bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of 2-(4-acetyl-2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-5,6-dichloro-isoindole-1,3-dione, C18H13Cl2NO3
Authors: Li Feng-Cui , Shi Qi-Lin , Zhou Xiao-Hu , Ren Yang , Xu Hai
Published: January 2016

C18H13Cl2NO3, Mr = 362.19, monoclinic, P21/n, a = 13.6464(2) Å, b = 18.1592(3) Å, c = 13.9829(2) Å, β = 107.557(1)°, V = 3303.66(9) Å3, Z = 8, Mo K
α radiation, μ = 0.41 mm−1, T = 296 K, 0.30 × 0.20 × 0.20 mm.
Crystal structure of 4-(3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)benzoic acid, C14H10N4O2
Authors: Zhao Yan , Zhang Li
Published: January 2016

C14H10O2N4, monoclinic, P21/c, a = 11.750(18) Å, b = 8.194(13) Å, c = 12.91(2) Å, β = 102.306(19)°, V = 1214(3) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt
(F) = 0.0505, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.1098, T = 296(2) K.
Forging a morphological system out of two dimensions: Agentivity and number
Authors: Horton L. , Goldin-Meadow S. , Coppola M. , Senghas A. , Brentari D.
Published: January 2016

Languages have diverse strategies for marking agentivity and number. These strategies are negotiated to create combinatorial systems. We consider the emergence of these strategies by studying features of movement in a young sign language in Nicaragua (NSL). We compare two age cohorts of Nicaraguan signers (NSL1 and NSL2), adult homesigners in Nicaragua (deaf individuals creating a gestural system without linguistic input), signers of American and Italian Sign Languages (ASL and LIS), and hearing individuals asked to gesture silently. We find that all groups use movement axis and repetition to encode agentivity and number, suggesting that these properties are grounded in action experiences common to all participants. We find another feature – unpunctuated repetition – in the sign systems (ASL, LIS, NSL, Homesign) but not in silent gesture. Homesigners and NSL1 signers use the unpunctuated form, but limit its use to No-Agent contexts; NSL2 signers use the form across No-Agent and Agent contexts. A single individual can thus construct a marker for number without benefit of a linguistic community (homesign), but generalizing this form across agentive conditions requires an additional step. This step does not appear to be achieved when a linguistic community is first formed (NSL1), but requires transmission across generations of learners (NSL2).
Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy – Is It Safe In The Hands Of Residents During Training?
Authors: Kisielewski Michał , Pędziwiatr Michał , Pisarska Magdalena , Major Piotr , Rubinkiewicz Mateusz , Matłok Maciej , Migaczewski Marcin , Budzyński Piotr , Budzyński Andrzej
Published: January 2016

was to assess safety of elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) performed by residents that are undergoing training in general surgery.

. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 330 patients operated electively due to cholelithiasis. Patients with acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, undergoing cholecystec-tomy as a part of more extensive operation and patients with gall-bladder cancer were excluded. Group 1 included patients operated by resident, group 2 – by specialist. Duration of operation, mean blood loss, number of major complications, number of conversions to the open technique and conversions of the operator, reoperations and length of hospital stay were analyzed.

Mean operative time overall was 81 min (25 – 170, SD±28.6) and 71 min (30-210, SD±29.1) in groups 1 and 2 respectively (p=0.00009). Mean blood loss in group 1 was 45±68.2 ml and in group 2 – 41±73.4 ml (p=0.23). Six major complications has occurred (1.81%) – 2 (2%) in group 1 and 4 (1.7%) in group 2. 18 cases (15.5%) of conversion of the operator occurred in group 1, and 6 cases (2.6%) of conversion of the operator happened in group 2. Average LOS was 1.9 days in group 1 and 2.3 days in group 2 (p=0.03979).

Elective LC performed by a supervised resident is a safe procedure. Tactics of “conversion of operator” allowed to prevent major complications. Longer LC by residents is natural during the learning curve. Modifications of residency program in the field of laparoscopy may increase its accessibility.
Severe Vascular Complications Of Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Głuszek Stanisław , Nawacki Łukasz , Matykiewicz Jarosław , Kot Marta , Kuchinka Jakub
Published: January 2016

Acute pancreatitis (AP) develops as a result of the imbalance of the mechanisms inhibiting the activity of enzymes in the pancreatic cells, which causes their autoactivation in the pancreas. The incidence of AP ranges from 10 up to 100 cases per 100,000 population per year in different parts of the world. The overall mortality rate for acute pancreatitis is 10-15%. The mortality rate in patients diagnosed with the severe form of acute pancreatitis is up to 30-40%.

The study included 10 patients treated due to acute pancreatitis in two surgical departments run by one of the authors (S.G.) in the years 2004-2014, who developed a serious complication in the form of haemorrhage into the inflammatory tumour/pancreatic cyst or an adjacent organ. Haemorrhage was diagnosed based on the clinical picture, most often a sudden drop in blood pressure, peritonitis symptoms and imaging findings – abdominal ultrasound and abdominal computed tomography. Therapeutic methods included conservative treatment, endovascular embolisation and, in the absence of efficacy of the above mentioned methods, surgical treatment. Patients age and gender, the etiological factor, comorbidities, Atlanta Classification, treatment outcomes and mortality rate were assessed.

