bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Relevance of Haematologic Parameters in Predicting the Malignant Potential of Suspicious Renal Masses
Authors: Vaivode Ieva , Baltina Dace , Lietuvietis Vilnis , Jakubovskis Maris , Erts Renars , Engele Ludmila , Sperga Maris , Vitenberga Zane , Donina Simona 
Published: May 2016

Summary
Introduction. The expanded use of imaging technology has led to improvements in the early diagnosis of kidney cancer. However, providing correct diagnoses regarding the malignant potential of small renal lesions remains problematic for clinicians. In addition to imaging, pre-operative investigations usually include a complete blood count and biochemistry tests.
Aim of the study. To evaluate whether the pre-operative blood cell count, cell ratios, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) can be helpful in predicting the malignancy of visually suspicious renal masses prior to surgery.
Material and methods. Data on pre-operative blood tests were retrospectively collected from 84 cases of stage I renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and 55 benign lesions from patients hospitalized after a radiological finding of renal cancer and following nephrectomy. The predictive ability of various blood tests for malignant potential was analysed using the following statistical methods: the Mann- Whitney U test, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and binary logistic regression.
Results. The mean CRP levels, monocyte (Mo) counts, platelet (PLT) counts and monocyte/lymphocyte ratios (MLRs) varied significantly between the patients with stage I RCC and patients that had benign renal lesions with a small effect size. Among these tests, the highest AUCs were displayed by CRP [0.704, 95% confidence interval: 0.567 - 0.807] and MLR [0.736, 0.612 - 0.861]. Based on the ROC curves, optimal cut-off values of 0.26 for MLR and 1.75 mg/L for CRO were selected. A binary logistic regression was used to determine if the combination of CRP and MLR could be used to predict whether patients with renal lesions had cancer resulting in increase of area under the curve (AUC) to 0.798 [0.690 -0.905].
Conclusions. In cases of diagnostic difficulties observing small renal lesions radiologically, the combination of elevated CRP levels and MLRs above 0.26 may help to confirm the presence of renal cancer.
Lactate as a Predictor in Severe Pneumonia
Authors: Ose Darta , Berzins Arvids , Grigorovica Krista , Klucniks Andris , Sabelnikovs Olegs 
Published: May 2016

Summary
Introduction. There are many discussions that one of the mortality risk markers for patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) with different etiology shock is admission blood lactate level. It is believed that serum lactate could be used as an early marker of mortality risk determination. We are not aware about research studies regarding admission serum lactate prognostic significance in patients with severe community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in first 24 hours after admission to ICU in Latvia.
Aim of the study.
1. To evaluate the prognostic significance of the first lactate level in patients with severe pneumonia. To compare the statistical data of different blood lactate levels (LAC1, LAC2, LAC3, LAC4, LACMAX, LACMIN).
2. To find admission lactate reference level which is attributed to significant increase of mortality.
3. To compare with other markers and scoring systems like: PCT (procalcitonin), CRP (C-reactive protein), CURB-65 (pneumonia severity score), APACHEII (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II).
Material and methods. This is a retrospective observational study in which data were collected on all patients admitted to ICUwith pneumonia and sepsis and/or septic shock in two major Hospitals of Republic of Latvia (Eastern Clinical university hospital and Pauls Stradins Clinical university hospital) with primary diagnosis of severe community acquired pneumonia (CAP). We compared the relationship between lactate values that were collected in 24 hour period after admission in ICU and ICU mortality.
Results. In this study we analyzed data from consecutive 73 patients with severe CAP and sepsis and/or septic shock and we observed statistically significant difference between the first lactate level (LAC1) in survivors (2.7 [1.9-3.2] (mmol/l) and non-survivors 4.9 [4.3-7.5] (mmol/l); p<0.001).According to data patients with LAC1<3.0 (mmol/l) mortality risk was 0%, patients with LAC1 3.0 - 4.0 (mmol/l) risk was 42.1%, while patients with LAC1>4.0 (mmol/l) mortality risk reached 89.7%. Lactate level measurements in first 24 hours after arrival into the ICU have had high ability to stratify non-survivor patients: LAC1 (0.96), LAC2 (0.98), LAC3 (0.97), LAC4 (0.92), (AUC). Incomparison with other prognostic markers sensitivity and specificity following results were obtained: CRP (0.59), PCT (0.98), APACHE II (0.98), CURB-65 (0.63).
Conclusions. Summarizing data on patients with severe pneumonia and sepsis and/or septic shock admission lactate in first 24 hours have significant independent predictive value. In first 24 hours after admission in ICU higher mortality were observed if LAC1 was >3 (mmol/l). Data proves for the patients with severe pneumonia LAC1 is having similar prognostic ability like APACHEII and PCT, and significantly better prognostic ability than CRP and CURB-65.
Incidence and Predictive Value of Thrombocytopenia in Patients with Severe Community Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Dunaiceva Jelena , Sabelnikovs Olegs 
Published: May 2016

