bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluconazole-Induced Symptomatic Phenytoin Toxicity
Authors: Cadle Richard M. , Zenon Golden J. , Rodriguez-Barradas Maria C. , Hamill Richard J.
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To report two cases of fluconazole-induced symptomatic phenytoin toxicity and review literature related to this interaction.

DATA SOURCES:

Case reports and review articles identified by a computerized (MEDLINE) and manual ( Index Medicus) search.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Fluconazole is a broad-spectrum triazole antifungal agent primarily eliminated by renal mechanisms, although hepatic cytochrome P-450 inhibition and hepatotoxicity have been observed. We report two cases of fluconazole-induced symptomatic phenytoin toxicity. Both patients received high doses of the drug; one patient developed phenytoin toxicity only after long-term coadministration. Previously reported cases have occurred primarily with high-dose fluconazole and short-term coadministration.

CONCLUSIONS:

Fluconazole can increase phenytoin serum concentrations leading to toxicity. Constant and continuous monitoring of serum phenytoin concentrations with fluconazole doses as low as 200 mg/d is warranted.
Cyclophosphamide-Induced Facial Discomfort
Authors: Kosirog-Glowacki Jane L. , Bressler Linda R.
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To report the occurrence of cyclophosphamide-induced facial discomfort in patients at our institution, to review previous literature reports, and to discuss possible methods of prevention.

SETTING:

An oncology clinic in a university teaching hospital.

PATIENTS:

From January 1990 to March 1993, 14 patients experienced uncomfortable sensations of the skin or mucous membranes associated with cyclophosphamide administration. Details pertaining to each patient are described.

INTERVENTIONS:

Initial interventions included changing the duration of infusion or concentration of cyclophosphamide. We postulated that an anticholinergic medication such as ipratropium bromide may prevent cyclophosphamide-induced facial discomfort.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Changing the infusion duration or cyclophosphamide concentration or administering ipratropium bromide intranasally resulted in variable degrees of improvement.

CONCLUSIONS:

The number of cyclophosphamide reactions seen at our institution indicates that facial or scalp burning, oropharyngeal tingling, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and/or lacrimation may occur more frequently than previously noted. Thus, careful questioning is necessary to determine whether these clinical symptoms are present and bothersome in patients treated with cyclophosphamide. Intranasal ipratropium bromide, as well as other measures to prevent or decrease the intensity of cyclophosphamide-induced facial discomfort should be investigated.
Magnesium Homeostasis and Clinical Disorders of Magnesium Deficiency
Authors: Whang Robert , Hampton Edward M. , Whang David D.
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To survey the causes of clinical hypomagnesemia and Mg deficiency. The relationship of hypomagnesemia to digitalis toxicity, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, and acute myocardial infarction is discussed, as is the clinical interrelationship of Mg and K concentrations, the principal intracellular cations.

DATA SOURCES:

A MEDLINE search and retrieval was used to identify relevant references.

STUDY SELECTION:

Clinical reports, as well as studies, were selected for this review.

DATA EXTRACTION:

There were very few placebo-controlled clinical studies. Clinical observations were related primarily to compilation of series in which Mg was administered and clinical results reported. In addition, conclusions derived from review articles on the subject of clinical Mg depletion were used.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Clinical diagnosis of Mg deficiency is ascertained most expeditiously by estimating serum Mg concentrations. Although available on order by physicians, the lack of routine serum Mg analysis as part of the “electrolyte panel” impedes the diagnosis of clinical Mg deficiency. Renal loss of Mg resulting from the widespread use of loop diuretics is responsible for significant numbers of patients with Mg deficiency and hypomagnesemia. Life threatening cardiac arrhythmias and seizures represent the most serious manifestations of clinical hypomagnesemia and Mg depletion. In the most critically ill patients, treatment with intravenous Mg is recommended. Oral repletion of Mg is reserved for the less critically ill hospitalized patients and ambulatory patients. Close attention must be paid to optimizing K replenishment in hypokalemic patients by concurrent treatment of any accompanying hypomagnesemia to avoid the problem of refractory K repletion.

CONCLUSIONS:

Hypomagnesemia is one of the most frequent serum electrolyte abnormalities in current clinical practice. Routine inclusion of serum Mg analysis in the electrolyte panel will enhance the clinical recognition and treatment of hypomagnesemic Mg-depleted patients. Failure to respond to treatment of recurrent ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation to usual antiarrhythmic therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure should alert the clinician to consider administering intravenous Mg. Repair of coexisting hypomagnesemia in hypokalemic patients is essentialto avoid the problem of refractory K repletion caused by coexisting Mg depletion. More controlled clinical studies of Mg deficiency are necessary to ascertain the cost-effectiveness of Mg replacement therapy.
Nutritional Support Teams: A Review of Comparative Trials
Authors: Gales Barry J. , Gales Marla J.
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the literature describing the influence of nutritional support teams (NSTs) on the provision of nutritional therapy.

DATA SOURCES:

A MEDLINE and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts search (key terms: nutritional support, nutritional support service/team, hyperalimentation service/team, metabolic support service/team, service/team) covering 1970–1993 were used to identify pertinent literature.

