bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L'aménagement du lit de la Têt à Perpignan ; un exemple de travaux de protection contre les crues au dix-huitième siècle (Engineering works against floods on the Têt River in Perpignan during the 18th century)
Authors: Desailly Bertrand
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Au cours du dix-huitième siècle, afin de protéger des inondations Perpignan et ses environs, les ingénieurs du Génie militaire et des Ponts et Chaussées entreprennent de gros travaux dans le lit de la Têt. Les résultats demeurent limités. A la fin de l'Ancien Régime, tandis que le Roussillon connaît des inondations catastrophiques, intervient une prise de conscience de l'insuffisance des aménagements ponctuels et de la nécessité d'intervenir à l'échelle de l'ensemble du bassin-versant.
Les programmes de « re-planting » en Asie du Sud-Est, Malaysia, Indonésie, Thaïlande (The re-planting programs in South-East Asia)
Authors: Blanadet Raymond
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - The re-planting programs started in the early 1960s ; they were re-inforced at the beginning of the 1980s with the financial assistance of the World Bank and they are making substantial progresses. Respectively, 55 % and 49 % of the rubber smallholdings have been re-planted in Malaysia and Thailand. Indonesia remains behind but follows all the same (112 000 ha replanted in 1990). Except for this last country, these projects are financed by a special rubber export tax and are carried out on a grant basis for the beneficiaries. The works carried out under permanent technical control result in plantations of a high potential but the lack of the follow up of the technical assistance after maturity of the trees weigh upon the results : 1,1 t/ha instead of 1,5 to 1,6 t as expected.
Développement rural intégré et milieu paysan dans la région des Savanes (Nord Togo) (Rural development in the North Togo)
Authors: Akibodé A.K.
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - L'opération pilote d'intensification agricole dans la Région des Savanes (Nord du Togo) est une tentative d'aménagement intégrée. C'est d'abord une opération d'amélioration de la production agricole (cultures commerciales plus que vivrières), par la modernisation des pratiques culturales (semences de qualité, utilisation d'engrais, traction animale). C'est aussi une action d'amélioration des conditions de vie des paysans. Les résultats sont réels mais fragiles, et la population concernée faible. On peut se demander si ce qui a été possible dans un secteur limité, grâce à un encadrement poussé des paysans, peut être diffusé avec succès dans l'ensemble de la région.
Etat national et minorités transfrontalières. La dialectique turque de la fermeture et de l'échange (Turkey and its transborder minorities)
Authors: Tapia Stéphane de
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - Heavily muslim, but secular republic, connected to the West but situated in the Middle East borders, Turkeys is often unknown. The «ill man» of Europe, the Ottoman Empire which is become a republic, declares himself both Western and European. A lot of caracteristics remain eastern ones. We try here to describe the behaviour of a geographic and political ensemble very different of those of Western Europe or Northern America. Turkey is a region of cultural contacts since the early ages, but it began to close itself with the creation of the turkish national state, in the 1920's. But since 1980, new signs of opening are appearing.
Deux cas de relations transfrontalières entre les Grisons et la province de Sondrio (Two cases of traditionnal transborder relations in italo-swiss Alps)
Authors: Rougier Henri
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - This paper is a study about agricultural relationship and exchanges through an alpine border, between the Italian province of Sondrio ant the swiss canton of Grisons.
Aménagement commercial et développement durable : une difficile alliance à Louqsor ? (Retail business and sustainable development : the example of Luxor)
Authors: Smits Florence , Metton Alain
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - Luxor, ones capital of the Ancient Egypt, looks eternal. Nevertheless, the recent evolutions, notably in the retail business, threat its future. Sustainable development concerns with respect to impacts on the economy, social structure and the environment are hardly taken into account in this vibrant city. More and more, the retail business relies on external means and generates a social and spatial segregation.
Le Schéma Départemental d'Equipement Commercial des Alpes-Maritimes : les enjeux intercommunaux pour un développement touristique et commercial durable (The departmental diagram of commercial equipment of the Maritime Alps: inter-cities stakes for a tourist and commercial sustainable development.)