Summary
Introduction. Thrombocytopenia is frequently encountered in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The cause of thrombocytopenia is multifactorial, it develops as a result of infection, inflammation and depletion of coagulation factors. Therefore, thrombocytopenia could potentially serve as an indicator of severity of the illness and an outcome predictor in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
Aim of the study. To determine incidence and predictive value of thrombocytopenia in ICU patients with severe CAP.
Material and methods. We carried out a retrospective study based on clinical records from patients admitted to the Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital Intensive Care and Reanimation Unit from 2011 to 2014. Thrombocytopenia was defined as platelet count ≤150×109/L.
Results. A total of 98 patients were included in this study, 58 (59%) men and 40 (41%) women. The mean (±SD) age of patients was 61±17.9 years, 54% died and 46% survived. 57 patients (58%) developed thrombocytopenia, in 58% it was present at the admission to ICU, and 42% developed thrombocytopenia during their stay in ICU. The lowest platelet count, in survivors was on fifth day in ICU, while in non-survivors on fourth day in ICU. Platelet count on admission to ICU (ROC AUC: 0.610, p=0.095) had lower discriminative power for ICU mortality than SOFA score (ROC AUC: 0.729, p=0.001) and CURB-65 score (ROC AUC: 0.680, p=0.006). Patients with thrombocytopenia at any point of ICU stay had higher hospital mortality in comparison to patients without thrombocytopenia. (36 (63.1%) vs 17 (41.1%), p=0.041). In thrombocytopenic patients non-resolution of thrombocytopenia during the ICU stay was associated with higher mortality (OR 5.5; 95% CI, 1.6-18.7, p=0.006). After adjusting for age, gender and SOFA score, non-resolution of thrombocytopenia remained to be an independent mortality predictor (OR 8, 95% CI 1.7-37, p=0.008)
Conclusions. Thrombocytopenia is frequently encountered in patients with severe CAP. Thrombocytopenia at any point of ICU stay is associated with higher hospital mortality. Resolution of thrombocytopenia is associated with better clinical outcome.
Impact of Epidural Analgesia on Labor: Length of Labor, Operative Vaginal Delivery Rate and Occiput Posterior
Authors: Krievina Santa , Dunaiceva Jelena , Miskova Anna 
Published: May 2016

