bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Virulence factors and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance of haemophilus influenzae
Authors: Kostyanev Tomislav S. , Sechanova Lena P. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT
Haemophilus influenzae is a small gram-negative coccobacillus known as one of the major causes of meningitis, otitis media, sinusitis and epiglottitis, especially in childhood, as well as infections of the lower respiratory tract, eye infections and bacteremia. It has several virulence factors that play a crucial role in patient infl ammatory response. Its capsule, the adhesion proteins, pili, the outer membrane proteins, the IgA1 protease and, last but not least, the lipooligosaccharide, increase the virulence of H. infl uenzae by participating actively in the host invasion the host by the microrganism. Some of these factors are used in vaccine preparations. In the post-vaccine era, an increase has been noticed in many European countries of invasive infections caused by non-encapsulated strains of H. influenzae which have a number of virulence factors, some of which are subject of serious research aiming at creating new vaccines. Numerous mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in H. infl uenzae are known which can compromise the empirical treatment of infections caused by this microorganism. The increasing incidence of resistance to aminopenicillins, induced not only by enzyme mechanisms but also by a change of their target is turning into a signifi cant problem. Resistance to other antibiotics such as macrolides, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and fl uoroquinolones, commonly used to treat Haemophilus infections has also been described.
Some epidemiological features of the mediterranean spotted fever re-emerging in Bulgaria
Authors: Baltadzhiev Ivan G. , Popivanova Nedyalka Iv.. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF), caused by Rickettsia conorii conorii strain Malish, is transmitted by the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus. In Bulgaria, cases of MSF occurred in two epidemic waves, the fi rst in 1948-1970, (after there were no report of new cases more than for 20 years) and the second started in 1993 and is still going on.
The AIM of the study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of the re-emerging MSF in Plovdiv city and its suburbs, which is the largest endemic region in the country.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MSF patients treated between 1993 and 2011 were 1254. MSF was confi rmed by immunofl uorescent assay (IFA) in the Reference Rickettsioses Laboratory. Descriptive and analytic epidemiological methods were used to determine the routes and ways of infection, the epidemiological locus, seasonality, patients‘ age, gender and social structure, and the clinical severity of the cases.
RESULTS: We established that MSF spread in the region in two distinct phases: from 1993 to 2003 during which the disease was increasingly spreading and the second phase taking place from 2004 till 2011 during which the disease was gradually decreasing. The incidence is between 0.13 and 25.62, mean 10.91 per 100 000 populations (11.88 and 9.56 per 100 000 populations for phases I and II, respectively); between 1.14% and 6.25% of the infected people died (mean 2.07%, 3.46% and 1.25% for phases I and II, respectively). The age distribution of patients shows predominance of 40-59-year-olds (31.66%), reaching a peak in patients older than 60 years (37.5%). Children and adolescents under 19 years are less affected (18.12%), while the least affected are the young adults between 20-39 (12.7%). Urban population is almost twice as affected as rural population regardless of the gender. The disease has summer seasonality, peaking in August. Eschar (tache noire) was found in 77.91% of the patients. Despite the decline and predominance of mild forms (43.12%), the re-emerging MSF still presents with lots of severe forms (11.45%) and malignant forms (8.54%), which makes almost one fi fth of all patients to be at serious risk of getting ill with a severe disease with complications and possible fatal outcome.
CONCLUSION: Almost two decades after it re-emerged in Bulgaria, MSF is still potentially active despite the decreasing incidence and mortality rate. During the phase of decline, the re-emerging MSF kept the basic epidemiologic characteristics it had in the fi rst phase of rapid increase. The epidemiologic characteristics of MSF in the region are in support of its prevention and control.
Functional reconstruction of subtotal glossectomy defects with radial forearm free flap: case report and review of literature
Authors: Pazardzhikliev Dimitar D. , Shipkov Christo D. , Yovchev Ilya P. , Khater Regina H. , Kamishev Ivailo S. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT
Adequate reconstruction of defects that are consequences of glossectomy is of primary importance for achieving satisfactory functional results and improving the quality of life.
