bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hieracia Balcanica X. Typification of the Hieracium (Asteraceae) names described by K. H. Zahn from the Balkan Peninsula
Authors: Szeląg Zbigniew
Published: July 2015

Twenty-two names in Hieracium L. described by Karl Herman Zahn from the Balkan Peninsula are lectotypified from among specimens stored at BRNM, PR and PRC. All considered taxa are illustrated by photos of original specimens.
Effectiveness of cartographic presentation methods applied within small-scale thematic maps in the press and on the Internet
Authors: Korycka-Skorupa Jolanta
Published: July 2015

The author discuss effectiveness of cartographic presentations. The article includes opinions of cartographers regarding effectiveness, readability and efficiency of a map. It reminds the principles of map graphic design in order to verify them using examples of small-scale thematic maps.

The following questions have been asked: Is the map effective? Why is the map effective? How do cartographic presentation methods affect effectiveness of the cartographic message? What else can influence effectiveness of a map?

Each graphic presentation should be effective, as its purpose is to complete written word, draw the recipients’ attention, make text more readable, expose the most important information. Such a significant role of graphics results in the fact that graphic presentations (maps, diagrams) require proper preparation.

Users need to have a chance to understand the graphics language in order to draw correct conclusions about the presented phenomenon. Graphics should demonstrate the most important elements, some tendencies, and directions of changes. It should generalize and present a given subject from a slightly different perspective.

There are numerous examples of well-edited and poorly edited small-scale thematic maps. They include maps, which are impossible to interpret correctly. They are burdened with methodological defects and they cannot fulfill their task.

Cartography practice indicates that the principles related to graphic design of cartographic presentation are frequently omitted during the process of developing small-scale thematic maps used – among others – in the press and on the Internet. The purpose of such presentations is to quickly interpret them. On such maps editors’ problems with the selection of an appropriate symbol and graphic variable (fig. 1A, 9B) are visible. Sometimes they use symbols which are not sufficiently distinguishable nor demonstrative (fig. 11), it does not increase their readability. Sometime authors try too hard to reflect presented phenomenon and therefore the map becomes more difficult to interpret (fig. 4A,B). The lack of graphic sense resulting in the lack of graphic balance and aesthetics constitutes a weak point of numerous cartographic presentations (fig. 13).

Effectiveness of cartographic presentations consists of knowledge and skills of the map editor, as well as the recipients’ perception capabilities and their readiness to read and interpret maps. The qualifications of the map editor should include methodological qualifications supported by the knowledge of the principles for cartographic symbol design, as well as relevant technical qualifications, which allow to properly use the tools to edit a map. Maps facilitate the understanding of texts they accompany and they present relationships between phenomenon better than texts, appealing to the senses.
The problem of the availability of nautical charts and publications on the Northern Sea Route
Authors: Pastusiak Tadeusz
Published: July 2015

Statistical studies of marine accidents and unfortunate events in ice-covered areas in 1995–2004 and 2004–2011 showed a general lack of information from the area under the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation. The author’s research for the period 2004–2011 showed a large number of unfortunate events caused by lack of adequate provision of nautical charts, shortage of accurate position systems on board vessels as well as weak technical condition of these vessels. The author examined the problem of navigation safety on the Northern Sea Route in terms of availability of the official nautical charts and publications.

The availability of official nautical publications supplied by global producers is more diverse and ambiguous than it is in case of nautical charts. Surprising is lack of Russian publications related to tides and unavailability of a guide for planning routes on Northern Sea Route issued by Russia in Russian and English languages.

Global producers of official charts and nautical publications do not provide full range of information and recommend vessels the use of the products supplied by Russia. These products are issued in Russian. This is a serious impediment to their use and thus introduces privilege of ships’ crews who speak Russian.

Northern Sea Route leads through regions that are not sufficiently explored. The Northern Sea Route Administration recommends guiding ships only on designated routes marked on maps and described in nautical publications. The currently hydrographic work is focused on determining new routes according to the spatial distribution of the ice massifs during the navigation season. However, this does not solve the problem of a comprehensive exploration of the Russian Arctic regions for the purpose of safe navigation on the customized routes.
Philosophy of Sport Education: Main Issues and Methodology
Authors: Isidori Emanuele
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study is to reflect upon the main issues of the so-called philosophy of sport education, showing its methodologies and possible use in the context of sport studies. This study will begin answering two of the main questions dealing with the issues of the philosophy of sport education, that is: what are sport and its values from an educational philosophical perspective and how can we put these values into practice through a practical methodology?

