bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of transcranial focused ultrasound on human primary motor cortex using 7T fMRI: a pilot study
Authors: Ai Leo , Bansal Priya , Mueller Jerel K. , Legon Wynn
Published: September 2018

Background

Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) is a new non-invasive neuromodulation technique that uses mechanical energy to modulate neuronal excitability with high spatial precision. tFUS has been shown to be capable of modulating EEG brain activity in humans that is spatially restricted, and here, we use 7T MRI to extend these findings. We test the effect of tFUS on 7T BOLD fMRI signals from individual finger representations in the human primary motor cortex (M1) and connected cortical motor regions. Participants (N = 5) performed a cued finger tapping task in a 7T MRI scanner with their thumb, index, and middle fingers to produce a BOLD signal for individual M1 finger representations during either tFUS or sham neuromodulation to the thumb representation.

Results

Results demonstrated a statistically significant increase in activation volume of the M1 thumb representation for the tFUS condition as compared to sham. No differences in percent BOLD changes were found. This effect was spatially confined as the index and middle finger M1 finger representations did not show similar significant changes in either percent change or activation volume. No effects were seen during tFUS to M1 in the supplementary motor area or the dorsal premotor cortex.

Conclusions

Single element tFUS can be paired with high field MRI that does not induce significant artifact. tFUS increases activation volumes of the targeted finger representation that is spatially restricted within M1 but does not extend to functionally connected motor regions.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03634631 08/14/18
Predictive factors for multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria among hospitalised patients with complicated urinary tract infections
Authors: Gomila Aina , Shaw Evelyn , Carratalà Jordi , Leibovici Leonard , Tebé Cristian , Wiegand Irith , Vallejo-Torres Laura , Vigo Joan M. , Morris Stephen , Stoddart Margaret , Grier Sally , Vank Christiane , Cuperus Nienke , Van den Heuvel Leonard , Eliakim-Raz Noa , Vuong Cuong , MacGowan Alasdair , Addy Ibironke , Pujol Miquel ,   on behalf of COMBACTE-MAGNET WP5- RESCUING Study
Published: September 2018

Background

Patients with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs) frequently receive broad-spectrum antibiotics. We aimed to determine the prevalence and predictive factors of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria in patients with cUTI.

Methods

This is a multicenter, retrospective cohort study in south and eastern Europe, Turkey and Israel including consecutive patients with cUTIs hospitalised between January 2013 and December 2014. Multidrug-resistance was defined as non-susceptibility to at least one agent in three or more antimicrobial categories. A mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to determine predictive factors of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria cUTI.

Results

From 948 patients and 1074 microbiological isolates, Escherichia coli was the most frequent microorganism (559/1074), showing a 14.5% multidrug-resistance rate. Klebsiella pneumoniae was second (168/1074) and exhibited the highest multidrug-resistance rate (54.2%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (97/1074) with a 38.1% multidrug-resistance rate. Predictors of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria were male gender (odds ratio [OR], 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20–2.29), acquisition of cUTI in a medical care facility (OR, 2.59; 95%CI, 1.80–3.71), presence of indwelling urinary catheter (OR, 1.44; 95%CI, 0.99–2.10), having had urinary tract infection within the previous year (OR, 1.89; 95%CI, 1.28–2.79) and antibiotic treatment within the previous 30 days (OR, 1.68; 95%CI, 1.13–2.50).

Conclusions

The current high rate of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria infections among hospitalised patients with cUTIs in the studied area is alarming. Our predictive model could be useful to avoid inappropriate antibiotic treatment and implement antibiotic stewardship policies that enhance the use of carbapenem-sparing regimens in patients at low risk of multidrug-resistance.
CNS Metastases in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutation–Positive Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Impact on Health Resource Utilization
Authors: Chooback Negar , Lefresne Shilo , Lau Sally C. , Ho Cheryl
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

Patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation–positive (EGFRm) non–small-cell lung cancer commonly experience disease progression in the CNS. Here, we assess the impact of CNS disease on resource utilization and outcomes in patients who are EGFRm.

Methods:

We completed a retrospective review of all advanced patients who were EGFRm, referred to BC Cancer, and treated with a first- and/or second-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor from 2010 to 2015. Baseline characteristics, systemic treatment, and CNS management were collected. We compared health resource utilization (HRU) between patients with CNS-negative disease and those with CNS metastases from the median time of CNS metastases diagnosis to death or last follow-up (9.1 months) and at 9 months preceding death or last follow-up for the CNS-negative group.

Results:

Four hundred ninety-nine patients were referred, of which 68% were female; 51% were of Asian ethnicity; and 57%, 37%, and 6% were exon 19, 21, or other, respectively; with a median age of 66 years. Two hundred twenty-nine (46%) of 499 patients developed CNS metastases—39% at diagnosis and 61% over the course of disease. CNS metastases were managed with surgery with or without whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT; 13%) WBRT alone (73%), stereotactic radiosurgery with or without WBRT (5%), or no CNS-directed therapy (9%). The median time from the development of CNS metastases diagnosis to death was 9.1 months. CNS-negative patients used less HRU versus patients that were CNS-positive in the 9 months preceding death or last follow-up—in the average number of clinic visits (8.53 v 12.71, respectively; P < .001), hospitalizations (0.43 v 0.76, respectively; P < .001), CNS imaging investigations (0.52 v 2.65, respectively; P < .001), emergency room visits (0.03 v 0.14, respectively; P = .001), palliative care unit admission (8% v 10%, respectively; P = .64), and hospice admission (3% v 19%, respectively; P < .001).

