bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lacan Frames Scorsese’s Paintings in The Age of Innocence
Authors: Farca Paula Anca
Published: May 2015

This article, which brings together film, psychoanalysis, literature, and art, focuses on the role of paintings in Martin Scorsese’s The Age of Innocence (1993). Scorsese conveys the imprisonment of New York aristocrats within the framework of social conventions and their evasions of social restrictions through his employment of paintings. Because the protagonists’ emotions are not revealed often, the director communicates their dramas and actions with the help of the paintings they own or appear next to. The paintings operate as Jacques Lacan’s Other, an entity that watches over the characters to make sure they conform to its selfperpetuating rules. Scorsese’s use of paintings shows that the characters perform for the Other and seek to maintain the status quo. While most characters perform within a Lacanian symbolic order, their different responses to a variety of paintings underscore the flexibility of the symbolic order.
Canada’s Evolving Crown: From a British Crown to a “Crown of Maples”
Authors: Romaniuk Scott Nicholas , Wasylciw Joshua K.
Published: May 2015

This article examines how instruments have changed the Crown of Canada from 1867 through to the present, how this change has been effected, and the extent to which the Canadian Crown is distinct from the British Crown. The main part of this article focuses on the manner in which law, politics, and policy (both Canadian and non-Canadian) have evolved a British Imperial institution since the process by which the federal Dominion of Canada was formed nearly 150 years ago through to a nation uniquely Canadian as it exists today. The evolution of the Canadian Crown has taken place through approximately fifteen discrete events since the time of Canadian confederation on July 1, 1867. These fifteen events are loosely categorized into three discrete periods: The Imperial Crown (1867-1930), A Shared Crown (1931-1981), and The Canadian Crown (1982-present).
Inside the Diabetic Brain
Authors: Chomova M.
Published: May 2015

CNS complications resulting from diabetes mellitus (DM) are a problem gaining more acceptance and attention in the recent years. Both types 1 and 2 DM represent an significant risk factor for decreased cognitive functions, memory and learning deficits as well as development of Alzheimer’s disease. Chronic hyperglycemia through protein glycation and increased oxidative stress contributes to brain dysfunction, however increasing evidences suggest that the pathology of DM in the brain involves a progressive and coordinated disruption of insulin signaling, with profound consequences for brain function and plasticity. Since many of the CNS changes observed in diabetic patients and animal models of DM are reminiscent of the changes seen in aging, the theory of advanced brain aging in DM has been proposed. This review summarizes the findings of the literature regarding the effects of DM on the brain in the terms of diabetes-related metabolic derangements and intracellular signaling.
Basal Cell Adenoma of the Upper Lip
Authors: Uhliarova B. , Hanulova K. , Fruhwaldova S. , Konarcik J. , Smitka M. , Svec M.
Published: May 2015

Basal cell adenoma is an uncommon type of monomorphous adenoma of the salivary gland. Its most frequent location is the parotid gland. Its recurrence rate and conversion to basal cell adenocarcinoma after inadequate surgical excision is high. We present a 68-year-old female patient with a basal cell adenoma of the upper lip arising from minor salivary gland.
Differences in antioxidant properties of ginkgo leaves collected from male and female trees
Authors: Koczka Noémi , Móczár Zsuzsanna , Stefanovits-Bányai Éva , Ombódi Attila
Published: May 2015

Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (FRAP method) of Ginkgo biloba L. leaves collected from male and female trees were determined and compared. Different water and aqueous ethanolic (water/ethanol 80/20, V/V) extracts were prepared by varying the time of infusing, boiling and steeping in order to determine the effect of the extraction method on the above parameters. Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of ginkgo leaf extracts correlated well with significant correlation coefficients. Slopes of linear regression lines were not statistically different for either sex
Dissolution improvement of solid self-emulsifying drug delivery systems of fenofi brate using an inorganic high surface adsorption material
Authors: Shazly Gamal , Mohsin Kazi
Published: May 2015

Solidification of lipid formulations using adsorbents is a recent technique attracting great interest due to its favourable properties including flexibility in dose division, reduction of intra-subject and inter-subject variability, improvement in efficacy/safety profile and enhancement of physical/ chemical stability. The current study aims to convert liquid self-emulsifying/nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS/SNEDDS) into solid SEDDS/SNEDDS and to assess how adsorption of the drug onto an inorganic high surface area material, NeusilinR grade US2 (NUS2), affects its in vitro dissolution performance. Lipid formulation classification systems (LFCS) Type III formulations were designed for the model anti-cholesterol drug fenofibrate. NUS2 was used to solidify the SEDDS/SNEDDS. Particle size and SEM analyses of solid SEDDS/SNEDDS powder were carried out to investigate the adsorption efficiency. In vitro dissolution studies were conducted to compare the developed formulations with the marketed product. The results of characterization studies showed that the use of 50 % (m/m) adsorbent resulted in superior flowability and kept the drug stable is amorphous state. Dissolution studies allow the conclusion that the formulation containing a surfactant of higher water solubility (particularly, Type IIIB SNEDDS) has comparably faster and higher release profiles than Type IIIA (SEDDS) and marketed product
Effect of 1-(phenyl)-N’-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-9H-pyrido[3,4-b] indole-3-carbohydrazide on in vitro poliovirus replication
Authors: Santos Patricia Regina , Formagio Anelise S. Nazari , Filho Benedito Prado Dias , Nakamura Celso Vataru , Sarragiotto Maria Helena , Ueda-Nakamura Tania
Published: May 2015

