bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Effects of Two Different Doses of Venlafaxine Therapy on Rats
Authors: Annamária Imre , Melinda Kolcsár , Alexandra Groşan , Imre M , Titica Dogaru Maria 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

Objectives: Venlafaxine is an antidepressant, categorized as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) with suspected metabolic side effects. The aim of our study was to assess these metabolic effects in rats, using two different doses of venlafaxine.

Materials: Three groups of Wistar rats have been treated with venlafaxine during seven weeks. The rats have received a daily dose of 10mg/kg (D1) and 40 mg/kg (D2) while the control group (Dc) has received no treatment. Rats were given “ad libitum” access to food and water. The rats were weighted at treatment day 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and 49. After completion of venlafaxine treatment, the rats were sacrificed, blood was harvested and the following biochemical parameters have been determined from the centrifuged plasma: triglycerides, glucose and total cholesterol levels.

Results: Both the 10 mg/kg and the 40 mg/kg dose venlafaxine therapy resulted in a highly significant increase of rat’s weight. Compared with the control group the mean weight of D1 group has increased with 130.5 ±21.79 g (<0.01) while the mean weight of the second group increased with 94±24.16 g (p<0.01). In addition weight gain of D1 group was significantly higher than that of D2 group (p<0.01). Venlafaxine therapy induced significant increase in serum triglyceride levels (140.04±55.46 mg/dL p<0.01, 83.59±52.85 mg/dL p=0.05). This metabolic effect has been shown to be more evident in case of 10mg/kg dose therapy (p=0.03). Simultaneously, serum cholesterol levels have been reduced, however this decrease proved to be significant only in case of group D2 (p=0.03). Despite of increased triglyceride values, glucose levels were significantly decreased in both treated groups (133.33±36.18mg/dL p=0.05, 118.10±51.98 mg/dL p=0.02).

Conclusions: Our results suggest that venlafaxine administrated to rats has unwished dose related metabolic effects such as significant increase in weight and hypertriglyceridemia, however serum cholesterol and plasma glucose levels appears to be decreased by this medication.
Anaesthesia and Postoperative Analgesia Performed by Insertion of a Perineural Catheter at the Brachial Plexus Site - Case Series
Authors: Alexandra Lazar , Janos Szederjesi , Maria Copotoiu Sanda , Szidonia Simon Noemi , Iudita Badea , Leonard Azamfirei 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Postoperative pain management is of major importance and the existence of a device that ensures a good analgesia in the immediate postoperative period and also removes the side effects of the systemic drugs, is becoming a necessity.

Objectives: The goal was to obtain a good quality anaesthesia and also a good postoperative analgesia by inserting a perineural catheter at the brachial plexus site.

Material and method: This study included adult patients who underwent brachial plexus anaesthesia through a perineural catheter inserted at the brachial plexus site. The perineural catheter was introduced by ultrasound guidance with neurostimulation control. After insertion, a quantity of a an-aesthetic admixture of 0.4mg/kg is administered. The anaesthetic admixture contained Ropivacaine and Lidocaine, equimolar concentration of 0.5% In the postoperative period, the analgesia was ensured trough the already installed catheter. The analgesic mixture contained Ropivacaine and Lidocaine, equivalent concentrations of 0.25%. The administration rate was 5 ml every 4 hours, starting 6 hours postoperatively.

Results: The anaesthesia, obtained through the perineural catheter, was a good quality anaesthesia ensuring both, good sensory and motor block. The feedback regarding postoperative analgesia was positive, this type of pain management being efficient and without the systemic drug side effects. This approach of brachial plexus block was accepted easily by the patients and was rated as a very satisfactory method.

Conclusions: The insertion of a perineural catheter for anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia represents a safe and efficient method of achieving both analgesia and anaesthesia.
Pancreatico-gastric Anastomosis Following Cephalic Duodenopancreatectomy: New Perspectives
Authors: Tudor A , Butiurca VO , Nicolescu C , Tudor Bianca , Gurzu Simona , Molnar C , Copotoiu C 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

Introduction. Although in recent years there have been various versions of pancreatic - digestive reconstruction after cephalic duodenopancreatectomy, this issue is still highly debated.