Summary
Introduction.Epidural analgesia (EA) is widely used as labor analgesia. It has been reported that EA can slow down the course of labor and increase the risk of operative vaginal delivery. Slower course of labor can lead to an increased risk of abnormal fetal heart rate (FHR). Some studies have also demonstrated an increase in occiput posterior position of the fetal head at delivery if EA is used. It represents a mechanism that may contribute to the lower rate of spontaneous vaginal delivery.
Aim of study. To evaluate the impact of EA on the length of labor and the rate of operative vaginal delivery, and to determine whether EA increases the rate of occiput posterior of the fetal head at delivery
Material and methods. We carried out a retrospective case-control study based on clinical records from parturients admitted to Riga Maternity Hospital in 2013. Parturients were divided into two groups: case group comprised parturients who had EA, while parturients of control group did not have EA. Groups were further subdivided into primiparas and multiparas and comparisons were made according to parity. We excluded parturients who had obstructed labor, pathological labor, induction of the labor, history of C-section and significant anomaly of the fetus.
Results. A total of 832 parturients were included in the study, 304 in EA group (220 primiparas and 84 multiparas) and 528 in control group (257 primiparas and 271 multiparas). Primiparas of EA group had longer latent phase of the first stage of labor in comparison to primiparas of control group (p=0.001), while multiparas of EA group had longer first stage (p=0.031) of labor and longer latent phase of labor (p<0.001) than their respective controls. Vacuum extraction was used in 1.27% of all deliveries with EA. Moreover, vacuum extraction was used only in primiparas an there was no statistically significant difference between EA group primiparas and control group primiparas (1.7% vs. 1.2%, p=0.593). EA did not increase the rate of occiput posterior positon of fetal head. However, primiparas with EA and occiput posterior were more likely to have an abnormal FHR tracing in comparison to primiparas with EA and without occiput posterior position of fetal head (40% vs. 9.8%, p=0.029; RR=4.09, 95% CI 1.3-12.9). There was no statistically significant link between occiput posterior position and abnormal FHR tracing in control group primiparas.
Conclusion. EA does not increase the likelihood of operative vaginal delivery. However, parturients with EA have longer latent phase of the first stage of labor. Risk for occiput posterior at delivery is not increased in labor with EA. However, the risk for abnormal FHR among primiparas who receive EA is increased in case of occiput posterior position of the fetal head.
Correlation Between Visual Field Functional and Optic Nerve Disc Structural Damage of Patients With Glaucoma
Authors: Elksnis Eriks , Lace Ilze 
Published: May 2016

Summary
Introduction.Retrospective study were made to find out the correlation between visual field functional and optic nerve disc structural damage of patients with glaucoma in early and late stage of disease.
Aim of the study. The aim of the present research was to characterize the relationships between visual field functional and optic nerve disc structural damage of patients with glaucoma in different stage of disease and create the basis of correlation.
Material and methods. Together 94 patients (137 eyes) were analyzed from Pauls Stradins clinical university hospital ophthalmology clinic, whom during years 2010 - 2012 were made computerized visual field at least more than 3 times and optical coherence tomography (OCT) research in one day. Following data as retinal nerve fiber layer scan with OCT of optic nerve disc and visual field were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the vision field functional damage severity. First group - patients in moderate stage of glaucoma, but second - in late stage of disease. From visual field examination was rated numerical corrected/pattern deviation map from age related norm values and compared with OCT Spectralis optic nerve retinal nerve fiber layer measurements using Garway - Heath map.
Results. The average age of patients were 73.94 years ± 6.95 years. Glaucoma in moderate stage was diagnosed in 96 (70.1%) of patients eyes, but in late stage - 41 (29.9%) eyes. In moderate stage the positive correlation was found in 72.9%% (70/96), but in 27.1% the correlation was not found with one of the diagnostic methods. (p<0.01). Looking trough out the results in moderate stage of disease the structural damage was recognized in 91.66% (88/96) cases, but functional visual field loss in 81.25% (78/96) cases. In severe stage of glaucoma the positive correlation between the diagnostic methods was in 92.68% (38/41), but in 7.32% (3/41) the OCT didn’t show the damage as wide as visual field. (p<0.18).
Conclusion. Correlation between functional changes diagnosed by OCT RNFL scan and structural damage shown by computerized perimetry data seems to depend on the stage of glaucoma.
Tactile Sensibility of Natural Teeth and Osseointegrated Dental Implants to Loading
Authors: Grieznis Linards , Apse Peteris , Blumfelds Leons 
Published: May 2016

