bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between serum Se concentration in dogs and incidence of some disease conditions
Authors: Pilarczyk Bogumiła , Tomza-Marciniak Agnieszka , Pilarczyk Renata , Bąkowska Małgorzata , Gaik Marcelina , Wilk Magdalena , Kuba Jarosław 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine if there is a relationship between serum selenium concentration in dogs and their health, and to assess the relationship between selenium concentration and morphological parameters of blood. Mean serum selenium concentration in dogs ranged from 0.169 to 0.273 mg/ml. Dogs diagnosed with malignant neoplasm had a significantly lower mean concentration of serum selenium compared to healthy dogs and those from the groups studied. The present study showed no statistically significant differences in Se serum content according to sex, age, and food type. Dogs diagnosed with malignant neoplasm had a significantly lower mean serum selenium concentration compared to healthy dogs and those from the other groups analysed, namely with hip dysplasia, allergy and fractures and with non-malignant tumour. Healthy dogs were characterized by the highest mean serum selenium concentration, significantly higher compared to dogs with non-malignant tumour, malignant neoplasm, allergy and fractures. Low levels of selenium contribute to the incidence of neoplasms and allergies and increase the risk of bone fractures in dogs. Additional laboratory tests should be conducted when certain diseases are diagnosed to determine Se concentration in dogs, thus making it possible to take preventive measures or therapeutic action.
Detection of avian influenza virus and newcastle disease virus by duplex one step RT PCR
Authors: Nidzworski Dawid , Smietanka Krzysztof , Minta Zenon , Szewczyk Bogusław 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Newcastle disease Virus (NDV), a member of the Paramyxoviridae family, and Influenza virus, from the Orthomyxoviridae family, are two main avian pathogens that cause serious economic problems in poultry farming. NDV strains are classified into three major pathotypes: velogenic, mesogenic, and lentogenic. Avian influenza viruses (AIV) are also divided into: low pathogenic (LPAI) and highly pathogenic (HPAI) strains. Both viruses are enveloped, single stranded, negative-sense RNA viruses which give similar symptoms ranging from sub-clinical infections to severe disease, including loss in egg production, acute respiratory syndrome, and high mortality, depending on their level of pathogenicity. This similarity hinders diagnosis when based solely on clinical and post mortem examination. Most of the currently available molecular detection methods are also pathogenspecific, so that more than one RT-PCR is then required to confirm or exclude the presence of both pathogens. To overcome this disadvantage, we have applied a One Step Duplex RT-PCR method to distinguish between those two pathogens. The main objective of the project was to develop a universal, fast, and inexpensive method which could be used in any veterinary laboratory.
Association of TNF-α and PTPN22 SNPs with the risk and clinical outcome of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hadžija Marijana , Korolija Marina , Vukadinović Gabrijela , Hadžija Mirko 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Type 1 Diabetes mellitus (T1DM) begins with aberrant inflammatory process followed by auto-destruction in genetically susceptible individuals. Therefore, we hypothesized that gain-of-function allelic variants TNF-α-238A, -308A and PTPN22 1858T could be associated not only with T1DM development but also with the clinical outcome in patients of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A total of 402 subjects were enrolled in the association study. SNPs were determined by PCR-RFLP. Data was analyzed by GraphPad Prism and Sigma Stat 3.5 software. Genotypes frequencies at TNF-α-238 and -308 loci were not statistically different between patients and controls. In contrast, distribution of genotypes at the 1858 position of PTPN22 was significantly different, due to higher frequency of gain-of-function gene variants in patients than controls. Moreover, long term glucose regulation (based on HbA1c level) was significantly worse in patients with the risk TNF-α-308A allele than in patients with non-risk (G) allele. However, patients with the risk allele of both genes (TNF-α-308A and PTPN22 1858T) had the worst glycemic control, suggesting that those two work synergistically. In conclusion, in a cohort from Bosnia and Herzegovina TNF-α-308A allele is significantly associated with the worse long-term glucose control, but PTPN22 1858T allele is significantly associated with diabetes development.
