bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The combined presence of hypertension and vitamin D deficiency increased the probability of the occurrence of small vessel disease in China
Authors: Si Junzeng , li kuibao , shan peiyan , Yuan Junliang 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background: The exact relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] levels and small vessel disease (SVD) are not clear in China. The aim of this study was to determine such association between 25(OH) D and SVD in China.
Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 106 patients with SVD and 115 controls between Jan 2017 and Dec 2017. All the subjects were categorized into three subgroups according to the level of 25(OH) D: vitamin D deficiency (<12 ng/ml), insufficiency (12-20 ng/ml) and sufficiency (>20 ng/ml).
Results: Among 106 SVD patients, 80 (75.5%) were men and the mean age was 61.6±13.2 years. The deficiency of 25(OH) D was observed in 76 (71.7%) of SVD patients and 47 (40.9%) of controls (P=0.001). Compared with controls, patients with SVD were more likely to be male, a stroke history, smokers, with hyperlipidemia, higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein, and lower of 25(OH)D level (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed the level of 25(OH)D as an independent predictor of SVD (OR 0.772, 95% CI 0.691-0.862, P=0.001). Compared with the sufficient 25(OH)D group, the ORs of SVD in deficient and insufficient 25(OH)D group were 5.609 (95% CI 2.006-15.683) and 1.077 (95% CI: 0.338-3.428) after adjusting for potential confounders, respectively. In hypertensives with vitamin D deficient and insufficient group compared with sufficient group, the ORs of SVD increased to 9.738 (95% CI 2.398-39.540) and 1.108 (95% CI 0.232-5.280), respectively (Pinteraction=0.001).
Conclusion: We found significant associations between SVD and 25(OH)D deficiency. The combined presence of hypertension and vitamin D deficiency increased the probability of developing SVD. Our findings will warrant further prospective studies in the future.
Groundwater flow simulation through the application of the FREEWAT modeling platform
Authors: Koltsida Evgenia , Kallioras Andreas 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
FREEWAT is a free and open source QGIS-integrated platform, developed to simulate several hydrological processes by combining the capabilities of geographic information system (GIS) for geo-processing and post-processing tools with several codes of the well-known USGS MODFLOW ‘family’. FREEWAT platform was applied for the groundwater flow simulation of a coastal aquifer system, located in northern Greece. The simulation was conducted using the MODFLOW_2005 code, the Observation Analysis Tool (a FREEWAT module facilitating the integration of time series observations into modeling), while the UCODE_2014 code was used as the main module for the sensitivity analysis and parameter estimation. The statistics used include composite scaled sensitivities, parameter correlation coefficients, and leverage. The simulation of the investigated aquifer system was found to be satisfactory, indicating that the simulated level values were slightly greater than the observed values after the optimization.
A Change in Bile Flow: Looking Beyond Transporter Inhibition in the Development of Drug-induced Cholestasis
Authors: Garzel Brandy , Zhang Lei , Huang Shiew-Mei , Wang Hongbing 
Published: July 2019

Background:Drug-induced Liver Injury (DILI) has received increasing attention over the past decades, as it represents the leading cause of drug failure and attrition. One of the most prevalent and severe forms of DILI involves the toxic accumulation of bile acids in the liver, known as Drug-induced Cholestasis (DIC). Traditionally, DIC is studied by exploring the inhibition of hepatic transporters such as Bile Salt Export Pump (BSEP) and multidrug resistance-associated proteins, predominantly through vesicular transport assays. Although this approach has identified numerous drugs that alter bile flow, many DIC drugs do not demonstrate prototypical transporter inhibition, but rather are associated with alternative mechanisms.Methods:We undertook a focused literature search on DIC and biliary transporters and analyzed peer-reviewed publications over the past two decades or so.Results:We have summarized the current perception regarding DIC, biliary transporters, and transcriptional regulation of bile acid homeostasis. A growing body of literature aimed to identify alternative mechanisms in the development of DIC has been evaluated. This review also highlights current in vitro approaches used for prediction of DIC.Conclusion:Efforts have continued to focus on BSEP, as it is the primary route for hepatic biliary clearance. In addition to inhibition, drug-induced BSEP repression or the combination of these two has emerged as important alternative mechanisms leading to DIC. Furthermore, there has been an evolution in the approaches to studying DIC including 3D cell cultures and computational modeling.
Predictors of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Improvement after Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation in Patients with PVC-Induced Cardiomyopathy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tajrishi Farbod Z. , Asgardoon Mohammad H. , Hosseinpour Amirhossein S. , Meysamie Alipasha , Vasheghani-Farahani Ali 
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND:
Frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVC) can result in PVCinduced
cardiomyopathy (PVC-iCMP), leading to reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
(LVEF) that can be improved by radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). We performed a systematic
review to determine the variables predicting LVEF improvement after RFCA in PVCiCMP.

