bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New Records To The Vascular Flora Of Kazakhstan (Central Asia)
Authors: Ebel Aleksandr L. , Kupriyanov Andrey N. , Khrustaleva Irina A. , Pyak Andrey I. , Gudkova Polina D. , Nobis Marcin 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe paper presents distributional data for seven species new for the flora of Kazakhstan: Atriplex gardneri var. aptera (A. Nelson) S. L. Welsh. & Crompton, Cardamine hirsuta L., Carduus acanthoides L., Galega orientalis Lam., Silene cserei Baumg., Didymophysa fedtschenkoana Regel and Acinos arvensis (Lam.) Dandy. Didymophysa fedtschenkoana is a native element in the Kazakh flora; the other species should be treated as alien, expansively spreading or invasive in this part of Asia. A list of localities of the species in Kazakhstan and their habitat preferences are presented.
Additions To The Lichen Biota Of SE Siberia: Records From The Stanovoye Nagor’e Highlands (Trans-Baikal Region, Russia)
Authors: Chesnokov Sergey , Konoreva Lydmila 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis paper reports 120 species of lichens and one lichenicolous fungus from the Stanovoye Nagor’e Highlands in southeastern Siberia, including 64 species new for the area. Some of the newly recorded species are extremely rare in Russia [e.g., Bryonora curvescens (Mudd) Poelt, Gyalideopsis alnicola Noble & Vězda and Pilophorus strumaticus Nyl. ex Cromb.]. The distribution and habitat preferences of several rare species are briefly discussed.
Isatis Armena (Brassicaceae), New For Flora Palaestina
Authors: Fragman-Sapir Ori , Taifour Hatem , Ziffer-Berger Jotham 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe report three records of Isatis armena L. (Brassicaceae) from southwestern Jordan, new for Flora Palaestina. The species, typically of a broad Irano-Turanian distribution, is unprecedentedly reported from the Saharo-Arabian floristic region, nearly 1000 km remote from its known range.
Phytogeographical Analysis Of Euphorbia Subgenus Esula (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Geltman Dmitry V. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractEuphorbia subg. Esula is one of four major clades within the genus. A geographical analysis of the 466 species in the subgenus is reported here. Every species was assigned to one of 29 geographical elements clustered in ten groups of elements. This geographical analysis showed that the Tethyan group (comprising nine geographical elements) clearly dominates the subgenus and contains 260 species (55.79% of the total number of species). The most numerous geographical elements are Irano-Turanian (105 species) and Mediterranean (85). Other significant groups of elements are Boreal (91 species, 19.54%), East Asian (40 species, 8.58%), Madrean (26 species, 5.58%), Paleotropical (23 species, 4.94%) and South African (16 species, 3.43%). The area of the Tethyan floristic subkingdom is the center of the modern diversity of E. subg. Esula. It is likely that such diversity is the result of intensive speciation that took place during the Eocene–Miocene.
Cutaneous melanoma frequencies and seasonal trend in 20 years of observation of a population characterised by excessive sun exposure
Authors: Bonin Serena , Albano Antonio , di Meo Nicola , Gatti Alessandro , Stinco Giuseppe , Zanconati Fabrizio , Trevisan Giusto 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Background. Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer. It has become an increasingly common neoplasm in the most developed countries, especially among individuals of European origin.

Patients and methods. Anonymous data of patients with cutaneous melanoma were collected from the diagnostic database of the University Hospital of Trieste from 1 January 1990 to 10 December 2013. Our study is based on a population which was constant over the period of observation; it was also well-defined and characterised by unrestrained sun exposure.

Results. The number of cutaneous melanomas increased during the period of observation with a seasonality trend and gender related differences both for anatomical sites distribution and stage of the disease. Moreover, 6% of our cohort developed multiple melanomas.