Conclusion:

The incidence of CNS metastases in patients with EGFRm is high and associated with increased HRU. Prevention or delay of CNS metastases with newer systemic therapy options may translate into lower resource utilization.
The feasibility of synthetic MRI in breast cancer patients: comparison of T
2 relaxation time with multiecho spin echo T
2 mapping method
Authors: Jung Yongsik , Gho Sung-Min , Back Seung Nam , Ha Taeyang , Kang Doo Kyoung , Kim Tae Hee
Published: September 2018

Objective:

To compare the T  2 relaxation times acquired with synthetic MRI to those of multi-echo spin-echo sequences and to evaluate the usefulness of synthetic MRI in the clinical setting.

Methods:

From January 2017 to May 2017, we included 51 patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer, who underwent additional synthetic MRI and multiecho spin echo (MESE) T  2 mapping sequences. Synthetic MRI technique uses a multiecho and multidelay acquisition method for the simultaneous quantification of physical properties such as T  1 and T  2 relaxation times and proton density image map. A radiologist with 9 years of experience in breast imaging drew region of interests manually along the tumor margins on two consecutive axial sections including the center of tumor mass and in the fat tissue of contralateral breast on both synthetic T  2 map and MESE T  2 map images.

Results:

The mean T  2 relaxation time of the cancer was 84.75 ms (± 15.54) by synthetic MRI and 90.35 ms (± 19.22) by MESE T  2 mapping. The mean T  2 relaxation time of the fat was 129.22 ms (± 9.53) and 102.11 ms (± 13.9), respectively. Bland–Altman analysis showed mean difference of 8.4 ms for the breast cancer and a larger mean difference of 27.8 ms for the fat tissue. Spearman’s correlation test showed that there was significant positive correlation between synthetic MRI and MESE sequences for the cancer (r = 0.713, p < 0.001) and for the fat (r = 0.551, p < 0.001). The positive estrogen receptor and low histologic grade were associated with little differences between two methods (p = 0.02  and = 0.043, respectively).

Conclusion:

T  2 relaxation times of breast cancer acquired with synthetic MRI showed positive correlation with those of MESE T  2 mapping. Synthetic MRI could be useful for the evaluation of tissue characteristics by simultaneous acquisition of several quantitative physical properties.

Advances in knowledge:

Synthetic MRI is useful for the evaluation of T  2 relaxation times of the breast cancers.
The binding of Class II sRNA MgrR to two different sites on matchmaker protein Hfq enables efficient competition for Hfq and annealing to regulated mRNAs
Authors: Kwiatkowska Joanna , Wroblewska Zuzanna , Johnson Kenneth A. , Olejniczak Mikolaj
Published: September 2018

MgrR is an Hfq-dependent sRNA, whose transcription is controlled by the level of Mg2+ ions in Escherichia coli. MgrR belongs to Class II sRNAs because its stability in the cell is affected by mutations in Hfq differently than canonical, Class I sRNAs. Here, we examined the effect of mutations in RNA binding sites of Hfq on the kinetics of the annealing of MgrR to two different target mRNAs, eptB and ygdQ, by global data fitting of the reaction kinetics monitored by gel electrophoresis of intermediates and products. The data showed that the mutation on the rim of the Hfq ring trapped MgrR on Hfq preventing the annealing of MgrR to either mRNA. The mutation in the distal face slowed the ternary complex formation and affected the release of MgrR-mRNA complexes from Hfq, while the mutation in the proximal face weakened the MgrR binding to Hfq and in this way affected the annealing. Moreover, competition assays established that MgrR bound to both faces of Hfq and competed against other sRNAs. Further studies showed that uridine-rich sequences located in less structurally stable regions served as Hfq binding sites in each mRNA. Overall, the data show that the binding of MgrR sRNA to both faces of the Hfq ring enables it to efficiently anneal to target mRNAs. It also confers on MgrR a competitive advantage over other sRNAs, which could contribute to efficient cellular response to changes in magnesium homeostasis.
tRNA 3′-amino-tailing for stable amino acid attachment
Authors: Gamper Howard , Hou Ya-Ming
Published: September 2018

Amino acids are attached to the tRNA 3′-end as a prerequisite for entering the ribosome for protein synthesis. Amino acid attachment also gives tRNA access to nonribosomal cellular activities. However, the normal attachment is via an ester linkage between the carboxylic group of the amino acid and the 3′-hydroxyl of the terminal A76 ribose in tRNA. The instability of this ester linkage has severely hampered studies of aminoacyl-tRNAs. Although the use of 3′-amino-3′-deoxy A76 in a 3′-amino-tailed tRNA provides stable aminoacyl attachment via an amide linkage, there are multiple tailing protocols and the efficiency of each relative to the others is unknown. Here we compare five different tailing protocols in parallel, all dependent on the CCA-adding enzyme [CTP(ATP): tRNA nucleotidyl transferase; abbreviated as the CCA enzyme] to exchange the natural ribose with the modified one. We show that the most efficient protocol is achieved by the CCA-catalyzed pyrophosphorolysis removal of the natural A76 in equilibrium with the addition of the appropriate ATP analog to synthesize the modified 3′-end. This protocol for 3′-amino-tailing affords quantitative and stable attachment of a broad range of amino acids to tRNA, indicating its general utility for studies of aminoacyl-tRNAs in both canonical and noncanonical activities.
Swimming downstream: statistical analysis of differential transcript usage following Salmon quantification
Authors: Love Michael I. , Soneson Charlotte , Patro Rob
Published: September 2018

