bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COMPARISON OF THE POWER OF PROCALCITONIN AND C-REACTIVE PROTEIN TO DISCRIMINATE BETWEEN DIFFERENT AETIOLOGIES OF FEVER IN PROLONGED PROFOUND NEUTROPENIA: A SINGLE-CENTRE PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.
Authors: Verlinden Anke , De Vroey Veronique , Goossens Herman , Roelant Ella , Van de Velde Ann , Berneman Zwi , Schroyens Wilfried , Gadisseur Alain 
Published: February 2019

Management of fever in prolonged profound neutropenia remains challenging with many possible infectious and non-infectious causes. We investigated whether procalcitonin (PCT) is superior to C-reactive protein (CRP) in discriminating between different etiologies of fever in this setting.
CRP and PCT were tested daily during 93 neutropenic episodes in 66 patients. During this study period 121 febrile episodes occurred and were classified into four categories based on clinical and microbiological findings: microbiologically documented infection (MDI); clinically documented infection (CDI); proven or probable invasive fungal disease (IFD); fever of unknown origin (FUO). Values of PCT and CRP at fever onset as well as 2 days later were considered for analysis of their performance in distinguishing etiologies of fever.
At fever onset no significant difference in PCT values was observed between different etiologies of fever, whereas median CRP values were significantly higher in case of IFD (median 98.8 mg/L vs 28.8 mg/L, p=0.027). Both PCT and CRP reached their peak at a median of 2 days after fever onset. Median PCT values on day 2 showed no significant difference between etiologies of fever. Median CRP values on day 2 were significantly higher in IFD (median 172 mg/L versus 78.4 mg/L, p=0.002). In MDI median CRP values rose > 100 mg/L, whereas they did not in CDI or FUO.
PCT has no added value over CRP for clinical management of fever in prolonged profound neutropenia. When performing reassessment 2 days after fever onset, CRP has better discriminatory power between etiologies of fever.
Depressed mood and cognitive deficits as distinct mechanisms of subjective memory and executive complaints
Authors: Szepietowska Ewa , Kuzaka Anna 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundSubjective cognitive decline (SCD) is the sense of deterioration in cognitive functioning in terms of memory, executive function, attention, etc. SCD is reported by nearly 70% of the population. Very intensive research on the predictive role of SCD in the development of dementia and determinants SCD did not bring common solutions. For exploration of the phenomenon, studies were undertaken in order to identify: a) on the basis of which factors a high level of SCD can be predicted, and b) whether these factors have similar prognostic value for two types of SCD, i.e. concerning executive function (SED) and memory (SMD).Participants and procedureThe study involved 274 Polish people aged 18 to 84 years (M = 53.23, SD = 16.8). For the evaluation of SCD three methods were used: memory self-assessment scales (ProCog and MARS), and an executive functions self-assessment scale (DEX-S). Subtests of the WAIS-PL to assess cognitive function were used, and GDS-15 or BECK II to assess the severity of depressive mood. In the first stage, two separate cluster analyses (k-means method) were performed: the first related to the results of the memory self-assessment scale (ProCog and MARS), the second to the subjective difficulty of executive functions (DEX-S). In step II a logistic regression analysis of the forward selection with the likelihood ratio and interaction effects was performed – separately for the two types of self-reports.ResultsThe results indicate that higher depressed mood increases the likelihood of both the SMD and SED. Higher efficiency attention-al processes reduce the possibility of formulating the SED, and higher efficiency of the delayed memory, abstract thinking, or certain aspects of language functions reduces the possibility of SMD.ConclusionsThere are two independent mechanisms of SCD – emotional and cognitive.
Quantitative assessment of airway and parenchymal components of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using thin-section helical computed tomography
Authors: Chauhan Narvir S. , Sood Dinesh , Takkar Preeti , Dhadwal Devendra S. , Kapila Rajiv 
Published: February 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to diagnose and characterise chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) into its forms, patterns, and severity using MDCT.Material and methodsIn this prospective study, spirometric and MDCT evaluation was done in 52 consecutive patients diagnosed with COPD. In each patient six segmental bronchi were evaluated for CT morphometric indices of bronchial wall thickness (BWT) and wall area percentage (WAP). Quantitative evaluation of emphysema was done using inbuilt software, and volume of emphysematous lung was determined using percentage low attenuation area (LAA). COPD was categorised into the following: emphysema predominant; airway predominant; or mixed phenotypes, and severity grading was assigned as mild, moderate, or severe.ResultsCentrilobular was the predominant emphysema pattern occurring alone (36.5%) or in combination with paraseptal changes (34.6%). Among COPD phenotypes, emphysema predominant was the commonest (44.3%), followed by mixed (30.8%), and bronchitis predominant (25.0%). The mean BWT in the airway-predominant group was significantly higher (1.94 ± 0.28 mm) than in the emphysema-predominant subgroup (1.79 ± 0.23 mm) with a p value of 0.005.ConclusionsMDCT is an indispensable tool in quantitative and qualitative evaluation of COPD patients. Measurement of CT indices like BWT, WAP, and %LAA can reliably categorise COPD into phenotypes like emphysema predominant, airway predominant, or mixed, which serve as a guide for patient management.
Relationship between stroke severity, extensity of leukoaraiosis, and brain atrophy in patients with ischaemic stroke
Authors: Marek Marta , Horyniecki Maciej , Karpe Jacek , Adamczyk-Sowa Monika , Walecki Jerzy , Kluczewska Ewa 
Published: February 2019