STUDY SELECTION:

The results of comparative trials involving NSTs are presented.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Data from comparative trials examining the influence of NSTs on the provision of enteral nutrition (EN) and total parenteral nutrition are discussed.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

NSTs dramatically reduced the incidence of catheter-related complications, especially sepsis, by developing central venous catheter insertion and care guidelines. Early studies found that NSTs reduced the incidence of electrolyte and metabolic abnormalities by more stringent laboratory and clinical monitoring, but this was not found consistently in later studies. The ability of consultative NSTs to reduce the incidence of metabolic and electrolyte abnormalities is less clear. NSTs also were more likely to evaluate, document, and subsequently meet a patient's nutritional requirements. Studies examining the financial impact of NSTs frequently reported cost savings, but often failed to include personnel costs in their analysis. The provision of EN by an NST reduced the frequency of complications and increased the adequacy of nutritional supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Early nutritional support teams produced significant benefits largely through the development of protocols and standardization. Current NSTs should increase the dissemination of information supporting their continued benefits. To remain viable, NSTs need to expand their roles, document improved patient outcomes, and show cost-effectiveness.
Iranian Low-dose Escalating Prophylaxis Regimen in Children with Severe Hemophilia A and B
Authors: Eshghi Peyman , Sadeghi Elham , Tara S. Zahra , Habibpanah Behnaz , Hantooshzadeh Razieh
Published: January 2017

Establishing an appropriate prophylaxis regimen for children with hemophilia is a critical challenge in developing countries. Barriers including availability and affordability, catheter-related complications, and inhibitor development risks have led to the introduction of new tailored prophylaxis regimens in different countries. This study emphasizes on the benefits of the Iranian low-dose escalating prophylaxis regimen in a Hemophilia Comprehensive Care Center in Iran. Referred patients with hemophilia less than 15 years of age, who were subject to prophylaxis regimen, are studied retrospectively. A once-weekly prophylaxis regimen of 25 IU/kg was started for the patients primarily. Their prophylaxis regimen was changed to 25 IU/kg twice a week and then 3 times a week when they experienced 3 joint bleedings, 4 soft tissue bleedings, or a 1 life-threatening bleed without a specific trauma history. Overall, 25 patients with severe hemophilia and at least 6-month history of on-demand (OD) treatment were studied. A mean of 1754 IU/kg/yr of coagulation factors, used for OD and prophylaxis purposes, was sufficient to decrease the mean annual bleeding rate (ABR) to 1.86 after prophylaxis. It also reduced the mean hospitalization days and the mean number of target joints to 0.24 and 0.16, respectively. Overall, 19 (76%) patients were continuing their once-weekly regimen at the end of the follow-up. None of the patients needed 3-times-a-week regimen or central venous catheterization and none developed inhibitors in the follow-up. Benefits of the Iranian low-dose escalating prophylaxis regimen prove equal to some of the previous 3-times-a-week prophylaxis regimens in reducing the ABR and hospitalizations.
The Path Already Taken: Technological and Pedagogical Practices in Convergence Education
Authors: Sarachan Jeremy
Published: January 2017

Communication departments considering adapting or further implementing a convergence curriculum can benefit from exploring choices made at other universities. In this survey, quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 110 AEJMC member programs as a means to explore course content, student assessment methods, lab space, software, and other technical considerations. A range of solutions was found to exist, but common curriculum choices, tools, and trends emerged.
Toward Development of Collaborative, Comprehensive Information Literacy and Research Skills Program inside the Journalism Curriculum
Authors: Field Terry , MacMillan Margy
Published: January 2017

Mount Royal University journalism faculty and their program's assigned librarian are collaborating to provide an integrated and incremental suite of information literacy and research skills development sessions to students across all four years of their bachelor's degree in communication/journalism program. The goal was to replace the traditional one-off journalism tools course with an integrated just-in-time approach to research education that builds students' skills as they move through the four-year degree program. This essay outlines how this approach was adopted and developed; its benefits to students, faculty, and the library; and its potential value to other journalism programs.
Resources within Reason
Authors: Catlett Camille , Winton Pam
Published: January 2017

A place to discover good, inexpensive materials for providing effective services to very young children and their families
Recognizing politics in the nursery: Early childhood education institutions as sites of mundane politics
Authors: Millei Zsuzsa , Kallio Kirsi Pauliina
Published: January 2017

