bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Portal dos bebês ? seção aparelho auditivo: avaliação por pais de crianças deficientes auditivas
Authors: Bastos Bárbara Guimarães , Ferrari Deborah Viviane
Published: April 2014

Objetivo : verificar a auto-avaliação do conhecimento dos pais de crianças deficientes auditivas sobre o Aparelho de Amplificação Sonora Individual (AASI) e molde auricular e como o conteúdo do website “Portal dos Bebês – Seção Aparelhos Auditivos” auxiliou no entendimento de tais informações.Métodos : 22 pais (seis homens e 16 mulheres, idade média 32,6 anos) preencheram anonimamente um formulário online com 36 questões abrangendo dados demográficos, uso da internet, orientação fornecida no momento da adaptação do AASI e auxílio fornecido pelo conteúdo do website.Resultados : no dia da adaptação do AASI materiais informativos foram oferecidos apenas para 52,4% dos pais, no entanto, estes estavam satisfeitos com as orientações recebidas. Em média o auxílio fornecido pelo conteúdo do website foi de 86%. A pontuação atribuída ao conteúdo e a satisfação com o website foi relacionada à idade da criança, tempo de uso do AASI e conhecimento prévio dos pais a respeito dos tópicos sobre o AASI e molde.Conclusões : o “Portal dos Bebês“ é um instrumento que pode auxiliar pais de crianças deficientes auditivas na compreensão das orientações fornecidas no momento da adaptação do AASI. A continuidade do estudo com maior número de participantes é necessária.
Expressões faciais emocionais em indivíduos laringectomizados totais
Authors: Almeida Lina Isabel Marques de , Correia Paula Cristina Grade
Published: April 2014

Objetivos: verificar se existem diferenças no grau de inteligibilidade de indivíduos laringectomizados totais, que utilizam diferentes formas de comunicação oral (fala murmurada, laringe eletrônica, voz esofágica e voz traqueoesofágica); verificar se existem diferenças na expressão facial (número e duração de movimentos faciais) de indivíduos laringectomizados totais, que utilizam diferentes formas de comunicação oral, durante tarefas de discurso espontâneo alegre e triste e, ainda, verificar se existem diferenças estatisticamente significantes na expressão facial (número e duração de movimentos faciais) de indivíduos com elevada e baixa inteligibilidade durante tarefas de discurso espontâneo alegre e triste. Métodos: tratou-se de um estudo exploratório, comparativo de base descritiva e de metodologia transversal, sendo que se constituiu um grupo de treze indivíduos laringectomizados totais. Os indivíduos foram filmados durante as duas tarefas de discurso espontâneo alegre e triste e avaliados quanto à inteligibilidade do discurso por pessoas sem patologia da comunicação, sendo que a análise da expressão facial foi realizada com recurso ao Sistema de Codificação de Ação Facial. A análise descritiva e inferencial foi efetuada com recurso ao SPSS19 por meio da aplicação dos testes Mann-Whitney e Kruskall-Wallis.Resultados: verificou-se que os diferentes tipos de comunicação apresentam diferentes graus de inteligibilidade no discurso e que descritivamente existem diferenças na expressão facial dos indivíduos laringectomizados totais durante o discurso espontâneo alegre e triste . Verifica-se ainda diferenças estatisticamente significantesna expressão facial nos grupos de baixa e elevada inteligibilidade, na duração média de cada unidade dos olhos no discurso espontâneo triste (p-valor=0,01).Conclusão: verificou-se que nos dois contextos emocionais, os laringectomizados, independentemente da sua forma comunicativa, são menos expressivos facialmente do que os normofalantes.
Processamento temporal, fonologia e escrita em crianças contaminadas por chumbo
Authors: Moraes Tâmyne Ferreira Duarte de , Feniman Mariza Ribeiro , Gonçalves Thaís dos Santos , Crenitte Patrícia Abreu Pinheiro
Published: April 2014

Objetivos : analisar o impacto das habilidades do processamento auditivo temporal e da fonologia na escrita de crianças contaminadas por chumbo.Método : participaram deste estudo 24 crianças de ambos os gêneros, com nível de plumbemia igual ou superior a 10µg/dL, sem alterações auditivas. Foram avaliados escrita espontânea, memória auditiva imediata, discriminação auditiva, consciência fonológica e feita triagem do processamento auditivo temporal. As crianças foram divididas em dois grupos (GE – crianças com trocas de consoante surda por sonora na escrita; GC – crianças sem alterações na escrita).Resultados : no GE, 8 crianças (67%) apresentaram alteração de discriminação auditiva, na PCF e desempenho não esperado no AFT-R (Subteste 1). No GC, apenas 1 criança (8%) apresentou alteração de discriminação auditiva e na PCF e desempenho não esperado no AFT-R (Subteste 1). O Teste Exato de Fisher indicou diferença significante entre os grupos nas habilidades de memória auditiva e discriminação auditiva.Conclusão : não houve diferença significante entre o desempenho na triagem do processamento auditivo temporal nos grupos avaliados. As crianças contaminadas pelo chumbo que apresentaram alteração de escrita obtiveram pior desempenho nas provas de consciência fonológica, discriminação auditiva, memória auditiva imediata.
Salinidade e desempenho fisiológico de sementes e plântulas de mogango
Authors: Harter Letícia SH , Harter Fábio S , Deuner Cristiane , Meneghello Géri E , Villela Francisco A
Published: April 2014

