bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Collection of Listeria monocytogenes Isolates from Milk, Dairy Products and Food Processing Environments in Slovakia for the Purposes of European Molecular Database
Authors: Kubicová Z. , Filipová M. , Jurovčíková J. , Cabanová L 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The molecular typing of Listeria monocytogenes isolates is an important tool for monitoring the spread of the strains in food chains, providing evidence for epidemiological investigations and for the detection of out-breaks. The demand of European typing data centralization, collection and sharing stimulated the generation of “EURL L. monocytogenes Database (EURL Lm DB)” in 2012 led by the European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) for L. monocytogenes (ANSES Maisons-Alfort Laboratory for Food Safety, France) in close collaboration with Applied Maths. This database includes the typing results and epidemiological information on strains isolated from food, environmental or animal samples and it is in connection with human strains database TESSy (The European Surveillance System) led by the ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control). In total 147 L. monocytogenes isolates were examined by PFGE (pulsed field gel electrophoresis) in 2014—2015 in VFI Dolny Kubin from different sources. Nearly half (68) of the 147 isolates in the national Slovak database came from milk or dairy products samples and the related manufacturing environment. In this work, 68 isolates associated with milk were selected and divided into 27 clusters (95 % similarity level) after combined comparison analysis (AscI and ApaI) by BioNumerics 6.6 software. Eight clusters included three or more similar PFGE profiles.
Ban without Prosecution, Conviction without Punishment, and Circumcision without Cutting: A Critical Appraisal of Anti-FGM Laws in Europe
Authors: La Barbera Dr. Maria Caterina 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis article focuses on anti-FGM laws aiming at eliminating gender-based violence. It uses intersectionality to question the underlying conceptualization of gender-based violence, and examines how the problem is represented, and which solutions have been proposed by French, British and Italian laws, showing their inconsistencies and biases. It also considers silenced dissenting voices by focusing on the proposal of “circumcision without cutting”. The main goal is to uncover how anti-FGM laws generate new forms of vulnerability for African descent women in Europe, calling for a more complex articulation of gender at the intersection with migration status, ethnicity and neo-colonial relations.
Simplified Probabilistic Analysis of Settlement of Cyclically Loaded Soil Stratum by Point Estimate Method
Authors: Przewłócki Jarosław , Górski Jarosław , Świdziński Waldemar 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The paper deals with the probabilistic analysis of the settlement of a non-cohesive soil layer subjected to cyclic loading. Originally, the settlement assessment is based on a deterministic compaction model, which requires integration of a set of differential equations. However, with the use of the Bessel functions, the settlement of a soil stratum can be calculated by a simplified algorithm. The compaction model parameters were determined for soil samples taken from subsoil near the Izmit Bay, Turkey. The computations were performed for various sets of random variables. The point estimate method was applied, and the results were verified by the Monte Carlo method. The outcome leads to a conclusion that can be useful in the prediction of soil settlement under seismic loading.
Modelling of Post-flotation Tailings Liquefaction Induced by Paraseismic Events
Authors: Świdziński Waldemar 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
This paper presents and discusses the results of numerical modelling of pore water pressure build-up in post-flotation saturated tailings deposited at the Tailings Storage Facility “Żelazny Most”, caused by seismic-induced dynamic loading. Numerical simulations were based on the compaction/liquefaction model proposed by A. Sawicki. The model parameters were determined in the laboratory for tailings sampled at the TSF “Żelazny Most”. The sensitivity of the numerical model was verified in a series of numerical tests for various horizontal acceleration amplitudes. In the main calculations, an accelerogram recorded during a real paraseimic event was assumed. The results obtained show that, with the current seismic activity near the TSF “Żelazny Most”, some pore water pressure is generated within the saturated tailings layer, but it does not trigger the liquefaction phenomenon.
Catalase, a remarkable enzyme: targeting the oldest antioxidant enzyme to find a new cancer treatment approach
Authors: Glorieux Christophe , Calderon Pedro Buc 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis review is centered on the antioxidant enzyme catalase and will present different aspects of this particular protein. Among them: historical discovery, biological functions, types of catalases and recent data with regard to molecular mechanisms regulating its expression. The main goal is to understand the biological consequences of chronic exposure of cells to hydrogen peroxide leading to cellular adaptation. Such issues are of the utmost importance with potential therapeutic extrapolation for various pathologies. Catalase is a key enzyme in the metabolism of H2O2and reactive nitrogen species, and its expression and localization is markedly altered in tumors. The molecular mechanisms regulating the expression of catalase, the oldest known and first discovered antioxidant enzyme, are not completely elucidated. As cancer cells are characterized by an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a rather altered expression of antioxidant enzymes, these characteristics represent an advantage in terms of cell proliferation. Meanwhile, they render cancer cells particularly sensitive to an oxidant insult. In this context, targeting the redox status of cancer cells by modulating catalase expression is emerging as a novel approach to potentiate chemotherapy.
Multi Point Voltage Control for DFIG wind farms in VSC-MTDC Network
Authors: Gao Yang , Ai Qian 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The development of voltage source converter (VSC) based multi-terminal HVDC network (VSC-MTDC) is emerging as the most adaptive approach to managing high penetration of wind energy in long distance.However, MTDC networks depend on highly controllable devices, which may permit not only transporting power, but also assuring secure and stable operation for AC grids. This paper first presents an overview of different control schemes for VSCs in VSC-MTDC network, then proposes a modification scheme of multi-point DC voltage control for wind farms equipped with doubly fed induction generators (DFIG). Finally, the proposed strategy is verified on PSCAD/EMTDC software, and simulation results show that the state of constant power control and constant DC voltage control can be automatically conversed, thus guarantee the stability of DC voltage and the transmission reliability after the power variation in DFIG wind farms and the operation fault at converter stations.
FPGA Implementation of Multi-scale Face Detection Using HOG Features and SVM Classifier
Authors: Drożdż Michał , Kryjak Tomasz 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
In this paper an FPGA based embedded vision system for face detection is presented. The sliding detection window, HOG+SVM algorithm and multi-scale image processing were used and extensively described. The applied computation parallelizations allowed to obtain real-time processing of a 1280 × 720 @ 50Hz video stream. The presented module has been verified on the Zybo development board with Zynq SoC device from Xilinx. It can be used in a vast number of vision systems, including diver fatigue monitoring.
Original Article. Improving the Inhalation Technique in Patients with Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases
Authors: Ivanova Zlatina I. , Kyuchukov Nikolay H. , Krachunov Iliya I. , Yanev Nikolay A. , Glogovska Pavlina Ts. , Pavlov Plamen S. , Popova Tsanya P. , Todorov Vasil V. , Ivanov Yavor Y. 
Published: April 2017

