bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in Nephrologist Visits to Patients on Hemodialysis across Dialysis Facilities and Geographic Locations
Authors: Erickson Kevin F. , Tan Kelvin B. , Winkelmayer Wolfgang C. , Chertow Glenn M. , Bhattacharya Jay 
Published: February 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Geographic and other variations in medical practices lead to differences in medical costs, often without a clear link to health outcomes. This work examined variation in the frequency of physician visits to patients receiving hemodialysis to measure the relative importance of provider practice patterns (including those patterns linked to geographic region) and patient health in determining visit frequency.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This work analyzed a nationally representative 2006 database of patients receiving hemodialysis in the United States. A variation decomposition analysis of the relative importance of facility, geographic region, and patient characteristics—including demographics, socioeconomic status, and indicators of health status—in explaining physician visit frequency variation was conducted. Finally, the associations between facility, geographic and patient characteristics, and provider visit frequency were measured using multivariable regression.

Results
Patient characteristics accounted for only 0.9% of the total visit frequency variation. Accounting for case-mix differences, patients’ hemodialysis facilities explained about 24.9% of visit frequency variation, of which 9.3% was explained by geographic region. Visit frequency was more closely associated with many facility and geographic characteristics than indicators of health status. More recent dialysis initiation and recent hospitalization were associated with decreased visit frequency.

Conclusions
In hemodialysis, provider visit frequency depends more on geography and facility location and characteristics than patients’ health status or acuity of illness. The magnitude of variation unrelated to patient health suggests that provider visit frequency practices do not reflect optimal management of patients on dialysis.
The role of Fluorine-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in staging and restaging of patients with osteosarcoma
Authors: Quartuccio Natale , Treglia Giorgio , Salsano Marco , Mattoli Maria Vittoria , Muoio Barbara , Piccardo Arnoldo , Lopci Egesta , Cistaro Angelina 
Published: February 2013

Background.The objective of this study is to systematically review the role of positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) with Fluorine-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in patients with osteosarcoma (OS).Methods. A comprehensive literature search of published studies through October 10th, 2012 in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus databases regarding whole-body FDG-PET and FDG-PET/CT in patients with OS was performed.Results. We identified 13 studies including 289 patients with OS. With regard to the staging and restaging of OS, the diagnostic performance of FDG-PET and PET/CT seem to be high; FDG-PET and PET/CT seem to be superior to bone scintigraphy and conventional imaging methods in detecting bone metastases; conversely, spiral CT seems to be superior to FDG-PET in detecting pulmonary metastases from OSConclusions.Metabolic imaging may provide additional information in the evaluation of OS patients. The combination of FDG-PET or FDG-PET/CT with conventional imaging methods seems to be a valuable tool in the staging and restaging of OS and may have a relevant impact on the treatment planning.
Deformations and liquefaction of granular soils in plane strain conditions
Authors: Sawicki Andrzej , Sławińska Justyna 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
An incremental model is proposed to describe pre-failure behaviour of granular soils in plane strain conditions. The model has been derived from an approach applied in the analysis of triaxial tests. We have applied the methods of tensor algebra to transfer our triaxial results to a 2D case. The model describes the pre-failure deformations of fully drained sands and phenomena associated with undrained response such as static liquefaction. This model has a simple structure in the form of incremental equations. For some simple loading paths, these equations can be integrated analytically. For more complex loading paths a simple numerical algorithms will be sufficient. The model takes into account an initial anisotropy of soil which is ignored in most models. It also takes into account the initial state of soil, defined as rather contractive or dilative, in addition to classical geotechnical division into loose and dense sands. The proposed constitutive equations allow the study of pre-failure instabilities of sand, and some examples are presented.We have also derived analytically the equation for an instability line.
