bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of cytokines in degenerative spine disorders
Authors: Sutovsky J. , Kocmalova M. , Benco M. , Kazimierova I. , Pappova L. , Frano A. , Sutovska M. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Background: Degenerative spine disorders (DSD) are the most frequent reason of morbidity in adults. Commonly DSD includes degenerative disorders of intervertebral discs (IVDs), spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis (SL). There is increasing evidence about significant role of cytokines in DSD pathogenesis, symptomathology and progression, but their protective levels remain still unknown.
Material and Methods: The aim of presented study was to provide quantitative and qualitative analysis of cytokine, chemokine and growth factors levels in individual parts of IVDs - annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) - separately and in facet joints (FJ) subchondral bone of patients with DSD and in controls - healthy subjects during a multiorgan procurement procedure. Bio-Plex® assay was used to measure concentrations of 27 different cytokines in tissue of patients with DSD. Their concentrations in tissues of healthy subjects during a multiorgan procurement procedure represented protective levels.
Results: The Bio-Plex® assay revealed significant differences between the patients suffered from degenerated and herniated IVDs and from lumbar SL and controls in cytokines, chemokines and growth factor profiles suggested that pro-inflammatory changes of both NP and AF were dominated in herniated IVDs, whereas the same tissue of lumbar SL patients exhibited much more complex changes in cytokine levels suggested o only ongoing inflammation (IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, TNF-α), abut also antiinflammatory processes (IL-ra, IL-10) or connective tissue remodeling (PDGF-bb, IL-17, VEGF). The different mediators were found elevated in lumbar SL samples of subchondral FJ bone. These also confirmed ongoing inflammation, accelerated bone resorption and formation and increased fibroblasts activity in FJ bone.
Conclusion: The study supported the significant involvement of several cytokines, chemokines and growth factors in the pathogenesis of DSD. These cytokines should represent future potential targets for new biological treatment able to slow DSD progression as well as factor determining prognosis of DSD.
Lycopene restores trace element levels in ochratoxin A-treated rats
Authors: Palabiyik Saziye Sezin , Erkekoglu Pinar , Kızılgun Murat , Sahin Gonul , Kocer-Gumusel Belma 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the in vivo effects of ochratoxin A (OTA) and/or lycopene on the levels of selenium, zinc, and copper in the liver, kidneys, and testes of male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were treated with OTA (0.5 mg kg-1 day-1) and/or lycopene (5 mg kg-1 day-1) by gavage for 7 or 14 days. Trace element levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. OTA significantly lowered selenium (20 % in the liver, 17 % in the kidney, and 40 % in the testis), zinc (24 % in the liver, 23 % in the kidney, and 26 % in the testis), and copper levels (40 % in the liver and 10 % in the kidney). Lycopene alone did not affect the trace element levels in any of the organs. In combination with OTA, however, it significantly restored liver, kidney, and testis selenium and zinc levels compared to the group treated with OTA alone. Our results have confirmed that depletion of trace elements in different organs is one of the mechanisms of action of OTA. They also suggest that lycopene interferes with this depleting effect and restores trace element levels, the implications of which need to be further investigated.
Facts about phthalate toxicity in humans and their occurrence in alcoholic beverages
Authors: Karačonji Irena Brčić , Jurica Sonja Anić , Lasić Dario , Jurica Karlo 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Phthalates are esters of phthalic acid and aliphatic alcohol added to plastic to improve its softness, flexibility, and extensibility. They easily migrate from plastic products into the environment because of their physical and chemical properties. This review summarises their characteristics, distribution in the environment, monitoring, use, toxic effects on human health, regulatory limits in different matrices and products, and tolerable daily intake. The studies we have reviewed suggest that phthalates have a potential to affect reproduction and development in humans. Due to the inconsistent data, further studies are needed and, in the meantime, precautionary policies must be implemented. Here we draw attention to the methods of determining phthalate levels in alcoholic beverages and reported levels in plum spirits produced in Croatia. Legally produced and moderately consumed plum spirits do not seem to increase the risk of phthalate toxicity for human health. We conclude with recommendations for the effective monitoring of phthalate exposure in humans and for the implementation of alternative materials in alcohol production.
