bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Cancer Genetics, Stem Cells, and Medical Molecular Biology: An Epigrammatic Review
Authors: Oyouni Atif Abdulwahab A.
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT: Cancer is a relatively common disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Although cancer itself has been highly researched, discovering a cure for cancer remains a challenge, primarily because the causes of this disease are not entirely understood. It can arise from mutations and epigenetic alterations that go on to activate oncogenes and inactivate tumour suppressor genes. The cells that drive cancer formation proliferate in an uncontrolled manner and originate from various pathways, which have been highlighted in this review. Briefly, cancer stem cells can arise from three different scenarios: a) a stem cell undergoes mutation, b) the progenitor cell undergoes several mutations and c) an already differentiated cell re-differentiates due to mutation to drive it back to a stem cell-like state.
Prosopis juliflora Bark - An Alternate Feedstock in the Production of Bioethanol using Thermo Tolerant Yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus
Authors: Sivarathnakumar S. , Baskar G. , Bharathiraja B. , Kumar R. Praveen , Chozhavendhan S. , Arulraj J. Vinoth , Vishnuvardan K.M. , Surendar S.
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT: Prosopis juliflora, a widely available perennial plant can be an alternative source to sugar-containing feedstock, which can be considered as a prospective lignocellulosic material for bioethanol production. In the present study, bark of Prosopis juliflora was subjected to hydrothermal coupled with nitric acid pre-treatment (3%(v/v)) followed by sonication. The composition of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, reducing sugars and inhibitors at each stage of pre-treatment were analysed. Further, delignified lignocellulosic biomass was subjected to Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) studies using Kluyveromyces marxianus (MTCC 1389) and commercial cellulase enzyme. The effect of operating parameters such as pH, temperature, substrate concentration and inoculum concentration were investigated and found to be 4.9, 41oC, 3% v/v and 5% w/v respectively. The maximum bioethanol concentration achieved by fermentation of woody stem Prosopis juliflora using the yeast was found to be 21.45g/l.
Molecular Targeted Therapy for Breast Cancer: A New Frontiers
Authors: Al-Amer Osama , Oyouni Atif Abdulwahab , Saggu Shalini
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT: Cancer has become a major public health problem worldwide. Researches focus on the new approaches for cancer treatments that involve the specific targets of the cancer disease. Breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer among women, and it causes approximately 25% of the deaths in women below the age of 35. Multiple environmental and hereditary factors are responsible for breast cancer such as age, family history, postmenopausal obesity, early menarche, late menopause, alcohol consumption, pregnancy and the use of exogenous hormones. Treatment of breast cancer patients relies primarily on surgery followed by radiotherapy and systemic therapy. Several molecules expressed and secreted by breast cancer cells have been identified by their interactions, invasion and metastasis. These molecular interactions appear to maintain the cancer cells’ survival and growth. The improvement in understanding of the molecular basis of breast cancer will provide possible targets for novel therapies. Therefor, this review focuses on the molecular and cellular basis of the breast cancer treatment.
Chromosomal Aberrations Induced by Carbaryl in Root Meristem Cells of Pisum Sativum L.
Authors: Kushwah Khushboo , Chauhan Ravendra Singh , Sarbhoy R.K. , Kumar Harshal
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT: Carbaryl, which is also known as sevin, induced mitostatic and turbagenic leading to clastogenic effects in the root meristem cells of Pisum sativum. The study was conducted at Department of Botany, Agra College, Agra. Seeds of uniform size of Pisum sativum were germinated on moist filter paper in petriplates. 1to 2 mm root tips were cut and treated with different concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.3,0.5%) of carbaryl prepared in distilled water for varying duration (3 to 9 hrs.) of time. It has mitodepressive and mitostatic effects on somatic cell division. These effects are directly proportional to concentration and duration. Common clastogenic effects are stickiness, condensation, breakage and bridges etc. Present investigation clearly revealed that carbaryl showed clastogenic and mitostatic effects. So, it should be used with precautions as it can be hazardous to both targeted and non-targeted biota.
Biological Chemistry of Extreme Thermophile “Caldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticus”- A Future Biofuel Producer
Authors: Vaishnavi G.Sai , Rao D. Muralidhara
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT: The present paper deals with some of those highlighting biochemical capabilities, that lay foundation to exploit the organism ‘caldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticus’emphasizing for finding substitutes for fossil fuels as the organism bears all hallmarks of being adopted as a ‘future biofuel producer’. Belonging to the genus ‘Caldicellulosiruptor’, it is one of the most well studied thermophilic bacterium that possess unique biological chemistry in fermenting substrates very easily with its efficient metabolism.
Heterologous Expression and Characterization of Thermostable Lipases from Geobacillus thermoleovorans PPD2 through Escherichia coli
Authors: Permana Anita H. , Warganegara Fida Madayanti , Wahyuningrum Deana , Widhiastuty Made Puspasari , Akhmaloka Akhmaloka
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT: Heterologous expression and purification of thermostable lipase from Geobacillus thermoleovorans PPD2 had been carried out through Escherichia coli BL21 as host. Two bands obtained showed lipolytic activity with the size at around 51 (LipA) and 43 (LipB) kDa, respectively. The activities were identified by zymogram analysis, while the control protein from Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) do not show any lipolytic activity. Purification of crude extract using chromatography affinity Ni-NTA resulted one dominant band of LipA, meanwhile LipB did not appeared on the gel. Another purification for LipB was carried out by acetone fractionation. Both of LipA and LipB showed high activity toward medium chain length substrates, with optimum activity at 50oC and pH 8.5. The activities of LipA and LipB showed tolerance toward short chain alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, and isopropanol.
Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Bacteria Isolated from Nosocomial Infection in Internal Surgery and Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Hosseini Mohammad Javad , Kiarsi Mohamad , Golmohammadi Reza , Sadripour Reza
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT: Today, many studies doneregarding the antibiotic resistance showthose patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are more likely to develop drug resistant pathogens.Pathogens are the major cause of nosocomial infections in intensive care units. Knowledge of antibiotic resistance of pathogens in the hospital is very important for treatment. The recent study aims at identifying drug resistant pathogens and antibiotic resistance pattern in the intensive care units of a tertiary care hospital in Tehran. In other words, the main purpose of the recent study is understanding the degree to which the resistant bacteria, which cause nosocomial infections is spreading in the ICUs of a tertiary care hospital and to determine the antibiotic- resistance pattern of these bacteria in the ICUs of that hospital. The recent research is a retrospective and cross-sectional study that has been conducted on the files of all patients who were hospitalized in ICUs, internal surgery, and neurosurgery sections of Baqiyatallah Hospital in Tehran in a five-year period (March 2009 to February 2015) and who were diagnosed with nosocomial infection caused by resistant bacteria. According to the results of this research, most of the separated bacteria were: Acinetobacterbaumannii 39.45%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 20.69% and the most common location for infection was respiratory tract (67.11%). Also the most common pathogen was Acinetobacterbaumannii which is resistant to most antibiotics.
Study of Water Quality and Biochemical Characterization of Bacterial Isolates from Water Samples of Ponnagi Area in Krishna District
