bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Sensitivity and Specificity of Fine-Needle Aspiration in Thyroid Neoplasia
Authors: Georgescu Rareș , Oprea Adela Luciana , Contra Alexandra , Hanko Orsolya Bauer , Colcer Ioana , Coroș Marius Florin 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate and demonstrate the accuracy of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in thyroid lesions in our department and to highlight probable causes of errors leading to unsatisfactory sampling, which may depend on the characteristics of the nodule.

Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted on 319 diagnosed cases of thyroid nodules referred to the Surgery Unit of Puls hospital, Tîrgu Mureș in the January 2014 – December 2015 period, who underwent fine-needle aspiration. Histological examination was considered to be the gold standard; therefore we compared the cytological diagnosis with the histological one.

Results: Of the 319 cases, 289 (90.6%) were female and 30 (9.4%) male patients; 210 cases (69.3%) were interpreted as benign, 46 cases (15.2%) as follicular lesion of undetermined significance, 4 cases (1.3%) as suspect for malignancy, 1 case (0.3%) as malignant sampling, and 42 cases (13.9%) as unsatisfactory. We compared the results of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) with the corresponding histopathological results (49 in total). FNAC achieved a sensitivity of 76.47%, a specificity of 83.1%, a positive predictive value of 35.1%, a negative predictive value of 96.7%, a false positive rate of 16.9%, a false negative rate of 23%, and an overall accuracy of 82.3%.

Conclusions: The results of our study demonstrate the accuracy of the FNA technique in the first-line diagnosis of thyroid nodules.
Effects of Viral and Bacterial Infections on Marginal Periodontium
Authors: Bukhari Csilla , Lazăr Luminița , Monea Adriana Maria , Vlasa Alexandru , Buka Imola Zsuzsa , Sabău Raluca , Kovács Mónika , Bereșescu Liana , Petcu Blanka , Pál Enikő 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Background: There are several risk factors, general and local, which favor the onset of periodontal destruction, and their knowledge is essential to their correct identification and for the adoption of a suitable therapeutic management. The aim of the study was to assess periodontal health status of patients suffering from viral and bacterial infections and to determine the eventual relationship between periodontal diseases and infectious diseases.

Material and methods: Twenty-five patients with a mean age of 25 years (range 23–27 years) admitted to the Clinic of Infectious Diseases of Tîrgu Mureș between December 1, 2013 – May 31, 2014 and diagnosed with bacterial and viral infections were included in the study (17 women, 8 men). Eight were infected with bacteria, and 17 with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Patients were examined in the clinic using Williams periodontal probe, dental mirror, and lip retractor, and different periodontal parameters were recorded: the Silness Löe plaque index, papilla bleeding index, Community Periodontal Index in Treatment Needs (CPITN), periodontal pocket depth, gingival retraction.

Results: Values were significantly higher in patients infected with HIV in the following cases: among women in the Full Mouth Plaque Score (FMPS, p = 0.0312), among men in the depth of periodontal pockets (p = 0.0126), among men in the FMPS (p = 0.0282).

Conclusions: The FMPS showed a high value both in women and men infected with HIV. More and deeper pockets were found in men infected with HIV. The gingival retraction and the papillary bleeding index calculated for the entire oral cavity were not influenced by the type of infection. A periodic inspection and maintenance of oral hygiene instructions could play a significant role in preventing periodontal disease in these vulnerable groups.