O mogango (Cucurbita pepo) apresenta multiplicação por sementes, via semeadura direta ou em bandejas para posterior transplante, sendo indispensável a utilização de sementes com elevado vigor. Para que as sementes germinem é necessário que existam condições favoráveis de oxigênio, temperatura e disponibilidade de água, mas nem sempre essas condições são adequadas, especialmente em solos salinos. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a influência de diferentes concentrações salinas na manifestação da qualidade fisiológica de sementes e na expressão dos sistemas isoenzimáticos em plântulas de mogango. Foram utilizadas sementes de mogango, cv. Sul Mineiro, submetidas às concentrações salinas de 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100 mM no substrato. A resposta das sementes a essas variações foi avaliada pelos testes de germinação (computando-se a primeira contagem de germinação e porcentagem de plântulas normais e anormais), comprimento de parte aérea e sistema radicular, índice de área foliar, fitomassa seca (parte aérea e raiz) e isoenzimas (superóxido dismutase, peroxidase e esterase). Sob condições de estresse salino, sementes de mogango, cultivar Sul Mineiro, apresentam dificuldades para a germinação e desenvolvimento de plântulas; estas ativam mecanismo de defesa com maior expressão no sistema radicular.
Reação de genótipos de feijão-fava a Sclerotium rolfsii
Authors: Silva Jeferson A , Oliveira Marcelo G , Souza Leonardo T , Assunção Iraildes P , Lima Gaus A , Michereff Sami J
Published: April 2014

A podridão do colo, causada por Sclerotium rolfsii, é uma importante doença do feijão-fava (Phaseolus lunatus) no Nordeste brasileiro. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a reação de genótipos de feijão-fava a S. rolfsii, visando selecionar materiais com potencial de utilização no manejo da podridão do colo. Na primeira etapa, 50 genótipos de feijão-fava foram avaliados em relação a um isolado de S. rolfsii. Plantas com 10 dias de idade foram inoculadas pelo método de ferimento do colo e deposição do escleródio do patógeno. A incidência da doença foi avaliada 10 dias após a inoculação. A maioria dos genótipos (60%) se comportou como altamente suscetível ao patógeno, enquanto 36% foram classificadas como suscetíveis. Somente dois genótipos (F-2 e F-25) se comportaram como altamente resistentes, correspondendo a 4% do total. A estabilidade da resistência destes dois genótipos foi avaliada em relação a 11 isolados de S. rolfsii, sendo que ambos apresentaram nível de resistência satisfatório, constituindo fontes promissoras de resistência à podridão do colo.
Studies on coccidian oocysts (Apicomplexa: Eucoccidiorida)
Authors: Berto Bruno Pereira , McIntosh Douglas , Lopes Carlos Wilson Gomes
Published: April 2014

The oocysts of the coccidia are robust structures, frequently isolated from the feces or urine of their hosts, which provide resistance to mechanical damage and allow the parasites to survive and remain infective for prolonged periods. The diagnosis of coccidiosis, species description and systematics, are all dependent upon characterization of the oocyst. Therefore, this review aimed to the provide a critical overview of the methodologies, advantages and limitations of the currently available morphological, morphometrical and molecular biology based approaches that may be utilized for characterization of these important structures. It has become apparent that no single methodology is sufficient to fully characterize these structures and the majority of researchers favor the use of combinational or polyphasic approaches.
Free radical destruction of haloacetamides in aqueous solution
Authors: Xu Jun , Cooper William J. , Song Weihua
Published: April 2014

Haloacetamides are disinfection byproducts (DBPs) formed through chlorine/chloramine disinfection processes in drinking waters and have been recently highlighted in the US national Reconnaissance Survey. These species occur at low concentrations, but have been determined to have high cytotoxicity and mutagenicity and therefore may represent a human health hazard. Advanced oxidation/reduction processes (AO/RPs) which utilize free radical reactions are new alternatives to degrade these species. This study reports the absolute bimolecular reaction rate constants for 12 haloacetamides with •OH radical and hydrated electron. The •OH radical reaction rates varied from 5.18 × 107 to 1.14 × 1010 M−1 s−1, and hydrated electron reaction rates varied from 5.00 × 109 to 3.64 × 1010 M−1 s−1. Results obtained using an ion chromatograph indicated that ARPs are suitable for dehaloliazation of haloacetamides. These data are required for both evaluating AO/RPs for the destruction of these compounds and for studies of their fate and transport in surface waters where radical chemistry may be important in assessing their lifetime.
Determination of antimony in bottled water and polyethylene terephthalate bottles: a routine laboratory quality check
Authors: Brandão José , Moyo Mambo , Okonkwo Jonathan
Published: April 2014

The paper describes a modified and optimised conventional wet ashing method for the determination of antimony (Sb) in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles used for bottling sparkling and still water. The modified optimum conventional wet ashing method was applied as the digestion method to extract Sb from PET bottles, and the extracted Sb analysed using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS), and in bottled water, Sb was analysed with hydride vapour generator atomic absorption spectrometry (HVG-AAS). Microwave digestion method was also used as described above for comparison. The concentrations of Sb obtained using modified optimum conventional wet ashing and microwave digestion protocols were from 169 ± 13 to 285 ± 17 μg g−1 and from 123 ± 0.5 to 249 ± 18 μg g−1, respectively. The average concentration of Sb in bottled water samples using the HVG-AAS was 0.183 ± 0.013 μg L−1, with a range of 0.012 ± 0.001 to 0.358 ± 0.006 μg L−1. Sb concentration increased marginally with longevity of storage, but still remained well below the various guidelines for Sb levels in drinking water.
Removal of microcystin-LR from water by polymers based on N-vinylformamide structure
Authors: Bialczyk Jan , Kochanowski Andrzej , Czaja-Prokop Urszula , Chrapusta Ewelina
Published: April 2014