Detection of differential transcript usage (DTU) from RNA-seq data is an important bioinformatic analysis that complements differential gene expression analysis. Here we present a simple workflow using a set of existing R/Bioconductor packages for analysis of DTU. We show how these packages can be used downstream of RNA-seq quantification using the Salmon software package. The entire pipeline is fast, benefiting from inference steps by Salmon to quantify expression at the transcript level. The workflow includes live, runnable code chunks for analysis using DRIMSeq and DEXSeq, as well as for performing two-stage testing of DTU using the stageR package, a statistical framework to screen at the gene level and then confirm which transcripts within the significant genes show evidence of DTU. We evaluate these packages and other related packages on a simulated dataset with parameters estimated from real data.
Emotional intelligence of a Manager in business processes of an organization
Authors: Хлевная Елена , Khlevnaya Elena , Киселева Татьяна , Kiseleva Tat'yana
Published: September 2018

The monograph contains a detailed analysis of theoretical and methodological approaches to the concept of emotional intelligence (EI), relevant foreign and domestic fundamental and applied research in this area. The authors describe in detail the original scientific model (model of abilities) of the founders of the concept of emotional intelligence, professors of Yale University and the University of new Hampshire-p. Saloway, D. Caruso and J. Mayer presented comparative characteristics of models of ability and mixed models of EI; study of the possibility of targeted development of EI, as well as proven, proven ei development program; method of objective evaluation of EI. The presented typification of business processes within the adaptive management system allows to identify the types of business processes for which EI is a critical factor of monitoring and impact in order to improve their efficiency and management decisions in situations of risk and uncertainty.
The publication will be useful for applicants for scientific degrees and undergraduates of psychological, economic and related areas, teachers, as well as for professional managers and heads of organizations, business structures, state and municipal employees of management.
Fashion and Homophily
Authors: Zhang Boyu , Cao Zhigang , Qin Cheng-Zhong , Yang Xiaoguang
Published: September 2018

We analyze the evolution of fashion based on a network game model. Each agent in this model is a conformist or a rebel. A conformist prefers to take the action most common among her neighboring agents, whereas a rebel prefers the opposite. When there is only one type of agents, the model possesses an exact potential function, implying that fashion cycles are unlikely to emerge in a homogeneous population. The homophily index, a measure of segregation in networks with multiple types of nodes, is shown to play a key role in the emergence of fashion cycles. Our main finding is that a lower homophily index, in general, promotes the emergence of fashion cycles. We establish this result through a potential analysis, a partial potential analysis, and a stability analysis of a system of ordinary differential equations that is approximated from a stochastic best response dynamic. Numerical simulations based on a variety of networks confirm that the approximate analysis is reliable.

The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.2018.1744 .
DESENVOLVIMENTO DE CONSCIÊNCIA FONOLÓGICA EM PLA/PLE: ANÁLISE DE MATERIAL DIDÁTICO E PROPOSTAS DE ATIVIDADES EM TAREFAS INTEGRADAS
Authors: Telles Luciana Pilatti , Brisolara Luciene Bassols
Published: September 2018

Na aquisição de uma língua estrangeira, um dos aspectos fundamentais é o desenvolvimento da consciência fonológica do aprendiz, ou seja, é preciso desenvolver a sua capacidade de ‘refletir’ e ‘manipular’ os sons da língua (ALVES, 2012). Nesse sentido, o presente estudo propõe-se a analisar um livro didático de português como língua adicional/estrangeira (PLA/PLE), a fim de (1) verificar as oportunidades de desenvolvimento de consciência fonológica no manual e (2) propor atividades de desenvolvimento de consciência fonológica em tarefas integradas. Essas tarefas foram planejadas com o escopo de auxiliar o aprendiz na compreensão do funcionamento da língua e da cultura em aquisição, bem como dos processos variáveis do português do Brasil. A análise do manual é feita com base em ALVES (2012), ALLEGRO (2014), JANOWSKA (2014), TORRESAN (2010), PUREN (2014) e CALABRÒ (2015). Os resultados obtidos permitem-nos concluir que, apesar das oportunidades de elicitação de aspectos fonético-fonológicos que o manual oferece, essas oportunidades estão bastante circunscritas à discriminação auditiva e ao treino de pronúncia, não havendo espaço para discussão de variação fonológica no português falado no Brasil nem propostas de atividades que ajudem o estudante a refletir sobre padrões fonológicos que caracterizam o português brasileiro.
Trends of land cover change in a key biological corridor in Central Nepal
Authors: NEUPANE KRIPA , GAUTAM AMBIKA P. , REGMI ARUN
Published: September 2018

Neupane K, Gautam AP, Regmi A. 2017. Trends of land cover change in a key biological corridor in Central Nepal. Asian J For 1: 50-55. The study analyzed the changes in land cover in one of the key biological corridors in Central Nepal called the Barandabhar Corridor located in Chitwan District, during the last two decades (i.e. 1991 to 2013). The study is based on analysis of satellite imageries (Landsat 5 TM of 1991 and Landsat 8 OLI_TIRS of 2013) and primary data on drivers of land cover change, collected from the field. Supervised Maximum Likelihood method of image classification was used to produce the land cover maps for 1991 and 2013. The result showed that forest cover in the corridor increased by 7.03% while the coverage of shrubland, water and other land cover types decreased during the study period. Implementation of community based forest management programs, low dependency on forest resources, and increase in conservation awareness among the local people are found to be the main causes behind the increase in forest cover.
Capitalist Development and Agrarian Change on the Latin American Periphery
Authors: Raúl Delgado Wise  , Henry Veltmeyer
Published: September 2018

