bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deutsch als Fremdsprache und Germanistikstudium in FYROM
Authors: AVDIC EMINA
Published: March 2018

Gegenstand dieser Arbeit ist das Germanistikstudium in FYROM. Um ein umfassendes Verständnis der universitären Ausbildung von Deutschlehrenden, Übersetzern und Dolmetschern in diesem südosteuropäischen Land zu ermöglichen, wird zuerst ein Blick auf die allgemeinen Rahmenbedingungen des Erlernens des Deutschen als Fremdsprache im schulischen und im außerschulischen Bereich geworfen. Danach wird eine Übersicht über die Universitäten gegeben und die Struktur der Abteilungen für deutsche Sprache und Literatur und der Abteilungen für Übersetzen und Dolmetschen mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der Philologischen Fakultät „Blaže Koneski“, Universität „Sv. Kiril i Metodij“ zu Skopje dargestellt. Neben statistischen Daten zu den Studierendenzahlen und dem Lehrpersonal wird auf die inhaltliche Analyse der Curricula eingegangen. Abschließend werden die Perspektiven und die Herausforderungen für die Zukunft skizziert.
Comparing organic versus conventional soil management on soil respiration
Authors: Mátyás Bence , Chiluisa Andrade Maritza Elizabeth , Yandun Chida Nora Carmen , Taipe Velasco Carina Maribel , Gavilanes Morales Denisse Estefania , Miño Montero Gisella Nicole , Ramirez Cando Lenin Javier , Lizano Acevedo Ronnie Xavier
Published: March 2018

Soil management has great potential to affect soil respiration. In this study, we investigated the effects of organic versus conventional soil management on soil respiration.  We measured the main soil physical-chemical properties from conventional and organic managed soil in Ecuador. Soil respiration was determined using alkaline absorption according to Witkamp.  Soil properties such as organic matter, nitrogen, and humidity, were comparable between conventional and organic soils in the present study, and in a further analysis there was no statically significant correlation with soil respiration. Therefore, even though organic farmers tend to apply more organic material to their fields, but this did not result in a significantly higher CO2 production in their soils in the present study.
Reliability of unconventional torso anthropometry using a three-dimensional scanner in Peruvian children and adolescents
Authors: Delgado Carlos Alberto , Shimabuku Roberto , Alarcón Erika , Huicho Luis , De Moraes Augusto Cesar Ferreira ,   SAYCARE Study Group
Published: March 2018

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) scanners have made it possible to measure and display body surface and shape with high precision. These are fast measurements with minimum discomfort, which is especially useful when children are involved. The objective was to assess the reliability and validity of a 3D-scanner for measuring unconventional torso parameters in children and adolescents.

Methods: This is a sub-sample of the SAYCARE study, an observational multicentre research effort being conducted in six South American countries, aimed at developing methods to collect data on cardiovascular health biomarkers, lifestyles, and environmental, social and family risk factors. Images were captured using a portable scanner (iSense, Cubify, USA) attached to a Tablet 128Gb with OSX (Ipad-Air Apple, USA). Images were reshaped to exclude head, hair, arms and legs; area and volume were measured using 3D design software ((Rhinoceros for OSX, v5.02, USA).

Results: The sub-sample for our study comprised 54 girls and 46 boys, aged 6 to 17 years old, from two private schools in Lima, Peru. Out of 100 participants, 82 were scanned twice. There was strong reliability (rho_c> 0.80) between first and second measurements of area and volume in boys of every age group. In girls, the reliability coefficient was moderate (rho_c> 0.70) only for area comparison in adolescents older than 10 years of age. The mean torso area was 0.55 m2 (SD 0.08) in girls and 0.63 m2 (SD 0.13) in boys. The overall mean torso volume was 24.4 l (SD 5.33) in girls and 31.47 l (SD 10.14) in boys. Area under ROC curve oscillates between 0.5707 and 0.6383 when volume/area ratio was compared to the selected “gold standard” (waist to height ratio > 0.5). 

Conclusion: Use of portable and low cost 3D-scanners provides a reliable but inaccurate alternative for area and volume torso measurements in children and adolescents.
Gene Unprediction with Spurio: A tool to identify spurious protein sequences
Authors: Höps Wolfram , Jeffryes Matt , Bateman Alex
Published: March 2018

We now have access to the sequences of tens of millions of proteins. These protein sequences are essential for modern molecular biology and computational biology. The vast majority of protein sequences are derived from gene prediction tools and have no experimental supporting evidence for their translation.  Despite the increasing accuracy of gene prediction tools there likely exists a large number of spurious protein predictions in the sequence databases.  We have developed the Spurio tool to help identify spurious protein predictions in prokaryotes.  Spurio searches the query protein sequence against a prokaryotic nucleotide database using tblastn and identifies homologous sequences. The tblastn matches are used to score the query sequence’s likelihood of being a spurious protein prediction using a Gaussian process model. The most informative feature is the appearance of stop codons within the presumed translation of homologous DNA sequences. Benchmarking shows that the Spurio tool is able to distinguish spurious from true proteins. However, transposon proteins are prone to be predicted as spurious because of the frequency of degraded homologs found in the DNA sequence databases. Our initial experiments suggest that less than 1% of the proteins in the UniProtKB sequence database are likely to be spurious and that Spurio is able to identify over 60 times more spurious proteins than the AntiFam resource.