The work describes the results of experiments aimed at developing a new method using synthetic polymers to remove microcystins from water. Three hydrophilic polymers were synthesized based on a N-vinylformamide (NVF) structure cross-linked with divinylbenzene (DVB): p(NVF-co-DVB), p(VAm-co-DVB), and, after reaction with glutaraldehyde (GA), p(VAm-co-DVB)GA. The physicochemical characteristics of the resulting polymers were determined by measuring element content, specific surface area, total pore volume and the positive zeta potential of the surface. All the tested polymers showed more than 99.5% adsorption of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) in aqueous solution during 15 min of incubation. Desorption of MC-LR from the complexes formed with polymers depended on the type of polymer and the solvent and ranged from 0 to 22.8%. The yield from application of a field of acoustic waves to methanol solution freed from the MC-LR–p(NVF-co-DVB) complex was 25.1% MC-LR. These results suggest the occurrence of strong bonds in the complex, bonds formed through physical interaction between the negative resultant charge of the MC-LR molecule and the positive charge of the polymer surface. The MC-LR adsorption capacity of the polymer depended on the dose of the toxin: 99.5% at a MC-LR: polymer ratio of 1:1,000 (w/w) and 98.6% at a 1:100 ratio.
Long-term studies on hybrid ceramic microfiltration for treatment of surface water containing high dissolved organic matter
Authors: Abeynayaka A. , Visvanathan C. , Khandarith S. , Hashimoto T. , Katayama H. , Matsui Y. , Werellagama D. R. I. B.
Published: April 2014

This long-term pilot-scale study on the performance of ceramic microfiltration (CMF) was conducted at the Bangkhen water treatment plant (BWTP), with the raw water from Chaophraya River, Thailand. Raw water turbidity and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were varied in the ranges of 20–210 NTU and 3.0–8.5 mg/L respectively. The hybrid pilot-scale CMF (Pilot-CMF) operational parameters were optimized with the aid of jar-tests and laboratory-scale CMF (Lab-CMF) operations. The systems were operated with various polyaluminum chloride dosages and filtration cycle times. Pilot-CMF provided excellent steady turbidity removal compared to the conventional water treatment process. DOC removal percentages of Pilot-CMF and the conventional process at the BWTP were 49% and 30% respectively. With different coagulant dosages, unique patterns in transmembrane pressure (TMP) variations were observed. The daily TMP increment under low turbidity conditions was 0.08 kPa/day. During rainy periods (turbidity over 100 NTU) the TMP increment reached 0.79 kPa/day. However, once the turbidity of raw water reaches normal conditions (30–60 NTU at the BWTP) the Pilot-CMF system recovers the TMP increment due to efficient backwashing.
Leakage estimation in water networks based on two categories of night-time users: a case study of a developing country network
Authors: Amoatey P. K. , Minke R. , Steinmetz H.
Published: April 2014

The proportion of total water loss that is due to leakages and bursts in a district metered area in the Baifikrom supply network in the Central region of Ghana was investigated using the minimum night flow method. Legitimate customer night use was estimated specifically for the study area based on social habits, active population at night and demographic characteristics of two categories of night-time users identified – water closet users and ventilated improved pits users. It was estimated that 12% of the daily supply volume was lost through leakage indicating that apparent losses constitute 28%. This suggests that the water utility has to investigate the components of apparent losses and plan measures to reduce them in addition to reducing leakage.
Flowmeter data validation and reconstruction methodology to provide the annual efficiency of a water transport network: the ATLL case study in Catalonia
Authors: Quevedo J. , Pascual J. , Puig V. , Saludes J. , Sarrate R. , Escobet A. , Espin S. , Roquet J.
Published: April 2014

The object of this paper is to provide a flowmeter data validation/reconstruction methodology that determines the annual economic efficiency of a water transport network. In this paper, the case of Aigües Ter Llobregat (ATLL) company, which manages 80% of the overall water transport network in Catalonia (Spain), will be used for illustrating purposes. Economic network efficiency is based on daily data set collected by the company using about 200 flowmeters of the network. Data collected using these sensors are used by remote control and information storage systems and they are stored in a relational database. All information provided by ATLL is analysed to detect inconsistent data using an automatic data validation method deployed in parallel with the network efficiency evaluation. As a result of the validation process, corrections of flow measurements and of billed water volume are introduced. Results from ATLL water transport network corresponding to year 2010 will be used to illustrate the approach proposed in this paper.
Virus removal efficiency of ceramic water filters: effects of bentonite turbidity
Authors: Farrow Cameron , McBean Edward , Salsali Hamidreza
Published: April 2014

Ceramic water filters (CWFs) are utilized in many developing countries as point-of-use (POU) water treatment devices, to reduce waterborne pathogens in potable water. Virus removal efficiencies of several CWFs are investigated under various influent conditions using MS2 (ATCC: 15597-B1) as a surrogate phage for human enteric viruses. The addition of bentonite turbidity (6–8 NTU) in the influent source water showed increased viral removal efficiency of CWFs by 0.1–0.2 log compared to tests involving clear (<1 NTU) influents. Trials employing an applied clay cake layer, formed using highly turbid influent source water (100 NTU) and no cleaning regime between trials, resulted in viral removal efficiency values of 1.5–2.5 log, compared to 0.2–0.5 log during non-obstructed trials.
Irrigation scheduling under water shortage: investigation of scion-rootstock of peach and water deficit combinations
Authors: Ghrab Mohamed , Masmoudi Mohamed Moncef , Ben Mimoun Mehdi , Ben Mechlia Netij
Published: April 2014

