bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pelvic inflammatory disease: Contemporary diagnostic and therapeutic approach
Authors: Terzic Milan , Kocijancic Dusica
Published: November 2010

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is polymicrobial infection in women
characterized by inflammation of the upper genital tract, including
endometritis, salpingitis, pelvic peritonitis, occasionally leading to the
formation of tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA). PID primarily affects young,
sexually active women, and it is highly correlated with having several
sexual partners, intrauterine contraceptive device and sexually transmited
diseases. The spectrum of disease is caused most commonly by Chlamydia
trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in 30-50% of cases. PID is responsible
for severe acute morbidity and significant long-term sequelae, including
tubal factor infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. The
following clinical features are suggestive of a diagnosis of PID: bilateral
lower abdominal tenderness, abnormal vaginal or cervical discharge, fever
(higher than 38?C), abnormal vaginal bleeding, dyspareunia, cervical motion
tenderness and adnexal tenderness, with or without a palpable mass. In
laboratory findings, there is presence of excess leucocytes, elevated
erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein. Transvaginal
ultrasound scanning may be helpful, and its sensitivity is up to 85%. It can
identify inflamed and dilated tubes and tubo-ovarian masses. Magnetic
resonance imaging can be helpful in a final diagnosis in 95% of cases. In
15-30% of suspected cases, there is no laparoscopic evidence of disease.
Treatment regimens for PID include broadspectrum antibiotics, including
coverage for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. The usage of
parenteral or oral therapy, inpatient or outpatient regimens, depends on the
patient?s clinical condition. Considering the potential complications of
disease, there is a need for good health educational programmes in
reproductive period.
The Permutation Test for Testing the Statistical Significance of the Power Spectrum Estimation in Dendrochronological Analysis
Authors: Krawczyk Andrzej , Krąpiec Marek
Published: November 2010

The study presents a proposal of application of the statistical permutation test, known from other applications, for searching for the symptoms of cyclicity, in particular related to solar activity, in the annual growth sequences of trees. The test consists in generation of random sequences of the increment widths observed and comparison of their periodograms with the periodogram of the sequence analysed. This allows for evaluation of the significance of the individual frequencies in the total variability. The model calculations carried out indicate that in the studies on cyclicity in dendrochronological sequences satisfactory results could be obtained in the analysis of sets of the individual sequences (but not the chronologies produced from them). It is important to generate sufficiently high numbers (1000 and more) of random sequences and to apply relatively low significance levels (at 0.05, or even 0.01).
Central Nervous System Manifestations in Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Cojocaru Inimioara , Cojocaru Manole , Silosi Isabela , Vrabie Camelia
Published: November 2010

Central Nervous System Manifestations in Rheumatic Diseases

Patients with multi-system rheumatic conditions may have a disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Central nervous system manifestations vary according to the location of the lesion and range from focal findings (e.g., stroke-like presentations), although serious neurological complications in rheumatic disease appear to be rare. The most prominent features of neurological involvement in rheumatic diseases include cerebral ischaemia and psychiatric symptoms. Little information is available on the prevalence of neurological disease in patients with a rheumatological diagnosis. Involvement of the CNS may be a striking early or presenting feature with a wide variety of manifestations. There is more clarity about the CNS syndromes attributable to systemic lupus erythematosus and new insights into the central mechanisms involved in the manifestations of Sjögren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. Severe CNS involvement is associated with poor prognosis, and high mortality rate. We review the spectrum of neurological diseases in patients with a rheumatological diagnosis.
Lipoprotein Metabolism Abnormalities in Patients with Chronic Renal Insufficiency
Authors: Ali Abdellah , Sultan Phalisteen , El-Napoli Mohamed , Fahmy Mohamed
Published: November 2010

Lipoprotein Metabolism Abnormalities in Patients with Chronic Renal Insufficiency

Patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) on hemodialysis develop lipoprotein abnormalities that may contribute to increased risk for atherosclerosis. The objective of this study was to assess the atherogenic risk of chronic renal insufficiency patients and dialysis treated patients (DTP) by measuring total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and calculating the risk factor ratio: TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C. The examined group consisted of 18 chronic renal insufficiency patients and 60 patients on hemodialysis. The results were compared to a control group of 85 voluntary blood donors. Serum lipid parameters were examined by standard methods. All lipid parameters in hemodialysis patients were statistically different as compared to the control group (p<0.05) while chronic renal insufficiency patients showed significant difference only in triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol. Hypertriglyceridemia was present in both examined groups of patients and HDL-cholesterol was lower within both groups. All calculated atherogenic ratios were higher for patients than the control group. Lipid parameters were compared between chronic renal insufficiency and hemodialysis patients, but statistically significant difference was obtained only for HDL-cholesterol (p<0.05). The increased values of triglycerides and lower HDL-cholesterol in chronic renal insufficiency patients contribute to high incidence of cardiovascular disease. Chronic renal insufficiency patients have impaired reverse cholesterol transport from peripheral cells to lipoproteins, decreased levels of HDL-cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia prevalence of small, dense LDL and increased levels of potentially atherogenic remnant particles.
FV Leiden Mutation and Deep Venous Thrombosis in Vojvodina: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Salatić Iva , Kiralj Katarina , Mitić Gorana , Veselinović Igor , Vapa Dušan
Published: November 2010