The Spurio software and source code is available under an MIT license at the following URL: https://bitbucket.org/bateman-group/spurio
Bricks-and-Mortar Entry by Online Retailers in the Presence of Consumer Sales Taxes
Authors: Arya Anil , Mittendorf Brian
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a parsimonious model of the bricks-and-mortar entry choice of online retailers in light of consumer sales taxes. On the one hand, a retailer benefits by entry since the second distribution channel enables it to reach new customers, giving it a leg up on rivals. On the other hand, physical entry typically compels the retailer to start collecting sales taxes even for online transactions, making its consumers particularly price sensitive. This paper examines this trade-off to characterize a retailer’s entry decision, as well as the market-level equilibrium of bricks-and-mortar penetration. The paper then layers in supply market considerations—namely, the retailer’s procurement of products from upstream suppliers. The analysis demonstrates that sales taxes not only reduce the consumers’ willingness to pay for products in the retail market, but also dampen the retailer’s willingness to pay for the products in the wholesale arena. This reluctance influences the clearing price in the supply market and, thus, the firm’s decision to establish the physical retail store.

This paper was accepted by Shivaram Rajgopal, accounting.
NECESIDADES DE FORMACIÓN EN PRÁCTICAS CENTRADAS EN LA FAMILIA EN PROFESIONALES DE ATENCIÓN TEMPRANA ESPAÑOLES
Authors: García-Sánchez Francisco Alberto , Rubio-Gómez Nayara , Orcajada Sánchez Noelia , Escorcia Mora Claudia Tatiana , Cañadas Pérez Margarita
Published: March 2018

INTRODUCCIÓN. En España, actualmente encontramos profesionales de atención temprana (AT) que están viviendo un proceso de transformación hacia unas prácticas centradas en la familia (PCF) y desarrolladas en el entorno. Otros muestran su deseo de iniciarlas. Sin embargo, no tenemos diseñado un plan de formación que cubra las carencias formativas de estos profesionales en las particularidades de este enfoque de intervención. Presentamos los resultados de un estudio de necesidades formativas en PCF en un colectivo de profesionales con experiencia en AT. Su objetivo es conocer y analizar los aspectos que los profesionales consideran más importantes y necesarios para su formación sobre la temática. A partir de estos datos podremos planificar, basándonos en esas evidencias, el contenido de acciones formativas sobre esta temática que, en su momento, puedan ser implementadas y evaluadas. MÉTODO. Un total de 121 profesionales, de 13 comunidades autónomas, cumplimentaron un cuestionario de 23 ítems confeccionado para que valorasen diferentes temáticas de formación. Estos profesionales tenían una experiencia laboral media de 9,64 años en AT. El 79,34% de ellos con más de 4 años de veteranía en la disciplina. La mayoría con al menos algún conocimiento previo sobre PCF. RESULTADOS. Los resultados han permitido constatar la valoración de los profesionales ante un conjunto de áreas de interés para la formación en prácticas de intervención centradas en la familia. Los resultados son independientes de la veteranía o la comunidad autónoma de procedencia. DISCUSIÓN. Se identifican cuatro bloques de contenido a desarrollar en las acciones formativas. Se discute la utilidad de la formación para facilitar la transición hacia unas PCF. También la necesidad de utilizar estrategias como la supervisión reflexiva para contribuir al crecimiento y desarrollo de las competencias del profesional.
Metaphysics of laws and ontology of time
Authors: Friebe Cord
Published: March 2018

At ﬁrst glance, every metaphysics of laws (Humeanism, primitivism, Power metaphysics) can be combined with every ontology of time (eternalism, growing block, presentism). In contrast, the paper intends to show that Humeanism requires eternalism and that Power metaphysics must presuppose an existentially dynamical view of temporal existence, i.e. growing block or presentism. The presented arguments turn out to be completely independent of whether the laws of nature are deterministic or probabilistic: the world is non-productive and static or productively dynamical, the future be ‘open’ or not.
¿Realmente mató la bacteria al coronel? Perspectiva sistémica, causación internivélica e intervalos de cuasi-descomponibilidad en las explicaciones mecanísticas en biología.
Authors: Cáceres Vázquez Emilio , Saborido Cristian
Published: March 2018

En este trabajo analizamos críticamente el enfoque mecanicista de explicación científica centrándonos principalmente en la forma en la que este da cuenta de los fenómenos biológicos. Nos proponemos complementar esta perspectiva con una concepción de nivel como intervalo de cuasi-descomponibilidad que nos permite fundamentar metafísicamente las propuestas mecanicistas clásicas en las propiedades sistémicas características de las entidades biológicas. A través del análisis de ejemplos concretos, demostraremos cómo nuestra propuesta permite superar algunas de las limitaciones de los enfoques predominantes de explicación mecanística.
Structural investigation of sparfloxacin drug using mass spec-trometry and MNDO semi-empirical molecular orbital calcu-lations
Authors: Sarhan Mahmoud Abd El-kareem Mamoun , ElDesawy Mohamed , Hawash Mohamed , Fahmy Ahmed Magd El dain
Published: March 2018