In his inspirational article titled ‘Bringing politics into the nursery’, Peter Moss argues for early childhood institutions to become places of ‘democratic political practice’. In this article, the authors add to Moss’s call and argue that these institutions are sites of ‘mundane political practice’, containing various attitudinal orientations and ideologies, and including many kinds of purposive activities. Recognizing different dimensions of political life in institutional spaces where children lead their lives requires a differentiation between two types of politics: first, official politics and policies that aim to institute certain ideals in early childhood education and care and, second, everyday politics unfolding in communities that involve people as political subjects from birth until death. When the latter is discussed in early childhood research, if at all, it is rarely identified in political terms, which the authors consider problematic. The lacking recognition of mundane politics denies important aspects of children’s agency, which is prejudicial in itself. Moreover, such ignorance may lead to unintended consequences in democratization processes, like the one suggested by Moss. Imposing political ideals without recognizing children’s existing political agencies carries a risk of interfering with their political lives so that some children may feel misrecognized or find their capacities to act hindered or their activities misunderstood. In order to avoid such outcomes, this article is an argument for research and pedagogies that acknowledge and scaffold children’s political agencies at large.
Incidence, recurrence, and long-term survival of ischemic stroke subtypes: A population-based study in the Middle East
Authors: Saber Hamidreza , Thrift Amanda G , Kapral Moira K , Shoamanesh Ashkan , Amiri Amin , Farzadfard Mohammad T , Behrouz Réza , Azarpazhooh Mahmoud Reza
Published: January 2017

Background

Incidence, risk factors, case fatality and survival rates of ischemic stroke subtypes are unknown in the Middle East due to the lack of community-based incidence stroke studies in this region.

Aim

To characterize ischemic stroke subtypes in a Middle Eastern population.

Methods

The Mashad Stroke Incidence Study is a community-based study that prospectively ascertained all cases of stroke among the 450,229 inhabitants of Mashhad, Iran between 2006 and 2007. We identified 512 cases of first-ever ischemic stroke [264 men (mean age 65.5 ± 14.4) and 248 women (mean age 64.14 ± 14.5)]. Subtypes of ischemic stroke were classified according to the TOAST criteria. Incidence rates were age standardized to the WHO and European populations.

Results

The proportion of stroke subtypes was distributed as follows: 14.1% large artery disease, 15% cardioembolic, 22.5% small artery disease, 43.9% undetermined and 4.5% other. The greatest overall incidence rates were attributed to undetermined infarction (49.97/100,000) followed by small artery disease (25.54/100,000). Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and atrial fibrillation differed among ischemic stroke subtypes. Overall, there were 268 (52.34%) deaths and 73 (14.25%) recurrent strokes at five years after incident ischemic stroke, with the greatest risk of recurrence seen in the large artery disease (35.6%) and cardioembolic (35.5%) subgroups. Survival was similar in men and women for each stroke subtype.

Conclusions

We observed markedly greater incidence rates of ischemic stroke subtypes than in other countries within the Mashad Stroke Incidence Study after age standardization. Our findings should be considered when planning prevention and stroke care services in this region.
Identification of apilimod as a first-in-class PIKfyve kinase inhibitor for treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Gayle Sophia , Landrette Sean , Beeharry Neil , Conrad Chris , Hernandez Marylens , Beckett Paul , Ferguson Shawn M. , Mandelkern Talya , Zheng Meiling , Xu Tian , Rothberg Jonathan , Lichenstein Henri
Published: January 2017

Key Points

Apilimod has broad anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo across all subtypes of B-NHL. Apilimod induces B-NHL cytotoxicity through a unique mechanism of action that involves the disruption of lysosomal function.
Always offer smoking cessation
Authors: Attar-Zadeh Darush
Published: January 2017

Healthcare professionals should treat tobacco dependency as part of routine practice, says Darush Attar-Zadeh
Limiting the spread of flu
Authors: Dapaah Emma Jane , Perkins Samantha
Published: January 2017

Emma Jane Dapaah and Samantha Perkins discuss surveillance and vaccination strategy
Make an impact in 2017
Authors: Oshikanlu Ruth
Published: January 2017

Choose change for 2017 and ensure that health visiting remains a priority so that you can continue to have a positive impact on the lives of the children and families you serve.
Revisiting the family mealtime
Authors: Hanley Jane
Published: January 2017

In the past, mealtimes offered children a chance to talk with their parents and siblings, and for families to enjoy time together. Perhaps it is time to revive the tradition, says Jane Hanley.
How to help them be motivated and engaged
Authors: White Hilary
Published: January 2017

Children learn and develop independence when they are engaged with the world around them. In part two of her series, Hilary White explains how this resonates with Active learning, and what practitioners can draw from it.
Stay on track with each child's learning journey
Authors: Barber Jenny , Paul-Smith Sharon
Published: January 2017

What is the best way for managers to monitor observations and assessments carried out by their teams? Jenny Barber and Sharon Paul-Smith outline how to track this accurately while also ensuring quality and consistency.
Magical journeys
Authors: Williams Brenda
Published: January 2017

Get children on the move with role-play games linked to this month's poems by Brenda Williams. Build on the transport theme by exploring how journeys can be imaginative and emotional as well as physical.
Original prints
Authors: Garner Lynne
Published: January 2017

Potato printing is a fun and effective way to introduce print making techniques. Once children get to grips with what is involved they can explore mark making with a range of readily available, every day materials.
Jumping for joy!
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: January 2017

Harness children's enthusiasm for jumping with these activities that develop spatial awareness and the ability to follow verbal instructions. Introduce additional tasks to develop fine and gross motor skills.
Me and my family
Authors: Clarke Jenni
Published: January 2017

