bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
YKL-40 and cytokines - a New Diagnostic Constellation in Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Authors: Kazakova Maria H. , Batalov Anastas Z. , Mateva Nonka G. , Kolarov Zlatimir G. , Sarafian Victoria S. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes chronic inflammation and alteration of articular tissue and joints. The pathogenesis of the disease remains unclear although it is known that proinflammatory cytokines play a major role in its induction.
YKL-40 is a chitinase-like glycoprotein produced by activated macrophages, neutrophils, arthritic chondrocytes and cancer cells. It has been shown that YKL-40 is implicated in tissue remodeling, angiogenesis and inflammation.
Aim: to investigate serum and synovial YKL-40 levels in relation to IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in RA patients.
Materials and methods: Serum and synovial concentrations of YKL-40, TNF-α, IL- 6, and IL-1β were determined by ELISA in 39 patients (mean age 53.18 ± 16.54 yrs) with active RA.
Results: Serum YKL-40 levels were increased in all patients. The highest levels were found in synovial fluid (P<0.01). Our study showed a strong association between serum and synovial levels of YKL-40 and serum TNF-α and IL-1 β (P<0.05).
Conclusion: This is the first study finding a significant correlation between serum TNF-α and IL-1β and YKL-40 in active RA. We suggest that these molecules together might play a dominant role in the pathogenesis and disease activity and could possibly serve as a new diagnostic constellation in rheumatoid arthritis.
An Incidental Finding of Heart Echinococcosis in a Patient with Infective Endocarditis: a Case Report
Authors: Gencheva Dolina G. , Menchev Dimitar N. , Penchev Dimitar K. , Tokmakova Mariya P. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Echinococcosis is a cosmopolitan zoonotic parasitic disease caused by infection with the larval stage of tapeworms from the Echinococcus genus, most commonly Echinococcus granulosus. According to WHO, more than 1 million people are affected by hydatid disease at any time.1 About 10% of the annual cases are not officially diagnosed.2 In humans, the disease is characterized by development of three-layered cysts. The cysts develop primarily in the liver and the lungs, but can also affect any other organ due to the spreading of the oncospheres. Cardiac involvement is very uncommon - only about 0.01-2% of all cases.4,5 In most cases, the cysts develop asymptomatically, but heart cysts could manifest with chest pain, dyspnea, cough, hemophtisis and can complicate with rupture. Diagnosis is based on a number of imaging techniques and positive serological tests. Treatment for cardiac localization is almost exclusively surgical.
We present a case of an incidental finding of an echinococcal cyst in the left atrium (rarest possible localization of heart echinococcosis) in a patient, admitted for infective endocarditis.
The Study of the Probiotic Potential of the Beneficial Bacteria Isolated from Kefir Grains
Authors: Englerová K. , Nemcová R. , Mudroňová D. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to identify beneficial bacteria with probiotic potential from kefir grains. The lactobacilli isolated from kefir grains were characterised as:Lactobacillus plantarum,Lactobacillus paraplantarum,Lactobacillus paracasei, andLactobacillus kefiri. The strainsLb. plantarum1Ž,Lb. paraplantarumS10, andLb. paracasei2Ž tolerated better the test gastric juice at pH 2 and 2.6 during 120 min of incubation in comparison with the strainsLb. kefiri. On the other hand, the strainsLb. kefiriwere resistant to 0.3 % bile acid salts. TheLb. paracasei2Ž showed the significantly highest survival (P < 0.001) at pH 2 in comparison with all other strains tested and was also able to tolerate 0.3 % concentration of the bile salts. All strains produced medium to strong biofilms on abiotic surfaces and inhibited the growth of selected potential pathogens with varying intensity. All kefir isolates were susceptible to the antibiotics tested and exhibited positive β-galactosidase activity with the exception ofLb. paracasei2Ž which did not show any activity of undesirable enzymes, such as β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase. Additional testing and validation of the biological properties and safety of the strainLb. paracasei2Ž underin vivoconditions are needed to confirm the prospective use of this strain in practice.