Authors: Metton Alain , Fabre Caroline
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - La région de Nice et la Côte d'Azur, mondialement célèbres sur le plan touristique ont dû élaborer, comme tous les départements français, un Schéma de Développement Commercial dans l'optique du développement durable. Cela fut l'occasion d'exprimer de nouveaux objectifs commerciaux dans le cadre des nouvelles intercommunalités sur un espace pourtant considéré comme assez largement saturé en grands équipements commerciaux.
Le « terrain » en géographie régionale, un témoignage (Fieldwork in regional geography, a testimony)
Authors: Rougier Henri , Hugonie Gérard
Published: June 2015

Zusammenfassung. - Seit der Zeit der ersten, geographischen Untersuchungen, bildet bei den französischen Forschen die Geländestudie enien Stützpunkt der Konntrisse. Um auf das Gelände sich zu begeben, muss man gut vorbereitet sein, damit der Geländebesuch erfolgreich ist. Obwohl neue technologischen Methoden nur verbreitet sind, bleibt die Geländestudie eine unvergleichbare Zeit in den heutigen geografischen Forschungen.
Le « terrain » pour les didacticiens de la géographie (Fieldwork for didacticians of geography)
Authors: Hugonie Gérard
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - Didacticians of geography use three different fieldworks : the classroom with the teacher and pupils working in geography with various tools ; the place visited by pupils during a trip ; the classroom as a place of new steps experimentation. In one and the other case, the observation and the interpretation of these fieldworks pose analogous problems to these that meet social science researchers and applied geography.
Preoperative assessment of relative pulmonary lobar perfusion fraction in lung cancer patients
Authors: Meyer A. , Noack F. , Schaefer W. M. , Knollmann D.
Published: June 2015

Preoperative quantification of (relative) pulmonary lobar perfusion fraction using scintigraphy is established in predicting lung function after pulmonary surgery. Aim was to develop an easy and truly anatomical method for relative pulmonary lobar perfusion fraction quantification using SPECT/CT and to compare results with those from planar analyses in lung cancer patients. Patients, methods: 36 patients with operable lung cancer, borderline lung function referred to pre-operative quantification. Perfusion SPECT-data were acquired p.i. of 163±9 MBq 99mTc-MAA, subsequent low-dose-CT (SymbiaT, Siemens). Iterative Flash3D-reconstruction, manual 3D segmentation of all lobes using PMOD. VOI transfer to coregistered perfusion SPECTdata, calculation of lobar fractions. Modelbased calculation of relative lobar fractions based on planar data, analysis of planar vs. 3D results using t-test. Results: Significant differences (p<0.05) between the results from 3D method and planar imaging were found for right upper and middle lobe and both lower lobes. Maximum differences ranged from 10.9% (left upper lobe) to 22.9% (right upper lobe). Conclusions: Relative pulmonary lobar perfusion fraction can easily be obtained by an anatomically driven 3D quantification. Results yielded by this method and the traditional planar approach differed greatly, possibly affecting eligibility for lung surgery in individual patients. Considering these results a 3D approach should be used whenever possible.
Challenging Role of Dietary Aflatoxin B1 Exposure and Hepatitis B Infection on Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kucukcakan Basak , Hayrulai-Musliu Zehra
Published: June 2015

Aflatoxins (AFT) are poisonous substances which are classified in Group 1 carcinogenic agents to humans by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). AFT can occur naturally in food commodities (maize, corn, rice) as a result of fungal contamination in hot and humid environments. In the food, toxin contamination can remain during manufacturing and long after fungi have stopped being biologically active. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most dominant and potent agent from all AFT. In developing countries, high exposure to AFB1 can cause chronic toxicity and usually increases the incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). However, in these regions hepatitis B is the most common risk factor for HCC cases. Many researches were aimed to enlighten the mechanism and the role of two etiological agents on risk of HCC, but the obtained data was conflicting with each other. It was uncertain that the indicators/biomarkers might be the contribution of the carcinogenic status of the patient; and, the biomarker samples from the subject may only reflect the recent effects of the toxin exposure after consumption of AFB1 contaminated commodities. The studies were facing with the errors of methods which were un-fit to enlighten the possible interaction between Hepatitis B and AFB1 on contribution to HCC. It was pivotal to understand the effect of each risk factor in order to prevent and improve public health in poor and undeveloped regions. Although some of the studies evaluate AFB1 alone as a considerable factor on HCC risk, according to this review it was concluded vice versa. This study was aimed to clarify the main etiological agent of HCC where AFB1 and HBV are endangering public health. In additionally, the purpose was to enlighten the possible synergistic effect between these two factors among HCC pathogenesis. Hence forth, appropriate and right applications could be conducted in undeveloped countries in order to protect public health.