Jenni Clarke kicks off a new theme, ‘all about me’, by focusing on ‘my family’ as a way for children to explore their identity and the things that matter to them. It will also enable them to find out about others.
Representaciones de la pobreza y la desigualdad social en la narrativa costarricense de la generación del 40
Authors: Cubillo Paniagua Ruth
Published: January 2017

En este artículo se analizan las representaciones de la pobreza y la desigualdad social en los textos narrativos (en particular las novelas) producidos por una parte de la llamada generación del 40: aquella que se interesa por representar en su literatura una perspectiva social y realista. Así pues, se analizan algunas novelas de tres destacados narradores ubicados por la historiografía literaria en esta generación: Adolfo Herrera García, con su novela Juan Varela; Carlos Luis Fallas, con sus novelas Mamita Yunai, Gentes y Gentecillas y Marcos Ramírez, y Fabián Dobles, con sus novelas Ese que llaman pueblo y El sitio de las abras.
El proceso de reforma al Código Procesal Laboral: legislación laboral, actores sociales y lenguajes de valoración. Tres elementos clave de la política socio-laboral en Costa Rica, 1998-2016
Authors: Viales Hurtado Ronny J. , Chavarría Camacho David , Araya Chinchilla Roberto
Published: January 2017

En este artículo, concebido como “historia del tiempo presente”, analizamos las relaciones entre política socio-laboral y poder para identificar cuáles son los actores sociales y cuáles son los grupos de interés que participan en el proceso de formulación del problema y del planteamiento de políticas públicas, desde un enfoque relacional. Planteamos que una arena política en la que se debaten los actores y las posiciones del desarrollismo y del neoliberalismo en Costa Rica es la de las reformas de la institucionalidad laboral. Por eso se estudiarán las redes de actores y los lenguajes de valoración, presentes en los procesos de construcción de legislación laboral en Costa Rica. Para ello, se utiliza como caso de estudio las etapas clave en la construcción de la reforma al Código Procesal Laboral, Proyecto de Ley aprobado en diciembre de 2015.
Resilience of Cystoseira beds: lack of canopy effects on recruitment
Authors: Piazzi Luigi , Balata David , Ceccherelli Giulia
Published: January 2017

The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of the presence of an adult canopy on the recruitment of the habitat-forming seaweed Cystoseira brachycarpa var. balearica, in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. To achieve this objective, a field experiment was performed and recruitment was estimated both in the middle and at the edge of cleared patches, as well as within the bed, on ceramic tiles anchored to the rocky substrate. At the end of the study, neither the number nor the heights of Cystoseira thalli were significantly different among the positions, suggesting that there were no facilitating or inhibiting effects on recruitment.
A new strategy for calculating the risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA)
Authors: Jeong Tae-Dong , Cho Eun-Jung , Ko Dae-Hyun , Lee Woochang , Chun Sail , Kwon Hi Jeong , Hong Ki-Sook , Kim Yong-Man , Min Won-Ki
Published: January 2017

Background:

Reliable quantitative measurements of HE4 and CA125 levels are required to calculate the risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA) value. We suggest a new reporting strategy for interpreting ROMA values based on analytical measurement range (AMR) and qualified-intervals of the HE4 and CA125 results.

Methods:

HE4 and CA125 assays from Abbott and Roche were used. The AMRs and the qualified-intervals were as follows: Architect HE4 assay, 20–1500 and 17.2–2637.8 pmol/L; Architect CA125 II assay, 1–1000 and 3.9–14,163.0 U/mL; Elecsys HE4 assay, 15–1500 and 28.8–3847 pmol/L; Elecsys CA125 II assay, 0.6–5000 and 6.5–5000 U/mL. These values were used to simulate the ROMA values.

Results:

Reporting algorithm for the ROMA value could be classified into three categories. (1) If quantitative HE4 and CA125 levels are reliable, the numerical ROMA value can be reported. (2) If HE4 value is <20 and <28.8 for Abbott and Roche in premenopausal woman, the ROMA value should be reported as “low risk” regardless of the CA125 result. In postmenopausal woman, however, it should be reported as “low risk” (CA125<203.0 and <165.8 for Abbott and Roche) or “undetermined” (vice-versa value). (3) If CA125 value is <3.9 and <6.5 for Abbott and Roche, it should be reported as “low risk” (premenopausal HE4<51.5 and <62.2, postmenopausal HE4<323.0 and <281.5 for Abbott and Roche) or “undetermined” (vice-versa value).

Conclusions:

New reporting strategy will provide more informative reporting of ROMA values in clinical practice.
Integrating weather and geotechnical monitoring data for assessing the stability of large scale surface mining operations
Authors: Steiakakis Chrysanthos , Agioutantis Zacharias , Apostolou Evangelia , Papavgeri Georgia , Tripolitsiotis Achilles
Published: January 2017

The geotechnical challenges for safe slope design in large scale surface mining operations are enormous. Sometimes one degree of slope inclination can significantly reduce the overburden to ore ratio and therefore dramatically improve the economics of the operation, while large scale slope failures may have a significant impact on human lives. Furthermore, adverse weather conditions, such as high precipitation rates, may unfavorably affect the already delicate balance between operations and safety. Geotechnical, weather and production parameters should be systematically monitored and evaluated in order to safely operate such pits. Appropriate data management, processing and storage are critical to ensure timely and informed decisions.