Sparfloxacin is a broad spectrum antibacterial fluoroquinolone against some microorganisms including gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and exhibits moderate activity against anaerobes and mycobacteria. Sparfloxacin is well tolerated and the intake of food has no adverse effect on the pharmacokinetic features (Blondeau 1999, Stahlmann et al. 1998). For the medical important of this drug author have been study its structure by recording and investigate its electron ionization (EI) mass spectra at different electron energies 70 and 15 eV. Also, the chemical ionization (CI) mass spectrum has been recorded and investigated. The main fragmentation processes in EI and CI have elucidated and discussed. The main fragment ions in EI mass spectra are [M-C4H8N] + and fragment [M- C4H8N- CO2] +, while [MH- CO2]+ ion are the most fragment ion in CI mass spectrum. On the other hand, the molecular structure optimization of sparfloxacin was calculated using the modified neglect of diatomic overlap (MNDO) semi-empirical molecular orbital method. Also, the thermochemical data such as heat of formations, total energy, ionization energy, electron affinity and dipole moment have been calculated and discussed.
Lineamenti di cristeologia. «Fede critica» e umiltà epistemica: il rapporto ragione-fede al confine tra meta-teologia, metodologia e vita
Authors: Migliorini Damiano
Published: March 2018

Il rapporto tra fede e ragione è la questione meta-teologica per eccellenza. L’autore si propone dunque d’indagare se il modello oggi prevalente di “ragione umile” – basato su fallibilismo e umiltà epistemica – sia il più adeguato per esprimere le verità teologiche, anche alla luce del dibattito interno al teismo contemporaneo (teologia razionale). Per rispondere a questa domanda è necessario esaminare lo statuto epistemologico della verità umana e della verità di fede, per poter elaborare un metodo comune alle discipline scientifiche, filosofiche e teologiche, capace di trovare un equilibrio tra fideismo e positivismo teologico. Dopo una breve panoramica storica dei rapporti tra fede e ragione nel pensiero occidentale (con particolare attenzione alla dottrina dei praeambula fidei), l’articolo cercherà di mostrare come, nel paradigma della verità relazionale e del fallibilismo sia necessario integrare il problema delle fonti, dell’autorità, del concetto di ispirazione e della nozione di “rivelazione”, giacché contraddistinguono la teologia rispetto alla filosofia. Si mostrerà infine come la dimensione comunitaria e della scelta (appello alla libertà) siano connaturate alla teologia intesa come fede critica, la cui peculiarità è di collocarsi senza nostalgie nel mezzo tra fideismo, razionalismo e un certo relativismo. Dal percorso emergerà infine la proposta di una nuova cristeologia.
Zum Verhältnis von Philosophischer und Theologischer Theologie
Authors: Stoffers Johannes
Published: March 2018

Im Rahmen der wissenschaftlichen Auseinandersetzung mit Fragen über Gott und das Nicht-Göttliche werden Philosophie und Theologie im Regelfall gesondert unterrichtet. Das kann, je nach kultureller Tradition, an voneinander gänzlich unabhängigen Einrichtungen geschehen oder auch an verschiedenen Fakultäten derselben Universität. Schon immer hat es Personen gegeben, die sich als Grenzgänger zwischen beiden Disziplinen verstanden haben. Dieser Beitrag beginnt mit dem Befund, daß philosophische Veröffentlichungen jüngerer Zeit nicht selten traditionell theologische Themen behandeln. Nach einer Skizze der Vorgeschichte dieses Phänomens im 20. und bereits im 19. Jahrhundert (Hegel, Schelling) fragt er, wie der Befund zu bewerten ist. Philosophie und Theologie werden in ihrem Selbstverständnis und durch die Außenperspektive der jeweils anderen Disziplin charakterisiert, bevor die skizzierte, auf Thomas von Aquin zurückgehende Verhältnisbestimmung in Frage gestellt wird. Es kommen, nach einer weiteren Vorgeschichte aus dem 19. Jahrhundert (Fichte), Karl Rahner und Lorenz B. Puntel mit ihrer Sicht zum Thema zu Wort. Die angestellten Überlegungen münden in ein Fazit zur Frage, was es heißt, als Philosoph Theologisches zu denken, und was dies für das Verhältnis der beiden Disziplinen bedeutet.
Experiencing the Word of God: Reading as Wrestling
Authors: Worsley David
Published: March 2018

Analytic philosophers are generally advised to steer clear of the substantive use of literary tropes whose ‘semantic content outstrips their propositional content’ (Rea, 2009: 6). But this poses a problem for analytic theologians whose primary texts are beset by such literary devices. Can such material be usefully marshalled, or should it be left to one side, to remain unemployed by analytic theologians? In The Philosophy of Hebrew Scripture Yoram Hazony offers what I take to be the most convincing argument to date that the entire biblical narrative (literary tropes and all) ought both to be read as philosophy and that the philosophical content contained in the biblical narrative can be marshalled into non-narrative propositional arguments. In this paper I will address three areas of concern for his project, and by extension, what I take to be concerns for other analytic theologians who might follow his lead.
Analysis of occupational risks in the activities of carpentry and locksmithing in Pau dos Ferros/RN: a case study
Authors: Costa Helison Amadeus da Silva , Queiroz Filho Leogilton Fontes de , Marques Tiago Rocha , Barros Adriano David Monteiro de , Sousa Júnior Almir Mariano de
Published: March 2018

