bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic Differences in Sun Protection Beliefs and Behavior: A Community-Based Study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Yan Shuxian , Xu Feng , Yang Chunxue , Li Fei , Fan Jing , Wang Linggao , Cai Minqiang , Zhu Jianfeng , Kan Haidong , Xu Jinhua
Published: March 2015

Objective: We want to know the attitudes and behaviors towards UV protection and we want to analyze the difference between different Chinese demographic groups in this study. Methods: A community-based study was undertaken in Shanghai from October 2009 to January 2010. The participants, ages 20–60 years old, were screened by cluster sampling and were investigated through interviews at their own homes. Personal basic information and questions pertaining to their knowledge and attitudes towards sunlight and sun protective activities were included in the questionnaire. Results: We completed 5964 questionnaires (2794 men and 3170 women). Eighty-six percent of the respondents belonged to Fitzpatrick skin type IV. Knowledge about UV-induced risks was known by more than half of the participants. However, only one-third of the participants thought they needed sun protection in winter and indoors or in vehicles, and 27% of the participants acknowledged tanning was not favorable. The attitudes towards sun exposure varied greatly, showing significant differences based on gender, age, socioeconomic groups and skin type groups (p < 0.05). Fifty-five percent of the participants never use an umbrella under sunlight, only 26.5% of the respondents wear hats, and 21.3% of the participants applied sunscreen. Females and individuals of a younger age and higher education level were more likely to perform sun-protective behaviors than males and those of an older age and lower education level (p < 0.001). Conclusion: There is a deficit in the use of sun protection existing in our surveyed Chinese population, especially in males and lower socioeconomic population, which could allow for planning prevention campaigns and exploring sun-preventive products.
Awareness and the Arguments for and against the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health among Representatives of Disability Organisations
Authors: Lundälv Jörgen , Törnbom Marie , Larsson Per-Olof , Sunnerhagen Katharina
Published: March 2015

Disability organisations have not been engaged in the debate about the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in Sweden. We wanted to know representatives’ attitudes about the ICF. The aim of the study was to elucidate the arguments for and against the ICF among representatives of disability organisations. The study consisted of eighteen representatives (from six disability organisations) that answered electronic questionnaires. The questionnaires involved ten open questions about the arguments for and against the ICF. The answers of the questionnaires have been categorized according to qualitative content analysis. Our results indicated four themes: awareness, arguments for and against, influence and the future. More than half of the representatives had very limited awareness of the ICF. There was an explicit criticism of individual classification but more positive comments about classification on an aggregated level. The most important issue for representatives was influencing social policy in society, not learning and spreading information about the ICF.
Role of Pancreatic Transcription Factors in Maintenance of Mature β-Cell Function
Authors: Kaneto Hideaki , Matsuoka Taka-aki
Published: March 2015

A variety of pancreatic transcription factors including PDX-1 and MafA play crucial roles in the pancreas and function for the maintenance of mature β-cell function. However, when β-cells are chronically exposed to hyperglycemia, expression and/or activities of such transcription factors are reduced, which leads to deterioration of b-cell function. These phenomena are well known as β-cell glucose toxicity in practical medicine as well as in the islet biology research area. Here we describe the possible mechanism for β-cell glucose toxicity found in type 2 diabetes. It is likely that reduced expression levels of PDX-1 and MafA lead to suppression of insulin biosynthesis and secretion. In addition, expression levels of incretin receptors (GLP-1 and GIP receptors) in β-cells are decreased, which likely contributes to the impaired incretin effects found in diabetes. Taken together, down-regulation of insulin gene transcription factors and incretin receptors explains, at least in part, the molecular mechanism for β-cell glucose toxicity.
Field Study of the Comparative Efficacy of Three Pyrethroid/Neonicotinoid Mixture Products for the Control of the Common Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius
Authors: Wang Changlu , Singh Narinderpal , Cooper Richard
Published: March 2015

Three insecticide mixtures that contain two classes of insecticides (pyrethroid and neonicotinoid) were recently developed to control bed bugs. We evaluated three integrated bed bug management strategies in apartments, each using the same non-chemical control methods and one of the three insecticide mixture products: Tandem (lambda-cyhalothrin + thiamethoxam), Temprid SC (beta-cyfluthrin + imidacloprid), and Transport Mikron (bifenthrin + acetamiprid). No insecticides were applied in the Control apartments. In all apartments, we installed vinyl mattress encasements (if not already present) and applied steam to beds and other infested upholstered furniture. Insecticide sprays were applied in the three treatments. Each treatment and the Control included 8–10 occupied apartments. Re-treatment was conducted during biweekly inspections if necessary. After eight weeks, the mean (± SEM) bed bug count reduction in the Tandem, Temprid SC, Transport Mikron, and Control was 89 ± 9, 87 ± 6, 98 ± 1, and 23 ± 54%, respectively. Only Tandem and Transport Mikron treatments resulted in significantly higher population reduction than the Control at eight weeks. There were no significant differences in mean percent reduction among the three treatments (Tandem, Temprid SC, Transport Mikron) at eight weeks. Tandem spray caused significantly faster bed bug reduction than Temprid SC spray and Transport Mikron spray.
How Close We Are to Achieving Commercially Viable Large-Scale Photobiological Hydrogen Production by Cyanobacteria: A Review of the Biological Aspects
Authors: Sakurai Hidehiro , Masukawa Hajime , Kitashima Masaharu , Inoue Kazuhito
Published: March 2015

