bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Una mirada hacia las actitudes lingüísticas en Puerto Rico
Authors: Mojica De León Carla M.
Published: November 2014

Resumen

Este artículo analiza las actitudes lingüísticas de hablantes nativos de español de San Juan de Puerto Rico hacia al español del país y el de los otros países hispanohablantes. El artículo es parte de los resultados del Proyecto LIAS (Linguistic Identity and Attitudes in Spanish-speaking Latin America), financiado por El Consejo Noruego de Investigación (RCN). La recolección de los datos se realizó en la capital del país, entrevistando a una muestra de 400 personas estratificada con las variables de edad, sexo y nivel socioeconómico. Se presentan los resultados que revelan las actitudes lingüísticas de los puertorriqueños hacia su español, las diversas creencias cognitivas y afectivas que las motivan y la percepción que muestran hacia el resto de las variedades del español. Nuestros hallazgos revelan que los puertorriqueños presentan una actitud positiva hacia su variedad y la variante peninsular, aunque rechazan algunos fenómenos lingüísticos de ambos dialectos. Se constata, además, que el habla de los grupos migratorios, representada en nuestro caso por la variedad dominicana, se percibe con menos prestigio.

Abstract

This article analyzes the linguistic attitudes of native Spanish speakers from San Juan de Puerto Rico towards Spanish spoken in the country and in the other Spanish-speaking countries. It is a result of the LIAS-Project (Linguistic Identity and Attitudes in Spanish-speaking Latin America), funded by The Research Council of Norway (RCN). The data were gathered in the capital, interviewing a stratified sample of 400 respondents, based on the variables of age, sex and socioeconomic status. The results of the study reveal the linguistic attitudes of Puerto Ricans toward their variety of Spanish, their cognitive and affective beliefs, and the perception they have of the other varieties of the Spanish language. Our findings confirm that Puerto Ricans have positive attitudes towards their own variety and the one spoken in Spain, although they reject some of the characteristics of both dialects. In addition, dialects of migratory groups, such as Dominicans in Puerto Rico, are perceived as less prestigious.
Actitudes lingüísticas en Uruguay. Tensiones entre la variedad y la identidad
Authors: García de los Santos Elizabeth
Published: November 2014

Resumen

Este artículo analiza las actitudes lingüísticas de los hablantes nativos de español de la ciudad de Montevideo hacia al español de Uruguay y el de los otros países hispanohablantes. El artículo es parte de los resultados del Proyecto LIAS (Linguistic Identity and Attitudes in Spanish-speaking Latin America), financiado por El Consejo Noruego de Investigaciones (RCN). La recolección de los datos se realizó en la capital del país, entrevistando a una muestra de 400 informantes previamente estratificada con las variables de edad, sexo y nivel socioeconómico. Los resultados presentan el grado de identificación de los hablantes frente a su variedad del español (creencias, lealtad hacia la norma propia) y las actitudes de los hablantes respecto a las variedades entendidas como de mayor o menor prestigio; se encuentran ciertas regularidades en las causas que determinan estas actitudes. El estudio analizar el grado de tolerancia a las diferencias lingüísticas de acuerdo a distintos géneros discursivos (noticias de radio y televisión, información telefónica, publicidades) y los resultados muestran que el contexto y el medio de comunicación son importantes para la manera en la que el hablante reacciona al uso del lenguaje.

Abstract

This article analyzes the linguistic attitudes of native Spanish-speakers from Montevideo towards Spanish spoken in Uruguay and in the other Spanish-speaking countries. It is a result of the LIAS-Project (Linguistic Identity and Attitudes in Spanish-speaking Latin America), funded by The Research Council of Norway (RCN). The data were gathered in the capital of the country, interviewing a stratified sample of 400 respondents, based on the variables of age, sex and socioeconomic status. The results describe the degree of identification of the speakers with their own variety of Spanish (beliefs, loyalty to the norm) and their attitudes toward linguistic varieties of high or low prestige, and the findings identify certain regularities regarding the causes of these attitudes. The study analyzes speakers' degree of tolerance toward various discursive genres (radio and TV news, telephone information, advertisement), and the findings show that the context and the media are important for the way speakers react to language use.
Drug-Induced Reduction in Albuminuria Is Associated with Subsequent Renoprotection
Authors: Lambers Heerspink Hiddo J. , Kröpelin Tobias F. , Hoekman Jarno , de Zeeuw Dick
Published: November 2014