The study will show that the philosophy of sport education is a human science capable of developing both a theoretical and practical knowledge very useful for physical education teachers, sport educators, athletes, and coaches. The aim of this philosophical science is to analyze and understand sport in order to give it an educational and hermeneutical sense: that is, interpreting and not merely describing sport and its complex problems, and trying to find a solution in light of a pedagogical perspective and through a reflexive methodology of intervention.
New Prospect for Improving University Students’ Quality of Life
Authors: Edvy László
Published: July 2015

It is well-known that the poor exercise habits characterizing modern civilization are a high risk factor in health. Countervailing them is the responsibility of all social subsystems. This study aims to observe the role of higher education within the framework of comprehensive research carried out at the University of Pannonia, Hungary. A course meeting university standards has been developed for students, the future opinion-shapers, which intends to strengthen the health consciousness, the basis of physical fitness. The objective of the article is to prove the effectiveness of the course and its impact on lifestyle through a longitudinal study. Accordingly, it aims to answer the following questions: Can a change be observed in the factors of students’ psychological and health-related quality of life? Does the health consciousness developed by the course result in a more efficient health-enhancing physical activity? Does broadening knowledge provide long-term motivation for maintaining an active lifestyle? The efficiency of the course has been evaluated through changes observed in the participating students’ quality of life and health consciousness using the following methods: survey (N= 479), in-depth interview (N= 86), and triangulation. The results of the study support the basic assumption that the knowledge acquired in the course contributes in the short run to the students planning their health-preserving life-coaching more consciously, while quality of life indicators change in the long run. Consequently, it has been determined that the transmission of knowledge through the course is an undertakeable and successful endeavor of higher education in the field of health education.
Why Pluralism, Relativism, and Panthareism: An Ethical Landscape with Sport in the Background*
Authors: Kosiewicz Jerzy
Published: July 2015

In reference to the monograph entitled “Sports and Ethics: Philosophical Studies”, published in the “Physical Culture and Sport. Studies and Research” quarterly (2014, vol. 62), and in particular in reference to the paper entitled “The Normative Ethics and Sport” (Kosiewicz, 2014, pp. 5-22), the article presents new and at the same time supplementary views on the relationships between sports and normative ethics. The main objective of the paper is to provide a rationale as to why these relationships may be viewed in the context of the assumptions of ethical pluralism, ethical relativism, ethical panthareism, and axionormative negationism.

The text is of a strictly cognitive and extra-ideological nature and it attempts to avoid moral valuation, moralism, and moralizing. The view it postulates is also labeled as ethical negationism, which rejects the necessity for external support and enhancement of sports rivalry rules with moral principles. It assumes that regulations, book rules, and game rules as well as the principles of sports rivalry ought to be of an entirely amoral character, independent of ethics.

The article suggests minimizing the impact of moral postulates on sport. It postulates a need for widespread propagation of this point of view in competitive, professional, spectator, and Olympic sport disciplines, as well as in top-level sports or elite sports. The views presented in the paper point to the need to separate normative ethics from sports as far as it is at all possible in contemporary sports indoctrinated with obligations or attitudes of a moral tenor. This is because normative ethics – according to the author - is relative ethics, depending on an unlimited number of variables, e.g., various social contexts or individual points of view.

The text engages in a polemic with colloquial and evaluative opinions of those sports fans who by all means strive to bolster its formal, functional, and axiological status. A significant part of them erroneously attributes sports to an extraordinary moral mission related to promoting an intuitively understood good with a religious and extra-confessional tenor.
The Climate and Its Impacts on Egyptian Civilized Heritage: Ei-Nadura Temple in El- Kharga Oasis, Western Desert of Egypt As a Case Study
Authors: Hossam Ismael
Published: July 2015

Undoubtedly, El-Kharga Oasis monumental sites are considered an important part of our world´s cultural heritage in the South Western Desert of Egypt. These sites are scattered on the floor of the oasis representing ancient civilizations. The Roman stone monuments in Kharga represent cultural heritage of an outstanding universal value. Such those monuments have suffered weathering deterioration. There are various elements which affect the weathering process of stone monuments: climate conditions, shapes of cultural heritages, exposed time periods, terrains, and vegetation around them, etc. Among these, climate conditions are the most significant factor affecting the deterioration Archeological sites in Egypt. El- Kharga Oasis belongs administratively to the New Valley Governorate. It is located in the southern part of the western desert of Egypt, lies between latitudes 22º30'14" and 26º00'00" N, and between 30º27'00" and 30º47'00" E. The area of El Kharga Oasis covers about 7500 square kilometers. Pilot studies were carried out on the EI-Nadura Temple, composed of sandstones originating from the great sand sea. The major objective of this study is to monitor and measure the weathering features and the weathering rate affecting the building stones forming El- Nadora Roman building rocks in cubic cm. To achieve that aims the present study used analysis of climatic data such as annual and seasonal solar radiation, Monthly average number of hours of sunshine, maximum and minimum air temperatures, wind speed, which have obtained from actual field measurements and data Meteorological Authority of El-Kharga station for the period 1941 to 2000 (60 years), and from the period 1941-2050 (110 years) as a long term of temperature data. Several samples were collected and examined by polarizing microscopy (PLM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray analysis system (SEM-EDX). The results were in agreement with the observed values in the study area. The deterioration of El-Nadora temple is above 45 % of original temple (138-161 BC), these deteriorations have occurred not only due to the age of the structures, but also due to the climate elements. It was found that the climate is the most important elements influencing weathering. El-Nadora temple is highly influenced by wind action because it has built on a hill top 180 meter in hyper arid climate and exposed to wind without any obstruction. Finally, El-Nadora Temple has lost about 42.46 % of its original size, and if the rate of deterioration on those rates will disappear the major landmarks, symbols and inscriptions fully in 2150.
Economic and Financial Aspects of Water Management in the Dniester Basin (The Sector of the Republic of Moldova)
Authors: Bacal Petru , Boboc Nicolae
Published: July 2015