Photobiological production of H2 by cyanobacteria is considered to be an ideal source of renewable energy because the inputs, water and sunlight, are abundant. The products of photobiological systems are H2 and O2; the H2 can be used as the energy source of fuel cells, etc., which generate electricity at high efficiencies and minimal pollution, as the waste product is H2O. Overall, production of commercially viable algal fuels in any form, including biomass and biodiesel, is challenging, and the very few systems that are operational have yet to be evaluated. In this paper we will: briefly review some of the necessary conditions for economical production, summarize the reports of photobiological H2 production by cyanobacteria, present our schemes for future production, and discuss the necessity for further progress in the research needed to achieve commercially viable large-scale H2 production.
Synthesis of C-Arylnucleoside Analogues
Authors: Len Christophe , Enderlin Gérald
Published: March 2015

Modified nucleoside analogues are of great biological importance as antiviral and antitumoral agents. There is special interest in the preparation of C-aryl nucleosides with an aromatic ring in different positions of the glycone for their biological activity. Different chemical synthesis strategies for these targets are described in this review.
Evaluation of the Airborne CASI/TASI Ts-VI Space Method for Estimating Near-Surface Soil Moisture
Authors: Fan Lei , Xiao Qing , Wen Jianguang , Liu Qiang , Tang Yong , You Dongqin , Wang Heshun , Gong Zhaoning , Li Xiaowen
Published: March 2015

High spatial resolution airborne data with little sub-pixel heterogeneity were used to evaluate the suitability of the temperature/vegetation (Ts/VI) space method developed from satellite observations, and were explored to improve the performance of the Ts/VI space method for estimating soil moisture (SM). An evaluation of the airborne ΔTs/Fr space (incorporated with air temperature) revealed that normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) saturation and disturbed pixels were hindering the appropriate construction of the space. The non-disturbed ΔTs/Fr space, which was modified by adjusting the NDVI saturation and eliminating the disturbed pixels, was clearly correlated with the measured SM. The SM estimations of the non-disturbed ΔTs/Fr space using the evaporative fraction (EF) and temperature vegetation dryness index (TVDI) were validated by using the SM measured at a depth of 4 cm, which was determined according to the land surface types. The validation results show that the EF approach provides superior estimates with a lower RMSE (0.023 m3·m−3) value and a higher correlation coefficient (0.68) than the TVDI. The application of the airborne ΔTs/Fr space shows that the two modifications proposed in this study strengthen the link between the ΔTs/Fr space and SM, which is important for improving the precision of the remote sensing Ts/VI space method for monitoring SM.
Transition Thinking Incorporated: Towards a New Discussion Framework on Sustainable Urban Projects
Authors: Devolder Sophie , Block Thomas
Published: March 2015

Today, cities worldwide are engaged in urban projects and activities in a concerted drive towards sustainable development. However, the concept of “sustainable urban projects” is inherently normative, subjective and ambiguous. Furthermore, the popularity of sustainable urban initiatives does not guarantee that increased pressure on dominant unsustainable urban systems will occur. In this article, we argue that strong urban debates on these initiatives and on urban sustainability are required to facilitate and stimulate urban systems towards a more socially just and environmentally sustainable future. When we say “urban debates” we mean substantive talks and detailed discussions about the type of cities we want to live in and about a shared understanding of sustainable urban projects and how they affect urban systems. We aim to contribute to that objective by developing a discussion framework on sustainable urban projects that frames sustainable development as a challenge that concentrates on both ecological and social concerns and that avoids a sole reliance on technology fixes. But above all, we also incorporate insights and findings from transition thinking to focus on radical changes or transformations of urban systems and to acknowledge the importance of so-called “niches”. In this article we describe the fundamentals, the surplus value and the utility of the framework. The article contains empirical material from a pilot-study in Ghent, Belgium.
A Review on Bradykinin-Related Peptides Isolated from Amphibian Skin Secretion
Authors: Xi Xinping , Li Bin , Chen Tianbao , Kwok Hang
Published: March 2015

Amphibian skin secretion has great potential for drug discovery and contributes hundreds of bioactive peptides including bradykinin-related peptides (BRPs). More than 50 BRPs have been reported in the last two decades arising from the skin secretion of amphibian species. They belong to the families Ascaphidae (1 species), Bombinatoridae (3 species), Hylidae (9 speices) and Ranidae (25 species). This paper presents the diversity of structural characteristics of BRPs with N-terminal, C-terminal extension and amino acid substitution. The further comparison of cDNA-encoded prepropeptides between the different species and families demonstrated that there are various forms of kininogen precursors to release BRPs and they constitute important evidence in amphibian evolution. The pharmacological activities of isolated BRPs exhibited unclear structure–function relationships, and therefore the scope for drug discovery and development is limited. However, their diversity shows new insights into biotechnological applications and, as a result, comprehensive and systematic studies of the physiological and pharmacological activities of BRPs from amphibian skin secretion are needed in the future.
Evaluation of an Ultrafiltration-Based Procedure for Simultaneous Recovery of Diverse Microbes in Source Waters
Authors: Kahler Amy , Johnson Trisha , Hahn Donghyun , Narayanan Jothikumar , Derado Gordana , Hill Vincent
Published: March 2015