FV Leiden Mutation and Deep Venous Thrombosis in Vojvodina: A Case-Control Study

Between September 2007 and February 2010, the occurrence of symptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was investigated in a cohort of 79 consecutive patients. A case-control study inclu ded 71 healthy controls matched with cases for sex and age. The prevalence of factor V G1691A mutation genotype was analyzed. Eighteen cases (22.79%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 13.53% to 32.03%) and four controls (5.63%; 95% CI 0.27% to 10.99%) were heterozygous carriers of FV Leiden (p= 0.025). The odds ratio for DVT was 4.94 (95% CI 1.58 to 15.42) and the relative risk 4.04 (95% CI 1.44-11.38) compared with FV 1691G carriers. Four cases were homozygous carriers of FV Leiden, giving a prevalence of 5.06% (95% CI 0.23 to 9.89%) and no controls, therefore OR and RR calculation was based on the prevalence of homozygotes in the general Caucasian population. The OR for DVT was 47.28 (95% CI 0.04 - 52167.3) and the RR 45.57 (95% CI 0.04 to 49540.77; p=0.025) compared with FV 1691 G carriers. Our study confirms that factor V Leiden carriers in Vojvodina, as in similar studies previously carried out in other populations, have an increased risk of developing DVT. The evaluated risk of DVT in heterozygous carriers of the mutation is four- to five-fold higher, whereas for homozygous carriers it is 45- to 48-fold higher than in non-carriers. These results confirm that patients with DVT and their relatives should undergo screening for FV Leiden mutation.
Increased Lymphocyte Caspase-3 Activity in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Lazarević Dušan , Đorđević Vladimir , Ćosić Vladan , Vlahović Predrag , Tošić-Golubović Suzana , Ristić Tatjana , Đorđević Vidosava
Published: November 2010

Increased Lymphocyte Caspase-3 Activity in Patients with Schizophrenia

A growing body of evidence indicates that cortical brain cells of schizophrenic patients are vulnerable to apoptosis. As apoptosis is an important mechanism in organism modeling during development, active since the early phase of intrauterine life, it could be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. To test this hypothesis, caspase-3 activity was determined in peripheral blood mono nuclear cells from 30 patients with schizophrenia and from 30 age and gender matched healthy subjects by a colorimetric commercially available kit. Consistent with increased susceptibility to apoptosis, caspase-3 activity in lymphocytes of patients with schizophrenia was significantly increased (0.111±0.055 μmol/mg protein, p<0.05) in comparison with those in the matched control group (0.086±0.030 μmol/mg protein). The highest activity was obtained in the group showing almost equally positive and negative symptoms (0.159±0.096 μmol/mg protein) and it was significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to the group with a relative predomination of positive symptoms (0.100±0.029 μmol/mg protein). Caspase-3 activity in patients receiving typical antipsychotic drugs (0.124± 0.071 μmol/mg protein) was not significantly different from that in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics (0.104±0.039 μmol/mg protein). To our knowledge to date, this has been the first demonstration that there is a significant increase in caspase-3 activity, determined in native cells, in patients with schizophrenia, indicating a dysregulated apoptotic mechanism in this disease.
Type grouping in rat skeletal muscle after crush injury
Authors: Bovenberg M. Sarah S. , Degeling M. Hannah , de Ruiter Godard C. W. , Feirabend Hans K. P. , Lakke Egbert A. J. F. , Vleggeert-Lankamp Carmen L. A. M.
Published: November 2010

Object

Accuracy of reinnervation is an important factor that determines outcome after nerve injury and repair. Type grouping—the clustering of muscle fibers of the same type after reinnervation—can be used to investigate the accuracy of reinnervation. In this study, the degree of type grouping after crush injury in rats was compared with the clustering of muscle fibers after autografting or single-lumen nerve grafting.

Methods

Twelve weeks after sciatic nerve crush injury in rats, clustering of Type I muscle fibers was analyzed in the target muscle with adenosine 5′-triphosphatase staining. In addition, the number of regenerated axons was determined in the nerve distal to the crush injury. Results were compared with that of the authors' previous study.

Results

Type grouping was more abundant after crush injury than after autograft or single-lumen nerve graft repair.

