bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of TGF-β, IL-10 levels and LMP-1 in gastric and oropharyngeal carcinoma associated with EBV infection
Authors: Dworzanska Anna , Strycharz-Dudziak Malgorzata , Kliszczewska Ewa , Drop Bartlomiej , Polz-Dacewicz Malgorzata 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Increasing interest has been focused on the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-associated cancers, including oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) and gastric cancer (GC). Different cytokines, growth factors and proteins take part in oncogenesis. The aim of our study was to generate a comparison of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) levels, as well as latent membrane protein (LMP-1), Epstein-Barr virus capsid antigen (EBVCA), Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen (EBNA) and early antigen (EA) frequency in the serum of patients with GC and OPC. The study involved 50 patients with diagnosed GC and 50 patients with OPC. All studied patients were EBV positive. Fresh-frozen tumor tissue fragments were tested using nested PCR assay for EBV DNA detection. Sera from all individuals were investigated using ELISA tests to detect the presence of EBVCA IgG, EBNA IgG, EA IgG, as well as to determine the levels of IL-10 and TGF-β. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis. In patients with GC, the levels of TGF-β and IL-10 were significantly higher than in OPC patients. However, the frequency and level of EBVCA, EBNA and EA in patients with OPC and GC were not significantly different. In contrast, TGF-β and IL-10 levels were significantly higher in EBVaGC, as compared to OPC, suggesting their role in gastric carcinogenesis. The differences in frequency of LMP-1 detection in patients with OPC and GC may suggest different mechanism of oncogenesis. Further studies are required to clarify the role of Epstein-Barr virus in cancer development.
Give Us This Day Our Daily Absurd, As We Also Have Given It to Our Absurd-mongers! One Look at the Absurd in Romanian Culture
Authors: Ciobanu Estella 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
An unpublished piece of prose in the style of Romanian writer Urmuz has rekindled my interest in absurdist writings and/or absurd cases which, in Romanian culture, are associated with the likes of Urmuz, Caragiale or Ionesco. I will ponder here, with the aid of the aforementioned authors and also by comparing their work with Lewis Carroll’s, the absurdist spirit of certain Romanian literary and dramatic pieces, or only of certain scenes therein, to propose a typology of the absurd as distinct from satire (the latter often a companion piece to the former). Mine is an investigation that crisscrosses texts, cultures and ages more than it offers an in-depth analysis by recourse to concepts and theories; asks questions more than it offers answers; plays more than it does sober research; and laughs – lest it should weep.
I vs. We. First Person Personal Pronouns in Political Speeches
Authors: Stănculete Ilina-Mihaela 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The present article reports on a case study that focuses, comparatively, on the extent to which Romania’s Prime Minister Adrian Năstase and UK’s Prime Minister Tony Blair reveal their intentions and thoughts in their investment speeches, by the use of the personal pronouns I and we. The number of occurrences of each of the two first person pronouns and the way in which they are used will be considered in an analysis that is both quantitative and qualitative. The overall aim of the comparative approach is to highlight how democracy is seen in the cases scrutinized, based on the activation by the speakers of the principle of cooperation in oral communication.
The influence of genotype and season on the biological potential of chilli pepper cultivars
Authors: Kopta Tomáš , Šlosár Miroslav , Andrejiová Alena , Jurica Miloš , Pokluda Robert 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The aim of this work was to evaluate the yield parameters (number of fruits per plant, total yield per plant and average fruit weight), level of ascorbic acid, and pungency (SHU units) of different genotypes of chilli pepper in protected cultivation in the Czech Republic in order to identify a suitable and prospective chilli cultivar which could be recommended to the Central European growers. The experiment took place in two years (2016 and 2018) in a plastic greenhouse with 17 genotypes of the species Capsicum chinense Jacq., C. annuum L., C. baccatum L. and C. pubescens Ruiz. & Pav. From the viewpoint of yield parameters and stability of yield, ‘Habanero Red’, ‘Jamaican Yellow’, ‘Jwala’ and ‘Rocoto Orange’ can be recommended for Czech conditions. The majority of the tested cultivars were a good source of vitamin C (mostly reaching a value of at least 800 mg kg−1). From the perspective of pungency, the following cultivars can be recommended: low pungency – Fish, Jalapeño, Jwala, Pimiento de Padrón and Rocoto Orange; medium pungency – Cayenne Gold, NuMex Piñata and Scotch Bonnet Orange; and high pungency – Aji Lemon Drop, Cayenne Purple, TMSR and Tricolor Variegata.
