bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological Surveillance of Influenza Virus Matrix Gene in Pigs, in Lagos, Nigeria, 2015-2016
Authors: Anjorin Abdul-Azeez A. , Salu Olumuyiwa B. , Oyefolu Akeeb O.B. , Oke Bamidele O. , Ayorinde James B. , Orenolu Mercy R. , Maryam Abdullah A. , Roosevelt Anyanwu A. , Wellington Oyibo A. , Sunday Omilabu A. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The co-infection of different influenza A virus enable viral gene re-assortments especially in pigs that serve as mixing vessel with the possibility of emergence of novel subtypes. Such re-assortants pose serious public health threat, as epitomised by the emergence of pandemic influenza in 2009. In Nigeria, there is mixture of animal species and highly populated densities that can increase the risk of influenza virus endemicity, genetic reshuffling and emergence of future pandemic influenza viruses. Thus, this study was aimed at determining influenza virus disease burden in pigs. This study was a cross sectional molecular surveillance of influenza virus. A total of 194 pig nasal samples from reported cases and randomly sampled were collected from pig farms in Ojo and Ikorodu in Lagos State between October, 2015 and April, 2016. The samples were investigated for the presence of influenza virus matrix gene by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction and detected by gel electrophoresis. P-values were calculated using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. The result showed that 25 (12.9%) samples were positive for influenza A virus, out of which, 20 (80%) were samples from Ojo while 5 (20%) were samples from Ikorodu. Epidemiological parameters for the sampled locations, methods either as reported case or randomised, and sex compared were significant at 95% confidence interval. This study determined influenza viral burden in pigs with a molecular prevalence of 12.9% to influenza A. It further confirmed the sub-clinical and clinical circulation of Influenza A virus in pigs in Ojo and Ikorodu in Lagos. Therefore, the detection of influenza A virus in commercial pigs in Nigeria accentuates the importance of continuous surveillance and monitoring of the virus in order to prevent the advent of virulent strains that may spread to Pig-handlers and the community at large.
Carbonaceous Soot from Thermal Decomposition of Kerosene: A Pioneering Report for Paint Preservation
Authors: Obidi Olayide F. , Okoli Onyiye V. , Nwachukwu Simon C. U. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Bacterial resistance to conventional paint biocides is widely documented. However, an investigation regarding the preservative potential of carbonaceous soot as a viable alternative is novel. Fresh paint samples (SA, SB and SC) were collected in duplicates from a reputable paint manufacturing company in Lagos, Nigeria. SA was produced with conventional paint biocide, SB and SC were without biocide. All samples were inoculated with 0.032 × 106 cfu/mL of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 (NC 002516.2) previously isolated from spoilt paints and identified by the 16S rDNA analysis. SB was supplemented with crude soot (10 g/L of distilled water) at 200 mL v/v. The preservative efficiency of soot was investigated by monitoring the bacterial population (BP), optical density (OD600nm), viscosity (VIS), the transmittance (TR) and specific gravity (SG) of the samples bi-weekly for 14 weeks. BP increased drastically from 0.032-31.61 × 106 and from 0.032-112.93 × 106 in SA and SC respectively. In contrast, SB increased from 0.032-24.63 × 106 by week 4 but reduced from 24.63 – 10.95 × 106 by week 14. The OD of SA increased from 1.55 to 1.98 by week 8 and decreased to 1.74 by week 14. SB had a decrease from 1.60 to 1.49 by week 4 and increased to 1.63 by week 14, while SC increased from 1.59 to 2.54 by the 14th week.TR increased from 1.80 to 2.30 and 1.25 to 2.20 in SA and SC respectively. In contrast, TR decreased from 2.00 to 1.25 in SB. The viscosity and specific gravity values of all the samples decreased with time with the highest decrease observed in SC and the lowest in SB. The test crude soot showed preservative potential in paints.
