bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of feeding with bilberry fruit on the expression pattern of αCaMKII in hippocampal neurons in normal and diabetic rats
Authors: Matysek M. , Mozel S. , Szalak R. , Zacharko-Siembida A. , Obszańska K. , Arciszewski M.B. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
αCaMKII, widely occurring in the central nervous system, plays a significant role in cognitive processes. It is well known that diabetes is a risk factor that may trigger brain atrophy, cognitive dysfunction and finally lead to memory loss. Antioxidants richly present in bilberry fruits are believed to have significant effects on diabetes-related brain dysfunctions mainly due to their abilities to modulate neurotransmitter release that lead to reduction of the negative impact of free radicals on cognitive processes. The aim of the present research was to immunohistochemically investigate the expression patterns of αCaMKII in hippocampal neurons from non-diabetic, diabetic and diabetic rats fed with an extract of bilberry fruit. The obtained results show that in comparison to the control group, in diabetic rats hippocampal neurons immunoreactive (ir) to αCaMKII were swollen and the lengths of the neuronal fibres were reduced. Further study shows that in diabetic rats fed with bilberry fruit, αCaMKII-positive nerve fibres were significantly longer when compared to the groups of diabetic and control rats. Additionally, we observed statistically significant changes in the average larger diameter of αCaMKII-ir hippocampal neurons between groups of diabetic rats (with vs. without supplement of bilberry fruit). The results of the present work suggest that antioxidants present in bilberry fruits influence the morphology of and possibly exhibit beneficial and neuroprotective effects on hippocampal neurons during diabetes. It is likely that changes in the appearance of αCaMKII-expressed hippocampal neurons may reflect the diabetes-evoked rise in Ca2+ level in the cerebral nerve terminals. The present research extends our knowledge of preventive mechanisms for cognitive dysfunctions occurring in the brain during diabetes.
Evaluation of in-feed larch sawdust anti-inflammatory effect in sows
Authors: Tzika E.D. , Tassis P.D. , Papatsiros V.G. , Pferschy-Wenzig E.M. , Siochu A. , Bauer R. , Alexopoulos C. , Kyriakis S.C. , Franz C. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe study aimed to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory activity of larch sawdust as feed supplement in lactating sows’ diet and its possible effect on the prevalence of Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome under field conditions. In a Greek farrow-to-finish pig farm, fifteen sows were randomly and equally allocated to a negative control group (NC group), a positive control group (PC group), and a treatment group (LT group). The animals of the first two groups received 99% basic diet and 1% corn starch, while LT group animals received 99% basic diet and 1% larch sawdust. The whole trial period lasted 35 days (7 days prior to farrow – day of weaning). At parturition day, animals of the PC group received 2 ml of an anti-inflammatory drug intramuscularly (meloxicam, Metacam®, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica), while the animals of both other groups, received 2 ml of normal saline. Results showed insignificant differences among experimental groups for parameters such as post-partum rectal temperature and piglets performance. On the contrary, a significant increase of mean milk lactation index was observed in LT and PC groups on the 4th day of lactation period, when compared with NC group (p=0.014). Additionally, mean IL-6 concentrations in blood in the LT group showed a tendency for reduction when compared with those found in NC, and insignificant difference (p>0.05) when compared with those observed in PC group 24 hours postpartum. Moreover, the respective TNFα mean level in the LT group at 24 and 72 hours after parturition was similar to that found in PC group, respectively) and significantly lower than that determined in the NC group (p=0.003, p=0.024. The results suggest a possible anti-inflammatory effect of larch sawdust in sows.
