bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Governança corporativa e responsabilidade social corporativa: uma revisão sistemática desta relação
Authors: Cunha Janaína Gabrielle Moreira Campos da , Deretti Sandro , Silva Eduardo Damião da
Published: January 2016

As temáticas Responsabilidade Social Corporativa – RSC e Governança Corporativa - GC contemplam diversas definições na literatura científica. Fica evidente que por não possuírem um sentido único, sujeito a várias interpretações, estes campos geram muitas discussões e divergências quanto as suas definições e também relações. Assim, este estudo apresenta a contribuição do que foi produzido acerca da RSC e GC para o desenvolvimento do conhecimento da área, realizando o levantamento e investigação da produção acadêmica nacional e internacional da relação entre os referidos temas. Procedeu-se busca em periódicos internacionais de maior fator de impacto no campo da administração e nos principais periódicos nacionais nos últimos 5 anos. Analisou-se 44 trabalhos sendo 26 adequados ao estudo. Elaborou-se uma revisão sistemática, com a categorização em 6 eixos temáticos explorando as contribuições teóricas e metodológicas. Os achados deste estudo possibilitam a determinação de rumos para novas pesquisas que possam avançar neste campo de estudo.
Interfaces entre a Comunicação e a Gestão Social no Contexto do Desenvolvimento Territorial: um estudo do território da cidadania noroeste colonial do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Allebrandt Sérgio Luís , Benso Aline , De Oliveira Vinicios Gonchoroski
Published: January 2016

Este estudo mostra as interfaces entre a comunicação e a gestão social, a partir do Programa Territórios da Cidadania (PTC), e busca compreender em que medida a comunicação propicia um espaço de diálogo entre as organizações sociais e evoca prioridades que são finalidades da gestão social. Para isso, tem-se como principal referência o conceito de cidadania deliberativa na perspectiva habermasiana e utiliza como categoria de análise os processos de discussão. Quanto à metodologia, foi realizado um estudo de caso no âmbito dos Territórios da Cidadania Noroeste Colonial (TC-Norc) por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com membros do Colegiado de Desenvolvimento Territorial (CODETER) e entrevistas via e-mail com os membros do Comitê Gestor Nacional. Além disso, descreve-se e analisa-se o Portal da Cidadania e o Sistema de Gestão Estratégica (SGE). Constata-se que a concepção de comunicação do PTC visa à participação da sociedade na elaboração de políticas públicas com instrumentos que qualificam os colegiados territoriais e os gestores e oferece um ambiente virtual que gera novas oportunidades para a produção e a difusão de informações.
O Controle Social no Conselho Municipal do Idoso de Florianópolis: uma análise a partir dos modelos de administração pública, dos modelos de coprodução dos serviços públicos e dos modos de gestão estratégica e social
Authors: Magalhães Thiago Gonçalves , Souza Victor Burigo
Published: January 2016

O estudo buscou identificar as características do controle social no Conselho Municipal do idoso de Florianópolis (CMI). Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa do tipo descritiva e aplicada na qual os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, da observação não participante e da análise documental. Com base nos confrontos crítico e reflexivo dos pressupostos teóricos evidenciados e na realidade observada foi constatado que, na relação administração pública municipal e CMI, predomina o controle social da administração pública sobre a comunidade, além das características da gestão estratégica. No entanto, foi identificado que há características do controle social compartilhado entre a administração pública e a comunidade, por meio do CMI, na implementação de algumas políticas públicas implementadas por organizações governamentais e não governamentais. Características da gestão social também foram identificadas no CMI, como o processo de discussão aberto e com incentivo para participação na discussão acerca das políticas do idoso.
A Base Epistemológica da Ação Administrativa nas Organizações Substantivas e a Formação do Gestor Social
Authors: Salm José Francisco , Menegasso Maria Ester
Published: January 2016

A base epistemológica da ação administrativa em prática nas organizações substantivas é distinta daquela que ocorre nas organizações burocráticas, conforme se depreende da Teoria da Delimitação dos Sistemas Sociais proposta por Alberto Guerreiro Ramos. A ação administrativa praticada nas organizações burocráticas sustenta-se na racionalidade instrumental, na ética da responsabilidade, na unidimensionalidade do ser humano e nos ditames da esfera privada. A ação administrativa praticada nas organizações substantivas sustenta-se na racionalidade instrumental e substantiva, na ética da responsabilidade e da convicção, na multidimensionalidade humana e nos primados da esfera pública. Neste artigo, pretende-se descobrir se as organizações substantivas realizam seus propósitos por meio de ação administrativa própria, cujo escopo vai além daquela praticada nas organizações burocráticas.
Deák, István. 2015. Europe on Trial: The Story of Collaboration, Resistance and Retribution during World War II. Boulder: Westview Press. 257 pp. with maps and photographs.
Authors: Boterbloem Kees
Published: January 2016

Deák, István. 2015. Europe on Trial: The Story of Collaboration, Resistance and Retribution during World War II. Boulder: Westview Press. 257 pp. with maps and photographs. Reviewed by Kees Boterbloem, University of South Florida
Szentkirályi, Endre. 2014. Cold War to Warm Cooperation - The Military Service of Cleveland Hungarians. Egy amerikai város magyar katonái, 1950-2014 (English and Hungarian). Budapest: Zrinyi Kiadó. 290 pp.
Authors: Glanz Susan
Published: January 2016