Albuminuria has been proposed as a surrogate end point in randomized clinical trials of renal disease progression. Most evidence comes from observational analyses showing that treatment-induced short-term changes in albuminuria correlate with risk change for ESRD. However, such studies are prone to selection bias and residual confounding. To minimize this bias, we performed a meta-analysis of clinical trials to correlate the placebo-corrected drug effect on albuminuria and ESRD to more reliably delineate the association between changes in albuminuria and ESRD. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for clinical trials reported between 1950 and April 2014. Included trials had a mean follow-up of ≥1000 patient-years, reported ESRD outcomes, and measured albuminuria at baseline and during follow-up. Twenty-one clinical trials involving 78,342 patients and 4183 ESRD events were included. Median time to first albuminuria measurement was 6 months. Fourteen trials tested the effect of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system inhibitors and seven trials tested other interventions. We observed variability across trials in the treatment effect on albuminuria (range, −1.3% to −32.1%) and ESRD (range, −55% to +35% risk change). Meta-regression analysis revealed that the placebo-adjusted treatment effect on albuminuria significantly correlated with the treatment effect on ESRD: for each 30% reduction in albuminuria, the risk of ESRD decreased by 23.7% (95% confidence interval, 11.4% to 34.2%; P=0.001). The association was consistent regardless of drug class (P=0.73) or other patient or trial characteristics. These findings suggest albuminuria may be a valid substitute for ESRD in many circumstances, even taking into account possible other drug-specific effects that may alter renal outcomes.
Diffuse competition can be reversed: a case history with birds in Hawaii
Authors: Freed Leonard A. , Cann Rebecca L.
Published: November 2014

Diffuse competition, based on niche overlap of an invader with most native species in a community, is considered a mechanism preventing its successful establishment in the community. However, native species must themselves have extensive niche overlap, implying that diffuse competition can be reversed if some external force increases numbers of the introduced species while native community numbers remain unchanged. Reverse diffuse competition, defined as an invader that outcompetes most of the native community, can then lower numbers of native species. We illustrate these principles by documenting diffuse competition between the introduced Japanese White‐eye (Zosterops japonicus) and eight species of Hawaiian forest birds at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge followed by reverse diffuse competition. Competition was based on extensive overlap of multiple foraging substrates with native species. The external force which reversed diffuse competition was a restoration area contiguous with much of the old‐growth forest where diffuse competition previously occurred. Propagule pressure from that area increased white‐eye numbers in the old‐growth forest, without initial change in numbers of native birds, resulting in greater than sixfold increase in adult white‐eyes on our study site. This increase resulted in stunted skeletal growth of young birds, and diverse changes in molt of both young and adults of native birds and white‐eyes. While native birds declined from stunted growth, white‐eyes increased adult survival. Changes in condition of native birds in time and space matched associated changes in white‐eye density. Normalizing natural selection of lower mass and shorter bills resulted in loss of almost half of native birds in a 3373 ha area of the refuge, adjacent to the restoration area, and 10% of native birds in a lower 1998 ha area. Competition with female native birds was initially stronger than with males as indicated by more male‐biased adult sex ratios in five species. Structure of the forest, small size of arthropods available, greater use of the understory, and lower minimum air temperature resulted in successful white‐eye competition with the entire native community. Reverse diffuse competition is a process in community ecology and a way an additional species can be packed into a community.
The effect of quantity of added eggs on whole meal pasta quality
Authors: Filipovic Jelena , Pezo Lato , Filipovic Nada , Filipovic Vladimir
Published: November 2014

This paper investigates the convenience of different chemical and rheological
methods for determining the quality of two spelt cultivars for pasta making
and the influence of egg quantity on whole meal pasta quality. Post-hoc
Tukey?s HSD test at 95% confidence limit has been calculated to show
significant differences between different samples. Score analysis is being
useful tool for accessing the effect of eggs to spelt pasta quality, and this
analysis proved that though lower scores (0.270) for rheological
characteristics experienced with cultivar Eco, the addition of eggs is
positively contributing to the spelt pasta quality yielding the best score
for pasta (0.75), contrary to the cultivar Austria attributed with superior
rheology scores. Whole meal spelt is characterised by lower Ca, but higher Fe
and Mn content in comparison to bread wheat. In comparison with common pasta,
spelt is a suitable raw material for a new product with improved functional
properties at the market.
Osmotic dehydration of fish: principal component analysis
Authors: Loncar Biljana , Pezo Lato , Levic Ljubinko , Filipovic Vladimir , Nicetin Milica , Knezevic Violeta , Kuljanin Tatjana
Published: November 2014

Osmotic treatment of the fish Carassius gibelio was studied in two osmotic
solutions: ternary aqueous solution - S1, and sugar beet molasses - S2, at
three solution temperatures of 10, 20 and 30oC, at atmospheric pressure. The
aim was to examine the influence of type and concentration of the used
hypertonic agent, temperature and immersion time on the water loss, solid
gain, dry mater content, aw and content of minerals (Na, K, Ca and Mg). S2
solution has proven to be the best option according to all output variables. [
Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31055]

 This article has been retracted. Link to the retraction 10.2298/APT1647105E
Storage temperature: A factor of shelf life of dairy products
Authors: Memisi Nurgin , Veskovic-Moracanin Slavica , Skrinjar Marija , Ilicic Mirela , Ac Mira
Published: November 2014

An experiment was designed to monitor the durability of certain dairy
products stored at proper temperatures (8?C) and elevated temperatures (14?C)
within their shelf life. Samples of fermented milk products were tested
during 25 days, samples of cheese spread products over 80 days, while soft
white cheese samples were analyzed during a storage period of 100 days. In
the defined study periods, depending on the type of product, pH and aw value
of the product, as well as sensory analysis (odor, taste, color and
consistency), along with microbiological safety, were investigated. The
investigations were performed in accordance with national legislation. The
results indicate that the products stored at 14?C showed significant acidity
(lower pH value), changed sensory properties, and had an increased number of
aerobic bacteria.
Testing methods for antimicrobial activity of TiO2 photocatalyst
Authors: Markov Sinisa , Vidakovic Ana
Published: November 2014

