bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life and Sleep Disorders Among Patients Treated with Hemodialysis in Relation to Dialysis Adequacy
Authors: Dryl-Rydzyńska Teresa , Sak Jarosław , Książek Andrzej 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Introduction. Recent studies in this field are insufficient to determine the relationship between life quality and hemodialy-sis adequacy. The problem, which requires further analysis is the issue of verification of these relationships and the problem of the relationship between sleep disorders and hemodialysis indicators.

Aim. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between quality of life and sleep disorders occurring among patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) treated with hemodialysis and the dialysis adequacy parameters.

Material and methods. The survey was based on two standardized international scales: the Quality of Life Scale (SF-36) and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The study was conducted among 150 patients (67 women and 83 men) treated with hemodialysis at the Fresenius center. All patients participating in the study were undergoing dialysis three times a week. The average value of Kt/V was 1.45 (SD=0.22) and URR ration 71.78 (SD=5.95).

Results. The urea level prior to hemodialysis moderately strongly correlates with life energy deficit (r=-0.34, p=-0.049) and that the values of urea reduction ratio URR weakly correlates with the patient's conviction on restricting life's activity (SF-36) (r=0.18, p=0.046). The level of urea prior to dialysis correlates positively with the time of falling asleep in PSQI scale (r=-0.39, p=0.023).

Conclusions. Patients with lower urea level before hemodialysis have a significantly higher vitality level. Higher fluctuations of urea concentrations before and after hemodialysis (higher urea reduction ratio URR) are associated with restrictions of physical activity in hemodialysis patients.
Conditions of Attending Prophylactic Gynecological Examinations by Women
Authors: Pilewka-Kozak Anna B. , Łepecka-Klusek Celina , Stadnicka Grażyna , Syty Kinga , Kozak Łukasza , Jakiel Grzegorz 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Introduction. Low percentage of women who attend prophylactic examinations and also react early to the first symptoms of a disease is a common problem.

Aim. The aim of the study was to determine demographic and environmental characteristics which had positive effects on having prophylactic gynecological examinations by women as well as to investigate what significance women's practicing of hormonal contraception had in that question.

Material and methods. The study covered 430 women. The conditions of including women into the study group were as follows: age <45 years, commencement of sexual intercourses, maintaining of sexual activity, consent to participate in the study. The method of the study was a diagnostics survey using the questionnaire.

Results. The majority of the surveyed women said that they attended prophylactic gynecological examinations regularly. Having prophylactic gynecological examinations was significantly affected (p<0.05) by mean monthly income per capita in the family, practicing and the type of contraception. The joint effect of the surveyed characteristics proved to be significant (p<0.05).

Conclusions. The model woman who willingly attends prophylactic gynecological examinations is a young person who lives in a big city, has a university education and a very good financial position confirmed by high family income per capita. Practicing of hormonal contraception by women is a factor that has a beneficial effect on women's care of their health understood as having regular prophylactic gynecological examinations.
Survey-Based Research on Patients' Knowledge About Endodontic Treatment
Authors: Janczarek Magdalena , Cieszko-Buka Maria , Bachanek Teresa , Chałas Renata 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Introduction. Patients' awareness and knowledge of the endodontic treatment is a very important issue in everyday practice of a dentist. It influences significantly the course and effects of treatment.

Aim. The paper presents an analysis of data collected from the patients about their concerns, expectations and perceptions about root canal treatment.

Material and methods. Questionnaire surveys were conducted in a group of 203 patients consisting questions characterizing their knowledge about endodontic treatment – their expectations, experiences, possible complications and treatment costs.

Results. Analyzing the experiences of patients regarding endodontic treatment, it was found that 69% of people in the past had experienced the procedure of root canal treatment. Most respondents define their state of knowledge of root canal treatment as an average. Fifty-seven percent of respondents admitted to knowing the price of endodontic treatment, 67% of them said that the cost was adequate to the complexity of the procedure. The study shows that most patients still choose specialists (38%).

