bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The concentration of heavy metals in soils around the wetlands of the Ina valley near Sławęcin / Koncentracja metali ciężkich w glebach mokradeł doliny Iny koło Sławęcina
Authors: Paprota Dariusz 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Wetlands around the upper part of the Ina valley are the area of great natural value, free from negative industrial impact. In the possible sources of contamination, we could include herbicides and artificial fertilisers from fields and meadows or municipal waste discharge from a small town Recz and local farms. The soils of wetlands, situated in the left part of the Ina valley near Sławęcin, were studied. Four characteristic profiles were made, from which soil samples were collected for laboratory analysis. In the soil samples, the content of organic matter and reaction in 1 mol KCl·dm-3 were determined, whereas in mineral horizons, granulometric composition and the concentration of total and exchangeable forms of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Co, Zn, Fe). As a result of conducted studies, it was found that the soils of wetlands in the Ina valley near Sławęcin, do not exhibit contamination with heavy metals but their greater accumulation was observed in the surface muck layers than in fen peat and lower lying sediments.
Assessment of similarity of inbred lines and F1 generations in collection of winter rye (Secale cereale L.) / Ocena podobieństwa linii wsobnych i pokolenia F1 w kolekcji żyta ozimego (Secale cereale L.)
Authors: Pyza Agnieszka , Kubicka-Matusiewicz Helena , Gozdowski Dariusz 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Effective tools for evaluation of diversity in the collected gene resources of a given species are multivariate statistical methods. They provide information on phenotypic and genetic variability of collected material. The subjects of this study were nine inbred lines and three F1 generations of winter rye (Secale cereale L.), growing in experimental plots of the Polish Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden, Centre for Biological Diversity Conservation in Powsin. The evaluation was performed over the period of 3 years. Observations were made of the following traits: length of stem, length of spike, number of nodes in spike rachis, number of kernels per spike, weight of kernels per spike, weight of 1000 kernels, length of flag leaf, length of subflag leaf, length of third leaf, width of flag leaf, width of subflag leaf, width of third leaf, area of leaves per stem, number of stems per plant and area of leaves per plant.
On the basis of cluster analysis and principal components analysis, two genetically homogeneous groups were identified. Mean values and standard deviations were calculated for each trait in each group and for all genotypes together. Multivariate distance matrix permitted identification of the most genetically similar and most distant forms.
Validation of the device for evaluation of muscular strength in the cervical spine region
Authors: Posłuszny A. , Myśliwiec A. , Saulicz E. , Mikołajowski G. , Linek P. , Saulicz M. , Andrzej Myśliwiec 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Background: In the physiotherapeutic practice, the need for measurements of e.g. range of motion or strength of the cervical spine muscles results from a variety of degenerative processes in the area of the head, cervical spine and shoulder girdle. In Poland, we designed a measurement stand based on the equipment described in foreign literature. Validation of the measurement stand was performed in order to determine the usefulness of this stand for measurements of maximal strength and muscle torques for the isometric contraction of the cervical spine muscles.
Material/Methods: A group of 13 women was examined to validate the device. The criteria for inclusion into the study group were adult age, no back pain and head pain syndromes. Validation of the equipment consisted in the calculation of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Three measurements were performed for each movement in three planes: initial measurement (I), second measurement after 15 minutes (II) and the third measurement after a week (III). The ICC coefficient was calculated based on the methodology discussed in the study by Shrout and Fleiss (1979).
Results: The results of the measurements reached the "excellent" level of the ICC coefficient between the first and the second test. In the case of the first and the third tests, the ICC coefficient reached the "good" level for the movements in the sagittal and transverse planes and the "excellent" level for the movements in the frontal plane.
Conclusions: The measurement system used in the measurement stand designed by the authors of the present study can be successfully used for comparative studies of several groups or repeated examinations of the same study group after application of a specific therapeutic procedure.The stand cannot be used for evaluation whether the results obtained are consistent with the standards for specific populations or for comparison with the results obtained from other devices.
The impact of movement rehabilitation on functional recovery to everyday activities in stroke patients – preliminary report
Authors: Walla Gabriela , Żmudzka-Wilczek Ewa , Mazur Katarzyna , Paweł Ryngier , Nawrat-Szołtysik Agnieszka 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Background: The main objective of this study was to demonstrate the beneficial effects of rehabilitation on self-sufficiency and recovery to everyday activities in patients after stroke.
Material/Methods: The study group comprised 20 patients (11 women and 9 men), who were randomly allocated into two groups of 10 participants each. The first was the control group whose members underwent a 3-week rehabilitation program used in the Neurological Department of the District Hospital in Zawiercie. The study group received the same rehabilitative program but enriched with selected elements of the Bobath concept. On the first and last days of the study each of the patients was assessed with respect to self-sufficiency in performing daily activities using Functional Measure ”Repty” (FMR - simplified version of Functional Independence Measure), upper extremity proximal motor control (the Frenchay Arm Test - FAT) and lower extremity strength (the Timed Up and Go Test - TUG).