In recent years, a lot of commercial TiO2 photocatalyst products have been
developed and extensively studied for prospective and safe antimicrobial
application in daily life, medicine, laboratories, food and pharmaceutical
industry, waste water treatments and in development of new self-cleaning and
antimicrobial materials, surfaces and paints. This paper reviews the studies
published worldwide on killing microorganisms, methods for testing the
antimicrobial activity, light sources and intensities, as well as calculation
methods usually used when evaluating the antimicrobial properties of the
TiO2-based products. Additionally, some strengths and weaknesses of the
available methods for testing the antimicrobial activity of TiO2
photocatalyst products have been pointed out.
Identification of aflatoxigenic fungi using polymerase chain reaction-based assay
Authors: Soso Vladislava , Skrinjar Marija , Blagojev Nevena , Veskovic-Moracanin Slavica
Published: November 2014

As the aflatoxins represent a health-risk for humans because of their proven
carcinogenicity, food-borne fungi that produce them as secondary metabolites,
mainly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, have to be isolated
and identified. The best argument for identifying problem fungi is that it
indicates control points within the food system as part of a hazard analysis
critical control point (HACCP) approach. This assumes there is a close link
between fungus and toxin. Conventional methods for isolation and
identification of fungi are time consuming and require admirably dedicated
taxonomists. Hence, it is imperative to develop methodologies that are
relatively rapid, highly specific and as an alternative to the existing
methods. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) facilitates the in vitro
amplification of the target sequence. The main advantages of PCR is that
organisms need not be cultured, at least not for a long time, prior to their
detection, target DNA can be detected even in a complex mixture, no
radioactive probes are required, it is rapid, sensitive and highly versatile.
The gene afl-2 has been isolated and shown to regulate aflatoxin biosynthesis
in A. flavus. Also, the PCR reaction was targeted against aflatoxin synthesis
regulatory gene (aflR1) since these genes are nearly identical in A. flavus
and A. parasiticus in order to indicate the possibility of detection of both
the species with the same PCR system (primers/reaction). [Projekat
Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III46009]

 This article has been retracted. Link to the retraction 10.2298/APT1647265E
Mastoiditis in children: A retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics
Authors: Vlaski Ljiljana , Sovic Branislava , Lemajic-Komazec Slobodanka , Dankuc Dragan , Komazec Zoran , Kljajic Vladimir
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Acute mastoiditis is the most common otogenic complication
among infants and young children and is always considered a serious
complication. In addition to determining the age at which mastoiditis
usually occurred in children, the time of onset of clinical signs in
relation to the onset of symptoms of middle ear inflammation, as well as the
most common clinical signs of mastoiditis, the study has been aimed at
finding out whether mastoiditis is of seasonal character. Material and
Methods. A retrospective study of children surgically treated for
mastoiditis was conducted at the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Disease
of the Clinical Center of Vojvodina in Novi Sad in the period January 1,
2002 - December 31, 2011. The sample included 56 children (30 boys - 53.57%,
and 26 girls - 46.42%), up to 17 years of age. The obtained results were
statistically analyzed and presented using Microfsot EXCEL for statistical
analysis. Results. Mastoiditis is most common in children up to 2 years of
age, 39/56 (69.82%). It has a seasonal character, with the peak season in
the autumn-winter period, with a statistically significant difference
compared to the spring-summer period (p = 0.0449, i.e. p<0.05). In 25
children (44.64%), the middle ear symptoms lasted up to three weeks before
operation. Otomicroscopic findings showed that the tympanic membrane was
thickened and stiff in 41 children (73.21%) and 9 children (16.07%)
presented with thickened tympanic membrane and lowering of the posterior
wall of the external auditory canal. Conclusion. Mastoiditis in children is
most common among children up to 24 months of age. It has a seasonal
tendency. In nearly half of the cases, clinical manifestations of
mastoiditis appear 3 weeks after the onset of the first symptoms of middle
ear inflammation, whereas the key otomicroscopic finding is stiffness and
thickening of the tympanic membrane.
Vestibular evoked myogenic potential
Authors: Lemajic-Komazec Slobodanka , Komazec Zoran , Vlaski Ljiljana , Savovic Slobodan , Buljcik-Cupic Maja , Kljajic Vladimir
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials are neurophysiological
method for examining of saccular function, the bottom of the vestibular nerve
that in nervates the sacculus and central vestibular pathways. Those are
inhibitory potentials of the sternocleido mastoid musclein response to
ipsilateral acoustic stimulation of the sacculus. Parameters of vestibular
evoked myogenic potential testing include threshold, latencies of p1 and n1
wave and interamplitude p13-n23, interaural difference of p13 and n23 latency
and interaural amplitude difference ratio. The aim of this study was to
compire parameters standardization of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials
responses, latency p13 and n23 of waves, the amplitude of responses and
interaural differences in the amplitude andto determinewhether there is a
difference in values between the sexes. Material and methods. This research
was meant to be a prospective study which included 30 normal audiovestibular
volunteers of both sexes. The group consisted of 53.3% women and 46.7% men.
The saccular function testing by vestibular evoked myogenic potentials was
performed monoaurally using air-conductive 500 Hz tone burst auditory
stimulation. Results. The average value of the p13 wave latency in healthy
subjects of this study was 15.18 ms (?1.24) while the mean latency of n23
waves in the same subjects was 25.00 ms (?2.23). The average value of the
amplitude of the p13-n23 waves was 80.28 (34. ?04) microvolts. Conclusion.
The difference in the values of the basic parameters of vestibular evoked
myogenic potential responses between men and women does not exist. No
differences between the right and the left ear in the values of latency and
amplitude were observed.
Unilateral tinnitus as a single symptom of unusually large vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Komazec Zoran , Lemajic-Komazec Slobodanka , Jovic Rajko , Vlaski Ljiljana , Dankuc Dragan
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Vestibular schwannomas are relatively rare tumors whose
symptoms are based on its location and as the tumor grows, the symptoms
usually advance. Case Report. An 18-year old patient was examined by an
otolaryngologist due to buzzing in her right ear that had lasted for about 1
month. Her pure-tone audiometry findings showed slight asymmetry; a slight
ascendant type sensorineural hearing loss was found in the right ear (25 dB
HL at 125 Hz, 20 dB HL at 250 Hz, and 10 dB HL at other frequencies), while
the threshold in the left ear was 15 dBHL at 125 Hz and 10 dB HL at other
frequencies. Electronystagmography, otoacoustic emissions and auditory
brain-stem responses suggested retrocochlear etiology of tinnitus. Magnetic
resonance imaging examination revealed a large right cerebellopontine angle
tumor, measuring 5 x 3 x 3 cm, which had shifted the brain stem laterally.
Conclusion. Every case of unilateral tinnitus, asymmetric sensorineural
hearing loss, or hypotonia of labyrinth not strictly accompanied by vertigo,
needs to be further evaluated using a battery of audiologic tests whose
findings may be normal. Audiologic tests should be repeated in cases of
persistent symptoms and accompanied by cranial magnetic resonance imaging,
which is today considered the gold standard for diagnosis of vestibular
schwannoma.
Local allergic rhinitis
Authors: Buljcik-Cupic Maja , Lemez Dragana , Savovic Slobodan , Jovancevic Ljiljana , Dragicevic Danijela
Published: November 2014