METHODS:
We developed a “population, intervention, outcome and predictive factors” framework
and searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Cochrane Collaboration and Cochrane Database
of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) for full-text, peer-reviewed publications. These publications
addressing predictive factors of LVEF improvement showed ≥5% improvement only if deemed
significant by the respective study, ≥10% or ≥ 50% after RFCA ablation in patients with PVCiCMP
with no type/date/language limitation until the end of 2017.

RESULTS:
Our initial search yielded 2226 titles, 1519 of which remained after removing the duplicates.
Finally, 11 articles - 2 cohorts, 7 quasi-experimental studies, 1 case-control and 1 metaanalysis-
were included. Sustained successful ablation, higher baseline PVC burden, LVEF, QRS
duration, post-PVC systolic blood pressure rise and post-PVC pulse pressure change, the absence of
an underlying cardiomyopathy, younger age, and variability of the frequency of PVCs during the
day and lower left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) have been suggested as predictive
factors for LVEF improvement in patients with PVC-iCMP.

CONCLUSIONS:
The mentioned factors may all be useful to identify PVC-iCMP patients who would
benefit from RFCA, although the evidence is not yet strong enough.
Factors associated with delay in presentation among patients for oral cancer
Authors: Zhang Xinyan , Liu Dongling , Dong Hongmei , Li Yuxiang , Zhang Ye , Wang Xiuli , Zhang Bingyan , Bian Lijuan 
Published: July 2019

Aim:
This study aimed to determine factors that influence delay in presentation among oral cancer patients.
Materials & methods:
A cross-sectional study with 128 Oral cancer patients receiving treatment from the Hospital of Stomatology, at Jilin University, in China, was conducted.
Results:
A total of 78 patients delayed seeking treatment for more than 3 weeks after noticing symptoms of oral anomaly. Patients who were male, farmers (Odds ratio [OR] = 2.617; 95% CI: 1.90–3.64), or currently smoking (OR = 4.651; 95% CI: 1.21–9.46), were more likely to delay. Patients alerted to the problem at a physical exam had much lower risk of delay than patients who discovered the disease independently (OR = 0.029; 95% CI: 0.01–0.30). Higher coping style scores (OR = 0.747; 95% CI: 0.47–1.18) and oral cancer knowledge scores (OR = 0.886; 95% CI: 0.60–2.01) were significantly correlated with shorter delays.
Conclusion:
Delay in presentation may be achieved through regular oral health screening and improved public education about factors influencing delay.
Facebook Bağımlılığının Açıklanması: Ruh Sağlığı Sürekliliği ve Sürekli Umudun Rolü
Authors: SARI Serkan Volkan , AYDIN Betül , ŞAHİN Mustafa , OKTAN Vesile 
Published: July 2019

