bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Science, Humanism, Judgement, Ethics: Person-Centered Medicine as an Emergent Model of Modern Clinical Practice / Наука, Гуманизм, Преценка, Этика, Пациент. Гуманизм В Медицина - Новая Модель В Современн Ой Клинической Практике
Authors: Miles Andrew 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The Medical University of Plovdiv (MUP) has as its motto ‘Committed to humanity”. But what does humanity in modern medicine mean? Is it possible to practise a form of medicine that is without humanity? In the current article, it is argued that modern medicine is increasingly being practised in a de-personalised fashion, where the patient is understood not as a unique human individual, a person, but rather as a subject or an object and more in the manner of a complex biological machine. Medicine has, it is contended, become distracted from its duty to care, comfort and console as well as to ameliorate, attenuate and cure and that the rapid development of medicine’s scientific knowledge is, paradoxically, principally causative. Signal occurrences in the ‘patient as a person’ movement are reviewed, together with the emergence of the evidence-based medicine (EBM) and patientcentered care (PCC) movements. The characteristics of a model of medicine evolving in response to medicine’s current deficiencies - person-centered healthcare (PCH) - are noted and described. In seeking to apply science with humanism, via clinical judgement, within an ethical framework, it is contended that PCH will prove to be far more responsive to the needs of the individual patient and his/her personal circumstances than current models of practice, so that neither a reductive anatomico-pathological, disease-centric model of illness (EBM), nor an aggressive patient-directed, consumerist form of care (PCC) is allowed continued dominance within modern healthcare systems. In conclusion, it is argued that PCH will enable affordable advances in biomedicine and technology to be delivered to patients within a humanistic framework of clinical practice that recognises the patient as a person and which takes full account of his/her stories, values, preferences, goals, aspirations, fears, worries, hopes, cultural context and which responds to his/her psychological, emotional, spiritual and social necessities in addition to his/her physical needs. MUP, in assimilating such arguments and introducing person-centered medicine teaching into the University, is engaged in a notable and laudable initiative which will function as a salutary example to other medical schools within Europe and elsewhere.
Adipose Tissue Hormones and Appetite and Body Weight Regulators an Insulin Resistance / Гормоны Жировой Ткани И Регуляторы Аппетита И Массы Тела При Инсулиновой Резистентности
Authors: Koleva Daniela Iv. , Orbetzova Maria M. , Atanassova Pepa K. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Impaired sensitivity to insulin (the so called insulin resistance, IR) occurs in a number of genetic and acquired conditions, including obesity, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and metabolic syndrome (MS). In this review we discuss the correlation between IR, the adipose tissue hormones and appetite and body weight regulators. Leptin acts as a major adipostat: it suppresses food intake and activates catabolic pathways associated with increased energy production. It improves the peripheral insulin sensitivity and affects β-cell function. Adiponectin is the only adipocytokine discovered so far that has anti-atherogenic properties. There is a reverse correlation between the serum adiponectin levels and the degree of obesity, IR, impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Ghrelin stimulates food intake; of all circulating orexigenic hormones ghrelin is the most thoroughly studied. Ghrelin levels are decreased in MS and PCOS patients as this hormone is negatively correlated with body mass. Resistin is a hormone secreted by adipose tissues; a growing body of evidence suggests that it might be implicated in the link between obesity and diabetes. It has been found that the hormone‘s levels are significantly higher in obese people than those in normal body mass people. The recently discovered adipose tissue hormones, vaspin, visfatin, omentin-1 and their effect on IR development, have been increasingly researched.
The Free Radical Theory of Aging In Search of a Strategy for Increasing Life Span / Свободнорадикальная Теория О Старении В Поиске Стратегии Увеличить Продолжительность Жизни
Authors: Ivanova Diana G. , Yankova Tatyana M. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
This overview is an attempt to throw a fresh look at the popular free radical theory of aging (referred to also as oxidative stress theory) which holds that the progressive decline in physiological functions is a result of accumulation of diverse deleterious changes caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). We discuss the role of mitochondria as a major source of ROS in the cell and how these link accumulation of oxidative damage to the age-related changes in physiologic functions. The free radical theory of aging is analysed here from two different views of aging - one (the pessimistic view) that regards aging as the inevitable result of life activity the consequences of which are accumulation of errors in the genome and damage of the biomolecules, and the other (the optimistic view) which considers that it is the changes in mitochondrial pathways of apoptosis with age that cause the functional tissue changes and aging.
We also discuss the possibility of delaying the aging process by appropriate diet or drug therapy, which includes also calorie restriction as a mechanism of modifying the generation of free radicals and body metabolism and thus extending lifespan as a result.
Radial Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis: A One Year Follow-Up Study / Радиальная ударно-волновая терапия при подошвенном фасциите; прослеживание в течение года
Authors: Ilieva Elena M. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The vast majority of published papers on the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) have come up with rather controversial results in patients with plantar fasciitis.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of radial shock wave therapy in patients with chronic proximal plantar fasciitis.
