bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immune Cell Subsets Evaluation as a Predictive Tool for Hepatitis B Infection Outcome and Treatment Responsiveness
Authors: Kandilarova Snezhina M. , Georgieva Atanaska I. , Mihaylova Anastasiya P. , Baleva Marta P. , Atanasova Valentina K. , Petrova Diana V. , Popov Georgi T. , Naumova Elissaveta J. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackground: The patient’s immune response is one of the major factors influencing HBV eradication or chronification, and it is thought to be responsible for the treatment success.Aim: Our study aimed to investigate whether cellular defense mechanisms are associated with the course of HBV infection (spontaneous recovery [SR] or chronification [CHB]) and with the therapeutic approach.Patients and methods: A total of 139 patients (118 with CHB, 21 SR) and 29 healthy individuals (HI) were immunophenotyped by flowcytometry. Fifty-six patients were treatment-naïve, 20 were treated with interferons and 42 with nucleoside/ nucleotide analogues.Results: Deficiency of T lymphocytes, helper-inducer (CD3+CD4+), suppressorcytotoxic (CD8+CD3+) and cytotoxic (CD8+CD11b-, CD8+CD28+) subsets, activated T cells (CD3+HLA-DR+, CD8+CD38+) and increased CD57+CD8- cells, elevated percentages of B lymphocytes and NKT cells were observed in CHB patients compared with HI. In SR patients, elevated CD8+CD11b+, NKT and activated T cells were found in comparison with controls. The higher values of T cells and their subsets in SR patients than in CHB patients reflect a recovery of cellular immunity in resolved HBV infection individuals. In both groups of treated patients, reduced T lymphocytes, CD3+CD4+ and CD8+CD38+ subsets were found in comparison with HI. Higher proportions of cytotoxic subsets were observed in treated patients compared with treatment-naïve CHB patients, more pronounced in the group with interferon therapy.Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that cellular immune profiles may be of prognostic value in predicting the clinical course of HBV infection, and the determination of the therapeutic response.
The 5-minute Apgar Score as a Prognostic Factor for Development and Progression of Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Marinov Vasil G. , Koleva-Georgieva Desislava N. , Sivkova Nelly P. , Krasteva Maya B. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Background: A low Apgar score at 5 minutes has been shown to be a risk factor for development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Aim: To examine the prognostic value of Apgar score at 5 minutes for development and progression of ROP.
Materials and methods: The study included 132 preterm infants who were screened from 4th week of life onward. Of these, 118 newborns were given Apgar score at 5 minutes. The prognostic significance of this index was studied as an absolute value and as a value ≤ 6. The patients were divided into two groups: group I had no evidence of ROP (n=82) and group II had some signs of ROP (n = 36). Group II was further divided into group IIA - spontaneously regressed cases (n=22), and group IIB with cases which progressed to treatment stages (n=14). We investigated 15 maternal and 20 newborn presumable risk factors for development and progression of ROP. Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 or Fisher’s exact test were used in the statistical analysis. Logistic regression was performed to find significant and independent risk factors for manifestation and progression of ROP.
Results: A low 5-minute Apgar score and an Apgar score of 6 or less at 5 minutes were not statistically significant risk factors of ROP (р=0.191, р=0.191, respectively), but were significant risk factors for the manifested ROP to progress to stages requiring treatment (p=0.046, р=0.036, respectively).
Conclusion: An Apgar score at 5 minutes of 6 or less was a significant and independent risk factor for progression of ROP to stages requiring treatment.
