bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anogenital Distance Plasticity in Adulthood: Implications for Its Use as a Biomarker of Fetal Androgen Action
Authors: Mitchell Rod T. , Mungall Will , McKinnell Chris , Sharpe Richard M. , Cruickshanks Lyndsey , Milne Laura , Smith Lee B.
Published: November 2014

Androgen action during the fetal masculinization programming window (MPW) determines the maximum potential for growth of androgen-dependent organs (eg, seminal vesicles, prostate, penis, and perineum) and is reflected in anogenital distance (AGD). As such, determining AGD in postnatal life has potential as a lifelong easily accessible biomarker of overall androgen action during the MPW. However, whether the perineum remains androgen responsive in adulthood and thus responds plastically to perturbed androgen drive remains unexplored. To determine this, we treated adult male rats with either the antiandrogen flutamide or the estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) for 5 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period of no treatment. We determined AGD and its correlate anogenital index (AGI) (AGD relative to body weight) at weekly intervals across this period and compared these with normal adult rats (male and female), castrated male rats, and appropriate vehicle controls. These data showed that, in addition to reducing circulating testosterone and seminal vesicle weight, castration significantly reduced AGD (by ∼17%), demonstrating that there is a degree of plasticity in AGD in adulthood. Flutamide treatment increased circulating testosterone yet also reduced seminal vesicle weight due to local antagonism of androgen receptor. Despite this suppression, surprisingly, flutamide treatment had no effect on AGD at any time point. In contrast, although DES treatment suppressed circulating testosterone and reduced seminal vesicle weight, it also induced a significant reduction in AGD (by ∼11%), which returned to normal 1 week after cessation of DES treatment. We conclude that AGD in adult rats exhibits a degree of plasticity, which may be mediated by modulation of local androgen/estrogen action. The implications of these findings regarding the use of AGD as a lifelong clinical biomarker of fetal androgen action are discussed.
Safety, efficacy and utility of methods of transferring adhesive and cohesive Escherichia coli cells to microplates to avoid aerosols
Authors: Ericksen Bryan
Published: November 2014

The virtual colony count (VCC) microbiological assay has been utilized for over a decade to measure the antimicrobial activity of peptides such as defensins and LL-37 against biosafety level (BSL)-1 and BSL-2 bacteria including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Enterobacter aerogenes.  In addition, a modified pipetting technique was presented in a 2011 study of defensin activity against the BSL-3 pathogen Bacillus anthracis.  Both studies were published in the journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy.  Here we report that the method can also detect cross-contamination caused by aerosols utilizing the VCC method of data analysis by quantitative growth kinetics (QGK).  The QGK threshold time, or Tt, equivalent to the cycle time Ct reported in 1996 by Heid et al., precisely identifies when wells were inoculated.
To the Question of Classification of Sources of Contemporary English Criminal Law
Authors: Golovanova Natalya
Published: November 2014

Уголовное право, кодификация, мини-кодекс, первичное и вторичное законодательство, статутные преступления, субстатутные преступления, уголовные наказания, гражданские санкции.
Soft Law and the Rule of Law
Authors: Fogyelson YUriy
Published: November 2014

This is the second paper from the series of two papers. In the first paper based on the communicative approach the main attributes of soft law in modern legal discourse were considered and their study showed that the modern legal systems moving from mono(state)centricity to a polycentricity. In this paper, through the prism of various legal theories the causes of this phenomenon are discussing. The research shows that the exhaustion of the capacity of the state both in regulation and in dispute resolution dictates the deviation from the legal monism and decentralization of law. It is also showing that some kinds of decentralization of law do not retain legal clarity and rule of law. Decentralization of law by creating a field of homogeneous legal communications does not allow preserving legal clarity, whereas polycentric one does allow.
Alcohol brief interventions in general practice
Authors: Clossick Emma , Woodward Sue
Published: November 2014

Harmful levels of alcohol consumption are a longstanding but continually growing health concern affecting individuals, and consequently populations. Through personalised advice, alcohol brief interventions (ABIs) target drinking habits, which are deemed damaging to health. They are not targeted at dependent drinkers for whom a more intensive and specialist service would be better suited. In response to recent shifts in public-health strategy away from ABIs, and the publication of new trials into their effectiveness, this article evaluates the value of ABIs through the review of eleven relevant studies. Findings suggest that hazardous drinkers did reduce their drinking patterns following ABI, but not more so than control participants who were given standard treatment. The evolution of standard treatment to include thorough screening, non-personalised advice and sometimes literature on alcohol intake delivers an intervention, that is effective in reducing drinking. Therefore, future research and practice should focus on screening methods and quality of standard care rather than on brief interventions.
Bladder washouts in the management of long-term catheters
Authors: Evans Ann , Godfrey Helen
Published: November 2014