PurposeLeukoaraiosis (LA), according to the latest classification, is white matter hyperintensity – morphological findings of small blood vessel disease of the brain. This radiological detection of small vessels disease is important because there are no technical possibilities to assess small vessels of the brain using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) angiography. Our aim was to analysis the relationship between the extension of leukoaraiosis and severity of ischaemic stroke and brain atrophy.Material and methodsWe retrospectively analysed 77 head CT scans of patients admitted from the emergency room (ER) to the Radiology Department due to suspected stroke. We assessed the severity of leukoaraiosis using the van Swieten scale and brain atrophy by numerous linear measurements.ResultsStatistical analysis failed to demonstrate differences between LA1 and LA2 groups with regard to stroke severity in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (p = 0.2159). There were no differences with regard to clinical severity of stroke between the study groups divided depending on the extent of brain atrophy. There were statistically significant differences with regard to the anterior horn width of the right and left lateral ventricle, posterior horn width of the right and left lateral ventricle, distance between occipital horn of the left lateral ventricle and internal surface of the cranium and third ventricle width depending on the severity of leukoaraiosis.ConclusionsThe results of our studies present an association between the degree leukoaraiosis extension and brain atrophy, but no association between central nervous system tissue atrophy of extent of leukoaraiosis and ischaemic stroke severity.
Repeating enlargement, recanalisations, and subarachnoid haemorrhages after middle cerebral artery aneurysm embolisation using pCONus stent and coils – a case report
Authors: Miś Marcin , Kacała Arkadiusz , Milnerowicz Małgorzata , Miś Maciej , Garcarek Jerzy 
Published: February 2019

PurposeLarge and wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms remain technically challenging to treat by the endovascular approach. Several endovascular strategies have been established in recent years for treating wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms, such as balloon-assisted coiling, stent-assisted coiling, waffle cone technique (WCT), and intrasaccular flow disruptors.Case reportA 64-year-old woman was diagnosed with three intracranial aneurysms of the right and left middle cerebral artery and right internal carotid artery. She was qualified for endovascular treatment of the left middle cerebral artery (LMCA) aneurysm because it posed the greatest risk of rupture. Due to complicated morphology, a pCONus stent and coils were chosen for treatment. Three months later the right middle cerebral artery aneurysm was embolised and the woman was scheduled for second-stage treatment of the LMCA aneurysm. One week before the planned admission the woman was diagnosed with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) in the region of the previously treated LMCA aneurysm, and the second-stage treatment was conducted with a good result. The woman was discharged in improved condition. Three months later the woman was once again admitted with SAH – an enlarged LMCA aneurysm was observed and immediate third-stage embolisation was performed, but due to complications of SAH the woman eventually died.ConclusionsOn the basis of the presented case we would like to emphasise the importance of sufficient initial coil packing and frequent control of neck region of the aneurysm for the long-term stability and safety after pCONus-assisted coiling of intracranial aneurysms.
The effect of software post-processing applications on identification of the penumbra and core within the ischaemic region in perfusion computed tomography
Authors: Gleń Agnieszka , Chrzan Robert , Urbanik Andrzej 
Published: February 2019

