bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variação sazonal de algumas características nutricionais e bioquímicas relacionadas com a produção de látex em clones de seringueira [Hevea brasiliensis (Wild.) Muell. Arg.)], em Lavras-MG
Authors: Melo Renato Figueiredo , Oliveira Luiz Edson Mota de , Mesquita Alessandro Carlos , Delú Filho Nelson
Published: September 2010

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar os efeitos das variações climáticas sazonais sobre a produção de látex, a partir de parâmetros relacionados ao fluxo e regeneração de látex e da caracterização bioquímica dos tecidos fonte e dreno, com base nas atividades das enzimas invertase neutra e sintase da sacarose (SuSy). Foram usados folíolos centrais de folhas completamente expandidas de clones de seringueira (RRIM 600, FX 2261 e GT 1) nos meses de dezembro de 2001 e julho de 2002, plantados no Setor de Fisiologia Vegetal da Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA). Os dados de produção foram obtidos nos respectivos meses, por meio de sangrias no sistema S ½ (D2/D3), além da utilização de borracha seca em estufa para análises minerais. Pelos dados de produção, verificou-se uma superioridade do clone RRIM 600 sobre os demais e um comportamento semelhante entre os outros clones, apresentando valores superiores no mês de dezembro. Para as características bioquímicas avaliadas, as atividades de ambas as enzimas foram superiores no mês de dezembro em todos os clones, sendo mais representativas nos folíolos do clone RRIM 600. Todos os clones apresentaram valores superiores de açúcares redutores e açúcares solúveis totais em dezembro. Os teores de aminoácidos no clone RRIM 600 foram estatisticamente superiores em julho, ao passo que para os demais clones, esses não diferiram. Os teores de proteínas totais foram superiores no mês de dezembro nos clones RRIM 600 e GT 1, sendo no mês de julho para o clone FX 2261. As análises minerais (N, Pi, Ca e Mg) da borracha seca demonstraram valores inferiores no mês de julho para todas as características avaliadas. O clone GT 1 apresentou maiores valores de nitrogênio total, e os teores de Pi, Ca e Mg foram superiores na borracha seca do clone FX 2261.
Estratégias de intervenção da Terapia Ocupacional em consonância com as transformações da assistência em saúde mental no Brasil
Authors: Almeida Daniela Tonizza de , Trevisan Érika Renata
Published: September 2010

Este estudo investigou como as mudanças que estão ocorrendo na atenção à Saúde Mental no Brasil vêm transformando a prática recente do terapeuta ocupacional, por meio de uma análise de artigos científicos publicados no período de 2002 a 2008. Considera-se que houve mudanças significativas quanto ao conceito de Saúde Mental, abandonando a assistência centrada na doença para enfocar a promoção da saúde, o resgate da cidadania e a participação social. A noção de atividade foi ressignificada e o setting terapêutico ampliou-se para o território, assim como, foram apresentados novos referenciais teóricos condizentes com a proposta de desinstitucionalização e reabilitação psicossocial. As ações interdisciplinares propostas pelos serviços substitutivos estão de acordo com os pressupostos teóricos que sustentam a profissão. Da mesma forma, o terapeuta ocupacional tem contribuído efetivamente para consolidação da Reforma Psiquiátrica Brasileira.
"Boa noite, bom dia HUAP!", uma experiência de humanização na formação de profissionais da área de saúde
Authors: Lanzieri Pedro Gemal , Claro Lenita Barreto Lorena , Bragança Fernando Cesar Ranzeiro de , Montezano Vera Regina dos Santos , Silva Célia Sequeiros da
Published: September 2010

"Boa noite, bom dia HUAP!" é um Projeto de Extensão da Universidade Federal Fluminense, cuja proposta é: contribuir para a humanização da formação na área de saúde, facilitando a integração de estudantes de diferentes cursos, a aquisição de competências comunicacionais, capacidade para cuidar e melhor lidar com a afetividade; contribuir para a recuperação e melhor qualidade do período de hospitalização de clientes do Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro. São realizadas três intervenções por semana nas enfermarias, ocasiões em que os participantes são estimulados a interagir com a clientela por meio do diálogo e de atividades lúdicas criativas. Este trabalho avalia a contribuição do projeto na formação dos estudantes mediante os significados atribuídos pelos mesmos a essa experiência. Os relatos mostram que, apesar das dificuldades iniciais para lidar com sentimentos e emoções, as atividades têm proporcionado aos estudantes experiências consideradas gratificantes e importantes para sua formação.
Adenosina e neuroproteção na epilepsia do lobo temporal: da ativação do receptor A1 ao bloqueio do receptor A2A
Authors: Rosim Fernanda Elisa , Silva Iara Ribeiro , Persike Daniele Suzete , Vignoli Thiago , Fernandes Maria José da Silva
Published: September 2010