AIM: The aim of this study was to report a case of free flap reconstruction of a subtotal glossectomy defect and discuss it in relation to other available methods.
CASE REPORT: A 48- year-old woman was operated on for a T4N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. A subtotal glossectomy via mandibular swing procedure with bilateral supraomohyoid neck dissection and reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap (RFFF) was performed. Surgery was followed by adjuvant radiotherapy.
RESULTS: The post-operative period was uneventful. The patient resumed intelligible speech evaluated as “excellent” and oral feeding. The donor site morbidity was acceptable. Present reconstructive options of the tongue include two categories: to maintain mobility or to provide bulk. In glossectomy with 30 to 50 percent preservation of the original musculature, maintaining the mobility of the remaining tongue by a thin, pliable flap is preferred. This can be achieved by infrahyoid myofascial, medial sural artery perforator flap, RFFF, anterolateral thigh and ulnar forearm flap. When the post-resectional volume is less than 30 percent of the original tongue, the reconstruction shifts to restoration of bulk to facilitate swallowing by providing contact of the neotongue with the palate. Flaps providing bulk include the free TRAM flap, latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap, pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap and trapezius island flap.
CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of advanced tongue cancer requires adequate reconstruction with restoration of speech, swallowing and oral feeding. Free tissue transfer seems to achieve superior functional results with acceptable donor site morbidity when indicated.
Neurocognitive Impairments In Brain Tumor Patients
Authors: Kehayov Ivo I. , Kitov Borislav D. , Zhelyazkov Christo B. , Raykov Stefan D. , Davarski Atanas N. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
There is an increased scientific interest in cognitive impairments caused by brain tumors during the last decade. It has lead to the introduction and routine clinical usage of neuropsychological test batteries in brain tumor patients, thus making them an important clinical measure for the assessment of the efficacy of the different treatment regimens such as surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The effect of cognitive deficit on patients’ quality of life and survival has been unequivocally proven. These are among the most common neurological symptoms associated with brain tumors. The improvement in cognitive function and delay in neurocognitive decline are acceptable endpoints in clinical trials. Cognition has been demonstrated to be an independent predictor of survival in patients with cerebral neoplasms.
Attitudes Toward Antipsychotic Medication, Insight and Psychopathology in Outpatients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Vassileva Iglika V. , Milanova Vihra K. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Attitude toward antipsychotic medication is considered as one of the main predictors for medication adherence in schizophrenia. The present non-interventional crosssectional study aims to explore the associations between attitudes toward antipsychotic medication, insight and other clinical variables in outpatients with schizophrenia.
METHOD: Attitudes toward antipsychotic medication, clinical and social variables, sociodemographic and illness-related characteristics were assessed via a set of semi-structured clinical interviews and self-rating scales in a total of 226 patients with schizophrenia on a long-term antipsychotic treatment in community based settings. The associations between attitudes toward medication and severity of psychopathology, insight and medication side effects were examined.
RESULTS: The greater hospitalization rate in the previous year was associated with more severe psychopathology at the time of the study, more pronounced side effects of the therapy and lack of insight. The lack of insight, the presence of more severe negative and depressive symptoms and disease duration less than 5 years correlated significantly with negative attitudes toward antipsychotic medication. The severity of medication side effects was not associated with the drug attitudes.
CONCLUSION: Psychoeducational and psychotherapeutical interventions, along with pharmacotherapy, can be beneficial in forming positive attitudes toward medication and improving medication adherence in schizophrenia, especially in patients with a short duration of the disease.
Bilateral Simultaneous Isthmic Ectopic Pregnancy After Clomiphene Induction
Authors: Pehlivanov Blagovest K. , Amaliev Georgi I. , Malinova Maria L. , Amaliev Ilia G. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
A rare case of a 32-year-old patient with simultaneous bilateral isthmic tubal pregnancy. A 32-year-old woman with a 3-year history of primary infertility was admitted with light vaginal bleeding and mild abdominal pain. She was 41 days after her last menstruation and 23 day after intrauterine insemination with her husband’s sperm. Clomiphene citrate (CC) was used for the induction of ovulation. In cases of ectopic pregnancy with ovulation induced by CC, doctors must be aware of the possibility of bilaterality.