Conclusions

Crush injury leads to more clustered innervation of muscle fibers, probably because the Schwann cell basal lamina tubes are not interrupted as they are in autograft or artificial nerve graft repair. This finding adds to understanding the processes playing a role in nerve regeneration.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy through superior calyceal approach - our experience
Authors: Shaikh AU , Biswas R , Arif NUM , Miah N , Zaman W
Published: November 2010

Introduction: Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is considered the treatment of choice for large (> 2 cm size) renal stones at present. Aim of this study was to evaluate the results of PCNL as monotherapy in our centre which were done through superior calyceal approach.Materials and Methods: Seventy five patients with three bilateral renal stone (total 78 renal units) that underwent PCNL through superior calyceal approach at Apollo Hospitals Dhaka from May 15, 2005 to December 15, 2007 were included in this retrospective study. Selected patients had renal stones more than 2 cm in size (average stone size 35 mm and surface area 750 mm2). Ultrasonogram, intravenous urogram and in some selected cases CT scan were done to detect the location and size of the stone. Urologist performed percutaneous punctures through superior calyx in prone position under fluoroscopic guidance and general anaesthesia were employed in all cases. Post-operative stone clearance was documented on plain X-ray KUB and ultrasonogram KUB.Results: PCNL was successfully (complete stone clearance and insignificant residue) carried out in 68 patients (69 renal units). Average stone clearance was 88.46%. No second look procedures were needed. Uro-sepsis was the main complication, occurred in 9 renal units (11.53 %) while urinary leakage/ fistula in 6.41%, significant bleeding in 6 renal units (7.69 %) and pleural breach with fluid in pleural cavity (hydrothorax) in 2 (2.6 %) cases. Mean blood transfusion was 1.2 units and mean hospital stay was 67 hours.Conclusion: Monotherapy with PCNL is highly effective in the treatment of large volume renal calculi and staghorn calculi using superior calyceal supracostal and subcostal approach. As a minimally invasive procedure, it is quite safe in experienced hand.Keywords: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy, Renal stone, Superior calyceal puncture, Staghorn calculiDOI: 10.3329/pulse.v3i1.6543Pulse Vol.3(1) July 2009 p4-6
Critical laboratory values - an experience in Apollo Hospitals Dhaka
Authors: Ibrahim M , Islam I , Nasir TA , Saha D
Published: November 2010

Reporting of laboratory critical values has become important for patient safety as described by recent guidelines in National Patient Safety Goals of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). The use of critical values reporting was adopted as a requirement in the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA'88). Herein, we reported the results of an analysis of 4260 consecutive laboratory critical values from July 2007 to June 2008 at our institution, a large tertiary medical center. We evaluated critical value reporting by parameters, laboratory speciality (Clinical Chemistry & Hematology), clinical care area (IPD, OPD, Emergency), and Turn around time. Factors leading to delays in critical value reporting are identified, and we describe approaches to improving this important operational and patient safety.DOI: 10.3329/pulse.v3i1.6544Pulse Vol.3(1) July 2009 p7-11
Doctor-patient relationship
Authors: Mahmud A
Published: November 2010

The doctor-patient relationship is central to the practice of medicine and is essential for the delivery of high-quality health care in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The patients must have confidence in the competence of doctors and should feel that they can confide in him or her. For physicians, the establishment of a good rapport with the patients is also important. This being said, some medical specialties, emphasize more on the doctor-patient relationship than others. The doctor-patient relationship forms one of the foundations of contemporary medical ethics.DOI: 10.3329/pulse.v3i1.6546Pulse Vol.3(1) July 2009 p12-14
Interpretation of arterial blood gases
Authors: Dokwal CP
Published: November 2010

Measuring arterial blood gas is routinely performed in critically ill patients, and may unravel severe life-threatening acid-base disorders or hypoxemia. It provides the vital information about ventilation, oxygenation, and acid-base status in such persons. These three processes are intimately related to each other in achieving normal oxygenation and acid-balance in the body.The interpretation of arterial blood gas requires a reasonable understanding of respiratory physiology and acid-base balance in the body. Hence, in the following section, first the role of alveolar ventilation, oxygenation, and the maintenance of acid-base homeostasis have been discussed. This is followed by a step-wise approach to analyze the acid-base disorders, if present.DOI: 10.3329/pulse.v3i1.6547Pulse Vol.3(1) July 2009 p15-19
Textiloma: a case of foreign body mimicking a dermoid/mesenteric cyst
Authors: Das BC , Khan IM , Rahman A
Published: November 2010

Items such as cotton or gauze pads can be mistakenly left behind during operations. Such foreign materials (called textiloma) cause foreign body reaction in the surrounding tissue. The complications caused by these foreign bodies are well known, but cases are rarely published because of medico-legal implications. Some textilomas cause infection or abscess formation in the early stage, whereas others remain clinically silent for many years. Here, we describe a case of textiloma in which the patient presented with huge abdominal lump 6 years after caesarean section operation abroad. Imaging revealed a dermoid / mesenteric cyst in pelvis and left lower abdomen. The case was treated successfully in Apollo Hospitals Dhaka and discussed here in the light of published literature.DOI: 10.3329/pulse.v3i1.6548Pulse Vol.3(1) July 2009 p20-22
Transient tachypnoea of the newborn (TTN) requiring mechanical ventilation - case report & review of literature
Authors: Iqbal ASM , Begum LN
Published: November 2010

Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is usually a benign and self-limited disease of the newborns and the prognosis is generally excellent. It is believed to be resulting from incomplete resorption of fluid from the lungs of the newborn. Infants present with respiratory distress, requiring oxygen supplement for 2-3 days. However some infants with severe symptoms and hypoxaemia may need prolonged oxygen supplement and sometimes mechanical ventilation. Here we present a borderline preterm baby with TTN, who required mechanical ventilation.DOI: 10.3329/pulse.v3i1.6549Pulse Vol.3(1) July 2009 p23-24
Management of severe tracheal stenosis caused by repeated endotracheal intubation in a patient of myasthenia gravis
Authors: Hussain MI , Aziz L
Published: November 2010

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction. The disease is characterized by exacerbation and remission of the symptoms from time to time. Myasthenic crisis is a serious complication of MG and is defined as weakness from acquired MG that is severe enough to require intubations [1]. Myasthenic crisis may complicate in 15-20% of patient with MG [2], [3]. Most patients require ventilation for a brief period, usually less than two weeks [4]. Repeated intubations may cause tracheal stenosis. The potential risk factors for post-intubation subglottic stenosis include, the underlying disease requiring endotracheal intubations(EI), the age and body weight, the duration and number of EIs, absence of sedation and the occurance of infections, hypotensive or hypoxic events during the period of EI and traumatic EI [5], [6].Key words: Tracheal stenosis, Repeated intubations, Myasthenia gravis.DOI: 10.3329/pulse.v3i1.6550Pulse Vol.3(1) July 2009 p25-26
Strongyloidiasis in the gastrointestinal biopsy
Authors: Khaled A , Ara N , Chawdhury LL , Nasir TA
Published: November 2010

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode of humans. It is estimated that tens of millions of persons are infected worldwide, although no precise estimate is available [1].S. stercoralis is distinguished by its ability-unusual among helminths-to replicate in the human host. This capacity permits ongoing cycles of autoinfection as infective larvae are internally produced. Strongyloides can thus persist for decades without further exposure of the host to exogenous infective larvae [2]. Most infected individuals are asymptomatic, but under some conditions associated with immunocompromise, this autoinfective cycle can become amplified into a potentially fatal hyperinfection syndrome and disseminated infection [3]. Diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis is usually made by stool examination. Detection and diagnosis of strongyloidiasis in the gastrointestinal biopsy is relatively rare [4].DOI: 10.3329/pulse.v3i1.6551Pulse Vol.3(1) July 2009 p27-28
Carcinoma transvers colon with caecal perforation mimicking appendicular lump
Authors: Das BC , Khan IM , Alam Q , Rahman A
Published: November 2010

A 43 year-old female with caecal perforation and localized peritonitis as a result of transverse colon malignant stricture was presented. Initially she was evaluated in two different clinics and treated conservatively as appendicular lump. She was brought to Apollo Hospitals Dhaka as her condition deteriorated. CECT abdomen disclosed an annular soft tissue mass at mid part of transverse colon that completely obstructed the lumen. The colon proximal to the lesion and small bowel were grossly dilated and filled up with fecal matter. On laparotomy, a lump was noted in right iliac fossa which was made of omentum, small bowel and lateral abdominal wall. A perforation was noted in the lateral wall of caecum after dismantling the lump. The colon and the small bowel were decompressed through caecal perforation site peroperatively. Right hemicolectomy and primary anastomosis was performed. Patient survived the operation and she was discharged from hospital on the 10th postoperative day with an advice of regular follow up in surgical OPD. She was referred to Oncology centre for chemotherapy.In conclusion, any patient around the age of forty or above with features of appendicular lump deserves full work-up including CECT to exclude colonic malignancy. Resection and primary anastomosis may be a preferred procedure for right colonic carcinoma perforation.DOI: 10.3329/pulse.v3i1.6552Pulse Vol.3(1) July 2009 p29-30
Uncommon cause (fecolith or enterolith) of small intestinal obstruction in the adult
Authors: Chowdhury G , Kumar AS , Rahman A , Das BC
Published: November 2010

Intestinal obstruction due to fecolith is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction. A 40 years old lady presented with the features of intestinal obstruction of 6 days duration. She had H/O laparatomy for DU perforation and hysterectomy. Clinical examination and investigations pointed to intestinal obstruction because of intestinal adhesions from previous surgeries. Conservative treatment did not give relief to the patient. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed ascites and moderate adhesion A lump with hard consistency was detected in the terminal ileum. A diagnosis of lymphoma was made and hemicolectomy was planned. After mobilizing the caecum and part of ascending colon laparoscopically, small transverse incision was made in RIF. Whole mass and caecum was delivered through the wound. The mass in the ileum was felt moving proximally on traction. The mass was pushed proximally and enterotomy was made to take out the lump. It was a 6 x 4 x 2 cm fecolith (fig-3). There was no other abnormality or cause of intestinal obstruction except mild adhesion at the terminal ileum.DOI: 10.3329/pulse.v3i1.6555Pulse Vol.3(1) July 2009 p35-37
Pseudoaneurysm complicating organ transplantation - Role of duplex sonography and MR angiography
Authors: Saha BK , Rahman T
Published: November 2010

