bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Part C Early Intervention for Infants and Toddlers: Percentage Eligible Versus Served
Authors: Rosenberg Steven A. , Robinson Cordelia C. , Shaw Evelyn F. , Ellison Misoo C.
Published: December 2012

OBJECTIVE:

Part C early intervention is a nationwide program that serves infants and toddlers who have developmental delays. Previous research has revealed that large numbers of candidates for Part C services do not receive early intervention. Current eligibility criteria for Part C services vary from state to state. This article compares estimates of the percentage of children who are likely to be eligible for early intervention in each state and Washington, DC, with the proportion of children who are served in each of those jurisdictions.

METHODS:

Data for this study were obtained from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey–Birth Cohort. Using these data, we computed the proportion of children who would be eligible based on the numerical eligibility definitions currently in use across the United States.

RESULTS:

This study revealed the proportion of infants and toddlers likely to be eligible for Part C services ranges from 2% to 78% across the United States. The proportion of children enrolled in Part C ranges from 1.48% to 6.96%.

CONCLUSIONS:

This research documented substantial variability in the proportion of children who are likely to be eligible for Part C services. Most states have adopted eligibility definitions that make many more children candidates for Part C early intervention than they serve. However, current rates of enrollment are insufficient to serve all children with delays that fall under 2 SDs below the mean on any of the 5 developmental domains that are required to be evaluated by Part C regulations.
Use and Accuracy of Diagnostic Imaging by Hospital Type in Pediatric Appendicitis
Authors: Saito Jacqueline M. , Yan Yan , Evashwick Thomas W. , Warner Brad W. , Tarr Phillip I.
Published: December 2012

OBJECTIVE:

Accurate, timely diagnosis of pediatric appendicitis minimizes unnecessary operations and treatment delays. Preoperative abdominal-pelvic computed tomography (CT) scan is sensitive and specific for appendicitis; however, concerns regarding radiation exposure in children obligate scrutiny of CT use. Here, we characterize recent preoperative imaging use and accuracy among pediatric appendectomy subjects.

METHODS:

We retrospectively reviewed children who underwent operations for presumed appendicitis at a single tertiary-care children’s hospital and examined preoperative CT and ultrasound use with subject characteristics. Preoperative imaging accuracy was compared with postoperative and histologic diagnosis as the reference standard.

RESULTS:

Most children (395/423, 93.4%) who underwent an operation for appendicitis during 2009–2010 had preoperative imaging. Final diagnoses included normal appendix (7.3%) and perforated appendicitis (23.6%). In multivariable analysis, initial evaluation at a community hospital versus the children’s hospital was associated with 4.4-fold higher odds of obtaining a preoperative CT scan (P = .002), whereas preoperative ultrasound was less likely (odds ratio 0.20; P = .003). Ultrasound and CT sensitivities for appendicitis were diminished for studies performed at community hospitals compared with the children’s hospital. Girls were 4.5-fold more likely to undergo both ultrasound and CT scans and were associated with lower ultrasound sensitivity for appendicitis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Widespread preoperative imaging did not eliminate unnecessary pediatric appendectomies. Controlling for factors potentially associated with referral bias, a CT scan was more likely to be performed in children initially evaluated at community hospitals compared with the children’s hospital. Broadly-applicable strategies to systematically maximize diagnostic accuracy for childhood appendicitis, while minimizing ionizing radiation exposure, are urgently needed.
Initiation and Use of Propranolol for Infantile Hemangioma: Report of a Consensus Conference
Authors: Drolet Beth A. , Frommelt Peter C. , Chamlin Sarah L. , Haggstrom Anita , Bauman Nancy M. , Chiu Yvonne E. , Chun Robert H. , Garzon Maria C. , Holland Kristen E. , Liberman Leonardo , MacLellan-Tobert Susan , Mancini Anthony J. , Metry Denise , Puttgen Katherine B. , Seefeldt Marcia , Sidbury Robert , Ward Kendra M. , Blei Francine , Baselga Eulalia , Cassidy Laura , Darrow David H. , Joachim Shawna , Kwon Eun-Kyung M. , Martin Kari , Perkins Jonathan , Siegel Dawn H. , Boucek Robert J. , Frieden Ilona J.
Published: December 2012

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are common neoplasms composed of proliferating endothelial-like cells. Despite the relative frequency of IH and the potential severity of complications, there are currently no uniform guidelines for treatment. Although propranolol has rapidly been adopted, there is significant uncertainty and divergence of opinion regarding safety monitoring, dose escalation, and its use in PHACE syndrome (PHACE = posterior fossa, hemangioma, arterial lesions, cardiac abnormalities, eye abnormalities; a cutaneous neurovascular syndrome characterized by large, segmental hemangiomas of the head and neck along with congenital anomalies of the brain, heart, eyes and/or chest wall). A consensus conference was held on December 9, 2011. The multidisciplinary team reviewed existing data on the pharmacologic properties of propranolol and all published reports pertaining to the use of propranolol in pediatric patients. Workgroups were assigned specific topics to propose protocols on the following subjects: contraindications, special populations, pretreatment evaluation, dose escalation, and monitoring. Consensus protocols were recorded during the meeting and refined after the meeting. When appropriate, protocol clarifications and revision were made and agreed upon by the group via teleconference. Because of the absence of high-quality clinical research data, evidence-based recommendations are not possible at present. However, the team agreed on a number of recommendations that arose from a review of existing evidence, including when to treat complicated IH; contraindications and pretreatment evaluation protocols; propranolol use in PHACE syndrome; formulation, target dose, and frequency of propranolol; initiation of propranolol in infants; cardiovascular monitoring; ongoing monitoring; and prevention of hypoglycemia. Where there was considerable controversy, the more conservative approach was selected. We acknowledge that the recommendations are conservative in nature and anticipate that they will be revised as more data are made available.
Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency Among Overweight and Obese US Children
Authors: Turer Christy B. , Lin Hua , Flores Glenn
Published: December 2012