We are witnessing today a new phase in the national and global development of the productive forces where intellectual property and ownership of patents has become a key component of the imperialist system of domination under the aegis of neoliberal capitalism. This article explores the implications of this development for the agricultural sector and seeks to unravel fundamental features of the restructuring and capitalist development process involved, with particular reference to the new geoeconomics of capital (the evolution of extractive capitalism) in Latin America.
Cuando tres no son multitud. Progenitores, procreadores y proveedores en la conformación de las nuevas técnicas reproductivas
Authors: Imaz Elixabete
Published: September 2018

El artículo destaca el efecto distorsionador que las nuevas técnicas reproductivas y, sobre todo, el recurso a donantes ajenos al proyecto parental, están teniendo en el modelo procreativo y en las concepciones de maternidad, paternidad y familia. Se constata la multiplicación de agentes que intervienen en el proceso reproductivo así como la diversidad de nuevas situaciones a las que la puesta en relación de estos agentes da lugar. Por último se identifican tres ejes que constituyen debates transversales en los estudios contemporáneos sobre las tecnologías reproductivas desde las ciencias sociales: primero, los criterios de deseabilidad y elegibilidad de los donantes; segundo, las implicaciones del principio del anonimato en la donación en relación a los agentes intervinientes; y, por último, el carácter estratificado y global del mercado reproductivo.
Articular cartilage: Chemical, Physical, and Tribological Properties
Authors: Mreła Aleksandra , Pawlak Zenon
Published: September 2018

The cartilage surface was characterized using wettability test fresh and depleted AC samples. In this work, we demonstrated experimentally that the cartilage smart biomaterial at varies pH is sensitive to friction and introduces a novel concept in joint lubrication on charged surfaces.The surface charge density of the articular cartilage surface is related to the amphoteric character of phospholipids, PLs functional groups (-NH3+) and (-PO4-). The maximum surface energy of AC was found to occur at pH for isoelectric point ~4.5 (H3N+(CH2)n PO4- -R1R2) and with a wide range minimum of pH 6.5 to 9.5 of the phospholipidic membrane covering biological pH ~7.4 lubrication condition. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic character of cartilage was determined.
Validated Analytical Spectrofluorimetric Method for Quantitation of Diphenhydramine HCl in Commercial Dosage Forms
Authors: Hejaz Azmi Syed Najmul , Al-Mahroqi Aisha , Al-Mamari Khoula , Al-Shukaili Shaima
Published: September 2018

Diphenhydramine HClis a weakly fluorescent drug having tertiary amine group forming ion pair complex with eosin Y in dichloromethane at pH 5 in disodium hydrogen phosphate-citric acid buffer solution. The complex formation was the basis for the development of new analytical method for determination of active diphenhydramine in pharmaceutical formulations. The stoichiometric ratio between diphenhydramine and eosin Y was studied by mole ratio method and found to be 2:1. The ion-pair complex showed maximum fluorescence emission intensity at 554 nm with excitation at 259 nm. The linear dynamic range was obtained in the concentration range of 2-22 µg mL-1 with a linear equation of FI = 0.361 + 13.675 C. The apparent Gibb’s free energy (ΔGº) was calculated and found to be -80.783 KJ mol-1, confirmed the feasibility of the reaction. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of diphenhydramine HCl in pharmaceutical formulations and in good agreement with the reference method.
Tumor Growth Dynamics: Dietary Fish Oil Induced Inhibition of Human Breast Carcinoma Growth, A Phenomenon of Reduced Cellular DNA Synthesis or Increased Cell Loss?
Authors: Gonzalez Michael J , Duconge Jorge
Published: September 2018

Diets high in unsaturated fatty acids, especially those containing high levels of linoleic acid, e.g., corn oil, enhance mammary gland tumorigenesis in experimental animals. In contrast, diets high in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA), e.g. menhaden oil, appear to have a suppressive effect on this tumorigenic process. Many mechanisms have been proposed to explain the tumor inhibitory action exerted by menhaden oil and other fish oils, e.g., differences in prostaglandin metabolism, energy efficiency, alterations of the immune system, changes in lipid peroxidation, etc. Fundamental to a mechanistic understanding of this phenomenon, however, is an understanding as to whether or not the tumor inhibitory activities of dietary fish oil is mediated via an inhibition of tumor cell proliferation or mediated via an enhancement of tumor cell loss. Whether the amount of dietary fat or the type of fat effects mammary tumorigenic processes, via an effect on tumor cell proliferation or tumor cell loss, has not been clearly established. In the studies described in this communication, three methods were utilized to study tumor cell proliferation, i.e., H3-thymidine autoradiographic analysis, 5-bromo 2'-deoxyuridine (Brdu) flow cytometric analysis, and proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) flow cytometric analysis. Two methods were used to study tumor cell loss, i.e., a determination of the I125Urd tumor emission rate and a determination of a cell loss factor from the formulas of Steel and Begg. The tumor examined was the human breast carcinoma cell line MDA- MB231 maintained in athymic nude mouse. No significant difference in cell proliferation between carcinomas of mice fed a high corn oil diet (20% w/w) and a diet high in fish oil (19% menhaden oil, 1% corn oil). In contrast, a significant (p<0.05) increase in the rate of I125Urd emission rate and cell loss factor from the carcinomas in the fish oil fed mice compared to the corn oil fed mice was observed. In summary, the decreased tumor volume in the human breast carcinomas maintained in athymic nude mice fed a fish oil diet as compared to those fed a corn oil diet, appears to be due, at least in part, to an increased rate of carcinoma cell loss rather than a decreased rate of carcinoma cell proliferation.
Catching Sight: Queer Worldmaking in a Glance
Authors: Barnett Joshua Trey , Killen Brandon S.
Published: September 2018