The effect of the alkaloid 1-(phenyl)-N’-(4-methoxybenzylidene)- 9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-3-carbohydrazide (PMC) on the poliovirus (PV) replication cycle in Vero cells was assayed by inhibition of the cytopathic effect (CPE) and inhibition of plaque forming units (PFU). Both methodologies suggested that the mode of action was avoidance of infection progression in the host cell. The compound was able to prevent CPE and PFU formation when the cells were pretreated with PMC for 24 h prior to PV infection. In addition, when the alkaloid was continuously maintained in the infected cultures, the spread of PV to adjacent cells was impaired. The pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylactic applications are possible situations in which an anti-PV drug might be used. Future studies are needed to elucidate the PMC mode of action and verify the feasibility of PMC use in vivo. No antipicornavirus agent is currently approved for clinical use
Alginate microspheres obtained by the spray drying technique as mucoadhesive carriers of ranitidine
Authors: Szekalska Marta , Amelian Aleksandra , Winnicka Katarzyna
Published: May 2015

The present study is aimed at formulation of alginate (ALG) microspheres with ranitidine (RNT) by the spray drying method. Obtained microspheres were characterized for particle size, surface morphology, entrapment efficiency, drug loading, in vitro drug release and zeta potential. Mucoadhesive properties were examined by a texture analyser and three types of adhesive layers - gelatine discs, mucin gel and porcine stomach mucosa. Microspheres showed a smooth surface with narrow particle size distribution and RNT loading of up to 70.9 %. All formulations possessed mucoadhesive properties and exhibited prolonged drug release according to the first-order kinetics. DSC reports showed that there was no interaction between RNT and ALG. Designed microspheres can be considered potential carriers of ranitidine with prolonged residence time in the stomach
Analysis, adaptive control and synchronization of a novel 4-D hyperchaotic hyperjerk system and its SPICE implementation
Authors: Vaidyanathan Sundarapandian , Volos Christos , Pham Viet-Thanh , Madhavan Kavitha
Published: May 2015

A hyperjerk system is a dynamical system, which is modelled by an nth order ordinary differential equation with n ⩾ 4 describing the time evolution of a single scalar variable. Equivalently, using a chain of integrators, a hyperjerk system can be modelled as a system of n first order ordinary differential equations with n ⩾ 4. In this research work, a 4-D novel hyperchaotic hyperjerk system has been proposed, and its qualitative properties have been detailed. The Lyapunov exponents of the novel hyperjerk system are obtained as L1 = 0.1448, L2 = 0.0328, L3 = 0 and L4 = −1.1294. The Kaplan-Yorke dimension of the novel hyperjerk system is obtained as DKY= 3.1573. Next, an adaptive backstepping controller is designed to stabilize the novel hyperjerk chaotic system with three unknown parameters. Moreover, an adaptive backstepping controller is designed to achieve global hyperchaos synchronization of the identical novel hyperjerk systems with three unknown parameters. Finally, an electronic circuit realization of the novel jerk chaotic system using SPICE is presented in detail to confirm the feasibility of the theoretical hyperjerk model.
Dependencies among Architectural Views Got from Software Requirements Based on a Formal Model
Authors: Osis Janis , Asnina Erika , Donins Uldis , García-Díaz Vicente
Published: May 2015

A system architect has software requirements and some unspecified knowledge about a problem domain (e.g., an enterprise) as source information for assessment and evaluation of possible solutions and getting the target point, a preliminary software design. The solving factor is architect’s experience and expertise in the problem domain (“AS-IS”). A proposed approach is dedicated to assist a system architect in making an appropriate decision on the solution (“TO-BE”). It is based on a formal mathematical model, Topological Functioning Model (TFM). Compliant TFMs can be transformed into software architectural views. The paper demonstrates and discusses tracing dependency links from the requirements to and between the architectural views.
Implementation of Software Configuration Management Process by Models: Practical Experiments and Learned Lessons
Authors: Bartusevics Arturs , Novickis Leonids , Leye Stefan
Published: May 2015

Nowadays software configuration management process is not only dilemma which system should be used for version control or how to merge changes from one source code branch to other. There are multiple tasks such as version control, build management, deploy management, status accounting, bug tracking and many others that should be solved to support full configuration management process according to most popular quality standards. The main scope of the mentioned process is to include only valid and tested software items to final version of product and prepare a new version as soon as possible. To implement different tasks of software configuration management process, a set of different tools, scripts and utilities should be used. The current paper provides a new model-based approach to implementation of configuration management. Using different models, a new approach helps to organize existing solutions and develop new ones by a parameterized way, thus increasing reuse of solutions. The study provides a general description of new model-based conception and definitions of all models needed to implement a new approach. The second part of the paper contains an overview of criteria, practical experiments and lessons learned from using new models in software configuration management. Finally, further works are defined based on results of practical experiments and lessons learned.
Adopting to Agile Software Development
Authors: Linkevics Gusts
Published: May 2015

