bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of free-living amoebae (Acanthamoeba, Balamuthia, Naegleria) in water samples in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Gabriel Shobana , Khan Naveed Ahmed , Siddiqui Ruqaiyyah 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of free-living amoebae (FLA) in Peninsular Malaysia and to compare different methodologies to detect them from water samples. Water samples were collected from tap water, recreational places, water dispensers, filtered water, etc. and tested for FLA using both cultivation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) via plating assays and centrifugation methods. Amoebae DNA was extracted using Instagene matrix and PCR was performed using genus-specific primers. Of 250 samples, 142 (56.8%) samples were positive for presence of amoebae, while 108 (43.2%) were negative. Recreational water showed higher prevalence of amoebae than tap water. PCR for the plating assays revealed the presence of Acanthamoeba in 91 (64%) samples and Naegleria in 99 (70%) of samples analysed. All samples tested were negative for B. mandrillaris. In contrast, the centrifugation method was less effective in detecting amoebae as only one sample revealed the presence of Acanthamoeba and 52 (29%) samples were positive for Naegleria. PCR assays were specific and sensitive, detecting as few as 10 cells. These findings show the vast distribution and presence of FLA in all 11 states of Peninsular Malaysia. Further studies could determine the possible presence of pathogenic species and strains of free-living amoebae in public water supplies in Malaysia.
An Update on Novel Antiplatelets in Vascular Patients
Authors: Patelis Nikolaos , Kakavia Kyriaki , Maltezos Konstantinos , Damaskos Christos , Spartalis Eleftherios , Matheiken Sean , Georgopoulos Sotirios 
Published: December 2018

Background:
Acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel and cilostazol are well-established agents inhibiting the
normal function of platelets with known advantages and limitations. The development of novel antiplatelet agents
aims to provide equal or superior outcomes for patients and simultaneously minimize side effects.

Objective:
The aim of this manuscript is to review the latest data on the use of novel antiplatelet agents in vascular
patients.

Method:
Based on our 2016 review, a further search in the English medical literature has yielded a number of
publications on cangrelor, prasugrel, ticagrelor, vorapaxar and a number of other – still experimental – agents (Ir-
6, UBO-QIC, W1, revacept and YM-254890).

Results:
Recently published data have not altered the use and indications of cangrelor, prasugrel and vorapaxar;
all of them now approved by both FDA and EMA. The EUCLID trial has recently provided valuable data on the
clinical use of ticagrelor, although results regarding vascular patients and administration of ticagrelor are still
under scrutiny. Vorapaxar remains the only novel antiplatelet that is approved for PAD. Randomized control
trials that focus on vascular patients are necessary to establish the safety and efficacy of these novel agents. Despite
their positive initial results, most novel experimental antiplatelets are still in early development, thus in preclinical
or early clinical phases of their trials. Research on three novel antiplatelets is currently discontinued (atopaxar,
darexaban and elinogrel).

Conclusion:
Vorapaxar remains the only novel antiplatelet that is approved for PAD. Other novel antiplatelets
demonstrate positive results, but further studies focused on vascular patients are necessary. Novel experimental
antiplatelets are still in the early phases of the clinical and preclinical studies.
Novel Oral Anticoagulants in Peripheral Artery Disease: Current Evidence
Authors: Koutsoumpelis A. , Argyriou C. , Tasopoulou K.M. , Georgakarakos E.I. , Georgiadis G.S. 
Published: December 2018

Background:
Peripheral artery disease is a common manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis which
strongly correlates to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In addition, the progression of peripheral artery
disease leads to an increased risk of limb loss. In order to reduce these events, the benchmark of treatment and
research over the last years has been the antiplatelet therapy which aims at inhibition of platelet aggregation. Over
the last years, new studies combining antiplatelet agents in different therapeutic schemes have been proven efficacious.
Unfortunately, patients remain still at high risk of CV events. Novel Oral Anticoagulants have been
introduced as alternatives to warfarin, in the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism. The rationale
of using medication which acts on platelet activation and the coagulation pathway of thrombosis has led investigators
to examine the role of Noac's in preventing CV events in patients with peripheral artery disease, stable or
unstable.

Methods:
The aim of this study is to review the current evidence with respect to recently published studies concerning
the use of Novel anticoagulants in peripheral artery disease.