Purpose. This paper aims at comparing postoperative outcomes after gastric pancreatic anastomosis using transfixing threads as opposed to the purse-string suture method.

Material and methods. Our study consisted of a lot of 15 patients that underwent cephalic duodenopancreatectomy from the 1th of May 2014 to the 30th of April 2015. The pancreatico - digestive reconstruction was done by pancreatico-gastric anastomosis using three different techniques: double purse-string suture used for the patients in the first group (group 1, n = 5 patients); one purse-string suture and 2 transfixing “U-sutures” passed through the stomach and the pancreas for the patients in the second group (group 2, n = 5 patients) and ductomucosa anastomosis with pancreatico-gastric transfixing threads in the third group (group 3, n = 5 patients).

Results. Morbidity was 40% for the entire lot. Pancreatic fistula, occurred in two patients, one type A fistula in a patient in group 2 and one type B fistula in a patient in group 3. Biliary fistula occurred in one patient in group 2. Mortality was at 13.3%. The median time to carry out the anastomosis in group 1 was 14 minutes, for patients in group 2, 20 minutes, and for patients in group 3, 25 minutes.

Conclusions. Gastric pancreatic anastomosis using purse-string sutures is a feasible, safe and fast process which reduces complications due to transfixing pancreatic threads.
Prevalence of Rubber Dam Usage Among Dental Practitioners and Final Year Students in Tirgu Mures: A Questionnaire Survey
Authors: Csinszka K.-Ivácson A. , Monica Monea , Mihai Pop , Aurita Albu-Stan , Angela Borda 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of rubber dam usage among endodontists, other specialized practitioners, general practitioners and undergraduate final year students in Tirgu-Mures, Romania.

Material and method: A questionnaire was distributed among 250 subjects. Final year students and dentists were surveyed in relation to their prevalence of rubber dam usage.

Results: Overall response rate was 72,4. While 84,07% of the subjects knew about the advantages, only 49,72% used it during their practice, mostly endodontist (90%) and other specialized practitioners (53,84%). The use of this system on pediatric patients was lower compared to adult patients. The frequency of the rubber dam usage during endodontic treatment was higher (71,11 %) compared to dental restorations (35,55%), and 84,49% of the subjects were are willing to gain further knowledge about this system.

Conclusions: The results were similar to other reports originally from Eastern-European countries. The low percentage of the rubber dam usage presents quality issues, safety and medico-legal concerns for both the patient and the dentist. Greater emphasis should be placed on the advantages of rubber dam. Perception of final year dental students needs to be improved and continuing dental education for practitioners should be necessary to update their knowledge.
The Prevalence of Chronic Liver Disease: Implications for Renal Impairment
Authors: Nicoleta Sala , Ligia Bancu , Corina Ureche , Maria Botoman , Ionela Simon , Marius Ciorba , Grigore Dogaru 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

Introduction. Renal disease plays an important role in the prognosis and evolution of chronic liver disease, in particular in its advanced stages. The aim of our study is to analyze the prevalence of chronic liver disease (hepatitis and cirrhosis of different etiologies) and to assess possible correlations between these and impaired renal function.

Material and methods. We conducted a retrospective observational study based on data collected from observation charts of patients admitted to the 2nd Medical Clinic, Emergency County Hospital Tirgu-Mures between January 1st 2012-December 31 2013. In this study we included, based on informed consent, 401 patients with documented liver pathology, with preserved or modified renal function.

Results. Age distribution shows that 41.1% of cases occured between 51 and 60 years of age. Sex distribution shows that 65.3% of cases were male. Toxic cirrhosis was found in 40.8% of males and viral C cirrhosis in 15.1% of women. Toxic cirrhosis associated the following complications: ascites (35.7%), encephalopathy (75%), PAH (68.6%), esophageal varices and upper GI bleed (35.7%). Analyzing the risk factors of renal failure we found that increased mean values of creatinine are associated with viral B cirrhosis (p = 0.02), portal vein diameter (OR 1.37), portal hypertension (OR 1.24), male gender (OR 1.84) and the age group 61-70 yo (OR 1.04).