Evaluation and Analysis of Environmental Noise Pollution in Seven Major Cities of India
Authors: Garg Naveen , Sinha A. K. , Dahiya M. , Gandhi V. , Bhardwaj R. M. , Akolkar A. B. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The paper describes the noise monitoring data acquired from the pilot project on the establishment of National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network (NANMN) across seven major cities in India for continuous noise monitoring throughout the year. The annual average Lday (06-22 h) and Lnight (22-06 h) values observed in year 2011-2014 for the 35 locations under study in which 14 locations are in commercial zone,5 in Industrial, 7 in residential and 9 in silence zones are described. The long-term noise monitoring shows that ambient noise levels have marginally increased for 29 sites (82.9%) since past four years. The present study is focused on evaluation and analysis of environmental noise pollution at 35 noise monitoring sites in seven major cities of India and shall be instrumental in planning for the noise abatement measures for controlling the noise pollution in these sites.
Noise Elimination of Reciprocating Compressors Using FEM, Neural Networks Method, and the GA Method
Authors: Chang Ying-Chun , Chiu Min-Chie , Xie Ji-Lin 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Industry often utilizes acoustical hoods to block noise emitted from reciprocating compressors. How-ever, the hoods are large and bulky. Therefore, to diminish the size of the compressor, a compact discharge muffler linked to the compressor outlet is considered. Because the geometry of a reciprocating compressor is irregular, COMSOL, a finite element analysis software, is adopted. In order to explore the acoustical performance, a mathematical model is established using a finite element method via the COMSOL commercialized package. Additionally, to facilitate the shape optimization of the muffler, a polynomial neural network model is adopted to serve as an objective function; also, a Genetic Algorithm (GA) is linked to the OBJ function. During the optimization, various noise abatement strategies such as a reverse expansion chamber at the outlet of the discharge muffler and an inner extended tube inside the discharge muffler, will be assessed by using the artificial neural network in conjunction with the GA optimizer. Consequently, the discharge muffler that is optimally shaped will decrease the noise of the reciprocating compressor.
Reference intervals and longitudinal changes in copeptin and MR-proADM concentrations during pregnancy
Authors: Joosen Annemiek M.C.P. , van der Linden Ivon J.M. , Schrauwen Lianne , Theeuwes Alisia , de Groot Monique J.M. , Ermens Antonius A.M. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Background:
Vasopressin and adrenomedullin and their stable by-products copeptin and midregional part of proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) are promising biomarkers for the development of preeclampsia. However, clinical use is hampered by the lack of trimester-specific reference intervals. We therefore estimated reference intervals for copeptin and MR-proADM in disease-free Dutch women throughout pregnancy.

Methods:
Apparently healthy low risk pregnant women were recruited. Exclusion criteria included current or past history of endocrine disease, multiple pregnancy, use of medication known to influence thyroid function and current pregnancy as a result of hormonal stimulation. Women who miscarried, developed hyperemesis gravidarum, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, hemolysis elevated liver enzymes and low platelets, diabetes or other disease, delivered prematurely or had a small for gestational age neonate were excluded from analyses. Blood samples were collected at 9–13 weeks (n=98), 27–29 weeks (n=94) and 36–39 weeks (n=91) of gestation and at 4–13 weeks post-partum (PP) (n=89). Sixty-two women had complete data during pregnancy and PP. All analyses were performed on a Kryptor compact plus.

Results:
Copeptin increases during pregnancy, but 97.5th percentiles remain below the non-pregnant upper reference limit (URL) provided by the manufacturer. MR-proADM concentrations increase as well during pregnancy. In trimesters 2 and 3 the 97.5th percentiles are over three times the non-pregnant URL provided by the manufacturer.