In this study, hollow-fiber ultrafiltration (UF) was assessed for recovery of Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens spores, Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, echovirus 1, and bacteriophages MS2 and ΦX174 from ground and surface waters. Microbes were seeded into twenty-two 50-L water samples that were collected from the Southeastern United States and concentrated to ~500 mL by UF. Secondary concentration was performed for C. parvum by centrifugation followed by immunomagnetic separation. Secondary concentration for viruses was performed using centrifugal ultrafilters or polyethylene glycol precipitation. Nine water quality parameters were measured in each water sample to determine whether water quality data correlated with UF and secondary concentration recovery efficiencies. Average UF recovery efficiencies were 66%–95% for the six enteric microbes. Average recovery efficiencies for the secondary concentration methods were 35%–95% for C. parvum and the viruses. Overall, measured water quality parameters were not significantly associated with UF recovery efficiencies. However, recovery of ΦX174 was negatively correlated with turbidity. The recovery data demonstrate that UF can be an effective method for concentrating diverse microbes from ground and surface waters. This study highlights the utility of tangential-flow hollow fiber ultrafiltration for recovery of bacteria, viruses, and parasites from large volume environmental water samples.
Exploring the Shopping Motivations of International Residential Tourists
Authors: De-Juan-Vigaray María D. , Garau-Vadell Joan B.
Published: March 2015

Over the last few decades, so-called “international residential tourism” has increased considerably, creating a new consumer base in tourist destinations, particularly in southern Europe, whose shopping motivations are unknown. As a rule, existing literature has focused
its attention on studying consumer motivations in their places of residence, references to the study of the international residential tourist's (IRT's) shopping motivations being very limited. It is in this context that this study examines the main contributions related to IRT shopping motivations.
Taking as a starting point empirical research carried out in two top international tourist destinations, the study analyzes and contrasts the applicability of general theoretical contributions to this specific IRT segment. The results obtained confirm the existence, although not without its
variations, of certain stability in the main aspects relating to shopping motivation, allowing the foundations to be laid for the incorporation of shopping motivation as a variable for the segmentation of IRTs. Both for tourist resort managers and retailers in the area, having access to a
valid scale for measuring these motivations may be of great help to them in being able to categorize IRTs in accordance with their shopping motivations. In this way, they will have a broader knowledge of the market and how it is made up and it will facilitate the implementation of marketing
policies aimed at improving the planning of commercial areas, as well as help them to adapt their product range and communication to the segments that are of most interest to their companies and destinations.
Analysis of Abstracts from the Medical Theses Written in Macedonian Language and Proposal of Standards for Abstract Preparation
Authors: Spiroski Mirko
Published: March 2015

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyse abstracts from the medical theses written in Macedonian language and propose standards for abstract preparation.MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total number of 97 English abstracts from the medical PhD theses and 122 Medical MSc theses defended at the Faculty of Medicine, Ss Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje, Republic of Macedonia in the period of 2007-2012 were analysed. Author definition, institution definition, language definition, deposition in the Central Medical Library, presence or absence of English abstracts, number of structured abstract, key words, and mentor declaration were analysed.RESULTS: In the 97 Macedonian medical PhD theses (defended 2007-2012) author, institution or language were not defined. All PhD theses were deposited in the Central Medical Library. In 18.6% PhD theses, there was no English abstract, in 74.2% the abstracts were not structured, 36.1% of them were without key words, and 8.2% were without statement of the mentor. Similar findings were noticed in the 122 Macedonian medical MSc theses (defended 2007-2012) which did not have author, institution or language defined. Four percentages of MSc theses were not deposited in the Central Medical Library, 32.8% MSc theses were submitted for defence without an English abstract, 65.6% MSc theses had no structured abstracts and 45.9% of them had no key words. Significant number of MSc theses (21.3%) was submitted for defence without statement of the mentor and one medical MSc was retracted.CONCLUSION: Standards for preparation English and Macedonian abstracts for medical PhD and MSc theses are proposed in order to increase their quality and international availability.
Ethanolic Extract of Emilia sonchifolia Leaves Possess Erythropoietic and Hepatoprotective Effect in Mice Infected with Plasmodium Berghei Berghei
Authors: Edagha Innocent A. , Davies Koofreh G. , Akpan Blessing C. , Mbadugha Christopher C. , Udoiso Wonderful U.
Published: March 2015