The diagnostic dilemma of non-convulsive status epilepticus in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
Authors: Wittstock Matthias , Walter Uwe , Schirrmeister Daniela , Kurtieiev Kyrylo , Klinke Jan , Grossmann Annette , Rösche Johannes 
Published: July 2017

SummaryIntroduction.The differentiation between the clinical and electroencephalographic changes in nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) and those in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) is a crucial question.Case report.A 77-year old woman was admitted because of fluctuating behavioural chancaseges, adynamia and apraxia since several months for diagnostic. The diagnosis of sCJD was suggested. Subsequently, she had a generalized tonic clonic seizure (GTCS) and the EEG revealed periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges and NCSE was considered.Discussion.The presented case illustrates the dilemma in the differential diagnosis of sCJD and (symptomatic) NCSE in the light of the recently published new Salzburg consensus criteria and unified EEG terminology. Concerning these criteria, the patient showed after an initial generalized seizure and substantial clinical improvement after administration of antiepileptic drugs, persisting epileptic discharges and only subtle clinical ictal phenomena during the EEG patterns with typical spatiotemporal evolution as a correlate of a symptomatic NCSE. During the further course of the disease in the presented patient the picture changed into an encephalopathic pattern.Conclusion.EEG criteria for the diagnosis of NCSE are complex. In our case the EEG resembled the pattern of NCSE in the postictal phase of a GTCS according to a classification of NCSE in use at this time. After initial responsiveness to antiepileptic medication the patient lost responsiveness to therapy displaying the typical encephalopathic EEG findings in sCJD. These findings may support the hypothesis of initial NCSE and transformation into prion protein induced encephalopathic EEG and demonstrated clinical usefulness of the Salzburg consensus criteria for NCSE.
Human Geography and the hinterland: The case of Torsten Hägerstrand’s ‘belated’ recognition
Authors: Brauer René , Dymitrow Mirek 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSeeing Human Geography as a nexus of temporally oscillating concepts, this paper investigates the dissemination of scientific ideas with a focus on extra-scientific factors. While scientific progress is usually evaluated in terms of intellectual achievement of the individual researcher, geographers tend to forget about the external factors that tacitly yet critically contribute to knowledge production. While these externalities are well-documented in the natural sciences, social sciences have not yet seen comparable scrutiny. Using Torsten Hägerstrand’s rise to prominence as a concrete example, we explore this perspective in a social-science case – Human Geography. Applying an STS (Science and Technology Studies) approach, we depart from a model of science as socially-materially contingent, with special focus on three extra-scientific factors: community norms, materiality and the political climate. These factors are all important in order for knowledge to be disseminated into the hinterland of Human Geography. We conclude it is these types of conditions that in practice escape the relativism of representation.
Surround 3-Dimensional Scanner
Authors: Karbowski Krzysztof 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The paper describes original 3-dimensional structured light scanner used for medical application. Scanner kinematics is similar to the gantry mechanism of computed tomography apparatus. The unique feature of the presented scanner is a glass table for capturing image of a human body part. The scanner can acquire an object through the table. It gives the chance for surround scanning of the human body, using only one scanning head, without changing the body position. It is more cost effective scanner solution than multihead scanner configuration.
Heat resisting and water-soluble chocolate polyesters containing azomethine group
Authors: Temizkan Kevser , Kaya İsmet 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn this study, soluble in water poly(azomethine-ester)s (PAEs) were synthesized via elimination reactions of aromatic dihydroxy compounds containing imine bonding with terephthaloyl chloride. The structures of Schiff bases (SBs) and PAEs containing different aliphatic chains were confirmed by FT-IR,1H-NMR,13C-NMR and UV-Vis analyses. Physicochemical properties of the new polymers were characterized. Thermal properties of the compounds were investigated by TGA-DTA, DMA and DSC. According to TGA measurements, the starting degradation temperatures (Ton) of P-1, P-2, P-3, and P-4 poly(azomethine-ester)s were found as 255 °C, 232 °C, 222 °C, and 221 °C, respectively. The starting degradation temperatures of the poly(azomethine-ester)s were higher than their Schiff base compounds. According to dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA) measurements, glass transition temperature (Tg) of P-1, P-2, P-3, and P-4 poly(azomethine-ester)s were found as 95 °C, 138 °C, 140 °C, and 145 °C, respectively. The morphological and topographic properties of the PAEs containing azomethine linkage in the main chain were investigated by FE-SEM and AFM, respectively. The molecular mass distributions of PAEs were determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Electrochemical (E′g) and optical band gap (Eoptg) values of the prepared SBs and PAEs were calculated from cyclic voltammetry (CV) and UV-Vis analyses. The electrochemical band gap (E′g) values of P-1, P-2, P-3 and P-4 were found as 2.44 eV, 2.41 eV, 2.39 eV and 2.39 eV, respectively, from the cyclic voltammetry.