Agile software development can be made successful, but there is no well-defined way how to achieve this. The problem is that the successful adoption of agile methods and practices is a complex process and this process should be customizable for a particular organization or a team. This research focuses on identification of agile methods and practices. Result of the research is the ranking of agile methods, practices and their usage trends. As some terms of agile software development are interpreted differently in different organizations and teams, terminology used is analyzed. Results of the research can be used as a reference material for those who are planning to adopt agile methods or are looking for the next agile practice to implement. Results will be used for the development of an expert system to support agile adoption.
Specification of the Framework for Evaluating the Efficiency of Mechanisms for Concurrent Processes
Authors: Nazaruk Vladislav , Rusakov Pavel
Published: May 2015

The goal of this paper is to give a specification of the software framework that evaluates the efficiency of different mechanisms for concurrent processes, notably process synchronization mechanisms. The paper discusses the concept of this framework, the potential users of it and some necessary considerations, including assumptions. Further, it defines general requirements for the framework and presents its desired conceptual design. The conclusions and possible directions for future work end the paper.
The Perspective on Data and Control Flow Analysis in Topological Functioning Models by Petri Nets
Authors: Asnina Erika , García-Bustelo Begoña Cristina Pelayo
Published: May 2015

The perspective on integration of two mathematical formalisms, i.e., Colored Petri Nets (CPNs) and Topological Functioning Model (TFM), is discussed in the paper. The roots of CPNs are in modeling system functionality. The TFM joins principles of system theory and algebraic topology, and formally bridges the solution domain with the problem domain. It is a base for further automated construction of software design models. The paper discusses a perspective on check of control and data flows in the TFM by CPNs formalism. The research result is definition of mappings from TFMs to CPNs.
Analysis of Questionnaire Results in the Use of BP and ND in Public Administration
Authors: Survilo Larisa , Buksa Ilze , Gaidukovs Andrejs , Shendryk Vira
Published: May 2015

The goal of effective public administration is to provide qualitative services to citizens. Due to the increasing use of information and communication technologies (ICT), e-government is one of the possible solutions in achieving this goal. This solution includes a good understanding and management of the existing business processes, the use of normative documents and the effective use of information systems in public administration. To get the current view of all mentioned necessary components, the questionnaire was made. This paper is devoted to the analysis of questionnaire results. As a result of the analysis, hypotheses for further study are set.
Diagnostics of separately excited DC motor based on analysis and recognition of signals using FFT and Bayes classifier
Authors: Glowacz Witold , Glowacz Zygfryd
Published: May 2015

In this article results of diagnostic investigations of separately excited DC motor were presented. In diagnostics were applied a Fourier analysis method based on the fast Fourier transform (FFT) and a recognition method using Bayes classifier. In training process a set of the most important frequencies has been determined for which differences of corresponding signals in two states are the largest. Three categories of signals have been recognized in identification process: faultless state, state of the rotor broken one coil and state of the rotor shorted three coils.
Magnetic equivalent circuit model for unipolar hybrid excitation synchronous machine
Authors: Kupiec Emil , Przyborowski Włodzimierz
Published: May 2015

Lately, there has been increased interest in hybrid excitation electrical machines. Hybrid excitation is a construction that combines permanent magnet excitation with wound field excitation. Within the general classification, these machines can be classified as modified synchronous machines or inductor machines. These machines may be applied as motors and generators. The complexity of electromagnetic phenomena which occur as a result of coupling of magnetic fluxes of separate excitation systems with perpendicular magnetic axis is a motivation to formulate various mathematical models of these machines. The presented paper discusses the construction of a unipolar hybrid excitation synchronous machine. The magnetic equivalent circuit model including nonlinear magnetization curves is presented. Based on this model, it is possible to determine the multi-parameter relationships between the induced voltage and magnetomotive force in the excitation winding. Particular attention has been paid to the analysis of the impact of additional stator and rotor yokes on above relationship. Induced voltage determines the remaining operating parameters of the machine, both in the motor and generator mode of operation. The analysis of chosen correlations results in an identification of the effective control range of electromotive force of the machine.
3D field analysis in 3-phase amorphous modular transformer under increased frequency operation
Authors: Tomczuk Bronisław , Koteras Dariusz
Published: May 2015

