bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Administrative Processes as an Anti-Corruption Tool? A View from Public Employees in the Baltic States
Authors: Pedersen Karin Hilmer , Johannsen Lars 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Many studies have documented the negative effect of corruption on development, economic growth, and democracy. Independent anti-corruption agencies are often recommended as the tool to curb corruption. However, their efficiency depends on the political will to allocate authority, powers, and resources. Moreover, setting up new institutions is always costly and accordingly problematic to low and middle income countries. The present study suggests that public administration processes in their own right are a tool to combat corruption. The article uses a survey with responses from 1706 public employees in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Using OLS regression, the study confirms others findings that strengthening meritocracy is an important factor in curbing corruption. It adds to this that enhancing monitoring is a factor just as effective against corruption as meritocracy. It adds attention to the reverse effect associated with hierarchical organizations, norms accepting rule bending, and network decisions. Finally, addressing salaries’ and performance payment’s impact on corruption the study finds no relation.
Effects of organic and inorganic fertilization on yield and quality of processing tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)
Authors: Bilalis Dimitrios , Krokida Magdalini , Roussis Ioannis , Papastylianou Panayiota , Travlos Ilias , Cheimona Nikolina , Dede Argyro 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The demand for organically grown products is increasing because many people are concerned about the environment and believe that organic products are healthier than conventional ones. Some studies have shown that organically produced tomato fruits contain higher levels of antioxidants, polyphenols and carotenoids than those produced conventionally. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of organic and inorganic fertilization on agronomic and quality characteristics of the processing tomato. The 2-year experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design, with three replications and three fertilization treatments (untreated, compost and inorganic fertilizer). The results showed that the highest fruit number per plant (98.5), average fruit weight (63.6 g) and fruit yield (168.0 t ha−1) were obtained under inorganic fertilization. The highest total soluble solids (4.39 °Brix) and total soluble solids to titratable acidity ratio (17.4), L* (43.4) and a* (35.4) values, as well as the highest lycopene content (88.5 mg kg−1 f.w). were achieved through the application of organic fertilizer. Significantly higher total soluble solids and total soluble solids to titratable acidity ratio in organically grown tomatoes are particularly important to the processing tomato industry. Finally, the highest lycopene content produced under organic fertilization as well as the non-significant difference between the organic and conventional tomatoes in terms of lycopene yield make organic processing tomatoes suitable for lycopene production.
Exploring sirolimus pharmacokinetic variability using data available from the routine clinical care of renal transplant patients – population pharmacokinetic approach
Authors: Golubović Bojana , Vučićević Katarina , Radivojević Dragana , Kovačević Sandra Vezmar , Prostran Milica , Miljković Branislava 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackgroundDue to wide intra- and inter-individual pharmacokinetic variability and narrow therapeutic index of sirolimus, the therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of sirolimus with detailed biochemical and clinical monitoring is necessary for dose individualization in kidney transplant patients. The purpose of the study was to explore and identify factors that contribute to pharmacokinetic variability by developing and validating a population model using routine TDM data and routinely monitored biochemical and clinical parameters.MethodsThe data obtained by routine monitoring of 38 patients over a period of one year from the sirolimus treatment initiation, were collected from patients’ records. Population analysis was performed using the software NONMEM®. The validity of the model was tested by the internal and external validation techniques.ResultsThe pharmacokinetic variability was partially explained with patient’s age and liver function. CL/F was found to decrease with age. According to the developed model, sirolimus CL/F decreases by, in average, 37% in patients with aspartate aminotransferase (AST) greater than 37 IU/L. The internal and external validation confirmed the satisfactory prediction of the developed model.ConclusionsThe population modeling of routinely monitored data allowed quantification of the age and liver function influence on sirolimus CL/F. According to the final model, patients with compromised liver function expressed via AST values require careful monitoring and dosing adjustments. Proven good predictive performance makes this model a useful tool in everyday clinical practice.
A novel biomarker renalase and its relationship with its substrates in schizophrenia
Authors: Catak Zekiye , Kocdemir Esra , Ugur Kader , Yardim Meltem , Sahin İbrahim , Kaya Hilal , Aydin Suleyman 
Published: October 2018