Conclusion. An improvement of knowledge and awareness of patients about the endodontic treatment has been observed.
Comparison of Knowledge and Attitudes Towards the Use of Scientific Research in Clinical Practice Among Departmental and Charge Nurses
Authors: Belowska Jarosława , Panczyk Mariusz , Gotlib Joanna 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Introduction. The awareness of benefits arising from the use of the latest results of scientific research (EBNP – Evidence-Based Nursing Practice) among departmental and charge nurses is a necessary condition to ensure effective and safe health services and nursing care meeting the highest standards of patient care.

Aim. The comparison of knowledge of and attitudes towards EBNP among nurses depending on their position.

Material and methods. Twenty one departmental nurses (PO) (mean age 50.38 years, min. 37, max. 62, SD=7.35) and 20 Bachelor's degree students of a bridge programme (SSP) (mean age 43 years, min. 34, max. 55, SD=6.37). Qualitative study and analysis of the results, structured interview, extended focus.

Results. PO and SSP were not able to define the acronyms EBM and EBP correctly and did not have detailed knowledge of the criteria for assessment of reliability of scientific literature. A majority of DN was familiar with the available journals for nurses and was aware of benefits resulting from using EBNP. The use of EBNP in everyday clinical practice in SSP group was limited by a lack of time, insufficient knowledge of English and access to the Internet, as well as working at the position that makes taking decisions on developing procedures and standards for nursing care impossible.

Conclusions.