Zeolite as a prospective material for the purification of automobile exhaust gases
Authors: Mačala Jozef , Pandová Iveta , Panda Anton 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Examinations were carried out to investigate the effectiveness of natural zeolite clinoptilolite and its thermally activated and modified forms in decreasing the concentration of nitrogen oxides, the frequently monitored components of the environment, in automobile exhaust gases. Since nitrogen oxides contribute to the greenhouse effect, the public increases pressure on motor vehicle manufacturers to intensify their efforts toward the reduction of the relevant emissions. One option is the use of a combination of a conventional three-way catalytic converter with either a synthetic or modified natural zeolite. Researchers and designers are coming up with new solutions, which are protected by patents. In this study, natural zeolite clinoptilolite (grain size 5-8 mm) and its thermally treated (270°C, 2 hours) and modified forms (ammonia, cobalt) were used in the form of filters. The results of our measurements showed high the effectiveness of the tested forms which are relatively easy to prepare and are economically advantageous in comparison with the synthetic alternatives. The heat treated and ammonia forms decreased the concentration of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gases by 31% and 59%, respectively. The cobalt form appeared prospective as it exhibited not only adsorption but also catalytic properties which are effective in decreasing nitrogen oxides emissions. After initial stabilization, its effectiveness did not change with time. With this modification, 46.4% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions was achieved.
Stereoselective cascade assembling of benzylidenecyanoacetates and 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid into (1R*,2S*)-1-cyano-5,7-dialkyl-4,6,8-trioxo-2-aryl-5,7-diazaspiro[2.5]octane-1-carboxylates
Authors: Elinson Michail N. , Vereshchagin Anatoly N. , Korshunov Alexander D. , Ryzhkov Fedor V. , Egorov Mikhail P. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
A new stereoselective cascade reaction of benzylidenecyanoacetates and 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid by the action of bromine in the presence of a base into substituted (barbituric acid)-5-spirocyclopropanes is described. The yields are in the range of 60%–75%. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies indicate that this cascade transformation results in the stereoselective formation of spiro products with trans-configuration of aryl and alkoxycarbonyl substituents in the cyclopropane ring. The products are a perspective class of compounds with prominent pharmacological and physiological activity.
Rayleigh Waves Transformation in Liquefying Water-saturated Sands
Authors: Staroszczyk Ryszard 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The behaviour of a water-saturated sand deposit subjected to dynamic loads induced by the propagation of Rayleigh surface waves is analysed. Cyclic shearing of the saturated sand matrix due to ground motions results in the development of excess pore pressures in the soil and its subsequent liquefaction. The phenomena of pore pressure generation and soil liquefaction are investigated within the framework of a compaction theory for saturated granular media. The results of calculations, carried out by a finite-element method, illustrate the evolution of pore pressures and the development of liquefaction zones in the soil, and show the variation of surface wave parameters with the progressive degradation of the strength of the subsoil.
Speaker Identification Using Data-Driven Score Classification
Authors: Gan Hock , Mporas Iosif , Safavi Saeid , Sotudeh Reza 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe present a comparative evaluation of different classification algorithms for a fusion engine that is used in a speaker identity selection task. The fusion engine combines the scores from a number of classifiers, which uses the GMM-UBM approach to match speaker identity. The performances of the evaluated classification algorithms were examined in both the text-dependent and text-independent operation modes. The experimental results indicated a significant improvement in terms of speaker identification accuracy, which was approximately 7% and 14.5% for the text-dependent and the text-independent scenarios, respectively. We suggest the use of fusion with a discriminative algorithm such as a Support Vector Machine in a real-world speaker identification application where the text-independent scenario predominates based on the findings.
Maze Exploration Algorithm for Small Mobile Platforms
Authors: Bienias Łukasz , Szczepański Krzysztof , Duch Piotr 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
An algorithm that enables efficient maze exploration is presented in the paper. The algorithm involves two phases: first the whole maze is explored in an ordered way and then, the shortest possible way out is determined. The algorithm has been derived in a way that combines main advantages of the two known labirynth-exploration algorithms: “Wall follower” and “Trémaux’s algorithm”. The algorithm has been tested using an autonomous vehicle, controlled by Arduino UNO, with two DC engines, ultrasonic sensors and gyroscope. It has been shown that the proposed approach provides a few crucial advantages with respect to already known solutions.
