bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between sociodemographic, anthropometric and biochemical characteristics and degree of peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Maksimovic Milos , Vlajinac Hristina , Radak Djordje , Marinkovic Jelena , Djurisic Nebojsa , Jorga Jagoda
Published: November 2010

Introduction. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a severe atherosclerotic
condition. The relationship between various risk factors and severity of PAD,
measured by Ankle Brachial Index (ABI), has been the subject of a relatively
small number of studies. Objective. The aim of the present study was to
investigate whether there was any relationship between severity of PAD,
expressed as ABI, and anthropometric, clinical and biochemical
characteristics of patients, including inflammatory markers. Methods. The
cross-sectional study, involving 388 consecutive patients with verified PAD,
was performed at the Dedinje Vascular Surgery Clinic in Belgrade. The
diagnosis of PAD was defined by Doppler sonography as ABI<0.9, and by
symptoms. Data on cardiovascular risk factors, anthropometric parameters,
clinical and biochemical characteristics were collected for all participants.
In the analysis, ?2 test, t-test and multivariate logistic regressions were
used. Results. According to the results of multivariate analysis (the model
of which included age, percentage of body fat, average value of uric acid,
high sensitivity C-reactive protein - hsCRP ?3 mg/L, fibrinogen ?4 g/L,
Baecke index of physical activity at work and Baecke index of leisure-time
physical activity), the patients with more severe form of peripheral arterial
disease (ABI?0.40) had more frequently increased high sensitivity C-reactive
protein (p=0.002), lower Baecke index of physical activity at work (p=0.050)
and lower Baecke index of leisure-time physical activity (p=0.024). Average
value of body fat was significantly higher in the patients with a less severe
form of disease (p=0.006). Conclusion. According to the results obtained, the
increased values of hsCRP and physical inactivity are associated with a more
severe form of PAD (ABI?0.40).
JAK2-V617F mutation in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms: Association with FLT3-ITD mutation
Authors: Spasovski Vesna , Tosic Natasa , Kostic Tatjana , Pavlovic Sonja , Colovic Milica
Published: November 2010

Introduction. An acquired somatic mutation V617F in Janus kinase 2 gene
(JAK2) is the cause of uncontrolled proliferation in patients with
myeloproliferative neoplasms. It is known that uncontrolled myeloid cell
proliferation is also provoked by alteration in other genes, e.g. mutations
in receptor tyrosine kinase FLT3 gene. FLT3 represents the most frequently
mutated gene in acute myeloid leukaemia. Interestingly, mutated FLT3- ITD
(internal tandem duplication) protein is a member of the same signalling
pathway as JAK2 protein, the STAT5 signalling pathway. STAT5 activation is
recognized as important for selfrenewal of haematopoetic stem cells.
Objective. The aim of this study was the detection of JAK2- V617F mutation in
patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. Additionally, we investigated the
presence of FLT3-ITD mutation in JAK2-V617F-positive patients in order to
shed the light on the hypothesis of a similar role of these two molecular
markers in haematological malignancies. Methods. Using allele-specific PCR,
61 patients with known or suspected diagnosis of myeloproliferative neoplasms
were tested for the presence of JAK2-V617F mutation. Samples that were
positive for JAK2 mutation were subsequently tested for the presence of
FLT3-ITD mutation by PCR. Results. Eighteen of 61 analysed patients were
positive for JAK2-V617F mutation. Among them, 8/18 samples were diagnosed as
polycythaemia vera, and 10/18 as essential thrombocythaemia. None of
JAK2-V617F-positive patient was positive for FLT3-ITD mutation. Conclusion.
This study suggests that one activating mutation is sufficient for aberrant
cell proliferation leading to malignant transformation of haematopoetic stem
cell.
Descriptive analysis of work and trends in anaesthesiology from 2005 to 2006: Quantitative and qualitative aspects of effects and evaluation of anaesthesia
Authors: Majstorovic Branislava , Simic Snezana , Milakovic Branko , Vucovic Dragan , Aleksic Valentina
Published: November 2010

Introduction. In anaesthesiology, economic aspects have been insufficiently
studied. Objective. The aim of this paper was the assessment of rational
choice of the anaesthesiological services based on the analysis of the scope,
distribution, trend and cost. Methods. The costs of anaesthesiological
services were counted based on ?unit? prices from the Republic Health
Insurance Fund. Data were analysed by methods of descriptive statistics and
statistical significance was tested by Student?s t-test and ?2-test. Results.
The number of general anaesthesia was higher and average time of general
anaesthesia was shorter, without statistical significance (t-test, p=0.436)
during 2006 compared to the previous year. Local anaesthesia was
significantly higher (?2-test, p=0.001) in relation to planned operation in
emergency surgery. The analysis of total anaesthesiological procedures
revealed that a number of procedures significantly increased in ENT and MFH
surgery, and ophthalmology, while some reduction was observed in general
surgery, orthopaedics and trauma surgery and cardiovascular surgery (?2-test,
p=0.000). The number of analgesia was higher than other procedures (?2-test,
p=0.000). The structure of the cost was 24% in neurosurgery, 16% in digestive
(general) surgery,14% in gynaecology and obstetrics,13% in cardiovascular
surgery and 9% in emergency room. Anaesthesiological services costs were the
highest in neurosurgery, due to the length anaesthesia, and digestive surgery
due to the total number of general anaesthesia performed. Conclusion. It is
important to implement pharmacoeconomic studies in all departments, and to
separate the anaesthesia services for emergency and planned operations.
Disproportions between the number of anaesthesia, surgery interventions and
the number of patients in surgical departments gives reason to design
relation database.
Social aspects of left-handedness
Authors: Milenkovic Sanja , Belojevic Goran , Kocijancic Radojka
Published: November 2010