Szentkirályi, Endre. 2014. Cold War to Warm Cooperation - The Military Service of Cleveland Hungarians. Egy amerikai város magyar katonái, 1950-2014 (English and Hungarian). Budapest: Zrinyi Kiadó. 290 pp. Reviewed by Susan Glanz, St. John’s University
Lenard, Alexander. 2013. Stories of Rome (trans. Mark Baczoni). Budapest: Corvina. 241 pp.
Authors: Lénárt-Cheng Helga
Published: January 2016

Lenard, Alexander. 2013. Stories of Rome (trans. Mark Baczoni). Budapest: Corvina. 241 pp. Reviewed by Helga Lénárt-Cheng, Saint Mary’s College of California
Blomqvist, Anders E. B. 2014. Economic Nationalizing in the Ethnic Borderlands of Hungary and Romania: Inclusion, Exclusion, and Annihilation in Szatmár/Satu Mare 1867-1944 (Ph.D. Dissertation). Stockholm: Stockholm University. 400 pp.
Authors: Maxwell Alexander
Published: January 2016

Blomqvist, Anders E. B. 2014. Economic Nationalizing in the Ethnic Borderlands of Hungary and Romania: Inclusion, Exclusion, and Annihilation in Szatmár/Satu Mare 1867-1944 (Ph.D. Dissertation). Stockholm: Stockholm University. 400 pp.Reviewed by Alexander Maxwell, Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand.
Apor, Péter. 2014. Fabricating Authenticity in Soviet Hungary – The Afterlife of the First Hungarian Soviet Republic in the Age of State Socialism. London: Anthem. 228 pp. Illus (Hungarian edition: Apor, Péter. 2014. Az elképzelt köztársaság. A Magyarországi Tanácsköztársaság utóélete 1945–1989. Budapest: Magyar Tudományos Akadémia Bölcsészettudományi Kutatóközpont. 228 o.)
Authors: Schweitzer András
Published: January 2016

Apor, Péter. 2014. Fabricating Authenticity in Soviet Hungary – The Afterlife of the First Hungarian Soviet Republic in the Age of State Socialism. London: Anthem. 228 pp. Illus (Hungarian edition: Apor, Péter. 2014. Az elképzelt köztársaság. A Magyarországi Tanácsköztársaság utóélete 1945–1989. Budapest: Magyar Tudományos Akadémia Bölcsészettudományi Kutatóközpont. 228 o.) Reviewed by András Schweitzer, 1956 Institute, Budapest
Sándor, Klára. 2014. A székely írás nyomában ('On the Tracks of the Székely Script'). Budapest: Typotext. 353 pp.
Authors: Sherwood Peter
Published: January 2016

Sándor, Klára. 2014. A székely írás nyomában ('On the Tracks of the Székely Script'). Budapest: Typotext. 353 pp. Reviewed by Peter Sherwood, László Birinyi, Sr., Distinguished Professor of Hungarian Language and Culture (Emeritus), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Márai, Sándor. 2013. The Withering World (trans. John M. Ridland and Peter V. Czipott). Richmond, Surrey, UK: Alma Books. 242 pp.
Authors: Sohar Paul
Published: January 2016

Márai, Sándor. 2013. The Withering World (trans. John M. Ridland and Peter V. Czipott). Richmond, Surrey, UK: Alma Books. 242 pp. Reviewed by Paul Sohar, Freelance Writer
Körner, András. 2013. Egy vonakodó zsidó ('A Reluctant Jew'). Budapest: 2B Kulturális és Művészeti Alapítvány.
Authors: Varnai Paul
Published: January 2016

Körner, András. 2013. Egy vonakodó zsidó ('A Reluctant Jew'). Budapest: 2B Kulturális és Művészeti Alapítvány. Reviewed by Paul Varnai, Carleton University, Ottawa
Zinner, Tibor. 2013-2014. "A nagy politikai affér." A Rajk-Brankov-ügy ('“The Great Political Affair” - the Rajk-Brankov Case'), vols. I-II. Budapest: Saxum. 646/702 pp.
Authors: Vukman Péter
Published: January 2016

Zinner, Tibor. 2013-2014. "A nagy politikai affér." A Rajk-Brankov-ügy ('“The Great Political Affair” - the Rajk-Brankov Case'), vols. I-II. Budapest: Saxum. 646/702 pp.[1] Reviewed by Péter Vukman, University of Szeged[1] Peter Vukman is currently researching the history of Yugoslav political emigrants in Hungary between 1948-56. His research is financed by the National Scientific Research Fund (OTKA PD 108386).
Review Article: The Wedding Gown Writes Back. Borgos, Anna. 2013. Nemek között: Nőtörténet, szexualitástörténet ('Between the Sexes: Women's History, Sexuality History'). Budapest: Noran Libro Kiadó. 317 pp.; and Lovas, Ildikó. 2008. Spanyol menyasszony (‘The Spanish Bride’). Bratislava/Pozsony: Kalligram Kiadó. 304 pp.
Authors: Chmurski Mateusz
Published: January 2016