Adequate choice of variety, rootstock and irrigation techniques could be, together, sources of improvement of water use. A field experiment was carried out in northern Tunisia on two drip irrigated peach varieties grafted on two rootstocks. Two deficit levels, mild DI1 and severe DI2, were applied. Phenological survey allowed determination of the crop growth stages: initial, development, mid- and late-season. The average lengths of these crop stages were 32, 43, 49 and 136 days for early variety and 33, 49, 63, and 105 days for mid-season variety, respectively. Mean value of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) for the four growth stages was respectively 31, 115, 211 and 420 mm for early variety and 40, 128, 311 and 300 mm for mid-season variety. ETc was restricted with low ground cover to 25, 85, 150 and 280 mm. Tree development, yield and water needs were affected by water status, rootstock and climatic conditions. Threshold values of Ψstem of −1.5 and −2.0 MPa could be considered for mild and severe deficit irrigation. The water use of the soil water seemed to be more efficient with vigorous rootstock under mild deficit. Under extreme watering conditions, rootstock effects were negligible. Lack of chilling affected tree growth inducing reduced water requirements.
Aggressive Awareness Campaigns May Not be Enough for HIV Prevention
in Prisons-Studies in Zambia Suggest Time for Evidence Based
Interventions
Authors: Simooya Oscar O. , Sanjobo Nawa , Mulenga Chanda , Mwakazanga David , Tailoka Frank , Betha Evans , Kaetano Lovemore , Witola Harold
Published: April 2014

Background:

More than thirty years into the epidemic and at a time of declining HIV prevalence rates in many
affected regions, prisoners continue to receive less protection against HIV infection compared to communities outside.
This survey, the third since 1988 was conducted to assess the effectiveness of current programmes in Zambian prisons.

Methods:

From June 2009-June 2010, 2,244 {184 women (8.2%); 2060 men (91.8%)} prisoners in Zambia participated in a
survey of HIV prevalence and risk behaviours. Risk behaviours were elicited using a pretested questionnaire whilst HIV
prevalence was determined using two ELISAs and Western Blot. The survey was voluntary, anonymous and confidential.

Results:

Six hundred and nine (609), (27%), prisoners were found with HIV infection. This was associated with age,
highest in those 35-44 years and gender, 47.3% of the women tested were positive for HIV. Other significant associations
were found between HIV and tattooing, STIs and TB. Only 35 prisoners agreed to have had male to male sex (MSM) and
this was not linked to HIV result. However, indirect questioning suggested much higher figures of MSM in prisons.
Overall, prisoners had knowledge about HIV and over 60 % knew their HIV status.

Conclusion:

The HIV prevalence rate of 27% is nearly double the national average of 14%, suggesting that current interventions
in prisons, focused on raising awareness, are not effective. Evidence based programs targeting tattooing and MSM
are needed urgently to reduce the risk of HIV infected prisoners spreading infections to their communities after release.
Levels of macroelements and toxic elements in herbal teas
Authors: Mihaljev Zeljko , Cupic Zeljko , Zivkov-Balos Milica , Jaksic Sandra
Published: April 2014

A total of 14 diverse herbal teas were examined, including: yarrow, basil,
St.John?s wort, peppermint, horsetail, nettle, thyme, corn silk, hibiscus,
marshmallow, chamomile, rosehip, heather and wild mint. The samples were
prepared using the method of microwave digestion, and measurements were
performed by the use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Cd,
Hg, Pb, As, Sb); atomic absorption spectrometry (Mg); emission flame
photometry (Ca, K, Na) and spectrophotometry (P). Intervals of variation
(mg/kg) for macroelements were: Ca (2738-35399); P (1545-6264); Mg
(1647-7816); Na (293-10629) and K (9683-33985), and for toxic elements: Cd
(0.014-0.645); Hg (<0.001- 0.017); Pb (0.064-1.340); As (0.030-0.544) and Sb
(0.004-0.068). In the three samples (yarrow and two St.John?s wort samples)
measured cadmium concentration was higher than the maximum level for dried
herbs, recommended by WHO. Ward's hierarchical clustering method was
performed with the aim of grouping herbal teas by the amount of toxic
elements.
French public finances at risk?
Authors: Creel Jérôme , Hubert Paul , Saraceno Francesco
Published: April 2014