The main topics presented in this paper are following:1 Essence and the tools of the economic mechanism of management of water resources; 2 Taxes on water consumption; 3 Tariffs for services of water supply and sewerage; 4 administrative penalties for infringements of use and protection of water resources; 5 The grants for the rational use and protection of water. In the Dniester Basin have been concentrated the majority of water resources, of urban, industrial and agricultural centers. Thus, this basin holds over 90% of water consumption, most of which are captured from surface sources and used by industrial enterprises from the left bank of Dniester, especially by Thermoelectric Plant (TEP) from Dnestrovsk. On the right bank of Dniester it is noted communal enterprises, agricultural and food industry, and in most of the localities water is captured from groundwater sources. Actual amount of water tax is very low, which conditioned the increased of water consumption and irrational use of these limited resources
Industrial Symbiosis, Ecoefficiency, Sustainability a Case Study
Authors: Teodorescu Cristian , Danubianu Mirela
Published: July 2015

In the last decade, international organizations have expressed their concern about the capacity of classical economical indicators to encompass the whole story of the developing processes, especially in their relationship with the environment. A comprehensive environmental metrics has been adopted (states and organizations reports indicators like greenhouse gas emissions, ozone concentrations, surface of contaminated land, number of threatened species, etc.) and operates in parallel with the traditional industrial indicators. But it seems not enough since this complementary metrics does not illustrate the entire complexity of development processes, in the 21st Century. Recent EU documents stress the importance of sustainable development, of the importance of industrial symbiosis as a tool to better manage material, energy and human resources and evaluate the possibility of generating and reporting new, synthetic, composite indicators that could include both the information in the classical economical indicators but also the environmental impact and the quality of life.

The paper is a contribution in this respect and, starting from the results of the implementation of the Industrial Symbiosis paradigm in the case of a power plant, it presents how the EU recommendations about a more sophisticated metrics of ecoefficiency works, for the first time at the level of a Romanian enterprise. An original, new metrics is generated, that takes into account whether and how the technological and economical processes are accompanied by a favourable trend for the environment, A new, composite index for ecoefficiency and sustainability is presented in its structure and dynamic evolution, enabling local managers not only to assess their sustainable development trend, but also to identify where should their action be directed in the short term to correct unfavourable trends. The study was a part of the PAZEWAIA Project financed by Innovation Norway.
The Typology of the Landscapes from the Northern Part of Cluj-Napoca City
Authors: Baciu Nicolae , Roşian Gheorghe , Măcicăşan Vlad , Stănescu Carmen , Muntean Octavian Liviu , Bodea Ciprian , Maloş Cristian
Published: July 2015

The protected site Dealurile Clujului-Est is located in the Transylvanian Depression subunit known as Somes Plateau, in the northern part of Cluj-Napoca. The presence of a plateau units characterized by an alternation of valley corridors and interfluves was able to dictate the existence of a variety of types of landscapes. Along with relief, which is characterized by altitude, slope, exposition and dynamic geomorphologic processes, the land use has been taken into account. The last three centuries Dealurile Clujului suffered a considerable human impact, despite seeming insignificant anthropogenic pressures and villages with low prevalence. Therefore we can say that the natural landscapes (characterized by state of climax or biostazie) are often insignificant compared to the spatial expansion of the territorial unit analyzed. The landscape is characterized by a rural lifestyle, clearly expressed, with forest vegetation positioned at higher parts of that territory, followed by traditional crops, the vast pasture and meadow, with the dominant category of small and very small villages, located along the valleys and the river origins. By applying the criteria mentioned and GIS techniques, we distinguished 14 types of landscapes and related subtypes, both natural and built.
Recent Structural Evolutions in the Forests of Lowland Basin of Moldova River Between Sadova and Prisaca Dornei
Authors: Piticar T. M. , Rusu E.
Published: July 2015

The considerable expansion of the forests in the mountainous regions of Romania was favored by several factors. The Romanian Carpathians occupy an area of 66300 km², 28% of Romanian territory being represented by mountains of medium height, bordered almost entirely in the boreal forest and nemoral from 400 - 500m at 1600 altitude.

