bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of selected factors on bark beetle outbreak dynamics in the Western Carpathians
Authors: Vakula Jozef , Zúbrik Milan , Galko Juraj , Gubka Andrej , Kunca Andrej , Nikolov Christo , Bošeľa Michal 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
In the period from 1992 to 2013, more than 3.8 million m3 of spruce wood from an area of 55 thousand ha of forests in the Kysuce region (Western Carpathians) was affected by bark beetles. This region has had the highest volume of salvage fellings in Slovakia. While before 1991, bark-beetle outbreak usually occurred after snow and wind disturbances, since 1992 they have occurred in the years with extremely warm and dry growing seasons and the years following them. These years were also characterised by high volumes of wood affected by honey fungus (Armillaria spp.), which only rarely took part in the calamities before 1992. Extreme deterioration of the situation occurred after 2003. In fragmented and sparse stands, the volume of wood damaged by wind increased. Artificial origin of spruce stands, their high occurrence, high age and even-agedness are likely pre-disposing factors of spruce forest decline. Bark beetles have become the most important factor of spruce decline. The most important factors driving the bark beetle attack on forest stands in the period 1973–2013 were the amount of unprocessed wood in the previous year; the amount of wood affected by honey fungus, precipitation total, and average temperature in the current growing season. Another important factor that complicated the situation was also the inferior quality of forest management.
Reference frames and reference networks
Authors: Bosy Jaroslaw , Krynski Jan 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
The summary of research activities concerning reference frames and reference networks performed in Poland in a period of 2011-2014 is presented. It contains the results of research on implementation of IUGG2011 and IAU2012 resolutions on reference systems, implementation of the ETRS89 in Poland, operational work of permanent IGS/ EUREF stations in Poland, operational work of ILRS laser ranging station in Poland, active GNSS station networks in Poland, maintenance of vertical control in Poland, maintenance and modernization of gravity control, and maintenance of magnetic control in Poland. The bibliography of the related works is given in references.
Gravity field modelling and gravimetry
Authors: Krynski Jan 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
The summary of research activities concerning gravity field modelling and gravimetric works performed in Poland in the period of 2011-2014 is presented. It contains the results of research on geoid modelling in Poland and other countries, evaluation of global geopotential models, determination of temporal variations of the gravity field with the use of data from satellite gravity space missions, absolute gravity surveys for the maintenance and modernization of the gravity control in Poland and overseas, metrological aspects in gravimetry, maintenance of gravimetric calibration baselines, and investigations of the nontidal gravity changes. The bibliography of the related works is given in references.
Adaptive Design for Staggered-Start Clinical Trial
Authors: Yuan Ao , Li Qizhai , Xiong Ming , Tan Ming T. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
In phase II and/or III clinical trial study, there are several competing treatments, the goal is to assess the performances of the treatments at the end of the study, the trial design aims to minimize risks to the patients in the trial, according to some given allocation optimality criterion. Recently, a new type of clinical trial, the staggered-start trial has been proposed in some studies, in which different treatments enter the same trial at different times. Some basic questions for this trial are whether optimality can still be kept? under what conditions? and if so how to allocate the the coming patients to treatments to achieve such optimality? Here we propose and study a class of adaptive designs of staggered-start clinical trials, in which for given optimality criterion object, we show that as long as the initial sizes at the beginning of the successive trials are not too large relative to the total sample size, the proposed design can still achieve optimality criterion asymptotically for the allocation proportions as the ordinary trials; if these initial sample sizes have about the same magnitude as the total sample size, full optimality cannot be achieved. The proposed method is simple to use and is illustrated with several examples and a simulation study.
Antioxidant modulation of nevirapine induced hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Awodele Olufunsho , Popoola Temidayo , Rotimi Kunle , Ikumawoyi Victor , Okunowo Wahab 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
HIV/AIDS related mortality has been dramatically reduced by the advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, ART presents with associated adverse effects. One of such adverse effects is hepatotoxicity observed with nevirapine (NVP) containing ART. Since previous studies showed that NVP hepatotoxicity may be due to oxidative stress via generation of oxidative radicals, this study sought to evaluate the protective effects of antioxidants in alleviating NVP induced hepatotoxicity. Rats were divided into 6 groups with 8 animals per group and received doses of the antioxidants jobelyn (10.7 mg/kg/day), vitamin C (8 mg/kg/day), vitamin E (5 mg/kg/day) and/or NVP (6 mg/kg/day) for 60 days. The animals were sacrificed on day 61 by cervical dislocation, blood samples were collected for biochemical and hematological examination. The liver of the sacrificed animals was weighed and subjected to histopathological examination. There was a statistically significant (p<0.05) elevation in MDA level observed in the NVP group as compared with control. The results further showed non-significant decreases in the levels of MDA in the NVP plus antioxidant groups, except vitamin C, when compared with the NVP alone group. Vitamin E and Vitamin E plus C treated groups showed significantly (p<0.05) higher levels of SOD, CAT and GSH. The results also showed statistically significantly (p<0.05) lower levels of ALT and AST in the antioxidant treated groups There was an observed significantly (p<0.05) higher level of TP and urea in the antioxidant treated rats. A significantly (p<0.05) higher white blood cell count was observed in the antioxidant groups. Histopathological assessment of the liver extracted from the rats showed no visible pathology across the groups. Observations from this study suggest a potentially positive modulatory effect of antioxidants and may be indicative for the inclusion of antioxidants in nevirapine containing ART.
Physiochemical basis of human degenerative disease
Authors: Zeliger Harold I. , Lipinski Boguslaw 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
The onset of human degenerative diseases in humans, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, neurodevelopmental disease and neurodegenerative disease has been shown to be related to exposures to persistent organic pollutants, including polychlorinated biphenyls, chlorinated pesticides, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and others, as well as to polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, phthalates, bisphenol-A and other aromatic lipophilic species. The onset of these diseases has also been related to exposures to transition metal ions. A physiochemical mechanism for the onset of degenerative environmental disease dependent upon exposure to a combination of lipophilic aromatic hydrocarbons and transition metal ions is proposed here. The findings reported here also, for the first time, explain why aromatic hydrocarbons exhibit greater toxicity than aliphatic hydrocarbons of equal carbon numbers.
Pharmacokinetics Of Zinc In Broiler Chickens After Single Intraingluvial Administration With Zinc Aspartate
Authors: Ivanova Sofiya L. , Dimitrova Dimitrichka J. , Petrichev Metodi H. , Parvanova Liliana I. , Kalistratov Georgi Sl. , Vezenkov Lubomir T. 
Published: December 2015