In Central Europe nowadays universities, research institutes or museums are attempting to reconfigure the region's complex history from the perspectives of formerly forgotten or marginal/ized individuals and groups. Besides initiatives such as the opening of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, or of the Center for Queer Memory in Prague, new studies and literary works presently (re-)create narratives that challenge the generally accepted past. Two recently published Hungarian books, a novel and a study that partly deals with the novel, exemplify this revisionist tendency. Ildikó Lovas’ novel, Spanyol Menyasszony ['The Spanish Bride'] (2007), which questions the cult of Géza Csáth (1887-1919), the writer and psychoanalyst who was also a drug addict that murdered his wife, renders the fictional diary of Csáth's wife and victim, Olga Jonás (1884-1919); Anna Borgos’ study, Nemek között: Nőtörténet, szexualitástörténet ['Between the Sexes: Women’s History, Sexuality History'] (2013), examines the Csáth affair within an inclusive analysis of women’s positions, roles and sexuality in the Hungarian culture of the last century. In this article Chmurski traces the ways in which both authors reread the lives and tragic marriage of Csáth and Jonás.
The Mythical Power of the Dual River-System of the Carpathian Basin: The Notion of a Hungarian Mesopotamia
Authors: Keményfi Róbert
Published: January 2016

Gyula Prinz is responsible for the notion of “Magyar Mezopotámia” [Hungarian Mesopotamia]. The natural basis for this idea is that Hungarian culture developed on the surface of an alluvial plains area. This sort of natural environment was the precondition of great civilizations based on agriculture. In other words, the intrinsic Duna-Tisza [Danubius-Tibiscus] river structure, which is similar to that of the rivers Tigris and Euphrates, would elevate Hungary to the status of a mesopotamic country. This is how the central Hungarian area could become the distributing core of culture and how this culture could be radiated towards the neighboring peoples who also lived together with us in the Carpathian Basin. Our “cultural power” therefore “elevated” the cultural level of other peoples who lived with us on the edges of the Carpathian Basin. Accordingly, the end, or the borderline, of the highbrow “core culture” is located where the territory populated by Hungarians ends, or where the plains area shifts into the Carpathian Mountains.
Myth or Reality? Ottoman Support for Hungarian Rebels in Light of a Secret Transylvanian Mission to the Porta (1669-1670)
Authors: Michels Georg B.
Published: January 2016

The attempt of the Hungarian political elite to form an alliance with the Ottomans after the disastrous Vasvár Treaty (1664) remains one of the least researched topics of Hungarian and Habsburg history. This paper examines the little known attempt of Prince Mihály Apafi, the Ottoman appointed ruler of Transylvania, to intercede on behalf of the Hungarian nobility with Grand Vezir Ahmed Köprülü (1661-1676), the de facto ruler of the Ottoman Empire. The carefully crafted instructions issued to Apafi’s secret emissary, the Turkish-speaking Dávid Rozsnyai, and Rozsnyai’s detailed report about his encounters with Köprülü and top ranking Ottoman powerbrokers, provide unprecedented insights into the nature of Hungarian contacts with the Porta and reveal the deeply engrained conviction of many Hungarian nobles—both Catholics and Protestants—that becoming the sultan’s vassals was the only way to guarantee the survival of an independent Hungarian Kingdom.
Making the Space-Economy of Socialist Hungary: The Significance of the Division of Labor
Authors: Czirfusz Márton
Published: January 2016

This article discusses in detail how the division of labor at different spatial scales has been an important line of argument in both economic geography and spatial planning in Hungary since 1945. First, I outline the intellectual heritage of interwar geography, and show how the role of different landscapes in the national division of labor was regarded as a distinctive feature. Second, I discuss different ways of thinking about spatial divisions of labor after 1945. I draw a distinction between neoclassical and Marxist ways of theorizing, and their differences in the Western and Eastern European (Hungarian) contexts, respectively. Third, to emphasize the national scale in the argument, I contrast spatial divisions of labor at supra- and sub-national scales with that of the national scale, and point to the inherent theoretical tensions within socialist scholarship in economic geography. I conclude by showing how scholars under socialism used the concept of the spatial divisions of labor in discussing the future of the nation, and how overcoming this kind of reasoning might be built upon in order to understand the current embeddedness of the Hungarian economy within the spatial order of the world economy.
Communist Geography Instead of Nationalist Geography: The New Cadres and the Case of Sándor Radó
Authors: Győri Róbert
Published: January 2016

This article provides an introduction to the scholarly career of Sándor Radó (1899-1981), one of the leading Hungarian geographers and cartographers of the 1960s and 1970s. Belonging to a generation of newcomers who took control of every aspect of Hungarian scholarly life in the 1950s after the ousting of the old elite, Radó’s scholarly path was not unique. The complete transformation of Hungarian geography was deeply embedded within this broader process, as its nature, approaches, conduct, and institutional organization was rearranged along Marxist-Leninist ideological lines. A critical examination of Radó’s career and his scientific work, therefore, helps us to understand how Hungarian science functioned during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, and provides insight into the practice of career and institution building, and thus reveals the atmosphere within which scientific results were achieved.
Regime Change and the Attempted Rehabilitation of Self: Ferenc Fodor and the Production of Communist Geography, 1948-1962
Authors: Jobbitt Steven
Published: January 2016