Son yıllarda Facebook kullanımına ilişkin gerçekleştirilen araştırmaların sonuçları, Facebook’un algılanan eksikliklerin telafisi ya da olumsuz ruh durumu ve problemlerden kaçış motivasyonuyla kullanılabildiğini ve bu durumun da Facebook bağımlılığına neden olduğunu göstermektedir. Facebook’un kullanıcı sayısı bakımından en popüler internet sitelerinden ve sosyal ağlardan biri olduğu düşünüldüğünde, aşırı kullanımıyla ilişkili değişkenlerin tespit edilmesi önem kazanmaktadır. Bu bağlamda, bu araştırmanın amacı Facebook bağımlılığının açıklanmasında sürekli umudun ve ruh sağlığı sürekliliğinin rolünü belirlemektir. Araştırmanın örneklemini tamamı Facebook kullanıcısı olan 410 üniversite öğrencisi oluşturmaktadır. Araştırma verileri Facebook Bağımlılığı Ölçeği, Sürekli Umut Ölçeği, Ruh Sağlığı Sürekliliği Ölçeği ve Demografik Bilgi Formu kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Veri analizinde Pearson product-moment korelasyon katsayısı ve çoklu doğrusal regresyon analizi teknikleri kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada Facebook bağımlılığı ile sürekli umut ölçeğinin alt boyutlarından alternatif yollar (r= -0.283, p&lt;0.01) ve eyleyici düşünce (r= -0.211, p&lt;0.05) arasında negatif yönde anlamlı bir ilişki olduğu belirlenmiştir. Bunun yanında Facebook bağımlılığı ile ruh sağlığı sürekliliğinin alt boyutlarından sosyal iyi olma (r= -0.230, p&lt;0.01) ve psikolojik iyi olma (r= -0.252, p&lt;0.01) arasında negatif yönde anlamlı bir ilişki olduğu bulunmuştur. Çoklu doğrusal regresyon analizi sonuçlarına göre sürekli umudun alt boyutları olan alternatif yollar (B= -0.292, p&lt;0.001) ve eyleyici düşünce (B= -0.224, p&lt;0.001) Facebook bağımlılığının anlamlı birer yordayıcısıdır. Ruh sağlığı sürekliliğinin alt boyutlarından ise psikolojik iyi olmanın anlamlı bir yordayıcı olduğu (B= -0.123, p&lt;0.01) belirlenmiştir. Bağımsız değişkenlerin Facebook bağımlılığındaki toplam varyansı açıklama oranı ise %24 olarak belirlenmiştir. Araştırma sonuçları Facebook bağımlılığının açıklanmasında sürekli umudun alternatif yollar açıısndan, ruh sağlığı sürekliliğinin ise psikolojik iyi olma açısından rollerinin anlamlı olduğunu göstermektedir.
Electrical conductivity of low-temperature sodium-potassium cryolite melts
Authors: Kubiňáková Emília , Híveš Ján , Danielik Vladimír , Červenková Andrea , Benköová Michaela 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Electrical conductivity of NaF-KF-AlF3 melts with different ratios of sodium fluoride and potassium fluoride was measured using a pyrolytic boron nitride tube-type cell with constant distance of electrodes. Molar cryolite ratios MR = (n(NaF) + n(KF))/n(AlF3) varied from 1.5 to 1.2 (with a step 0.1) in the temperature range of (675—900) °C. AC-techniques with a sine wave signal with small amplitude in the high frequency range were applied. Electrolyte resistance was obtained from nonlinear regression analysis according to equivalent circuit. Concentration and temperature dependency of electrical conductivity was described and defined. Experimental data were compared with literary sources and regression equations.
Plasma treatment of gelatin photography
Authors: Zachariášová Blanka , Haberová Katarína , Oravec Michal , Jančovičová Viera 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Plasma pre-treatment represents the key enabler technology for microfine cleaning, surface activation and plasma coating of almost all types of materials — from plastics, metals and glasses to textiles, composites and photographs. More and more conventional industrial treatment methods are being replaced by plasma technology in order to make processes more effective and environmentally friendly. This study is oriented on the characterization of a photographic image on two types of photographic paper (glossy and matt photographic paper with a barite layer), and monitoring the effects induced by the Atmospheric Discharge with Runaway Electrons (ADRE) plasma in air atmosphere on the photographic image layers. To evaluate their long-term stability before/after plasma treatment, degradation of black and white gelatin photographic components upon accelerated light aging using Q-SUN was investigated and the photoinduced changes were recorded by FTIR spectroscopy, densitometry and colorimetry. The results obtained demonstrated that the plasma discharge had no significant destructive effect on the photographic image as only negligible changes in the structure of the gelatin were detected due to plasma processing. Consequently, it can be concluded that low-temperature ADRE plasma in air atmosphere has the potential for successful applications in microbial decontamination and purification of damaged gelatin photographs.
Sewage sludge as a source of triclosan-resistant bacteria
Authors: Lépesová Kristína , Krahulcová Monika , Mackuľak Tomáš , Bírošová Lucia 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics and biocides in wastewaters and sewage sludge have a great impact on the development of antibiotic resistance and its spread among bacteria. The aim of this work was to determine the occurrence of coliform bacteria and enterococci resistant to biocide triclosan in samples of sewage sludge. Subsequently, isolated strains of coliform bacteria were identified and characterized in terms of their antibiotic susceptibility and ability to form a biofilm. Occurrence of the studied bacteria was monitored in three samples of stabilized sludge from three different wastewater treatment plants (Vrakuňa, Petržalka, and Senec). The number of triclosan-resistant coliforms was the highest in the sludge sample from the wastewater treatment plant in Senec and the lowest in the sludge sample from the wastewater treatment plant in Petržalka. Triclosan-resistant Enterococcus spp. were not found in any sample of stabilized sludge. Most isolates were identified as Citrobacter freundii and Serratia spp. Triclosan-resistant isolates showed also resistance to antibiotics and the majority of them were strong biofilm producers.