Summary
Background
Schizophrenia, particularly the form related to excessive dopamine (DA), is a chronic psychotic disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Renalase metabolizes its catecholamine (CA) substrates, including DA, suggesting that there might be an association between renalase levels and schizophrenia occurrence. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the renalase and CA levels in the serum of patients with schizophrenia.
Methods
The study was conducted with thirty-three schizophrenia patients and an age- and gender-matched group of thirty-one controls. Renalase and CA levels were measured by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results
Renalase levels were significantly lower in the schizophrenia patients than in the control group (p<0.05), whereas DA levels were significantly higher (p<0.05). The epinephrine (Epi) levels of both groups were similar (p=0.186), while the norepinephrine levels in patients with schizophrenia were significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.05). The areas under the curves for the renalase-dopamine, renalase-norepinephrine and renalase-epinephrine ratios were 0.805, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.699–0.912 (p<0.001); 0.726, 95% CI: 0.594–0.859 (p=0.032); and 0.656, 95% CI: 0.520–0.791 (p=0.02).
Conclusions
The high DA levels in patients with schizophrenia might be due to low renalase levels. Renalase enzyme levels may play a substantial role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Thus, this enzyme might be a new future target for the treatment and diagnosis of schizophrenia after intrabrain renalase and DA dynamics have been further evaluated.
Determining the need for repeat testing of blood ethanol concentration: Evaluation of the synchron blood ethyl alcohol assay kit
Authors: Ustundağ Yasemin , Huysal Kağan , Eren Sevim Eşmedere 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackgroundIn clinical laboratories, a common practice used to verify tests prior to reporting is repeat testing. Our objective was to evaluate the differences between the results of blood ethanol concentration (BEC) test repetitions and report on the role of repeat testing to prevent reporting of incorrect results.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of data retrieved from the Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital’s document management system by calculating the percentage change between repeated BEC test runs. To assess for clinical relevance, the bias between two results from the same sample was compared using the 1988 Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments’ (CLIA) proficiency testing allowable total error (TEa) limits.ResultsFrom a total of 1,627 BEC tests performed between January 2017 and January 2018, 70% (1,133) were repeat tested. Of these, 830 resulted in BECs between 0–5 mmol/L, of which 237 (28.5%) were above the 25% acceptable TEa. Two hundred seventy-six BEC test results were greater than >14 mmol/L, and there was a good consensus between the initial and repeat test results (99%). In this group, the mean bias was 0.0% (95%, CI = -9.8–9.8%). However, three of the repeat test results were considered significantly different. There were two discordant results in the 5–14 mmol/L ethanol level, and the mean bias was 2.1% (95%, CI = -15.0–19.1%).ConclusionThe majority of the repeated BEC test values were the same as the baseline value; therefore, there may be limited benefit in continuing such frequent repeated analyses.
Effects of timolol treatment on pancreatic antioxidant enzymes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: An experimental and computational study
Authors: Ulusu Nuriye Nuray , Gok Muslum , Erman Burak , Turan Belma 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackgroundThe study aimed to investigate whether timolol-treatment has a beneficial effect on pentose phosphate pathway enzyme activities such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGDH) enzyme activities and cAMP level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats in pancreatic tissuesMethodsDiabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in 3-month old male Wistar rats. The diabetic rats were treated with timolol (5 mg/kg body weight, for 12 weeks) while the control group received saline. Enzyme activities were determined in pancreas tissue. To support our results, we performedin silicocalculations, using Protein Data Bank structures.ResultsTimolol treatment of STZ-induced diabetic rats had no noteworthy effect on high blood-glucose levels. However, this treatment induced activities of G6PD and 6PGDH in diabetic rats. Timolol treatment significantly increased cAMP level in diabetic pancreatic tissue. We found that timolol cannot bind strongly to either G6PD or 6PGD, but there is a relatively higher binding affinity to adenylyl cyclase, responsible for cAMP production, serving as a regulatory signal via specific cAMP-binding proteins.ConclusionsOur data point out that timolol treatment has beneficial effects on the antioxidant defence mechanism enzymes in the pancreas of STZ-induced diabetic rats.