Reconstructed Quantized Coefficients Modeled with Generalized Gaussian Distribution with Exponent 1/3
Authors: Krupiński Robert 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Generalized Gaussian distribution (GGD) includes specials cases when the shape parameter equals p = 1 and p = 2. It corresponds to Laplacian and Gaussian distributions respectively. For p → ∞, f(x) becomes a uniform distribution, and for p → 0, f(x) approaches an impulse function. Chapeau-Blondeau et al. [4] considered another special case p = 0.5. The article discusses more peaky case in which GGD p = 1/3.
Application of the Moment Shape Representations to the General Shape Analysis
Authors: Frejlichowski Dariusz 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The General Shape Analysis (GSA) is a task similar to the shape recognition and retrieval. However, in GSA an object usually does not belong to a template class, but can only be similar to some of them. Moreover, the number of applied templates is limited. Usually, ten most general shapes are used. Hence, the GSA consists in searching for the most universal information about them. This is useful when some general information has to be concluded, e.g. in coarse classification. In this paper the result of the application of three shape descriptors based on the moment theory to the GSA is presented. For this purpose the Moment Invariants, Contour Sequence Moments, and Zernike Moments were selected.
The Civil Magistrates of Geneva and the Placement of Pastors in France on the Eve of the First War of Religion (1562)
Authors: Braghi Gianmarco 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
This article analyses excerpts from letters sent by French Reformed congregations and politically-engaged Calvinist laymen in 1562. In these dispatches, the churches, lay notables, and local magistrates of Montpellier, Grenoble, Gap, Nîmes, Issoire and Rouen requested pastors to Geneva or thanked the town’s authorities for ministers previously sent there. However, these six letters were not addressed to the Venerable Company of Pastors, but specifically to the syndics and Small Council of Geneva. While the role of the Company in the sending of Geneva-trained pastors to France on the eve of the Wars of Religion is known, the participation of the Republic of Geneva’s political authorities in these activities needs more scholarly attention. This article seeks to offer a discussion of this topic through analysis of correspondence and other sources held in the Archives d’État de Genève.
Original Research. The Evaluation of Caries Severity Index and Dental Hypoplasia in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Results from a Romanian Medical Center
Authors: Bica Cristina , Ion Valentin , Mártha Krisztina , Esian Daniela , Chinceșan Mihaela , Monea Monica 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a type of cancer that most frequently affects children, and its treatment involves intensive chemotherapy, which might interfere with the normal development of dental tissues. The aim of our study was to measure the incidence of dental caries and enamel hypoplasia in children diagnosed with ALL treated according to the Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster-95 (ALL-BFM-95) protocol during the complete remission phase. Two groups of children between 8-12 years of age were investigated: Group 1 consisted of 36 children with ALL, and Group 2 of 58 control age-matched children. The decay-missing-filling index for the deciduous teeth (DMFT) and the presence of hypoplasia in the first permanent molars (MH) or in both incisors and molars (MIH) were recorded. The results were statistically analyzed and showed that there were no differences between the groups regarding the DMFT values (p >0.05), but there was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of MH and MIH between groups (p <0.05). According to our results, chemotherapy was not responsible for the decay process, as there were no differences in DMFT indices between the groups, but the high incidence of MH and MIH in the ALL group indicates the need of a good dental care for these children in order to prevent future dental complications.
Characterisation of newly emerged isolates of classical swine fever virus in China, 2014–2015
Authors: Leng Chaoliang , Zhang Hongliang , Kan Yunchao , Yao Lunguang , Li Mingliang , Zhai Hongyue , Li Zhen , Liu Chunxiao , Shi Hongfei , Ji Jun , Qiu Reng , Tian Zhijun 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Introduction: In 2014–2015, the epidemic of classical swine fever (CSF) occurred in many large-scale pig farms in different provinces of China, and a subgenotype 2.1d of CSF virus (CSFV) was newly identified.

