bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the Crossrail tunnelling project on masonry buildings with shallow foundations
Authors: DeJong Matthew J. , Giardina Giorgia , Chalmers Benjamin , Lazarus Deborah , Ashworth David , Mair Robert J.
Published: February 2019

Building monitoring and protection are important components of underground projects in urban areas. Typically the procedures applied for the assessment of settlement-induced damage to buildings are based on simplified assumptions that do not take into account soil–structure interaction. Assessment methods based on the relative stiffness between the structure and the soil exist, but they are rarely applied in practice due to concerns about the accuracy and reliability. The primary aim of this work is to use the large amount of monitoring data provided by the Crossrail project in London to improve understanding of building performance and existing damage assessment methods. The paper gives an initial overview of the available monitoring data by presenting four representative case studies for load-bearing masonry buildings on shallow foundations. Structural data are then used to evaluate the consistency of predictions produced by different relative stiffness formulations. The results show the effect of building stiffness on the soil surface settlements and clarify the effects of various assumptions made during prediction. The conclusions highlight opportunities to improve prediction procedures and the need for more detailed monitoring data for future tunnelling projects.
ePhageFISH protocol v1
Authors: Thomas Jahn Martin
Published: February 2019

This protocol walks you through the steps required to identify environmental eukaryote viruses and bacteriophages associated with host-tissues or biofilms using enhanced phage FISH (ePhageFISH). As an application of single molecule FISH (smFISH) it was successfuly tested to stain single virions and lysiogens. The method was a great advance for us as it combines very high specificity, sensitivity and lateral resolution. To be widely reproducable the reagents are mainly based on the commercially available Affymetrix RNA-view kit. Overall, I would be glad if this approach would help the field to a better understanding of viruses in nature.
Mammalian Cell Culture: Subculturing v1
Authors: Schackart Kenneth
Published: February 2019

This protocol details how to subculture nearly confluent mammalian cells grown in a T-75 flask.
Role of English Press in Dissemination of Liberal Values for Women Empowerment in Pakistan: A Case Study of Honor Killing of Social Media Star Qandeel Baloch
Authors: Hussain Nazia
Published: February 2019

Women in Pakistan are facing a number of problems. Their identities and rights are heavily influenced by sociocultural, legal and religious values upheld in the country. Media, as an industry and liberal agent of socialization, has become a platform for value contestation and value promotion. This paper analyzed the discourse of liberal and traditional values in daily Dawn (news, reports, articles, editorials), from July 15, 2016 to October 20, 2016, to explore how the murder of Qandeel Baloch was discussed and analyzed while constructing the liberal and traditional values about women’s issues. The results show that individualism, self-interest, freedom of expression, sexual freedom, free mobility and visibility, and liberal principles of justice were constructed as rational and pro-women. Tradition, religion, religiosity, piety, modesty, submissiveness and virginity were constructed as oppressive and patriarchal constructs to be left behind on the way of modernity, liberation and empowerment. The sexual freedom and provocative activities of Qandeel Baloch were admired and praised and she was constructed as a woman of substance and honour.
El Capital Cultural como Predictor del Rendimiento Escolar en España
Authors: Lozano Pérez Miguel Ángel , Trinidad Requena Antonio
Published: February 2019

Para Bourdieu el capital cultural y, por tanto, las posesiones culturales en el hogar eran las variables más importantes para prever el desempeño académico, pues eran las que más peso poseían en el campo educativo. Sin embargo, en las últimas investigaciones sobre origen familiar y rendimiento escolar ambas están desapareciendo de forma progresiva, incluida el número de libros en el hogar. Tanto es así, que la OCDE posee un índice específico para las posesiones culturales en el hogar, pero no lo incluye ni una sola vez en el Informe PISA 2015. En este artículo comprobamos si el capital cultural sigue prediciendo el desempeño escolar. Y si es así, qué peso poseen las posesiones culturales y los libros en el hogar. Para ello realizaremos un análisis comparativo entre estas variables y aquellos índices que PISA utiliza para medir el entorno económico, social y cultural en general y las posesiones culturales en particular.
RE-EMIGRATION TO UKRAINE: FOREIGN POLICY PROSPECTS AND IMPLICATIONS
Authors: Namoniuk Ch.
Published: February 2019

The article reveals the main foreign policy problems of Ukraine in the connection with the growth of the population emigration activity. It allocates the most mobile categories of citizens who are most likely to emigrate. The paper names the main causes of emigration in terms of extortion and attraction factors for Ukrainians. It explains the
difference between the consequences and the threats from short-term (seasonal) and long-term, as well as educational migration, with the subsequent change of the residence country forever. The study suggests a number of measures to accelerate the return of Ukrainian emigrants to their homeland and their reintegration in the framework of the adopted state migration strategy by means of developing effective motivational programs for the high-educated Ukrainian citizens who have traveled abroad to gain important professional experience in the political and social-economic state-building processes in highly developed countries. The investigation projects the further growth of Ukrainian population migration sentiment in case the negative tendencies of reforms immitating in the most important spheres are preserved and the general population impoverishment on the backdrop of exhausting protracted military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine takes place. The article reveals positive effects of return migration to Ukraine from the state development humanitarian investments and Ukraine’s international political situation improvement point of view.
CONFLICT OF LAW RULES ON MARITAL PROPERTY RELATIONS IN UKRAINE: THEORY AND PRACTICE
Authors: Kisil V. , Pashynskyi A.
Published: February 2019