Authors: Kshatri Jyothi , Rao C.V. , Settaluri Vijaya Saradhi
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT: Aquaculture also known as fish farming is one of the methods for breeding rearing and harvesting of freshwater and marine species of fish and shellfish, in ponds, rivers, lakes and oceans. In this article an attempt has been put forth to study and apply techniques that could help in improving the water quality in aquaculture ponds and to further understand the role played by enzymes and probiotics by means of bio remedial procedures and protocols. Aquaculture productivity needs to be improved to cater the ever-increasing demand, no doubt, but simultaneously a proactive role for environment protection is required. The gathering of organic wastes worsens the water quality and reduces the level of dissolved oxygen in the fish aquaculture ponds. This further increases the formation of toxic metabolites such as ammonia (NH3), nitrite (NO2-) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S). Hence, NH4+ or NO3- removal processes (nitrification and denitrification) become essential for the pond water quality. This can be carried out by applying different types of nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria such as Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter and Alcaligenes. In the present investigation, 2 earthen ponds were selected from Ponnagi near Eluru in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, India. One pond (Pond A) was treated with probiotics having Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter and Alcaligenes sps. And the other pond (Pond B) was kept as control. During the culture period, the water samples were collected from probiotics treated and control ponds for analysis of water quality parameters. The current study is aimed to focus on the changes in water quality and biochemical characterization of bacterial isolates from water samples of Ponnagi area in probiotic treated ponds and to compare the results with ponds not treated with probiotics.
Application of Green Synthesized Iron Nanoparticles for Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity of Selected Traditional and Commonly Exploited Drug Amoxicillin Against Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Kasthuri Gudaniya , Reddy A. Neethi , Roopa P. Manasa , K. Zamare Deveeka.
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT: The development of drug resistance in pathogens due to over exploitation of the drugs is urging the need of finding alternative method for controlling the growth of these pathogens. The dental biofilms development leads to the dental caries which when neglected can be serious. The oral biofilm is a complex colonization of different pathogens, whereas Streptococcus mutans paves the path for the formation of these stubborn biofilms by makeing use of dietary sugars and accumulates on tooth surface through exopolysaccharides (EPS). The current life style and eating habits are favoring the plaque development leading in to dental caries. Here we amide to eliminate the dread of development of drug resistance in to the pathogens by mechanical damage and combination of treatment as an alternate option for destruction of Streptococcus mutans. This was accomplished by the application of Iron Nanoparticles (FeNP). It was observed that the antimicrobial activity of natural and synthetic drugs can be enhanced by the synergy of FeNP. The popular natural products like Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) buds, Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaves and Camellia sinensis (Green tea) leaves were tested for their activity against the Streptococcus mutans. The enhanced antimicrobial activity were tested by treating Streptococcus mutans with different combination of treatments like only plant extract, Plant extract with FeNP, plant extract with FeNP and Amoxicillin to obtain a comparative analysis of its effects. The study showed that the activity of antimicrobial agent can be enhanced when added with FeNP. The FeNP were green synthesized from the extracts of Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) buds, Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaves and Camellia sinensis (Green tea) leaves and was characterized by UV,FTIR and SEM studiesand zeta potential studies.
Invitro Studies on the Direct Effect of Garlic Cloves and Different Botanical Extracts against Bipolaris sorokiniana (sacc.) Shoem Causing Foliar Blight of Wheat
Authors: Prashanth Joru , Vaish S.S. , Omprakash S.
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT: Foliar blight of wheat is mainly caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoem. syn. Drechslera sorokiniana (Sacc.) have emerged as serious concern for cultivation of wheat in warmer and humid regions of the world. A study has been conducted at Department of Mycology and plant pathology, Institute of Agricultural sciences, BHU, Varanasi on in vitro evaluation of direct effect of garlic cloves and different botanical extracts viz garlic (Allium sativum L.) clove extract, ginger (Zingeber officinale L.) rhizome extract, neem (Azadiracta indica L.) leaves extract, onion (Allium cepa L.) bulb extract, tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.) and marigold (Tagetus erecta L.) leaves extract were evaluated against foliar blight of wheat. The reduction in growth of the fungus measured to the difference in radius of the colony covered with cloves and kept uncovered exhibited 45% reduction in growth of B. Sorokiniana four days after the clove treatment and out of the six test botanicals, garlic clove extract showed complete inhibition of spore germination followed by ginger rhizome extract and neem leaves extract at the 5.0 percent concentration ( P=0.05).
Parthenium hysterophorus and Cyperus rotundus: alternative sources of food for Honeybees during dearth period
Authors: Kumari Indu , Kumar Rajesh
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT: Honeybees are the small wonderful creatures which depend upon flowers for their food. Worker bees always keep on collecting food (pollen & nectar) and store it inside the comb. They later transform pollen into bee bread and nectar into honey with the help of enzymatic activity. Both bee bread and honey are used as reserve food material by bees during harsh weather to maintain their population which otherwise gets affected due to non-availability of flowers. The situation becomes more severe if dearth period run for longer time as the food stores inside the colony gets depleted. At this time, bees start collecting pollen from wild flowers/weeds available in the vicinity of apiary. During summer/monsoon dearth period, many weeds and herbs germinate in the wasteland or crop fields. Parthenium hysterophorus and Cyperus rotundus are two important weeds which are in full bloom during this period. Although, both these weeds are not considered good for the environment especially Parthenium causes various ill effects to human health, honeybees forage upon these weeds with great interest. In the present study, foraging activity of Apis mellifera was observed on both the weeds.
Genotoxic Effect of Heavy Metals Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn using Allium cepa L.
Authors: Abubacker M.N. , Sathya C.
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT: Angiosperms are recognized as appropriate genetic models to detect heavy metal based environmental mutagens and are used in monitoring studies. Allium cepa (onion) has been used to evaluate DNA damages like chromosome aberrations and abnormalities in the mitotic cycle. The aim of the present study is to analyze the cytotoxic effects of chromium, copper, lead and zinc in A. cepa root tip squash mitotic cell divisions. The root tips were treated with three concentrations, viz. 5, 10 and 20 mg/100 ml of chromium, copper, lead and zinc at room temperature for 24 h. Mitotic indices and chromosomal abnormalities were calculated. It was observed that these heavy metals induced different types of chromosomal abnormalities comprising of Chromosome break, Chromosome bridge, C-mitosis, Vagrant, Delayed Anaphase and Vagrant, Chromosome Loss, Polyploidy and Chromosome Bridge, Chromosome Loss and Loculated Nucles, Stickiness, Multipolarity and Polyploid prophase along with the increasing doses. The effect of chromium and lead at 20 mg/100 ml concentration was found to be more toxic rather than copper and zinc to the root meristem of A. cepa. The ranking of cytotoxic potentials was in the descending order: lead > chromium > copper > zinc.
‘A strong curatorial vision for the neighbourhood’: Countering the diplomatic condition of the arts in urban neighbourhoods
Authors: Graham Janna
Published: October 2017