Conclusions:
Trimester- and assay-specific reference intervals for copeptin and MR-proADM should be used. In addition, consecutive measurements and the time frame between measurements should be considered as the differences seen with or in advance of preeclampsia can be expected to be relatively small compared to the reference intervals.
Effects of procalcitonin testing on antibiotic use and clinical outcomes in patients with upper respiratory tract infections. An individual patient data meta-analysis
Authors: Odermatt Jonas , Friedli Natalie , Kutz Alexander , Briel Matthias , Bucher Heiner C. , Christ-Crain Mirjam , Burkhardt Olaf , Welte Tobias , Mueller Beat , Schuetz Philipp 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Background:
Several trials found procalcitonin (PCT) helpful for guiding antibiotic treatment in patients with lower respiratory tract infections and sepsis. We aimed to perform an individual patient data meta-analysis on the effects of PCT guided antibiotic therapy in upper respiratory tract infections (URTI).

Methods:
A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using PubMed (MEDLINE) and Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies published until September 2016. We reanalysed individual data of adult URTI patients with a clinical diagnosis of URTI. Data of two trials were used based on PRISMA-IPD guidelines. Safety outcomes were (1) treatment failure defined as death, hospitalization, ARI-specific complications, recurrent or worsening infection at 28 days follow-up; and (2) restricted activity within a 14-day follow-up. Secondary endpoints were initiation of antibiotic therapy, and total days of antibiotic exposure.

Results:
In total, 644 patients with a follow up of 28 days had a final diagnosis of URTI and were thus included in this analysis. There was no difference in treatment failure (33.1% vs. 34.0%, OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.7–1.4; p=0.896) and days with restricted activity between groups (8.0 vs. 8.0 days, regression coefficient 0.2 (95% CI –0.4 to 0.9), p=0.465). However, PCT guided antibiotic therapy resulted in lower antibiotic prescription (17.8% vs. 51.0%, OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1–0.3; p<0.001) and in a 2.4 day (95% CI –2.9 to –1.9; p<0.001) shorter antibiotic exposure compared to control patients.

Conclusions:
PCT guided antibiotic therapy in the primary care setting was associated with reduced antibiotic exposure in URTI patients without compromising outcomes.
On a class of (p; q)-Laplacian problems involving the critical Sobolev-Hardy exponents in starshaped domain
Authors: Shahrokhi-Dehkordi M.S. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Let Ω ⊂ ℝn be a bounded starshaped domain and consider the (p; q)-Laplacian problem
-∆pu - ∆pu = λ(x)|u|p*-2u + μ|u|r-2u
where μ is a positive parameter, 1 < q ≤ p < n, r ≥ p* and is the critical Sobolev exponent. In this short note we address the question of non-existence for non-trivial solutions to the (p; q)-Laplacian problem. In particular we show the non-existence of non-trivial solutions to the problem by using a method based on Pohozaev identity.
The influence of ethephon application to processing tomato plants on yield structure in relation to weather conditions during the growing period
Authors: Jędrszczyk Elżbieta , Skowera Barbara , Kędzior Renata , Gawęda Maria 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of ethephon application (Agrostym 480 SL) on the yield and yield structure of five processing tomato cultivars (Rumba, Hubal, Sokal F1 , Mieszko F1 and Polset F1 ). The experiment was carried out in the open field in the years 2009-2011 in Mydlniki near Kraków, Poland. Two weeks before harvesting, half of the plants of each cultivar were treated with Agrostym 480 SL (3 dm3 ha-1) and the other half were left as a control without spraying. Marketable yield included properly shaped and welldeveloped light red and red fruits. Non-marketable yield included pink and turning fruits, mature green and breaker fruits, and diseased fruits. A generalized linear model (GLM) for Poisson distribution with the log link function was used to determine the relationship between the years of the study and cultivar and selected values of the yield structure. The yield structure of tomato depended significantly on the weather conditions during the growing period in different years of the study, on the cultivar, and on the use of ethephon. Ethephon had a particularly beneficial effect on yield structure in the years with an unfavourable distribution of precipitation. Ethephon application in the years 2009 and 2010 had a beneficial effect on the health of tomato plants.
