bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do we really need high-sensitive troponin immunoassays in the emergency department? Definitely, yes!
Authors: Lackner Karl J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractCardiac troponins have changed our understanding of myocardial infarction profoundly during the past 20 years. In fact release of cardiac troponin into the blood has become part of the definition of myocardial infarction. Diagnostics and treatment have taken these new insights into account. The novel high-sensitive assays for cardiac troponins that are available recently clearly constitute a significant further improvement of analytical performance. In addition, the still incomplete clinical data available indicate that these assays will also further improve patient care in many ways. In summary, cardiac troponins are a great example of the potential impact of analytical performance of diagnostic tests on patient care and patient outcome.
Surgery for ‘asymptomatic’ mild primary hyperparathyroidism improves some clinical symptoms postoperatively
Authors: Blanchard Claire , Mathonnet Muriel , Sebag Frédéric , Caillard Cécile , Hamy Antoine , Volteau Christelle , Heymann Marie-Françoise , Wyart Vincent , Drui Delphine , Roy Malanie , Cariou Bertrand , Archambeaud Françoise , Rodien Patrice , Henry Jean-François , Zarnegar Rasa , Hardouin Jean-Benoît , Mirallié Eric 
Published: August 2013

Objective and backgroundMost primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) patients do not conform to the guidelines for parathyroidectomy established by an international panel of specialists and have a mild pHPT. This group is typically defined as ‘asymptomatic’. The primary aim of this study was to determine symptom improvement in this ‘asymptomatic’ group after parathyroidectomy. Secondly, we aimed to create a preoperative clinical score predicting postoperative symptom resolution.DesignA prospective nonrandomized study included patients with mild pHPT.MethodsA questionnaire (22 items) was given to ‘asymptomatic’ patients preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 postoperative months. A logistic regression was performed to create a preoperative clinical score.ResultsOne hundred and sixteen patients were included. Postoperatively, HPT was resolved in 98% of patients. Twelve of 22 nonspecific symptoms were improved at 1 year. Subgroups analysis showed a greater improvement in patients <70 years and those with a serum calcium level ≥2.6 mmol/l preoperatively. A clinical score, based on age and five symptoms, was established to predict the clinical improvement after surgery in mild pHPT patients with a positive predictive value of 81%.ConclusionPatients with asymptomatic pHPT have clinical improvement of their symptoms postoperatively even after 1 year. Younger patients and those with higher preoperative calcium levels show the best improvement.
Photos vs silhouettes for evaluation of profile esthetics between white and black evaluators
Authors: Pithon Matheus Melo , Silva Iane Souza Nery , Almeida Indira Oliveira , Nery Marine Soares , de Souza Michele Luz , Barbosa George , dos Santos Alex Ferreira , da Silva Coqueiro Raildo 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To determine whether photos or silhouettes are adequate methods for evaluating the esthetic profiles of black subjects and whether black and white evaluators have different preferences for esthetic profiles.

Materials and Methods:
One photographic record of the profile of a black female patient with accentuated dental bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion was randomly selected. The image of the patient's profile was altered to produce a series of seven photos and seven silhouettes (a total of 14 images) with different lip positions but uniform distances in relation to the esthetic plane created by Ricketts (line E). Fifty black and 50 white lay evaluators were invited to enumerate the photos and silhouettes, produced according to the lip position, in the order in which they considered most esthetically pleasing.

Results:
The number of preferences found to be within the esthetic norm was slightly higher among the photographs than among the silhouettes; the esthetic profile with a deviation of −2 mm from line E was elected as the most attractive, and the esthetic pattern with a deviation of +6 mm from the normal line E was considered the least attractive. There were no statistically significant differences between the preferences related to the variables race, sex, and educational background.

Conclusions:
The esthetic attractiveness of the facial profiles of black subjects in photos and silhouettes was evaluated in a similar manner among black and white evaluators. Among both black and white evaluators, the greatest preference was for the slightly concave profile, which was within the limit considered standard.