Summary
Introduction. Dental implant therapy has become a popular method of replacing one or more missing teeth. Osseointegrated dental implants have been studied from histological, microbiologic and biomechanical point of view, but the neurophysiologic integration of the implants and the supported prostheses has received less attention. The sensory mechanism of dental implants is qualitatively different from that of natural teeth. Psychophysiological tests are used to determine the tactile sensibility perceived with the implants and teeth.
Aim of the study. The purpose of this study was to compare tactile sensibility of natural teeth and osseointegrated dental implants.
Material and methods. Forty-three patients were included in the study. Natural teeth were divided into two groups: non endodontically treated teeth (NETT) and endodontically treated teeth (ETT). Load tests were done by a computer-controlled pressure sensitive device („Power Lab“ Data Acquisition System - model 4/25T, sensor - model MLT003/D; ADInstruments), specially modified for intraoral use. Pushing forces were applied parallel to the vertical axis of teeth and implants. The patient held a signal button which he/she activated as soon as touch was sensed. At this moment the computer registered passive absolute tactile threshold - measured in Newtons. The mean values of passive absolute tactile threshold for natural teeth and dental implants were calculated. Comparison of the mean values was performed by the means of t-test.
Results. Passive absolute tactile threshold for osseointegrated dental implants was 2.39 N (SD=1.92), and for teeth - 0.67 N (SD=0.72), for non endodontically treated teeth it was 0.63 N (SD=0.72) and for endodontically treated teeth - 0.73 N (SD=0.69). The differences in mean values were statistically significant (p<0,0001) except for mean values of NETT vs. ETT.
Conclusion. This study shows that patients with osseointegrated implants subjectively feel “touch” sensation when greater force is applied compared with natural teeth.
Apoptosis, ANUP, Chromogranin A, PGP 9.5, Endothelins and VEGF in Acquired Heart Diseases: Review of Literature
Authors: Kulmane Edite , Pilmane Mara , Lacis Romans 
Published: May 2016

Summary
According to the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia data, in 2014 16076 latvians died from cardiovascular diseases and it is 57,03% of all deaths. Changes in myocardium of the diseased hearts are complex and pathogenesis is still not fully clear. Morphopathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases are complex molecular cell changes which include apoptosis, homeostasis regulating factors, and innervation and ischemia markers.
In this article we wanted to provide an overview about apoptosis, atrial natriuretic peptide, chromogranin A, neuropeptide-containing innervation, endothelins and vascular endothelial growth factor in pathomorphology of acquired heart diseases and their clinical implications.
Medium-Term Outcome after Multidisciplinary Management in Polytrauma Patient: a Case Report
Authors: Kornilova-Filusina Vera , Vikmanis Andris , Jakusonoka Ruta , Rusovs Gundars , Cistjaka Marija 
Published: May 2016

Summary
Previously healthy young patients having survived after multiple severe musculoskeletal injuries and undergone trauma-related amputation of lower limb have a long life expectancy. This case shows the role of multidisciplinary approach in severely injured polytrauma patient managed by traumatologists-orthopaedists, anesthetists-resuscitators, radiologists, general surgeons, microsurgeons, thoracic surgeons, urologists, neurologists, physical therapy rehabilitators, physiotherapists, technical orthopaedists, prosthetists. Majeed score demonstrates ability to perform work and to walk. Amputation affects the quality of life with a certain negative somatic and functional impact. Microprocessor controlled knee joint in patients after transfemoral amputation allows more precise adjustment of knee resistance, providing an increased walking velocity, reduction in stumble and falls, however the final outcome depends also on patients’ own motivation and readiness to regain previous quality of life.
CA-125: What does that lab really mean?
Authors: Patel Roma , Armfield Matthew , Olson Andrew 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Ovarian torsion is often a diagnosis of exclusion, and while less common in pre-pubertal females, it is on the differential for a pelvic mass. Tumor markers can be used to characterize a pelvic mass, with varying sensitivity and specificity. This is a case of a 10-year-old pre-pubertal female presenting with abdominal pain and found to have an ovarian mass. Her tumor markers demonstrated an elevated CA-125, increasing concern for neoplasm. This led to a delayed operative course and she was ultimately found to have an ovarian torsion. There is unclear utility of CA-125 in pediatrics and reliance on tumor markers during the work-up of an ovarian mass should be limited to avoid diagnostic error.
Electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen with depolarization of the anodic process
Authors: Tulskiy Gennadiy , Tulskaya Alena , Skatkov Leonid , Gomozov Valeriy , Deribo Svetlana 
Published: May 2016