We report a case of surgically proven pseudoaneurysm of transplanted renal artery. The 16 yr old patient had presented with rising creatinine for last 2 months and swelling of the face for 1 month. USG revealed a well defined cystic area in antero-medial aspect of transplanted kidney (near the renal hilum). Doppler & MR angiography confirmed a case of pseudoaneurysm. Repair of transplanted renal artery pseudoaneurysm with right internal iliac to common femoral artery bypass grafting done.Keywords: extra-renal pseudo aneurysm; renal transplantation; doppler ultrasound; MR angiographyDOI: 10.3329/pulse.v3i1.6556Pulse Vol.3(1) July 2009 p38-40
La Conférence consultative politique du peuple chinois
Authors: Ardant Philippe
Published: November 2010

La Conférence Consultative Politique du Peuple Chinois (C.C.P.P.C.) est une institution originale, organe du « Front Uni » qui rassemble toutes les forces disposées à contribuer à l'édification d'une nouvelle société. Après avoir joué le rôle d'une Assemblée Nationale dans les premières années du régime, la Conférence avait continué à tenir une place importante dans la vie politique au lendemain de l'élaboration de la Constitution de 1954. Mise en sommeil pendant la Révolution Culturelle, elle est réapparue avec éclat au printemps de 1978. Destinée à favoriser l'expression des catégories sociales non acquises au marxisme ou situées sur les franges du prolétariat ouvrier et paysan et à les mobiliser, la C.C.P.P.C. est en fait étroitement contrôlée par le parti communiste. Dans la mesure où elle est un instrument d'intégration, de socialisation et de liaison avec l'extérieur, elle apparaît comme un rouage capital dans la stratégie des dirigeants chinois.
Le commerce extérieur polonais : les interrelations entre la politique économique interne et extérieure
Authors: Kanet Roger E.
Published: November 2010

Polish Foreign Trade: the Interrelationship of Domestic and Foreign Economic Policy.

During the course of the past thirty years Poland has been transformed from a rural agricultural society to an urban industrialized and socialized society. However, the transformation has not occurred without serious economic problems. One of the more important implications of the recent drive toward economic modernization in Poland is the increased dependence of the Polish economy on the vagaries of the world market and the reduced ability of Polish leaders to control the domestic economy.

The most visible implication of the Polish strategy of economic modernization has been the significant opening up of the economy to contacts with the industrial West. This has meant that trade with the other members of the CMEA has decreased as a percentage of overall Polish trade and brings into question the compatibility of Poland's trade policy with the West and the CMEA integration programs to which Poland is a party. In addition, expanded trade with the West at a time of rising prices on world markets has added to domestic Polish inflationary pressures. Given the government's commitment to stabilizing prices, this has necessitated a substantial increase in subsidies to cushion the effects of inflation. By 1975 subsidies accounted for almost 17.5 percent of total budgetary revenue.

Another problem which Poland's modernization strategy has faced is the rapid growth of Poland's hard currency debt which rose from less than $1 billion in 1970 to between $12.8 and $14 billion at the end of 1977. Even though the growth of Polish imports from the West has been stemmed, the gap between imports and exports remains large and the debt continues to grow.

Although the growth of Polish trade with the West reduced the relative position of the CMEA countries in Polish trade, economic ties with the Soviet Union and the other CMEA countries continue to retain primary importance for the Polish economy.

Overall foreign trade — with both the West and the CMEA countries — has become a much more important element of the Polish economy during the 1970s. While trade expansion has provided a stimulus to the dynamism of the Polish economy, it has also added a degree of dependence and uncertainty that was not present in the past. Polish policy makers are faced with a set of serious problems, both domestic and foreign, that they must solve if the Polish economy is to be stabilized.
L'industrialisation de l'agriculture de la R.D.A. : nouveaux développements des contradictions et nouvelles solutions organisationnelles
Authors: Pouliquen Alain
Published: November 2010

Industrialization of Agriculture in the G.D.R.: Appearance of New Contradictions and New Organizational Solutions.

This study brings the reader up to date on the "industrial" restructuring of the East German food and agricultural sector, a particularly advanced and therefore important example. It takes a fresh look at the aims involved, their attendant contradictions and solutions, in the light of recent direct observation.

The combined logic of mechanisation, concentration and specialisation, taken here to the extreme, entails serious ecological problems: increased risk of plant and animal disease, high energy consumption, and a grave threat to the soil by severe shortage of solide manure. The "new organic materials enterprises" represent a spectacular effort by the system to find a solution to this latter problem, though in practice it appears imperfect and capital intensive.

Again, overspecialization of basic units does seem to have aggravated the shortage of agricultural manpower, though it was this very shortage that had originally given rise to the drive for agrarian industrialization. It is interesting to observe present-day attempts to find new methods of seasonal inter-enterprise mobility in the labour force, as well as greater diversification of skills. Another problem which hitherto had either been ignored, or imperfectly understood, is that of Vertical' and 'horizontal' systems of co-ordination between related agricultural and agro-industrial specialized entities, which in effect become "macro-units for separate reproduction of capital". However, within these units, direction and regulation of flows of material and capital are still governed by political rather than economic considerations (given the influence exerted by the Party). These new structures make possible new methods of "socialization" and the productive recycling of differential rents, a key problem in a system where such market regulators as prices and profits play a minor role.