Coronaviruses in avian species – review with focus on epidemiology and diagnosis in wild birds
Authors: Miłek Justyna , Blicharz-Domańska Katarzyna 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a large group of enveloped viruses with a single-strand RNA genome, which continuously circulate in mammals and birds and pose a threat to livestock, companion animals, and humans. CoVs harboured by avian species are classified to the genera gamma- and deltacoronaviruses. Within the gamma-CoVs the main representative is avian coronavirus, a taxonomic name which includes the highly contagious infectious bronchitis viruses (IBVs) in chickens and similar viruses infecting other domestic birds such as turkeys, guinea fowls, or quails. Additionally, IBVs have been detected in healthy wild birds, demonstrating that they may act as the vector between domestic and free-living birds. Moreover, CoVs other than IBVs, are identified in wild birds, which suggests that wild birds play a key role in the epidemiology of other gammaCoVs and deltaCoVs. Development of molecular techniques has significantly improved knowledge of the prevalence of CoVs in avian species. The methods adopted in monitoring studies of CoVs in different avian species are mainly based on detection of conservative regions within the viral replicase, nucleocapsid genes, and 3’UTR or 5’UTR. The purpose of this review is to summarise recent discoveries in the areas of epidemiology and diagnosis of CoVs in avian species and to understand the role of wild birds in the virus distribution.
Avian reticuloendotheliosis in chickens – an update on disease occurrence and clinical course
Authors: Woźniakowski Grzegorz , Frant Maciej , Mamczur Andrzej 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Avian reticuloendotheliosis (RE) represents an important immunosuppressive disease of poultry. The occurrence of RE in both chickens and turkeys has an immunosuppressive effect and may lead to vaccination failures. Avian reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) is widely distributed in different kinds of birds, causing subclinical infections. Another important issue adhering to this disease is contamination of vaccines against fowl pox (FP) and Marek’s disease (MD) with REV. The capability of REV to integrate into the genome of other larger DNA viruses complicates its diagnosis and prevention. There are no efficient vaccines against RE nor treatment, which also complicates how to limit its impact on poultry farming. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge of this important immunosuppressive agent of poultry emphasising the importance of this problem in terms of diagnosis of RE.
Contemporary threats of bacterial infections in freshwater fish
Authors: Pękala-Safińska Agnieszka 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Changes occurring in freshwater ecosystems seem to be fundamental in the development of all microorganisms, including those pathogenic to fish. This has been especially evident in recent years during which dynamic variations in bacterial fish pathology have been observed. Gram-negative bacteria commonly known to be pathogenic to fish, like Aeromonas spp., Flavobacterium spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Shewanella putrefaciens are replaced by other species, which until now have not been known to be virulent or even conditionally pathogenic to fish. Nowadays, among these other species Acinetobacter spp., Plesiomonas shigelloides, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia are the most frequently isolated from fish exhibiting clinical signs of disease. Two Gram-positive bacteria have become pathogens of particular importance in fish pathology in Poland: Lactococcus garviae and Streptococcus iniae. In addition, infections caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Kocuria rhizophila have appeared in recent years. This bacterium has not been known until now to be pathogenic to fish. Therefore, this infection could be called an emergent disease.
Saponin-based Mycoplasma bovis vaccine containing lysozyme dimer adjuvant stimulates acute phase response in calves
Authors: Dudek Katarzyna , Bednarek Dariusz 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Introduction