Iodosalicylates and iodobenzoates supplied to tomato plants affect the antioxidative and sugar metabolism differently than potassium iodide
Authors: Halka Mariya , Smoleń Sylwester , Ledwożyw-Smoleń Iwona , Sady Włodzimierz 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Iodine is considered as a beneficial element for plants. As compared to the mineral form of iodine, the effect of organoiodine compounds on physiological and biochemical processes in plants is weakly recognized. This study describes the influence of different forms of iodine – mineral as KI and organic as iodosalicylates and iodobenzoates on the antioxidative and sugar metabolism of tomato plants. Plants were treated with KI and with the following organoiodine compounds: 5-iodosalicylic acid (5-ISA), 3,5-diiodosalicylic acid (3,5-diISA), 2-iodobenzoic acid (2-IBeA) and 4-iodobenzoic acid (4-IBeA). The effect of salicylic acid (SA) and benzoic acid (BeA) on plants was also tested. The plants revealed a lower tolerance to 3,5-diISA, 4-IBeA and slightly to BeA as compared to control. Tested compounds did not affect the content of ascorbic (AA) and dehydroascorbic (DHA) acid. All tested compounds, with the exception of 2-IBeA, did not affect the content of phenols, phenylpropanoids and anthocyanins in leaves. Tested compounds variously modified the activity of catalase (CAT), ascorbic peroxidase (APX) and peroxidase (POX) in leaves and roots. The content of soluble sugars in tomato leaves and roots varied depending on the combination, with a noticeable tendency to increase after the application of organoiodine compounds.
Towards Sustainable Urban Development: the Ukrainian situation
Authors: Gazzola Patrizia , Dymchenko Olena , Sribnyi Volodymyr , Panova Olena 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The continuing process of urbanization sets up urgent issues of environmental degradation resulting in disrupting opportunities to enhance quality of life of the population. In Ukraine, the anthropogenic and human impacts on the environment are several times higher than in developed countries. Thus, life expectancy in Ukraine is on average around 68 years (e.g. in Italy – 82, Sweden - 80, Poland - 74) which is largely due to the environmental pollution which is the result of production activities of mining, metallurgy, chemical industries, fuel and energy complex. Therefore, there is a strong need in the Ukrainian society to address the consequences of powerful external forces as environmental pollution and climate change, and internal forces as socioeconomic development. These forces play a role at all levels but are prevalent at urban levels. Cities are not isolated entities; they interact with their surroundings, economically, socio-politically and environmentally. Urban development toward sustainability has to consider the capacity of the entire ecosystem to support such development including the prevention and mitigation of adverse environmental impacts of the outside urban areas. Hence, cities are unique territories to implement green economy opportunities to ensure the development of sustainable societies. Exploring different dimensions of sustainability should be connected with the exploration of urban processes and developments on a global level. This connection shows how sustainability can be destroyed or ensured. Sustainability should be based on social cohesion in local urban areas and contribute to sustainable urban development.
Chemical Composition, Nutritional Functions, and Antioxidant Activities of Honeys in Africa
Authors: Tahir Haroon Elrasheid , Mariod Abdalbasit A. , Mahunu Gusta , Xiaobo Zou 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Honey production in Africa is considered an integral part of folk medicine and provides an opportunity for poor rural communities to increase their economic sustainability. In this review, we provide and discuss the data available on the positive nutritional value and health properties of honey harvested from Africa. Besides sugar, honey contains protein and amino acids, with proline which is about 50% of the total amino acids, vitamins, enzymes, some minerals (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, P, S), trace elements (Mn, Ni, Li, F, I, Cl, Sr, Co) and polyphenol compounds. The paper reviewed studies on the use of African honey with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-breast cancer, antidiabetic and antimycotic properties and also its positive effects on infertility (asthenozoospermia), febrile neutropenia and diabetic foot ulcers.