Local allergic rhinitis is a localized allergic response of the nasal mucosa
to aeroallergens in the absence of atopy with characteristic production of
specific local immunoglobulin E antibodies in the nasal mucosa, T helper type
2 cellular infiltration response during the exposure to aeroallergens and
positive results via the nasal allergic provocation test with the release of
inflammatory mediators (triptase and eosinophil cationic proteins). Even
though the prevalence of local allergic rhinitis has been and is still being
investigated, a large number of patients with diagnosed non-allergic rhinitis
or idiopathic rhinitis are currently classified as having local allergic
rhinitis. The causes of local allergic rhinitis are most commonly house dust,
dust mites, pollens and many others. Diagnosis of local allergic rhinitis is
made using nasal allergen provocation tests when the prick test for standard
inhalation allergens and the serum specific immunoglobulin analysis for
aeroallergens are negative. The increasing amount of data on localized
allergic response in non-atopic patients asks for many answers regarding
local allergic rhinitis. These answers can be obtained by a study on the
prevalence and incidence in children and adults, the impact of positive
family atopy in the development of disease, the impact of associated diseases
of the lower respiratory tract and conjunctiva, the effectiveness of drug
treatment and the issue of administration of specific immunotherapy.
Pregestational Diabetes Induces Fetal Coronary Artery Malformation via Reactive Oxygen Species Signaling
Authors: Moazzen Hoda , Lu Xiangru , Liu Murong , Feng Qingping
Published: November 2014

Hypoplastic coronary artery disease is a congenital coronary artery malformation associated with a high risk of sudden cardiac death. However, the etiology and pathogenesis of hypoplastic coronary artery disease remain undefined. Pregestational diabetes increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the risk of congenital heart defects. We show that pregestational diabetes in mice induced by streptozotocin significantly increased 4-hydroxynonenal production and decreased coronary artery volume in fetal hearts. Pregestational diabetes also impaired epicardial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as shown by analyses of the epicardium, epicardial-derived cells, and fate mapping. Additionally, the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (Hif-1α), Snail1, Slug, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFgf), and retinaldehyde dehydrogenase (Aldh1a2) was decreased and E-cadherin expression was increased in the hearts of fetuses of diabetic mothers. Of note, these abnormalities were all rescued by treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in diabetic females during gestation. Ex vivo analysis showed that high glucose levels inhibited epicardial EMT, which was reversed by NAC treatment. We conclude that pregestational diabetes in mice can cause coronary artery malformation through ROS signaling. This study may provide a rationale for further clinical studies to investigate whether pregestational diabetes could cause hypoplastic coronary artery disease in humans.
Detection of a Low-Grade Enteroviral Infection in the Islets of Langerhans of Living Patients Newly Diagnosed With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Krogvold Lars , Edwin Bjørn , Buanes Trond , Frisk Gun , Skog Oskar , Anagandula Mahesh , Korsgren Olle , Undlien Dag , Eike Morten C. , Richardson Sarah J. , Leete Pia , Morgan Noel G. , Oikarinen Sami , Oikarinen Maarit , Laiho Jutta E. , Hyöty Heikki , Ludvigsson Johnny , Hanssen Kristian F. , Dahl-Jørgensen Knut
Published: November 2014

