bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of a Metal Artifact Reduction Algorithm Using 1D Linear Interpolation for Cone Beam CT after Endovascular Coiling Therapy for Cerebral Aneurysms
Authors: Yasuda Mitsuyoshi , Yoshikawa Kohki , Kato Kyoichi , Sai Shogo , Sakiyama Koshi , Kobayashi Yoshifumi , Oosawa Miwa , Sato Hisaya , Matsumoto Hiroaki , Nakazawa Yasuo
Published: November 2014

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithm using 1D linear interpolation on cone-beam CT (CBCT). We performed phantom and clinical qualitative studies with and without MAR application using 1D linear interpolation. In the phantom study, the standard deviation (SD) was estimated from the images obtained from the water phantom in which a metal coil was placed at the center, and observed the changes in the SDs before and after MAR application. In the clinical qualitative study, the clinical images after endovascular treatment (EVT) for cerebral aneurysms were visually evaluated before and after MAR application. In the phantom study, the SDs after MAR application decreased by 56 to 35% compared with that before MAR application. In the clinical qualitative study, the artifacts from the metal coil decreased or increased depending on locations, and the contrasts of gray matter and white matter were attenuated when MAR was applied. In conclusion, the metal artifact decreases when MAR using 1D linear interpolation is applied to cerebral CBCT. However, another artifacts increase or soft tissue contrast is changed in some cases. MAR largely contributes to the reduction of streaking artifacts, whereas it may induce cerebral parenchyma at distant metal body or quality deterioration of the image not including the metal body. This should be taken into account in the diagnosis of secondary hemorrhage or infarction.
Sex Differences in Factors Contributing to Family‐to‐work and Work‐to‐family Conflict in Japanese Civil Servants
Authors: Fujimura Yuko , Sekine Michikazu , Tatsuse Takashi
Published: November 2014

Sex Differences in Factors Contributing to Family‐to‐work and Work‐to‐family Conflict in Japanese Civil Servants: Yuko FUJIMURA, et al. Department of Epidemiology and Health Policy, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama—

Objectives

As the number of dual‐earner couples in Japan has increased, work‐life balance has become important. This study aimed to examine the factors that contribute to work‐family conflict.

Methods

The participants included 3,594 (2,332 men and 1,262 women) civil servants aged 20−59 working for local government on the west coast of Japan. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate whether work, family, or lifestyle characteristics were associated with work‐family conflict.

Results

For men, family‐to‐work conflict was associated with being elderly, having low‐grade employment, working long hours, raising children, and sleeping shorter hours. For women, being married and raising children were strong determinants of family‐to‐work conflict, and being middle‐aged, working long hours, and sleeping shorter hours were also associated with this type of conflict. Regarding work‐to‐family conflict, working long hours was the strongest determinant of conflict in both sexes. In men, being elderly, living with family, eating dinner late, and sleeping shorter hours were also associated with work‐to‐family conflict. In women, having highgrade employment, being married, raising children, and eating dinner late were associated with work‐to‐family conflict.

Conclusions

This study showed that working long hours was the primary determinant of work‐tofamily conflict in both sexes and that being married and raising children were strong factors of family‐to‐work conflict in women only. Sex differences may reflect divergence of the social and domestic roles of men and women in Japanese society. To improve the work‐life balance, general and sex‐specific health policies may be required.
Metabolic Rate Prediction in Young and Old Men by Heart Rate, Ambient Temperature, Weight and Body Fat Percentage
Authors: Ueno Satoru , Ikeda Koichi , Tai Tetsuo
Published: November 2014

Metabolic Rate Prediction in Young and Old Men by Heart Rate, Ambient Temperature, Weight and Body Fat Percentage: Satoru UENO, et al. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health—

Objectives

An estimation of metabolic rate (MR) is needed to determine wet‐bulb globe temperature (WBGT) reference values in order to reduce heat strain in physical workers. The aim of this study was to develop MR prediction equation for younger and older men in hot working environments.

Methods

We measured the MR and heart rate (HR) of both younger and older men at ambient temperatures (Ta) of 25, 30 and 35°C while they cycled on a bicycle ergometer at a workload of 30, 45 and 60% of maximal oxygen uptake . (V ). Seven younger male university students aged O2max 22.9 ± 0.7 (mean ± SD) years and seven older male workers aged 61.7 ± 2.2 (mean ± SD) years participated in this study. MR, HR and rectal temperature (Tre) were measured during the study. HR, ambient temperature (Ta), body weight (BW) and body fat percentage (BF) served as predictors of MR using multivariate analysis. To increase the MR prediction accuracy, the following three alternative predictors of HR were used: HRres, calculated as 100 × [(HR − resting HR) / (maximal HR − resting HR)]; HRnet, calculated as (HR − resting HR); and HRi, calculated as (HR / resting HR).

Results

The R2value indicated that the models with HR or res HR were more accurate than those with HRor HR. net i Ta had a significantly positive correlation with MR in older men. BW had a significantly positive correlation with MR in both younger and older men, and BF had a significantly negative correlation with MR in both younger and older men.

