bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of CXCR4 and mTOR expression in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients
Authors: Haggag Rasha , Mostafa Naglaa A. , Nabil Marwa , Shokralla Hala A. , Sidhom Neveen F. H.
Published: January 2019

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic role of mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) in diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients.Patients and methods: This retrospective study was collected data from 64 de novo DLBCL patients, who received standardized R-CHOP therapy at two oncology centers. CXCR4 and mTOR expressions were assessed by immunohistochemistry.Results: Out of the 64 DLBCL patients, 40 patients were positive for CXCR4 (62.5%) and 35 patients for mTOR (54.7%) expressions. CXCR4 expression was positively correlated with mTOR expression (r = 0.7; p < .001). While mTOR expression was significantly associated with high lactate dehydrogenase level (p = .03) and number of extranodal sites one or more (p =.02), CXCR4 expression was significantly associated with high IPI score (p < .001) and ECOG PS (p = .005). Furthermore, theexpression levels of mTOR and CXCR4 were significantly associated with older ages and poor response to treatment (p = .04, <.001 and .04, .03, respectively). After a median Follow up of 22 months, mean ± SD overall survival (OS) was 65.391 ± 4.705. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients positive for mTOR and CXCR4 expression had shorter DFS (p = .01 & .02) and OS (p = .02 & .04). Multivariate analysis showed that CXCR4 and mTOR positivity is an independent prognostic factor for significantly poorer DFS (p = .03, and .02 respectively) but not for OS (p = .09 and .08 respectively) in the DLBCL pateints.Conclusion: Our results indicate that the expression of CXCR4 and mTOR may be poor prognostic biomarkers in DLBCL.
Dietary and Physical Activity Modifications Intervention for Older People
Authors: Mahmudiono Trias , Setyaningtyas Stefania Widya , Rachmah Qonita , Rifqi Mahmud Aditya , Indriani Diah , Nindya Triska Susila , Megatsari Hario , Kriengsinyos Wantanee
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVE: Diet and physical activity modification such as specialized gymnastic, Taichi, or yoga could reduce either blood glucose or HbA1C level in diabetes patients among older people. This study was a behaviorally based nutrition education intervention for older people in reducing their HbA1C and total cholesterol level in urban area in Indonesia.

DESIGN: This was quasi experimental study with three-month behavioral intervention based on Social Cognitive Theory.

SETTING: The study was held in Jagir Sub-district located in urban area of Surabaya. Preliminary study showed proportion of hypercholesterolemia and diabetes mellitus among older people in Jagir Sub-district was respectively 21.37% and 2.74%.

PARTICIPANTS: 60 older people in Jagir Sub-district was divided into 5 groups consist of: control, physical activity education only, nutrition education only, combination of physical activity and nutrition education, and education material only group.

INTERVENTIONS: The intervention was consisted of six sessions physical activity or nutrition education, or both of it performed by trained nutrition science students.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes of this study were HbA1C (%) and total cholesterol (mg/dL) levels.

ANALYSIS: The normal distributed or transformed data was analyzed using mixed factorial ANOVA in order to test the difference between groups.
Gastro-intestinal Digestibility of Processed Forms of Cow’s Milk Proteins under Simulated Infant and Adult Conditions Characterised by in vitro Methods
Authors: Taylor Cheryl , Nebl Thomas , Bennett Louise E.
Published: January 2019

Human digestion involves chemical, biochemical and fermentative processes integrated to achieve optimal nutrient absorption along the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract. In particular, efficient gastro-intestinal enzymatic digestion of proteins is critical for maximum upper intestinal protein absorption and may influence the distribution of dietary protein between the ‘host’ and microbiota. However, the relative efficiency of infant versus adult conditions of GI digestion of cow’s milk products have not been systematically studied. Conditions for in vitro GI enzymatic digestion, optimised for either infant or adult conditions, were applied to test pasteurised, skimmed milk, skimmed milk powder (SMP) and whey and casein protein fractions of cow’s milk. Research methods included digestion monitoring by o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) derivitisation of peptides and free amino acids, and digestate analysis to characterise low mass ‘absorbing’ products (size exclusion chromatography) and larger non-absorbing products (700-3500 Da) by MALDI-TOF-MS. The results demonstrated significantly lower digestion efficiency for infant versus adult digestion conditions, particularly in the gastric phase. Digestibility of pasteurised milk and SMP were generally lower than either whey or casein protein fractions. Lower overall protein digestibility was associated with lower and higher proportions of ‘absorbing’ and ‘non-absorbing’ peptides, respectively. The higher yield of ‘non-absorbing’ peptides for infant digestion may permit strategic release of peptides with receptor-antagonistic bioactivity along the gut, and/or may promote supply of nitrogen for the microbiota. The favouring of digestion-resistant peptides to the colon due to processing requires further research to also investigate potential negative relationships with health.
An advanced planner for urban freight delivering
Authors: COMI Antonio , BUTTARAZZI Berta , SCHIRALDI Massimiliano , INNARELLA Rosy , VARISCO Martina , TRAINI Paolo
Published: January 2019