Aim: This study was designed to investigate the effect of ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Emilia sonchifolia on the haematological parameters and histomorphology of the liver of male Swiss albino mice infected with Plasmodium berghei berghei (Pbb).Material and Methods: 35 mice were divided into; Group 1 (control) given normal saline 0.3 ml, Group 2 passaged with Pbb only, Group 3 passaged with Pbb, and then treated with CoartemÂ®, Group 4 treated with E. sonchifolia 325 mg/kg only, Group 5 treated with E. sonchifolia 650 mg/kg only, Group 6 passaged with Pbb then treated with E. sonchifolia 325 mg/kg, while Group 7 was passaged with Pbb then treated with E. sonchifolia 650 mg/kg. Pbb was passaged intraperitoneally, while the test drug and extracts was given via orogavage once daily.Results: The result showed significantly (P<0.001) reduced RBC parameters at in Group 5 treated with 650 mg/kg similar with Group 2 compared to Group 1, while there was significant (P<0.01) increased WBC and differentials in Parasitized groups compared with Group 1. The micrographs showed slightly inflamed nuclei in Group 4, with few nuclei shrinkage Group 5, whereas in the parasitized groups treated with the extract there appeared to be hepatoprotection compared to Group 2.Conclusion: In conclusion, the extract promotes erythropoiesis at 325 mg/kg, but was haemolytic at 650 mg/kg, and exerts its effect possibly through an agonistic and a synergistic activity of its rich bioactive ingredients. It showed mild toxic effect in the histomorphology of the non-parasitized mice at 325 mg/kg and 650 mg/kg, and also appeared to offer hepatoprotection in parasitized mice compared to the parasitized group that had no treatment.
Assessment of Bronchial Lavage Samples For the Diagnosis of Childhood Pneumonia
Authors: Petrovic Slobodanka , Cegar Svetlana , Barisic Nenad
Published: March 2015

Background: Lower respiratory tract infections are frequent and often serious diseases in children. Wide number of microorganisms may cause lower respiratory tract infections, and sometimes it could be very difficult to determine the exact causative.Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of specimens obtained by bronchial lavage in determining the etiology of childhood pneumonia.Methods: This is prospective study conducted during four years period, in a group of 60 children aged from 6 months to 18 years. All patients included in this study underwent bronchoscopy when they fulfilled criteria of routine clinical protocol, in order to set correct diagnosis of lower respiratory tract disease. Results of bacteriological analysis of PLA samples were compared against the results of bacteriological analysis of BL samples of the same patient.Results: In majority of subjects - 41 (68.32%), the bacteria isolated from the bronchial lavage samples was not identified in pharyngolaryngeal aspirate and was considered as the cause of infection. Haemophilus influenzae was the most frequently isolated pathogen in bronchial lavage samples.Conclusion: Findings based on analysis of bronchial lavage samples may be used as reliable criterion for etiological diagnosis in cases of pneumonia when initial empirical treatment failed.
Analysis of Clinical Symptoms and Laboratory Profiles in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in Malopolska Region (Poland) in the Years 2007-2010
Authors: Å»uber Zbigniew , Kania Urszula , KrÃ³l-Zdechlikiewicz Anna , Morawska Anna , Pilch BoÅ¼ena , Rajska Ewa , Turowska-Heydel Dorota , Sobczyk MaÅ‚gorzata , Chudek Jerzy , Rutkowska-Sak Lidia
Published: March 2015

Background: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a heterogenic group of chronic inflammatory connective tissue diseases of unknown aetiology in children up to 16 years of age.Aim: The aim of this study was to analyse the incidence, clinical presentation and laboratory findings in children with JIA in Malopolska region.Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis included all children with JIA (N=251) hospitalized in the two reference rheumatology centres covering Malopolska region (Poland), between July 2007 and December 2010.Results: The annual incidence of JIA in Malopolska region was estimated at 9.5 per 100 000 children. Oligoarthritis (54.9%) was the most common category in all age groups with a tendency to decrease with age; from 71.4 % in children aged 1-6 years; 55.7% in aged 7-12 years to 39.3 % in aged 13-16 years. The frequency of polyarthritis and enthesitis-related arthritis was greater in adolescents (29.2 % and 22.5 %, respectively). HLA-B27 antigen and uveitis were most frequently found in children with enthesitis-related arthritis (58% and 18.5 %, respectively).Conclusions: The study suggests the improvement of diagnostic capacity of JIA during the last decade in Poland. In accordance with the existing data diverse clinical presentation of JIA categories and laboratory characteristics were proven.
Genetic Polymorphism of C-262T Catalase and Susceptibility to Schizophrenia
Authors: Saadat Mostafa , Safaie Samane , Saadat Iraj
Published: March 2015

Background: Catalase (CAT, OMIM: 115500) plays an integral role in the primary defence against oxidative stress. The T allele of the C-262T CAT polymorphism (rs1001179) is associated with lower activity of CAT. Here we investigated whether polymorphism of C-266T CAT was associated with susceptibility to schizophrenia.Methods: The present study was performed on 363 (267 males, 96 females) in-patients with schizophrenia diagnosis, and a total of 363 (266 males, 97 females) healthy controls. The C-262T CAT genotypes were determined using RFLP-PCR method.Results: Although the association between genotypes and susceptibility was not significant in both genders, there was significant interaction between gender and the TT genotype (P=0.035). The Log-rank test and the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to evaluate the influence of C-262T genotypes on age at diagnosis (AAD) of schizophrenia. Mean AAD of the CC and CT+TT genotypes in males was 22.8 and 24.9 years, respectively. The difference was significant (c2=4.26, P=0.039). Difference of mean AAD of the CC (26.7 years) and CT+TT (27.3 years) genotypes among females was not significant (c2=0.02, P=0.896).Conclusion: Different associations between gender groups might be at least in part interpreted by the effect of gender on the association between C-262T polymorphism and CAT gene expression.
New Hypothesis and Theory about Functions of Sleep and Dreams
Authors: IlankoviÄ‡ Nikola N. , IlankoviÄ‡ Andrej N. , IlankoviÄ‡ Vera
Published: March 2015