Mycoplasma bovis is known as a causative agent of many disorders in cattle. In Europe, there is still a lack of commercial vaccines against M. bovis infection. Acute phase response (APR) is a non-specific host reaction to infection, most seen in changes in production of acute phase proteins. The aim of this study was to analyse APR in calves administered with an experimental M. bovis vaccine.

Material and Methods
Twelve healthy female calves were divided into two equal groups: experimental and control. The experimental vaccine containing the field M. bovis strain and two adjuvants such as saponin and lysozyme dimer was subcutaneously administered to the experimental group. Phosphate buffered saline was taken as the placebo and given to the control group by the same route as the vaccine. Blood samples were collected prior to the study (day 0), then daily up to day 7, and then each seven days until day 84 post vaccination. The concentrations of serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and inteleukin-4 (IL-4) were determined using commercial ELISA kits.

Results
Following the vaccination, a significant increase in SAA, Hp, and IFN-γ concentrations was observed when compared to the unvaccinated calves, whereas the IL-4 concentration was not detectable.

Conclusion
The experimental saponin-based M. bovis vaccine containing lysozyme dimer adjuvant visibly stimulated the APR in the calves, and some specific cytokines (Th1-dependent) directly involved in this response.
Clostridium perfringens spores in Polish honey samples
Authors: Grenda Tomasz , Grabczak Magdalena , Goldsztejn Magdalena , Kozieł Nina , Kwiatek Krzysztof , Pohorecka Krystyna , Skubida Marta , Bober Andrzej 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Introduction
The aim of this study was examination of honey samples collected from apiaries situated in all Polish provinces for occurrence of Clostridium spp., especially C. perfringens.

Material and Methods
The study was carried out on 240 honey samples (15 samples/province). Estimation of Clostridium titre, its cultures and C. perfringens isolate characterisation were performed according to the standard PN-R-64791:1994. A multiplex PCR method for detection of genes coding cpa (α toxin), cpb (β), cpb2 (β2), etx (ε), iap (ι), and cpe (enterotoxin) toxins was used.

Results

Clostridium spp. was noticed in 56% (136/240) of samples, and its titres ranged between 0.1 g and 0.001 g. Clostridium perfringens occurrence was evidenced in 27.5% (66/240) of samples. All isolates were classified to toxinotype A.

Conclusions
Evidence of a high number of positive samples with occurrence of Clostridium spp. indicates a potential risk to consumers’ health. The infective number of Clostridium spp. is unknown; however, the obtained results have shown that a risk assessment on the entire honey harvesting process should be made in order to ensure microbiological safety. Moreover, a detailed study should be undertaken on the antibiotic resistance of C. perfringens isolates from honey samples.
Determination of salicylic acid in feed using LC-MS/MS
Authors: Protasiuk Edyta , Olejnik Małgorzata 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Introduction
Salicylic acid is a derivative of benzoic acid and occurs in nature. The main target of this study was to develop the liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry technique as a method for determination of salicylic acid in feed materials and compound feed.

Material and Methods
Salicylic acid was extracted from feed with 0.1% hydrochloric acid in methanol. Separation was achieved in 8 min in a gradient elution using 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile. The analyte was detected using negative electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. The procedure was validated to the specifications of the European Commission Decision No. 2002/657/EC.

Results
The validation results showed the repeatability of the method, which was evaluated at three levels (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg). Calibration curves for the working ranges were linear (R2 0.9911 to 0.9936), and recoveries ranged from 98.3% to 101%. The LOD and LOQ for compound feed were 0.02 and 0.05 mg/kg, respectively. Salicylic acid was found mostly in corn, and its concentrations differed depending on whether it was young or fully grown (5.30–12.8 mg/kg and 0.13–1.01 mg/kg, respectively).