Conclusions

HR or HR res net enabled more accurate MR prediction than HR. BW and BF would increase the accuracy of MR prediction.
Health Outcomes in Young Adults From Foster Care and Economically Diverse Backgrounds
Authors: Ahrens Kym R. , Garrison Michelle M. , Courtney Mark E.
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Foster youth have high rates of health problems in childhood. Little work has been done to determine whether they are similarly vulnerable to increased health problems once they transition to adulthood. We sought to prospectively evaluate the risk of cardiovascular risk factors and other chronic conditions among young adults formerly in foster care (FC) and young adults from economically insecure (EI) and economically secure (ES) backgrounds in the general population.

METHODS:

We used data from the Midwest Evaluation of the Adult Functioning of Former Foster Youth (FC group; N = 596) and an age-matched sample from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (EI and ES groups; N = 456 and 1461, respectively). After controlling for covariates, we performed multivariate regressions to evaluate health outcomes and care access by group at 2 time points (baseline at late adolescence, follow-up at 25–26 years).

RESULTS:

Data revealed a consistent pattern of graduated increase in odds of most health outcomes, progressing from ES to EI to FC groups. Health care access indicators were more variable; the FC group was most likely to report having Medicaid or no insurance but was least likely to report not getting needed care in the past year.

CONCLUSIONS:

Former foster youth appear to have a higher risk of multiple chronic health conditions, beyond that which is associated with economic insecurity. Findings may be relevant to policymakers and practitioners considering the implementation of extended insurance and foster care programs and interventions to reduce health disparities in young adulthood.
Variability in ADHD Care in Community-Based Pediatrics
Authors: Epstein Jeffery N. , Kelleher Kelly J. , Baum Rebecca , Brinkman William B. , Peugh James , Gardner William , Lichtenstein Phil , Langberg Joshua
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND:

Although many efforts have been made to improve the quality of care delivered to children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in community-based pediatric settings, little is known about typical ADHD care in these settings other than rates garnered through pediatrician self-report.

METHODS:

Rates of evidence-based ADHD care and sources of variability (practice-level, pediatrician-level, patient-level) were determined by chart reviews of a random sample of 1594 patient charts across 188 pediatricians at 50 different practices. In addition, the associations of Medicaid-status and practice setting (ie, urban, suburban, and rural) with the quality of ADHD care were examined.

RESULTS:

Parent- and teacher-rating scales were used during ADHD assessment with approximately half of patients. The use of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria was documented in 70.4% of patients. The vast majority (93.4%) of patients with ADHD were receiving medication and only 13.0% were receiving psychosocial treatment. Parent- and teacher-ratings were rarely collected to monitor treatment response or side effects. Further, fewer than half (47.4%) of children prescribed medication had contact with their pediatrician within the first month of prescribing. Most variability in pediatrician-delivered ADHD care was accounted for at the patient level; however, pediatricians and practices also accounted for significant variability on specific ADHD care behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS:

There is great need to improve the quality of ADHD care received by children in community-based pediatric settings. Improvements will likely require systematic interventions at the practice and policy levels to promote change.
Fighting for the Next Generation: US Prematurity in 2030
Authors: McCabe Edward R.B. , Carrino Gerard E. , Russell Rebecca B. , Howse Jennifer L.
Published: November 2014

Preterm birth (PTB) is a serious problem, with >450 000 neonates born prematurely in the United States every year. Beginning in 1980, the United States experienced a nearly 3-decade rise in the PTB rate, peaking in 2006 at 12.8%. PTB has declined for 7 consecutive years to 11.4% in 2013, but it still accounts for 1 in 9 neonates born every year. In addition to elevated neonatal and infant mortality among those born preterm, many who survive will have lifelong morbidities and disabilities. Because of the burden of morbidity, disability, and mortality for PTB, as well as its impact more broadly on society, including excess annual costs estimated to be at least $26.2 billion by a committee for the Institute of Medicine, the March of Dimes initiated the Prematurity Campaign in 2003. In 2008 the March of Dimes established a goal of reducing the US PTB rate to 9.6% by 2020. However, the United States ranks extremely poorly for PTB rates among Very High Human Development Index (VHHDI) countries, subjecting untold numbers of neonates to unnecessary morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the March of Dimes proposes an aspirational goal of 5.5% for the 2030 US PTB rate, which would put the United States in the top 4 (10%) of 39 VHHDI countries. This 5.5% PTB rate is being achieved in VHHDI countries and by women from diverse settings receiving optimal care. This goal can be reached and will ensure a better start in life for many more neonates in the next generation.
Podobieństwo wahań koniunkturalnych w Stanach Zjednoczonych i w dużych gospodarkach wschodzących
Authors: Wyrobek Joanna , Stańczyk Zbigniew
Published: November 2014