The calculations results of the temperature distribution in a 3-phase transformer with modular amorphous core are presented. They were performed for two frequency values which were higher than the power system one. For the 3D field analyses the Finite Element Method (FEM) was used. The calculated temperature at the points of the core surface has been verified using an infrared camera.
Optimal sizing and cost analysis of hybrid power system for a stand-alone application in Coimbatore region: a case study
Authors: Bogaraj T. , Kanakaraj J. , Kumar K. Mohan
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the optimal sizing of PV/Wind/Fuel Cell/Battery Hybrid Energy System for energizing a Small Scale Industrial Application or a village domestic load of 200 kW. HOMER software is used for simulation of the complete system. The solar radiation data and wind speed data used in this paper are for the place of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India which is located 11.0183° N longitude and 76.9725° E latitude. The optimized sizes of components of Hybrid Power System (HPS) are found based on Levelised Cost of Energy (LCE) and total Net Present Cost (NPC). The results are presented and compared for five different combinations of HPS components. Suggestions are also presented to choose the low cost system which produces energy at low LCE.
Elimination of Iron Based Particles in Al-Si Alloy
Authors: Bolibruchová D. , Richtárech L.
Published: May 2015

This paper deals with influence on segregation of iron based phases on the secondary alloy AlSi7Mg0.3 microstructure by chrome. Iron is the most common and harmful impurity in aluminum casting alloys and has long been associated with an increase of casting defects. In generally, iron is associated with the formation of Fe-rich phases. It is impossible to remove iron from melt by standard operations, but it is possible to eliminate its negative influence by addition some other elements that affect the segregation of intermetallics in less harmful type. Realization of experiments and results of analysis show new view on solubility of iron based phases during melt preparation with higher iron content and influence of chrome as iron corrector of iron based phases. By experimental work were used three different amounts of AlCr20 master alloy a three different temperature of chill mold. Our experimental work confirmed that chrome can be used as an iron corrector in Al-Si alloy, due to the change of intermetallic phases and shortening their length.
The Aging Time Effects of the Pre-expanded Polystyrene on the Patterns Mechanical Properties
Authors: Buczkowska K. , Pacyniak T.
Published: May 2015

The aging granulate is to activate the blowing agent during the manufacturing process to granulate models can re-expand and shape the model of well-sintered granules, smooth surface and a suitable mechanical strength. The article presents the results of studies which aim was to determine the optimum time for aging pre-foamed granules for pre-selected raw materials.

The testing samples were shaped in an autoclave, with constant parameters sintering time and temperature. Samples were made at 30 minute intervals. Models have been subjected to flexural strength and hardness.
Selected Aspects of Wear Affecting Keyed Joints and Spline Connections During Operation of Aircrafts
Authors: Gębura Andrzej , Szymczak Janusz
Published: May 2015

The paper deals with selected deficiencies of spline connections, such as angular or parallel misalignment (eccentricity) and excessive play. It is emphasized how important these deficiencies are for smooth operation of the entire driving units. The aim of the study is to provide a kind of a reference list with such deficiencies with visual symptoms of wear, specification of mechanical measurements for mating surfaces, mathematical description of waveforms for dynamic variability of motion in such connections and visualizations of the connection behaviour acquired with the use of the FAM-C and FDM-A. Attention is paid to hazards to flight safety when excessively worn spline connections are operated for long periods of time
Badania Procesów Tribologicznych Węzłów Łożyskowych Metodami Fam-C I Fdm-A – Model Zwiększonych Oporów Biernych
Authors: Gębura Andrzej
Published: May 2015

W artykule przedstawiono wybrane rezultaty zastosowania metod FAM-C (prądnica prądu przemiennego) i FDM-A (prądnica prądu stałego) do kompleksowego diagnozowania węzłów łożyskowych zespołu wirnikowego jednowałowego silnika turbinowego. Prądnice prądu przemiennego przenoszą informacje o procesach wolnozmiennych, na podstawie których można monitorować luzy promieniowe, luzy podłużne, przekoszenia wałów. Prądnice prądu stałego przenoszą informacje o procesach szybkozmiennych, na podstawie których można monitorować dynamikę poszczególnych łożysk tocznych: zmiany wartości dobroci mechanicznej, wartość oporów łącznych, współczynnik poślizgu elementów tocznych, szybkość wirowania koszyka względem czopa itp. Blisko dziesięcioletnie obserwacje diagnostyczne prowadzone na licznej próbie silników podczas ich eksploatacji umożliwiły klasyfikację procesów zużywania łożysk w postaci czterech modeli fenomenologicznych. W niniejszym artykule przedmiotem rozważań będzie model zwiększonych oporów biernych
Method of Choosing the Information Technology System Supporting Management of the Military Aircraft Operation
Authors: Barszcz Piotr , Zieja Mariusz
Published: May 2015

The paper presents a method of choosing the information technology system, the task of which is to support the management process of the military aircraft operation. The proposed method is based on surveys conducted among direct users of IT systems used in aviation of the Polish Armed Forces. The analysis of results of the surveys was conducted using statistical methods. The paper was completed with practical conclusions related to further usefulness of the individual information technology systems. In the future, they can be extremely useful in the process of selecting the best solutions and integration of the information technology systems
Concentration of Transforming Growth Factor-beta 1 in Chronic Periapical Lesions / Ispitivanje koncentracije transformišućeg faktora rasta beta 1 u hroničnim periapeksnim lezijama
Authors: Popović Jelena , Cvetković Tatjana , Džopalić Tanja , Mitić Aleksandar , Nikolić Marija , Barac Radomir
Published: May 2015