Conclusions
A sensitive and reliable method for the determination of salicylic acid in feed and compound feed using LC-MS/MS was developed.
Effects of newly developed synbiotic and commercial probiotic products on the haematological indices, serum cytokines, acute phase proteins concentration, and serum immunoglobulins amount in sows and growing pigs – a pilot study
Authors: Czyżewska-Dors Ewelina , Kwit Krzysztof , Stasiak Ewelina , Rachubik Jarosław , Śliżewska Katarzyna , Pomorska-Mól Małgorzata 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Introduction
The aim of the study was to determine the effects of supplementation of sows’ and growing pigs’ diets with three newly developed synbiotic and two extant commercial probiotic products on selected immune parameters under field conditions.

Material and Methods
The study was performed on 30 sows and 48 piglets of the Danbred breed. Immune parameters such as concentration and proportion of white blood cells and their subpopulations, immunoglobulins amount in serum, and serum concentration of cytokines and acute phase proteins were recorded with the use of a haematology analyser and ELISA kits.

Results
No significant differences between treatment groups and controls were found with regard to the immune parameters evaluated except for serum immunoglobulin concentration, which was significantly increased by synbiotic products B and C and probiotic product D.

Conclusion
The results of the study indicate that the synbiotic products B and C and probiotic product D are worthy of further investigation as promising candidates to improve the immune status of healthy sows and their offspring.
Effect of TNF-α concentration on selected clinical parameters of swine after burns
Authors: Aleksiewicz Roman , Lutnicki Krzysztof , Likus Marta , Gątkiewicz Łukasz 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Introduction
The study aimed to observe TNF-α serum concentration as well as changes in respiration rate, body temperature, and pulse rate in burn victims during 84 h post burn.

Material and Methods
A total of 30 healthy pigs were divided into two groups: A, the test group and N, the control group. The experimental group suffered burns to 30% of the body surface, and after infliction of the burns both groups were closely monitored.

Results
The biggest increase in TNF-α serum concentration in the test subjects occurred around the 6th h of the study, and the second biggest increase took place between 12th and 36th h. In the 36th h, TNF-α was 2.5 times more concentrated in serum in the test group than in the control group. In the test group, the biggest increase in respiration rate occurred up to the 6th h post burn, on average up to 29/min. In the 12th h post burn, the mean pulse rate in the test group was 133/min and dropped to the lowest value in the 72nd h of the experiment. A gradual increase in body temperature up to 41.72°C was observed up to the 30th h post burn and decreased to a significant value of 40.74°C by the 84th h of the study.

Conclusion
In a period of a pronounced rise in TNF-α serum concentration, this parameter, pulse rate, and respiration rate are highly correlated and are also influenced by multiple inflammation forming factors.
Elastographic and morphological testicular changes in hypothyroidism – an experimental study
Authors: Gołyński Marcin , Dębiak Piotr , Gołyńska Magdalena , Myśliwiec Ewa , Szkodziak Piotr , Kalisz Grzegorz , Śmiech Anna , Lutnicki Krzysztof , Szczepanik Marcin 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Introduction
Methimazole-induced hypothyroidism is a clinical problem in the treatment of hyperthyroidism in people and animals and is an example of metabolic disease that can lead to fertility disorders and can give elastographic testicular changes.

Material and Methods
Ultrasound elastography using the Esaote MyLab Twice ultrasound system and a morphological examination of testes were performed in seven methimazole-administered (group E) and seven healthy rats (group C).

Results
The elasticity ratio of strains in the scrotal wall of the near-field test area to testicular tissue (ELX-T-RAT) and hardness percentage of strained tissues in the defined area of a testicle (ELX-T%HRD) in group E were statistically significantly lower than in group C. The degree of spermatogenesis was statistically significantly higher in group E than in group C and similarly seminiferous tubule diameters in group E were statistically significantly higher than in group C. Body weight and testicular weight in group E were statistically significantly lower than in group C.

Conclusion
Changes in the elastographical parameters of testes may result from disorders secondary to hypothyroidism. The usefulness of elastography is noteworthy in the case of evaluation of testis function in patients with some metabolic disorders.