Survivin expression in correlation with apoptotic activity in canine lymphomas
Authors: Sokołowska J. , Urbańska K. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSurvivin regulates cell cycle and mitosis and has antiapoptotic properties. Because of its dual function survivin has been the subject of much research focusing on its role in tumorigenesis and the relationship between survivin expression and apoptotic and/or proliferative activity in many types of human tumor including non-Hodgkin’s Lymphomas. Such studies have not been conducted in canine lymphomas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of survivin in canine lymphomas of low (5/25) and high (20/25) grades in relation to apoptotic markers (apoptotic index and index of caspase-3). Survivin was found in all examined lymphomas. Most tumors (18/25) showed survivin expression in 10%-25% of positive cells. Only in single cases was lower (0-10% positive cells, 1/25) or higher (25%-50% and >50% positive cells, 5/25 and 1/25, respectively) survivin expression. No significant differences between mean values of either index of survivin or apoptotic index was found between low and high grade lymphomas. However, such a difference among lymphoma grades was shown regarding the caspase-3 index. No correlation between the survivin index and either the apoptotic index or caspase-3 index was found, irrespective of the method of quantification: in whole specimens or in areas of low and high survivin expression. Positive correlation was consistently noted only between both apoptotic markers. The results indicate that survivin is commonly expressed in canine lymphomas. It seems that survivin does not exhibit anti-apoptotic activity in canine lymphomas. Lack of correlation between survivin expression and apoptotic markers could indicate its potential role in cell cycle activation in lymphoma cells.
Direct effect of hypothalamic neuropeptides on the release of catecholamines by adrenal medulla in sheep – study ex vivo
Authors: Wrońska D. , Kania B.F. , Błachuta M. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Stress causes the activation of both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis and sympatho-adrenal system, thus leading to the release from the adrenal medulla of catecholamines: adrenaline and, to a lesser degree, noradrenaline. It has been established that in addition to catecholamines, the adrenomedullary cells produce a variety of neuropeptides, including corticoliberine (CRH), vasopressin (AVP), oxytocin (OXY) and proopiomelanocortine (POMC) – a precursor of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The aim of this study was to investigate adrenal medulla activity in vitro depending, on a dose of CRH, AVP and OXY on adrenaline and noradrenaline release. Pieces of sheep adrenal medulla tissue (about 50 mg) were put on 24-well plates and were incubated in 1 mL of Eagle medium without hormone (control) or supplemented only once with CRH, AVP and OXY in three doses (10−7, 10−8 and 10−9 M) in a volume of 10 μL. The results showed that CRH stimulates adrenaline and noradrenaline release from the adrenal medulla tissue. The stimulating influence of AVP on adrenaline release was visible after the application of the two lower doses of this neuropeptide; however, AVP reduced noradrenaline release from the adrenal medulla tissue. A strong, inhibitory OXY effect on catecholamine release was observed, regardless of the dose of this hormone. Our results indicate the important role of OXY in the inhibition of adrenal gland activity and thus a better adaptation to stress on the adrenal gland level.
Diagnosis of Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus infection in dairy goats by ELISA, PCR and Viral Culture
Authors: Panneum S. , Rukkwamsuk T. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractFor preventive and control strategies of Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus (CAEV) infection in dairy goats, performance of the available diagnostic tests was described as one of the most important and necessary aspects. The study aimed at evaluating the diagnostic test performance, including PCR, ELISA and viral culture, for CAEV infection in dairy goats in Thailand. Blood samples of 29 dairy goats from five low- to medium-prevalence herds and one very low-prevalence herd were collected for PCR and ELISA methods. The performance of these two diagnostic methods was evaluated by comparing with cytopathic effects (CPE) in the co-cultivation of CAEV and primary synovial cells. Results indicated that sensitivity, specificity were, respectively, 69.6%, 100%, for PCR; and 95.7%, 83.3% for ELISA. The PCR assay tended to have lower sensitivity and higher specificity than ELISA. When multiple tests were applied, parallel testing provided sensitivity and specificity of 98.7% and 83.3%, while series testing showed sensitivity and specificity of 66.6% and 100% respectively. These results indicated that combination of ELISA and PCR provided some advantages and possibly offered optimal methods to detect CAEV-infected goats. Kappa value of the agreement between PCR and ELISA test was 0.34, indicating fair agreement. Regarding the possibility of antigenic variation between CAEV strains used in both PCR and ELISA assays, the actual circulating CAEV strain should be reviewed in order to develop and enhance the diagnostic tests using the CAE viral antigens derived from specific local strains of Thailand.