The purpose of the paper was to verify the hypothesis that a relationship exists between business cycles in the US and the main emerging economies (excluding China). If one compares the deviations of GDPs from their long-term trends on the basis of the conducted analysis, including harmonic and coherence analysis, it appears that prior to the global financial crisis there was already some degree of synchronisation of cycles between these economies and the US, which then increased substantially during the crisis itself. If this was a real phenomenon, one may justifiably have doubts as to the ability of the majority of emerging economies to reach pre-crisis GDP growth rates in the near future.
Analiza efektywności mieszanych strategii inwestycyjnych na GPW w Warszawie
Authors: Salamaga Marcin
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this article is to research the profitability of mixed investment strategies including transaction costs, based on three stock indexes: WIG20, mWIG40 and sWIG80. In the paper, the moving averages method is employed together with the filtration of buy and sell signals. The analysis of the effectiveness of the investment strategies also includes the deduction of the maximum amount of fees. Results of the mixed investment strategies were compared with the strategy known as „buy and hold".
Perspektywy rozwoju przetwórstwa w sektorze cukrowniczym i mleczarskim w Polsce w świetle zmian WPR do 2020 roku
Authors: Golik Danuta , Żmija Dariusz
Published: November 2014

The article discusses problems in the development of the milk and sugar sectors in Poland from the point of view of changes in the Common Agricultural Policy until 2020. The article summarises the reforms that have been made on both markets, and examines trends expected in the development of these sectors in the new programming period.
Znaczenie dokumentów planistycznych w zagospodarowaniu przestrzeni Krakowa
Authors: Musiał-Malagó Monika , Hołuj Artur
Published: November 2014

Formulating and implementing spatial policy in a municipality is a task the municipality sets and carries out itself. There can be no doubt that existing planning documentation is of great importance to sustainable development. The article attempts to characterise and evaluate local development plans, the study of the conditions and directions of Krakow's spatial management and administrative decisions. The City of Krakow is an interesting area for analysis because there is great variety in the special changes occurring there. The article also highlights how the creation of planning documents was done in Krakow between 2003 and 2011.
Historia rachunkowości - jednej z najstarszych dyscyplin ekonomicznych
Authors: Staszel Anna
Published: November 2014

It is possible to find signs of accounting as far back as prehistoric times, when it constituted the essence of the then contemporary economic thought and solved problems involved in joint labour. This publication presents the history of accounting from the first bookkeeping account through Luca Pacioli's work that is so crucial to the history of accounting and, finally, the evolution of the bill of charges that was created for the needs of the first capitalists. Research on the system of accounting is presented, as are deceitful financial reporting and the establishment of the profession of Chartered Accountants. The history of accounting shows that it is one of the oldest disciplines of economic studies and, most importantly, the foundations of accounting have stood the test of time. The structure of a bookkeeping account with a Dt and Ct page has remained unchanged for over five thousand years.
Condições dentárias entre adultos brasileiros de 1986 a 2010
Authors: Nascimento Sérgio do , Frazão Paulo , Bousquat Aylene , Antunes José Leopoldo Ferreira
Published: November 2014

OBJETIVO: Identificar tendências do padrão da cárie dentária em adultos brasileiros. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados dados provenientes de levantamentos epidemiológicos realizados pelo Ministério da Saúde nos anos de 1986, 2003 e 2010. A experiência de cárie, expressa pelo índice CPOD (dentes permanentes cariados, perdidos e obturados), e a saúde dentária, expressa pelo índice OH-D (dentes hígidos + obturados) relativo ao número de dentes funcionais, foram comparadas em amostras aleatórias de residentes de 35 a 44 anos de idade em cada região brasileira. As diferenças nas condições dentárias entre os anos foram estimadas por meio da razão dos valores dos índices, empregando-se análise de regressão de Poisson ajustada pela idade. RESULTADOS: Houve reduções no índice CPOD e aumento no índice OH-D em todas as regiões no período de 1986 a 2010. A região Norte, que tinha o pior padrão em 1986, apresentou o maior ganho em termos de dentição funcional. CONCLUSÕES: Tem ocorrido uma transição da saúde bucal para melhor nos adultos brasileiros. É plausível que a adição de flúor à água e ao creme dental, maior incorporação de serviços restauradores e a melhoria nos indicadores de desenvolvimento humano decorrentes de políticas públicas estejam relacionados a essa melhora.
Cárie dentária e necessidades de tratamento em adolescentes paulistas
Authors: Sousa Maria da Luz Rosário de , Rando-Meirelles Maria Paula Maciel , Tôrres Luísa Helena do Nascimento , Frias Antonio Carlos
Published: November 2014

