a school-based educational program on HIV/AIDS.
Sexual Harassment Experiences of Female Graduates of Nigerian Tertiary Institutions
Authors: Owoaje Eme T. , Olusola-Taiwo Omolara
Published: January 2011

The sexual harassment experiences of female graduates from tertiary institutions in Nigeria, were explored using self-administered questionnaires. Information was obtained on the respondents' socio-demographic characteristics and experiences of sexual harassment while in their various tertiary institutions. The majority (69.8%) of the respondents had been sexually harassed, with the main perpetrators being male classmates and lecturers. About two-thirds experienced the non-physical type of sexual harassment; 48.2% experienced the physical type. Non-physical harassment included sexual comments (57.8%) and requests to do something sexual in exchange for academic favors (32.2%). Physical forms of sexual harassment included unwanted sexual touching (29.4%) and being intentionally brushed against in a sexual way (28.9%). The effects experienced by victims were depression and perceived insecurity on campus. Sexual harassment is a common occurrence in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Appropriate institutional interventions should be developed to reduce these occurrences.
Intimate Partner Violence: Prevalence and Perceptions of Married Men in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Fawole Olufunmilayo L. , Salawu Tokunbo A. , Olarinmoye Esther O. Asekun
Published: January 2011

In sub-Saharan Africa rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) are high. Thus, identifying reasons for abuse is crucial in ensuring women's health. Hence, mens perception of IPV was assessed, and prevalence of abuse determined. Survey of 820 married men from six urban communities in Ibadan was done using interviewer administered questionnaire. Four focus group discussions were conducted. Lifetime prevalence of perpetration of physical abuse was 25.1%, while psychological violence was 44.4%. Two hundred and forty (29.3%) had ever perpetrated sexual violence and 23.2% economic violence. At least one of these forms of violence had been perpetrated by 44.1% of the respondents. “Being rude” (66.4%) and “insufficient care of the children” (54.3%) were common justifications for IPV. Motive of the abuse were “to make partner responsible” (60.3%) and “to obtain respect” (59.9%). Predictors of perpetrating violence were being in polygamous unions (OR 1.83, 95% CI: 1.11–3.03), consuming alcohol (AOR 1.67; 95% CI: 1.10–2.53), and being Moslem (AOR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.21–2.910). Men with inadequate knowledge and negative attitudes had greater likelihood of perpetrating IPV (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.37–3.26 and AOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.33–3.27). IPV was also associated with young age. Premarital counseling on how to resolve conflict without resulting to violence and early education of boys on violence to women is recommended.
Free Trade, Autarky and the Sustainability of an International Environmental Agreement
Authors: Benchekroun Hassan , Yildiz Halis Murat
Published: January 2011

We determine the impact of free trade on the sustainability of an international environmental agreement (IEA) and incorporate it into the assessment of the net benefits of opening up to free trade. We show that such an analysis can reverse the conclusions reached within a standard one-shot game framework. We first examine a one shot game and show that the benefits from an increase in economic activity due to free trade outweigh the extra cost of free trade associated with larger environmental damage. We then consider the infinite repetition of the one-shot game where countries can use trigger strategies and show that there exist circumstances where an IEA is sustainable under autarky but not under free trade. This aggravates the environmental damages caused by free trade and leads to the possibility that welfare may be smaller under free trade than under autarky. This conclusion remains valid even when (i) countries adopt the most cooperative environmental policy when the “fully cooperative” environmental policy is not sustainable or (ii) we consider “intermediate tariff reductions.”
Diabetic Downregulation of Nrf2 Activity via ERK Contributes to Oxidative Stress–Induced Insulin Resistance in Cardiac Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Tan Yi , Ichikawa Tomonaga , Li Jinqing , Si Qiusheng , Yang Huaitao , Chen Xiangbai , Goldblatt Curtis S. , Meyer Colin J. , Li Xiaokun , Cai Lu , Cui Taixing
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