Alcohol was the most common etiological factor in the investigated AP cases. The patients received conservative treatment, interventional radiology treatment (endovascular embolisation) or surgical treatment. In the study group, 6 patients required surgical treatment, 3 patients received invasive radiology treatment, and conservative treatment was used in one patient. The mortality rate in the study group was 30%.

Haemorrhages into the inflammatory cisterns or adjacent organs (stomach, transverse colon mesentery) secondary to AP are the most severe complications, which are difficult to manage. The successful use of interventional radiology methods to inhibit and prevent the recurrence of bleeding in some of the patients is a significant milestone.
Risk Factors Of Pancreatitis After Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography – A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Głuszek Stanisław , Matykiewicz Jarosław , Kozieł Dorota , Klimer Dariusz , Wawrzycka Iwona , Ogonowska Aleksandra
Published: January 2016

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the most important non-surgical procedure in serious pancreatic and biliary diseases, still burdened with the risk of severe complications. The objective of the study was to distinguish factors which could increase the risk of occurrence of ERCP complication in the form of pancreatitis.

The study included 452 patients who had undergone ERCP. Patients’ records were retrospectively analyzed from the aspect of demographic data, indications for the procedure, type and course of the procedure, type and severity of complications, width of the common bile duct (CBD), concomitant diseases and administered medicines which might increase the risk of complications.

In 35 patients (7.7%) a complication occurred in the form of pancreatitis (AP). A severe course was confirmed in 11 patients (31%). Cholelithiasis constituted approximately 2/3 of indications for ERCP. AP after ERCP was significantly more often observed in the group of patients aged under 40 (22.9% vs 8.6%; p<0.05). Narrow biliary ducts (3-8 mm) were the factor increasing the frequency of development of AP (25.9% vs 45%; p<0.05). Death occurred in 5 patients (1.1%), including 4 patients (0.96%) in the group without complications, and in 1 patient (2.85%) with complicated AP.

ERCP is a very valuable procedure in clinical treatment; however, it is burdened with the risk of complications, such as AP, bleeding, or duodenal perforation. A group especially exposed to the risk of complications in the form of AP are young patients aged under 40 with a narrow CBD.
Analysis Of Risk Factors Of Positive Peritoneal Cytology In Patients Treated For Gastric Cancer – Preliminary Report*
Authors: Lisiecki Radosław , Spychała Arkadiusz , Pater Katarzyna , Murawa Dawid
Published: January 2016

Presence of free gastric cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity of patients who underwent surgical treatment for gastric cancer is a negative prognostic factor and caused rapid disease recurrence, manifested as peritoneal metastases.

Positive peritoneal cytology despite lack of visible peritoneal metastases was regarded as M1 class in the TNM classification (7

was to analyze factors associated with positive peritoneal cytology and identify groups of patients in whom diagnostic laparoscopy plus peritoneal lavage in the diagnostic process could affect therapeutic decisions.

The study enrolled patients with gastric cancer who underwent surgical treatment at the Department of Surgery, Wielkopolskie Oncology Center in Poznań. During the laparotomy, after opening of the peritoneal cavity, 200 ml of physiological saline at 37°C was administered in the tumor region. After this fluid was mixed, 100 ml of lavage fluid was collected. This fluid was subsequently spun many times to obtain sediment for cytology and immunohistochemistry investigation using anti-BerEp-4, CK 7/20, and B72.3.

Results of peritoneal cytology were analyzed jointly with clinical factors – patient’s age, sex and pathology factors – tumor invasion, involvement of lymph nodes, histological grade, histological type according to Lauren and localization of the cancer in the stomach.

Analysis of the peritoneal fluid for presence of free cancer cells was done in 51 patients. Positive peritoneal cytology was found in 12 (23.5%) patients. In the group of patients with positive cytology, all patients had T3/T4 tumors and all were found to have lymph node metastases, while G3 cancer was found in 83.3% of patients. In patients with positive cytology, diffuse gastric cancer according to Lauren predominated (9 of 12 patients, 75%), while in patients with negative cytology – intestinal type (20 of 39 patients, 51.2%). In the group of patients with positive histology, the whole stomach was involved by the cancer process in 7 of 12 patients (58.3%), while in the group with negative histology, in 29 of 39 patients the tumor was located in the gastric body and prepyloric part (74.4%).

Based on this study we can conclude that determinants of positive peritoneal cytology include: tumor stage T3/T4, N+, G3, cancer located in the whole stomach, diffuse histological type according to Lauren.
Own Experience From The Use Of A Substitute Of An Allogeneic Acellular Dermal Matrix Revitalized With In Vitro Cultured Skin Cells In Clinical Practice
Authors: Łabuś Wojciech , Kawecki Marek , Glik Justyna , Maj Mariusz , Kitala Diana , Misiuga Marcelina , Klama-Baryła Agnieszka , Kraut Małgorzata , Nowak Mariusz
Published: January 2016

As a result of the removal of cells from human allogeneic dermis, a collagen scaffold is obtained, which can be populated de novo with autologous/allogeneic skin cells and transplanted onto the area of skin loss. The optimal method for production of acellular dermal matrices (ADM) has been selected. Three female patients (a mean age of 54 years) were subjected to the transplantation of either autologous or allogeneic keratinocytes and fibroblasts into the holes of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) mesh graft. The method for burn wound treatment based on the use of a viable dermal-epidermal skin substitute (based on ADM and in vitro cultured fibroblasts and keratinocytes) may be the optimal method of burn treatment.
A Rare Presentation Of An Ectopic Breast Tissue In Axilla
Authors: Vidyasagar Radhika , Sudarshan  , Singh R. N , Shivaram
Published: January 2016

