bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A generalization of the Fourier pseudospectral method
Authors: Carcione José M.
Published: December 2010

The Fourier pseudospectral (PS) method is generalized to the case of derivatives of nonnatural order (fractional derivatives) and irrational powers of the differential operators. The generalization is straightforward because the calculation of the spatial derivatives with the fast Fourier transform is performed in the wavenumber domain, where the operator is an irrational power of the wavenumber. Modeling constant-[Formula: see text] propagation with this approach is highly efficient because it does not require memory variables or additional spatial derivatives. The classical acoustic wave equation is modified by including those with a space fractional Laplacian, which describes wave propagation with attenuation and velocity dispersion. In particular, the example considers three versions of the uniform-density wave equation, based on fractional powers of the Laplacian and fractional spatial derivatives.
Notch regulates numb: integration of conditional and autonomous cell fate specification
Authors: Rebeiz Mark , Miller Steven W. , Posakony James W.
Published: December 2010

The Notch cell-cell signaling pathway is used extensively in cell fate specification during metazoan development. In many cell lineages, the conditional role of Notch signaling is integrated with the autonomous action of the Numb protein, a Notch pathway antagonist. During Drosophila sensory bristle development, precursor cells segregate Numb asymmetrically to one of their progeny cells, rendering it unresponsive to reciprocal Notch signaling between the two daughters. This ensures that one daughter adopts a Notch-independent, and the other a Notch-dependent, cell fate. In a genome-wide survey for potential Notch pathway targets, the second intron of the numb gene was found to contain a statistically significant cluster of binding sites for Suppressor of Hairless, the transducing transcription factor for the pathway. We show that this region contains a Notch-responsive cis-regulatory module that directs numb transcription in the pIIa and pIIIb cells of the bristle lineage. These are the two precursor cells that do not inherit Numb, yet must make Numb to segregate to one daughter during their own division. Our findings reveal a new mechanism by which conditional and autonomous modes of fate specification are integrated within cell lineages.
FGF10 controls the patterning of the tracheal cartilage rings via Shh
Authors: Sala Frédéric G. , Del Moral Pierre-Marie , Tiozzo Caterina , Alam Denise Al , Warburton David , Grikscheit Tracy , Veltmaat Jacqueline M. , Bellusci Saverio
Published: December 2010

During embryonic development, appropriate dorsoventral patterning of the trachea leads to the formation of periodic cartilage rings from the ventral mesenchyme and continuous smooth muscle from the dorsal mesenchyme. In this work, we have investigated the role of two crucial morphogens, fibroblast growth factor 10 and sonic hedgehog, in the formation of periodically alternating cartilaginous and non-cartilaginous domains in the ventral mesenchyme. Using a combination of gain- and loss-of-function approaches for FGF10 and SHH, we demonstrate that precise spatio-temporal patterns and appropriate levels of expression of these two signaling molecules in the ventral area are crucial between embryonic day 11.5 and 13.5 for the proper patterning of the cartilage rings. We conclude that the expression level of FGF10 in the mesenchyme has to be within a critical range to allow for periodic expression of Shh in the ventral epithelium, and consequently for the correct patterning of the cartilage rings. We propose that disturbed balances of Fgf10 and Shh may explain a subset of human tracheomalacia without tracheo-esophageal fistula or tracheal atresia.
Secondary embryonic axis formation by transplantation of D quadrant micromeres in an oligochaete annelid
Authors: Nakamoto Ayaki , Nagy Lisa M. , Shimizu Takashi
Published: December 2010

Among spiral cleaving embryos (e.g. mollusks and annelids), it has long been known that one blastomere at the four-cell stage, the D cell, and its direct descendants play an important role in axial pattern formation. Various studies have suggested that the D quadrant acts as the organizer of the embryonic axes in annelids, although this has never been demonstrated directly. Here we show that D quadrant micromeres (2d and 4d) of the oligochaete annelid Tubifex tubifex are essential for embryonic axis formation. When 2d and 4d were ablated the embryo developed into a rounded cell mass covered with an epithelial cell sheet. To examine whether 2d and 4d are sufficient for axis formation they were transplanted to an ectopic position in an otherwise intact embryo. The reconstituted embryo formed a secondary embryonic axis with a duplicated head and/or tail. Cell lineage analyses showed that neuroectoderm and mesoderm along the secondary axis were derived from the transplanted D quadrant micromeres and not from the host embryo. However, endodermal tissue along the secondary axis originated from the host embryo. Interestingly, when either 2d or 4d was transplanted separately to host embryos, the reconstituted embryos failed to form a secondary axis, suggesting that both 2d and 4d are required for secondary axis formation. Thus, the Tubifex D quadrant micromeres have the ability to organize axis formation, but they lack the ability to induce neuroectodermal tissues, a characteristic common to chordate primary embryonic organizers.
Status of Hemoglobin A1c Measurement and Goals for Improvement: From Chaos to Order for Improving Diabetes Care
Authors: Little Randie R , Rohlfing Curt L , Sacks David B
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) and United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) established the importance of hemoglobin A1c (Hb A1c) as a predictor of outcome in patients with diabetes mellitus. In 1994, the American Diabetes Association began recommending specific Hb A1c targets, but lack of comparability among assays limited the ability of clinicians to use these targets. The National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program (NGSP) was implemented in 1996 to standardize Hb A1c results to those of the DCCT/UKPDS.