Chemiluminescence of Peripheral Blood Neutrophils in Mares with Endometritis
Authors: Krumrych Wiesław , Danek Janusz 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the oxygen metabolism of neutrophils in peripheral blood of mares in relation to intensity of endometrium inflammations. The study involved 36 half-breed mares, aged 4-22 years, showing fertility disturbances. In 26 mares neutrophils were found in uteral smears, which indicated endometritis (15 - moderate inflammation and 11 - severe inflammation). In the rest mares, cytological examination excluded inflammation. Blood samples were evaluated in terms of neutrophils chemiluminescence without stimulation (CL-WS) and with stimulation by opsonised zymosan (CL-OZ). The study demonstrated (only in case of CL-WS) an increase in chemiluminescence of cells in mares with a severe inflammation of the endometrium. The increased chemiluminescence activity was accompanied by a decrease in activation index (OZ/WS) of neutrophils, suggesting some imbalance between production and elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The correlation analysis demonstrated a statistically significant relation between the intensity of the uterus inflammation, which was verified by cytological examination and CL-WS of peripheral blood neutrophils, as well as their activation index. The obtained results suggest that activated neutrophils are an important source of ROS which can play a role in the pathogenesis of endometritis in mares.
P-Wave Dispersion in Prediction of Maintenance of Sinus Rhythm After an Electrical Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation in Dogs
Authors: Noszczyk-Nowak Agnieszka 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The aim of this study was to demonstrate the diagnostic accuracy of P-wave dispersion in predicting recurrence of atrial fibrillation in dogs with sinus rhythm restoration after external cardioversion. The study was performed on 15 dogs, which underwent electrical external cardioversion after atrial fibrillation. Nine-lead surface electrocardiogram of each dog was recorded 1 min after the cardioversion process to measure the P-wave duration. Dogs with recurrent atrial fibrillation had significantly higher P-wave dispersion compared to dogs that had a sinus rhythm lasting more than 3 months (9.26 ±2.01 ms vs 20.9 ±2.18 ms, P=0.001). This study suggests that P-wave dispersion analysis in dogs after a successful external electrical cardioversion has diagnostic accuracy to predict the recurrence of atrial fibrillation.
Development of Early Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immunity in Piglets with Experimentally Induced Subclinical Swine Influenza
Authors: Pomorska-Mól Małgorzata , Markowska-Daniel Iwona , Rachubik Jarosław 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Development of early immune response in piglets with subclinical swine influenza was investigated. Fourteen, seronegative piglets were used. Ten of them were infected intranasally with swine influenza virus (SIV) H1N1 subtype. Temperature and clinical signs were assessed daily. Leukocyte proportions and concentrations were analysed on a haematology analyser. Antibodies against SIVs were measured by haemagglutination inhibition assay. To measure influenza-specific cell-mediated immunity (CMI), the proliferation assay was performed. The real time reverse transcription PCR method was used for detection of SIV. No relevant respiratory or systemic clinical signs were observed. The presence of SIV RNA in nasal swabs from all infected piglets was confirmed between 2 and 5 dpi. The overall number of leukocytes did not differ during the study. The number of medium-sized cells (MID) was significantly higher on 2 and 4 dpi, as compared to day 0 level. The percentage of lymphocytes decreased from 74% on day 0 to 67.06% on 4 dpi, while the percentage of MID significantly increased at the same time. In control pigs no significant changes were observed. All infected pigs exhibited specific antibodies between 7 and 10 dpi. Specific CMI was observed before specific antibodies were present. Results of our research indicate that kinetics of the humoral and CMI response during subclinical infection is similar to that observed in clinical form of the disease.
QTc Dispersion and T-Wave Alternans as Predictors of Mortality in Dogs with Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Ventricular Tachycardia in Holter Monitoring. a Retrospective Study
Authors: Noszczyk-Nowak Agnieszka 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The study presents a comparison of the results received from dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) that died during the first 30 d of observation and from dogs with DCM that survived the first 30 d after the ECG. No differences were noted in the duration of QT or QTc in healthy dogs and dogs with DCM. QTcd was significantly higher in dogs with DCM and in dogs with DCM, which did not survive over 30 d of observation and dogs with DCM that died after the 30th d of observation. The presence of T-wave alternans (TWA) was more frequently observed in dogs with DCM (85% of the dogs) that died in less than 30 d during the observation. QTcd and TWA seem to be a useful non-invasive diagnostic tool to anticipate the risk of cardiac death in dogs with DCM.