Aim: The aims of the study were: 1. revealing the new indicator(s) in internal organization of sleep in psychotic states; 2. constitution of new neurophysiologic and statistical models of sleep perturbation in psychotic states and/or altered states of consciousness based on experimental data. 3. Introduction of new sleep marker as biological marker for distinction of sleep organization by different psychotic states. 4. Established new hypothesis and theories in functions of sleep and dreams.Methods: The clinical neurophysiologic test (Polysomnography - PSG) were performed on 90 drug-free patients - 60 with depression (30 patients with reactive depression F32.0, F32.1, and 30 patients with depression with psychotic future F32.3); and 30 patients with Acute schizophrenia and schizophrenia-like states F23.1, F23.2 (all according to the DSM-IV criteria). Polysomnography was used for two nights, sleep staging (according to the criteria of Rechtschaffen & Kales, 1968) and statistical analysis of 130 sleep parameters with logistic regression (discriminative analysis â€œstep by stepâ€). All patients were drug-free in 3 days (1st adaptation night and 2 nights sleep investigation). The bigger part of investigation was performed in â€œZentrum fuer Chronomedizinâ€œin Wuerzburg (Germany) and one part at Psychiatric Clinic in Belgrade (Serbia).Results: 1. The results of our investigations demonstrate that the ratio between REM and NREM time in the first period of sleep (index of endogenous perturbation of sleep or IEP-P1=REM-1/NREM-1) is statistically the most significant chronobiological marker of internal sleep organization (through maturation and in different pathological states); 2. IEP-P1 is a highly reliable indicator of the development of endogenic perturbation of sleep in depression, mania, schizophrenic and other psychotic states, and in organic brain syndromes.Conclusion: IEP-P1 could be a new biological marker to distinction of sleep organization in different psychotic states and other states of altered consciousness. The developed statistical models could be the basis for new hypothesis and theories about functions of sleep and dreams.
Rice Bran Oil Compared to Atorvastatin for Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Shakib Marie-Christine , Gabrial Shreef , Gabrial Gamal
Published: March 2015

Objective: To compare the effect of rice bran oil versus statins (atorvastatin drug) on blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and serum lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes. The safety of the tested rice bran oil and atorvastatin were investigated. Fatty acids contents of RBO, olive and sesame oil were also assessed.Materials and Methods: Forty four eligible patients with type 2 diabetes and moderately hyperlipidemic were randomly and equally allocated into two groups, rice bran oil (RBO) group and atorvastatin group. The RBO group received a low-calorie diet and consumed 30Â g / day RBO oil as salad dressing and for use as main cooking oil for 6 months. The Atorvastatin group received a low-calorie diet and 40 mg/day of atorvastatin drug for 6 months. At baseline and after 6 months of study intervention, blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum lipid profiles; hepatic, renal and inflammatory biomarkers were estimated.Results: Results showed significant increase in fasting and postprandial blood glucose, HbA1C and liver transaminases (alanine transaminase ALT and aspartate transaminase AST) in the atorvastatin group while a significant reduction was shown in RBO group. Moreover, significant reductions in lipid profile levels, blood urea, serum uric acid and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were observed in both RBO and atorvastatin groups after 6 months of the study intervention.Conclusion: The use of rice bran oil together with dietary modifications may have implications in lowering fasting and postprandial blood glucose, suppressing serum lipid levels, reduce the TC/HDL-C ratio and therefore reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, RBO exerts a hypouricemic action and anti-inflammatory effects. The findings obtained from the current study reinforce the use of RBO as an alternative natural potent hypolipidemic agent safer than atorvastatin drug that may induce side effects in some cases in patients intolerant to statins.
A Toxic Hepatitis Caused the Kombucha Tea â€“ Case Report
Authors: Kovacevic Zoran , Davidovic Goran , Vuckovic-Filipovic Jelena , Janicijevic-Petrovic Mirjana A. , Janicijevic Katarina , Popovic Andrijana
Published: March 2015

Background: Toxic hepatitis may clinically manifest as other diseases of the liver, where it must always be considered in differential diagnoses of unexplained liver damage, such as poisoning with kombucha tea.Case report: 47-year old female patient was hospitalized and has consumed daily ounces of kombucha tea. During hospitalization patient was diagnosed with toxic hepatitis and treated with intravenous solutions of hepatic protective and ursodeoxycholic-acid (effective therapy).Â Conclusion: Examinations showed that kombucha tea has potential to revert the CCl4-induced hepatic toxicity, but used in overdose can induce toxicity himself.
Oxidative Role of Aflatoxin B1 on the Liver of Wheat Milling Workers
Authors: Saad-Hussein Amal , Abdalla Mohgah Sh. , Shousha Wafaa Gh. , Moubarz Gehan , Mohamed Aya H.
Published: March 2015