Accessory breast tissue is rare accounting to less than 1% cases seen in females. It is usually bilateral. We report a case of 24-year-old woman with a lump in the left axilla in view of its rarity and made a differential diagnosis of fibroadenoma, which following the investigations and histopathological report was confirmed as revealed fibroadenoma in the axilla. It should also be considered as a differential diagnosis for all axillary swellings.
Assessment of iron in uterine and testicular tissues and hair of free-ranging and household cats
Authors: Rzymski P. , Niedzielski P. , Dąbrowski P.
Published: January 2016

Iron (Fe) represents a highly essential element for various biological processes. In spite of this very little is known as regards its status in mammalian reproductive tissues and factors that may potentially influence it. At the same time, there is an ongoing debate as to whether analyses of the Fe content in hair can provide reliable information on its tissue burden. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the content of Fe in the testicular and uterine tissues, and hair of the domestic cat (Felis catus) and how this content relates to an animal’s age, weight, physical activity, inhabited environment and diet. The median Fe content in the feline reproductive tissues amounted to 50.8 ppm and in hair to 180.2 ppm. As found, free-ranging cats were characterized by a significantly higher Fe content in reproductive tissues, particularly in the uterus. Age, weight and physical activity had no effect on determined Fe levels. The type of commercial diet (wet, dry or combined) given to household cats also had no influence upon Fe status in hair and tissue although males fed exclusively on dry food had a lower Fetestis:Fehairratio. Hair Fe level was positively correlated with that found in the reproductive tissues (Rs=0.30). This study extends the body of information on Fe distribution in felines, demonstrates the difference between free-ranging and household cats and provides evidence that Fe hair status may, at least partially, reflect the status of this element in the feline reproductive system.
Fungal rhinitis in dogs
Authors: Ostrzeszewicz M. , Sapierzyński R.
Published: January 2016

Fungal rhinitis and sinusitis in dogs are quite common reasons of chronic nasal discharge and rhinoscopy in such cases is commonly suggested. Forty three dogs were examined using rhinoscopy because of the presence of chronic airway symptoms. Clinical examination, routine hematology and serum biochemistry profiles, nasal and frontal sinus radiographs were made in all animals. Additionally, computed tomography in one dog was performed. Samples for histopathology were taken from 9 patients during rhinoscopy, additionally, from 8 of these patients samples for cytopathology were collected by blind nasal swab technique. In 9 of 43 dogs (20,5%), all males aged 1 to 13 years, examinations led to a diagnosis of fungal rhinitis. In 2 cases a diagnosis of fungal rhinitis was obtained based solely on cytopathology, while in 7 cases – mycosis of nasal mucosa was confirmed by histopathology. The present study revealed that cytopathological examination of nasal swabs has a low diagnostic value in the case of nasal infections in dogs. Although, in some dogs cytopathology, together with other widely available diagnostic techniques was sufficient to reliably diagnose fungal rhinitis, histopathology of samples collected during rhinoscopy is still the gold standard in such cases.
The effect of yeast Yarrowia lipolytica on the antioxidant indices and macro-and microelements in blood plasma of turkey hens
Authors: Merska M. , Czech A. , Ognik K.
Published: January 2016

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of different amounts of Yarrowia lipolytica yeast on the redox response and content of macro- and microelements in the blood plasma of turkey hens. The experiment was carried out on 240 turkey hens aged from 1 to 16 weeks. The birds were randomly assigned to 3 experimental groups of 80 birds each. Group I served as a control (K) and did not receive any experimental compounds. The turkey hens from the experimental groups (YL3 and YL6) were administered dried Yarrowia lipolytica yeast in their feed mixtures in the amount of 3% (YL3) or 6% (YL6).

Yarrowia lipolytica yeast in the feed mixtures for the turkey hens did not induce oxidation reactions in the organism of the birds. However, an increase in catalase activity and a reduction in the level of LOOH, MDA and vitamin C were observed in the blood plasma of the turkey hens whose diet was supplemented with YL yeast. In the case of other indices, such as superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidant potential (FRAP), the additive caused no significant changes. Administering Yarrowia lipolytica yeast to turkey hens may stimulate the enzymatic response of the antioxidant system (e.g. increasing catalase activity), mainly by increasing the concentration of iron in the plasma.
Effects of dietary supplementation with sage (Salvia officinalis L.) essential oil on antioxidant status and duodenal wall integrity of laying strain growers
Authors: Placha I. , Ryzner M. , Cobanova K. , Faixova Z. , Faix S.
Published: January 2016

The objective of this study was to compare the influence of four different concentrations of Salvia officinalis essential oil (EO) on animal health. A total of 50 laying strain chicks were randomly divided at the day of hatching into five dietary-treatment groups. Control group was given the basal diet (BD), the other four experimental groups contained BD supplemented with 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 g S. officinalis EO/kg diet, respectively. 0.1 g/kg EO increased glutathion peroxidase activity (GPx) in duodenal mucosa, liver and kidney, phagocytic activity in blood (PA), transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in duodenal tissue and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in plasma and liver. 0.25 g/kg EO increased GPx in liver, total antioxidant status (TAS) in plasma, PA in blood and TEER in duodenal tissue. Our results demonstrate that lower concentrations of EO improve animals’ health status, and that it is necessary keep in mind the selection of sufficient concentration of EO used as animal feed additive.
Detection of Pentatrichomonas hominis in dogs using real-time PCR
Authors: Michalczyk M. , Sokół R. , Socha P.
Published: January 2016