Editorial 2018: The Croatian Journal of Fisheries: Ribarstvo 80th Anniversary
Authors: Matulić Daniel , Tomljanović Tea 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The Croatian Journal of Fisheries (Croat J Fish) was launched 80 years ago, in 1938, as Ribarstvo, so the current issue of Croat J Fish celebrates this significant event. Since 1992, the Journal was issued quarterly on a regular basis under the name Ribarstvo. However, in 2012 the Journal changed its name to Croatian Journal of Fisheries: Ribarstvo to attract more international audiences. The scope of the Journal has not changed much during its development and has mainly focused on ichthyology, aquaculture, ecology, fish pathology, marine and inland waters and other issues related to fisheries. Nowadays, the Journal tends to be a highquality open-access scientific journal, visible online, of interest to a wide scientific community. Expanding the number of international associate editors also indicates this process. In the segment of publishing strategies, more effort is needed to increase citation activity of the Journal. The Editorial 2018 also provides information on the articles published and the list of reviewers who participated in the review process in 2017.
Impact of water level fluctuation in the shaping of zooplankton assemblage in a shallow lake.
Authors: Špoljar Maria , Dražina Tvrtko , Lajtner Jasna , Kovačević Goran , Pestić Ana , Matijašec Dora , Tomljanović Tea 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Shallow lakes are strongly affected by global climate changes reflected in significant parameters of ecosystem deterioration, i.e. biodiversity decrease, and water turbidity. Zooplankton research in Škrčev kut oxbow lake (Krapina River watershed, NW Croatia, Europe) was conducted during the summer of 2012 and 2013 with the aim to determine the effect of inter-annual, short-timescale changes of hydrological regime on environmental conditions, macrophytes, zooplankton and fish assemblage within an oxbow lake in the temperate region. Within one-year period the water level increased by 2 meters. This caused a significant reduction of floating-leaved macrophytes (i.e. Nuphar lutea), while turbidity, ortho-phosphate and chlorophyll a concentrations increased. These altered ecological conditions were reflected in the shift from floating-leaved macrophytes at the lower water level to phytoplankton-dominated lake at the higher water level. Zooplankton underwent significant alteration in assemblage. The results suggest that fish preference suppressed cladocerans and enhanced the rotifer and copepod abundance. Our results indicate that even in a short-timescale zooplankton assemblage mediates in the modification of ecosystem functioning.
The occurrence of royal flagfin Aulopus filamentosus (Bloch, 1792) in Mersin bay (North-Eastern Mediterranean) Turkey
Authors: Erguden Deniz , Bayhan Yusuf Kenan , Erguden Sibel Alagoz , Altun Ayhan 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Three specimens (1 male and 2 females) of royal flagfin Aulopus filamentosus (Bloch, 1792) were caught at a depth of 184 m off Erdemli, Mersin Bay (northeastern Mediterranean, Turkey) in June 2015. The present paper reports the first occurrence and is the confirmation of royal flagfin A. filamentosus from the northeastern Mediterranean Sea, Turkey. Since it has been recorded only once in the last sixty years, this species could be considered as exceptionally rare in the easternmost area of the Mediterranean Sea, Turkey.
Cellulose Accumulation in Straw of Triticum Monococcum L., Triticum Dicoccum Sch. and Triticum Spelta L. in Organic Farming Conditions
Authors: Sevov Atanas , Zorovski Plamen , Koleva-Valkova Lyubka 
Published: April 2018

Summary
In a study conducted in the experimental field of the Agricultural University - Plovdiv accumulation of cellulose in straw of Triticum monococcum L., Triticum dicoccum Sch. and Triticum spelta L., has been tracked as a result of bio fertilizes application in organic farming conditions. The highest cellulose content was found in the straw of Triticum spelta L., followed by Triticum monococcum L. The least accumulation was found in the straw of Triticum dicoccum Sch. With few exceptions, the application of the investigated fertilizes, increases the content of cellulose in a leaf-stalked mass in Triticum dicoccum Sch. and Triticum spelta L. The opposite trend was observed in Triticum dicoccum Sch. A species reaction was found as a result of fertilization on accumulation of cellulose in straw.