The Diabetes Virus Detection study (DiViD) is the first to examine fresh pancreatic tissue at the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes for the presence of viruses. Minimal pancreatic tail resection was performed 3–9 weeks after onset of type 1 diabetes in six adult patients (age 24–35 years). The presence of enteroviral capsid protein 1 (VP1) and the expression of class I HLA were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Enterovirus RNA was analyzed from isolated pancreatic islets and from fresh-frozen whole pancreatic tissue using PCR and sequencing. Nondiabetic organ donors served as controls. VP1 was detected in the islets of all type 1 diabetic patients (two of nine controls). Hyperexpression of class I HLA molecules was found in the islets of all patients (one of nine controls). Enterovirus-specific RNA sequences were detected in four of six patients (zero of six controls). The results were confirmed in various laboratories. Only 1.7% of the islets contained VP1+ cells, and the amount of enterovirus RNA was low. The results provide evidence for the presence of enterovirus in pancreatic islets of type 1 diabetic patients, which is consistent with the possibility that a low-grade enteroviral infection in the pancreatic islets contributes to disease progression in humans.
Generalized Null Bertrand Curves In Minkowski Space-Time
Authors: Aksoyak Ferdag Kahraman , Gok Ismail , Ilarslan Kazim
Published: November 2014

Çöken and ÇIFTCI proved that a null Cartan curve in Minkowski space-time E41 is a null Bertrand curve if and only if k2 is nonzero constant and k3 is zero. That is, the null curve with non-zero curvature k2 is not a Bertrand curve in Minkowski space-time E41.

So, in this paper we defined a new type of Bertrand curve in Minkowski space-time E41 for a null curve with non-zero curvature k3 by using the similar idea of generalized Bertrand curve given by Matsuda and Yorozu and we called it a null (1, 3)-Bertrand curve. Also, we proved that if a null curve with non-zero curvatures in Minkowski space-time E41 is a null (1, 3)-Bertrand curve then it is a null helix. We give an example of such curves.
Frequency of Morphologic Prognostic Factors in Surgically Treated Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Drike Inese , Strumfa Ilze , Vanags Andrejs , Gardovskis Janis
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequent malignant tumours worldwide. In Latvia, the incidence and mortality from colorectal cancer has increased over the past five years. Surgery is the mainstay of colorectal cancer treatment. However, the prognosis of an individual patient after the operation depends on many factors. Here, we report the prognostically important morphologic factors in potentially radically operated colorectal cancer patients in order to create the “morphologic prognostic portrait” - the basic morphologic characteristics of colorectal cancer in Latvian patients. Such data could be helpful in prognostic estimates.

Aim of the study was to describe the local tumour spread by pT, to evaluate the occurrence of certain morphologic prognostic factors and to assess lymph node involvement in potentially radically operated colorectal cancer patients.

Material and methods. In a retrospective study, 173 consecutive patients who underwent a potentially radical operation in a single university hospital within the year 2012 were identified by archive search. The pathology reports that have been created by protocol approach and diagnostic microscopy slides were reanalysed. Tumour morphology and pTN parameters were assessed according to the World Health Organization and the American Joint Committee on Cancer classifications.

Results. The study included 98 women (56.6%) and 75 men (43.4%). The mean age of patients was 68.5 years [95% confidence interval: 66.9 – 70.1]. Only 4.6% [2.4 – 8.9] of patients were younger than 50 years. The most frequent histological tumour types were colorectal adenocarcinoma in 86.7% [80.8 – 90.9] patients and mucinous carcinoma in 9.2% [5.7 – 14.5] of patients. Evaluating the pT parameter, pT3 was found in 43.2% [36.1 – 50.6] and pT4 in 39.8% [32.8 – 47.2] of cases. Lymphatic invasion was found in 35.1% [25.3 – 46.2] of pT3 and 75.4% [64.0 – 84.0] of pT4 cases; p < 0.001. Perineural cancer invasion in pT3 and pT4 tumours was found in 29.9% [20.8 – 40.9] and 69.6% [57.9 – 79.2], respectively; p < 0.001.

Conclusions. Colorectal cancer affects both genders with equal frequency. The tumour is mostly diagnosed after the age of 60 years. Adenocarcinoma is the predominant colorectal cancer type in radically operated patients. Perineural and lymphatic invasion in pT4 tumours is statistically significantly more frequent than in less advanced tumours and thus may be pathogenetically linked to wide local tumour spread.
Heterogeneity of Ki-67 and p53 Expression in Glioblastoma
Authors: Jakovlevs Arvids , Vanags Andrejs , Balodis Dainis , Gardovskis Janis , Strumfa Ilze
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Heterogeneity is a characteristic feature of malignant tumours. It challenges the treatment regimens as well as can impair the diagnostic accuracy. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a high-grade malignant glial tumour, is known for the extreme morphological heterogeneity giving rise also to the term itself.