The case study indicates that the function and evolution of forest in the basin depression of Câmpulung Moldovenesc took place in conditions of thermal inversions, and the thermal differences caused by the exposition radically opposed to the two main slopes of the valley Moldova.

The deforestations in low area of the depression were more intense than in the mountains and were mainly made for new grazing land, and for habitat expansion. Agrarian reforms of 1864 and 1920 affected most forests in the hilly area, especially following the allotment and communal pastures extension deforestation. The reduction of forest areas of Romania continued after the political changes of 1989, due to irrational and sometimes illegal mining, which were practiced amid crumbling forestlands through partial repayment of former private property and the lack of enforcement authority and tolerance massive felling of forests.
Icing – A Risk Factor in Aviation.Case Study: the Plane Crash in the Apuseni Mountains (Romania) on 20.01.2014.
Authors: Şchiopu Cosmin-Liviu , Ionac Nicoleta
Published: July 2015

Icing - a risk factor in aviation. Case study: The plane crash in the Apuseni Mountains (Romania) on 20.01.2014. Icing is a potentially harmful weather phenomenon for flight safety. Icing, irrespective of its forms, has a negative impact on all aviation activities since it severely impedes the aerodynamic properties of an aircraft, sometimes to such an extent that flying and landing may become impossible. Icing is a serious weather threat to aviation and may ultimately lead to deadly events. One such unfortunate event took place in the Western (Apuseni) Mountains on the 20.01.2014, when an aircraft which was transporting a medical team on a humanitarian mission, simply crashed down in the area of the Western (Apuseni) Mountains, at around 4:00 pm local time. The present study actually makes an inventory of the extremely hazardous flying conditions, by thoroughly analyzing the weather reports and data, as well as visual and synoptic messages or official elements and information from that very day. All these materials show that the flight route and the airdrome of destination were under the influence of a front which accounted for very poor meteorological conditions. On such bad weather, the flight was practically doomed to failure since low snow and sleet-bearing clouds were hanging down over the mountaintops. Flying straight through these clouds made any landmarks impossible to be seen and, furthermore, lack of orientation created false perceptions which led to fatal misjudgements and errors.
Physiological Properties of Dietary Ellagitannin-Rich Preparations Obtained from Strawberry Pomace Using Different Extraction Methods
Authors: Juśkiewicz Jerzy , Król Bogusław , Kosmala Monika , Milala Joanna , Zduńczyk Zenon , Żary-Sikorska Ewa
Published: July 2015

The objective of this study was to establish the composition of strawberry preparations rich in ellagitannins obtained using water or acetone extraction (EF and EP preparation, respectively). Then, biological effect of these extracts was assessed in 4-wk nutritional experiment on Wistar rats. The preparations were applied in cholesterol-containing diets that had equal content of ellagitannins (0.03%). To measure animals response, parameters describing the caecal fermentation (ammonia and short-chain fatty acid concentrations, bacterial enzymes activity), blood serum lipoprotein profile, and TBARS content in selected tissues (heart, liver, kidney) were assessed. Apart from polyphenols, including ellagitannins (7.8 and 7.1%, respectively), the EF preparation contained high quantities of soluble dietary fibre and other carbohydrates (33.3 and 38.9%, respectively), whereas the EP preparation was characterised by 58.9% content of ellagitannins, no dietary fibre and a high content of proanthocyanidins (16.9%). In comparison to EF group, the dietary treatment with EP had a stronger effect on caecal environment as manifested by decreased digesta bulk, β-glucuronidase activity and total short-chain fatty acid concentration (P<0.05 vs. group C without supplementation). Both preparations lowered lipaemia and glycaemia. It could be concluded that more efficient acetone extraction of strawberry pomace increased the content of both ellagitannins and proanthocyanidins in the polyphenolic preparation, which caused a stronger inhibiting effect on caecal fermentation processes and at the same time lowered blood triacylglycerols and glucose level. Considering the equal content of ellagitannins in both supplemented diets, it may be speculated that the above effects were due to the presence of proanthocyanidin fraction.
Microbiological and Sensory Quality of Milk on the Domestic Market
Authors: Piotrowska Anna , Świderski Franciszek , Kostyra Eliza , Żebrowska-Krasuska Małgorzata , Sadowska Anna
Published: July 2015