The communist takeover in Hungary after World War II presented obvious challenges, hardships, and even dangers for the conservative-nationalist scholars who were part of the intellectual elite of the interwar period. Marginalized within the new socio-political order that emerged after the communist consolidation of power in 1948-49, conservative-nationalist intellectuals who were not completely silenced by the communists either retreated from public life entirely, or else found themselves having to struggle to remain relevant within the state-socialist system then under construction. Though limited in what they could publish, and relegated to minor and often precarious positions within the scholarly community, former conservative-nationalist scholars were nevertheless granted limited spaces within which they could produce relevant and even important scholarship, and in so doing could also “reinvent” themselves—if in many cases only partially and perhaps opportunistically—as public intellectuals. Focusing on the life and work of Ferenc Fodor between 1948 and his death in 1962, this article explores the concrete ways that a once-prominent geographer of the interwar period continued to contribute to geographical knowledge production under communism, and how he used this scholarly work as leverage in his attempts to partially rehabilitate himself in the early communist period. Contributing to a growing body of critical work on Hungarian geography under communism (see articles by Márton Czirfusz and Róbert Győri in this issue, for example), this study helps to lay the groundwork for future research on the relationship between the politics of scholarly production and the spatial re-imagining of postwar Hungary.
Oligomeric Amyloid-β Peptide on Sialylic Lewisx–Selectin Bonding at Cerebral Endothelial Surface
Authors: Askarova Sholpan , Sun Grace Y. , Meininger Gerald A. , Lee James
Published: January 2016

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder, which affects approximately 10% of the population aged 65 and 40% of people over the age 80. Currently, AD is on the list of diseases with no effective treatment. Thus, the study of molecular and cellular mechanisms of AD progression is of high scientific and practical importance. In fact, dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays an important role in the onset and progression of the disease. Increased deposition of amyloid b peptide (Aβ) in cerebral vasculature and enhanced transmigration of monocytes across the BBB are frequently observed in AD brains and are some of the pathological hallmarks of the diseases. Since the transmigration of monocytes across the BBB is both a mechanical and a biochemical process, the expression of adhesion molecules and mechanical properties of endothelial cells are the critical factors that require investigation.Methods: Because of recent advances in the biological applications of atomic force microscopy (AFM), we applied AFM with cantilever tips bio-functionalized by sLex in combination with the advanced immunofluorescent microscopy (QIM) to study the direct effects of Aβ42 oligomers on the selectins expression, actin polymerization, and cellular mechanical and adhesion properties in cerebral endothelial cells (mouse bEnd3 line and primary human CECs) and find a possible way to attenuate these effects. Results: QIM results showed that Aβ42 increased the expressions of P-selectin on the cell surface and enhanced actin polymerization. Consistent with our QIM results, AFM data showed that Aβ42 increased the probability of cell adhesion with sLex-coated cantilever and cell stiffness. These effects were counteracted by lovstatin, a cholesterol-lowering drug.  Surprisingly, the apparent rupture force of sLex-selectin bonding was significantly lower after treatment with Aβ42, as compared with the control (i.e. no treatment). Similar results were also obtained when cells were treated with latruculin A (F-actin-disrupting drug). These results suggest that the decrease in the apparent rupture force of sLex-selectin bonding is the consequence of the dissociation of adhesion between the cytoskeleton and the bilayer membrane induced by Aβ42. The major causes of excess mortality in the first group were neoplams (30.6%), hypertension (23.8%), and myocardial infarction (22.6%). The effects of radiation influenced mortality in the second group were 2-2.5 times lower than the first group. Conclusion: The studies of the effects of Aβ42 on the adhesion properties of cerebral endothelial cells and how pharmacological agents (e.g. statin) counteract these effects should prove to provide insights into the mechanism of inflammation in Alzheimer’s brains and the design of therapeutic treatments of the disease.
Clinical Experience with Chitosan Matrix and Cultured Fibroblasts for Burns
Authors: Danlybayeva Gaziza , Zhylkibayev Assylbek , Akhmadeyeva Zhansaya , Belan Elena , Ramazanov Zhanatay
Published: January 2016

Introduction. Burns are an important public health challenge due to the frequency of getting burns in day-to-day life, occupational hazards, and catastrophes. Treatment of burns is complex and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Duration and complexity of burn treatment require finding new ways of curing and rehabilitating burns. The result of burn treatment plays a significant role in post-traumatic status of a patient and his or her consequent adaptation in society. Chitosan is a natural safe non-toxic product compatible with human tissues, characterized by hydrosorbid, anticoagulant, antibacterial, and wound healing features. The study aims to  show a clinical application of chitosan-pectin scaffold with cultured human skin fibroblasts in the treatment of deep burns.Methods. The substrate was prepared by dissolving 3% chitosan in 0.5N acetic acid, which was then mixed with 3% solution of pectin dissolved in distillated water. Chitosan film was formed in a Petri dish for 20-24 hours at 20-25 °C. After drying the film, cultured allogeneic fibroblasts (patent number RK-25091) were seeded on its surface.Results. The results from an in vitro culture study showed that human allogeneic fibroblasts could adhere well and grow on the selected scaffold with a typical morphology. During autodermoplasty surgery, cultured allogeneic fibroblasts were applied on granulating wounds of 9 patients with IIIA to IVB degree burns and limited donor resources. Wounds treated with the fibroblast-seeded scaffold among all patients provided the highest level of re-epithelialization (day 5), in comparison to cell-free scaffold (day 7) and untreated surface of wounds (day 10).Conclusion. Our results indicate the potential use of chitosan for wound healing due to its allogenic fibroblast adherence to scaffolding as well as high epithelization. This warrants further studies on chitosan for use in wounds resulting from third and fourth degree burns.
Association Between the P2RY12 Receptor Gene Polymorphism and Aspirin Resistance in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Karazhanova Ludmila , Zhukusheva Sholpan , Akilzhanova Ainur
Published: January 2016