Results:
The Compass trial has shown that a combination of rivaroxaban with traditional therapy may produce
promising results in reducing amputation rates, stroke, cardiac events, and mortality, however, there are still
safety issues with bleeding requiring acute care. The ePAD study has provided us with insight concerning safety
and efficacy after peripheral angioplasty or stenting and actually the need for further research. The Voyager Pad
study, following the steps of Compass, is studying the effect and safety of the addition of rivaroxaban to traditional
therapy in the highest risk population aka patients undergoing peripheral revascularization. The evidence
concerning patients with concomitant atrial fibrillation appears to be insufficient, however, recent guidelines
propose the use of novel oral anticoagulants.

Conclusion:
For the time being, novel oral anticoagulants in combination with aspirin may provide an alternative
treatment in PAD, however, it is deemed necessary to identify patient subgroups who will benefit the most.
Perioperative Management of DOACs in Vascular Surgery: A Practical Approach
Authors: Kouvelos George , Matsagkas Miltiadis , Rousas Nikolaos , Nana Petroula , Mpatzalexis Konstantinos , Stamoulis Konstantinos , Giannoukas Athanasios , Arnaoutoglou Eleni 
Published: December 2018

Background:
Approximately 10–15% of patients on DOACs have to interrupt their anticoagulant
before an invasive procedure every year. The perioperative management and monitoring of DOACs have proved
to be challenging, as differences in patients’ status and in the invasiveness of each procedure develop different
situations that need a tailored therapeutic approach to each patient’s needs.

Methods:
This review aims to summarize current evidence on the perioperative management of DOACs in patients
undergoing a vascular surgical procedure focusing with a practical approach on three key clinical questions:
(i) can we stop DOAC therapy before the vascular procedure? (ii) is bridging therapy necessary? and (iii) which is
the best perioperative strategy for interruption and resumption of the anticoagulant therapy?

Results:
No specific data exist for the perioperative management of vascular surgery patients on DOACs, as most
studies include low number of such patients. Therapeutic strategy on how to handle DOACs perioperatively must
be based on their half-life, the bleeding risk of the invasive procedures, and on the thromboembolic risk of the
patient. Renal function plays a crucial role in such situations, increasing thromboembolic and bleeding risk. In
general, DOACs should be stopped 2 days for high bleed risk, 1 day for low risk and should be resumed 48-72 hrs
after high risk, 24 hrs after low-risk procedure. Bridging is almost never needed.

Conclusion:
Further perioperative research studies on patients undergoing vascular surgery are needed to confirm
whether currently accepted therapeutic perioperative strategy is appropriate for these patients.
Influence of Resveratrol on Sphingolipid Metabolism in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells in Lipid Overload State
Authors: Charytoniuk Tomasz , Harasim-Symbor Ewa , Polak Agnieszka , Drygalski Krzysztof , Berk Klaudia , Chabowski Adrian , Konstantynowicz-Nowicka Karolina 
Published: December 2018

Background:Obesity is characterized by increased long chain fatty acids (LCFA) uptake and impaired lipid metabolism in hepatocytes. Consequently, an enhanced intracellular lipid content, including sphingolipids, may lead to lipotoxicity. It is believed that resveratrol (RSV), one of the most extensively studied plant-derived polyphenols, and its interaction with sphingolipid metabolism may constitute one of the major therapeutic targets for cancer and metabolic diseases treatment.Objective:The aim of this study was to ascertain, whether resveratrol may affect sphingolipid metabolic pathways, enzymes and transporters in a lipid overload state.Methods:The experiments were conducted on hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) incubated with RSV and/or Palmitic Acid (PA) at the concentration of 0.5 mM and 50 µM, respectively for 16h. Intra- and extracellular sphingolipid concentrations were assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography and gas liquid chromatography. Moreover, the expression of caspase 3, selected fatty acid transporters and sphingolipid metabolism pathway proteins were estimated by Western Blot.Results:RSV alone and together with PA significantly increased the intracellular concentration of ceramide, sphinganine and sphingosine as well as the expression of enzymes related to de novo ceramide synthesis pathway. Moreover, in our study, we observed augmented ceramide and sphingomyelin efflux into the incubation media in these groups. In addition, RSV substantially reduced intracellular triacylglycerols accumulation in lipid overload conditions.Conclusion:The above-mentioned findings suggest that RSV, at least partially, demonstrates a potential protective effect on HepG2 cells in a lipid overload state.
Age at First Osteoporosis Screening Among Older Women and Men: Is Bone Mineral Density Measurement Ordered Timely?
Authors: Tasci Ilker , Basgoz Bilgin Bahadir , Cintosun Umit , Safer Umut , Naharci Mehmet Ilkin 
Published: December 2018

Background:
US National Osteoporosis Foundation has specified age cut-offs for osteoporosis
screening in older women and men.