The paper aims at introducing an advanced delivery tour planner to support operators in urban delivery operations through a combined approach which chooses delivery bays and delivery time windows while optimizing the delivery routes. After a literature review on tools for the management and the control of the delivery system implemented for optimizing the usage of on-street delivery bays, a prototypical tour delivery planner is described. The tool allows transport and logistics operators to book the delivery bays and to have real-time suggestions on the delivery tour to follow, through the minimization of the total delivery time. Currently, at development phase, the tool has been tested in a target zone, considering the road network and time/city delivering constraints and real-time data about vehicles location, traffic and delivery bay availability. The tool identifies the possible tours based on the delivery preferences, ranks the possible solutions according to the total route time based on information on the road network (i.e. travel time forecasts), performs a further optimization to reduce the total travel times and presents the user the best alternative along with the indications of which delivery bay to use in each delivery stop. The developed prototype is composed by two main parts: a web application that manages communication between the database and the road network simulation, and, an Android mobile App that supports transport and logistic operators in managing their delivering, pre trip and en route, showing and updating routing based on real-time information.
Professionalisierung und Internationalisierung von Sozialplanung
Authors: Strunk Andreas , Werner Walter
Published: January 2019

Social planning is on the road to becoming more professional and is taking its first steps towards developing mutual international understanding. This anthology presents the avenues being pursued in social planning in these respects in terms of training, practice and teaching, and illustrates their practical value in the areas of social work, youth work and the social integration of people with disabilities. Its contributions on social planning in Germany, Austria and Switzerland shed light on this subject on an international level, which reveals that this discipline, or rather the project of social planning, which is historically still in its infancy, differs significantly. For instance, in contrast to social planning being implemented on an almost nationwide level in Germany, it has only been established in individual regions in Austria and Switzerland, although social planning practices can be found without the term social planning being explicitly used to denote them. This book is recommended for all those who teach, practise or are interested in social planning.
DNA und ihre Verwendung als Gegenstand patentierbarer Erfindungen
Authors: Krusche Jan
Published: January 2019

Personalised medicine promises individual and optimised treatment for each patient. Researchers identify markers correlating with a certain reaction to an active ingredient. However, such research results are easy to copy and research-driven companies are calling for effective IP protection.
This book shows that current European patent law can only offer limited protection. In the analysis of the patenting requirements and in view of statutory history, it can be shown that patenting practice has moved away from the normative framework and has become based on paradigms. The still-prevailing doctrine of absolute protection of substances is outdated.
As an alternative concept, Jan Krusche suggests a normatively oriented concept of patenting in order to make the patenting of information-based innovations as gene markers predictable. DNA therefore will only be patented in its functional context.
Markenrechtlicher Motivschutz
Authors: Biedermann Sabrina
Published: January 2019

In an original theoretical approach, this dissertation, entitled ‘The Protection of Motifs under Trademark Law’ discusses the set of problems relating to intangible property rights in trademark protection of the motifs of brand names. A trademark motif is legally significant as an aspect of interpretation in the multidimensional protective scope of that trademark. The current complexity of the problems presented is not least due to changes in EU law.
In practical cases of collision or in registration research, it is important to decide whether a third party’s logo—despite its differing design—looks sufficiently similar to another brand’s trademark to confirm that that brand’s property rights have been infringed.
This study localises the solution within the protective scope of trademark law and describes the similarity of symbols used in trademark motifs in the context of mental association. In the context of competitive practices, design rights and copyright as well as recent cases relating to motif protection, the study reassesses the criteria involved in the notional similarity of symbols with regard to their similarity in a motif.
Würde und Demenz
Authors: Werren Melanie
Published: January 2019

Using the example of the dignity of people with dementia as its basis, this book addresses the foundations of care ethics.
In medical ethics, dignity is often equated with ‘respect for autonomy’. As a result, people with dementia, who progressively lose the ability to make their own decisions, fall outside this protective concept. In view of this loss of dignity, this book suggests a concept of dignity that considers such people’s situation. In order that sufferers of dementia can retain their dignity, the author compiles a set of principles and criteria that carers can deploy when interacting with their patients and when creating the appropriate conditions in which they can conduct their lives. At the same time, those carers also work under taxing conditions. In order for them to be able to perform their duties ethically under such circumstances, this book advises them to integrate both rational reasoning and their perceptions into their work in the form of narratives.
Educational role of Lithuanian cultural and educational associations in the Wilno region in the Second Republic of Poland
Authors: Piwowarczyk Mirosław
Published: January 2019

This activity, which was under the influence of different and never stable in their assumptions and objectives of the policy of Polish and Lithuanian authorities implemented different forms and content. Cultural – educational and social associations of Lithuanian minority among their statutory objectives and tasks for education and upbringing also played a crucial role of the factor creating national identity of Lithuanians, together with expected attitudes and behaviors in political, social, religious and moral dimensions. They also played a great educational role activating in the field of education, economy and culture minorities Lithuanian. They united and strengthen the people living in the Vilnius region of Lithuanian nationality.
Travelling within the Socialist Period in the Awareness of Today's Youth
Authors: Bednářová Beata
Published: January 2019