Material and methods: Twenty-one patients were included in the study (mean age 51.29 ± 2.02 yrs, mean duration of symptoms 10.14 ± 1.11 mos). Radial shock wave therapy was administered in five sessions. Total number of shocks per session was 2500 at a pressure of 2.5 bars. Visual analog scale (VAS) and a modification of the clinical rating system of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) were used for outcome measurement. The patients were assessed before treatment and followed up 3, 6, and 12 months after end of treatment.
Results: Statistically significant improvement in pain and functional capacity was found after completion of treatment in comparison with baseline; the improvement was preserved throughout a one-year follow-up. VAS mean score for pain showed changes in pain while walking the first few steps in the morning from 6.28 ± 0.4 before therapy to 2.85 ± 0.48 after treatment and to 1.52 ± 0.31 at 3 months, to 1.09 ± 0.25 at 6 months, and to 0.52 ± 0.14 at 12 months of follow up (p < 0.001). Similar dynamics was observed in pain intensity during daily activities, at rest, in the evening and upon compression. The AFOAS score showed a statistically significant reduction in pain - from 11.90 ± 2.35 at baseline to 31.90 ± 1.48 after the end of interventions (p < 0.001), and to 39.52 ± 0.47 at one year of follow-up (p < 0.001).
The mean values of the evaluation reflecting activity limitations and support requirements increased from 3.85 ± 0.42 to 7.85 ± 0.46 after treatment and to 9.71 ± 0.19 at one year of follow up (p < 0.001). Similar dynamics was seen in the maximum walking distance and walking surfaces. Gait abnormalities changed from 3.43 ± 0.50 at baseline to 6.28 ± 0.59 after treatment (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study we could conclude that radial shock wave therapy is a safe non-invasive method of treatment. Our preliminary findings indicate that it could be an effective treatment of choice for patients with chronic plantar fasciitis that is recalcitrant to other conservative treatment modalities.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Bcg in Patients with Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis / Иммуномоделирующие Эффекты Всg У Пациентов С Рецидивирующим Респираторным Папилломатозом
Authors: Vetskova Evelina K. , Muhtarova Mariya N. , Avramov Toma I. , Stefanova Tsvetelina R. , Chalakov Ivan J. , Nikolova Maria H. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare manifestation of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection with extremely high relapse frequency, poorly understood immunopathogenesis, and lack of efficient treatment. Immunotherapy with Calgevax (BCG) in combination with CO2 surgery significantly improves the outcome of RRP. The present study investigates cellular immunity parameters in RRP patients, and the effects of 20-month Calgevax immunomodulation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: RRP patients (n = 15) subjected to combined therapy were tested before, 6, 12 and 20 months after the start of immunomodulation. Absolute counts and percentage of T, B and NK cells, effector Tc1 (CD8 + IFNγ+); Th1 (CD4+IFNγ+), Th17 (CD4+IL-17+) and regulatory (CD4+FoxP3+) T lymphocytes, as well as the in vitro stimulated secretion of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IFNγ and TNFα were determined by flow cytometry (FACSCanto II, BD).
RESULTS: While no significant changes were detected in the circulating T, B and NK subsets, RRP patients presented increased proportions of Tc1, Th1 and Th17 cells, and significantly reduced IFNγ/IL-4 and IFNγ/IL-10 ratios as compared to healthy controls (15% vs. 8%), (58 vs. 139 and 15 vs. 26, respectively), p < 0.05 for all comparisons. Increased Treg (9% vs. 4%), and decreased Th17 effectors share (0.7% vs. 0.4%) were observed at 12 months, while IFNγ/IL-4 and IFNγ/IL-10 ratios were restored after 20 months of Calgevax application.
CONCLUSIONS: Antiviral response closely depends on cytokine background. Calgevax potentiates Treg differentiation at the expense of proinflammatory Th17, limits hyperactivation and virus-specific T cell clones depletion, and restores a Th1 cytokine background.