Summary
The pharmacokinetics of zinc was investigated in broiler chickens after single crop intubation of 50 mg/kg 5% zinc aspartate suspension in 2% carboxymethyl cellulose solution. Blood serum zinc concentrations were assayed on a biochemical analyzer. The pharmacokinetics of zinc was evaluated using two approaches – compartmental method and non-compartmental analysis using pharmacokinetic software (TopFit, v. 2.0). After the intraingluvial application, zinc was rapidly absorbed (t1/2abs. =0.1040.02 h) by the alimentary system of birds attaining Cmax of 63.603.94 mol/ml by hour 0.77 (compartmental method) and Cmax =69.274.35 mol/ml by hour 0.92 h (non-compartmental method). It is characterized with a long biological half-life (t1/2) of 13.821.63 h (compartmental analysis) and 15.961.73 h (non-compartmental analysis) and long mean residence times (MRT) 20.122.35 h and 23.002.50 h, respectively. The distribution in blood and extracellular fluid was good as seen from Vd(area) values 0.770.05 l/kg (compartmental analysis) and 0.650.05 l/kg (non-compartmental analysis).
Localization Of MMP-2 And MMP-9 In Canine Mammary Gland During Pregnancy
Authors: Pupaki Despina V. , Ankova Dessislava , Vasilev Veselin P. , Rashev Pavel I. 
Published: December 2015