Throughout human history left-handedness has been considered as sinful. It
has been associated with the devil, weakness, female gender, unhealthiness,
evil, something that has to be turned to a ?good? - right side by force.
Left-handedness is being more and more acceptable at rational level, but in
everyday life it is still considered to be unusual if someone writes with the
left hand. Lessening of the number of lefthanders is associated with ageing.
There are about 13% lefthanders among people in twenties and less than 1%
lefthanders among those in eighties. This finding may be explaned with more
pronounced socio-cultural pressure on left-handed people in the past,
compared to nowadays. On the other hand, this may also support the hypothesis
about a reduced life span of lefthanded people. With cross-exercising of
left-handedness, certain typical characteristics and behavioral patterns
appear in these people. This was a sort of provoked behavior and an attack
on the integrity of an emotional attitude toward oneself. Stuttering may also
appear as a consequence of unsuccessful cross-exercising of left-handedness.
The hypothesis about left-handedness as an advantage is supported with the
reports about relatively more lefthanders in some specific groups such as:
mathematicians, sculptors, architects, painters, musicians, actors, tennis
players, as well as famous army commanders and rulers.
Effectiveness of a Regional Prepregnancy Care Program in Women With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Murphy Helen R. , Roland Jonathan M , Skinner Timothy C. , Simmons David , Gurnell Eleanor , Morrish Nicholas J. , Soo Shiu-Ching , Kelly Suzannah , Lim Boon , Randall Joanne , Thompsett Sarah , Temple Rosemary C.
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVE

To implement and evaluate a regional prepregnancy care program in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Prepregnancy care was promoted among patients and health professionals and delivered across 10 regional maternity units. A prospective cohort study of 680 pregnancies in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes was performed. Primary outcomes were adverse pregnancy outcome (congenital malformation, stillbirth, or neonatal death), congenital malformation, and indicators of pregnancy preparation (5 mg folic acid, gestational age, and A1C). Comparisons were made with a historical cohort (n = 613 pregnancies) from the same units during 1999–2004.

RESULTS

A total of 181 (27%) women attended, and 499 women (73%) did not attend prepregnancy care. Women with prepregnancy care presented earlier (6.7 vs. 7.7 weeks; P < 0.001), were more likely to take 5 mg preconception folic acid (88.2 vs. 26.7%; P < 0.0001) and had lower A1C levels (A1C 6.9 vs. 7.6%; P < 0.0001). They had fewer adverse pregnancy outcomes (1.3 vs. 7.8%; P = 0.009). Multivariate logistic regression confirmed that in addition to glycemic control, lack of prepregnancy care was independently associated with adverse outcome (odds ratio 0.2 [95% CI 0.05–0.89]; P = 0.03). Compared with 1999–2004, folic acid supplementation increased (40.7 vs. 32.5%; P = 0.006) and congenital malformations decreased (4.3 vs. 7.3%; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Regional prepregnancy care was associated with improved pregnancy preparation and reduced risk of adverse pregnancy outcome in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Prepregnancy care had benefits beyond improved glycemic control and was a stronger predictor of pregnancy outcome than maternal obesity, ethnicity, or social disadvantage.
Anaemia and heart failure
Authors: Vizzardi Enrico , Bordonali Tania , Tanghetti Elena , Metra Marco , Cas Livio
Published: November 2010

Anaemia is one of the most frequent co-morbidities in patients with heart failure. Its prevalence increases from 4% to7% in subjects with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction to >30% in patients with severe heart failure. Renal insufficiency, activation of inflammatory mediators and treatment with renin-angiotensin antagonists seem to be its main determinants. The results of many studies agree in providing evidence that anaemia is a powerful independent determinant of survival in patients with heart failure. However, the mechanisms of this relation are still not fully understood. Moreover a favourable effect of the correction of anaemia on prognosis has not yet been shown. Also In addition to this, controlled studies assessing its effects on exercise tolerance have yielded controversial results. Further research is needed to assess the effect of correcting anaemia in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients; ongoing reduction of events with RED-HF (Darbepoetin alpha in heart failure) trial will help define the role.
The First Dating of Cave Ice from the Tatra Mountains, Poland and its Implication to Palaeoclimate Reconstructions
Authors: Hercman Helena , Gąsiorowski Michał , Gradziński Michał , Kicińska Ditta
Published: November 2010

