bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALYSIS OF CYP19 GENE POLYMORPHISM AS FACTOR AFFECTING MILK PRODUCTION OF CATTLE
Authors: Trakovická Anna , Moravčíková Nina , Miluchová Martina , Gábor Michal
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the animal CYP19/PvuII genotypes, evaluate the genetic structure of population and estimate the effect of genotypes on long-life milk production traits in Slovak Simmental cattle. Blood samples were obtained from in total 150 Slovak Simmental cows originating from four different farms localized on eastern Slovakia. The polymorphism in CYP19 gene was detected using PCR-RFLP method and PvuII restriction enzyme. In cows population was identified the presence of all three genotypes: AA (74.7%), AB (21.3%), and BB (4%). The A allele was more frequent (0.85±0.02) than B (0.15±0.02). In population was found deviations from HWE. The level of locus polymorphism in the analysed population was only low (PIC=0.212). The activity of CYP19/PvuII alleles were unbalanced (Ne=1.33) and the higher proportion of homozygous animals caused the decrease of observed heterozygosity (He=0.21). Based on F – statistic results the most of the genetic variation was distributed within all analysed individuals (FIT 0.155). Evaluation of CYP19/PvuII genotype effect on milk production traits was carried out with linear models (GLM procedure). Based on the selected effect we were able to estimate the variability of analysed traits on in average 85%. The CYP19/PvuII genotype affected significantly the variability of milk and protein yield (P
INTERNAL MILIEAU OF DAIRY COWS AT THE BEGINNING OF LACTATION AND ITS INFLUENCE ON COMPOSITION OF RAW MILK
Authors: Eva TuÅ¡imovÃ¡ , Anton KovÃ¡Äik , Ľuboš Harangozo , Norbert LukÃ¡Ä , Adriana KolesÃ¡rovÃ¡ , Alena VollmannovÃ¡ , Jaroslav KovÃ¡Äik
Published: February 2015

The aim of this work was to evaluate selected blood biochemical parameters and milk composition of dairy cows at the beginning of lactation and to observe the correlations between blood and milk parameters. In total, 15 Holstein cows at the beginning of lactation were chosen. Blood and milk samples were collected. Energetic (glucose - GLU, d-beta-hydroxybutyrate - D-BHB, triglycerides - TG), nitrogenous (total proteins - TP, UREA), hepatic (aspartate aminotransferase - AST, alanine aminotransferase - ALT, gamma-glutamyltransferase - GGT, alkaline phosphatase - ALP, bilirubin - BILI, cholesterol - CHOL) and mineral (sodium - Na, potassium - K, chlorides - Cl-, calcium – Ca, phosphorus – P, magnesium - Mg) profiles were determined in the blood serum. Levels of lactose, fat, proteins and minerals (sodium - Na, potassium – K, calcium – Ca, phosphorus – P, magnesium - Mg) were determined in milk. Most of the parameters outside physiological limits were found among mineral and hepatic profile. Levels of calcium, phosphorus and sodium were decreased in comparison to reference values. Average concentration of urea was also lower. On the other hand, increase of aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase were observed. Levels of lactose (4.82 g.100g-1), fat (4.21 g.100g-1), protein (3.14 g.100g-1) and calcium (4.82 g.l-1) in milk complied with Slovak national standard (STN 57 0529). In our study, ratio of fat to protein lower than 0.75 was observed in 13 % of cows (risk of ketosis) and higher than 1.4 in 40 % (NEB). Strong negative correlation between serum cholesterol and milk fat (-0.716; P
ACUTE TOXICITY OF METALS: NICKEL AND ZINC TO PARAMECIUM BURSARIA AND ITS ENDOSYMBIONTS
Authors: Zagata Patrycja , Kopańska Marta , Greczek-Stachura Magdalena , Burnecki Tomasz
Published: February 2015

Paramecium bursaria is an unicellular organism, widely distributed in the freshwater environment, where heavy metals are common contaminants. The ciliates, also including Paramecium bursaria, are a very abundant group in aquatic ecosystems, what makes them effective biological indicators of water pollutants. Paramecium bursaria is the only Paramecium which has evolved a mutualistic relationship with algae and it harbors these endosymbionts in its own cytoplasm. The algae are also very effective bioindicators of some pollutants because of their ability to biosorption and bioaccumulation of heavy metals. The aim of this study was to determine the acute toxicity of two metals’ compounds: nickel chloride (NiCl2) and zinc chloride (ZnCl2) to Paramecium bursaria and its endosymbionts. The ciliates were incubated in solutions with 5x10-8 to 5x10-2g/dm3 of NiCl2 and with 5x10-8 to 5x10-2g/dm3 of ZnCl2, at the temperature of 180C, in the light/dark conditions (12L/12D). Microscopic observations of cell divisions rate, cell shape changes as well as the swimming behavior, were conducted after 24, 48, 72 and 120 hours of incubation in the tested solutions and were compared to the control sample. Microscopic observations revealed the lethal doses for both compounds, for nickel chloride 5x10-5g/dm3 and for zinc chloride 5x10-3. These observations also revealed that in lesser concentrations than the lethal one, the slowdown and characteristic movements occur after metal addition. The PEA measurements of Fv/Fm parameter were carried out within 4 days, the first one after 24 hours of incubations. The results of this investigation has given us a view of a fluorescence efficiency by revealing that both compounds solutions can have the stimulating effect on Photosystem II, because the lowest fluorescence efficiency was measured in control samples.
CHANGES IN TURKEY SPERMATOZOZA MOTILITY PARAMETERS AFTER ADDITION OF COPPER SULPHATE IN VITRO
Authors: Slanina TomÃ¡Å¡ , Miškeje Michal , Petrovičová Ida , Lukáč Norbert , Massányi Peter
Published: February 2015

Copper as essential trace element is obligatory in many biological processes. Nevertheless higher concentrations of this metal are highly toxic for organisms at different levels and of course for spermatozoa. The aim of present work was to examine impact of copper sulphate on turkey spermatozoa motility parameters (line Big 6) during in vitro incubation at 41°C. Four concentration of CuSO4: M1 – 6.25 μg.ml-1; M2 – 12.5 μg.ml-1; M3 – 25.0 μg.ml-1; M4 – 50.0 μg.ml-1 were investigated. The motility parameters were evaluated using the Computer Assisted Semen Analyzer system (program Sperm Vision®) at four time periods: 0, 30, 60 and 90 minutes. Immediately at the beginning of incubation significantly lower values of progressive motility were detected in samples M3 (p
Thinking about resilient cities: studying Italian earthquakes
Authors: Vona Marco , Harabaglia Paolo , Murgante Beniamino
Published: February 2015

Cities are complex systems that result from the interaction between several factors: urban, socioeconomic and policy strategy overlap factors. These elements interact continuously with one another, which makes governance notably complex, particularly in the case of risk management. This paper focuses on the resilience of cities, with recent Italian earthquakes as case studies. The resilience of cities should undeniably play a fundamental role in seismic risk mitigation and government. The authors highlight that seismic vulnerability (e.g. buildings and lifelines, etc.) seems to be a fundamental topic in resilience. Nevertheless, to investigate the resilience of cities, the problem is strongly multidisciplinary and non-linear. However, to improve earthquake resilience in national, regional or single urban territories, the incorporation of engineering/science (physical), social/economic (behavioural) and institutional dimension (multilevel territorial government) resilience should be considered. Considering that the best strategies cannot be identified to support decision makers, the authors of this paper are working on possible applications of different multicriteria decision-making methods. Only after implementing a new multidisciplinary, multicriteria and multilevel framework to improve resilience will it be possible to define a quantitative evaluation of resilience. Seismic risk management may be considered an optimal conjunction between scientific research and decision making.
Mode effects in mixed-mode economic surveys: Insights from a randomized experiment
Authors: Hsu Joanne W. , McFall Brooke H.
Published: February 2015

Web-based surveys have become increasingly common in economic, marketing, and other social science research. However, questions exist about the comparability of data gathered using a web interview and data gathered using more traditional survey modes, particularly for surveys on household economic behavior. Differences between data from different survey modes may arise through two different mechanisms: sample selectivity due to (lack of) web access and mode effects. This study leverages the randomized experimental design of the mixed-mode Cognitive Economics Study to examine mode effects separately from sample selectivity issues. In particular, we examine differences in survey response rates, item nonresponse, and data quality due to mode effects. Our results indicate that, in contrast to mail mode, web mode surveys (1) attain higher response rates among web users, (2) display lower item nonresponse, and (3) elicit more precise values for financial measures. We conclude that, for web-using populations, web mode surveys appear to result in more usable data than mail mode surveys, and these data appear to be of high quality. However, we also find no systematic mode differences in the categorical distributions of responses to items, providing no evidence that pooling data from the two modes is inadvisable.
The Evolution of Retirement Wealth
Authors: Devlin-Foltz Sebastian , Henriques Alice M. , Sabelhaus John
Published: February 2015

Is the current mix of tax preferences for employer-sponsored pensions and individual retirement saving in the U.S. delivering the best possible retirement-preparedness across and within generations? Using data from the triennial Survey of Consumer Finances for 1989 through 2013, cohort-based analysis of life-cycle trajectories shows that (1) overall retirement plan participation was relatively stable or even rising through 2007, though participation fell noticeably in the wake of the Great Recession and has remained lower, (2) participation is strongly correlated with income, and the shift in the type of pension coverage occurred within—not just across—income groups, (3) relative to previous cohorts and a counterfactual lifecycle benchmark, the recent decline in retirement plan participation and defined contribution (DC) retirement account balance-to-income ratios is concentrated among younger families and lower-income families.
Overnight RRP Operations as a Monetary Policy Tool: Some Design Considerations
Authors: Frost Josh , Logan Lorie , Martin Antoine , McCabe Patrick , Natalucci Fabio , Remache Julie
Published: February 2015

We review recent changes in monetary policy that have led to development and testing of an overnight reverse repurchase agreement (ON RRP) facility, an innovative tool for implementing monetary policy during the normalization process. Making ON RRPs available to a broad set of investors, including nonbank institutions that are significant lenders in money markets, could complement the use of the interest on excess reserves (IOER) and help control short-term interest rates. We examine some potentially important secondary effects of an ON RRP facility, both positive and negative, including impacts on the structure of short-term funding markets and financial stability. We also investigate design features of an ON RRP facility that could mitigate secondary effects deemed undesirable. Finally, we discuss tradeoffs that policymakers may face in designing an ON RRP facility, as they seek to balance the objectives of setting an effective floor on money market rates during the normalization process and limiting any adverse secondary effects.
Severe anemia: a case report
Authors: Macić Džanković Amra , Šubo Anela
Published: February 2015

Anemia refers to a hemoglobin or hematocrit level lower than the age-adjusted reference range in healthy children and adults. Anemia is not a specifi c disease entity but is a condition caused by various underlying pathologic processes. The clinical effects of anemia depend on its duration and severity. When a precipitous drop in the hemoglobin or hematocrit level occurs (eg, due to massive bleeding), the clinical presentation is typically dramatic and can be fatal if the patient is not immediately treated. Even then, mortality risk is very high. We report the case of a 76-year-old woman with clinical symptoms and laboratory confirmation of severe anemia with level of hemoglobin 24 g/l, and hematocrit 0.08. Anemia was a sign of malignoma of the stomach, later patohistologicaly verifi ed gastric adenocarcinoma. Aim of management is to prevent tissue hypoxia by maintaining an adequate circulating volume and oxiform capacity. However, as shown in this case, the very rapid correction of anemia and the circulatory volume does not decrease the risk of fatal outcome
Comparison of ARCHITECT chemiluminiscent microparticle immunoassay for determination of Troponin I in serum with AXYM MEIA technology
Authors: Serdarević Nafija
Published: February 2015

Introduction: The aim of this study was determination of troponin I at serum using Architect (Abbott) and AxSYM System (Abbott). Troponin is regulatory subunit of the troponin complex associate with actin filament within muscle cells and it is a marker for diagnosis of myocardial damage.Methods: We used Architect STAT chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) and AxSYM microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay (MEIA), techniques for quantitative determination of cardiac TnI in human serum or plasma. At our study we have proved precision, reproducibility and accuracy from both methods. The investigation included patients (n=119) who have myocardial infarction or ischemic heart damage and were treated at cardiology, emergency, internal medicine and neurology unit in Clinical Center University in Sarajevo.Results: The precision for three controls using Architect STAT TnI asssay technology were 3.6 – 5.2 % and reproducibility was 3.7 to 5.6 %. The AxSYM STAT TnI has precision for three controls 4.3–6.6 % and reproducibilitywas from 4.8 to 7.8 %. We have got very good correlation between Architect and AxSYM technology r = 0.999 in the investigation of troponin I in serum.Conclusions: We can conclude that chemiluminescent troponin assay I (Architect) showed good analytical performance and gave new possibility at troponin I determination.
Lumbosacral pain caused by blockage of dynamic vertebrogenic segments of thoracolumbar transition
Authors: Čebić Sead , Pecar Džemal , Pecar Muris , Šivić Suvad
Published: February 2015

Introduction: In the case of the Thoraco-lumbar Junction Syndrome the pain is located in the region of the lumbo-sacral junction. Sudden torsion movements and lifting of objects while the spine is in position of torsion is the cause in most cases. In those cases, a blockade on the  Th11-Th12-L1 vertebrae occurs. The aim of this research was to determine the number of patients with the Low Back Pain whose origin is in the thoracic vertebral dynamic segments, in relation to the total number of patients according to gender, age and profession.Methods: In this retrospective, descrtiptive study we have analyzed patients treated for Lumbosacral syndrome of thoracic origin in private specialist ambulant “Cebic” in Zavidovici during one year period. We analyzed data from patients medical records and history.Results: Total of 1882 patients were treated for the Low Back Pain, of which 67 (3.56%) had an origin of the pain in the Thoraco-lumbar Junction. In the analyzed group, there were 49 (73.1%) man and 18 (26.8%) women. The largest number of males, 21 (42.8%), were between 40-49 years old, while the largest number of woman, 9 (50%), was 20 to 29 years old. Largest number of male patients, 35 (71.8%), were physical workers, while most of the female subjects, 7 (38.8%), were of ce workers.Conclusions: Our research concludes that the number of patients with Low Back Pain of the thoracic origin (3.56%) is not disregarded, but these facts are usually overlooked. Therapy for those kinds of patients is in most cases concentrated to the lower segments of the lumbar spine, which gives unsatisfactory therapeutic results.
Salt in nutrition of University of Sarajevo students
Authors: Jusupović Fatima , Avdić Dijana , Novaković Budimka , Pašalić Arzija , Mahmutović Jasmina , Branković Suada , Rudić Aida , Kevrić Aida , Mačak Hadžiomerović Amra
Published: February 2015

Introduction: The role of salt in the diet is very important, however what effect will lead to its entry into the organism depends on the amount of salt ingested. Elevated salt intake is a risk factor for hypertension, heart disease, adversely affects the kidneys, helps the development of osteoporosis. The aim was to examine sodium intake in the student population through an objective assessment of nutrition students and the students' subjective experience of salty foods and salty foods influence on the organism.Methods: The research is cross-sectional study, which is carried out in April 2010 among students at the University of Sarajevo.Results: More than half of students from the FHS considers that the greatest amount of salt into the body, adding salt to food during the meal, 34% considered that it was during the preparation of food by 10% of processed products in the food industry and 4% said that it was the intake of salt, which naturally found in foods. Not in a group of students there who suffer from hypertension, while in their families the disease is present.Conclusions: Subjects eat a quantity of salt that are well above the recommended. This problem must be approached in a more organized educational, health educational and research terms.
Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis: similarities and differences
Authors: Avdić Dijana
Published: February 2015

Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are two different medical conditions, which beside the first part of their name „osteo“, have very little in common. Osteoporosis is a disorder which influences bones in terms of reduction of quality and quantity, which can easily result in bone fracture. Clinical signs of osteoporosis show no pain or other symptoms which could point to changes in bone structure, unless a bone fracture is diagnosed. Osteoarthritis is a disease which influences joints and its surrounding tissues. Seeing through clinical signs, changes could be verifi ed in terms of pain and limitations of movement and the cause of pain and way of its treatment are numerous. A person can suffer from osteoporosis and osteoarthritis at the same time. Although these medical conditions are more frequent in female than in male population, mechanisms which lead to them may interfere. Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are muscular-bone disorders with signifi cant morbidity and mortality, but clinical experiences and epidemiological studies have shown their negative correlation.
Distribution of ABO blood group in children with acute leukemias
Authors: Sakić Meliha
Published: February 2015

Introduction: This study is the fi rst study about the distribution ABO blood types at children with acute leukemia in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim of the study is to point out distribution of blood type groups at children with acute leukemia (AL)Methods: The number of children in this study was the following: 145 children with acute leukemia and 27 of children with acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML). All of the children were treated at Hemato- Oncology Unitof Pediatric Clinic in Sarajevo, in the period January 2000 until December 2010. Age of children was between 1 month and 15 years.Results: The results showed that different blood types were registered in 93. 1% of children who got ill and treated from acute leukemia for the mentioned period. At 6. 9 % of children, none of the blood types wereregistered. It was noticed that 40.9 % children who have registered blood type O, 37% blood type A,16% blood type B and 6.5% blood type AB had AL, too. It has been observed that children with following bloodtypes had AML: O, 47.8%, A, 47.7% and AB, 30.4%.Conclusion: Signifi cance ABO types distribution was confi rmed for children with ALL, p<0, 05. The analysis of the distribution of ABO types based on gender showed that signifi cance was confi rmed at females with both ALL and AML (p<0.05).
Ruptured intracranial dermoid cyst: a case report
Authors: Rahimić Čatić Ajla , Nikšić Maida , Kadenić Zlata
Published: February 2015

Intracranial dermoid cysts are congenital, usually nonmalignant lesions with an incidence of 0.5% of all intracranial tumors. They tend to occur in the midline sellar, parasellar, or frontonasal regions. Although theirnature is benign, dermoid cysts have a high morbidity and mortality risk, especially when rupture occurs. A 40 year old woman presented with head injury after she experienced sudden loss of consciousness. She hada history of headache, loss of consciousness; her past medical history was not remarkable. The patient had no complaints of nausea, vomiting, or seizures. Vital signs were stable, neurologic defi cit was not identifi ed.Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed right temporobasal zone with fat droplets within right fi ssure Sylvii and interhemispheric fi ssure indicating a rupture of a dermoid cyst. Craniotomy and cyst resection were done, and diagnosis was confirmed with pathological examination following surgery. After surgery the patient did not recover. Cerebral ischemia from chemical meningitis was fatal forour patient. Headache as a symptom has many causes. It is rarely due to chemical meningitis arising from a ruptured dermoid cyst. This case report illustrated the importance of investigating a cause of the headache,CT and MRI being diagnostic methods. In this way, mortality as well as morbidity from complications such as chemical arachnoiditis can be significantly reduced if imaging is done early in these patients.
Motivation of health professionals and associates to perform daily job activities
Authors: Švrakić Suvada , Ovčina Amer , Dervišević Elvedin
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Motivation is one of the most complex elements of human behavior, it is the subject of debates by which we answer to the question of why someone behaves in a certain way. The aim of this study wasto examine the factors of motivation for health workers and staff in working with diffi cult patients in intensive care units and to evaluate implementation of motivation factors by managers in their daily work with a team of health professionals.Methods: The study was designed as prospective. It was conducted on 27 employees who work in intensive care units in Clinical Center of Sarajevo University. The survey questionnaire was used with a clear andconcise questions , aimed at testing the factors of motivation for daily work with diffi cult patients, as well as implementation of motivational factors by managers in the organizational unit (OU).Results: Respondents indicated that motivates them, good organization of work - 10 of them (37%), while 26% of respondents indicated that they are motivated by fi nancial gain. In our study 21 (77%) of respondentssaid that their managers infuenced the motivation for a better job. Mobbing at the workplace did not had 80% of respondents, while 8% of respondents stated that they had some form of mobbing, and 12% of respondents give partial response.Conclusions: The survey showed that most respondents have a good motivation factors for the performance of daily activities to work with diffi cult patients. As the main motivating factors respondents reportedgood organization of work, as well as positive examples of their managers.
Prevalence of depression in residents of gerontology centre in Sarajevo
Authors: Mahmutović Jasmina , Rudić Aida , Jusupović Fatima , Pašalić Arzija , Gojak Refet
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Depressive disorder, as a major problem of public health, takes high fourth place in its prevalence in general population, and is considered to be the second most frequent health problem of femalepopulation. Depression is the most frequent mental problem of persons in their third age of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate prevalence of depression and establish the ratio between the current number ofdiagnosed and of unrecognised depression among the residents of Gerontology Centre in Sarajevo.Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study undertaken throughout May and June 2011 on the sample of 150 residents of “The Gerontology Centre“ in Sarajevo that were above 65 years of age. The following instruments were used for the research: the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), modified questionnaire consisting of two parts (general data and data related to health state), and the medical records of the residents. For statistic analysis of data was used the SPSS program for Windows.Results: According to GDS, prevalence of depression was 65.3%, out of which mild depression occurred in 46.7% cases and severe depression in 18.7%. The prevalence of verified (diagnosed) depression was 11.3per cents.Conclusions: According to the GD scale, unrecognised depressions seem to be almost six times more frequent (65.3:11%) than is the case with depressions diagnosed in medical records of the protégées of theGerontology Centre in Sarajevo. Timely recognition of depression and its treating in institutions for protection of health of persons in third age of life can substantially improve the quality of life of these patients.
Oral surgical procedures and prevalence of oral diseases in Oral Surgery Department in Faculty of Dentistry Sarajevo
Authors: Šečić Sadeta , Prohić Samir , Komšić Sanja
Published: February 2015

Introduction: The aim of this study is to determine prevalence of oral diseases and oral surgical procedures at Department of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University in Sarajevo.Methods: The current study is retrospective analysis of oral surgical procedures performed from January 2011 to December 2012 at Department of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University in Sarajevo. The data were statistically analyzed by T-test of independent samples and using Chi-squared test. P value lower than 0,001 was considered to be statistically significant.Results: A total of 1299 patients were included in study. The age range is from 18 to 84 years, with mean age ± SD= 35±15 years. There were 42 different clinical diagnoses, and 13 diagnoses appeared in more than 1% of all patients. Impacted and semi-impacted teeth, periapical lesions and retained roots are the most frequent diagnoses and represent 68% of all diagnoses. Embedded and impacted teeth (35%) and diseases of pulp and periapical tissues (31%) are the most frequent diagnoses with respect of ICD-10. Impacted teeth is the most common diagnosis and removal of impacted third molars is the most common oral surgical procedure.Conclusion: Study points out variety of dentoalveolar patology and complexity of dental health care that often requires interdisciplinary approach in order to achieve optimal outcome for patient.
Efficiency of trunk stabilizing exercises in treatment of patients with lumbar pain syndrome
Authors: Kaljić Eldad , Avdić Dijana , Pecar Muris , Trtak Namik , Katana Bakir , Kaljić Nerina
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Lumbar pain syndrome is the most common cause of temporary work disability in people under 45 years of age. The aim of this study was to detect the frequency of acute and chronic lumbar painsyndrome in people of both gender, different age structures, different occupations and in active working population, and to determine the efficiency of trunk stabilizing exercises in its treatment.Methods: We analyzed 27 patients with acute and 33 patients with chronic lumbar pain syndrome from 01.01.2010 to 31.12.2012 which undergone trunk stabilizing exercises. We evaluated and scored 0 to 5the condition of respondents before treatment and after the treatment.Research results: The mean score of condition of respondents with acute lumbar pain syndrome before therapy is 2.96, whereas after treatment is 4.71. The mean score of condition of respondents with chroniclumbar pain syndrome before therapy is 3.76, whereas after treatment is 4.63.Conclusion: Treatment with trunk stabilizing exercises performed in the clinic "Praxis” leads to improved scores of condition of respondents after treatment.
The synergistic antinociceptive effect of lornoxicam in combination with tramadol
Authors: Saračević Amela , Bečić Fahir
Published: February 2015

Introduction: One of the most important priorities in therapy is pain control. Therefore, many different groups of drugs are being used for this purpose, primarily opioid analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Opioid analgesic tramadol, by binding to specific receptors, modulates the perception and response to painful stimuli and inhibits transmitting and further processing of pain impulses. Lornoxicam, which belongs to the oxicam class of NSAIDs, is a non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor with strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, and better tolerance profile. Preliminary research, which requires further verification, suggests that lornoxicam may be a better alternative or adjunctive therapy to opioid analgesics in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. The aim of this study was to investigate antinociceptive effects of lornoxicam, as well as the combination of lornoxicam with tramadol.Methods: Analgesic effect of combination of lornoxicam and tramadol or lornoxicam applied alone was examined on female albino mice, using a hot plate method. Measurements were made 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after intraperitoneal and subcutaneous administration, in dose of 10 mg/kg.Results: Combination of lornoxicam and tramadol, applied intraperitoneally, increases the threshold of sensitivity to painful stimuli, which was not the case with subcutaneous administration.Conclusions: Lornoxicam significantly increases analgesic effect when applied intraperitoneally in combination with tramadol. On the other hand, lornoxicam in combination with tramadol, did not increase the threshold of sensitivity to painful stimuli with significant difference, after subcutaneous administration
Effects of intraneural and perineural injection and concentration of Ropivacaine on nerve injury during peripheral nerve block in Wistar rats
Authors: Hasanbegovic Ilvana , Kulenovic Amela , Hasanovic Suada
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Injury during peripheral nerve blocks is relatively uncommon, but potentially devastating complication. Recent studies emphasized that location of needle insertion in relationship to the fascicles may be the predominant factor that determines the risk for neurologic complications. However, it is wellestablished that concentration of local anesthetic is also associated with the risk for injury. In this study, we examined the effect of location of injection and concentration of Ropivacaine on risk for neurologic complications. Our hypothesis is that location of the injection is more prognostic for occurrence of nerve injury than the concentration of Ropivacaine.Methods: In experimental design of the study fi fty Wistar rats were used and sciatic nerves were randomized to receive: Ropivacaine or 0.9% NaCl, either intraneurally or perineurally. Pressure data during application was acquired by using a manometer and was analyzed using software package BioBench. Neurologic examination was performed thought the following seven days, there after the rats were sacrificed while sciatic nerves were extracted for histological examination.Results: Independently of tested solution intraneural injections in most of cases resulted with high injection pressure, followed by obvious neurologic defi cit and microscopic destruction of peripheral nerves. Also, low injection pressure, applied either in perineural or intraneural extrafascicular area, resulted with transitory neurologic defi cit and without destruction of the nerve normal histological structure.Conclusions: The main mechanism which leads to neurologic injury combined with peripheral nerve blockade is intrafascicular injection. Higher concentrations of Ropivacaine during intrafascicular applications magnify nerve injury.
Comparison of 3D Maximum intensity projection (MIP) reconstruction and 2D T2 Half-Fourier Acquisition Single-Shot Turbo Spin-Echo (HASTE) sequence in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Julardžija Fuad , Šehić Adnan , Jaganjac Damir , Voloder Esad , Mađura Srećko , Vrcić Dunja
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a method that allows noninvasive visualization of pancreatobiliary tree and does not require contrast application. It is a modern method based on heavily T2-weighted imaging (hydrography), which uses bile and pancreatic secretions as a natural contrast medium. Certain weaknesses in quality of demonstration of pancreatobiliary tract can be observed in addition to its good characteristics. Our aim was to compare the 3D Maximum intensity projection (MIP) reconstruction and 2D T2 Half-Fourier Acquisition Single-Shot Turbo Spin-Echo (HASTE) sequence in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.Methods: During the period of one year 51 patients underwent MRCP on 3T „Trio“ system. Patients of different sex and age structure were included, both outpatient and hospitalized. 3D MIP reconstruction and 2D T2 haste sequence were used according to standard scanning protocols.Results: There were 45.1% (n= 23) male and 54.9% (n=28) female patients, age range from 17 to 81 years. 2D T2 haste sequence was more susceptible to respiratory artifacts presence in 64% patients, compared to 3D MIP reconstruction with standard error (0.09), result significance indication (p=0.129) and confidence interval (0.46 to 0.81). 2D T2 haste sequences is more sensitive and superior for pancreatic duct demonstration compared to 3D MIP reconstruction with standard error (0.07), result significance indication (p=0.01) and confidence interval (0.59 to 0.87)Conclusion: In order to make qualitative demonstration and analysis of hepatobiliary and pancreatic system on MR, both 2D T2 haste sequence in transversal plane and 3D MIP reconstruction are required.
The incidence of vascular complications after coronary angiography: evaluation of results and risk factors
Authors: Vranić Haris , Haxhibeqiri-Karabdić Ilirijana , Hadžimehmedagić Amel
Published: February 2015

Introduction: The aim of this study was to present the incidence of the vascular complications that had to be surgically treated during the two-year period of transfemoral cardiac catheterization procedure and to identify the risk factors associated with the complications.Methods: A retrospective two-year study of post-catheterization complications with the six-month postoperative follow-up and analysis of risk factors was done. Patients with cardiovascular diseases who underwent therapeutic or diagnostic coronary angiography in the period of 2012-2013 were included in the study. A total of 1320 patients were subjected to catheterization for coronary angiography, of which 24 had vascular complications that had to be surgically treated. Indications for operative treatment included rapid growth of pseudoaneurysm, hemorrhage, large hematoma, hemodynamic instability, failure of the targeted compression therapy.Results: Twenty-four patients experienced some kind of post-operative complication. Infection and dehiscence of surgical wound were the two most common complications. There were no fatalities. The average length of a hospitalization was 4 days. The important risk factors are gender (women more than man), obesity, concomitant use of anticoagulation therapy and antiplatelet therapy after catheterization.Conclusion: Insufficient length of the compression of the punctured place and increased risks of a pseudoaneurysm formation, such as female gender, obesity, and use of a combined anticoagulant therapy are the main causes of these complications. Late vascular complications are not uncommon.
The effects of education and training on self-esteem of nurse leaders
Authors: Kvas Andreja , Seljak Janko
Published: February 2015

Introduction: A successful leader must have high self-esteem. The main aims of this study were to identify changes in the self-esteem of nurse leaders in Slovenia from 2001 to 2011 and to determine homogeneous groups of leaders with similar personal characteristics.Methods: The study used a version of a personal characteristics questionnaire with 16 self-descriptive statements. Two surveys were conducted among nurse leaders in Slovenian public hospitals, one in 2001 and the other in 2011. Relationships between variables were analysed using chi-square tests for categorical variables and the one-way analysis of variance for quantifiable variables. Factor analysis was used to determine groups of leaders with similar personal characteristics.Results: A total of 327 nurse leaders participated in the survey in 2001 and 296 filled in questionnaires in 2011. The analysis showed that the level of self-assessment of personal characteristics among nurse leaders in Slovenian public hospitals was significantly higher in 2011 than in 2001, and that differences among individual leaders decreased in most areas. Based on the assessments of personal characteristics, four groups of nurse leaders were established: task-oriented, knowledge and creativity oriented, relationship oriented and extroverted nurse leaders. In the 2011 data, the groups of personal characteristics were much more clearly defined. These groups were established in accordance with leadership theory and research from other fields.Conclusions: The positive effects of better education and training are visible in nurse leaders in terms of both their higher self-esteem and in the establishment of more homogeneous groups of leaders.
Evaluation of the treatment efficacy of patients with multiple sclerosis using Barthel index and Expanded Disability Status Scale
Authors: Tanovic Edina , Vrabac Dževad , Kadić Aldijana , Rama Admir , Tanović Haris
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune and progressive multifocal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to evaluate rehabilitation of patients with multiple sclerosis using BI (Barthel index) and EDDS (Expanded Disability Status Scale).Methods: A clinical observational study was made at the clinic for physical medicine and rehabilitation in Sarajevo. We analyzed 49 patients with MS in relation of gender, age and level of disability at admission and discharge, patient disability were estimated using EDDS scale. The ability of patients in their activities of daily living were also analyzed according to the BI at admission and discharge.Results: Of the total number of patients (n=49) there were 15 men and 34 women. The average age of female patient was 42.38±13.48 and male patient 46.06±9.56. EDDS values were significantly different at the beginning and at the end of the therapy (p=0.001) as was the value of BI (p=0.001).Conclusion: MS patients, after the rehabilitation in hospital conditions show significant recovery and a reduced level of disability; they show higher independence in activities but rehabilitation demands individual approach and adjustment with what patients are currently capable of achieving.
Direct and Indirect Violence Exposure: Relations to Depression for Economically Disadvantaged Ethnic Minority Mid-Adolescents
Authors: Shukla Kathan Dushyant , Wiesner Margit
Published: February 2015

Exposure to violence remains a considerable public health problem for adolescents in the United States. This cross-sectional study examined relative associations between exposure to violence in 3 different contexts (home, school, community) and depressive symptoms, using data from 233 11th-graders (predominantly economically disadvantaged Hispanic and African American students). Analyses examined the effects of victimization and witnessing violence in each context and those of cumulative violence exposure across contexts on depression, controlling for other risk factors. Both victimization and witnessing violence at home significantly predicted depression. Violence exposure in school and neighborhood was unrelated to the outcome. Witnessing violence was slightly more effective in predicting depression than victimization. Cumulative violence exposure was significantly related to depression in a linear fashion.
A Brief Report on Rape Myth Acceptance: Differences Between Police Officers, Law Students, and Psychology Students in the United Kingdom
Authors: Sleath Emma , Bull Ray
Published: February 2015

A common perception is that police officers hold very negative attitudes about rape victims. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to establish whether police officers do accept stereotypical rape myths at a higher level compared to members of other populations. There were 3 comparison samples, composed of police officers, law students, and psychology students, that completed the Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance scale. Male and female police officers accepted “she lied” myths at a higher level than the student samples. Student samples were found to accept 2 types of rape myths (“she asked for it” and “he didn’t meant to”) at a higher level compared to police officers. No significant differences were found in the other 4 subfactors. Therefore, the pattern of results suggests that police officers do not adhere to stereotypical myths about rape victims more than do other populations.
Neighborhood Firearm Victimization Rates and Social Capital Over Time
Authors: Medina Justin C.
Published: February 2015

Distribution of firearm victimization is not equal within cities. Victimization can persistently concentrate in a small number of neighborhoods, while others experience very little violence. Theorists have pointed to one possible explanation as the ability of groups to control violence using social capital. Researchers have shown this association at the U.S. county, state, and national levels. Few studies, however, have examined the relationship between neighborhood social capital and violence over time. This study uses longitudinal data to ask whether neighborhood social capital both predicts and is influenced by firearm victimization over 3 years in Philadelphia. The results of several regression analyses suggest that trusting others and firearm victimization are inversely related over time. Implications for neighborhood policy planning and social capital as a theoretical framework are discussed.
Personality Predictors of Driver Vengeance
Authors: Wickens Christine M. , Wiesenthal David L. , Roseborough James E.W.
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study was to identify personality and individual difference measures related to driver vengeance, as measured by the Driver Vengeance Questionnaire (DVQ; Wiesenthal, Hennessy, & Gibson, 2000). There were 170 undergraduate students who completed paper-and-pencil questionnaires including the DVQ and measures of narcissism, impulsivity, and trait driver stress. A hierarchical linear regression predicting DVQ score revealed that being male (β = .25), narcissism (β = .19), and trait driver stress (β = .41) were significantly associated with vengeance. Impulsivity was significant in the third block of the regression but was not a significant predictor of vengeance in the final block. Interactions between gender and the individual difference measures were not significant. The final model accounted for 34% of the variance. Implications of the results and directions for future research are discussed.
Clinician Experiences With EMDR: Factors Influencing Continued Use
Authors: Grimmett Jacqueline , Galvin Michael D.
Published: February 2015

This study investigated factors contributing to clinicians’ use or discontinued use of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as well as obtaining information pertaining to training experiences. Patterns emerged from a survey completed by 239 respondents highlighting some issues associated with discontinued use, specifically loyalty to other treatment modalities and discomfort with using EMDR. Factors investigated were not statistically significant; however, frequency analysis of the survey identified patterns in use and experience. Clinicians who continued to use EMDR reported that they did so because of both its effectiveness and the ongoing consultation they received. Practice setting surfaced as a statistically significant factor, with operating in private practice associated with greater participation in EMDR support activities. A discussion of the adequacy of the training format is presented as well as how prepared the participants felt after completion of EMDR training. Some findings were consistent with earlier studies, and the converging results of loyalty to previous modalities and discomfort using EMDR give rise to recommendations for future training and support of newly trained clinicians.
Breakthroughs: The Top 10 Oilfield Technologies of All Time
Authors: Jacobs Steve
Published: February 2015

Guest editorial

The petroleum industry has a long record of achievement in developing technologies that have made a significant difference—breakthrough technologies.  Over the course of the past 30 years I have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to evaluate a wide range of oilfield technologies to assess their technical merit and determine their marketability.  While many of these technologies represent respectable contributions to our industry, only a few have truly made a significant difference in the exploration for oil and gas around the world.  A good measure of the impact of any technology is to ask the question, “What would our industry be like without a particular technology?”  The answer to this question makes it possible to separate “important” technologies from those that can be considered “breakthrough.”

In an effort to determine the “top 10 oilfield technologies of all time,” the Petroleum Equipment Suppliers Association (PESA) asked me to conduct an informal survey to develop an initial list. Respondents included a small number of operators, technology providers, analysts, investors, editors, and other individuals in our industry whose opinions I value. Needless to say there were a range of opinions from various experts, with no real consensus found past two or three technologies that undeniably deserve to be on the list. PESA further studied and tweaked the list and then published it in a book created to commemorate the association’s 75th anniversary. In a separate effort, these top 10 technologies were presented and discussed during a session at the 2009 Offshore Europe conference in Aberdeen, where the audience provided their opinions on the list using voting pads.

Every time I look at this list I think of one or two other technologies that deserve consideration.  But that is the fun of compiling such a list—discussing and arguing which “players” should make such an all-star, all-time “team.”  Should you disagree with the technologies on this list I would like to hear your opinions (sjacobs@rmi-houston.com).  So here is the top 10 oilfield technologies list of all time, in no particular order:

1. Wireline—Where would we be without this technology?  The contribution that Conrad and Marcel Schlumberger (and others) have made to our industry is inarguable when it comes to formation evaluation.

2. Logging while drilling (LWD)—Introduced in 1978, this technology revolutionized drilling, and allowed the industry to drill well profiles previously unimaginable. With the addition of formation-evaluation LWD, rotary-steerable systems, and extended-reach drilling, this technology easily earns its place on the list.

3. Computers—While not invented by our industry, without computers the current value obtained from the other nine technologies on the list would be impossible.  Computers personify the description of an “enabling technology.”