Conclusions. In a well-defined population devoted to excessive sun exposure the frequencies of skin melanomas roughly doubled from 1990 to 2013 following a seasonal trend. In that population, prevention efforts according to gender specific risk behaviour, as well as follow-up programmes both for evaluation of metastatic spreading and for early diagnosis of additional skin melanomas, are crucial due to gender specific differences and to the occurrence of multiple melanomas.
Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the bowel wall with quantitative assessment of Crohn’s disease activity in childhood
Authors: Kljucevsek Damjana , Vidmar Dubravka , Urlep Darja , Dezman Rok 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Background
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has become an established non-invasive, patient-friendly imaging technique which improves the characterization of lesions. In addition, dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) provides valuable information concerning perfusion of examined organs. This review addresses current applications of CEUS in children, focused on DCE-US of the bowel wall in patients with Crohn disease, which enables realtime assessment of the bowel wall vascularity with semi-quantitative and quantitative assessment of disease activity and response to medical treatment.

Conclusions
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory relapsing disease. Frequent imaging re-evaluation is necessary. Therefore, imaging should be as little invasive as possible, children friendly with high diagnostic accuracy. US with wide varieties of techniques, including CEUS/DCE-US, can provide an important contribution for diagnosing and monitoring a disease activity. Even if the use of US contrast agent is off-label in children, it is welcome and widely accepted for intravesical use, and a little less for intravenous use, manly in evaluation of parenchymal lesions. To our knowledge this is the first time that the use of DCE-US in the evaluation of activity of small bowel Crohn disease with quantitative assessment of kinetic parameters is being described in children. Even if the results of the value and accuracy of different quantitative kinetic parameters in published studies in adult population often contradict one another there is a great potential of DCE-US to become a part of the entire sonographic evaluation not only in adults, but also in children. Further control studies should be performed.
The Effects of Liberalisation of the Passenger Railway Market on the Situation of Regional Rail Connections in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria
Authors: Taczanowski Jakub 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Liberalisation of railway market can be an important instrument for increasing the attractiveness of local rail services and consequently for making the railways more competitive with other means of transport, which could result in changing the modal share in the favour of railways. The differences in the railway liberalisation level as well as in the policies towards rail transport between Central and Eastern European countries are vast, hence the present situation and the future prospects of regional services are diverse. Whereas there is only one railway line in Slovakia which is not operated by the state railway company ZSSK, a few private local connections which complement a very dense network of ČD state railways are in service in the Czech Republic. Poland, by contrast, is a country where liberalisation of railway market is most advanced as several different companies are responsible for transport in the regions. However, the results of this large scale liberalisation are ambiguous as the positive effects (reopening of some lines) are balanced by isolation of the new regional government-owned systems from each other. In Austria, by contrast, the existence of several private and regional government-owned local railways which are an indispensable part of the regional transport networks has contributed to maintain an effective transport system. Although the effects of liberalisation on the local railway networks can often be ambiguous, several cases from the Czech Republic, Austria and Poland show that privatisation and municipalisation may have a positive effect on the railway service as it has enabled to maintain the service on many sections which were at risk of closure. However, the most important condition of the effective transport development seems to be an active cooperation between the railway operators and the local governments as an expression of appropriate transport policy.
Economic Crisis and Growth in Vote Share for Extreme Left and Extreme Right Parties
Authors: Doležalová Jitka 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Economic hardship fuels worries about a possible higher share of extremist parties in European legislature and executive. The article examines whether the recent economic recession resulted in growth in electoral support for the extreme right and the extreme left in parliamentary elections. The empirical analysis includes a set of 23 EU member states and observes the period from 1995 to 2012. A supplementary aim is to determine to what degree this phenomenon has a greater impact on countries that were forced to resort to IMF financial intervention. The analysis reveals that decline in GDP and growth in unemployment helped increase electoral support for extremist parties in the EU countries. Simultaneously, their share in the lower house representation grew. In these cases, the increase in support was primarily for extreme left parties. The inflation rate did not have any significant impact on growth in vote share for extremist parties. An increased vote share for extremist parties was more apparent in countries in receipt of an IMF loan.
Stakeholder Groups of Public and Private Universities in the Czech Republic – Identification, Categorization and Prioritization
Authors: Slabá Marie 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
With regard to changes in the environment of tertiary education and tertiary educational systems, universities are now unlikely to succeed as ‘separated closed’ institutions that are unresponsive to their environment and stakeholders. Stakeholder analysis is considered as an important part of university management and marketing and universities have to take care of key stakeholder groups and build long term relationships with them. This paper focuses on the stakeholder analysis and adopts the stake-holder theory and analysis for the needs of the Czech market of tertiary education. This paper analyses results of the author’s online questionnaire that provided the input for data analysis deploying basic descriptive analysis and first steps of stakeholder analysis – identification, categorization and prioritization. Results of author’s research show that there are only slight differences between public and private universities and their perspective concerning generic stakeholder groups of universities. However the research revealed two controversial stakeholder groups – donors and competitors. In comparison with other stakeholder groups perception of these two stakeholder groups by public and private universities is very different. Stakeholder groups of public and private universities were categorized into four basic groups - primary internal stakeholder groups, primary external stakeholder groups, secondary internal stakeholder groups, and secondary external stakeholder groups. Primary internal and external stakeholder groups which are crucial for survival of universities are the most important stakeholder groups for universities. The author identified ten most important stakeholder groups for public and private universities separately, based on assigned priorities that will be used for further research.
Neurotransmitter receptor complexes: methods for bioanalysis, their potentials and limitations
Authors: Engidawork Ephrem , Aradska Jana , Lubec Gert 
Published: October 2015

