bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NGAL and MMP-9/NGAL as biomarkers of plaque vulnerability and targets of statins in patients with carotid atherosclerosis
Authors: Eilenberg Wolf , Stojkovic Stefan , Kaider Alexandra , Kozakowski Nicolas , Domenig Christoph M. , Burghuber Christopher , Nanobachvili Josif , Huber Kurt , Klinger Markus , Neumayer Christoph , Huk Ihor , Wojta Johann , Demyanets Svitlana 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Background:
Neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) is expressed in atherosclerotic lesions and was recently implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular pathologies. Statins are known to exert stabilizing effects on atherosclerotic plaque. The aims of our study were (1) to investigate the association of serum NGAL and metalloproteinase (MMP)-9/NGAL complex with the vulnerability of the atherosclerotic plaque, and (2) to reveal the effects of statin treatment on circulating NGAL and MMP-9/NGAL levels in patients with carotid artery stenosis.

Methods:
We examined the levels of NGAL and MMP-9/NGAL in blood samples from 136 patients with carotid artery stenosis by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results:
Patients with vulnerable plaques, as determined by ultrasound (plaques with decreased echogenicity) and histological analysis (type VI according to the classification of American Heart Association [AHA]), displayed the highest levels of NGAL (both p<0.0001) and MMP-9/NGAL complex (p=0.0004 and p=0.004, respectively). Moreover, patients with symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis had significantly higher NGAL levels compared to asymptomatic patients (p=0.0007). The statin-treated group (n=108) demonstrated lower NGAL (73.9 vs. 128.0 μg/L, p<0.0001) and MMP-9/NGAL (28.9 vs. 40.6 μg/L, p=0.046) as compared to the non-statin group (n=28). Furthermore, in multivariate regression analysis NGAL, but not MMP-9/NGAL levels, were independently associated with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. In addition, statin treatment was independently associated with lower NGAL levels.

