RESOLVING DATABASE CONSTRAINT COLLISIONS USING IIS*CASE TOOL

Integrated Information Systems*Case (IIS*Case) R.6.21 is a CASE tool that we developed to support automated database (db) schema design, based on a methodology of gradual integration of independently designed subschemas into a database schema. It provides complete intelligent support for developing db schemas and enables designers to work together and cooperate reaching the most appropriate solutions. The process of independent design of subschemas may lead to collisions in expressing the real world constraints and business rules. IIS*Case uses specialized algorithms for checking the consistency of constraints embedded in the database schema and the subschemas. IIS*Case supports designers in reviewing and validating results obtained after each step of the design process. The paper outlines the process of resolving collisions. A case study based on an imaginary production system is used to illustrate the application of IIS*Case. Different outcomes and their consequences are presented

RESOLVING DATABASE CONSTRAINT COLLISIONS USING IIS*CASE TOOL

Integrated Information Systems*Case (IIS*Case) R.6.21 is a CASE tool that we developed to support automated database (db) schema design, based on a methodology of gradual integration of independently designed subschemas into a database schema. It provides complete intelligent support for developing db schemas and enables designers to work together and cooperate reaching the most appropriate solutions. The process of independent design of subschemas may lead to collisions in expressing the real world constraints and business rules. IIS*Case uses specialized algorithms for checking the consistency of constraints embedded in the database schema and the subschemas. IIS*Case supports designers in reviewing and validating results obtained after each step of the design process. The paper outlines the process of resolving collisions. A case study based on an imaginary production system is used to illustrate the application of IIS*Case. Different outcomes and their consequences are presented

A DSL for EER Data Model Specification

In this paper we present a domain specific language (DSL) for Extended Entity-Relationship (EER) data model approach, named EERDSL. EERDSL is a part of our Multi-Paradigm Information System Modeling Tool (MIST) that provides EER database schema specification at the conceptual level and its transformation into a relational data model, or a class model. EERDSL modeling concepts are specified by Ecore, one of the commonly used approaches to create meta-models. In the paper we present both textual and graphical notations of EERDSL. Since only few modeling constraints may be described at the level of abstract syntax, we use Object Constraint Language (OCL) to specify complex validation rules for EER models

Reversal of FLT3 Mutational Status and Sustained Expression of NPM1 Mutation in Paired Presentation, and Relapse Samples in a Patient with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

We report a case of de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with unstable FLT3 gene mutations and stable NPM1 mutation. FLT3/D835 and NPM1 (Type A) mutations were detected upon diagnosis. During the relapse, the FLT3/D835 mutation changed to an FLT3/ITD mutation while the NPM1 (Type A) mutation was retained. Cytogenetic analyses showed the normal karyotype at diagnosis and relapse. Our findings raise interesting questions about the significance of these mutations in the leukemogenic process, about their stability during the evolution of the disease, and regarding the selection of appropriate molecular markers for the monitoring of minimal residual disease

JAK2V617F mutation in a patient with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and prefibrotic primary myelofibrosis

Uvod Sekundarni maligniteti, naročito solidni tumori, česti su kod bolesnika s hroničnom limfocitnom leukemijom (HLL), ali retko se sreće udruženost mijeloproliferativnih neoplazmi i HLL. Prikaz bolesnika Prikazujemo muškarca starog 67 godina sa B ćelijskom HLL kod koga se nakon devet godina razvila primarna mijelofibroza (PMF). Bolesnik je lečen alkilišućim agensima i analozima purina, što može biti predisponirajući faktor za razvoj mijeloproliferativnog oboljenja. JAK2V617F mutacija nije otkrivena prilikom postavljanja dijagnoze HLL, ali je utvrđena posle devet godina, kada se razvila PMF, što ukazuje na to da su B ćelijska HLL i PMF neoplazme koje potiču od različitih ćelijskih klonova. Zaključak Patogenetski mehanizmi udruženosti mijeloproliferativne i limfoproliferativne neoplazme kod bolesnika nisu razjašnjeni. Potrebna su dalja istraživanja radi utvrđivanja da li ove maligne bolesti potiču od dva različita ćelijska klona ili nastaju od iste pluripotentne matične ćelije hematopoeze.Introduction Secondary malignancies, particularly solid tumors, are common in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), but association of myeloproliferative neoplasms and chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the same patient is very rare. Case Outline We report of a 67-year-old man with B-cell chronic lymphoid leukemia (B-CLL) who developed primary myelofibrosis (PMF) nine years after initial diagnosis. Patient received alkylation agents and purine analogue, which can be a predisposing factor for the development of myeloproliferative neoplasms. JAK2V617F mutation was not present initially at the time of CLL diagnosis, but was found after nine years when PMF occurred, which indicates that B-CLL and PMF represent two separate clonal origin neoplasms. Conclusion Pathogenic mechanisms for the development of myeloproliferative and lymphoproliferative neoplasms in the same patient are unknown. Further research is needed to determine whether these malignancies originate from two different cell clones or arise from the same pluripotent hematopoietic stem cell