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar o efeito do bloqueio do receptor A2A pelo SCH58261 na modulação da crise e neuroproteção de áreas cerebrais vulneráveis à lesão por pilocarpina. O efeito do SCH58261 foi também analisado em combinação com a ativação dos receptores A1 por R-Pia. MÉTODOS: Oito grupos foram estudados: Pilo, SCH+Pilo, R-Pia+Pilo, R-Pia+SCH+Pilo, e seus respectivos controles. O número de animais em status epilepticus (SE), a latência para o início do SE e a taxa de mortalidade foram avaliados. O método de Fluoro Jade B (FJB) foi realizado 24 horas e sete dias após SE. RESULTADOS: O pré-tratamento com SCH58261, R-Pia e R-Pia+ SCH58261 reduziu o número de animais em SE, aumentou a latência para o SE e diminuiu a taxa de mortalidade, comparado ao tratamento com pilocarpina. Os grupos R-Pia e R-Pia+SCH58261 apresentaram uma redução no número de células marcadas com FJB em CA3 e hilo, 24 horas e sete dias após SE, e no córtex piriforme apenas 24 horas após SE, comparado ao grupo Pilo. CONCLUSÃO: O antagonista A2A demonstrou um potente efeito anticonvulsivante, enquanto o agonista A1 teve um papel crucial na modulação da crise e promoveu significante neuroproteção.
Suppression of relaxin receptor RXFP1 decreases prostate cancer growth and metastasis
Authors: Feng Shu , Agoulnik Irina U , Truong Anne , Li Zhen , Creighton Chad J , Kaftanovskaya Elena M , Pereira Rhea , Han Hee Dong , Lopez-Berestein Gabriel , Klonisch Thomas , Ittmann Michael M , Sood Anil K , Agoulnik Alexander I
Published: September 2010

Relaxin (RLN) is a small peptide hormone expressed in several cancers of reproductive and endocrine organs. Increased expression of RLN in prostate cancer correlates with aggressive cancer. RLN G-protein-coupled receptor (RLN family peptide receptor 1, RXFP1) is expressed in both androgen receptor (AR)-positive and -negative prostate cancers as well as in prostate cancer cell lines. RLN behaves as a cell growth factor and increases invasiveness and proliferation of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The objective of this study is to determine whether downregulation of RXFP1 expression using small interfering RNA (siRNA) reduces cancer growth and metastasis in a xenograft model of prostate cancer. We used two well-characterized prostate adenocarcinoma cell lines, AR-positive LNCaP cells and AR-negative PC3 cells. The tumors were established in nude male mice by s.c. injections. Intratumoral injections of siRNAs loaded on biodegradable chitosan nanoparticles led to a downregulation of RXFP1 receptor expression and a dramatic reduction in tumor growth. In LNCaP tumors, the siRNA treatment led to an extensive necrosis. In PC3 xenografts treated with siRNA against RXFP1, the smaller tumor size was associated with the decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. The downregulation of RXFP1 resulted in significant decrease in metastasis rate in PC3 tumors. Global transcriptional profiling of PC3 cells treated with RXFP1 siRNA revealed genes with significantly altered expression profiles previously shown to promote tumorigenesis, including the downregulation of MCAM, MUC1, ANGPTL4, GPI, and TSPAN8. Thus, the suppression of RLN/RXFP1 may have potential therapeutic benefits in prostate cancer.
An update on androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Sharifi Nima , Gulley James L , Dahut William L
Published: September 2010

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with gonadal testosterone depletion is the frontline treatment for advanced prostate cancer. Other hormonal interventions have a role in the treatment of prostate cancer. We sought to examine systematically the evidence for hormonal interventions in prostate cancer, risks of ADT, and interventions that mitigate these risks. Search results for therapeutic studies were focused primarily on randomized controlled clinical trials, and the Jadad scale criteria were used to evaluate the quality of these studies. Four trials of the efficacy of intermittent ADT versus continuous ADT were included. One randomized study analysis and six postrandomization analyses were included on the effects of ADT on cardiovascular mortality. Seven randomized controlled trials of pharmacologic interventions were included for the treatment of metabolic effects due to ADT. One randomized trial of GnRH antagonist versus GnRH agonist was included. Six phase I/II clinical trials of secondary hormonal therapies with novel mechanisms of action were included. Randomized studies completed to date indicate that intermittent ADT might be equivalent to continuous ADT. Although adverse effects of ADT include risk factors for cardiovascular disease, effects on cardiovascular mortality are uncertain. Bone loss and increased risk of fracture may be effectively treated with pharmacologic interventions. Benefits of ADT must be balanced with a consideration of the risks.
The chemistry of Portland cement clinker
Authors: Herfort D. , Moir G.K. , Johansen V. , Sorrentino F. , Arceo H.Bolio
Published: September 2010

Technological developments in over a century of production of Portland cement clinker have greatly improved the homogeneity of the feed and clinker leading to much more favourable conditions for alite formation which remains the key chemical reaction in the process. This development is described along with the thermodynamic processes which either enhance the formation of alite by lowering its free energy, or inhibit the formation of alite by lowering the free energy of belite. These processes are always present to some extent depending on the concentrations of minor components in the raw materials and fuels, but can be specifically targeted by the controlled addition of effective mineralisers such as fluoride. This allows further increases in clinker output and reduction in fuel consumption, but perhaps more importantly allows higher contents of supplementary cementitious materials in composite cements for the same cement performance. The same approach can be used to produce new low temperature clinker types such as those based on the so-called Klein's phase.
Cements in waste management
Authors: Jantzen C. , Johnson A. , Read D. , Stegemann J.A.
Published: September 2010