I subjected to a content analysis six Polish and six Czech history textbooks designed especially for secondary school students. Based on the results of that analysis, I compiled a questionnaire that included 15 questions. Empirical research was attended by three Polish lyceums (Cieszyn, Pszczyna, Wisła), three Czech grammar schools (Český Těšín, Havířov, Orlová) and the Polish language grammar school in Czech Republic (Český Těšín). The 499 students were engaged in that research, the ages of respondents ranged from 15 to 19 years. The main purpose of that empirical research was to determine the awareness among today’s studying youth of the socialist period, specifically about the former daily life of population. The questions concerned issues such as store supplying, home furnishings, anti-regime opposition, etc. In this article I would like to approach the topic of travelling in the period of communism, first as presented in textbooks, and secondly what awareness have today’s students of this issue.
Participation of the Society for the Support of the Construction of State Schools in the Realisation of Construction Projects in the North-eastern Borderlands of the Second Republic of Poland
Authors: Walasek Stefania
Published: January 2019

In the Second Republic of Poland the actions undertaken in state schooling called for intensive efforts in the realisation of the school duty and the organisation of new schools. The difficulties related with the setting up of the network of schools which would allow children to fulfil their school duty would arise in, among others, the north-eastern borderlands of the reborn Republic. The aforementioned tasks required major financial contributions connected with the construction of schools. These needs were too high for the State Treasury. Likewise, the local government, especially in villages, did not have sufficient funds. In 1933 the Society for the Support of the Construction of State Schools was founded. It was a charity organisation that would undertake a number of different actions to use even small funds to provide significant financial support in construction of schools.
Tendencies Influencing the Education Environment of a Child in the Contemporary Czech Family
Authors: Střelec Stanislav
Published: January 2019

The paper explores the changes, problems and factors influencing the family upbringing of schoolchildren in the conditions of living in the Czech society. In terms of the effect of the family environment, there are influences and factors determined by the demographical-psychological, material-economical and cultural-pedagogical components of family life. The outlined division above is one of the possible approaches to the systematisation of the influences of family environment that also determine close ties between its individual aspects.
Ukrainian Cultural-Educational life in Lemkovina from the End of the 19th Centuries to the 1930s
Authors: Hertsyuk Dmytro , Myshchyshyn Iryna
Published: January 2019

Thus, national self-awareness of the Lemkos was combined with the cultural- national elation of the whole Ukrainian nation. The destructive political influences could not destroy the Lemkos and their national originality. Some communities in the Diasporas and in cultural associations (founded in the independenct Ukraine) still cherish historical memory, art, and cultural values of Lemkovina. The biggest west ethnographic group of the Ukrainian was the Lemkos, which played an important role in the history of the formation of the Ukrainian ethnos. In spite of unfavorable social-political conditions form the end of 19th to the beginning of 20th centurie, there were numerous processes of national revival. Public associations and famous figures became the guides of national awareness and the initiators of cultural-educational work. The most active in the sphere of revival in Lemkovina were the following associations: ‘Prosvita’, ‘Native School’, ‘Rural Master’, ‘Ukrainian revisionary union’, ‘commission of Lemkos’, etc. Thanks to their active work, educational institutions of different levels, help funds, educational nucleua, museums and art centers were founded; periodicals were published and expanded, ‘strolling libraries’ were set up. Difficult historical and socio-cultural conditions and in particular the purposeful destructive political influences in 1940s could not destroy the Lemkos and their national originality.
Józef Smetana – Czech and Polish working Teacher on Volhynia in the Twenty-Year Interwar Period
Authors: Gołdyn Piotr
Published: January 2019

The position of religion in Czech schools has been the subject of discussion among educationalists since the second half of the nineteenth century. Supporters of the radical current excluded religion from school completely, while conservatives defended the existing situation just as determinedly. Advocates of the reform tendency took the view that religion, as an essential component of modern culture, cannot and must not be ignored in school and that schools must not cut themselves off from centuries-old traditions.
The State and the Church in the Post-War Struggle for the Ideological Aspect of the Polish Academic Society (Wroclaw 1945–1956)
Authors: Jędrychowska Barbara
Published: January 2019

The position of religion in Czech schools has been the subject of discussion among educationalists since the second half of the nineteenth century. Supporters of the radical current excluded religion from school completely, while conservatives defended the existing situation just as determinedly. Advocates of the reform tendency took the view that religion, as an essential component of modern culture, cannot and must not be ignored in school and that schools must not cut themselves off from centuries-old traditions.
Replantio de mudas de espécies arbóreas de mangue em florestas desmatadas na península de Ajuruteua, Bragança-Pará
Authors: Gomes Lidiane Ferreira , De Araujo Erneida Coelho , Alves da Costa João Emilio , Braga Cesar França , Fernandes Marcus Emanuel Barroncas
Published: January 2019