Infectious Bronchitis Virus in Captured Free-Living, Free-Range and Intensively Reared Birds in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Adebiyi A. I. , Fagbohun A. F. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Infectious bronchitis (IB) is an acute infectious viral disease causing severe economic losses in poultry production. In Nigeria, there has only been monitoring of the disease in chickens with little attention given to other bird species. For this study, blood samples were collected from 184 apparently healthy, unvaccinated birds which comprised of 61 captured free-living pigeons, 60 free range indigenous chickens and 63 intensively reared Japanese quails. Sera from these birds were screened for IB virus antibodies (IBV) using a commercial ELISA kit. The birds were from Oyo and Osun States, in southwest Nigeria. Overall, 63 (34.2 %) sera were positive for IBV with 3.3 % (2/61), 95.0 % (57/60) and 6.3 % (4/63) from pigeons, indigenous chickens and Japanese quails, respectively. These findings suggest that they were subclinically infected with either field or vaccine virus and could thus serve as possible reservoirs of this virus to domestic poultry. Thus, there is need for continuous surveillance of the disease in different bird species and their possible role in the spread of IBV in Nigeria.
Thyroid Hormones, Insulin, Body Fat, and Blood Biochemistry Indices in Dairy Cows During the Reproduction/Production Cycle
Authors: Paulíková I. , Seidel H. , Nagy O. , Tóthová Cs. , Konvičná J. , Kadaši M. , Kováč G. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis study investigated the changes in: thyroid hormones, amount of subcutaneous fat, and selected indices of blood biochemistry in dairy cows in relation to the reproduction/production cycle. The blood samples were collected bothante- andpost-partumevery two weeks. When evaluating the mean values of the investigated indices, the major changes were recorded in dairy cows 3 to 14 days after calving. During this period, we observed a significant decrease in the mean serum levels of T3(P < 0.05), T4(P < 0.01), and triglycerides (P < 0.01). An opposite trend was observed with a significant increase after calving in the: mean serum levels of β-hydroxybutyrate (P < 0.05), urea (P < 0.01), and mean AST activities (P < 0.05). A significant increase over the normal range was recorded in the average levels of non-esterified fatty acids (P < 0.01) and total bilirubin (P < 0.01). From the next sampling (28 days after calving) onwards we recorded a significant increase in the blood serum levels of cholesterol (P < 0.01), total lipids (P < 0.01), total protein (P < 0.01), as well as a significant decrease in the insulin levels (P < 0.05) and a reduced layer of subcutaneous fat (P < 0.01). The blood serum iodine concentration showed only slight significant changes (P < 0.05) during the observation. Blood serum levels of glucose did not show any significant changes during the whole observation period. Within the whole observation period we found a negative correlation between T3levels and the layer of subcutaneous fat (r = −0.2606; P < 0.05). This correlation was much more marked in cows 3 to 14 days after calving (r = −0.5077; P < 0.05), which may indicate a possible relationships between the thyroid status, body condition, andpost partumnegative energy balance.
Potential Role of Guttural Pouches in Gas Exchange
Authors: Kovalyova I. M. , Melnyk O. P. , Kresakova L. , Vdoviakova K. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Despite the obvious existence of guttural pouches in Equidae, the question of their function has not yet been adequately answered. We suggest a working hypothesis that the guttural pouches of horses may be an additional organ of gas exchange. Research on the topographical location of the guttural pouches of horses and on the micro-morphological structures of their walls were carried out. It appears possible that: the dense arrangement of the vascular system of the wall of the guttural pouches near the main cerebral vessels; the constant moistening of the inner surface of the wall of the guttural pouches; and the air circulation in it; strongly suggests that the guttural pouches of horses may serve as an additional organ of gas exchange. The guttural pouches becomes very useful, particularly during prolonged periods of intense physical activity.