It has been estimated that 40—50% of patients with long-term catheters can suffer with catheter blockage. This not only causes distress to the patient but also increases the demands on community nurses' time and resources. Infection with bacteria such as Proteus causes the urine to become alkaline. Crystalline deposits can then form inside the catheter lumen which causes blockage. Nurses often manage blocked catheters with the use of bladder ‘washouts’ or bladder instillations. However, the literature is confused over the terminology of ‘bladder washouts’, instillations and irrigation and a great deal of controversy surrounds the effectiveness of these procedures. Crisis management of catheters occurs when nurses wait for catheters to become blocked before changing them; this often occurs at inconvenient times and patients frequently have to wait several hours before help is available. To avoid crisis management, nurses should aim to assess individual patients' ‘pattern of catheter life’ and plan changes accordingly. This would improve patient care and allow nurses to utilize their time more effectively.
Should we be allowed to sell our organs to save people's lives?
Authors: Biela Chris , Ellis Peter
Published: November 2014

There is a real need for a public and political debate about how a civilized society manages the shortfall in organs available for transplant. Chris Biela and Peter Ellis explore the arguments for and against a market in human organs and establish some of the relevant ethical and moral issues around consent and personal choice relevant for this debate.
Identification and management of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Thomas Nicola
Published: November 2014

The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has made recommendations for managing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults in primary and secondary care. Nicola Thomas reviews the recommendations of the guidance (including staging of CKD) and identifi es the ways in which organizations can implement the guidance.
The development of vascular access for haemodialysis, part 2
Authors: Mackie Sarah
Published: November 2014

Sarah Mackie continues her overview of the history of vascular access with part two in this series. Here she highlights the significant events that make up the history of dialysis therapy and vascular surgery. This interesting journey provides the background to modern vascular access practice.
Renal nursing basics: oral hygiene and hair care
Authors: Mackie Sarah
Published: November 2014

The care of the mouth and hair are basic nursing activities that need to be carried out consistently. Nurses and health care assistants play a vital role in providing this care, which has a significant impact on patients' general wellbeing: their appearance and self-esteem, and general quality of life.
My wife gave me her kidney
Authors: Rowland Alistair
Published: November 2014

Alistair Rowland gives a personal account of how polycystic kidney disease affects him and his family. He describes his psychological and physical journey from accepting his illness to his experience of kidney failure and receiving a kidney transplant from his beloved wife Trudy.
The renal dietitian: translating the textbook to the table
Authors: Dietitian Renal
Published: November 2014

Renal dietitians are involved in many diet-related roles from designing hospital menus to helping individual patients make sense of the restrictions imposed on them when following a renal diet at home. There are many challenges in communicating and encouraging patients to change their eating habits.
Influence of superabsorbent dressings on non-healing ulcers: a multicentre case series from the Netherlands and the UK
Authors: van Leen M. , Rondas A. , Neyens J. , Cutting K. , Schols J.M.G.A.
Published: November 2014

Objective:

To record and assess the application and the progression of wound healing in patients who received Sorbion sachet S or Sorbion Sana wound dressings.

Method:

A convenience sample of patients with chronic wounds was recruited from nursing homes or community wound clinics in the Netherlands and the UK. Wound surface area measurements, pain assessment using a visual analogue scale score, patient affect (mood) and social interaction were recorded using a specifically designed evaluation template.

Results:

Pressure ulcer (PU) (n=11) and leg ulcer (LU) (n=20) patients had a mean age of 64.6 years and 71.7 years, respectively. Mean PU surface area decreased from 15.27cm2 in week 0 to 7.63cm2 in week 8, while mean LU surface area decreased from 19.43cm2 in week 0 to 7.19cm2 in week 8. Mean PU pain decreased from 3.69 in week 0 to 0.67 in week 8, while pain at dressing change decreased from 3.23 in week 0 to 0.75 in week 8. Furthermore, mean LU pain decreased from 3.45 in week 0 to 1.90 in week 8, and pain at dressing change decreased from 3.4 in week 0 to 1.3 in week 8. The number of patients experiencing a negative influence of the PU on affect reduced from 6 in week 0 to 2 in week 8 and on social interaction from 6 in week 0 to 2 in week 8. The number of patients experiencing a negative influence of their LU on affect reduced from 7 in week 0 to zero in week 8 and on social interaction from 7 in week 0 to 2 in week 8.

Conclusion:

This case series records the response of patients’ chronic wounds in terms of wound progress, patient pain and additional psycho-social factors following the application of the superabsorbent dressings and indicates that the dressings have a positive role to play in creating an environment conductive to the promotion of healing in LUs and PUs.