In a sequence of passing glimpses—at turns theoretical, personal, and analytical—this essay considers the humble but forceful glance as a vital mode of queer world-making. Setting out from Alex Wong’s photograph of Carson Jones conspicuously cutting eyes at Vice President Mike Pence during Doug Jones’s senatorial swearing-in on January 3, 2018, this essay explores the subjective, relational, and communal modes through which glancing exerts force. Weaving through our personal and public lives, the authors contend, glancing stitches the visual matrix from which we navigate and construct our social worlds.
Lo que está por venir: pasado, presente y futuro de las experiencias educativas entre museo y escuela
Authors: Andrés Ana , García Eva
Published: September 2018

Desde los museos y desde las escuelas toma cada vez más fuerza la necesidad de repensar la educación en arte para lograr que esté presente en el día a día en el aula. Este replanteamiento crece gracias al trabajo de docentes y de otros agentes en torno a comunidades nacidas en museos como el Thyssen-Bornemisza. Musaraña es un ejemplo de esta voluntad hacia un cambio que requiere de diálogo, creatividad, confianza, libertad y cuidados entre docentes y educadores de museo.
Tunica Vaginalis Thickening, Hemorrhagic Infiltration and Inflammatory Changes in 8 Children with Primary Hydrocele; Reactive Mesothelial Hyperplasia? A Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Patoulias Ioannis , Rachmani Evangelia , Kalogirou Maria , Chatzopoulos Kyriakos , Patoulias Dimitrios
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study is to describe an entity of primary hydrocele accompanied with fibrosis, thickening and hemorrhagic infiltration of parietal layer of tunica vaginalis (PLTV). During a 4-year period (2011–2014), 94 boys (2.5–14 years old) underwent primary hydrocele repair. Hydrocele was right sided in 55 (58.5 %), left sided in 26 (28.7%) and bilateral in 12 patients (13.8%). Eighty three out of 94 patients (88.30%) had communicating hydrocele and the rest eleven patients (11.7%) had non-communicating. Our case group consists of 8 patients (8.51%) based on operative findings consistent with PLTV induration, thickening and hemorrhagic infiltration. Preoperative ultrasonography did not reveal any pathology of the intrascrotal structures besides hydrocele. There weren’t hyperechoic reflections or septa within the fluid. Evaluation of thickness of the PLTV was not feasible. Presence of lymph or exudate was excluded after fluid biochemical analysis. Tunica vaginalis histological examination confirmed thickening, hemorrhagic infiltration and inflammation, while there was absence of mesothelial cells. Immunochemistry for desmin was positive, excluding malignant mesothelioma. One patient underwent high ligation of the patent processus vaginalis and PLTV sheath fenestration, but one year later, he faced a recurrence. An elective second surgery was conducted via scrotal incision and Jaboulay operation was performed. The latter methodology was our treatment choice in other 7 out of 8 patients. During a 2-year postoperative follow-up, no other patient had any recurrence. We conclude that in primary hydrocele with macroscopic features indicative of tunica vaginalis inflammation, reversion of the tunica should be a part of operative strategy instead of sheath fenestration, in order to minimize the recurrence.
Effect of hesperetin on inflammatory and oxidative status in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced experimental colitis model
Authors: Polat Fatin Rustu , Karaboga Ihsan , Polat Muhammed Semih , Erboga Zeynep , Yilmaz Ahsen , Güzel Savas
Published: September 2018

In our study, the effect of hesperetin on inflammatory and oxidative status in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced experimental colitis model was investigated through different methods. Eighteen Wistar albino male rats were divided in to three groups: Group I (Control, n = 8; 1 ml physiological saline), Group II (Colitis, n = 8; 1 ml TNBS), Group III (Hesperetin, n = 8; 1 ml TNBS and 100 mg/kg hesperetin). Macroscopic and microscopic scores were calculated to determine the damage to the colon at the end of the experiment. Serum tumor necrosis factor-Î± (TNF-Î±) and tissue interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were determined using the ELISA method. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were investigated spectrophotometrically. The TUNEL method was used for the detection of apoptotic cells in the colon tissue. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-Ä¸Î²) expression in the colon were determined immunohistochemically. Hesperetin administration has shown to significantly reduce levels of MPO, MDA, and proinflammatory agents (TNF-Î±, IL-6, and NF-Ä¸Î²). It has also been proven to inhibit mucosal apoptosis. This study indicates that hesperetin is protective against TNBS-induced colitis model via antiinflammatory, antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects.
The effects of apelin on myometrium contractions in pregnant rats
Authors: Kacar Emine , Ercan Zubeyde , Serhatlioglu Ihsan , Sumer Aysegul , Kelestimur Haluk , Kutlu Selim
Published: September 2018