Cement has been used extensively in nuclear and hazardous waste disposal for many years. Early attempts to incorporate constituents of high-level radioactive wastes during the clinkering stage had limitations due to the high processing temperatures employed and have now been superseded by low-temperature applications for less active and non-radioactive, industrial waste. Retention mechanisms for key heavy metals and metalloid ions in the cement matrix are reviewed and are shown to be irreversible in the majority of cases, provided a degree of physical durability is maintained. Quality control is often lacking, however, and there is an urgent need to establish performance standards and protocols analogous to those in the construction sector.
Reinforced jet-grouted piles. Part 1: analysis and design
Authors: Pavlović M. N. , Cotsovos D. M. , Dedić M. M. , Savidu A.
Published: September 2010

This two-part set of papers reports some recent experiences in the design of jet-grouted piles (under predominantly lateral load) when their intended use is primarily structural, as is certainly the case when reinforcing steel is present. Although unusual, a number of such design solutions have been documented – several of them recent and applied to major structures. In the absence of specialist rules for the design of jet-grouted piles with steel reinforcement, codes of practice for reinforced concrete (RC) are usually adopted and applied as discussed in this paper. However, certain important differences between concrete and jet-grouted soil (fully discussed in the companion paper) must be clearly understood and allowed for by designers with the result that analysis and design from first principles should be undertaken instead of relying automatically on RC codes of practice. This use of first principles must be combined with a refined construction method to improve the accuracy of construction if the designer is to utilise the potential benefits of the system.
Reinforced jet-grouted piles. Part 2: materials and tolerances
Authors: Pavlović M. N. , Cotsovos D. M. , Dedić M. M. , Savidu A.
Published: September 2010

Part 1 of this two-part set of papers was intended to raise awareness of the specific problems encountered with the design of jet-grouted piles, the latter being usually based on reinforced concrete codes, as there is a lack of specialist documents on the subject. Among the problems identified in Part 1, those associated with the variability and uncertainty of both the material characteristics and the construction tolerances are prominent. The present article discusses the implications of the latter problems for the design of reinforced-concrete grouting structures and proposes guidelines that aim to minimise the risk of inappropriate design solutions, which are usually among the main causes of structural failures.
Shear connections in prestressed beams with precast slabs
Authors: Chung C.-H. , Shim C.-S. , Hyun B.-H. , Kim Y.-J.
Published: September 2010

The prefabricated bridge is an attractive system that can efficiently ease and accelerate the construction and replacement of bridges in urban areas. In order to contribute to its implementation, details of precast slabs for prestressed concrete girders were developed and static tests were conducted in order to propose design equations for the shear connection. Stirrups and stud connectors, used as shear connectors, were fabricated to insert embedded nut-type devices in prestressed concrete girders. Non-shrink mortar was adopted as a filling material in the shear pockets for the connectors. Evaluation of the shear strength developed by the shear connection considering the chemical bond, friction and mechanical connectors was performed to derive an empirical equation for the horizontal shear design of prestressed concrete girders. The presence of mechanical connectors increased the ultimate slip capacity of the shear connection so as to allow the redistribution of shear load, and the suggested details of the shear connection exhibited good performance in terms of strength and ductility. Three composite beams were tested to verify the suggested equation, which revealed that the use of the empirical equations produces a conservative design for horizontal shear of prestressed concrete beam bridges.
Optimal prestressing and configuration of stayed columns
Authors: Saito D. , Wadee M. A.
Published: September 2010

A steel column that is reinforced by prestressed stays generally has an increased strength in axial compression. In the past, greater emphasis was placed on obtaining its higher critical buckling load. However, detailed knowledge of the post-buckling behaviour is important to ensure the safety and the efficiency of the structure. Although previous work revealed that the optimal design should be determined with the post-buckling response, the actual values of the optimal prestress had not been previously evaluated. The present work examines the issue of the true optimal prestress for stayed columns through proposed structural optimisation indicators involving both instability and material quantity measures. Non-linear finite-element analysis was performed to investigate the non-linear buckling behaviour, which gives values for these indicators. Through a comparison of these values, suggestions for the configurations for improving the structural efficiency are presented.
Briefing: Holistic assessment of sustainable urban development
Authors: Paranagamage P. , Price A. , Khandokar F.
Published: September 2010

Introducing the SUE-MoT (metrics, models and toolkits for whole-life sustainable urban development) series, this paper highlights some of the barriers that need to be addressed if the vision for holistic assessment is to be realised. The complexities of sustainability assessment raised in this paper will be further discussed in detail in the SUE-MoT series of papers that will be published in forthcoming issues of this journal. This paper highlights the priorities to address when assessment tools are presented to decision makers of urban development projects. This discussion is limited to the issues, values and solutions in the UK context.
Retrofitting the city: reuse of non-domestic buildings
Authors: Femenías P. , Fudge C.
Published: September 2010

