Disturbance Of Equilibrium Research Articles

ROLE OF FIBRINOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF BLOOD IN PATHOGENESIS OF NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE AND CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (ORIGINAL RESEARCH)

The aim of the research − to find out of changes fibrinolytic activity of blood in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver on the background of obesity, depending on the presence of comorbid chronic kidney disease. Material and methods of research: 444 patients were examined: 84 of them were with NAFLD and class I obesity (group 1), which contained 2 subgroups: 32 patients with non-alcoholic steatosis (NAS) and 52 patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); 270 patients with NAFLD with comorbid class I obesity and CKD І–ІІІ stage (group 2), including 110 patients with NAS and 160 patients with NASH. The control group consisted of 90 patients with CKD of І–ІІІ stage with normal body weight (group 3). To determine the dependence of the NAFLD course on the form and stage of the CKD, the group of patients was randomized according to age, sex, degree of obesity, and activity of NASH. Research results. The study of fibrinolytic activity of blood showed that total fibrinolytic activity (TFA) of blood plasma in patients of all groups was significantly lower than the control indexes: in patients with NAS – by 7.1%, patients with NAS with CKD – by 14.9%, patients with NASH – by 17.2%, patients with NASH with CKD – by 18.9%, patients with CKD – by 10.6% (p <0.05) with the presence of a probable intergroup difference between groups with comorbidity and isolated course of CKD (p <0.05). The suppression of TFA occurred through the decrease of EF: in patients with NAS the index is significantly lower than that in the controls by 1.2 times, in patients with NAS with CKD – by 1.4 times, in patients with NASH – by 1.7 times, in the group of patients with NASH and CKD – by 1.9 times, while in the group of patients with CKD, the suppression of EF was registered – 1.3 times (p <0.05). At the same time, the NEF in patients of all groups increased in comparison with the AHP group: in patients with NAS – by 1.2 times, in patients with NAS with CKD – by 1.3 times, in patients with NASH – by 1.4 times, in the group of patients with NASH with CKD – 1.5 times, while in the group of patients with CKD the activation of NEF was registered 1.2 times (p <0.05), with the presence of a probable difference between the groups with comorbidity and isolated course of CKD (p <0.05). Conclusion. Analysis of hemostasis and fibrinolysis indices in examined patients with NASH, depending on the stage of CKD showed that with the growth of the CKD stage, the activity of the cohort increases, with the exception of the fibrinogen content (most likely due to coagulopathy consumption), the activity of the anti-coagulants decreases, the total and enzymatic activity of fibrinolysis is reduced, and non-enzymatic compensator increases. Thus, metabolic intoxication, oxidative stress, which accompany the flow of NAFLD with obesity and CKD, promote the activation of the kallikrein-kinin system, the formation of plasma and thrombin, with subsequent disturbance of equilibrium between them, the development of stasis, slag phenomenon, the formation of platelet and erythrocyte aggregates in blood circulation system. The consequence of significant activation of hemocoagulation against the suppression of total fibrinolytic activity (TFA) is the local clotting of blood in the arteries.

Effectiveness of correction of post-stroke motor disorders using the methods of functional electrostimulation and BFB-stabilometric postural control

To evaluate the effectiveness of complex rehabilitation with the inclusion of functional electrostimulation (FES) and BFB-stabilometric postural control in patients with post-stroke motor disorders in the late recovery period. Sixty-seven patients in the late recovery period of stroke, 31 women and 36 men, mean age 58.4±6.4 years, were studied. The duration of stroke was 228.59±31.9 days. Ischemic stroke was in 71.9% of patients, hemorrhagic stroke in 28.1%. The first group included 42 patients with stroke, who, in addition to standard treatment regimen, had FES and BFB stabilometric training. The second group comprised 25 patients with stroke, the rehabilitation of which did not include above-mentioned methods. A complex of rehabilitation measures with the inclusion of FES and BFB stabilometric postural training made it possible to significantly improve the function of walking in the form of restoration of the motor stereotype. The clinical effect was traced 3 weeks after the beginning of rehabilitation, reaching a maximum by the 5th week. Inclusion of BFB-based methods in the rehabilitation process leads to earlier motor and social adaptation of the patient, restoration of the disturbed equilibrium function, which is associated with an increase in the plastic and associative processes of the brain.