Lodowa Cave in Ciemniak, which belongs to the dynamic ice cave type, contains the biggest perennial block of cave-ice in the Tatra Mountains. The ice represents congelation type, since it originates from freezing of water which infiltrates the cave. Two generations of ice have been recognized in this cave. They are divided by the distinct unconformity. The ice building both generations is layered. Two moths which were found in the younger generations were sampled and dated by 14C method yielding 195 ± 30 and 125 ± 30 years. Bearing in mind the position in the section and the fact that the cave ice has waned since the 20s of the last century, the age is 1720-1820 AD and 1660-1790 AD respectively. It proves that the ice was formed during the Little Ice Age. Hence, the erosion boundary which underlies this generation records the degradation of ice before the Little Ice Age most probably during the Medieval Warm Period. The ice volume in the cave was substantially smaller before the Little Ice Age than it is today, despite the clear tendency to melting, which has been recognized since 20s of the last century. The older generation of ice is supposed to have its origins in a cold stage between the Atlantic period and the Medieval Warm Period.
Radial Growth and Health Condition of Norway Spruce (Picea Abies (L.) Karst.) Stands in Relation to Climate (Silesian Beskids, Czech Republic)
Authors: Rybníček Michal , čermák Petr , Žid Tomáš , Kolář Tomáš
Published: November 2010

The research was conducted in selected spruce stands of the Silesian Beskids aged over 70 at altitudes from 403 m a.s.l. to 794 m a.s.l. in 2008. The samples were taken and processed in compliance with standard dendrochronological methodology. Tree rings were measured and the tree-ring curves were synchronized using the PAST4 application. The age trend was removed in the ARSTAN application and the climatic influences were modelled in the DendroClim application. The regional standard tree-ring chronology shows an obvious decrease in the radial increment from the beginning of the 1970s to the mid-1990s. The gradual increase in radial increment which followed in the second half of the 1990s was interrupted in 2000, 2003, and 2006. Most of the years with the decreased radial increment have been confirmed by the analysis of significant negative years. The radial increment statistically significantly correlates with the precipitation in July and September of the previous year, precipitation in June of the year in question and precipitation during the vegetation period. Moreover, the growth of spruce is statistically significantly affected by temperatures in October of the previous year and March of the year in question. Additionally, the paper includes habitual monitoring of trees and the volume of salvage cutting in these districts. The condition of the habit of trees and the development of salvage cuttings agree with the hypothesis about strong stress load or its considerable increase in 2003 and the following years.
Serum Ferritin in Healthy Women and Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Ćujić Danica , Stefanoska Ivana , Golubović Snežana
Published: November 2010

Serum Ferritin in Healthy Women and Breast Cancer Patients

Serum tumor markers are important tools in managing patients with breast cancer. Currently used CA 15-3 and CEA have found their clinical application particularly in the follow-up of patients with advanced disease. Ferritin belongs to a group of other molecules of potential interest to clinicians whose concentration is also altered in sera of patients with breast tumors. In this study the serum ferritin concentration was estimated in the sera of breast cancer patients before initial surgical treatment or those with advanced disease, and compared to healthy women as control. Ferritin level was measured by an immunoradiometric assay. The aim was to asses whether the serum ferritin concentration was altered in breast cancer and whether it could be related to progression of the disease. In healthy women, a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in ferritin concentration was observed between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. In both breast cancer groups ferritin levels were higher than in healthy premenopausal women (both p<0.05). In patients with advanced disease, ferritin was further elevated (p<0.05) compared to preoperative levels in the patient group undergoing initial surgical treatment. These results indicate that an elevated ferritin concentration in the serum of younger women could serve as an additional parameter in breast cancer diagnosis and staging.
Immunomodulatory and Clinical Effects of Long-Term Low-Dose Macrolide Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Perić Aleksandar , Vojvodić Danilo , Baletić Nenad , Perić Aneta , Miljanović Olivera
Published: November 2010

Immunomodulatory and Clinical Effects of Long-Term Low-Dose Macrolide Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis

Immunomodulatory treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) by macrolide antibiotics represents a challenging alternative to conventional therapy and surgery, still being at the very beginning. Immune and inflammatory processes in nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa, crucial in the etiopathogenesis of nasal polyps (NPs) are reflected in levels of various local mediators, found both in mucosa and nasal fluid. In this prospective study, we assessed the immunomodulatory and clinical effects of longterm low-dose oral macrolide treatment in the management of CRSwNP. Twenty-two (n = 22) nonasthmatic, nonallergic patients with CRSwNP were administered clarithromycin (CAM) 500 mg/day single oral dose for eight weeks. We measured the levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, TNF-β, and IL-1β, Th1 cytokines IL-2, IL-12, and IFN-γ, Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-10, and chemokine IL-8 in the nasal fluid samples, before and after treatment, using a flow cytometric method. We also scored each of the 22 patients before and after therapy according to Tsicopoulos' global nasal symptom score and Malm's endoscopic score. Following treatment, we found significantly reduced levels of IL-8 (p<0.01) and TNF-α (p<0.01) in nasal secretions. Macrolide therapy decreased the size of polyps in 45.45% of the patients. We concluded that long-term low-dose treatment with CAM was effective in the management of CRSwNP. We suggest that macrolides can be an alternative to topical and systemic corticosteroids in the management of CRSwNP.
Analysis of Serum Proteins and Enzymes Level in Human Subjects with Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ahmad Areeba , Irshad Mohd , Ahmad Waseem , Khan Abdul , Ahmad Riaz
Published: November 2010

Analysis of Serum Proteins and Enzymes Level in Human Subjects with Osteoarthritis