CONTENT

The NGSP certifies manufacturers of Hb A1c methods as traceable to the DCCT. The certification criteria have been tightened over time and the NGSP has worked with the College of American Pathologists in tightening proficiency-testing requirements. As a result, variability of Hb A1c results among clinical laboratories has been considerably reduced. The IFCC has developed a reference system for Hb A1c that facilitates metrological traceability to a higher order. The NGSP maintains traceability to the IFCC network via ongoing sample comparisons. There has been controversy over whether to report Hb A1c results in IFCC or NGSP units, or as estimated average glucose. Individual countries are making this decision.

Variability among Hb A1c results has been greatly reduced. Not all countries will report Hb A1c in the same units, but there are established equations that enable conversion between different units. Hb A1c is now recommended for diagnosing diabetes, further accentuating the need for optimal assay performance. The NGSP will continue efforts to improve Hb A1c testing to ensure that clinical needs are met.
Sequence Analysis of CYP21A1P in a German Population to Aid in the Molecular Biological Diagnosis of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Cantürk Cumhur , Baade Ulrike , Salazar Ramona , Storm Niels , Pörtner Ralf , Höppner Wolfgang
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND

The high homology between the CYP21A2 (cytochrome P450, family 21, subfamily A, polypeptide 2) and CYP21A1P (cytochrome P450, family 21, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 pseudogene) genes is the major obstacle to risk-free genetic diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, especially regarding the quantification of gene dosage. Because of the lack of a comprehensive study providing useful information about the detailed genetic structure of CYP21A1P, we used a large data set to analyze and characterize this pseudogene.

METHODS

We amplified and directly sequenced the CYP21A1P and CYP21A2 genes of 200 unrelated individuals. The resulting sequence data were aligned against the manually curated transcript ENST0000448314 from Havana/Vega matching to the genebuild ENSG00000198457; all differences were documented. Copy number was measured by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification when necessary.

RESULTS

We found that 40 potentially variable positions in CYP21A2 were conserved in CYP21A1P in all study participants. In addition, we detected 14 CYP21A1P variants that were not previously reported in either CYP21A2 or CYP21A1P. Unlike CYP21A2, CYP21A1P possessed certain mutation haplotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

The genetic structure of CYP21A1P and the potential risks of false conclusions it may introduce are essential considerations in designing a PCR-based diagnosis procedure for congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Photostability and moisture uptake properties of wood veneers coated with a combination of thin sol-gel films and light stabilizers
Authors: Tshabalala Mandla A. , Libert Ryan , Schaller Christian M.
Published: December 2010

In recent years, there has been increased interest in the use of inorganic UV blocking nanoparticles for photostabilization of wood surfaces. Photostability and moisture uptake properties of wood veneers coated with a combination of hybrid inorganic-organic thin sol-gel films and organic light stabilizers was investigated. The light stabilizers were applied by brushing, and the thin sol-gel films were deposi-ted on the wood surface by dipping in a sol prepared from a mixture of methyltrimethoxysilane, hexadecyltrimethoxysilane, and aluminum isopropoxide precursors. Although the sol-gel film improved the moisture resistance of the wood veneers, it showed mixed results on photostability. Under light and spray conditions in a Weather-Ometer™, specimens treated with a combination of sol-gel thin film and a UV absorber, tris-resorcinol triazine and an acrylic self-crosslink-ing binder, or treated with lignin stabilizer/tris-resorcinol triazine/acrylic self-crosslinking binder showed good overall weathering performance. Under permanent light conditions in the Weather-Ometer™, specimens treated with a combination of sol-gel thin film, a lignin stabilizer, and a water soluble UV absorber – namely: (2-hydroxyphenyl)-benzotriazole – revealed a good overall weathering performance. This study has demonstrated the feasibility of using a combination of organic light stabilizers and sol-gel deposits of hybrid inorganic-organic thin films to improve weathering resistance of softwood substrates.
Using Scenario-Based Envisioning to Explore Wearable Flexible Displays
Authors: Hoffman Robert R. , Elliott Linda R.
Published: December 2010

Fast-maturing flexible display technology, explored in a military application using this envisioning method, both reveals potential utility and raises questions for further study.

Flexible displays (FDs) are thin, lightweight, flexible displays that use little power and can be easily stored, carried, or mounted on clothing. Diverse applications are being imagined for the emerging FD technology, but it will take more than imagination to develop applications that have high utility and functionality. In this article we focus on military applications of wearable FD technology and demonstrate a scenario-based envisioning research method that provides a realistic context for usability analysis. Via this method, participants were encouraged to generate ideas for the uses of wearable FDs and to identify possible problems and misapplications. Results show that FDs will take on different functionalities depending on the task context and the responsibilities of the user.
Roving Mars: Using Function Analysis to Develop a Concept System
Authors: Casey Steven , Montgomery Gregg
Published: December 2010

Function analysis drives a bold concept for a vehicle that could transport humans around the harsh Martian terrain in the year 2037.