Profile analysis of mothers susceptible to contaminant exposure in the Algarve region: Application of the HJ-BIPLOT method
Authors: Serafim A. , Company R. , Lopes B. , Silva N. , Castela E. , Bebianno M.J. , Castela G. 
Published: August 2013

Summary The HJ-BIPLOT method developed by Galindo (1986) was applied in order to identify and categorize mothers vulnerable to environmental contamination in the Algarve region (South Portugal). The application of the BIPLOT method made it possible to recognize the most important exposure routes for contamination, showing that workplace, diet and smoking habits seem the most significant factors contributing to maternal and foetal exposure vulnerability
The use of information and information gain in the analysis of attribute dependencies
Authors: Moliński Krzysztof , Dobek Anita , Tomaszyk Kamila 
Published: August 2013

Summary This paper demonstrates the possible conclusions which can be drawn from an analysis of entropy and information. Because of its universality, entropy can be widely used in different subjects, especially in biomedicine. Based on simulated data the similarities and differences between the grouping of attributes and testing of their independencies are shown. It follows that a complete exploration of data sets requires both of these elements. A new concept introduced in this paper is that of normed information gain, allowing the use of any logarithm in the definition of entropy.
Globalisation as a major factor modifying the patterns of tourism activity
Authors: Hołowiecka Beata , Grzelak-Kostulska Elżbieta 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Globalisation is a complex and dynamic process that today influences many factors determining the development of tourism. It brings about economic, political, social and even cultural changes and drives the expansion of a single global market where the movement of capital, goods and people is much easier than it used to be. Globalization also has an intangible dimension - by enabling access to information and modern forms of communication and by stimulating the spatial mobility of populations it allows ideas to flow freely, as a result of which individuals learn new attitudes and behaviours. This article discusses the influence of globalization on the tourism preferences and tourism activity of Polish residents. The results of the earlier empirical research has confirmed that different social groups have their specific models of tourism activity, showing also which groups have responded to globalization the most strongly and the possible consequences this may have for tourism activity.
Effects of transformations in the urban structure on the quality of life of city residents in the context of recreation
Authors: Hrehorowicz-Gaber Hanna 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Accumulating over time, spatial transformations in Kraków have been changing the city’s structure. The contemporary image of the city is creating a new model of life and has a major effect on the functional and spatial conditions for its residents. Life in the city is dictated by the rhythm of daily routines, and the time of leisure has been reduced to a minimum. Less and less frequently are public and semi-private urban spaces used in the traditional manner and their number is decreasing. A considerable role in the decrease in the space for relaxation in the city is played by the purchasing power of money which is winning for itself the space for new residential estates.
The disappearance of green areas can be best illustrated by the example of the green areas between Kraków and Nowa Huta. Historically, Nowa Huta was set up as an organism separate from Kraków. In 1956, Anna Ptaszycka presented a new plan for Kraków spatial development which curbed industrialisation and promoted Howard’s ideas of garden cities. In 1966, the largest park in that area was established, its basic function was to isolate Kraków from Nowa Huta and the steel plant there.
As a result of the projects developed in recent years, the compact greenery is smaller, and more and more areas are being taken over for various projects. Spontaneous development of Kraków, without any master plans, for some small parts of city structure, is a huge threat to the preservation of existing leisure areas. Because of this, precise guidelines are needed for the intended use of areas neighbouring environmentally sensitive grounds, defining their type, scale and impact, in order to protect the landscape attractions which are amongst the desired recreational characteristics.
The timeshare industry of Africa: a study in tourism geography
Authors: Pandy Wayde R. , Rogerson Christian M. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Within the broad spectrum of tourism accommodation the timeshare industry is a distinctive segment which has attracted only limited research work. This paper represents a contribution to tourism geography as it investigates the location of timeshare resorts in Africa and comparative position of African destinations in the global timeshare economy. The analysis shows the timeshare resort industry in South Africa is the most significant on the continent and is distinctive in its reliance upon domestic rather than international tourists. In terms of the distribution of resorts the key locational consideration in Africa parallels that found in other parts of the world, namely the positioning of resorts in areas of high natural amenity. In the African context this has meant clustering resorts in coastal beach areas and attractive mountain locations, as well as in the areas which afford opportunities for timeshare consumers to experience the African bush. Finally, of note in South Africa is the growth of large timeshare property developments at casino resorts, a development which parallels the experience of certain timeshare developments in the USA.