Conclusions. The current study demonstrated that renal function in chronic liver disease correlates with viral etiology of liver disease, its advanced stage, presence of portal hypertension, older age and male gender.
Experimental Evaluation of Dental Implant Biomechanics Given Certain Stages of the Fixing Substrate Deterioration by Video Image Correlation Method
Authors: Tamás Száva Dániel , Ioan Száva , Botond Gálfi , Alina Iacob , Cecilia Petrovan , Alina Ormenişan , Melinda Székely 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

Background: Dental implants are useful tools and represent a widely spread technique for oral rehabilitation. Their long standingness is highly influenced by the mechanical and geometrical properties of the surrounding osseous tissue in which they are placed. In some unsuccessful cases though, the dental implant is exposed to masticatory forces and other functional acts, and osseous tissue may resorb near its vicinity, leading to the dental implants loss. We investigated the strain distribution inside the fixating substrate, given certain stages of its deterioration near the dental implants.

Material and methods: For our investigations we used cilindro-conical screw-type dental which were submitted to vertical forces between 0-1000 N. The dental implants were fixed inside a plastic material used in photo-elastic measurements.
To evaluate the strain distribution inside the fixing substrate, we used a non-contact, experimental investigation tool, the Video Image Correlation (VIC-3D) optical system. This system allows the implementation in the dental implants optimisation from stress-strain state point of view.

Results: The strain field distribution inside the fixating substrate was measured at three different levels of the dental implant, when it was loaded alone and in the case when there were loaded two dental implants simultaneously.

Conclusions: The most stresses are concentrated in the neck-area of the dental implant. If there are loaded two or more dental implants simultaneously, the distance between them influences strain distribution. The measurements were conducted in vitro and do not represent the in vivo conditions, but serve further important facts regarding biomechanical properties of dental implants.
Predictive Factors in the Onset of Epilepsy in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Anamaria Todoran Butilă , Anca Sin , Cristian Micheu , Katalin Csep , Septimiu Voidăzan , Elisabeta Racos Szabo 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

Objectives: the aim of the study was to identify predictive risk factors of the development of epilepsy in patients with cerebral palsy (CP).

Materials and methods: We performed a bidirectional study in wich 177 patients diagnosed with CP with and without epilepsy have been selected for characteristics and risk factor comparison. We analyzed the history related to pregnancy and birth, gestational age, birth weight, fetal distress, the presence of neonatal convulsion, age of onset for the epilepsy, associated types of seizures, the response to anticonvulsant therapy and brain changes identified by Computer tomography and Magnetic resonance imaging examination.

Results: epilepsy was found in 91 (51.4%) patients, most frequently in quadriplegic form (76.2% vs 23.8%), OR:3.04, 95% CI:1.42-6.52, p-0.005. In this group, the most common were partial seizures (34.4%), epileptic encephalopathy like Lennox Gastaut and West type (62.5%), and also neonatal seizures. Eighty percent of on-term infants with neonatal seizures later developed epilepsy. Factors like fetal distress, low birth weight, cytomegalovirus infection, history of pathological pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of developing epilepsy. Imaging change, especially cerebral atrophy had the highest frequency (37.5% vs 16%) in pacients with epilepsy. 28 (30.8%) patients had resistance epilepsy, 13 (46.4%) of them having quadriplegia. Early onset of epilepsy constitutes a sign of severity of epileptic forms (OR:3.09, 95% CI:1.187-8.061, p-0.01).

Conclusions: The data are consistent with those in literature but is necessary following this study to clarify and support the assumption on preddictive factors and prognosis of epilepsy in this population.
Sigmoid Models for the Growth Curves in Medium-Growing Meat Type Chickens, Raised under Semi-Confined Conditions
Authors: Michalczuk Monika , Damaziak Krzysztof , Goryl Antoni 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
The study analyzed the growth of medium-growing chickens of the CCGP experimental line, using Gompertz, Logistic, and Richards models as well as body gain curves. The birds were reared until 9 wk of age. To fit BW values to the applied models, determination coefficients (R2