The evaluation of the microbiological and sensory quality of 30 assortments of market milk was the objective of the presented research. The study also compared the sensory profile of selected samples of milk differing in preservation method. Microbiological tests included determination of the presence and number of Enterobacteriaceae and the total number of microorganisms. Sensory characteristics of all the milk samples was performed by scaling method (5-points scale). Selected samples of milk were additionally assessed by means of profile method. Microbiological tests showed satisfactory microbiological purity of milk, which indicates the effectiveness of the heat treatment and the lack of secondary contamination. Regardless of the preservation method, all the evaluated milk samples were characterised by a high sensory quality (4.25-5 points). There were no changes in smell and taste, resulting from the development of undesirable microflora. The tested samples of milk differing in the preservation method (sterilisation, pasteurisation at high temperature and subjected to microfiltration and low pasteurisation) varied in the sensory profile. Milk pasteurised at high temperature was characterised by the most harmonised overall quality.
Endoscopic Insertion Of A Self-Expandable Stent Combined With Laparoscopic Rinsing Of Peritoneal Cavity As A Method For Staple Line Leaks Treatment In Patients Post Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Matłok Maciej , Major Piotr , Pędziwiatr Michał , Winiarski Marek , Budzyński Piotr , Małczak Piotr , Hynnekleiv Leif , Budzyński Andrzej
Published: July 2015

Currently, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is one of bariatric surgeries most commonly performed in the world. The most frequent complications of surgeries of this type, with the highest mortality rate, include bleeding into the GI tract and peritoneal cavity, and sleeve staple line leaks. These severe complications prolong the hospital stay, and often are a cause of patient’s death. While in a case of bleeding the procedure appears to be obvious, so far no uniform and standard guidelines have been established for the group of patients with staple line leaks.

was to report results of treatment for staple line leaks following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with a laparoscopic procedure and simultaneous endoscopic insertion of a self-expandable stent.

152 laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomies were performed from April 2009 to December 2014. The BMI median was 46.9, and the age median was 42 years. Staple line leaks developed in 3 out of 152 people (1.97%). All patients who developed this complication were included in the study. The treatment involved laparoscopic revision surgery with simultaneous endoscopic insertion of a self-expandable stent (Boston Scientific, Wallflex Easophageal Stent, 150×23 mm) into the gastric stump during gastroscopy.

Leaks following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were diagnosed on day 5 after the procedure, on average. Intervention consisting of laparoscopy and endoscopic insertion of a self-expandable stent was initiated within 14 hours of diagnosing the leak, on average. The mean time for which the stent was kept was 5 weeks (4–6 weeks). Stenting proved to be fully effective in all patients, where after discharging home, a cutaneous fistula, periodically (every 2-3 weeks) discharging several millilitres of matter, persisted in one patient. The mean time for the leak healing in 2 patients, in whom the described method was successful in treatment of this complication, was 37 days. No patient died in the perioperative or follow-up period.

The proposed method for treatment of staple line leaks following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy by combined laparoscopic rinsing and draining of the peritoneal cavity and endoscopic insertion of a self-expandable stent is an interesting and worth recommending method for treatment of this complication.
Diagnostic Imaging Efficacy In Metastases From Unknown Primary Site – Own Material
Authors: Bara Angelika , Pluta Piotr , Jeziorski Arkadiusz
Published: July 2015

Cancer of Unknown Primary Origin (CUPO) is defined by the presence of metastatic lesions, diagnosed by means of cytological or pathological evaluation, for which no primary site can be detected during a thorough examination. The clinical investigation, directed at locating the site of the neoplastic lesion, is determined by the results of laboratory tests, imaging procedures, and pathological examinations. It is also essential to conduct a complete medical history and thorough physical examination. The detection of the primary site allowed to introduce specific therapy, which can offer clinical benefits, considering a favorable prognosis.

was to assess the range of diagnostic procedures performed in patients with CUPO and efficacy in identifying the primary lesion.

Retrospective analysis comprised a group of 29 patients with CUPO, operated between January, 2002 and December, 2011, at the Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University in Łódź. The study group comprised 16 male and 13 female patients; median age at presentation was 58.3 years (ranging between 30-79 years).

Detailed diagnostic management depending on the location of metastatic lesions and their histological type was performed in 20 of the 29 study patients (69%). Considering the remaining 9 (31%) patients detailed diagnostics was not performed, due to the patients' poor general condition. In 55% (11/20) of patients subject to detailed diagnostics, the primary neoplastic lesion was determined.

Considering the study group, most patients with cancer of unknown primary origin were characterized by a favorable prognosis, which justified thorough diagnostics, in order to establish the primary neoplastic lesion. The introduction of diagnostic examinations enabled to identify the primary site of the tumor in more than 50% of patients. With the development of imaging methods one can expect improvement of unsatisfactory results, considering the detection of primary neoplastic foci.
Evaluation Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms Amongst Warsaw University Students
Authors: Niemyjska Sylwia , Ukleja Anna , Ławiński Michał
Published: July 2015

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) belongs to functional gastrointestinal disorders and is characterized by abdominal pain and change in stool consistency and/or bowel habits. Etiological factors include gastrointestinal peristalsis disturbances, visceral hypersensitivity, chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane, dysbacteremia, intestinal infections, psychosomatic and nutritional factors. Gastrointestinal motility disturbances in case of IBS are manifested by the inhibition of the intestinal passage, which favors the development of constipation or occurrence of diarrhea.

was to evaluate IBS symptoms and demonstrate the relationship between physical activity and place of residence amongst Warsaw University students.