1. The level of knowledge about EBNP in both groups was inadequate and needs urgent supplementation of knowledge and skills of nurses with reference to this subject area.
2. The attitudes of nurses towards EBNP were different depending on their work position. Departmental nurses were aware of benefits resulting from using the most recent study results in everyday clinical practice and being up-to-date with medical knowledge.
3. The boundaries limiting the use of EBNP in everyday clinical practice by the study participants were objective and they require system changes with reference to the organization of work and the system of continuing education.
Health Education as an Important Tool in the Healthcare System
Authors: Przybylska Daria , Borzęcki Andrzej , Drop Bartłomiej , Przybylski Piotr , Drop Katarzyna 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Health education is the main, and at the same time, integral part of complementary health promotion. The main assumption underlying the essence of health education is an assertion that the health of individuals and, consequently, of communities they belong to is significantly conditioned by the behaviour of inter-subject variability, which can be pro-healthily shaped by the educational impact. Thanks to transferred knowledge, shaping attitudes and the acquisition of certain skills, patients receive help in coping with health problems which improves their well-being, satisfaction, and the process of recovery. The education of a patient has advantages either in the clinical or social field, hence, it is perceived as an inseparable part of a high-quality healthcare. The importance of health education has been also recognized as one of the main factors that determine the long-term health policy, which indirectly may be reflected in the reduction of costs in the healthcare. In the recent years, more and more emphasis has been placed on preventive and educational aspects of the healthcare. Family medicine, as the source of the initiation of shaping health-oriented attitudes, has a prominent place in the system organized in such a way. In patients' opinion, medical staff is the best and most reliable source of knowledge on health. Such expectations increase the importance of primary care physicians in preventing diseases and shaping health-oriented attitudes in a given society. The main task of a modern health education is primarily to support the creation of conditions for change, the growth competence of individuals and groups in the sphere of independent action for health at different levels of the organization of social life.
Mechanism and Effects of Cyanobacterial Hepatotoxin Action on Human Organism
Authors: Zyska Aleksandra , Jasik-Ślęzak Jolanta 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Eutrophication of waters and climate warming have created in the last decades favourable conditions for cyanobacteria colonization. The presence of cyanobacteria toxins in heavily polluted lake waters and fish ponds has become a current problem. These toxins belong to cyanobacteria secondary metabolites and are active in various fields of harmfulness to animals and humans. This group includes neurotoxins, dermatotoxins and hepatotoxins having a destructive influence on liver's cells. The group of hepatotoxins comprises microcystins and nodularin. The symptoms of hepatotoxin poisoning include stomach, intestine and liver disorders, intra-liver bleeding and physiological insufficiency of this organ.
These compounds can induce apoptosis of liver cells and tumor promoters. From the above facts, it follows that hepatotox-ins can pose a very serious health problem on a global scale. This work presents the characteristic of cyanobacterial hepato-toxins, their chemical structure, properties, and mechanism of their action on human organism. The harmful influence caused by consuming products used in diet supplements, which contain microcystins was also pointed out.
Characterization of heavy metals resistant heterotrophic bacteria from soils in the Windmill Islands region, Wilkes Land, East Antarctica
Authors: Tomova Iva , Stoilova−Disheva Margarita , Vasileva−Tonkova Evgenia 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn this study, selected heavy metals resistant heterotrophic bacteria isolated from soil samples at the Windmill Islands region, Wilkes Land (East Antarctica), were characterized. Phylogenetic analysis revealed affiliation of isolates to genera Bacillus, Lysinibacillus, Micrococcus and Stenotrophomonas. The strains were found to be psychrotolerant and halotolerant, able to tolerate up to 10% NaCl in the growth medium. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of the seven heavy metals Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Cd, Zn, and Pb was determined in solid media for each bacterial strain. Gram−positive Vi−2 strain and Gram−negative Vi−4 strain showed highest multiply heavy metals resistance, and Vi−3 and Vi−4 strains showed multi−antibiotic resistance to more than a half of the 13 used antibiotics. Plasmids were detected only in Gram−negative Vi−4 strain. The bacteria were able to produce different hydrolytic enzymes including industrially important proteases, xylanases, cellulases, and β−glucosidases. High heavy metals resistance of the Antarctic bacteria suggests their potential application for wastewater treatment in cold and temperate climates. Highly sensitive to Cd and Co ions Vi−1, Vi−5 and Vi−7 strains would be promising for developing biosensors to detect these most toxic heavy metals in environmental samples.
New perspectives on the Late Triassic vertebrates of East Greenland: preliminary results of a Polish−Danish palaeontological expedition
Authors: Sulej Tomasz , Wolniewicz Andrzej , Bonde Niels , Błażejowski Błażej , Niedźwiedzki Grzegorz , Tałanda Mateusz 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The Fleming Fjord Formation (Jameson Land, East Greenland) documents a diverse assemblage of terrestrial vertebrates of Late Triassic age. Expeditions from the turn of the 21st century have discovered many important fossils that form the basis of our current knowledge of Late Triassic Greenlandic faunas. However, due to the scarcity and incompleteness of the fossils and their insufficient study, our understanding of the taxonomic diversity of the Fleming Fjord Formation is hindered. Here, we report the preliminary findings of a Polish-Danish expedition to the Fleming Fjord Formation that took place in 2014. Three areas were visited – the fairly well known MacKnight Bjerg and Wood Bjerg and the virtually unexplored Liasryggen. MacKnigth Bjerg and Liasryggen yielded fossils which promise to significantly broaden our knowledge of vertebrate evolution in the Late Triassic. Stem-mammal remains were discovered at Liasryggen. Other fossils found at both sites include remains of actinopterygians, sarcopterygians, temnospondyl amphibians and various archosaurs (including early dinosaurs). Numerous vertebrate trace fossils, including coprolites, pseudosuchian footprints, theropod and sauropodomorph dinosaur tracks, were also discovered. Newly discovered skeletal remains as well as abundant trace fossils indicate higher tetrapod diversity in the Late Triassic of Greenland than previously thought. Trace fossils also allow inferences of early theropod and sauropodomorph dinosaur behaviour.
Use of Expanded Criteria in Living Kidney Donors – the Crucial Factor for Improvement of the Kidney Transplant Programme in Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Popov Zivko , Kolevski Perko , Ivanovski Ninoslav 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Renal transplantation is surely the best treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients in both developed and developing countries. Due to the tragic events in former Yugoslavia at the beginning of the nineties, it was not possible to develop a really good clinical practice in the field of transplantation. Facing the lack of Deceased Donor Donation Transplantation and any organ-sharing among the Balkan countries, we introduced a large and very ambitious living donor transplant programme including what were called expanded criteria living donors. In the period of the past 20 years elderly (above 65 years), unrelated (emotionally related), marginal and ABO incompatible living donors were accepted. Due to the skilled surgical team, powerful immunosupression and HLA compatibility testing, the results were promising and the number of complications very low. The authors concluded that use of an expanded criteria living donor is fully acceptable, especially in developing countries, and could ameliorate the severe organ shortage in the region.
Genotypes of Esbl Producing Escherichia Coli and Klebsiella Pneumoniae in Relation to Resistance to Antimicrobial Drugs
Authors: Kaftandzieva Ana , Trajkovska-Dokic Elena , Kotevska Vesna , Cekovska Zaklina , Jankoska Gordana 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the association of drug resistance with β-lactamase gene types in ESBL positive E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae-Kp.