Effect of Transdermal Testosterone or Alpha-Lipoic Acid on Erectile Dysfunction and Quality of Life in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus / Эффект применения трансдермального тестостерона или альфа-ли- поевой кислоты на эректильную дисфункцию и качество жизни пациентов со сахарным диабетом типа 2
Authors: Mitkov Mitko D. , Aleksandrova Ivanka Y. , Orbetzova Maria M. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to develop and/or maintain an erection that is sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction in diabetic men is 28-75%, this percentage rising with patient’s age and duration of diabetes. The aim of the present study was to investigate erectile dysfunction and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after treating them with transdermal testosterone or with alpha-lipoic acid. Materials and methods: The effect of a 12-week treatment with transdermal testosterone or alpha-lipoic acid on the erectile function and quality of life of 45 men with ED and T2DM was studied in a randomized, prospective, open clinical, comparative study. The parameters we measured in the patients were body weight and body mass index (BMI); the albumin, lipids, HbA1C, testosterone (T), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and microalbuminuria levels; the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Health related quality of life (SF-36) questionnaires were completed to evaluate ED and quality of life before and after 12 weeks of treatment with alpha-lipoic acid (600 mg, parenterally, for 7 days, followed by 600 mg received per os) or with transdermal testosterone in a dose of 50 mg daily.
Results: Testosterone treatment decreased BMI significantly (p < 0.01), increased testosterone concentrations (p < 0.01) and raised the SHBG levels (p < 0.05), improved the glycemic control and lipid profile (total cholesterol, p < 0.05; HDL cholesterol, p < 0.05; triglycerides, p < 0.05). The patients treated with alpha-lipoic acid had their BMI (p < 0.01), HbA1C (p < 0.01), total cholesterol (p < 0.01), HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.01) and triglycerides (p < 0.01) significantly reduced. The indicators for ED in both groups were also statistically significantly improved. There was improvement for all patients’ self-assessment score for “physical functioning” (p = 0.001), for “role limitations due to physical health” (p < 0.001) and for “general health perception” (p = 0.021).
Conclusions: Transdermal testosterone and alpha-lipoic acid have a tangible beneficial effect on erectile dysfunction and on metabolic disorders in T2DM patients and can be used to treat such patients.
Influence of Depressive Mood on Quality of Life Ratings of Women with Epilepsy of Childbearing Age / Влияние Депрессивного Настроения На Оценку Качества Жизни У Женщин С Эпилепсией В Детеродном Возрасте
Authors: Todorova Koraliya S. , Kaprelyan Ara G. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Depressive disorders are the most frequent psychiatric comorbidity in epilepsy. Depressive mood affects negatively quality of life (QOL) ratings, sometimes having greater impact than seizure-related variables. Women with epilepsy are a specific subgroup at risk of comorbid depression in consequence of certain biopsychosocial demands. The AIM of this study was to assess the relative contribution of mood, seizure-related and demographic variables on QOL scores in women with epilepsy of childbearing age.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A psychiatric assessment was carried out of 65 women with epilepsy (aged 18-55, mean 37.23 ± 11.83 yrs). Comorbid depressive disorder was diagnosed according to ICD-10 criteria. Its severity was evaluated on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17). A questionnaire for demographic and seizure-related variables was completed. Two self-assessment questionnaires were administered: the Seizure Severity Questionnaire (SSQ) and the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31 (QOLIE-31). The data were analysed using SPSS for Windows (version 17.0). Univariate correlation and multiple stepwise regression analyses were performed to explore the association between possible prognostic variables (independent variables) and QOLIE-31 overall and subscale scores (dependent variables). RESULTS: Analysis showed that demographic factors: employment and education; seizurerelated factors: seizure severity, seizure frequency, antiepileptic drug therapy and comorbid depressive disorder were the variables significantly associated with QOLIE-31 overall score (p < 0.01). A three variable model accounted for 64.8% of the variance in QOLIE-31 overall score including seizure severity, comorbid depression and seizure frequency.