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de cárie dentária e necessidades de tratamento em crianças de 12 anos e adolescentes. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com base nos resultados dos levantamentos epidemiológicos Condições de Saúde Bucal no Estado de São Paulo em 2002 e Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde Bucal (SBBrasil) 2010. Foram analisados os dados secundários de 5.782 crianças (2002) de 12 anos e outras 369 (2010); e para a faixa de 15 a 19 anos foram analisados 880 jovens (2002) e 300 jovens em 2010. A experiência de cárie foi avaliada pelo índice CPOD (dentes cariados, perdidos e obturados) e foram verificadas as necessidades de tratamento odontológico segundo os critérios propostos pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. O índice Significant Caries Index foi empregado para medir a severidade da cárie no terço do grupo que apresentou maior prevalência da doença. Para a análise dos resultados utilizaram-se os testes de Qui-quadrado e Mann-Whitney, com nível de 5% de significância. RESULTADOS: Houve diminuição de 39,3 pontos percentuais no índice CPOD aos 12 anos (p < 0,001) e de 41,1 pontos percentuais nos adolescentes (p < 0,001) entre 2002 e 2010, e aumento de aproximadamente 161,0 pontos percentuais e 303,0 pontos percentuais no grupo livres de cárie, respectivamente. A porcentagem de dentes restaurados diminuiu nos dois grupos etários, mas a prevalência de dentes cariados não se alterou para o grupo de alta experiência de cárie. No grupo de baixa experiência de cárie ocorreu diminuição do componente perdido para os adolescentes e aumento do componente cariado aos 12 anos e adolescentes. Houve aumento da necessidade de tratamento endodôntico no grupo total e no de alta experiência de cárie aos 12 anos; e entre os adolescentes a necessidade de restauração de duas ou mais faces diminuiu no grupo todo e também no de baixa experiência. CONCLUSÕES: A diminuição da necessidade de tratamento de baixa complexidade entre adolescentes sugere que as ações de promoção e prevenção estão afetando positivamente esse grupo. Além disso, os dois levantamentos epidemiológicos no estado de São Paulo mostram melhorias na condição de saúde bucal dos grupos etários estudados e que se faz necessário o monitoramento direcionado também para o grupo de baixa experiência de cárie.
Fatores individuais e contextuais associados à má oclusão em crianças brasileiras
Authors: Brizon Valéria Silva Cândido , Cortellazzi Karine Laura , Vazquez Fabiana Lima , Ambrosano Gláucia Maria Bovi , Pereira Antônio Carlos , Gomes Viviane Elisângela , Oliveira Ana Cristina
Published: November 2014

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre a prevalência de má oclusão em crianças aos 12 anos de idade com variáveis individuais e contextuais. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo transversal analítico com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde Bucal – SBBrasil 2010. O desfecho estudado foi a má oclusão, categorizada em ausente, definida, severa e muito severa. As variáveis independentes foram classificadas em individuais e contextuais. Os dados foram analisados por meio de modelo multinível, considerando nível de 5% de significância. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de má oclusão severa e muito severa nas crianças com 12 anos de idade não diferiu entre as regiões brasileiras, mas sim entre as cidades (p < 0,001). Crianças do sexo masculino (p = 0,033), de menor renda (p = 0,051), que consultaram o dentista (p = 0,009), com menor satisfação com a boca e os dentes (p < 0,001) e com vergonha de sorrir (p < 0,001) apresentaram má oclusão de maior gravidade. As características das cidades também afetaram a gravidade da má oclusão; cidades com mais famílias com benefício social por 1.000 habitantes, com menores notas do índice de desempenho do sistema de saúde e menor renda per capita foram estatisticamente associadas com a má oclusão. CONCLUSÕES: Associações significativas entre a presença e gravidade da má oclusão foram observadas em nível individual e contextual.
Inquéritos populacionais como instrumentos de gestão e os modelos de atenção à saúde
Authors: Andrade Flávia Reis de , Narvai Paulo Capel
Published: November 2014

O artigo faz uma breve sistematização dos modelos de atenção em saúde, enfatiza o papel do inquérito populacional como instrumento de gestão e analisa o caso específico da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde Bucal (SBBrasil 2010), ressaltando a sua contribuição no processo de consolidação de modelos de atenção compatíveis com os princípios do Sistema Único de Saúde. Ainda que no plano legal o Sistema Único de Saúde corresponda a um modelo de atenção em saúde, no plano concreto das políticas públicas e das ações, o sistema dá origem a um modelo que resulta não de textos jurídicos nem de formulações teóricas, mas da práxis dos agentes envolvidos. Considerando que a gestão do cotidiano em saúde é um espaço privilegiado e prioritário para a produção e consolidação dos modelos de atenção à saúde, é necessário estimular e apoiar o desenvolvimento de competências técnicas e operacionais diferentes daquelas necessárias à gerência dos cuidados relacionados às demandas individuais.
A Case Report of Multidisciplinary Treatment of an Adult Patient with Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Fukunaga Tomohiro , Honjo Tadashi , Sakai Yuichi , Sasaki Kiyo , Takano-Yamamoto Teruko , Yamashiro Takashi
Published: November 2014

This is a case report about the successful orthodontic treatment of a bilateral cleft lip and palate patient by using a combination of bone grafting and subsequent prosthodontic rehabilitation. An adult patient with a bilateral cleft lip and palate presented with a concave profile, anterior and lateral crossbite, a markedly deep overbite, and residual bilateral alveolar clefts. His jaw movement patterns were unstable and irregular due to his collapsed bite. Orthodontic treatment with bilateral bone grafting improved his concave profile by downward and backward rotation of the mandible within the freeway space, and optimum occlusion and functionally stable and smooth jaw movements were obtained. After a 6-year retention period, no skeletal relapse could be detected, and his occlusal stability was satisfactory.
Evaluation of Transverse Maxillary Expansion after a Segmental Posterior Subapical Maxillary Osteotomy in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients with Severe Collapse of the Lateral Maxillary Segments
Authors: Carpentier S. , Van Gastel J. , Schoenaers J. , Carels C. , Poorten V. Vander , Coucke W. , Verdonck A.
Published: November 2014

Objective

The purpose of this longitudinal retrospective study was to evaluate transverse maxillary expansion after a Schuchardt or segmental posterior subapical maxillary osteotomy (SPSMO) in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP). A second aim was to compare these data with data for adult patients without CLP who were receiving a surgical assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE).