Oxidative stress is implicated in cardiac insulin resistance, a critical risk factor for cardiac failure, but the direct evidence remains missing. This study explored a causal link between oxidative stress and insulin resistance with a focus on a regulatory role of redox sensitive transcription factor NF-E2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the cardiac cells in vitro and in vivo.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Chronic treatment of HL-1 adult cardiomyocyte with hydrogen peroxide led to insulin resistance, reflected by a significant suppression of the insulin-induced glucose uptake. This was associated with an exaggerated phosphorylation of extracellular signal–related kinase (ERK). Although U0126, an ERK inhibitor, enhanced insulin sensitivity and attenuated oxidative stress–induced insulin resistance, LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), worsened the insulin resistance. Moreover, insulin increased Nrf2 transcriptional activity, which was blocked by LY294002 but enhanced by U0126. Forced activation of Nrf2 by adenoviral over-expression of Nrf2 inhibited the increased ERK activity and recovered the blunted insulin sensitivity on glucose uptake in cardiomyocytes that were chronically treated with H2O2. In the hearts of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and diabetic patients Nrf2 expression significantly decreased along with significant increases in 3-nitrotyrosine accumulation and ERK phosphorylation, whereas these pathogenic changes were not observed in the heart of diabetic mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of a potent antioxidant metallothionein. Upregulation of Nrf2 by its activator, Dh404, in cardiomyocytes in vitro and in vivo prevented hydrogen peroxide– and diabetes-induced ERK activation and insulin-signaling downregulation.

CONCLUSIONS

ERK-mediated suppression of Nrf2 activity leads to the oxidative stress–induced insulin resistance in adult cardiomyocytes and downregulated glucose utilization in the diabetic heart.
Activation of Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor δ Inhibits Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy Through Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms in Mice
Authors: Matsushita Yuichi , Ogawa Daisuke , Wada Jun , Yamamoto Noriko , Shikata Kenichi , Sato Chikage , Tachibana Hiromi , Toyota Noriko , Makino Hirofumi
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

Activation of the nuclear hormone receptor peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR)-δ has been shown to improve insulin resistance, adiposity, and plasma HDL levels. Several studies have reported that activation of PPARδ is atheroprotective; however, the role of PPARδ in renal function remains unclear. Here, we report the renoprotective effects of PPARδ activation in a model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups: 1) nondiabetic control mice, 2) diabetic mice, and 3) diabetic mice treated with the PPARδ agonist GW0742 (1 mg/kg/day). GW0742 was administered by gavage for 8 weeks after inducing diabetes.

RESULTS

GW0742 decreased urinary albumin excretion without altering blood glucose levels. Macrophage infiltration, mesangial matrix accumulation, and type IV collagen deposition were substantially attenuated by GW0742. The gene expression of inflammatory mediators in the kidney cortex, such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and osteopontin (OPN), was also suppressed. In vitro studies demonstrated that PPARδ activation increased the expression of anti-inflammatory corepressor B-cell lymphoma-6, which subsequently suppressed MCP-1 and OPN expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings uncover a previously unrecognized mechanism for the renoprotective effects of PPARδ agonists and support the concept that PPARδ agonists may offer a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.
230Th/U chronology of ore formation within the semyenov hydrothermal district (13°31′ N) at the Mid-Atlantic ridge
Authors: Kuznetsov V. , Maksimov F. , Zheleznov A. , Cherkashov G. , Bel’Tenev V. , Lazareva L.
Published: January 2011

A radiochemical study was carried out on massive sulfides from Semyenov hydrothermal district at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. New and published results provide evidence that 230Th/U ages obtained for massive sulfides are reliable. The sulfide deposits from the West, North-West, North-East, and East hydrothermal sites at the Semyenov hydrothermal district were formed between ∼124 ka and ∼37 ka ago. The hydrothermal activity might have started in the eastern part of the district and moved to the west by episodic ore formation.
Stratigraphic position of fluvial and aeolian deposits in the Żabinko site (W Poland) based on TL dating
Authors: Zieliński Paweł , Sokołowski Robert , Fedorowicz Stanisław , Jankowski Michał
Published: January 2011

The known from literature Żabinko site is situated in the Warta Pradolina, within the dune field occurring on the bifurcation terrace. In the site we found fluvial, fluvio-aeolian and aeolian deposits, paleosols, and organic infillings of the inactive river channels. The purpose of the study was to determine stratigraphic position of the deposit units distinguished on the basis of lithofacial analysis, pedological description and thermoluminescence dating. The obtained results well correspond to the previously published ones, and new units were also found.
Infrared radiofluorescence (IR-RF) dating of middle pleistocene fluvial archives of the Heidelberg Basin (Southwest Germany)
Authors: Lauer Tobias , Krbetschek Matthias , Frechen Manfred , Tsukamoto Sumiko , Hoselmann Christian , Weidenfeller Michael
Published: January 2011