This article is about the theoretical and practical aspects of conflict of law regulation of marital property relations under the Law of Ukraine “On Private International Law”. Inter alia, the paper deals with the possibility of the choice of law applicable to prenuptial contracts and marital property relations as well as the conflict of law rules applicable to property consequences of marriage in the event of absence of the choice of law. The author analyses the limitations to applying the principle of autonomy of will in marital property relations, the correlation between legal concepts of “marital property relations” and “legal consequences of marriage” and the possible forms of performing lex voluntatis. With a view to protecting the interests of the child and the weaker party in a marriage, the author proposes amendments to para 1 of Art. 61 of the Law, pursuant to which the law chosen by the parties must not impair the standing of the child or one of the spouses as compared to the law to be applied to property consequences of marriage in the event of absence of a choice of law. The paper also focuses on the overview of relevant Ukrainian court practice regarding the application of the Law during proceedings on marital property relations with a foreign element.
A case of mesenteric vein thrombosis developed in the first trimester of pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Stuleva N. S. , Vorobiev A. V. , Orudzhova E. A.
Published: February 2019

Combined thrombophilia is known as a probable cause of recurrent in vitro fertilization (IVF) failures. The present clinical case demonstrates the importance of considering the possibility of inherited or acquired thrombophilia in patients under the preparation for IVF. Thromboses of rare locations (hepatic vein, splenic vein, mesenteric vein, ovarian vein, retinal vein, cerebral vein, portal vein, axillary and subclavian vein) are life-threatening conditions. Most often thrombosis of atypical location develops in patients with inherited hemostatic defects, e.g. genetic thrombophilia. Such thromboses can also result from acquired abnormalities of hemostasis, which include antiphospholipid syndrome, pregnancy-associated hypercoagulability, IVF, oral contraception, or ovarian hyper-stimulation within IVF procedures.
The Comparative Effect of Hydro Alcoholic and Hydro Distillation Extracts of Melissa officinalis on Acne and Pimple
Authors: Sabet Teymouri Giti , Sabet Teimouri Mozhgan
Published: February 2019

One of the famous plants in family Lamiaceae isMelissa officinaliswhich is one of the important herbs for health and Medicine. Melisa contains Rosmarinic acid, flavonoids and phenolic. These components have tightening and rejuvenation effect on skin. Also, it has monoterpenes and di-terpenes which are antibacterial. Essential oil of Melisa forms a good complex with sebum, so it can decrease inflammation and acne pain 30 gr of dry leaves and stems of Melisa in 500 ml of distilled water were used for hydro-distillation. For hydro alcoholic extract, we used 150 gr of dry matter (leaves and stems) in 500 ml of ethyl alcohol at 25 °C for 10 days. Then, the alcoholic extract was diluted 5 times with water 20 persons were under experiment for 3 months. Extracts were sprayed on skin 3-5 times a day. The results showed that all the people treated got the best result of this treatment. After the application of the water extract of Melissa, we observed 75% of clients improved the skin pore, 65% of clients improved neurological problems and Acne infections and 92% recovery of hyper secretion of Sebaceous glands. We observed the same results with Hydro Alcoholic extracts. 75% recovery of clients with improved skin pore, 95% of clients with improved neurological problems and Acne infections and 90% recovery of hyper secretion of Sebaceous glands. The results showed that Melisa extract has value of applying on some skin problems.
Search for genetic markers for precise diagnostics of keratoconus
Authors: Skorodumova L.O. , Belodedova A.V. , Sharova E.I. , Malyugin B.E.
Published: February 2019

Keratoconus is a chronic disorder of the cornea, characterized by its progressive thinning, stretching, and conical protrusion. Diagnostics of subclinical keratoconus, as well as its early stages (forme fruste), is a complex problem. The presence of these forms of keratoconus in a patient is one of the reasons for the development of keratectasia after laser refractive surgery. Currently, the role of genetic factors in keratoconus development has been proven. This indicates the possibility of diagnostics of subclinical and forme fruste keratoconus using genetic markers. Knowledge about the patient's genetic susceptibility to keratoconus would allow correcting the tactics of treatment of refractive anomalies and avoiding serious side effects. The studies of causal mutations indicate the genetic heterogeneity of keratoconus, which complicates the development of a diagnostic panel. Selection of candidate variants from the currently known ones based on clear criteria may be one of the approaches for diagnostic markers search. In this review, we have analyzed articles on keratoconus markers in order to form a list of candidate variants for genotyping in the Russian population. The selection criteria took into account the complexes of symptoms in which a marker was found, populations in which a particular marker was investigated, the presence and results of replication studies. The analysis included markers in VSX1, SOD1, ZEB1, LOX, CAST, DOCK9, TGFBI, HGF, MAP3K19, KCND3, COL4A3, COL4A4, COL5A1, FNDC3B, FOXO1, BANP-ZNF469, MPDZ-NF1B, WNT10A genes. Based on the results of the analysis, the following candidate variants were selected for genotyping in the Russian population of patients with keratoconus: rs1536482 and rs7044529 in the COL5A1 gene, rs5745752 and rs2286194 in the HGF gene, rs4954218 in the MAP3K19 gene, rs4839200 near the KCND3 gene, rs2721051 near the FOXO1 gene, rs1324183 between the MPDZ and the NF1B genes, and rs121908120 in the WNT10A gene.
Interaction of prostacyclin synthase with cytochromes P450
Authors: Gnedenko O.V. , Yablokov E.O. , Ershov P.V. , Svirid A.V. , Shkel T.V. , Haidukevich I.V. , Strushkevich N.V. , Gilep A.A. , Usanov S.A. , Ivanov A.S.
Published: February 2019