Effort of Varying Intensity as a Factor Influencing the Variability of Selected Biochemical Blood Parameters of Jumping Horses
Authors: Bis-Wencel Hanna , Lutnicki Krzysztof , Rowicka Agnieszka Zofia , Nowakowicz-Dębek Bożena , Bryl Monika 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Blood samples were collected from horses in four time points of the spring-winter training season, according to the difference in effort intensity characteristic for each period. Serum contents of glucose, cholesterol, and creatinine, as well as activity of creatine kinase, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, and alkaline phosphatase were determined. Training did not cause muscle damage, and as a result of training, changes in the characteristics of both, contraction and biochemical properties of muscle tissue took place, which was confirmed by the conducted tests.
Usefulness of Serum Cystatin C Measurement for Assessing Renal Function in Cats
Authors: Poświatowska-Kaszczyszyn Iwona 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The aim of the work was to determine the concentration of serum cystatin C and usability of its measurement in diagnostics of renal failure in cats. The reference point was the value of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), calculated on the basis of plasma clearance of iohexol (Pcio). Seventy cats were divided into two groups: group I - 24 healthy cats, group II - 46 cats affected with renal dysfunction. The measurement of serum cystatin C was done according to immunonefelometric method. In order to estimate Pcio, the following blood samples were collected: pre-sample - 0, and samples collected 120, 180, 240, and 300 min after intravenous administration of iohexol. Its concentration was determined using high performance liquid chromatography. Pcio was obtained using a one-compartment model, according to the method developed by Krutzen Back and Nilsson-Ehl. Serum concentration of cystatin C in cats with renal dysfunction was significantly statistically higher (1.3 ± 0.6 mg/L) as compared to the group of healthy animals (0.7 ± 0.2 mg/L). Statistical analysis of the data confirmed strong correlation between GFR and serum concentration of cystatin C (r = - 0.51). Data analysis on the basis of the receiver operating characteristic curve proved that cystatin C seems to be more reliable parameter than creatinine in the assessment of kidneys function in cats and the measurement of cystatin C in blood serum can be of a considerable meaning as far as early diagnosis of renal failure in cats is concerned.
Seminoma, Sertolioma, and Leydigoma in Dogs: Clinical and Morphological Correlations
Authors: Ciaputa Rafał , Nowak Marcin , Kiełbowicz Maciej , Antończyk Agnieszka , Błasiak Karolina , Madej Janusz A. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The study aimed at presenting the most frequent male gonadal tumours in dogs, their clinical and histopathological aspects, at outlining aetiopathogenesis and differential diagnosis of the tumours. As examples of the most frequently manifested testicular tumours, three clinical cases were presented, involving tumour of interstitial (Leydig) cells, tumour of Sertoli cells, and seminoma. Respective clinical diagnosis employed USG, X-ray patterns, and morphological and biochemical tests. The surgically sampled material was stained with H+E and an attempt was made to establish expression of E-cadherin, calretinin, and Ki-67. It was shown that histopathological diagnosis of testicular tumours in dogs is frequently very difficult and complex and requires multidirectional studies.
An Assessment of Left Ventricular Systolic Function with the Use of a Continuous Doppler Imaging in Dogs with Spontaneous Mitral Regurgitation. A Preliminary Study
Authors: Pasławska Urszula , Noszczyk-Nowak Agnieszka , Nicpoń Józef 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate systolic function of left ventricle in dogs with spontaneous mitral regurgitation by estimating the rate of pressure rise in the left ventricle (dP/dt). Ninety-three dogs of different breed and sex, with chronic degenerative valvular disease were examined. All dogs had echocardiography examination with dP/dt estimation assessed from mitral regurgitant jet using continuous Doppler-echocardiography. The dogs were divided into four classes of heart failure according to NYHA class. Results: dogs in NYHA I dP/dt = 2,142 ±1,309, SF=33.6±10.5, EF=66.58± 14; NYHA II dP/dt = 3,062 ±1,798, SF=42 ±10, EF=76.5 ±11.5; NYHA III dP/dt = 3,483 ±2,136, SF=44.2 ±21, EF=75.7 ±13; NYHA IV dP/dt = 4,496 ±1,797, SF=40.6 ±6, EF=70.4 ±16. Dogs with chronic cardiac insufficiency and mitral insufficiency due to chronic degenerative valvular disease had no echocardiograhic evidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction assessed from mitral regurgitant jet dP/dt.