Trichomonadidae family is a protozoan occurring in different animal species. It inhabits the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. P. hominis is rarely found in faecal samples of dogs, and its identification and differentiation from other trichomonads by light microscopy are difficult. Methods of molecular biology are the most effective in this case, because they confirm the presence of the specific species in animal organisms, irrespective of the protozoan form. The aim of this study was to find P. hominis in selected dog kennels in North-Eastern Poland. Forty-one faecal samples of dogs from 7 dog kennels were examined. The occurrence of P. hominis in 5 faecal samples of dogs with no symptoms of diarrhoea was the first one to be confirmed in Poland.
Etiology and pathology of epidemic outbreaks of avian influenza H5N1 infection in Egyptian chicken farms
Authors: Ali A. , Elmowalid G. , Abdel-Glil M. , Sharafeldin T. , Abdallah F. , Mansour S. , Nagy A. , Ahmed B. , Abdelmoneim M.
Published: January 2016

Epidemic outbreaks of avian influenza (AI) virus H5N1 have been frequently reported in Egypt during the last nine years. Here we investigate the involvement of AI H5N1 in outbreaks of acute respiratory disease that occurred in several commercial chicken farms in Egypt in 2011, and we describe to the pathology caused by the virus in the course of the outbreak.

Twenty-one chicken farms with history of acute respiratory symptoms and high mortalities were screened for AI H5N1. Virus identification was based on hemagglutination inhibition test, and PCR detection and sequencing of the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes. Virus distribution was determined by immunohistochemical staining of AI antigens in organs of infected birds. Standard H&E staining was performed for histological examination of affected organs.

Eighty-one % of the examined birds, representing 100% of the screened farms, were positive for AI H5N1 virus. Phylogenetic analysis of the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes of the isolated virus reveals its affiliation to clade 2.2.1. Viral antigens were localized in the endothelial cells of the heart, liver, lungs and skin, where pathological lesions including congestion, hemorrhages, multifocal inflammation and necrosis were concurrently observed. According to the pattern of the viral antigen and lesion distribution in the visceral organs, we suggest cardiovascular and circulatory failures as the probable cause of death during these outbreaks. In conclusion, the present study further confirms the epidemic status of AI H5N1 virus in Egypt and reveals the highly pathogenic nature of the local isolates.
Biochemical and immunological responses of young turkeys to vaccination against Ornithobacterium rhinotraheale and different levels of dietary methionine
Authors: Kubińska M. , Tykałowski B. , Koncicki A. , Jankowski J.
Published: January 2016

The objective of this study was to verify the hypothesis that increasing levels of dietary methionine can stimulate the mechanisms of cell-mediated and humoral immunity in young turkeys. The blood and organs involved in cell-mediated and humoral immune responses were analyzed in 8-week-old turkeys that had been vaccinated againstOrnithobacterium rhinotraheale(ORT) infection (on days 17 and 48). The birds were fed diets with a low (LM), medium (MM) and high (HM) methionine content (0.45 and 0.40%, 0.60 and 0.51%, 0.71 and 0.57% in weeks 1 – 4 and 5 – 8, respectively).

Dietary methionine supplementation led to a significant increase in body weights of turkeys at 56 days of age, from 3532 g in group LM to 3720 g in group MM and 3760 g in group HM (p=0.001). A significant increase in vaccine-induced antibody titers against ORT was noted in group HM relative to group LM (p=0.006). Increasing levels of methionine had no significant effect on total serum IgG nor IgM levels and most serum biochemical parameters, TP, ALB, GLOB, GLU, AST, ALP, P and Ca. In comparison with group LM, group HM turkeys were characterized by a lower percentage of IgM+B cell subpopulation in the blood and bursa of Fabricius.

The percentages of CD4+and CD8+T cell subpopulations in the bursa of Fabricius in group HM were significantly different from those found in groups LM and MM.

The highest percentages of CD4+T cells and CD8+T cells in the spleen were observed in groups LM (p<0.001) and HM (p=0.04), respectively. The differences were statistically significant relative to the remaining groups. Turkeys of group LM were characterized by a lower CD4+T cell percentage in the thymus (p<0.001) and a lower CD8+T cell percentage in the cecal tonsils (CTs) (p<0.01). Vaccination against ORT resulted in a significant increase in the percentage of CD4+/CD8+T cell subpopulation and a decrease in the percentage of CD8+T cell subset in the spleen.
Application of real-time PCR for evaluation of distribution of equine herpesvirus type 1 in tissues of aborted fetuses
Authors: Stasiak K. , Rola J. , Zmudzinski J.F.
Published: January 2016