Material and methods: A total of 251 ESBL-positive E. coli and Kp isolates obtained from urine, tracheal aspirate, wound swab and blood from patients hospitalised at the University Clinics in Skopje were detected using the ESBL set and automated Vitek 2 system. Vitek was also used for susceptibility testing (determination of MIC of 17 antimicrobial agents). Multiplex PCR was used to identify genes for different types of ESBLs in a 100 randomly selected, ESBL positive strains.

Results: More of the 87 ESBL typeable isolates (61%) harbour two or more bla genes and the frequency of antibiotic resistance was high in these isolates, compared to those with a single gene. Isolates with ≥ 3 genes were highly resistant to beta-lactams and non-beta lactams used. The degree of resistance to 3rd generation cephalosporins was also high in these isolates (MIC ≥ 64). More of the ESBL-positive isolates showed higher resistance to cefotaxime than to ceftazidime.

Conclusion: Identification of the genes is necessary for the surveillance of their transmission in hospitals. Surveillance of antibiotic resistance patterns are crucial to overcome the problems associated with ESBLs.
Echocardiographic Predictors of Chronotropic Incompetence to Exercise in Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Hristovski Zharko , Projevska-Donegati Daniela , Georgievska-Ismail Ljubica 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Objective: Exercise intolerance in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is most often attributed to diastolic dysfunction (DD); however, chronotropic incompetence (CI) could also play an important role. We intended to examine whether there are predictive echocardiographic parameters of DD for impaired chronotropic response to exercise.

Methods and Results: Patients (n = 143) with unexplained dyspnea and/or exercise intolerance who fulfilled clinical and echocardiographic criteria of HFpEF presence underwent a symptom-limited exercise test using a treadmill (ETT) according to the Bruce protocol. CI was defined as an achieved heart rate reserve (HRR) of ≤ 80%. Comparison of the groups with (n = 98) and without CI (n = 45) did not show any statistically significant difference regarding demographic and clinical character-ristics except for use of beta blockers (BB) that were more frequently present (p = 0.012) in patients with CI in comparison with those without. Patients with CI had a higher mean E-wave velocity, E/A ratio, increased E/E‵ septal, lateral as well as average ratio and abnormal IVRT/TE-e‵ index all consistent with elevated LV filling pressures. E/E‵ average ratio > 15 was statistically insignificantly more frequently present in patients with CI. In addition, by multivariate stepwise regression analysis value of E‵ septal (β = 3.697, 95%CI 0.921–6.473, p = 0.009) along with use of BB, current smoking and basal heart rate appeared as statistically significant independent predictors of lower HRR %.