Major Acute Phase Proteins in Pig Serum from Birth to Slaughter
Authors: Pomorska-Mól Małgorzata , Kwit Krzysztof , Markowska-Daniel Iwona 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Age-related changes in serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), and pig major acute phase protein (pig-MAP) were investigated in healthy pigs from birth to slaughter under field conditions. Repeated blood samples were obtained from 60 pigs at ages of 1-19 weeks. Concentrations of acute phase proteins (APP) were measured with the use of commercial ELISA kits. Concentrations of all APP increased with age (P<0.05) and positive correlations were evidenced between their concentrations and the age of pigs. Great variations in CRP, Hp, and SAA concentrations were found, as can been seen from standard deviation values. The minimal individual variability was found in regard to pig-MAP. A significant increase in all APP was observed in pigs’ serum after weaning, constituting an important characteristic of this period. The elevation of APP after weaning may be associated with stress induced by mixing animals after weaning or changes in the pattern of feed administration. The peak in APP may be also caused by the initiation of synthesis of these proteins by piglets. Because a significant association between age and APP concentrations exists, further studies are needed to decide whether the age may influence the diagnostic value of APP as a marker of infection. Additionally, studies are needed to estimate whether the APP response in infection is age-dependent to any clinical importance degree.
Effect of High Iodine Intake on Selected Parameters of Immunity in Sheep
Authors: Dušová Hana , Trávníček Jan , Kroupová Vlasta , Staňková Martina , Peksa Zdeněk 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The study aimed at defining the immunity risks connected with high iodine supplementation in ewes and their lambs. The feed ration for control group (C) of ewes (n=6) contained 3.1 mg of iodine per kilogram of dietary dry matter and for experimental group (E) of ewes (n=6) 5.1 mg of iodine per kilogram of dietary dry matter. The animals were fed the diets for 8 months. Parallelly with different iodine supplementation, some immunological parameters (percentage of γ-globulins, concentration of immunoglobulin G, and white blood cell count) were examined in ewes and their lambs. The difference in the average concentration of immunoglobulin G between the ewes of group C and E was not significant during the experiment. A significant decrease (P<0.01) in the concentration of immunoglobulin G from 19.6 mg/mL before the experiment to 9.8 mg/mL on day 60 of the experiment was demonstrated in the ewes of group E. The average percentage of γ-globulins in the whole period after parturition was lower in the ewes of group E than in group C. The concentration of immunoglobulin G and the percentage of γ-globulins in lambs from dams in group E was continually lower (P<0.01) for the entire period of 1-30 d and demonstrated immunological risks of the excessive intake of iodine. The obtained results document a dangerous influence of high iodine intake on immunity in the prenatal period in ewes and mainly in the postnatal period in their lambs.
Granuloma Faciale – A Difficult Diagnosis? – A Case Report / Facijalni granulom – da li ga je teško dijagnostikovati? – Prikaz slučaja
Authors: Nikolovska Suzana , Gocev Đorđi , Damevska Katerina 
Published: February 2013

AbstractGranuloma faciale is an uncommon inflammatory skin disorder clinically characterized by single or multiple, reddishbrown nodules or plaques primarily occurring on the face of middle-aged men. Occasionally, extra-facial involvement has been reported, usually on sun-exposed areas. Although the etiology is somewhat unclear, granuloma faciale is considered a localized form of chronic leukocytoclastic vasculitis with a prominent eosinophilic infiltrate and fibrosis in the later stages of the disease. Histological examination of lesions reveals a dense polymorphous inflammatory infiltrate that consists mainly of eosinophils and neutrophils separated from the epidermis by a narrow band zone with normal collagen, deprived of cells. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is often seen. Clinical diagnosis is suspected in few cases, so definite diagnosis of granuloma faciale requires a biopsy. The disease is notoriously resistant to many therapies and often tends to relapse after treatment is discontinued.We present a female patient with granuloma faciale on the back and on the tip of the nose, misdiagnosed clinically as basall cell carcinoma and granuloma annulare. Her original histological diagnosis, made by a pathologist, was pyogenic granuloma. After revision of histologic findings of the biopsy specimens, granuloma faciale was diagnosed by a dermatopathologist. The treatment with cryotherapy and topical steroids was unsuccessful. Improvement of lesions was observed after use of tacrolimus 0.1% ointment, but lesion recurred after discontinuation of treatment.