Apelin, which is a new hormone, is secreted especially in the brain by hypothalamus as well as by many other organs like the stomach, fat tissue, and the heart. For apelin, whose possible effects on many bodily functions like the endocrine system, cardiovascular system and metabolic activities are still under investigation, the reproductive system is also an important target area. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of plasma apelin levels in rats that were in diestrus, pregnancy and lactation periods, and to examine its possible effects on myometrium contractions of pregnant rats and non-pregnant rats that were in diestrus period.  The plasma apelin concentrations in female adult Wistar rats were determined with the ELISA method in the diestrus period, and on the 12th, 18th, and 21st days of the pregnancy, and on the 2nd and 10th days of lactation (n=7 for each group). In addition, the effect of apelin at 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 Î¼M doses on isometric contractions in the rat uterus on the 21st day of pregnancy and in diestrus period was tested by using isolated organ bath. This protocol was repeated under conditions that were pre-treated with protein kinase C inhibitor in calcium-free medium, and the possible effect of apelin on contractions and the mechanisms that might mediate this effect were investigated. When plasma apelin levels were compared with the rats in diestrus period, the apelin concentrations in the 21-day pregnancy group were high at a significant level (p<0.05); and low at a significant level in the 2-day lactation group (p<0.05). In myometrium contraction trials, it was observed that apelin induced the contractions. Apelin increased the frequency of the myometrium contractions at a significant level when applied at 1 Î¼M and 10 Î¼M concentrations (p<0.05 and p<0.001). Only after the apelin application at 10 Î¼M concentration did the amplitude of the contractions increase at a significant level (p<0.01). In the myometrium of the rats that were on the 21st day of pregnancy, the frequency of the contractions was statistically significant at 0.1 Î¼M, 1 Î¼M and 10 Î¼M doses (p<0.01). In addition, the amplitude of the contractions increased at a statistically significant level at 1 Î¼M and 10 Î¼M dose application (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). The apelin application induced the contractions in calcium-free medium. When apelin was applied after the pre-application with protein kinase C inhibitor, no contractions were observed. The present study showed that apelin levels were increased at the end of pregnancy in rats, and the hormone induced the uterus contractions. This effect does not occur with protein kinase C inhibitor and in calcium-free medium, which shows that protein kinase C pathway might play a role in these mechanism.  These findings show that apelin might be an endogenous peptide that plays a role on uterine contractions at birth in rats.
CTLA-4 (+49A/G) and NOD2/CARD15 (N852S) polymorphisms with inflammatory bowel disease in Turkish patients
Authors: Budak Diler Songül , Yaraş Serkan
Published: September 2018

Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the major types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and exhibit similar clinical features and epidemiology. The main objective of this study was to analyze the correlation between the CTLA-4 gene +49A/G polymorphism and the NOD2/CARD15 gene N852S polymorphism in Turkish patients with IBD using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. In this study, we evaluated the frequency of the CTLA-4 (+49A/G) and NOD2/CARD15 (N852S) polymorphisms in 62 patients with CD, 76 patients with UC, and 152 healthy individuals. The CTLA-4 and NOD2/CARD15 variants, rs231775 and rs104895467, were genotyped by PCR followed by RFLP. The results for the patients and the control group were statistically analyzed. According to our results, the CTLA-4 gene +49A/G polymorphism AA genotype was prevalent in CD patients and controls (29% vs 40%); the AG (56% vs 51%) and GG (15% vs 9%) genotypes were also observed. The prevalence of the of AA, AG and GG genotypes for the +49A/G polymorphism was 56%, 32% and 12%, respectively, in the UC patients, and 40%, 51% and 9%, respectively, in the healthy controls. In all subjects, just one band of 151 bp, corresponding to wild-type N852S, was found, and no other N852S mutant bands (151+129+22 and 129+22 bp) were detected using PCR-RFLP fragment electrophoresis.The CTLA-4 gene +49 A/G polymorphism and the NOD2/CARD15 gene N852S polymorphism were not associated with CD or UC in a Turkish population.
Insecticidal effects of the Olea europaea subsp. laperrinei extracts on the flour Pyralid Ephestia kuehniella
Authors: Lahcene Souad , Taibi Faiza , Mestar Nadjet , Ali Ahmed Samira , Boumendjel Mahieddine , Ouafi Saida , Houali Karim
Published: September 2018

In the present study, the aerial parts of the Laperrine olive (Olea europaea subsp. Laperrinei) are subjected to acid extraction and the chemical composition of the extracts is determined by HPLC-DAD. The main compounds found in all of extracts are: hydroxytyrosol (30.45%), tyrosol (0.69%), oleuropein (32.76%), ferrulic acid (17.77%), quercetin (31.57%) and hesperetin (6.90%).The extracts obtained from the leafy stems of Laperrine olive tree are tested on the moth Ephestia kuehniella flour. Their administration by inhalation of newly exuviated chrysalises extends the duration of nymphalid development and disturbs the exuviated adults reproduction, by reducing the period in which the eggs are being laid. Thus, compared to the control insects, the number of eggs laid by treated females is significantly reduced after the treatment by extracts. Besides, the administration of different extracts of adult butterflies has a premature mortality effect.
Lentiviral-mediated BCL2 gene knockdown using comparative microRNA adaptive shRNAs
Authors: Abdolhossein Zadeh Baharak , Yavari Kamal , Banan Mehdi , Fallah Ali , Nasehi Leila , Absalan Moloud , Tavoosidana Gholamreza
Published: September 2018