Objective:
In this study, we investigated whether Turkish seniors undergo their first ever osteoporosis
screening early, on time or late.

Methods:
We determined the age of older women and men at their first-time Bone Mass Densitometry
(BMD) testing using the medical records of a geriatric outpatient unit. The timing of the BMD test was
considered ‘’late’’ when performed after the age of 65 and 70 in women and men, respectively. An
“early” screening was defined as having a BMD measurement before these age cut-offs.

Results:
We included 481 individuals in the study (mean age: 74.5±6.5 years, women: 62%). On admission,
around 18% of the sample could give no definite information and another 35% had never been
assessed for osteoporosis. Among those with a past screening, 64.8% reported comorbid osteoporosis
and 33% reported no osteoporosis. Mean age of the first-time BMD measurement was 67.4±7.7 years.
The first-time BMD measurement was on time in 9.7%, early in 37.4% and late in 52.9% of the subjects.
Half of the individuals with a self-reported osteoporosis diagnosis were non-osteoporotic on a
new BMD ordered following the geriatric assessment. Multimorbidity (≥3), parental hip fracture, and
smoking were the independent predictors of being early screened.

Conclusion:
We found two-thirds of women and men unscreened for osteoporosis despite being indicated
by age. Early and late screening were both prevalent. Self-reported osteoporosis diagnosis was
mostly inconsistent with BMD testing in our sample.
Importance and Significance of Knee-Chest Decubitus Position of the Pregnant Women, in the Delineation of Fetal Facial Imaging with Four-Dimensional Color Doppler Ultrasound
Authors: Roy Homagni Sikha , Cheng Chunxia 
Published: December 2018

Objective:
To investigate and validate the role of the Knee-chest Decubitus position in fetal facial feature delineation by 4D Ultrasonography.

Methods:
Pregnant women were randomly divided into two groups: One group underwent knee-chest decubitus position prior to re-examination, and the second group underwent free activities like walking for 5, 15 or 30 minutes followed by a re-examination of the fetus. The acceptability of the fetal facial images following the two above mentioned activities was compared.

Results:
The Knee-chest Decubitus position was identified to be a more successful procedure for obtaining acceptable images. Additionally, it improved the fetal position and the resulting images were achieved significantly rapidly by this maneuver compared to free movement.

Conclusion:
The knee-chest decubitus position is simple, easy, safe and fast and thus of great convenience and promising for pregnant women.
Anuvaadika: Implementation of Sanskrit to Hindi Translation Tool Using Rule-Based Approach
Authors: Agrawal Prateek , Jain Leena 
Published: December 2018

Background:
Sanskrit is claimed as the second oldest language of the world and in ancient
days, Sanskrit was considered as mother tongue in the larger part of India. But now, it is struggling
for its acceptance in common people.

Objective:
Objective of the work is to develop algorithms for stemming of Sanskrit words, implement
semantic analysis, discourse integration and pragmatic analysis. Another objective is to implement
a translation tool that is able to translate Sanskrit text into Hindi.

Results:
Rule Based Method is used to prepare the corpora and implement the proposed work.
Results: An interface is made available through which step by step translation can be seen and understood.

Conclusion:
This tool will be helpful to those who are familiar in Hindi language but unable to learn
Sanskrit due to the scarcity of language experts. More than 60 million people from India and abroad
who are active Hindi users and work on computer, can get themselves connected with Sanskrit and
also can learn the Sanskrit fundamentals by self.
RELATIONSHIP OF ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT WITH PATIENT SAFETY INCIDENT REPORT CULTURE
Authors: Harsul Wahyuni , Irwan Andi Masyitha , Sjattar Elly Lilianty 
Published: December 2018

Patient Safety Incident Report is one of indicator that has an important role in supporting the quality of patient safety. Because, Patient Safety Incident report can identify and reducing risks to patients who are harmed by treatment. One of the seven steps to achieving patient safety is organizational commitment. Organizational commitment is a commitment should be owned by the nurse in helping hospitals to achieve patient safety goals by involving themselves as evidence of loyalty to the organization in terms of patient safety incident report. This study aimed to find out the relationship between organizational commitment and the culture of Patient Safety Incident report of nurses in hospitals. The research design used was descriptive analytic correlation with cross sectional approach. The number of samples was 100 people. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. Organizational commitment related significantly on patient safety incident report, p = 0.039. Nurses who have goodÂ organizational commitment have a high patient safety incident report 9%. Increasing organizational commitment owned by nurses can support the quality improvements, especially in the patient safety incident report. Giving rewards can be the alternative in increasing organizational commitment owned by nurses.
TRAFİK KAZA DESENLERİNİN TANIMLANMASINDA K-MEANS KÜMELEME ALGORİTMASININ KULLANILMASI: SAKARYA İLİ UYGULAMASI
Authors: GÜNER Samet , SEÇKİN CODAL Keziban , GEÇER Hüseyin Serdar , COŞKUN Erman 
Published: December 2018