Phylogenetic Relationships of Russian Far-East Apis cerana with Other North Asian Populations
Authors: Ilyasov Rustem A. , Youn Han Gi , Lee Myeong-lyeol , Kim Kil Won , Proshchalykin Maxim Y. , Lelej Arkady S. , Takahashi Jun-ichi , Kwon Hyung Wook 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Apis cerana Fabricius, 1793 is the eastern honeybee species distributed throughout Asia from the tropical climate in the southern part to the temperate climate in the northern part. We sequenced and annotated the complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of A. cerana from Vladivostok, Primorsky Krai of the Russian Far East and uploaded it to the database GenBank (AP018450). MtDNA sequence has 15,919 bp length, AT-content 84% and GC-content 16% and contains 22 tRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, one AT-rich region and four non-coding intergenic regions (NC1-4). All proteincoding genes start with ATT and ATG codons, except for ATC, the start codon of the ATP8 gene, which and stop with the common stop codons TAA and TAG. A comparative analysis of complete mtDNA of A. cerana from China, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Russia, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan found that the Russian Far East Apis cerana differed from others on the subspecies level. Based on the comparative analysis of complete mtDNA (~16,000 bp), nuclear DNA (nDNA) gene Vitellogenin (VG) (~4,100 bp) and morphological measurements (six parameters), we assumed that the Russian Far-East A. cerana can be a distinct northern Asia population and can be described as a separate unique subspecies of A. c. ussuriensis subsp. nov. A. c. koreana subsp. nov. is also validated and described as a new subspecies.
Prospects and Validity of Laboratory Cage Tests Conducted in Honeybee Research Part one: Main Directions of Use of Laboratory Cage Tests in Honeybee Research
Authors: Dziechciarz Piotr , Borsuk Grzegorz , Olszewski Krzysztof 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
For more than forty years, laboratory cage tests (LCTs) have been used in honeybee research. These tests facilitate the control of elements of the environment present in the laboratory, which allows the minimization of the impact of the changing environmental conditions and conditions in the bee colony nest on the studied features. Therefore, it is possible to estimate the content of the genetic component of a particular trait and to assess the impact of a specific substance or tested agent on the traits of bees.
An advantage of LCTs is the possibility of conducting easier and cheaper research than in the case of apiary experiments. LCTs allow a significant reduction in the number of required bees/colonies, investigations of a winter bee generation and individual treatment of a single bee. One of the first research directions in which LCTs were used was the instantaneous assessment of the honey yield. Due to discrepancies between LCT assessment and results of apiary productivity, LCTs are currently not a standard tool for the assessment and improvement of bee functional traits despite such undoubted advantages as reducing the time and cost of the evaluation. Moreover, LCTs are being used to assess the genetic and environmental conditions of workers’ lifespan and are a standard method for assessing the impact of pesticides on bees.
Ascending Excitatory and Inhibitory Motor Activity of Colonic Longitudinal and Circular Muscles in Rat Model
Authors: Gorcheva Zornitsa V. , Stavreva Galya Ts. , Negrev Negrin N. , Radomirov Radomir G. 
Published: December 2019

Summary
In this experiment we studied the role of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmissions in the ascending reflex pathways in isolated rat colon. Partitioned organ bath, electrical field stimulation (EFS), drugs and isolated preparations were used to evaluate motor activity of (LM) and circular muscles (CM). Ascending motor responses of LM and CM were frequency-dependent contraction, significantly more expressed in LM. Atropine (0.3 µM) decreased ascending contractions of LM. During atropine treatment spantide (0.1 µM) further suppressed ascending contractile motor responses. In the presence of atropine, L-NNA (0.5 mM) restored ascending contractions of LM, while contractions were strongly depressed after addition of L-arginine (0.5 mM). Ascending response in CM, caused by atropine, consisted of an initial relaxation followed by contraction. Spantide decreased the contraction. L-NNA reduced the relaxation and significantly restored the atropine-influenced contraction, while L-arginine induced a deep relaxation of CM. The presence of ChAT, SP-containing nerve cell bodies and fibers and NADPH-diaphorase-reactive cell bodies and processes in myenteric ganglia were detected. The results indicated that nitric oxide is an important modulator of ascending cholinergic and tachykininergic excitation in colonic region of the large intestine of rats.