Tectonosedimentary framework of Upper Cretaceous –Neogene series in the Gulf of Tunis inferred from subsurface data: implications for petroleum exploration
Authors: Dhraief Wissem , Dhahri Ferid , Chalwati Imen , Boukadi Noureddine 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The objective and the main contribution of this issue are dedicated to using subsurface data to delineate a basin beneath the Gulf of Tunis and its neighbouring areas, and to investigate the potential of this area in terms of hydrocarbon resources. Available well data provided information about the subsurface geology beneath the Gulf of Tunis. 2D seismic data allowed delineation of the basin shape, strata geometries, and some potential promising subsurface structures in terms of hydrocarbon accumulation. Together with lithostratigraphic data obtained from drilled wells, seismic data permitted the construction of isochron and isobath maps of Upper Cretaceous-Neogene strata. Structural and lithostratigraphic interpretations indicate that the area is tectonically complex, and they highlight the tectonic control of strata deposition during the Cretaceous and Neogene. Tectonic activity related to the geodynamic evolution of the northern African margin appears to have been responsible for several thickness and facies variations, and to have played a significant role in the establishment and evolution of petroleum systems in northeastern Tunisia. As for petroleum systems in the basin, the Cretaceous series of the Bahloul, Mouelha and Fahdene formations are acknowledged to be the main source rocks. In addition, potential reservoirs (Fractured Abiod and Bou Dabbous carbonated formations) sealed by shaly and marly formations (Haria and Souar formations respectively) show favourable geometries of trap structures (anticlines, tilted blocks, unconformities, etc.) which make this area adequate for hydrocarbon accumulations.
Constraints on the depositional age and tectonometamorphic evolution of marbles from the Biharia Nappe System (Apuseni Mountains, Romania)
Authors: Reiser Martin Kaspar , Schuster Ralf , Tropper Peter , Fügenschuh Bernhard 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Basement rocks from the Biharia Nappe System in the Apuseni Mountains comprise several dolomite and calcite marble sequences or lenses which experienced deformation and metamorphic overprint during the Alpine orogeny. New Sr, O and C-isotope data in combination with considerations from the lithological sequences indicate Middle to Late Triassic deposition of calcite marbles from the Vulturese-Belioara Series (Biharia Nappe s.str.). Ductile deformation and large-scale folding of the siliciclastic and carbonatic lithologies is attributed to NW-directed nappe stacking during late Early Cretaceous times (D2). The studied marble sequences experienced a metamorphic overprint under lower greenschist- facies conditions (316-370 °C based on calcite - dolomite geothermometry) during this tectonic event. Other marble sequences from the Biharia Nappe System (i.e. Vidolm and Baia de Arieș nappes) show similarities in the stratigraphic sequence and their isotope signature, together with a comparable structural position close to nappe contact. However, the dataset is not concise enough to allow for a definitive attribution of a Mesozoic origin to other marble sequences than the Vulturese-Belioara Series.
The Pull-out Capacity of Suction Caissons in Model Investigations
Authors: Sawicki Andrzej , Wachowski Łukasz , Kulczykowski Marek 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
A small-scale model experiment on the pull-out resistance of suction caissons is described. The pull-out force and suction developed within the caisson in the extraction process were recorded during the experiment. A simple breakout model, together with an elementary static formulae, is applied to predict the results obtained experimentally. There is a reasonably good agreement between the experimental results and predictions. An extensive discussion of the approach applied is included. The analysis presented in this paper is original, as it differs from other approaches mentioned in this paper, and leads to acceptable predictions. At the end, the results are also compared with another approach for predicting the capacity of suction caissons.
Smart phone usage and addiction among dental students in Saudi Arabia: a cross sectional study
Authors: Venkatesh Elluru , Jemal Mohammad Yousef Al , Samani Abdullah Saleh Al 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Purpose
The main aim of this research is to explore measures of smart phone usage, smart phone addiction, and their associations with demographic and health behavior-related variables among dental students in Saudi Arabia.

Methods
A Cross sectional study involving sample of 205 dental students from Qaseem Private College were surveyed for smart phone use and addiction using the short version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale for Adolescents (SAS-SV).

Results
Smart phone addiction was seen in 136 (71.9%) of the 189 students. The findings from our study revealed that high stress levels, low physical activity, higher body mass index (BMI), longer duration of smart phone usage, higher frequency of usage, shorter time period until first smart phone use in the morning and social networking sites (SNS) were associated significantly with the smart phone addiction.

Conclusion
The current research gives the information about the extent of smart phone over usage and addiction among the dental students in Saudi Arabia with indication of the predictors of addiction and the need for further research in the area with comprehensible interpretation to spread the awareness of the smart phone addiction.