Trichoderma atroviride: an isolate from forest environment with secondary metabolites with high antimicrobial potential
Authors: Víglaš Ján , Olejníková Petra 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
This work was focused on the characterization of novel isolate of Trichoderma atroviride O1, found in the forest around the village of Zázrivá (the Northern Slovakia, region Orava). The isolate was identified by sequencing its internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA. T. atroviride O1 stimulated the development of lateral roots of model plant Lepidium sativum. Simultaneously, the isolate has proved its high mycoparasitic potential as it displayed the ability to attack colonies of phytopathogenic fungi (Alternaria alternata, Fusarium culmorum, Botrytis cinerea). This isolate produced secondary metabolites, which were isolated and tested for the antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus. The growth of these bacteria was suppressed to 10 % and 40 %, respectively. The suppression of the growth of two Candida species was also strong (10 % growth). However, growth parameters of three phytopathogenic fungi (Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium culmorum) were less affected (75 % growth in comparison with the control). Attempts were made to characterize secondary metabolites isolated from T. atroviride O1. Known peptaibols, 20—21 amino acid long, but also shorter peptides, were detected by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Thus, this study demonstrates the plant growth promotion, strong mycoparasitic potential and antimicrobial activity of the isolate T. atroviride O1, which could be in part ascribed to the production of secondary metabolites. This isolate does have a potential in the biocontrol in eco-farming. Further study, particularly, the identification of produced secondary metabolites, is needed.
Recombinant human erythropoietin separation using a cation-exchange multimodal adsorbent
Authors: Ostrihoňová Marta , Adamíková Jana , Molnár Tomáš , Antošová Monika , Polakovič Milan 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
This work deals with the capture of human recombinant erythropoietin (rhEPO) from a mixture of proteins in a concentrated postcultivation supernatant. Cation-exchange multimodal adsorbent Capto MMC ImpRes was selected as potential chromatographic separation material. Its equilibrium properties were investigated in batch adsorption experiments. The effect of pH in the range of 5.5—7.5 and NaCl concentration in the range of 0—300 mM on the adsorption of rhEPO and contaminant proteins was examined. Optimal conditions found in these equilibrium experiments were applied to rhEPO adsorption in a chromatographic column. Several experiments were carried out at different elution conditions to optimize the rhEPO yield and selectivity.
Thermodynamics of primary antioxidant action of flavonols in polar solvents
Authors: Michalík Martin , Rimarčík Ján , Lukeš Vladimír , Klein Erik 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Very recently, a report on the antioxidant activity of flavonoids has appeared, where authors concluded that Hydrogen Atom Transfer mechanism represents the thermodynamically preferred mechanism in polar media (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2018.11.018). Unfortunately, serious errors in the theoretical part of the paper led to incorrect conclusions. For six flavonols (galangin, kaempferol, quercetin, morin, myricetin, and fisetin), reaction enthalpies related to three mechanisms of the primary antioxidant action were computed. Based on the obtained results, the role of intramolecular hydrogen bonds (IHB) in the thermodynamics of the antioxidant effect is presented. Calculations and the role of solvation enthalpies of proton and electron in the determination of thermodynamically preferred mechanism is also briefly explained and discussed. The obtained results are in accordance with published works considering the Sequential Proton-Loss Electron-Transfer thermodynamically preferred reaction pathway.
Analysis of C3 fraction splitting system performance by mathematical modeling in MATLAB environment
Authors: Variny Miroslav , Furda Patrik , Kováč Norbert , Mierka Otto 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Propane-propylene mixture splitting by industrial conventional rectification incorporating a heat pump for energy intensity decrease was modeled in the Matlab environment. The constructed model was verified by comparing its results with operational data of a real C3 fraction splitting unit. As documented, increased product quality can be obtained at zero additional costs due to specific features of the system design. Process capacity and product purity limitations have to be considered in future C3 fraction production increase plans. Further compressor and its driving unit design features have to be incorporated in the calculation model to reliably assess the C3 fraction processing costs and provide a reliable tool for process operation optimization.
An Empirical Evaluation of Exchange Rates Changes: Economic Implications in Oil-Exporting Countries
Authors: AbdulRahman Abdullah 
Published: July 2019