A Study on the Role of Thrombophilic Genetic Disorders as a Risk Factor for Thrombotic Complications in Patients with Myeloproliferative Disorders
Authors: Todorieva-Todorova Doroteya K. , Kovacheva Katya S. , Tzvetkov Nikolay T. , Trifonov Stefan V. , Stavreva Galya Ts. , Rashev Tihomir R. , Todorov Alexander A. , Ivanov Petar D. 
Published: December 2019

Summary
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are haematological diseases, characterized by clonal hematopoiesis. Hemostasis abnormalities are among the most critical and frequent complications, affecting the quality of life and a possible reason for death. Thrombotic complications are common and multifactorial. Our aim was to study some genetic thrombophilia factors – Factor V Leiden (FVL), G20210A mutation in prothrombin gene (PR G20210A) and PLA2 allele polymorphism of glycoprotein IIIa gene (GPIIIa gene), and their frequency and association with thrombotic risk in both Philadelphia-positive and Philadelphia-negative MPN – chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary and secondary myelofibrosis (MF). In our patient population, PLA2 allele polymorphism of GPIIIa gene proved to be the most common and significantly associated with thrombotic complications – 26.85% of our patients were carriers, and 24.14% of them reported thrombotic complications.
A Comparative Study of Hysteroscopic Morcellation or Resection of Uterine Polyps
Authors: Lyubenov Aleksandar D. , Tomov Slavcho T. , Kiprova Desislava K. , Gorchev Grigor A. , Tsvetanova Kameliya T. 
Published: December 2019

Summary
The aim of the study was to analyse the intraoperative parameters of hysteroscopic morcellation (HM) and conventional resectoscopy in the treatment of uterine polyps (UP). A total of 177 patients with ultrasound imaging of UP were included in a prospective study from February 2015 to February 2017. Out of them, 98 (55.4%) underwent HM and 79 (44.6%) had hysteroscopic resection (HR). We analyzed the following intraoperative parameters: total duration of the procedure, total operating time, time for dilation, actual operating time for HM/HR, the total amount of fluid distension media and fluid deficit. The mean operating time, measured as a total duration of the procedure, total operating time and actual operating time, was significantly shorter in the HM group, as compared to HR group, 8.27 and 19.48 minutes (min) – p<0.001, 6.15 and 16.33 min (p<0.001), 3.28 and 11.70 min (p<0.001), respectively. The total amount of fluid distension media was trustworthy lower in the HM group compared to HR, 446.02 ml and 2225.57 millilitres (ml) – p<0.001, respectively, as well as for the fluid deficit parameter – respectively 83.78 ml and 413.48 ml (p<0.001). This warrants the assumption that HM is an effective alternative to conventional resectoscopy for removal of UP with a favorable perioperative outcome.
Diagnostics and Treatment of Cervical Causes of Infertility
Authors: Kunev Aleksandar K. 
Published: December 2019

Summary
Nowadays, infertility is a problem that affects an increasing number of people. The causes of infertility in a couple may be due to a variety of factors – female, male or unexplained. One of the common problems associated with infertility in women is related to uterine cervical diseases. The cervix is an essential part of the sperm passage, so various disorders in the cervix structure and function may be the cause of infertility. The study aimed to identify the leading cervical causes of female infertility, methods of treatment and their success. The most common problems of cervical origin are cervical polyps and stenosis of the cervical canal. They are easily diagnosed with a routine gynaecological examination and ultrasound examination. Polyps are removed through polypectomy, and after that, a natural pregnancy can be achieved. In the case of stenosis of the cervical canal, there are two treatment options – dilation or intrauterine insemination (IUI). In younger patients and lack of male factor in the couple, dilation is performed. Dilation is mechanical with classic Hegar dilatiors or with synthetic hygroscopic dilatiors (Dilapan). If, in addition to the stenosis of the cervical canal in a woman, there is a male factor, treatment with IUI is preferred. Methods for cervical factor treatment vary in their success rate but are generally characterised by good results.
Clinical Characteristics of Premenstrual Syndrome/Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Co-Morbid with Panic Disorder and the Effectiveness of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Its Treatment
Authors: Iakimova Rossitza K. , Aptalidis Daniil C. , Pandova Milena S. , Stoyanova Maria B. , Stoimenova-Popova Maya Y. 