Responding to a design challenge by the U.K. magazine Industrial Vehicle Technology International, ergonomist Steven Casey and industrial designer Gregg Montgomery joined forces to develop a concept for a manned Mars Exploration Rover to be used on the Red Planet in the year 2037. The exercise was a classic use of function analysis, an HF/E engineering method integral to the development of unique systems. The harsh Mars environment, overall mission objectives, living and working environments, and anticipated astronaut tasks were the driving forces behind the conceptual design. Their Mars Exploration Rover recently was awarded the prestigious GOOD DESIGN Award for “its bold, futuristic design” by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design with the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
Behavior-Based Safety Programs Improve Worker Safety in India
Authors: Kaila H. L.
Published: December 2010

Behavioral safety programs prove their rapid effectiveness in changing unsafe working behavior in Indian multinational organizations – or anywhere.

An ongoing national action re search survey of behavior-based safety (BBS) in India counts among its participants 1,750 executives and 713 workers in 57 multinational organizations representing a variety of industries, such as petroleum, steel, cement, power, and chemicals. This article presents selected original case studies and field observations made in BBS training interventions conducted between 1997 and 2009. These observations can be useful in extending the BBS concept and process to human resources and safety professionals, as well as to anyone concerned about correcting unsafe behaviors in the workplace, reducing the incidence of accidents, and promoting safe behaviors to develop an injury-free culture in their organizations.
Survey Deck
Authors: Boyce Peter R.
Published: December 2010

SurveyDeck was designed to make survey data collection simpler, faster, and more portable. I have used many electronic survey systems in the past, and I have found this one to be among the best. With its many features and capabilities, as well as support and low cost, SurveyDeck is highly recommended for those who would like to utilize electronic surveys to enhance their experiments.
The Effect of Different Surface Treatments on Cement-Retained Implant-Supported Restorations
Authors: Kurt Murat , Külünk Tolga , Ural Çağrı , Külünk Şafak , Danişman Şengül , Savaş Soner
Published: December 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the various surface treatment methods on the retention of single crowns on implant abutments. The study included 50 single crowns that were cemented with adhesive resin cement onto the ITI solid abutments. The specimens were randomly divided into 5 groups, each including 10 specimens according to the following surface treatments: group C, control, abutments remained unaltered as control; group L, etching with CO2 laser; group SB, sandblasting with 50-μm Al2O3; group MS: coating with titanium nitride (TiAlN) with a radiofrequency magnetron sputtering system; and group SP, silicoating by Silano-Pen. After the surface treatment procedures were finished, the casted crowns were cemented onto the abutments, and thermocycling was applied to simulate oral environment. The uniaxial tensile force was applied to all test crowns using a universal test machine (Instron) with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The load required to dislodge each crown was recorded in Newton. The lowest tensile bond strength values were obtained with group MS (223.26 ± 14.30 N) and significantly differ from all other groups except group C. Group SB showed highest test results (506.02 ± 18.04 N) and differs from other groups (P < .05). The test values that were obtained in group MS-group C did not show significant differences (P > .05). Sandblasting is an effective method to increase bond strength. Also, Silano-Pen and laser application is advisable for increasing the crown retention to abutments. Titanium aluminum nitride coating with magnetron sputtering technique seems to be ineffective.
Islands of Hope: Building Local Capacity to Manage an Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in the Pacific
Authors: Brostrom Richard , Fred Dorina , Heetderks Andy , Desai Mitesh , Song Rinn , Haddad Maryam , Wada Roylinne , Bamrah Sapna
Published: December 2010

A single case of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) can overwhelm the technical and financial capacity of small TB programs. In May 2008, the island state of Chuuk requested assistance for their first cases of MDR-TB. Second-line drugs and isolation rooms were unavailable, lab capacity was limited, and clinicians lacked experience. Delayed response caused prolonged transmission among household contacts.

Several agencies responded with technical assistance and resources. Subsequent evaluations identified 16 additional MDR-TB cases and 124 infected contacts. Within six months, the local TB program gained remarkable capacity to manage MDR-TB cases and contacts, and greatly improve care for all TB patients. The Chuuk outbreak demonstrates the importance of establishing MDR-TB readiness in smaller jurisdictions and maintaining an essential TB control infrastructure.
The Inter- and Intragenerational Impact of Gestational Diabetes on the Epidemic of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Osgood Nathaniel D. , Dyck Roland F. , Grassmann Winfried K.
Published: December 2010

Objectives. We investigated the contribution of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to the historic epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Saskatchewan.

Methods. We constructed a population-level simulation model of the inter- and intragenerational interaction of GDM and T2DM for the period 1956 to 2006. The model was stratified by gender, ethnicity, and age; parameterized with primary and secondary data; and calibrated to match historic time series. Risk of diabetes was sigmoidally trended to capture exogenous factors.

Results. Best-fit calibrations suggested GDM may be responsible for 19% to 30% of the cases of T2DM among Saskatchewan First Nations people, but only for approximately 6% of cases among other persons living in Saskatchewan. The estimated contribution of GDM to the growth in T2DM was highly sensitive to assumptions concerning the post-GDM risk of developing T2DM.

Conclusions. GDM may be an important driver for the T2DM epidemic in many subpopulations. Because GDM is a readily identifiable, preventable, and treatable condition, investments in prevention, rapid diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment of GDM in at-risk populations may offer substantial benefit in lowering the T2DM burden over many generations. Model-informed data collection can aid in assessing intervention tradeoffs.
The Breathe-Easy Home: The Impact of Asthma-Friendly Home Construction on Clinical Outcomes and Trigger Exposure
Authors: Takaro Tim K. , Krieger James , Song Lin , Sharify Denise , Beaudet Nancy
Published: December 2010

Objectives. We examined the asthma-control benefit of moving into an asthma-friendly Breathe-Easy home (BEH).