Using descriptive evidence, this paper contributes to the debate on French
public finances? consolidation by examining the long-term sustainability of
France?s fiscal position. We trace the historical trends of government?s tax
receipts and expenditures. We illustrate that while the level of public
expenditure in France is larger than in the Euro Area, its trend is
comparable to its neighbours. French net debt is comparable to Eurozone?s
while French net wealth remains positive. However, the French tax system is
not progressive with only 6% of compulsory levies raised that way, and too
complex. The paper then acknowledges the efficient debt management of French
authorities. As a conclusion, we see no risk of future unsustainability
linked to the nature or the level of current French public finances.
Eye injuries caused by shotgun and air-rifles treated at the University eye clinic in Belgrade 2000-2009
Authors: Jovanovic Milos
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Eye injuries caused by shotgun buckshot or air-rifle bullets
are not common but are very severe, causing blindness of the injured eye.
Objective. By comparison of different parameters, to determine which of these
two types of injuries have more serious final effect on vision. Methods. A
retrospective comparative analysis of patients with shotgun and air-rifle
injuries, treated in the period 2000-2009 at the University Eye Clinic in
Belgrade was carried out, with patients being divided in two groups depending
of the type of the weapon. Age of patients, occupation, days in the week and
part of the day when the accidents happened, presence of the retained foreign
body, as well as the visual acuity on admission and final visual outcome were
reviewed and analyzed. Results. There were 16 shotgun and 5 air-rifle
injuries. Mean age of patients injured by shotgun was 45.5?11.9 years, while
those injured by air-rifle bullets were only 15.0?1.0 years old. Shotgun
accidents happened in hunters, on weekends, in the morning, while air-rifle
accidents were typical for pupils, on working days, in the afternoon. Final
visual acuity following buckshot injuries was: NLP in 6 (37.5%), less than
0.1 in 6 (37.5%) and normal (1.0) in 4 (25%) patients. Out of patients hit by
air-rifle bullet, no light perception (NLP) was documented in 4 (80%) while
visual acuity remained normal in one patient. Conclusion. All injuries by
shotgun and air-rifle are very serious, ending in loss of vision in high
percent of cases. Prevention is essential.
Clinical and microbiological effects of the initial periodontal therapy
Authors: Predin Tanja , Djuric Milanko , Mirnic Jelena , Gusic Ivana , Nikolic Nadja , Markovic Dubravka , Andjelkovic Aleksandra , Milasin Jelena
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Periodontitis is a destructive inflammatory disease of the
tooth-supporting tissues, primarily caused by Gram-negative microorganisms.
Thus, the primary objective of cause-related initial periodontal therapy is
disruption and removal of the subgingival biofilm. Objective. The aim of this
study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological effects of the initial
therapy in patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis. Methods. Forty
patients with chronic periodontitis were included in the study. As a part of
the clinical assessment undertaken prior to the initial therapy, as well as
one month and three months post-therapy, plaque index, gingival index,
papilla bleeding index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level
were recorded. Microbiological testing was performed prior to the initial
therapy and three months after therapy. Polymerase chain reaction assays were
used to determine the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella
forsythensis, Prevotella intermedia and Aggregatibacter
actinomycetemcomitans. Results. All clinical parameters were significantly
reduced after therapy. The prevalence of Aggregatibacter
actinomycetemcomitans was reduced by 22.5%, which was a statistically
significant decrease compared to the baseline. The prevalence of
Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythensis and Prevotella intermedia
tended to decrease after therapy; however, the difference did not reach
statistical significance. Conclusion. The results of the present study
demonstrated the beneficial effects of the initial periodontal therapy on
both the clinical and microbiological parameters.
Balloon valvuloplasty as a treatment of congenital aortic stenosis in children and adolescents
Authors: Parezanovic Vojislav , Djukic Milan , Daehnert Ingo , Gligic Ana , Stefanovic Igor , Jovanovic Ida , Ilisic Tamara , Ilic Slobodan , Vulicevic Irena , Kalanj Jasna
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Balloon valvuloplasty (BVP) is one of the primary therapies for
congenital aortic stenosis in children and adolescents. The aim of this
interventional procedure is to gain time before possible surgical therapy
(aortic valve replacement) until adulthood. Objective. The aim of this study
was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and mid-term results of transcatheter
BVP in children and adolescent in our Center. Methods. From 2004 to 2011, 50
patients, aged 18 days to 18 years (mean 6.3 years) underwent BVP.
Retrospective analysis of the echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters
were performed before and after procedure, especially peak pressure gradient
(PG) across the aortic valve, semiquantification of the aortic regurgitation
(AR) after the BVP as well as the left ventricle dimensions and functions.
Results. The mean peak PG in the whole group decreased from 74.80?27.72 mm Hg
to 27.86?13.04 mm Hg (p<0.001) after BVP. In 39 patients (78%), residual PG
was lower than 30 mm Hg just after dilation. At the end of follow-up period,
25 patients (50%) had PG above 50 mm Hg, measured by Doppler technique, and
four of them underwent re-dilation. Eight patients (16%) had severe AR.
During the follow-up period (12-80 months, mean 51 months), six patients
(12%) were referred to cardiac surgeons for aortic valve replacement or Ross
procedure. Conclusions. This retrospective study analyzes our first
experience of BVP as primary therapy of the congenital aortic stenosis. The
results confirmed that BVP effectively postponed the need for surgery in
children and adolescents toward the adulthood.
Changing trends in incidence of lung cancer by histological type in Montenegro
Authors: Medenica Milic , Medenica Miras , Bojovic Olivera , Soldatovic Ivan , Durutovic Ivana
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant neoplasms, as
well as the most common cause of death cancer. Most lung cancers are squamous
cell carcinomas, small cell carcinomas or adenocarcinomas. Objective.
Examining changes in trends of lung cancer incidence in Montenegro by
histological type during a 15-year period, from 1997 to 2011. Methods. During
the study period, histopathological confirmation was obtained for all primary
lung cancer cases in the only hospital for lung diseases in the country.
Based on the data from medical records, patients were classified by time
period, sex, age groups and smoking history. Descriptive method was used.
Results. Ratio between incidences of adenocarcinoma and squamous cell
carcinoma changes in males, with a significant increase in the incidence rate
of adenocarcinoma and drop in the rate of squamous cell carcinoma (p<0.001).
In addition, statistically significant (p<0.05) decrease in the incidence of
NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) and an increase in the incidence of SCLC
(small cell lung cancer) was found. A statistically significant increase in
linear trend in the incidence of small cell carcinoma was noted in females
(p<0.005). Conclusion. Incidence rates of adenocarcinoma and small cell
carcinoma have increased during the study period.
X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets: Case report
Authors: Radlovic Vladimir , Smoljanic Zeljko , Radlovic Nedeljko , Lekovic Zoran , Ristic Dragana , Ducic Sinisa , Pavicevic Polina
Published: April 2014