Declaration of interest:

Keith Cutting Ltd received an unrestricted research grant for participating in the collation of the two case series.
Biofilms in wounds: a review of present knowledge
Authors: Cooper R.A. , Bjarnsholt T. , Alhede M.
Published: November 2014

Following confirmation of the presence of biofilms in chronic wounds, the term biofilm became a buzzword within the wound healing community. For more than a century pathogens have been successfully isolated and identified from wound specimens using techniques that were devised in the nineteenth century by Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch. Although this approach still provides valuable information with which to help diagnose acute infections and to select appropriate antibiotic therapies, it is evident that those organisms isolated from clinical specimens with the conditions normally used in diagnostic laboratories are mainly in a planktonic form that is unrepresentative of the way in which most microbial species exist naturally. Usually microbial species adhere to each other, as well as to living and non-living surfaces, where they form complex communities surrounded by collectively secreted extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Cells within such aggregations (or biofilms) display varying physiological and metabolic properties that are distinct from those of planktonic cells, and which contribute to their persistence. There are many factors that influence healing in wounds and the discovery of biofilms in chronic wounds has provided new insight into the reasons why. Increased tolerance of biofilms to antimicrobial agents explains the limited efficacy of antimicrobial agents in chronic wounds and illustrates the need to develop new management strategies. This review aims to explain the nature of biofilms, with a view to explaining their impact on wounds.
Hedonism and the Divided Soul in Plato’s Protagoras
Authors: Moss Jessica
Published: November 2014

Why is the
Reporting and Stance in Second Language Academic Writing
Authors: Liu Yongbing , Zhou Hui
Published: November 2014

This paper reports on an inquiry into the construction of stance in finite reporting
Maximal and Calderón–Zygmund operators in grand variable exponent Lebesgue spaces
Authors: Kokilashvili Vakhtang , Meskhi Alexander
Published: November 2014

New function spaces

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$L^{ p(\,\cdot \,), \theta }$

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unifying grand Lebesgue spaces and variable exponent Lebesgue spaces are introduced. The boundedness of maximal and Calderón–Zygmund operators in these spaces defined on spaces of homogeneous type are derived. The Sobolev type theorem for fractional integrals is also established in the class of functions which is narrower than the space

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.
The Eight Paradises (the Hasht bihisht) and the Question of the Existence of its Autographs
Authors: Fallahzadeh Mehrdad
Published: November 2014

Among the Persian historiographical works written in the Ottoman Empire, the
Is there a relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels in childhood obesity?
Authors: Akyürek Nesibe , Atabek Mehmet Emre , Eklioglu Beray Selver , Alp Hayrullah
Published: November 2014

In this study, parameters of metabolic syndrome and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels in obese children and adolescents were evaluated and the associations between these factors were analyzed.

One hundred obese and 40 healthy children/adolescents were included in the study. Pubertal stages, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were recorded. Levels of fasting serum lipids, glucose, insulin, and DHEAS, and liver function tests were determined. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was measured using two-dimensional echocardiography. Steatorrhoeic hepatosis was evaluated using abdominal ultrasonography in the obese group.

Mean body weight, body mass index, waist, hip circumference, waist/hip ratio, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine transferase, DHEAS, and CIMT values were significantly higher in the obese group than in the controls. DHEAS levels were found to be positively correlated with waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, and CIMT.

Early determination of metabolic and cardiac dysfunction in obese children is important for the prevention of future complications. Since in this study we found a strong association between DHEAS levels and obesity-related metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors, we believe that this may lead to increased interest in further studies of DHEAS in the search for new treatment approaches.
A new missense mutation in the BCKDHB gene causes the classic form of maple syrup urine disease (MSUD)
Authors: Miryounesi Mohammad , Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh , Goodarzi Hamedreza , Fardaei Majid
Published: November 2014

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disease caused by mutations in the
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids enhance cytokine production and oxidative stress in a mouse model of preterm labor
Authors: Boulis Tharwat Stewart , Rochelson Burton , Novick Olivia , Xue Xiangying , Chatterjee Prodyot K. , Gupta Madhu , Solanki Malvika H. , Akerman Meredith , Metz Christine N.
Published: November 2014

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3 PUFA) supplementation during pregnancy remains controversial. We sought to examine the effects of ω-3 PUFA on inflammation and oxidative stress

Female Swiss Webster mice were fed a normal diet or a 5% fish oil (FO) diet for 3 weeks then mated with normal-fed males. On gestational day 15, dams were injected with either saline (n=10 per group) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS, intrauterine) (n=10 per group). Maternal plasma, amniotic fluid, placentas, and uteri were collected 4 h later and assessed for cytokines; maternal plasma and amniotic fluids were analyzed for oxidative stress.

. Administration of the 5% FO diet enhanced LPS-induced cytokines in the placenta (P<0.05–0.01) and increased tumor necrosis factor-α in the uterus (P<0.05) and amniotic fluid (P<0.01) when compared to LPS-treated normal-fed animals. Maternal plasma obtained from FO-fed dams showed higher LPS-induced oxidative stress than control-fed animals (P<0.035). However, no differences in oxidative stress were observed in the amniotic fluid.