The aim of the present study was to assess the serum proteins and enzymes level using polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic (PAGE) profiles in human subjects with osteoarthritis (OA). Forty-one subjects with confirmed OA were selected for the present study. Sera were collected from these individuals and loaded in equal amounts on native and denaturing PAGE separately. Software analysis of these profiles was done using Scion Imaging (Beta release-4, Scion Corporation) and GelPro (Media Cybernetics, USA) programs. To visualize esterases (Est) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzymes in the sera of these patients substrate specific staining was performed. Differences in the values of control and OA subjects were tested statistically. Software analysis of native-PAGE profiles revealed the presence of nineteen peptides in control and twenty one in OA subjects respectively. Two extra peptides were present in the β-globulins region of OA subjects. Significant decline from 42.77% to 34.72% in albumin levels (hypoalbuminemia) was observed in OA subjects with total albumin to globulin ratio 0.58. In SDS-PAGE, the difference in control and OA subjects was observed among eight peptides with molecular weight 25, 22 and 20 kDa (absent in OA) and five novel peptides 270, 125, 30, 21.36 and 18.4 kDa (absent in controls), while albumin retains the major activity. For enzymes, Est follow a relative order, BchEst (42.86%)> ArylEst (16.24%)>AchEst (6.85%) in OA subjects with the expression of a new BchEst isoform in 4.78% and two isoforms of ArylEst at 2.13 and 1.61% concentrations respectively. Significantly declined albumin esterase-like activity (AlbEst) was observed (34%) (P<0.05) in diseased subjects compared with controls (47%). Significant increase in LDH-5 and decline in LDH-1 and -2 isoenzymes were also observed in the sera of OA subjects. However, the overall rank of LDH isoenzymes was similar in control and OA subjects. Our results demonstrate noticeable differences in the sera PAGE profiles and enzymes activity in control and OA subjects and provide evidence to select serum for its use in the search for suitable biochemical markers in osteoarthritis.
The Effects of Hyperthyroidism on Lipid Peroxidation, Erythrocyte Glutathione and Glutathione Peroxidase
Authors: Ali Abdellah , Sultan Phalisteen
Published: November 2010

The Effects of Hyperthyroidism on Lipid Peroxidation, Erythrocyte Glutathione and Glutathione Peroxidase

The aim of this study was to determine if lipid peroxidation, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase levels can be effected by hyperthyroidism. Twenty-three subjects with hyperthyroidism (18 females/5 males), and 19 euthyroid subjects (11 females/8 males) were examined in this study. Plasma and erythrocytes malondialdehyde (MDA), erythrocytes glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) were measured. Results show that an increase in lipid peroxidation was observed in the hyperthyroid patients (p < 0.001). This was accompanied by a decrease in glutathione and glutathione peroxidase in the same subjects (p < 0.001). The results suggest that hyperthyroidism has some effects on lipid peroxidation and free radical scavengers.
Impact of Coexposure to Aluminum and Ethanol on Phosphoesterases and Transaminases of Rat Cerebrum
Authors: Nayak Prasunpriya , Sharma Shiv , Chowdary Nadella
Published: November 2010

Impact of Coexposure to Aluminum and Ethanol on Phosphoesterases and Transaminases of Rat Cerebrum

Ubiquitous presence along with uncontrolled use of aluminum and increasing trends of ethanol consumption in India increased the chance of coexposure to aluminum and ethanol. Possibilities are there, that both of them follow common mechanisms to produce neurotoxicity. The phosphomonoesterases and glutamate transaminases are studied in rat brain cerebrum after combined exposure to aluminum and varied doses of ethanol for 4 weeks. Dose dependent decreases in growth have been observed. The impact of aluminum on cerebral acidic and alkaline phosphomonoesterases activities were shown to be altered in a dose dependent fashion by the coexposure to ethanol. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase of the cerebrum were responding differentially to aluminum exposure in the presence of different doses of ethanol exposure. It has been suggested that the ethanol-induced augmentation of impacts of aluminum on the cerebrum is dose dependent and there might be a critical level of ethanol exposure for the observed effect on cerebrum.
A new fossil Adamussium (Bivalvia: Pectinidae) from Antarctica
Authors: Quaglio Fernanda , Whittle Rowan , Gaździcki Andrzej , Simões Marcello
Published: November 2010

A new fossilAdamussium(Bivalvia: Pectinidae) from Antarctica

Adamussium jonkersisp. nov. is described from the Late Oligocene Destruction Bay Formation, Wrona Buttress area, King George Island (South Shetlands), West Antarctica. The unit, characterized by volcanic sandstone, is a shallow marine succession deposited in a moderate-to high-energy environment. The thin-shelled pectinids, collected from the lower part of the unit, are preserved mostly as complete valves. Shell thickness, sculpture pattern and umbonal angle suggest a free-living, inactive swimming life habit.
The First State Dream Act
Authors: Flores Stella M.
Published: November 2010

In 2001, Texas became the first state to pass an in-state resident tuition policy that benefits undocumented immigrant students, a majority of whom are of Latino/a origin. This analysis estimates the effect of the Texas in-state resident tuition policy on students likely to be undocumented. Using a differences-in-differences strategy and two extensive data sets, results indicate that foreign-born non-citizen Latino/a students were more likely to attend college after the introduction of the Texas benefit. The results were strongest for older high school graduates, who were found to be 4.84 times more likely to have enrolled in college than not after the tuition policy than their counterparts in Southwestern states without a tuition policy. Multiple tests show that results are robust regardless of specification.
The relevance of age and disease duration for intervention with subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation surgery in Parkinson disease
Authors: Parent Brodie , Awan Nasir , Berman Sarah B. , Suski Valerie , Moore Robert , Crammond Donald , Kondziolka Douglas
Published: November 2010

Object

The optimal age and disease duration for consideration of deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery are not well characterized in patients with Parkinson disease. The aim of this study was to assess variation in motor response to surgery among subgroups stratified by age and disease duration.