The diagnostic importance of coagulation parameters in cattle having natural theileriosis
Authors: Gunes V. , Onmaz A.C. , Keles I. , Varol K. , Ekinci G. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic importance of coagulation parameters in cattle with natural theileriosis. Nine Holstein cross-breed cattle with theileriosis as infected group and 6 healthy Holstein cattle as control group were used in the present study. Mean fibrinogen level, thrombin time (TT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT) were not statistically different when control and infected groups compared, except for the D-dimer concentration. Quantitative D-dimer concentrations were determined by immune-turbidimetric assay. D-dimer values increased significantly (p<0.05) in infected group (631.55 ± 74.41 μg/L) compared to control group (370.00 ± 59.94 μg/L). D-dimer sensitivity and specificity were also determined at cut-off concentrations (372 μg/L). Sensitivity and specificity of D-dimer values were determined to be 88.89% and 83.33%, respectively. D-dimer is thought to be important indicator in the evaluation of the prognosis in theileriosis cases. Analysis of D-dimer values before and after treatment in controlled case studies were suggested in future studies to enlighten the issue.
Immunohistochemical characterization of the jugular (superior vagal) ganglion in the pig
Authors: Sienkiewicz W. , Dudek A. , Zacharko-Siembida A. , Marszałek M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe study was carried out on three 4-month old female pigs. All the animals were deeply anesthetized and transcardially perfused with 4% buffered paraformaldehyde (pH 7.4). Left and right superior vagal ganglia (SVG) were collected and processed for immunofluorescence labeling method. The preparations were examined under a Zeiss LSM 710 confocal microscope equipped with adequate filter block.Neurons forming SVG were round or oval in shape with a round nucleus in the center. The majority of them (52%) were medium (M) (31-50 μm in diameter) while 7% and 41% were small (S) (up to 30μm in diameter) or large (L) (above 50 μm in diameter) in size, respectively.Double-labeling immunofluorescence revealed that SVG neurons stained for CGRP (approx. 57%; among them 37%, 9% and 54% were M, S and L in size, respectively), SP (14.5%; 72.4% M, 3.4% S, 24.2% L), VACHT (26%; 63% M, 24% S and 13% L), GAL (14%; 57% M, 29% S, 14% L), NPY (12%; 53% M, 12% S, 35% L), Met-Enk (5%; 40% M, 6% S and 54% L), PACAP (15%; 52% M, 24% S and 24% L), VIP (6.3%; 67% M, 8% S and 25% L), and NOS-positive (6%; 31% M and 69% L). The most abundant populations of intraganglionic nerve fibers were those which stained for CGRP or GAL, whereas only single SP-, PACAP- or Met-ENK-positive nerve terminals were observed.
Effects of the platelet-activating factor (PAF) supplementation on ATP content of cryopreserved bull spermatozoa (AI)
Authors: Lecewicz M. , Kordan W. , Kamiński S. , Majewska A.M. , Strzeżek R. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PAF supplementation in semen extender on ATP content in cryopreserved bull spermatozoa used for artificial insemination at different time intervals. Cryopreserved semen was treated with different concentrations of PAF: 1×10−5M, 1×10−6M, 1×10−7M, 1×10−8M and 1×10−9M at 37°C. In the present work we showed that content of ATP in cryopreserved semen supplemented with 1×10−9M PAF was statistically significantly higher at 90 and 120 minutes of incubation in comparison to the control group (p≤0.05). Present study indicates the potential influence of PAF on ATP content in male spermatozoa via it’s protective role towards mitochondria metabolic activity.