Biosensor experiments on investigation of interaction between prostacyclin synthase (PGIS) and different proteins of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase systems were perfomed. Interaction of PGIS with microsomal (CYP21A2, CYP2E1) and mitochondrial (CYP27A1, CYP11B1, CYP11B2, CYP11A1) cytochrome P450s was detected. Kinetic and equilibrium parameters of protein complexes formation were determined. Data obtained suggest an essential role of these hemoproteins interaction in regulation of prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 biosynthesis.
Asymptomatic bacteriuria in antenatal cases and its effects on obstetrical outcome
Authors: Narang Ridhi , K. Nandmer Gurpreet
Published: February 2019

Background: Urinary tract infection is the second most common bacterial infection seen during pregnancy and is due to the morphological and physiological changes that take place in the genitourinary tract. The pregnant women are two times more commonly affected than age matched non pregnant females and it may lead to less favorable pregnancy outcomes and complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, pyelonephritis, preeclampsia and anemia.Methods: This hospital based cross sectional study was conducted on 350 pregnant women, falling into the inclusion criteria of the study, who attended the antenatal clinic in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at PCMS and RC, Bhopal, irrespective of the gestational age of the cases. The cases found to have asymptomatic bacteriuria were followed till delivery and any adverse antenatal or perinatal outcome was noted.Results: The study was conducted with the aim to know the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria and the obstetrical outcome in pregnant women. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was 13% and it was common in the age group of 21-25 years, in primigravidas and with period of gestation less than 12 weeks. E. coli was found to be the commonest causative organism. Asymptomatic bacteriuria was found significantly associated with the presence of anemia. Maternal morbidity in terms of pre term labour was higher in cases with asymptomatic bacteriuria.Conclusions: Urine culture and sensitivity should be done as a routine investigation to screen the patients for asymptomatic bacteriuria and to prevent adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
Comparative study to assess the outcome of omitting bladder flap formation from caesarean delivery
Authors: Gupta Pratiksha , Kumari Suman
Published: February 2019

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of omitting the step of bladder ﬂap formation at lower-segment caesarean delivery.Methods: It is a RCT (randomised control trial), non-blinded study conducted in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 104 women who underwent caesarean delivery (elective or emergency) were prospectively randomized to one of the two groups. In the study group (n= 54), caesarean was performed without formation of a bladder ﬂap. In the control group (n=50), caesarean was performed with the formation of a bladder ﬂap before the uterine incision.Results: There were differences of median skin incision to delivery interval (5 versus 6.5 minutes, P <0.0001), median total operating time (35 versus 44.5 minutes, P 0.0002), and median blood loss (haemoglobin 0.5 versus 1g/dl, P 0.0001) in favor of the study group. Postoperative incidence of urinary tract infection was reduced in the study group (1% versus 9%, P <0.0006) and bowel function returned early in the study group (day 2 versus 3, P<0.0001).  Bladder flap formation step was successfully omitted in (11/18, 61.11%) of previous CS (caesarean section) patients in the study group and (7/12, 58.33%) in control group illustrating that unless required, BF (bladder flap) formation step can even be omitted in previous CS patients.Conclusions: Omission of the bladder ﬂap provides short term advantages such as reduction of total operating time, incision-delivery interval, and reduced blood loss and that this technique can even be applied in previous caesarean section patients.
Prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women attending antenatal care services in Diette Koki memorial hospital, Opolo Bayelsa state, Nigeria
Authors: Agofure Otovwe , Odjimogho Stella , Okandeji-Barry Oghenenioborue R. A. , Glasgow Imomotimi
Published: February 2019