Pseudo-nitzschia Peragallo (Bacillariophyceae) diversity and domoic acid accumulation in tuberculate cockles and sweet clams in M’diq Bay, Morocco
Authors: Rijat Leblad Benlahcen , Lundholm Nina , Goux Didier , Veron Benoît , Sagou Regia , Taleb Hamid , Nhhala Hassan , Er-Raioui Hassan 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The diversity of Pseudo-nitzschia (Bacillariophyceae) and accumulation of the neurotoxin domoic acid (DA) in two types of shellfish; tuberculate cockles (Acanthocardia tuberculata) and sweet clams (Challista chione) was explored in M’diq Bay,Morocco during 2007. The highest abundances of Pseudo-nitzschia were found during the period from March to October, with peaks occurring in May and September. Toxin analysis showed an accumulation of domoic acid in shellfish sampled during spring and autumn. The maximum toxin concentration was 4.9 mg DAg-1 of the whole tissue recorded in sweet clam during spring. Using transmission electron microscopy, thirteen Pseudo-nitzschia species were identified, eight of which are known as producers of domoic acid: P. multistriata, P. cuspidata, P. galaxiae, P. multiseries, P. pseudodelicatissima, P. pungens var. aveirensis, P. calliantha and P. fraudulenta. The five non- toxic species observed were P. subpacifica, P. arenysensis, P. dolorosa, P. subfraudulenta, and P. cf. caciantha
Chemical composition and antioxidant potential of Acacia leucophloea Roxb
Authors: Zia-Ul-Haq Muhammad , Ćavar Sanja , Qayum Mughal , Khan Inamullah , Ahmad Shakeel 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the compositional and nutritional potential of methanolic extracts of various parts of Acacia leucophloea Roxb. concerning the chemical composition and antioxidant potential of which limited information is available. Compositional studies indicated carbohydrates as major components in both seed and pods. Despite differences in mineral content among the leaves, pods and seeds, calcium was found in the highest amount and zinc in the lowest. The amino acid profile indicated aspartic acid as the major amino acid and proline as the minor. Among protein fractions, globulin was present in higher amounts than other fractions. Linoleic acid was the major fatty acid detected in the oil from both pods and seeds, while g-tocopherol was the major component of the tocopherol observed from same oil. Moreover, significant antioxidant potential was observed from the extracts of all three parts investigated. The results obtained in this study clearly indicate that A. leucophloea has a sufficient potential for use as a natural antioxidant agent. Further phytochemical studies will be performed for specification of the biologically active principles.
The orchid Ophrys speculum Link (Orchidaceae) in Croatia
Authors: Vuković Nina , Tommasoni Annalisa , D'onofrio Tancredi 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The orchid Ophrys speculum Link is widely distributed in the Mediterranean. Since its inclusion in the checklist of Croatian flora, the species has not been confirmed in the field, but has recently been found on Cape (rt) Kamenjak, southern Istria. Afew plants were growing within garrigue vegetation of Cisto-Ericetalia.
First Record of the Backswimmer Notonecta Meridionalis (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Notonectidae) in Romania
Authors: Berchi Gavril Marius , Kment Petr , Petrovici Milca 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Notonecta meridionalis Poisson, 1926 is present in almost all circum-Mediteranean countries and shouthern parts of Central Europe. First record of this species from Romania is given.