As atividades de carpintaria e serralharia são fortemente marcadas pelo uso de ferramentas antigas e trabalhadores não qualificados, o que contribui para a ocorrência de acidentes e outros riscos ocupacionais. Através destas discussões, este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar os acidentes ambientais e riscos ergonômicos em uma oficina de carpintaria localizada na cidade de Pau dos Ferros / RN. Assim, o objetivo foi quantificar a exposição ao ruído, medir os valores de temperatura ambiente e umidade, bem como os valores de iluminação ambiente. Para tanto, foram realizadas medições ambientais, bem como registros fotográficos e entrevistas com os responsáveis pelo estabelecimento. De acordo com a pesquisa realizada, nota-se que uma série de aspectos contribuem para o estabelecimento estudado apresentar condições insalubres. Entre os pontos a serem citados, a iluminação, Bem como a temperatura ea produção de ruído são os fatores mais marcantes. Além desses aspectos, a desorganização é também uma problemática presente neste ambiente de trabalho, uma vez que os resíduos não são devidamente descartados e as matérias-primas são amontoadas em meio a detritos e equipamentos. Outro ponto a ser citado é o uso de EPI, o que não ocorre devido à recusa dos empregados.
Multidimensionality evaluation of supply chain management integration
Authors: Arantes Fernanda Paes , Leite Maria Silene Alexandre , Bornia Antonio Cezar , Barbetta Pedro Alberto
Published: March 2018

Integration is constantly reported in the literature as an essential feature of SCM. However, it is as difficult to define as to operationalize it, resulting in a lack of information on how to increase the level of integration among members. Thus, this research aims to evaluate the dimensionality of SCI, to check alignment with the features identified in the literature using multivariate statistical analysis. The methodology used was based on a questionnaire to assess the level of companies integration with suppliers of its supply chain. This instrument consisted of 21 items, with response options: yes, no or not applicable. The questions focused on evaluating the integration with suppliers, so each company consulted could answer a questionnaire for each supplier, since the intensity of relationships varies. Thus, 41 companies participated in the survey, resulting in 205 responses. Full-information item factor analysis and principal component analysis on the correlation matrix tetrachoric were used for the instrument dimensionality analysis. They are appropriate procedures for analysis of dichotomous variables. The results of this analysis enabled grouping the questionnaire items in the following underlying factors: trust, information sharing, partnership, collaboration or cooperation, and coordination. The identification of such factors such as dimensions of SCI enables greater understanding on how to raise the level of integration among the members of a supply chain.
A roadmap to determine the important factors of the house value: a case study by using actual price registration data of Taipei housing transactions
Authors: Wang Pei-De , Chen Mingchin
Published: March 2018

While many studies have applied data mining techniques to judge housing prices, few have decoded the important attributes or prioritized them simultaneously. This paper aims to utilize five data mining techniques to discover the important attributes for three major types of real estate in Taipei city. The datasets, involving a total of 22,480 transactions, were publicly available from the Taiwan Actual Price Registration from July 2013 to August 2015. The five models are decision trees, random forests, model trees, artificial neural networks and multiple regression. The criteria used to measure the forecasting accuracy are MAPE, R², RMSE, MAE and COR. The model with the best performance for all houses is the Model Tree with a MAPE value of 27.59. As for apartments, the best is Random Forests. Artificial Neural Networks perform best for suites and buildings with elevators. Different housing types need different models. Furthermore, the attributes importance helps us to conclude the really critical attributes, which include the floor area, administrative districts, parking area and land area, and their rankings. This variable ranking and selection procedure proposed by this research can also be adopted to improve the prediction efficiency for most big data applications other than the housing transactions.
The corporate governance contribution as a creation of value for commercial partnerships between service providers and logistic operators
Authors: Rocha Carlos Alberto da , Silva Orlando Roque , Rosini Alessandro Marco
Published: March 2018

This theoretical research identified the possibility that Governance factors contribute as evidence of value in the relationships of commercial partnerships between Logistic Operators and service providers. The data analysis allowed to identify three possible levels of grouping due to the variables of facilitators of proximity of partnerships that showed that it is possible to have a relationship with transparence between the client company and its suppliers. Most of these groups of suppliers were characterized by the intention to share operating profits with the client company, with little tolerance to financial risks of joint investments and a tendency to sign future supply contracts. Transparency, ethics and corporate responsibility have contributed to the consolidation of these groupings of partnerships among companies, as well as creating a mutual and evolutionary process of full confidence in such a way that Corporate Governance becomes the main value factor for this relationship.
Identificatin and quantiative analysis of amyrins in Humulus lupulus L.
Authors: Rokicka Kamila , Wojciak-Kosior Magdalena
Published: March 2018

In the paper, the identification and quantification of α- and β-amyrin in five varieties of Humulus lupulus is described. The plant samples were extracted with ethyl acetate and analyzed using of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with PAD detection. The separation was achieved on RP 18 column, at 2 mL/min flow rate and at temperature of 35°C. Acetonitrile was used as a mobile phase. The established calibration curves and the other validation parameters: linearity (correlation coefficient r > 0.9988) and precision (RSD values ranged from 0.14 to 1.81%) were found to be satisfactory for the proposed method. The content of α- and β-amyrin strongly depended on varieties of H. lupulus and amounted from 72.7 to 232.5 μg/g and from 77.9 to 176.9 μg/g of dry plant material, respectively.
Structure of non-reimbursed and reimbursed therapeutic procedures provided at a general dental care office
Authors: Zgardzinska Sylwia , Szymanska Jolanta
Published: March 2018