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus is a condition in which women without previously diagnosed diabetes exhibit high blood glucose levels during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes which prevalence is on the increase in Nigeria may have negative consequences on the health of the foetus or mother. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus and its complications among pregnant women attending antenatal services in Diette Koki memorial hospital Opolo Bayelsa State from 2014-2016.Methods: This was a retrospective study carried out at the Diette Koki Memorial Hospital Opolo in Bayelsa State. The study population comprised pregnant women that attended antenatal care services within the period of January 2014-December 2016. A designed proforma was used to collect the data from the hospital record department.Results: The results of the study showed that the prevalence of gestational diabetes in the year 2014 was 0.023% or 2.33 per 10,000 pregnancies while the prevalence for 2015 was 0.026% or 2.59% per 10000 pregnancies. Furthermore, other complications recorded were hypertension, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Similarly, there was a significant correlation between prevalence of gestational diabetes and other complications (r=0.898, p=0.022).Conclusions: In conclusion, prevalence of gestational diabetes was recorded among pregnant women of Diette Koki memorial hospital Opobo Bayelsa State. Therefore, prompt screening and preventive measures should be enforced by health care professionals to prevent maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality.
Maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum
Authors: Parihar Sangeeta , Singh Swatantar
Published: February 2019

Background: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is associated with maternal weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, which may lead to adverse fetal and maternal outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of hyperemesis gravidarum to maternal and foetal outcomes.Methods: A hospital-based prospective observational study was carried out. All patients with singleton pregnancy diagnosed as / history of hyperemesis gravidarum the current pregnancy was included in the study. The pregnant women with multiple pregnancy, molar pregnancy, presence of pre-gestational diabetes, pre-gestational hypertension, and other causes of nausea such as appendicitis and pyelonephritis were excluded from the study.Results: 36 pregnant women with prevalence rate of 3.28% have been found to be suffering from HG. Almost half (17, 47.22%) of the pregnant women with HG had age less than 25 years. The significant association (p-value: 0.0099) has been found between parity and smoking with HG. HG was significantly associated with low birth weight (p-value: 0.0133); small for gestational age (SGA) (p-value: 0.0316); APGAR score < 7 after 1 minute (p-value: 0.0060); and APGAR score <7 after 5 minutes (p-value: 0.0006). There is no association found between mode of delivery, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy-induced hypertension with HG.Conclusions: HG can adversely affect fetal as well as maternal, though not significant, pregnancy outcomes.
Profile of unmet needs of family planning in an urban slum of Ganjam district, Odisha, India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sabat Smaranita , Jena Dhaneswari , Satapathy Durga Madhab , Patro Sithun , Tripathy Radhamadhab
Published: February 2019

Background: Unmet need for family planning refers to the percentage of fecund women of reproductive age either married or in union, women who either wish to postpone the next birth (spacers) or who wish to stop child bearing (limiters) but are not using a contraceptive method. This clearly indicates a gap between a woman’s reproductive intention and current contraceptive behaviour. The objectives of the present study was to determine the prevalence of unmet need for family planning, to assess the association between socio-demographic characteristics and unmet need of family planning, to identify the reasons for unmet need.Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted from June to August 2018 in Ankuli (UHTC). A total of 188 ever married women in the reproductive age group were selected by simple random sampling.Results: Out of 188 women, 41 (21.8%) had no need for contraception and needs for family planning of 78 (41.5%) women had been met. The prevalence of unmet need for family planning was 36.7% consists of 24 (12.8%)  spacing need and 45 (23.9%)  limiting need. It was found that age, education of women, age at marriage, number of living children, contraceptive knowledge and inter-spousal communication were significantly associated with unmet need for family planning. The most common reason for not using any contraceptive method was fear of side effects (40.6%).Conclusions: The unmet need for family planning was high and in order to reduce the gap, the program should address the above reasons.
Role of sex hormone binding globulin as the early predictor for gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: M. S. Sujatha , S. Madhana , P. Shylaja , S. Priyanka
Published: February 2019

Background:  The aim of this study was to find role of SHBG as an early predictor for gestational diabetes mellitus.Methods: A hospital based prospective/observational/diagnostic and explorative study. The necessary information was collected from the participants through the prepared set of questionnaires. Pregnant women between 11 to 14 weeks of gestation who visited JSS OPD for antenatal checkup satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria giving informed and written consent for the study were examined clinically. 3ml of venous blood was drawn with aseptic precautions for the estimation of SHBG and adiponectin. OGTT with 75gms glucose first done at 11 to 14weeks and again at 24-28 weeks and 32-36 weeks were done to the same patient to find out whether the patient developed GDM or not. These mothers were followed periodically till delivery. The sensitivity and specificity of SHBG were assessed and compared in patients who developed GDM.Results: 100 cases were selected for the study. About 12 patients were diagnosed as gestational diabetes mellitus in present study by OGCT at 32 weeks to 36 weeks. In present study about 14 patients had low level of SHBG. Low level of SHBG is found to be statistically significant in predicting GDM in first trimester.Conclusions: The combination of SHBG can be used as predictor of GDM in first trimester.
Diagnostic accuracy of the risk of malignancy index 1 compared to the more recent IOTA ADNEX model in discriminating benign from malignant adnexal masses: a multi-centric study
Authors: Ray Amita , S. Divya , Guru B. N. Kumar , Ramaswamy A. S. , Kumar Bharat
Published: February 2019