The aim of this paper is to identify and understand the commercial framing of retrofitting activities of existing buildings in the UK, the mediation of these issues in current regeneration processes and their relation to objectives for sustainable development. A case study focusing on the dynamics and retrofitting of non-domestic buildings in Bristol, UK showed that commercial objectives and local community regeneration are more prevalent in practice than environmental protection and carbon reduction objectives. This situation is supported by current regeneration policies and commercial interests. Sustainability issues have had an impact on current building practices and the UK property sector may be experiencing a shift as it gains understanding of the risks involved in ‘unsustainable’ buildings. The case study indicates that more radical changes in current practice are needed in order to reach contemporary objectives for carbon reduction in the existing building stock and to meet anticipated stronger policy and regulation. The Bristol case study was carried out in 2008, but before the global financial crisis impacted on development activity in the city.
Urban air pollution and mitigation options in Sri Lanka
Authors: Perera B. , Emmanuel R. , Nandasena S.
Published: September 2010

This paper reports on a study carried out to examine human exposure to street-level air pollutants in Sri Lanka and explores the effectiveness of mitigation options. Baseline air pollution and health risk assessment data were collated and a free-ware computer model (Envi-met) was then applied to a selected urban area to test the effectiveness of air pollution mitigation options. Model variables included changes to street vegetation, soil conditions and building geometry. Background aerosol (particulate matter, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide) exposure was found to be significantly different for urban and rural populations. More greenery and reduced vehicular traffic on roads entering main traffic arteries resulted in a decreased particulate matter concentration, whereas the presence of high-rise buildings resulted in an increase. On the basis of the research findings, the paper suggests a ‘best case’ with a marked decrease in particulate matter concentration compared with the current situation. The possibility of using this methodology in the schematic planning stages of new developments and the regeneration of existing neighbourhoods is highlighted.
Patient Safety: Moving the Bar in Prison Health Care Standards
Authors: Stern Marc F. , Greifinger Robert B. , Mellow Jeff
Published: September 2010

Improvements in community health care quality through error reduction have been slow to transfer to correctional settings. We convened a panel of correctional experts, which recommended 60 patient safety standards focusing on such issues as creating safety cultures at organizational, supervisory, and staff levels through changes to policy and training and by ensuring staff competency, reducing medication errors, encouraging the seamless transfer of information between and within practice settings, and developing mechanisms to detect errors or near misses and to shift the emphasis from blaming staff to fixing systems. To our knowledge, this is the first published set of standards focusing on patient safety in prisons, adapted from the emerging literature on quality improvement in the community.
Health Reform and its Aftermath
Authors: Elwood Thomas W.
Published: September 2010

A detailed and up-to-date review of the Patient Protection and Affordability Act, H.R. 3509, signed into law by President Obama in March 2010 and its implications for the American consumer and the health care industry as well as related academic health science institutions. Given the long history of efforts to achieve significant health reform in the United States, the new law represents a major accomplishment.
Married Men's Perception about Spousal Use of Modern Contraceptives: A Qualitative Study in Ibadan Northwest Local Government Area, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Okwor Edna U. , Olaseha Isaac O.
Published: September 2010

The use of any method of family planning by women is often influenced by their husbands. This qualitative study assessed the perception of married men in respect of spousal use of modern contraceptives. Nine focus-group discussions were conducted among consenting married men in the study area. Some participants perceived modern contraceptives as a good way of limiting the number of children by married couples. However, most of them were opposed to a woman initiating the use of family planning method or initiating family planning discussion. The majority were unanimous that allowing a woman to use modern contraceptives gives room for infidelity on the part of the woman. Almost all the discussants posited that it is a mark of disrespect for the man if a woman adopts the use of modern contraceptives without the husband's consent. A good number believed that love, joint decision-making, truthfulness, and trust among couples can help in limiting some of the suspicions and the fears they expressed.
Social Cognitive Theory as a Predictor of Dietary Behavior and Leisure Time Physical Activity Behavior in Middle-Aged Asian Indian Women Residing in United States
Authors: Mehta Purvi , Sharma Manoj , Bernard Amy
Published: September 2010

The purpose of the study was to determine to what extent expectations, self-control, and self-efficacy from the social cognitive theory account for variance in the dietary behaviors and leisure time physical activity of middle-aged Asian Indian women residing in Chicago. Dietary behavior was broken down into fruit and vegetable consumption and number of portions consumed. Data was collected from a sample of 200 participants in Chicago over a span of 1 month. Valid and reliable subscales were developed for the study. Descriptive statistics, stepwise multiple regressions, and Pearson correlations were used to analyze the data. Results indicated expectations for leisure time physical activity and self-control as predictive for leisure time physical activity (adjusted R2 = 0.14). No relationships were seen with the constructs of the social cognitive theory with number of portions and fruit and vegetable consumption. Recommendations have been included for future studies.
Prostate Cancer Awareness, Knowledge, and Screening Practices among Older Men in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Oladimeji Oladepo , Bidemi Yusuf Oyindamola , Olufisayo John-Akinola Yetunde , Sola Arulogun Oyedunni
Published: September 2010

Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer among Nigerian men. This study assessed the knowledge, awareness, and screening practices among older men regarding prostate cancer in Oyo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study used a multi-stage sampling technique to select 561 adult males. A semi-structured questionnaire was used. Respondents' median age is 60.0 years. Prostate cancer awareness was high [449 (80.0%)]. The overall mean knowledge of prostate cancer causation, treatment, and prevention was 5.8 (±3.0) out of a maximum of 16. Only 109 (19.4%) perceived themselves at risk of developing prostate cancer, but only 4.5% have ever been screened. Though knowledge and risk perception of prostate cancer were low, a majority of respondents (81.5%) were willing to be screened for the disease. Community-based prostate cancer educational interventions and provision of screening centers are needed for this group.
The Impact of NSF and NIH Websites on Researcher Ethics
Authors: Hoover Ryan
Published: September 2010