Introduction. X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLHR) is a dominant
inherited disease caused by isolated renal phosphate wasting and impairment
of vitamin D activation. We present a girl with X-linked hypophosphatemic
rickets (XLHR) as a consequence of de novo mutation in the PHEX gene. Case
Outline. A 2.2-year-old girl presented with prominent lower limb rachitic
deformity, waddling gait and disproportionate short stature (79 cm, <P5;
-1,85 SD). On the basis of hypophosphatemia, hyperphosphaturia, high serum
level of alkaline phosphatase, normal calcemia, 25(OH)D and PTH, as well as
characteristic clinical and X-ray findings, diagnosis of hypophosphatemic
rickets (HR) was made. Normal calciuria and absence of other renal tubular
disorders indicated HR as a consequence of isolated hyperphosphaturia. The
treatment (phosphate 55 mg/kg and calcitriol 35 ng/kg per day), introduced 15
month ago, resulted in a stable normalization of alkaline phosphatase and
phosphorus serum levels (with intact calcemia and calciuria), disappearance
of X-ray signs of the active rickets and improvement of the child?s
longitudinal growth (0.6 cm per month). Subsequently, by detection of already
known mutation in the PHEX gene: c.1735G>A (p.G579R) (exon 17), XLHR was
diagnosed. Analysis of the parental PHEX gene did not show the abnormality,
which indicated that the child?s XLHR was caused by de novo mutation of this
gene. Conclusion. Identification of genetic defects is exceptionally
significant for diagnosis and differential diagnosis of hereditary HR.
Evaluation of oral health status and quality of life of head and neck cancer patients after radiation therapy
Authors: Silva Miguel , Melo Ana , Barbosa Kevan , Pereira Jozinete , Alves Polliana , Gomes Daliana
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Neoplasm of the head and neck can be treated surgically, by
radiation, chemotherapy, or using combination of these methods. In contrast
to surgical and radiation treatment which mostly have a local effect,
chemotherapy in addition to local have also a systemic effect. Both XRT in
oral region and chemotherapy can affect oral health. The aim of this study
was to assess the oral health status and quality of life in patients with
head and neck cancer after receiving radiation therapy. Material and Methods.
Quantitative, analytical and cross-sectional research methods along with the
application of UW-QOL questionnaire version 4, were used. Seventy one
patients of the outpatient facilities at two cancer hospitals in the state of
Para?ba, Brazil, were included in the study. Oral health status was evaluated
using the Lockhart and Clark criteria. Linear Poisson and Logistic Regression
tests were applied to assess associations between the variables using a
significance level of 5%. Results. Of the total number of patients, 71.83%
were male, the average age was 62 years and 57.74% were non-Caucasian. The
group that received dental monitoring and follow-up attained the highest
(830.13) Quality of life scores, including: ?pain? (93.13) and ?taste?
(83.07). The highest score for oral health in the group that did not receive
dental monitoring and follow-up treatment was 4.08 for ?oral hygiene?.
Conclusion. Dental monitoring and follow-up should begin before radiation
therapy, given that both the illness and methods used for the treatment
negatively affect patients? quality of life.
An unusual incidental radiographic finding - a stapler pin: A case report
Authors: Kamtane Smita , Ghodke Monali
Published: April 2014

Accidental discovery of a foreign object embedded in a tooth is not common.
Children often have a habit of inserting objects into their mouth. Some of
these objects can be accidentally ingested or even aspirated which can be a
very frightening and a stressful experience. Herein, we report a case of a
7-year-old boy who presented with a stapler pin lodged in the root canal
space of maxillary left deciduous central incisor.
Internet dating and respectable women: Gender expectations in an untraditional partnership and marriage market - the case of Slovenia
Authors: Zakelj Tjasa
Published: April 2014

Some theoreticians support notions of the Internet as a media that makes the
social differences of those who use it irrelevant or at least less important.
The Internet is also often regarded as a medium that improves the free
expression of thoughts and wishes of marginalised groups that cannot express
themselves in face-to-face relationships due to several normative obstacles.
The article deals with the question of gendered normativity related to
expressions of femininity in the case of building of intimate romantic
partnership within Internet dating. It is based on data gathered by
qualitative research. 66 in-depth semi-structured interviews with 34 men and
32 women with Internet dating experiences were conducted in Slovenia in order
to get insight into several sociological aspects of internet dating, among
which question of gendered expectations related to partnership and family
building will be discussed in article. Results show traditional expectations
of gender roles are more pervasive as could be expected. Traditional
normative understandings of gender were identified especially in the field of
expectations related to women and womanhood and were revealed in men?s
hierarchical positioning of women regarding their status, in women?s
endeavours to present themselves as respectable and in men?s disapproval of
women?s sexualities.
I'm Game, are You? Reducing Real-World Security Threats by Managing Employee Activity in Online Social Networks
Authors: Trinkle Brad S. , Crossler Robert E. , Warkentin Merrill
Published: April 2014