Introduction. Platelet activation and aggregation are key elements in the development of coronary atherosclerosis. Recent studies have shown that the two polymorphisms of platelet ADP receptor P2RY12 (haplotypes H2 and 34T) are associated with increased platelet aggregation and atherothrombotic risk. It was shown that these polymorphisms promote reduced body response to antiplatelet therapy.Aim. We investigated the association of P2RY12 gene polymorphisms with aspirin resistance in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods. This case-control study included 100 cases with CAD (mean age 57.6 ± 2.8 years) treated in the cardiology department of the city hospital Semey, Kazakhstan, 90 of whom suffered from myocardial infarction. The control group (n = 100) were healthy people without a history of CAD, matched on sex and age. Genotyping of polymorphisms H1/H2 in P2RY12 gene was performed by PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.19.0.Results. The distribution of H1/H2 genotypes P2RY12 was 42%, 34%, and 24%, respectively, in cases and 42%, 58%, and 0%, respectively, in controls. All allele frequencies were consistent with the Hardy Weinberg equilibrium (p = 0.0036 and p = 0.0001 in cases and controls, respectively). Genotype H2 was associated with risk of CAD with aspirin resistance (co-dominant model: OR = 3.75, 95% CI 0.14 - 99.88, p = 0.05 and dominant model: OR = 2.78, 95% CI 0.11 - 70.93, p = 0.05). We found significant differences in the distribution of the mutant genotype H2 between CAD patients with aspirin resistance and healthy controls (χ2 = 30.3, p < 0.05).Conclusion. We found an association of H2 haplotype in P2RY12 gene with aspirin resistance in patients with CAD. However, in order to obtain definitive conclusions about the role of genetic variants with the development of aspirin resistance in patients with CAD, there is a need for further research with a larger sample size as well as the use of selective thromboxane receptor antagonists for studying functional effects of genetic variants.
Metagenomic Analysis of Koumiss in Kazakhstan
Authors: Kozhakhmetov Samat , Tynybayeva Indira , Baikhanova Dinara , Saduakhasova Saule , Shakhabayeva Gulnar , Kushugulova Almagul , Nurgozhin Talgat , Zhumadilov Zhaxybay
Published: January 2016

Introduction. Koumiss is a low-alcohol product made from fermented mare's milk, which is popular in Kazakhstan, Russia, and other countries of Central Asia, China, and Mongolia. Natural mare's milk is fermented in symbiosis of two types of microorganisms (lactobacteria and yeast). Koumiss’s microbial composition varies depending on the geographical, climatic, and cultural conditions. Based on a phenotypic characteristic from samples, Wu, R. and colleagues identified the following bacteria isolated in inner Mongolia, an autonomous region of China: L.casei, L.helveticus, L.plantarum, L.coryniformis subsp. coryniformis, L.paracasei, L.kefiranofaciens, L.curvatus, L.fermentum, and W.kandleri. Studies of the yeast composition in koumiss also showed significant variations. Thus, there were Saccharomyces unisporus related 48.3% of isolates, to Kluyveromyces marxianus (27.6%), Pichia membranaefaciens (15.0%), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (9.2%) from 87 isolated yeast cultures. The purpose of this study was to examine the bacterial composition in koumiss.Methods. To extract DNA, 1.8 ml of fermented milk was centrifuged to generate a pellet, which was suspended in 450 µl of lysis buffer P1 from the Powerfood Microbial DNA Isolation kit (MoBio Laboratories Inc, USA). Amplification of the microflora was used to determine the composition of a fragment of the gene 16S rRNA and ITS1. Plasmid library with target insertion was obtained on the basis of height copy plasmid vectors producing high pGem-T. The definition of direct nucleotide sequencing was performed by the method of Sanger using a set of "BigDye Terminanor v 3.1 Cycle sequencing Kit with automatic genetic analyzer ABI 3730xl  (Applied Biosystems, USA).  Informax Vector NTI Suite 9, Sequence Scanner v 1.0  software package used for the analysis.Results. Our studies showed that in the most samples of koumiss isolated from Akmola region (Central Kazakhstan) prevailed the following bacteria species: Lactobacillus diolivorans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. casei, L. curvatus  yeast genus Torula (62.4%) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (37.6%).Conclusion. Thus, the first metagenomic research of koumiss, which was conducted in Kazakhstan, showed significant variations in microbial composition.
The Results of Fetal Chondrocytes Transplantation in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Krivoruchko Natalya , Tuganbekova Saltanat , Rakhimbekova Gulnar , Kuzembaeva Karlygash , Zaripova Lina
Published: January 2016

Introduction. Nowadays anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapy has significantly improved the quality of life and prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Nevertheless, there are still many patients with progressive rheumatoid inflammation, resulting in the destruction of joints. Cell therapy seems like a promising direction in rheumatology. The aim of our research was to evaluate the efficacy of fetal chondrocyte transplantation in patients with RA.Methods. We examined 60 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (I - III stages) between 20 and 63 years of age. They were divided into 2 groups: the first group underwent the fetal chondrocytes transplantation (n = 40), and the second was a control group who got conservative therapy (n = 20). Donor cells were taken from the chondrogenic layer of the humerus or femur heads and hip condyles of human embryos in gestation for 17-20 weeks. A suspension of fetal chondrocytes injected into affected areas of the articular surfaces under X-ray control. Cell viability was determined before the injection. Efficacy of the therapy was assessed by clinical, instrumental, and laboratory tests. This clinical trial was allowed by The Ministry of Public Health and Ethics Committee. All of our patients gave informed consent for the fetal chondrocytes transplantation.Results. Evaluation of the clinical manifestations of RA in the first group of patients showed 3.7 times decrease in pain and 1.6 times relief of synovitis. Complete reduction of contracture was observed in 82% of patients in the first group. Morphometric changes in X-ray demonstrated inhibition of the destruction in articular cartilage and surfaces of bones after transplantation of fetal chondrocytes. The dynamics of morphological changes in synovium showed 2.5 times reduction of the inflammatory reaction. Transplantation of fetal chondrocytes led to a significant reduction in ESR, CRP, fibrinogen , γ-globulin after a period of 12 months (p < 0.03). Furthermore, patients in the second group had 2.7 times higher risk of ankylosis compared to the first group. We did not observe any complications of fetal chondrocytes transplantation.Conclusions. Application of fetal chondrocytes therapy had the desired clinical effect, which was confirmed by reduction of the RA activity and decrease of cartilage and bone destruction.
Application of Clinical Aging Indicators for the Assessment of Neurological Health via Screening Among Residents of the Almaty Region
Authors: Nurguzhayev Erkin , Iliyev Renat , Mitrokhin Dmitriy , Karimova Altynay
Published: January 2016