Amaç: Trafik
kazaları hem dünyada hem de ülkemizde can ve mal kayıplarına neden olmaktadır.
Sakarya ilinde meydana gelen trafik kazalarının incelendiği bu çalışmada,
şehirde meydana gelen trafik kazaları arasındaki benzerlik ilişkileri
araştırılmış ve bu benzerlik ilişkisinden yola çıkarak belli başlı kaza
karakteristikleri belirlenmiştir. Böylelikle, benzer kaza gruplarının
belirlenmesi ve bunlara özgü çözüm önerileri getirilmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Yöntem: Trafik
kazalarının analizinde K-means kümeleme yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Bu yöntem,
birimleri benzer özelliklerine göre bir araya getirirken, farklı özelliklerine
göre de uzaklaştırmaktadır. Bulgular: Kümeleme
analizi sonucunda, çevresel özellikler bağlamında Sakarya iline özgü dört
farklı kaza türü olduğu tespit edilmiş ve bu kaza türleri detaylı olarak
tanımlanmıştır. Sakarya genelinde en
tipik kazaların kavşağın olmadığı yerlerde, kuru zeminde, açık havada, sonbahar
mevsiminde, hafta içi ve öğleden önce gerçekleştiği belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca,
analize dâhil olan Adapazarı, Erenler, Serdivan ve Arifiye ilçeleri için de
tipik kaza karakteristikleri tanımlanmıştır.

Sonuç: Araştırma
sonuçları, Sakarya’da meydana gelen trafik kazalarının temel
karakteristiklerini ortaya koymuştur. Böylelikle, araştırmanın trafik kazalarının
önlenmesinde ve azaltılmasında karar vericilere yardımcı olması beklenmektedir.
İŞE YABANCILAŞMA BOYUTLARININ DEMOGRAFİK DEĞİŞKENLER AÇISINDAN İNCELENMESİ
Authors: AKŞİT AŞIK Nuran 
Published: December 2018

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın
amacı, otel çalışanlarının işe yabancılaşma boyutlarının demografik faktörlere
göre farklılık gösterip göstermediğinin belirlenmesidir.Yöntem: Araştırmanın evrenini, Ayvalık’ta faaliyet gösteren
otellerin çalışanları oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada veri toplamak için, nicel
araştırma yöntemlerinden anket tekniğinden yararlanılmış olup, kolayda
örnekleme yoluyla seçilen 345 otel çalışanından veri toplanmıştır. Çalışanların işe yabancılaşma
boyutlarını ölçmek amacıyla, Seeman (1983) tarafından geliştirilen işe
yabancılaşma ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Araştırmadan elde edilen veriler,
betimsel istatistikler, Mann Whitney U testi ve Kruskal Wallis-H testleri ile kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir.
Bulgular: Araştırma
bulguları, çalışanların işe yabancılaşma düzeylerinin ortalamaya yakın
olduğunu, en fazla yalıtılmışlık, en az güçsüzlük boyutunda yabancılaşma
yaşadıklarını göstermektedir. Araştırma bulgularına göre, anlamsızlık boyutunda
çalışanların cinsiyeti, anlamlı bir fark yaratmaktadır. Ayrıca, eğitim durumu
güçsüzlük boyutunda, yaş ve çalıştığı bölüm kendine yabancılaşma boyutu
üzerinde anlamlı bir fark oluşturmaktadır. Çalışma süresi, güçsüzlük,
kuralsızlık, yalıtılmışlık ve kendine yabancılaşma boyutları üzerinde etkili
olurken, otelin sınıfı güçsüzlük ve yalıtılmışlık boyutlarında etkilidir.
Bununla birlikte çalışanların medeni durumu, işe yabancılaşmanın boyutları
açısından anlamlı bir farklılık yaratmamaktadır.