Specifics of Organic Food Markets’ Demand
Authors: Nikolić Marija 
Published: April 2018

Summary
Organic food market in Serbia is characterized by underdeveloped supply and limited demand. Demand of organically produced food has certain specifics. Paper analyzes research results of domestic and foreign authors aiming to identify key characteristics and to carry out a systematization of the factors that determine demand and consumption of organic products in Serbian and foreign markets. The aim of the research is to develop demographic profile of organic consumers, and to provide a picture of “typical” organic consumer.
Most authors agree that there is a positive correlation between the level of education and consumption of organic products. Studies conducted in Serbia suggest that concern for health is one of the most important factors of buying organic products, while foreign customers, in addition, are also motivated by environmental and animal welfare attributes, and with desire to consume “local” food. In both groups of consumers sensory characteristics of the product were recognized as the key factors for the consumption of organic products. Price is one of the relevant factors that limit the purchase of these products. Significant attention was paid to marketing channels. Since domestic organic producers are underdeveloped and unadjusted to customers’ requirements, getting familiar with the basic characteristics of buyers of organic food is the starting point for development of adequate marketing concept for growers, processors and retail of this group of products.
High dose of histone deacetylase inhibitors affects insulin secretory mechanism of pancreatic beta cell line
Authors: Yamato Eiji 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Objective. Histone deacytylase inhibitors (HDACis) inhibit the deacetylation of the lysine residue of proteins, including histones, and regulate the transcription of a variety of genes. Recently, HDACis have been used clinically as anti-cancer drugs and possible anti-diabetic drugs. Even though HDACis have been proven to protect the cytokine-induced damage of pancreatic beta cells, evidence also shows that high doses of HDACis are cytotoxic. In the present study, we, therefore, investigated the eff ect of HDACis on insulin secretion in a pancreatic beta cell line. Methods. Pancreatic beta cells MIN6 were treated with selected HDACis (trichostatin A, TSA; valproic acid, VPA; and sodium butyrate, NaB) in medium supplemented with 25 mM glucose and 13% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum (FBS) for indicated time intervals. Protein expression of Pdx1 and Mafa in MIN6 cells was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry, expression of Pdx1 and Mafa genes was measured by quantitative RT-PCR method. Insulin release from MIN6 cells and insulin cell content were estimated by ELISA kit. Superoxide production in MIN6 cells was measured using a Total ROS/Superoxide Detection System. Results. TSA, VPA, and NaB inhibited the expression of Pdx1 and Mafa genes and their products. TSA treatment led to beta cell malfunction, characterized by enhanced insulin secretion at 3 and 9 mM glucose, but impaired insulin secretion at 15 and 25 mM glucose. Th us, TSA induced dysregulation of the insulin secretion mechanism. TSA also enhanced reactive oxygen species production in pancreatic beta cells. Conclusions. Our results showed that HDACis caused failure to suppress insulin secretion at low glucose concentrations and enhance insulin secretion at high glucose concentrations. In other words, when these HDACis are used clinically, high doses of HDACis may cause hypoglycemia in the fasting state and hyperglycemia in the fed state. When using HDACis, physicians should, therefore, be aware of the capacity of these drugs to modulate the insulin secretory capacity of pancreatic beta cells.
Measures of Prägnanz?
Authors: Koenderink Jan , van Doorn Andrea , Pinna Baingio 
Published: April 2018

Summary

Prägnanz was suggested by Max Wertheimer in the 1920s as subsuming all “Laws of Gestalt” as they apply to visual awareness. Thus, it assumes a prominent position in any account of Gestalt phenomena. From a phenomenological perspective, some visual stimuli evidently “have more Prägnanz” than others, so Prägnanz seems to be an intensive quality. Here, we investigate the intricacies that need to be faced on the way to a definition of formal scales. Such measures naturally depend both upon the stimulus and upon the observer. Structural complexity bottlenecks of visual systems play a role, as well as the relevance to biological fitness, that is the affinity to the optical user interface. This positions the notion of Prägnanz squarely within the realm of biology. Indeed, the familiar “releasers” of ethology are singular cases of extremely high Prägnanz.