Method

The study group comprised 19 patients with CLP and a severe transversally collapsed maxilla who were treated with SPSMO followed by hyrax expansion at the University Hospitals Leuven. Dental casts of the 19 patients were analyzed before treatment, at maximum expansion, during orthodontic treatment, at the completion of orthodontic treatment. and 2 years after orthodontic treatment and were measured at the canine, premolar, and molar levels. Adult patients without CLP who were enrolled in a prospective study served as the control group.

Results

Maxillary expansion within the study group was significantly greater ( P < .05) at all measured levels compared with the maxillary arch before treatment. No significant relapse was measured in the study group 2 years after orthodontic treatment. When comparing the study and control groups, the only statistical difference was that canine expansion was significantly greater in the study group.

Conclusion

SPSMO followed by maxillary expansion and orthodontic treatment is an appropriate treatment option to correct a severe transversally collapsed maxilla in patients with CLP. The overall treatment effect of SPSMO expansion is comparable with the effects of SARPE, although canine expansion was greater in the SPSMO group.
Effect of silica fume and fly ash on pore structures of blended pastes at low water to binder ratios
Authors: Zhao Sujing , Sun Wei
Published: November 2014

Cementitious materials with very low water to binder (w/b) ratios such as ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) have been increasingly used, and their superior performance is largely dependent on the improved pore structures. The benefits of incorporating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to prepare these materials have been widely recognised, whereas there is a lack of research to reveal the effect of SCMs on the pore structure. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of silica fume and fly ash on the pore structures of blended pastes at such low w/b ratios. Two curing regimes, standard moisture curing and steam curing, were adopted and the pore structures were determined by mercury intrusion porosimetry. The results show that the addition of silica fume refined the pore structure regardless of the curing method and age. The addition of fly ash decreased the porosity after 7 d, whereas the critical pore size was almost unaffected by fly ash under standard curing. Compared to 90 d standard curing, steam curing contributed to a decreased porosity for all the pastes and a reduced critical pore size for the reference and fly ash paste. Moreover, the introduction of both SCMs resulted in a similar pore structure to that of the silica fume paste.
Biomass is the main driver of changes in ecosystem process rates during tropical forest succession
Authors: Lohbeck Madelon , Poorter Lourens , Martínez-Ramos Miguel , Bongers Frans
Published: November 2014

Over half of the world's forests are disturbed, and the rate at which ecosystem processes recover after disturbance is important for the services these forests can provide. We analyze the drivers' underlying changes in rates of key ecosystem processes (biomass productivity, litter productivity, actual litter decomposition, and potential litter decomposition) during secondary succession after shifting cultivation in wet tropical forest of Mexico.

We test the importance of three alternative drivers of ecosystem processes: vegetation biomass (vegetation quantity hypothesis), community‐weighted trait mean (mass ratio hypothesis), and functional diversity (niche complementarity hypothesis) using structural equation modeling. This allows us to infer the relative importance of different mechanisms underlying ecosystem process recovery.

Ecosystem process rates changed during succession, and the strongest driver was aboveground biomass for each of the processes. Productivity of aboveground stem biomass and leaf litter as well as actual litter decomposition increased with initial standing vegetation biomass, whereas potential litter decomposition decreased with standing biomass. Additionally, biomass productivity was positively affected by community‐weighted mean of specific leaf area, and potential decomposition was positively affected by functional divergence, and negatively by community‐weighted mean of leaf dry matter content.

Our empirical results show that functional diversity and community‐weighted means are of secondary importance for explaining changes in ecosystem process rates during tropical forest succession. Instead, simply, the amount of vegetation in a site is the major driver of changes, perhaps because there is a steep biomass buildup during succession that overrides more subtle effects of community functional properties on ecosystem processes. We recommend future studies in the field of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning to separate the effects of vegetation quality (community‐weighted mean trait values and functional diversity) from those of vegetation quantity (biomass) on ecosystem processes and services.
Analysis of the Relations among the Components of Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (Tpack): A Structural Equation Model
Authors: Celik Ismail , Sahin Ismail , Akturk Ahmet Oguz
Published: November 2014