A highly sensitive and specific real-time PCR assay was used for detection and quantitation of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) in the different internal organs of aborted fetuses. Tissue samples from 23 aborted fetuses submitted to the Department of Virology of the National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy between 2012 and 2013 were used for testing. Total DNA was extracted using a phenol-chloroform-isoamyl alcohol standard protocol. A real-time PCR with forward and reverse primers encompassing a highly conserved region encoding viral glycoprotein B was adapted for diagnosis of EHV-1 infection. The detection limit of the assay was shown to be 6.0×100of viral DNA copies and the obtained standard curve exhibited a linear range from 100to 107molecules. Sixteen out of twenty three aborted fetuses (69.5%) were positive for EHV-1 in real-time PCR. The highest EHV-1 DNA load was obtained for liver (mean Ctvalue: 15.7) and lung (18.2) samples, while the lowest was in the thymus (29.6) and placenta (28.4).
Immunocytochemical detection of calretinin in the claustrum and endopiriform nucleus of the chinchilla
Authors: Szalak R. , Matysek M. , Mozel S. , Arciszewski M.B.
Published: January 2016

Calretinin (CR) as a buffer and sensor protein plays an important role in regulatory processes of Ca2+ and anty-apoptotic cellular protection. In the present study, immunohistochemical peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) method was used in order to determine the numbers, morphology, morphometry and distribution pattern of CR in neurons of the chinchilla’s claustrum (Cl) and endopiriform nucleus (EN). In Cl and EN the presence of several classes of neurons with different immunoreactivity to CR was found. In Cl, CR-immunoreactive (IR) neurons were predominantly found in close vicinity to insular border while CR-IR neurons were evenly scattered throughout EN. In general, immunoreaction to CR was observed in neuronal cytoplasm, nucleus and in fibres-like nerve extensions. Statistical analysis showed the differences between average large diameter as well as cross-sectional area of CR-IR neurons present in Cl and EN. It is suggested, that CR acting as a calcium binding protein may play a role in neuronal network. Further co-localization studies are necessary to fully elucidate neurophysiology and neuropathology of the chinchilla’s Cl and EN neurons.
Clinical observation of a professional tattooing procedure and evolutionary study of the skin damage provoked
Authors: Pedrol Joan González , Trull Josep Lloreta , Sánchez Mercè Campoy , Romero Julián López , Martínez-Carpio Pedro A. , Trelles Mario A.
Published: January 2016

Objective:

A clinical observation of a professional tattooing procedure and the skin damage caused by the tattooing technique and the healing process of the lesions.

Materials and methods:

Three tattoos were performed using black, red and white ink, together with a fourth “tattoo” with the same characteristics and an identical procedure, but using no ink. The evolution of the lesions was observed over a period of 6 months using photographs and biopsies.

Results:

The tattoos evolved with no complications. At 72 h, full destruction of the epidermis and de-structuring of the papillary dermis were confirmed. At 3 months, an almost ad integrum restoration of the skin structure was observed with a settling of the inks on the reticular dermis. With regard to the inkless tattoo, a wound with self-limiting capillary bleeding was observed which gradually healed, leaving only a sclerotic and hyperpigmented residual lesion by month 6.

Conclusion:

An awareness of the tattooing procedure would lead to a better understanding of potential complications, which might arise. This study contains the description and evolution of the lesions and provides the first images of skin damage caused by contemporary professional tattooing techniques, without the masking factor of the ink.
Prevalent Parasitosis in Beef and Dairy Cattle Farms in Vidzeme Region
Authors: Keidāne Dace , Krūklīte Anna , Derbakova Alīna
Published: January 2016

The aim of the study was to investigate the beef and dairy cow parasitosis epizootic situation in Vidzeme region. Research was done throughout Vidzeme territory during the period of the years 2013-2014. The total number of animals examined was: 273 dairy and 90 young beef cattle aged from 6 months to two years and 248 dairy and 29 beef cows older than two years. For the diagnosis of helminthes standardized ovoscopic and larvoscopic methods were used. For the diagnosis of protozoa flotation and modified Ziehl-Neelsen methods were used. The main species in the samples were Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp. and Strongylus spp. In the young dairy and beef cattle aged from 6 months to two years and cattle older than two years Cryptosporidium spp. invasion accordingly was 32.6% and 19% (dairy cattle) and 62.2% and 65.5% (beef cattle); the invasion of Eimeria spp. 30% and 7.3% (dairy cattle) and 55.6% and 10.3% (beef cattle); and the invasion of Strongylus spp. was 17.6% and 13.7% (dairy cattle) and 43.3% and 27.6% (beef cattle). Both dairy and beef cattle were infected with Moniezia spp., Paramphistomum spp., Strongyloides spp. Dairy cows aged from 6 months to two years had Trichuris spp., Dictyocaulus spp. and Neoscaris spp. invasion.
Leachates of Thermally Modified Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Wood
Authors: Meija-Feldmane Anete
Published: January 2016

During the last decades, thermally modified wood has become an object of interest among the wood scientists as an environmentally friendly material, because nowadays environmental aspects of materials have become more and more significant. Leaching is one of the processes that occurs in outdoor use. The aim of this study was to evaluate concentration of potentially hazardous substances in leachates of thermally modified pine wood. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood was thermally modified using Wood Treatment Technology (WTT) company device at 170 °C for 1 hour (TMP170/1) and at 160 °C for 3 hours (TMP160/3) and the mass loss was calculated. Material preparation and leaching procedure was made according to standard LVS EN 84:2000. In obtained leachates, the content of sugars, acetic acid, furfural and tannic acid were determined. Results showed that the total wood mass loss was 7.1 ± 1.4% (n=20) for TMP170/1 and 4.0 ± 1.6% (n=20) for TMP160/3. The initial leaching velocity differs between both modes and is higher for TMP160/3. The velocity decreases exponentially with immersion time and reaches plateau after 7th (5 days) immersion, but leaching still continues after the 9th immersion (14 days). The main components in leachates were tannic acid and pentoses. Among all studied compounds furfural is the hardest leachable one. Thermally modified wood treated at TMP170/1 is more environmentally friendly due to less water leachable substances. It is worth looking forward by investigating volatile organic compounds emissions in the air as it also could give high impact on human health.
Congruent Representation: Election Cycle in Poland 2009-2011
Authors: Wojtasik Waldemar
Published: January 2016