Summary
The mammary gland is unique in its development because most of its branching occurs in adolescent rather than in prenatal development. During early pregnancy extensive ductal side branching occurs while during the second half, secretory lobuloalveolar units are formed within the mammary gland. As modulators of the extracellular matrix, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are the major enzymes taking part in the development of the gland. The activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 has mostly been associated with tumor progression, while their participation in the physiological development of the mammary gland is not well characterized. In the present study the cell-specific localization of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the developing dog mammary gland during pregnancy was investigated. In the early stages, both gelatinases were present, being located mostly in the epithelium of the ducts and less so in the surrounding stroma. After the formation of alveoli, MMP-2 was still present but MMP-9 was absent from the glandular epithelium and the stroma, being present only in the epithelium of the larger ducts. The results show that most likely, both gelatinases take part in ductal branching during early pregnancy, but only MMP-2 is associated with the differentiated stage of lactation.
Metabolic Disturbances In The Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Arabadzhieva Daniela Y. , Kaprelyan Ara G. , Georgieva Zhaneta T. , Slavov Zdravko D. , Tsukeva Aleksandra Zh. 
Published: December 2015

Summary
The purpose of this study was to analyze the disturbances of glucose, lipid and protein metabolism in acute ischemic stroke patients. A total of 258 patients (mean age 70.9±7.22 years, range 49-92 years) were studied. The following parameters were examined: blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, creatinine, and urea. Data were statistically processed by variation and correlation analysis. Our results demonstrated abnormal values of these laboratory parameters in most patients. The mean concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were higher in females, while these of blood glucose were higher in males, especially in the age group between 76 and 80 years. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was highest between the variables ‘total cholesterol’ and ‘LDL-cholesterol’ (r=0.797) but moderate - between some of the rest variables such as ‘creatinine’ and ‘urea’ (r=0.575); ‘total cholesterol’ and ‘triglycerides’ (r=0.565); ‘total cholesterol’ and ‘urea’ (r=0.428); ‘triglycerides’ and ‘urea’ (r=0.370) and ‘LDL-cholesterol’ and ‘urea’ (r=0.301). In conclusion, the metabolic disorders are relatively common among acute ischemic stroke patients and play a specific role as risk factors for this disease. These parameters should regularly be controlled within the outpatient practice in order to warrant an effective prevention of acute ischemic stroke.
Overweight, Obesity, And Related Diseases Among Workers With Different Workload
Authors: Gidikova Pavlina L. , Sandeva Gergana N. , Haracherova Kamelia H. , Sandeva Rositsa V. 
Published: December 2015

Summary
A person's weight depends on major factors like genetics, diet, and physical activity. Physical activity in adults is defined mainly by workload – light, moderate or heavy. The aim was to explore associations between weight and chronic non-infectious diseases in workers with different physical activity. The subjects included in the study were 224 male and 249 female employees, divided by workload based on their job description. Body mass index (BMI) and disease incidence were calculated, and statistical analysis was performed. The highest percentage of overweight and obese subjects was found in men with light workload. The mean BMI for men (27.434.85) was significantly higher than that for women (25.875.06). Analysis of obesity-associated diseases showed that in workers with higher BMI there was a higher incidence of endocrine disorders, musculoskeletal and related neurological diseases. Diseases of the circulatory system were highly prevalent in both overweight/obese and underweight employees. In conclusion, physical activity at work contributes to changes in BMI in the working population. Obesity-associated circulatory, endocrine and musculoskeletal diseases were highly prevalent in the groups with higher BMI. The prevalence in employees without diseases was in inverse relation to BMI.
Attitudes Of Regular Alcohol Drinking Adolescents To Intersubjective Relations And Everyday Life
Authors: Sarov Georgi M. 
Published: December 2015