This paper presents an integrated data management system which was developed over a number of years as well as the advantages through a specific application. The presented case study illustrates how the high production slopes of a mine that exceed depths of 100–120 m were successfully mined with an average displacement rate of 10– 20 mm/day, approaching an almost slow to moderate landslide velocity. Monitoring data of the past four years are included in the database and can be analyzed to produce valuable results. Time-series data correlations of movements, precipitation records, etc. are evaluated and presented in this case study. The results can be used to successfully manage mine operations and ensure the safety of the mine and the workforce.
Oxidative polymerization of waste cooking oil with air under hydrodynamic cavitation
Authors: Rinaldi Laura , Wu Zhilin , Giovando Samuele , Bracco Marco , Crudo Daniele , Bosco Valentina , Cravotto Giancarlo
Published: January 2017

Apart from being a component of some animal feed products, the main industrial use of recycled waste frying oils is biodiesel preparation. With the aim of finding a suitable technology for a cost-effective valorization of used cooking oil, we investigated some oxidative treatments under hydrodynamic cavitation with air flow. This process enabled the preparation of a useful precursor of fatliquor used in the leather industry through the efficient oxidation/polymerization of waste oils at 90°C. The same technique enabled a stable dispersion/emulsification in water without surfactants. Thanks to the use of these innovative techniques, a four-fold reduction of the oxidation time of waste oil was achieved. All the results indicate that the use of a highly efficient rotor-stator generator of hydrodynamic cavitation is compatible with a process scaling up for potential industrial applications.
Crystal structure of 1,1-dimethyl-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)urea, C10H14N2O2
Authors: El-Hiti Gamal A. , Smith Keith , Alshammari Mohammed B. , Hegazy Amany S. , Kariuki Benson M.
Published: January 2017

C10H14N2O2, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 14.9185(12) Å, b = 7.7243(6) Å, c = 9.2229(5) Å, β = 91.032(6)°, V = 1062.63(13) Å3, Z = 4, T = 293(2) K.
Biological bases of human musicality
Authors: Perrone-Capano Carla , Volpicelli Floriana , di Porzio Umberto
Published: January 2017

Music is a universal language, present in all human societies. It pervades the lives of most human beings and can recall memories and feelings of the past, can exert positive effects on our mood, can be strongly evocative and ignite intense emotions, and can establish or strengthen social bonds. In this review, we summarize the research and recent progress on the origins and neural substrates of human musicality as well as the changes in brain plasticity elicited by listening or performing music. Indeed, music improves performance in a number of cognitive tasks and may have beneficial effects on diseased brains. The emerging picture begins to unravel how and why particular brain circuits are affected by music. Numerous studies show that music affects emotions and mood, as it is strongly associated with the brain’s reward system. We can therefore assume that an in-depth study of the relationship between music and the brain may help to shed light on how the mind works and how the emotions arise and may improve the methods of music-based rehabilitation for people with neurological disorders. However, many facets of the mind-music connection still remain to be explored and enlightened.
Paving the Way for Better Telecom Performance: Evidence from the Telecommunication Sector in MENA Countries
Authors: EZZAT Riham Ahmed
Published: January 2017

Since the 1980s, developing countries started to adopt telecom reforms due to pressures from international institutions. However, Middle East and North African (MENA) countries lagged in adopting such reforms. Even after introducing telecom reforms in MENA region beginning in 1995, not all countries became better off in terms of various performance indicators. Therefore, this paper empirically assesses the effects of regulation, privatization and liberalization reforms, as well as their simultaneous presences, on the sector performance in the telecommunication sector using a sample of 17 MENA countries for the period 1995–2010. We assume that different reforms are affected by institutional, political and economic determinants with respect to the level of democracy, the legal origin, the natural resources rents per country and the year of independence from colonization. We use IV-2SLS (Instrumental Variable Two-Stage Least Squares) estimation to analyze the effect of different reforms on telecom performance in terms of access, productivity and affordability in the fixed and the mobile sector. We find that privatization of the main incumbent operator and fixed-line market liberalization affect the sector performance negatively in terms of fixed access and affordability. Moreover, we find that the simultaneous presence of an independent regulator and a privatized incumbent helps to eliminate drawbacks on the sector performance resulting from privatization. However, the simultaneous presences of the other reforms in terms of regulation-competition and privatization-fixed competition do not help to improve the sector performance.
A novel immobilization matrix for the biosensing of phenol: self assembled monolayers of calixarenes
Authors: Tasci Filiz , Sayin Serkan , Seleci Didem Ag , Demir Bilal , Azak Hacer , Yildiz Huseyin Bekir , Demirkol Dilek Odaci , Timur Suna
Published: January 2017

Aim

The development of calixarene based phenol biosensor.