Diet composition of the scops owl (Otus scops) in central Romania
Authors: Latková Hana , Sándor Attila K. , Krištín Anton 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Insect diversity correlates negatively with increasing management intensity of grasslands and with latitude. We supposed that similar patterns might be found in the diet spectra of insectivorous birds. The diet composition of the insectivorous scops owl was studied by analysing the prey remnants collected from 21 nests during 2008-2009 in an extensively cultivated rural area in the centre of the owl’s distribution range in Central Romania. Altogether 831 prey items belonging to 45 prey taxa were identified. Similarly to the other parts of the scops owl range, orthopterans were high dominant prey items (86.8%) - especially bush-crickets Tettigoniidae (78.6%). In food samles were found also beetles (Coleoptera, 5.7%) and rarely spiders Araneidea, moths Lepidoptera, mantids Mantodea, Hymenoptera and Neuroptera (<1 .5%). Vertebrates were rarely represented by rodents (2.5%) and passerines (1 .3%). The following diagnostic prey species were identified in 20 nests using the MDFM method: bush-crickets Tettigonia viridissima, Decticus verrucivorus, Metrioptera bicolor and other species of the family Tettigoniidae, the beetle Onthophagus spp., the cricket Gryllus campestris and other unidentified beetles Coleoptera g. sp. Furthermore, the scops owl’s diet in different parts of its range was compared.
As expected, there were more Orthoptera and generally more prey taxa in food in the range centre than at its northern limit.
Modelling of multi-layer materials cutting
Authors: Zębala Wojciech 
Published: April 2013

Modelling of multi-layer materials cutting
The paper presents some aspects of modelling of multi-layer materials cutting process. Numerical calculation with the finite element method (Lagrangian equations) were performed for the decohesion process simulation of the example workpieces (machined with one tool wedge) consisted of two and three layers with different mechanical properties. Results of calculation in the form of colour maps of temperature and plastic strain fields distributions in the cutting zone are presented. An example course in time of the main cutting force components, during wedge tool passage through the different layers of the cutting material, is presented.
Skeleton-based 3D Surface Parameterization Applied on Texture Mapping
Authors: Madaras Martin , Ďurikovič Roman 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Assume a 2D manifold surface topologically equivalent to a sphere with handles we propose a novel 3D surface parametrization along the surface skeleton. First, we use a global mapping of the surface vertices onto a computed skeleton. Second, we use local mapping of the surrounding area of each skeleton segment into a small rectangle whose size is derived based on the surface properties around the segment. Each rectangle can be textured by assigning the local u;v texture coordinates. Furthermore, these rectangles are packed into a large squared texture called skeleton texture map (STM) by approximately solving a palette loading problem. Our technique enables the mapping of a texture onto the surface without necessity to store texture coordinates together with the model data. In other words it is enough to store the geometry data with STM and the coordinates are calculated on the fly.
An Efficient Legendre Pseudospectral Method for Solving Nonlinear Quasi Bang-Bang Optimal Control Problems
Authors: Tohidi Emran , Lotfi Noghabi Somayyeh 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
In this paper, an efficient Legendre pseudospectral approach for the accurate solution of nonlinear quasi bang-bang optimal control problems (OCPs) is investigated. In this approach, after linearizing the dynamical system, control and state functions are considered as piecewise constant and piecewise continuous polynomials, respectively, and the switching points are also taken as decision variables. Furthermore, for simplicity in discretization, a integral formulation of the dynamical equations is considered. Thereby, the problem is converted into a mathematical programming problem which can be solved by well-developed parameter optimization algorithms. Through a numerical implementation we show the efficiency of the proposed method via comparing with a classical pseudospectral method and other discretization approaches.
Heating of the Natural Gas at the Gas-distributive Installation
Authors: Savchenko Olena , Balins’kyi Ivan , Shpak Grygoriy 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Heating of natural gas on the gas-distributive installations is carried out for prevention of creation of gas hydrates in gas pressure controller. There are a few methods of heating of natural gas: complete heating of gas and heating of gas pressure controller. The indicated methods have a row of failings, the delivered from which is possible at the use of vortex tube. Work of vortex tube consists of the simultaneous making of two streams: heated and frappe. The heated stream is used for a serve on a gas pressure controller which shuts out it freezing. Little price, insignificant sizes, absence of motive details helps to use a vortex tube for heating of natural gas on the gasdistributive installations.