Published: December 2019

Summary
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is often co-morbid with panic disorder (PD). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRis) are the first-line treatment for both PMS and PD when they manifest separately, but their co-occurrence often complicates the treatment. Our objectives were to evaluate the clinical picture of PMS, co-morbid with PD and the way it changes under 6-month SSRI treatment course. For that purpose, we conducted a longitudinal interventional study. We examined 30 women suffering from PMS and a current episode of PD, verified through premenstrual screening tool (PSST) and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.6.0.), respectively. Before treatment initiation, irritability, mood lability, anxiety, breast tension and tenderness, changes in appetite, headaches, palpitations, and abdominal bloating were most common. The somatic symptoms were more than twice as common as the psychological. After 6 months of treatment, most of the symptoms mentioned above were still present but less severe. Forty per cent of the women recovered completely. It seems that in cases of comorbidity between PMS and PD, though somatic symptoms are more common, SSRIs are an effective option for managing both somatic and psychological symptoms.
Epidemiological Study on the Incidence of Hearing Impairment in Children Up to 3 Years of Age and Associated Risk Factors
Authors: Atanasova Kremena K. , Nikolov Georgi N. , Simeonova Joana I. , Duhlenski Boris I. 
Published: December 2019

Summary
Early diagnosis of congenital hearing impairment is of great importance to later development and social life of the affected newborns. Otoacoustic emission screening test (OAEs) is a useful tool for early evaluation of hearing in neonates and infants. Some specific risk factors (RFs) associated with prenatal, birth and early postnatal periods may influence the first screening results and further diagnostic findings. Results from OAEs in newborns in University Hospital in Pleven between 2013-2015 years are analyzed. In low birth weight children (under 2500 grams or g), and those born before the 36th gestation week (GW), we found deviations in the OAEs. A negative test result proved higher in newborns subjected to oxygen therapy during the first hours after birth (15.5%), as well as in newborns with higher leucocytes count (11.0%) or higher serum bilirubin value immediately after birth. The average birth weight of the newborns was lower in the cases with negative test results (2848.7±506.5 g) and unilateral negative test results (2823.3±535.2 g), as compared with the group with positive test results (3191.9±387.9 g). Elevated bilirubin levels were more frequently established and can be expected with higher probability in low birth weight children. They shall be subject to a follow-up in time, and newborns with initial negative test result shall undergo a second test 2 months after birth. Long term monitoring is recommended for newborns with these risk factors.
Regressive Myocardial Infarction with ST Elevation (STEMI) Treated with Conservative Medicinal Therapy
Authors: Karaky Alexis Al , Tisheva-Gospodinova Snezhanka T. 
Published: December 2019

Summary
The case presented is that of a young man with atypical pathogenesis of myocardial infarction with ST-elevation (STEMI) after physical stress. It was provoked by partial thrombosis of the distal segment of the left main coronary artery (LM) at the bifurcation of the left anterior descending artery. After the emergency treatment, the disease process underwent reverse development without any consequences for left ventricular kinetics.
Double Cystic Duct as Rare Anatomic Variant
Authors: Valero-Liñán Antonio Serafin , Stoyanov Toni I. , Sanchez-Gallego Alba , Garcia-Grimaldo Elías , Gonzalez-Masiá José Antonio , de Llama José Ignacio Miota , Conde-Inarejos Belén , Luengo-Ballester Olga , Aguado-Rodríguez Beatriz , Ivanov Kaloyan T. , Tonchev Pencho T. 
Published: December 2019

Summary
The variations of the cystic duct are so common that only 30% of all humans present the classical anatomical arrangement between the common bile duct (CBD), the cystic duct, and adjacent arteries. Thus, it could be considered that anomalies of the biliary tree are a rule rather than an exception. Duplication of the cystic duct, however, is a very uncommon anatomical finding. In the Department of General and Digestive Surgery of the University Hospital Complex Albacete, a 73-year-old patient was admitted with symptoms of cholangitis. He underwent emergency surgery that found exacerbated chronic cholecystitis and dilation of the CBD. Cholecystectomy was performed with identification of a double cystic duct that drained separately in the CBD and exploration of the last revealed cholangitis without choledocholithiasis. The postoperative period progressed favourably, proceeding to discharge from the hospital with Kehr drainage closed. In conclusion, we consider that the routine use of intraoperative cholangiography when there is suspicion of anatomical variations of the biliary tree is mandatory to rule out lesions or alterations thereof.