Employees' use of online social networking (OSN) is dramatically increasing the risk exposure of companies. This study extends previous information security policy compliance research to include factors influencing employees to play OSN games on company-owned computers. An online factorial survey method experiment collected data from a sample of white-collar workers for testing hypotheses based upon accountability and boundary theories. The likelihood to play OSN games is tested with and without a policy related to this behavior. Results indicate that the presence of a social networking policy, logging awareness, and monitoring practices reduced participants' likelihood of playing OSN games on company-owned computers. After splitting the sample on the presence/absence of an OSN policy, results show that in the presence of a policy, monitoring practices and age significantly reduced the participants' likelihood of playing. In the absence of a policy, logging and monitoring reduced the likelihood of playing.
UAV – a useful tool for monitoring woodlands
Authors: Zmarz Anna
Published: April 2014

Unmanned aerial systems are in many countries one of the most dynamically developing branches of technology. They have also been recognized and are being utilized by scientists who find remote sensing indispensable in their work. Today, it is increasingly common to find research teams utilizing so-called drones in field research. Unmanned systems are becoming ever more important for environment monitoring by, on the one hand, providing data from inaccessible or remote areas, and, on the other hand, reducing the human costs required by traditional large field teams while also increasing the efficiency of the work. This paper presents the possibility of utilizing UAVs for image data collection in woodland areas.

Flights over Głuchów and an Arboretum were performed using two different UAVs (Mentor, AVI). The flights were made in 2010 in the middle of the growing season. Images were taken with Sigma DP2 digital cameras in four spectral channels: R (red), G (green), B (blue) and IR (infrared). Images were saved in 8-bit. The Głuchów forest complex is located in the Głuchów forest district, which forms a part of the Rogów forest division. From the administrative viewpoint, the forest division is located in the Łódzkie province, Skierniewicki Poviat. The Arboretum is a park with a collection of trees and shrubs from different regions of the world. The area is characterized by a high variability of species and trees of varying heights. It is located in the Łódzkie province, Skierniewicki Poviat.
Peanut Response to Crop Rotation, Drip Tube Lateral Spacing, and Irrigation Rates with Deep Subsurface Drip Irrigation
Authors: Sorensen R. B. , Butts C. L.
Published: April 2014

Long term crop yield with various crop rotations irrigated with subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI) is not known for US southeast. A SSDI system was installed in 1998 on Tifton loamy sand soil with five crop rotations, two drip tube lateral spacings, and three irrigation levels. Crop rotations ranged from continuous peanut (Arachis hypogaea L) to four years between peanut. Laterals were installed beneath each crop row (0.91-m) and alternate row middles (1.83-m). Crops were irrigated daily at 100, 75 and 50% of estimated crop water use. Laterals spaced at 1.83 m had the same yield as laterals spaced at 0.91-m in nine out of ten years. The 50, 75, and 100% irrigation treatments averaged 3263, 3468, and 3497 kg/ha, respectively. There was no yield difference between the 75 and 100% irrigation treatments implying 25% water savings. Crop rotation affected peanut yield seven out of eight years and continuous peanut had lowest yield across all years. As time between peanut crops increased peanut yield increased. Irrigation treatment had no effect on total sound mature kernels (TSMK). Lateral spacing affected TSMK 20% of the time and crop rotation affected TSMK 90% of the time. Continuous peanut rotation had the lowest TSMK with higher TSMK occurring as time between peanut crops increased. There was no evidence of any one crop rotation negatively affecting kernel size distribution except for continuous peanut. When using SSDI, it is possible to save 25% irrigation water, install drip laterals in alternate row middles, and rotate with peanut every three years without negatively affecting peanut yield or grade.
Neuroprotective Effects of Citicoline in in Vitro Models of Retinal Neurodegeneration
Authors: Matteucci Andrea , Varano Monica , Gaddini Lucia , Mallozzi Cinzia , Villa Marika , Pricci Flavia , Malchiodi-Albedi Fiorella
Published: April 2014

In recent years, citicoline has been the object of remarkable interest as a possible neuroprotectant. The aim of this study was to investigate if citicoline affected cell survival in primary retinal cultures and if it exerted neuroprotective activity in conditions modeling retinal neurodegeneration. Primary retinal cultures, obtained from rat embryos, were first treated with increasing concentrations of citicoline (up to 1000 µM) and analyzed in terms of apoptosis and caspase activation and characterized by immunocytochemistry to identify neuronal and glial cells. Subsequently, excitotoxic concentration of glutamate or High Glucose-containing cell culture medium (HG) was administered as well-known conditions modeling neurodegeneration. Glutamate or HG treatments were performed in the presence or not of citicoline. Neuronal degeneration was evaluated in terms of apoptosis and loss of synapses. The results showed that citicoline did not cause any damage to the retinal neuroglial population up to 1000 µM. At the concentration of 100 µM, it was able to counteract neuronal cell damage both in glutamate- and HG-treated retinal cultures by decreasing proapoptotic effects and contrasting synapse loss. These data confirm that citicoline can efficiently exert a neuroprotective activity. In addition, the results suggest that primary retinal cultures, under conditions inducing neurodegeneration, may represent a useful system to investigate citicoline neuroprotective mechanisms.
Anti-Inflammatory Triterpenoids from the Stems of Microtropis Fokienensis
Authors: Chen I-Hsiao , Du Ying-Chi , Hwang Tsong-Long , Chen I-Fen , Lan Yu-Hsuan , Yen Hsin-Fu , Chang Fang-Rong , Wu Yang-Chang
Published: April 2014