The infrared radiofluorescence (IR-RF) dating technique was applied to eight fluvial samples that were collected from two sediment cores at the Heidelberg Basin located near Viernheim and Ludwigshafen in southwest Germany. Based on the IR-RF derived ages of the samples it was possible to establish a chronological framework for the Mid-Pleistocene fluvial deposits of the Heidelberg Basin. The results allow us to distinguish between four main periods of aggradation. The lowermost sample taken from 100 m core depth lead to an IR-RF age of 643 ± 28 ka pointing to a Cromerian period of aggradation (OIS 17–16). For the Elsterian it is now possible to distinguish between two aggradation periods, one occurring during the Lower Elsterian period (OIS 15) and a second during the Upper Elsterian period (OIS 12–11). For the so called Upper interlayer (or “Oberer Zwischenhorizont” — a layer of organic-rich and finer-grained deposits), the IR-RF results point to a deposition age of around 300 ka, with samples taken directly on top and out of this layer yielding IR-RF ages of 288 ± 19 ka and 302 ± 19 ka, respectively. Hence, the measured IR-RF ages clearly point to a deposition during the Lower Saalian period (OIS 9–8) whereas earlier studies assumed a Cromerian age for the sediments of the Upper Interlayer based on pollen records and also mollusc fauna. The new IR-RF dataset indicates that significant hiatuses are present within the fluvial sediment successions. In particular the Eemian and Upper Saalian deposits are missing in this part of the northern Upper Rhine Graben, as the 300 ka deposits are directly overlain by Weichselian fluvial sediments. It is obvious that time periods of increased fluvial aggradation were interrupted by time periods of almost no aggradation or erosion which should have been mainly triggered by phases of increased and decreased subsidence of the Heidelberg Basin.
A high resolution optical dating study of the Mostiştea loess-palaeosol sequence (SE Romania) using sand-sized quartz
Authors: Vasiliniuc Ş. , Timar-Gabor A. , Vandenberghe D.A.G. , Panaiotu C.G. , Begy R. , Cosma C.
Published: January 2011

We report on SAR-OSL dating of closely-spaced samples from the loess-palaeosol sequence near Mostiştea lake (Danube Plain, SE Romania). We used sand-sized quartz and a SAR protocol that involved a preheat of 10s at 220°C and a test dose cutheat to 180°C. It is shown that these thermal pretreatments isolate a quartz OSL signal that is dominated by the fast component. The behaviour of this signal in the SAR protocol is then documented. The ratio of the measured to given dose tends to lie slightly but systematically above unity (∼5% on average) and the recycling ratio below unity (∼6% on average); for all samples, the recuperated signal is negligible. Within analytical uncertainty, the nineteen optical ages are internally consistent and agree with the predictions from a palaeomagnetic age-depth model. Although it may be possible to optimize the SAR measurement procedure, the optical ages already confirm the chronostratigraphic position of the uppermost welldeveloped palaeosol in that it formed during MIS 5. The established chronology allows correlating the sequence near Mostiştea lake with that near Mircea VodĂ that we investigated earlier.
Adipose-derived stem cells cultured in autologous serum maintain the characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Bogdanova Ance , Bērziņš Uldis , Brūvere Ruta , Eivazova Guļšena , Kozlovska Tatjana
Published: January 2011

Adipose-derived stem cells cultured in autologous serum maintain the characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells

Human adipose tissue is known to be an attractive and readily available source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), which are becoming increasingly popular for application in regenerative medicine. Most of the protocols currently used for in vitro expansion of MSC include fetal bovine serum (FBS) supplementation. When MSC are cultured in such a way for clinical applications this rises concerns about immunogenicity of FBS proteins. A possible solution to this problem is the use of autologous serum (AS) instead of FBS. In this study we investigated whether adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC), cultivated in medium containing AS, maintain characteristics of MSC. The results show that the obtained ADSC were plastic adherent, rapidly dividing (doubling time 40 ± 4 hours), spindle-shaped cells with fibroblastoid morphology and exhibited normal karyotype. No less than 95% of the obtained cells displayed MSC surface markers, including CD73, CD90 and CD105, but showed no expression of the hematopoietic markers CD34 and CD45. ADSC cultured in the presence of AS underwent in vitro differentiation into adipocytes, osteoblasts and chondroblasts, confirmed by Oil Red O, Alizarin Red S and Alcian Blue stains, respectively. These findings suggest that ADSC may be expanded in the AS without the loss of characteristics of MSC.
Influence of the humification process on the properties of peat humic acids
Authors: Šīre Jānis , Kļaviņš Māris
Published: January 2011