Summary

Subject and purpose of work: This paper examines empirical implications of exchange rates in the economy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). In particular, it aims to identify and evaluate potential macroeconomic signs and symptoms of economic disturbance so as to determine macroeconomic variables that influence spot exchange rate (1GBP = SAR), and to examine how fixed exchange rate regime influences exports and imports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Materials and methods: Multiple regression and simple linear regression models were used to analyze the data from 1975 to 2018.

Results: The study found a weak and insignificant relationship between spot exchange rate and unemployment rate, inflation rate, exports, and economic growth, along with strong relations with imports, investment, and current account variation in the KSA.

Conclusions: The study recommends the adoption of a floating exchange rate regime in the KSA. It has revealed the signs and symptoms of increases of the inflation rate with decreasing exports, increasing imports, decreasing of current account (current account deficit threat), and small increases of investment.
Quantitative Assessment of the Dynamics of Changes in the GDP Per Capita Index in the Regions of Bulgaria and Slovakia
Authors: Surówka Agata 
Published: July 2019

Summary

Subject and purpose of work: The article presents the results of research into the dynamics of changes in income distribution as measured by means of GDP per capita for the regions Bulgaria and Slovakia using quantitative methods.

Materials and methods: The transition matrix was used as a research tool. As some authors note, since most of the research is limited to the assessment and analysis of global trends, this does not allow to distinguish the situation in which regions maintain their relative position from the situations in which the general distribution of income changes slightly while the location of some regions changes significantly. In this case, individual regions may differ considerably in their rate of development even in the periods when no convergence was observed.

Results: The approach adopted in this study made it possible to verify the degree of diversification of the economic strength of the regions examined and conduct a comparative analysis of the dynamics of changes in the transition matrices.

Conclusions: It was concluded that the regions of Slovakia and Bulgaria are developing at the same pace. Income stability can be observed. It is justifiable to look for and workout modern tools that will enable tracking changes in regional development.
The Role of Cooperative Bank in the Development of Agricultural Holdings Based on the Example of the Bielsk Podlaski County
Authors: Jalinik Mikołaj , Łukaszuk Krzysztof 
Published: July 2019

Summary

Subject and purpose of work: The aim of the work is to define the importance of banks in the development of agricultural holdings and the role they play in rural environment.

Materials and methods: The relevant material was analysed on the basis of domestic literature concerning a range of banking products offered to natural and legal persons and by the inductive-deductive method.

Results: The source of data used for conducting the analyses and drawing conclusions is the information obtained from the Cooperative Bank in Bielsk Podlaski.

Conclusions: 1. The goal of cooperative banks is to provide the inhabitants of villages with access to banking services, including credits with attractive interest rates. 2. The services of a cooperative bank are most frequently used by farmers, craftsmen and teachers. 3. In Poland, cooperative banks operate on the basis of: the Foreign Exchange Act, the Payment Services Act, the Act on Freedom of Economic Activities, the Act on the National Bank of Poland, the Act on the National Guarantee Fund, the Law on Bankruptcy and the Rehabilitation Act, as well as on the resolutions of the Management Board of the National Bank of Poland.