EXPERIENCE OF GPR INVESTIGATION AT ENGINEERING-GEOLOGICAL SURVEY IN CENTRAL YAKUTIA

Тhe territory of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) is located in the north-eastern part of the Eurasian continent, the Republic is the largest region of the Russian Federation. One of the features of the region is the presence of permafrost. The construction and exploitation of engineering structures is conducted in a harsh climate and difficult engineering-geocryological conditions on this territory. In this case, the disturbance of thermal equilibrium of permafrost, is accompanied by subsidence, deformation of the buildings foundation and structures, and sometimes to their partial destruction. The article presents the results of GPR studies for engineering-geological surveys in Central Yakutia are presented. The relevant research focused on the improvement of assessment of informativeness, efficiency and authenticity of ground condition according to the indications of remote geophysical methods, in particular GPR, is being examined. The results of studies aimed at studying the characteristic features of GPR wave fields for the development of signs of the interpretation of cryogenic processes and phenomena in the soils of the foundations of engineering structures according to GPR data are presented. The wave fields characteristics and GPR signs of talik, water-bearing zones, areas of weakening of the soil, increase the capacity of the active layer caused by the thawing of permafrost, infiltration of the supra permafrost water boundaries identification have been developed and are determined . The selection of interpretative features of permafrost processes at the research site was carried out by comparing the results of GPR with drilling data and analysis of the wave pattern, which considered the configuration, intensity, length of the in-phase axes. The good reproducibility of GPR investigation with the data of electrical resistivity tomography (electrical sounding, multipole sounding) is shown. The effectiveness of GPR in identifying zones, associated with the development of negative cryogenic processes, recommended for drilling for determination of physical and mechanical properties of soils, for example, complicated permafrost conditions of Yakutia.

Experimental and Theoretical Determination of Henry's Law Constant for Polychlorinated Biphenyls: Its Dependence on Solubility and Degree of Chlorination.

The fate of a pollutant in the environment depends on its interaction with the surroundings. Henry's law constant (HLC) is one of the important properties useful for assessment of environmental risk and estimation of mass transfer of the pollutant between water and air. Estimation of HLC is relatively a difficult task for many of the organic pollutants due to their very low aqueous solubility. People have attempted the measurement of HLC for persistent organic pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), but due to the difficulty in estimation, there is a variation of approximately 2-3 orders of magnitude in reported values of HLC for PCBs in the literature. A study was performed for estimation of HLC for PCBs using the static method with a modification that eliminates any disturbance in equilibrium due to sampling and also avoids removal or addition of material in or out of the system unlike the conventional methods. The results were consistent with the literature values. The experimental values of HLC ranged from 0.004 to 0.08 for different congeners. All of the experimental values were in agreement with the literature values. The experimental data was further used for deriving a correlation equation for theoretical estimation of the HLC from aqueous solubility and chlorination number. The equation gave a very good estimation of HLC values for all the PCBs congeners except single- and double-chlorinated congeners. The theoretically predicted values were also found to be in close agreement with the reported HLC values.

The cultural preparedness model of aspiration and engagement: understanding the dynamics of integration

ABSTRACTThis paper uses the cultural preparedness approach to analyse the interface between the aspirations of immigrants and their engagement with systems of the host country. It draws upon interviews with 84 immigrants from 35 developing countries living in 9 high-income countries. Based upon Edmund Husserl’s hermeneutical phenomenology, two studies are presented to understand the disturbance of equilibrium in cultural preparation status experienced by immigrants as they try to find their way in a host country. Aspiration-Engagement themes and responses to the challenges of integration are discussed. A model of aspiration and engagement based on the cultural preparedness approach is proposed as a framework that guidance and counselling workers could use to help immigrants optimise their engagement with the systems of the host country.