It is by now common knowledge that the arts are complicit in projects of urban redevelopment, dispossession and gentrification. Where accounts of this process in the United States and the United Kingdom have often focused on artists’ occupations of studios and gallery spaces in low-income areas, or on the public art commissioning process, more recent trends extend the artists’ role in gentrification more directly. Artists are now commissioned to engage in community visioning and engagement activities, efforts to naturalize the development narrative, and art projects that support the policing of bodies seen to be unruly or undesirable to the process of gentrification (itself re-branded as ‘regeneration’). This article looks at the multifaceted role that artists and arts organizations play in the development and dispossession process, describing them as having produced a ‘diplomatic condition’, in which artists and arts organizations are used to massage and assuage conflicts, while a systematic war is waged on poor and working-class communities. Far from innocent, artists and arts organizations have increasingly been called upon to leave the comfort of what Tariq Ali describes as the ‘extreme centre’ to more actively take sides. This article draws from a situated ethnography of my work at the Centre for Possible Studies, an arts and research space in London’s Edgware Road neighbourhood, and readings from a number of recent struggles aligning artists and residents differently, including Los Angeles’ Boyle Heights Community, and the Southwark Notes Campaign in London’s Elephant and Castle Community. It questions what role artists and arts organizations could play to counter such a diplomatic condition.
Memory of absence: Contemporary counter-monuments
Authors: DeTurk Sabrina
Published: October 2017