The article presents the results of research on the congruence of the political representation formed in elections held in the years 2009-2011 in Poland. The election cycle included the European Parliamentary elections in 2009, the Polish presidential election, elections to local government in 2010, and the parliamentary elections in 2011. The median citizen, median voter, and their positions on the left-right scale were used as tools for examining congruence. Studies have proven that in Poland, the median citizen and the median voter are positioned on the right side of the left-right scale. The legislature and executive authorities chosen in the elections are located left of the median citizen and the median voter. Studies have not demonstrated the existence of any impact of the electoral system on the positioning of the median citizen and the median voter.
Russia’s Containment and Engagement Strategies in the U.S. Foreign Policy during the Presidency of G. W. Bush
Authors: Jakstaite Gerda
Published: January 2016

Traditionally, Containment and Engagement strategies are considered to be the part of the United States foreign policy during the Cold War. However, recent developments in international relations indicated that these strategies are still relevant to the contemporary foreign policy of the U.S., particularly in the U.S.-Russian relations. Contradictory presidency of George W. Bush has raised a question which of the mentioned foreign policy strategies was dominating in the U.S.-Russian relations. On the one hand, U.S. officials had declared that partnership with Russia was being pursued. On the other hand, the administration of G.W. Bush favored the expansion of NATO and did not surrender the initiative of missile defense shield. This paper intends to assess which foreign policy strategy (Containment or Engagement) dominated in U.S.-Russian relations during the presidency of G.W. Bush and to analyse reasons of such domination and the ways these strategies were implemented. The results of the research indicate that G. W. Bush administration implemented different foreign policy towards Russia on the declared and practical foreign policy levels. If on the official U.S. foreign policy level Russia’s engagement strategy dominated, in the U.S. foreign policy practice, particularly influenced by the foreign policy of Russia, and to a lesser extent by the events in the international arena, the dominant foreign policy strategy towards Russia was Russia’s containment strategy.
Epidemiology of musculoskeletal injury in the California film and motion picture industry
Authors: Kusnezov Nicholas A. , Yazdanshenas Hamed , Garcia Eddie , Shamie Arya N.
Published: January 2016

Musculoskeletal injury exerts a significant burden on US industry. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency and characteristics of musculoskeletal injuries in the California (CA) film and motion picture (FMP) industry which may result in unforeseen morbidity and mortality.

We reviewed the workers’ compensation (WC) claims database of the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) and employment statistics through the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). We analyzed the frequency, type, body part affected, and cause of musculoskeletal injuries.

From 2003 to 2009, there were 3505 WC claims of which 94.4% were musculoskeletal. In the CA FMP industry, the most common injuries were strains (38.4%), sprains (12.2%), and fractures (11.7%). The most common sites of isolated injury were the knee (18.9%), lower back (15.0%), and ankle (8.6%). Isolated musculoskeletal spine injuries represented 19.3% of all injuries. The most common causes of injury were work-directed activity (36.0%) and falls (25.5%).

We present the first report on the unique profile of musculoskeletal injury claims in the FMP industry. This data provides direction for improvement of workplace safety.
Nanotechnology: a clean and sustainable technology for the degradation of pharmaceuticals present in water and wastewater
Authors: Selvaraj Rengaraj , Al Fahdi Tharaya , Al-Wahaibi Bushra , Al-Kindy Salma M.Z. , Al-Nofli Kholood , Al-Lawati Haider
Published: January 2016

Pharmaceuticals, newly recognized classes of environmental pollutants, are becoming increasingly problematic contaminants of either surface water or ground water around industrial and residential communities. Pharmaceuticals are constantly released into aquatic environments, mainly due to their widespread consumption and complicated removal in wastewater treatment plants. Heterogeneous photocatalysis appear to be one of the most destructive advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for organic contaminants and are possible to obtain complete mineralization of organic pollutants into eco-friendly end products under visible and solar light irradiation. In this study, flower-like In2S3 hierarchical nanostructures were successfully prepared via a facile solution-phase route, using thioacetamide as both sulfur source and capping agent. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) of the flowers revealed that the cubic structure of In2S3; morphological studies examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the synthesized In2S3 nanostructure was flower-like hierarchitecture assembled from nanoscale flakes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirmed the stoichiometry of In2S3 nanoflowers. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity studies revealed that the prepared indium(III) sulfide(In2S3) nanoflowers exhibit an excellent photocatalytic performance, degrading rapidly the aqueous pharmaceutical solution of Lisinopril under visible light irradiation. These results suggest that In2S3 nanoflowers will be a promising candidate of photocatalyst working in thevisible light range.
What works in water supply and sanitation projects in developing countries with EWB-USA
Authors: Montgomery Melissa J.
Published: January 2016