Results: The results revealed that patients with enriched rehabilitative program exhibited improvement in a greater numer of physical functions as assessed by the FMR (improvement by 26.4%) compared to the control participants (14.28%). The Frenchay Arm Test and the Timed Up and Go Test showed improvement in upper extremity control and locomotion in the study and control participants. The mean reduction in TUG time was 2.5 s and 3.4 s in the control and study participants, respectively; the results are statistically significant. A FAT task, ie., lifting a cylinder and replacing it improved by a mean of 2 and 0.5 inches; there were also gains in the performance of other tasks such as drinking water from a glass and combing hair.
Conclusions: The final results revealed an improvement of physical function in all patients. However, rehabilitation program enrichment with selected elements of the Bobath concept helped the patients achieve better functional recovery; a 3-week rehabilitation program more effectively contributed to improving self-sufficiency, locomotion and arm function.
Physiotherapy in the comprehensive treatment of obesity
Authors: Cieślińska-Świder J. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Background: World Health Organization considers obesity as the most serious health condition in the world today. This concerns not only adults but also children and young people.
Obesity is the leading cause of increased morbidity, disabilities, mortality rates and deteriorated quality of life in society. Higher death risk due to cardiovascular diseases and certain cancerous conditions are also attributable to obesity. Some 40% adults in the world today are overweight and 13% are obese. These tendencies have also been observed in Poland. Specific components of comprehensive slimming treatments include dietary treatment, nutrition education, habits modification, increased level of physical activity, pharmacological treatment and surgical interventions. The basis in obesity treatment is to induce a negative energy balance. This status is typically achieved through dietary measures and increased energy expenditure. Helping prepare adequate individual therapeutic programs is a key to success in slimming of the obese patients. Mass reduction programs are prepared individually based on FITT formula, which takes into consideration four aspects of physical activity: frequency, intensity, time and type of physical activity. The role of physiotherapists in this process is essential. Individual therapeutic programs help adjust all the aspects of training to the health status of the obese patients, with respect to coexisting diseases.
European Social Pacts Policy (the Netherlands, Ireland and Italy)
Authors: Kichewko Karolina 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The main aims of this article are: a presentation of the theoretical framework for the analysis of the social pacts policy (taking into consideration that social pacts are phenomena which are very difficult to clearly define) and the presentation of the practice of this policy in chosen European countries (including three cases of “using” social pacts for the shaping of public policy, taking into consideration the fact that the form and content of social pacts vary from country to country). Social pacts are very special kinds of agreements between the representatives of the state and the interest groups. They can include various issues of social and economic policies, but they can also be used for solving economic difficulties and sustaining progress, including the development of the state. Social Pacts Policy is useful for a weak state and interest groups, which as a result of it can have an influence on public policy. Although, its application is not a facile process of agreement between the state and the social partners, it can have various forms and can include different goals of social and economic policies. Similarly, the range, institutionalisation and length of social pacts are not the same in all countries. Moreover, as the article indicates it refers to the economic, cultural and social circumstances, which can also cause the disappearance of the social pacts mechanism.
Life and Work of Academician Momir Polenakovic
Authors: Kambovski Vlado 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Talking about Acad. Momir Polenakovic, on the occasion of his 75th anniversary and 50 years of work, it is my pleasure to say that he is one of the rare medical workers, researchers, visionaries and educators, especially in the field of nephrology. With his work he became famous in Macedonia and in the world and raised the Macedonian nephrology to a European level. He is characterized with the highest virtues of the scientist: knowledge, diligence, searching for truth and empathy. Acad. Polenakovic is an example to all younger counterparts for his exceptionally correct and friendly relations with all his associates, and, he also supports his younger colleagues in their work and development.
Momir H. Polenakovic – Founder of the Nephrology Associations in the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Spasovski Goce , Stojceva-Taneva Olivera 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Acad. Momir Polenakovic has devoted his life and work in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney patients, as well as in research of kidney disease. The great experience he has acquired in the work with kidney patients, and after the visit to the most renowned nephrology centers in Europe and the world, he has transferred it to his colleagues through the work in the medical and nephrology associations. The work of the associations was in fact a successful education of young doctors and specialists. Among his most distinguished positions, we can mention: President of the Macedonian Medical Association, founder and President of the MSNDTAO, President of the Yugoslav Society of Nephrology, founder and President of BANTAO, as well as member of the Boards of ESAO and ERA-EDTA. He has received a lot of recognitions for his work achievements.