Background: Identification of the nature of an adnexal mass can ensure optimum management. Single parameters as well as diagnostic models using a combination of several parameters are in use. The International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) consortium has developed and published the Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adneXa (ADNEX) model, which differentiates between benign and malignant masses. Authors conducted this study with the aim of finding a cut off value for this model in the study population and comparing the diagnostic accuracy of this model to that of the risk of malignancy (RMI).Methods: Women with adnexal masses admitted to the 3 medical college affiliated hospitals for surgical management were included in this study. Appropriate investigations were done to calculate the RMI-I and ADNEX score for each participant. A cut off score for the ADNEX model was determined and diagnostic accuracy tests were done for comparison.Results: At a cut-off of 29 for the ADNEX model and 200 for RMI model the sensitivity was 75% and 77.8, specificity 100% and 80.6%; Positive Predictive Value (PPV) 100%and 60%; Negative Predictive Value (NPV) 91% and 90.6%; Positive Likelihood ratio of infinity and 4 and a negative Likelihood Ratio of 2.8 and 2.5 respectively.Conclusions: The ADNEX model rates higher than the RMI in almost all tests of diagnostic accuracy and can be used for triaging, framing a referral policy and prioritizing surgery.
Can single plasma glucose value 2 hours after 75g glucose (DIPSI criteria) replace the gold standard OGTT for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus?
Authors: Sharma Neeraj , Pundir Seema , Dinani Bunty
Published: February 2019

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus is a common medical complication of pregnancy associated with several fetal and maternal complications. There are several screening tools for detecting gestational diabetes mellitus including recent DIPSI criteria of non-fasting single plasma 2-hour value after 75 grams glucose (single step test). The  present study was aimed at calculating  prevalence of GDM, sensitivity and specificity using  non-fasting single plasma 2-hour value after 75 grams glucose for screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus and to study the high-risk characteristics for GDM in this study population.Methods: This was a prospective study conducted for a period of one year. 750 antenatal women attending Antenatal outpatient department(OPD) with period of gestation 24-28 weeks were enrolled in the study. All women  were first tested by 75 gm glucose and then by OGTT for confirmation. Prevalence rates, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were studied. History based questionnaire was used to study the risk characteristics for GDM.Results: Prevalence rate, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for patients were 14.13%, 73.58%, 95.03%, 70.90% and 95.67%. Among the risk factors 7.2% patients were more than 30 years in age. 0.93% had GDM in previous pregnancy.4.21% had GCA in previous pregnancy, 12.4% had SB/IUD/NND in previous pregnancy. 1.17% had previous pregnancy with birth weight more than 3.5 kg and 9.73% had family history of diabetes mellitus. Past history of GDM (50%) was the most common risk factor in GDM group followed by age > 30 years (29.6%), and family history (24.6%).Conclusions: Screening using DIPSI criteria has good sensitivity and negative predictive values. It can serve as both screening and diagnostic test besides being simple, user friendly, cost effective and evidence-based test in less resource countries like India.
Outcome of labor with epidural analgesia in primigravida at term
Authors: Mehra Reeti , Baweja Namrata , Mitra Sukanya
Published: February 2019

Background: There is widespread acceptance of epidural analgesia among many physicians and patients, but disagreement remains regarding the effect of intrapartum epidural analgesia on the subsequent progress of labour and the mode of delivery. This study was designed to look into the effects of labour analgesia on maternal and fetal outcomes and compare the same with that of opioid analgesics.Methods: It was a prospective randomized controlled trial on 100 patients where parturients were randomly allocated to either group 1-( n=50 patients) who received epidural analgesia or group 2 (n=50) who received intramuscular tramadol. The two groups were compared for duration of labour, analgesic efficacy as assessed by using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) ,type of delivery – normal/instrumental/operative interventions ,1 and 5 min neonatal Apgar score and  neonatal breast-feeding behavior between the two groups.Results: Epidural analgesic gave better pain relief than tramadol which was found to be stastically significant (p<0.001) on comparing the VAS scores and also gave statistically significantly higher satisfaction levels. Duration of both first and second stage of labor was comparable between the two groups and instrumental deliveries and caesarean sections were also comparable to that in tramadol group. There was a trend of  higher  neonatal  Apgar scores   in the  epidural group than in the  tramadol group.Conclusions: Use of effective analgesia in labour, does not prolong second stage of labor and may facilitate good labour outcome both for the mother and the fetus and should be offered to patients in   tertiary setups and equipped centres when the patients are apprehensive about labor pains.
No scalpel vasectomy: a cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitude and practice of gynecologist
Authors: Godbole Girish P. , Oka Gauri A.
Published: February 2019