Characterization and evaluation of tandem repeats for the identification of Geobacillus
Authors: Krilaviciute Agne , Kuisiene Nomeda 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Taxonomy of thermophilic, endospore-forming bacteria has evoked a great interest over the past few years. Although a number of taxonomic markers were previously evaluated, their sequences in Geobacillus were too conservative, and identification of more variable markers is needed. Repetitive DNA is one of the promising variable targets in the development of the taxon-specific genotyping and identification schemes in bacteria. The aim of our study was to evaluate the possibility of using repetitive DNA in the taxonomy of Geobacillus. In this paper, we report the analysis of perfect tandem repeats of geobacilli. We focused on the long repeats (with a motif length of ≥20 nucleotides). This choice was based on the assumption that these motifs can be used for the construction of oligonucleotides — primers and probes. Thirty-three Geobacillus genus-specific motifs were identified in our work, fifteen of them were species-specific and fifteen — species cluster -specific. Three of them were genus-, but not species- or species cluster-specific. Some of the motifs were used for the construction of the primer pairs. The primers were validated by PCR. Out of 12 designed primer pairs, 11 were genus-specific and 4 — species-specific. Species-specific primers were successfully constructed for the phylogenetically defined species Geobacillus thermodenitrificans and Geobacillus toebii.
A mixed finite element/control volume model of wind-driven circulation in lakes
Authors: Podsechin Victor 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA three-dimensional numerical circulation model is described. The model is based on non-linear hydrodynamic equations, modified according to hydrostatic and Boussinesq approximations. A space-splitting scheme is used for numerical approximations of governing equations. The simple hypothesis on elliptic stream functions shape is utilized to reconstruct the near-surface wind field. The calculated currents correspond reasonably well with observed velocities in different locations lake-wide.
Analysis of soil boundary conditions of flash floods in a small basin in SW Hungary
Authors: Hegedüs Péter , Czigány Szabolcs , Balatonyi László , Pirkhoffer Ervin 
Published: March 2013

AbstractFlash floods are one of the most significant natural hazards of today. Due to the complexity of flash flood triggering factors, to prevent or mitigate flood triggered losses, numeric model based flood forecasting models are capable tools to predict stream water levels. The main goal of the current research was to reproduce two flow peaks with the HEC-HMS rainfall-runoff model and test the model sensitivity for various input parameters. To obtain sufficient input data, we monitored soil depth, maximum infiltration rate, soil moisture content, rainfall, time of concentration and flow. To obtain input data, parameters were calculated, measured in the Sás Valley experimental watershed (SW Hungary) or optimized with the built in function of the HEC-HMS. Soil moisture was monitored in the 1.7 km2 pilot catchment over the period between September 2008 and September 2009. HEC-HMS had a good performance reproducing the two events, however simulated flow time series are highly influenced by the antecedent soil moisture, infiltration rate and canopy storage. Outflow modeled data were verified for two flood events (June 4, 2008 and July 9, 2009). The HEC-HMS was over-sensitive for input soil moisture and with increasing input rainfall and increasing outflow, larger simulation errors were observed.
The Association of Obesity and Liver Enzyme Activities in a Student Population at Increased Risk for Cardiovascular Disease / Veza Između Gojaznosti I Aktivnosti Jetrenih Enzima U Studentskoj Populaciji Sa Povećanim Rizikom Za Nastanak Kardiovaskularnih Bolesti
Authors: Čolak Emina , Pap Dragana , Majkić-Singh Nada , Obradović Ivana 
Published: March 2013

Summary
Background: It has been reported that obesity is associated with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, cardiovascular risk but also with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents is increasing rapidly all over the world. The aim of this study was to analyze the value of liver enzymes: AST, ALT and γGT in a group of obese students in order to establish their correlation to anthropometric parameters such as: BMI (body mass index), WC (waist circumference), HC (hip circumference), and WHR (waist-to-hip ratio) compared to non-obese students who comprised the control group (CG).