The Effect of the PEEK Cage on the Cervical Lordosis in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy
Authors: Gulsen Salih
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND: Loss of cervical lordosis is a significant factor in the development of degeneration of the spine with aging. This degenerative changings of the cervical spine would cause pressure effect on the cervical root and/or medulla spinalis.AIM: Our goal is to understand the effect of the PEEK cage on cervical lordosis in the early postoperative period. Also, to interpret the effects of one- level, two- level, three-level and four- level disc pathologies on cervical lordosis.MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively investigated our archive, and we selected thirty-four patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with PEEK cage filled with demineralized bone matrix (ACDFP).RESULTS: We determined that ACDFP provides improvement in the cervical lordosis angle in both groups. Also, we found statistically significant difference between group 1 and 2 regarding causes of radiculomyelopathy statistically.CONCLUSION: We achieved better cervical lordotic angles at the postoperative period by implanting one-level, two-level, three-level or four-level PEEK cage filled with demineralized bone matrix. Also, the causes of cervical root and or medulla spinalis impingement were different in group1 and 2. While extruded cervical disc impingement was the first pathology in group 1, osteophyte formation was the first pathology in group 2.
Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome: A Case Report in an Adolescent Nigerian Boy
Authors: Ikpeme Anthonia Asanye , Usang Usang Edet , Inyang Akan Wilson , Ani Nchiewe
Published: June 2015

AIM: This is to report a case of Klippel Trenauay Weber syndrome in a fifteen year old Nigerian boy. This is a rare syndrome and it is the first case to be reported in UCTH Calabar.CASE PRESENTATION: Product of a full term uneventful pregnancy, delivered to non-consanguineous apparently healthy parents. At birth was noted to gradually develop swelling on the right leg, worse at the right foot. There was crossed hemi-hypertrophy with right leg bigger than the left. As child grew symptoms worsened, parents separated and eventually he was abandoned to the streets. He presented at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for medical care at the age of fifteen years with lymphatic obstruction, persistent foul smelling drainage, lipodermatosclerosis of right foot as well psycho-social and financial constraints. The diagnosis was made with x-rays and Doppler studies of the lower limb vessels. He is currently being managed conservatively with compression dressings on the affected limbs, Antibiotics for the infection and analgesics. De-bulking surgery is being anticipated at this time.CONCLUSION: This is a case of KTWS presenting in adolescence and due to its rarity in Nigeria, this report is to increase awareness.
Prelabour Rupture of Membranes: Mode of Delivery and Outcome
Authors: Ibishi Vlora Ademi , Isjanovska Rozalinda Dusan
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND: Pre-labour Rupture of Membranes (PROM) is an important cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and increased rate of cesarean section delivery.Â AIM: The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics, PROM-delivery interval, mode of delivery, and early maternal neonatal outcome among pregnant patients presenting with pre-labour rupture of membranes.MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective case control study is implemented at the Obstetric and Gynecology Clinic of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo. The study included 100 pregnant patients presenting with prelabour rupture of membranes of which 63 were primigravida and 37 patients were multigravida.RESULTS: The incidence of cesarean section in this study is 28 % and the most common indications for cesarean delivery were fetal distress, malpresentation, cephalopelvic disproportion, and failed induction. The most common maternal complications in this study are chorioamnionitis, retained placenta and postpartum hemorrhage. Neonatal infectious morbidity was present in 16 % of cases.CONCLUSION: PROM is a significant issue for obstetricians and an important cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and increased rate of cesarean section delivery.