Mechanical Model of Steel-concrete Composite Joint under Sagging Bending Moment
Authors: Pisarek Zdzisław 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
In buildings with steel-concrete composite floors, joints are designed to transmit mainly hogging bending moment. In case of the large horizontal loads due to wind, earthquake or accidental events, sagging bending moments in a joint can also occur. Additionally, large deformations of the structure cause tying and prying effects. In the paper, a mechanical model based on “component method” for evaluation of characteristics of the composite joint is presented. The influence of tying and prying actions on distribution of the internal forces in a joint is also analyzed. The procedure for calculation of the characteristics of the composite joint with bolted endplate connection is elaborated too.
The Characteristics of Air Swirl Supply Device
Authors: Voznyak Orest , Sukholova Iryna , Myroniuk Khrystyna 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
In this article results of experimental investigations of air supply into the room by air distribution device which creates swirl air jets for creation more intensive turbulization air flow in the room are presented. Experimental investigations in order to composed matrix were carried out; graphycal dependences have been obtained as well three-factor chart has been designed. Obtained results of these investigations give possibility to realize engineer calculations of air distribution with swirl air jets.
Effects of Afforestation with Pines on Collembola Diversity in the Limestone hills of Szárhalom (West Hungary)
Authors: Winkler Dániel , Tóth Viktória 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
- We investigated the responses of collembolan communities to pine afforestation in an area formerly characterized by a mosaic of autochthonous downy oak woodland and steppe meadows. Study sites were selected in mixed stands of black pine and Scots pine and control samples were taken from downy oak stands and open steppe meadows. A total of 1884 Collembola specimens belonging to 66 species were collected. Three species, namely Protaphorura pannonica (Onychiuridae), Tomocerus mixtus (Tomoceridae) and Isotoma caerulea (Isotomidae) proved to be new to the Hungarian fauna. There are typical Collembola communities which are specific to different habitat types where species of a given composition can only or predominantly be found in that habitat, as well as some basic common species which occur in every habitat. The highest species richness (41) was found in steppe meadows, considerably lower (34) in downy oak forests, reaching the lowest value (25) in pine plantations. Although several forest species present in the oak woodland were completely missing from the pine forests, there was no significant difference between the Collembola diversities of the two forest habitats. The difference became more prominent in collembolan abundance which resulted in less than half of individuals/m2 in pine plantations compared to the soils of downy oak forests, most likely due to the changed soil conditions, especially of humus characteristics, caused by the pine needle litter. Jaccard similarity measure indicated approximately equal similarity (0.24-0.28) for paired comparison, suggesting that a relatively constant 'basic Collembola community' determined by the soil type typical for the area is present; while dissimilarity in communities between sites are partly provided by spatial heterogeneity of open and forest habitats and by the difference of the vegetation type.
Springtime Leaf Development of Mature Sessile Oak Trees as Based on Multi-Seasonal Monitoring Data
Authors: Oláh Viktor , Szőllősi Erzsébet , Lakatos Ágnes , Kanalas Péter , Nyitrai Balázs , Mészáros Ilona 
Published: April 2013

Abstract -
Based on a four year leaf growth data-set we modelled the thermal time-dependent leaf ontogeny in upper and lower canopy layers of mature sessile oak trees, in a Quercetum petraeae-cerris forest stand (NE Hungary). Our regression models revealed no considerable differences between the timing of leaf unfolding and leaf expansion of different canopy layers. On the other hand seasonal course in leaf mass-to-area ratio (LMA) indicated that sun leaves needed considerably longer thermal time to fully develop their anatomical structures compared to shade leaves. LMA of sun leaves was higher during the whole leaf maturation process suggesting that ‘sun’ and ‘shade’ characteristics develop in very early stage of leaf ontogeny. Functioning of photosynthetic apparatus (Fv/Fo) in shade leaves have built up faster and performed better in all developmental stages which could be attributed to two main factors: 1) very early determination of leaf traits as a function of light environment and 2) evolving shading effect of upper canopy layer eliminates photoinhibition in lower leaves.