OBJECTIVE:

Adequate vitamin D is essential for skeletal health in developing children. Although excess body weight is associated with risk of vitamin D deficiency, the national prevalence of and risk factors associated with vitamin D deficiency in overweight and obese children are unknown.

METHODS:

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin-D <20 ng/mL) was determined in a sample of 6- to 18-year-old children who were enrolled in a cross-sectional study (the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) in which body weight and height were measured directly. Children were classified as healthy-weight, overweight, obese, or severely obese by using recommended age- and gender-specificBMI-percentile cut points. Associations between BMI-percentile classification and vitamin D deficiency were examined after adjustment for relevant confounders. Sample weights were used to generate nationally representative estimates.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in healthy-weight, overweight, obese, and severely obese children was 21% (20%–22%), 29% (27%–31%), 34% (32%–36%), and 49% (45%–53%), respectively. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in severely obese white, Latino, and African-American children was 27% (3%–51%), 52% (36%–68%), and 87% (81%–93%), respectively. Compared with healthy-weight children, overweight, obese, and severely obese children had significantly greater adjusted odds of vitamin D deficiency. Modifiable factors associated with vitamin D deficiency in overweight/obese children were identified.

CONCLUSIONS:

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in overweight and obese children. The particularly high prevalence in severely obese and minority children suggests that targeted screening and treatment guidance is needed.
Development at Age 36 Months in Children With Deformational Plagiocephaly
Authors: Collett Brent R. , Gray Kristen E. , Starr Jacqueline R. , Heike Carrie L. , Cunningham Michael L. , Speltz Matthew L.
Published: December 2012

OBJECTIVES:

Infants and toddlers with deformational plagiocephaly (DP) have been shown to score lower on developmental measures than unaffected children. To determine whether these differences persist, we examined development in 36-month-old children with and without a history of DP.

METHODS:

Participants included 224 children with DP and 231 children without diagnosed DP, all of who had been followed in a longitudinal study since infancy. To confirm the presence or absence of DP, pediatricians blinded to children’s case status rated 3-dimensional cranial images taken when children were 7 months old on average. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSID-III) was administered as a measure of child development.

RESULTS:

Children with DP scored lower on all scales of the BSID-III than children without DP. Differences were largest in cognition, language, and parent-reported adaptive behavior (adjusted differences = –2.9 to –4.4 standard score points) and smallest in motor development (adjusted difference = –2.7). Children in the control group who did not have previously diagnosed DP but who were later rated by pediatricians to have at least mild cranial deformation also scored lower on the BSID-III than unaffected controls.

CONCLUSIONS:

Preschool-aged children with a history of DP continue to receive lower developmental scores than unaffected controls. These findings do not imply that DP causes developmental problems, but DP may nonetheless serve as a marker of developmental risk. We encourage clinicians to screen children with DP for developmental concerns to facilitate early identification and intervention.
Forensic standardizations in torture and death in custody investigations
Authors: Stan Cristian Adrian
Published: December 2012

Torture and death in custody have incurred rapid development as juridical subject in recent years in Europe, with the implementation of the European Convention of Human Rights. Evaluation of sufferance severity, which is the consequence of pathology with chronic evolution, the predictability of decompensation of a subclinical pathology, and translating these medical information on a scale measuring the severity of detention consequences, are all challenges for the modern detention healthcare system, in which most allegations of torture are due to lack of appropriate medical treatment administered to inmates. Where ethics are concerned, the main data difficulties are addressed in ethical conflicts between officials and experts of the parties and also between experts and judiciary officials who handle cases of torture or death in detention; this is why standardization is very important in such cases both in clinical expertise and in autopsies or exhumations.