Dental care in Poland is based both on the public system (reimbursement by the National Health Fund) and on the private funding (non-reimbursed). The aim of the paper was an analysis of the structure of non-reimbursed and reimbursed therapeutic procedures provided at a general dental care office. The study material was medical documentation of 669 patients treated for 3 months (the third quarter of 2013) at a general dental care office. The structure of therapeutic procedures, with the exception of orthodontic and prosthetic treatment, was analyzed, taking into account the patients’ gender, age, place of residence, the kind of procedure, and the payment type they made. The procedures reimbursed by the National Health Fund constituted 60.1% of all the procedures provided to patients at a dental office. Both among the procedures reimbursed by the National Health Fund and non-reimbursed procedures, the therapeutic procedures prevailed significantly over the prophylactic ones; in all age groups conservative treatment was predominant. An increase in the number of extractions in patients over 40 years of age, in comparison to younger patients, was found. The number of the dental procedures reimbursed by the National Health Fund, compared to the number of the non-reimbursed ones, increased with the patients’ age.
Association between concentration of melatonin, and lipoproteins, LPO, hsCRP, NTproBNP in chronic heart failure patients
Authors: Kimak Elzbieta , Dzida Grzegorz , Duma Dariusz , Prystupa Andrzej , Halabis Magdalena , Kimak Aleksandra , Zieba Bartosz , Kaznowska-Bystryk Iwona , Kowalska Agnieszka
Published: March 2018

The aim of the study was to examine concentrations and relationships between melatonin levels assessed at 0:200 hrs and 0:700 hrs, lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) assessed at 0:200 hrs and 0:700 hrs, and apolipoprotein (apo)AI, apoAII, apoB, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and NT-proBNP, in 27 patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) (17 patients - with NYHA class II and 10 - with NYHA class III). In the study, Lipoproteins apoAI, apoAII, apoB, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were determined by way of immunonephelometric methods, serum melatonin concentration was measured by using a competitive enzyme immunoassay technique, while serum LPO concentration was measured by using Cayman’s Lipid Hydroperoxide Assay Kit. In the study, CHF patients without acute inflammatory response demonstrated a decreased concentration of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apoAI, apoAII levels, but an increased concentration of NT-proBNP, hsCRP and LPO at night, and LPO at daytime; however, the concentration of LPO at 0:700 was lower than at 0:200. Pearson’s correlation test and multiple ridge stepwise regression showed that melatonin administered at night exerts an effect on the composition of apoAI and apoAII of HDL particles, and induces decreased LPO at 0:700, but has no effect upon NT-proBNP levels in patients with NYHA class II. However, in patients with NYHA class III, melatonin administered at night induces an increase in the content of apoAII and apoAI, which further decreases hsCRP, and this, together with the administered melatonin, brings about daytime decreases in NT-proBNP and hsCRP levels. The results indicated that the content of apoAII and apoAI in HDL particles and melatonin demonstrate an anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effect, and together, have a cardio-protective effect on patients with advanced CHF. Hence, the results support melatonin being a cardio-protective agent. These relationships, however, need to be confirmed in further studies.
Comparison of the free and total light chain assays in serum and urine samples with immunofixation electrophoresis for detecting monoclonal proteins in patients with monoclonal gammopathy
Authors: Korpysz Maciej , Morawska Marta , Burska Agata , Donica Helena
Published: March 2018