FPGA Implementation of Multi-scale Pedestrian Detection in Thermal Images
Authors: Kańka Tomasz , Kryjak Tomasz , Gorgon Marek 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
In this paper an embedded vision system for human silhouette detection in thermal images is presented. As the computing platform a reprogrammable device (FPGA – Field Programmable Gate Array) is used. The detection algorithm is based on a sliding window approach, which content is compared with a probabilistic template. Moreover, detection is four scales in supported. On the used test database, the proposed method obtained 97% accuracy, with average one false detection per frame. Due to the used parallelization and pipelining real-time processing for 720 × 480 @ 50 fps and 1280 × 720 @ 50 fps video streams was achieved. The system has been practically verified in a test setup with a thermal camera.
Features Determination from Super-Voxels Obtained with Relative Linear Interactive Clustering
Authors: Bakkari Abdelkhalek , Fabijańska Anna 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
In this paper, the problem of segmentation of 3D Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) brain images is considered. A supervoxel-based segmentation is regarded. In particular, a new approach called Relative Linear Interactive Clustering (RLIC) is introduced. The method, dedicated to image division into super-voxels, is an extension of the Simple Linear Interactive Clustering (SLIC) super-pixels algorithm. During RLIC execution firstly, the cluster centres and the regular grid size are initialized. These are next clustered by Fuzzy C-Means algorithm. Then, the extraction of the super-voxels statistical features is performed. The method contributes with 3D images and serves fully volumetric image segmentation. Five cases are tested demonstrating that our Relative Linear Interactive Clustering (RLIC) is apt to handle huge size of images with a significant accuracy and a low computational cost. The results of applying the suggested method to segmentation of the brain tumour are exposed and discussed.
Review. Approaches for Health Technology Assessment in Europe: Situational Analysis
Authors: Djambazov Slaveyko N. , Vekov Toni Y. 
Published: April 2017

Summary
Health technology assessment (HTA) isaprocess, which should answer the question“Isagiven health technology/medication worth its price for the value it provides?” In the spirit of the amendments to the Bulgarian Health Insurance Act and institutionalization of HTA, our team prepared this situational evaluation aiming to throw light on the practices and approaches to HTAin European countries. As awhole,we can identify two types of agencies that perform it: those servicing the population of an entire nation oraregion, and those working at the level of hospitals oranetwork of hospitals. All the agencies studied have two common characteristics. First, they were created withanon-profit purpose and second, all of them are financed by public funds inavariety of ways. It also becomes clear from the comparative analysis performed that the ways HTAis conducted in Europe differ from country to country. Irrespective of the variations, the common aspiration is that the value forapatient, to which the approved health technologies contribute, should be greater than the price to be paid for them. Bulgaria is may be the last EUstate to implement HTAin its domestic legislation and this also gives the advantage of having and using the experience of the other countries. Establishing an independent structure, which is appointed to prepare local health technologies assessment would result in transparent decision-making, participation of all concerned parties and optimization of the budget for medicines regarding the effectiveness/benefit ratio, as well as expenses.
The Polish Brethren versus the Hutterites: A Sacred Community?
Authors: Luszczynska Magdalena 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
In the second half of the sixteenth century, the Hutterian Brethren of Moravia were a thriving religious movement, described by numerous visitors as an ideal of a sacred Christian congregation. The Hutterites themselves promoted a similar self-portrait, seeing their community as the embodiment of the apostolic Church described in the Acts of the Apostles, and of the Old Testament’s Chosen People. This image was challenged by another Reform Church, the Polish Brethren, or the Arians. Focusing on the example of those two communities, this essay discusses the process of Radical Reform identity formation. It examines the creation of the Moravian myth of a sacred community and the rebuttal of this myth produced in the milieu of the Polish Brethren. Different social makeup and political context of the Arians shaped their hermeneutics of the same sacred texts that served the Moravians and resulted in construing an alternative myth of a sacred community. The essay concludes that the latter narrative was instrumental for the Polish Brethren to establish their own, separate Christian identity.