Methods. We used a quasi-experimental design to compare the asthma outcomes of 2 groups of low-income children and adolescents with asthma: 34 participants who moved into a BEH, and a local matched cohort of 68 participants who had received a previous asthma-control intervention. Both groups received in-home asthma education. BEHs were constructed with moisture-reduction features, enhanced ventilation systems, and materials that minimized dust and off-gassing.

Results. BEH residents’ asthma-symptom–free days increased from a mean of 8.6 per 2 weeks in their old home to 12.4 after 1 year in the BEH. The proportion of BEH residents with an urgent asthma-related clinical visit in the previous 3 months decreased from 62% to 21%. BEH caretakers’ quality of life increased significantly. The BEH group improved more than did the comparison group, but most differences in improvements were not significant. Exposures to mold, rodents, and moisture were reduced significantly in BEHs.

Conclusions. Children and adolescents with asthma who moved into an asthma-friendly home experienced large decreases in asthma morbidity and trigger exposure.
Pet Overpopulation: An Economic Analysis
Authors: Coate Stephen , Knight Brian
Published: December 2010

The market for pets in the U.S. is important economically and socially. Pets differ from standard economic goods in significant ways, and the market displays a number of interesting problems, most notably pet overpopulation. Despite this, the market has been ignored by economists. This paper develops a dynamic model of the market for pets and uses it to study the problem of pet overpopulation. The positive predictions of the model square well with key features of the markets for dogs and cats in the U.S. The model is used to understand, from a welfare economic perspective, the sense in which there is overpopulation of pets and the underlying causes of the problem. The paper also employs the model to consider what policies might be implemented to deal with the problem. A calibrated example is developed to illustrate these corrective policies and quantify the potential welfare gains.
Prescribed Dietary Phosphate Restriction and Survival among Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Lynch Katherine E. , Lynch Rebecca , Curhan Gary C. , Brunelli Steven M.
Published: December 2010

Background and objectives

Hyperphosphatemia is common among hemodialysis patients. Although prescribed dietary phosphate restriction is a recommended therapy, little is known about the long-term effects on survival.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We conducted a post hoc analysis of data from the Hemodialysis Study (n = 1751). Prescribed dietary phosphate was recorded at baseline and annually thereafter. Marginal structural proportional hazard models were fit to estimate the adjusted association between dietary phosphate restriction and mortality in the setting of time-dependent confounding.

Results

At baseline, prescribed daily phosphate was restricted to levels ≤870, 871 to 999, 1000, 1001 to 2000 mg, and not restricted in 300, 314, 307, 297, and 533 participants, respectively. More restrictive prescribed dietary phosphate was associated with poorer indices of nutritional status on baseline analyses and a persistently greater need for nutritional supplementation but not longitudinal changes in caloric or protein intake. On marginal structural analysis, there was a stepwise trend toward greater survival with more liberal phosphate prescription, which reached statistical significance among subjects prescribed 1001 to 2000 mg/d and those with no specified phosphate restriction: hazard ratios (95% CIs) 0.73 (0.54 to 0.97) and 0.71 (0.55 to 0.92), respectively. Subgroup analysis suggested a more pronounced survival benefit of liberal dietary phosphate prescription among nonblacks, participants without hyperphosphatemia, and those not receiving activated vitamin D.

Conclusions

Prescribed dietary phosphate restriction is not associated with improved survival among prevalent hemodialysis patients, and increased level of restriction may be associated with greater mortality particularly in some subgroups.
Evaporation of a binary liquid film by forced convection
Authors: Nasr Abdelaziz , Debbissi Chokri , Nasrallah Ben
Published: December 2010

This paper deals with a numerical analysis of the evaporation of a thin
binary liquid film by forced convection inside a channel constituted by two
parallel plates. The first plate is externally insulated and wetted by a thin
water ethylene glycol film while the second is dry and isothermal. The liquid
mixture consists of water (the more volatile component) and ethylene glycol
while the gas mixture has three components: dry air, water vapour and
ethylene-glycol vapour. The set of non linear and coupled equations
expressing the conservation of mass, momentum, energy and species in the
liquid and gas mixtures is solved numerically using a finite difference
method. Results concerns with the effects of inlet ambience conditions and
the inlet liquid concentration of ethylene glycol on the distribution of the
temperature, concentrations profiles and the axial variation of the
evaporation rate of species i.
Correlation of primary tumor size and axillary nodal status with tumor suppressor gene p53 in breast carcinoma
Authors: Topic Brano , Stankovic Nebojsa , Savjak Dragutin , Grbic Slavko
Published: December 2010

Correlation of standard path morphological prognostic parameters, primary tumor size and axillary nodal status with new prognostic factor in breast carcinoma: tumor suppressor gene p53 was analyzed. The studied sample included 65 women who underwent surgery for breast carcinoma at the Surgical Clinic of Clinical Center Banja Luka, from January 1st 1997 till January 1st 1999. Statistical data analysis was performed and correlation of prognostic factors was determined. The majority of authors in this field agree that the primary tumor size and axillary nodal status are the two most important prognostic factors. These factors are the best predictors of prognosis and survival of women who had the tumor and were operated on. Tumor markers were immunohistochemically determined in the last ten years and, according to the majority of authors, are still considered the additional or relative prognostic factors in breast carcinoma. Their prognostic value and significance increase almost daily. Most frequently determined tumor markers are bcl-2, pS2, Ki-67 and p53. There was a positive, directly proportional relationship between primary tumor size and tumor suppressor gene p53, but there was no positive correlation between the axillary nodal status and tumor suppressor gene p53. Significance of determination of new tumor markers as the prognostic factors was emphasized. These markers represent a powerful tool in the early detection and prevention of breast carcinoma.
Intradermal tests with vasomotor agents in chronic non(infectious rhinitis
Authors: Milosevic Dusanka , Janosevic Ljiljana , Janosevic Slobodanka
Published: December 2010

The aim of this prospective study was to examine the skin reactivity to four vasomotor agents in chronic, non-infectious rhinitis patients, and to determine whether non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) patients differ from allergic rhinitis (AR) patients. Seventy four patients with NAR and 44 with AR were subjected to intradermal testing with papaverin (5 mg/ml), metacholine (0.02, 0.2 and 2.0 mg/ml), histamine (0.01, 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 ?g/ml) compound 48/80 (0.01, 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 ?g/ml) and saline. It was found that the frequency of pathological skin reactivity to papaverin in the patients with NAR (25/74) was significantly greater (p=5.0?10-3) then in the patients with AR (4/44). No significant inter-group difference in skin reactivity to metacholine, histamine, compound 48/80 and saline was observed. The frequency of the total pathological skin reactivity to vasomotor agents, singly and in combinations, in patients with NAR (80%) was significantly greater (p=0.03) than in patients with AR (61%). These findings suggested that the pathological skin reactivity to papaverin, metacholine, histamine and compound 48/80 was a feature of chronic, non-infectious rhinitis patients and it was more frequently associated with non-allergic than with the allergic etiology of rhinitis.
Initial fatigue of masseter muscles during the maximal voluntary teeth contraction
Authors: Miljkovic Zivorad , Zeljkovic Milan , Anojcic Milos
Published: December 2010

Fatigue of striated muscles is defined as the impossibility to generate the expected or required force during the repeated contraction. During the maximal voluntary teeth contraction in the position of central occlusion the initial fatigue in masticatory muscles during the isometric contraction occurs. If a person can clench its teeth continuously and voluntarily it has a diagnostic significance since the peripheral fatigue is that important factor in the masticatory muscles activity, which is in direct correlation with the function of the masticatory system. The aim was to compare the obtained results of the initial fatigue of masseter muscles during the maximal voluntary teeth contraction in subjects with naturally healthy intact dentition and subjects with a pair of new full dentures. The investigation comprised 20 subjects with healthy stomatognathic system of the skeletal class I by Angle. Comparison of the values of the obtained results was performed electromyographically by synchronous registration of action potentials of masseter muscles. Results of the investigation of the onset of initial fatigue of masseter muscles in the subjects with natural healthy intact dentitions showed lower values, i.e., faster development of the muscular fatigue (31.5 s) compared to the subjects with a pair of new full dentures (44.5 s).
Dolihoarteriopatije ( kinking I coiling karotidnih arterija)
Authors: Radak Djordje , Ilijevski Nenad , Medic Sanja , Radunovic Svetozar
Published: December 2010

 Dolihoarteriopatije krvnih sudova vrata relativno su ceste anomalije koje se obicno vidjaju kao uzgredan asimptomski nalaz. Medjutim utvrdjeno je da u odredjenim slucajevima kinking i coiling imaju znacajnu ulogu u patogenezi TIA, a redje i drugih oblika cerebrovaskularne ishemije Simptomatski bolesnici podvrgavaju se daljoj neinvazivnoj i invazivnoj dijagnostici i utvrdjuju se indikacije za eventualno hirursko lecenje. Danas hirurska korekcija simptomatskog kinking-a i/ili coiling-a cini oko 5% svih rekonstruktivnih zahvata zbog cerebrovaskularne insuficijencije (7, 20). S obzirom na nisku stopu morbiditeta i mortaliteta i na odlicne postoperativne rezultate resekcija elongovanog segmenta arterije sa reanastomozom postala je metoda izbora. Mada jos uvek nedostaje prospektivna randomizovana studija koja bi se odnosila na operativno lecene bolesnike, hirurska revaskularizacija izolovanog kinking-a i coiling-a moze se smatrati znacajnom merom sekundarne prevencije cerebrovaskularnih bolesti.
Advanced prostatic carcinomas with low serum levels of prostate-specific antigen
Authors: Cerovic Snezana , Tatic Vujadin , Dimitrijevic Jovan , Ilic Srbislav , Milovic Novak , Aleksic Predrag , Brajuskovic Goran
Published: December 2010

The serum levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) represent a significant diagnostic and monitoring parameter of prostatic carcinoma (PC). The aim of the study was to establish correlation of serum PSA level in addition to grade, histological type, and clinical stage of PC in patients with normal or intermediary PSA serum level. In 37 untreated PC patients with preoperative serum PSA levels ranging between 0.1 and 9.6 ng/ml, paraffin-embedded tissue and serum samples were immunohistological studied and immunoassay for PSA was done. The most representative was poorly differentiated PC with D stage In serum samples from PC patients 27 (73.7%) normal (? 4.0 ng/ml), and 10 (27.3%) intermediate (4.1-10 ng/ml) PSA levels were found Immunohistochemistry, in 36 PC (97.3%) had demonstrated the expression of PSA. Our study results had shown low serum PSA levels in some patients with advanced poorly differentiated PC.
The role of different virus genotypes in progression of chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Nozic Darko , Stamenkovic Gorana , Bojic Ivanko , Dimitrijevic Jovan , Krstic Ljubisa
Published: December 2010

The relation between HCV genotypes and the progression of chronic hepatitis is still unknown. Some studies implied more pathogenic effect of genotype 1b for the severity of liver inflammation. However, other studies did not show the association between HCV genotype 1b and the severe outcome of HCV infection. The aim of this study was to determine the most frequent genotypes in this environment and their influence on hepatitis C severity. The investigation included 34 patients with histologically confirmed chronic hepatitis C, aged 20-65 (mean 35.0 years). On the basis of patohistological findings, applying the modern classification, the disease activity was graded as: minimal (A1), moderate (A2) and severe (A3). The extent of fibrosis was marked as: absent (F0), mild (F1), moderate (F2) and severe (F3). Genotyping was performed by nested PCR with type-specific primers and LIPA test and verified by sequencing. The most prevailing genotype in our group of patients was 1b (44.1%), followed by genotype 3a (26.4%), genotype 1a (11.7%) and 2a (2.8%). Five patients had mixed genotypes (four 3a/1b, and one 1a/1b). The severity of liver cell necrosis, measured by alanintransferaze (ALT) levels in serum was not related to any of HCV genotypes. There was no statistically significant difference between histological disease activity in relation to HCV genotypes. Stage of the disease was not significantly related to the HCV genotypes. There was a strong association between the degree of fibrosis and the age of patients (p<0.01). These results could indicate that the determination of HCV genotypes was not useful in the estimation of disease severity and that liver biopsy was the most important for the prognosis of the disease.
Ateroskleroza luka aorte - moguci etiopatogenetski cinilac ishemijske bolesti mozga
Authors: Raicevic Ranko , Jovicic Aco , Tavciovski Dragan , Krgovic Momcilo , Dincic Dragan , Markovic Ljubo , Ratkovic Nenad , Spasic Radenko
Published: December 2010

Ishemijska bolest mozga je po slozenosti patofizioloskih procesa svakako najslozeniji klinicki entitet savremene medicine. Ovo, takodje, vazi i za etiopatogenetske procese vezane za njen nastanak i razvoj. Pored znacajnog napretka u razumijevanju etiopatogeneze i patofiziologije IBM, a takodje i razvoja visokosofistikovanih dijagnostickih procedura ukljucenih u algoritam etioloskog razjasnjenja i potvrde IBM, svjedoci smo velikog ucesca nerazjasnjenih uzroka IBM. Ateroskleroza aortnog luka, posebno tezeg stepena izrazenosti, uz postojanje ulceracija i tromboticnih mobilnih naslaga na ateromskim plakovima, etiopatogentski i patofizioloski, a rezultatima brojnih klinickih studija potvrdjeno, predstavlja novi nezavisni faktor rizika za nastanak ishemijske bolesti mozga. Ovo je posebno nacajno kod bolesnika starijih od 60 godina.
Effect of primary and secondary wartime below-knee amputation on length of hospitalization and rehabilitation
Authors: Jandric Slavica , Topic Brano
Published: December 2010

The results of below-knee amputations in 36 war wounded (mean age 35,42) were reviewed. The majority of the patients was wounded by land mines (94.4%). Most of them were between 25 and 35 years old. Bilateral amputation was done in 2.8% of cases. The amputation was performed on the day of wounding (primary below-knee amputation) in 30 (83.3%) amputees. Secondary amputation after the attempt to save the severely injured lower-limb was performed in 6 patients (16,7%) average 4.61 ? 11.67 days after wounding. Reamputation was necessary in 6 cases (16.7%). Time period from the beginning of rehabilitation to the fitting of prosthesis, was 36.25 ? 14.97 days for primary amputations, 32 ? 17.8 days for secondary amputations and 68.66 ? 33.52 days for reamputations. There was no significant correlation between the duration of rehabilitation to prosthetic management and the period between wounding and amputation (r = -0.102). The attempt to save the limb after severe below-knee injuries and the secondary amputation afterwards, did not significantly influence the ensuing rehabilitation and prosthetic works.
Determination of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide in the mixture
Authors: Bodiroga Milanka , Ognjanovic Jasminka
Published: December 2010

Iodometric and permanganometric titrations were used for determination of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the mixture. Two procedures were described and compared. Titrations could be done in only one vessel, in the same reaction mixture, when iodometric titration of peracetic acid was continued after the permanganometric titration of H2O2, (procedure A). Peracetic acid and H2O2, as oxidizing agents, reacted with potassium iodide in an acid medium, evolving iodine. This reaction was used for the quantitative iodometric determination of total peroxide in procedure B. H2O2 reacted with potassium permanganate in acid medium, but peracetic acid did not react under the same conditions. That made possible the selective permanganometric determination of H2O2 in the presence of peracetic acid. The procedure B was performed in two titration vessels (KV=3.4% for peracetic acid, 0.6% for H2O2). The procedure A for iodometric determination of peracetic acid in one titration vessel after permanganometric titration of H2O2 was recommended (KV=2,5% for peracetic acid, 0,45% for H2O2).
Reconstruction of facial defects after combat wounding using vascularized pedicled galeal and parietal bony grafts
Authors: Jovic Nebojsa
Published: December 2010

Combat wounds are basically extensive and destructive. Such injuries cause defects of soft and bone structures of the face and neck. During primary surgical management of maxillofacial combat wounds the principle of minimal bone and soft tissue debridement was respected. Definitive reconstruction of the defect was performed after two or three months, when infection was cured and adjacent tissues were restituted. Each combat wound leaves behind fibrous changes in surrounding tissues. Success of the reconstructive procedures is more certain if flaps with its own blood supply are used, either arterial or vascularized grafts from the other parts of body (by microvascular technique). This paper presents our experiences with galeal flap in reconstruction of facial soft tissue defects, as well as galea, together with external table of parietal bone in reconstruction of soft and bony tissues of maxillofacial region in 15 patients.
Clinical patterns of speech-language disorders in thalamic aphasias
Authors: Kuljic-Obradovic Dragana , Ocic Gordana
Published: December 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristic symptom cluster and the course of aphasia in 12 patients with single left thalamic lesion verified by CAT scan. The testing of language disorder was performed by standard linguistic tests for aphasia in the acute stage and one month after the insult. Although this clinical syndrome varied greatly it was possible to point out some common characteristics. Spontaneous speech was fluent, easily articulated, grammatically correct, with preserved melodic line. Word finding and understanding were impaired. The impaired comprehension and naming were prominent in all patients with different severity. Repetition skills were intact. During the naming testing patients accomplished better results after semantic help than after phonetic help. Verbal paraphasia errors appeared more frequently (9,78) than neologistic (2,22) and literal paraphasias (1,78). Results of the language fluency tests were worse during semantic categorization tests (5,50) than during animal naming (9,89). On the basis of these facts it was presumed that aphasia in patients with dominant thalamic lesion was the result of lexico-semantic language disorder. It was statistically proved that recovery from aphasia in these cases tended to be significant and rapid.
Application of thrombin powder after tooth extraction in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy
Authors: Marjanovic Marjan
Published: December 2010

Patients with extreme hypocoagulation, which occurs either as an effect of some diseases with coagulation deficiency or because of the anticoagulant therapy (ACT), are a risk group for oral surgery. In the last decades decision to change or interrupt ACT before and after the procedure was abandoned and more often local hemostasis was being achieved by combining chemical and biological substances. The success of the surgical hemostasis and thrombin powder combination was tested on the group of 20 patients with ACT. The results were satisfactory despite thrombin powder solubility in the moist oral environment.
Testing keratolytic effect of carbamide in various vehicles
Authors: Toskic-Radojicic Marija
Published: December 2010

Background. Urea is a natural protein degradation product widely used in keratolytic preparations due to its property to promote fibrinogen decomposition and to act as a proteolytic agent dissolving and denaturing proteins. Preparations containing 20% or 40% urea in commercial ambiphylic bases are widely used to produce keratolysis. At such high concentration urea recrystallization occurs and is separated over the preparation mass, particularly if the urea content is 40%. This was the initial reason to look for a new preparation formulation that would not have the above-mentioned technological inadequacy. Considering urea's water solubility and its high content in the preparations, the most convenient form, in which recrystallisation would not occur, was gel. The aim of this work was to experimentally estimate the influence of the vehicle upon the proteolytic effect of urea on keratin in the human hair model. Methods. Hair geometrical properties, the change in longitudinal mass, and the change of disruptive force and disruptive hair elongation were measured. Results. The effect of 20% and 40% urea was estimated in three various vehicles, of which two were of organic hydrogel type, and one was an ambiphylic base of mixed type - Basiscreme. Conclusion. Keratin proteolysis effects of urea incorporated into various bases, as measured by human hair disruption forces, depended upon the base; preparations containing 20% and 40% urea in Basiscreme (ambiphylic base) had no desired proteolytic effect upon keratin fibers; proteolysis was best expressed bay urea preparations in 3.5% NaCMC gel, and proteolytic effect of these preparations was best expressed in the first hour.
Predijalizna transplantacija bubrega
Authors: Hrvacevic Rajko , Vavic Neven , Ignjatovic Ljiljana , Pavlovic-Draskovic Biljana , Elakovic Dejan , Kronja Goran , Stijelja Borisav , Milovic Novak , Tosevski Perica , Misovic Sidor , Lukic Zoran , Maric Mihailo
Published: December 2010