Background: In spite of no scalpel vasectomy (NSV) being cheaper and safer, female sterilisations account for the majority of sterilisations performed worldwide. Research has focussed more on the “demand” and less on the “provider” side. Gynaecologists can be front-runners for the cause of population control in India. Hence, authors decided to estimate the knowledge of gynaecologists, their attitude and prevalent practice of NSV.Methods: Cross-sectional study. Interviewer-administered questionnaire used for face-to-face data collection from gynecologists registered with the Pune Obstetric and Gynecological Society.Results: Out of 447 gynecologists, 158 (35.3%) were males and 289 (64.7%) females. Mean age was 46.3 years ± 12.1 years, (range 24-80 years). Only 14 (3.1%) were trained in performing NSV. Only a minority knew about type of anaesthesia used (1.8%) and number of accesses needed (48.1%) for NSV. Only 40.7% and 18.1% knew about time to resume sexual activity and number of ejaculations to be covered by additional contraceptives after NSV respectively. More than half [258 (57.7%)] were willing to undergo training in NSV. Among those unwilling for training, female and older gynecologists (≥40 years) significantly outnumbered male and younger gynecologists (76.5% Vs. 23.5%; p=0.000 and 78.8% Vs. 21.2% respectively; p=0.000). Majority (79.9%) referred a couple willing for NSV to surgeons or urologists or advised female sterilization (17%).Conclusions: Knowledge of gynecologists about NSV was inadequate. Minority were trained in performing NSV. Male and younger gynecologists were willing to undergo training in NSV. Most preferred practices were referring couples elsewhere or advising female sterilization.
A focus on homocysteine in autism.
Authors: Kałużna-Czaplińska Joanna , Żurawicz Ewa , Michalska Monika , Rynkowski Jacek
Published: February 2019

Homocysteine is an amino acid, which plays several important roles in human physiology. A wide range of disorders, including neuropsychiatric disorders and autism, are associated with increased homocysteine levels in biological fluids. Various B vitamins: B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin), and B9 (folic acid) are required as co-factors by the enzymes involved in homocysteine metabolism. Therefore, monitoring of homocysteine levels in body fluids of autistic children can provide information on genetic and physiological diseases, improper lifestyle (including dietary habits), as well as a variety of pathological conditions. This review presents information on homocysteine metabolism, determination of homocysteine in biological fluids, and shows abnormalities in the levels of homocysteine in the body fluids of autistic children.
A toy model of prebiotic peptide evolution: the possible role of relative amino acid abundances.
Authors: Polanco Carlos , Buhse Thomas , Samaniego José Lino , Castañón González Jorge Alberto
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a mathematical-computational toy model based on the assumed dynamic principles of prebiotic peptide evolution. Starting from a pool of amino acid monomers, the model describes in a generalized manner the generation of peptides and their sequential information. The model integrates the intrinsic and dynamic key elements of the initiation of biopolymerization, such as the relative amino acid abundances and polarities, as well as the oligomer reversibility, i.e. fragmentation and recombination, and peptide self-replication. Our modeling results suggest that the relative amino acid abundances, as indicated by Miller-Urey type electric discharge experiments, played a principal role in the early sequential information of peptide profiles. Moreover, the computed profiles display an astonishing similarity to peptide profiles observed in so-called biological common ancestors found in the following three microorganisms; E. coli, M. jannaschii, and S. cereviasiae. The prebiotic peptide fingerprint was obtained by the so-called polarity index method that was earlier reported as a tool for the identification of cationic amphipathic antibacterial short peptides.
Changes of the expression of Lewis blood group antigens in glycoproteins of renal cancer tissues.
Authors: Borzym-Kluczyk Małgorzata , Radziejewska Iwona
Published: February 2019

Sialic acid and sialyl Lewisa/x are found on N- and O-glycans of many human malignant cells. Carbohydrate antigens can be used as tumor markers, and an increase of their levels in cancer cells is associated with tumor progression. The aim of this study was to assess the level of some Lewis blood group antigens on glycoproteins in tumor (cancer tissue), intermediate zone (adjacent to tumor tissue), and normal renal cortex/medulla (uninvolved by tumor). The study was performed on tissues taken from 30 patients. Relative amounts of sugar structures of proteins with molecular masses above 30 kDa were determined by ELISA-like test with biotinylated lectins: MAA (Maackia amurensis), SNA (Sambucus nigra), and monoclonal antibodies anti-sialyl Lewisa/x.∙ Higher expression of all examined structures was revealed in cancer tissues. Significant increases were observed for sialic acid linked α 2-3 in cancer tissues when compared to healthy ones and also among intermediate and healthy tissues. The sialic acid linked α 2-6 and sialyl Lewisx structures were significantly increased in cancerous cells when compared to normal and intermediate renal tissue. In case of sialyl Lewisa antigen, a significant difference was discovered between normal and intermediate tissue. Our results confirm that the examined Lewis antigens can be involved in tumor development. Their increase in cancer tissues can suggest their specific role in the process.
Hint2, the mitochondrial nucleoside 5'-phosphoramidate hydrolase; properties of the homogeneous protein from sheep (Ovis aries) liver.
Authors: Bretes Ewa , Wojdyła-Mamoń Anna M , Kowalska Joanna , Jemielity Jacek , Kaczmarek Renata , Baraniak Janina , Guranowski Andrzej
Published: February 2019