Host response to antigen stimulation in chronic inflammatory periapical lesions is mainly controlled by the balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of TGF-β1 in the tissue homogenates of periapical lesions and to analyse its level in relation to the symptomatology of the patients and size of the lesions. Ninety three samples of chronic periapical lesions were obtained after extraction of teeth. Samples were divided according to the clinical symptoms as symptomatic and asymptomatic, and according to the size as large and small. The concentration of TGF-β1 was analyzed using ELISA. The results showed increased production of TGF-β1 in symptomatic lesions compared to asymptomatic, but the difference was not statistically significant. Statistically significant difference in TGF-β1 concentrations was observed in large lesions compared to small (p<0,001). It seems that TGF-β1 have a modulating effect on bone tissue resorption activity under the influence of proinflammatory cytokines and can be molecular prognostic marker of periapical lesion healing.
Cigarette Smoking Has no Impact on the Effect of Radioiodine Therapy in Patients with Graves Disease / Pušenje cigareta nema uticaj na ishod radiojodne terapije kod bolesnika sa Grejvsovom bolešću
Authors: Sekulić Vladan , Rajić Milena P. , Vlajković Marina , Ilić Slobodan , Stević Miloš , Mišić Ivana , Božinović Milan
Published: May 2015

Presently, there is very little data on the impact of nicotine and other components of tobacco smoking on the outcome of radioiodine therapy (RIT) in Graves’ disease (GD). Thus, this study was aimed to analyze a possible impact of cigarette smoking on the effect of radioiodine therapy in the patients with Graves’ disease.

The study included 31 patients (16 smokers and 15 non-smokers) with GD, aged from 22 to 73 years, who were treated with a single dose of iodine-131 sodium iodide (131I-NaI) and subjected to a 12-month follow-up, thereafter. Patients were treated with antithyroid drugs (ATDs) before RIT and described very intense stressful events occurring prior to diagnosing Graves’ hyperthyroidism. A successful response to RIT was defined as euthyroidism and subclinical or clinical hypothyroidism, while an unsuccessful response was defined as persistent hyperthyroidism.

Comparison of age (47.4±9.41 vs. 49.5±13.8 years, p=0.628) at the time of RIT, applied activity of 131I-NaI (372±78.4 vs. 363±43.7 MBq, p=0.675), and duration of ATDs therapy (3.47±3.33 vs. 4.94±5.62 years, p=0.387) between smokers and non-smokers showed no significant difference. The cumulative incidence of successful response to therapy in smokers and non-smokers was 31.2 vs. 46.7% (p<0.05), 50.0 vs. 60.0% (p>0.05), 56.2 vs. 60.0% (p>0.05), and 56.2 vs. 66.7% (p>0.05) after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, respectively.

The results showed that cigarette smoking has no impact on the effect of radioiodine therapy after twelve-month period in patients who had experienced stressful events before the occurrence of Graves’ disease. However, patients with smoking habits achieved successful response later than non-smokers.
Upper Devonian microvertebrates from the Canning Basin, Western Australia
Authors: Roelofs Brett , Playton Ted , Barham Milo , Trinajstic Kate
Published: May 2015

A diverse microvertebrate fauna is described from the Virgin Hills and Napier formations, Bugle Gap Limestone Canning Basin, Western Australia. Measured sections at Horse Spring and Casey Falls (Virgin Hills Formation) and South Oscar Range (Napier Formation) comprise proximal to distal slope carbonates ranging in age from the Late Devonian Frasnian to middle Famennian. A total of 18 chondrichthyan taxa are identified based on teeth, including the first record of Thrinacodus tranquillus, Cladoides wildungensis, Protacrodus serra and Lissodus lusavorichi from the Canning Basin. A new species, Diademodus dominicus sp. nov. is also described and provides the first record of this genus outside of Laurussia. In addition, the upper range of Australolepis seddoni has been extended to Late Devonian conodont Zone 11, making it the youngest known occurrence for this species. The Virgin Hills and Napier formations microvertebrate faunas show close affinities to faunas recovered from other areas of Gondwana, including eastern Australia, Iran, Morocco and South China, which is consistent with known conodont and trilobite faunas of the same age.
In vivo toxicity of a new antifungal agent 2,4-dithiophenoxy-1-iodo-4-bromo benzene: a follow up on our in vitro study / In vivo toksičnost novoga antimikotika 2,4-ditiofenoksi-1-jodo-4-bromobenzena: proširenje in vitro istraživanja
Authors: Kılıç Süloğlu Aysun , Koçkaya Evrim , Karacaoğlu Elif , Selmanoğlu Güldeniz , Loğoğlu Elif
Published: May 2015