Lactoferrin Enhanced Apoptosis and Protected Against Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats
Authors: Hessin Alyaa , Hegazy Rehab , Hassan Azza , Yassin Nemat , Kenawy Sanaa
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND: Liver fibrosis is the common pathologic consequence of all chronic liver diseases.AIM: Lactoferrin (Lf) was investigated for its possible hepatoprotective effect against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis rat model.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rats received TAA (200 mg/kg/biweekly, ip) for four successive weeks. Lf (200 mg/kg/day, p.o.) or vehicle (VHC) was administered for one month before and another month during TAA injection. Body weight and mortality rate were assessed during the month of TAA-intoxication. Thereafter, serum and liver tissues were analyzed for liver function, oxidative, fibrotic and apoptotic markers.RESULTS: Lf conserved rats against TAA-induced body weight-loss and mortality. Preservation of serum albumin, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin levels was also observed. Lf also protected rats against TAA-induced decrease in reduced glutathione and increase in malondialdehyde liver contents. Normal liver contents of hydroxyproline, nuclear factor kappa B and alpha fetoprotein; as markers of fibrosis; were increased with TAA and conserved with Lf-TAA. Lf maintained the normal architecture of the liver and immunohistochemical findings revealed increase in apoptotic bodies compared to TAA that favored necrosis.CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Lf improved liver function, reduced oxidative stress and liver fibrosis, and enhanced apoptosis in rats with liver fibrosis, suggesting it to have useful therapeutic potential in patients with liver fibrosis.
The Accuracy of Noninvasive Imaging Techniques in Diagnosis of Carotid Plaque Morphology
Authors: Lukanova Detelina Valchkova , Nikolov Nadelin Krasimirov , Genova Kameliya Zaharieva , Stankev Mario Draganov , Georgieva Elisaveta Valcheva
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND: The stroke is leading cause of death and severe disability worldwide. Atherosclerosis is responsible for over 30% of all ischemic strokes. It has been recently discovered that plaque morphology may help predict the clinical behavior of carotid atherosclerosis and determine the risk of stroke. The noninvasive imaging techniques have been developed to evaluate the vascular wall in an attempt to identify â€œvulnerable plaquesâ€.AIM: The purpose is to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound, multidetector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the identification of plaque components associated with plaque vulnerability.MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred patients were admitted for carotid endarterectomy for high grade carotid stenosis. We defined the diagnostic value of B-mode ultrasound of carotid plaque in a half, and the accuracy of multidetector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, in the other group, for detection of unstable carotid plaque. The reference standard was histology.RESULTS: Sensitivity of ultrasound, multidetector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging is 94%, 83% and 100%, and the specificity is 93%, 73% and 89% for detection of unstable carotid plaque.CONCLUSION: The ultrasound has high accuracy for diagnostics of carotid plaque morphology, magnetic resonance imaging has high potential for tissue differentiation and multidetector computed tomography determines precisely degree of stenosis and presence of ulceration and calcifications. The three noninvasive imaging modalities are complementary for optimal evaluation of the morphology of carotid plaque. This will help to determine the risk of stroke and to decide on the best treatment â€“ carotid endarterectomy or carotid stenting.
Detection of BCR/ABL Translocation in Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Egyptian CML Patients
Authors: Gaafar Taghrid Mohamed , Raafat Inas Ismail , Aly Azza Ahmed , Mohamed Nagwa Abd EL-Ghaffar , Farid Reem Jan , Saad Nevine Ezzat , EL-Hawary Rabab , Mostafaa Naglaa , Ahmed Mirhan Mohamed
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal myeloproliferative disorder of hematopoietic stem cells. It is characterized at the cytogenetic level by Philadelphia (ph) chromosome and at the molecular level by the BCR/ABL gene rearrangement. Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are pluripotent stem cells that can differentiate into several mesenchymal tissues.AIM: To observe the biological characteristics of MSCS from CML patients and to determine whether MSCs harbor the abnormal BCR/ABL translocation similar to CML bone marrow cells.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Characterized MSCs were isolated from 12 newly diagnosed Philadelphia positive untreated CML patients.RESULTS: MSCs can be readily isolated from CML marrow and exhibit major expansion. Flow cytometry analysis revealed the typical MSC phenotype. Moreover; MSCs do not harbor the BCR/ABL translocation confirmed by karyotype and real time PCR.CONCLUSION: MSCs from CML patients express the typical MSC phenotype; and do not express the BCR/ABL gene. Since; MSCs are able to support engraftment of hematopoietic stem cells in stem cell transplantation(SCT) as well as suppress alloreactive T cells causing graft versus â€“host disease, this current study provides evidence that in a SCT setting of CML patients, autologous MSCs could be a source of stem cell support in future cell therapy applications.