Civil-Society Organizations’ Capacity Building in the Local Governmental Sector: Is It Working? A Case Study
Authors: Máthé Réka Zsuzsánna , Hajnal György 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe role that a strong civil society plays in socio-economic development is a subject of major scholarly attention today. Many benefits from having a strong civil society are reported in the literature. There is, however, no generally accepted view regarding how capacity-building efforts can help to develop a strong civil society, especially in the Central and Eastern European countries.The purpose of this qualitative study is to understand the causal mechanisms existing between capacity-building efforts, a strengthened civil society and socioeconomic development. This case study suggests that a Hungarian local government did appear to strengthen associational activities in its community. Using process tracing, the research identifies specific factors that lead this village to take these uncommon steps, and it assesses the implications for civic life.
Selected properties of biodegradable material produced from thermoplastic starch with by-products of food industry addition
Authors: Zdybel Ewa , Tomaszewska-Ciosk Ewa , Gertchen Mateusz , Drożdż Wioletta 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
In this work extrusion process were used to create thermoplastic starch and to mix obtained starch with linen, quince and apple pomace at the same time. Obtained starch beads were formed in shapes. In experimental material was determined thermal conductivity, water absorption and the solubility in water. It is possible to get the biodegradable material produced from thermoplastic starch with an addition of fruit pomace. Adding pomace and glycerine to the biodegradable material made from starch change of susceptibility on water action. In the case of materials containing pomace, glycerine addition decreases the susceptibility on water action compared to the material manufactured with pomace addition but without glycerine. In the material containing pomace, glycerine addition caused the increase of the thermal insulation time compared to the material with pomace but no glycerine in it.
How will text size influence the length of its linguistic constituents?
Authors: Jin Huiyuan , Liu Haitao 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAs human language is a multi-level complex adaptive system, a text can be seen as emergent from the complex interactions between internal and external factors. Text types such as microblog have size restriction, an external variable which may affect relevant quantitative properties of the texts themselves. Such texts provide a good opportunity to investigate the interactions between the external and internal factors of human language from the perspective of complex adaptive system. This study focuses on how the size restriction of Chinese microblog texts affects the length of their sentences and clauses. Quantitative properties concerning sentence and clause length of Chinese microblog texts are analyzed and compared with those of texts with no size restriction (i.e., prose, news report and romantic fiction). Analysis of sentence length distribution shows that size restriction has an impact on sentence length measured by numbers of words and clauses. The correlation between sentence length and clause length is examined with Menzerath-Altmann law. The satisfying fitting result of microblog texts probably suggests that, language units are able to re-organize and re-regulate their structures according to relevant external factors, until they reach a balanced new system.
Effect of vitamin E (DL-all-rac-a-tocopherol acetate) and nano particles of selenium on growth, survival, body composition and whole body glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in Rutilus kutum (Kamensky, 1901)
Authors: Tahmasbi Davoud , Gorgin Saeid , Mazendarani Mohammad , Sudagar Mohammad 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The effect of vitamin E (100 mg kg−1) and nano-selenium (1 mg kg−1), which have a nutritional relationship separately and in combination, was investigated on growth, survival, carcass composition, body glutathione peroxidase activity, and body malondialdehyde content of Rutilus kutum. Results showed that vitamin E is capable of improving growth, FCR and WG in Kutum fingerlings; however, nano-selenium is not. According to this study, vitamin E can improve growth and selenium can improve glutathione peroxidase activity in Rutilus kutum larvae.
The invasive raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides, gray) – an update of its distribution on the Balkans
Authors: Popova Elitsa , Zlatanova Diana 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The raccoon dog, which lives especially near water and is rare in areas with low humidity, has been spreading throughout Europe since its introduction to Western Russia in the beginning of the 20th century. Official accounts of its distribution in Europe are often inaccurate due to scarce data. A literature search was conducted to identify records of the raccoon dog in the Balkans. More than 60 records were identified, including ones unlisted by the cited source from central and western Bulgaria, southern Serbia, Macedonia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Greece. The raccoon dog can be found on the Balkans either along the Danube (which is a major corridor for its invasion) or along its tributaries, which might represent secondary invasion pathways.