Triazole fungicide fluconazole has become the most widely used antifungal agent in the world, mainly because of its ability to penetrate well into body fluids and tissues. However, it has been reported to interact with many drugs and because of its common use, the risk of resistance to fluconazole increases. This calls for new anti-fungal drugs that would be able to replace it. In 2006, a new thialo benzene derivative - 2,4-dithiophenoxy-1-iodo-4-bromo benzene (C18H12S2IBr) - was synthesised with a carbon backbone similar to fluconazole, and, according to the early in vitro tests, much greater efficiency. Followed an in vitro test of its cytotoxicity, in which the new drug showed promising results as an alternative to fluconazole. The aim of this study was take the next step and test C18H12S2IBr toxicity in vivo. We opted for a four-week test on Wistar rats, in which the new antifungal agent was orally applied at doses two and a half and five times lower than those of fluconazole. There were no changes in daily food and water consumption, but weight gain in female rats and relative organ weights changed in the treated groups, pointing to sex-related differences in drug metabolism and effects. Fluconazole significantly increased leukocytes and lowered neutrophils whereas C18H12S2IBr did not, while other haematological changes in respect to the vehicle control were similar between the treated groups. Differences in cytochrome c in the liver and kidney suggested greater apoptotic effect of the new drug, but interpretation remains inconclusive, considering that other key indicators (biochemistry and histopathology) do not support greater toxicity. Considering that C18H12S2IBr is more active at lower concentrations and has comparable toxic effects to fluconazole in rats, this new compound shows some promise in the treatment of fungal infections. Future, more detailed animal studies are needed, that will include drug interactions and molecular toxicity pathways. If the results are promising, clinical studies should follow.
Evaluation of the social and economic burden of road traffic noise-attributed myocardial infarction in Bulgarian urban population / Procjena socijalnog i ekonomskog tereta infarkta miokarda povezanog s cestovnom bukom u bugarskog urbanog stanovništva
Authors: Dzhambov Angel M. , Dimitrova Donka D.
Published: May 2015

Road traffic noise is a widely studied environmental risk factor for ischaemic heart disease and myocardial infarction in particular. Given that myocardial infarction is a leading disability and mortality cause in Bulgaria and that a significant proportion of the urban population is exposed to high noise levels, quantification of the burden of disease attributable to traffic noise is essential for environmental health policy making and noise control engineering. This study aimed at estimating the burden of the myocardial infarction cases attributable to road traffic noise in the Bulgarian urban population. We used the methodology for estimating the burden of disease attributable to environmental noise outlined by the World Health Organization. Risk data were extracted from a recently published meta-analysis providing updated exposureresponse relationship between traffic noise and the risk for myocardial infarction. Based on these data we calculated the fraction of myocardial infarction cases attributable to traffic noise, loss of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and the economic burden, assuming € 12,000 per QALY. About 2.9 % or 101 of all myocardial infarction cases could be attributed to road traffic noise. Fifty-five of these were fatal. Nine hundred and sixty-eight QALYs were lost to these cases. The monetary value of these QALYs was about € 11.6 million. Although the measures used in this study are crude and give only an approximation of the real burden of disease from road traffic noise, they are indicative of the important social and economic aspect of noise pollution in Bulgaria. Hopefully, these results will direct the attention of epidemiologists, environmental hygienists, and health economists to this pivotal environmental issue.
Lack of Correlation of the Serum 25(OH) Vitamin D Levels with the Glycated Hemoglobin A1c and the Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetes Patients on Oral Antidiabetic Drugs – Preliminary Data
Authors: Bakalov D. , Boyanov M. , Tsakova A.
Published: May 2015

Data from different studies correlating the serum 25(OH)D levels with the metabolic and glycemic parameters in type 2 diabetes patients are still varying. The objective if this study was to describe the correlation between serum 25(OH)D levels and some metabolic parameters in Bulgarian type 2 diabetes patients on oral antidiabetic drugs. One hundred type 2 diabetes patients participated - 56 men and 44 women. The mean age and diabetes duration of the women was 59.0 and 9.8 years, of the men - 58.0 and 7.7 years respectively. Complete patient history was taken and physical examination was performed (body weight and height, waist circumference). Body composition was measured on a leg-to-leg body impedance analyzer (TBF-215, Tanita Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Serum levels of vitamin D were measured by electro-hemi-luminescent detection as 25-(ОН) D Total (ECLIA, Elecsys 2010, Roche Diagnostics, Switzerland). Glycated hemoglobin A1c was measured on a NycoCard reader (Alere™). Total, HDL-cholesterol (direct) and triglycerides were analyzed on a Cobas Integra 400+ analyzer. Correlation analysis was performed on a SPSS 13.0 for Windows platform and included 10 curves. The data were first analyzed for the group as a whole and then separately for men and women as well as in the different vitamin D tertiles. The mean serum 25-OH-vitamin D levels were 23.8 ± 12.1 nmol/l in women and 33.3 ± 20.0 nmol/l in men. We were unable to find any statistically significant correlation between serum 25(OH) vitaminand the serum lipids (cholesterol profile and triglycerides). On the contrary, there was a weak correlation with the glycated hemoglobin A1c (cubic model, R2 = 0.178, p = 0.05) and the BMI (inverse model, R2 = 0.101, p = 0.038). The sub-analyses (men versus women or according to tertiles of vitamin D) did not produce any additional information. The influence of vitamin D on the parameters of the metabolic control in type 2 diabetes is very weak on an individual level. It might be only demonstrated in large epidemiological surveys.
A Study on Fracture Resistance of Class IV Cavities Treated with Pins
Authors: Boteva E. , Peycheva K. , Karayasheva D. , Pashkouleva D. , Marinova M.
Published: May 2015