Broadly, this study attempts a fresh analysis of the organizational and technical choices for industrialization open to a socialist agricultural economy, with particular emphasis on their global socio-economic aims.
Le logement en U.R.S.S. : secteur public et secteur privé
Authors: Peissik Muriel
Published: November 2010

A la classification soviétique traditionnelle des formes du logement — qui relève de l'idéologie et de l'organisation d'un Etat socialiste — est substitué ici un regroupement qui répond à un crière économique : c'est à la faculté contributive de l'usager qu'est distingué le secteur dit privé du secteur dit public.

Le premier repose sur le financement intégral par le ou par les propriétaires ; il inclut le logement coopératif. Le secteur public désigne le logement locatif, dont la faiblesse du loyer est bien connue.

Fait remarquable, l'analyse attentive des statistiques disponibles révèle que les deux secteurs sont d'égale importance.

S'interrogeant sur les raisons d'une situation aussi paradoxale, l'auteur examine brièvement la politique du logement menée par FU.R.S.S. depuis les années cinquante : l'effort de construction, colossal en quantité, s'est heurté à des difficultés que les défauts dans la qualité des immeubles construits rendent manifestes. Ces déficiences appellent l'attention sur l'écart qui sépare, en matière de logement, le coût apparent du coût réel. Dans un tel contexte, le rôle qu'a tenu la construction privée apparaît essentiel : la population non seulement a apporté sa capacité de financer et d'entreprendre, mais elle a même par son propre travail pu pallier certaines insuffisances de l'industrie du bâtiment. Le manque de matériaux de construction cependant limite ses réalisations, comme en témoignent les résultats du IXe plan.

Malgré la décroissance relative de la part du secteur privé dans l'habitat soviétique, le maintien de ce secteur dans sa superficie actuelle paraît assuré. Une estimation chiffrée des charges financières montre que l'Etat ne saurait prendre le relais du coût d'entretien de la totalité de ce patrimoine.

Il semble bien en outre que le secteur privé possède des capacités d'extension qui se trouveraient disponibles si l'Etat souhaitait élargir le volume de la construction.
Les unions industrielles en U.R.S.S., 1973-1979
Authors: Legrand M.
Published: November 2010

Industrial Associations in the USSR, 1973-1979.

Has the establishment of new all-union or republican industrial associations at middle-echelon level in the various branches of industry brought about a change in industrial administration?

By close scrutiny of soviet written sources over the last six years, the author has traced the development of these new formations since the promulgation of the relevant Decree of 1973.
Commerce Est-Ouest : une nouvelle étape ?
Authors: Krasznai Zoltán
Published: November 2010

East-West Trade: Further Progress?

The author begins by examining the causes of the recent slackening in East-West trade, and then turns his attention to those factors which govern long- term exchanges between the two areas (international political situation, structural developments in the industrialized countries, rate of economic growth, etc.) He further examines the short-term situation, and concludes with the overriding importance of the international division of labour, and the harmonious development of East-West exchanges in a spirit of enlightened mutual self-interest.
Coopération industrielle Est-Ouest dans l'automobile et modalités d'insertion des pays de l'Est dans la division internatio­nale du travail occidentale (Ière partie)
Authors: Gutman Patrick
Published: November 2010

Il apparaît que l'approfondissement de l'analyse de la coopération industrielle par secteurs individualisés est une condition indispensable pour l'évaluation et la définition des évolutions probables du mécanisme coopération/rivalité, et donc de ses conséquences sur la stabilité de la Division Internationale du Travail occidentale.

Le développement de formes de plus en plus poussées de la coopération industrielle Est-Ouest dans l'automobile — et notamment par le recours de plus en plus fréquent à la compensation — introduit une modification radicale : le passage de l'échange international à l'internationalisation de la production.

Cette transformation de nature entraîne une intégration du processus de production dont l'approche traditionnelle en termes de commerce international — exportations/importations — ne peut rendre compte et a fortiori en saisir la portée réelle.

On examinera donc ici dans quelle mesure les accords de coopération industrielle Est-Ouest intervenus dans l'automobile entre les principaux constructeurs occidentaux — essentiellement des firmes multinationales — et les pays de l'Est constituent autant de modalités d'une internationalisation de la production élargie aux pays socialistes.

Mais en même temps, l'installation d'unités de production dans les pays de l'Est contribue à renforcer la capacité exportatrice de ces derniers, et il importe d'apprécier à sa juste valeur la menace éventuelle qui pourrait en résulter pour les marchés occidentaux, particulièrement européens.

Finalement, il s'agit d'effectuer l'analyse des modes d'imbrication de la Division Internationale Socialiste du Travail (DIST) et de la Division Internationale du Travail (DIT) afin de déterminer si les interventions de représentants d'un bloc dans l'autre se font en respectant la DIT spécifique existant dans chacun d'eux, et même si elles ne viseraient pas à la conforter ou, si au contraire, elles se contrecarrent.
Situation et perspectives des relations économiques germano-soviétiques au seuil des années 1980
Authors: Lebahn Axel
Published: November 2010

Present Situation and Prospects for Development of German- Soviet Economie Relations in the 1980's.

For many German firms, trade with East-European countries has become a tradition over the decades and accounted for 15% of German foreign trade volume prior to World War II. Internationally known companies such as Otto Wolff AG, the Krupp Group and Deutsche Bank AG have had close business ties with the U.S.S.R. since the early 20's. These relations have been upheld on a pragmatic footing under various political constellations right up to the present day. It can be considered a traditional feature of German trade with the East that private companies maintain contacts with their East-European business partners independently and without any special political or legal assistance from the state. While in the 50's and 60's the Federal Republic of Germany was in a position of front-line political confrontation with the U.S.S.R., the German business community regarded the promotion of trade relations as a stabilizing element in international politics.

German trade with the East has always seen itself as a long-term, independent manifestation of the fundamental, international division of labour in the face of changing — at times rapidly changing — foreign policy doctrines. German companies geared their business relations with Eastern Europe solely to the calculable, private entrepreneurial profit and loss indices of the individual firms — without government intervention or promotion measures — and to this extent treated trade with the East, despite its unique features, as part of general worldwide international business.

In the 70's, a number of treaties were concluded between the Federal Republic and the U.S.S.R., which dealt among other things with economic questions and affected mutual trade relations. The long-term German-Soviet agreement on economic cooperation concluded in May 1978, modeled on Finnish and French treaties, provides a legal basis for existing relations and projects future developments. Emphasis is placed above all on planned cooperation with regard to large projects — in particular in the energy and raw material sectors — as well as on intensifying and diversifying industrial cooperation, also involving small and medium- sized firms. The pragmatic aim of promoting trade relations between the Federal Republic and the U.S.S.R. is to create normal forms of international economic cooperation as a factor in an economically optimal, politically constructive, long- term international division of labour with the aim of achieving a calculable, mutual benefit.
Ethnies ou groupes importants d'origine religieuse ? Vers leur coexistence.
Authors: Fisera Joseph
Published: November 2010

Towards the Co-existence of Ethnic and Significant Religious Groups. (The Genesis of the Multi-National "Islamic" Socialist Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina.)

This study takes the case of Bosnia-Herzegovina as starting point for an examination of the various national, religious, social and political factors whose complexities and inter-relationships are particularly important in the context of developing countries such as Yugoslavia. The author also refers to sub-Carpathian Ukraine, and observes how, in these multi-national and multi-religious regions, ethnic and religious factors go hand in hand.

In the case of Bosnia-Herzegovina, religion is the basis of the quasi-nationality represented by the Moslem community. Having examined the growth of this group prior to the Second World War, the author goes on to analyse the part played by the war in the creation of a separate community. While the broad mass of the Moslem group may have remained more or less in a state of expectant passivity, there emerged an élite within the party, the armed resistance and the activists for socialist workers competition after the revolution. Identifying themselves as a Moslem entity within the nation, this group thereby signified their mistrust of the other two main groups (orthodox Serbs and catholic Croats), their national pride bolstered and their collective advancement encouraged by the liberal attitude of the Party, and then of the State, towards their aspirations, both on the national question and on socio-economic matters (self-management) and individual freedoms. This atmosphere encourages differentiation within the Moslem community, between strict believers and liberals, clerical and secular. A greater degree of ideological and political tolerance would help to create better lines of communication among the three communities, and might lessen the danger of a spread of theocratic or Khomeini-like enthusiasms among the Moslems.
Le développement du droit en République populaire de Chine au cours du 1er semestre 1979 (note d'information)
Authors: Gélard Patrice
Published: November 2010

La tradition juridique de la République populaire de Chine est toujours apparue comme particulièrement faible et c'est tout récemment — depuis janvier 1979 — que semble se dessiner un revirement. Il y aurait non seulement volonté de revaloriser le rôle du droit dans la société chinoise, mais aussi, de doter la République populaire d'un système juridique complet, à partir de textes codifiés qui se veulent stables, permanents et susceptibles d'assurer pour tous le respect de la légalité.
Présentation sommaire des principaux événements survenus au cours de l'année 1979 en République populaire démocratique de Corée
Authors: Brillouet Alain
Published: November 2010

Digest of the Main Events of 1979 in the Korean People's Democratic Republic (note).

As has been his habit for several years now, the author lists the outstanding events of 1979 in North Korea, firstly on the internal political scene (turnover of leading personnel, party activities, the economy, the social climate) and secondly, in the field of international relations (the Korean question, relations with the U.S.S.R. and China, relations with the rest of the world).
La haute fonction publique en Hongrie
Authors: Garancsy Gabriella
Published: November 2010

Senior Civil Servants In Hungary.

In this study, the author is concerned with the position of those senior officials whose legal status and conditions of service in the administration might provide material for legal research. Basically, this category comprises those officials holding senior administrative posts in both local and central government, whose work relationship with the administration is not politically determined. The author's researches cover the upper ranks of the central administration, i.e. ministries and those central organs whose function embraces the entire country.