In the current study, the model of technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) is used as the theoretical framework in the process of data collection and interpretation of the results. This study analyzes the perceptions of 744 undergraduate students regarding their TPACK levels measured by responses to a survey developed by Sahin (2011). The survey contains seven subscales: Technology knowledge (TK), pedagogy knowledge (PK), content knowledge (CK), technological pedagogy knowledge (TPK), technological content knowledge (TCK), pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), and technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK). These seven subscales form the seven variables of the study. The findings show that teacher candidates with more technology knowledge will have more knowledge in pedagogy and content. Also, pedagogy seems as the only variable that is significantly related to all of the variables presented in the TPACK model. This result suggests that pedagogy is the core knowledge of the TPACK. In the study, technology and content knowledge domains influence the TPACK indirectly. Moreover, only the dyadic knowledge components including the content knowledge are related the TPACK.
The recasting effects on the high gold dental alloy properties
Authors: Maksimovic V.M. , Cairovic A.D. , Pantic J.R. , Cvijovic-Alagic I.Lj.
Published: November 2014

Noble dental alloys are often reused in dental practice by recasting. The aim
of this study was to determine if repeated casting of high gold dental alloys
has a detrimental effect on alloy microstructure, type of porosity, structure
and microhardness. Results showed that recasting procedure had a strong
effect on the change of alloy porosity type. It was also found that alloy
microhardness increased with the increase of the number of recasting cycles.
At the same time the grain growth and changes of the solid solution phases in
the microstructure were observed.
Prevalence of Enterococcus faecalis and Porphyromonas gingivalis in infected root canals and their susceptibility to endodontic treatment procedures: A molecular study
Authors: Stojanovic Nikola , Krunic Jelena , Popovic Branka , Stojicic Sonja , Zivkovic Slavoljub
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Because apical periodontitis is recognizably an infectious
disease, elimination or reduction of intracanal bacteria is of utmost
importance for optimum treatment outcome. Objective. The prevalence of
Enterococcus faecalis and Porphyromonas gingivalis in infected root canals
was studied Also, the effect of endodontic therapy by using intracanal
medicaments, calcium hydroxide paste (CH) or gutta-percha points containing
calcium hydroxide (CH-GP) or chlorhexidine (CHX-GP) on these microorganisms
was assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Methods. Fifty-one
patients with chronic apical periodontitis were randomly allocated in one of
the following groups according to the intracanal medicament used: CH, CH-GP
and CHX-GP group. Bacterial samples were taken upon access (S1), after
chemomechanical instrumentation (S2) and after 15-day medication (S3). PCR
assay was used to detect the presence of selected bacteria. Results. E.
faecalis was detected in 49% (25/51) and P. gingivalis in 17.6% (9/51) of the
samples. Samples which showed no bacterial presence at S1 were excluded from
further analysis. Overall analysis of all 29 samples revealed significant
differences between S1 and S2 (p<0.001), S2 and S3 (p<0.05), and S1 and S3
(p<0.001). When distinction was made between the intracanal medications,
there was a significant difference in the number of PCR positive samples
between S1 and S2, S1 and S3, but not between S2 and S3 samples. Conclusion.
E. faecalis is more prevalent than P. gingivalis in primary endodontic
infection. Intracanal medication in conduction with instrumentation and
irrigation efficiently eliminates E. faecalis and P. gingivalis from infected
root canals.
Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency in children: Clinical characteristics and diagnosis
Authors: Radlovic Nedeljko , Lekovic Zoran , Radlovic Vladimir , Simic Dusica , Topic Aleksandra , Ristic Dragana , Ducic Sinisa , Baletic Andjelo
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a relatively rare and
clinically very heterogeneous autosomal recessive disorder. Objective.
Presentation of clinical characteristics of AATD in the first months after
birth, as well as the significance of testing brothers and sisters for its
presence. Methods. Objectives of the study were analyzed on a sample of eight
children (four male and four female, aged 63 months (mean14.81?23.96 months;
range 1-63 months) with AATD confirmed based on its low serum value and
pathological phenotype. Results. Of the total of eight patients, six
manifested cholestasis syndrome (three male and three female, mean age
2.25?1.37 months; range 1-4.5 months), while two patients, a 3.5-year-old
girl and a 5.25-year-old boy, were without symptoms and clinical-laboratory
signs of the disease, disclosed during family testing. Serum
alpha-1-antitrypsin level rated 0.30-0.66 g/L (0.37?0.12), among which seven
were with ZZ phenotype 0.30-0.39 (0.33?0.04), and in a boy with FZ the
phenotype was disclosed on family screening, 0.66 g/L. In the group of
patients with cholestasis syndrome (serum GTT 444.80?203.15 U/L; range
201-676 U/L), three had mild to moderate hepatomegaly, one had longitudinal
growth delay (<P3; -10.50%) and two had icterus with conjugated
hyperbilirubinemia (92 and 109 ?mol/L) and prolonged prothrombin time (PT
14.8 and 17 sec). All children with cholestasis syndrome also had
hypertransaminasemia (ALT 80.83?33 U/L; range 37-124 U/L and AST 116.67?62.82
U/L; range 58-230 U/L). Conclusion. Cholestasis syndrome represents a basic
manifestation of AATD in the first months after birth, while early testing of
brothers and sisters enables early disclosure and adequate treatment of the
subclinical forms of the disease.
The effect of hydrophobicity of group a beta-hemolytic streptococcus in the process of adherence and biofilm production
Authors: Smitran Aleksandra , Markovic Tatjana , Ranin Lazar
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Bacterial cell hydrophobicity and adherence to a substrate are
one of the most important factors in biofilm formation. Group A streptococcus
is an unstable and low biofilm productor. Importance of biofilm production in
streptococcal pathogenesis is still unknown. Objective. The aim of this study
was to determine the impact of hydrophobicity and adherence on the biofilm
production of group A streptococcal invasive and noninvasive isolates, and
also to evaluate the stability of biofilm production in time function.
Methods. Adherence, hydrophobicity and biofilm production were investigated
in a total of 172 isolates divided into three groups: noninvasive, low
invasive and highly invasive. Adherence to uncoated and laminin-coated
microtiter plates and biofilm production after 12, 24 and 48 hours of
incubation was determined using the method described by Stepanovic et al.
Hydrophobicity was measured using the MATH test by Rosenberg and SAT test by
Lindhal. Results. Correlation between adherence and biofilm production was
detected in the group of noninvasive isolates. These isolates were stable
biofilm productors during all three time periods of biofilm production. In
the groups of invasive and noninvasive isolates no statistical correlation
was detected among the analysed variables. The invasive isolates were
unstable biofilm productors. Conclusion. Noninvasive isolates were stable
biofilm producers; as detected, they showed a direct correlation between
adherence and biofilm production, and a negative impact of hydrophobicity on
the biofilm production. Invasive isolates were unstable biofilm productors;