Тhе use of pins in restoration of large cavities with esthetic resin materials appear in the dental literature after 1970 and there are less than 20 publications, focused around restorations of class IV cavities. The aim of the present study is to test the role of pins in the fracture resistance in class IV restorations with resin materials. Materials and methods: 68 matured human upper and lower sound front teeth are included in the study. The groups are upper incisors, lower incisors, canines with or without pins. All cavities are filled with the same resin material, technology and Prime bond NT. Termocycling: 30 days in 30ºС, 100% humidity, 60 days in 100% humidity 2Х12 hours at 35ºС and 40ºС and 100 dry cycles, 20 seconds each in the following order - 45ºС ± 3ºС, room temperature, 5ºС, room temperature, two series, 50 each with two days between in Cultura incubator of Viva Dent 55ºС and ice. Machine for vertical load testing ZD 10/90, load in Newtons (N), from 20 N to 1275 N, speed 0.5 mm/ min, displacement from 0.1 to 1.2 mm. Type of fractures observed: adhesive, cohesive in dentine and in resin material, mixed. Results: The highest proportion of fractures observed was in front teeth with large cavities and with pins, low loading (493-503N). Front teeth with large cavities without pins have better resistance and lower proportion of fractures (488-526N). Canines are more resistible with pins and less without. Lowest resistance is found in lower front teeth when pins are present. Conclusion: In class IV restorations when tissue loses are less than 2/3 of the incisal ridge pins can decrease the fracture resistance of the teeth.
Diagnosis of Dentin Caries – Ultraviolet Fluorescence
Authors: Uzunov Ts. , Uzunov T. , Grozdanova R. , Kosturkov D.
Published: May 2015

The technology advance in recent years determines the need of construction of modern appliances for early diagnosis of dental caries, which are categorized by great precision, non-invasiveness, easy usage and wide availability. Such non-invasive and accurate tool for diagnostics of caries is Caries Detector (LED), Bulgarian product by “Optica Laser”. The detector emits a specific wavelength of near ultraviolet light, which causes fluorescence to porphyrins - metabolic products of the life cycle of caries-inducing bacteria. The purpose of the study is piloting a new diagnostic tool for detection and monitoring of caries excavation based on fluorescence - LED UV caries detector of company “Optica laser”. Subjected to examination by caries indicator dye and UV caries detector were sixty permanent teeth with deep dentine caries. Two methods were used to assess the dentin caries - UV fluorescence detector of “Optica Laser” and staining with caries indicator - dye (Sable ™ Seek®). It was found that among all sixty teeth, the fields, closed by margins of carious process overlap. Fifty-four of tested teeth has shown bigger field of images with staining method and six - smaller in comparison to the fluorescent method. Ultraviolet fLuorescence caries detector of “Optica Laser” company is affordable and easy applicable method for controlled excavation of dentine caries. The detector can be used in daily dental practice equally with other methods. The unit has a number of advantages - non-invasiveness, lack of interaction with tooth structures, speed, reliability, efficiency, predictability and repeatability of results.
Molecular-Genetic Aspects of Breast Cancer
Authors: Krasteva M. , Angelova Sv , Gospodinova Zl
Published: May 2015

Breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy among women. Advances in breast cancer knowledge have deciphered the involvement of a number of tumor suppressor genes and proto-oncogenes in disease pathogenesis. These genes are part of the complex biochemical pathways, which enable cell cycle control and maintenance of genome integrity. Their function may be disrupted as a result of alterations in gene sequence or misregulation of gene expression including alterations in DNA methylation pattern. The present review summarizes the main findings on major breast cancer related genes BRCA1/2, p53, ATM, CHEK2, HER2, PIK3CA and their tumorigenic inactivation/activation. The potential clinical importance of these genes with respect to patients’ prognosis and therapy are also discussed. The possible implication of other putative breast cancer related genes is also outlined. The first elaborate data on the genetic and epigenetic status of the above mentioned genes concerning Bulgarian patients with the sporadic form of the disease are presented. The studies indicate for a characteristic mutational spectrum in some of the genes for the Bulgarian patients and specific correlation between the status of different genes and clinicopathological characteristics.
Increasing Pursuer Capturability by Using Hybrid Dynamics
Authors: Glizer Valery Y. , Turetsky Vladimir
Published: May 2015