,Ř2) and standard error of the mean (±SE) were calculated for 487 male and 493 female chickens. The comparison of results obtained demonstrated the Gompertz model to be the most precise equation to describe the growth of both sexes of CCGP chickens, though in all examined models the determination coefficients were approximating 99%. According to the Gompertz model, the chickens may reach the maximum BW at the age of 16 wk (5900 g - males and 4000 g - females), whereas the maximum daily BW gain - on day 47 (69.0 g) in males and on day 41 (50.0 g) in females. Values achieved in the Logistic model were the most diverging from the values obtained with other models, whereas the Richards model may be successfully applied to estimate BW of chickens. Females were reaching the maximum BW gains earlier, but the curve of their BW gain was proceeding with two peaks (at ca. 4 wk - 313.09 g/wk and at 6 wk - 327.59 g/wk), which was probably due to partial growth deceleration as a result of allowing the birds to use free ranges on day 14. In the case of males, the maximum BW gain (727.35 g/wk) was reached at 6.2 wk.
Evaluation of the Nutritional Value of Yellow (Lupinus Luteus) and Blue Lupine (Lupinus Angustifolius) Cultivars as Protein Sources in Rats
Authors: Sobotka Wiesław , Stanek Maria , Bogusz Jacek 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional value of protein from the seeds of yellow lupine (Lupinus luteus) and blue lupine (Lupinus angustifolius) cultivars, contained in diets fed to rats. The experimental diets were based on the seeds of three yellow lupine (Mister, Markiz, Taper) or three blue lupine (Sonet, Boruta, Elf) cultivars as the only or main protein source. The nutritional value of the diets was determined based on their chemical composition and alkaloid and oligosaccharide concentrations. Lupine seeds were fed to male Wistar rats with initial body weight of approx. 112 g. Alkaloid concentrations in yellow lupine and blue lupine seeds were 0.07-0.09 g kg-1 DM and 0.26-0.39 g kg-1 DM, respectively. Oligosaccharide concentrations in yellow and blue lupine seeds were 108.0-108.9 and 65.4-67.6 g kg-1 DM, respectively. The inclusion of lupine seeds in rat diets increased fecal and urinary nitrogen losses, and decreased nitrogen retention by approx. 10%. The diets based on yellow or blue lupine seeds were characterized by lower nitrogen digestibility and lower biological value of protein than the control diet containing casein.
Deutsche und jüdische Ruinen der Erinnerung in Worms und Hamburg
Authors: Roemer Nils 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn addition to being witnesses of a vanished past, ruins refer to the former building and tell the story of its destruction. Two ruins, which can also be described as memorial sites, can exemplify different strategies of dealing with these material remnants: the destroyed synagogue of Worms and the St Nikolai Church in Hamburg. The destroyed synagogue of Worms was rebuilt as a symbol of the history of the Jewish community prior to 1933 and as a memorial to the Holocaust. In contrast, the St Nikolai Church in Hamburg was left in ruins which constitute a memorial for the air raids as well as a reminder of the Nazi crimes. The following article will reflect on these different strategies and on the reactions and perceptions of the visitors. Furthermore it will try to reveal the different levels of meaning and the interconnectedness of the memories of the German-Jewish past, the Second World War and the Holocaust.
Eine nicht ausgetragene Kontroverse: Die Beziehung Gershom Scholems zu Oskar Goldberg und Erich Unger
Authors: Voigts Manfred 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAt a first glance the relationships between Gershom Scholem and Oskar Goldberg or Erich Unger seem to be meaningless. However, from 1921 to 1979, Scholem was frequently confronted with both. He was hostile towards Goldberg who was better known in Berlin in the twentieth century than he was himself. He insulted him in a letter to a mistress of Erich Engel’s, who was a friend of Erich Unger. By doing so Scholem could be sure that Goldberg would read it. He took Goldberg for a cabbalist, but Goldberg firmly denied this. Unger wrote an essay criticising the idea of cabbala supported by Scholem, but it was not published. After the death of Oskar Goldberg Scholem wrote about him in the Encyclopaedia Judaica even though he rejected Goldberg’s theories, but he was unable to describe him adequately. In 1977 Scholem placed Goldberg on a par with leading scholars by listing the Warburg-circle, the Institute for Social Science and the Oskar Goldberg group as the most important ›Jewish sects‹. In the same year he wrote in a letter that Goldberg was, regarding the cabbala-research, »in some way the exact opposite to what I was doing«. Against the background of this very tense relationship it obviously is very unfortunate that a discussion between Scholem and Goldberg about cabbala never happened.