The Influence of Cloudiness and Synoptic Situations on the Solar Radiation Balance in the Area of Kaffiøyra (Nw Spitsbergen) in the Summer Seasons 2010 and 2011
Authors: Kejna Marek , Przybylak Rajmund , Araźny Andrzej 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
This article describes the influence of cloudiness and synoptic situations on individual components of the radiation balance such as: global solar radiation; surface-reflected radiation; longwave terrestrial and atmospheric radiation, and the long- and shortwave balance of two types of ground cover typical to Spitsbergen (the Kaffiøyra region), i.e. morainal and glacial. The research was carried out in the summer seasons of 2010 and 2011, using a Kipp & Zonen CNR4 net radiometer. A substantial influence of the presence of clouds on the individual components of the radiation balance was observed. The type of air masses related to specific synoptic situations was also found to affect the incoming and outgoing solar radiation, as well as its losses.
Dominant Pseudo-Nitzschia (Bacillariophyta) species in the Black Sea (Ukraine)
Authors: Terenko Ludmila , Terenko Galyna 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Terenko L., Terenko G., 2012: Dominant Pseudo-nitzschia (Bacillariophyta) species in the Black Sea (Ukraine) [Vyraujančios Pseudo-nitzschia (Bacillariophyta) rūšys Juodojoje jūroje (Ukraina)]. - Bot. Lith., 18(1): 27-34. Diatoms of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia (order Pennales) are persistent component of the phytoplankton community in the Black Sea and may reach bloom level during some periods in summer and autumn. Six potentially toxic and non-toxic Pseudo-nitzschia species were recorded up to date in the Ukrainian waters. Since 1980s, several mass developments of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. have been observed. Morphological analysis revealed Pseudo-nitzschia delicatissima, P. pseudodelicatissima, P. pungens, P. seriata as the dominant species in the blooms. Pronounced bloom of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. reaching up to 80 % of total phytoplankton abundance and occupying wide area of the Black Sea was observed in June 2001. The summer density peak of P. delicatissima and P. seriata was observed at 16.0-17.5 °С and salinity 15.2-15.7 ‰ in the coastal waters of Odessa Bay. In December 2005, the density of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. in the bottom layers in Odessa region reached 3.0·106 cells l-1. In June 2008, a single species P. pseudodelicatissima bloomed in the Danube region. The density of the species came up to 12.0·106 cells l-1. At the end of May 2009, P. delicatissima showed short-term and lower magnitude density peak (3.1·106 cells l-1) in the coastal zone of Odessa Bay. Thus, the Pseudo-nitzschia spp. blooms are frequent phenomena in the Black Sea and may occur in any season of a year. These species are indicators of trophic state in marine waters.
The Earth, the Pillar and the Stone: Does Testing the Female Mean Empowering the Female in Valmiki’s Ramayana, Shakespeare’s the Winter’s Tale and the Turkish Tale Sitti Nusret?
Authors: Raducanu Adriana 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
This chapter discusses three memorable female characters: Sita from Valmiki’s Ramayana, Hermione from Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale and Sitti Nusret from the eponymous Turkish fairytale. It will focus on the universality of the many trials that the characters have to undergo, in order to prove their innocence, chastity and capacity to endure, both in front of their male counterparts and society at large.
Tantrism and Women’s Empowerment in India
Authors: Dascăl Reghina 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
It is the purpose of this paper to explore some aspects of Tantrism, an esoteric system of spiritual advancement by the cultivation of physical and psychic resources rooted in the ancient Hindu philosophical concept of shakti. Between 900 and the fifteenth century it not only contributed immensely to feminizing and galvanizing Hinduism, but it also gave rise to a scriptural corpus, rewriting goddess theology, her relation to male deity, her cosmic functions, being at the same time subversive of dominant Brahmanical values and speaking directly to women’s experiences.