The study was conducted in march, 2014 using a specific questionnaire, amongst Warsaw University students. The study group comprised 120 female patients, aged between 19 and 27 years (M=23.43; SD=1.29). The chi-square test was used for analysis, p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

The BMI of investigated patients ranged between 16.30-31.22 kg/m

IBS symptoms are common amongst Warsaw University students. In case of respondents with low physical activity, abdominal pain or discomfort occurred more often. It has been demonstrated that diet and stress might contribute to the occurrence of abdominal symptoms, being evidence of IBS.
Ectopic Pancreas Imitating Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) In The Stomach
Authors: Zińczuk Justyna , Bandurski Roman , Pryczynicz Anna , Konarzewska-Duchnowska Emilia , Kemona Andrzej , Kędra Bogusław
Published: July 2015

Ectopic pancreas is a rare congenital disorder defined as pancreatic tissue lacking vascular or anatomic communication with the normal body of the pancreas. Most cases of ectopic pancreas are asymptomatic, but it may become clinically evident depending on the size, location and the pathological changes similar to those observed in case of the normal pancreas. It is often an incidental finding and can be located at different sites in the gastrointestinal tract. The most common locations are: the stomach, duodenum or the proximal part of small intestine. The risk of malignancy, bleeding and occlusion are the most serious complications. Despite the development in diagnostics, it still remains a challenge for the clinician to differentiate it from neoplasm.

In this report, we described a case of 28-years old woman who presented recurrent epigastric pain. The upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed gastrointestinal stromal tumor on the border of the body and antrum of the back wall of great curvature of the stomach. The histopathological examination after surgery showed heterotopic pancreatic tissue. Ectopic pancreas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastric mass lesions.
Variability of non-structural proteins of equine arteritis virus during persistent infection of the stallion
Authors: Socha W. , Rola J. , Żmudziński J.F.
Published: July 2015

The genetic stability of ORF1a encoding non-structural proteins nsp1, nsp2, nsp3 and nsp4 of equine arteritis virus (EAV) has been analysed for nearly seven years in a persistently infected stallion of the Malopolska breed. Between November 2004 and June 2011, 11 semen samples were collected. Viral RNA extracted from semen of this carrier stallion was amplified, sequenced and compared with the sequences of the other known strains of EAV. Sequence analysis of ORF1a showed 84 synonymous and 16 non-synonymous mutations. The most variable part of ORF1a was the region encoding nsp2 protein with 13 non-synonymous substitutions. The degree of amino acid identity between isolates ranged from 98.91 to 100%. Only single non-synonymous mutations were detected in nsp1 (one substitution) and nsp4 (two substitutions). The most stable was nsp3 in which no amino acid substitutions were observed during the whole period of observation.
Effects of high hydrostatic pressure on Campylobacter jejuni in poultry meat
Authors: Jackowska-Tracz A. , Tracz M.
Published: July 2015

Campylobacter jejuni inactivation by high pressure processing (HPP) in poultry meat (chicken breast) was investigated. The pressure was created by high hydrostatic pressure piston-cylinder food processor. Contaminated with C. jejuni (108 CFU g−1) samples of ground poultry meat were hermetically sealed in a polyamide-polyethylene bags and exposed to HPP for 9 different combinations of pressure (200 MPa, 300 MPa and 400 MPa) and time (5 min, 10 min and 15 min). Quantitative bacteriological analysis was carried out in order to determine the number of surviving C. jejuni cells. The obtained results showed that C. jejuni is relatively sensitive to high pressure treatment as compared to other food-borne pathogens. The loss of C. jejuni viability increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. On the basis of the results, D-values were calculated. For reduction C. jejuni in poultry meat by 6 log units (6D-values), considered as sufficient for consumer protection, the application of 300 MPa for 8.73 min, or 400 MPa for 4.37 min is needed. The linear regression equations, which has been calculated on the basis of this study, allows to determine the degree of C. jejuni reduction in poultry meat for any selected duration of pressurization in a given pressure range.
Effect of oral administration of commercial gold nanocolloid on peripheral blood leukocytes in mice
Authors: Małaczewska J.
Published: July 2015