Life-Time Risk, Screening and The Cost of Cardiovascular Comorbidities in CKD Patients
Authors: Zoccali Carmine , ElHafeez Samar Abd , Dounousi Evangelia , Anastasi Rossana , Tripepi Giovanni , Mallamaci Francesca 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
CKD is a problem of epidemic dimension. The risk of death and cardiovascular complications in this condition is of the same order of that by myocardial infarction, which qualifies CKD as “risk equivalent”. Calculations made on the basis of the epidemiological data of the MONICA-Augsburg study and analyses of the costs of myocardial infarction in a large health insurance company in Germany show that the economic burden of cardiovascular comorbidities with CKD in this country is substantial. These estimates, which may be valid also for other large member states of the European Community, represent a call for studies looking at the cost-effectiveness of preventive interventions aimed at reducing the risk for CKD and at lowering the concerning incidence rate of death and disability due to CKD-triggered cardiovascular complications in CKD patients.
Etiological Factors in Urgent Gastroduodenal Ulcer
Authors: Begovic Goran , Selmani Redzep 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Aim: The goal of the study is to assess the impact of the etiological and risk factors in the cases of urgent gastroduodenal ulcer.
Methods: This is a prospective study which included 67 patients selected randomly, all with urgent, life-threatening complications of the gastroduodenal ulcer, treated at the University Clinic for Digestive Surgery and the University Clinic for Gastroenterohepatology. For the purpose of the study the titer of IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori in serum is examined, as well as the use of NSAID and aspirin. We also tested the use of nicotine and alcohol. Besides these factors, we took into consideration the sex and the age.
Results: The serological test of Helicobacter pylori was positive in 89.6% of the cases. 31.3% used NSAID and 16.4% used aspirin. Large number, 65.7% of the patients were smokers, while 25.4% used alcohol.
With regard to the sex, 83.6% were male and 16.4% were female. The most frequent age group was the one from 41 to 60 years with 40.3% and those between 61 and 80 years of age with 35.8%.
Conclusion: The presence of Helicobacter pylori with the urgent gastroduodenal ulcer was exceptionally high, in 89.6% of the duodenal and gastric ulcers. NSAID and aspirin are factors that also influence the etiology of this disease. Smoking is a significant risk factor. Alcohol is less present, but still an important factor.
Report on the Workshop and Regular Meeting of the Imode-CKD and Bcmolmed Marie Curie Training and Research Programs
Authors: Krochmal Magdalena , Cisek Katryna , Markoska Katerina , Spasovski Goce , Vlahou Antonia 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
A Workshop and Regular Meeting of the Marie Curie Training and Research Programs iMODECKD (Identification of the Molecular Determinants of established Chronic Kidney Disease) and BCMolMed (Molecular Medicine for Bladder Cancer) was held from 20-22 March at the Macedonian Academy of Science and Arts (MASA). The meeting was hosted by the participating center University of Skopje (SKO) - Goce Spasovski and MASA - Momir Polenakovic (R. Macedonia). The representative from MASA proteomic research center - Katerina Davalieva (R. Macedonia) had presentation on proteomic research in prostate cancer (PCa). 40 researchers from 13 different countries participated at the meeting. The Workshop was devoted on "Chronic Kidney Disease: Clinical Management issues", and consisted of 15 oral presentations given by nephrologists and experts in the field of CKD. Raymond Vanholder (Belgium) - past president of ERA-EDTA had a keynote lecture on "CKD: Questions that need to be answered and are not (or at least not entirely)". The workshop continued in four sessions with lectures from Alberto Ortiz (Spain), Olivera Stojceva-Taneva (R. Macedonia), Dimitrios Goumenos (Greece), Joachim Beige (Germany), Marian Klinger (Poland), Goce Spasovski (R. Macedonia), Joachim Jankowski (Germany), Adalbert Schiller (Romania), Robert Johnson (USA), Franco Ferrario (Italy), Ivan Rychlik (Czech Republic), Fulvio Magni (Italy) and Giovambattista Capasso (Italy), all covering a training theme. Within the meeting there were two lectures on complimentary skills for ethics in science and career advancement from two principal investigators - Goce Spasovski (R. Macedonia) and Joost Schanstra (France). During the Regular Meeting, 13 PhD students i.e. Early Stage Researchers and one Experienced Researcher from both Programs presented their work and progress within iMODE-CKD and BCMolMed projects. This meeting was a great opportunity to exchange experience and ideas in the field of systems biology approaches and translational medicine and planning future collaboration.