Supplementation with FO for prior to and during pregnancy significantly increased LPS-induced inflammation in the amniotic fluid, uterus, and placenta and significantly increased maternal systemic oxidative stress
Caspr and Caspr2 Are Required for Both Radial and Longitudinal Organization of Myelinated Axons
Authors: Gordon Aaron , Adamsky Konstantin , Vainshtein Anya , Frechter Shahar , Dupree Jeffrey L. , Rosenbluth Jack , Peles Elior
Published: November 2014

In myelinated peripheral axons, Kv1 potassium channels are clustered at the juxtaparanodal region and at an internodal line located along the mesaxon and below the Schmidt-Lanterman incisures. This polarized distribution is controlled by Schwann cells and requires specific cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). The accumulation of Kv1 channels at the juxtaparanodal region depends on the presence of Caspr2 at this site, as well as on the presence of Caspr at the adjacent paranodal junction. However, the localization of these channels along the mesaxonal internodal line still persists in the absence of each one of these CAMs. By generating mice lacking both Caspr and Caspr2 (caspr−/−/caspr2−/−), we now reveal compensatory functions of the two proteins in the organization of the axolemma. Although Kv1 channels are clustered along the inner mesaxon and in a circumferential ring below the incisures in the single mutants, in sciatic nerves ofcaspr−/−/caspr2−/−mice, these channels formed large aggregates that were dispersed along the axolemma, demonstrating that internodal localization of Kv1 channels requires either Caspr or Caspr2. Furthermore, deletion of both Caspr and Caspr2 also resulted in widening of the nodes of Ranvier, suggesting that Caspr2 (which is present at paranodes in the absence of Caspr) can partially compensate for the barrier function of Caspr at this site even without the formation of a distinct paranodal junction. Our results indicate that Caspr and Caspr2 are required for the organization of the axolemma both radially, manifested as the mesaxonal line, and longitudinally, demarcated by the nodal domains.
PHYSICO CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF A T5-LIKE SALMONELLA PHAGE ΦSP-3
Authors: Augustine Jeena , G. Bhat Sarita
Published: November 2014

Antimicrobial resistance is a problem faced by humanity for quite some time now. Search for an intelligent alterative to antibiotics led the scientific community to join hands with an age old foe of pathogenic bacteria - bacteriophages. The present study elaborates the potential of a previously isolated phage with biocontrol capability, to survive and adsorb in various physicochemical environments . ΦSP-3, a Salmonella specific lytic phage capable of infecting host in nutrient deprived states with an added advantage of high host specificity and absence of virulence genes as previously reported was chosen for the study. Salmonella Enteritidis was used as host. Basic growth parameters like time taken for phage adsorption, optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI) and one step growth curve, were determined, followed by physicochemical characterization. Various parameters studied include temperature, pH, salinity and presence of sugars and CaCl2. 25 minutes of exposure time was required for 100% adsorption and optimal MOI was calculated as one. The latent period and the rise period was 30 minutes each with a subsequent burst size of 60 phages per bacterium. ΦSP-3 could survive upto 70ºC. 1M NaCl was optimal for phage viability while 0.25M favored maximal adsorption. The optimum pH for ΦSP-3 viability and adsorption was 8. Among the sugars,Arabinose was most influential in inactivating ΦSP-3. 100% adsorption was achieved at both 37ºC and at 40ºC. 10mM of CaCl2 to be optimum for ΦSP-3. Thus the present study substantiates the candidature of ΦSP-3 as a sturdy biocontrol agent capable of thriving well in diverse physicochemical environments.
EFFECTS OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS AS BACTERIAL EFFLUX PUMP INHIBITORS ON QUORUM SENSING REGULATED BEHAVIORS
Authors: Aybey Aynur , Usta Alev , Demirkan Elif
Published: November 2014

Psychotropic drugs are known to have antimicrobial activity against several groups of microorganisms. The antidepressant agents such as duloxetine, paroxetine, hydroxyzine and venlafaxine are shown to act as efflux pump inhibitors in bacterial cells. In order to the investigation of the effects of psychotropic drugs were determined for clinically significant pathogens by using standart broth microdillusion method. The anti-quorum sensing (anti-QS) activity of psychotropic drugs was tested against four test pathogens using the agar well diffusion method. All drugs showed strong inhibitory effect on the growth of S. typhimurium. Additionally, quorum sensing-regulated behaviors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, including swarming, swimming and twitching motility and alkaline protease production were investigated. Most effective drugs on swarming, swimming and twitching motility and alkaline protease production, respectively, were paroxetine and duloxetine; duloxetine; hydroxyzine and venlafaxine; paroxetine and venlafaxine; venlafaxine. Accordingly, psychotropic drugs were shown strongly anti-QS activity by acting as bacterial efflux pump inhibitors and effection on motility and alkaline protease production of P. aeruginosa.
IN VITRO PRODUCTION OF MICRORHIZOMES IN GINGER (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE ROSCO)
Authors: Abbas Mohamed , Aly Usama , Taha Hussein , Gaber El-Sayed
Published: November 2014