Methods

This study describes the application of a calixarene derivative, 5,17-diamino-25,27-bis(3-thiol-1-oxypropane)-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (HS-Calix-NH2) which has both amino and thiol functionalities, in the practical surface modifications for biomolecule binding. The structure of HS-Calix-NH2 allows easy interaction with Au surface and one-step biomolecule immobilization. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of p-amino-functionalized mercaptoalkylcalixarene (HS-Calix-NH2) were formed onto the Au electrode. Then, Laccase (Lac) enzyme was immobilized onto the modified surface by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde (GA). Resulted electrode (HS-Calix-NH2/Lac) was used for the electrochemical analysis of phenolic compounds at −50 mV.

Results

The linearity was observed in the range of 0.1–100 μM and 1.0–100 μM for catechol and phenol, respectively. The potential use of the biosensor was investigated for phenol analysis in artificial samples which simulate the industrial waste water, which is highly acidic and composed of concentrated salt, without needing any sample pre-treatment step.

Conclusion

The prepared Lac biosensor has a potential for rapid, selective and easy detection of phenolic contaminations in samples.
Robust background normalization method for one-channel microarrays
Authors: Akal Tülay , Purutçuoğlu Vilda , Weber Gerhard-Wilhelm
Published: January 2017

Background

Microarray technology, aims to measure the amount of changes in transcripted messages for each gene by RNA via quantifying the colour intensity on the arrays. But due to the different experimental conditions, these measurements can include both systematic and random erroneous signals. For this reason, we present a novel gene expression index, called multi-RGX (Multiple-probe Robust Gene Expression Index) for one-channel microarrays.

Methods

Multi-RGX, different from other gene expression indices, considers the long-tailed symmetric (LTS) density, covering a wider range of distributions for modelling gene expressions on the log-scale, resulting in robust inference and it takes into account both probe and gene specific intensities. Furthermore, we derive the covariance-variance matrix of model parameters from the observed Fisher information matrix and test the performance of the multi-RGX method in three different datasets.

Results

Our method is found to be a promising method regarding its alternatives in terms of accuracy and computational time.

Conclusion

Multi-RGX gives accurate results with respect to its alternatives, with a reduction in computational cost.
Evaluating the spermicidal activity of an antimicrobial peptide from the Bufo kavirensis, MaximinBk: in vitro study
Authors: Zare-Zardini Hadi , Fesahat Farzaneh , Halvaei Iman , Nabi Ali , Zare-Shehneh Masoud , Shamsi Farimah , Ebrahimi Leila
Published: January 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the spermicidal activity of this peptide to introduce a new potent agent for prevention of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.

Methods

The purified MaximinBk (with amino acid sequence: ILGPVLGLVGRLAGGLIKRE) was diluted with Ham’s F10 solution in 100, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 900 μg/mL. One milliliter from peptide solution with different dosage was mixed with 200 μL prepared sperm solution in microtube. Sperm motility, viability and morphology were assessed at different time intervals (0.3, 5, 10, 15 min). Eosin–Nigrosin staining and Giemsa staining methods were applied for sperm viability and morphology detection, respectively.

Results

Total spermicidal activity was shown after addition of 900 μg/mL for 0.3 min without any morphological change in the sperm head, midpiece or tail. Also, Eosin–Nigrosin staining indicated MaximinBk can disturb membrane integrity of normal sperm that is in dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion

MaximinBk has spermicidal activity in addition to antimicrobial activities (especially on vaginal infections such as candidal vulvovaginitis). It seems this peptide might be a potential candidate in order to use in male contraception, although, this preliminary study needs more studies to elucidate final conclusion.
Trigonal dodecahedral sodium coordination in a trinuclear copper(II)-sodium complex incorporating a salen-type compartmental Schiff base
Authors: Nandy Madhusudan , Saha Debnath , Rizzoli Corrado , Shit Shyamapada
Published: January 2017

A new trinuclear heterometallic complex, [(CuL)Na(CuL)]·ClO4 (1), has been prepared using a Schiff base, H2L (where H2L=N,N′-(1,2-phenylene)-bis(3-methoxysalicylideneimine) and characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, UV/Vis, magnetic, electrochemical, and single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The structure analysis reveals that two metallo-ligand [(CuL)] units are connected to each other by a sodium ion resulting in the cationic unit [(CuL)Na(CuL)]+. Both the copper(II) ions display an almost square planar geometry while the sodium ion adopts a trigonal-dodecahedral coordination geometry. The spectroscopic and other physicochemical studies are in good agreement with the crystal structure of the complex.
Synthesis, crystal structure and Raman spectrum of Ba7[BO3]3Br(O1.33F1.33)
Authors: Reckeweg Olaf , Schulz Armin , DiSalvo Francis J.
Published: January 2017