Discussions

We must improve the forensic expertise methodology, the process of collecting data with statistical purposes, and sound evaluation criteria, all in a strong connection with the need for a balanced legal framework applied in the case of civil compensations granted after death in custody, and the biunique relation between medico-legal expertise and case investigation has to be standardized.
The Ideal Approach for Working Over Onshore Wells in Very Congested Locations
Authors: Al-Dossary Abdulla F. , Al-Ghamdi Mohammed S. , Al-Haj Haider A.
Published: December 2012

Accessibility to wells location requiring work over is so important to ensure safe production, work environment and provides a protection to the existing assets including wells, pipelines and other production facilities. The locations of multiple wells are designed and constructed to provide enough space between wells for a rig to drill them safely and smoothly. Besides, they should accommodate future work over operations. When location has several wells with limited space in between, it is challenging to work over them with full compliance to the safety guidelines. Saudi Aramco work over team has managed successfully to work over wells in very congested location in one of north onshore fields where the spacing does not exceed a few feet. In this paper, a light will be cast on the work over campaign launched recently to work over these wells to convert them from purely vertical wells into horizontal to bring birth to them after being dead for high water production. The challenges including accessibility to well sites, site preparation, securing wells nearby, protection of environment and safe operation are all going to be addressed and discussed in details. Also, measures taken to overcome difficulties encountered especially safe rig up are presented and explained as well.
A novel content based image retrieval system using K-means/KNN with feature extraction
Authors: Chang Ray-I , Lin Shu-Yu , Ho Jan-Ming , Fann Chi-Wen , Wang Yu-Chun
Published: December 2012

Image retrieval has been popular for several years. There are different
system designs for content based image retrieval (CBIR) system. This paper
propose a novel system architecture for CBIR system which combines techniques
include content-based image and color analysis, as well as data mining
techniques. To our best knowledge, this is the first time to propose
segmentation and grid module, feature extraction module, K-means and
k-nearest neighbor clustering algorithms and bring in the neighborhood module
to build the CBIR system. Concept of neighborhood color analysis module which
also recognizes the side of every grids of image is first contributed in this
paper. The results show the CBIR systems performs well in the training and it
also indicates there contains many interested issue to be optimized in the
query stage of image retrieval.
Speech unit category based short utterance speaker recognition
Authors: Fatima Nakhat , Wu Xiaojun , Zheng Fang
Published: December 2012

Information of speech units like vowels, consonants and syllables can be a
kind of knowledge used in text-independent Short Utterance Speaker
Recognition (SUSR) in a similar way as in text-dependent speaker recognition.
In such tasks, data for each speech unit, especially at the time of
recognition, is often not enough. Hence, it is not practical to use the full
set of speech units because some of the units might not be well trained. To
solve this problem, a method of using speech unit categories rather than
individual phones is proposed for SUSR, wherein similar speech units are put
together, hence solving the problem of sparse data. We define Vowel,
Consonant, and Syllable Categories (VC, CC and SC) with Standard Chinese
(Putonghua) as a reference. A speech utterance is recognized into VC, CC ad
SC sequences which are used to train Universal Background Models (UBM) for
each speech unit category in the training procedure, and to perform speech
unit category dependent speaker recognition, respectively. Experimental
results in Gaussian Mixture Model-Universal Background Model (GMM-UBM) based
system give a relative equal error rate (EER) reduction of 54.50% and 40.95%
from minimum EERs of VCs and SCs, respectively, for 2 seconds of test
utterance compared with the existing SUSR systems.
An uncertain optimal control model with n jumps and application
Authors: Deng Liubao , Zhu Yuanguo
Published: December 2012

Optimal control theory is an important branch of modern control theory which
has been widely applied in various sciences. Uncertain optimal control is a
theory dealing with optimal control problems which are based a new
uncertainty theory and differs from the stochastic optimal control based on
probability theory and fuzzy optimal control based on fuzzy set theory or
credibility theory. As the further work of the uncertain optimal control with
jump in the one-dimensional case and multidimensional linear-quadratic (LQ)
uncertain optimal control problem with jump which has a quadratic objective
function for a linear uncertain control system with jump, a general uncertain
optimal control problem with n jumps in the multi-dimensional cases is
considered in this paper. The principle of optimality is presented and the
equation of optimality is obtained about multidimensional uncertain optimal
control with n jumps. Finally, as an application, an optimal control problem
in R&D (Research and Development) fiscal subsidy policy is discussed and the
optimal control decisions are obtained.
Synthesis, spectroscopic studies and electrochemical properties of Schiff bases derived from 2-hydroxyaldehydes and phenazopyridine hydrochloride
Authors: Yagmur Sultan , Yilmaz Selehattin , Saglikoglu Gulsen , Sadikoglu Murat , Yildiz Mustafa , Polat Kamran
Published: December 2012

Novel Schiff bases (1-4) were synthesized by the reaction of
2-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzaldehyde,
2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde, 2-hydroxy-1-naptaldehyde with phenazopypridine
hydrochloride (PAP) and their structures were elucidated by means of
spectroscopic techniques. The electrochemical reduction of PAP and its Schiff
bases (1-4) were carried out on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in dimethyl
sulfoxide (DMSO) using the cyclic voltammetric (CV) technique. The effect of
functional groups on reduction potential of Schiff bases was investigated. A
general electrochemical reduction mechanism of the compounds was also
suggested.
Fe3o4 nanoparticles: A highly efficient and easily reusable catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of xanthene derivatives under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Ghasemzadeh Ali , Safaei-Ghomi Javad , Zahedi Safura
Published: December 2012