The Measurement of Housing Preferences in the Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Gawlik Remigiusz , Głuszak Michał , Małkowska Agnieszka 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The paper focuses on an adaptation of the AHP method to elicit housing preferences on the rental market. To assess the applicability of the AHP method for residential market analyses, a survey was conducted on a group of students from Cracow University of Economics, Poland. The students were asked to evaluate the importance of particular criteria when selecting an apartment. We identified the major methodological difficulties of the utilization of the AHP method in applied research on preferences and decision-making on the housing market. Potential solutions to the mentioned limitations were also presented.
Methods of Event History Analysis in the Assessment of Crisis Impact on Sectors Related with the Real Estate Market in Poland
Authors: Bieszk-Stolorz Beata , Markowicz Iwona 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe subject of the article is the use of methods of event history analysis to assess the fall of prices and the subsequent increase of share prices of companies operating in the construction industry, developers (real estate) and building materials industry compared to other industries. The 328 examined companies were listed on the continuous market and the parallel market on the Stock Exchange in Warsaw. Share prices were observed in the period from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2009 which was based on the earlier observations of stock quotes and the WIG index, the latter reaching its minimum in February 2009. The closing price of a share was taken into account. The 60% decrease and 80% growth in shares prices in particular sectors were analysed. What was assessed was the risk of fall in share prices and their chance for recovery. Additionally, the intensity of the increase of share prices and the probability of failure to reach the limit were examined.
Cumulative Incidence Function in Studies on the Duration of the Unemployment Exit Process
Authors: Bieszk-Stolorz Beata 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
When we analyse the employment seeking process, an event that ends the observation of a given individual is their employment. The remaining observations are considered to be censored: the observations concluded before the end of the study or the cases of deregistering for other causes (e.g. old-age pension, taking up residence in a foreign country, starting further education). The act of taking up income-generating work can take various forms: taking up a job, setting up a business or taking advantage of subsidised job programmes. Jobseekers are often deregistered from poviat labour offices because they refuse to take up an offered job or fail to report to the office in due time. All the above events are forms of competing risk. The purpose of this paper is to use the cumulative incidence function to assess the probability of the unemployment exit with regard to different types of the competing risk. When competing-risk events occur, a solution sometimes is used where the remaining endpoint events are considered censored observations. Such a solution leads to an overestimation of probability. The results implicate that the beneficiaries’ will to find employment was not a principal reason for a registering decision. The study is based on the individual data of jobseekers registered in the Poviat Labour Office in Szczecin.
White Gaussian Noise – Models for Engineers
Authors: Jondral Friedrich K. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis paper assembles some information about white Gaussian noise (WGN) and its applications. It starts from a description of thermal noise, i. e. the irregular motion of free charge carriers in electronic devices. In a second step, mathematical models of WGN processes and their most important parameters, especially autocorrelation functions and power spectrum densities, are introduced. In order to proceed from mathematical models to simulations, we discuss the generation of normally distributed random numbers. The signal-to-noise ratio as the most important quality measure used in communications, control or measurement technology is accurately introduced. As a practical application of WGN, the transmission of quadrature amplitude modulated (QAM) signals over additive WGN channels together with the optimum maximum likelihood (ML) detector is considered in a demonstrative and intuitive way.