Methods: In this study, 238 students from the University of Novi Sad of both sexes (126 men and 112 women) with a mean age of 22.32 ± 1.85 years were included. According to the body mass index (BMI) lower and higher than 25 kg/m2 and waist circumference (WC) lower and higher than 94 cm (80 cm for females) the whole group of 238 students was divided into 2 subgroups: the obese group at increased risk for CVD (Group 1) and the group at lower risk for CVD (Group 2). AST, ALT and γGT activities were determined in fasting blood samples.
Results: Statistical processing data revealed significantly higher values of AST, ALT and γGT in the group of students with BMI>25 kg/m2, WC>94 cm for males and WC>80 cm for females, HC>108 cm for males and HC>111 cm for females, and WHR>0.90 for males and WHR>0.80 for females (P<0.001). Significant association was established between anthropometric parameters and liver enzyme levels (P<0.0001).
Conclusions: Obese students with higher BMI, WC, HC and WHR values have higher liver enzyme activites and a higher chance to develop NAFLD in the future.
The D-Lightful Vitamin D for Health / Vitamin D Za Dobro Zdravlje
Authors: Holick Michael F. 
Published: March 2013

Summary
Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin that is not only important for children’s and adults’ skeletal health but is also important for their overall health and wellbeing. Vitamin D deficiency has been defined as a 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 20 ng/mL and vitamin D insufficiency as a 25-hydroxyvitamin D of 21-29 ng/mL. The major source of vitamin D is sensible sun exposure since very few foods naturally contain vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with in - creased risk for many acute and chronic diseases including infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, neurocognitive dysfunction and muscle weakness. To achieve a blood level of 25-hydroxy - vitamin D >30 ng/mL children require 600-1 000 IUs and adults 1 500-2 000 IUs of vitamin D daily.
The Relation of Working Capital and Fixed Assets: a Study
Authors: Salehi Mahdi 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The present study aims to investigate the relationship between working capital changes and fixed assets with asset return of 120 manufacturing listed companies in Tehran Stock Exchange during 2006-2010. Pearson correlation and Regression test are employed to determine the kind of relationship between dependent and independent variables, hypotheses test and evaluating normality of data respectively. The outcomes of the study suggest that there is a significant relationship between working capital changes and fixed assets with assets return in the research community.
Sustainability as the Direction for the Long-Term Success in Banking: Poland vs. Croatia
Authors: Rudawska Edyta , Renko Sanda 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Dynamic environment forces companies to develop new approaches to establishing objectives and to develop management practices. Apart from doing profit-making activities, companies are forced to undertake activities aiming at their long-term sustainable development. As a result of deregulation and globalization, the banking sector had to accept the postulations of sustainable development and to keep their position on the market through establishing lasting relationships with customers, environment organizations, employees and a local community. The main goal of this paper is to explore implications of sustainability on the banking sector. Based on the research on the sample of 33 bank managers, the paper is trying to find out whether there are similarities in sustainability aspects in the banking sectors of Poland and Croatia. The findings of the papers suggest that banks in Poland express stronger need to take into account the environmental, social and economic concerns comparing to banks in Croatia.
Inter-Communal Associations – the Future of Metropolitan Area Management?
Authors: Danielewicz Justyna , Turała Maciej 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
A metropolitan area is a special form of territorial organisation composed of many territorial units. To ensure their development it is necessary to introduce an appropriate system of management based on the concept of governance which requires that all stakeholders (local authorities, central government, business, researchers, NGOs, citizens etc.) are involved in the management process. The article aims to ascertain whether intercommunal associations can become the first step on the way to implementation of the concept of governance in metropolitan areas in Poland. The article describes features of inter-communal associations as a form of management of territorial systems. The second part of the article analyses existing inter-communal associations in Polish metropolitan areas. The article concludes that the current state of affairs does not justify a statement that inter-communal associations are or will become, in the immediate future, a dominant form of managing public affairs in metropolitan areas.