IDH1 Mutation in Gliomas in Mosul City - Iraq
Authors: Saeed Mohammed Sami
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND: IDH1 (isocitrate dehydrogenase 1) mutation might be encounter in the low grade glioma and directs the progression of the tumor to a higher grade.OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of IDH1 mutations in gliomas and to correlate the IDH1 positivity with the type and grade of tumors, the age and sex of the patients.MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retroâ€“ and prospective case series study. One hundred and nine cases of intracranial gliomas were collected between 2008 and 2014 from Mosul Private Laboratories and Al-Jamboree Teaching Hospitals in Mosul. IDH1 mutations were assessed immunohistochemically using anti-IDH1 R132H mouse monoclonal antibody.RESULTS: IDH1 mutation was perceived in 34.86% of gliomas. In adult gliomas, the secondary glioblastoma and the low-grade astrocytoma had the greatest values of IDH1 positivity (88.88% and 62.5% respectively), followed by oligoastrocytoma/oligodendroglioma (50.0%), and anaplastic astrocytoma (47.36%). The primary glioblastomsa showed 17.64% IDH1 positivity. Males and females expressed the IDH1 equally. While, there was no role of IDH1 in pediatric gliomas.CONCLUSION: IDH1 mutation is commonly present in adult gliomas particularly in low-grade gliomas, and secondary glioblastoma, with equal sex distribution, but it has no role in pediatric gliomas.
SjÃ¶grenâ€™s Syndrome and Silicosis â€“ a Case Report
Authors: Plavsic Aleksandra , Miskovic Rada , Bolpacic Jasna , Å uÅ¡tran Branka , Peric-Popadic Aleksandra , Bogic Mirjana
Published: June 2015

SjÃ¶grenâ€™s syndrome is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology where immune response to self-antigens is believed to result from interactions between genetic and environmental factors. We describe the case of a patient who has been diagnosed with SjÃ¶grenâ€™s syndrome based on typical clinical and immunological parameters. The clinical picture was dominated by the respiratory symptoms, and radiographic and multislice computed tomography examination of the chest showed certain changes characteristic of pneumoconiosis. Given that the patient has worked in a foundry where he has been exposed to the silica dust, he was subject to examination by occupational health specialists under the suspicion of lung silicosis, who confirmed the silicosis. This case report points to the possible connection between a professional exposure to silica and SjÃ¶grenâ€™s syndrome. Occupational exposure to silica is a possible risk factor for the development of autoimmune diseases, and in the evaluation of patients with connective tissue diseases it is important to consider work-related history.
Tumor-Associated Macrophage (TAM) and Angiogenesis in Human Colon Carcinoma
Authors: Badawi Manal A. , Abouelfadl Dalia M. , El-Sharkawy Sonia L. , Abd El-Aal Wafaa E. , Abbas Naglaa F.
Published: June 2015

AIM: This study aimed to clarify how macrophages affect prognosis in cancer colon and their association with tumor angiogenesis.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty four biopsies of colon carcinoma and 15 of benign adenomatous polyps were investigated for macrophages infiltration and microvessels density using immunohistochemistry and image morphometric analysis. Macrophages and blood vessels were stained immunohistochemically by CD68 and F-VIII markers respectively. The morphometric analysis was carried out on the immunohistochemically stained slides using the Leica Qwin 500 Image Analyzer. Both of macrophages infiltration and microvessels density were correlated with histological tumor grade, stage and lymph node metastases and were correlated with each others.RESULTS: Macrophage infiltration was significantly higher in malignant cases than in benign polyps. High macrophage infiltration and hypervascularity were significantly correlated with T-staging and lymph nodes metastasis. A significant correlation was found between macrophage infiltration and microvessels densitie in malignant tumors where hypervascularity was significantly correlated with high macrophages infiltration.CONCLUSION: The significant correlation between macrophage infiltration and tumor angiogenesis suggests an interaction between macrophages and cancer cells stimulating microvessels formation, tumor invasion and metastasis in colon cancer. We recommend that macrophages infiltration should be evaluated to investigate their clinical value in development of individualized therapeutic regimens for management of colon carcinoma.