O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi associar a sobrevivência e o crescimento de mudas de espécies arbóreas Avicennia germinans (L.) Stearn, Rhizophora mangle L. e Laguncularia racemosa (L.) Gaertn. F. com as características químicas e físicas do solo, em áreas desflorestadas de manguezal. O experimento foi instalado na comunidade de Tamatateua, município de Bragança-Pará. As mudas utilizadas na área experimental foram retiradas de um viveiro localizado em área adjacente ao experimento. O delineamento adotado foi o de blocos casualizados com 3 tratamentos (3 espécies) e 6 repetições. Cada parcela experimental foi constituída de 20 mudas, espaçadas de 1, 0 m entre plantas e 1,0 m entre linhas. Totalizando 360 mudas, sendo 120 por bloco. Os dados foram analisados pelo programa PRIMER v6. Nas variáveis abióticas foram aplicados à Análise dos Componentes Principais (PCA) e a relação entre os dados bióticos e abióticos foi estabelecida utilizando o procedimento BIOENV que calculou o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. Os resultados demonstraram que em função da localização dos blocos, as condições físico-químicas do solo contribuíram positivamente para o crescimento das mudas das espécies R. mangle, A. germinas, L. racemosa, mas na presente pesquisa ficou evidente que a ação conjunta dos parâmetros físicos e químicos do ambiente é complexa para uma conclusão mais precisa à cerca da sobrevivência e desenvolvimento das mudas de dessas espécies, pois um fator pode agir sinérgica ou antagonicamente com outros fatores.
Remoção de nutrientes por meio de algas sob diferentes condições de iluminação
Authors: Bueno Rodrigo de Freitas , Da Silva Aline Fortunato
Published: January 2019

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o crescimento de algas e a remoção de nutrientes (nitrogênio e fósforo) empregado no pós-tratamento de efluentes de reatores anaeróbios (UASB), em diferentes condições de iluminação por diodo de emissão de luz (LED). Os resultados mostraram que a iluminação LED não afeta o crescimento das algas, resultando em valores muito próximos aos com iluminação natural (luz do dia). Em relação ao nitrogênio e fósforo, a concentração obtida no efluente final foram < 1,5mgN/L e < 2,5mgP/L, com eficiências superiores a 96%.
Los libros no heredados de la familia Riquelme-Arce en 1843.
Authors: García Cuadrado Amparo
Published: January 2019

El artículo aborda el estudio de la biblioteca particular de una familia de la aristocracia murciana de la primera mitad del siglo XIX. Para ello se utiliza como fuente de información primordial el inventario post mortem de Antonio Riquelme Fontes fechado en 1843. Esta fuente notarial y su cotejo con el inventario de 1800 elaborado tras la muerte de su progenitor han permitido deslindar la colección heredada de los fondos modernos de más reciente adquisición. De esta manera se ha podido establecer la cuantía de la colección moderna, el carácter marcadamente instructivo de la misma y la presencia de impresos franceses, un reflejo de la galofilia decimonónica. Pero, además, se pone en evidencia que estamos ante una biblioteca compartida, al servicio de las necesidades lectoras de todos los miembros de la familia Riquelme-Arce. Finalmente se da una visión de conjunto de la biblioteca heredada y la moderna, y su comparación con otras bibliotecas de la época.
Os efeitos do programa de exercícios físicos start sobre os níveis de aptidão física para a saúde em escolares adolescentes com indicadores de risco a saúde
Authors: Albuquerque Monique , Costa Bruno Rafael , Mafra Ewerton , Santos Jhon Bruce , Silva Shelry
Published: January 2019

Dentre os fatores associados à obesidade, reconhecemos a aptidão física para a saúde (ApFS) como um fator que se relaciona ao aumento ou à diminuição da obesidade. No intuito de melhorar as ApFS, criamos o programa de exercício físico START. O objetivofoi verificar os efeitos do programa sobre os níveis de ApFS enfatizando o IMC, RCQ e resistência abdominal de adolescentes matriculados no colégio Amazonense Dom Pedro II. A amostra contou com 63 escolares com média de idade de 16,11 anos, sendo 16 do grupo experimental (GE) e 47 do grupo controle (GC). Para a recolha e avaliação dos dados, utilizou-se o sistema PROESP-Br validado por (GAYA et al., 2016). Resultados: Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre pré e pós-intervenção para ♀GE 17 anos na RCQ (p= 0.03) e; ♀GE 17 anos no Sit-up (p= 0.02); para ♂GC 17 anos na RCQ (p= 0.04), ♂GE 16 anos na RCQ e noSit-up (p= 0.00, p= 0.00)e; ♂GE 17 anos na RCQ e no Sit-up(p= 0.02,p= 0.00).Os resultados obtidos no programa STARTapontam que intervenções com 21 sessões e frequência de 3 vezes semanais podem gerar mudanças significativas nos níveis de ApFS.
Nível de atividade física em mulheres com câncer de mama que realizaram treinamento combinado
Authors: Coelho Rafael Santos , Reis Andréa Dias
Published: January 2019