The fragmentation of science and medicine research in recent years has led to the creation of subdisciplines with distinct identities and ethics. Like many social communities, these subdisciplines have found websites of federal funding agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) to be an effective and efficient home in which to solidify that identity and communicate those values. Despite the lack of collaborative, Web 2.0 technologies, the sites of NSF and NIH are able to communicate the ethics of the science communities they serve through rhetorical structures as diverse as graphics, page layout, and site structures. This article explores that role of NSF and NIH, including the rhetoric used, the ethics presented, and their broader implications.
Interpretive Discourse and other Models from Communication Studies: Expanding the Values of Technical Communication
Authors: Williams Sean D.
Published: September 2010

This article argues that in spite of some attempts to expand the diversity of approaches in Technical Communication, the field remains rooted in an expedient, managerial, techno-rational discourse, where discourse is understood as the values that guide research, practice, and teaching. The article draws on approaches from Communication Studies, specifically discursive analysis and metaphor analysis, to ground this claim and to demonstrate what possible alternative discourses might be possible. The article then argues that moving toward an “interpretive” discourse will expand the values of Technical Communication, but in a way that both retains existing assumptions but also includes a new focus on the “complete person.” Interpretive discourse is theorized using Habermas' communicative rationality and User Experience Design and the article concludes with some implications about moving Technical Communication toward discursive diversity. Ultimately, the goal of the article is to encourage researchers, teachers, and professionals to embrace this discursive diversity that complicates our historical means-ends rationality.
War! What Is It Good For? A Deep Determinants Analysis of the Cost of Interstate Conflict
Authors: Yamarik Steven J , Johnson Noel D , Compton Ryan A
Published: September 2010

Whatever gains may come from fighting wars, economic growth is not among them. We examine the long-run impact of interstate conflict on real GDP per capita for a cross section of countries between 1960 and 2000. We construct a fatality-weighted conflict variable that accounts for both the severity and endogeneity of individual confrontations. We include our conflict measure in a deep determinants income regression in which we control for trade, institutions and geography. We find that a standard deviation increase in fatality-weighted conflict over the period 1960 to 2000 results in an average decrease of about a tenth of a standard deviation in 2000 real GDP per capita.
Voter Turnout, Information Acquisition and Education: Evidence from 15 European Countries
Authors: Borgonovi Francesca , d'Hombres Beatrice , Hoskins Bryony
Published: September 2010

This article examines the impact of education on political participation in 15 European countries. We use data from the European Social Survey and find that education is positively associated with voter turnout and information acquisition about politics and currents affairs. However, when we use exogeneous changes in compulsory schooling to instrument education, we observe a statistically significant causal relationship in the case of information acquisition but not voter turnout.
Combined Effects of Ototoxic Solvents and Noise on Hearing in Automobile Plant Workers in Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Saber , Labbafinejad Yasser , Attarchi Mirsaeed
Published: September 2010

Combined Effects of Ototoxic Solvents and Noise on Hearing in Automobile Plant Workers in Iran

Exposure of workers to mixtures of organic solvents and to occupational noise is frequent in a number of industries. Recent studies suggest that exposure to both can cause a more severe hearing loss than exposure to noise alone. Our cross-sectional study included 411 workers of a large automobile plant divided in three groups. The first group included assembly workers exposed to noise alone; the second included workers in a new paint shop, who were exposed to a mixture of organic solvents at a permissible level; and the third group included paint shop workers exposed to both noise and higher than permissible levels of organic solvents in an old paint shop. These groups were compared in terms of low-frequency hearing loss (model 1; average hearing threshold >25 dB at 0.5 kHz, 1 kHz, and 2 kHz) and high-frequency hearing loss (model 2; average hearing threshold >25 dB at 3 kHz, 4 kHz, 6 kHz, and 8 kHz). High-frequency hearing loss was more common in workers exposed to a combination of noise and mixed organic solvents even at permissible levels than in workers exposed to noise alone even after correction for confounding variables. This study shows that combined exposure to mixed organic solvents and occupational noise can exacerbate hearing loss in workers. Therefore, an appropriate hearing protection programme is recommended, that would include short-interval audiometric examinations and efficient hearing protectors.
New European Commission Regulation on Variations to the Terms of Marketing Authorisation for Medicinal Products and its Impact on Croatian Legislation
Authors: Martinac Adrijana , Tomić Siniša , Šimičić Mirna
Published: September 2010

New European Commission Regulation on Variations to the Terms of Marketing Authorisation for Medicinal Products and its Impact on Croatian Legislation

Variations introduced to medicinal product documentation must not affect the quality, efficacy, and safety of the product. Croatian Medicinal Products Act and accompanying ordinances are largely aligned with the EU regulations. The EU has now tried to simplify the issue of variations with a new Regulation, creating differences in the definition of and approach to resolving certain types of variations between Croatia and the EU. These differences could hinder the approval procedure for variations in Croatia, particularly for medicines already approved in the EU. Amending the Croatian Ordinance on medicines already authorised in the EU would be one way of maintaining the efficiency of the Croatian regulatory system.
Cadmium and Selenium Interaction in Mammals
Authors: Lazarus Maja
Published: September 2010