CONCLUSIONS: Clinical factors are the strongest predictors of QOL of women with epilepsy in our study, seizure severity and comorbid depression being the main contributors. Paying attention to the psychological needs of women with epilepsy will have a positive effect on their QOL.
The effect of respiratory diseases on serum lactate dehydrogenase and its isoenzyme patterns in calves
Authors: Nagy O. , Tóthová Cs. , Paulíková I. , Kováčl G. , Seidel H. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIn this study we examined the serum activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and its isoenzyme patterns in 28 calves of a lowland black spotted breed and its crossbreeds at the age of 2-6 months suffering from clinically noticeable manifested respiratory diseases - bronchopneumonia (BRD Group). As a control group we used 35 clinically healthy calves of the same age, breed and nutrition (Healthy Group). The sick calves did not show clinical signs or pathological lesions on other organ systems. The results found in sick calves showed a significantly higher total activity of LDH than in clinically healthy animals (P<0.01). The mean activity of LDH was 2012 U/l in healthy calves and in calves with respiratory diseases 2529 U/l. The differences in all LDH isoenzyme patterns between both groups of animals were significant (P<0.001) and in calves with respiratory diseases are characterized by a marked increase of the LDH 1 fraction and a decrease in the proportion of the other four LDH isoenzymes. Our results differ from those observed and presented in respiratory diseases in human medicine or in sheep. The explanation for the obtained results in calves and the determination of their diagnostic significance needs further studies and investigations using more animals with various severity of clinical signs and pathological changes, including analysis and determination of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme patterns in healthy and affected cattle lung tissue.
Complete mitochondrial genome of wild aurochs (Bos primigenius) reconstructed from ancient DNA
Authors: Zeyland J. , Wolko Ł. , Bocianowski J. , Szalata M. , Słomski R. , Dzieduszycki A.M. , Ryba M. , Przystałowska H. , Lipiński D. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Extinct aurochs (Bos primigenius), accepted as the ancestor of domestic cattle, was one of the largest wild animals inhabiting Europe, Asia and North Africa. The gradual process of aurochs extinction finished in Poland in 1627, were the last recorded aurochs, a female, died. Some aspects of cattle domestication history and the distribution of aurochs genetic material among modern cattle breeds still remain unclear. Analyses of ancient DNA (aDNA) from bone sample deliver new genetic information about extinct wild aurochs as well as modern cattle phylogeny. DNA was extracted from a fragment of aurochs fossil bone found in the Pisz Forest, Poland. The sample was radiocarbon- dated to about 1500 yBP. The aDNA was used for Whole Genome Amplification in order to form a DNA bank. Auroch mitochondrial DNA sequences were amplified using sets of 41 primers overlapping the whole mtDNA, cloned and sequenced. The sequence of the whole mitochondrial genome was reconstructed and deposed in GenBank [GenBank:JQ437479]. Based on the phylogenetic analyses of the Bovine mitochondrial genomes, a phylogenetic tree was created. As expected, the tree clearly shows that the mtDNA sequence of the analyzed PWA (Polish Wild Aurochs) individual belongs to haplogroup P. In the course of the comparative mtDNA analysis we identified 30 nucleotide marker positions for haplogroup P and nine unique PWA differences compared to the two remaining haplotype P representatives. Our analysis provides the next step to the reconstruction of the demographic history of this extinct but still exciting species.