Aim of the study was to evaluate heterogeneity of pathogenetically and diagnostically important cardinal tumour features, namely, cellular proliferation and tumour suppressor protein expression in GBMs.

Material and methods. The study group comprised 101 GBMs, retrospectively identified by archive search. The inclusion criteria comprised validated diagnosis (by World Health Organisation criteria) and lack of prior treatment. Recurrent GBMs as well as other glial and non-glial tumours were excluded from the study. Insufficient tissue materials comprising stereotactic biopsies and tissues affected by widespread necrosis (exceeding 90%) were also excluded. Proliferation activity (by Ki-67) and expression of aberrant p53 protein was detected by immunohistochemical investigation (IHC) of formalin-fixed, paraplast-embedded tumour samples. Polymeric visualisation system was used to detect bound primary antibodies. The expression of each antigen was measured by computed morphometry in at least 200 cells of hot and cold spots in each tumour. The data were expressed as the relative value. Heterogeneity was estimated as the mathematical difference between the highest and lowest expression value in each tumour. Descriptive statistics was applied. The 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined as well.

Results. The highest proliferation activity ranged 15 – 95%; mean 43.9% [95% CI = 40.3 – 47.6]. The lowest proliferation activity ranged 2 – 95%, mean 20.1% [16.8 – 23.4]. The mean proliferation heterogeneity was 23.8% [21.5 – 26.2]; range 0 – 67%. The mean heterogeneity of p53 protein expression was 11.7% [8.9 – 14.6], ranging 0 – 75%.

Conclusions. GBM is characterized by marked heterogeneity regarding proliferation rate and expression of p53 protein that may affect diagnostic accuracy and grading of gliomas in small samples of tissue material as well as survival in case of small residual tumour after surgical treatment.
Tumour Volume Assessment in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Bogdanova Tatjana , Abolins Arnis , Vanags Andrejs , Gardovskis Janis , Strumfa Ilze
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Gastric cancer is a frequent malignant tumour worldwide along with lung, colorectal, and breast carcinoma. It is characterised by male predominance and peaks at the age of 70 – 75 years. Gastric carcinoma is also an important cause of oncological mortality. Among the limited treatment options of this tumour, radical surgical intervention is the mainstay and can occasionally result in extended survival. Nevertheless, the 5-year survival of gastric cancer patients nowadays is still low, approaching only 22%, therefore more exact prognostic assessment of the surgically treated patients must be elaborated. Tumour volume has been evaluated in other solid neoplasms. However, the application of this parameter in gastric cancer is still unclear.

Aim of the study is to measure gastric cancer volume in the surgical material and to assess the results regarding pTN classification in order to develop basic estimates of tumour volume applicability.

Material and methods. The research was designed as a retrospective study including 88 consecutive potentially radically surgically treated gastric cancer cases. The tumour volume was calculated using the three-dimensional ellipsoid formula. The cases were divided into 5 classes by the obtained volume and characterised by pTN classification and grade. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. To detect statistically significant differences, the 95% confidence interval was calculated by CIA software and the findings were further confirmed by the χ2 test. Any difference was considered significant, if p value was less than 0.05.

Results. The largest number of cases presented with the smallest tumour volume not exceeding 5 cm3, namely, 24 cases or 27.3% [95% confidence interval = 19.1 – 38.3]. The pT1 and pT2 carcinomas significantly more frequently were smaller than 5 cm3: 56.5% [36.8 – 74.4] in contrast with 15.4 % [8.6 – 26.1] among pT3 – pT4. There was also notable association between the tumour volume and presence of regional metastases (p < 0.001) as all pN0 tumours invariably were smaller than 10 cm3.

Conclusions. Smaller tumour volume was statistically significantly associated with a less extensive local spread by pT. The pN0 finding was limited to smaller carcinomas not exceeding the volume of 10 cm3. The association between the tumour volume and pTN parameters indirectly indicates the prognostic value.
Start of Polytrauma Management in University Hospital: First Experience with Liver Trauma
Authors: Stabina Solvita , Kaminskis Aleksejs , Pupelis Guntars
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Trauma is a leading cause of death, particularly among young patients. Spleen is the most commonly damaged organ in blunt abdominal trauma and liver injury is the main cause of death.

Aim of the study. Review of the literature and recent clinical experience in the management of blunt liver injuries in the Riga East clinical university hospital.

Materials and methods. Three-year experience in the management of liver traumatic rupture was retrospectively and prospectively analysed. The study included 64 patients over 15 years of age with blunt hepatic injuries. Exclusion criteria were patients with life-incompatible haemorrhagic shock. The Statistical analysis of the data was performed by median and mean of the Microsoft Excel 2010 and SPSS 22 version.

Results. A total of 64 patients were treated in our institution during the period from November 2010 till November 2013. Isolated liver injuries were diagnosed in 49 cases, combined liver and spleen injuries in 15 cases. Most commonly mechanism ofinjury were road traffic accidents, falls and low energy blunt traumas (criminal beaten, sports injuries);19 patients underwent laparotomy for haemostasis while nonoperative management was used in 45 patients. Haemodynamic stability of the patient and CT confirmed liver injury were the main criteria for nonoperative management. One patient died atthe time of laparotomy from injuries not compatible with life – severe head injury with basal skull fracture, aortic arc rupture, flail chest and liver and spleen injury.