AbstractNeurotransmitter receptors are key elements for brain function, but work so far has been focusing on the individual receptor subunits. It is, however, the receptor complexes that execute work rather than the subunits; of course, the multitude of possible combinations of the many receptors forming homomeric or heteromeric complexes is hampering studies. Moreover, not only receptors are observed in the complexes but also their corresponding protein kinases, phosphatases, and anchoring proteins, to name a few. Studying receptor complexes is still an analytical challenge. Thus far, no methods exist to unequivocally characterize or even quantify these assemblies. Major problems and limitations for the analysis exist, such as solubility, as the use of detergents is critical and may dissociate the receptor complexes as well as their separation in the native state. Gel-based techniques are able to separate and semiquantitatively quantify receptor complexes by subsequent immunochemical methods but do not allow the characterization of complex components. Immunoprecipitation methods are highly dependent on antibody availability and specificity, and the result of coimmunoprecipitation does not verify the direct physical interaction of proteins in the immunoprecipitate. Antibody shift assays are suitable to identify individual known proteins within a complex as are immunogold electron microscopic techniques and energy transfer technologies. Most techniques are simply showing the proximity of proteins rather than their physical interaction. Although fluorescence correlation spectroscopy is a promising technique, the use for quantification or comparing biological samples is limited. A lot of work remains to be done to provide tools for the characterization and quantification of receptor complexes in the brain.
New insight into the rheumatoid vasculitis
Authors: Cojocaru M. , Cojocaru Inimioara Mihaela , Chicoş B. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Vasculitis in rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatoid vasculitis, RV) has a heterogeneous clinical presentation that includes skin disorders, neuropathy, eye symptoms and systemic inflammation. Rheumatoid vasculitis is an unusual complication of longstanding, severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
While RA affects the body’s joints, vasculitis is a condition in which blood vessels become inflamed. Rheumatoid vasculitis occurs in approximately 2 to 5% of patients who have RA. The blood vessels most often involved are arteries that bring blood to the skin, nerves, and internal organs. Veins can also be involved. Rheumatoid vasculitis is skin condition that is a typical feature of RA, presenting as peripheral vascular lesions that are localized (purpura, cutaneous ulceration, and gangrene of the distal parts of the extremities). The cause of RV is unknown, but given the prominence of immune components and the pathologic changes in involved blood vessels, an autoimmune process is suggested. Compared to other forms of vasculitis, there has been relatively little research in recent years on the specific entity of RV. There is some evidence that the incidence of RV has decreased over the past several decades, perhaps because of a better treatment of the underlying RA. In the present review, we discuss the clinical features, laboratory tests, the pathogenesis of RV.
Role of signal-averaged electrocardiography and ventricular late potentials in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Buzea C.A. , Dan G.A. , Dan Anca Rodica , Delcea Caterina , Balea M.I. , Gologanu Daniela Stefana , Dobranici Mihaela , Popescu Raluca Alexandra 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have an increased risk for cardiac arrhythmias. Ventricular late potentials (VLP) on signal-averaged electrocardiography (SAECG) are associated with an increased risk for malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Our aim is to investigate the modifications of SAECG parameters and the presence of VLP as possible indicators of proarrhythmic substrate in patients with COPD. We prospectively enrolled 41 consecutive patients in the COPD group and 63 patients without any history of pulmonary disease, matched for age and hypertension history, in the control group. Pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gases, echocardiography, 24-hour Holter monitoring and SAECG were performed. We measured total filtered QRS duration (QRSf), duration of high frequency, low-amplitude signals < 40 V (HFLA40), and root mean square voltage in the last 40 ms (RMS40). VLP were considered if at least two of these parameters were abnormal.