Monoclonal protein (M-protein) is produced by a malignant clone of plasma cells. Detected in serum and/or urine, this typically indicates multiple myeloma (MM) or other monoclonal gammopathy (MG). In a majority of MM cases, with the production of intact monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig), malignant plasmocytes and/or B lymphocytes often produce excessive amounts of free light chains (FLCs). Excessive synthesis of FLCs lowers the ability of renal proximal tubules to re-absorb FLCs, which results in abnormally high levels of FLCs in the urine (Bence Jones protein, BJP). In laboratory practice, there are tests available for the quantitative measurement of only FLCs κ and λ or for total light chains (TLCs). These tests measure both free forms and bound in the (Ig) molecules forms as light chains that are evident in the serum and in urine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the FLCs and TLCs approaches in screening serum and urine samples of patients with MM, doing so in comparison to the results of immunofixation (IFE) assessment. A second purpose was to assess the suitability of the collected material for obtaining the most reliable results. The results of serum FLCs (sFLCs) assays suggest that this approach is of the highest reliability and diagnostic usefulness in the detection of MG with excess production of FLCs, in comparison to other available tests. In our work, when κ band light chains were detected in serum IFE (sIFE), 91% patients had their FLCs concentrations beyond the reference range, whereas 89% patients had increased λ FLCs when λ band light chains were detected in sIFE. We also found abnormal sFLC κ/λ ratios in 86.4% and 88.9% of all subject patients who had κ or λ band light chains detected in their sIFE, respectively.
The origin of the inferior epigastric artery in relation to the inguinal ligament in various periods of human life
Authors: Klepacki Mariusz , Cendrowska-Pinkosz Monika , Dworzanski Wojciech , Burdan Franciszek
Published: March 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate the origin of the inferior epigastric artery, in relation to the inguinal ligament, in various stages of human life. The study was conducted on randomly selected 220 non-fixed cadavers, including 110 males and 110 females, from the age of the 7th month of prenatal life, to 82 years. In all examined bodies, the inferior epigastric artery originated mostly from the external iliac, or less commonly, from the femoral artery. Three types of origin were observed: above, at the level or below the ligament. In males, the lowest incidence of typical anatomical origin, over the ligament, was observed in the group aged 60-69 years. Herein, the artery departed usually on the level of the ligament. The highest incidence of typical anatomical origin was found during the prenatal period and among children. Similar data, but with higher asymmetry, was revealed among females. The lowest incidence of typical origin was seen on the left side in the group aged 60-69. Less commonly, the artery originated at the level or occasionally below the ligament. In conclusion, the origin of the inferior epigastric artery differs throughout prenatal and postnatal life, in both sexes. However, it is usually located above the inguinal ligament.
The expression BIRC6 gene in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia – a preliminary study
Authors: Chomik Piotr , Gil-Kulik Paulina , Filas Malgorzata , Wojcieszek Agnieszka , Wilinski Mateusz , Karwat Jolanta , Kotula Lidia , Niedojadlo Alicja , Czop Marcin , Bogucka-Kocka Anna , Cioch Maria , Pluta Ryszard , Kocki Janusz
Published: March 2018

The BIRC6 gene encodes the Bruce (Apollon) protein. This belongs to the III class of Inhibitors of the Apoptosis Protein (IAP) and demonstrates anti-apoptotic activity (binding, inhibiting and degrading the caspases). Moreover, the Bruce protein shows multilevel activities and additional functions. The Bruce protein is involved in the maintenance of cell viability, and it is also suggested that it plays an important role in cell proliferation and diversification. Many researchers have noticed elevated BIRC6 gene expression in cell lines of brain cancer and ovarian carcinoma, leukemia, breast cancer and even in colorectal cancer tissues. Resistance to chemotherapy-inducted apoptosis in cancers characterized by BIRC6 gene over-expression was also reported. The aim of the study was to assess the BIRC6 gene expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Compressional, mechanical and release properties of a novel gum in paracetamol tablet formulations
Authors: Adedokun Musiliu O. , Ayorinde John O. , Odeniyi Michael A.
Published: March 2018

The binding properties of Eucalyptus gum obtained from the incised trunk of Eucalyptus tereticornis, were evaluated in paracetamol tablet formulations, in comparison with that of Gelatin B.P. In so doing, the compression properties were analyzed using density measurements and the compression equations of Heckel, Kawakita and Gurham. In our work, the mechanical properties of the tablets were assessed using the crushing strength and friability of the tablets, while the drug release properties of the tablets were assessed using disintegration and dissolution times. The results of the study reveal that tablet formulations incorporating Eucalyptus gum as binder, exhibited faster onset and higher amount of plastic deformation during compression than those containing gelatin. What is more, the Gurnham equation could be used as a substitute for the Kawakita equation in describing the compression properties of pharmaceutical tablets. Furthermore, the crushing strength, disintegration and dissolution times of the tablets increased with binder concentration, while friability values decreased. We noted that no significant differences in properties exist between formulations derived from the two binders (p > 0.05) exist. While tablets incorporating gelatin exhibited higher values for mechanical properties, Eucalyptus gum tablets had better balance between mechanical and release properties - as seen from the CSFR/Dt values. Tablets of good mechanical and release properties were prepared using Eucalyptus gum as a binder, and, therefore, it could serve as an alternative binder in producing tablets with good mechanical strength and fast drug release.
The prevalence of enteroviruses that cause respiratory infections in patients with influenzavirus A/H1N1 hospitalized in the Lublin province
Authors: Jarzynski Adrian , Dubas Agata , Polz-Dacewicz Malgorzata
Published: March 2018

Viruses that cause respiratory tract infections are the most common agents of infectious diseases in humans throughout the world. A virus that infects the respiratory system, may induce various clinical symptoms. What is more, the same symptoms may be caused by different viruses. The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of enteroviruses that cause respiratory infections in patients with influenzavirus A/H1N1 hospitalized in the Lublin province. The experimental material was throat and nose swabs taken from patients hospitalized in Lublin and Tomaszow Lubelski. In the group of 44 patients (20 women and 24 men) infected with influenza A/H1N1, the genetic material of enteroviruses was detected in 13 patients (29.5%). Respiratory viruses co-infections are very common in hospitalized patients. Studies show that co-infection with influenza virus and enterovirus are more common in children than in adults. Moreover, viral respiratory tract infections are independent from the patients’ gender.
The heparan sulfate and its diverse biological activities
Authors: Kaznowska-Bystryk Iwona
Published: March 2018