Conclusions. Conservative management of liver trauma is justified in haemodynamically(HD) stable patients after thorough risk assessment and computed tomography (CT) based injury grading in centres with sufficient expertise and medical resources.
Quality of Female Sexual Function After Conventional Abdominal Hysterectomy - Three Month' Observation
Authors: Briedite Ieva , Ancane Gunta , Rogovska Irena , Lietuviete Nellija
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Many medical and conservative surgical treatment options are available but still hysterectomy remains the most common gynecological procedure performed worldwide. These procedures are performed because of actual and possible malignant diseases, and benign conditions including pelvic pain, dyspareunia, uterine myomas, adenomyosis, endometriosis, and menometrorrhagia. The impact of hysterectomy on sexual function has always been a great concern to women and is a major source of preoperative anxiety. Data regarding the impact of hysterectomy on women's sexual functioning are not clear and consistent, many women report improvement of sexual functioning after hysterectomy, which may be due to relief of symptoms, while others complain of sexual dysfunction as a result of hysterectomy. Also discussion about advantages of cervix sparing operations is still controversial.

Aim of the study. Aim was to assess and compare pre- and post-operative quality of sexual life of gynecological patients undergoing planned hysterectomy, and to find out opinions of patients and their partners about expected impact of operation and changes after surgery.

Material and methods. Questionnaire method was used to survey gynecologic patients undergoing planned subtotal / total hysterectomy due to benign indication. Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire – Female (SQoL-F) was used to assess quality of sexual life before and after surgery. Questions about other influencing factors and patients' opinions before and after operation were added. 38 completed questionnaires were used for data analysis.

Results. Only 55% of subtotal hysterectomy group and 38.9% of total hysterectomy group told their partners completely about planned surgery. Mean period of beginning sexual activities after operation was 5.15 weeks after surgery in subtotal hysterectomy and 5.78 weeks in total hysterectomy group. SQoL-F after three months post-operation period was 6.50 points less in total hysterectomy group, which was not statistically significant. There was a slight statistically insignificant decrease of SQoL-F points within each group after three months observation period: -0.44 points in subtotal hysterectomy group and -2.47 points in total hysterectomy group. Although patients of total hysterectomy more frequently (22.2% vs. 5%) indicated negative impact on sexual function after operation, differences were not statistically significant. There were no differences in co-morbidities, concomitant medications, hormone use history and post-operative complications between groups.

Conclusions. Patients before hysterectomy are worried about possible negative impact of surgery on their sexual function, they do not talk to their partners candidly about planned surgery. There were no statistically significant changes of sexual quality of life found after subtotal and total abdominal hysterectomy operation after three months observation period.
Pulmonary Endometriosis - a Rare Differential Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Authors: Jukna Agita , Strumfa Ilze , Drike Inese , Vanags Andrejs , Gardovskis Janis
Published: November 2014

Endometriosis is characterised by the presence of ectopic functional endometrial tissue outside the uterus. The disease most frequently affects pelvic tissues and organs but any site can be involved including gastrointestinal tract, lungs and other organs. Extra-pelvic endometriosis mostly occurs in females aged 35–40 years. Here we report a well-documented, morphologically proved and surgically treated case of pulmonary endometriosis in a 50-year-old woman in order to heighten the awareness of endometriosis as the differential diagnosis for nodular lung lesions.
Deciduosis of the Appendix Manifesting as Acute Abdomen in Pregnancy
Authors: Balta Anita , Lubgane Maija , Orube Ineta , Ziemele Guna , Vanags Andrejs , Gardovskis Janis , Strumfa Ilze
Published: November 2014

Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical diseases during pregnancy. In rare cases, ectopic decidual tissues (deciduosis) can develop in the appendix and cause inflammation. Here we report a well-documented case of appendicular deciduosis presenting with acute abdominal pain and resulting in gangrenous appendicitis.
“And You Were There”: A Trip Down the Yellow Brick Road with the Academic Study of Religion
Authors: Zwissler Laurel
Published: November 2014

Abstract:

In a world of proliferating entertainment options and increasingly fragmented fandoms, The Wizard of Oz (1939) remains a rare touchstone of shared cultural familiarity. Yet, while film scholars and historians have examined the movie extensively, not so scholars interested in what relevance it holds for the academic study of religion. This paper serves as an introduction to a roundtable designed to begin redressing that omission. I argue, as the contributions that come next skillfully demonstrate, that following the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy and her friends reveals productive opportunities to explore the North American religious experience.
“There’s No Place Like Home”: An American Koan
Authors: Smith David L.
Published: November 2014

Abstract:

I use the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz as an occasion to reflect on the various ways a desire for ultimate fulfillment is configured in religion. Typically, the film’s climactic motto—“There’s no place like home”—is taken as a straightforward expression of the familiar view that fulfillment is the result of a quest, the yearning that takes Dorothy to Oz and back again. There is another religious paradigm, however, that presents fulfillment as a matter of “non-attainment,” or a quality that is inalienably immanent. My argument is that the film as a whole (and this motto in particular) contains a sophisticated critique of its own surface meaning, in which the desire for “real life elsewhere” is brought into tension with the intuition of a meaning that can never be lost.
“Like You Could Read What Was Inside of Me”: Genocide, Hermeneutics, and Religion in The Wizard of Oz
Authors: Derry Ken
Published: November 2014

Abstract:

Ten years before he wrote The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum produced two editorials calling for the death of all Native American people. These editorials have affected how both Baum’s novel and its 1939 MGM adaptation are interpreted. For some, the tale is a utopian vision that vindicates its author, while for others it clearly embodies Baum’s genocidal impulses. This essay explores this hermeneutical issue, arguing that The Wizard of Oz—like “religion” itself—can support opposing interpretations because the world it depicts is complex and contradictory.
“Twisted Paths of Civilization”: Saint Sara and the Romani
Authors: Petersen Zina
Published: November 2014

Abstract:

In conjunction with veneration for their onomastic patron saints, the Mediterranean town of Les-Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer hosts a yearly festival for a unique saint, Sara. Her effigy housed in the church crypt, Sara is a draw for the Romani (aka “Gypsies”) who venerate her and for the tourist industry, which relies on festival revenue. This article explores Sara’s mythic and historic association with the Romani. It considers how racist thinking has infected Sara’s story; it considers similarities between the Romani’s ancestral Indian rites and today’s Sara festivities. Finally, it suggests an indigenous Camarguaise tradition, pagan, then Christian, similar enough to Roma traditions to provide a framework for the Sara festival as it happens today. The festival may be as recent as the nineteenth century, but it is also as old as archetype.
iReligion: Religious Elements of the Apple Phenomenon
Authors: Pogačnik Anja , Črnič Aleš
Published: November 2014

Abstract:

This article utilizes Durkheim’s definition of religion to demonstrate the religious dimensions of the Apple phenomenon and by doing that aims to assert the presence of religiosity outside of its conventional sphere. The analysis of Apple consists of four elements of Durkheim’s definition—community, beliefs, sacred, and rituals. The devotees of Apple’s community base their beliefs on notions of individuality, creativity, and counterculture, and this system of beliefs is supported by a mythos surrounding Apple’s history and Steve Jobs’s life. The Apple brand itself is the most sacred symbol of the community, protected by the taboo of criticism. The products act as religious fetishes to Apple devotees, and Apple stores function as temples. Followers perform public pilgrimages to store openings and Apple conferences, and private rituals of product unboxing.
Synthesis and Properties of Guerbet Hexadecyl Sulfate
Authors: Huang Chengbin , Li Qiuxiao , Li Ming , Niu Jinpin , Song Yongbo
Published: November 2014

Guerbet hexadecyl sulfate (C16GS) was synthesized by sulfating Guerbet hexadecyl alcohol (C16GA) with SO3 as the sulfating agent and dichloroethane as the solvent. The structure of C16GS and C16GA was confirmed by IR and NMR. Their surface tension, wetting, emulsifying and foaming properties were tested and compared with that of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). It is found that C16GS shows better surface activity than SDS, with both the critical micelle concentration (CMC) and surface tension at CMC (γCMC) of C16GS lower than that of SDS. Contact angle data demonstrated that C16GS exhibits better wetting ability on Teflon surface than SDS. As concentration increases, both the contact angle of C16GS and SDS decreases first and then remains constant. The only exception is the 0 s contact angle of C16GS decreases first and then increases. The contact angle of SDS becomes the smallest and reaches a plateau at the concentration of CMC. However, the contact angle of C16GS reaches the smallest and levels off at the concentration of 2.5 g/L which is much higher than the CMC of C16GS. C16GS also has a better performance of emulsifying soybean oil and paraffin than SDS. As for the foaming property, C16GS has a similar foamability to SDS, but shows worse foam stability than SDS.
Percolative Behavior Models Based on Artificial Neural Networks for Electrical Percolation of AOT Microemulsions in the Presence of Crown Ethers as Additives
Authors: Moldes Óscar A. , Cid Antonio , Astray Gonzalo , Mejuto Juan C.
Published: November 2014

A series of models, based on artificial neural networks, of the percolative behaviour of AOT microemulsions in the presence of crown ethers as additives have been developed. Input variables, related to the chemical structure of crown ethers and their packing with surfactant film, have been selected. As a result, a model has been chosen with a good forecast capability for percolation threshold of such microemulsions.
Marching beyond the sella: Gerard Guiot and his contributions to neurosurgery
Authors: Krisht Khaled M. , Sorour Mohammad , Cote Martin , Hardy Jules , Couldwell William T.
Published: November 2014

Gerard Guiot (1912–1998) was one of the most renowned and innovative neurosurgeons of the 20th century. His pivotal and revolutionary role in advancing transsphenoidal surgery has been recorded in many historical vignettes, yet his outstanding contributions to the advancement of neurosurgery outside the confines of the sella have not been described in a detailed fashion. In this article, the authors discuss the life and achievements of Professor Guiot and present a comprehensive description of his contributions to the field of neurosurgery, including cerebrovascular, spine, craniofacial, stereotactic functional, and endoscopic surgery.