Introdução. A prevalência de pacientes com câncer de mama cresce alarmantemente e os efeitos colaterais do tratamento influenciam na capacidade funcional das pacientes. Objetivo. Avaliar a influência do treinamento combinado (TC) na atividade laboral, nível de atividade física e efeitos adversos. Métodos. Estudo piloto controlado com 28 pacientes em tratamento de câncer de mama (30 a 59 anos), sendo alocadas em Grupo Experimental (GE), onde realizaram TC (aeróbico+resistido e flexibilidade) em 12 semanas e o Grupo Controle (GC) não realizou TC. Resultados. As pacientes do GE apresentaram aumento no nível de atividade física (p=0,0086), diferente do GC que não obteve diferença significativa (p=0,1573). Os efeitos adversos apresentaram diferença significativa (p=0,0056) entre os grupos após 12 semanas de TC, contrário da atividade laboral que não apresentou diferença significativa (p=0,065). Conclusão. O TC foi eficaz para aumento do nível de atividade física em pacientes com neoplasias da mama.
Trilha interpretativa: uma ferramenta à sensibilização
Authors: Cotes Marcial
Published: January 2019

O artigo objetivou investigar as percepções, reflexões e emoções demonstradas durante processo educativo de atividade realizada em trilha interpretativa para sensibilizar (TIS). Adotou-se pesquisa qualitativa com os métodos de observador participante e não participante na posição de voyeur. Os resultados apontam que a TIS atuou favoravelmente para sensibilizar o público alvo da pesquisa dentro dos objetivos propostos
Can biomarkers of biological age be used to assess cumulative lifetime experience?
Authors: Bateson M , Poirier C
Published: January 2019

Objective methods for assessing the cumulative lifetime experience of non-human animals would be valuable. We develop the hypothesis that biological age is a common currency that integrates the overall quality of an animal's lifetime experience across a range of types of exposure. Ageing is the result of the accumulation of somatic damage, and its rate is determined by the balance between experiences that cause damage and experiences that mitigate damage or promote repair. Negative affective states are associated with somatic damage via both direct causal and indirect pathways. Based on these premises, we predict that individuals that are biologically old for their chronological age will, on average, have experienced worse lives than individuals that are biologically younger, both in terms of their overall health and affective experience. Biological age is, thus, an attractive measure of cumulative experience because it requires no subjective decisions either about how a given exposure impacts an animal, or about how different dimensions of welfare should be weighted in an overall assessment. Biological age can be measured objectively using biomarkers. We argue that two biomarkers, namely leukocyte telomere length and hippocampal volume, are valid biomarkers of cumulative experience in humans, with potential for use in non-human vertebrates. We discuss how these biomarkers could be used to assess cumulative experience in animals, highlighting some of the limitations. We conclude that biomarkers of biological age offer a viable objective solution to the assessment of cumulative experience and their application in an animal welfare context deserves further exploration.
Mental health and traffic behavior among drivers in Republic of Srpska
Authors: Stanić Slobodan
Published: January 2019

Introduction. Mental health is related to risky driving behavior and traffic accidents. The aim of this study is to investigate both social and demographic characteristics of drivers, as well as the connection between mental health and risky driving behavior among drivers in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods. The study was part of the population health survey conducted in the Republic of Srpska in 2010. The survey included 1866 households and a total of 4178 adults were interviewed (1688 drivers and 2490 non-drivers). The Chi-square test and independent samples t-test were used for data analysis. Results. Among 4178 respondents, 59.6% were non-drivers and 40.4% were drivers. There were significantly higher percentage of male drivers (73.3%), adults aged 25-54 years (66.1%), who lived in rural areas (55.3%) and were in employment (50.1%). Significantly higher percentage of drivers (58.2%) were present in the category with score values 58 to 78 on the mental distress scale, while most non-drivers were found in the category with mental distress score values 58 and lower (43.2%), p < 0.001. Also, a significantly higher percentage of non-drivers (91.5%) were found in the category with the lowest level of mental vitality (≥ 62.5), while the percentage of drivers increased in categories with higher scores on the mental vitality scale (p < 0.001). Persons driving under the influence of alcohol had lower values on the mental distress scale (p < 0.05, eta square = 0.005), while those who tended to use mobile phones while driving achieved higher scores on the mental vitality scale (p < 0.001, eta square = 0.15). Conclusion. Study results have revealed significant differences in the level of mental health between drivers and non-drivers. People who drive under the influence of alcohol have a lower level of mental health, taking into account the results on the mental distress scale, while those who use mobile phones while driving have a higher level of mental vitality. In subsequent research, it is necessary to thoroughly examine the influence of mental health on tendency towards risky driving behavior.
Thyroglossal cyst with oropharyngeal propagation in 40 year-old patient
Authors: Obrenović Miroslav , Kojić Siniša , Mitrović Vekoslav , Ćuk Mirjana , Davidović Borko
Published: January 2019