Profitability of Reduction of Speed and Fuel Consumption for Sea Going Bulk Carriers
Authors: Doskocz Dariusz 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Extremely high price of oil and consequently fuel used by sea going bulk carriers combined with very low freight rates - BDI (Baltic Dry Index), the main index of the freight market dropped from almost 12,000 to about 700 during the last four years - forced ship owners and operators to re-calculate speed and consumption parameters of their fleet. On the basis of speed/consumption parameters taken directly from ships, the average cost of marine fuel IFO and the freight market reported by The Baltic Exchange the author calculated the profitability of the reduction of speed for typical bulk carriers from about 26,000 to 80,000 DWT. Despite the extremely low freight market and very high price of fuel the savings due to the reduction of fuel consumption are generally consumed by time loss. The speed reduction may be profitable only for the group of the largest of the analyzed ships but every time ship operators have to take into consideration such consequences as the weather risk, positioning for the next employment, charter party obligations etc.
E-Commerce Customers’ Preference Implicit Identification
Authors: Zdziebko Tomasz 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Knowledge of users’ preferences are of high value for every e-commerce website. It can be used to improve customers’ loyalty by presenting personalized products’ recommendations. A user’s interest in a particular product can be estimated by observing his or her behaviors. Implicit methods are less accurate than the explicit ones, but implicit observation is done without interruption of having to give ratings for viewed items. This article presents results of e-commerce customers’ preference identification study. During the study the author’s extension for FireFox browser was used to collect participants’ behavior and preference data. Based on them over thirty implicit indicators were calculated. As a final result the decision tree model for prediction of e-customer products preference was build.
Immunosuppressant medication in cardiac transplant patients - between therapeutic benefit and iatrogenic pathology
Authors: Vari C.E. , Suciu H. , Ispas Mihaela , Voidăzan S. , Muntean Daniela Lucia 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
In a retrospective study, the safety profile and efficacy of immunosuppressive medication was evaluated in 35 patients with cardiac transplant in Targu Mures during 1999-2011 (11 treated with cyclosporine, 24 with tacrolimus, both drugs were associated with mycophenolate mofetil). Therapeutic benefit was measured by survival curve and lack of rejection while safety was evaluated by measuring plasma immunosuppressive drugs levels and evaluation of specific adverse events (nephrotoxicity, diabetes, and hypertension). The most frequent side effect was nephrotoxicity (significant reduction in glomerular filtration rate estimated by MDRD formula), but no significant differences were found between the 2 medications.
Upper endoscopy in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and postthrombolysis upper gastrointestinal bleeding – results, therapeutic utility
Authors: Parepa Irinel-Raluca , Suceveanu Andra-Iulia , Suceveanu A. P. , Mazilu Laura , Cîmpineanu B. , Craiu Elvira 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Upper endoscopy is the “golden standard” for the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGB); it appreciates the persistence of bleeding in more than 90% of cases, it reveals the UGB lesion, gives prognostic information about re-bleeding risk and offers the possibility of endoscopic haemostasis. Uncomplicated STEMI by itself is not a contraindication for upper endoscopy [1,2]. The aim of our study was to observe the haemorrhagic lesions in STEMI patients with postthrombolysis UGB and to evaluate the safety and therapeutic utility of upper endoscopy in this category of patients. We performed upper endoscopy in STEMI patients with postthrombolytic UGB during a period of 4 years (1st of Jan 2008 - 31st of Dec 2011). Patients with systolic blood pressure (SBP) <100 mmHg, with Killip class>1, with unstable ECG and/or with severe associated conditions (respiratory distress, cerebrovascular stroke, consciousness disorders) were withdrawn from undergoing upper endoscopy, as well as patients who refused the investigation. During studied period, 618 STEMI patients underwent pharmacological coronary reperfusion. Postthrombolysis UGB occurred in 42 of them (6.79%). We could perform upper endoscopy in 30 patients (71.43%), the rest of 12 (28.57%) being withdrawn from endoscopy (6 patients with Killip class>1, 4 patients with systolic blood pressure<100mmHg, 2 patients refused the investigation). Incriminated haemorrhagic lesions were: erosive gastroduodenitis in 20 cases (66.67%) and duodenal ulcer in 10 cases (33.33%). As about therapeutic utility, amongst 30 patients investigated just 4 needed endoscopic treatment (haemoclips used in Forrest IB patients with duodenal ulcers). Endoscopy was a safe investigation in STEMI patients with postthrombolysis UGB. Erosive gastroduodenitis was incriminated as the source of bleeding in most of the cases. As it concerns the therapeutic utility of UE in STEMI patients with UGB, 13.33% of bleeding patients benefited from endoscopic treatment (mechanical haemmostasis).