Waste Slag from Heating Plants as a Partial Replacement for Cement in Mortar and Concrete Production. Part I—Physical–Chemical and Physical–Mechanical Characterization of Slag

Numerous factors influence the complexity of environmental and waste management problems, and the most significant goal is the reuse of materials that have completed their “life cycle” and the reduction in the use of new resources. In order to reduce impact of waste slag on the environment, in the present study, waste slag, generated in heating plants after lignite combustion, was characterized in detail and tested for application as a replacement for cement in mortar or concrete production. For physical–chemical characterization of slag, different experimental and instrumental techniques were used such as chemical composition and determination of the content of heavy metals, investigation of morphological and textural properties, thermal analysis, X-ray, and infrared spectroscopy. Physical–mechanical characterization of slag was also performed and included determination of activity index, water requirement, setting time and soundness. A leaching test was also performed. Presented results show that waste slag may be used in mortar and concrete production as a partial cement replacement, but after additional combustion at 650 °C and partial replacement of slag with silica fume in the minimal amount of 12%. The maximal obtained cement replacement was 20% (17.8% slag and 2.2% of silica fume)

Odnos između parametara gojaznosti i vrednosti C-reaktivnog proteina kod predgojaznih i gojaznih žena

Background/Aim. Overweight/obesity has become important health problem in developed countries. It may be related to a presence of low-grade inflammation in white adipose tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) and its relation to anthropometric parameters in overweight and obese females. Methods. This study included 200 apparently healthy, overweight and obese women (18-45 years). Their standard and alternative anthropometric parameters [body mass index (BMI), percentage of fat (%F), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body adiposity index (BAI)] were determined and correlated to serum CRP concentration. Results. Average CRP level was 5.56 ± 2.43 mg/L, and it significantly positively correlated to all investigated anthropometric parameters. There was significant difference between overweight and obese group in all investigated anthropometric parameters, as well as in CRP values. When investigated separately, according to BMI, values regarding obese females showed significant correlation between CRP and every investigated anthropometric parameter. In overweight subjects, no such correlation was recorded. In the obese group, all investigated parameters were significantly related to F. In overweight subjects, body weight (BW), BMI, WC and WHtR showed significant relation to F. Conclusion. The significant difference between the overweight and obese group in all parameters of central obesity was found as well as in the CRP levels. In the obese group, we found strong correlation between adiposity measured by fat percentage and parameters of central obesity, while in the overweight group WHR and BAI did not correlate to fat percentage. Our results confirmed that CRP is a valuable marker of metabolic risk in obese females, and BMI, although not so new, is still reliable parameter of adiposity.Uvod/Cilj. Prekomerna telesna masa i gojaznost postali su značajan zdravstveni problem u razvijenim zemljama, a mogu biti povezani sa prisustvom hronične inflamacije niskog intenziteta u belom masnom tkivu. Cilj rada bio je da se ispitaju nivoi markera inflamacije, C-reaktivnog proteina (CRP), i njegova povezanost sa standardnim antropometrijskim parametrima kod predgojaznih i gojaznih žena. Metode. Studijom je bilo obuhvaćeno 200 zdravih žena (18-45 god) kojima su određeni standardni i alternativni antropometrijski parametari [indeks telesne mase (BMI), procenat masti (%F), obim struka (WC), odnos obima struka i kukova (WHR), odnos obima struka i visine (WHtR), kao i indeks telesne masnoće (BAI)] koji su zatim korelisani sa koncentracijama CRP u serumu. Rezultati. Prosečna vrednost nivoa CRP u serumu u celoj grupi iznosila je 5,56 ± 2,43 mg/L i utvrđena je njegova značajna pozitivna korelacija sa svim ispitivanim antropometrijskim parametrima. Uočena je statistički značajna razlika između grupa predgojaznih i gojaznih žena u svim ispitivanim antropometrijskim parametrima, kao i u pogledu koncentracije CRP. U grupi gojaznih ispitanica utvrđena je značajna povezanost između CRP i svih antropometrijskih parametara, dok u predgojaznoj grupi nije zabeležena statistička značajnost. U grupi gojaznih, svi antropometrijski pokazatelji pokazali su značajnu korelaciju sa procentom telesne masti, a kod predgojaznih žena, korelacija je bila značajna samo za telesnu masu, BMI, WC i WHtR. Zaključak. Između predgojaznih i gojaznih ispitanica postoji značajna razlika u pogledu svih pokazatelja centralne gojaznosti, kao i u pogledu koncentacije CRP u serumu. U grupi gojaznih, pokazana je značajna korelacija između sadržaja masti, izraženog kao procenat masnoće, i svih pokazatelja visceralne distribucije masti, dok u grupi predgojaznih značajna povezanost nije urađena za WHR i BAI. Naši rezultati potvrđuju da CRP može predstavljati značajan marker metaboličkog rizika kod gojaznih žena, kao i da je BMI, iako spada u tradicionalne parametre, i dalje pouzdan pokazatelj sadržaja telesne masti

Uticaj različitih kalorijskih ograničenja u ishrani na antropometrijske i kardiometaboličke faktore rizika kod predgojaznih i gojaznih žena