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports some progress on the global problem of a lack of improved water and sanitation. Between 1990 and 2012, the number of people that gained improved access to improved drinking water reached 2.3 billion people, while the number of children that have died from diarrheal diseases has fallen from 1.5 million deaths to just above 600,000 deaths (1, 2). However, it is estimated that there are still 1.8 billion people using a fecally contaminated source of drinking water (3). In addition, 748 million people continue to lack clean water, 1 billion continue to practice open defecation, and 2.5 billion people still lack adequate sanitation (3). In response to this global issue, Engineers Without Borders USA (EWB-USA) began with a mission to build a better world through engineering projects that empower communities to meet their basic human needs and equip leaders to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. Their 15,000+ members work with communities to find appropriate solutions to improve water supply, sanitation, energy, agriculture, civil works and structures. Their development approach is based on standard engineering methodology, including problem identification, assessment, alternatives analysis, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. EWB-USA began in 2002 and currently has members working in over 40 countries around the world. The majority of their work is focused in Latin America and Africa, but their programs are expanding to Asia and the Pacific Basin. Currently, EWB-USA members are working in 17 programs in six countries, including the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, India, Nepal, and Fiji. Success in these programs is defined by measuring overall impact and learning from failure. Impact is measured through Standard Monitoring Indicators and learning is accomplished by documenting failures and lessons learned. Through this work, the organization has impacted 2.5 million lives through primarily water supply and sanitation projects by focusing on sustainable engineering solutions, community-education, capacity building, and appropriate technologies and local resources.
E-waste interventions in Ghana
Authors: Asante Kwadwo Ansong , Pwamang John A. , Amoyaw-Osei Yaw , Ampofo Joseph Addo
Published: January 2016

Electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) has become an emerging environmental and human health problem in the world in the 21st century. Recently, the developing nations of West Africa (e.g. Ghana and Nigeria) have become a major destination for e-waste worldwide. In Ghana, the e-waste recyclers use primitive methods (mechanical shredding and open burning) to remove plastic insulation from copper cables. This technique can release highly toxic chemicals and severely affect the environment and human health if improperly managed. It is as a result of the adverse impact on human health that some interventions are being made in Ghana to reduce exposure. The present mode of recycling/dismantling, which happens at Agbogbloshie must be replaced by official receiving/recycling centers to be established. Currently, equipment to strip both large and small cables are available in the country via the Blacksmith Institute (USA) and it is expected that the e-waste workers will embrace the use of these machines. This technology will go a long way to help prevent the burning of e-waste and will be replicated in other smaller e-waste centers in the country.
Creating healthy and just bioregions
Authors: Pezzoli Keith , Leiter Robert Allen
Published: January 2016

Dramatic changes taking place locally, regionally, globally, demand that we rethink strategies to improve public health, especially in disadvantaged communities where the cumulative impacts of toxicant exposure and other environmental and social stressors are most damaging. The emergent field of Sustainability Science, including a new bioregionalism for the 21st Century, is giving rise to promising place-based (territorially rooted) approaches. Embedded in this bioregional approach is an integrated planning framework (IPF) that enables people to map and develop plans and strategies that cut across various scales (e.g. from regional to citywide to neighborhood scale) and various topical areas (e.g. urban land use planning, water resource planning, food systems planning and “green infrastructure” planning) with the specific intent of reducing the impacts of toxicants to public health and the natural environment. This paper describes a case of bioregionally inspired integrated planning in San Diego, California (USA). The paper highlights food-water-energy linkages and the importance of “rooted” community-university partnerships and knowledge-action collaboratives in creating healthy and just bioregions.
Worm-free children: an integrated approach to reduction of soil-transmitted helminth infections in Central Java
Authors: Park M.J. , Laksono Budi , Clements Archie , Sadler Ross , Stewart Donald
Published: January 2016

Among children, infections with soil-transmitted helminths (STH) can cause anemia, impaired growth, and absence from school. Sustainable control of STH infection requires that appropriate latrines be integrated with health-promotion education. We report a pilot study of the effects of a combined latrine-education intervention in Central Java, Indonesia. The participants were 99 children (3–13 years old) in two villages (intervention and control) south of Semarang city. Stool samples were collected from the children and were examined for the presence of helminth eggs. After baseline data were collected, latrines were constructed and health education was given in the intervention village. Then, in both villages, all children who had STH infection at baseline were given 400 mg of albendazole. Eight months later, follow-up stool samples were collected and examined. In both villages, 20% of the children had STH infection at baseline. At follow-up, the incidence of STH infection was much lower in the intervention village than in the control village (4.0% vs. 20.4%; p<0.02). The results of this small pilot study give some confidence that a scaled-up study involving many more children and cluster-randomization of the intervention will be feasible and could provide more conclusive evidence of the intervention’s effectiveness.
Sintering temperature-microstructure-property relationships of alumina matrix composites with silicon carbide and silica additives
Authors: Limpichaipanit Apichart , Jiansirisomboon Sukanda , Tunkasiri Tawee
Published: January 2016