Human Sperm Characteristics with Regard to Cobalt, Chromium, and Lead in Semen and Activity of Catalase in Seminal Plasma.

We analyzed cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) concentrations in human semen and catalase CAT activity in seminal plasma and the effects of their relations on the sperm quality. We obtained semen samples from men (n = 168) undergoing routine infertility evaluation. Studies included two groups based on the ejaculate parameters: I (n = 39; normal ejaculate; normozoospermia); II (n = 129; pathological spermiogram). We examined relationships and differences between Co, Cr, and Pb concentrations in seminal plasma, CAT activity, and semen parameters. We did not establish differences in Co, Cr, and Pb concentrations and CAT activity from men between normozoospermic and those with pathological spermiogram. We found a significantly lower Co concentration and CAT activity in males with normal sperm motility than in asthenozoospermic males. We found significantly lower Co and a higher Pb concentration in males with normal morphology of spermatozoa than in teratozoospermic males. We found a significantly higher Pb concentration in the individuals with consumption of alcohol than in those without consumption. There were significant correlations between Co and Pb concentrations, sperm progressive motility (A + B, i.e., fast and slow progressive motility; Co-negatively; Pb-positively), and normal morphology of spermatozoa (Co-negatively; Pb-positively). We found a significant negative correlation between Cr concentration and slow progressive motility, and between CAT activity and volume of ejaculate. Co, Cr, and Pb levels and CAT activity were related to sperm characteristics and male fertility. The impact of alcohol may be manifested by a disturbance in Pb equilibrium in the body. Co and Pb influence progressive motility and normal morphology of human spermatozoa. Thus, Co and Pb levels in semen may be a useful diagnostic in male infertility. Most of the results of this study are in contrast to expectations. Namely, Pb is a toxic element and its harmful effects (poor semen quality) may be expected already at relatively low level of Pb exposure and are particularly visible with increasing of Pb. Co and Cr(III) are essential elements and harmful effects may be expected at their deficiency and/or overexposure.

Multiple sclerosis with ophthalmologic onset - case report

Ophthalmological and neurological signs and symptoms were assessed in a patient diagnosed with retrobulbar optic neuritis associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). The patient presented with progressive decrease of visual acuity, intermittent diplopia, paresthesia of the left arm and equilibrium disturbances. The complete ophthalmologic examination (clinical examination, visual field, optical coherence tomography) along with an MRI exam supported the diagnosis of MS with active lesions associated with retrobulbar optic neuritis. The corticosteroid therapy, followed by betaferon led to the remission of both ophthalmological and neurological signs. The multidisciplinary approach of the case played an important role in the early establishment of the diagnosis as well as the functional recovery of this patient.

Ureaplasma isolates stimulate pro-inflammatory CC chemokines and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in neonatal and adult monocytes.

Being generally regarded as commensal bacteria, the pro-inflammatory capacity of Ureaplasma species has long been debated. Recently, we confirmed Ureaplasma–driven pro-inflammatory cytokine responses and a disturbance of cytokine equilibrium in primary human monocytes in vitro. The present study addressed the expression of CC chemokines and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in purified term neonatal and adult monocytes stimulated with serovar 8 of Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu) and serovar 3 of U. parvum (Up). Using qRT-PCR and multi-analyte immunoassay, we assessed mRNA and protein expression of the monocyte chemotactic proteins 1 and 3 (MCP-1/3), the macrophage inflammatory proteins 1α and 1β (MIP-1α/β) as well as MMP-9. For the most part, both isolates stimulated mRNA expression of all given chemokines and MMP-9 in cord blood and adult monocytes (p<0.05 and p<0.01). These results were paralleled by Uu and Up-induced secretion of MCP-1 protein in both cells (neonatal: p<0.01, adult: p<0.05 and p<0.01). Release of MCP-3, MIP-1α, MIP-1β and MMP-9 was enhanced upon exposure to Up (neonatal: p<0.05, p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively; adult: p<0.05). Co-stimulation of LPS-primed monocytes with Up increased LPS-induced MCP-1 release in neonatal cells (p<0.05) and aggravated LPS-induced MMP-9 mRNA in both cell subsets (neonatal: p<0.05, adult: p<0.01). Our results document considerable expression of pro-inflammatory CC chemokines and MMP-9 in human monocytes in response to Ureaplasma isolates in vitro, adding to our previous data. Findings from co-stimulated cells indicate that Ureaplasma may modulate monocyte immune responses to a second stimulus.