Modelling the growth rate ofListeria monocytogenesin cooked ham stored at different temperatures
Authors: Szczawiński Jacek , Szczawińska Małgorzata Ewa , Łobacz Adriana , Tracz Michał , Jackowska-Tracz Agnieszka 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIntroduction:The purpose of the study was to determine and model the growth rates ofL. monocytogenesin cooked cured ham stored at various temperatures.Material and Methods:Samples of cured ham were artificially contaminated with a mixture of threeL. monocytogenesstrains and stored at 3, 6, 9, 12, or 15°C for 16 days. The number of listeriae was determined after 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, and 16 days. A series of decimal dilutions were prepared from each sample and plated onto ALOA agar, after which the plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 h under aerobic conditions. The bacterial counts were logarithmised and analysed statistically. Five repetitions of the experiment were performed.Results:Both storage temperature and time were found to significantly influence the growth rate of listeriae (P < 0.01). The test bacteria growth curves were fitted to three primary models: the Gompertz, Baranyi, and logistic. The mean square error (MSE) and Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) were calculated to evaluate the goodness of fit. It transpired that the logistic model fit the experimental data best. The natural logarithms ofL. monocytogenes’mean growth rates from this model were fitted to two secondary models: the square root and polynomial.Conclusion:Modelling in both secondary types can predict the growth rates ofL. monocytogenesin cooked cured ham stored at each studied temperature, but mathematical validation showed the polynomial model to be more accurate.
Toxinotyping and antimicrobial resistance of Clostridium perfringens isolated from processed chicken meat products
Authors: Hamza Dalia , Dorgham Sohad , Hakim Ashraf 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Introduction: The toxinotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility of Clostridium perfringens strains isolated from processed chicken meat were determined.

Material and Methods: Two hundred processed chicken meat samples from luncheon meats, nuggets, burgers, and sausages were screened for Clostridium perfringens by multiplex PCR assay for the presence of alpha (cpa), beta (cpb), epsilon (etx), iota (ia), and enterotoxin toxin (cpe) genes. The C. perfringens isolates were examined in vitro against eight antibiotics (streptomycin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, lincomycin, cefotaxime, rifampicin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole)

Results: An overall of 32 C. perfringens strains (16%) were isolated from 200 processed chicken meat samples tested. The prevalence of C. perfringens was significantly dependent on the type of toxin genes detected (P = 0.0), being the highest in sausages (32%), followed by luncheon meats (24%), burgers (6%), and nuggets (2%). C. perfringens type A was the most frequently present toxinotype (24/32; 75%), followed by type D (21.9 %) and type E (3.1%). Of the 32 C. perfringens strains tested, only 9 (28%) were enterotoxin gene carriers, with most representing type A (n = 6). C. perfringens strains differed in their resistance/susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics. Most of the strains tested were sensitive to ampicillin (97%) and amoxicillin (94%), with 100% of the strains being resistant to streptomycin and lincomycin. It is noteworthy that the nine isolates with enterotoxigenic potential had a higher resistance than the non-enterotoxigenic ones.

Conclusion: The considerably high C. perfringens isolation rates from processed chicken meat samples and resistance to some of the commonly used antibiotics indicate a potential public health risk. Recent information about the isolation of enterotoxigenic C. perfringens type E from chicken sausage has been reported.
Quantitative Assessment of the IT Agile Transformation
Authors: Orłowski Cezary , Ziółkowski Artur , Paciorkiewicz Grzegorz 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to present the quantitative perspective of the agile transformation processes in IT organisations. The phenomenon of agile transformation becomes a complex challenge for an IT organisation since it has not been analysed in detail so far. There is no research on the readiness of IT organisations to realise agile transformation processes. Such processes also prove to have uncontrolled character. Therefore, to minimise the risk of failure referring to the realisation of transformation processes, it is necessary to monitor them. It is also necessary to identify and analyse such processes to ensure their continuous character.