Introduction. Thyroglossal cyst represents the most common congenital anomaly of the neck and it occurs in approximately 7% of the overall population. It develops as a consequence of obliteration failure of ductus thyreoglossus during migration of thyroid gland in embryogenesis. It is usually diagnosed during the first decade of life by clinical examination, echosonography, multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and/or magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) of the brain and neck, fine needle aspiration (FNA) and cytological analysis of the FNA content. Treatment is surgical using the Sistrunk procedure. Case report. The 40 year-old patient was hospitalized for the diagnostics and treatment of the tumor of submental and submandibular region as well as of oral cavity, with right-sided dislocation of the tongue followed by difficulties in swallowing and speech. In his early childhood, the patient detected a subcutaneous formation under the chin that expanded gradually. Clinical examination revealed the subcutaneous tumor mass that affected submental and both submandibular regions, predominantly left-sided with the intraoral presentation of submucosal tumor that completely filled oropharynx and dislocated the tongue to the right side. MSCT of the mouth and neck floor indicated an irregularly oval tumor of 120 x 95 x 90 mm, with its upper pole reaching the hard palate. The tumor filled the oral cavity and descended anterolaterally and more to the left side into the neck region to the hyoid bone, dislocating the tongue, eosophagus as well as pharyngeal and laryngeal structures to the right side. Cytological analysis of the FNA content confirmed the presence of thyroglossal cyst. Under nasotracheal intubation, the operation using the Sistrunk procedure was performed, with the removal of cystic tumor, and medial portion of hyoid bone, as well as with the tongue reposition. There were no complications during post-operative period. Speech and swallowing functions were completely rehabilitated. The results of pathohistological analysis confirmed the presence of thyroglossal cyst. Conclusion.Thyroglossal cysts are the most common congenital anomalies of the neck and the treatment is surgical with satisfying outcome, low complication rates and small percentage of recidives.
Model of self-esteem during adolescence period
Authors: Kalajdžić Olivera , Perućica Ranka
Published: January 2019

In contemporary psychological literature, there is a huge amount of research concerning self-esteem as well as the importance of high or low level of it for the adaptive and maladaptive behavior of a person. Self-esteem is defined as the result of one's self-conception and self-evaluation, respectively. It is extremely important during adolescence when the changes in experience and behavior are often crucial for future life, personal self-satisfaction, relationships with other people, as well as for the success in the activities and roles they are taking. Researchers within this field claim that behavior, as well as the adolescents' abilities, are always consistent with their self-image. Self-esteem is an important component of healthy adolescent's development and of a successful transition to the adult world. For this reason, in this paper we will define the notion of self-esteem, explain the dimensions and importance of it, and outline the results of recent research concerning the adolescent population.
Innervation Patterns of the Lumbrical Muscles of the Foot in Human Fetuses
Authors: Kara Betül Asena , Uzmansel Deniz , Beger Orhan
Published: January 2019

Background

We sought to describe the innervation patterns of the foot lumbrical muscles and their morphological properties in human fetuses and to define the communicating branches between the medial (MPN) and lateral (LPN) plantar nerves, which play a part in the innervation of those muscles.

Methods

Thirty formalin-fixed fetuses (13 male and 17 female) with a mean ± SD gestational age of 25.5 ± 3.8 weeks (range, 18–36 weeks) from the inventory of the Mersin University Faculty of Medicine Anatomy Department were bilaterally dissected. Innervation patterns of the lumbrical muscles and the communicating branches between the MPN and the LPN were detected and photographed.

Results

No variations were seen in lumbrical muscle numbers. In the 60 feet, the first lumbrical muscle started directly from the flexor digitorum longus tendon in 48 and from the flexor hallucis longus slips in addition to the flexor digitorum longus tendon in 12. Fifty-five feet had the classic innervation pattern of the lumbrical muscles, and five had variations. No communicating branches were seen in 48 feet, whereas 12 had connections.

Conclusions

This study classified innervation patterns of the foot lumbrical muscles and defined two new innervation types. During surgeries on the foot and ankle in neonatal and early childhood terms, awareness of the communicating branches between the MPN and the LPN and innervation of the intrinsic muscles of the foot, such as the lumbrical muscles, might aid in preventing possible complications.
Targeted inactivation ofSalmonellaAgona metabolic genes by group II introns andin vivoassessment of pathogenicity and anti-tumour activity in mouse model
Authors: Gwee Chin Piaw , Khoo Chai Hoon , Yeap Swee Keong , Tan Geok Chin , Cheah Yoke Kqueen
Published: January 2019

The fight against cancer has been a never-ending battle. Limitations of conventional therapies include lack of selectivity, poor penetration and highly toxic to the host. Using genetically modified bacteria as a tumour therapy agent has gained the interest of scientist from the past few decades. Low virulence and highly tolerability ofSalmonellaspp. in animals and humans make it as the most studied pathogen with regards to anti-tumour therapy. The present study aims to construct a genetically modifiedS.Agona auxotroph as an anti-tumour agent.LeuBandArgDmetabolic genes in ΔSopBΔSopDdouble knockoutS. Agona were successfully knocked out using a Targetron gene knockout system. The knockout was confirmed by colony PCR and the strains were characterizedin vitroandin vivo. The knockout of metabolic genes causes significant growth defect in M9 minimal media. Quadruple knockout ΔSopBΔSopDΔLeuBΔArgD(BDLA) exhibited lowest virulence among all of the strains in all parameters including bacterial load, immunity profile and histopathology studies.In vivoanti-tumour study on colorectal tumour bearing-BALB/c mice revealed that all strains ofS. Agona were able to suppress the growth of the large solid tumour as compared with negative control and ΔLeuBΔArgD(LA) and BDLA auxotroph showed better efficacy. Interestingly, higher level of tumour growth suppression was noticed in large tumour. However, multiple administration of bacteria dosage did not increase the tumour suppression efficacy. In this study, the virulence of BDLA knockout strain was slightly reduced and tumour growth suppression efficacy was successfully enhanced, which provide a valuable starting point for the development ofS. Agona as anti-tumour agent.
Células mastocitárias estão presentes no líquen plano oral
Authors: Valverde Ludmila De Faro , Castro Paloma Perez , Souza Larissa Silva , Gomes Tássia Amaral , Santos Caroline Luquini , Pereira Francisco De Assis Caldas , Figueiredo Andreia Cristina Leal , Santos Jean Nunes dos
Published: January 2019