The diversity of teleost fish trematodes in the Bay of Bizerte, Tunisia (Western Mediterranean)
Authors: Antar R. , Gargouri L. 
Published: April 2018

Summary
A total of 39 digeneans species allocated to 28 genera in 12 families were recovered from 534 fishes belonging to 14 species in three families (Carangidae, Mullidae and Sparidae) collected in the Bay of Bizerte off the coast of Tunisia. We provide a host-parasite list of records from this locality, including 63 host-parasite combinations. The Opecoelidae Ozaki, 1925 is the most diverse group with 12 species. The species richness of individual digenean genera in the Bay of Bizerte ranges from 1 – 6 species. The mean number of 2.58 species per host indicates a relatively high digenean diversity in the Bay of Bizerte, which is related to its geographical location, its connection with the neighbouring Bizerte Lagoon and the nature of the bottoms of the littoral marine areas off the northern Tunisian coasts. This diversity is significantly higher than that reported off the southern coast of Tunisia and distinctly lower than that observed for teleost hosts in the Scandola Nature Reserve off Corsica. Generally, the levels of infection in teleosts fishes from the Bay of Bizerte are lower than those from the other two localities.
Kinetic Profile of the Antioxidant Activity of Propolis Extract: 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl Radical Bleaching Assay
Authors: Mirković Snježana , Rajković Katarina , Jeremić Sanja , Gavrilović Marijana , Tomić Ljiljana , Arsenijević Valentina Arsić , Krstić Boro 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The objective of this paper was to assess the antiradical effectiveness of propolis extract (PE) based on 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•) bleaching assay kinetic profile. The kinetic profile of scavenging DPPH• for PE exhibited one kinetic period characterized by one kinetic constant. The second-order rate constant (k
2) for the oxidation of PE by DPPH•, determined for the first time in this study, was 0.17 dm3g−1s−1. The obtained k2 value was compared to that of synthetic antioxidants and natural extracts used in the food industry. Kinetic analysis of PE antiradical effectiveness showed that the k
2 was within the range values for natural colorants of fruit extracts and should be considered as a fast acting natural antioxidant source. The k
2 parameter indicates the extent of oxidation inhibition that is based on all of the kinetic profiles of DPPH bleaching rather than single point measurements. For this reason, the kinetic analysis should become a necessary step for more precise antioxidative characterization of propolis.
Characterization of Native Honey Bee Subspecies in Republic of Benin Using Morphometric and Genetic Tools
Authors: Amakpe Felicien , De Smet Lina , Brunain Marleen , Jacobs Frans J. , Sinsin Brice , de Graaf Dirk C. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Morphometric characteristics combined with genetic markers are powerful tools used for determining honey bee subspecies. Bees samples collected from 94 established apiaries distributed throughout all of the Republic of Benin were morphometricaly characterized using seven parameters and the COI-COII regions of mitochondrial DNA were sequenced. Based on the morphometric data the native honey bees could be divided into three distinct ecotypes - the Benino-dry-tropical-ecotype in the north, the Benino-Sudanian-ecotype in the central part and the Benino-Sudano-Guinean-ecotype in the south. The DNA COI-COII regions sequence analyses confirmed that the honey bee population of the Republic of Benin belongs to different mitotypes but do not correspond with the determined ecotypes. We could determine three new haplotypes which missed the P0 segment but the Q region was duplicated or triplicated. Phylogenetic analyses clustered them together in the A evolutionary lineage. In conclusion, morphometric and genetic analysis of the native West African honey bees indicated that each of the different mitotypes was able to adapt to the different ecological conditions in the country by morphometric adjustments.