During the last few decades, owing to their unique properties, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have found numerous biomedical applications. Studies on rodents prove that AuNPs entering an organism easily reach the bloodstream and undergo wide tissue distribution. The presence of nanoparticles inside blood and bone marrow cells of exposed animals may implicate its influence on hematopoesis and the functions of peripheral blood leukocytes.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of oral administration of commercial gold nanocolloid, recommended by the producer as a dietary supplement, on the percentage of lymphocyte populations and proliferative response, as well as the activity of phagocytes in the peripheral blood of mice. The colloid was given to the animals in three different doses (0.25, 2.5, 25 ppm), for three different time periods (7, 14, 28 days). Mice given nanoparticles showed increased activity of phagocytes and some changes in the lymphocyte phenotypes. The elevated activity of granulocytes and monocytes, in terms of both phagocytic and respiratory burst activity, was transient and noticed only after a short time of administration, which may indicate some adaptability of blood phagocytes to prolonged presence of gold nanoparticles in the body. However, phenotypic modifications among lymphocytes in the group of animals given the middle dose of colloid (i.e. increased percentage of B and CD4+CD8+ DP T cells) did not occur until after the 28-day administration, which in turn seems indicative of some immune dysregulation due to the prolonged contact with nanogold.
Changes in lipid metabolism during last month of pregnancy and first two months of lactation in primiparous cows – analysis of apolipoprotein expression pattern and changes in concentration of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides
Authors: Kurpińska A.K. , Jarosz A. , Ożgo M. , Skrzypczak W.F.
Published: July 2015

The final weeks of pregnancy and period of increasing lactation abound with adaptive changes in the intensity of metabolic processes. Maintaining the homeostasis of an organism in prepartum and postpartum periods is the key condition in maintaining the health of the mother and the fetus/calf. The aim of the study was to analyze physiological changes in lipid metabolism in cows during the last month of first pregnancy and in the first two months of lactation, based on the expression of identified apolipoproteins and changes in selected parameters of the lipid metabolism in peripheral blood plasma. Statistically significant changes in the expression of identified apolipoproteins were observed for apolipoprotein A-1 precursor, apolipoprotein A-IV precursor, apolipoprotein E precursor and apolipoprotein J precursor. The lowest expression of the apolipoproteins was noted around parturition and higher expression was observed during the final weeks of pregnancy and during lactation. Tendencies of changes in the concentration of total cholesterol, HDL and LDL were similar in blood plasma from analyzed cows – in the last month of pregnancy a decrease was observed and subsequently an increase in the first two months of lactation was noted. In contrast to abrupt changes observed for total cholesterol, HDL and LDL, changes in concentration of triglycerides were not that extensive and during lactation this parameter was rather stable. Evaluation of changes in the analyzed parameters may contribute to a better understanding of the changes in lipid metabolism occurring in the body of pregnant and lactating young cows.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide-27 (PACAP-27) is co-stored with galanin, substance P and corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) in intrapancreatic ganglia of the sheep
Authors: Arciszewski M.B. , Mozel S. , Sienkiewicz W.
Published: July 2015

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide existing in two variant forms (of either 27 or 38 residues), widely present in numerous organs and evoking multiple effects both in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the distribution pattern of PACAP-27 expression in the ovine pancreas. Using double immunohistochemical stainings co-localizations of PACAP-27 with galanin, SP or CRF were studied in intrapancreatic neurons. In intrapancreatic ganglia, immunoreactivty to PACAP-27 was found in 87.6 ± 5.4% of PGP 9.5-positive intrapancreatic neurons but not in intraganglionic nerve fibres. Numerous PACAP-27-immunoreactive nerve terminals were also observed between pancreatic acini and around small arterioles. No immunoreactivity to PACAP-27 was found in the endocrine pancreas. In 42.9 ± 6.2% of PACAP-27-immunoreactive intrapancreatic neurons the expression of galanin was also found. Statistically lower subpopulation (12.4 ± 4.0%) of intrapancreatic neurons exhibited simultaneously the immunoreactivity to PACAP-27 and SP. The expression of CRF was detected in the relatively smallest group (3.2 ± 1.4%) of PACAP-27-positive intrapancreatic neurons. The present results suggest that in the ovine pancreas PACAP-27 may play an important role as mediator of pancreatic functions. In PACAP-related pancreatic activities, a modulatory role of galanin, SP and to a lower extend of CRF is also likely.
Comparison of IgE test results with intradermal skin tests for dust mites and storage mites in atopic dogs
Authors: Popiel J. , Cekiera A.
Published: July 2015

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most frequent allergic diseases in dogs. There are many methods of treating its symptoms but specific immunotherapy has recently gained high popularity. Before the application of specific immunotherapy, it is necessary to identify the allergens provoking the reaction of hypersensitivity in the selected animal. This raises a question about the method of allergen identification the medical practitioner decides to use in order to obtain the most credible result. The authors of the present study decided to compare the results of intradermal allergic tests and the results of an IgE screening test carried out using the FcɛRIα receptor method. The aim of the study was to compare the results of both tests directed to dust and storage mites. The study proves that in case of the IgE screening tests (for a group of allergens), the sensitivity is quite high (85 to 90.69%) but the specificity of these tests is insufficient (25 to 50%). In case of antibodies for the selected mites the sensitivity and specificity was too low (65.1 to 89.4% for the sensitivity, with only 14.2 to 33.3% for the specificity). Only in case of D. petronyssinus the results were higher with the sensitivity calculated at 65.1% and the specificity at 80%. The IgE screening test carried out using the FcɛRIα receptor method is reliable only in case of screening test for mites and the intradermal allergic test remains the gold standard for allergy testing.
Transport induced inflammatory responses in horses
Authors: Wessely-Szponder J. , Bełkot Z. , Bobowiec R. , Kosior-Korzecka U. , Wójcik M.
Published: July 2015