Influence of the humification process on the properties of peat humic acids

Comparative and complex characterisation of peat humic acids (HAs) isolated from peat profiles of different origin in Latvia was conducted. Elemental and functional analysis of the isolated HAs was made and their acidity and molecular weight were estimated. Spectral characterisation included UV-Vis, IR, electron spin resonance and fluorescence spectra. Structural characterisation of HAs was by both 1H and13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Properties of HAs isolated from the Latvian peat were compared with HA from other sources (soil, water, coal and synthetic humic substances). Major properties of peat HAs depended on their origin, indicating the importance of humification processes. HAs isolated from peat of more recent origin were more similar to soil Has, while there was a greater degree of humification in part from older sources.
Occurrence of growth factors and their receptors in tubal pregnancy-affected tissue
Authors: Kukanova Anna , Pilmane Māra , Rezeberga Dace
Published: January 2011

Occurrence of growth factors and their receptors in tubal pregnancy-affected tissue

Considering that growth factors orchestrate cell growth, differentiation and proliferation, the aim of our study was to determine the occurrence of some growth factors and their receptors in tubal pregnancy tissues. The immunohistochemical distribution of TGF beta 1, bFGF, FGFR, NGF, NGFRp75, IGF-1, IGF-1R was determined semiquantitatively. A Mann-Whitney U test for the non-parametric rank analysis was used to test for differences between the factors. Significance was assumed for a P value of < 0.05. The analysed tissues expressed more FGFR than bFGF (U = 23; P < 0.05). NGF appeared in various structures of fallopian tube and conceptus but NGFRp75 was particularly absent (U = 1; P < 0.05). IGF-1 was widely distributed in both mother and embryo tissues, but IGF-1R only in some of the material (U = 22.5; P < 0.05). It was concluded that TGF beta 1 is absent both in mother and conceptus tissues; fallopian tube tissues express more FGFR than bFGF and suggest the stimulation of compensatory adaptation of the organ and the disturbance of angiogenesis; the presence of NGF in the fallopian tube with absence of NGFRp75 indicates the failure of innervations, angiogenesis and cell interaction; the deficit of IGF-1 and the absence of IGF-1R are suggested to be a result of gestation growth restriction and impaired invasion.
Mildronate's protective effects in the peripheral nervous system: stavudine-induced neuropathy and formalin-induced inflammation
Authors: Pupure Jolanta , Rumaks Juris , Isajevs Sergejs , Korzakova Olga , Puncule Jelena , Svirskis Simons , Kalviņš Ivars , Kluša Vija
Published: January 2011

Mildronate's protective effects in the peripheral nervous system: stavudine-induced neuropathy and formalin-induced inflammation

Mildronate, previously known as a cardioprotective drug, recently was found to normalise mitochondrial processes by preventing the dysfunction of complex I in rat liver mitochondria. Previously we have shown also the ability of mildronate to prevent pathologies in the central nervous system by normalizing the expression of different signalling molecules in brain tissue. This allowed us to suggest that mildronate may possess a beneficial role also in peripheral nervous system pathologies. The present study was designed to assess the peripheral tissue damage caused by anti-HIV drug stavudine, as well as pain and inflammation caused by formalin. For this demonstration, we investigated the influence of mildronate: (1) on decreased myelin expression and increased neuron degeneration in rat sciatic nerve tissue caused by stavudine; and (2) on formalin-induced inflammation in mice. We found that mildronate protected the stavudine-induced degeneration of neurons in rat peripheral sciatic nerve without a significant influence on demyelination. In a formalin test, mildronate showed anti-inflammatory action comparable to that of indomethacin, a reference drug. The present results show that mildronate is capable of regulating peripheral nerve damage and peripheral inflammatory responses. We suggest that the multifunctional effects of mildronate can be attributed to its ability to regulate mitochondrial processes. The obtained data indicate protective effects of mildronate in different peripheral neurological pathologies.
Tasks performed by primary caregivers and migrant live-in homecare workers in Israel
Authors: Iecovich Esther
Published: January 2011

The issue of migrant live-in homecare workers has been barely addressed in the gerontological literature, in spite of the increase of older persons being cared for by such persons in many Western countries. The purposes of the study are to examine the extent to which migrant live-in homecare workers substitute family caregivers or complement the care that is provided by primary caregivers, and to examine if there are differences in primary caregivers’ involvement in providing help with activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) before and after hiring a migrant live-in homecare worker, by caregivers’ employment status and gender. The data were drawn from a study that included 335 triads (care recipients, their primary caregivers, and their Filipina live-in homecare workers).

The findings show that for the most part primary caregivers continue to play a significant role in providing care, in particular with regard to IADL tasks, even when there is a migrant live-in homecare worker. Several patterns of division of labor between the formal and informal caregivers were identified; that is, in some cases they complement each other while in other cases the migrant live-in homecare workers substitute for the care previously provided by the primary caregivers. Significant differences between male and female caregivers and between working and nonworking caregivers were found with regard to involvement in providing care before and after employment of a migrant homecare worker.