Heparan sulfate (HS) is one of the most common glycosaminoglycan (GAG) in mammals. It is composed of relatively simple disaccharide subunits, which, by further modification, such as sulfation and epimerization, potentially offer huge diversity in biological function. GAG chains of different length, different patterns of sulfation, and other modifications, depending on location, generate unique forms. Due to polyanion charges, these compounds can interact with other molecules, such as proteins, cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, both on the cell surface and inside the extracellular matrix. These interactions serve protective and storage functions for the compounds, safeguarding them from proteolysis. In this way, HS is involved in numerous signaling pathways, and in growth and differentiation processes. Disrupted interactions between the HS and growth factors, cytokines or other proteins have been observed in various disorders, among these Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and cancer processes. Detailed knowledge of these relationships at the molecular level will allow researchers to understand the mechanisms underlying these disorders and enable the development of effective therapeutic strategies.
The effect of thyroxin on hepatic redox equilibrium and lipid metabolism in rats treated with doxorubicin
Authors: Czuba Bartosz , Fituch Magdalena , Mandziuk Slawomir , Jodlowska-Jedrych Barbara , Matysiak Wlodzimierz , Halasa Justyna , Burdan Franciszek , Korga Agnieszka , Iwan Magdalena , Luszczewska-Sierakowska Iwona , Dudka Jarosław
Published: March 2018

The main side effects of the administration of doxorubicin, a widely used anticancer drug, is the generation of a reactive oxygen species (ROS) in normal cells. As a result, redox disorders and secondary oxidative stress are developed. Doxorubicin ROS generation is attributed to enzymes that are produced abundantly in hepatocytes. Oxidative stress has been a well-known risk factor of doxorubicin-related toxicity. However, in addition, according to the data collected in the last decade, changes in thyroxin status can propagate ROS generation, and, thus, initiate the doxorubicin hepatic effect. Moreover, both compounds have an impact on the cell metabolism. The aim of the study was to verify the thesis that thyroxin can modulate the effect of doxorubicin with regard to redox status and lipid metabolism disorders. In our work, we determined the ratio of NADP+/ NADPH and NAD+/NADH in liver homogenates, blood ketone bodies and triglycerides in the liver and blood in rats treated with doxorubicin and thyroxin. Our results indicate that thyroxin has an insignificant effect on NAD+/NADH, NADP+/NADPH ratios and on hepatic and blood triglycerides. Moreover, thyroxin administration normalized the level of blood ketone bodies that was disturbed by doxorubicin.
Apoptotic factors in physiological and pathological processes of teeth and periodontal tissues – literature review
Authors: Orzedala-Koszel Urszula , Rahnama Mansur , Lobacz Michal , Koszel Hanna
Published: March 2018

Apoptosis is a physiological process that occurs in the human body throughout the entire life span. This process can be seen in the tissues of the stomatognathic system. A disorder in such programmed cell death processes leads to the development of pathological lesions. Among these are inflammation, osteolytic lesions and neoplastic hyperplasia. We put forward that future studies should concentrate on how to use the knowledge of apoptotic processes and their inhibitors in therapeutic processes involving the stomatognathic system.
An unusual origin of the right subclavian artery – arteria lusoria
Authors: Mocarska Agnieszka , Szylejko Miroslaw , Staroslawska Elzbieta , Burdan Franciszek
Published: March 2018

The aortic arch usually gives off three major arterial branches: the brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery. The most frequently occurring developmental variations of arterial trunks origins are a joined brachiocephalic and left common carotid artery origin, the left vertebral artery branching from the aortic arch, a double aortic arch, and a change of sequence of branching arteries. The current report presents the rare asymptomatic situation of the right subclavian artery originating as the last individual branching from the aortic arch. This abnormality was accidentally discovered in a computed tomography examination of a 69-year old male patient. The examination showed that the artery went towards the neck posteriorly from the trachea. The anatomical anomaly was interpreted as being an arteria lusoria.
The improvement of treatment efficacy of gastropathy associated with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in Helicobacter pylori-negative patients with osteoarthritis
Authors: Antonenko Antonina V. , Beregova Tetyana V.
Published: March 2018

Among the more common side effects of osteoarthritis treatment are NSAID-gastropathy and NSAID-enteropathy. NSAIDs can cause direct injury to colon tissue and also impair synthesis of prostaglandins, reduce mucosal integrity, increase permeability and promote an influx of bacteria and toxins. Alterations in gastrointestinal permeability are considered as an initial step in the development of lesions of the gastric mucosa such as erosions and ulcers. The mechanisms underlying the ability of NSAIDs to cause ulceration in the stomach and proximal duodenum are well understood and this injury can be largely be prevented through suppression of gastric acid secretion. However, our work showed that 28-day administration of the anti-secretory preparation pantoprazole (20 mg 2 times per day) resulted in a statistically significant increase of dysbiosis. Monitoring of patients with osteoarthritis who used NSAIDs for more than three months showed that, in comparison to the situation before the beginning of treatment, changes in colonic microbiota were present. Multiprobiotic “Symbiter® acidophilic concentrated” introduced simultaneously with pantoprazole during 20 days prevented formation of dysbiotic changes and led to the quicker healing of gastric mucous healing, in comparison with patients who used only pantoprazole alone. Moreover, it brought about total healing of the gastric mucosa within 4 weeks from the beginning of treatment.
Investigation of the hepatoprotective properties of “Phytovenol” capsules on the model of medicamentous hepatitis in rats
Authors: Gerush Oleg , Lenytska Olena , Yakovleva Larysa , Gladkova Liudmyla , Gerush Igor
Published: March 2018