Adenosine 5'-phosphoramidate (NH2-pA) is a rare natural nucleotide and its biochemistry and biological functions are poorly recognized. All organisms have proteins that may be involved in the catabolism of NH2-pA. They are members of the HIT protein family and catalyze hydrolytic splitting of NH2-pA to 5'-AMP and ammonia. At least five HIT proteins have been identified in mammals; however, the enzymatic and molecular properties of only Fhit and Hint1 have been comprehensively studied. Our study focuses on the Hint2 protein purified by a simple procedure to homogeneity from sheep liver mitochondrial fraction (OaHint2). Hint1 protein was also prepared from sheep liver (OaHint1) and the molecular and kinetic properties of the two proteins compared. Both function as homodimers and behave as nucleoside 5'-phosphoramidate hydrolases. The molecular mass of the OaHint2 monomer is 16 kDa and that of the OaHint1 monomer 14.9 kDa. Among potential substrates studied, NH2-pA appeared to be the best; the Km and kcat values estimated for this compound are 6.6 μM and 68.3 s⁻¹, and 1.5 μM and 11.0 s⁻¹ per natively functioning dimer of OaHint2 and OaHint1, respectively. Studies of the rates of hydrolysis of different NH2-pA derivatives show that Hint2 is more specific towards compounds with a P-N bond than Hint1. The thermostability of these two proteins is also compared.
The influence of chromone based hydrazones on lipid peroxidation and bFGF concentration in the HL-60 cell line.
Authors: Łazarenkow Andrzej , Michalska Marta , Gorąca Anna , Mirowski Marek , Nawrot-Modranka Jolanta , Piechota-Polanczyk Aleksandra
Published: February 2019

Natural and synthetic derivatives of benzo-γ-pyrones (i.e. flavones, chromones, and coumarins) and their synthetic analogues possess a wide range of biological properties in vitro and in vivo. In this paper we investigated the influence of two hydrazone compounds of chromones, 3-{[(2-dimethoxytiophosphoryl)-2-methylhydrazono]-methyl}-chromen-4-one (CH-3) and 2-amino-6-chloro-3-[(2-hydroxyethyl)-hydrazonomethyl]-chromen-4-one (A-12), on lipid peroxidation and bFGF concentration in the HL-60 cells. Both of the studied compounds had a significant influence on bFGF and TBARS in ranges -137.20 ~ 380.26% and -81.66 ~ -28.68%, respectively, in comparison with the control (counted as 0%).
Salmonella and cancer: from pathogens to therapeutics.
Authors: Chorobik Paulina , Czaplicki Dominik , Ossysek Karolina , Bereta Joanna
Published: February 2019

Bacterial cancer therapy is a concept more than 100 years old - yet, all things considered, it is still in early development. While the use of many passive therapeutics is hindered by the complexity of tumor biology, bacteria offer unique features that can overcome these limitations. Microbial metabolism, motility and sensitivity can lead to site-specific treatment, highly focused on the tumor and safe to other tissues. Activation of tumor-specific immunity is another important mechanism of such therapies. Several bacterial strains have been evaluated as cancer therapeutics so far, Salmonella Typhimurium being one of the most promising. S. Typhimurium and its derivatives have been used both as direct tumoricidal agents and as cancer vaccine vectors. VNP20009, an attenuated mutant of S. Typhimurium, shows significant native toxicity against murine tumors and was studied in a first-in-man phase I clinical trial for toxicity and anticancer activity. While proved to be safe in cancer patients, insufficient tumor colonization of VNP20009 was identified as a major limitation for further clinical development. Antibody-fragment-based targeting of cancer cells is one of the few approaches proposed to overcome this drawback.
Splenic melanosis during normal murine C57BL/6 hair cycle and after chemotherapy.
Authors: Michalczyk-Wetula Dominika , Salwiński Aleksander , Popik Małgorzata , Jakubowska Monika , Płonka Przemysław M
Published: February 2019

Cancer chemotherapy is associated with serious side effects, including temporary hair loss and impairment of pigmentation. We suspect that ectopic melanin deposition occurring due to chemotherapy may add to these effects worsening the already unpleasant symptoms. We associated the ectopic occurrence of follicular melanin after chemotherapy with splenic melanosis - an interesting example of extradermal melanin localization - and we expected an increase in splenic melanin deposition after chemotherapy. Using the C57BL/6 murine model of synchronized hair cycle induced by depilation, we visualized splenic melanin by means of several histological and histochemical protocols of staining: hematoxylin and eosin, May-Grünwald-Giemsa and Fontana-Masson. Unexpectedly, the splenic deposition of melanin decreased due to application of cyclophosphamide (i.p. 120 mg/ kg body weight on day 9 post depilation). The drop was abrupt and lasted for at least 5 days (day 13-18 post depilation), as compared with normal hair cycle. Moreover, in mice with normal, depilation-induced hair cycle we observed a similar drop shortly before entering catagen (day 15 post depilation), followed by a slow and partial increase in splenic melanization up to day 27 post depilation in both groups. We conclude that cyclophosphamide negatively affects splenic melanization and/or extradermal transfer of ectopic melanin from the dystrophic hair follicles, but the most powerful down-regulator of splenic melanosis is normal and dystrophic catagen - the phase of hair follicle involution and re-modelling.
EF1α is a suitable housekeeping gene for RT-qPCR analysis during osteogenic differentiation of mouse bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
Authors: Chen Xingyun , Zhang Bo , Zhao Yan , Liu Ping , Zhou Yuanguo
Published: February 2019