In 1992, James Young published an article examining the rise of the counter-monument in Germany. According to Young, the counter-monument provokes its viewers, demands interaction, has the possibility to change over time and insists that memory work be the burden of the viewer, not of the monument itself. While Young focused his attention on a particular set of Holocaust memorials built in Germany in the late 1980s, his formulation can be usefully applied to other contemporary memorials that increasingly incorporate particular design elements that mark them as counter-monuments. This article considers the design of several recent memorials in terms of their aesthetic and physical function as counter-monuments and identifies a new trend in memorial design, the creation of memorial museums, which further expands and complicates the role of these memorials.
El modelo agroexportador en los manuales de Historia. Algunas reflexiones sobre la enseñanza de la nueva Historia Regional en las escuelas de Santa Fe
Authors: Pereyra Lucchese Emiliano
Published: October 2017

El propósito del trabajo es analizar los relatos de la explicación histórica de diferentes manuales escolares para un período específico, el del modelo agroexportador, y evaluar qué peso tiene en sus explicaciones los sucesos de carácter local o regional, en este caso, de la provincia de Santa Fe. Se tratará de poner en juego estos contenidos, con los presentados en su momento por los CBC de la Ley Federal de Educación (LFE), los NAP de la actual Ley de Educación Nacional (LEN) y el Diseño Curricular de la Provincia de Santa Fe (DCJSF). Se pretende jerarquizar la historia de la provincia de Santa Fe, que generalmente se la presenta como un apéndice de la de Buenos Aires, perdiendo de vista sus particularidades. Si bien tanto en la Constitución Nacional, como en las LFE y LEN se plantea la necesidad de generar contenidos respetando la diversidad y particularidades regionales, este trabajo pretende demostrar cómo los contenidos curriculares plasmados en los manuales escolares, si bien se fueron complejizando e incluyendo a nuevos actores sociales, nuevas herramientas de análisis e incluso fuentes primarias (en paralelo a las reformas educativas de los ‘90 en adelante), todavía continúan siendo una historia estado-céntrica con eje en la provincia de Buenos Aires.
Aprender historia y ciencias sociales utilizando las canciones. Resultados de una investigación
Authors: Martínez Zapata Iván , Pagès Blanch Joan
Published: October 2017

En este artículo mostraremos los resultados de una investigación realizada en varias instituciones de educación básica secundaria de la ciudad de Medellín – Colombia, sobre el uso de las canciones en el área de ciencias sociales. Sabemos que el alumnado le encuentra poco sentido a los contenidos de historia y de ciencias sociales porque están alejados de su realidad. Nos apoyamos en la teoría fundamentada para comprender el uso de las canciones y su contribución a mejorar los procesos de aprendizaje de los estudiantes. Usamos el diseño de secuencias didácticas en los contenidos de historia y de ciencias sociales seleccionados desde la perspectiva de los problemas socialmente relevantes. Los resultados nos muestran que el uso de este recurso mejora el proceso de enseñanza y genera más y mejores aprendizajes en el alumnado.
Assessment of wind energy resources in Nigeria – a case study of north-western region of Nigeria
Authors: Olomiyesan Boluwaji , Oyedum Onyedi , Ugwuoke Paulinus , Abolarin Matthew
Published: October 2017

This study assesses the wind-energyresources in Nigeria by reviewing the existing literature on the subject matter, and also evaluates the wind potential in six locations in the northwest region of the country. Twenty-two years’ (1984 – 2005) wind speed data obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agencies (NIMET) were used in this study.Weibull two-parameter and other statistical models were employed in this analysis. Wind speed distribution across Nigeria shows that some locations in the northern part of the country are endowed with higher wind potential than others in the southern part of the country. Moreover, assessment of the wind-energy resources in the study locations reveals that wind energy potential in the region is lowest in Yelwa and highest in Kano; WPD varies from 28.30 Wm-2 to 483.72Wm-2 at 10 m AGL, 45.33 Wm-2 to 775.19 Wm-2 at 30 m AGL and 56.43 Wm-2 to 964.77 Wm-2 at 50 m AGL.Thus Kano, Sokoto and Katsina are suitable for large-scale wind power generation, while Gusau is suitable for small-scale wind power generation; whereas Yelwa and Kaduna may not be suitable for wind power production because of their poor wind potential.
Umweltmanagement an Universitäten: Fortschritte im Verbundprojekt der Allianz Nachhaltige Universitäten in Österreich
Authors: Zettl Ralph , Lindenthal Thomas , Biedermann Judith
Published: October 2017

In einem gemeinsamen Projekt implementieren fünf österreichische Universitäten der Allianz Nachhaltige Universitäten seit 2014 ein Umweltmanagementsystem nach dem europäischen EMAS-Standard: Fortschritte, Erfahrungen und Status quo des Projekts im Überblick.
Biomaterials for hip implants – important considerations relating to the choice of materials
Authors: Choroszyński Mieczysław , Choroszyński Mieczysław Rorbert , Skrzypek Stanisław Jan
Published: October 2017