Methods

A total of 46 patients referred for DBS were recruited for the study. Preoperative dyskinesia and rigidity scores were recorded, and then patients received bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation. Preoperative motor scores were then compared with postoperative scores over 1 year.

Results

At 1 year postoperatively, patients with ≤ 10 years' disease duration showed a significant (45%) reduction in rigidity and a significant (64%) reduction in dyskinesia. Patients with > 10 years disease also showed a significant (70%) reduction in dyskinesia at 1 year postoperatively, but failed to show significant improvement in rigidity (31% reduction). Patients < 70 years old showed a significant (58%) improvement in rigidity and a significant (53%) improvement in dyskinesia. Finally, patients ≥ 70 years old showed a significant (90%) improvement in dyskinesia, but failed to show any significant change in rigidity at 1 year postoperatively.

Conclusions

The postoperative improvement in rigidity for younger patients with shorter disease duration may indicate that performing early surgery maximizes the benefit of DBS. However, older patients with primarily dyskinesia symptoms also appear to have significant clinical improvement, and DBS can offer relief from this common consequence of long-term levodopa use.
A convenient technique of rapid detection and correction of misplaced central venous catheter
Authors: Mitra SP , Akhter H , Jahangir SM , Aziz L , Iqbal KM
Published: November 2010

A 71 year old male patient was treated conservatively for subarachnoid haemorrhage with septic shock. The subclavian vein cannulation was done after starting mechanical ventilation and a pressure transducer was attached but the absence of typical waveforms led to doubt of correct placement of the catheter. An internal jugular vein (IJV) occlusion test showed flattened trace and central venous pressure (CVP) rise of 5 mmHg indicating misplacement of the catheter into the IJV, later confirmed by chest radiography. The central venous catheter (CVC) was withdrawn under image intensifier guidance and reinserted after applying pressure over the ipsilateral IJV. The position of the CVC was rechecked by connecting a pressure transducer. This time after IJV occlusion, the CVP trace was good and there was no change in waveforms and CVP reading.DOI: 10.3329/pulse.v3i1.6553Pulse Vol.3(1) July 2009 p31-32
Chordoma in the sella turcica
Authors: Khaled A , Joarder A , Chandy M , Nasir TA
Published: November 2010

A chordoma is a slow-growing malignant tumour with a metastatic potential developing from notochord remnants. The incidence is about 1 % of all malignant bone tumours with a male to female ration of 1 : 1. Most patients are in their fifth to seventh decades but patients presenting with skull or vertebral tumours are younger. Chordomas have a protracted course and symptoms are usually present for more than 1 year. The symptoms related to the size and location of the tumour are varied: headache, increased intracranial pressure or cranial nerve involvement for sphenooccipital tumor, pain and neurologic symptoms for vertebral tumours and pain, mass, neurologic symptoms or rectal and bladder dysfunction for sacral and sacrococcygeal tumours. Intracranial chordomas have been described associated with Maffucci's syndrome, hemangiopericytomas, neurofibromatosis or tuberous sclerosis or presenting as a second primary malignant lesion [2].DOI: 10.3329/pulse.v3i1.6554Pulse Vol.3(1) July 2009 p33-34
An Adsorptive Transfer Technique Coupled with Brdicka Reaction to Reveal the Importance of Metallothionein in Chemotherapy with Platinum Based Cytostatics
Authors: Krizkova Sona , Fabrik Ivo , Huska Dalibor , Adam Vojtech , Babula Petr , Hrabeta Jan , Eckschlager Tomas , Pochop Pavel , Darsova Denisa , Kukacka Jiri , Prusa Richard , Trnkova Libuse , Kizek Rene
Published: November 2010

The drugs based on platinum metals represent one of the oldest, but also one of the most effective groups of chemotherapeutic agents. Thanks to many clinical studies it is known that resistance of tumor cells to drugs is a frequent cause of chemotherapy failure. With regard to platinum based drugs, multidrug resistance can also be connected with increased expression of low-molecular weight protein metallothionein (MT). This study aimed at investigating the interactions of MT with cisplatin or carboplatin, using the adsorptive transfer technique coupled with differential pulse voltammetry Brdicka reaction (AdTS DPV Brdicka reaction), and a comparison of in vitro results with results obtained in vivo. The results obtained from the in vitro study show a strong affinity between platinum based drugs and MT. Further, we analyzed extracts of neuroblastoma cell lines treated with cisplatin or carboplatin. It is clear that neuroblastoma UKF-NB-4 cisplatin-resistant and cisplatin-sensitive cell lines unlikely respond to the presence of the platinum-based cytostatics cisplatin and carboplatin. Finally, we determined the level of MT in samples from rabbits treated with carboplatin and patients with retinoblastoma treated with the same drug.
Supramolecular Self-Assembled Chaos: Polyphenolic Lignin’s Barrier to Cost-Effective Lignocellulosic Biofuels
Authors: Achyuthan Komandoor Elayavalli , Achyuthan Ann Mary , Adams Paul David , Dirk Shawn Matthew , Harper Jason Carl , Simmons Blake Alexander , Singh Anup Kumar
Published: November 2010