it was observed that there was no correlation between adherence and
hydrophobicity with biofilm production.
Characteristics of acute hepatitis C
Authors: Mitrovic Nikola , Popovic Natasa , Delic Dragan , Stojkovic-Svirtlih Neda
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Acute hepatitis C most frequently develops after parenteral
infection of hepatitis C virus. The disease often develops into chronic
infection, although it can resolve spontaneously. Interferon alpha (INF-?) is
used in therapy, but still without precise treatment recommendations.
Objective. The aim was to present characteristics of patients with acute
hepatitis C and to assess effectiveness of using recombinant INF-? in
therapy. Methods. Total of 55 patients with acute hepatitis C, hospitalized
at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases in Belgrade from January 2005 to
December 2012 were enrolled in this study. Forty-one patients were under
follow-up over six months for evaluation of the development of the disease
into a chronic infection and effectiveness of treatment with INF-?. Results.
Eighty percent of patients were male of average age 29.6?8.6 years; in 61.8%
patients intravenous drug abuse was determined as risk factor. Thirty
patients (54.1%) had no symptoms and 38.2% were icteric. Acute hepatitis C
spontaneously resolved in 33.3% patients, while in the treated group 79.6% of
patients completely recovered (p=0.006). Treatment success was 92.9% in the
group of patients who started with treatment before the 45th day of disease,
while in the patients who started treatment later the success rated 58.3%
(p=0.037). Conclusion. Acute hepatitis C is most common in young male adults
infected via injection drug abuse. The use of INF-? is effective in the
treatment of the disease, and success of the treatment is more probable if
treatment is started before the 45th day.
Convexity meningioma associated with depression: A case report
Authors: Zivkovic Nenad , Markovic Marko , Spaic Milan
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Meningiomas are slow growing, extra-axial lesions, and can be
neurologically silent for a long time and present only with depression. Case
Outline. A 65-year-old woman developed major depression and was treated with
antidepressants for two years. Depression failed to respond to drug treatment
and there was no improvement. Two months before admission to hospital, due to
the onset of epilepsy attack the patient underwent reinvestigation, and a
large temporal convexity meningioma, which corresponded in position to the
original electroencephalography focus, was diagnosed using the computer
topography of the brain. The patient underwent osteoplastic craniotomy, and a
left fronto-temporal convexity meningioma of 5 cm in diameter was completely
removed with its attachment to the dura. Histological examination confirmed a
fibroblastic meningioma. Conclusion. Total resection of convexity meningioma
and decompression of the brain tissue in the region of limbic pathways that
are involved, may contribute to a complete remission of depression symptoms.
This case also illustrates the need for a prompt neuroimaging of the brain
when patients present any atypical psychiatric symptoms, with late onset (>50
years old) of the first depressive episode or fast changes of the mental
state.
Clinical features and endodontic treatment of two-rooted mandibular canines: Report of four cases
Authors: Stojanac Igor , Premovic Milica , Drobac Milan , Ramic Bojana , Petrovic Ljubomir
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Predictable endodontic treatment depends on the dentist?s
knowledge about root canal morphology and its possible anatomic variations.
The majority of mandibular canines have one root and root canal, but 15% may
have two canals and a smaller number may have two distinct roots. The
following clinical reports describe endodontic treatment of mandibular
canines with two roots and two root canals. Outline of Cases. Four clinical
case reports are presented to exemplify anatomical variation in the human
mandibular canine. Detailed analysis of the preoperative radiographs and
careful examination of the pulp chamber floor detected the presence of two
root canal orifices in all canines. Working length was determined with an
electronic apex locator and biomechanical preparation was carried out by
using engine driven BioRaCe Ni-Ti rotary instruments in a crown-down manner,
followed by copious irrigation with 1% sodium hypochlorite. Definitive
obturation was performed using cold lateral condensation with gutta-percha
cones and Top Seal paste. The treatment outcome was evaluated using
postoperative radiographs. Conclusion. Endodontists should be aware of
anatomical variations of the treated teeth, and should never presume that
canal systems are simple.
Desquamative interstitial pneumonia: A case report
Authors: Lovrenski Aleksandra , Eri Zivka , Tegeltija Dragana , Kasikovic-Lecic Svetlana , Panjkovic Milana
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Desquamative interstitial pneumonia is one of the rarest
idiopathic interstitial pneumonias and the rarest form of smoking-related
interstitial lung diseases. It was first described by Liebow in 1965.
Histologically, it is characterized by the presence of eosinophilic
macrophages uniformly filling airspaces which often contain a finely granular
light-brown pigment that does not stain for hemosiderin. The alveolar walls
are usually mildly thickened by fibrous tissue and infiltrated by a moderate
number of lymphocytes. Case Outline. Our patient was a 56-year-old male,
heavy smoker, with bilateral lung infiltrations of unknown etiology and
several months of discomfort in the form of dry cough and shortness of
breath. Lung function tests showed a moderate restrictive ventilation
disorder and a severe reduction of diffusing capacity. Since bronchoscopic
specimens did not reveal lung lesion etiology, an open lung biopsy of the
lower left pulmonary lobe was performed, and based on the obtained surgical
material the pathohistologically diagnosis of desquamative interstitial
pneumonia was established. The patient was started on corticosteroid and
immunosuppressive therapy, and he ceased smoking. At the last control
examination, two years after the onset of symptoms, the patient was feeling
well, and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan of the thorax
showed regression of pathological changes. Conclusion. Although, as in our
case, the majority of DIP patients improve on treatment, some patients still
develop progressive irreversible fibrosis despite therapy.
The presence of morphine as heroin metabolites in placental tissue and fetus: Case report
Authors: Nikolic Slobodan , Micic-Labudovic Jelena , Lukic Vera , Zivkovic Vladimir
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Females who have developed addiction to heroin also abuse it
during pregnancy. Heroin can be detected in the fetal blood-flow already an
hour after maternal i.v. injection. Heroin metabolites enter the fetal
blood-flow through the placental barrier by passive transport. Case Outline.
We present a 27-year-old female in the 5th month of pregnancy that had a
miscarriage. Chemo-toxicological analysis (gas chromatography with mass
spectrometry - GC/MS), showed the presence of morphine in the fetal liver
(31.92 ng/g), placenta (27.94 ng/g) and meconium (136.33 ng/g). The analysis
did not show the presence of 6-monoacetylmorphine. Conclusion. In all cases
when the autopsy of fetus or newborn is performed, with mother suspected as
i.v. heroin abuser, chemotoxicological placental analysis, placenta and
meconium should be also done.
The Role of Education for Democracy in Linking Social Justice to the ‘Built’ Environment: The Case of Post-Earthquake Haiti
Authors: Carr Paul R. , Pluim Gary , Thésée Gina
Published: November 2014