Choline taurinate: a new biocompatible amino-functionalized ionic liquid as basic catalyst and extraction solvent
Authors: Deng Wenxiu , Liu Lujie , Peng Yanqing 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
A new biocompatible amino-functionalized ionic liquid composed solely of biomaterials was synthesized from taurine and choline hydroxide, and its physical properties (density, viscosity, miscibility and thermal stability) were also determined. The classic base-promoted three-component cyclic condensation of aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile and dimedone was chosen as the test reaction to demonstrate the catalytic activity of choline taurinate ([Ch][Tau]). The catalyst could be recovered and reused several times with no significant loss of activity. As a basic ionic liquid, [Ch][Tau] can extract acidic compounds from immiscible solvents through acid-base interaction. The extraction process of fluorescent dye Rhodamine B was monitored using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, by which the percentage extraction rate was determined as 95%.
Acoustic impact testing and waveform analysis for damage detection in glued laminated timber
Authors: Xu Feng , Wang Xiping , Teder Marko , Liu Yunfei 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Delamination and decay are common structural defects in old glued laminated timber (glulam) buildings, which, if left undetected, could cause severe structural damage. This paper presents a new damage detection method for glulam inspection based on moment analysis and wavelet transform (WT) of impact acoustic signals. Acoustic signals were collected from a glulam arch section removed from service through impact testing at various locations. The presence and positions of internal defects were preliminarily determined by applying time centroid and frequency centroid of the first moment. Acoustic signals were then decomposed by wavelet packet transform (WPT) and the energy of the sub-bands was calculated as characteristics of the response signals. The sub-bands of 0–375 Hz and 375–750 Hz were identified as the most discriminative features that are associated with decay and delamination and therefore are indicative of the presence of delamination or decay defects. A defect diagnosis algorithm was tested for its ability to identify internal decay and delamination in glulam. The results show that depth of delamination in a glulam member can be determined with reasonable accuracy.
The moderate essential amino acid restriction entailed by low-protein vegan diets may promote vascular health by stimulating FGF21 secretion
Authors: McCarty Mark F. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The serum total and LDL cholesterol levels of long-term vegans tend to be very low. The characteristically low ratio of saturated to unsaturated fat in vegan diets, and the absence of cholesterol in such diets, clearly contribute to this effect. But there is reason to suspect that the quantity and composition of dietary protein also play a role in this regard. Vegan diets of moderate protein intake tend to be relatively low in certain essential amino acids, and as a result may increase hepatic activity of the kinase GCN2, which functions as a gauge of amino acid status. GCN2 activation boosts the liver’s production of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a factor which favorably affects serum lipids and metabolic syndrome. The ability of FGF21 to decrease LDL cholesterol has now been traced to at least two mechanisms: a suppression of hepatocyte expression of sterol response element-binding protein-2 (SREBP-2), which in turn leads to a reduction in cholesterol synthesis; and up-regulated expression of hepatocyte LDL receptors, reflecting inhibition of a mechanism that promotes proteasomal degradation of these receptors. In mice, the vascular benefits of FGF21 are also mediated by favorable effects on adipocyte function – most notably, increased adipocyte secretion of adiponectin, which directly exerts anti-inflammatory effects on the vasculature which complement the concurrent reduction in LDL particles in preventing or reversing atherosclerosis. If, as has been proposed, plant proteins preferentially stimulate glucagon secretion owing to their amino acid composition, this would represent an additional mechanism whereby plant protein promotes FGF21 activity, as glucagon acts on the liver to boost transcription of the FGF21 gene.
Impact of FGF21 on glycemic control
Authors: Strowski Mathias Z. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) plays a role in regulating adaptation to various metabolic abnormalities. In addition, FGF21 is involved in controlling glucose and lipid homeostasis. The regulation of FGF21 is a complex process and depends upon multiple metabolic factors and hormones. Humans and animals with obesity or type 2 diabetes have abnormal expression and changes of FGF21 in the circulation. Interventional studies in rodents and monkeys with obesity, insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes revealed a potential therapeutic relevance of FGF21 in correcting these abnormalities. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the regulation of FGF21 by distinct metabolic and endogenous factors, considering the most relevant studies. In this context, the results of interventional studies in humans and various animal models of diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, are discussed. In addition, potential mechanisms of the molecular regulation of FGF21 expression and secretion are reviewed.