Post Earthquake Equilibrium Disturbance: A Study After Nepal-India Earthquake 2015.

Nepal and adjoining areas of India suffered a series of massive earthquakes in April-May 2015. This was followed by a remarkable increase in the patient presenting with vague dizziness like features which could not be attributed to any defined variant of vestibular disorder. Extensive search of literature revealed only scarce information about ambiguous post-earthquake vestibular symptoms and their management. We performed a detailed epidemiological analysis of these patients to analyse the presentation, underlying mechanism and optimal management. The results were scrutinised in light of existing international literature. We observed that earthquake precipitated a psychological stress like event that provoked features of disequilibrium and the neuroanatomical basis of the proposition was explored. We renounce the hypothesis of Secondary BPPV precipitated by earthquake leading to symptoms. The results were interpreted from the perspective of Indian scenario and its utility in post-earthquake disaster management in our country has been highlighted.

Zeolitized bottom ashes from biomass combustion as cement replacing components

In power plants biomass combustion produces large quantities of biomass bottom ash wastes. During the combustion process, the produced ashes are enriched in the radionuclides. The different enrichment of the various radionuclides within a radioactive series, such as that of 226Ra, 228Ra, 228Th, 40K, 210Pb and 137Cs results in the disturbance of radioactive secular equilibrium. The production of energy from renewable resources, such as biomass, is increasing rapidly. As the demand for bioenergy production increases, waste products from biomass combustion will increase too and will become a relevant environmental and economic problem. Therefore, environmentally friendly, and economic solutions to recycle the resulting by-products are essential. This research provides a real opportunity to save cement thus disposing the waste by using zeolitized biomass bottom ash as supplementary cementitious materials. The zeolitized products were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) spectroscopy and high-resolution gamma spectrometry. In all investigated cases, compressive strength in hardened cement pastes and concrete samples slightly increases by replacing from 3% to 5% of Portland cement with zeolitized ashes. The results showed that natural radionuclides as 226Ra, 228Ra, 228Th, 40K are concentrated in similar way as in case of ashes obtained from combustion. However, addition of biomass leads to concentration of artificial radionuclide 137Cs that is still commonly present in biomass due to Chernobyl disaster. The observed activity concentration of 137Cs reaches the level of natural radionuclides concentration. Taking into consideration the contribution of 137Cs to gamma dose (usage of expanded activity index formula) may lead to exceeding the value of 1 in some cases. Calculated differences between activity indexes reach 13%.

Measuring Plant-Available Mg, Ca, and K Pools in the Soil—An Isotopic Dilution Assay