Summary
The study aimed to assess the inhalation technique of patients with bronchial asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) via an objective method and to evaluate the effect of training in patients with incorrect technique. Тhe inhalation technique of 120 patients with obstructive pulmonary disease was tested. The patients were divided into two groups: using metered dose inhalers (MDI) - 34 patients (28%) and dry powered inhalers (DPI) - 86 patients (72%). The most frequent mistakes in the MDIgroup were short duration of the inhalation (55.88%) and bad synchronization between activating the canister and the inhalation (29.41%). For the DPIgroup, the inhalation was not forceful enough (48.84%) and the short duration of the inhalation (12.79%). Patients claiming to have good inhalation technique accounted for 97%of those in the MDIgroup, and 96.5%of those in the DPIgroup. There were two patients (5.88%) with correct inhalation technique in the MDIgroup at their first attempt, and 31 patients (36.05%) in the DPIgroup. We found that in the MDIgroup there wasasignificant reduction in the number of mistakes (p<0.001). In the DPIgroup, such correlation was not found but during visit 2 there were no patients with more than 1 mistake. Correcting poor inhalation technique led to reduction of the number of mistakes during inhalation.
Original Article. Matrix Metalloproteinase Mmp-2 and Mmp-9 Activities in Seminal Plasma
Authors: Ayvazova Nina P. , Rilcheva Violeta S. , Konova Emiliana I. , Roussev Roumen G. , Rashev Pavel I. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) areagroup of proteases containing Zn ions asacofactor, which are involved in degrading ofalarge number of extracellular matrix proteins, and bioactive molecules. They also playamajor role in processes such as cell proliferation, cell migration, differentiation and apoptosis. Very little is known about the expression and function of MMPs in the male reproductive tract. Occurrence of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in human seminal plasma has been previously reported but their origin and function are still not fully understood. The aim of this study was to examine the presence of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in normal and abnormal human sperm samples and find if any correlation existed between the levels of expression of MMPs and fertilization potential of the spermatozoa. Human spermsamples were examined for the presence of MMP-2 and MMP-9 by gel zymography and western blot analysis. A DNAfragmentation test was performed. The samples were divided into two groups - samples with normozoospermia and teratozoospermia. The gelatin zymography showed gelatinolytic bands with molecular weight 64 and 72 k Da corresponding to active and inactive form of MMP-2. MMP-9 was not detected. The MMP-2 enzymatic activity appeared to be much higher in samples with compromised sperm morphology as compared to the normozoospermic samples. The mean DNAfragmentation index (DFI) of the group with teratozoospermia was relatively higher (22.16%) and over the upper reference limits, compared to the normozoospermic group, in which it was within the normal range (17.26%).
Original Article. Diagnostic and Prognostic Potential of Oxidative Stress Markers in Adults with Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Bogdanov Lachezar H. , Alexandrova Margarita L. , Atanasova Milena A. , Tzvetkov Nikolay Tz. 
Published: April 2017