Alumina-based composites were fabricated by reaction sintering from two different sintering powder mixtures: alumina with silica (SiO2) and alumina with silicon carbide (SiC; to allow oxidation to form SiO2). After sintering, SiO2 underwent complete reaction to form alumina/mullite composites. In terms of microstructure, the density and grain size of ceramic samples were investigated. The density of the composites prepared by alumina and SiC was lower than those of alumina and the composites prepared by alumina and SiO2. The grain size increased as the sintering temperature increased. In terms of mechanical properties, fracture surfaces, hardness, and fracture toughness were investigated. It was found that the fracture surface of alumina was rather intergranular, whereas the fracture surface of the composites was more transgranular. The hardness of the composites was higher than that of alumina at the same sintering temperature. However, the fracture toughness of the composites was not significantly different compared to that of alumina.
Activation of P4by Li[SitBu3]: generation of lithium bis(supersilyl)heptaphosphanortricyclanide Li[P7(SitBu3)2]
Authors: Sänger Inge , Breunig Jens , Schödel Frauke , Bolte Michael , Lerner Hans-Wolfram
Published: January 2016

Treatment of P4with one equivalent of Li[SitBu3] leads to the formation of a number of oligo-phosphanes and -phosphides, e.g. the bicyclo[1.1.0]tetraphosphane P4(SitBu3)2, the heptaphosphanortricyclane P7(SitBu3)3, the tetraphosphides Li3[P(PSitBu3)3] (Li3[2a]), and the pentaphosphacyclopentadienide Li[P5]. From this reaction we could isolate single crystals of Li3[2a]. However, this reaction took another course in the presence of Li[OSitBu3]. When P4was treated with one equivalent of Li[SitBu3] in the presence of Li[OSitBu3], the heptaphosphanortricyclanide Li[P7(SitBu3)2] (Li[8a]) was formed. Single crystals of the cluster {Li4(C6H6)(OSitBu3)[8a]3}·C6H6(orthorhombic, space groupPca21) were isolated from the reaction mixture at ambient temperature. This cluster compound consists of three chiral Li[P7(SitBu3)2] units, one silanolate Li[OSitBu3], and one benzene molecule. We further investigated the degradation reaction of the bicyclo[1.1.0]tetraphosphane P4(SitBu3)2. After heating a benzene solution to 60 °C for 24 h, we found 100 % conversion of P4(SitBu3)2, and P7(SitBu3)3(monoclinic, space groupP21/c) andtBu3SiPH2were formed.
Ferromagnetism in Fe3−x−yNixGeTe2
Authors: Stahl Juliane , Pomjakushin Vladimir , Johrendt Dirk
Published: January 2016

Polycrystalline samples of Fe3−yGeTe2(0.08 ≤y≤ 0.29) and the solid solutions Fe3−x−yNixGeTe2(0.24 ≤x≤ 1.32; 0.14 ≤y≤ 0.41) were synthesized at 898–973 K in a resistance furnace and characterized by X-ray and neutron powder diffraction with Rietveld analysis (Fe3GeTe2type,P63/mmc,a= 402.665(3),c= 1632.820(14) pm forx= 0,y= 0.08). Fe3Ge layers with planar FeGe hexagons and additional iron atoms above and below the rings are separated by double layers of tellurium atoms. Fe3GeTe2is ferromagnetic belowTC= 230 K with magnetic moments aligned along thecaxis.TCdepends on the iron content and decreases with increasing iron vacancies continuously to 153 K in Fe2.71GeTe2. Further reduction ofTCis possible by nickel substitution until magnetic ordering is nearly absent in Fe1.33Ni1.32GeTe2. The suppression of the magnetic ordering is caused by random dilution of the magnetic iron atoms either by vacancies or by non-magnetic nickel atoms.
Dnmt3a in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex Regulates Anxiety-Like Behavior in Adult Mice
Authors: Elliott Evan , Manashirov Sharon , Zwang Raaya , Gil Shosh , Tsoory Michael , Shemesh Yair , Chen Alon
Published: January 2016

Recently, it has been suggested that alterations in DNA methylation mediate the molecular changes and psychopathologies that can occur following trauma. Despite the abundance of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) in the brain, which are responsible for catalyzing DNA methylation, their roles in behavioral regulation and in response to stressful challenges remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that adult mice which underwent chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) displayed elevated anxiety-like behavior that was accompanied by a reduction in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)-DNA methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt3a) mRNA levels and a subsequent decrease in mPFC-global DNA methylation. To explore the role of mPFC-Dnmt3a in mediating the behavioral responses to stressful challenges we established lentiviral-based mouse models that express lower (knockdown) or higher (overexpression) levels of Dnmt3a specifically within the mPFC. Nonstressed mice injected with knockdown Dnmt3a lentiviruses specifically into the mPFC displayed the same anxiogenic phenotype as the CSDS mice, whereas overexpression of Dnmt3a induced an opposite, anxiolytic, effect in wild-type mice. In addition, overexpression of Dnmt3a in the mPFC of CSDS mice attenuated stress-induced anxiety. Our results indicate a central role for mPFC-Dnmt3a as a mediator of stress-induced anxiety.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDNA methylation is suggested to mediate the molecular mechanisms linking environmental challenges, such as chronic stress or trauma, to increased susceptibility to psychopathologies. Here, we show that chronic stress-induced increase in anxiety-like behavior is accompanied by a reduction in DNA methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt3a) mRNA levels and global DNA methylation in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Overexpression or knockdown of mPFC-Dnmt3a levels induces decrease or increase in anxiety-like behavior, respectively. In addition, overexpression of Dnmt3a in the mPFC of chronic stressed mice attenuated stress-induced anxiety. We suggest that mPFC-Dnmt3a levels mediates anxiety-like behavior, which may be a primary molecular link between chronic stress and the development of anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder.