bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spleen histology in the female Ohrid trout, Salmo letnica (Kar.) (Teleostei, Salmonidae) during the reproductive cycle
Authors: Rebok K. , Jordanova M. , Tavciovska-Vasileva I.
Published: January 2012

The Ohrid trout is an endemic autochthonous species dating from the Tertiary
period with an unique ecological and commercial value. We still lack the
basic knowledge of normal histology of many visceral organs in this species,
including the spleen. To tackle this limitation, the investigation was
focused on a histological description of the spleen and the influence of the
breeding cycle on some aspects of the spleen (the relative volumes of the red
and white pulp). Examination by light microscopy showed the same basic
structural features of the salmonid spleen: red and white pulp with randomly
distributed melanomacrophage centers, surrounded by a fibrous capsule. White
pulp comprises about 35-40% of the volume of the parenchyma, 2-fold less than
red pulp. During the breeding cycle, we observed a significant increase of
white pulp and decrease of red pulp in the spawning stage compared to earlier
stages. After spawning, the relative volumes of white and red pulp exhibit a
tendency to decrease and increase, respectively. Based on correlations
between the amount of white and red pulp and the ovary somatic ratio, we
assumed there could be a connection between the sex steroid status and the
pulp content in the spleen.
Effects of different drought treatments on root and shoot development of the tomato wild type and flacca mutant
Authors: Prokic Ljiljana , Stikic Radmila
Published: January 2012

The effects of drought and partial root drying (PRD) on shoot and root growth
was assessed in the wild type Ailsa Craig (WT) and the flacca tomato mutant
deficient in the plant hormone ABA. Our results show that drought had an
inhibitory effect on shoot growth in flacca and especially in WT; the most
profound effect was observed in FI (full irrigation), then PRD and the
smallest in D plants. Root development in both WT and flacca was stimulated
after the 3rd day of the experiment following a decrease in the soil water
content. On the 11th day of the experiment, when the soil water content was
reduced by about 50% of full irrigation (FI), the root density was increased
in the drying part of the PDR and on both sides of the drought treatment. On
the basis of these results it can be assumed that increased root density and
root length represent an adaptation or root adjustment to drought conditions.
A new cave Pseudoscorpion from Serbia (Pseudoscorpiones, Chthoniidae)
Authors: Curcic B.P.M. , Radja T. , Dimitrijevic R.N. , Makarov S.E. , Milincic M.
Published: January 2012

A new pseudoscorpion from the family Chthoniidae - Chthonius (Chthonius)
aquasanctae n. sp. from west Serbia is described. The newly erected taxon is
endemic to the area studied. Its taxonomic relationship to its phenetically
close congeners Chthonius (Chthonius) lesnik Curcic and Chthonius (Chthonius)
iugoslavicus Curcic, as well as the comparative morphological traits, are
described in detail.
Immunoreactive neuropeptides in the cells of human thymus
Authors: Leposavic Gordana , Todorovic Vera , Nikolic I. , Perisic Milica
Published: January 2012

The study was designed to explore the expression of different neuropeptides,
viz. vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), calcitonin gene related peptide
(CGRP), substance P (SP), bombesin and motilin in the cells of fetal and
adult human thymus. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that cortical and
medullary thymocytes were labeled by all antibodies, except those specific
for motilin. Immunoreactive VIP and SP were observed in the solitary
epithelial cells located in the subcapsular/subtrabecular cortex, at the
corticomedullary junction and in the medulla. The cells within the
subcapsular/subtrabecular monolayer, rare solitary cells in the deep cortex
and epithelial cell network in the medulla, were labeled with antibodies to
CGRP and bombesin. Hassall?s corpuscles were labeled with all antibodies
except that specific for SP. The obtained data obtained testify to the
expression of different neuropeptides in human thymic lymphoid and
non-lymphoid cells and suggest a role for neuroendocrine hormone-mediated
mechanisms in the regulation of thymic homeostasis in humans.
Alteration of oxidative stress parameters in red blood cells of rats after chronic in vivo treatment with cisplatin and selenium
Authors: Markovic Snezana , Zizic Jovana , Djacic Dragana , Obradovic Ana , Curcic Milena , Cvetkovic Danijela , Djordjevic Natasa , Ognjanovic Branka , Stajn A.S.
Published: January 2012

In this study we evaluated the possible protective effects of selenium (Se)
on hematological and oxidative stress parameters in rats chronically treated
with cisplatin (cisPt). Four groups of Wistar albino rats were examined: a
control, untreated rats (I), rats treated with Se (II), rats treated with
cisPt (III), and rats treated with Se and cisPt (IV). All animals were
treated for 5 days successively and killed 24 h after the last treatment.
Hematological and oxidative stress parameters were followed in whole blood
and red blood cells (RBC). Results showed that the chronic application of Se
was followed by a higher number of reticulocytes and platelets, increased
lipid peroxidation and GSH content in the RBC. Cisplatin treatment induced
depletion of RBC and platelet numbers and an elevation of the superoxide
anion, nitrites and glutathione levels. Se and cisPt co-treatment was
followed by an elevation of the hematological parameters and the recovery of
the glutathione status when compared to the control and cisPt-treated rats.
Logit analysis of socio-economic factors influencing people to become fishermen in the central region of Ghana
Authors: Acquah Henry , Abunyuwah Isaac
Published: January 2012

This study analyzes the socio-economic factors that influence people?s
decision to become fishermen in the central region of Ghana. Using a well
structured interview schedule, a random sample of 98 people from Elmina in
the central region of Ghana was selected for the study. Results from the
descriptive statistics analysis of respondents identified fishing as a family
business, minimum skills requirement and ready market for fish demand as
factors that motivated majority of the people into fishing. Lack of storage
facilities, access to credit, lack of government assistance and unpredictable
changes in weather conditions on sea were the main constraints to fishing
activities. Results from the logistic regression model indicated that
household size and access to credit were significant factors that positively
influenced people?s decision to become fishermen. The regression analysis
further revealed that engaging in other income generating activity and being
educated significantly reduces the probability to start fishing business.
Environmental and agronomic impact of the herbicide tolerant GM rapeseed
Authors: Zdjelar Gordana , Nikolic Zorica , Marjanovic-Jeromela Ana , Jovicic Dusica , Ignjatov Maja , Petrovic Dragana
Published: January 2012

The introduction of genetically modified herbicide tolerant rapeseed has
raised questions concerning the possible transfer of transgenes into wild
relatives or neighbouring fields with similar crops. Pollen of rapeseed can
be spread in the area and if a non-GM crop is fertilised by GM pollen, some
percentage of the collected seed product will contain GM. Current regulation
in the EU limits the allowed content. For conventional crops the critical
level of GM contamination is in practice below 0.9%, which is the threshold
value for labelling of GM in food and feed by the EU, although the limit for
seeds is 0.1% in Serbia. In organic farming, the regulations do not allow the
use of genetic engineering in the grain production system.
Impact of work place stresses on work ability index in patients with depressive disorders
Authors: Brekalo-Lazarevic Sanja , Pranjic Nurka , Selmanovic Senada , Grbovic Mensur
Published: January 2012

Introduction. Depression seriously affects one?s ability to perform work
tasks and function at work. We studied the impact of both the individual and
work factors on work ability index in patients suffering from depression.
Material and methods. The prospective study, which was conducted by using
questionnaires, included 210 patients with depression, who had been on sick
leave from 60 to 360 days. The individual factors were evaluated by the
standardized abridged form of Occupational Stress Questionnaire, while the
work place factors in relation to work ability were evaluated by the work
ability index. Results. Poor work ability was observed in 151 (71%) of
subjects suffering from depression. All workplace stresses, lack of support
by colleagues and supervisors, ergonomically not adjusted work and huge work
load are statistically associated with poor work ability index (P=0.001).
More than 95% of variables of the evaluated work ability index are the result
of varying in the group of stresses at work place (R2=0.95). Perception of
bad health condition (Rsq=0.412, P=0.001), low level of life satisfaction
(Rsq=0.309, P=0,001), low level of motivation and work knowledge (Rsq=0.309,
P=0.001) are predictors for poor work ability. The work ability cannot be
related with age and sex. Conclusion. The key activities for maintaining the
work ability at the times when epidemic of depression emerges, as it is
nowadays, are timely carrying out the psycho-treatments, mental and
professional rehabilitation, occupational therapy and adapted work place.
Influence of glucose homeostasis on maturation and ontogenesis of fetus
Authors: Hrabovski Ivan , Milasnovic Ljubomir , Grujic Zorica , Grujic Ilija
Published: January 2012

Introduction. The aim of the paper is to examine the incidence and the rate
of cardio respiratory disorders in mothers of newborns with diabetes mellitus
in pregnancy as well as their influence on the perinatal outcome. Material
and methods. A prospective and random study included 102 newborns, 31
newborns of mothers with glucose homeostasis disorder (group I) and 71
newborns of healthy mothers (group II). The average age, body height, body
weight, body mass index, parity and illness duration of the pregnant women
were recorded as well as the delivery method. Every newborn underwent
physical examination in order to determine the Apgar score, body weight and
length. Electrocardiogram, brain ultrasound and the basic hematology
biochemical and microbiological analysis were done as well. Results. The
average weight and obesity incidence were higher in diabetic women than in
the control group and their newborns were heavier and of lower gestational
age.Heart failures were diagnosed in 5 (1612%) newborns of diabetic mothers
and in 1 (1.4%) of a healthy pregnant woman (p<0.01). Respiratory disorders
were diagnosed in 48.4% of newborns of diabetic mothers and 12.64% of healthy
mothers (p<0.01). Additional oxygen was needed by 42% of newborns of diabetic
mothers and 19.7% of newborns of healthy mothers. Conclusion. Congenital
anomalies of cardiovascular system and respiratory disorders were 6-8 times
more frequent in newborns of diabetic mothers than in newborns of healthy
mothers.
Place and role of Von Willebrand factor in acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Koprivica Zoran , Djordjevic Dusica , Zivkovic Vladimir , Vuletic Milena , Andjelkovic Nebojsa , Jakovljevic Vladimir
Published: January 2012

Introduction. Advanced understanding of the pathophysiology of ACS has led to
the marked increase in development of biomarkers for diagnosis, risk
stratification, therapeutic decision-making, and assessment of clinical
outcomes, but there is still a need for a marker that could verify or exclude
the existence of acute coronary syndrome as early as possible. The aim of our
study was to assess the value of von Willebrand factor as a potential marker
of heart necrosis in early diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. Material and
methods. One hundred fifteen patients were taken a blood sample on the first
day after being diagnosed to have an acute coronary syndrome in order to
determine the values of their von Willebrand factor antigen and von
Willebrand factor activity. Results and discussion. The results of the study
clearly showed that patients had significantly elevated both these parameters
compared to the reference values and controls, and that von Willebrand factor
represented a highly sensitive and specific marker which correlated with the
degree of necrosis and clinical picture. Conclusion. These results should be
confirmed by further multi-center investigations performed on a higher number
of participants.
Current account imbalances in the monetary union and the great recession: Causes and policies
Authors: Uxó Jorge , Paúl Jesús , Febrero Eladio
Published: January 2012

Current account imbalances within the eurozone are at the roots of its
economic crisis. We argue that, though relevant, emphasis should shift from
competitiveness to differential rates of growth of domestic demand as its
chief explanatory factor. Euro core countries have experienced a shortage of
domestic demand, with wage restraint playing a key role. This has led them to
experience a current account surplus, which could not be understood
independently of a buoyant domestic demand in the peripheral countries,
funded with private debt. As a byproduct of that strong demand, the periphery
suffered from wage inflation and a loss of competitiveness. This dual growth
pattern is unsustainable as indebtedness cannot go on without any limit.
Neither wage cuts nor fiscal austerity in the periphery will help to solve
this mess: although trade balance would be restored, it would lead to a
negative shock in aggregate demand, threatening their ability to settle debts
at due dates.
Preferences for spicy foods and disgust of ectoparasites are associated with reported health in humans
Authors: Prokop Pavol , Fancovicová Jana
Published: January 2012

Infectious diseases that influence human survival are responsible for the
evolved emotional, cognitive and behavioural strategies that reduce the risk
of disease transmission. The preference for spices in foods of contemporary
humans was thought to be an antipathogen strategy that could reduce disease
transmission. We investigated the possible associations between reported
health and anti-pathogen strategies in a sample of Slovak high school
students. We found that the reported consumption of spices and ectoparasite
avoidance was positively associated with the total number of reported
illnesses in the last year and hand washing was negatively associated with
this. This means that immunologically compromised people prefer spices more
and avoid contact with disease-relevant insect vectors more than their
healthier counterparts. Females engaged in anti-pathogen behaviours more than
males, but consumed spicy foods less frequently, suggesting their
evolutionary role in the maternal investment to their offspring or different
susceptibility to certain diseases. Our results suggest that people
vulnerable to diseases are more disgust sensitive and prefer foods with
antimicrobial properties more than healthy people, supporting an idea that
human emotions and behaviour are influenced by the threat of parasites.
The facilitation effect of associative and semantic relatedness in word recognition
Authors: Jakic Milena , Filipovic-Djurdjevic Dusica , Kostic Aleksandar
Published: January 2012

In this study we addressed three issues concerning semantic and associative
relatedness between two words and how they prime each other. The first issue
is whether there is a priming effect of semantic relatedness over and above
the effect of associative relatedness. The second issue is how difference in
semantic overlap between two words affects priming. In order to specify the
semantic overlap we introduce five relation types that differ in number of
common semantic components. Three relation types (synonyms, antonyms and
hyponyms) represent semantic relatedness while two relation types represent
associative relatedness, with negligible or no semantic relatedness. Finally,
the third issue addressed in this study is whether there is a symmetric
priming effect if we swap the position of prime and target, i.e. whether the
direction of relatedness between two words affects priming. In two lexical
decision experiments we presented five types of word pairs. In both
experiments we obtained stronger facilitation for pairs that were both
semantically and associatively related. Closer inspection showed that larger
semantic overlap between words is paralleled by greater facilitation effect.
The effects did not change when prime and target swap their position,
indicating that the observed facilitation effects are symmetrical. This
outcome complies with predictions of distributed models of memory.
Models of production runs for multiple products in flexible manufacturing system
Authors: Ilic Oliver , Radovic Milic
Published: January 2012

How to determine economic production runs (EPR) for multiple products in
flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) is considered in this paper. Eight
different although similar, models are developed and presented. The first
four models are devoted to the cases when no shortage is allowed. The other
four models are some kind of generalization of the previous ones when
shortages may exist. The numerical examples are given as the illustration of
the proposed models.
Merging Taper Lengths for Lane Closures of Short Duration
Authors: Theiss LuAnn , Finley Melisa D. , Ullman Gerald L.
Published: January 2012

The merging taper lengths described in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices are assumed to apply to roadways of all types. Yet driver expectations and traffic operations differ greatly between the high-speed freeway and the lower-speed, signalized urban street. The research described in this paper investigated the operational impacts of reduced taper lengths on lower-speed urban arterials. The study found that drivers did react differently after merging taper lengths were modified. Both the merging taper and the work vehicle in the closed lane served as visual cues to drivers to vacate the closed lane. On longer taper lengths, channelizing devices were used to motivate drivers to change lanes. Vehicles with occluded views, however, were more likely to become trapped and to create mobility issues in the traffic stream. On shorter taper lengths, drivers reacted to the merging taper and the work vehicle itself. Although fewer vehicles became trapped near the merge point, that point was much closer to the work vehicle. Under the absence of taper conditions (i.e., mobile operations), in which the work vehicle was much larger than the trucks used during the merging taper observations, fewer drivers remained in the closed lane at comparable locations. Both motorist and worker safety must be considered in the selection of an appropriate merging taper length for work activities of shorter duration on urban arterials. Further research should investigate the implications for worker safety of installing and removing various merging taper lengths as compared with the time it takes to complete the work activity.
Book Reviews
Authors: Beattie James , Watkins Charles
Published: January 2012

John M. MacKenzie, Museums and Empire: Natural History, Human Cultures and Colonial Identities (James Beattie)
David Foot, Woods and People: Putting Forests on the Map (Charles Watkins)
5,11,17,23-Tetra-tert-butyl-25-(2’-pyridylmethylamidocarbonylmethyl)-calix[4]arene
Authors: Al-Ayed Abdullah Sulaiman , Baklouti Lassaad , Hamdi Abdelwaheb
Published: January 2012

5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25-(2’-pyridyl methyl amidocarbonylmethyl)-calix[4]arene (3) has been synthesized in the cône conformation through reaction of the corresponding mono-ester with 2-aminomethylpyridine (picolylamine) and characterised using 1H NMR and MALDI-TOF mass spectral data as well as elemental analyses.
Investigating the Spectrum of Biological Activity of Substituted Quinoline-2-Carboxamides and Their Isosteres
Authors: Gonec Tomas , Bobal Pavel , Sujan Josef , Pesko Matus , Guo Jiahui , Kralova Katarina , Pavlacka Lenka , Vesely Libor , Kreckova Eva , Kos Jiri , Coffey Aidan , Kollar Peter , Imramovsky Ales , Placek Lukas , Jampilek Josef
Published: January 2012

In this study, a series of thirty-five substituted quinoline-2-carboxamides and thirty-three substituted naphthalene-2-carboxamides were prepared and characterized. They were tested for their activity related to the inhibition of photosynthetic electron transport (PET) in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) chloroplasts. Primary in vitro screening of the synthesized compounds was also performed against four mycobacterial species. N-Cycloheptylquinoline-2-carboxamide, N-cyclohexylquinoline-2-carboxamide and N-(2-phenylethyl)quinoline-2-carboxamide showed higher activity against M. tuberculosis than the standards isoniazid or pyrazinamide and 2-(pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbonyl)quinoline and 1-(2-naphthoyl)pyrrolidine expressed higher activity against M. kansasii and M. avium paratuberculosis than the standards isoniazid or pyrazinamide. The most effective antimycobacterial compounds demonstrated insignificant toxicity against the human monocytic leukemia THP-1 cell line. The PET-inhibiting activity expressed by IC50 value of the most active compound N-benzyl-2-naphthamide was 7.5 μmol/L. For all compounds, the structure-activity relationships are discussed.
Synthesis of New Liquid Crystalline Diglycidyl Ethers
Authors: Mohammed Issam Ahmed , Hamidi Rashidah Mohamed
Published: January 2012

The phenolic Schiff bases I–VI were synthesized by condensation reactions between various diamines, namely o-dianisidine, o-tolidine and ethylenediamine with vanillin or p-hydroxybenzaldehyde and subsequent reactions between these phenolic Schiff bases and epichlorohydrin to produce new diglycidyl ethers Ia–VIa. The structures of these compounds were confirmed by CHN, FT-IR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. Their thermotropic liquid crystalline behavior was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarizing optical microscopy (POM). All the diglycidyl ethers prepared exhibit nematic mesophases, except for Va and VIa, which did not show any transition mesophases, but simply flow to liquids.
THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL PERSPECTIVES OF DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE WITH DC TRACTION MOTORS WHEEL-SETS’ SLIPPING AND SLIDING CONTROL
Authors: Liudvinavičius Lionginas , Bureika Gintautas
Published: January 2012

The causes of slipping and sliding of the locomotive's driving wheel-sets are analysed from theoretical and practical perspectives. The main factors influencing wheel-sets’ slipping are described, and their correlation is determined. The specific methods of stopping the slipping of the Diesel locomotives and having a conventional electric drive system are described in the paper. The process of wheel-sets’ slipping and its control are simulated and shown graphically. Structural diagrams demonstrating the control of the dynamic locomotive wheel-sets’ slipping and sliding, based on the evaluation of the influence of the speed-torque characteristics of DC traction motors on these processes, are presented. Major parameters of the DC/DC and AC/DC systems used in the automatic control of the dynamic slipping and sliding of the locomotive's wheel-sets are defined and new methods of controlling the dynamic slipping and sliding are suggested.
TARGET MODAL SPLIT MODEL
Authors: Basarić Valentina , Jović Jadranka
Published: January 2012

The research presented in this paper is aimed at defining a model that enables the management of the relationship between private vehicles and public transport applying the available instruments of city transport policy such as parking policy and public transport policy measures. Statistical data used for modelling is sourced from the database in a wide range of EU cities. The target model was developed in the form of stepwise regression analysis. Very favourable statistical results were obtained, and the subsequent tests on the city of Novi Sad (250000 inhabitants) led to the conclusion that the obtained results were suitable for implementation in practice. The results of the implemented procedure are of great importance for the enhancement of the existing transport policies in cities, as they enable the development of strategies for finding combinations of instruments that would bring the transport system and urban environment into a desired-viable rather than consequential condition.
Les pulsions épistémophiliques à l'œuvre dans les techniques de Procréation Médicalement Assistée
Authors: Drossart Francis
Published: January 2012

À partir du film «  Dead Ringers  » (« Faux semblants ») de D. Cronenberg, dans lequel des jumeaux gynécologues à la tête d’une « Clinique de la Stérilité » sombrent dans la folie, nous attirons l’attention sur le destin des pulsions épistémophiliques à l’œuvre dans les techniques de Procréation Médicalement Assistée. De la capacité pour le sujet d’intégrer ou non l’énigme de l’OEdipe, et de la différence des sexes, dépendra l’issue sublimatoire ou non de ces pulsions épistémophiliques appliquées à ce domaine des PMA.
Comment survivre à son accouchement ?
Authors: Candilis-Huisman Drina
Published: January 2012

Le temps de l’accouchement a été et reste encore pour de nombreuses femmes un moment redouté où plane l’ombre de la mort, la sienne et celle de son enfant. Une première idée consisterait à penser qu’il faut peut-être mourir à soi-même pour donner la vie. C’est un des enseignements possibles de la clinique périnatale, lorsque dans l’après coup des reconstructions, les patientes donnent ainsi sens à la violence de ce qu’elles ont traversé. Mais la littérature s’est davantage intéressée au sort des mères endeuillées par la perte précoce d’un enfant qu’à celui de celles qui ont elles-mêmes frôlé la mort, comme si il s’agissait d’un événement que ni la mère, ni ses proches, ni même les équipes soignantes ne souhaitaient revisiter. C’est ce que nous tenterons de faire ici en insistant sur l’importance d’une collaboration somaticiens-psychanalyste pour le travail de contenance autour de ces traumatismes de la naissance.
ARTICLE RETIRÉ : Figure, Figuration, Défiguration
Authors: Rochette-Guglielmi Joëlle
Published: January 2012

Deux modes de remémoration sont pointés dans la cure, avec la transformation d’une « honte procédurale » solitaire, en une « honte déclarative » intersubjective et adressée dans le transfert. Le travail de mise en représentation des traumas précoces et de leur sexualisation secondaire défensive passe par une co-genèse multimodale à dominante sensorielle, où les atteintes narcissiques primaires trouvent à se figurer. L’expérience d’une « compréhension mutuelle » permet la (re)création d’un espace dyadique précoce manquant.
Mort périnatale : le deuil en kit
Authors: Stern Sarah
Published: January 2012

La loi de 2008 a modifié les procédures autour de la mort foetale. Cet article propose une réflexion sur l’évolution des mentalités et des représentations autour du foetus. Le foetus étant désormais assimilé à une personne, la mort foetale est devenue un deuil périnatal. Cependant le rapport d’une femme au foetus est également déterminé par le chemin qu’a pris la genèse du désir d’enfant. Quand la grossesse s’interrompt, de quelle perte le foetus est-il l’objet ?
Anterior Reconstruction With Nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide-66 Cage After Thoracic and Lumbar Corpectomy
Authors: Yang Xi , Song Yueming , Liu Limin , Liu Hao , Zeng Jiancheng , Pei Fuxing
Published: January 2012

Cages are used to regain stability of the anterior spinal column following vertebrectomy, which could prevent significant donor-site morbidity from the iliac autograft harvesting and the risk of disease transmission associated with the allograft. The hollow, porous, cylindrical nanohydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 (n-HA/PA66) cage is a new nonmetallic cage device made by combining nanohydroxyapatite with polyamide 66. Few studies have examined its effectiveness and outcomes over a follow-up >2 years.

We retrospectively studied 51 consecutive patients with acute traumatic thoracic or lumbar burst fracture who underwent anterior reconstruction with the n-HA/PA66 cage following single-level corpectomy. Radiologic parameters (radiographs and 3-dimensional computed tomography scans) preoperatively and at 1 week and >2 years postoperatively, as well as clinical outcome parameters (SF-36 scores), were analyzed. Mean kyphosis correction in the segment within the cage was 11.8°±7.1°, and mean loss of correction at last follow-up was 1.9°±2.1°. Osseous fusion was achieved in 90.2% of patients, and severe cage subsidence (settling >2 mm) was observed in 19.6% of patients at final follow-up. Significant differences were found in 7 of 8 health dimensions of the SF-36 between neurologically intact patients and neurologically injured patients. Our clinical results indicate that the n-HA/PA66 cage is an effective device for reconstruction after anterior thoracic and lumbar vertebral resection, resulting in a high rate of successful osseous fusion and a low proportion of severe cage subsidence.
Comparison of the Effects of Human β-defensin 3, Vancomycin, and Clindamycin on
Staphylococcus aureus
Biofilm Formation
Authors: Huang Qiang , Yu Hong-Jun , Liu Guo-Dong , Huang Xian-Kai , Zhang Lian-yang , Zhou Yong-gang , Chen Ji-ying , Lin Feng , Wang Yan , Fei Jun
Published: January 2012

Despite improvements in surgical techniques and implant design in orthopedic surgery, implantation-associated infections are still a challenging problem for surgeons. In 2006, trace quantities of human β-defensin 3 (hBD-3) were found in human bone tissue and bone cells. Human β-defensin 3 is a 45-amino-acid peptide that is considered the most promising class of defensin antimicrobial peptides and may help in the prevention and treatment of implantation-associated infections. Studies of the effectiveness of hBD-3 against
Staphylococcus aureus
showed that hBD-3 was more potent at low concentrations than other antibiotics. The effect of hBD-3 on
S aureus
biofilms has not been reported. We studied the effect of hBD-3, vancomycin, and clindamycin on
S aureus
biofilms and on the survival of the bacteria in the biofilms.

Staphylococcus aureus
biofilms were examined with confocal scanning laser microscopy. Staining with LIVE/DEAD BacLight viability stain (Molecular Probes Europe BV, Leiden, The Netherlands) differentiated between live and dead bacteria within the biofilms, and extracellular polymeric substances (slime) from the biofilms was evaluated after staining with calcofluor white (Sigma Chemical Company, Rocky Hill, New Jersey). Human β-defensin 3 and clindamycin reduced the
S aureus
biofilm area. Human β-defensin 3 was significantly more effective against bacteria from the
S aureus
biofilms than was clindamycin. Vancomycin did not reduce the
S aureus
biofilm area.
Corona Mortis Artery Avulsion Due to a Stable Pubic Ramus Fracture
Authors: Garrido-Gómez Juan , Pena-Rodríguez Carlos , Martín-Noguerol Teodoro , Hernández-Cortes Pedro
Published: January 2012

A 70-year-old woman with osteoporosis fell at home and presented to our emergency department with intense left hip pain. Radiographs revealed a left iliopubic rami fracture and nondisplaced right ischiopubic rami fracture. She was discharged after a 24-hour observation with no clinical changes. Seventy-two hours later, she was readmitted with a painful abdominal mass, progressive oliguria, tachycardia, hypotension, and profuse perspiration with generalized pallor. On physical examination, a painful mass in the hypogastrium and intense inflammation in the thigh and the proximal portion of left knee were found.

Emergent multiphase contrast computed tomography revealed a large nonhomogeneous hematoma neighboring the fractured left iliopubic rami, and contrast extravasation indicated arterial bleeding. Selective angiography showed an active hemorrhage from the distal portion of a small branch of the left obturator artery. After embolization of the arterial vessel, the patient was hemodynamically stable. The fracture was rotationally and vertically stable.

These fractures are common, especially among the elderly. This type of injury is usually treated conservatively and with active mobilization once the acute pain has subsided. Supraselective embolization after localization of the bleeding vessels by arteriography is recognized as a minimally invasive procedure with excellent outcomes in hemorrhagic complications of pelvic fractures. An apparently benign pubic rami fracture in the setting of hemodynamic instability should raise the suspicion of a corona mortis injury, especially in elderly and anticoagulated patients.
Custom vs Conventional PRK: A Prospective, Randomized, Contralateral Eye Comparison of Postoperative Visual Function
Authors: Mifflin Mark D. , Hatch Bryndon B. , Sikder Shameema , Bell James , Kurz Christopher J. , Moshirfar Majid
Published: January 2012

PURPOSE:

To determine whether VISX S4 (VISX Inc) custom photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) results in better visual outcomes than VISX S4 conventional PRK.

METHODS:

Photorefractive keratectomy was performed on 80 eyes from 40 patients in this randomized, prospective, contralateral eye study. Dominant eyes were randomized to one group with the fellow eye receiving the alternate treatment. Primary outcome measures included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), contrast sensitivity, and root-mean-square (RMS) higher order aberrations.

RESULTS:

Mean UDVA was −0.023±0.099 (20/19) in the custom group and −0.044±0.080 (20/18) in the conventional group 6 months after surgery (
P
=.293). Mean CDVA was −0.073±0.067 (20/17) in the custom group and −0.079±0.071 (20/17) in the conventional group 6 months after surgery (
P
=.659). Total higher order aberration RMS and spherical aberration increased in both groups compared to preoperative values (
P
<.05). Coma increased in the conventional group (
P
<.05) whereas it was similar to preoperative values in the custom group. No significant differences were noted in induction of trefoil.

CONCLUSIONS:

Custom and conventional PRK were shown to be safe and effective with excellent visual acuity and contrast sensitivity performance at 6 and 12 months. Conventional PRK induced more coma than custom PRK; however, this did not seem to correlate with clinical outcomes.
AUTOMATIC IDENTIFYING LARYNGOPHARYNGEAL REFLUX USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK
Authors: Lin Sheng-Fuu , Chen Hsien-Tse , Tsai Tung-Lung
Published: January 2012

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux mostly leads to burns of the pharynx and larynx by reflux from gastric acid and also leads to different degrees of burns in the esophagus and the stomach. This paper aims to develop a technique for analyzing pharyngeal and laryngeal images. With techniques of digital image processing, this paper can choose the suitable images from burns of the pharynx and larynx to obtain the feature zones of burns of the pharynx and larynx. Artificial neural network helps physicians to develop the diagnostic standard about the burns severity of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux. This paper divides the types of the complications into three degrees and compares with other ways (Hanson et al.5 and Ilgner et al.6). The results can be the technical assistance in helping physicians to diagnose the severity of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and to make a more precise diagnosis.
Murine Regulatory T Cells Contain Hyperproliferative and Death-Prone Subsets with Differential ICOS Expression
Authors: Chen Yong , Shen Shudan , Gorentla Balachandra K. , Gao Jimin , Zhong Xiao-Ping
Published: January 2012

Regulatory T cells (Treg) are crucial for self-tolerance. It has been an enigma that Treg exhibit an anergic phenotype reflected by hypoproliferation in vitro after TCR stimulation but undergo vigorous proliferation in vivo. We report in this study that murine Treg are prone to death but hyperproliferative in vitro and in vivo, which is different from conventional CD4+Foxp3− T cells (Tcon). During in vitro culture, most Treg die with or without TCR stimulation, correlated with constitutive activation of the intrinsic death pathway. However, a small portion of the Treg population is more sensitive to TCR stimulation, particularly weak stimulation, proliferates more vigorously than CD4+ Tcon, and is resistant to activation-induced cell death. Treg proliferation is enhanced by IL-2 but is less dependent on CD28-mediated costimulation than that of Tcon. We demonstrate further that the surviving and proliferative Treg are ICOS+ whereas the death-prone Treg are ICOS−. Moreover, ICOS+ Treg contain much stronger suppressive activity than that of ICOS− Treg. Our data indicate that massive death contributes to the anergic phenotype of Treg in vitro and suggest modulation of Treg survival as a therapeutic strategy for treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Granular soil structure indicates reclamation of degraded to productive soils: A case study in southeast Spain
Authors: Arocena J. M. , van Mourik J. M. , Faz Cano A.
Published: January 2012

Arocena, J. M., van Mourik, J. M. and Faz Cano, A. 2012. Granular soil structure indicates reclamation of degraded to productive soils: A case study in southeast Spain. Can. J. Soil Sci. 92: 243–251. Accelerated conversion of degraded landscapes in mining areas to productive ecosystems requires stimulation of soil formation. The evolution in microstructure and changes to chemical properties in metal mine wastes 5 yr after amendments with pig manure, sewage sludge and marble waste is reported. Mine wastes had <1% organic carbon, <0.05% total nitrogen, pH∼2.0, electrical conductivity up to 20 dS m−1and high concentrations of metals such as 22000 mg zinc kg−1and 7000 mg lead kg−1. After 5 yr, one time amendment increased total carbon (g kg−1) from 1.4 (control) to 5.6 (marble waste +sewage sludge) to 8.3 (marble waste+pig manure). Soil pH in amended plots was 6.0 compared with 2.8 in controls. Micromorphological characteristics clearly showed that primary and secondary calcite serve as active sorption sites for organic matter. These calcitic zones were areas conducive to root growth. Soil microstructure in amended mine wastes was dominantly granular, resulting from activities of soil organisms such as fungi and enchytraeds. Results suggest organic matter can be effectively enriched in mine waste deposits through simultaneous additions of pig manure, sewage sludge and calcite. Soil amendments promoting formation of granular structure can accelerate establishment of productive landscapes in degraded mine sites.
American Visceral Leishmaniasis in Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Pastor-Santiago Jorge A. , Chávez-López Susana , Guzmán-Bracho Carmen , Flisser Ana , Olivo-Díaz Angélica
Published: January 2012

We report the results of a study conducted during 1990–2006 with 89 cases of American visceral leishmaniasis in Chiapas State in southeastern Mexico and a seroprevalence study performed with 726 persons and 224 dogs that lived near cases of American visceral leishmaniasis. Clinical aspects, epidemiologic profiles, and risk factors are described. Most cases were in children ≤ 5 years of age, the prevalence of seropositive persons was 77%. The main risk factors associated with this disease were having 1–3 rooms in a house compared with ≥ 4 rooms, having a roof that was not made of cement, and having domestic animals. In contrast, only 19% of dogs were seropositive, suggesting that this species is not important in the transmission cycle of Leishmania. These data indicate that active transmission is taking place in the central valley of Chiapas State, Mexico, in communities located < 1,000 meters above sea level near the Grijalva River.
Performance of a Histidine-Rich Protein 2 Rapid Diagnostic Test, Paracheck Pf®, for Detection of Malaria Infections in Ugandan Pregnant Women
Authors: Dhorda Mehul , Piola Patrice , Nyehangane Dan , Tumwebaze Benon , Nalusaji Aisha , Nabasumba Carolyn , Turyakira Eleanor , McGready Rose , Ashley Elizabeth , Guerin Philippe J. , Snounou Georges
Published: January 2012

Improved laboratory diagnosis is critical to reduce the burden of malaria in pregnancy. Peripheral blood smears appear less sensitive than Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2–based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for placental malaria infections in studies conducted at delivery. In this study, 81 women in Uganda in the second or third trimester of pregnancy were followed-up until delivery. At each visit, peripheral blood was tested by blood smear, RDT, and nested species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sensitivity and specificity of the tests was calculated with PCR, which detected 22 infections of P. falciparum, as the gold standard. The sensitivity and specificity of blood smears were 36.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 18.0–59.2%) and 99.6% (95% CI = 97.7–100%), respectively. The corresponding values for RDT were 31.8% (95% CI = 14.7–54.9%) and 100% (95% CI = 98.3–100%). The RDTs could replace blood smears for diagnosis of malaria in pregnancy by virtue of their relative ease of use. Field-based sensitive tests for malaria in pregnancy are urgently needed.
Hospital-Based Prevalence of Malaria and Dengue in Febrile Patients in Bangladesh
Authors: Faruque Labib I. , Zaman Rashid Uz , Alamgir A. S. M. , Gurley Emily S. , Haque Rashidul , Rahman Mahmudur , Luby Stephen P.
Published: January 2012

We conducted a nationwide study at six tertiary hospitals from December 2008 through November 2009 to investigate etiologies of febrile illnesses in Bangladesh. Febrile patients meeting a clinical case definition were enrolled from inpatient and outpatient medicine and pediatric units. We assessed 720 febrile patients over 12 months; 69 (9.6%) were positive for IgM antibodies against dengue virus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and four malaria patients (0.56%) were confirmed with immuno-chromatography and microscopic slide tests. We identified dengue cases throughout the year from rural (49%) and urban areas (51%). We followed-up 55 accessible dengue-infected patients two months after their initial enrollment: 45 (82%) patients had fully recovered, 9 (16%) reported ongoing jaundice, fever and/or joint pain, and one died. Dengue infection is widespread across Bangladesh, but malaria is sufficiently uncommon that it should not be assumed as the cause of fever without laboratory confirmation.
Randomized, Prospective, Three-Arm Study to Confirm the Auditory Safety and Efficacy of Artemether-Lumefantrine in Colombian Patients with Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria
Authors: Carrasquilla Gabriel , Barón Clemencia , Monsell Edwin M. , Cousin Marc , Walter Verena , Lefèvre Gilbert , Sander Oliver , Fisher Laurel M.
Published: January 2012