B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family proteins play a critical role in tuning cell death processes. Almost in half of all human cancers, a dysregulation in BCL2 family gene expression has been shown which made it an impressive target for human gene therapy as a novel approach in cancers. In this study we will optimize lentiviral-mediated RNA interference (RNAi), recombinant lentiviruses accommodating anti-BCL2 micro adaptive short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), to downregulate BCL2 in human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK293T) cells to produce stable cell lines. We tested 4 different Dharmaconâ„¢ GIPZâ„¢ shRNAmir lentiviral vectors targeting BCL2 in different positions and a pGIPZ non-silencing shRNAmir lentiviral vector (as a negative control). Lentivirus packaging was performed by the calcium phosphate precipitation method. HEK293T cells were transduced by each type of recombinant lentiviruses individually and selected by puromycin within 10 days. The relative mRNA level and protein expression were assayed by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technic and western blotting, respectively. Lentivirus (LV) packaging was performed in high efficiency (transfection rate was > 90%). Recombinant viruses of 4 expression vector addition to a control vector were produced then transduced to HEK293T cells successfully. All the 4 cell groups showed a significant down regulation of BCL2 gene (~90-95%) at mRNA level compared to the control group (p<0.01) but differences between silenced groups were not significant (P > 0.05). We showed that the lentivirus-mediated RNAi technique is an efficient method to establish HEK293 cell lines with stable down-regulation of BCL2 gene.
Grafia czeska i polska – starsze etapy rozwoju
Authors: Szczepańska Elżbieta
Published: September 2018

W artykule zaprezentowano w skrócie najstarsze etapy rozwoju czeskiej i polskiej grafii, ponieważ omawiane tutaj słowiańskie języki oddziaływały na siebie od momentu ich powstawania Jak wynika z artykułu, w obydwu badanych systemach językowych można wyodrębnić analogiczne okresy funkcjonowania grafii prostej (pravopis jednoduchý), złożonej (pravopis spřežkový) i diakrytycznej (diakritický pravopis). W efekcie różnorakich zmian na czeskim gruncie językowym powstała grafia diakrytyczna (wyjątek stanowi dziś ch), w polszczyźnie natomiast – jak wiadomo – zaczął funkcjonować połączony system grafii złożonej i diakrytycznej.
Turkey’s Integration to Capitalism Within Uneven and Combined Development Approach: “1945-1960”
Authors: ÖZDEMİR Çetin
Published: September 2018

This article aims to criticize classical international relations theories in regard to issues of internalityand externality, ahistoricism, and asociologism within the scope of historical sociology. In doing so, thearticle will address the uneven and combined development approach. An analysis of Turkey’s integrationto world capitalism between the 1940s and the 1960s will serve as a case study for this critique. The articlewill employ a Marxist method with a historical analysis. The article claims that historical sociologytakes up international relations by embedding it in societies’ historical contexts and structures. Withinthis framework, the uneven and combined development approach provides a significant dimension tounderstanding the social interactions between the domestic and the international structures withinhistorical processes. Particularly, combined development, which connotes the amalgam of modernand backward forms of production, helps us to overcome the separation between the national and theinternational. For this reason, the article claims that Turkey’s incorporation into capitalism after WWIIcontains significant dynamics of combined development (economic, political, and sociological) in bothintra – and inter-state levels. Specifically, Turkey’s technology transfer after the war in terms of newclass dynamics emerges as a significant mechanism of combined development.
Recent advances in the application of carbohydrates as renewable feedstocks for the synthesis of nitrogen-containing compounds
Authors: Sadraei S. Iraj , St Onge Brent , Trant John F.
Published: September 2018

Carbohydrates, in the form of chitin, chitosan and cellulose, are one of the most available, renewable, and sustainable chemical feedstocks. Their conversion to biofuels, fine chemicals, and industrially-relevant monomers is becoming increasingly viable and promising as innovation decreases the price of this technology, and climate change and the price of fossil fuels increases the social and economic costs of using traditional feedstocks. In recent years, carbohydrates have been increasingly used as sources for nitrogen-containing fine chemicals. This chapter, with 86 references, provides a brief overview of the conversion of carbohydrate biomass to the standard hydrocarbon and oxygen-containing derivatives, and then provides a survey of recent progress in converting the biopolymers, and the derived mono and di-saccharides, into nitrogen-containing molecules with a special focus on N-heterocycle synthesis for medicinal applications.
Green chemistry in secondary school
Authors: Ause Robert
Published: September 2018

Green chemistry education requires learning about the scientific facts of chemistry of the environment and also applying the implications of this knowledge to human lifestyles. All students need to learn how chemistry works as a physical science in its part of the ecological system of our planet. Green chemistry also must be modeled as a lifestyle so that this knowledge can be properly applied. In this chapter, the author describes how various green chemistry topics have been incorporated into the science curriculum at Greenhills School. Furthermore, the author also relates how this knowledge is applied in the school setting so that global sustaining principles can be caught by the next generation of our planet’s stewards.
Study of Asphalt Binder’s Rheological Properties Extracted from Warm Mix Asphalts
Authors: Morea Francisco
Published: September 2018