Production and characterization of egg yolk antibodies against bovine alimentary tract pathogens
Authors: Sitnik O. , Jawor P. , Kopeć W. , Skiba T. , Stefaniak T. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAim of the study was to evaluate the effect of immunization of hens with bovine vaccines (C, R, T) on the course of IgY antibodies production against selected bovine E.coli strains, rota- and coronaviruses in egg yolk in farm conditions. The hens (40 individuals per group) were vaccinated twice, subcutaneously in four week interval and eggs were harvested once a week. Control group consisted of eggs sampled from non-vaccinated hens located in neighbouring cages. The antibody activity was measured by ELISA. All used vaccines induced the rise of IgY antibody in egg yolks. Based on the duration and the highest level of IgY antibody against bovine alimentary tract pathogens C vaccine was further used in next two trials for vaccination of 1000 hens each time. Double immunization seems to be enough in mounting response against examined pathogens for several weeks. Immunization with C vaccine allowed to harvest eggs with satisfactory levels of E.coli, rotavirus and coronavirus IgY antibodies which may be used to evaluate their protective effect by oral administration in calves.
Imidazole-induced contractility of vascular smooth muscle cells in the presence of U-73122, ODQ, indomethacin and 7-nitroindazole
Authors: Wiciński M. , Grześk G. , Malinowski B. , Grześk E. , Sinjab A.T. , Krzyżanowski M. , Michalska A. , Dzięcioł J. , Bylina D. , Szadujkis-Szadurska K. , Czeczuk A. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the impact of modulating factors on vascular smooth muscle cells reactivity. Vascular resistance was induced by the administration of increasing concentrations of imidazole.
The experiments were performed on isolated and perfused tail artery of Wistar rats (weight 250 g - 350 g). Rats were been narcotized by urethane (intraperitoneal injection) at a dose of 120 mg/kg, stunned and then sacrificed by cervical dislocation. In the following investigation classical pharmacometric methods were used. Relationships between concentration-response curves (CRCs) for imidazole observed in the presence of ODQ [(1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one)], 7-nitroindazole and indomethacin were analyzed.
Imidazole-induced contractility of vascular smooth muscle cells was independent from alpha- adrenergic receptors and PLC activity. Reactivity of VSMCsinduced by imidazole, was significantly changed in the presence of ODQ and 7-nitroindazole.
The novel effect of hCG administration on luteal function maintenance during the estrous cycle/pregnancy and early embryo development in the pig
Authors: Bołzan E. , Andronowska A. , Bodek G. , Morawska-Pucińska E. , Krawczyński K. , Dąbrowski A. , Zięcik A.J. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Two independent experiments were performed on cyclic (Experiment I) and pregnant (Experiment II) gilts to examine the effect of human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) administration on day 12 of the estrous cycle/pregnancy on ovarian and endometrial secretory function. Animals were divided into hCG Group (injection of 750 IU hCG) and Control Group (injection of saline). In Experiment I, the prolonged lifespan of the corpus luteum (CL), extended progesterone (P4) production (P<0.05) and delayed luteolysis were found. In hCG Group increased ratio of PGE2:PGFM during 12 hrs period on day 15 (P<0.05) of the estrous cycle was observed. In both experiments, higher concentrations of E2 in hCG treated gilts (P<0.05) on days 14-15 of the estrous cycle/pregnancy were found. In Experiment II, hCG injection did not affect P4, PGE2 and PGFM concentrations in blood plasma, but reduced the number of resorbed embryos on day 30 of pregnancy. In the pregnant hCG treated gilts the immunostaining against von Willebrand Factor (vWF) demonstrated an enhanced (P<0.05) angiogenesis in CLs and endometrium. Furthermore, the flow cytometry revealed an increased (P<0.05) viability of cells in CLs of hCG Group. An augmented expression of Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (STAR; P<0.05) and LH/hCG receptor mRNA (P<0.05) in CLs of hCG Group were observed, but an elevated concentration of protein was confirmed only for STAR (P<0.05). Our studies revealed, for the first time, that administration of hCG affects PGE2:PGFM ratio during the estrous cycle as well as the development of conceptuses through enhanced angiogenesis and decreased luteal apoptosis in early pregnant pigs.