Međudjelovanje kadmija i selenija u sisavaca

Izloženost kadmiju neizbježna je zbog njegove sveprisutnosti u okolišu kao prirodne sastavnice Zemljine kore i kao onečišćenja. Kadmij može izazvati toksične učinke u gotovo cijelom organizmu vezanjem za biološke strukture i nakupljanjem u tkivima, poticanjem stvaranja slobodnih radikala, kao i međudjelovanjem s esencijalnim elementima, često u obliku antagonizma. S druge strane, dodatnim unosom esencijalnih elemenata može se utjecati na raspodjelu i štetne učinke kadmija. Selenij je esencijalan mikroelement i antioksidans, a zbog svojstva vezanja za kadmij (kao i živu, arsen i druge toksične elemente) te uloge u detoksifikaciji, detaljnije se počelo istraživati međudjelovanje kadmija i selenija. U radu je dan pregled dosadašnjih saznanja o toksikokinetici i toksikodinamici kadmija, biokinetici i biodinamici selenija i mehanizmima njihova međudjelovanja proizašlih uglavnom iz istraživanja na životinjama i ograničenu broju istraživanja u ljudima. Različite doze i odnos doza, način i dužina izloženosti kadmiju i seleniju u pokusima na životinjama uzrok su često vrlo oprečnih rezultata istraživanja opisanih u literaturi. Buduća istraživanja međudjelovanja kadmija i selenija treba usmjeriti na osjetljive skupine stanovništva i na istraživanje mehanizama tog međudjelovanja. Doze i izloženost u pokusima na životinjama treba prilagoditi dugotrajnim i niskim razinama izloženosti koje su najčešće u ljudi.
Content of Toxic and Essential Metals in Medicinal Herbs Growing in Polluted and Unpolluted Areas of Macedonia
Authors: Gjorgieva Darinka , Kadifkova-Panovska Tatjana , Bačeva Katerina , Stafilov Trajče
Published: September 2010

Content of Toxic and Essential Metals in Medicinal Herbs Growing in Polluted and Unpolluted Areas of Macedonia

The aim of this study was to determine and compare Ba, Cr, Cd, Fe, Sr, Pb, and Zn content in medicinal herbs Urtica dioica L., Taraxacum officinale, and Matricaria recutita growing in polluted and unpolluted areas of the Republic of Macedonia. The metal content was determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). In the unpolluted area of Mt. Plačkovica the metal content in Taraxacum officinale was in the descending order: Fe>Sr>Zn>Ba>Cr, while Pb and Cd were below the limit of detection. In the polluted area of Veles, the order was as follows: Fe>Zn>Sr>Pb>Ba>Cd>Cr. Our results suggest that quality assurance and monitoring of toxic metals is needed for plants intended for human use and consumption. Medicinal plants should be picked in areas free of any contamination sources.
Relationship Between Osteonecrosis of the Jaw and Bisphosphonate Treatment
Authors: Badel Tomislav , Keros Jadranka , Krapac Ladislav , Pavičin Ivana
Published: September 2010

Povezanost osteonekroze čeljusti i terapije bisfosfonatima

Terapija bisfosfonatima i njezina etiopatogenetska povezanost s aseptičkom osteonekrozom čeljusti važan je javnozdravstveni problem današnjice. Svrha je rada pregledom suvremene znanstvene literature utvrditi posljedice višestrukog djelovanja bisfosfonata (antiosteoklastična aktivnost, citotoksičnost na meka i koštana tkiva, antiangiogeneza, genski čimbenici, poremećena ravnoteža između osteoklasta i osteoblasta). Terapija bisfosfonatima jedan je od najčešćih uzroka razvoja osteonekroze čeljusti. Epidemiološki podaci pokazuju da se javlja u bolesnika koji su uzimali jedan ili kombinanciju nitrogenih bisfosfonata. Najvažniji čimbenici rizika za ovu nuspojavu su vrsta bisfosfonata (napose visokopotentni pamidronat i zoledronat koji se daju intravenski), njihova doza i duljina medikacije te vrsta bolesti zbog koje se propisuje terapija. Pojava osteonekroze čeljusti zabilježena je uglavnom u onkoloških bolesnika i u samo 5 % bolesnika s osteoporozom koji su liječeni bisfosfonatima. U patogenezi osteonekroze povezane s bisfosfonatima važno je, sa stajališta dentalnomedicinske prakse, dobro opće oralno zdravlje jer se osteonekroza javlja napose nakon prethodnoga parodontološkog i oralnokirurškog zahvata.
In vitro and in vivo matrix metalloproteinase expression after photodynamic therapy with a liposomal formulation of aminolevulinic acid and its methyl ester
Authors: Osiecka Beata , Jurczyszyn Kamil , Symonowicz Krzysztof , Bronowicz Andrzej , Ostasiewicz Paweł , Czapińska Elżbieta , Hotowy Katarzyna , Krzystek-Korpacka Małgorzata , Gębarowska Elżbieta , Iżykowska Ilona , Dzięgiel Piotr , Terlecki Grzegorz , Ziółkowski Piotr
Published: September 2010