PurposeAssessment of software applications designed for post-processing of CT imaging data and perfusion maps in terms of their ability to consistently define the penumbra and core in an ischemic area.Material and methodsThis study is based on measurements conducted in a group of 65 patients with neurological symptoms suggestive of ischaemia in the area of the MCA within 12 hours following onset of the first symptoms. Non-contrast and perfusion CT were performed during an emergency duty. The acquired data were processed using various programs to obtain defined ischaemic areas and parameters. Finally, the results obtained were compared to the distribution of penumbra and core within the ischaemic area received from different perfusion mapping programs.ResultsThe programs designed to convert the acquired data and to map the distribution of perfusion were also assessed for their viability in dividing the ischaemic zone into penumbra and core. There was a statistically strong correlation (0.784-0.846) between results obtained by processing of imaging data with two different packages, and then by post-processing with one package, and a poor correlation (0.315-0.554) between results obtained by processing of data with the same package, and post-processing with two different packages designed for measuring penumbra and core areas.ConclusionsThe results obtained by processing of imaging data with different software applications and by post-processing with one program developed for identifying penumbra and core areas show a strong correlation. However, the results obtained by processing imaging data with the same software application and by post-processing with different programs measuring penumbra and core areas reveal poor correlation.
Mechanistic representation of soil nitrogen emissions in the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model v 5.1
Authors: Rasool Quazi Z. , Bash Jesse O. , Cohan Daniel S. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Soils are important sources of emissions of nitrogen-containing (N-containing) gases
such as nitric oxide (NO), nitrous acid (HONO), nitrous oxide (N2O),
and ammonia (NH3). However, most contemporary air quality models lack a
mechanistic representation of the biogeochemical processes that form these
gases. They typically use heavily parameterized equations to simulate
emissions of NO independently from NH3 and do not quantify emissions
of HONO or N2O. This study introduces a mechanistic, process-oriented
representation of soil emissions of N species (NO, HONO, N2O, and
NH3) that we have recently implemented in the Community Multiscale Air
Quality (CMAQ) model. The mechanistic scheme accounts for biogeochemical
processes for soil N transformations such as mineralization, volatilization,
nitrification, and denitrification. The rates of these processes are
influenced by soil parameters, meteorology, land use, and mineral N
availability. We account for spatial heterogeneity in soil conditions and
biome types by using a global dataset for soil carbon (C) and N across
terrestrial ecosystems to estimate daily mineral N availability in
nonagricultural soils, which was not accounted for in earlier parameterizations
for soil NO. Our mechanistic scheme also uses daily year-specific fertilizer
use estimates from the Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC v0509)
agricultural model. A soil map with sub-grid biome definitions was used to
represent conditions over the continental United States. CMAQ modeling for
May and July 2011 shows improvement in model performance in simulated
NO2 columns compared to Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) satellite
retrievals for regions where soils are the dominant source of NO emissions.
We also assess how the new scheme affects model performance for NOx
(NO+NO2), fine nitrate (NO3) particulate matter, and ozone
observed by various ground-based monitoring networks. Soil NO emissions in
the new mechanistic scheme tend to fall between the magnitudes of the
previous parametric schemes and display much more spatial heterogeneity. The
new mechanistic scheme also accounts for soil HONO, which had been ignored
by parametric schemes.
Healthy eating index and different fruit dietary habits in Slovak adult female
Authors: Fatrcová-Šramková Katarí­na , Schwarzová Marianna , Jurí­ková Tünde 
Published: February 2019

The healthy index is a tool for evaluation of nutrition recommendation aimed at prevention of chronic diseases. A lot of studies have been devoted to HEI of different aged groups of people but dates about Slovak population have been still missed. The goal of the study was to evaluate the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) in nutrition of adult female, determine their components in relation of parameters of anthropometry and body composition. Secondly, the research work was also aimed at the comparison of partial score HEI among groups of female with different fruit intake. Daily nutrition was evaluated by 24 hours dietary recalls. In set of female (average age 31.1 ±9.1 years) the average HEI index reached up 53.0 ±8.8 points in accord with medium degree of diet, it means dietary improvement has been highly recommended. In respect of all assayed components of index the best results achieved the variety of diet (8.8 ±1.3 points) and the worst the natrium intake (0.7 ±2.0 points). The average score for the individual components pointed to neccesary of increase in the grain intake and vegetable, on the other hand the intake of cholesterol, saturated fats and especially natrium should be decreased. The differences between groups with various intake of fruit (with recommended intake and insufficient intake) in the rest 9 components have not been proved as significant. The occurrence of risk values of body index, body fats determined by bioelectric impedance and android risk based on circumference of hips can not be considered between groups as significant. Average HEI has been in significance correlation with age (r = 0.240; p <0.05), circumference of hips (r = 0.2312; p <0.05) and body weight r = 0.1748; p <0.05). Future studies have been needed to evaluate diet according to the HEI in different groups of population in Slovakia.
Thermo-degradative changes of rapeseed and sunflower oils during deep-frying French fries
Authors: Zeleňáková Lucia , Angelovičová Mária , Šnirc Marek , Žiarovská Jana , Kráčmar Stanislav , Gálik Branislav , Kunová Simona 
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in TPCs, acid value and peroxide value as well as fatty acids composition in edible oils during french fries production. Lower TPCs content was found in rapeseed oil (3.3%) and the threshold (24%) was achieved on the fourth day. The total time for the deterioration of deep-frying rapeseed oil was 23½ hours. On the contrary, in fresh sunflower oil at the first day was TPCs content 5.5% and the limit of 24% was reached on the third day. The total time for the deterioration of deep-frying sunflower oil was 17½ hours. The results indicated significant differences (<0.05) in TPCs content between rapeseed and sunflower oils during deep-frying process. At the beginning of deep-frying French fries in rapeseed oil, the acid number was 0.374 mg KOH.g-1 and 1.271 mg KOH.g-1 at the fourth day of deep-frying. The measured peroxide value was 4.3 mEq O2.kg-1 at the beginning and at the end of deep-frying 10.5 mEq O2.kg-1. The initial peroxide and acid values were higher in sunflower oil compared with rapeseed oil, respectively. It should be note, then the acid values and peroxide values, respectively, in the two fresh oils used in this study were below the limit of refined oil according to Slovak legislation (peroxide value - not more than 10 mEq O2.kg-1, acid value - not more than 0.6 mg KOH.g-1). However, detected values varied during deep-frying process. Monounsaturated fatty acids were predominantly observed in fresh rapeseed oil (61.22%) wherever in sunflower oil they were much lower (29.77%). A slight increase of MUFA was found in both oils. The initial content of saturated fatty acids in rapeseed oil was 6.94%, in fresh sunflower oil was observed slightly higher content of SFA (10.37%). The major groups of fatty acids in fresh sunflower oil were polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) which have in principle a significant effect on oil deterioration. A slight decrease of PUFA was observed in both oils throughout the frying period. The content of PUFA was reduced by about 9.42% in rapeseed oil and by 10.8% in sunflower oil. The initial content was 28.14% and 58.91%, respectively.
Rheological and functional properties of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) leaves puree
Authors: Meher Jaga Mohan , Mazumdar Bidyut , Keshav Amit 
Published: February 2019