Aim: The study aimed to estimate oxidative role of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on the liver in wheat milling workers. Materials and Methods: Case-control study was conducted to compare between the levels of AFB1/albumin (AFB1/alb), liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT, and ALP), P53, MDA, GST, SOD, zinc and vitamin C in 35 wheat milling workers and 40 control subjects. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, P53, MDA, GST and SOD in workers were significantly elevated compared to their controls. In the milling workers, there were significant correlations between MDA levels and the levels of AST, GGT, and P53, while, P53 was inversely correlated with GST and SOD activities. There were significant correlations between Zn levels and GGT, GST and SOD activities, between vitamin C and GST activities, and vitamin C inversely correlated with MDA. Conclusion: The present study concluded that the oxidative stress of AFB1 elevated the MDA and the liver enzymes in wheat milling workers. GST has a crucial role in the detoxification of aflatoxin and SOD as a scavenger antioxidant increased in the workers to overcome the oxidative toxic effects of AFB1 on the liver of the workers, and roles of Zn and vitamin C were significant in activation of these processes.
Macedonian International Medical Publications Indexed in PubMed in 2013
Authors: OAMJMS OAMJMS
Published: March 2015

We present abstracts of published papers in international journals deposited in PubMed. Search details were: ((Macedonia[Affiliation] NOT Greece[Affiliation]) NOT "Prilozi"[Journal]) AND ("2013/01/01"[PDAT] : "2013/12/31"[PDAT]), dated March 01, 2014. A total number of 138 papers were selected in PubMed during 2013 year, 23 of which were not from Republic of Macedonia and were excluded.A total number of 105 papers are included in 2013 year in Pubmed from Republic of Macedonia Four papers are deposited in the PubMed without abstracts.Editorial Board does not take any responsibility either for the content, nor the quality of the abstracts.
A coastal information system for the southeastern Beaufort Sea, Yukon and Northwest Territories
Authors: Couture N J , Forbes D L , Fraser P
R , Frobel D , Jenner K A , Manson G K , Solomon S
M , Szlavko B , Taylor R B
Published: March 2015

This report provides coastal data and a classification of the Canadian Beaufort Sea coast and is part of the Coastal Information System (CIS) maintained by the Geological Survey of Canada. Coastal attributes such as the physical form of the coast and the
materials which comprise it have been interpreted and mapped from aerial photography and video for over 1900 kilometres of coastline. These attributes are mapped as line segments for three different shore-parallel zones: the backshore, the foreshore, and the nearshore. Additional points of interest
such as water bodies, anthropogenic sites, or ground ice features are also mapped. Qualitative coastal change was mapped along select portions of the coast based on the availability of repetitive, multi-year coastal video and imagery. A glossary has been developed to control the language used in the
descriptions. The data are contained in a geographic information system. A published map file is also included, which provides examples for displaying and symbolizing the CIS data.
Rhabdoid meningioma lacking malignant features: Report of a rare case with review of literature
Authors: Mardi Kavita , Thakur R , Biswas Biswajit
Published: March 2015

We reported a case of meningioma with rhabdoid morphology but lacking histological features of malignancy in arising from the spinal cord in a 28-year-old male. The tumor showed light microscopic, immunohistochemical evidence of meningothelial differentiation together with diffuse areas exhibiting rhabdoid morphology. The rhabdoid areas were characterized by cells with large cytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusions and eccentric nuclei. Unlike most cases reported in the literature, this case lacked significant mitotic activity and other atypical features. The diagnostic and prognostic significance of this tumor entity is discussed along with a review of the literature.
Ganglioglioma: Single-institutional experience of 24 cases with review of literature
Authors: Tandon Vivek , Bansal Sumit , Chandra P , Suri Ashish , Tripathi Manjari , Sharma Mehar , Sarkari Avijit , Mahapatra Ashok
Published: March 2015

Background: Ganglioglioma is a common seizure associated tumor. The goal of this study was to observe the postoperative outcome in patients with gangliogliomas.
Material and Methods: A total 24 patients with gangliogliomas who underwent surgery at our institute from 2008 to 2011 were included. There were 13 males (54%) in our study. A retrospective analysis for the demographic profile, surgery and outcome was performed using STATA software. Literature on this subject was also reviewed, MEDLINE and PUBMED databases were searched.
Observations: Sixteen patients presented with signs and symptoms of raised intracranial pressure and 12 patients had seizure disorder. Average age at surgery was 20 years (range 7-50 years). Twelve each were located in the temporal lobe and extra-temporal location. Intra-operative electrocorticography (ECoG) alone in three and image guidance alone were used in two patients, respectively. Both ECoG and image guidance were used in one patient and none of them was used in 18 patients. Gross total resection was achieved in 17 patients. After a mean follow-up of 1.6 years (range 3 months to 2.5 years), out of 12 patients with preoperative seizures, 10 (83.3%) were seizure free (Engel class-I) and 2 (16.6%) belonged to Engel class-II. None of the factors, including age at surgery, seizure duration prior to surgery, type of seizures, use of intra-operative ECoG and image guidance, extent of tumor resection, and surgical strategy proved to have significant correlation with postoperative seizure outcome.
Conclusions: Surgical treatment is effective and safe for patients with gangliogliomas. Neither intra-operative ECoG nor image guidance necessarily leads to better seizure control, although they are useful adjunct for achieving safe and complete tumor resection.
Rare case report of Traumatic neuroma of anterior superior alveolar nerve associated with high frenal attachment
Authors: Ananthaneni Anuradha , Srilekha Namala , Guduru Vijay , Kiresur Mohammad
Published: March 2015