Summary
It is well known that some psychological features of adolescents as extraversion, risk-taking and impulsivity positively associate with substance abuse. The aim of the study was a description of psychological features of adolescents associated with regular alcohol drinking. We conducted a survey using an original questionnaire, classifying alcohol drinking as regular, social (incidental) and abstinence. The adolescents were asked to evaluate their own patterns of drinking. Of the 903 investigated students (aged 15-19), 169 identified themselves as regular alcohol drinkers (RDA), and 279 – as abstainers (NDA). These two groups were compared statistically in terms of a wide range of self-described psychological features. It was found that RDA were more likely to strive for dominant positioning in intersubjective relations (OR 1.8, 95%CI 1.22-2.65), more likely to avoid academic obligations (OR 1.61, 95%CI 1.08-2.39), and more likely to postpone their duties in everyday life (OR 1.81, 95%CI 1.23-2.67). It seems that regular drinking positively associates with egocentric personality traits and help is needed in personality development that could have a positive secondary effect on alcohol prevention.
Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration – A New Approach In Optical Coherence Tomography Monitoring And Quantitative Assessment
Authors: Hristova Elitsa G. , Zlatarova Zornitsa I. 
Published: December 2015

Summary
The purpose of the study was to present the ability of Drusen analysis software tool to measure drusen area and volume in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Eleven patients with confirmed dry AMD aged 59-74 years were scanned with 3D OCT-2000 Topcon 3D Macula scanning protocol by a single operator. All subjects underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination including best corrected visual acuity, indirect biomicroscopy, tonometry, fluorescein angiography and OCT. Drusen analysis was performed on the macula with 6.0 × 6.0 mm volume cube scans and 512×128 pixels scan resolution. The results were presented along with calculated values in two clearly arranged reports. Mean follow-up period was 19 months (6-40). Count, area occupation, volume of the drusen and 3D retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) elevation map were presented in a Macula drusen analysis report. Drusen count and volume in 6 patients were increased at the end of follow-up period. There were 5 patients with regression in drusen count and area and volume of the drusen in 3 of them were higher than on previous examination. Another 2 were with regression not only in drusen count but also in their area and volume. With this software tool the status of RPE can be objectively and automatically examined in detail and can be followed up over time. OCT allows for precise quantitative evaluation and study of microstructural changes in patients with dry AMD and provides three-dimensional information of macular pathology in situ and in real time. This could be useful for determining stages and monitoring the progression of AMD.
Pulmonary Gangrene - Severe And Rare Complication Of Pneumonia
Authors: Petrova Guergana , Perenovska Penka I. , Miteva Dimitrinka , Kabakchieva Radost T. , Brankov Ognyan G. , Drebov Rosen S. 
Published: December 2015

Summary
Pneumonia is an inflammatory lung disorder characterized by consolidation due to presence of exudates in the alveolar spaces. Most pneumonias can be effectively treated with appropriate oral antibiotics, with intravenous antibiotics being reserved for those with severe infections. We present two cases of girls admitted in our clinic with pneumonia where our conventional therapy was not sufficient. Case 1: A 15-year-old girl with cystic fibrosis, with left lobular pneumonia, for which an aggressive conservative treatment was initiated. After significant improvement, sudden detorioration and pneumothorax of the left lung occurred. She was transferred to the surgical department for intervention. Due to failure to respond to initial drainage she underwent thoracotomy and resection of the left lower lobe of the lung. The histology result confirmed gangrene. Case 2: A four-year old girl was treated for pneumonia in the right lung with aggressive intravenous antibiotic. After temporary improvement sudden deterioration was observed. The patient was transferred to the surgery department, where pulmonary gangrene was confirmed. After the lower lobe of the right lung was resected, she was discharged in good health. The careful follow up, accurate diagnosis and correct medication choice are crucial for reducing the complications of “common” pneumonia.
Effect Of High-Fructose Solution On Body Weight, Body Fat, Blood Glucose And Triglyceride Levels In Rats
Authors: Sandeva Rositsa V. , Mihaylova Stanislava M. , Sandeva Gergana N. , Trifonova Katya Y. , Popova-Katsarova Ruska D. 
Published: December 2015