Material and Methods: The phylogenetic relationship, genetic diversity, and epidemic status of the 2014–2015 CSFV isolates, 18 new CSFV isolates collected in 2015, and 43 other strains isolated in 2014–2015 were fully analysed, together with 163 CSFV reference isolates.

Results: Fifty-two 2014–2015 isolates belonged to subgenotype 2.1d and nine other isolates belonged to subgenotype 2.1b. The two subgenotype isolates showed unique molecular characteristics. Furthermore, the 2.1d isolates were found to possibly diverge from 2.1b isolates.

Conclusion: This study suggests that the Chinese CSFVs will remain pandemic.
Serum paraoxonase as an indicator for fatty liver in sheep
Authors: Cao Yu , Zhang Jiang , Yang Wei , Xia Cheng , Zhang Hong-You , Wang Yan-Hui , Xu Chuang 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Introduction: A model of fatty liver in postpartum sheep was established to measure blood paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and other biochemical indicators, which were used to predict fatty liver in sheep.

Material and Methods: Sheep were assigned into two experimental groups: a fatty liver group (T, n = 10) and a healthy control group (C, n = 5). PON1 enzyme activity towards paraoxon as a substrate was quantified spectrophotometrically. The results were analysed by t-test and pearson correlation coefficient. Disease was predicted by binary logistic analysis, and diagnostic thresholds were determined by receiver operatingcharacteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results: The activity of serum PON1 in group T was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) when compared with C group, and liver lipid content and the levels of serum BHBA, NEFA, and TG were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Thresholds were lower than 74.0 U/mL for PON1, higher than 0.97 mmol/L for β-hydroxybutyrate, higher than 1.29 mmol/L for non-esterified fatty acids, higher than 0.24 mmol/L for triglycerides, and lower than 71.35 g/L for total protein.

Conclusion: This study verified that PON1, BHBA, NEFA, TG, and TP could be used to predict the risk of fatty liver in sheep.
Regional differences of densitometric and geometric parameters of the third metacarpal bone in coldblood horses – pQCT study
Authors: Dzierzęcka Małgorzata , Jaworski Maciej , Purzyc Halina , Barszcz Karolina 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIntroduction:The aim of the study was to analyse selected densitometric and geometric parameters in the third metacarpal bone along the long axis in horses. The densitometric parameters included the cortical and trabecular bone mineral density, while the geometric parameters included the cortical, trabecular, and total areas, strength strain index X, strength strain index Y, and the polar strength strain index.Material and Methods:The parameters were analysed using eight sections from 10% to 80% of the length of the bone. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography was used in the study. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Friedman analysis of variance andpost-hoctests.Results:The proximal metaphyseal region showed the highest predicted resistance to bone fractures in the transverse (back-front) plane, the distal metaphyseal region had the highest predicted resistance to transverse and torsional fractures in the transverse (side-side) plane. The cross-sectional area and the shape of the cross-section of the cortical bone of the MCIII had the highest coefficient of variation. The density of the cortical bone was least variable.Conclusions:The cortical area and cortical bone mineral density assumed the highest values in the diaphyseal region, while the highest total area, trabecular area and trabecular bone mineral density values were obtained in the metaphyseal proximal and distal region.