We present an incredible case of traumatic neuroma (TN) in the anterior superior alveolar nerve leading to the swelling in the upper labial mucosa. This paper attempts to highlight the rarity of site of occurrence of this lesion and reports the first case of TN of anterior superior alveolar nerve.
Properties and evolution of biomass burning organic aerosol from Canadian boreal forest fires
Authors: Jolleys M. D. , Coe H. , McFiggans G. , Taylor J. W. , O'Shea S. J. , Le Breton M. , Bauguitte S. J.-B. , Moller S. , Di Carlo P. , Aruffo E. , Palmer P. I. , Lee J. D. , Percival C. J. , Gallagher M. W.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Airborne measurements of biomass burning organic aerosol (BBOA) from boreal forest fires reveal highly contrasting properties for plumes of different ages. These measurements, performed using an Aerodyne Research Inc. compact time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (C-ToF-AMS) during the BORTAS (quantifying the impact of BOReal forest fires on Tropospheric oxidants over the Atlantic using Aircraft and Satellites) experiment in the summer of 2011, have been used to derive normalised excess organic aerosol (OA) mass concentrations (ΔOA / ΔCO), with higher average ratios observed closer to source (0.190±0.010) than in the far-field (0.097±0.002). The difference in ΔOA / ΔCO between fresh and aged plumes is influenced by a change in dominant combustion conditions throughout the campaign. Measurements at source comprised 3 plume interceptions during a single research flight and sampled largely smouldering fires. Twenty-three interceptions were made across four flights in the far-field, with plumes originating from fires occurring earlier in the campaign when fire activity had been more intense, creating an underlying contrast in emissions prior to any transformations associated with aging. Changing combustion conditions also affect the vertical distribution of biomass burning emissions, as aged plumes from more flaming-dominated fires are injected to higher altitudes of up to 6000 m. Proportional contributions of the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) 60 and 44 peaks in the AMS mass spectra to the total OA mass (denoted f60 and f44) are used as tracers for primary and oxidised BBOA, respectively. f44 is lower on average in near-field plumes than those sampled in the far-field, in accordance with longer aging times as plumes are transported a greater distance from source. However, high levels of ΔO3 / ΔCO and −log(NOx / NOy) close to source indicate that emissions can be subject to very rapid oxidation over short timescales. Conversely, the lofting of plumes into the upper troposphere can lead to the retention of source profiles after transportation over extensive temporal and spatial scales, with f60 also higher on average in aged plumes. Evolution of OA composition with aging is comparable to observations of BB tracers in previous studies, revealing a consistent progression from f60 to f44. The elevated levels of oxygenation in aged plumes, and their association with lower average ΔOA / ΔCO, are consistent with OA loss through evaporation during aging due to a combination of dilution and chemical processing, while differences in combustion conditions throughout the campaign also have a significant influence on BBOA production and composition.
MACC regional multi-model ensemble simulations of birch pollen dispersion in Europe
Authors: Sofiev M. , Berger U. , Prank M. , Vira J. , Arteta J. , Belmonte J. , Bergmann K.-C. , Chéroux F. , Elbern H. , Friese E. , Galan C. , Gehrig R. , Khvorostyanov D. , Kranenburg R. , Kumar U. , Marécal V. , Meleux F. , Menut L. , Pessi A.-M. , Robertson L. , Ritenberga O. , Rodinkova V. , Saarto A. , Segers A. , Severova E. , Sauliene I. , Siljamo P. , Steensen B. M. , Teinemaa E. , Thibaudon M. , Peuch V.-H.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The paper presents the first-ever ensemble modelling experiment for the birch pollen in Europe. The 7-models strong European ensemble of MACC-ENS, tested in trial simulations over the season of 2010, has been run through the season of 2013. The simulations have been compared with observations in 11 countries, members of European Aeroallergen Network, for both individual models and the ensemble mean and median. It is shown that the models successfully reproduced the timing of the very late season of 2013, generally being within a couple of days from the observed season start. End of the season was generally predicted later than observed, for 5 days or more, which is a known feature of the source term used in the study. Absolute pollen concentrations during the season were somewhat under-estimated in the southern part of the birch habitation area. In the northern part of Europe, a record-low pollen season was strongly over-estimated by all models. Median of the multi-model ensemble demonstrated robust performance, successfully eliminating the impact of outliers, which was particularly useful since for most of models this was the first experience of pollen forecasting.
Continental pollution in the Western Mediterranean Basin: vertical profiles of aerosol and trace gases measured over the sea during TRAQA 2012 and SAFMED 2013