Total IgE Distribution in Food Allergy Suspected Patients in Republic of Macedonia (2001-2011)
Authors: Hristomanova Mitkovska Slavica , Trajkov Dejan , Petlichkovski Aleksandar , Efinska-Mladenovska Olivija , Spiroski Mirko
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND: IgE may be considered the hallmark of allergic disorders. It is easily detected in serum and can be measured as total IgE and as allergen-specific IgE. In fact, the serum IgE assay is used to diagnose an allergy.AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate, investigate and present the distribution of total serum IgE levels, determined with UniCap system, in food-allergy suspected patients in a Republic of Macedonia.MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study we analyzed retrospectively 8898 consecutive patients that were admitted for allergy testing at the Institute of Immunobiology and Human Genetics during the ten year period between 01.01.2001 and 01.01.2011. Total IgE levels in patient sera were detected with the in vitro system UniCAP100 (Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden).RESULTS: When we analyzed the number of patients according to the total IgE groups, we noted that most of the patients have normal levels of total IgE in serum. However, we also discovered a group of patients with elevated levels of total IgE that are greater than 200 kU/L. The average concentration of total serum IgE is higher in women in the age group 6 (6-7 years), followed by a steep decrease in the age group 9 (9-10 years), and after that the average concentrations of total IgE were mostly constant with the exception of a partial increase in the age group 21 (65-69 years). For men, the average serum concentrations of total IgE were highest in the age group of 6 (6-7 years), which was significantly higher than the average concentrations of total IgE in all other age groups.CONCLUSION: The large number of enrolled patients, a particular strength of this study, revealed that average concentrations of total IgE in men are higher than in women and that total IgE did not decrease with age. On the contrary, increased total IgE levels were found in patients aged 65 and 69 of both genders. We continue our work with analyses of the specific IgE antibodies values toward food and the correlation with total IgE values.
Interactive Effects of Immunoglobulin Gamma and Human Leucocyte Antigen Genotypes on Response to Interferon Based Therapy of Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Gomaa Howayda E. , Mahmoud Mohamed , Saad Nevine E. , Saad-Hussein Amal S. , Ismail Somaia , Thabet Eman H. , Farouk Hebatallah , Kandil Dina , Heba Ahmed , Hafez Wael
Published: June 2015

AIM: We examined the role that immunoglobulin GM 23 and KM allotypesâ€”genetic markers of Î³ and Îº chains, respectivelyâ€”play in response to treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Egyptian patients.MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 120 persons who had responded to HCV treatment and 125 with persistent HCV infection were genotyped for the presence of GM23 and KM determinants. HLA â€“C genotyping was also done.RESULTS: Association of GM 23+ and KM3 was significantly associated with non response to treatment (P < 0.0001). Individuals who lacked this GM genotype (but were positive for KM1,2 and 3) were likely to respond to treatment (P=0.045). Association of heterozygous GM23 (+/-) with KM 1,2 and 3 or KM3 alone was significantly associated with SVR (P = 0.001) and (P = 0.0001) respectively. Particular combinations of HLA and GM genotypes were associated significantly with the response to HCV treatment. The combination of HLAC2C2 and GM23+ was associated with persistence of infection (P = 0.027) while the association of HLAC2C2 and heterozygous GM23+/- was associated with SVR (P = 0.001).The association of HLAC1C1 and heterozygous GM23+/- was significantly associated with SVR (P = 0.001) and also subjects with HLA C1/C2 and heterozygous GM23+/- were likely to respond to treatment (P = 0.003) while subjects with HLA C1/C2 and GM23+ show tendency to resist to treatment (P = 0.0001).CONCLUSION: Our results didnâ€™t support a role for KM allotypes, GM23 allotype plays a role in the persistence of HCV infection in the presence or absence of KM1,3. Interaction between certain GM and HLA-C genotypes may favor adequate response to interferon based therapies.
The Heavy Metals in Agrosystems and Impact on Health and Quality of Life
Authors: Tutic Adnan , Novakovic Srecko , Lutovac Mitar , Biocanin Rade , Ketin Sonja , Omerovic Nusret
Published: June 2015

The metal is a chemical element that conducts electricity well and heat, and the nonferrous metals builds cations and ionic bonds. Heavy metals include metals whose density is higher than 5 g/cm3. The whole range of the metal is in the form of essential trace elements, essential for a number of functions in the human body, and its deficiency results in a lack of occurrence of a serious symptom. The best examples are anemia lack of iron, lack of chromium in diabetes, growth problems in lack of nickel. Other elements such as lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic and molybdenum have been shown to exhibit large quantities of toxic effects. The paper examines the problem of heavy metals originating from agriculture on agroecosystems. This group of pollutants is considered the most important cause of degradation of soil quality, surface and groundwater and direct causal adverse effects on human and animal health. In order to complete the environmental monitoring of pollutants, these main categories, origins, and possible negative impacts of the basic principles of preventing their toxic effects were examined.