In many forest ecosystems, plant-available pools of Mg, Ca, and K are assumed to be stored in the soil as exchangeable cations adsorbed on the cation exchange complex (exchangeable pools). However, between soil minerals and exchangeable cations exists a gradient of Mg, Ca, and K storage forms that have not been fully characterized and may play an important role in plant nutrition and biogeochemical cycles. We hypothesize that sources of Mg, Ca, and K in the soil other than the conventionally measured exchangeable pools are plant-available on very short time scales (<1 day). In the present study, we developed and applied an isotopic dilution technique using the stable isotopes 26Mg, 44Ca, and 41K to trace and quantify the pools of Mg, Ca, and K (isotopically exchangeable pools) in the soil of a hardwood forest that contribute directly to equilibrium processes between the soil water and the soil. We characterize the equilibrium between the soil and soil solution using both a batch approach and a flow-through approach in order (i) to develop and determine the best routine method to measure the isotopically exchangeable pools and (ii) to further the characterization of the forms of storage of Mg, Ca, and K in the isotopically exchangeable pools. We first show that the flow-through reactor approach (equilibrium in unsaturated soil columns) is the most adequate to measure the isotopically exchangeable pools with the fewest equilibrium disturbances. We then show that isotopically exchangeable pools of Mg, Ca, and K are greater than traditionally measured exchangeable pools. The isotopically exchangeable pools of Mg, Ca, and K are mainly composed of traditionally measured exchangeable pools (88.8–98.5% for Mg, 74.7–97.7% for Ca, and 68.7–77.1% for K) but are also composed of pools extracted with the Tamm reagent (oxalic acid, pH 3) and nitric acid (1 mol·L–1): 1.5–11.2% for Mg, 2.3–25.3% for Ca, and 22.9–31.3% for K. Storage forms of Mg, Ca, and K in the isotopically exchangeable pool could include chelation with soil organic matter, retention on soil aluminum and iron oxides and hydroxides through phosphate and/or organic acid bridges and site-specific adsorption. The isotopic dilution method is a relevant tool to quantify the plant-available pools of Mg, Ca, and K on short time scales (source and sink pools) and is a very promising approach to characterize and quantify the processes responsible for the depletion and/or replenishment of these pools over longer time scales.

Детермінанти фінансово-економічної кризи в умовах глобалізації.

The article reveals essence of crises and crisis phenomena in the development of the socio-economic system, describes its types, causes, consequences and deep interconnection. Methods of induction and deduction have been applied (for studying the categories «crisis», «economic crisis»); methods of analysis, synthesis and comparative analysis (to assess the interpretation of the content of the concept of «crisis»); the method of system analysis and generalization (for studying the causes and consequences of the economic crisis), etc. The article states that in modern scientific and economic literature there is a large number of contradictory views on the definition of the meaning of the concept of «crisis». Three basic scientific directions of the definition of «crisis», «economic crisis» are substantiated: the crisis performs a destructive function, which leads to a threat to the viability of the system; the crisis destroys, which leads to further development and transition to another qualitatively new state of existence; the crisis is a disturbance of equilibrium. It is determined that distinguish two varieties of the economic crisis: the financial crisis; energy crisis. The stages of characteristic manifestations of the crisis in the Ukrainian economy are formulated: the stage of the morphogenesis of the national socio-economic system (1991-1995); Stage of economic bifurcation of the NSES (1996-2002); the stage of economic fluctuations in the endogenous model of growth of NSES (2003-2008); stage of economic decline (from 2009 till now). Further research will be aimed at developing recommendations for the creation of a mechanism for crisis management, aimed at avoiding and preventing crisis phases in order to minimize negative impacts.

Early-stage changes in chemical phosphorus speciation induced by liming deforested soils

A hypothesis of whether an increase in Ca2+ due to liming acid soils causes an increase in Ca-phosphates with a concomitant decrease in Al- and Fe-phosphates was tested on a relatively short-term time frame, as observed in the investigations of chemical phosphorus (P) speciation. Soil samples were taken at a deforested site and split into three treatment groups: a control and two CaCO3 treatments (0.1 and 0.4 g CaCO3 in 100 g soil). Each soil was incubated at 25±2°C for 40 days. Inorganic-P was partitioned into three fractions: Fraction-A (Al- and occluded Fe-P), Fraction-B (non-occluded Fe- and adsorbed-P), and Fraction-C (Ca-P). The pH of CaCO3-treated soils decreased right after liming, indicating a probable formation of solid phosphate compounds. Available P in CaCO3-treated soils decreased from 0.67 mg kg-1 to control levels at the end of incubation. Total-P and organic-P of CaCO3-treated soils were virtually the same as those of control soils, while inorganic-P varied. Fraction-A in both CaCO3-treated soils peaked at 10 days of incubation, and then decreased below control levels, while Fraction-B decreased abruptly right after liming, and thereafter gradually decreased. Liming decreased Fraction-C, and caused an increase in Al- and Fe-P due to an increase in exchangeable Al3+ and Fe3+. Our results challenge the hypothesis by showing the unexpected opposite data for Al-, Fe- and Ca-P compounds at least in the early stage of equilibrium disturbances due to liming an acidic soil.