Introduction. Life expectancy at birth is considered to be a primary indicator of public health success. However, an increase in life expectancy is meaningless if it is not accompanied by an equivalent increase in the number of life years without disability such as physical, cognitive, and psychological abilities. The main consequences of disease leading to neurological dysfunction are directly related to issues such as the inability to walk, talk, learn, live in society, or take care of oneself. The objective of the study was to conduct a medical examination of elderly people as a part of the scientific program "Development of a model (program) of anti-aging to provide active longevity of elderly people of Kazakhstan.”Methods. As part of a pilot study, we assessed the presence of the following clinical indicators of aging: cognitive impairment (MMSE test), pyramidal symptoms,and  ataxia. We conducted medical examination (screening) among 150 elderly persons in Almaty City Polyclinic #8 and 287 elderly persons in Central Regional Clinic of Rayimbek Area, Almaty region aged 45 and above.Results. The results show that the intensity of changes is directly dependent on the age of the study groups. The cognitive function is the most affected and depends on the age of examinees. The changes are more expressed among residents of Almaty region. The average MMSE score in Almaty was 28.2 (age group of 45-49 years) and 25.8 (age group of 80 and above), and 27.3 and 24.0 respectively  in Almaty region. The various symptoms among residents of Almaty tend to stabilize after 65 years, however, the frequency of ataxia continues to grow and increases significantly after 75 years.Conclusions. Considering that important risk factors of neurological disorders are cerebrovascular diseases of various origins (primarily hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes), an adequate treatment of these diseases will increase a healthy lifespan. Furthermore, it is necessary to conduct additional research for possible methods of reducing existing morbidities so that healthy aging can be achieved.
Lactobacillus for Vaginal Microflora Correction
Authors: Saduakhasova Saule , Kushugulova Almagul , Shakhabayeva Gulnara , Kozhakhmetov Samat , Khasenbekova Zhanagul , Tynybayeva Indira , Nurgozhin Talgat , Zhumadilov Zhaxybay
Published: January 2016

Introduction. Despite the significant progress made in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, there is still a high rate of vaginal dysbiosis in Kazakh women. The use of antibiotics in the treatment of vaginal dysbiosis contributes to the elimination of pathogens as well as microflora, which can lead to a decrease in local immunity and more favorable conditions for infection spread. The most physiologically safe and promising method for the restoration of vaginal biocenosis is the use of probiotics administered by a vaginal route.Methods. We have allocated 64 of cultures of Lactobacillus from the vaginal epithelium of healthy women of reproductive age and women with diagnosed bacterial vaginosis (BV). Identification of cultures was performed by PCR analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA.  Evaluation of biological significance was determined by the following criteria: high antagonistic activity against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella ozaenae, and Staphylococcus aureus; and production of hydrogen peroxide, resistance to antibiotics, adhesive activity. We studied the symbiotic relationship of selected biologically active of cultures to each other and received options for consortiums with  properties of  probiotics through co-cultivation.Results. Results of genotyping  showed that the isolated lactobacilli belong to the seven species: L. fermentum, L. salivarius, L. gasseri, L. crispatus, L. jensenii, L. plantarum, and L. delbrueskii. L. fermentum, L. salivarius, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii occur in women with suspected BV. The highest percentage of occurrence in the vagina of healthy women was L. fermentum (28%). Most strains of lactobacilli possess high inhibitory activity for all test-strains, except Candida albicans (37.5%). 56% of studied cultures revealed high adhesion to human erythrocytes. All lactobacillus strains were resistant to metronidazole, 80% to kanamycin, 57%  to vancomycin, and sensitivity to roxithromycin, amoxiclav, ampicillin was diagnosed in all strains. 50% of cultures showed a moderate sensitivity to gentamicin and cefazolin.  In a study of peroxide-producing activity, 80% of the cultures exhibited peroxide-producing activity. As a result of sсreening, the 7 most active strains of lactobacilli were selected for development of 10 variants of probiotic consortia. Also, there was increase of  adhesive activity in the consortia compared to other components. These consortia can be used for the treatment of BV in addition to metronidazole.Conclusion. The probiotic consortia identified in this study had high antagonistic, adhesive properties, and resistance to metronidazole. These probiotics can potentially be used for the development of biological products for the treatment and prevention of bacterial vaginosis.
Features of Cytokine Profile in Different Age Groups
Authors: Shortanbayev Alikhan , Bizhigitova Beibitgul , Tarabayeva Anel , Nurmuchanbetova Aliya
Published: January 2016