The manner in which the built environment is constructed has a tremendous effect on the degree to which health, wealth and social outcomes are distributed within a society. This is particularly evident when a crisis of the natural environment affects the built environment, as was the case after the Haitian earthquake of 2010. Understanding the consequences of the earthquake as socially precipitated rather than a natural occurrence requires a paradigm shift, a project for educational policy, pedagogy and epistemology. In particular, education for democracy in its broadest sense can serve to re-align thinking towards understanding the connection between the built environment and social justice. In this article the authors present their research with teacher-education candidates and the candidates' perspectives and experiences of education for democracy at a Canadian university. In relating these perspectives to the possibilities for contextualizing the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti, the authors propose educational policy solutions that highlight a thick democracy, social justice, the role of context and history, and a more concrete connection with public health.
The Individualization of Risk and Responsibility in Breast Cancer Prevention Education Campaigns
Authors: Sweeney Ellen
Published: November 2014

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. The incidence rates are such that one in nine Canadian women will be diagnosed in her lifetime. While social science research has demonstrated the influence of social, political, economic and environmental factors on health outcomes, many still emphasize the role of traditional risk factors for breast cancer, such as family history or diet. However, these factors are unable to account for the increased incidence of the disease in industrialized countries. Thus, there is a call for more attention to environmental links to breast cancer, and as a result, it has become necessary to consider the ‘everyday exposures' that we experience in our daily lives, which often include mammary carcinogens and endocrine disrupting chemicals through exposure to industrial chemicals and toxic substances in consumer products. In this article, the author explores and critiques two breast cancer education campaigns which are promoted by the Canadian federal government and by mainstream breast cancer organizations. Both the responsibilization paradigm and the promotion of precautionary consumption practices engage with issues of risk and responsibility at the level of the individual. This focus on modifiable behaviours and lifestyle factors is highly problematic as it does not adequately account for other determinants of health, particularly those outside one's control, such as environmental contaminants. Only a truly precautionary approach can be effective in protecting women's health.