The present investigation was carried out to highlight an effective protocol for in vitro production of ginger microrhizomes. Microrhizomes were induced at the base of the in vitro derived shoots upon transfer to MS medium containing various concentrations of (30, 60 and 90 g/L), BAP: 6-benzylaminopurine (3, 6 and 9 mg/L) and grown under varying photoperiodism in addition to the MS medium supplemented with 9 mg/L BAP and 60-90 g/L sucrose under 16-h photoperiod within 10 weeks of cultivation were the best conditions for microrhizomes induction. Ginger microrhizomes formation in vitro was found to be controlled by many factors, including the concentrations of BAP and sucrose as well as photoperiodism during culturing period.
QUANTIFICATION OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN MILK BY MPN-PCR AND MPN-CULTURE METHODS
Authors: Hosseini Mahzad , Jamsidi Abdollah , Khanzadi Saeid
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study was to compare the MPN-PCR (Most Probable Number- Polymerase Chain Reaction) and MPN-Culture methods in enumerating of Listeria monocytogenes in milk. In order to compare the accuracy of these methods, 103 cell/ml Listeria monocytogenes and different background bacteria which may be present in raw milk, were inoculated in sterilized milk. After preparing serial dilutions, three replicates per dilution were inoculated in tubes containing listeria enrichment broth. After 48 hours of incubation, for MPN-Culture three inoculated replicates were subcultured on Oxford agar and suspected colonies were confirmed by performing by biochemical tests.
For MPN-PCR assay, the DNA extraction was performed from the three inoculated replicates which were already used for MPN-Culture and PCR assay was performed using primers specific for Listeria monocytogenes.
The experiment was repeated three times and the average of enumerated bacteria was calculated by each method separately.
Statistical analysis using one sample Wilcoxon signed rank test showed that enumeration by MPN-PCR method was more accurate than enumeration by MPN-Culture method.
The result of this study showed that MPN-PCR method in comparision with MPN-Culture even in the presence of different background microorganisms is more rapid and reliable. It is concluded that MPN-PCR method facilitates the enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes without excessive work and could be considered as an alternative to MPN-Culture technique.
THE EFFECT OF BEE POLLEN ON BROILER BREAST AND THIGH MEAT COLOUR L* a* b*
Authors: Haščík Peter , Elimam Ibrahim , Čuboň Juraj , Trembecká Lenka , Tkáčová Jana , Kročko Miroslav , Kačániová Miroslava
Published: November 2014

The present study was aimed to investigate the impact of the addition bee pollen as supplements diet into the broiler feed mixture on broiler breast and thigh meat colour such as L* (lightness), a* (redness), and b* (yellowness) values. A total of the 180 chickens in one day old chickens hybrid combination Ross 308 which were divided into 6 groups (n=30): control, (I, II, III, IV and V) experimental groups. The value of L* in the control group was higher compared to the experimental groups except (II, IV) groups. The a* value in the breast was tended slightly to green in control and (I, V) groups only in (II, III, IV) groups which the value of the a* was tended slightly to redness colour and there were found significant differences (P≤0.05) between control and (II, III, IV) groups in breast and thigh muscles. Further, in the breast and thigh they were found that the b* value was higher in the control group compared to the experimental groups (I, II, III, IV and V) and there were found significant differences (P≤0.05) between control group and (II, III) groups. However, they were conclude that the bee pollen has no effect on broiler breast and thigh meat colour L* (lightness), otherwise they were found that the bee pollen in the amount (1500, 2500 and 3500 mg.kg-1) were tended the broiler breast muscles to redness coloour slightly compared to the experimental group.
POTENTIAL IN VITRO ANTI-HELICOBACTER ACTIVITY OF BACTERIOCIN AND BACTERIOCIN-LIKE COMPOUNDS PRODUCED BY LACTOBACILLI
Authors: A. Ramadan Mohammed , A. Megahed Salwa , M. Eltaweel Karim , S. Yassin Aymen
Published: November 2014

The study was designed for screening of the potential activity of lactic acid bacteria against Helicobacter pylori and other enteropathogenic organisms. A total of 40 samples including natural cow milk and fresh infant stools were tested for the presence of lactic acid bacteria. Of these samples, 73 lactic acid bacterial isolates were recovered on MRS agar medium using the streak-plate method. Isolates inducing probiotic effect were tested under microaerophilic conditions against standard cultures of H. pylori, Esherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis. The data obtained showed that five isolates of lactic acid bacteria were able to produce bacteriocin or bacteriocin-like compounds. Sequencing of 16S rRNA gene revealed that five isolates belonged to Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus plantarum in addition to other lactic acid bacteria. The most effective isolate (LAB1) showed a marked large inhibition zone against H. pylori. The bacteriocin or bacteriocin like compound(s) produced by lactobacilli were further analyzed and characterized. We can conclude that probiotics might be useful in the prophylaxis or as co-therapy for treatment of H. pylori infections.
APLICACIÓN DE MÉTODOS GEOESTADÍSTICOS PARA LA CARACTERIZACIÓN DE LA CALIDAD QUÍMICA DE UN DEPÓSITO DE MATERIAL CALCÁREO
Authors: Villada-Arias Isabel C. , Londoño-Ciro Libardo A.
Published: November 2014

La aplicación de métodos estadísticos a datos geoquímicos, permite realizar estimaciones de la distribución de la calidad de un depósito de material calcáreo. El estudio espacial de los contenidos de CaO, MgO y SiO2, a través de métodos de interpolación como el kriging y sus variantes, suministra información de los contenidos de óxidos en lugares donde no existen mediciones, con confiabilidades de estimación mayores al 90%, proporcionando bajas medidas en los errores de estimación. Lo anterior permite identificar áreas potenciales para la ocurrencia de material apto para la producción de carbonato de calcio, que serán evaluadas mediante futuras fases de exploración.
First-principles investigation of boron incorporation into CRUD under Pressurized Water Reactor conditions
Authors: Rák Zs. , O’Brien C. J. , Brenner D. W.
Published: November 2014