Pureed form of leaves (Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Roselle)) was taken for physicochemical and rheological analysis at temperatures and TSS range of 278 K - 318 K and 3 - 5 °Brix respectively. The steady-state rheological analysis was performed with a shear rate of 1 - 100 s-1. Different rheological models are tried; Power-law was best fitted with the experimental data (R2 ≥0.98). Temperature dependence of viscosity was found out using an Arrhenius-type relationship at a shear rate of 10, 50, 100 s-1 IR analysis was done to know the influence of functional groups on rheological properties of purees. Consistency index (K) of puree increases with increase in TSS content but at a fixed TSS, there is a decrease in K with an increase in temperatures but the opposite was observed for flow behavior index (n). Puree showed a shear thinning behavior with an increment in temperature level and puree having 5 °Brix (8.37) has higher activation energy (kJ.mol-1) than 3 °Brix (6.32).
Effect of preoperative urethral dilatation on preventing urethral stricture after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Park Jong Kwan , Kim Ji Yong , You Jae Hyung , Choi Bo Ram , Kam Sung Chul , Kim Myung Ki , Jeong Young Beom , Shin Yu Seob 
Published: February 2019

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate the effect of preoperative urethral dilatation during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) on the prevention of urethral stricture.
Methods: A total of 72 patients without urethral stricture underwent HoLEP for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Recruited patients were randomly divided into two groups (groups A and B). Patients in group A (36 patients, experimental group) received preoperative urethral dilatation and patients in group B (36 patients, control group) did not. Each patient was evaluated at four weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks after surgery. The effectiveness of preoperative urethral dilatation was evaluated based on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), peak urine flow rate (Qmax), voided volume, and post-void residual (PVR) volume. To diagnose urethral stricture, Qmax <10 mL/s, as assessed using uroflowmetry and findings of visualization through retrograde urethrography and urethroscopy, were used.
Results: Among 72 initial participants, 33 patients in group A and 31 patients in group B completed the experiment. Preoperative characteristics were well-balanced between groups. At each postoperative visit, there was no significant difference in voiding symptoms between groups. Two patients (6.06%) in group A and five patients (15.15%) in group B showed a Qmax <10 mL/s on uroflowmetry (p=0.013). On urethroscopy, no patient in group A (0%) and two patients in group B (6.45%) (p=0.021) showed urethral stricture after HoLEP.
Conclusions: Preoperative urethral dilatation during HoLEP decreased the incidence of urethral stricture. This procedure could be useful to reduce the risk of urethral stricture after transurethral prostate surgery. One limitation of the current study is the single-centre design. Also, we sought to determine the efficacy of preoperative urethral dilatation for the prevention of urethral stricture after transurethral prostate surgery within a short time period, which could be another limitation of the study. Despite these limitations, to the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first reported prospective, randomized trial analyzing the safety and efficacy of preoperative urethral dilatation for the prevention of urethral stricture after transurethral prostate surgery.