The expression of predominant housekeeping genes used in RT-qPCR can vary during development and differentiation. The frequently used housekeeping genes (ACTB, GAPDH, 18S rRNA, EF1α and RPL 13a) were evaluated during an early stage of the osteogenic differentiation of mouse bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs) (under normal conditions or treated with CCG-4986) to identify housekeeping genes whose expression remained constant during osteogenic differentiation. When we used RGS4 mRNA, which was determined as copy number per μg of total RNA, to normalize gene expression, we observed that the relative EF1α expression profile was consistent with RGS4 expression after treatment with CCG-4986. All the relative expression profiles of the EF1α, 18S rRNA, and RPL13a housekeeping genes were consistent with RGS4 profiles determined by measuring mRNA copies under normal osteogenic differentiation conditions. The expression profiles calibrated by ACTB and GAPDH were not consistent with those determined using mRNA copy number in untreated cells or cells treated with CCG-4986 under osteogenic differentiation conditions. Under normal osteogenic differentiation conditions, EF1α, 18S rRNA, and RPL 13a are suitable housekeeping genes for RT-qPCR analysis. However, EF1α is the only suitable gene upon CCG-4986 treatment.
Effects of ketamine, propofol, and ketofol on proinflammatory cytokines and markers of oxidative stress in a rat model of endotoxemia-induced acute lung injury.
Authors: Gokcinar Derya , Ergin Volkan , Cumaoglu Ahmet , Menevse Adnan , Aricioglu Aysel
Published: February 2019

Intravenous lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leads to acute lung injury (ALI) in rats. The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy of ketamine, propofol, and ketofol in a rat model of ALI. We induced ALI in rats via intravenous injection of LPS (15 mg kg(-1)). The animals were randomly separated into five groups: control, LPS only, LPS + ketamine (10 mg·kg(-1)·h(-1)), LPS + propofol (10 mg·kg(-1)·h(-1)), LPS + ketofol (5 mg·kg(-1)·h(-1) ketamine + 5 mg·kg(-1)·h(-1) propofol). LPS resulted in an increase in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, mRNA expression related with inflammation, production of nitric oxide, and lipid peroxidation. Ketamine prevented the increase in markers of oxidative stress and inflammation mediators, both in plasma and lung tissue. Propofol decreased the levels of cytokines in plasma and lung tissue, whereas it had no effect on the IL-1-beta level in lung tissue. Ketamine downregulated mediators of lung tissue inflammation and reduced the level of circulating cytokines and protected lung tissue against lipid peroxidation. Ketofol decreased the level of TNF-α and IL-1β in plasma, as well as expression of cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA and the nitrate/nitrite level in lung tissue. The results of this investigation support the hypothesis that ketamine may be effective in preventing ALI.
Production of oleanolic acid glycosides by hairy root established cultures of Calendula officinalis L.
Authors: Długosz Marek , Wiktorowska Ewa , Wiśniewska Anita , Pączkowski Cezary
Published: February 2019

In order to initiate hairy root culture initiation cotyledons and hypocotyls of Calendula officinalis L. were infected with Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain ATCC 15834 or the same strain containing pCAMBIA 1381Z vector with β-glucuronidase reporter gene under control of promoter of NIK (Nematode Induced Kinase) gene. The efficiency of induction of hairy roots reached 33.8% for cotyledons and 66.6% for hypocotyls together for both transformation experiments. Finally, eight control and nine modified lines were established as a long-term culture. The hairy root cultures showed the ability to synthesize oleanolic acid mainly (97%) as glycosides; control lines contained it at the average 8.42 mg · g(-1) dry weight in tissue and 0.23 mg · dm(-3) in medium; modified lines: 4.59 mg · g(-1) for the tissue, and 0.48 mg · dm(-3) for the medium. Additionally lines showed high positive correlation between dry/fresh weight and oleanolic acid concentration in tissue. Using the Killiani mixture in acidic hydrolysis of oleanolic acid glycosides released free aglycones that were partially acetylated in such conditions.
Silver nanoparticles as an alternative strategy against bacterial biofilms.
Authors: Markowska Katarzyna , Grudniak Anna M , Wolska Krystyna I
Published: February 2019

Biofilms are complex bacterial communities that resist the action of antibiotics and the human immune system. Bacteria within biofilms are the cause of numerous, almost impossible to eradicate, persistent infections. Biofilms can form on many medical devices and implants, and so have an enormous impact on medicine. Due to the lack of effective anti-biofilm antibiotics, novel alternative compounds or strategies are urgently required. This review describes some of the latest approaches in the field of biofilm treatment. New anti-biofilm technologies target different stages in the biofilm formation process. Some act to modify the colonized biomaterials to make them resistant to biofilm formation. One potentially important candidate treatment uses silver nanoparticles that show anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm activity. The biological action of nano-silver is complex and seems to involve a number of pathways. However, there have been few reports on the anti-biofilm activity of silver nanoparticles and the precise mechanism underlying their action remains unresolved. Here, we describe some anti-biofilm approaches employing AgNPs and consider the challenges and problems that need to be addressed in order to make silver nanoparticles a part of an effective anti-biofilm strategy.