Three new ursane- and four new oleanane- type triterpenoids 1–7 were isolated, along with six known compounds 8–13, from the methanolic extract of Microtropis fokienensis. All structures were elucidated by mass and NMR spectroscopic methods. The isolates 4–10 and known compounds 14–17 that were previously isolated from this material were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity based on effects against superoxide anion generation and elastase release by neutrophils in response to fMLP/CB. 11α,30-Dihydroxy-2,3-seco-olean-12-en-2,3-dioic anhydride (7) was the first triterpene anhydride from the genus of Microtropis to have the ring A expanded to a seven-membered ring; it showed significant anti-inflammatory activity against superoxide anion generation and elastase release. Unexpectedly, 30-hydroxy-2,3-seco-lup-20(29)-ene-2,3-dioic acid (17) showed the best effect against superoxide anion generation and elastase release with IC50 values of 0.06 ± 0.01 and 1.03 ± 0.35 µg/mL, respectively. Compound 17 had a dioic acid function, and compound 7 had an anhydride function modification in ring A; both showed promising activity in the target assays.
La cartographie de l'utilisation agricole du sol, changements d'échelle et problèmes de méthode
Authors: Sachet M.
Published: April 2014

The cartography of land agricultural utilisation obliges a preliminary research of the permanence of crops in time and space. In spite of difficulties of statistical gatherings to various scales, the survey « utilisation du territoire » of the Ministry of Agriculture supplies the possibility of future maps.
La mise en valeur de la Sibérie : perspectives économiques et problèmes de la planification
Authors: Beaucourt Chantal
Published: April 2014

Owing to the great fundamental possibilities of Siberian industry, the Government had to choose between global production and efficiency : it has chosen efficiency. The three major parts of the Union which are making progress are these of Angara-lenissei, of the Ob-lrtych and the B.A.M. (Baikal-Amour-Magistral).
Les activités maritimes au long de la façade soviétique de la mer Baltique.
Authors: Carrière P.
Published: April 2014

The importance of the Baltic sea goes increasing for the Union, however difficult are the shipping conditions. The first commercial port is Leningrad (second rank after Odessa), and the first fishing one Kaliningrad.
Sur l'analyse géographique des établissements industriels
Authors: Fouet Robert
Published: April 2014

Résumé. - Cette note présente une méthode d'analyse géographique du système industriel composé de l'ensemble des établissements industriels existants. Sont distingués quatre types de relations structurales entre établissements industriels : 1. les structures techniques composées de chaînes d'établissements liées par la transmission de produits intermédiaires ; 2. les structures concurrentielles composées d'établissements rivaux parce que fabriquant les mêmes produits ou des produits substituables ; 3. les structures décisionnelles composées d'établissements suivant une même autorité de décision (en général, les firmes) ; 4. les structures territoriales composées d'établissements rivaux parce qu'occupant une certaine position dans l'espace.

Cette méthode d'analyse permet en particulier d'affiner le vocabulaire de la géographie industrielle.
Formes de corrosion littorale dans les roches volcaniques aux moyennes et hautes latitudes dans l'Atlantique
Authors: Guilcher André , Bodéré J Cl
Published: April 2014

Résumé. - En 1962, de telles formes de corrosion littorale (zone intertidale et des embruns) ont été caractérisées dans les régions intertropicales (Guilcher, Berthois et Battistini). De nouvelles observations aux Canaries, à Madère et en Islande constituent une extension aux moyennes et hautes latitudes.

La plateforme à rempart externe, une des formes les plus originales, a été reconnue aux Canaries et à Madère. Elle est toutefois plus rare aux Canaries, et moins régulière à Madère, qu'à des latitudes plus basses comme celles du Cap Vert et à Madagascar.

Madère possède des mares de corrosion bien caractéristiques, et liées à la cristallisation du sel. On y trouve aussi des réseaux d'alvéolisation, et quelques formes dans des structures cellulaires.

En Islande, les formes de corrosion sont nettement moins représentées : on n'a vu que des lapiés littoraux du basalte en de rares endroits, de rares nids d'alvéoles, et des exploitations de structures cellulaires imparfaites.

Malgré la discontinuité des observations, et notamment leur absence aux Açores, il semble, en première analyse, que la corrosion intertidale et des embruns affecte de moins en moins les roches volcaniques à mesure qu'on s'élève en latitude. Une baisse d'efficacité de la Salzsprengung, en relation avec la diminution de la température et de l'évaporation, pourrait en être la cause, ou une cause.
III. Aperçu sur la genèse des formations de versants cristallins en Limousin : portée et limite des actions périglaciaires
Authors: Flageollet Jean-Claude
Published: April 2014

Les versants des reliefs à caractères montagneux du Nord-Ouest Limousin portent éventuellement, au-dessus des arènes en place, des formations superficielles communément et respectivement appelées : formations à blocs et arènes litées. Nombreux sont les auteurs qui admettent l'origine périglaciaire de ces formations et considèrent que le litage serait le résultat d'une gélifraction (analogie avec les grèzes calcaires), que la formation à blocs serait mise en place par solifluxion, et, enfin, que la superposition toujours dans le même ordre et la discordance fréquente entre la formation supérieure à blocs et l'arène litée sous-jacente sont une preuve d'hétérochronisme, et donc de deux épisodes périglaciaires distincts et successifs. La prise en considération de l'état de la roche, et en particulier des sols soumis à l'action périglaciaire nous paraît susceptible d'expliquer bien des points restés en suspens et de ramener, en Limousin au moins, les effets périglaciaires à une place plus modeste que celle généralement assignée.