Introduction. The study of the cytokine profile during aging is interesting because age-related changes of the immune status are usually correlate with the onset of specific diseases. Characteristics of cytokine activity in the elderly can not only detail the pathogenesis of the disease but also help to choose the appropriate therapeutic strategy, which in addition to the therapeutic effect could improve the quality of life of the elderly. The purpose of this study was to examine cytokine levels in older adults.Material and methods. We examined 268 people aged 45-80 years and older. All surveyed individuals were divided into 8 different age groups. All participants were tested for concentrations of IL-1β, IL-2, TNF-a and IFN-γ.Results. The study found that concentrations of TNF-a increased with age. For age group 45-49, the concentration of TNF-a was 5.94 pcg/ml. In older age groups, there was a gradual increase in cytokine concentration. In a group of centenarians, concentration of TNF-a  reached 20.55 pcg/ml, which is 3.4 times higher compared to the middle age group. Similar trends were found in the concentration of IL-1. For the age group of 45-49, the concentration of IL-1 b was 3.38 pcg/ml, and in the age group of 80 years and older, levels of this cytokine increased almost 5 times. It was found that with age-related there is a gradual decrease in the level of IL-2, and a gradual increase of IFN-γ. The decrease in IL-2 is due to the typical aging decrease in the amount of T-lymphocytes.Conclusion. Thus, our results indicate that there are significant deviations of immune parameters, particularly in cytokine concentrations, in older adults compared to middle aged adults.
The Probiotical Potential of Lactobacilli from Therapeutic Preventive Beverage Kurunga
Authors: Stoyanova Lidia , Kozhakhmetov Samat , Kushugulova Almagul , Nurgozhin Talgat , Zhumadilov Zhaxybay , Bryukhanov Andrey , Napalkova Maria , Netrusov Alexander
Published: January 2016

Introduction. Kurunga is a dairy drink made of a mix of lactic acid and alcoholic fermentation, characterized by high biological value based on protein composition, amino acid spectrum, fatty acid composition of lipids, vitamin and mineral substances, and physiological activity of microbiota containing lactobacilli, lactococci, bifidobacteria, and yeast. Among the probiotic correctors of normal microbiota isolated from national products, lactobacilli was of particular interest, with regards to a therapeutic – preventive effect. The aim of the study was to examine the probiotic properties of lactobacilli from kurunga.Methods. We isolated lactic acid bacteria strains from kurunga. The isolated cultures were identified using common microbiological methods and phylogenetic analysis. The antibiotic activities of these strains were determined by measuring the growth inhibition zone of test cultures. The probiotic properties were measured as levels of resistance to bile and hydrochloric acids, in addition to the presence of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity using the xanthine oxidase-cytochrome method. Proteolitic activity was determined at the various levels of pH (3.0, 4.2, 5.3, and 7.0).Results. According to the morphological, cultural, physiological, biochemical properties and the genotypic analysis of the oligonucleotides sequence of  specific genes, the most effective strain was  identified as Lactobacillus diolivorans KL-2 (GenBank database KC438372). The isolated strain suppressed the growth of Gram-positive bacteria, such as Bacillus, Staphylococcus, and Listeria sp., as well as Gram-negative bacteria, such as E.coli, Proteus, Salmonella sp. They also possessed fungicidal action (based on Penicillum, Aspergillus sp, and Candida sp.).  The strain was resistant to the action of the bile acids at concentrations of 0.8% to 1.0% and hydrochloric acid. The strain KL-2 possessed a relatively high SOD activity (25.74 U/mg of protein), a low proteolytic activity at a pH 3.0 (4.74·10-3 PU/ml), and high proteolytic activity at pH 4.2 (294.74·10-3 PU/ml), pH 5.3 (330.52·10-3 PU/ml) and pH 7.0 (713.68·10-3 PU/ml).Conclusion. The unique properties of this strain, such as stability in the gastrointestinal tract, the wide spectrum of bactericidal and fungicidal action to the pathogenic species, the relatively high superoxide dismutase and proteolytic activities, and the absence of  toxicity, make it a prime candidate for probiotic culturing.
ABO Blood Group Genotyping by Real-time PCR in Kazakh Population
Authors: Tarlykov Pavel , Raiymbek Daniyar , Zholdybayeva Elena , Ramanculov Erlan
Published: January 2016