Incidence of A-V Fistulas after Renal Biopsy of Native and Transplanted Kidney - Two Centers Experience
Authors: Lubomirova Mila , Krasteva Rumiana , Bogov Boris , Paskalev Emil
Published: June 2015

AIM: The aim of the study is to make a retrospective analysis of the incidence of AV fistulas after renal biopsy (RB) of native and transplanted kidney.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred and sixteen (516) RB were analyzed. One hundred twenty nine (129) were native kidneys RB performed in Clinic of Nephrology (CN), 190 were performed in Clinic of Nephrology and transplantation (CNT) and 197 were transplanted kidney biopsies from the same clinic. Biopsy technique type Gun with needle 14G, 16 and 18 G was used in CN, CNT used the same technique with needles 16G. Doppler ultrasound was made for A-V fistulas diagnosis.RESULTS: The A-V fistulas incidence was 0.8%. The frequency of A-V fistulas registered in CN was significantly higher than that registered in CNT (2.3% vs. 0.5%, p < 0.01). Biopsies performed by 14 G needles provide a higher percentage of A-V fistulas compared to those done by 16 G. (3.3% vs. 2.4%, p < 0.5). The frequency of the A-V fistulas in native and transplanted kidneys in CNT was similar (0.5% vs. 0.5%, p > 0.05).CONCLUSION: The A-V fistulas incidence is very low. The needle thickness is an important factor relevant to the risk of occurrence of A-V fistulas.
Comparison of Results from Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment of Tuberculosis in Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Simonovska Ljiljana , Ilievska-Popovska Biljana
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND: The successful treatment of patients with active tuberculosis is one of the priorities in the Tuberculosis Control Programs.AIM: The aim was to establish whether there was a statistically significant difference in the treatment outcome in patients with tuberculosis who began their initial treatment phase and/or pursued it as inpatient, as opposed to patients with tuberculosis who underwent their entire treatment regime as outpatient. Moreover, our goal was to determine whether there is a statistically significant difference in the outcome from the treatment between patients with tuberculosis who were hospitalized up to one month, two months, or more than two months.MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study includes 355 patients, divided into two groups. The first group, which consists of 219 patients, began their initial treatment phase as inpatient, and then they continued the treatment as outpatient. The second group, 136 patients, underwent their entire treatment as outpatient. The treatment outcome is determined with every patient (cured, treatment completed, treatment default, treatment failed, died, treatment in progress). For the statistical data analysis and for establishing the significance of the findings regarding the differences between the two groups we used the Pearson Chi-Square Test and the Yates Corrected Test.RESULTS: The statistical analysis with the Pearson Chi-Square Test showed that the treatment outcome does not significantly depend on the model of treatment (p = 0.31). The statistical data analysis showed that there is no statistically significant difference in the achievement of conversion of the bacterial result of the sputum at the end of the initial phase of treatment regarding the studied groups (p = 0.89). The statistical data analysis showed that the length of inpatient treatment affects the outcome of the treatment and that the difference is statistically highly significant (p < 0.00005).CONCLUSION: There are no statistically significant differences in the sputum conversion and the treatment outcome among inpatient/outpatient with tuberculosis or outpatient only; however, the length of inpatient treatment is statistically significant regarding its effect on the treatment outcome.