This article is a review of important material requirements for hip biomaterials including their response to the body environment (biocompatibility), mechanical properties, wear resistance, fretting corrosion and availability as well as the price. The application of proper biomaterials for hip implants is one of the major focal points in this article. Background information is also provided on metals used in other prosthetic devices and implant components. Titanium and its alloys, cobalt base alloys and stainless steels (bio-steels) are used for load-bearing hip implants. These three groups of metallic materials will be introduced and discussed in detail. Metals and their alloys are crystalline materials since their properties depend on the crystal lattice, chemical and phase compositions, grain size, lattice defects, crystalline texture and residual micro- and macro-stresses. All these features of biomaterials are formed during technological manufacturing, such as metallurgical process, solidification, plastic deformation (rolling and forging), machining, heat treatment and coating. All these technological processes work in optimal conditions in order to achieve the optimal microstructure and mechanical, chemical and biological properties. Amongst the above-mentioned particular properties of biomaterials, fretting is a major concern as regards hip implants at the femoral head and neck taper interface. Additional important mechanisms of interaction between the implant and the human body must be taken into account, i.e. diffusion stream of foreign particles and atoms from the implant to body fluids, to the tissue and to the bone. These foreign particles and atoms are released from the implant to the body fluid, to the tissue and to the bone as wear product during use. All together they contribute to the wear, i.e. loss of weight, strength or volume of hip components. Wear rates of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene mated against Ti-6Al-4V are significantly greater than the ones for Co-Cr-Mo alloys. Therefore, thermochemical surface treatments like diffusion ion nitriding should be applied to increase the resistance of titanium alloys to wear. Austenitic stainless steels are also used for temporary applications, but they have lower resistance to pitting corrosion than titanium and cobalt alloys. The purpose of the paper is to introduce a group of metallic materials, which is often chosen for surgical hip implants. Conclusions of the paper refer to information which support important medical and patient decisions on hip implants. Also, the development of biomaterials, their treatments, properties, surface layers and coatings are considered. All these features develop over time and need synergy and experience in the progress of the biomedical, mechanical and materials science.
Structural mechanisms of HECT-type ubiquitin ligases
Authors: Lorenz Sonja
Published: October 2017

Ubiquitin ligases (E3 enzymes) transfer ubiquitin from ubiquitin-conjugating (E2) enzymes to target proteins. By determining the selection of target proteins, modification sites on those target proteins, and the types of ubiquitin modifications that are formed, E3 enzymes are key specificity factors in ubiquitin signaling. Here, I summarize our knowledge of the structural mechanisms in the HECT E3 subfamily, many members of which play important roles in human disease. I discuss interactions of the conserved HECT domain with E2 enzymes, ubiquitin and target proteins, as well as macromolecular interactions with regulatory functions. While we understand individual steps in the catalytic cycle of HECT E3 enzymes on a structural level, this review also highlights key aspects that have yet to be elucidated. For instance, it remains unclear how diverse target proteins are presented to the catalytic center and how certain HECT E3 enzymes achieve specificity in ubiquitin linkage formation. The structural and functional properties of the N-terminal regions of HECT E3 enzymes that likely act as signaling hubs are also largely unknown. Structural insights into these aspects may open up routes for a therapeutic intervention with specific HECT E3 functions in distinct pathophysiological settings.
Markers influencing the presence of partial clinical remission in patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes
Authors: Pyziak Aleksandra , Zmyslowska Agnieszka , Bobeff Katarzyna , Malachowska Beata , Fendler Wojciech , Wyka Krystyna , Baranowska-Jazwiecka Anna , Szymanska Malgorzata , Szadkowska Agnieszka , Mlynarski Wojciech
Published: October 2017

Background:

The aim of the study was to compare the selected markers in children with and without partial clinical remission (CR) of newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods:

The study group consisted of 186 patients (F/M; 87/99) at onset of T1D and 24 months of follow-up. Partial CR was defined as insulin requirement <0.5 IU/kg and glycated hemoglobin (HbA

Results:

Partial CR was observed in 115/186 (61.83%) of patients. At diagnosis body mass index standard deviation (BMI SDS) was higher among remitters than in non-remitters (p=0.0051) and remitters were younger (p=0.0029). In the follow-up a higher triglyceride concentration in non-remitters compared to remitters (p=0.0455) and a lower high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level (p=0.0119) were noticed.

Conclusions:

Younger age and higher BMI at diagnosis of T1D can predispose to partial CR in children. In patients with CR of T1D after 2 years of follow-up a lipid profile improvement is observed.
Genetic analysis of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) deficiency in nine consanguineous Pakistani families
Authors: Ijaz Sadaqat , Zahoor Muhammad Yasir , Imran Muhammad , Ramzan Khushnooda , Bhinder Munir Ahmad , Shakeel Hussain , Iqbal Muhammad , Aslam Asim , Shehzad Wasim , Cheema Huma Arshad , Rehman Habib
Published: October 2017

Background:

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) deficiency is a rare inherited metabolic disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia, ketosis and lactic acidosis. FBPase is encoded by

Methods:

Nine families having one or two individuals affected with FBPase deficiency were enrolled over a period of 3 years. All

Results:

Three different

Conclusions:

FBPase deficiency is often fatal in the infancy and early childhood. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment is therefore crucial to preventing early mortality. We recommend the use of c.472C>T and c.841G>A mutations as first choice genetic markers for molecular diagnosis of FBPase deficiency in Pakistan.
Effect of pentoxifylline on histological activity and fibrosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients: A one year randomized control trial
Authors: Alam Shahinul , Nazmul Hasan SKM , Mustafa Golam , Alam Mahabubul , Kamal Mohammad , Ahmad Nooruddin
Published: October 2017

Background and Objectives

To observe the effect of Pentoxifylline for 1 year on hepatic histological activity and fibrosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Materials and Methods

A single center, open label Randomized Control Trial. Patients were included if they had ultrasonographic evidence of fatty liver and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS) ≥ 5 on liver histology. A total of 35 patients were selected; 25 of PL (Experimental) group and 10 of L (Control) group. PL group received 400 mg pentoxifylline thrice daily along with lifestyle modification and there was only lifestyle modification for the L group. After one year, NAS and fibrosis was compared in both groups.

Results

In PL group, NAS improved 2.10 ± 1.07; whereas in L group, NAS was 0.90 ± 0.99 (P= 0.006). As per the protocol analysis, NAS ≥ 2 improved in 15/20 (75%) in PL group and in 3/10 (30%) in L group (P= 0.018). In PL group, the individual component of NAS, steatosis improved from 2.30 ± 0.66 to 0.95 ± 0.76 (P= 0.000), lobular inflammation from 1.65 ± 0.59 to 1.05 ± 0.51 (P= 0.002) and hepatocyte ballooning from 1.50 ± 0.51 to 1.30 ± 0.57 (P= 0.258). In L group, steatosis improved from 2.30 ± 0.68 to 1.40 ± 1.08 (P= 0.01), lobular inflammation and hepatocyte ballooning did not improve. The fibrosis score did not improve in any group. In PL group, NAS improved significantly (P= 0.027; OR=22.76, CI=1.43-362.40) independent of weight reduction.

Conclusion

Pentoxifylline for 1 year improves the hepatic histological activity but not fibrosis of NASH patients.
Increase in albumin by daclatasvir/asunaprevir therapy is correlated with decrease in aspartate transaminase
Authors: Kan Toshiki , Hashimoto Senju , Kawabe Naoto , Nakano Takuji , Nakaoka Kazunori , Yoshioka Kentaro
Published: October 2017

Objective

To elucidate the mechanism of an increase in the albumin levels by daclatasvir (DCV)/asunaprevir (ASV) therapy, we assessed the factors associated with an increase in the albumin levels.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 125 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, treated with DCV/ASV from November 2014 to January 2016.

Results

Albumin levels significantly increased from 4.0 ± 0.4 g/dL at baseline to 4.2 ± 0.4 g/dL at 24 weeks after the end of treatment (EOT) (P < 0.0001) in 108 patients with SVR. Patients with SVR were divided into three groups according to their baseline albumin levels: group A, ≥ 4 g/dL; group B, 3.6–3.9 g/dL; and group C, ≤ 3.5 g/dL. The increase in albumin levels from baseline to at 24 weeks after EOT was significantly larger in group C (0.5 ± 0.5 g/dL, P < 0.0001) and group B (0.2 ± 0.4 g/dL, P = 0.0059) than in group A (0.0 ± 0.3 g/dL). Multivariate analysis showed that aspartate transaminase (AST) levels was the only factor associated with ≥ 0.3 g/dL increase in albumin levels in groups B and C (P = 0.0305). An increase in albumin levels was significantly correlated with a decrease in AST levels (r = 0.4729, P = 0.0119).

Conclusion

DCV/ASV therapy resulted in an increase in albumin levels in SVR patients, which was significantly correlated with a decrease in AST levels. It is probable that the reduction of inflammation, but not by reduction of fibrosis, mainly caused an increase in albumin levels.
A Quaternary record of the big-eyed bat Chiroderma villosum (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) with a revised lower molar terminology
Authors: Garbino Guilherme S.T. , Tavares Valéria da C.
Published: October 2017

We report the first Quaternary record of the big-eyed bat Chiroderma villosum from South America based on a left mandible fragment collected in the Gruta dos Brejões, late Quaternary of northeastern Brazil. This material has been identified over the course of our revisionary work of the genus Chiroderma, including all species distributed in South America (Chiroderma doriae, Chiroderma salvini, Chiroderma trinitatum, Chiroderma villosum and Chiroderma vizottoi). Our results revealed that several characters of the second lower molar (m2), and of the posterior mandible may be used to identify and to diagnose the South American Chiroderma. We also revisited the historical interpretation of homologies of the lower molar cusps of Chiroderma, and propose a revised molar cusp terminology.
Stimulus-responsive liposomes as smart nanoplatforms for drug delivery applications
Authors: Zangabad Parham Sahandi , Mirkiani Soroush , Shahsavari Shayan , Masoudi Behrad , Masroor Maryam , Hamed Hamid , Jafari Zahra , Taghipour Yasamin Davatgaran , Hashemi Hura , Karimi Mahdi , Hamblin Michael R.
Published: October 2017