Introduction. ABO blood group genotyping is a new technology in hematology that helps prevent adverse transfusion reactions in patients. Identification of antigens on the surface of red blood cells is based on serology; however, genotyping employs a different strategy and is aimed directly at genes that determine the surface proteins. ABO blood group genotyping by real-time PCR has several crucial advantages over other PCR-based techniques, such as high rapidity and reliability of analysis. The purpose of this study was to examine nucleotide substitutions differences by blood types using a PCR-based method on Kazakh blood donors.Methods. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the National Center for Biotechnology. Venous blood samples from 369 healthy Kazakh blood donors, whose blood types had been determined by serological methods, were collected after obtaining informed consent. The phenotypes of the samples included blood group A (n = 99), B (n = 93), O (n = 132), and AB (n = 45). Genomic DNA was extracted using a salting-out method. PCR products of ABO gene were sequenced on an ABI 3730xl DNA analyzer (Applied Biosystems). The resulting nucleotide sequences were compared and aligned against reference sequence NM_020469.2. Real-time PCR analysis was performed on CFX96 Touch™ Real-Time PCR Detection System (BioRad).Results. Direct sequencing of ABO gene in 369 samples revealed that the vast majority of nucleotide substitutions that change the ABO phenotype were limited to exons 6 and 7 of the ABO gene at positions 261, 467, 657, 796, 803, 930 and 1,060. However, genotyping of only three of them (261, 796 and 803) resulted in identification of major ABO genotypes in the Kazakh population. As a result, TaqMan probe based real-time PCR assay for the specific detection of genotypes 261, 796 and 803 was developed. The assay did not take into account several other mutations that may affect the determination of blood group, because they have a low occurrence rate and therefore have not been found in the population sample.Conclusion. Real-time PCR based method for fast and reliable ABO genotyping was developed. This assay may be used as a complement to classic serological blood typing.
Pharmacokinetic Properties of Cytokines in Their Targeted Delivery Based on Autologous Erythrocyte Pharmacocytes
Authors: Zhumadilov Zhaxybay , Berikkhanova Kulzhan , Gulyayev Alexander , Shulgau Zarina , Ibrasheva Dilbar , Bokebaev Zhanybek , Mussin Nadiar , Nurgozhin Talgat
Published: January 2016

Introduction. Using autologous erythrocytes as drug carriers for targeted delivery of cytokines to the sites of inflammation could potentially provide new opportunities for treatment of patients with purulent diseases. The targeted characteristic of erythrocytes is associated with the nature of purulent inflammation, where a large amount of erythrocytes is phagocytized and drugs encapsulated into the erythrocytes could be easily released. On the other hand, autologous erythrocytes meet all the criteria for the ideal drug carrier. They are nontoxic, not immunogenic, and able to bear a large number of drug molecules while preserving an original conformation of the drugs. Thus, in this study, we aimed to analyze pharmacokinetic profiles of IL-1β encapsulated into erythrocytes’ ghosts (pharmacocytes) in comparison to intravenously injected free IL-1β.Material and methods. Albino rats were randomly divided into two groups, each group receiving a different kind of IV injection via the tail vein. Group A (control) received 500 µg of free IL-1β, and group B received an injection of 1 ml of pharmacocytes loaded with 500 µg of test substance. At fixed time points after injection (15, 30, 60, 180, 540, 720, and 1,440 minutes) serum samples were collected. Homogenates of liver, spleen, lung, heart, kidney, and adipose tissue were obtained 24 hours after injections. Concentration of the tested substance in the collected organs and blood plasma were measured by ELISA. Results. We have observed an increased half-life period (T1/2) for encapsulated IL-1β compared to the control. T1/2 for free IL-1β was one hour, while administration of loaded pharmacocytes allowed the half-life period to increase by more than 15 fold (1,043.40 ± 137.92 min) preserving high level of IL-1β activity in the blood samples up to 24 hours. The increased time of IL-1β presence in the body when administered in the form of pharmacocytes could be explained by reduction of elimination constant (Cel) by 1.6 fold, and clearance (CLel) by more than 100 fold. We also observed an increased concentration of IL-1β in liver, spleen, and lung over at least 24 hours. When administered in free form, IL-1β disappeared from these organs within 6 hours.Conclusions. Pharmacocytes have shown to improve pharmacokinetic profiles of IL-1β by increasing the half-life period of the cytokine, reducing its clearance and elimination as well as increasing the deposition of the drug in liver, spleen and lungs. These data suggest that pharmacocytes be effective drug carriers for targeted delivery of cytokines to the sites of inflammation and have a potential for improving the treatment outcomes of purulent diseases.
Between the Prose of Justice and the Poetics of Love? Reading Ricœur on Mutual Recognition in the Light of Harmful Strategies of “Othering”
Authors: Vosloo Robert
Published: January 2016

Against the backdrop of the challenges posed by xenophobia and other social phenomena that operated with harmful strategies of “othering,” this article considers the promise that the notion of “mutual recognition” as exemplified in the later work of Paul Ricœur holds for discourse on these matters. Can the hermeneutical and mediating approach of Ricœur provide an adequate framework in order to respond to these radical challenges? In light of this question, this article discusses and ultimately affirms Ricœur’s view that places mutual recognition between what he calls the prose of justice and the poetics of agápē. In addition this article draws attention to the value of symbolic gestures and an ethic of linguistic hospitality to give further texture to the plea for mutual recognition amidst experience of exclusion, conflict and violence.
On Ricœur’s Shift from a Hermeneutics of Culture to a Cultural Hermeneutics
Authors: Adams Suzi
Published: January 2016

The essay’s argument is twofold: First, it contends that Ricœur’s articulation of the social imaginary in the Lectures on Ideology and Utopia (and other essays of that period), reveals a turn to a general theory of culture, which is best understood as a shift from a hermeneutics of culture to a cultural hermeneutics. This move forms part of his philosophical anthropology of “real social life.” The essay proposes it is epitomized in Ricœur’s changing reception of Cassirer. Second, the essay hermeneutically reconstructs the emergence of this turn in Ricœur’s intellectual trajectory, and, in so doing, contends that it is connected to a rearticulation of both the phenomenological reduction and the symbolic function that took place in the mid- to late 1960s. Ricœur’s developing response to the phenomenological problematic of the world horizon underlies these further phenomenological-hermeneutic considerations. The essay concludes with a brief sketch of Ricœur’s understanding of the symbolic mediation of action (in the Geertz lecture) as a reconfiguration of the hermeneutical actualization of phenomenological preconditions of the symbolic.