Summary
Immune thrombocytopenia (ІTP) is one of the most common causes of clinically overt hemorrhage. Despite the progress made in recent years in clarifying the pathogenesis of the disease, the exact unlockmechanisms still remain unclear. The aim of the study was to correlate the oxidative stress markers and the severity of immune thrombocytopenia in adults and to investigate their predictive value of transforming the acute formof ITPinto chronicІTP.We studiedatotal of 58 subjects (14 patients with newly diagnosedІTP, 13 patients with chronic form ofІTR, and 31 controls). The plasma levels of human pantetheinase ( vanin-1) and lipid hydroperoxides were measured using commercial assay kits.We found that the form of the disease was not significantly related to the plasma vanin-1 levels (p=0.120). Asignificant difference in the vanin-1concentrations was observed between newly diagnosed IPTand the controls (p=0.046). Further studies with larger and more homogenous groups of patients and including more indicators of oxidative stress are needed to be able to draw statistically valid conclusions about the role of oxidative biomarkers in diagnosing and treatment ofІTP.
Original Article. Demographic Changes in the Population of Bulgaria as Challenges for Anaesthesiologists
Authors: Radev Vladimir R. , Radev Radko N. , Arabadzhieva Daniela A. , Petrov Vladin I. , Kolev Nikolay H. 
Published: April 2017

Summary
In the past two decades, the demographic crisis in Bulgaria has been widely debated. According to the National Statistical Institute (NSI), the proportion of people aged 65 and over is increasing, despite the general population decline in the country. To investigate whether the age structure of patients operated on has changed during the past 10 years and assess the need to reorganize the training of anesthetists,aretrospective study in the anesthesia electronic database of the University Hospital in Rouse was carried out. The data of anesthesia performed by anesthesiologists in 2005, 2010 and 2015 in patients aged 65 and over were summarized. The distribution of these patients by ASA Physical Classification System and frequency of complications during anesthesia were analyzed. The average annual number of anaesthesias for the three years was almost unchanged and amounted to about 5500. The proportion of patients aged 65 and over increased from 30.54%in 2005 to 35.72%in 2010, and 37.81%in 2015. The distribution of patients in according to the ASA Classification changed significantly: the percentage of patients ASAI-IIdropped from 36.19%in 2005 to 11.85%in 2015. The patients in the ASA III-IVgroups for the three analyzed years was 41.86%, 58.66%and 65.30%, respectively, and this was mainly due to the increase in the ASAIVpatients. It is necessary to build multidisciplinary teams and prepare specialized protocols for behavior in geriatric patients. It is imperative that anesthesiologists possess specialized knowledge about age-related organ changes and their effects on anesthesia.
Original Article. Open Retropubic and Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy in Prostate Carcinoma: Advantages of Methods
Authors: Kolev Nikolay H. , Atanasov Jitian A. , Dunev Vladislav R. , Stoykov Boyan A. , Kotsev Rumen P. , Vanov Alexander , Al-Shargabi Fahd , Tonchev Pencho T. , Iliev Sergey D. , Stoyanov Toni I. 
Published: April 2017