ROLE OF EMOTIONAL DISORDERS IN STRATEGY OF STATIC EQUILIBRIUM AMONG PATIENTS OF OLD AGE

Aim. To detect the mechanisms of maintaining static equilibrium in old patients with complaints for vertigo, depending on disorders in emotional sphere. Materials and methods. Eighty two patients of old age (75-89) with complaints for vertigo were examined. On the basis of clinical data and results of psychometric testing, 2 groups of patients were formed: patients with emotional disorders and those free of them. Functional stabilometric study (open eyes test, Romberg test, optokinetic test) in European standard was performed using stabilometer (MBN-Biomechanics Company). Results. Disturbances of static equilibrium among old patients with emotional disorders are reflected in changed stabilometric parameters of functional tests and are represented by instablity of low-variable parameter - center-of-pressure displacement velocity, improvement of parameters in repeated studies with short exposition and in complicated functional tests. Conclusions. Emotional disorders influence the strategy of maintaining static equilibrium in patients of old age. It effects postural activity and can be measured quantitatively using computer stabilometry. Functional character of ataxia in patients with emotional disorders is manifested by variability of stabilometric parameters and improvement of parameters, as functional tests are complicated. The most sensible is the parameter of center-of-pressure displacement velocity.

Potential use of deodorised water extracts: polyphenol-rich extract of Thymus pannonicus All. as a chemopreventive agent.

Deodorised water extracts of aromatic plants are obtained as by-products of essential oil isolation and usually discarded as waste. However, phytochemical composition of these extracts encourages their further utilization as food additives or functional food ingredients. In this study we investigated phytochemical composition, antioxidant and in vivo antiproliferative activity of deodorised water extract of Thymus pannonicus All. (DWE). HPLC analysis revealed rosmarinic acid (RA) (71.11±1.54mg/g) as the most abundant constituent of the extract, followed by salvianolic acid H (14.83±0.79mg/g, calculated as RA). DWE exhibited pronounced antioxidant activity in vitro, in FRAP and DPPH tests (FRAP value: 7.41mmol Fe/g and SC50: 3.80μg/g, respectively). Using the model of Ehrlich carcinoma cells in mice that were treated with DWE prior, at the time, and after tumour cells implantation, the tumour growth suppression and redox status of malignant cells (i.e., activities of antioxidant enzymes, level of glutathione and intensity of lipid peroxidation) were followed. DWE applied as pretreatment caused disturbance of antioxidant equilibrium as well as apoptosis/necrosis of up to 90% EAC cells. Results obtained in the present study revealed chemopreventive potential and possibility of T. pannonicus DWE usage. High content of RA and other phenolic compounds explains, at least in part, the observed effects.

Exogenous oxidants activate nuclear factor kappa B through Toll-like receptor 4 stimulation to maintain inflammatory phenotype in macrophage

Disturbances in redox equilibrium in tissue can lead to inflammatory state, which is a mediatory factor in many human diseases. The mechanism(s) by which exogenous oxidants may activate an inflammatory response is not fully understood. Emerging evidence suggests that oxidant-induced Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation plays a major role in “sterile” inflammation. In the present study, we used murine macrophage RAW-Blue cells, which are chromosomally integrated with secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) inducible by NF-κB. We confirmed the expression of TLR4 mRNA and protein in RAW-Blue cells by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. We showed that oxidants increased intracellular reactive oxygen species production and lipid peroxidation, which resulted in decreased intracellular total antioxidant capacity. Consistent with the actions of TLR4-specific agonist LPS-EK, exogenous oxidants increased transcriptional activity of NF-κB p65 with subsequent release of NF-κB reporter gene SEAP. These effects were blocked by pretreatment with TLR4 neutralizing pAb and TLR4 signaling inhibitor CLI-095. In addition, oxidants decreased the expression of IκBα with enhanced phosphorylation at the Tyr42 residue. Finally, oxidants and LPS-EK increased TNFα production, but did not affect IL-10 production, which may cause imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory processes, which CLI-095 inhibited. For biological relevance, we confirmed that oxidants increased release of TNFα and IL-6 in primary macrophages derived from TLR4-WT and TLR4-KO mice. Our results support the involvement of TLR4 mediated oxidant-induced inflammatory phenotype through NF-κB activation in macrophages. Thus exogenous oxidants may play a role in activating inflammatory phenotypes that propagate and maintain chronic disease states.