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a well-known method for the treatment of malignant tumors, and its principles have been well established over the past 30 years. This therapy involves the application of a chemical called a photosensitizer and its subsequent excitation with light at the appropriate wavelength and energy. Topical photodynamic therapy with aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is an alternative therapy for many malignant processes, including nonmelanoma skin cancers such as basal-cell carcinoma (BCC). Our novel approach for this study was to use a liposomal formulation of 5-ALA and its methyl ester (commercially available as metvix) both in vitro and in vivo, and to check whether the liposome-entrapped precursors of photosensitizers can induce the expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs) in animal tumor cells and in other tissues from tumor-bearing rats and in selected cell lines in vitro. We also checked whether the application of tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) has any effect on MMPs in the above-mentioned experimental models, and if they can cause complete inhibition of MMP expression. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that after the PDT, the intensity of expression of MMPs in healthy animals was very low and seen in single cells only. After the PDT in tumor-bearing rats, MMP-3 was expressed in the tumor cells with the highest intensity of staining in the tissues directly adjacent to the tumors, while MMP-2 and -9 were not found. In the control groups, there was no observed expression of MMPs. In vitro studies showed that MMP-3 was expressed in MCF-7 cells after PDT, but MMP-9 was not observed and MMP-2 was only seen in single cases. Our studies confirmed that the application of an MMP-3 inhibitor may block an induction of MMP-3 expression which had previously been initiated by PDT. The preliminary data obtained from cancer patients revealed that new precursors are effective in terms of PDT, and that using MMP inhibitors should be considered as a potential enhancing factor in clinical PDT.
Ribosomal DNA, tri- and bi-partite pericentromeres in the permanent translocation heterozygote Rhoeo spathacea
Authors: Golczyk Hieronim , Hasterok Robert , Szklarczyk Marek
Published: September 2010

High- and low-stringency FISH and base-specific fluorescence were performed on the permanent translocation heterozygote Rhoeo spathacea (2n = 12). Our results indicate that 45S rDNA arrays, rDNA-related sequences and other GC-rich DNA fraction(s) are located within the pericentromeric regions of all twelve chromosomes, usually colocalizing with the chromomycin A3-positive bands. Homogenization of the pericentromeric regions appears to result from the concerted spread of GC-rich sequences, with differential amplification likely. We found new 5S rDNA patterns, which suggest a variability in the breakpoints and in the consequent chromosome reorganizations. It was found that the large 5S rDNA locus residing on each of the 8E and 9E arms consisted of two smaller loci. On each of the two chromosome arms 3b and 4b, in addition to the major subtelomeric 5S rDNA locus, a new minor locus was found interstitially about 40% along the arm length. The arrangement of cytotogenetic landmarks and chromosome arm measurements are discussed with regard to genome repatterning in Rhoeo.
The domain structure of Entamoeba α-actinin2
Authors: Addario Barbara , Backman Lars
Published: September 2010

Entamoeba histolytica, a major agent of human amoebiasis, expresses two distinct forms of α-actinin, a ubiquitous actin-binding protein that is present in most eukaryotic organisms. In contrast to all metazoan α-actinins, in both isoforms the intervening rod domain that connects the N-terminal actin-binding domain with the C-terminal EF-hands is much shorter. It is suggested that these α-actinins may be involved in amoeboid motility and phagocytosis, so we cloned and characterised each domain of one of these α-actinins to better understand their functional role. The results clearly showed that the domains have properties very similar to those of conventional α-actinins.
Analysis of the calibration results of ionization chambers for orthovoltage and brachytherapy
Authors: Ulkowski Piotr , Bulski Wojciech , Gwiazdowska Barbara , Rostkowska Joanna
Published: September 2010

Analysis of the calibration results of ionization chambers for orthovoltage and brachytherapy

An analysis of the exposure calibration coefficients for ionization chambers used for dose determination in orthovoltage radiotherapy and in brachytherapy in the Polish SSDL was performed. The coefficients were determined by calibrating the chambers in the X-ray beam of 235 kV or 290 kV and HVL of 2.5 mmCu or 4 mmCu respectively, and also in the Co-60 gamma beam. Calibration procedures followed IAEA recommendations in Report No. TECDOC 1274 and Technical Reports Series No. 277. The characteristics of the energy dependence of various types of chambers used in orthovoltage radiotherapy and in brachytherapy are presented. On the basis of the summarized data and on the energy dependence curves it was possible to conclude that: 1) in he case of calibration of the chambers for orthovoltage radiotherapy the energy dependence has to be established for the full range beam qualities; 2) in the case of calibration, of the investigated chambers, for brahytherapy with Cs-137 and Ir-192 sources, establishing of the exposure calibration factor for Co-60 is sufficient.
External beam radiotherapy for palliation of painful bone metastases: pooled data bioeffect dose response analysis of dose fractionation
Authors: Naveen T. , Supe Sanjay , Ganesh K. , Samuel Jacob
Published: September 2010

External beam radiotherapy for palliation of painful bone metastases: pooled data bioeffect dose response analysis of dose fractionation

Bone metastases develop in up to 70% of newly diagnosed cancer patients and result in immobility, anxiety, and depression, severely diminishing the patients quality of life. Radiotherapy is a frequently used modality for bone metastasis and has been shown to be effective in reducing metastatic bone pain and in some instances, causing tumor shrinkage or growth inhibition. There is controversy surrounding the optimal fractionation schedule and total dose of external beam radiotherapy, despite many randomized trials and overviews addressing the issue. This study was undertaken to apply BED to clinical fractionation data of radiotherapeutic management of bone metastases in order to arrive at optimum BED values for acceptable level of response rate.