Lithium Insertion into Mixed Phase Titania Nanotubes
Authors: Wittich Olga , Meyer Florian , Wark Michael 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Titanium dioxide nanotubes were obtained by a simple alkaline hydrothermal route forming titanate nanotubes in a first step and subsequent ion exchange with hydrochloric acid. The obtained TiO2 nanotubes were structurally characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy. Electrochemical analysis by cyclic voltammetry shows the presence oif anatase and TiO2-B phase in the tubes. From Randles-Ševcik plots a diffusion-controlled anodic reaction is found for the anatase phase, the TiO2-B phase, however, exhibits a pseudocapacitive behavior. A quite high amount of TiO2-B phase present in our TiO2 nanotubes is responsible for high charge and discharge capacities exceeding those found by other research groups for comparable nanotube systems. Furthermore, galvanostatic long-time cycling proves a high stability of the TiO2 nanotubes.
Acute Cardiopulmonary, Metabolic, and Neuromuscular Responses to Severe-Intensity Intermittent Exercises
Authors: Lisbôa Felipe D. , Raimundo João A.G. , Salvador Amadeo F. , Pereira Kayo L. , Turnes Tiago , Diefenthaeler Fernando , Oliveira Mariana F.M.de , Caputo Fabrizio 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Lisbôa, FD, Raimundo, JAG, Salvador, AF, Pereira, KL, Turnes, T, Diefenthaeler, F, Oliveira, MFMd, and Caputo, F. Acute cardiopulmonary, metabolic, and neuromuscular responses to severe-intensity intermittent exercises. J Strength Cond Res 33(2): 408–416, 2019—The purpose of this study was to compare cardiopulmonary, neuromuscular, and metabolic responses to severe-intensity intermittent exercises with variable or constant work rate (CWR). Eleven cyclists (28 ± 5 years; 74 ± 7 kg; 175 ± 5 cm; 63 ± 4 ml·kg−1·min−1) performed the following tests until exhaustion on separate days: (a) an incremental test; (b) in random order, 2 CWR tests at 95 and 110% of the peak power for the determination of critical power (CP); (c) 2–4 tests for the determination of the highest power that still permits the achievement of maximal oxygen uptake (PHIGH); and (d) 2 random severe-intensity intermittent exercises. The last 2 sessions consisted of a CWR exercise performed at PHIGH or a decreasing work rate (DWR) exercise from PHIGH until 105% of CP. Compared with CWR, DWR presented higher time to exhaustion (635 ± 223 vs. 274 ± 65 seconds), time spent above 95% of V̇o
2max (t95% V̇o
2max) (323 ± 227 vs. 98 ± 65 seconds), and O2 consumed (0.97 ± 0.41 vs. 0.41 ± 0.11 L). Electromyography amplitude (root mean square [RMS]) decreased for DWR but increased for CWR during each repetition. However, RMS and V̇o
2 divided by power output (RMS/PO and V̇o
2/PO ratio) increased in every repetition for both protocols, but to a higher extent and slope for DWR. These findings suggest that the higher RMS/PO and V̇o
2/PO ratio in association with the longer exercise duration seemed to have been responsible for the higher t95% V̇o
2max observed during severe DWR exercise.
The Influence of Contextual Factors on Running Performance in Female Australian Football Match-Play
Authors: Black Georgia M. , Gabbett Tim J. , Naughton Geraldine , Cole Michael H. , Johnston Rich D. , Dawson Brian 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Black, GM, Gabbett, TJ, Naughton, G, Cole, MH, Johnston, RD, and Dawson, B. The influence of contextual factors on running performance in female Australian football match-play. J Strength Cond Res 33(9): 2488–2495, 2019—Given the recent growth of the professional status among multiple female football codes, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of contextual factors on activity profiles and pacing strategies in female Australian football (AF) players. Thirty-five female AF players participated in this study. Global positioning system analysis was completed over 1 competitive season. Matches were separated into eight 10-minute periods. Greater distances were covered during the first half irrespective of playing position (effect size [ES] = 0.39–0.50, Likelihood ≥90%). Throughout a number of periods half-backs (defensive players) covered greater distances during losses (ES ≥ 0.74, Likelihood ≥92%) and against top 3 opponents (ES ≥ 1.0, Likelihood ≥97%). Midfielders and half-backs covered greater distances (ES ≥ 0.49, Likelihood ≥89%) in the final match period in winning compared with losing matches. A reduction in player work rate is evident during the second half of matches. The influence of contextual factors varied across positional groups. However, it is clear that coaches could use player rotation both early in the match in an attempt to delay the effect of fatigue and more frequently during the second half to increase running intensity.