In addition to amorphous material and Ba7[BO3]4−x
F2−3x
, air and moisture sensitive single crystals of Ba7[BO3]3Br(O1.33F1.33) were formed from H3BO3, Ba(OH)2, BaF2 and BaBr2·2 H2O in alumina crucibles open to the atmosphere at 1300 K for 13 h. Ba7[BO3]3Br(O1.33F1.33) crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P63
mc (no. 186, Z=2) with the lattice parameters a=1118.1(2) and c=723.93(13) pm. The Raman spectrum of the title compounds was also acquired and is compared to literature data.
Revolutionary discoveries from Bronze Age Iberia: recent work on the Argaric world
Authors: Blanco-González Antonio
Published: January 2017

In the Mediterranean region there are relatively few integrated, specialist research teams enga- ged in long-term and ongoing field- work. One of these rare and productive scientific collaborations is the ASOME (Arqueoecología Social Mediterránea, or Mediterranean Social Archaeoecology) group from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain. The three volumes under review are authored by this team's lead researchers, and represent the first book-length publications from a long-term research project (2009–) on the Earlier Bronze Age El Argar culture (2200–1550 BC). They report the results of several excavations in the province of Murcia, Spain, supported by a combination of public and private funding. This ambitious initiative addresses ground-breaking research questions and offers solid and sustainable solutions for the conservation and preservation of these formerly neglected sites. Its aims, as summarised on the project's website, are: to create a systematic archive of information on the dispersed collections from earlier investigations; to undertake large-scale fieldwork on a series of key sites and to develop their public presentation; and to lay the foundations for an interdisciplinary research centre on prehistoric and Mediterranean archaeology (http://www.la-bastida.com).
Modulation of Rhythmic Activity in Mammalian Spinal Networks Is Dependent on Excitability State
Authors: Sharples Simon A. , Whelan Patrick J.
Published: January 2017

Neuromodulators play an important role in activating rhythmically active motor networks; however, what remains unclear are the network interactions whereby neuromodulators recruit spinal motor networks to produce rhythmic activity. Evidence from invertebrate systems has demonstrated that the effect of neuromodulators depends on the pre-existing state of the network. We explored how network excitation state affects the ability of dopamine to evoke rhythmic locomotor activity in the neonatal mouse isolated spinal cord. We found that dopamine can evoke unique patterns of motor activity that are dependent on the excitability state of motor networks. Different patterns of motor activity ranging from tonic, nonrhythmic activity to multirhythmic, nonlocomotor activity to locomotor activity were produced by altering global motor network excitability through manipulations of the extracellular potassium and bath NMDA concentration. A similar effect was observed when network excitation was manipulated during an unstable multirhythm evoked by a low concentration (15 µm) of 5-HT, suggesting that our results are not neuromodulator specific. Our data show in vertebrate systems that modulation is a two-way street and that modulatory actions are largely influenced by the network state. The level of network excitation can account for variability between preparations and is an additional factor to be considered when circuit elements are removed from the network.
Registro de dispositivos de almacenamiento masivo de información
Authors: Fernández-Gallardo Fernández-Gallardo Javier Ángel
Published: January 2017

Hasta la reforma llevada a cabo por la LO 13/2015 la LECRIM no preveía de una manera expresa la posibilidad de practicar un registro de dispositivos de almacenamiento masivo de información, pese a que la enorme cantidad de información que se acumula en estos dispositivos puede tener un alto interés de cara a esclarecer numerosos hechos delictivos, y olvidando que el acceso a tales contenidos supone una grave intromisión en el derecho a la intimidad, que por tanto debe tener un marco que le dote de certeza y seguridad jurídica, respetando los parámetros de calidad de Ley establecidos en la jurisprudencia del TEDH. En el presente estudio analizaremos los requisitos y garantías que esta nueva regulación exige para el acceso a los datos contenidos en estos dispositivos a efectos de una investigación criminal.
Mutants forDrosophilaIsocitrate Dehydrogenase 3b Are Defective in Mitochondrial Function and Larval Cell Death
Authors: Duncan Dianne M , Kiefel Paula , Duncan Ian
Published: January 2017

The death of larval salivary gland cells during metamorphosis in Drosophila melanogaster has been a key system for studying steroid controlled programmed cell death. This death is induced by a pulse of the steroid hormone ecdysone that takes place at the end of the prepupal period. For many years, it has been thought that the ecdysone direct response gene Eip93F (E93) plays a critical role in initiating salivary gland cell death. This conclusion was based largely on the finding that the three “type” alleles of E93 cause a near-complete block in salivary gland cell death. Here, we show that these three mutations are in fact allelic to Idh3b, a nearby gene that encodes the β subunit of isocitrate dehydrogenase 3, a mitochondrial enzyme of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The strongest of the Idh3b alleles appears to cause a near-complete block in oxidative phosphorylation, as mitochondria are depolarized in mutant larvae, and development arrests early during cleavage in embryos from homozygous-mutant germline mothers. Idh3b-mutant larval salivary gland cells fail to undergo mitochondrial fragmentation, which normally precedes the death of these cells, and do not initiate autophagy, an early step in the cell death program. These observations suggest a close relationship between the TCA cycle and the initiation of larval cell death. In normal development, tagged Idh3b is released from salivary gland mitochondria during their fragmentation, suggesting that Idh3b may be an apoptogenic factor that functions much like released cytochrome c in mammalian cells.
Intensive chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Interim analysis in a referral center in Colombia.
Authors: Trujillo Angela Maria , Linares Ballesteros Adriana , Sarmiento Isabel Cristina
Published: January 2017