AbstractA new active composite coating for graphite gas diffusion electrode for hybrid sulfur cycle was proposed. The kinetics of oxidation of SO2 were studied on porous graphite anodes with different catalytic coatings. It was shown that the most efficient composite coating is based on activated carbon and platinum supported on graphite gas diffusion substrate. The voltage drop in the laboratory electrochemical cell was 1.3 V at a current density of 1000 A·m−2. This corresponds to a specific consumption of 3.1 kWh electric energy per 1 m3 of hydrogen.
Reevaluating Etruscan Influences on the Engravings of Praenestine Pear-shaped Mirrors and Cistae
Authors: van der Meer L. Bouke 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPraenestine bronze cistae and pear-shaped bronze handle mirrors with engraved figural scenes, some with Latin inscriptions (ca. 350–300 B.C.E.), should not be labeled as Etruscan, Italic or or middle Republican Roman. The influences of the engravings of Etruscan circular tang and handle mirrors, although they were exported from Southern Etruria to Praeneste (nowadays Palestrina), are slight and incidental. The same holds true for influences of Praenestine mirrors on Etruscan mirrors. Even though intercultural artistic relations existed between certain Etruscan cities and Praeneste, the influence was not potent enough to label works of Praenestine craftsmanship as Etruscan. They have their own, distinct local character.
New Evidence of the gens Ciartia: An Etruscan Tile Stamp from Cinigiano (GR), loc. Tombarelle
Authors: Collins-Elliott Stephen A. , Bowes Kim 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn the course of excavating the site of Tombarelle near Cinigiano (GR), a roof tile with a public stamp in Etruscan was recovered from a late Antique context. The stamp contributes new information on the regional distribution of the
Envisioning Rome’s Prehistoric River Harbor: An Interim Report from the Forum Boarium
Authors: Brock Andrea L. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractFollowing a brief discussion of the literature and intellectual history of Rome’s river port, this article presents preliminary results from a mechanized coring survey of the Forum Boarium valley. Conducted in 2015, this survey produced empirical evidence on prehistoric human activity Rome’s floodplain and acquired substantial data on the paleolandscape of the region, including the shifting position of the Tiber River and the discovery of lacustrine deposits in the valley. Additionally, consideration is given to the advantages and limitations posed by the natural landscape during the origins of settlement and early urban development at Rome.
Factors affecting variation in the vase life response of waxflower cultivars (Myrtaceae: Chamelaucium Desf. and Verticordia spp. Desf.) tested under various vase solutions
Authors: Dung Cao D. , Seaton Kevin , Singh Zora 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The effects of genotype and vase solutions on the vase lives of waxflower cultivars were studied. The vase life of 16 cultivars derived from different genetic backgrounds showed a variation. The vase life of Chamelaucium uncinatum cultivars held in deionised water was generally the shortest, with four cultivars averaging 9.5 and 8.9 days for flowers and leaves while the vase lives of C. uncinatum × megalopetalum hybrids were on average 16.0 and 25.0 days for flowers and leaves, respectively. The hybrid ‘Southern Stars’ with C. uncinatum × Verticordia plumosa as parents had the longest flower vase life of 24.9 days, although another Verticordia × Chamelaucium had a 9.5-day flower vase life and other hybrids of the cultivars of C. uncinatum and Verticordia grandis Desf. (‘WX73’), C. sp. Gingin Marchantii (‘WX97’) and C. floriferum (‘Lady Stephanie’) as a parent had intermediate to short vase lives of 11.4 to 15.5 days. The cultivars responded most to 8-hydroxyquniline sulphate (HQS) + sucrose or HQS + sucrose + silver thiosulphate (STS), being 1.5- to 1.6-folds higher than in deionized water. The cultivars showed a varied response to a vase solution of sucrose + HQS + STS, with which C. uncinatum vase life increased 1.9-fold compared to 1.7-fold for C. megalopetalum. Waxflowers were found to be susceptible to water stress, causing flowers to close and shortening vase life. On average for the 80 cultivar-vase solution combinations tested, flower vase life ended when the stems reached 75.5 ± 5% fresh weigh. Longer vase life cultivars had a greater ability of maintaining a water balance at or above 75% for longer.