Liposomes are known to be promising nanoparticles (NPs) for drug delivery applications. Among the different types of self-assembled NPs, liposomes stand out for their non-toxic nature and their possession of dual hydrophilic-hydrophobic domains. The advantages of liposomes include the ability to solubilize hydrophobic drugs, the ability to incorporate different hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs at the same time, lessening the exposure of host organs to potentially toxic drugs and allowing modification of the surface by a variety of different chemical groups. This modification of the surface, or of the individual constituents, may be used to achieve two important goals. First, ligands for active targeting can be attached that are recognized by cognate receptors overexpressed on the target cells of tissues. Second, modification can be used to impart a stimulus-responsive or “smart” character to the liposomes, whereby the cargo is released on demand only when certain internal stimuli (pH, reducing agents, specific enzymes) or external stimuli [light, magnetic field, or ultrasound (US)] are present. Here, we review the field of smart liposomes for drug delivery applications.
Carbon nanomaterials and their application to electrochemical sensors: a review
Authors: Power Aoife C. , Gorey Brian , Chandra Shaneel , Chapman James
Published: October 2017

Carbon has long been applied as an electrochemical sensing interface owing to its unique electrochemical properties. Moreover, recent advances in material design and synthesis, particularly nanomaterials, has produced robust electrochemical sensing systems that display superior analytical performance. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are one of the most extensively studied nanostructures because of their unique properties. In terms of electroanalysis, the ability of CNTs to augment the electrochemical reactivity of important biomolecules and promote electron transfer reactions of proteins is of particular interest. The remarkable sensitivity of CNTs to changes in surface conductivity due to the presence of adsorbates permits their application as highly sensitive nanoscale sensors. CNT-modified electrodes have also demonstrated their utility as anchors for biomolecules such as nucleic acids, and their ability to diminish surface fouling effects. Consequently, CNTs are highly attractive to researchers as a basis for many electrochemical sensors. Similarly, synthetic diamonds electrochemical properties, such as superior chemical inertness and biocompatibility, make it desirable both for (bio) chemical sensing and as the electrochemical interface for biological systems. This is highlighted by the recent development of multiple electrochemical diamond-based biosensors and bio interfaces.
Sustainability in art conservation: a novel bio-based organogel for the cleaning of water sensitive works of art
Authors: Prati Silvia , Volpi Francesca , Fontana Raffaella , Galletti Paola , Giorgini Loris , Mazzeo Rocco , Mazzocchetti Laura , Samorì Chiara , Sciutto Giorgia , Tagliavini Emilio
Published: October 2017

Organo- and hydrogels have been proposed in the restoration field to treat different types of surfaces. The possibility to retain solvents and to have a controlled and superficial action allowed to use these materials for the removal of very thin layers applied on ancient historical objects, when the under paint layers are particularly delicate and water sensitive. In the last years, an increased attention has been devoted to the proposal of more healthy products to guarantee the safeguard of the operators. Few attention has been devoted to the development of green methods which foresee the use of renewable and biodegradable materials. The aim of this paper is to test a green organo-gel for the cleaning of water sensitive surfaces like varnished egg tempera paintings. The gel has been tested experimented on mock ups varnished with natural and synthetic materials and has been validated on a small portion of a Cimabue painting for the removal of two varnishes applied on two different test areas of the painting.
Functionalized and engineered nanochannels for gas separation
Authors: Kamakshi  , Kumar Rajesh , Saraswat Vibhav K. , Kumar Manoj , Awasthi Kamlendra
Published: October 2017

In this work, we present the hydrogen selective gas separation properties of the track-etched poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) membranes, which were functionalized with a carboxylic group. Also, Palladium (Pd) nanoparticles of average diameter 5 nm were deposited for a various time on pore walls as well as on the surface of carboxylated membranes. Effect of Pd nanoparticles binding with the increase of deposition time on gas separation and selectivity was studied. For the study of surface morphology of these composite membranes and the confirmation of Pd nanoparticles binding on the surface as well as on pore walls is characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The gas permeability of carboxylated membrane with increasing Pd deposition timing for hydrogen (H2), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) was examined. From the gas permeability data of H2, CO2 and N2 gasses, it was observed that these membranes have higher permeability for H2 as compared with CO2 and N2. Selectivity of H2/CO2 and H2/N2 improves with the increased Pd nanoparticles deposition time. These membranes have effective application in the field of hydrogen based fuel cell.
Patient safety culture in Slovenian out-of-hours primary care clinics
Authors: Klemenc-Ketiš Zalika , Deilkås Ellen Tveter , Hofoss Dag , Bondevik Gunnar Tschudi
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Patient safety culture is a concept which describes how leader and staff interaction, attitudes, routines and practices protect patients from adverse events in healthcare. We aimed to investigate patient safety culture in Slovenian out-of-hours health care (OOHC) clinics, and determine the possible factors that might be associated with it.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study, which took place in Slovenian OOHC, as part of the international study entitled Patient Safety Culture in European Out-of-Hours Services (SAFE-EUR-OOH). All the OOHC clinics in Slovenia (N=60) were invited to participate, and 37 agreed to do so; 438 employees from these clinics were invited to participate. We used the Slovenian version of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire – an ambulatory version (SAQAV) to measure the climate of safety.