Measurement and Correlation of High Pressure Phase Equilibria for CO2 + Alkanes and CO2 + Crude Oil Systems

An analytical apparatus with improved recirculating and sampling mechanisms was presented to investigate phase behavior of binary and multicomponent systems, which effectively avoided undesirable pressure gradients across the cell and serious disturbance of equilibrium during sampling procedure. Two one-channel magnetic recirculation pumps were designed and built to provide better mass transfer between the coexisting phases. Two six-port switching valves were used for sampling, quantitative fluid injection, and online compositional analysis by gas chromatography. The apparatus was validated by means of isothermal vapor–liquid equilibrium data for CO2 + hexane, and the results were found to be in good agreement with the literature data. High pressure phase equilibria data of CO2 + n-alkanes and CO2 + crude oil + n-alkanes were measured from 353.15 to 373.15 K. Three thermodynamic models of RR, PRSV, and YQE, based on Peng–Robinson and a modified quartic equation of state coupled with various mixing rules, ...

CRH Receptor Signalling: Potential Roles in Pathophysiology.

To maintain homeostatic equilibrium, living organisms have evolved complex adaptation systems that control an array of behavioural, autonomic, neuroendocrine and immune responses. One of the important switches of this system is the hypothalamic hormone corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which together with a family of related peptides (urocortins, UCNs) orchestrate stress-coping responses that reinstate homeostasis. Persistent disturbances in the homeostatic equilibrium either due to inadequate or persistently uncontrolled responses have been associated with pathogenic mechanisms of disease. CRH and UCNs exert their actions by activating two receptors of the Class B1 GPCRs, CRH-R1 and CRH-R2. Their signalling versatility allows activation of multiple and diverse signalling pathways characterized by 'cell-specific agonist-dependent signalling' responses. Alternative mRNA splicing, interactions with intracellular protein partners and mechanisms that allow selective regulation of signalling potency and termination, provide additional levels of regulation to fine-tune cellular responses. Although understanding of CRH-R signalling is still incomplete, recent important advances in decoding CRH-R structure and signalling properties uncovered key important functions and roles in physiology and pathobiology.

Disturbance of equilibrium in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Disturbance of equilibrium in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Are Prayers a Panacea for Climate Uncertainties?: An African Traditional Perspective from Swaziland

AbstractClimate change is a major threat to sustainable development, not only in sub‐Saharan Africa countries, but throughout the world. Swaziland as a developing nation has been hit hard by the frequency and intensity of severe weather volatility. While this situation has received scientific and technological interpretations, Swazi indigenous thought rejects these since it ascribes natural catastrophes to cosmic forces. Thus, people observe formalized systems of interaction with the supernatural world to find practical solutions to any disaster or social ill. This contribution maintains that indigenous thought is still vibrant among many Swazis despite their encounter with a new religious orientation. Swazi Christian thought patterns still correlate with the traditional view of Swazi cosmology. Hence, Christians have held corporate prayers at local church, regional, and national levels to harness the impersonal forces of El Niño, La Niña, and the recent Cyclone Dineo. For many Swazis in this predominantly Christian population, God has the power to restore any disturbed equilibrium in the spiritual, social, or natural milieu of human life through prayer.