Recent progress on the role of GABAergic neurotransmission in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Abbas Ghulam , Mahmood Wajahat , Kabir Nurul 
Published: January 2016

AbstractDespite their possible causative role, targeting amyloidosis, tau phosphorylation, acetylcholine esterase, glutamate, oxidative stress and mitochondrial metabolism have not yet led to the development of drugs to cure Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent preclinical and clinical reports exhibit a surge in interest in the role of GABAergic neurotransmission in the pathogenesis of AD. The interaction among GABAergic signaling, amyloid-β and acetylcholine is shown to affect the homeostasis between excitation (glutamate) and inhibition (GABA) in the brain. As a consequence, over-excitation leads to neurodegeneration (excitotoxicity) and impairment in the higher level functions. Previously, the glutamate arm of this balance received the most attention. Recent literature suggests that over-excitation is primarily mediated by dysfunctional GABA signaling and can possibly be restored by rectifying anomalous metabolism observed in the GABAergic neurons during AD. Additionally, neurogenesis and synaptogenesis have also been linked with GABAergic signaling. This association may provide a basis for the needed repair mechanism. Furthermore, several preclinical interventional studies revealed that targeting various GABA receptor subtypes holds potential in overcoming the memory deficits associated with AD. In conclusion, the recent scientific literature suggests that GABAergic signaling presents itself as a promising target for anti-AD drug development.
Systolic and Diastolic Function in Congestive Heart Failure Pediatric Patients
Authors: Butnariu Angela , Zamfir Camelia , Iancu Mihaela , Iacob Daniela , Samasca G. , Lupan Iulia 
Published: January 2016

Background and Aims. Two-dimensional (2D) and Doppler echocardiography are the main methods for the non-invasive evaluation of ventricular function in children. Our study monitored the evaluation of systolic and diastolic function in pediatric patients, using classical echocardiographic parameters and pulsed tissue Doppler parameters, as well as the correlation between these.
Methods. The study included 18 healthy children and 9 children diagnosed with congestive heart failure secondary to congenital heart malformations. The parameters of systolic and diastolic function were measured by 2D echocardiography, 2D guided M mode, color and pulsed Doppler, as well as by pulsed tissue Doppler at the level of the mitral and tricuspid annulus.
Results. A relaxation alteration pattern or a pseudonormal pattern of E diastolic velocity compared to the A wave was found (E = A; E > A) in the group of subjects with heart failure. E wave deceleration time had significantly increased values in the case of patients with CHF, being correlated with diastolic dysfunction. Left ventricular flow propagation velocity Vp was decreased in patients with heart failure, the E/Vp ratio being maintained relatively constant in subjects with congestive heart failure and healthy subjects, most probably on account of the concomitant change in the E wave. Associations between the severity of systolic dysfunction and the diastolic dysfunction were found in pediatric patients diagnosed with congestive heart failure (Student test, p < 0.05).
Conclusions. Tissue Doppler measurements proved to be useful for the evaluation of pediatric patients with altered ventricular geometry secondary to congenital heart disease, systolic-diastolic dysfunction and heart failure.
An Unusual Presentation of Plasma Cells – Castleman Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Mihăilă Mariana , Herlea V. , Dobrea Camelia , Lupescu Ioana , Munteanu Gina Rusu , Chiriac Grethi , Micu L. , Serescu R. , Copaci I. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
We present the case of a 76 year old female patient admitted in the Department of Cardiology for physical asthenia, profuse sweating and dyspnea with orthopnea for about one month. Clinical and paraclinical assessments performed at admission confirmed the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade. Surgical intervention was performed and 400 mL of clear effusion were drained. Post-operative evolution was marked by recurrence of symptoms, requiring after 3 weeks a new drainage of 600 mL of clear effusion, and biopsy of the pericardium was performed. Pathological exam described serous pericarditis with chronic inflammatory infiltrate, xanthogranulomatous reaction intricated in the pericardium and mesothelial hyperplasia. The patient was subsequently transferred to the Department of Internal Medicine for further investigations. Physical examination showed a patient with altered general status, pallor, vesicular murmur absent in both bases, presenting cutaneous hyperpigmentation at the level of the right hemi-abdomen and hip with posterior extension, and a peripheral indurated erythematous plaque. The patient presented nodular masses of 3 cm in the right latero-cervical and bilateral axillary regions, non-adherent to the superficial structures, as well as adenopathic blocks in both inguinal regions. CT scan of the thorax and abdomen showed moderate bilateral pleuresia, minimal pericardial effusion (15 mm) and multiple adenopathies on both sides of the diaphragm. Skin biopsy was performed, as well as bone marrow aspirate and excision of a right axillary lymph node. Pathological exams and immunohistochemistry tests confirmed the diagnosis of Plasma Cells Castleman disease.
Spontaneous regression of lumbar herniated disc Case presentation
Authors: Chiriac A. , Ion Giorgiana , Faiyad Z. , Poeata I. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Intervertebral disc herniation is a common disease that usually requires surgical intervention. However, in some cases, neurological symptoms may improve with conservative treatment. In this article, we present a case with spontaneous regression of extruded lumbar herniated disc correlated with clinical improvement and documented with follow up MRI studies.