Recent data concerning heparanase: focus on fibrosis, inflammation and cancer
Authors: Secchi Maria Francesca , Masola Valentina , Zaza Gianluigi , Lupo Antonio , Gambaro Giovanni , Onisto Maurizio 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHeparanase (HPSE) is a multitasking protein characterized by enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities. By means of its enzymatic activity, HPSE catalyzes the cutting of the side chains of heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans, thereby inducing the remodeling of the extracellular matrix and basement membranes. Thanks to the cleavage of HS, HPSE also promotes the release and diffusion of several HS-linked molecules such as growth factors, cytokines and enzymes. In addition to degrading HS chains, HPSE has non-enzymatic functions that trigger several signaling pathways. This signaling activity is achieved by interacting with transmembrane proteins, activating kinases such as Akt and Src, or modulating the activity of factors such as FGF-2 and TGF-β. Several studies have recently highlighted a possible intracellular activity for HPSE, particularly at nuclear level. While HPSE activity is quite limited in physiological conditions, its demonstrated increasing involvement in various pathological conditions, such as in tumor progression and renal disease, have attracted the attention of a growing number of researchers. The fact that no other molecule is capable of performing the same function as HPSE makes this enzyme an attractive potential target of medical treatment. With this short conceptual overview, we aim to provide an update on current knowledge concerning the HPSE protein in the experimental and clinical settings, paying particular attention to its role in fibrosis, inflammation and cancer.
Glyoxalase biochemistry
Authors: Honek John F. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe glyoxalase enzyme system utilizes intracellular thiols such as glutathione to convert α-ketoaldehydes, such as methylglyoxal, into D-hydroxyacids. This overview discusses several main aspects of the glyoxalase system and its likely function in the cell. The control of methylglyoxal levels in the cell is an important biochemical imperative and high levels have been associated with major medical symptoms that relate to this metabolite’s capability to covalently modify proteins, lipids and nucleic acid.
The elusory kingdoms of the mind: Glosses on José Luis Caivano’s paper
Authors: Sonesson Göran 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPeirce’s best idea, and the one least implemented by himself and his followers, is that of an ethics of terminology. Using this ethics as a tool, we suggest that many Peircean terms are in fact misleading, or, as he said himself at the end of his life, “injurious.” From the point of view of cognitive semiotics, there is no reason to abide by Peirce’s definition of semiosis, but, taking up the two quotes offered by Caivano, we demonstrate that they lead to different results, one being phenomenological and the other formalist. We go on to suggest that Peirce himself cannot have believed in the first definition, because then there could be no point in fallibilism and the community of scholars. In fact, we claim that what the different definitions of the “kingdoms” of nature show is precisely that human beings can liberate themselves from their
Study of Venturia inaequalis pseudothecia development and apple scab severity under Polish conditions
Authors: Meszka Beata 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Studies conducted during 2009-2013 at the Experimental Orchard located in the central region of Poland showed that the highest number of V. inaequalis pseudothecia occurred on ‘McIntosh’ and ‘Cortland’ leaves. A smaller number of pseudothecia was found on the leaves of the Alwa and Jonagold cultivars, but there were no statistical differences. The first discharges of ascospores were noted at a similar time on the leaves of all of the apple cultivars, usually at the end of March or in early April. For the forecasting of ascospore discharges and dates of critical periods, a simulation model by RIMpro was used. The number of critical periods and apple scab severity differed in each season. The most critical periods (above 20) were recorded in 2010 and 2013, which also corresponded with a high severity of apple scab. The number of infected leaves and fruits on the untreated trees of the very susceptible cultivar McIntosh reached nearly 100% during these seasons. In other years, the severity of the disease on the same apple trees was lower and amounted to 30-54% of infected leaves and 23-80% of infected fruits.