O líquen plano (LPO) é uma doença inflamatória crônica que acomete pele e mucosa e atinge em média 1 a 2% da população, sendo mais comum em mulheres de meia idade. Apesar da etiologia desconhecida, muitos achados sugerem que essa doença é mediada por reações imunológicas. O presente estudo consistiu em uma análise da distribuição das células mastocitárias, através do azul de toluidina. A população mastocitária foi contada por dois observadores, na área correspondente à inflamação liquenoide e na área imediatamente após, e comparada com a de um fragmento de mucosa bucal normal. Os resultados mostraram um número médio maior de células mastocitárias nas áreas correspondentes à inflamação liquenoide, em comparação com o da mucosa oral normal. Isto foi comprovado estatisticamente através do teste de Kruskal-Wallis, no qual houve diferença significativa (p < 0,005) entre as médias de mastócitos encontradas. Do estudo, concluiu-se que existe uma importante interação entre a população de células mastocitárias e os linfócitos presentes na lesão, os quais exercem um papel marcante na patogênese e cronicidade do líquen plano oral.
Metaloproteinases: aspectos fisiopatológicos sistêmicos e sua importância na cicatrização
Authors: Araújo Rosangela Vidal de Souza , Silva Flávio Oliveira , Melo-Júnior Mário Ribeiro , Porto Ana Lúcia Figueiredo
Published: January 2019

O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever o papel biológico das metaloproteinases (MMPs), suas variedades estruturais e suas influências no processo cicatricial. As metaloproteinases são enzimas que digerem proteínas da matriz extracelular e que apresentam funções importantes em diversos processos biológicos, como morfogênese, e em todos os estágios da cicatrização: reparação tecidual e remodelação em resposta à injúria. Entretanto, quando não devidamente controladas, ou seja, quando não são inibidas, estão envolvidas na progressão de algumas doenças como ateroma, artrite, câncer e esclerose múltipla. Com isso, observam-se diferentes interferências das metaloproteinases. Nesse sentido, pode-se perceber que é necessário haver um controle entre a atividade enzimática e a sua inibição, pois o descontrole dessas etapas pode culminar com o aparecimento ou progressão de determinadas enfermidades. Sendo assim, a investigação da atividade e (ou) expressão das MMPs de grande interesse em estudos sobre os processos fisiopatológicos, e esses estudos já vêm sendo desenvolvidos há algum tempo, no campo de pesquisas clínicas e experimentais.
Plant Defences against Fungal Attack: Perception and Signal Transduction
Authors: Xiao Xueqiong , Kachroo Aardra
Published: January 2019

Plants utilise specialised proteins to perceive fungal invaders as ‘nonself’ by ‘recognising’ specific fungus‐derived molecules. This either results in the onset of massive physical and chemical responses that counter‐invasion by phytopathogenic fungi or enables symbioses with beneficial fungi. Induction of defence occurs when pathogen‐derived molecules such as pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMP) or effectors (AVR) are respectively recognised by specialised plant receptors called pattern recognition receptors (PRR) or resistance proteins (R). Signalling induced downstream of PRR or R activation involves several common events though these may differ in their timing and amplitude.

Key Concepts

Plants defend themselves from microbial invasions by recognising the pathogen as ‘nonself’.

The perception of ‘nonself’ occurs when plant factors interact with microbial molecules that are either present on the surface of the organism or extruded by them.

Pathogen recognition and the subsequent defence response is driven by a two‐tiered innate immune system involving PAMP‐triggered immunity (PTI) and effector‐triggered immunity (ETI).

The strength and timing of downstream defence‐related events determine the outcome (resistance or susceptibility) of the host–pathogen interaction.

These downstream responses involve reactive oxygen species, ion influxes, MAPK signalling cascades, phytohormones and transcription factors.
Quartz Crystal Microbalance: Basics and Applications in Biology
Authors: Ruckdäschel Simone , Kade Christian , Wegener Joachim
Published: January 2019

The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technique refers to a bioanalytical approach capable of monitoring adsorption reactions at the solid–liquid interface with the help of thumbnail‐sized piezoelectric quartz crystals that perform resonant shear oscillations of nanometre amplitude. Shifts of its resonance frequency report on mass deposition on the crystal surface with sub‐microgram sensitivity. The device is typically used to study and quantify non‐covalent biomolecular interactions of the ligand‐receptor type. When the crystal surface is, for instance, functionalised with antibodies, the resulting biosensor captures target molecules or microorganisms from solution and indicates the associated mass change. Growing adherent animal cells on the crystal surface provides a convenient, non‐invasive and label‐free approach to follow changes in cellular micromechanics and adhesion state under physiological conditions. This article provides a brief introduction into the physical basics of the technology and highlights its major applications as well as limitations.