A computerised literature search was conducted to identify all prospective clinical studies that addressed the issue of fractionation for the treatment of bone metastasis. The results of these studies were pooled together to form the database for the analysis. A total of 4111 number of patients received radiation dose ranging from 4 to 40.5 Gy in 1 to 15 fractions with dose per fraction ranging from 2 to 10 Gy. Single fraction treatments were delivered in 2013 patients and the dose varied from 4 to 10 Gy. Multifraction treatments were delivered in 2098 patients and the dose varied from 15 to 40.5 Gy. The biological effective dose (BED) was evaluated for each fractionation schedule using the linear quadratic model and an α/β value of 10 Gy. Response rate increased significantly beyond a BED value of 14.4 Gy (p < 0.01). Based on our analysis and indications from the literature about higher retreatment and fracture rate of single fraction treatments, minimum BED value of 14.4 Gy is recommended.
Spin traps in the detection of free radicals in the blood of patients with ischemia
Authors: Krzyminiewski Ryszard , Kruczynski Zdzislaw , Stepien Aleksander , Dobosz Bernadeta
Published: September 2010

Spin traps in the detection of free radicals in the blood of patients with ischemia

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and a nitrosobenzene spin trap were used to investigate free radicals in the human blood after angioplasty treatment. The nitrosobenzene anion radical was determined using EPR measurements and quantum-mechanical calculations. Differences were observed in the concentration of free radicals before and after angioplasty treatment. These results were compared with myocardium damage parameters (CPK, MB and TnT).
IMRT implementation and patient specific dose verification with film and ion chamber array detectors
Authors: Saminathan Sathiyan , Manickam Ravikumar , Chandraraj Varatharaj , Supe Sanjay , Keshava Subbarao
Published: September 2010

IMRT implementation and patient specific dose verification with film and ion chamber array detectors

Implementation of Intensity Modulation Radiotherapy (IMRT) and patient dose verification was carried out with film and I'mariXX using linear accelerator with 120-leaf Millennium dynamic multileaf collimator (dMLC). The basic mechanical and electrical commissioning and quality assurance tests of linear accelerator were carried out. The leaf position accuracy and leaf position repeatability checks were performed for static MLC positions. Picket fence test and garden fence test were performed to check the stability of the dMLC and the reproducibility of the gap between leaves. The radiation checks were performed to verify the position accuracy of MLCs in the collimator system. The dMLC dosimetric checks like output stability, average leaf transmission and dosimetric leaf separation were also investigated. The variation of output with gravitation at different gantry angles was found to be within 0.9%. The measured average leaf transmission for 6 MV was 1.6% and 1.8% for 18 MV beam. The dosimetric leaf separation was found to be 2.2 mm and 2.3 mm for 6 MV and 18 MV beams. In order to check the consistency of the stability and the precision of the dMLC, it is necessary to carryout regular weekly and monthly checks. The dynalog files analysis for Garden fence, leaf gap width and step wedge test patterns carried out weekly were in good agreement. Pretreatment verification was performed for 50 patients with ion chamber and I'matiXX device. The variations of calculated absolute dose for all treatment fields with the ion chamber measurement were within the acceptable criterion. Treatment Planning System (TPS) calculated dose distribution pattern was comparable with the I'matriXX measured dose distribution pattern. Out of 50 patients for which the comparison was made, 36 patients were agreed with the gamma pixel match of > 95% and 14 patients were with the gamma pixel match of 90-95% with the criteria of 3% delta dose (DD) and 3 mm distance-to-agreement (DTA). Commissioning and quality assurance of dMLC for IMRT application requires considerable time and effort. Many dosimetric characteristics need to be assessed carefully failing which the delivered dose will be significantly different from the planned dose. In addition to the issues discussed above we feel that individual MU check is necessary before the treatment is delivered.
Fitting of hearing aids with different technical parameters to a patient with dead regions
Authors: Hojan-Jezierska Dorota , Skrodzka Ewa
Published: September 2010

Fitting of hearing aids with different technical parameters to a patient with dead regions

The purpose of the study was to determine an optimal hearing aid fitting procedure for a patient with well diagnosed high-frequency ‘dead regions’ in both cochleas. The patient reported non-symmetrical hearing problems of sensorineural origin. For binaural amplification two similar independent hearing aids were used as well as a pair of dependent devices with an ear-to-ear function. Two fitting methods were used: DSLi/o and NAL-NL1, and four different strategies of fitting were tested: the initial fitting based on the DSLi/o or NAL-NL1 method with necessary loudness corrections, the second fitting taking into account all the available functions of hearing instruments, the third fitting (based on the second one) but with significantly reduced amplification well above one octave of frequency inside dead region, and the final fitting with significantly reduced gain slightly below one octave inside dead regions. The results of hearing aids fitting were assessed using an APHAB procedure.