This scientific paper is an investigation of the pharmacological activity of the new medical preparation “Phytovenol” (capsules in the dose of 150 mg/kg) on the pattern of hepatitis in rats induced by paracetamol administration. The authors of the article, for the first time under experimental conditions, detected a hepatoprotective effect that was brought about by “Phytovenol” capsule administration. This is realized due to the antioxidant, antitoxic and anticytolytic activity of the examined medicine. The study found that its efficacy is not lower than the classical hepatoprotector - “Silibor” tablets. The results obtained suggest that it is possible to extend the range of available hepatoprotectors and improve the quality of treatment for liver diseases, by introducing “Phytovenol” capsules into medical practice.
Multiprobiotic therapy from childhood prevents the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in adult monosodium glutamate-induced obese rats
Authors: Kondro Maryana , Kobyliak Nazarii , Virchenko Oleksandr , Falalyeyeva Tetyana , Beregova Tetyana , Bodnar Petro
Published: March 2018

Considering the association between microflora and obesity, and the significantly higher prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese people, the aim of our study was to investigate the preventive effect of multiprobiotics on the monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced NAFLD model, in rats. The work was carried out on 60 rats placed into three groups: the Control group, the MSG-group and the MSG-probiotic group. The MSG-group and the MSG-probiotic group were injected with 4 mg/g of MSG subcutaneously neonatally on the 2nd-10th days of life. The MSG-probiotic rats were also treated with 140 mg/kg of multiprobiotic “Symbiter” from the 4th week of life. In the 4-month-old rats, biochemical and morphological changes in liver were assessed, and steatosis was confirmed by the NAFLD activity score (NAS). Our results reveal that the multiprobiotic lowered total NAS, the degree of steatosis and the liver lobular inflammation caused by MSG. It also brought about decreased liver total lipids and triglycerids content, as well as decreased visceral adipose tissue mass. However, there was no difference in the liver serum biochemical indicators between all experimental groups. The obtained data does suggest the efficacy of probiotics in the prevention of NAFLD.
Prevalence of Polyomaviruses in Polish patients
Authors: Badura Marzena , Dworzanski Jakub , Polz Anna , Polz-Dacewicz Malgorzata
Published: March 2018

The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of new polyomaviruses KIPyV and WUPyV in the Polish population in the Lublin region. In it, we demonstrated that the prevalence of this viruses is low - 1.1% WU and 3.4% KI. The viruses are most commonly detected in materials from the respiratory tract, both in children and the elderly. Polyomaviruses KI and WU in co-infection, often occur with other respiratory viruses (influenza, enterovirus).
Cigarette smoking and dental implant tooth replacement therapy: A questionnaire survey among patients receiving implant prosthetic treatment
Authors: Kubic-Filiks Beata , Koszuta Agnieszka , Szymanska Jolanta
Published: March 2018

Chronic nicotinism has negative effects, both local and systemic. Its local effects are related to both the immediate thermal influence, as well as the toxic action of the substances contained in the smoke. In addition, the microflora colonizing dental plague is changed. The damage and the inflammatory processes that are incurred, affect the bone tissue of the alveolar processes, the mucosa, gums, and the tooth enamel. In this study, the tobacco smoking-related profile of patients being treated by way of implants was determined. Moreover, the relationship between cigarette smoking and pain sensation was assessed in patients undergoing surgical and prosthetic procedures in the oral cavity. The questionnaire survey covered 464 patients receiving prosthetic treatment at the “Dental” Non-Public Health Care Centre in Tomaszow Mazowiecki. The patients answered questions concerning their sex, age, the period of smoking, number of cigarettes smoked per day and the sensation of pain during bone reconstruction, implant placement and prosthetic procedures. The most numerous group of patients treated with implants were women: either non-smoking or smoking for less than 20 years at a level of less than 20 cigarettes a day, and men aged 40-60 years who have been smoking for over 20 years, at more than 20 cigarettes a day. The results of the survey reveal that non-smoking patients felt pain during bone reconstruction, implant placement and prosthetic procedures more frequently.
Comparative validation of HPLC, densitometric and videodensitometric determination of lamotrigine in pharmaceutical
Authors: Paw Beata
Published: March 2018

Simple, sensitive, precise and accurate HPLC, densitometric and videodensitometric methods for determination of lamotrigine in tablet forms were developed and validated. The HPLC method was carried out using a Symmetry C8 column and a mobile phase acetonitrile-phosphate buffer pH 2.80 (25:75, v/v), with a flow rate of 1 mL/min, and UV detection at 210 nm. Ethosuximide was used as the internal standard. Densitometric and videodensitometric analysis was performed on silica gel 60 F254 plates, in horizontal chambers, with methanol-chloroform-ammonia (25%) 1.5:7.5:1, (v/v) as mobile phase. Densitometric detection was performed at 225 nm and at 315 nm, and videodeoscanning at 254 nm. Calibration plots were constructed in the range 0.5-10 μg/spot, with good correlation coefficients r > 0.99 for both methods. The precision and accuracy of all elaborated methods were compared. Finally, the developed methods were applied for the quality control of lamotrigine tablets.