Summary
Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common type of cancer in men inanumber of countries. The choice of surgical technique for radical prostatectomy (RP) concerns both patients and urologists. The choice is not easy to make, since data is still limited due to the lack of large multicentric randomized research trials. For three years (2011-2014), 244 patients with limited prostate cancer were operated in the Urology Clinic of the University Hospital in Pleven. Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) was performed on 35 patients (14%), open retropubic radical prostatectomy (ORP) - on 199 patients (81%), and laparoscopic RP - on 12 patients (5%). The preoperative and post-op results from the first two groups were compared. For the follow-up period of 12 months, functional results in 82 patients of the ORPgroup were compared to the results in the 35 patients of the RARPgroup. The operative time was significantly longer in the RARPgroup, and blood loss was lower. The catheter stay was shorter in patients with RARP. The percentage of significant postoperative complications was 0%in the patients with RARPand 3%in the patients with an ORP. RARPpatients demonstrated better continence: 91%vs. 87%and erectile function46%vs.40%at 12 months.
Case Report. A Case Report of Adult Acne
Authors: Yordanova Ivelina A. , Tsvetanova Desislava D. , Strateva Diana D. , Yordanova-Laleva Pavlina D. , Gospodinov Dimitar K. 
Published: April 2017

Summary
Acne vulgaris is among the commonest inflammatory skin diseases affecting pilosebaceous units. It occurs mainly in puberty and affects adolescents at the age of 14-19 years both females and males, in relation to sebum production of hair follicles under the action of sex hormones. Clinically the disease is presented with comedones, papules, pustules, nodules and scars in some cases. Seborrheic areas face, chest and back are affected. Recent epidemiologic studies have shown significant number of female patients aged over 25 years with acne and the term Adult onset acne (AOA)was established.The latter is manifested clinically in the lower third of the face. Primary etiological cause of AOAisahormonal imbalance, mainly hyperandrogenemia. Acase ofa25-year-old woman with adult acne and elevated levels of testosterone and prolactine is presented in this paper.
Recurrent Arterial and Venous Thrombotic Events in a Patient with Psoriasis. Impact of PAI-1 Polymorphism: A Case Report
Authors: Dimitrov Borislav T. , Gincheva Veronika H. , Simeonova Iva G. , Ivanova Anika I. , Petkova Maria P. , Gospodinov Dimitar K. , Komsa-Penkova Regina 
Published: April 2017