Effect of cortisol on neurophysin I/oxytocin and peptidyl glycine-α-amidating mono-oxygenase mRNA expression in bovine luteal and granulosa cells
Authors: Ziolkowska A. , Mlynarczuk J. , Kotwica J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractCortisol stimulates the synthesis and secretion of oxytocin (OT) from bovine granulosa and luteal cells, but the molecular mechanisms of cortisol action remain unknown. In this study, granulosa cells or luteal cells from days 1-5 and 11-15 of the oestrous cycle were incubated for 4 or 8 h with cortisol (1x10-5, 1x10-7M). After testing cell viability and hormone secretion (OT, progesterone, estradiol), we studied the effect of cortisol on mRNA expression for precursor of OT (NP-I/OT) and peptidyl glycine-α-amidating mono-oxygenase (PGA). The influence of RU 486 (1x10-5M), a progesterone receptor blocker and inhibitor of the glucocorticosteroid receptor (GR), on the expression for both genes was tested. Cortisol increased the mRNA expression for NP-I/OT and PGA in granulosa cells and stimulated the expression for NP-I/OT mRNA in luteal cells obtained from days 1-5 and days 11-15 of the oestrous cycle. Expression for PGA mRNA was increased only in luteal cells from days 11-15 of the oestrous cycle. In addition, RU 486 blocked the cortisol-stimulated mRNA expression for NP-I/OT and PGA in both types of cells. These data suggest that cortisol affects OT synthesis and secretion in bovine ovarian cells, by acting on the expression of key genes, that may impair ovary function.
The effect of T-2 toxin on percentages of CD4+, CD8+, CD4+CD8+ and CD21+ lymphocytes, and mRNA expression levels of selected cytokines in porcine ileal Peyer’s patches
Authors: Obremski K. , Podlasz P. , Żmigrodzka M. , Winnicka A. , Woźny M. , Brzuzan P. , Jakimiuk E. , Wojtacha P. , Gajęcka M. , Zielonka Ł. , Gajęcki M. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe immune system is one of the main toxicity targets of the T-2 toxin. In view of scant research data demonstrating the effect of T-2 on cellular and humoral responses in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), this study set out to investigate the effects of chronic exposure to low doses of the T-2 toxin (200 μg T-2 toxin kg-1 feed) on percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, CD4+/CD8+double-positive T lymphocytes, CD21+B cells, and IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA expression levels in porcine ileal Peyer’s patches. The investigated material comprised ileum sections sampled from piglets (aged 8-10 weeks, body weight of 15-18 kg) on days 14, 28 and 42 of the experiment.After 42 days of exposure to T-2, a significant drop in the quantity of the IL-10 product was observed (R=0.94; S.E. 0.49-0.79; p<0.001). A gradual decrease in the amount of IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokine transcripts was found throughout the experiment, but the reported trend was not significant. On experimental days 14 and 42, a significant increase in the percentage of CD8+ T lymphocytes was observed in comparison with the control (p=0.04 and p=0.05, respectively), whereas on day 28, a significant decrease in the percentage of the above subpopulation was noted (p=0.00). The percentage of CD21+B cells in the experimental group decreased steadily in comparison with the control, and the observed drop was significant on days 28 and 42 (p=0.06 and p=0.00, respectively). On days 14 and 28, the percentages of CD4+and CD8+T lymphocytes were lower in the experimental animals than in the control group, and the drop reported on day 28 was statistically significant (p=0.03).
Identification of Propionibacteria to the species level using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and artificial neural networks
Authors: Dziuba B. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and artificial neural networks (ANN’s) were used to identify species of Propionibacteria strains. The aim of the study was to improve the methodology to identify species of Propionibacteria strains, in which the differentiation index D, calculated based on Pearson’s correlation and cluster analyses were used to describe the correlation between the Fourier transform infrared spectra and bacteria as molecular systems brought unsatisfactory results. More advanced statistical methods of identification of the FTIR spectra with application of artificial neural networks (ANN’s) were used. In this experiment, the FTIR spectra of Propionibacteria strains stored in the library were used to develop artificial neural networks for their identification. Several multilayer perceptrons (MLP) and probabilistic neural networks (PNN) were tested. The practical value of selected artificial neural networks was assessed based on identification results of spectra of 9 reference strains and 28 isolates. To verify results of isolates identification, the PCR based method with the pairs of species-specific primers was used.
The use of artificial neural networks in FTIR spectral analyses as the most advanced chemometric method supported correct identification of 93% bacteria of the genus Propionibacterium to the species level.
Blood antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPX), biochemical and haematological parameters in pigs naturally infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
Authors: Štukelj M. , Toplak I. , Nemec Svete A. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) has become one of the most economically important diseases for the swine industry worldwide. The objective of the study was to determine selected blood antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD)), biochemical and haematological parameters in PRRS positive and negative pigs of three different categories, mainly to test oxidative stress hypothesis in pigs naturally infected with PRRS virus. Ninety PRRS positive and 90 PRRS negative pigs were included in the study. The presence of PRRS was confirmed by serological detection of antibodies against PRRS virus (PRRSV) and detection of PRRS viral RNA by RT-PCR. Pigs were further divided into three groups of 30: piglets just before weaning (weaners), fatteners and finishers. Blood samples for determining selected blood parameters were collected from the vena cava cranialis. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher activities of SOD in weaners and fatteners and of GPX in weaners were determined in PRRS positive pigs than in corresponding groups of PRRS negative pigs. In contrast, significantly (P < 0.05) lower GPX activity was observed in finishers of PRRS positive pigs than in the corresponding group of PRRS negative pigs. Concentrations of serum total protein in PRRS positive weaners and fatteners were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those found in PRRS negative pigs. Leukopenia was observed in all three groups of PRRS positive pigs. It has been demonstrated, for the first time, that oxidative stress might be increased in PRRSV naturally infected pigs, especially in weaners.