Conclusions:
Circulating NGAL and MMP-9/NGAL are associated with plaque vulnerability in patients with carotid artery stenosis. Statin treatment could contribute to plaque stabilization by reducing circulating NGAL and MMP-9/NGAL levels.
Possibility of Using Microstructures in Buildings’ Ventilation and Heating Systems
Authors: Majewski Grzegorz , Orman Łukasz J. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The paper discusses the issue of using microstructures as the heat enhancement technique that can be applied in ventilation and heating systems. The possibilities of usage are given and the experimental test results are presented. They prove that the application of microstructures may significantly improve the heat flux value exchanged during boiling of distilled water.
On the value of human life
Authors: Višňovský Emil 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe author reflects on the issue of the value of human life in the contexts of current “posthuman” era. There is a host of evidence that the value of human for human beings themselves has been radically reduced or ignored, or replaced by other non-human values, and even neglected. The axiological crisis of humanity, as envisioned by Nietzsche, has become the existential and moral crisis of humanity today. No matter how contemporary technological culture challenges the traditional values, the ancient questions of “how to live?”, “what makes us happy?”, and “what makes life significant?” are still here with us and provide even greater challenges to every individual. The author points to pluralist ways of how to deal with these questions including the “stoic pragmatism” among them.
Comenius’ ethics: from the heart to the world
Authors: Misseri Lucas E. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis paper deals with the ethical views of the 17thcentury Czech thinker Jan Amos Komenský, also known as Johann Amos Comenius. Comeniologic studies are focused on different aspects of his contribution to education, theology and philosophy but surprisingly there are only a few studies on his ethical standpoints. Jan Patočka classified Comenius’s work in three periods: prepansophic, pansophic and panorthotic. Here the focus is on the panorthotic works in order to trace the different conceptions of ethics, virtue and other ethical concepts specially the virtue of prudence (prudentia/phronesis). Furthermore, to have a broader perspective, a short analysis of his prepansophic period bookThe Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heartis also included in order to contrast the evolution of the concept of prudence and the ethical sphere in his world-view. The methodology is based on conceptual analysis, the contrast of different references to ethics in his late period books. At the same time, this work is an attempt to extract secular elements for understanding his ethics, although the organic link between philosophy, theology and politics is recognized in his thought.
Are There Just Barriers? Institutional Perspective On the Development of E-Health in Poland
Authors: Kautsch Marcin , Lichoń Mateusz , Matuszak Natalia , Erskine Jonathan , Whitfield Malcolm 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Development of e-health in Poland has suffered from multiple setbacks and delays. This paper presents views on and experiences with implementation of e-health solutions of three groups of respondents: buyers, suppliers and external experts with the aim of establishing to what extent and in what way e-health development was taking place in Polish public health care and if there were any national policy targets or European targets influencing this development. It is based on desktop studies and interviews conducted in Poland in the spring and summer of 2015. The interviews largely confirmed findings from the desktop study: legal obstacles were the decisive factor hindering the development of e-health, especially telemedicine, with extensive insufficiency of basic IT infrastructure closely following. Stakeholders were deterred from engaging with telemedicine, and from procuring e-health using non-standard procedures, from fear of legal liability. Some doctor’s resistance to e-health was also noted. There are reasons for optimism. Amendment to the Act on the System of Information in Health Care removed most legal obstacles to e-health. The Polish national payer (NFZ) has started introducing reimbursement for remote services, though it is still too early see results of these changes. Some doctors′ reluctance to telemedicine may change due to demographic changes in this professional group, younger generations may regard ICT-based solutions as a norm. In the same time, poor development of basic IT infrastructure in Polish hospitals is likely to persist, unless a national programme of e-health development is implemented (with funds secured) and contracting e-health services by NFZ is introduced on a larger scale.
Review of existing systems of jaspers nomenclature and classification in Poland and worldwide
Authors: Powolny Tomasz , Dumańska-Słowik Magdalena 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Nowadays, the term “jasper” is variably defined in petrology and gemology. The unification of the nomenclature and the classification of jaspers seems to be an essential challenge for petrologists worldwide. This misnomer is very commonly used among sellers or collectors of various gemstones. Therefore, a huge diversity in the mineralogical composition, geological settings and genesis of particular “spotted stones” is reported. In this paper the term “jasper” is proposed for all “spotted stones” which have technical properties that make them useful for jewelry and in the production of small stone accessories. Nevertheless, the introduction and approval of the term “true jasper” for rocks of hydrothermal- metasomatic origin and metamorphosed volcanogenic-sedimentary products to petrologic nomenclature is recommended. Different types of jaspers and related rocks have various economic significance. Jaspers or jasper-like rocks are decorative gemstones applied in jewelry, whereas others may be used as refractory materials or feldspar raw materials. In contrast, the petrographic research of jasperoids is useful during prospecting new ore deposits.
Balance, Basic Anthropometrics and Performance in Young Alpine Skiers; Longitudinal Analysis of the Associations During Two Competitive Seasons
Authors: Lesnik Blaz , Sekulic Damir , Supej Matej , Esco Michael R , Zvan Milan 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Balance is hypothesized to be important in alpine skiing, while it is known that balance depends on anthropometric indices. The aim of this investigation was to explore the association between balance, anthropometrics and skiing-results over two competitive seasons among youth alpine-skiers. Eighty-one skiers (40 females) participated in this study. The participants were tested twice over two competitive seasons: when they were 12-13 years old (U14) and when they were 14-15 years old (U16). The variables consisted of anthropometrics (body height and body mass) and three balance indexes (medio-lateral-, anterio-posterior- and overall-stability-index). Additionally, skiing results in U14 and U16 were evaluated. The balance status did not change significantly over the observed period of time regardless of the significant changes in body mass and height. The relationships between balance and skiing results were higher in the U14 (Pearson’s r = 0.45-0.54) than in the U16 (Pearson’s r = 0.05-0.28). The relationships between anthropometrics and competitive results were generally stronger in girls (Pearson’s r = 0.39-0.88) than in boys (Pearson’s r = 0.26-0.58). After clustering athletes into three achievement groups on a basis of their competitive performance, discriminant canonical analysis showed that relationships between balance and skiing results decreased, while the relationships between anthropometrics and skiing results increased over the two observed seasons. This study highlighted the importance of balance in youth alpine skiing in the age range of 11-14 years.
The Relationship Between Perceived Coaching Behaviours, Motivation and Self-Efficacy in Wrestlers
Authors: Sarı İhsan , Bayazıt Betül 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The current study aimed to determine the relationship between perceived coaching behaviours, motivation, self-efficacy and general self-efficacy of wrestlers who competed in the Super National Wrestling League. The sample consisted of 289 wrestlers. The Self-Efficacy Scale was used to measure self-efficacy perception, the Sports Motivation Scale to measure the motivation of the athletes, the Leadership Scale for Sport to determine perceived leadership behaviours, and the General Self-Efficacy Scale to determine the general self-efficacy perceptions of the athletes. For data analyses, SPSS 17.0 software was used. According to the results of the regression analyses performed with the enter method, it was found that perceived training and instruction behaviour along with perceived social support behaviour significantly explained self-efficacy (adjusted R2_ = .03), intrinsic motivation (adjusted R2 = .04) and amotivation (adjusted R2 = .05). Also, perceived training and instruction behaviour (β = .51), autocratic behaviour (β = -.17) and social support behaviour (β = -.27) significantly contributed to athletes’ general self-efficacy (adjusted R2 = .10). In light of these findings, it may be argued that perceived training and instruction behaviour may be beneficial for self-efficacy, general self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation, and amotivation. On the other hand, it could be stated that perceived autocratic behaviour may be detrimental for general self-efficacy of the athletes. As for social support behaviour, it may be suggested that it is negatively related to self-efficacy, general self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation. Lastly, a positive relationship was observed between perceived social support behaviour and amotivation in wrestlers. The results reveal the specific characteristics of wrestlers and suggest some implications for wrestling coaches.
Induction of labor in patients with an unfavorable cervix after a cesarean using an osmotic dilator versus vaginal prostaglandin
Authors: Maier Josefine T. , Metz Melanie , Watermann Nina , Li Linna , Schalinski Elisabeth , Gauger Ulrich , Rath Werner , Hellmeyer Lars 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Background:
Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) is a viable option for safe delivery. In some cases cervical ripening and subsequent labor induction is necessary. However, the commonly used prostaglandins are not licensed in this subgroup of patients and are associated with an increased risk of uterine rupture.