SummaryPsoriasis isachronic autoimmune multisystem disease, mainly affecting the skin and joints. Its origin is related to both environmental and genetic factors. The condition affects 1-3%of the population worldwide. Psoriasis is also associated with cardiovascular risk factors, atherothrombotic events, and markers of hypercoagulation (platelet activation and hyperhomocysteinemia). Venous thromboembolism (VTE) isawidespread severe disease. Both VTEand psoriasis are connected with risk factors for cardiovascular disorders (obesity and hypertension). The incidence of VTEevents in patients with psoriasis is higher. Patients with psoriasis should be checked for risk factors (metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases).We reportacase of a 53-year old man, diagnosed with plaque psoriasis 20 years ago, andafive year history of hypertension. In 2006, he hadastroke, and in 2011 ‒aheart attack. In 2013 he was diagnosed with thrombophlebitis. The patient was recently diagnosed with Type IIdiabetes, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome. The DNAanalysis revealed that the patient wasahomozygous carrier of 4G/4G (rs1799889) polymorphism in plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) -a risk factor for thrombophilia. This case is important because of the major comorbidities, more particularly thrombotic events in combination withaprothrombotic mutation.
Some Aspects of Jean Gerson’s Legal Influence in Sixteenth Century England: The Issue of Epikeia
Authors: Mazour-Matusevich Yelena 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The present study focuses on one aspect of Jean Gerson’s (1363–1429) judicial influence in England: the development of the concept of equity or epikeia. By analysing particularities of Gerson’s interpretation of epikeia, the study examines the reasons why his take on equity attracted attention in the socio-political context of 16th century England. It also explores distinctions between various understandings of equity, which was gradually introduced into common law under Thomas More’s chancellorship and thanks to Christopher St. German’s writings. Making the reference to today’s interest in the concept of equity, article aims to serve as a link between scholarship and contemporary political and judicial thinking.
Microbiome and antimicrobial resistance genes in microbiota of cloacal samples from European herring gulls (Larus argentatus)
Authors: Merkeviciene Lina , Ruzauskaite Neda , Klimiene Irena , Siugzdiniene Rita , Dailidaviciene Jurgita , Virgailis Marius , Mockeliunas Raimundas , Ruzauskas Modestas 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study was to determine microbiota in the cloacal samples of European herring gulls (Larus argentatus) and to compare a variety of genes encoding antimicrobial resistance in cultivable and non-cultivable bacteria.

Material and Methods: Cloacal samples from European herring gulls were collected from a Kaunas city dump. Cultivable microbiota were isolated, their microbial susceptibility was tested, and genes encoding antimicrobial resistance were detected. Additionally, a metagenomic study was performed using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).

Results: In total, 697 different operational taxonomic units at genus level were detected; however, only 63 taxonomic units were detected at the amount of ≥0.1% of the total number of DNA copies. Catellicoccus marimammalium was found to have the highest prevalence. The bacterial amount of other genera was up to 5% with the most highly prevalent being Psychrobacter (4.7%), Helicobacter (4.5%), unclassified Enterococcaceae (3.2%), Pseudomonas (2.9%), and Brachyspira (2.6%).

Conclusions:
C. marimammalium are predominant microbiota in the cloacal samples of Larus argentatus. This species of gulls is a reservoir of bacteria carrying a wide-spectrum of genes encoding antimicrobial resistance. The same genes were detected in both cultivable microbiota and in the total DNA of the samples.
Withdrawal of amoxicillin and penicillin G procaine from milk after intramammary administration in dairy cows with mastitis
Authors: Burmańczuk Artur , Tomasz Grabowski , Gbylik-Sikorska Małgorzata , Gajda Anna , Kowalski Cezary 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Introduction: There are many veterinary products containing β-lactam antibiotics which are used for mastitis treatment in cows. The aim of the study was to determine whether mastitis could have any effect on amoxicillin (AMX) or penicillin G procaine (PEN) withdrawal period from milk, in the context of current maximum residue limits established by the European Commission.

Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 17 dairy Black and White cows with clinical mastitis during the lactation period. The first group (n = 8) received 200 mg of amoxicillin (AMX), whereas the second group (n = 9) received 200,000 IU/mg of penicillin G procaine (PEN) by intramammary administration. For the measurement of AMX and PEN concentrations in milk, the liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was applied. Pharmacokinetic calculations were performed using Phoenix WinNonlin 6.4 software.

Results: The determined AMX and PEN half-life values in the mammary gland suggest that the drug withdrawal is at a level of 99.9% within 81 h (≈3.5 days) and 116 h (≈5 days) after administration of AMX and PEN, respectively. The present research indicates that, at 60 h after administration, the average PEN concentration in the milk from cows with clinical signs of mastitis may still reach 4.96 g/kg and that of AMX can even be 6.92 g/kg.

Conclusion: The results obtained confirm that, in mastitis cases, a 72-h withdrawal period is sufficient for elimination of AMX to a lower level than the established maximum residue limit (MRL) values. However, in the case of PEN, at 69 h after administration, the drug concentration may be close to that of the determined MRL.