Modifications of functional respiratory tests in non-smoker patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Mihailov Ileana Claudia , Mitroi A. , Tica Irina 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
This paper aim is to study lower airways’ disorders in non-smoker patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) without respiratory symptoms and to reveal the correlations between the lower airways’ disorders on one side and RA dependent variables and demographic variables on the other side. Our study included 145 women diagnosed with RA. Airways evaluation was assessed by spirometry. Patients with pulmonary radiological modifications, pulmonary diseases or respiratory symptoms (cough, dyspnea) were not included in the study. Bivariate analysis was used to analyze the obtained variables. The medium age was 56.28±10.24 years. The medium body mass index (BMI) was 27.66±3.23 kg/m2. The modifications of respiratory functional tests revealed by spirometry were the following: 15.86% had FEV1/FVC<70%, 32.41% of patients had FEF50<60%, 57.93% of patients had FEV1<80% and 66.89% of patients had FCV<80%. The repartition according to RA stage was: 60.68% in the IInd stage, 31.03% in the IIIrd stage and 8.96% in the IVth stage. Spirometry evaluated disorders of the airways and pulmonary interstitium are frequently found in patients with RA, without symptoms and without radiological anomalies
Bicoronary-pulmonary fistulae and severe mitral valve regurgitation – uncommon cause of myocardial ischemia – a case report
Authors: Tilea I , Moraru L , Raicea V , Tilea Brindusa , Bocicor Andreea Elena , Suciu H 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Bicoronary - pulmonary artery fistulae are rare conditions. Their association with mitral valve prolapse is even rarer and randomly reported. This association is important to be recognized in clinical practice because of the differential diagnose problems. Closing the coronary fistulae and mitral valve replacement during the same surgical procedure is probably the optimal management of these patients. We report a case involving the correction of congenital bicoronarypulmonary artery fistulae and mitral valve replacement within the same surgical procedure in a 56 years old female patient with angina and clinical signs of left ventricular failure associating the fistulae to severe mitral regurgitation due to mitral valve prolapse. Past medical history revealed autoimmune thyroiditis, atrial fibrillation, mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation. At admission physical examination revealed stable vital signs, irregular tachycardia with significant pulse and a mitral regurgitation systolic murmur. ECG showed atrial fibrillation, no ischemia. Echocardiography revealed severe mitral regurgitation, prolapse of anterior and posterior mitral leaflets, moderate tricuspid valve regurgitation, and mild pulmonary hypertension. Coronary angiogram showed no significant lesions of the epicardial vessels but high flow congenital bicoronary-pulmonary fistulae (right coronary artery and left coronary artery to main pulmonary artery). Surgical correction of the congenital bicoronarypulmonary fistulae was performed simultaneously with mitral valve replacement in the same session. Postsurgical evolution was uneventful. Post-procedural ECG showed atrial fibrillation with a controlled heart rate, postoperative echocardiography showed normal functional and normal positioned prosthetic mitral mechanical valve, and rather normal left ventricle function. Coexistence of bicoronary-pulmonary fistulae and mitral valve insufficiency due to prolapse in a symptomatic patient with angina pectoris is a very rare clinical entity. Solving both abnormalities within the same surgical procedure was the optimal management for this patient.