Phenylpropanoid metabolism yields a mixture of monolignols that undergo chaotic, non-enzymatic reactions such as free radical polymerization and spontaneous self-assembly in order to form the polyphenolic lignin which is a barrier to cost-effective lignocellulosic biofuels. Post-synthesis lignin integration into the plant cell wall is unclear, including how the hydrophobic lignin incorporates into the wall in an initially hydrophilic milieu. Self-assembly, self-organization and aggregation give rise to a complex, 3D network of lignin that displays randomly branched topology and fractal properties. Attempts at isolating lignin, analogous to archaeology, are instantly destructive and non-representative of in planta. Lack of plant ligninases or enzymes that hydrolyze specific bonds in lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) also frustrate a better grasp of lignin. Supramolecular self-assembly, nano-mechanical properties of lignin-lignin, lignin-polysaccharide interactions and association-dissociation kinetics affect biomass deconstruction and thereby cost-effective biofuels production.
Corée du Nord : les événements de l'année 1978
Authors: Brillouet Alain
Published: November 2010

North Korea: the Developments for the Year 1978 and Some Data on Mass Media.

A brief analysis of the guiding principles and the component parts of the mass media in D.P.R.K. leads to the following conclusions.

On the one hand, orthodoxy and rigorism. On the other hand, there is a similarity of the information formally and in substance whichever intended purpose is concerned: domestic or foreign use.

In this field, North Korea holds fast to the socialist model.

In general, the examination of the principal developments for the year 1978 confirms current events such as the problem of the political succession, the economical development and the question of the real importance for the leaders of the "korean-korean" talks.
La légalité socialiste et le développement de la préoccupation juridique en Union Soviétique
Authors: Lavigne P.
Published: November 2010

L'expression « légalité socialiste » figure dans la Constitution soviétique de 1977, comme consacrant les positions du XXe Congrès du Parti communiste. Le concept est apparu vers 1933, comme renouvellement du concept antérieur de « légalité révolutionnaire » mis en actes par Lénine dès 1918, puis valorisé par Kalinine, Stutchka, Krylenko. Avec la Constitution stalinienne de 1936, l'expression fut essentiellement utilisée comme référence purement verbale par Vychinsky et les juristes du pouvoir, et les recherches sur les garanties juridiques de la légalité étaient inexistantes.

En 1956, le Congrès insiste sur le développement de la légalité socialiste ; cette position conduit rapidement à la soumission du système judiciaire à la légalité. Les juristes soviétiques (en particulier M. S. Strogovitch) se consacrent alors à l'étude de ce thème et des conditions techniques du renforcement de la légalité dans la pratique, tant de la juridiction répressive que de l'administration active. Le Programme du Parti communiste de 1961 (toujours en vigueur) insiste sur la consolidation continue de la légalité socialiste.

Alors se manifeste la volonté de développement de la préoccupation juridique chez les citoyens, qui sont plus concernés par la légalité de l'action administrative quotidienne que par celle du système répressif. Mais le développement parallèle des institutions de participation (milices volontaires, tribunaux de camarades, assemblées rurales, etc.) ne favorise pas le renforcement de la lutte pour le respect de la légalité par l'administration d'Etat. Au XXIV* Congrès du Parti communiste, cet aspect de la question est relancé ; à sa suite, les théoriciens valorisent l'usage des plaintes. Au XXVe Congrès, l'accent est mis sur le respect de la légalité dans la juridiction répressive. La Constitution de 1977 intègre les deux aspects : les dispositions relatives à la juridiction répressive ne sont pas profondément différentes de celles de la constitution précédente, mais les dispositions nouvelles de l'article 58 sur les recours contre les activités de l'administration sont de nature à renforcer la légalité socialiste à l'égard de tous les citoyens. Ce texte a été accueilli avec une grande faveur populaire, la législation d'application doit être prête pour la fin 1980.
Les problèmes de main-d'œuvre en Tchécoslovaquie
Authors: Adam J. , Cekota Jaromir
Published: November 2010

L'article est consacré à la pénurie de main-d'œuvre en Tchécoslovaquie et aux mesures prises pour tenter d'y remédier. Dans la première partie, les facteurs ayant provoqué un déclin des taux d'accroissement de la population active sont analysés ainsi que les causes de l'utilisation inefficace de la main-d'œuvre.

Dans la seconde partie, on traite des mesures gouvernementales destinées à faire face au manque de main-d'œuvre. Les mesures poursuivent deux objectifs : accroître l'offre en main-d'œuvre et améliorer l'utilisation de celle-ci. En ce qui concerne ce dernier objectif, on applique des méthodes à la fois administratives et non-administratives. Les stimulants concernant les individus et les entreprises (par la régulation des salaires) sont discutés et analysés de manière relativement détaillée.
La pratique et la théorie de l'autogestion yougoslave
Authors: Sirc Ljubo
Published: November 2010

One part of the communist establishment is in favour of reforms, including an expansion of the private sector, while others admit shortcomings but claim that they can be resolved within the present system.
Marxisme et socialisme étatique
Authors: De Fouquet Pierre
Published: November 2010

Marxism and State Socialism.