Powered Upper Limb Orthosis Actuation System Based on Pneumatic Artificial Muscles
Authors: Chakarov Dimitar , Veneva Ivanka , Tsveov Mihail , Venev Pavel 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe actuation system of a powered upper limb orthosis is studied in the work. To create natural safety in the mutual “man-robot” interaction, an actuation system based on pneumatic artificial muscles (PAM) is selected. Experimentally obtained force/contraction diagrams for bundles, consisting of different number of muscles are shown in the paper. The pooling force and the stiffness of the pneumatic actuators is assessed as a function of the number of muscles in the bundle and the supply pressure. Joint motion and torque is achieved by antagonistic actions through pulleys, driven by bundles of pneumatic muscles. Joint stiffness and joint torques are determined on condition of a power balance, as a function of the joint position, pressure, number of muscles and muscles
Determination of the Crack Resistance Parameters at Equipment Nozzle Zones Under the Seismic Loads Via Finite Element Method
Authors: Kyrychok Vladyslav , Torop Vasyl 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The present paper is devoted to the problem of the assessment of probable crack growth at pressure vessel nozzles zone under the cyclic seismic loads. The approaches to creating distributed pipeline systems, connected to equipment are being proposed. The possibility of using in common different finite element program packages for accurate estimation of the strength of bonded pipelines and pressure vessels systems is shown and justified. The authors propose checking the danger of defects in nozzle domain, evaluate the residual life of the system, basing on the developed approach.
Do statins induce or protect from acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease: An update review in 2018
Authors: Verdoodt An , Honore Patrick M. , Jacobs Rita , Waele Elisabeth De , Gorp Viola Van , Regt Jouke De , Spapen Herbert D. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Statins essentially are cholesterol-lowering drugs that are extensively prescribed for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Compelling evidence suggests that the beneficial effects of statins may not only be due to its ability to control cholesterol levels but also due to a pleiotropic cholesterol-independent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, endothelial-protective and plaque-stabilizing activity. Along this line, statins may also exert acute and long-term effects on renal function. We present a narrative literature review that summarizes arguments in favor of or against the preventive and/or therapeutic use of statins in kidney-related diseases or complications. We also highlight the ongoing controversy regarding statin therapy in chronic and end-stage kidney disease.
Predisposing factors for chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity in patients with advanced esophageal cancer who received combination chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil
Authors: Mohri Junichi , Katada Chikatoshi , Ueda Marie , Sugawara Mitsuhiro , Yamashita Keishi , Moriya Hiromitsu , Komori Shouko , Hayakawa Kazushige , Koizumi Wasaburo , Atsuda Koichiro 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Background and Objectives
We retrospectively studied the predisposing factors for nephrotoxicity in the patients with advanced esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma who received combination chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF therapy).

Methods
Between January 2010 and March 2014, 41 patients with Stage IB to III esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma received the DCF therapy (docetaxel 70-75 mg/m2, day 1; cisplatin 70-75 mg/m2, day 1; 5-fluorouracil 750 mg/m2, days 1-5) in our hospital. Renal dysfunction was defined as a creatinine clearance (Ccr) of less than 60 mL/min. Predictors of nephrotoxicity were identified through logistic-regression analysis.

Results
Nephrotoxicity developed in 20 patients and did not develop in 21 patients. Nephrotoxicity developed during the first course of DCF therapy in 16 patients, the second course in 3 patients, and the third course in 1 patient. The dose of DCF therapy was decreased in 8 patients with nephrotoxicity and 7 patients without nephrotoxicity. Multivariate analysis showed that a low Ccr level immediately before DCF therapy was an independent risk factor for the development of nephrotoxicity (odds ratio, 0.932; 95% confidence interval, 0.876 to 0.992; P = 0.027). On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cutoff value of Ccr for the development of nephrotoxicity was 75.8 mL/min. The 2-year overall survival rate was 84.2% in patients with nephrotoxicity and 90.0% in patients without nephrotoxicity (P = 0.635).

Conclusions
Low Ccr levels immediately before DCF therapy are a risk factor for the development of nephrotoxicity. Patients should therefore be carefully monitored.