The accumulation of boron within the porous nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4, NFO) deposits on nuclear fuel rods is a major technological problem with important safety and economical implications. In this work, first-principles results are combined with experimental thermochemical data to analyze the energetics of vacancy formation in NFO and the possibility of B incorporation into the structure of NFO. Under solid-solid equilibrium conditions, the calculations suggest that vacancy formation and B incorporation into the NFO structure is energetically unfavorable, the main limiting factors being the narrow stability domain of NFO and the precipitation of B2O3, Fe3BO5, and Ni3B2O6 as secondary phases. Assuming solid-liquid equilibrium between NFO and the surrounding aqueous solution saturated with respect to NFO, the calculations predict that in operating PWR environment, Ni vacancies are likely to form. Under these conditions the possibility of B incorporation at the Ni vacancy sites cannot be excluded.
Ocena wpływu procesu utrwalania na determinanty jakości soków owocowych
Authors: Popek Stanisław
Published: November 2014

In the light of increasing consumer awareness of the relationship between food, nutrition, and health, the present work looks at the impact of one of the elements of thermal preservation on the determinants of juice quality. The impact on the juice is not limited only to extended product life but also to increased or decreased quality. This study has allowed the author to verify the hypothesis that the level of selected physicochemical and sensory determinants of quality of fruit juices depends on the type of preservation process used. The research was done on orange juices preserved using conventional and gentle pasteurisation. The results show the impact the individual preservation processes had on the sensory qualities of the juices under consideration.
Projektowanie nowych produktów spożywczych a konkurencyjność firmy
Authors: Halagarda Michał
Published: November 2014

Ever-growing competition on the food market forces food producers to launch new products onto the market more frequently. The article discusses models of the new food product development process, definitions and classifications of new products and new food product success measures and factors that influence the effectiveness of the development process. It presents the factors that influence the success of the development processes and describes the importance of the development process for building efficient product portfolios and marketing strategies. It concludes with a look at the advantages to a company of using food product development processes.
Świadomość kobiet w zakresie żywności powodującej alergię u niemowląt i małych dzieci
Authors: Dziuba Anna , Suwała Grzegorz
Published: November 2014

The subject of this study was issues related to the food that causes allergies in infants and young children. The study gathered information on the awareness of mothers and future mothers on the risk of food allergies and knowledge of major products that cause allergies in infants and young children. A hundred correctly completed questionnaires were analysed, allowing the authors to determine the level of knowledge the women possessed on this subject. They also concluded that there was a range of ability, depending on the age of the respondents, to recognise early symptoms of allergy, the predisposition to inherit allergies and the duration of an allergy. There was no correlation between knowledge and the place of residence or the level of educational of either present or future mothers.
Water justice: exploring the social dimensions of new irrigation technologies in northern Victoria, Australia
Authors: Collett Brent , Henry Nicola
Published: November 2014

Water resource management is one of the most pressing human and environmental challenges of the 21st century. Technological approaches to improving the management of water feature prominently, with technology positioned as the solution to issues of competing interests and the achievement of water savings. This paper analyses the social dimensions of a regional-level irrigation technology, examining the piloting of Total Channel Control™ technology in northern Victoria, Australia, as a case study. Water savings, organisational efficiency, on-demand ordering, occupational health and safety improvements, and many other benefits were anticipated to flow from this ‘world first’ technology. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and participant observation of an irrigation committee, this paper examines stakeholder accounts regarding piloting of the technology. We argue that in order to achieve justice and fairness in implementing regional irrigation technology, three essential criteria must be met: genuine consultation, participation and negotiation; responsive and respectful dialogue and communication; and mutual information exchange. As society shifts towards greater reliance on technological intervention to solve some of the most pressing dilemmas of the modern era, a more holistic approach focusing on the complexity of human interaction with the technology is vital.
Water governance and social justice in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Haglund LaDawn
Published: November 2014

In the greater metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil, close to 20 million people share water resources across multiple uses, from industry to recreation to basic household use. These resources have come under increasing strain due to urban expansion, poor planning, and, more recently, climate change. Conflicts among uses and their underlying principles are increasingly adjudicated in courts, with the Ministério Público (Public Prosecutor's Office) acting as a key advocate for both human rights and environmental protection. As legal interventions become more common in policy questions, how are justice principles shaping emerging approaches to water governance? And how are these types of cases provoking a reconsideration of the role of law in public administration? This paper analyzes the justice ramifications of an increasing use of legal discourses and practices to adjudicate water-related conflicts in São Paulo. It also, and conversely, shows how legal battles over water and sanitation force a shift in the behavior and perspectives of legal actors, and subsequently broaden the meaning of ‘justice.’
Assessment of Beta-Cell Function During Pregnancy and after Delivery
Authors: Genova M. P. , Todorova-Ananieva K. , Atanasova B. , Tzatchev K.
Published: November 2014