State socialism is the concrete expression of a socio-historical phenomenon, controlled by a Party-State, and regarded as the legitimate offspring of Marxism. How does Marxism as a theory accomodate this reality? What role does Marxism as an ideology play in this reality?

In order to answer these questions, one must examine state socialism in the light of Marxism, by reference to a number of fundamental concepts; the resulting scrutiny reveals a social division which lies at the root of the relations of production, and is to be seen at every level of the social structure.

This division, however, seems to be specific, and not expressible in terms of the modes of production listed by the classics of Marxism, by reason of the fact that it is the Party-State which defines the essential social relations, those which dictate the structuring of society. The domination of the Party-State, manifest both at economic and ideological level, determines the particular characteristics of this division: bureaucratic, hierarchic, repressive and elitist. In both the origin and the reproduction of this system, Marxist ideology is an organic constituent: first as party, then as state, ideology, it produces a logomachy aimed at sublimating a so-called socialist reality by standing the concept on its head.
Le dixième plan économique (1976-1980) comme instrument du perfectionnement de l'efficacité économique
Authors: Clément H.
Published: November 2010

Les évaluations quantitatives des plans quinquennaux soviétiques ne doivent pas être considérées comme des objectifs qui engagent les dirigeants, mais plutôt comme la formulation des intentions d'une politique économique à moyen terme.

Face à un développement démographique défavorable, à des taux de croissance économique en déclin et à la part déjà élevée des investissements dans le revenu national, les autorités soviétiques ont assigné au 10e plan quinquennal un rôle clef alors qu'elles s'efforcent de faire entrer l'économie dans une phase orientée vers la productivité (phase intensive).

Les résultats des premières années de la période planifiée sont actuellement disponibles. L'analyse des données montre que le développement effectif des sources de la croissance économique allait dans une direction opposée à celle qui avait été initialement planifiée. Les calculs de la CIA et nos calculs à l'Osteuropa-Institut de Munich montrent clairement un fort déclin des taux de croissance de la productivité totale des facteurs. Contrairement à ce qui s'est passé au cours du 9e plan quinquennal, ce développement est dû essentiellement à une contre-performance du secteur industriel.

Les causes de ce développement non planifié ne sont pas difficiles à comprendre : évidemment, à la fois dans ses déclarations générales et dans ses objectifs quantitatifs, le Plan quinquennal met l'accent sur l'accroissement de la productivité. Cependant, les applications pratiques de cette politique se limitent aux appels bien connus — mais guère couronnés de succès — à l'achèvement des constructions en cours, à la concentration des ressources sur la modernisation des usines existantes, à un emploi plus efficient de l'énergie et des matières premières, à la restructuration de l'économie en faveur des branches appelées à croître, à l'amélioration de la localisation de l'industrie, à l'accélération du progrès technique, au perfectionnement de la planification et du contrôle de l'économie, etc.

Le Plan quinquennal n'offre pas une conception saine et cohérente. Il n'est donc pas étonnant qu'un certain nombre de programmes complexes (métaux ferreux, transports, etc.) remplacent les proportions initiales.

Le plan a également été incapable d'introduire des améliorations essentielles dans le mécanisme de planification et de gestion.

Le 10e plan a bien défini les problèmes de la productivité et les objectifs correspondants, mais il n'a pas su leur apporter une solution adéquate. Compte tenu d'un point de départ moins favorable qu'au début du 10e plan quinquennal, les problèmes de la productivité du travail sont devenues plus difficiles à résoudre.
Le changement technique et les «Agency costs» : Un dilemne croissant pour le planificateur central soviétique
Authors: Moore John H.
Published: November 2010

Technological Change and Agency Costs. A Growing Dilemma for Soviet Central Planners.

Growth rates in the Soviet economy have slowed significantly in recent years. It appears that input growth rates cannot be increased substantially, so the burden of reversing the retardation falls, in large measure, on technological change. Yet the Soviet economic system is notoriously weak in generating and diffusing improved technology. These weaknesses are well known and yet they persist in the system.

The central argument of this paper is that these systematic weaknesses are not necessarily a reflection of irrationality or ignorance, but rather reflect the results of an implicit trade-off between the objectives of economic efficiency and control of the system. Taking off from Zaleski's conclusion that the purpose of the planning system is to manage, the papers's analysis applies recent developments in the theory of agency costs to show why apparently illogical or irrational characteristics persist in the system. For example, the policy of permanent prices, the proclivity for long production runs of standardized products, and the reluctance to make allowances for obsolescence, among other things, can be understood in these terms. The basic analysis is then applied to characteristics of the system that appear to slow technological change.

A main conclusion is that the existing planning system can be better understood as an instrument that is used to promote the ends of the leadership. To be effective, the system must be controlled, and it is the effort to maintain control that results in some of its apparently anomalous characteristics. In trying to understand the system or reform attempt, it is important to evaluate how well the system serves the ends of the leaders, rather than whether it conforms to neoclassical economic welfare criteria.
Du nouveau et de l'ancien chez les économistes soviétiques
Authors: Duchêne Gérard
Published: November 2010

Ideas New and Old Among Soviet Economists.