Key Concepts

The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is a simple, cost‐effective, mass sensing technique based on the resonant oscillation of a piezoelectric quartz crystal.

The resonance frequency of the crystal (typically 5 to 10 MHz) is measured as a function of time, and it reports on the presence of a foreign mass film on the crystal surface and any changes with time.

When a rigid mass is deposited on the crystal surface, the device has demonstrated a mass sensitivity in the sub‐microgram range.

For non‐rigid films, the QCM returns information on the viscoelastic properties of the load material.

The QCM operates label‐free and non‐invasively with a maximum shear displacement that is commonly set below 1 nm amplitude.

The QCM is used to monitor biomolecular interactions such as those between antigen–antibody, enzyme–substrate or ligand–receptor with one binding partner immobilised upon the resonator surface while the other one is present in the incubation fluid.

When used as a growth substrate for adherent eukaryotic cells, the QCM reports on cell attachment, spreading and proliferation upon the resonator surface in real time.

Based on its sensitivity for the viscoelastic properties of the load material, the device is capable of monitoring changes in cellular micromechanics when adherent mammalian cells are grown on the resonator.
Evolutionary Potential of Herkogamy
Authors: Opedal Øystein H
Published: January 2019

Herkogamy, the spatial separation of male and female sexual functions in flowers, is an important floral trait mediating variation in plant mating systems. Understanding the evolutionary potential of herkogamy may, therefore, yield insights into the evolutionary potential of the mating system itself. Herkogamy differs from typical floral traits in being a composite trait determined by the relative positions of anthers and stigmas. This feature creates challenges for measuring the evolvability of herkogamy but may also contribute to comparatively high evolvability. Empirical studies have demonstrated substantial evolvability of herkogamy, and that selection on herkogamy can be strong in the event of rapid environmental change such as the decline of pollinators. These results suggest that the evolutionary potential of herkogamy is high, and that detectable evolutionary change can be expected within a few generations following changes in the reproductive environment.

Key Concepts

Herkogamy is a key floral trait associated with variation in plant mating systems and often varies widely among populations and species.

Herkogamy is a composite trait determined by the relative positions of anthers and stigmas within flowers, and the evolution of herkogamy may involve changes in the positions of anthers and stigmas, the variances in anther and stigma positions or both.

Evolution by natural selection is a two‐step process, the rate of which depends on the strength and direction of natural selection and the potential of traits to evolve (i.e. evolvability).

Compared to other floral traits, and morphological traits in general, herkogamy can evolve rapidly in percentage of the trait mean.

Natural selection on herkogamy is often weak when cross‐pollination is reliable, but strong when cross‐pollination is unreliable.

Strong selection combined with high evolvability means that herkogamy can evolve rapidly in response to environmental change.
A novel model for treatment of hypertrophic pachymeningitis
Authors: Cui Yiwen , Masaki Katsuhisa , Zhang Xu , Yamasaki Ryo , Fujii Takayuki , Ogata Hidenori , Hayashida Shotaro , Yamaguchi Hiroo , Hyodo Fuminori , Eto Hinako , Koyama Sachiko , Iinuma Kyoko , Yonekawa Tomomi , Matsushita Takuya , Yoshida Mari , Yamada Kazunori , Kawano Mitsuhiro , Malissen Marie , Malissen Bernard , Kira Junichi
Published: January 2019

Objective

Immunoglobulin (Ig)G4‐related disease is a major cause of hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP), presenting as a progressive thickening of the dura mater. HP lacks an animal model to determine its underlying mechanisms. We developed a suitable animal model for the treatment of HP.

Methods

We longitudinally evaluated dura in mice with a mutation (Y136F) in the linker for activation of T cells (LAT), which induced type 2 T helper (Th2) cell proliferation and IgG1 (IgG4 human equivalent) overexpression. Mice were therapeutically administered daily oral irbesartan from 3 to 6 weeks of age. Human IgG4‐related, anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐related, and idiopathic HP dura were also immunohistochemically examined.

Results

LATY136F mice showing dural gadolinium enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging had massive infiltration of B220+ B cells, IgG1+ cells, CD138+ plasma cells, CD3+ T cells, F4/80+ macrophages, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the dura at 3 weeks of age, followed by marked fibrotic thickening. In dural lesions, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 was produced preferentially in B cells and macrophages while TGF‐β receptor I (TGF‐βRI) was markedly upregulated on fibroblasts. Quantitative western blotting revealed significant upregulation of TGF‐β1, TGF‐βRI, and phosphorylated SMAD2/SMAD3 in dura of LATY136F mice aged 13 weeks. A similar upregulation of TGF‐βRI, SMAD2/SMAD3, and phosphorylated SMAD2/SMAD3 was present in autopsied dura of all three types of human HP. Irbesartan abolished dural inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrotic thickening in all treated LATY136F mice with reduced TGF‐β1 and nonphosphorylated and phosphorylated SMAD2/SMAD3.

Interpretation

TGF‐β1/SMAD2/SMAD3 pathway is critical in HP and is a potential novel therapeutic target.