The safety of artemether-lumefantrine in patients with acute, uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria was investigated prospectively using the auditory brainstem response (ABR) and pure-tone thresholds. Secondary outcomes included polymerase chain reaction-corrected cure rates. Patients were randomly assigned in a 3:1:1 ratio to either artemether-lumefantrine (N = 159), atovaquone-proguanil (N = 53), or artesunate-mefloquine (N = 53). The null hypothesis (primary outcome), claiming that the percentage of patients with a baseline to Day-7 ABR Wave III latency increase of > 0.30 msec is ≥ 15% after administration of artemether-lumefantrine, was rejected; 2.6% of patients (95% confidence interval: 0.7–6.6) exceeded 0.30 msec, i.e., significantly below 15% (P < 0.0001). A model-based analysis found no apparent relationship between drug exposure and ABR change. In all three groups, average improvements (2–4 dB) in pure-tone thresholds were observed, and polymerase chain reaction-corrected cure rates were > 95% to Day 42. The results support the continued safe and efficacious use of artemether-lumefantrine in uncomplicated falciparum malaria.
Capillaria philippinensis in Upper Egypt: Has It Become Endemic?
Authors: Attia Rasha A. H. , Tolba Mohammed E. M. , Yones Doaa A. , Bakir Hanaa Y. , Eldeek Hanan E. M. , Kamel Shereef
Published: January 2012

The goal of this study was to present an overview of human infections with Capillaria philippinensis, a new emerging parasite in Upper Egypt. The study included 21 inpatients who had been admitted to the Assiut University Hospital. Patients suffered from intermittent abdominal pain, borborygmi, chronic diarrhea lasting for several weeks, and marked weight loss. Hypoalbuminemia and low serum levels of potassium, calcium, and sodium were detected in most patients. A stool examination was performed using direct smears and the formalin-ether concentration method. Intact adult worms and/or eggs were evaluated using a light microscope and processed for scanning electron microscopy. The examination by light microscopy illustrated the general morphology of different stages. Using scanning electron microscopy, intestinal villi were found partially covering the cuticle of the adult worms, which provided evidence for the invasion of adult worms into the jejunal mucosa. Two distinct types of eggs, thick-shelled and thin-shelled, were identified and measured.
The Effect of a High-Fat Breakfast on the Pharmacokinetics of Moxidectin in Healthy Male Subjects: A Randomized Phase I Trial
Authors: Korth-Bradley Joan M. , Parks Virginia , Chalon Stephan , Gourley Ian , Matschke Kyle , Cailleux Karine , Fitoussi Serge , Fleckenstein Lawrence
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of a high-fat meal on the pharmacokinetics of moxidectin. Healthy male subjects were randomized to receive single oral 8 mg doses of moxidectin after an overnight fast or high-fat breakfast. In fasted subjects (N = 27), mean [SD] parameters were Cmax: 58.9 [12.5] ng/mL; tmax: 3.7 [1.5] h; area under concentration-time curve (AUC): 3,387 [1,328] ng/h/mL; Vλz/F: 2,829 [1,267] L; CL/F: 2.76 [1.28] L/h; and t½: 784 [347] h. Compared with fasted subjects, fed subjects (N = 27) exhibited a 34% increase in Cmax, delay in tmax to 5.3 [2.1] h, 44% increase in AUC, 40% decrease in Vλz/F, and a 35% decrease in CL/F. There was no significant change in t½. The changes are consistent with an increase in moxidectin bioavailability following administration with food. There were no clinically relevant changes in vital signs, laboratory tests, or electrocardiograms.
Malaria Survey in Post-Earthquake Haiti—2010
Authors: Townes David , Existe Alexandre , Boncy Jacques , Magloire Roc , Vely Jean-Francois , Amsalu Ribka , Tavernier Marleen De , Muigai James , Hoibak Sarah , Albert Michael , McMorrow Meredith , Slutsker Laurence , Kachur S. Patrick , Chang Michelle
Published: January 2012

Haiti's Ministry of Public Health and Population collaborated with global partners to enhance malaria surveillance in two disaster-affected areas within 3 months of the January 2010 earthquake. Data were collected between March 4 and April 9, 2010 by mobile medical teams. Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) were used for case confirmation. A convenience sample of 1,629 consecutive suspected malaria patients was included. Of these patients, 1,564 (96%) patients had malaria RDTs performed, and 317 (20.3%) patients were positive. Of the 317 case-patients with a positive RDT, 278 (87.7%) received chloroquine, 8 (2.5%) received quinine, and 31 (9.8%) had no antimalarial treatment recorded. Our experience shows that mobile medical teams trained in the use of malaria RDTs had a high rate of testing suspected malaria cases and that the majority of patients with positive RDTs received appropriate antimalarial treatment. Malaria RDTs were useful in the post-disaster setting where logistical and technical constraints limited the use of microscopy.