Methods:
This cohort study compares maternal and neonatal outcomes of TOLAC in women (n=82) requiring cervical ripening agents (osmotic dilator vs. prostaglandins). The initial Bishop scores (BSs) were 2 (0–5) and 3 (0–5) (osmotic dilator and prostaglandin group, respectively). In this retrospective analysis, Fisher’s exact test, the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test and Pearson’s chi-squared test were utilized.

Results:
Vaginal birth rate (including operative delivery) was 55% (18/33) in the osmotic dilator group vs. 51% (25/49) in the dinoprostone group (P 0.886). Between 97% and 92% (32/33 and 45/49) (100%, 100%) of neonates had an Apgar score of >8 after 1 min (5, 10 min, respectively). The time between administration of the agent and onset of labor was 36 and 17.1 h (mean, Dilapan-S® group, dinoprostone group, respectively). Time from onset of labor to delivery was similar in both groups with 4.4 and 4.9 h (mean, Dilapan-S® group, dinoprostone group, respectively). Patients receiving cervical ripening with Dilapan-S® required oxytocin in 97% (32/33) of cases. Some patients presented with spontaneous onset of labor, mostly in the dinoprostone group (24/49, 49%). Amniotomy was performed in 64% and 49% (21/33 and 24/49) of cases (Dilapan-S® group and dinoprostone group, respectively).