Authors: Di Biagio C. , Doppler L. , Gaimoz C. , Grand N. , Ancellet G. , Raut J.-C. , Beekmann M. , Borbon A. , Sartelet K. , Attié J.-L. , Ravetta F. , Formenti P.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. In this study we present airborne observations of aerosol and trace gases obtained over the sea in the Western Mediterranean Basin during the TRAQA (TRansport and Air QuAlity) and SAFMED (Secondary Aerosol Formation in the MEDiterranean) campaigns in summers 2012 and 2013. A total of 23 vertical profiles were measured up to 5000 m a.s.l. over an extended area (40–45° N latitude and 2° W–12° E longitude) including the Gulf of Genoa, Southern France, the Gulf of Lion, and the Spanish coast. TRAQA and SAFMED successfully measured a wide range of meteorological conditions which favoured the pollution export from different sources located around the basin. Also, several events of dust outflows were measured during the campaigns. Observations from the present study indicate that continental pollution largely affects the Western Mediterranean both close to coastal regions and in the open sea as far as ~250 km from the coastline. Aerosol layers not specifically linked with Saharan dust outflows are distributed ubiquitously which indicates quite elevated levels of background pollution throughout the Western Basin. The measured aerosol scattering coefficient varies between ~20 and 120 M m−1, while carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3) mixing ratios are in the range of 60–170 and 30–85 ppbv, respectively. Pollution reaches 3000–4000 m in altitude and presents a very complex and highly stratified structure characterized by fresh and aged layers both in the boundary layer and in the free troposphere. Within pollution plumes the measured particle concentration in the Aitken (0.004–0.1 μm) and accumulation (0.1–1.0 μm) modes is between $\\sim 100$ and 5000–6000 s cm−3 (standard cm−3), which is comparable to the aerosol concentration measured in continental urban areas. Additionally, our measurements indicate the presence of highly concentrated Aitken layers (10 000–15 000 s cm−3) observed both close to the surface and in the free troposphere, possibly linked to the influence of new particle formation (NPF) episodes over the basin.
Eddy-covariance data with low signal-to-noise ratio: time-lag determination, uncertainties and limit of detection
Authors: Langford B. , Acton W. , Ammann C. , Valach A. , Nemitz E.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. All eddy-covariance flux measurements are associated with random uncertainties which are a combination of sampling error due to natural variability in turbulence and sensor noise. The former is the principal error for systems where the signal-to-noise ratio of the analyser is high, as is usually the case when measuring fluxes of heat, CO2 or H2O. Where signal is limited, which is often the case for measurements of other trace gases and aerosols, instrument uncertainties dominate. We are here applying a consistent approach based on auto- and cross-covariance functions to quantifying the total random flux error and the random error due to instrument noise separately. As with previous approaches, the random error quantification assumes that the time-lag between wind and concentration measurement is known. However, if combined with commonly used automated methods that identify the individual time-lag by looking for the maximum in the cross-covariance function of the two entities, analyser noise additionally leads to a systematic bias in the fluxes. Combining datasets from several analysers and using simulations we show that the method of time-lag determination becomes increasingly important as the magnitude of the instrument error approaches that of the sampling error. The flux bias can be particularly significant for disjunct data, whereas using a prescribed time-lag eliminates these effects (provided the time-lag does not fluctuate unduly over time). We also demonstrate that when sampling at higher elevations, where low frequency turbulence dominates and covariance peaks are broader, both the probability and magnitude of bias are magnified. We show that the statistical significance of noisy flux data can be increased (limit of detection can be decreased) by appropriate averaging of individual fluxes, but only if systematic biases are avoided by using a prescribed time-lag. Finally, we make recommendations for the analysis and reporting of data with low signal-to-noise and their associated errors.
Drivers of long-term variability in CO2 net ecosystem exchange in a temperate peatland
Authors: Helfter C. , Campbell C. , Dinsmore K. J. , Drewer J. , Coyle M. , Anderson M. , Skiba U. , Nemitz E. , Billett M. F. , Sutton M. A.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Land–atmosphere exchange of carbon dioxide (CO2) in peatlands exhibits marked seasonal and inter-annual variability, which subsequently affects the carbon (C) sink strength of catchments across multiple temporal scales. Long-term studies are needed to fully capture the natural variability and therefore identify the key hydrometeorological drivers in the net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2. Since 2002, NEE has been measured continuously by eddy-covariance at Auchencorth Moss, a temperate lowland peatland in central Scotland. Hence this is one of the longest peatland NEE studies to date. For 11 years, the site was a consistent, yet variable, atmospheric CO2 sink ranging from −5.2 to −135.9 g CO2-C m−2 yr−1 (mean of −64.1 ± 33.6 g CO2-C m−2 yr−1). Inter-annual variability in NEE was positively correlated to the length of the growing season. Mean winter air temperature explained 87% of the inter-annual variability in the sink strength of the following summer, indicating an effect of winter climate on local phenology. Ecosystem respiration (Reco) was enhanced by drought, which also depressed gross primary productivity (GPP). The CO2 uptake rate during the growing season was comparable to three other sites with long-term NEE records; however, the emission rate during the dormant season was significantly higher. To summarise, the NEE of the peatland studied is modulated by two dominant factors: - phenology of the plant community, which is driven by winter air temperature and impacts photosynthetic potential and net CO2 uptake during the growing season (colder winters are linked to lower summer NEE), - water table level, which enhanced soil respiration and decreased GPP during dry spells. Although summer dry spells were sporadic during the study period, the positive effects of the current climatic trend towards milder winters on the site's CO2 sink strength could be offset by changes in precipitation patterns especially during the growing season.