Results. We did not register any significant differences in QRSf, HFLA40 or RMS40 between the two groups. In the COPD group there was a non-significant higher percentage of patients with VLP in comparison with the control group. In the COPD patients we registered a significantly higher number of isolated premature ventricular beats and of combined complex ventricular arrhythmias, consisting of polymorphic PVC, couplets, triplets or nonsustained ventricular tachycardias. None of these arrhythmic parameters correlated with SAECG variables or with the presence of VLP.

Conclusion. In COPD patients parameters measured on signal-averaged electrocardiography and ventricular late potentials analysis have little value in risk stratification for ventricular arrhythmias.
Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease: a rare cause of pulmonary hypertension in systemic sclerosis. Case presentation and review of the literature
Authors: Daraban Ana Maria , Enache Roxana , Predescu L. , Platon P. , Constantinescu T. , Mihai Carina , Coman I.M. , Ginghină Carmen , Jurcuţ Ruxandra 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Because of the similar clinical picture of dyspnea on exertion and signs of right heart failure, PVOD is difficult to distinguish from idiopathic PAH. However, the distinction is mandatory because PVOD has a worse prognosis and, more importantly, the administration of PAH specific therapy (vasodilators) can precipitate severe acute pulmonary oedema. We present a challenging case of PAH in a patient with systemic sclerosis in whom a marked decrease in functional capacity after the initiation of bosentan therapy led to the diagnosis of PVOD. Management of PVOD patients is challenging and referral for lung transplantation should be done at the moment of diagnosis.
VEGF expression in pancreatic cancer and other malignancies: a review of the literature
Authors: Costache M.I. , Ioana Mihai , Iordache Sevastiţa , Ene D. , Costache Cornelia Alexandra , Săftoiu A. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Angiogenesis is a crucial event for tumor growth and it is regulated predominantly by several different growth factors. Vascular endothelial growth factor protein family (VEGF) and its receptors are probably the most important tissue factors responsible for angioblast differentiation and tube formation. VEGF protein family currently comprises several members: VEGF (or VEGF-A), VEGF-B, VEGF-C and VEGF-D, VEGF-F, placental growth factor (PlGF), and their receptors VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3. VEGF is a key angiogenic growth factor and its level of expression is a critical marker for detection of the angiogenic diseases. The potent role of VEGF in tumor angiogenesis has been widely described in the past decade, being expressed in most types of nondigestive and digestive cancers. VEGF family members play an important role in the development of pancreatic cancer (especially VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2). VEGF-A is the most specific and prominent angiogenic factor among all family members and VEGFR-2 is the most important receptor in evaluating the angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer. Thus, VEGF overexpression may be considered as a diagnostic marker and as a poor prognostic factor of the disease.
Illicit drugs and their impact on cardiovascular pathology
Authors: Bădilă Elisabeta , Hostiuc Mihaela , Weiss Emma , Bartoş Daniela 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The use of illicit drugs has dramatically increased during the past years. Consequently, the number of presentations at the emergency departments due to the adverse effects of the illicit drugs has also increased. This review discusses the cardiovascular effects of cocaine, opiates and opioids, cannabinoids, amphetamines, methamphetamines and hallucinogens as we consider that it is essential for a clinician to be aware of them and understand their mechanisms in order to optimize the therapeutic management.
Glucose Level Estimation in Diabetes Mellitus By Saliva: A Bloodless Revolution
Authors: Kadashetti Vidya , Baad Rajendra , Malik Neelima , Shivakumar K.M. , Vibhute Nupura , Belgaumi Uzma , Gugawad Sushma , Pramod R.C. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Background. Diabetes mellitus is a massive, growing, silent epidemic that has the potential to cripple health services in all parts of the world. Currently, a diagnosis of diabetes is achieved by evaluating plasma glucose levels. Saliva offers some distinctive advantages. Whole saliva can be collected non-invasively and by individuals with limited training. The present study was aimed to estimate and correlate the plasma and salivary glucose levels in diabetic and non diabetic subjects, with special reference to age.