Conclusions:
This pilot study examines the application of an osmotic dilator for cervical ripening to promote vaginal delivery in women who previously delivered via cesarean section. In our experience, the osmotic dilator gives obstetricians a chance to perform induction of labor in these women.
Crystal structure of 2-amino-4-(4-isopropyl-phenyl)-3-cyano-5-oxo-4H,5H-pyrano[3,2-c]chromene, C22H18N2O3
Authors: Zhang Chang-Hu 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
C22H18N2O3, orthorhombic, Pbca (no. 61), a = 14.8532(7) Å, b = 11.3579(6) Å, c = 22.1712(18) Å, V = 3740.3(4) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.0596, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1653, T = 293(2) K.
Rational Solutions and Lump Solutions of the Potential YTSF Equation
Authors: Sun Hong-Qian , Chen Ai-Hua 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
By using of the bilinear form, rational solutions and lump solutions of the potential Yu–Toda–Sasa–Fukuyama (YTSF) equation are derived. Dynamics of the fundamental lump solution, n
1-order lump solutions, and N-lump solutions are studied for some special cases. We also find some interaction behaviours of solitary waves and one lump of rational solutions.
<i>Baylisascaris procyonis</i> un nemátodo del mapache urbano, agente zoonótico emergente por considerar como diagnóstico diferencial de larva migrans en Costa Rica. Revisión
Authors: Baldi Mario , Piche Martha , Romero Mario , Hutter Sabine Elisabeth , Montenegro Víctor , Walzer Chris 
Published: June 2017

El ascaridio Baylisascaris procyonis es un agente parasitario de importancia para la salud pública, siendo su huésped definitivo el mapache común (Procyon lotor). Un nuevo informe alerta sobre la presencia de estas lombrices en poblaciones de mapaches en la zona urbana de Costa Rica, y hace énfasis en la necesidad de conocer más sobre este parásito, su ciclo de vida y cómo prevenir su transmisión en humanos y animales domésticos. Esta comunicación es una breve revisión sobre los aspectos más importantes de este nematodo y sus efectos negativos en la salud animal y pública. Además, se hace hincapié en los mejores métodos de diagnóstico etiológico y los más apropiados para animales domésticos, así como el tratamiento y la prevención en perros. El presente artículo pretende formar conciencia en los trabajadores de la salud pública y animal sobre la necesidad de tomar el Bayliascaris procyonis dentro de su diagnóstico diferencial de larvas migrantes en Costa Rica.
Relative and Conditional Clause Constructions in Ìyàgbà Dialect
Authors: Oluwole Samuel Akintoye 
Published: June 2017

Relative Clause has been discussed as a subordinate clause used to qualify a noun. It narrows down the meaning of the noun it qualifies. A relative clause marker tí is inserted to accomplish the noun qualified having coded in the sentence initially in Yoruba language on the one hand. On the other hand, a conditional clause in Yoruba language is introduced with tí-clause by coding it in the sentence initially as well. The paper focuses on relative clause and conditional clause constructions in the Ìyàgbà dialect of Yoruba; a regional dialect in the north-east Yoruba. The author observes that though there are many scholarly works on the relative and conditional clause constructions in the Yoruba language, attention has not been paid to the relative and conditional clause constructions in the dialects of Yoruba. The data were collected from the informants from these dialect communities who reside in these communities and speak the dialects fluently, and the literature materials on these topics. The data presentation shall be based on descriptive analysis. Findings reveal that relative clause markers in the Ìyàgbà dialect are in complementary distribution; they occur in an exclusive environment. Apart from that, conditional clause markers are not attested in the dialect.
A regionalização da saúde no federalismo brasileiro
Authors: Curvina Ana Cristina Carvalho 
Published: June 2017

A abordagem sobre a regionalização, diretriz constitucional organizadora do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), teve como base os fundamentos dispostos no ordenamento constitucional e seus conceitos, com vistas a verificar a efetividade da regionalização no sistema federativo brasileiro. Foi abordado, também, o conceito de descentralização, processo que possibilitou a transferência do poder decisório da esfera federal para os estados e municípios. A partir da revisão da literatura e da legislação federal, foram analisadas as implicações das relações intergovernamentais para a efetivação da regionalização das ações e serviços de saúde. A estrutura institucional do SUS demonstra que a coordenação da regionalização é orientada pelo modelo do federalismo, com atribuições e competências definidas na Constituição Federal e na Lei Orgânica da Saúde, para os três entes federados. Concluiu-se que a regionalização no SUS representa o federalismo cooperativo, expresso nas relações intergovernamentais, com base normativa bem definida, entretanto, ainda persistem alguns fatores críticos, como a heterogeneidade da estrutura federativa brasileira, a cultura política do país, as responsabilidades do poder executivo municipal, e a gestão da cooperação entre os entes no âmbito regional.
Assessments of patient and health care workers satisfaction on the laboratory services in St. Paul’s hospital millennium medical college, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Yeshanew Addisu Gize , Geremew Rozina Ambachew , Temesgen Melkayehu Kassa 
Published: June 2017