All of these senior officials are subject to three criteria, (professional skills, political reliability and decision-making competence) by reason of the key- positions occupied by the central administrative bodies within the framework of the State. This in turn involves a further responsibility (disciplinary and monetary) on the part of the upper and uppermost ranks of officialdom (senior civil servants), the latter fulfilling in addition the role of employers. In the context of those senior officials, the author considers the rules of the labour code in Hungary, as well as other texts which particularly affect them.
La propriété sociale en tant que propriété de tous et de chacun
Authors: Bajt Alexandre
Published: November 2010

Dans une économie socialiste autogestionnaire, le capital (de même que les autres facteurs non-humains de production) est mis à la disposition des travailleurs individuels (les collectifs de travail) par la société en tant que tout. Il ne s'agit pas de l'Etat ou d'une société imaginaire mais — puisque seules les personnes physiques peuvent consommer — de chacun et de tous les membres de la société, «tous et chacun». S'ils doivent exercer des fonctions d'entrepreneur, les travailleurs individuels (collectifs de travail) doivent également être les propriétaires légaux des moyens physiques de production dont ils se servent. La propriété sociale en capital, matérialisée dans ces moyens, se crée en éliminant le produit marginal du capital (= le surplus de produit) de la formation des revenus individuels et en le consacrant à des objectifs décidés par «tous et chacun» dans le cadre d'un système collectif de décision. La libre concurrence des travailleurs en ce qui concerne les facteurs non-humains, débouchant sur l'absence de revenus privés (personnels) tirés de ces facteurs, est ainsi assurée par un système d'instruments économiques : seule la part des produits provenant du travail et de la fonction d'entrepreneur entre dans la formation des revenus individuels.
Kibboutz ou kolkhoz ? Une comparaison des fermes collectives en Israël et en U.R.S.S.
Authors: Matejko Alexander
Published: November 2010

Il existe une différenciation évidente du contenu social des kolkhoz et des kibboutz. Les premiers ne sont que des institutions imposées de l'extérieur et donc incapables de mobiliser dans un but collectif les paysans et leurs familles. Les seconds sont des communautés de volontaires et leur principale force vient de l'engagement individuel de tous les membres. Les facteurs de la dimension et du profil économique jouent également dans la . comparaison. La moindre dimension et l'activité plus diversifiée des kibboutz, où l'esprit d'entreprise collectif compte pour beaucoup, contribuent à la création et à la maturation de communautés qui réussissent sur le marché libre. Toutes les initiatives leur sont permises tandis que les kolkhoz restent dans le cadre d'une économie imperative et dépendent essentiellement de décisions centralisées, venues de l'extérieur et parfois contradictoires.
Circuits parallèles et éthique du travail dans les entreprises : une campagne de moralisation en Pologne
Authors: Simon Claude
Published: November 2010

L'accumulation des difficultés dans les pays du CAEM tient principalement à un système économique toujours trop centralisé que des réformes partielles ne parviennent pas à modifier ; la hausse des prix du pétrole, des mauvaises récoltes, ont aggravé les tensions déjà existantes. Les pénuries et la pression des salariés incitent donc les entreprises à tourner les réglementations pour réaliser leur plan : ainsi se développent des circuits parallèles.

C'est en Pologne que cette évolution paraît la plus avancée ; du moins, elle y fait l'objet des critiques les plus vigoureuses particulièrement dans la revue du parti Nowe Drogi (n° d'octobre 1979). L'auteur de l'article dénonce les. nombreux privilèges abusifs des chefs d'entreprises, privilèges qui résultent d& manœuvres et tromperies et qui finissent par miner l'éthique du travail.

Il apparaît maintenant que cet article préludait au changement de gouvernement en février 1980.
L'évaluation d'une réforme économique dans une économie planifiée est-européenne. Un exemple : la Hongrie
Authors: Bornstein Morris
Published: November 2010

Cet article apporte un cadre théorique à l'analyse d'une «réforme économique» dans une économie planifiée socialiste est-européenne et, à titre d'illustration, l'applique à l'expérience hongroise du Nouveau Mécanisme Economique (NME), introduit en 1968.

Dans la première partie, on examine les diverses conceptions concernant l'ampleur d'une réforme économique, y compris (1) la différence entre les changements du système et politiques, (2) les diverses conceptions de la notion de « décentralisation » et (3) les stratégies d'application possibles. L'approche adoptée par le NME dans chacun de ces cas est expliquée.

On peut analyser les réformes économiques nationales en fonction de leur impact sur les divers éléments du système économique. La seconde partie compare les implications respectives des approches « administrative » et « économique » de la décentralisation pour plusieurs aspects fondamentaux du secteur étatique, y compris l'organisation administrative, les plans de production, la répartition des inputs matériels, le travail et les salaires, l'investissement, la formation des prix, les indicateurs de succès, les stimulants et le commerce extérieur. L'expérience hongroise depuis 1968 est analysée brièvement pour chacun de ces facteurs.

La troisième partie examine les raisons pour lesquelles les autorités hongroises ont seulement appliqué partiellement les principes du NME depuis sa première introduction.