 Predijalizna transplantacija bubrega je sa medicinskog i socioekonomskog aspekta metoda izbora u lecenju terminalne bubrezne insuficijencije kod bolesnika koji imaju zivog davaoca bubrega. Nase pocetno iskustvo sa ovom metodom lecenja vrlo je afirmativno. Predijalizna transplantacija bubrega je posebno prihvatljiva kod dece, dijabeticara i bolesnika sa losim pristupom za dijalizu. U nasoj zemlji postoje dodatni medicinski (los kvalitet dijalize, visok rizik od infekcije virusima hepatitisa, visok rizik od senzibilizacije na tkivne antigene transfuzijama krvi) i paramedicinski razlozi (prepunjenost dijaliznih centara, ograniceni zdravstveni ekonomski resursi) koji namecu potrebu daljeg razvijanja programa predijalizne transplantacije.
Factors influencing the outcome after the operative treatment of cerebral aneurysms of anterior circulation
Authors: Roganovic Zoran , Pavlicevic Goran
Published: December 2010

Background. The influence of various factors on the outcome after the operative occlusion of the cerebral aneurysm was to be defined through the retrospective study on 111 surgically treated patients with aneurysm of anterior cerebral circulation. Methods. Preoperative clinical condition was graded from 0 to V, according to Hunt & Hess. Postoperative outcome, defined as good or bad according to modified Glasgow Outcome Scale, was correlated in homogenous experimental groups with the following factors: gender, age, aneurysmal size, preoperative interval, nimodipine therapy, experience of surgical team and existence of chronic vascular diseases. Results. Surgical outcome was good in 74.4% of males and 71.4% of females (p>0.05); in 83.3% of patients with and 41.2% of patients without chronic diseases (p<0.01); in 71.4% of patients underwent early, 83.3% of ones underwent postponed and 85% of those underwent late surgery (p>0.05); in 81.5% of patients treated by nimodipine and in 41.7% of those untreated by the same drug (p<0.01); in 78.9% of patients operated by the experienced surgical team and in 40% of those operated by less experienced surgical team (p<0.01). In patients with both good and bad outcome, the mean age was 50.6 and 47.6 years (p>0.05), and the mean aneurysmal size was 12.3 mm and 13.3 mm, respectively (p>0.05). Before rupture, the mean size for aneurysms on the bifurcation of the middle cerebral artery was 14.3 mm, and for posterior communicating artery aneurysms only 9.7 mm (p<0.05). Conclusion. Surgical outcome was significantly influenced by the existence of chronic diseases, nimodipine therapy and experience of surgical team, whereas gender, age, timing for surgery and aneurysmal size were not of significant influence.
Evaluation of ribavirin efficacy and tolerance in subjects with chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Stanimirovic Violeta , Nikolic Dejan , Stanimirovic Branko , Nikolic Aleksandra , Cucak Spomenka
Published: December 2010

Background. Reports by hepatologists indicated that anti-HCV antibodies might be detected in 71% to 84% of cases of post-transfusion hepatitis and in up to 50% of cases of sporadic non-A non-B hepatitis. Anti-HCV antibodies were detected in 0.05-1% of blood donors with normal alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and negative anti-HBc screening. Anti-HCV antibodies were found in 67% of patients with a history of intravenous drug abuse or autoimmune hepatitis, and in 10-30% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. This indicated that hepatitis C virus was a major cause of the acute and chronic hepatitis throughout the world. Methods. This was a multicentric, international, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. After the eight-week screening period, patients were randomized to receive daily ribavirin 1200 mg or placebo, during the 48-week treatment period. Follow-up observations were performed during a 16 week post-treatment period. Up to 80 male and female outpatients with mild to moderate chronic active hepatitis C virus infection were enrolled in this study. Results. During the treatment period ALT values were significantly lower in the ribavirin group. Neither in the ribavirin group, nor in the placebo group significant statistical differences of the HCV RNA values were found. Significantly lower portal inflammation was noticed in ribavirin group after the treatment. Analysis of laboratory data demonstrated that ribavirin therapy was associated with mild to moderate reversible anemia. Investigator?s evaluation of the effect of the therapy on patient?s well being showed statistically significant differences in the benefit of the ribavirin group. Conclusion. In this study ribavirin was more effective than placebo in reducing ALT levels during the treatment period of the applied therapy in patients with chronic active hepatitis C.
Antibiotic resistance of hospital strains of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium
Authors: Mirovic Veljko
Published: December 2010

The aim of this study was to determine the resistance of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) to penicillin, ampicillin, vancomycin, teicoplanin, gentamicin (high level), streptomycin (high level), oxytetracycline, chloramphenicol, rifampin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and nitrofurantoin from clinical specimens during 1999. The resistance of enterococci to antibiotics was determined by disk diffusion and dilution methods according to the American National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards guidelines. The production of ?-lactamase was determined by nitrocefin disks. In E. faecalis and E. faecium isolates (n=111 and n=48) the frequency of the resistance to both penicillins was 0.9% and 89.6%, respectively. All enterococci isolates were ?-lactamase negative. Only one strain of E. faecium was vancomycin resistant (Van A fenotype). Among E. faecalis isolates (n=109) high level gentamicin resistance (HLGR), high level streptomycin resistance (HLSR), and resistance to both agents was 52.3%, 50.4%, and 43.7%, respectively. Among E. faecium isolates (n=48) HLGR, HLSR, and to both agents were 68.7%, 75%, and 62.5% respectively. The majority of E. faecium isolates were resistant to both penicillin and ampicillin. E. faecalis remained susceptible to penicillins. Moreover, there was a very high incidence of enterococci resistant to high level aminoglycosides.