Background/Aim. Obesity is an established risk factor for numerous chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of well-balanced different caloric restriction (CR) diets on anthropometric parameters and standard biochemical cardiovascular risk markers [lipid profile, glucose homeostasis and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)] in overweight/obese females. Methods. Participants (age 20-40 years) were randomized into 3 different CR diet groups: the group I - restriction of 20% calories from baseline energy requirements, the group II - restriction of 50% calories from baseline energy requirements and the group III - alternating daily diets with 70%/30% restriction. The study lasted 42 weeks. Anthropometric parameters were measured at the start and after 4, 8, 20 and 42 weeks after dietary intervention beginning. Biochemical markers were determined at baseline and after 20 and 42 weeks from dietary restriction start. Results. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and body fat (in %), in the different CR diet groups significantly decreased after 42 weeks. Body weight was less 11 kg in the group I and 12 kg in the groups II and III. WC was reduced by 11 cm in the groups I and III and by 10 cm in the group II. Different CR diets had the same effects on body fat (a reduction of 15% of body fat). Total cholesterol decreased by 7% in the group I and by 8% in the group III. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol decreased by 14% in the group I and by 13% in group III. There were no significant changes in total and LDL-cholesterol levels in the group II. The atherogenic index presented as trigliceride/high density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) ratio decreased by 0.22 in the group I, by 0.25 in the group II and by 0.32 in the group III. Various CR diets had the same effects on reducing the hs-CRP levels. Conclusion. Different CR diets with the same macronutrient content are equally effective in reducing body weight, WC and body fat, improve cardiometabolic risk factors and decrease level of proinflammatory hs-CRP in overweight/obese females.Uvod/Cilj. Gojaznost je faktor rizika od nastanka mnogih hroničnih bolesti. Cilj istraživanja bio je da se ispita efekat dobro izbalansirane ishrane različitih kalorijskih ograničenja na antropometrijske parametare i standardne biohemijske kardiovaskularne markere rizika [(lipidni profil, homeostazu glukoze, visoko senzitivni C-reaktivni protein - high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)] kod predgojaznih/gojaznih žena. Metode. Ukupno 97 žena, između 20 i 40 godina starosti, konzumirale su uravnotežene, kalorijski različite restriktivne dijete, na sledeći način: I grupa (n = 37) - ograničenje 20% kalorija od osnovnih energetskih potreba; II grupa (n = 30) - ograničenje od 50% kalorija od osnovnih energetskih potreba i III grupa (n = 30) - naizmenična dnevna restrikcija od 70% i 30% kalorija od osnovnih energetskih potreba. Stepen uhranjenosti je određivan antropometrijskim merenjima na početku i nakon 4, 8, 20 i 42 nedelje od uvođenja