Method. The study population consisted of three groups: Group 1 consisted of diabetics with BGL>200mg/dl and Group 2 consisted of diabetics with BGL 130-200mg/dl based on their random plasma glucose levels. Group 3 consisted of healthy population as controls with BGL <130 mg/dl. 2 ml of peripheral blood was collected for the estimation of random plasma glucose levels and unstimulated saliva was collected for the estimation of salivary glucose

Results. The salivary glucose levels were significantly higher in group 1 and group 2 diabetics when compared with controls. The salivary glucose levels show a significant correlation with plasma glucose levels between study populations, suggesting that salivary glucose levels can be used as a monitoring tool for predicting glucose level in diabetic patients.

Conclusion. The present study found that estimation of salivary glucose levels can be used as a noninvasive, painless technique for the measurement of diabetic status of a patient in a dental set up.
Rapid fecal calprotectin testing predicts mucosal healing better than C-reactive protein and serum tumor necrosis factor α in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Voiosu T. , Benguş Andreea , Bălănescu P. , Dinu Roxana , Voiosu A. , Băicuş C. , Mateescu B. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Background and Aims. Serum and fecal biomarkers have been used as noninvasive methods for assessing disease activity in ulcerative colitis. C-reactive protein, serum tumor necrosis factor-α and fecal calprotectin are among the most promising such biomarkers. However, their role in the management of ulcerative colitis patients remains to be clarified. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of C-reactive protein, fecal calprotectin and tumor necrosis factor-α in detecting clinical and endoscopic activity and predicting disease outcome.

Methods. A cohort of ulcerative colitis patients was prospectively evaluated for clinical and endoscopic disease activity using the Mayo score. Serum C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were measured and a point-of-care method was used for determining Calprotectin levels.

Results. Fifty-three patients with ulcerative colitis were followed for a median of 12 months. Fecal calprotectin and C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in patients with clinically active disease at baseline, but only calprotectin levels correlated with endoscopic activity. Calprotectin values over 300 μg/g had 60% sensitivity and 90% specificity for detecting active endoscopic disease and 61% sensitivity and 89% specificity for predicting mucosal healing.

Conclusion. Rapid calprotectin testing is a better predictor of mucosal healing than serum biomarkers and it could improve the management of ulcerative colitis patients by decreasing the need for invasive investigations.