The Efficiency of Synthetic Sex Pheromones in Sexual Arousal Stimulation in Domestic Dogs
Authors: Dzięcioł M. , Niżański W. , Jezierski T. , Szumny A. , Godzińska E.J. , Ochota M. , Stańczyk E. , Najder-Kozdrowska L. , Woszczyło M. , Pieczewska B. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of synthetic bitch sex pheromones (Eau’ De Estrus®, Synbiotics USA) for the stimulation of the reproductive reflexes in adult male dogs. In experiment I: anoestral bitches were applied synthetic (n=6) or natural (n=6) pheromones and their attractiveness was compared to the attractiveness of bitches in natural oestrus, In experiment II: swabs socked in natural estrual discharge or Eau D’Estrus were presented to male dogs and behavioral arousal (Exp. II a) and changes in blood flow in the penile artery reflecting erection (Exp. II b) were recorded. In experiment III the time dedicated for sniffing in experimental dogs was analyzed in relation to the type of attractant presented (natural estrual discharge or Eau D’Estrus). In all three experiments we observed the signs of sexual arousal, increased blood flow in the penile artery and increased time of sniffing only with natural pheromones. No signs of excitation or changes in penis perfusion were noted after the use of artificial pheromones. Our results did not support the suitability of Eau D’Estrus for male dog sexual stimulation.
A New Italian Family Law?
Authors: Tuccari Emanuele 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe Italian private law landscape appears much clouded. Nevertheless, the sensation of turmoil is less significant with reference to family law, because it seems possible – after several reforms and the courts’ decisions – to identify a specific trend in this section of private law. This paper aims to examine the new trend of family law. In particular, the analysis of the latest reforms reveals a general shift to an individual dimension, offering not only a special focus on patrimonial issues and private interests, but also a relevant enlargement of children’s and parents’ fundamental rights. This “privatization process” gives rise to many doubts about the current role of family law in our legal system.
Labour Between Law and Literature: Historical Similarities and Critical Propositions on the Present
Authors: Toracca Tiziano 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis paper aims to demonstrate that there is a fundamental similarity between Italian literary history and the most significant contributions to labour law which have been put forward between the end of the nineteenth century and today. My claim is that there is a homology between literary history and legal history. Moreover, I argue that many Italian novels of the last few decades have represented labour as a
Forgotten Man Indifferent Nation Contemporary National Storytelling and the Disoriented Citizen
Authors: Santi Mara 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis paper focuses on how Italian narratives of the 2000s address the individual as a citizen of the nation-state. More specifically, it focuses on those narratives where writers or directors display issues of national importance and by doing so they deliberately intervene in the citizen’s pursuit of social identity. The aim of the paper is to point out how this impacts on national storytelling and how literature and film highlight and even exacerbate the crisis between citizen and state in the global era.
What Are “Common Goods” (beni comuni)? Pictures from the Italian Debate
Authors: Cortese Fulvio 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis paper is composed of two parts and a conclusion. The first part offers an overview of the Italian debate on common goods (beni comuni), highlighting the different authors and main schools of thought, illustrating the most significant definitions on a legal and case-law level, while homing in on the core of the underlying methodological approaches and the rela-tions between the most common interpretations and a number of well-known economic theo-ries. The second part aims to highlight the deep roots of the interpretative differences, on the one hand drawing connections with theories on the form of State and citizenship, on the other showing its relationship to the debate on public goods and to the evolution of the relevant leg-islation. The review ends with a description of a few fundamental and cross-functional charac-teristics of “common goods doctrines,” present in all the available literature, but valued and promoted in different ways according to the objectives of the different interpretations. The examination of these traits allows us to evaluate briefly the degree of compatibility between these different views and the current legislation, and the concrete possibility that the relative needs are actually met.
A Revenger’s Tragedy
Authors: Ward Ian 
Published: September 2017

AbstractFrom its very inception modern “law and literature” scholarship has exhibited at least as much interest in what happens in the classroom as it has in what happens in the courtroom. Its principal ambition is educative, its primary audience student. In a strategic sense it hopes that the deployment of literary texts might enhance a law student’s appreciation of the human dimension of legal practice. The first part of this article will set the jurisprudential context, taking a closer look at the evolving legal regulation of “revenge porn,” as well as the critical debate which this regulation has stimulated. The second will then consider the dramatic presentation of the same issues and arguments in Placey’s play. According to Placey, any “time we write a script, we’re hoping in some way people will listen, that our words might have an effect, that they might shake people.”