Greenhouse production analysis of early mission scenarios for Moon and Mars habitats
Authors: Schubert D. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe establishment of planetary outposts and habitats on the Moon and Mars will help foster further exploration of the solar system. The crews that operate, live, and work in these artificial constructions will rely on bio-regenerative closed-loop systems and principles, such as algae reactors and higher plant chambers, in order to minimize resupply needs and improve system resiliency. Greenhouse modules will play a major role in closing not only the oxygen, carbon-dioxide, and water supply loops, but also by providing fresh food for the crew. In early mission scenarios, when the habitat is still in its build-up phase, only small greenhouse systems will be deployed, providing a supplemental food strategy. Small quantities of high water content crops (e.g. lettuce, cucumber, tomato) will be cultivated, improving the crew’s diet plan with an add-on option to the pre-packed meals. The research results of a 400-day biomass and crew time simulation of an adapted EDEN ISS Future Exploration Greenhouse are presented. This greenhouse is an experimental cultivation system that will be used in an analogue test mission to Antarctica (2018-2019) to test plant cultivation technologies for space. The Future Exploration Greenhouse is a high-level analogue for cultivation systems of early mission scenarios on Moon/ Mars. Applying a net cultivation area of 11.9 m², 11 crops have been simulated. Biomass output values were tailored to a tray cultivation (batch) strategy, where 34 trays (0.4x0.6 m) have been integrated into the overall production plan. Detailed work procedures were established for each crop according to its production lifecycle requirements. Seven basic crew time requiring work procedures (e.g. seeding, pruning and training, harvesting, cleaning, post-harvesting) were simulated. Two cultivation principles were the focus of the analysis: The In-Phase Cultivation approach where all trays start at the same time, and the Shifted Cultivation approach, where trays start in a specific sequential manner. Depending on the approach, different biomass output patterns emerged and were analysed with respect to crew consumption, crop shelf-life, and the risk of food spoilage. Crew time estimates were performed with respect to the overall production process, which resulted into 208.9 min per day for the planned cultivation area. When applying normal terrestrial work-times, this equates to approximately 50% of a crew member day for system operation. Biomass and crew time results were analysed in relation to each other, creating specific productivity factors for each crop type. This way, future mission planning, crop selection, and greenhouse design studies can better tailor the implementation challenges of small greenhouse modules into the habitat infrastructure.
Cases Report. Missed Diagnoses in Prenatal Evaluation by Ultrasound: A Retrospective Analysis of four Cases from a Tertiary Center for Fetal Malformations
Authors: Respondek-Liberska Maria 
Published: April 2017

AbstractFour cases of missed prenatal diagnosis by an experienced ultrasonographer and a fetal cardiologist from a tertiary teaching hospital are presented: 3-mm peri-membrane ventricular septal defect; hypoplastic aortic arch requiring prostin infusion after delivery; esophageal atresia with tracheal fistula; and right-sided diaphragmatic hernia. Freezed frames and cine loops of the prenatal ultrasound scans indicated that the missed anomalies were not visible in midgestation, suggesting that in the future, repeat ultrasound scans should be performed before delivery to reduce the occurrence of such diagnostic errors.
Case report. Longitudinal Echo Monitoring in Fetus with Phenotypical Marfan Syndrome, Helpfull for Perinatal Management - Case Presentation and Literature Review
Authors: Zych-Krekora Katarzyna , Wójtowicz Anna , Krekora Michał , Słodki Maciej , Gentillon Hugues , Respondek-Liberska Maria 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
It was the second pregnancy of an otherwise healthy married couple. The fetus (male) had detailed echocardiography monitoring in the second half of the pregnancy due to progression of cardiomegaly, and echocardiographic features of congestive heart failure. Marfan syndrome was suspected based on cardiac anomalies. For the first time, the rupture of aneurysm of aortic sinus Valsalva was documented. Despite transplacental treatment with digoxin there was fetal demise at the 34th week of gestation and postmortem newborn phenotype confirmed prenatal diagnosis.
Marfan Syndrome is a rare genetic anomaly which can be diagnosed prenatally by detailed echocardiography, usually with bad prognosis (just opposite to “benign” case diagnosed later on in life span). The most common prenatal cardiac manifestations are cardiomegaly with signs of cardiac insufficiency. We present the case with new echocardiographic features.
Disability as desubjectification. Autoethnography of depression
Authors: Krasowska Agata 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDisability is a label and a significant ‘identity marker’. The objective of the article is a response to an autoethnographic question: how is disability constructed socially. The main character is Irmina who fulfills the definition criteria of disability as she is mentally ill. Irmina writes her diary at a mental institution where she stays during her treatment. She makes notes systematically and guides us through her mind (disabled?) describing situations she comes across. She refers to the matter of medicalization, bio-authority, standards, normality, illness, sexuality, desubjectification by disability and aspects of being a person. The elaboration makes physiotherapists sensitive to the issues of the world experienced (Lebenswelt) by people with various types of depression.