Conclusion: Patients with HFpEF frequently have chronotropic incompetence to graded exercise which may partly be predicted with echocardiographic parameters that are consistent with elevated LV filling pressures.
Entre propagande et action humanitaire : l'exemple des secours suisses en faveur des Belges
Authors: Bondallaz Patrick 
Published: December 2014

L’invasion de la Belgique en août 1914 crée une vive émotion à travers le monde, suscitant l’intervention d’innombrables comités de secours en faveur des populations sinistrées. En Suisse aussi, des œuvres privées s’organisent sous la conduite du Comité central de secours aux réfugiés belges établi à Lausanne. Leurs efforts concordants culminent avec l’accueil d’orphelins dans plusieurs cantons suisses. Après l’aide aux réfugiés, la solidarité helvétique se tourne vers les prisonniers de guerre et les soldats belges internés en Suisse. Or, les réseaux humanitaires sont aussi utilisés comme canaux de propagande par les belligérants. L’exemple de l’Union patriotique belge de Genève nous permet de porter un regard croisé sur les rapports souvent incestueux qu’entretiennent action humanitaire et propagande.
Le classement aeres des revues de philosophie : épisodes 4 et 5
Authors: Merllié Dominique 
Published: December 2014

Quelles sont les nouveautés introduites en 2012 et 2013 dans la liste des revues de philosophie éditée par l’Agence pour l’évaluation de la recherche et de l’enseignement supérieur ? Rien qui en bouleverse les objectifs et le contenu.
IL-17A–Mediated Protection against Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Authors: Suryawanshi Amol , Cao Zhiyi , Sampson James F. , Panjwani Noorjahan 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a very painful and vision-impairing infection of the cornea that is difficult to treat. Although past studies have indicated a critical role of neutrophils and macrophages in AK, the relative contribution of the proinflammatory cytokine, IL-17A, that is essential for migration, activation, and function of these cells into the cornea is poorly defined. Moreover, the role of the adaptive immune response, particularly the contribution of CD4+ T cell subsets, Th17 and regulatory T cells , in AK is yet to be understood. In this report, using a mouse corneal intrastromal injection-induced AK model, we show that Acanthamoeba infection induces a strong CD4+ T effector and regulatory T cell response in the cornea and local draining lymph nodes. We also demonstrate that corneal Acanthamoeba infection induces IL-17A expression and that IL-17A is critical for host protection against severe AK pathology. Accordingly, IL-17A neutralization in Acanthamoeba-infected wild-type mice or Acanthamoeba infection of mice lacking IL-17A resulted in a significantly increased corneal AK pathology, increased migration of inflammatory cells at the site of inflammation, and a significant increase in the effector CD4+ T cell response in draining lymph nodes. Thus, in sharp contrast with other corneal infections such as herpes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis where IL-17A exacerbates corneal pathology and inflammation, the findings presented in this article suggest that IL-17A production after Acanthamoeba infection plays an important role in host protection against invading parasites.
Transcriptome Assessment Reveals a Dominant Role for TLR4 in the Activation of Human Monocytes by the Alarmin MRP8
Authors: Fassl Selina K. , Austermann Judith , Papantonopoulou Olympia , Riemenschneider Mona , Xue Jia , Bertheloot Damien , Freise Nicole , Spiekermann Christoph , Witten Anika , Viemann Dorothee , Kirschnek Susanne , Stoll Monika , Latz Eicke , Schultze Joachim L. , Roth Johannes , Vogl Thomas 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The alarmins myeloid-related protein (MRP)8 and MRP14 are the most prevalent cytoplasmic proteins in phagocytes. When released from activated or necrotic phagocytes, extracellular MRP8/MRP14 promote inflammation in many diseases, including infections, allergies, autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. The involvement of TLR4 and the multiligand receptor for advanced glycation end products as receptors during MRP8-mediated effects on inflammation remains controversial. By comparative bioinformatic analysis of genome-wide response patterns of human monocytes to MRP8, endotoxins, and various cytokines, we have developed a model in which TLR4 is the dominant receptor for MRP8-mediated phagocyte activation. The relevance of the TLR4 signaling pathway was experimentally validated using human and murine models of TLR4- and receptor for advanced glycation end products–dependent signaling. Furthermore, our systems biology approach has uncovered an antiapoptotic role for MRP8 in monocytes, which was corroborated by independent functional experiments. Our data confirm the primary importance of the TLR4/MRP8 axis in the activation of human monocytes, representing a novel and attractive target for modulation of the overwhelming innate immune response.