Reduction of prevalence of persistent BVDV infection in cattle herds by long-term vaccination program (preliminary clinical study)
Authors: Rypuła K. , Płoneczka-Janeczko K. , Bania J. , Wałecka E. , Bierowiec K. , Rozpędek W. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Effectiveness of long-term anti-BVDV vaccination program in reducing prevalence of persistent BVDV infection in cattle herds was evaluated in seven years observational study (2005-2011). Among three seropositive dairy cattle herds (within herd seroprevalence 100%, confirmed by ELISA Herd Check BVDV Ab, IDEXX, Sweden) vaccination program based on inactivated vaccine (cytopathic strain 5960) was commenced in 2007 in two herds and continued till 2010. In the years 2007-2011 all calves aged 2-12 weeks in all three herds were tested yearly with RT-PCR in order to detect persistently infected individuals. For the entire study period true prevalence of BVDV persistent infection was significantly lower in vaccinated than in non-vaccinated herd. This may imply the role of long-term vaccination program in reducing prevalence of persistent BVDV infection in cattle herds.
Platelets – an important element of the immune system
Authors: Trzeciak-Ryczek A. , Tokarz-Deptuła B. , Deptuła W. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Platelets are anucleate cells derived from the megakaryocyte series, and have long been considered only as cells responsible for coagulation and the fibrinolysis process. However, recently more data shows that they are also effector cells in the inflammatory response and important elements of the immunological response. Platelets store and release many biologically active substances, including growth factors, cytokines and chemokines (tab. 1), which actively affect i.a. elements of the immune system, and thus become regulators of immunity and mediators of inflammatory response. Their impact on the immune system cells is also associated with the induction of leucocytes and progenitor cells to the site of pathogen permeation or vascular injury inflow, as well as endothelial cells. Interacting with neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes, they not only activate them, but also form platelet-leukocyte aggregates that immobilise pathogens and prevent their spreading. Furthermore, platelets are capable of absorbing pathogens, affecting anti-infection immunity of the system. It is also assumed that the presence of receptors on their surface, such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), affects their initiation and activity of the immunological response.
Magnetic gradient techniques on digitized aeromagnetic data of Ibadan area, south-western Nigeria
Authors: Badmus Biodun , Awoyemi Musa , Akinyemi Olukayode , Saheed Ganiyu , Olurin Oluwaseun 
Published: August 2013

AbstractLocations and depths to magnetic contacts were estimated from the total intensity magnetic field using the Horizontal Gradient Magnitude (HGM), Analytic Signal Amplitude (ASA) and Local Wavenumber (LWN) methods. Aeromagnetic data from the Ibadan area, in south-western Nigeria, were analyzed to estimate depths to magnetic sources as well as source locations. The minimum/maximum depth limits of the HGM and LWN are relatively close and comparable, while shallow source depths limits are greater than expected in the ASA method when compared with the HGM and LWN functions.
Dual Structures on the Prolongations of a Lie Algebroid
Authors: Popescu Liviu 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
In the present paper we study the properties of dual structures on the prolongations of a Lie algebroid. We introduce the dynamical covariant derivative on Lie algebroids and prove that the nonlinear connection induced by a regular Lagrangian is compatible with the metric and symplectic structures. The notions of mechanical structure and semi-Hamiltonian section are introduced on the prolongation of the Lie algebroid to its dual bundle and their properties are investigated. Finally, we prove the equivalence between the metric nonlinear connection and semi-Hamiltonian section, using the Legendre transformation induced by a regular Hamiltonian.
Alexandroff Theorem in Hausdorff Topology for Null-Null-Additive Set Multifunctions
Authors: Gavriluţ Alina Cristiana 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
In this paper we further a previous study concerning abstract regularity for monotone set multifunctions, with has immediate applications in well-known situations such as the Borel δ-algebra of a Hausdorff space and/or the Borel (Baire, respectively) δ-ring or δ-ring of a locally compact Hausdorff space. We also study relationships among abstract regularities and other properties of continuity. Especially, a set-valued Alexandroff type theorem is obtained.
Solutions and Stability of Generalized Mixed Type QCA-Functional Equations in Random Normed Spaces
Authors: Eshaghi Gordji M. , Cho Y.J. , Khodaei H. , Ghanifard M. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we investigate the general solution and the generalized stability for the quartic, cubic and additive functional equation (briefly, QCA-functional equation)

for any k∈ℤ-{0,±1} in Menger probabilistic normed spaces.