Summary
In Europe, as well as in Bulgaria, consumption of soft drinks and confectionery has increased during the last three decades and is partly responsible for the epidemic-like increase in obesity. These foods, originally sweetened by sucrose, are now sweetened by other caloric sweeteners such as fructose. In this study we investigated the effect of an eight-week intake of 20% fructose solution on body weight in rats. Two adult rat groups (aged 120±6 days) of Wistar line were studied: a Control group (C; n=10; 5 male and 5 female rats) received water and standard rodent chow, and a Fructose group (F; n=12; 6 male and 6 female rats) who received 20% fructose-in-drinking-water solution and regular rodent chow. All animals were weighed and measured (nose to anus length), and the Lee index (equivalent of BMI in rats) was calculated. Body fat was also analyzed. As indicators of increased caloric intake of the Fructose group we investigated glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol (total, HDL and LDL) in blood. In conclusion, consumption of fructose solution in rats resulted in increased body weight, length and measured body fat, increased blood glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides in the Fructose group, as compared to the controls.
Effect Of Handedness On Functional Organization Of Bimanual Isometric Handgrip
Authors: Kolev Nikolai V. , Halacheva Ljudmila I. 
Published: December 2015

Summary
The aim of this study was to examine force production during maximal isometric handgrip in unilateral (UL) and bilateral (BL) tasks in right- and left-handed subjects. Ten right-handed (RH) and 8 left-handed (LH) young men were studied. The subjects were instructed, after a command, to perform a shot-like handgrip, raising maximal force as fast as possible. Three series were performed as follows: 1) UL - right handgrip; 2) UL - left handgrip; 3) BL handgrip. We measured peak force, time to peak of force and rate of force. The BL/UL ratios for the right (R) and left (L) hand and L/R ratios for the UL and BL tasks were calculated. The L/R ratios for peak force and force rate in RH group ranged across all tasks and conditions from 0.71 to 0.75. They were significantly lower than 1 (p<0.01). These ratios did not differ significantly from 1 for LH subjects (0.98–1.02), indicating the handedness in RH group only. The BL/UL ratios for peak force were 0.89 and 0.89 in RH, suggesting symmetrical bilateral strength deficit. The magnitude of the bilateral deficit in LH group was larger for the dominant (L) hand compared to non dominant (R) hand – 0.93 and 0.97 (p<0.05) respectively, suggesting an asymmetry of bilateral deficit in LH. These ratios for time of force and rate of force indicated bilateral deficit (BD) in the dominant hand of RH group only.
Myocardial Infarction And Ischemic Heart Disease In Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Arabadzhieva Daniela Y. , Georgieva Zhaneta T. , Kaprelyan Ara G. , Slavov Zdravko D. 
Published: December 2015

Summary
The aim of the investigation was to analyze the correlation between myocardial infarction and ischemic heart disease, on the one hand, and acute ischemic stroke (AIS), on the other hand. We studied 258 AIS patients (mean age 70.9±7.22 years, range 49-92 years) hospitalized in 2007-2013 in the First Clinic of Neurology, St. Marina University Hospital of Varna. The diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke was confirmed by Doppler sonography and computed tomography of the cerebral circulation. Data were statistically processed by variation and correlation analysis. Our results proved a relatively strong correlation between effort angina pectoris and ischemic heart disease (Pearson's coefficient: r=0.643) as well as a weak correlation between ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction (Pearson's coefficient: r=0.243) among acute ischemic stroke patients. The well-known risk factors for these cardiovascular diseases such as obesity, tobacco smoking, low physical activity and alcohol abuse were common among the patients with acute ischemic stroke, too. In conclusion, both myocardial infarction and ischemic heart disease are strongly associated with the development of acute ischemic stroke. Such patients require strict and regular control by general practitioners. They should observe an appropriate diet and adhere to a healthy life-style.