The aim of the present study was to assess β-cell function using homeostasis model (HOMA-B) and disposition index (DI) in pregnant women with/without gestational diabetes, and after delivery. A total of 102 pregnant women between 24-28 gestational weeks (53 with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 49 with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and 22 GDM postpartum women (8-12 weeks after delivery) were included in the study. All postpartum women had a history of GDM. HOMA indexes (insulin resistance - HOMA-IR and HOMA-B for assessing β-cell function) were calculated from fasting glucose and insulin concentrations. To estimate insulin secretion independent of insulin sensitivity, DI was calculated using glucose and insulin levels at 0 and 60 min during the course of a 2 h 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In GDM pregnant women HOMA-B was significantly lower compared to NGT women (p = 0.017), but there was no significant difference compared to women after birth (NS). There was difference between NGT and postpartum women (p < 0.05). DI was significantly lower for GDM pregnant women in comparison to NGT and postpartum women (p < 0.0001; p = 0.011), between NGT and women after birth (p < 0.04). In our study, comparison of НОМА-В in NGT and GDM pregnant women demonstrated that the OR of developing GDM was 0.989 (95% CI, 0.980-0.998, P = 0.013), and comparison of DI in healthy pregnant and GDM showed that the OR of developing GDM was 0.967 (95% CI, 0.947-0.988, P = 0.002). Therefore, HOMA-B and DI appear to be protective factors in the risk of developing GDM. According to our results, assessment of β-cell function, using HOMA-B and DI, showed that they are lower in GDM than NGT group and postpartum women. It is important to note that HOMA-B did not show significant difference between GDM pregnant and women after delivery with a history for GDM. We assume that pregnant women with GDM have a pancreatic β-cell defect that remains after birth. These women are at increased risk for developing diabetes mellitus, the most frequent type 2 diabetes, in the future after birth.
Proinsulin in Healthy Pregnancy, Pregnancy with Gestational Diabetes and after Delivery
Authors: Genova M. P. , Todorova-Ananieva K. , Atanasova B. , Tzatchev K.
Published: November 2014

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels of pro-insulin and pro-insulin/ insulin ratio (PIR) in pregnant with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), pregnant with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and women after delivery with GDM history. Normal pregnancy is characterized by progressive insulin resistance, which is physiologically compensated by an increase in insulin secretion. The higher secretion of the insulin precursor pro-insulin has been associated with β-cell dysfunction. A total of 102 pregnant women between 24-28 gestational weeks (53 GDM pregnant, 49 with NGT) and 22 postpartum with GDM history, as assessed by a 2h oral glucose tolerance test, were included in the study. Fasting plasma insulin and pro-insulin (PI) concentrations at the basal state were measured in all women. The ratio pro-insulin/insulin was calculated. BMI was significantly higher in GDM pregnant compared to NGT weight-matched group (30.56 ± 6.9 vs. 30.56 ± 6.9; p < 0, 011) and compared to the levels after delivery (30.56 ± 6.9vs. 27.9 ± 6, 27; p < 0, 001). Significant differences in the levels of PI between NGT and GDM pregnant (3.94 ± 2.78 vs. 7.59 ± 5.27; p = 0.006), between GDM and postpartum women (7.59 ± 5.27 vs. 4.46 ± 1.14; p = 0.022) were established. No signifi cant difference in the level of PIR between two pregnant groups was observed. Separately NGT and GDM showed signifi cant difference compared to young mothers (0.41 ± 0.14 vs. 0.148 ± 0.031, p < 0.02; 0.46 ± 0.16 vs. 0.148 ± 0.031, p = 0.009). Fasting insulin was statistically higher in GDM pregnant compare to NGT and women after delivery (13.84 ± 8.43 vs. 11.35 ± 7.38, p = 0.02; 13.84 ± 8.43 vs. 10.60 ± 7.53, p < 0.01). The correlation between PIR and BMI in the three groups studied were r = 0.416; r = 0,741; r = 0,556 (with statistical significance p = 0.01 between NGT and GDM pregnancy, p = 0.02 between GDM pregnancy and postpartum, p < 0.0001 between NGT pregnancy and young mother with GDM history). In our study, comparison of PI levels between pregnant with NGT and GDM demonstrated that the OR of developing GDM was 1.194 (95% CI, 1.028-1.329, P = 0.001). Increasing the value of PI with 10 pmol/l increases the risk for development of GDM with 19.4%. According to our results, pregnant with GDM have elevated levels of pro-insulin and PIR which could serve as a markers for this condition. These results support our findings about relationship and influence of BMI on β-cell functions, established in this study with normotolerant, gestational diabetes pregnant and women postpartum with GDM history. These results demonstrate that gestational diabetics have abnormalities in pancreatic beta-cell secretion, which are likely to be important both in the etiology of gestational diabetes and non-insulin dependent diabetes.
Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids – Contemporary Concepts and Treatment Options
Authors: Yordanov Y. P. , Shef A.
Published: November 2014