There is some overlapping in Alec Nove's suggested classification of Soviet economists, since each of the authors might be listed under several different headings. The analysis is based on broad categories of subject rather than on individual writers, the distinction being drawn between pure and applied economics. Soviet studies in pure theory, which covers the mathematical school and Marxist political economy, has made little progress over the past fifteen years, and the general level of achievement is regarded as poor, judged by international standards. However, in the field of applied economics, where empirical work is directed towards the solution of practical problems of economic policy, considerable progress has been made, and it is here that western economists are most likely to find matter of interest to them, for example in analyses of income, investment, employment, behaviour of firms, etc.
Stagflation mondiale et planification socialiste : le cas de la Hongrie
Authors: Tejera Camilo
Published: November 2010

Stagflation mondiale et planification socialiste : le cas de la Hongrie.

L'auteur, qui est d'accord pour l'essentiel avec les affirmations du professeur Marczewski, ajoute quelques observations sur les causes de la stagflation mondiale et prend plus particulièrement le cas de la Hongrie et de son Nouveau mécanisme économique comme exemple de réaction aux problèmes qui se posent à l'heure actuelle au niveau mondial.
Edward Lipinski, président de l'Association Internationale de Sciences Économiques
Authors: Wronski Henri
Published: November 2010

Le Professeur E. Lipinski a été élu, en 1980, Président honoraire de l'Association internationale des Sciences économiques. Membre de l'Académie des Sciences polonaise, E. Lipinski a toujours œuvré pour le rapprochement des milieux scientifiques de son pays avec ceux des pays occidentaux. Né en 1888 et enseignant depuis 1923, il a fondé l'Institut de la Conjoncture et des Prix en 1928. Président de la Banque de l'Economie nationale en 1946, il est limogé pendant la période sombre du culte de la personnalité. Il se plonge alors dans l'histoire économique et il participe, avec ses élèves, à la libération du système politique polonais qui se matérialise par le retour au pouvoir de W. Gomulka (octobre polonais de 1956).

Inscrit à un cercle d'études socialistes lorsqu'il était encore lycéen, E. Lipinski est probablement un des plus anciens socialistes actuellement en vie. Il a lutté sans relâche contre les gaspillages de la gestion étatique centralisée, contre l'imitation aveugle du modèle soviétique et pour la liberté.

C'est autour de lui que s'est organisée l'action de défense des ouvriers polonais après les événements de Radom, en 1976, point de départ du mouvement actuel de libération et de recherche d'une nouvelle voie en Pologne.
La dynamique des revenus paysans en Pologne et en Hongrie depuis 1956
Authors: Asselain Jean-Charles
Published: November 2010

La revalorisation relative des revenus paysans apparaît comme le changement le plus saillant intervenu dans la répartition des revenus en Hongrie et en Pologne depuis une quinzaine d'années. La tendance à la réduction de l'écart de revenu moyen entre les paysans et le reste de la population est conforme à la tendance générale, dans les pays industrialisés, à un resserrement progressif des écarts intersectoriels de productivité. Mais elle doit être reliée aussi à une autre tendance de fond, caractéristique de l'évolution post-stalinienne à travers toute l'Europe de l'Est : le relèvement de la place de l'agriculture dans la hiérarchie des priorités à la suite d'une longue série d'échecs agricoles. Le présent article a pour objet de préciser l'interaction entre la politique agricole, les échecs ou les succès de l'agriculture et le sort des paysans en Hongrie et en Pologne depuis 1956.
La politique régionale en U.R.S.S. : conceptions et expériences
Authors: Benini Roberta
Published: November 2010

Regional Policy in the USSR: Theory and Practice.

This article examines spatial problems in the Soviet Union in terms of four main aspects which dominate both the theory and the practice of Soviet regional policy:

— The importance of the role of the state;

— The predominance of the sectoral principle;

— The close relationship between politics and economics, and the contradictions which arise between administrative and economic boundary lines, all combine to lend Soviet iegional policy its particular characteristics.

At the same time, the size and growing impact of territorial considerations on economic development have compelled the Soviet authorities to give increasing attention to the need for a more efficient regional policy which will take account of the complexity of the problems now arising. The grave regional imbalances (between the west and the Asian areas) which reflect different levels of regional development, require a considered economic policy designed to make allowance for the diverse historical, economic and socio-cultural patterns of each region.

Set against the totality of the problem, succeeding attempts, from the period of Khrushchev onwards, reveal the disparity between aims and the measures taken to implement them.

As regards regional development, the greater scope acquired by republican and regional authorities over the last two decades is still offset, either by lack of success of the plans themselves, or by difficulties often arising as a result of obstacles created by the central authorities.

At the same time, the models elaborated by various centres in this area of research remain for the most part, theoretical and ill-adapted to implementation at the practical economic level.

These various limiting factors, which are both technical and operational, reflect a contradiction which is rooted in the Soviet system itself.

The predominance of sectoral planning over regional planning is simply an expression of the logic of state centralization which culminates in complete economic and political control. Thus the surface weaknesses and contradictions which manifest themselves, are inherent in the nature and operation of the Soviet system itself. More objectively, the overall effects of these weaknesses arise from the inability of the central planning authorities to plan a long-term policy of economic growth, and to determine its form and scope.