Results

Out of 438 invited participants, 250 answered the questionnaire (57.1% response rate). The mean overall score ± standard deviation of the SAQ was 56.6±16.0 points, of Perceptions of Management 53.6±19.6 points, of Job Satisfaction 48.5±18.3 points, of Safety Climate 59.1±22.1 points, of Teamwork Climate 72.7±16.6, and of Communication 51.5±23.4 points. Employees working in the Ravne na Koroškem region, employees with variable work shifts, and those with full-time jobs scored significantly higher on the SAQ-AV.

Conclusion

The safety culture in Slovenian OOHC clinics needs improvement. The variations in the safety culture factor scores in Slovenian OOHC clinics point to the need to eliminate variations and improve working conditions in Slovenian OOHC clinics.
Implementing quality indicators for diabetes and hypertension in family medicine in Slovenia
Authors: Klemenc-Ketiš Zalika , Švab Igor , Poplas Susič Antonija
Published: October 2017

Introduction

A new form of family practices was introduced in 2011 through a pilot project introducing nurse practitioners as members of team and determining a set of quality indicators. The aim of this article was to assess the quality of diabetes and hypertension management.

Methods

We included all family medicine practices that were participating in the project in December 2015 (N=584). The following data were extracted from automatic electronic reports on quality indicators: gender and specialisation of the family physician, status (public servant/self-contracted), duration of participation in the project, region of Slovenia, the number of inhabitants covered by a family medicine practice, the name of IT provider, and levels of selected quality indicators.

Results

Out of 584 family medicine practices that were included in this project at the end of 2015, 568 (97.3%) had complete data and could be included in this analysis. The highest values were observed for structure quality indicator (list of diabetics) and the lowest for process and outcome quality indicators. The values of the selected quality indicators were independently associated with the duration of participation in the project, some regions of Slovenia where practices were located, and some IT providers of the practices.

Conclusion

First, the analysis of data on quality indicators for diabetes and hypertension in this primary care project pointed out the problems which are currently preventing higher quality of chronic patient management at the primary health care level.
Key factors determining indoor air PM10 concentrations in naturally ventilated primary schools in Belgrade, Serbia
Authors: Matic Branislava , Rakic Uros , Jovanovic Verica , Dejanovic Snezana , Djonovic Nela
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is rated as a serious public health issue. Knowing children are accounted as more vulnerable to environmental health hazards, data are needed on air quality in schools.

Methods

A project was conducted from 2007 until 2009 (SEARCH, School Environment and Respiratory Health of Children), aiming to verify links between IAQ and children’s respiratory health. Study was conducted in ten primary schools on 735 children, in 44 classrooms. Children were randomly selected. Research tools and indicators used for children’s exposure to school environment were indoor and outdoor pollutants, two standardized questionnaires for school and classroom characteristics. In both classroom air and ambient air in front of them we measured, during a 5-day exposure period for continuous 24h measuring: carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, indoor air temperature, relative humidity, and PM10 during classes.

Results

PM10 concentrations were significantly most frequent in an interval of ≥80.1μg/m3, that is, in the interval above 50μg/m3. Mean PM10 value was 82.24±42.43 μg/m3, ranging from 32.00μg/m3 to of 197.00μg/m3.

Conclusion

The increase of outdoor PM10 concentration significantly affects the increase of indoor PM10. A statistically significant difference exists for average IAQ PM10 concentrations vs. indicators of indoor thermal comfort zone (p<0.0001); they are lower in the classrooms with indicators within the comfort zone. Moreover, dominant factors for the increase of PM10 are: high occupancy rate in the classroom (<2m2 of space per child), high relative humidity (>75%), and indoor temperature beyond 23°C, as well as bad ventilation habits (keeping windows shut most of the time).
Self- perceived stress in relation to anxiety, depression and health-related quality of life among health professions students: A cross-sectional study from Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Racic Maja , Todorovic Radica , Ivkovic Nedeljka , Masic Srdjan , Joksimovic Bojan , Kulic Milan
Published: October 2017

Introduction

The purpose of the present study was to examine self-perceived stress of health professions students at the Faculty of Medicine Foča, and to explore its association with anxiety, depression and health-related quality of life.

Methods

The cross-sectional study enrolled 451 students at the Faculty of Medicine (medicine, dentistry, nursing and speech therapy). Survey instruments were distributed at the conclusion of the spring semester during the last required lecture for each year and study programme class. Perceived stress was assessed using the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale. The students were evaluated for symptoms of depression and anxiety, using Zung’s self-assessment inventory for depression and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). European Quality of Life-5 dimensions were used for describing and evaluating health. Multivariate analyses were carried out using logistic regression to examine the relationship between the outcome variable and selected determinant factors.

Results

A high degree of stress was reported by 1.6% of students, while the majority of students had either moderate (70.6%) or low degree (27.5%) of stress. The significant independent factors associated with perceived stress were anxiety score (OR, 0.339; CI 95%, 0.276-0.403) and EQ-5D score (OR, 0.044; CI 95%, 0.033-0.085). A high degree of perceived stress (OR, 0.624; CI 95%, 0.507-0.704), the presence of depression (OR, 0.800; CI 95%, 0.513-1.087), and low quality of life were associated with anxiety (OR, 0.073; CI 95%, 0.018-0.128).

Conclusion

Higher levels of perceived stress predispose health professions students for anxiety and lower quality of life. The study programme was not a significant determinant of perceived stress sore.