<p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Background:</span></strong>Satisfaction is one of the meaningful indicators of users’ experience of health care services in general and laboratory service in particular. Understanding the level of this satisfaction in public laboratory service is the most important for the improvement of health care delivery in any country at large. The aim of this study was to assess level of patient and health care workers satisfaction on the laboratory services in St. Paul’s hospital millennium medical college, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia<span lang="EN-US">. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Methods:</span></strong><span lang="EN-US"> A cross sectional study was conducted from May 1 to 30, 2016 in St. Paul’s hospital millennium medical college. Data were collected using structured questionnaire, through face to face interview, entered to Epi-Info version 5.3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20.0 for analysis. </span>Satisfaction score was calculated by using Likert’s five scale giving a value of 1 for poor satisfaction level up to a value of 5 for excellent. Chi-square tests were employed and P-value less than 0.05 considered as statistically significance. </p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Results:</span></strong><span lang="EN-US"> The findings of the study showed that the overall satisfactions level with the laboratory services in the hospital were 55.9% for the patient and 60% for health care workers. </span>Satisfaction was reported to be highest (74.2%) on the hospitability of laboratory professionals to their patients, from patient satisfaction level and (73.8%) with the language of laboratory professional communication skills to their patient from health care worker satisfaction<span lang="EN-US">.</span></p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Conclusions:</span></strong>The study showed that low satisfaction level rate laboratory service in both the patient and health care workers. Therefore, the hospital laboratory director and managers consider these service areas in order to solve the identified problems. </p>
Utilization of Spent Microbial Biomass as an Alternative Crop Nitrogen Source
Authors: Sullivan Casey T. , Harman Rebecca M. , Eash Neal S. , Zahn James A. , Goddard John J. , Walker Forbes R. , Saxton Arnold M. , Lambert Dayton M. , McIntosh David W. , Hart William E. , Freeland Robert S. , Morrison John E. 
Published: June 2017

Core Ideas
Nutrient‐rich spent microbial biomass has potential for reuse in agriculture.
Tall fescue data from three harvests showed release of spent microbial biomass nutrients over time.
Highest spent microbial biomass rate yielded greater tall fescue biomass than fertilizer in July.
All five spent microbial biomass rates produced corn yields consistent with the fertilizer control.
The renewable disposal of spent microbial biomass in agriculture may be expanded to other industries.
Spent microbial biomass (SMB), a nutrient‐rich co‐product of industrial white biotechnology processes, is produced in substantial quantities alongside high‐value products and most often disposed of in landfills or incinerated. Alternatively, SMB could be reused as a land‐applied N source in agricultural crop production, reducing the environmental and economic footprint of synthetic fertilizers. This research compares SMB applied at different rates to current farmer practice (FP) fertilizer use in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and corn (Zea mays L.) production on a Dewey silty clay in Lenoir City, TN. The effect of SMB on tall fescue was measured over three harvests through plant biomass production, crop N status using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and forage quality by near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). Corn productivity was measured by crop height, leaf chlorophyll content using a handheld meter, and grain yield. Tall fescue data showed the mineralization and release of SMB N over time compared with the rapidly available fertilizer N, and the highest SMB application rate in tall fescue was not statistically different from the FP in plant biomass, leaf NDVI, or any measured forage quality parameters. Despite differences in corn leaf chlorophyll contents between SMB and fertilizer treatments during the growing season, no differences in final grain yields were found. This research substantiates the potential of SMB as a soil N amendment from a nutrient source and yield perspective. Additional studies are needed to understand SMB mineralization rates and to confirm the material's nutrient contribution to crop production.