Deleterious response to road transport is an important problem in equine practice. It determines different physiological, immunological and metabolic changes which lead to increased susceptibility to several disorders such as pneumonia, diarrhea, colics, laminitis, injuries and rhabdomyolisis. The aim of our study was to look for possible relationships between transportation of female young and older horses over a long and short distance and an inflammatory state reflected by an increase of acute phase protein concentration, oxidative stress and muscle injury. The study was conducted on 24 cold-blooded female horses divided into four groups. Six fillies aged 6-18 months and six mares aged 10-12 years were transported over the distance of about 550 km, six fillies aged 6-18 months and six mares aged 10-12 years were transported over the distance of about 50 km. Plasma and serum were obtained from blood samples taken before transportation (T0), immediately after transportation (T1) and at an abattoir during slaughter (T2). In these samples fibrinogen, MDA, AST and CK were assessed. Fibrinogen increased in all studied groups especially in fillies after long distance transportation, where it reached 205±7.07 mg/dl before transportation, 625±35.35 mg/dl after transportation, and 790±14.14 mg/dl during slaughter. MDA concentrations rose after transportation and reached the maximal level during slaughter. CK activity was more elevated after short transportation in younger horses, whereas initial activity of AST was higher in older horses. We estimated that intensified responses from acute phase, oxidative stress and muscle injury parameters indicated an inflammatory state.
Piglets born after intrauterine laparoscopic embryo transfer
Authors: Wieczorek J. , Koseniuk J. , Mandryk I. , Poniedziałek-Kempny K.
Published: July 2015

The aim of the study was the preliminary development of laparoscopic transfer of embryos to the uterus in the pig, which can become the alternative for more invasive surgical methods. We proposed the original method of embryo transfer. Donors (n = 40) and recipients (n = 15) of embryos were sows of age of 6-8 months. The estrus cycle of both recipients and donors was routinely synchronized. The experimental animals were divided into two groups. In the first group (10 donors and 3 recipients) embryos were transplanted according to the method described earlier and in the second group (30 donors and 12 recipients) embryos were transplanted according to our own proposed method. As the control group, we used 16 sows after insemination (AI). In animals from both experimental groups pregnancy was diagnosed between 28-31 day after transplantation and in the control group between 28-31 day after insemination. All animals were observed during pregnancy and weaning period in pig farm. Embryos at the development stage of 2-4 cell were obtained surgically and cultured in vitro for 4 days. Obtained blastocysts were transferred to donors. The original set of catheters for blastocysts transfer to pig uterus was constructed. Three trocars were placed in abdominal cavity for inserting endoscope and 2 grasps for uterus stabilization. After uterus stabilization, the slide was inserted into abdomen which was used for putting the needle to puncture uterus. Through this needle catheter with embryos was inserted into the uterus cavity. Embryos were placed by injection into lumen of the one uterine horn. From 12 recipients pregnancy was diagnosed in 6 recipients. From 6 litters, 57 piglets were born. We weaned 41 piglets (71.9%). In our study we obtained 50% efficacy, with the mean number of 9.5 alive piglets in litter and 6.8 weaned piglets. The efficacy of developed method of laparoscopic transfer of porcine embryos allows it to be used in routine practice.
Levels of hormones and cytokines associated with growth in Honamlı and native hair goats
Authors: Devrim A.K. , Elmaz O. , Mamak N. , Sudagidan M.
Published: July 2015

This study was designed to assess alterations of hormone and cytokine levels associated with growth period during puberty in Honamlı goats which were identified as a new goat breed and had one of the highest meat production potential among the other goat breeds in Turkey. Honamlı goats are originated from native hair goats, so parallel studies of sampling and analyzing were conducted also in native hair goats which have moderate meat production. Blood serum samples of Honamlı (n=90) and native hair goats (n=90) were obtained from the pure herds in Korkuteli and Ka districts of Anatolia. Concentrations of growth hormone (GH), myostatin (MSTN), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP), leptin, transforming growth factor-betal (TGF-β1) and vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) levels were measured by ELISA in each breed in the age groups of 4, 8 and 12 months. The present results indicate interesting correlations among the age groups and all the examined hormone and cytokine parameters exhibited significant (P<0.05 and P<0.001) differences. The parameters investigated were usually begun to increase after 4 months of age in the both breeds and sexes. Therefore, this paper supported the view that the beginning of hormonal alterations of goats could occur at 4th month of age. The results reported here emphasize the primary role played by GH, MSTN, IGF-1, leptin, GHRH, GHRP, TGF-βi and VEGF in the first year growth period of goats.