Wound reparative process after surgery, burns, injuries, and inflammatory processes results in a spectrum of scar formation ranging from nearly scarless healing to excessive fibrosis or atrophy. Scarring is considered a major medical problem that leads to aesthetic and functional sequelae. Scar tissue is clinically distinguished from normal skin by an aberrant color, rough surface texture, increased thickness (hypertrophy), occurrence of contraction, and firmness. In the last decade, the concept of wound healing kinetics has been developed to describe the delicate balance of cell activity involved in scar formation and remodeling. Hypertrophic scars and keloids are formed as a result of the process of abnormal wound healing. Despite all that has been written on improving the appearance of these types of scars, there are no definitive management protocols. The aim of the present article is to make a brief review of the basic wound healing, while focusing on medicine’s latest understanding of the development and treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars.
Toxoplasmosis and its Ocular Manifestations
Authors: Koev Kr.
Published: November 2014

The present review provides general information about the parasitic infection of toxoplasmosis and describes the ways of its transmission. It outlines the importance of the consequences of toxoplasmosis infection and the methods of its prevention. The review traces the harmful effects of the disease on human and animal organisms, the causes and stages of development of the disease. The review specifically focuses on the ocular manifestations of toxoplasmosis which can cause ocular lesions, inflammation and scarring. Herein are described the ways toxoplasmosis can damage the eyes causing chorioretinitis, nystagmus, microphthalmia, etc. Furthermore, the review addresses the problem of how congenital and acquired toxoplasmosis affects eyes. The ocular symptoms of toxoplasmosis include weakened or blurred vision, eyeballs pain, ocular sensitivity to light, etc. The harmful effects of toxoplasmosis to pregnant women and immunocompromised patients have been delineated. Some of the disease manifestations include jaundice, rash, asphyxia, etc. The review traces the diagnostic work-up and comments on common tests for toxoplasmosis, such as taking of blood serum samples. The review ends with the treatment of the disease and of its ocular manifestations in particular, for example application of intravitreous injection. The prevention of the infection is extremely important for pregnant women, immunocompromised patients and patients with AIDS.
Hpv-Associated Penile Pigmented Lesion
Authors: Ananiev J. , Tchernev G. , Philipov S. , Guarneri C. , Zisova L. , Hristova R. , Betekhtin M. , Wollina U.
Published: November 2014

HPV infection is involved in the etiology of a number of nonmalignant, premalignant and malignant cutaneous lesions. One of them is the so-called giant condyloma of Buschke-Löwenstein type (Buschke-Löwenstein tumor, BLT), which sometimes can imitate clinically other tumors or tumor-like conditions. Clinicians face a particular challenge in cases of BLT where, clinically, the lesions demonstrate a permanent brown hyperpigmentation in parallel with the dermatoscopic lack of the characteristic melanocytic network, globules or regression zones. There are uncommon clinical presentations with solitary, sharply demarcated pigmented lesions. In these cases the histopathological verification of the lesion is obligatory and the most efficient treatment method in the early period of the disease is the complete surgical excision. We report a case of a 74-year-old man who was admitted to the University Hospital “Lozenetz” in connection with profuse variceal bleeding of the esophagus associated with liver cirrhosis of unknown etiology. He underwent a consultative examination at the department of dermatology because of suspected advanced stage melanoma of the prepuce. Computed tomographic analysis indicated diffuse bone metastases located in the small pelvis and femur, as well as metastatic disease in the left inguinal lymph nodes. However, the subsequent histopathologic examination of the lesion, rather than showing melanoma, confirmed the presence of HPV-associated giant condyloma of Buschke and Löwenstein in initial stage, without histopathological evidence for invasive and destructive tumor growth. After his death, the patient’s relatives did not give consent for an autopsy, and therefore the genesis of the metastases, demonstrated by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMR), remained unclear. In some cases, the clinical picture of the malignant and premalignant cutaneous lesions in the genital area could be problematic. The complete surgical excision with a subsequent histopathological verification is the best way to find out the exact diagnosis
The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement prior to the Vilnius Eastern Partnership Summit
Authors: Pastore Gunta
Published: November 2014

This paper seeks to explore how the EU policy on Ukraine evolved in the run-up to the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius in November 2013. In particular, it looks into the preparations leading to the signature of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. Thereby it contributes to better understanding of the EU policy debate related to the associated negotiations with the Eastern Partnership countries.

Prior to the Vilnius Summit there were high expectations that signature of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement would become a key deliverable of the summit. After the EU had postponed the signing of the agreement due to Ukraine’s backsliding in democracy for several times, the process gained new momentum in 2013. It is suggested that exogenous factors, such as Russia’s increasing pressure on Ukraine, contributed to consolidating the EU position.

However, at the last minute Ukraine suspended its signature of the agreement at the Vilnius Summit. While Ukraine’s domestic developments and Yanukovych’s deals with Russia can be blamed for this fiasco, the EU Member States take a large share of responsibility. Lack of creativity to find a way out of the deadlock, as well as lack of the political will on the part of EU leaders to fight for Ukraine explains why the Association Agreement turned out as a missed opportunity.