Sonuç: Araştırma sonuçlarına göre,
yabancılaşma boyutları çalışanların bazı demografik özelliklerine göre
istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılık göstermektedir.
FİRMALARIN AR-GE HARCAMALARININ AKTİF VE ÖZSERMAYE KARLILIĞINA ETKİSİ: BİST TEKNOLOJİ SEKTÖRÜNDE BİR UYGULAMA
Authors: YILDIRIM Hasan Hüseyin , SAKARYA Şakir 
Published: December 2018

Amaç: Ar-Ge ve
yenilik günümüz rekabet dünyasında, firmaların performanslarını arttırmak ve
büyümek için en çok ihtiyaç duyduğu unsurların başında gelmektedir. OECD
ülkelerinin Ar-Ge harcamaları ile karşılaştırıldığında Türkiye’deki Ar-Ge payı
az da olsa yıllar itibarıyla artış göstermektedir. Yenilikçi hizmet ve
ürünlerin üretilmesini mümkün kılan Ar-Ge yatırımları firmalara uzun dönemli
rekabet avantajı ve büyüme sağlayan ve değer yaratan faaliyetlerdir. Bu
çalışmanın amacı, önemi her geçen gün biraz daha artan Ar-Ge harcamalarının
firmaların finansal performansına etkisini araştırmaktır.Yöntem: Bu amaçla
BIST teknoloji ve bilişim sektöründe faaliyet gösteren firmaların Ar-Ge
harcamalarının aktif karlılığına(ROA) ve öz sermaye karlılığına (ROE) etkisi
panel veri analizi ile test edilmiştir.Bulgular: Analiz
sonuçlarına göre Ar-Ge harcamaları ile hem ROA hem de ROE arasında uzun dönemde
nedensellik ilişkisinin var olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Ar-Ge harcamalarından ROA
ve ROE’ye tek yönlü bir nedenselliğin olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Nedensellik
sonucundan sonra yapılan regresyon analizinde Ar-Ge harcamasının ROA ve ROE’de
anlamlı ve pozitif bir etkisinin olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.

Sonuç: Ar-Ge
harcamalarının karlılığı pozitif yönde etkilediği düşünüldüğünde, işletmelerin
Ar-Ge’ye yönelik olarak yapacakları bugünkü yatırımlar gelecekte işletmelerin
çağa ayak uydurabilmesinde ve yoğun rekabet koşullarında ayakta kalabilmesine
yardımcı olacaktır.
Медикаментозна корекція ендотеліальної дисфункції в дітей із хронічним пієлонефритом
Authors: Vakulenko L.I. 
Published: December 2018

Актуальність. Своєчасна й достатня медикаментозна корекція ендотеліальної дисфункції в дітей із хронічним пієлонефритом визначає ефективність запобігання його прогресуванню, покращення серцево-судинного й ниркового прогнозу. Мета: вивчення ефективності різних схем медикаментозної корекції ендотеліальної дисфункції в дітей із хронічним пієлонефритом. Матеріали та методи. Обстежено 37 дітей віком 11–17 років із хронічним пієлонефритом поза періодом загострення. Перша група (17 пацієнтів) отримувала базисну терапію хронічного пієлонефриту, що включала інгібітор ангіотензинперетворюючого ферменту (іАПФ) еналаприл; друга група (20 пацієнтів) крім стандартної терапії з іАПФ отримувала внутрішньовенну інфузію L-аргініну, а потім його пероральний розчин. Результати. У пацієнтів першої групи зареєстровано тенденцію до збільшення без вірогідної відмінності від стану до лікування значень діаметра плечової артерії в спокої (2,4 ± 0,1 мм), у фазу максимальної вазодилатації (2,9 ± 0,1 мм). Приріст діаметра плечової артерії після лікування вірогідно збільшився порівняно зі значенням до лікування (12,00 ± 0,39 мм). Лінійна швидкість кровотоку в стані спокою зменшувалась статистично незначуще (146,90 ± 1,13 см/с). У пацієнтів другої групи зареєстровано вірогідне збільшення порівняно з вихідним значенням діаметра плечової артерії в спокої (2,80 ± 0,13 мм) і у фазу максимальної вазодилатації (3,40 ± 0,14 мм). Приріст діаметра плечової артерії після лікування вірогідно не відрізнявся від фізіологічної норми (17,20 ± 0,41 мм). Лінійна швидкість кровотоку в стані спокою наближалась до значення в групі контролю без вірогідної різниці (141,20 ± 1,16 см/с). У цілому покращання функціо­нального стану ендотелію судин відбулося в групах на 26,9 і 47,8 % відповідно. Висновки. У хворих на хронічний пієлонефрит без проявів хронічної ниркової недостатності є ефективною монотерапія іАПФ еналаприлом. Для хворих, які мають прояви хронічної ниркової недостатності І–ІІ ступеня, доцільною є комбінована терапія з L-аргініном.