A robust interception of a maneuverable target (evader) by an interceptor (pursuer) with hybrid dynamics is considered. The controls of the pursuer and the evader are bounded. The duration of the engagement is prescribed. The pursuer has two possible dynamic modes, which can be switched once during the engagement, while the dynamics of the evader are fixed. The case where for both dynamic modes there exists an unbounded capture zone was analyzed in our previous work. The conditions under which the pursuer can increase its capturability by utilizing the hybrid dynamics were established and the new robust capture zone was constructed. In the present paper, we extend this result to the cases where at least for one dynamic mode of the pursuer the capture zone is bounded. For these instances, conditions of increasing the pursuer’s hybrid capturability are derived. Respective capture zones are constructed. Illustrative examples and results of extensive simulation for a realistic non-linear engagement model in the presence of a random wind are given.
Cortical epileptogenesis of slowly kindled freely moving rats
Authors: Orbán-Kis K. , Száva Iringó , Szilágyi T.
Published: May 2015

Objective. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can be caused by many underlying pathologies. The epileptic and interictal manifestations that appear during the progression of chronic epilepsy are still not understood completely. One of the most frequent forms of this disease is temporal lobe epilepsy in which is clear involvement of the hippocampal formation. In order to study the electrografic progression of untreated seizures we used amygdala kindling in freely moving rats. Methods. Seven animals were implanted with bilateral hippocampal and prefrontal electrodes. A bipolar electrode, implanted in the lateral nuclei of the left amygdala was used for stimulation. The kindled group of animals was stimulated daily with the minimum current intensity needed to reach the afterdischarge threshold. Behavioral changes during kindling were scored according to the Racine scale. Results. The average seizure severity on the Racine scale was 2.6±0.4 by day 6 and 4.4±0.6 by day 20. The first spontaneous seizures appeared after 31 days of stimulation. During spontaneous seizures the preictal spike full width at half maximum increased gradually from 51±4msec to 110±5msec (p < 0.05) whereas the amplitude of the negative field potential deflection increased by 62% (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Our study showed that the progression of temporal lobe epilepsy, as seen in humans, can be reproduced in the kindling model with high fidelity. This study confirms in vivo the increase in preictal spike duration as well as the increase of the amplitude of negative field potential deflection during the preictal period.
Experimental research on the interactions between some anxiolytics and dietary sodium monoglutamate
Authors: Buzescu Anca , Cristea Nicoleta Aurelia , Chiriac Alexandra , Chiriță C.
Published: May 2015

Objectives: Monosodium glutamate, the salt of glutamic acid, is largely used as a flavour enhancer (E621). In this study, we determine if monosodium glutamate, after repeated oral administration, can induce any degree of anxiety. Taking into account the interdependence between glutamate and GABA neurotransmissions, we studied the possible interactions of monosodium glutamate with some representatives belonging to benzodiazepines therapeutical class, diazepam and alprazolam, used as first line therapy for the treatment of anxiety. Methods: For determining the degree of anxiety, the specific cross-labyrinth test was used. The medium time spent in the closed-arms of the crosslabyrinth is correlated with increased anxiety and the medium time spent in the opened arms is correlated with a low degree anxiety. NMRI adult mice received 300 mg/kg monosodium glutamate for 21 days, dose representing 1/50 from mice LD50 (15000mg/kg) and twice the maximum admitted dose/ day for human. Results: When compared to control group, the group receiving monosodium glutamate, showed a not statistically significant slight increase in the degree of anxiety. The groups receiving benzodiazepines presented a significant reduction of the degree of anxiety, proving their anxiolytic effect. The groups receiving glutamate and diazepam or alprazolam, showed a lower reduction of the degree of anxiety, than group receiving only benzodiazepines, phenomenon which proves an antagonism between glutamate and the anxiolytics used in this study. Conclusions: The oral administration of monosodium glutamate increases slightly, not statistically significant, the degree of anxiety in mice and significantly alters the response to the benzodiazepines therapy, reducing the effect for both alprazolam and diazepam.
An unusual case of cardiac syncope and acute coronary syndrome – a case report
Authors: Chitu Monica , Benedek Theodora , Condrea S. , Blendea C. , Benedek I.
Published: May 2015

Introduction: We aimed to present a case of acute coronary syndrome with unexpected etiology complicated by syncope and arrhythmias, confirmed by imagistic examinations as cardiac parasitosis. Cardiac parasitic diseases are rare diseases, whose diagnosis and therapy should be adapted to each case. Imaging techniques allow precise diagnosis of cardiac echinococcosis, providing essential structural details on the damage degree of heart structures, allowing optimization of complex treatment in these cases. Case presentation: A 67-year old, obese and diabetic woman presented with cardiac syncope, arrhythmias and acute chest pain. Imagistic examinations excluded intracoronary thrombosis and confirmed a severe structural damage of myocardial tissue, consisting in replacement of the myocardial structure by many cysts caused by parasitic infestation with echinococcus multilocularis and echinoccocus granulosus originating from the liver. CT scan confirmed severe distruction of the left ventricular myocardium by policysts, that led to thinning of inferior and apical left ventricle wall without any possibility of surgical excision. Therefore a specific chemotherapy with albendazole was initiated. Follow up at 2 months indicated a favorable evolution, with serological decrease of echinococcal antibodies and reduction of cysts volume. Conclusion: In cases of angina and arrhythmias with non-atherosclerotic etiology, imaging techniques can diagnose the anatomopathological substrate of the disease and represent a valuable tool for the follow up.