Hyponatremia, bone mineral density and falls in the elderly; Results from AHAP study
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Reza , Baghitabar Naghi , Mirzapour Ali , Oliaei Farshid , Nooreddini Hajighorban , Bijani Ali , Mouodi Simin 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Background. Hyponatremia (HN) can be associated with osteoporosis, falls and bone fractures in the elderly. Recent researches demonstrated different results about the correlation of HN with bone mineral density and bone fractures.

Methods. This analytic research came from the AHAP project in northern IRAN. All people aged 60 years and over were included in the study. Individuals with severe comorbidities and then who had concurrent conditions which could have impact on bone mineral densities (BMD) such as long-term use of steroids, calcium and/or vitamin D supplements, bisphosphonates, calcitonin, thiazides and hormonal medications were excluded.

Results. One thousand and one hundred and thirteen older persons entered in the study. More than 10 percent of the participants had HN (serum Na+ level ≤ 137mEq/L). No significant difference has been observed between hyponatremic and nonhyponatremic individuals about their balance abilities; bone mineral density; incidence of falls and/or bone fracture during the previous 6 months; dependency in activities of daily living; and osteoporosis.

Conclusion. HN was not a prevalent problem in older adults who met the inclusion criteria of this research. No significant difference has been observed between HN and bone mineral density and falls in the elderly.
Impact of Seminal Plasma Trace Elements on Human Sperm Motility Parameters
Authors: Hashemi Mohammad Mostakhdem , Behnampour Nasser , Nejabat Mojgan , Tabandeh Afsaneh , Ghazi-Moghaddam Behrouz , Joshaghani Hamid Reza 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Introduction. Human seminal plasma contains a variety of macro and trace elements including magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) that have essential roles in normal functioning of semen and its quality. The imbalance of these elements has been reported in several pathologic and male infertility disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the levels of these elements in seminal plasma samples, their relationships with each other and their impact on sperm motility.

Methods. Overall, 192 males (96 normospermic and 96 asthenospermic males) were enrolled in the study. Semen samples were collected by masturbation and computer-assisted/aided semen analysis of sperm motility was performed. The samples were centrifuged and seminal levels of Mg, Cu, Zn and Fe were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Results. The levels of Zn did not differ between the two groups, while the levels of Mg, Cu, and Fe were significantly higher in normospermic males. Fe showed a positive correlation with Mg and Cu in asthenospermic group. However, a negative relationship was found between Mg and Fe levels and between Mg and sperm concentration in the normospermic group. Fe levels were higher in the normospermic group compared to the asthenospermic group. Nevertheless, increased Fe levels caused a decrease in most of sperm motility fractions.

Conclusion: Elements play major roles in male fertility and directly affect sperm quality. According to the results of this study, the levels of Zn do not affect the sperm quality and motility, while Fe, Cu and Mg are decreased in males with sperm motility problems. Nevertheless, Fe levels can adversely affect sperm motility in normospermic men.
Enforcement and Deterrence in Merger Control: The Case of Merger Remedies
Authors: Cosnita-Langlais Andreea , Sørgard Lars 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
This paper deals with the enforcement of merger control in the presence of remedies, and studies how merger remedies affect the deterrence accomplished by controlling mergers. We determine the optimal frequency of investigations launched by the agency, and find that when conditional approvals are possible, it may be harder to deter the most welfare-detrimental mergers, and the agency might have to investigate mergers more often. Furthermore, we find that remedies may very well decrease welfare. Finally, we show that our theoretical results help to understand some of the empirical findings in the literature.
Aggregate Capital Stock Estimations for 122 Countries: An Update
Authors: Berlemann Michael , Wesselhöft Jan-Erik 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Using newly available investment data from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators database we provide an update and an extension of the aggregate capital stock estimations provided in (Berlemann, M. and J.-E. Wesselhöft (2014): Estimating Aggregate Capital Stocks Using the Perpetual Inventory Method: A Survey of Previous Implementations and New Empirical Evidence for 103 Countries, Review of Economics 65(1), 1–34). The new database contains comparable unbalanced panel data for 122 countries and the period of 1960 to 2016.