dijeta. Biohemijski markeri analizirani su na početku i nakon 4, 8, 20 i 42 nedelje. Rezultati. Kalorijski različite restriktivne dijete dovele su do značajnog smanjena telesne mase, indeksa telesne mase (body mass index - BMI), obima struka (OS) i % telesne masti nakon tretmana od 42 nedelje. Telesna masa snižena je za 11 kg u grupi I, a za 12 kg u grupama II i III. Za 11 cm je smanjen OS u grupama I i III i za 10 cm u grupi II. Gubitak 15% ukupne telesne masti ostvaren je za sve vrste dijeta nezavisno od različitog kalorijskog unosa. Koncentracija ukupnog i (low density lipoprotein) holesterola (LDL-holesterola) snižena je za 7% i 14% u grupi I i za 8% i 13% u grupi III. Dijeta sa redukcijom kalorijskog unosa od 50% nije imala efekta na nivo ukupnog i lipoprotein niske gustine LDL-holesterola. Aterogeni indeks predstavljen kao odnos trigliceridi/lipoprotein visoke gustine (high density lipoprotein) - TG/HDL bio je manji za 0,22 u grupi I, za 0,25 u grupi II i za 0,32 u grupi III. Kalorijski različite restriktivne dijete dovele su do istog sniženja nivoa hs-CRP. Zaključak. Restriktivne vrste dijeta sa različitim kalorijskim unosom i sa istim procentom zastupljenosti makronutrijenata jednako su efikasne u smanjenju telesne mase, OS i % telesne masti, dovode do poboljšanja faktora kardiometaboličkog rizika i smanjenja proinflamatornog hs-CRP kod predgojaznih/gojaznih žena

HLA genotyping in pediatric celiac disease patients

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease in the small intestine triggered by gluten uptake that occurs in genetically susceptible individuals. HLA-DQ2 protein encoded by HLA-DQA1*05 and DQB1*02 alleles is found in 9o-95% of CD patients. All of the remaining patients carry HLA-DQ8 protein encoded by HLA-DQA1*03 and DQB1*03:02 alleles. Specific HLA-DQ genotypes define different risk for CD incidence. Presence of susceptible HLA-DQ genotypes does not predict certain disease development, but their absence makes CD very unlikely, close to 100%. Here we presented for the first time the distribution of HLA-DQ genotypes in the group of pediatric celiac patients from the University Children's Hospital, Belgrade, Serbia and estimated risk for CD development that these genotypes confer. Seventy three celiac disease patients and 62 healthy individuals underwent genotyping for DQA1, DQB1 alleles and DRB1 allele. 94.5% of patients carried alleles that encode DQ2 protein variant and 2.7% carried alleles that encode DQ8 protein variant. Two patients carried single DQB1 *02 allele. No patients were negative for all the alleles predisposing to CD. The highest HLA-DQ genotype risk for CD development was found in group of patients homozygous for DQ2.5 haplotype, followed by the group of heterozygous carriers of DQ2.5 haplotype in combination with DQB1*02 allele within the other haplotype. The lowest risk was observed in carriers of a single copy of DQB1*02 or DQA1*05 allele or other non-predisposing alleles. HLA genotyping, more informative than serological testing commonly used, proved to be a useful diagnostic tool for excluding CD development