Targeted Interneuron Ablation in the Mouse Hippocampus Can Cause Spontaneous Recurrent Seizures
Authors: Spampanato Jay , Dudek F. Edward 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe death of GABAergic interneurons has long been hypothesized to contribute to acquired epilepsy. These experiments tested the hypothesis that focal interneuron lesions cause acute seizures [i.e., status epilepticus (SE)] and/or chronic epilepsy [i.e., persistent spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRSs)]. To selectively ablate interneurons,Gad2-ires-Cremice were injected unilaterally in the CA1 area of the dorsal hippocampus with an adeno-associated virus containing the diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR). Simultaneously, an electrode, connected to a miniature telemetry device, was positioned at the injection site for chronic recordings of local field potentials (LFPs). Two weeks after virus transfection, intraperitoneal injection of DT consistently caused focal, specific, and extensive ablation of interneurons. Long-term, continuous monitoring revealed that all mice with DT-induced interneuron lesions had SRSs. Seizures lasted tens of seconds and interseizure intervals were several hours (or days); therefore, these interneuron lesions did not induce SE. The SRSs occurred 3-5 d after DT treatment, which is the estimated time required for DT-induced cell death; therefore, induction of SRSs occurred without the latent period typical of acquired epilepsy. In five of six DT-treated mice, SRSs stopped within days, suggesting that the DT-induced interneuron lesions did not usually cause epilepsy. In one mouse, however, SRSs occurred for ≥34 d after interneuron ablation, similar to epilepsy after experimental SE. Sham control mice had no detectable seizures, confirming that the SRSs were due to ablation of interneurons. These data show that selective interneuron ablation consistently caused SRSs but not SE; and, at least under the conditions used here, interneuron lesions rarely led to persistent SRSs (i.e., epilepsy).
Coronary Heart Disease Risk in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Lebanese Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Haddad Chadia , Hallit Souheil , Salameh Pascale , Bou-Assi Tarek , Zoghbi Marouan 
Published: July 2017

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of premature death in patients with schizophrenia. CHD risk in Lebanese patients with schizophrenia remains unknown. Objectives: To (i) evaluate CHD risk of patients with schizophrenia in Lebanon; and (ii) detect the modifiable and non-modifiable factors affecting this risk. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 329 patients with schizophrenia aged 20–75 years. Ten-year hard CHD risk was calculated using the Framingham risk score. A logistic regression was conducted taking the dichotomous hard CHD (<10% and ≥10%) as the dependent variable. Results: Ten-year hard CHD risk was low (<10%) in 60.8% of patients, intermediate (10–20%) in 31.6%, and high (>20%) in 7.6%. Multivariate analysis showed that the mean 10-year hard CHD risk was 8.76±6.92 (10.82±6.83 in men and 3.18±2.90 in women). Ten-year hard CHD risk was higher in patients with the metabolic syndrome (odds ratio [OR] 2.67, confidence interval [CI] 1.54–4.64), a longer duration of schizophrenia (OR 1.03, CI 1.01–1.05), a history of other medical illnesses (OR 2.02, CI 1.18–3.47), and in those participating in art therapy (OR 2.13, CI 1.25–3.64) or therapeutic education (OR 1.93, CI 0.93–4.01). Ten-year hard CHD risk was lower in patients receiving risperidone (OR 0.23, CI 0.08–0.68), any anti-epileptic (OR 0.41, CI 0.24–0.73), or any benzodiazepine (OR 0.33, CI 0.17–0.66) medication. Conclusion: CHD is prevalent in patients with schizophrenia in Lebanon. Physicians are recommended to monitor the components of the metabolic syndrome to identify patients with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.