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common cancer in children. In developed countries, overall survival rates are around 80%, while in developing countries, survival rate is much lower due to high rates of relapse, and abandonment and complications arising from the disease treatment.Objectives: To assess induction mortality, relapse and treatment abandonment. To describe the most frequent side effects of chemotherapy. To evaluate survival rates of patients and compare the findings found in this study with the existing literature.Material and methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients aged 1 to 18 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, who received treatment under the BFM ALL IC 2009 protocol at Fundación Hospital La Misericordia (HOMI), from November 2012 to December 2014.Results: 119 patients were included. Death occurred in two cases during induction (1.67%) and in nine (7.7%) due to treatment, all of them caused by infection/sepsis and in complete remission. Six patients abandoned treatment (5%), while seven relapses occurred (5.9%). All patients experienced some type of side effect related to chemotherapy, the most frequent being febrile neutropenia (41.2%) and grade 3-4 infections (15.8%). Overall survival and event-free survival rates were 79.9% and 73.3%, respectively.Conclusions: Evaluating complications of treatment and death allows adopting measures and strategies to reduce such complications.
The Function of Planning in Children with a History of Neuro-Oncological Disease
Authors: Burdukova Y.A. , Alekseeva O.S.
Published: January 2017

The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of radio- and chemotherapy and tumor's localization on executive functions of the prefrontal cortex. Research involved 58 children with neuro-oncological disease in anamnesis (cerebellum localization and temporal – parietal lobes localization) treated in the Morozov Children's Clinical Hospital. Also research involved 120 typically developing children. Planning was assessed using the Cambridge planning test (Stockings of Cambridge) computer battery of neuropsychological tests CANTAB (Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery). Additionally, it is revealed that there is an adverse effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on executive functions in tumor of the cerebellum.

Funding
This work was supported by grant RFBR № 15-06-08680.

Acknowledgements
The authors thank neuropsychologist E.Yu. Vlasova and neurologist E.V. Andreeva for help in gathering data.
Approbation of Russian Version of the Preschool Behavior Questionnaire
Authors: Kazantseva O. , Sychev O.A. , Tutereva T.
Published: January 2017

The article presents the results of elaboration of revised Russian version of the Preschool Behavior Questionnaire by L. Behar. Was drawn up a questionnaire for teachers and parents, as a result of task selection. This version includes 15 items which describe common emotional and behavioral problems of preschool children. Approbation of this version was realized in the sample of 480 children of the age of 3-6 years old, each of them was assessed by preschool teacher and mother. The results of confirmatory factor analysis confirm three factors structure of questionnaire, which include correlated factors of aggressiveness, anxiety and hyperactivity. The internal consistency of scales is good (Cronbach’s alpha are 0.71–0.85). The preliminary data proving validity of the aggressiveness and hyperactivity scales are obtained. The percentile norms for estimation of test results are provided. The obtained results lead us to conclusion that this questionnaire may be used for screening of emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children although validity of anxiety scale needs further research.
Surgical management of pancreatic ascites
Authors: Varma Gunturi Surya Ramachandra , Suman Konidala M.V.S. , G. Sambi Reddy , Narayana Rao Dama V.L. , B. Prabhakar , G.L.N Malleshwara Rao
Published: January 2017

Background: Pancreatic ascites is a challenging problem faced by clinicians. The management requires a multidisciplinary approach. Timely surgical intervention is the key especially in patients with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic ascites where conservative and endoscopic treatments were not successful.Methods: The data was retrieved from a prospectively maintained database for a period of 4 years. A total of 14 patients were included. They were initially optimized with ascitic fluid drainage, nutritional supplementation either enteral or parenteral. Endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) was done in patients with failed conservative treatment after 2 weeks. Endoscopic pancreatic stenting was attempted in proximal ductal disruptions. Nonresponders were taken up for surgery. The type of surgery was based on the site of leak and associated pancreatic pathology like pseudocyst.Results: Initially three patients were responded to conservative management. ERCP was done in 9/14 patients. ERCP demonstrated leak of contrast into peritoneal cavity in 3 (3/9), leaking pancreatic pseudocyst in 3 (3/9) and non-visualisation of distal duct in 2 (2/9). ERCP and stenting of pancreatic duct was attempted in three patients and was successful in resolution of symptoms in one. Nine out of fourteen needed surgical intervention. Surgery was based on site of leak and presence of pseudocyst.Conclusions: Majority of the patients in our study were ethanolics and a change in life style early in the course can prevent this morbid disease. Nasojejunal tube feeding with blendarized home feeds will improve the nutritional status. CECT abdomen and ERCP will give a road map in deciding the type of intervention. For proximal ductal disruption endoscopic stenting should be tried before going for a major surgical intervention. Surgery provides definitive cure.