Magnetically separable Fe3O4 nanoparticles supply environmentally friendly
procedure for the synthesis of 14-aryl-14H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthene and
1,8-dioxo-octahydro-xanthene derivatives. These compounds were obtained in
high yields and short reaction times by the reaction of dimedone and
2-naphthol with various aromatic aldehydes under solvent-free conditions. The
catalyst coluld be easily recovered using an external magnet and reused for
six cycles with almost consistent activity.
Synthesis, characterization and cytotoxicity of palladium(II) complex of 3-[(2-hydroxy-benzylidene)-amino]-2-thioxo-imidazolidin-4-one
Authors: Smit Biljana , Pavlovic Radoslav , Radosavljevic-Mihailovic Ana , Dosen Anja , Curcic Milena , Seklic Dragana , Zivanovic Marko
Published: December 2012

The polydentate ligand,
3-[(2-hydroxy-benzylidene)-amino]-2-thioxo-imidazolidin-4-one, was
synthesized by intermolecular cyclocondensation reaction of
2-hydroxybenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone and ethylchloroacetate. Novel
palladium(II) complex was obtained by nucleophilic substitution of both DMSO
ligands from cis-[Pd(DMSO)2Cl2] with iminic nitrogen and thiolactamic sulfur
from ligand. The structure of compounds was characterized on the basis of
their spectral data. The cytotoxic activity of the ligand and palladium(II)
complex was studied on tumor cell lines: human colon carcinoma HCT-116 and
SW-480 cells using MTT viability test. The results show that investigated
palladium(II) complex has significantly greater cytotoxic effect compared to
ligand.
The modifications of bovine β-lactoglobulin: Effects on its structural and functional properties
Authors: Stanic-Vucinic Dragana , Cirkovic-Velickovic Tanja
Published: December 2012

Beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) is the main whey protein and it is frequently used
additive in wide range of food products due to its excellent
techno-functional properties, high nutritional value and low cost. It is also
considered as acid-resistant drug carrier for delivery of pharmaceutical and
nutraceutical agents. However, BLG is the main allergen of milk. A variety of
methods have been explored for modification of BLG in attempt to improve its
functional properties and to decrease its allergenicity. Due to its compact
globular structure BLG is relatively resistant to modifications, especially
under mild conditions. BLG can be modified by physical, chemical and
enzymatic treatments. Although chemical modifications offer efficient way of
alteration of protein structural and functional properties, they are
associated with safety concern. In the last decade there is a tendency for
application of novel non-thermal physical processing methods, as well as
enzymes in order to obtain BLG with desirable properties. The objective of
this review is to overview chemical, physical and enzymatic processing
techniques utilized to modify BLG and their effects on structure and
functional properties of BLG.
Comparison of adsorptions by rice hull and Lewatit TP 214 of platinum in chloride solution
Authors: Morcali M.H. , Zeytuncu B. , Yucel O.
Published: December 2012

Rice hull, a biomass waste product, and Lewatit TP 214, a thiosemicarbazide
sorbent, were investigated as adsorbents for the adsorption of platinum (IV)
ions from synthetically prepared dilute chloroplatinic acid solutions. The
rice hull was characterized by Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier transform
infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The effects of the different adsorption
parameters, sorbent dosage, contact time, temperature and pH of solution on
adsorption percentage were studied in detail on a batch sorption. The
adsorption equilibrium data were best fitted with the Langmuir isotherm
model. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacities, Qmax, at 25?C were found
to be 42.02 and 33.22 mg g-1 for the rice hull and Lewatit TP 214,
respectively. Thermodynamic calculations using the measured ?H?, ?S? and ?G?
values indicate that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic.
The pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order rate equations were
investigated; the adsorption of platinum ions for both sorbents was found to
be described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The kinetic rate, k2,
using 30 mg sorbent at 25?C was found to be 0.0289 and 0.0039 g min-1 mg-1
for the rice hull and Lewatit TP 214, respectively. The results indicated
that the rice hull can be effectively used for the removal of platinum from
aqueous solution.
Health aspects of Spirulina (Arthrospira) microalga food supplement
Authors: Sotiroudis Theodore , Sotiroudis Georgios
Published: December 2012

Spirulina, now named Arthrospira, is a microscopic and filamentous
cyanobacterium that has a long history of use as a safe food lacking
toxicity. It is commercially produced in large outdoor ponds under controlled
conditions. The aim of this review article is to summarize available recent
information concerning human clinical potential and applications of
Spirulina, as well as clinical data related to the safety and side effects of
Spirulina. Potential health benefits of Spirulina are mainly due to its
chemical composition, which includes proteins (the highest protein content of
any natural food, 55%-70%), carbohydrates, essential amino acids, minerals
(especially iron), essential fatty acids, vitamins, and pigments. In this
respect, three major bioactive components of Spirulina, the protein
phycocyanin (a biliprotein pigment), sulfated polysaccharides and gamma
linolenic acid seem to play significant role in imparting improved human body
functions. Furthermore, new experimental evidence supports the
immunomodulation and antiviral effects of Spirulina supplementation.
According to the Dietary Supplements Information Expert Committee of United
States Pharmacopeial Convention the available clinical evidence does not
indicate a serious risk to health or other public health concerns for
Spirulina. However, a few cases of severe side-effects have been reported.
Seasonal changes in metal accumulation and distribution in the organs of Phragmites australis (common reed) from Lake Skadar, Montenegro
Authors: Kastratovic Vlatko , Krivokapic Sladjana , Djurovic Dijana , Blagojevic Nada
Published: December 2012

Due to its ability to accumulate metals, availability throughout the year and
its large biomass, Phragmites australis (common reed) is suitable for
biomonitoring studies for the evaluation of load level of water ecosystem
with trace metals. The heavy metals concentration in P.australis tissue can
be several ten to several thousand times higher than those in the surrounding
water. In this study we examined the content of heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu,
Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Sr and V) in sediment, water and different organs of
Phragmites australis collected from Lake Skadar, Montenegro, during different
seasons of the year 2011. The highest concentrations of Sr were found in the
leaves, while the other studied metals showed their highest concentrations in
the roots. Thus, P. australis is considered a root bioaccumulation species.
For most metals the concentration in roots and stems increases over time
until the end of the growing season, and then decreases, while the
concentration in leaves increases even after the growing season of the plant.
If P. australis is used for phytoremediation purposes, then it should be
harvested after the growing season because then the concentration of metals
in the aboveground parts is maximal.
The role of neurophysiological methods in the confirmation of brain death
Authors: Djuric Stojanka , Duric Vanja , Milosevic Vuk , Stamenovic Jelena , Mihaljev-Martinov Jelena
Published: December 2012

nema
The effect of intravitreal administration of bevacizumab on macular edema and visual acuity in age-related macular degeneration with subfoveolar choroidal neovascularisation
Authors: Ristic Dragana , Vukosavljevic Miroslav , Draganic Biljana , Cerovic Vesna , Petrovic Nenad , Janicijevic-Petrovic Mirjana
Published: December 2012

Background/Aim. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of
the loss of central visual acuity in population older than 70 years. We can
distinguish wet and dry form of AMD. The aim of the study was to present our
early results in treatment of the wet (neovascular) form of AMD with
intravitreal administration of bevacizumab. Methods. The study included 39
patients. Each patient underwent a complete ophthalmological examination,
fluorescein angiography (FA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). All the
patients received 1.25 mg of intravitreal bevacizumab (0.05 mL of commercial
phial of Avastin?). The total of three doses was given with a one-month
interval between doses. Results. Among 39 patients, 24 were women and 15 men.
The average best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was improved from 0.09 before
the therapy to 0.24 after the administration of all the three doses of
bevacizumab (p < 0.001). The average central macular thickness (CMT) measured
by OCT was improved from 474 ?m in the beginning to 341 ?m after the
administration of all the three doses of the drug (p < 0.001). There were no
side effects. Conclusions. Our short-term experience indicates that
intravitreal administration of three doses of bevacizumab in one-month
intervals between the doses leads to a significant reduction of macular edema
and improvement of BCVA in patients with neovascular AMD.
Treatment of chronic hepatitis C among injecting drug users: A 5-year follow-up
Authors: Ruzic Maja , Fabri Milotka , Preveden Tomislav , Kiralj Katarina , Mikic Stefan , Vukadinov Tatjana
Published: December 2012

Background/Aim. Hepatitic C infection (HCV) is a systemic, generalised
disease with the prevalence of inflammation in the liver. The aim of this
study was to determine the success of treatment for chronic hepatitis C with
pegilated interferon alfa 2a and ribavirin in injecting drug users. Methods.
This a 5-year follow-up study included 30 patients [63.3% men and 36.7%
women, average age 30.2 years (SD 7.1 years)] injecting drug users in
one-year abstinence, with chronic hepatitis C, treated with the pegilated
interferon ? 2a and ribavirin. Complete history with possible route of
infection, the standard biochemical tests, liver biopsy, quantification of
the viral genome in sera and HCV genotyping and subtyping were done prior to
the therapy initiation. Depending on the HCV genotype, the therapy was
conducted over a period of 48 weeks for genotype 1 and 24 weeks for genotype
non 1. Five years later all 30 patients were invited on control examination;
22 of them appeared at the check-up and quantification of the viral genome in
their sera were analized. Results. The established degree of liver fibrosis
was: F0 in 40%, F1 in 23.33%, F2 in 26.67%, F3 in 3.33% and F4 in 6.67% of
the patients. Genotype 3a was dominant (50.0%), 1b was registered in 40.0%,
1a in 6.66% and 2b in 3.33% of the patients. Sustained virologic response
(SVR) was achieved in 86.7% of the patients, 10.0% of the patients were
non-responders, while 3.33% of them revealed recurrence of HCV. Opiate abuse
recurrence during antiviral therapy happened in 6.7% of the patients. Five
years after the antiviral therapy 73.3% of the patients appeared at the
check-up and all of them were in stable abstinence from opiate abuse. All of
those, with a sustained viral response of five-year duration, had the
negative PCR HCV RNA test (< 50 IU ml-1). In the patients showing
unsatisfactory therapy response 5 years before, antiviral therapy was
repeated by the same therapeutic regimen, but without adequate therapeutic
response. A total of 26.7% of the patients were lost from the records.
Conclusion. In a 5-year follow-up period 73.3% of the patients used to come
regularly to check-ups and among them neither the opiate abuse recurrence nor
HCV infection recurrence were registered.
Correlation of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide with clinical parameters in patients with hypertension
Authors: Pejovic Janko , Ignjatovic Svetlana , Dajak Marijana , Majkic-Singh Nada , Vucinic Zarko , Pavlovic Miroslav
Published: December 2012

Background/Aim. Identification of patients with arterial hypertension and a
possible onset of heart failure by determining the concentration of
N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) enables timely
intensification of treatment and allows clinicians to prescribe and implement
optimal and appropriate care. The aim of this study was to evaluate NT-proBNP
in patients with longstanding hypertension and in patients with signs of
hypertensive cardiomyopathy. Methods. The study involved 3 groups, with 50
subjects each: ?healthy? persons (control group), patients with hypertension
and normal left ventricular systolic function (group 1) and patients with
longstanding hypertension and signs of hypertensive cardiomyopathy with
impaired left ventricular systolic function (group 2). We measured levels of
NT-proBNP, Creactive protein and creatinine according to the manufacturer?s
instructions. All the patients were clinically examined including physical
examination of the heart with blood pressure, pulse rate, electrocardiogram
(ECG) and echocardiogram. Results. Our results showed that the determined
parameters generally differed significantly (Student?s t-test) among the
groups. The mean (? SD) values of NT-proBNP in the control group, group 1 and
group 2 were: 2.794 (? 1.515) pmol/L, 9.575 (? 5.449) pmol/L and 204.60
(84,93) pmol/L, respectively. NTproBNP correlated significantly with the
determined parameters both in the group 1 and the group 2. In the group 1,
the highest correlation was obtained with Creactive protein (r = 0.8424). In
the group 2, the highest correlation was obtained with ejection fraction (r =
- 0.9111). NT-proBNP showed progressive increase in proportion to the New
York Heart Association (NYHA) classification. The patients in thegroup 2 who
belonged to the II and III NYHA class had significantly higher levels of
NTproBNP than those in the NYHA class I (ANOVA test, p = 0.001). Conclusion.
The obtained results suggest that NTproBNP is a useful biomarker in the
treatment of patients with longstanding hypertension who are at risk for
heart failure.
The burden of disease preventable by risk factor reduction in Serbia
Authors: Sipetic Sandra , Bjegovic-Mikanovic Vesna , Vlajinac Hristina , Marinkovic Jelena , Jankovic Slavenka , Terzic Zorica , Atanackovic-Markovic Zorica , Saulic Anka , Laaser Ulrich
Published: December 2012

Background/Aim. Reliable and comparable analysis of health risks is an
important component of evidence-based and preventive programs. The aim of
this study was to analyze the impact of the most relevant avoidable risk
factors on the burden of the selected conditions in Serbia. Methods.
Attributable fractions were calculated from the survey information on the
prevalence of a risk factor and the relative risk of dying if exposed to a
risk factor. The population-attributable risks were applied to deaths, years
of life lost due to premature mortality (YLL), years of life with disability
(YLD) and disability adjusted life years (DALY). Results. More than 40% of
all deaths and of the total YLL are attributable to cigarette smoking,
overweight, physical inactivity, inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables,
hypertension and high blood cholesterol. Alcohol consumption has in total a
beneficial effect. According to the percent of DALY for the selected
conditions attributable to the observed risk factors, their most harmful
effects are as follows: alcohol consumption on road traffic accidents;
cigarette smoking on lung cancer; physical inactivity on cerebrovascular
disease (CVD), ischemic heart disease (IHD) and colorectal cancer; overweight
on type 2 diabetes; hypertension on renal failure and CVD; inadequate intake
of fruit and vegetables on IHD and CVD, and high blood cholesterol on IHD.
Conclusions. This study shows that a high percentage of disease and injury
burden in Serbia is attributable to avoidable risk factors, which emphasizes
the need for improvement of relevant preventive strategies and programs at
both individual and population levels. Social preferences should be
determined for a comprehensive set of conditions and cost effectiveness
analyses of potential interventions should be carried out. Furthermore,
positive measures, derived from health, disability and quality of life
surveys, should be included.
A moment of Klim
Authors: Karas Alyona
Published: December 2012

The present article focuses on the notion of intertextuality as put into practice on the Russian stage by the Podval generation (late 1980s). The author documents the aesthetic complexity of the stage imagery employed by this generation in an analysis of performances staged by the most important dramatist and theatre maker of Russian alternative theatre, Klim (born 1952 in Ukraine).
Image, Europe, drama
Authors: Pavlovski Mishel
Published: December 2012

By questioning the ways in which a supra-national European identity can be created in an environment of globalization, this article starts with the thesis that this concept faces problems which must be resolved first and foremost at the national level. By problematizing multiculturalism as a “utopian theory” which does not solve any problems at the practical level, and by viewing interculturalism as a potential danger to “smaller” cultures, this article identifies what it is that hinders the possible acceptance of the idea of a Europe without borders by analyzing plays by Goran Stefanovski. In four of his plays, Euralien, Hotel Europa, Ex-Yu, and Goce, Stefanovski criticizes Western Europe, on the one hand, for constructing a problematic Other, imposing a visa regime, and contributing to its marginalization, and the Balkans on the other, for mythologizing its nationally-romanticized narrative. The paper sheds light on the fact that the acceptance of a common (shared) European identity, a necessity which propagates itself amidst conditions of globalization, is dependent on the ways in which Europe will resolve its problems, such as the marginalization of the Other, way of thinking in binary oppositions, like old/new Europe, rich/poor Europe, and especially (talking about Balkan countries) the phrase South-East Balkan.
Meta-analysis of dendrochronological dating of mass movements
Authors: Tumajer Jan , Treml Václav
Published: December 2012

Absolute dating of mass movements is crucial for disentangling possible release factors and determining the frequency of events. Here, we present an overview of a recent approach to dendrochronological dating of rockfalls, flows, landslides and avalanches. The results, based on 69 casestudies, show that methodological approaches to sampling and material processing differ considerably for different types of mass movements. Landslides are usually detected through abrupt growth changes and changes in stem eccentricity, whereas high-energy events as avalanches and flows are mostly identified by the formation of traumatic resin ducts, reaction wood, growth injuries and eccentricity changes. Cross-dating of dead wood is applicable as well. The dating of most mass movements except landslides is common, even with sub-annual resolution. In comparison to other methods of absolute dating, the main benefit of dendrochronology still lies in the high temporal resolution of the results. If living material is accessible, on-going research progress makes absolute dating of most mass-wasting events possible with sub-annual precision.
Problems of TL dating of the Mesopleistocene loess deposits in the Podillya and Pokuttya regions (Ukraine)
Authors: Kusiak Jarosław , Łanczont Maria , Madeyska Teresa , Bogucki Andrij
Published: December 2012

In many papers different authors was described problem of systematic underestimation of TL ages for sediments older then 100 ka. We presented the results which probably are not significantly rejuvenated. This is another example of the TL dates made in Lublin laboratory which are likely in agreement with the stratigraphic interpretation. In 2002 Kusiak et al. published the TL ages ranging from 200 to 800 ka for the Zahvizdja loess profile in Ukraine. These first promising results of TL dating of so old deposits encouraged us to undertake further studies. In next years were discovered other Ukrainian loess profiles with the Middle and Lower Pleistocene deposits, among others in the Skala Podils’ka, Mamalyha and Vendychany sites. The thermoluminescence dating made for these profiles in the Lublin laboratory gave the next, after Zahvizdja, series of 15 TL ages ranging from 200 to 700 ka. This way we confirmed the possibility of TL dating of the deposits older than 400 ka BP.
Accuracy of Transnasal Cannulation and Dilation of the Maxillary Ostium in Cadavers with Intact Uncinates
Authors: Brodner David , Alexander Ian , Chandler Stephen , Cutler Jeffrey , Saigal Kapil
Published: December 2012

Background

Transnasal cannulation of the natural ostium in patients with an intact uncinate process is complicated by the lack of direct visualization of the ostium. Accuracy of transnasal dilation of the maxillary ostium was evaluated for a malleable-tipped balloon device that was bent to specific angles for avoiding the fontanelle during cannulation.

Methods

Transnasal cannulation and dilation of 42 cadaver maxillary sinus ostia was attempted by 6 surgeons including 3 with very limited clinical experience using the study device. All physicians received procedure training including the technique to shape the balloon device into the recommended 135° maxillary configuration. Tissue dissection was prohibited. Canine fossa trephination and transantral endoscopy were used to evaluate cannulation and dilation outcomes. Physician operators were blinded to transantral images and results were documented by two observers.

Results

Appropriate transnasal cannulation and dilation of natural maxillary sinus ostia occurred in 92.9% (39/42) of attempts. Two failures emanated from procedural deviations. In one deviation, the bend angle was changed to 90° and the device tip did not cannulate the ostium. In the second, the device was passed through a preexisting hole in the uncinate and cannulated the natural ostium. A third failure occurred when the device was passed through the fontanelle creating a false lumen.

Conclusion

Using recommended procedural techniques and a malleable-tipped balloon device, newly trained and experienced physicians alike can perform uncinate-preserving transnasal cannulation and dilation of the maxillary ostium with a high rate of success.
Classic Fieldwork, Critique and Engaged Anthropology
Authors: Marcus George E.
Published: December 2012

Classic conditions of fieldwork research, to which anthropology remains committed, are difficult to establish today within far-reaching projects of neoliberal economy, governance and philanthropy. The forms of collaboration on which these projects insist, and those that ethnography encourages for its own research purposes, must be reconciled. On the bargains or adjustments that anthropology makes with neoliberal projects, within which it establishes scenes of fieldwork, depends its capacity to produce critique - its primary agenda since the 1980s. These issues are what are at stake in the widespread current discussions of, and hopes for, an 'engaged' anthropology.
Crossing Boundaries, Exploring the Frontier
Authors: Kockel Ullrich
Published: December 2012