The long-term performance of Warm Mix Asphalts (WMAs) is relatively unknown because this technology is fairly new. A critical question is how much the production temperature can be cut down in these mixtures without reducing performance and durability. In order to answer such a question, it is necessary to study different variables, such as type of warm additive and sort of binder, in relation to temperature reduction and how they all can influence and limit the mixture behavior. The study of rheological properties of “warm” binders related to pavement failure (fatigue and rutting) is a way to explore the potential performance of WMA. This work examines the rheological properties of different asphalt binders extracted from WMAs that were elaborated at temperatures 20°C and 30°C lower than hot mix asphalts. WMAs were produced with two different warm mix additives and two types of asphalt binders (one straight-run and one polymer-modified). The results show that rheological properties of WMA binders with a 20°C temperature reduction were similar or slightly better than those of the control asphalt binders in the case of modified asphalt. The warm straight-run binders present a worse rutting response, independent of the type of additive used. With a 30°C temperature reduction, no improvements were reached for either type of warm binder.
Characterization of Hot Corrosion Behavior of Different Regions of Tungsten Inert Gas Weldment in ASTM SA 210 GrA1 Boiler Tube Steel
Authors: Kumar Ravindra , Tewari V. K. , Prakash Satya
Published: September 2018

Hot corrosion is a serious problem in fired tube boiler materials. The deposition of oxalates from the water side does not allow the proper transfer of heat, resulting in overheating. This leads to catastrophic failures of boiler materials. In this study, GrA1 boiler tube steel was selected as a candidate material because it is used in several thermal power plants. Hot corrosion studies were conducted on different regions, i.e., base metal, weld metal, and heat-affected zone (HAZ) of tungsten inert gas (TIG) weldment in GrA1 steel in a molten salt (Na2SO4-60 % V2O5) environment at 900°C under cyclic conditions. The thermogravimetric technique was used to establish the kinetics of corrosion. The corrosion products formed on different regions of TIG welded steel were characterized by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction pattern. Base metal was found to oxidize at much higher rates than those of weld metal and HAZ.
UHT VE PASTÖRİZE SÜTLERDE ORGANİK KLORLU PESTİSİTLERİN TAYİNİ
Authors: COŞKUN Hayri , KARAKAŞ Melis
Published: September 2018

Bu çalışmada; ısıl işlem görmüş sütlerde organik klorlu pestisit tayin yöntemi geliştirlmesi ve geliştirilen yöntem ile piyasadan satın alınan UHT ve pastörize süt örneklerinde pestisit analizi yapılması amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmada süt örneklerinde 18 organik klorlu pestisit bileşiğinin (aldrin, 4,4̍-DDD, 4,4̍-DDE, 4,4̍-DDT, dieldrin, α– endosulfan, β – endosulfan, endosulfan - sulfat, endrin, endrin aldehit, endrin keton, α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, θ-HCH, heptaklor, heptaklorepoksit, metoksiklor) tayini için süt ve süt yağına yönelik iki farklı ekstraksiyon yöntemi geliştirilmiştir. Örnek hazırlama aşamasında bileşiklerin süt ve süt yağından ayrılması için sıvı/sıvı ekstraksiyon yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Örnekler GC-MS/MS cihazı ile analiz edilmiştir. Metodun güvenilirliğini göstermek için metot validasyonu yapılmıştır. Kantitatif analiz için iç standart olarak pentakloronitrobenzene bileşiği kullanılmıştır. Algılama sınırı her iki metot için 0.36 -1.11 µg/kg aralığında elde edilmiştir. Bu değerler Türk Gıda Kodeksi tarafından belirlenen en yüksek kabul edilebilir değerlerin altındadır. Elde edilen metotla 60 UHT ve 27 pastörize süt örneği analiz edilmiş fakat pestisit kalıntısına rastlanmamıştır.
Evidence of Osteogenic Regulation in Calcific Porcine Aortic Valves
Authors: Lu Fanglin , Wu Hao , Bai Yifan , Gong Dejun , Xia Cuiping , Li Qin , Lu Fanglin , Xu Zhiyun
Published: September 2018

Background: Chemically cross-linked animal tissues, such as porcine aortic valves (PAVs) have many documented advantages over mechanical valves. However, calcification is the major underlying pathologic process that results in bioprosthetic valve failure. Recently, several reports described the expression of noncollagenous bone matrix proteins in bioprosthetic valves and suggested an actively regulated process of tissue repair.

Methods: Thirty-one explanted PAVs with evidence of calcification were collected and examined for the protein expression implicated in myofibroblast activation, osteoblast differentiation, and bone matrix deposition by using immunohistochemistry.

Results: The mean duration that PAVs were implanted was 11.5 ± 5.6 years, ranging from 12 months to 28 years. Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between the duration and valvular calcification (r = 0.3818, P = .034). The number of vimentin-positive mesenchymal cells in explanted PAVs was significantly lower than that of unused PAVs (P < .01). However, increased expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) (P < .01), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA, P < .01), Cbfa1/Runx2 (P < .01), osterix (P = .0126), bone sialoprotein (BSP, P < .01), osteocalcin (P < .01), and osteopontin (P < .01) was found in explanted PAVs. Immunohistochemical staining of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin was negative in the unused PAVs. In explanted PAVs, the expression level of these 2 proteins was also significantly increased.

Conclusions: Our results support the view that PAV calcification is an actively regulated process with osteogenic signaling activation.