Taking Park's postulate of a 'marginal man' as its starting point, this essay reviews some of the key ideas and approaches that have underpinned the development of the Anthropological Journal of European Cultures from its inception. It concentrates on a discussion of the concept of 'cultures' - liminal, hybrid or otherwise - in different contexts and from different perspectives - boundaries and frontiers, places and spaces, migrants and memory - before turning towards the question of what and where Europe is, and what anthropology might have to say on it, concluding with reflections on AJEC's past, present and future contribution. An appendix provides details of the first twenty-one volumes of the journal.
Development and Fishing in the Mediterranean
Authors: Zavaro Rafael Böcker
Published: December 2012

This article sets out the results of research which aims to determine the characteristics of fishing development in the province of Tarragona, from the social, territorial and economic point of view, as well as the perspective of the public policies implemented for this sector. It considers the role played by the various social, economic and institutional agents, and the importance of sustainable and responsible management of fishing. The research method we have chosen is the case study. The comparative analysis of the seven fishing ports in the south of Catalonia is even more significant in that each one has different sales volumes. The techniques used for gathering information were: the semi-structured interview, non-participant observation and the use of secondary statistical and documentary sources.
Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Brown Rice (Oryza sativa) and Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Flour and Quality of Composite Biscuit Made Thereof
Authors: Islam MZ , Taneya MLJ , Shams-Ud-Din M , Syduzzaman M , Hoque MM
Published: December 2012

The consumer demand is increasing for composite flour based bakery products like biscuits. The incorporation of brown rice flour can be justified in composite flour based biscuits as it has beneficial nutraceutical properties and its gluten-free nature can play important role in preventing celiac problem. The physicochemical and functional properties of brown rice and wheat flour were studied and biscuits were prepared with the incorporation of brown rice flour in 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 % with the wheat flour to assess the quality and acceptability of the biscuits. The water absorption capacity of brown rice flour was lower than that of wheat flour (p?0.05), whereas oil absorption and foaming capacity of brown rice flour were significantly higher than that of wheat flour (p ?0.05). The brown rice flour had higher least gelation concentration (30.66%) as compared with wheat flour (20.33%). As the concentration of brown rice flour was increased, spread ratio of biscuits decreased. The biscuits containing 5, 10 and 15% brown rice flour indicated that addition of increasing level of brown rice flour had higher ash, fat, moisture and crude fiber contents, while protein and total carbohydrate contents found lower in the biscuits. Statistical analysis of biscuits containing various amount of brown rice flour (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% brown rice flour) showed that control biscuits (0% brown rice flour) secured the highest score for color, flavor, texture and overall acceptability, which is followed by biscuits containing 10, 5,15 and 20% brown rice flour. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i2.13135 The Agriculturists 2012; 10(2) 20-28
Meat Yield from Broiler, Indigenous Naked Neck and Full Feathered Chicken of Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain MM , Nishibori M , Islam MA
Published: December 2012

Six males and 6 females in each genetic group (G) of broiler (Br), indigenous naked neck (Nana) and full feathered chicken (nana) at set three weight groups (WG); 0.75 kg, 1.00 kg and 1.25 kg were collected from different local markets and slaughtered. Meat yield traits of slaughtered chickens were recorded to identify a suitable G at a specific weight by comparing the meat yield of 3 Gs. Broiler had the highest breast, breast: dark meat and heart weight followed by Nana and nana while Nana had the highest gizzard weight followed by nana and Br. Dark, thigh, and giblet weight tended to increase in Nana followed by nana and Br. Male performed better than female for yielding meat except breast: dark meat and abdominal fat which was higher in female than that in male. The highest breast: dark meat of broiler, Nana and nana was observed in 1.00 kg, 0.75 kg and 1.25 kg WG, respectively. Indigenous chickens showed decreased head and feather weight but increased skin weight with increasing live weight. Notwithstanding, the highest skin weight was observed in Br followed by nana and Nana. The remarkable interaction of G x sex (S), G x WG, and G x S x WG was observed for breast: dark. The above findings reveal that Nana is comparable to Br, and better than nana for yielding meat. Of the feathering types, broiler is superior to nana for yield of meat. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i2.13142 The Agriculturists 2012; 10(2) 55-67
Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Fine Rice (Oryza sativa L.) as Influenced by Organic Fertilizer
Authors: Islam MR , Sikder S , Hafiz MHR
Published: December 2012

The experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of Crop Physiology and Ecology Department, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh during 14 August to 7 December, 2008 to study the effects of organic fertilizer on yield performance of five fine rice cultivars viz., Rajshahi Swarna, Silkumul, Kataribhog, Lal Pajam and Sanla. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replications. Effective tillers hill-1, plant height, panicle length, filled grains panicle-1, total grains panicle-1, 1000-seed weight, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index (HI) were significantly influenced by the combined effect of cultural conditions and rice cultivars. Under inorganic and organic culture, the highest grain yield was obtained from Rajshahi Swarna (2.90 and 2.74 t ha-1, respectively) and the lowest were from Sanla (2.20 and 1.74 t ha-1, respectively). All the cultivars showed better performance in respect of grain yield and other parameters under inorganic culture than organic culture. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i2.13146 The Agriculturists 2012; 10(2) 98-103