Dietary Patterns of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Study Based in Egypt
Authors: Meguid Nagwa , Anwar Mona , Zaki Safaa , Kandeel Wafaa , Ahmed Nihad , Tewfik Ihab
Published: June 2015

AIM: In the hope to assist in tailoring individualized nutritional therapy, this study aimed to assess the nutritional status of autistic children.MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 80 autistic children, divided into two groups: group 1 (aged 3- 5 years) and group 2 (aged 6-9 years). Diagnosis was performed based on the criteria for autistic disorder as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised and Autism Rating Scale.RESULTS: Socio-demographic data, anthropometric measurements and dietary intake patterns were recorded using a validated questionnaire. The daily intakes of calories and nutrients were converted to percentages of the Recommended Dietary Allowance or Dietary Reference Intake based on age- and gender-normalized DRIs. Plotting on the Egyptian sex-specific growth chart, BMI-z scores of both age groups were slightly overweight. Autistic children suffered inadequate intake of some micronutrients such as vitamin D and C, calcium, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron, some deficiencies were highly significant especially at older age.CONCLUSIONS: Tailoring a specially designed balanced diet with appropriate micronutrient supplementation may ameliorate the severity of autism symptoms and related abnormal behaviours.
Vitamin D Status in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Serbia: Correlation with Disease Activity and Clinical Manifestations
Authors: Miskovic Rada , Plavsic Aleksandra , Raskovic Sanvila , Jovicic Zikica , Bolpacic Jasna
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies indicate potential role of vitamin D as an important factor in the development of many autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients with SLE are especially prone to the development of vitamin D deficiency due to the nature of their illness.AIM: The aims of our study were to determine the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in patients with SLE in Serbia, to identify clinical variables associated with vitamin D status and to examine the impact of vitamin D status on disease activity and presence of specific lupus autoantibodies.MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 46 patients with SLE. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was measured by electrohemiluminiscent immunoassay.RESULTS: The mean serum concentration of 25(OH)D was 11.9 Â± 7.3 ng/ml. The prevalence of insufficiency was 32.6%, while the prevalence of deficiency was 67.4%. There was no association between vitamin D status and photosensitivity, skin lesions, arthritis and lupus nephritis. Vitamin D status was not associated with the presence of specific autoantibodies. There was no correlation between disease activity assessed by SLEDAI scale with the concentration of 25(OH)D. Patients who used vitamin D supplements and calcium did not have a significantly higher concentration of 25(OH)D.CONCLUSION: In conclusion, vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with SLE.
The Effect of Combined Therapy ICS/LABA and ICS/LABA plus Montelukast in Patients with Uncontrolled Severe Persistent Asthma Based on the Serum IL-13 and FEV1
Authors: Jovanovska Janeva Elena , Goseva Zlatica , Gjorchev Angjelko , Debreslioska Angela , Spiroski Mirko , Zafirova Beti , Genadieva Dimitrova Magdalena
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND: IL-13 is one of many cytokines responsible for the chronic inflammation of asthma.AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of combined therapy ICS/LABA and ICS/LABA plus Montelukast in patients with uncontrolled severe persistent asthma by analyzing of serum IL-13 and FEV1 before the treatment and after 6 months of therapy.MATERIAL AND METHODS: In study we included two groups. First group with 27 patients were treated with ICS/LABA. Second group with 29 patients were treated with ICS/LABA plus Montelukast. In each of them were measured serum IL-13 levels by the ELISA method and FEV1 before and after 6 months of treatment. Results were statistically analyzed according to the Wilcoxon Pairs Test and T-test.RESULTS: The obtained results in both groups showed that the serum IL-13 before the start of therapy were much higher and after 6 months of treatment significantly reduces their value, which in the second group were more expressed. The difference in the average value of FEV1 in both groups before and after therapy was statistically significant.CONCLUSION: Treatment with ICS/LABA plus Montelukast proved superior compared to therapy of ICS/LABA in patients with uncontrolled severe persistent asthma and allows achievement of well controlled of asthma with subjective clinical improvement.
Association between Estrogen Receptor Alpha Gene Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Idiopathic Scoliosis in Bulgarian Patients: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Nikolova Svetla , Yablanski Vasil , Vlaev Evgeni , Stokov Luben , Savov Alexey , Kremensky Ivo
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND: The current consensus on idiopathic scoliosis maintains that it has a multifactorial etiology with genetic predisposing factors.AIM: Estrogen receptor alpha gene has been considered as candidate gene of idiopathic scoliosis.MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a case-control study of Bulgarian population samples (eighty patients with idiopathic scoliosis and one hundred-sixty healthy unrelated gender-matched controls) trying to investigate the association between common genetic polymorphisms of estrogen receptor alpha and the susceptibility to idiopathic scoliosis. Molecular detection of the restriction polymorphisms XbaI and PvuII was performed by polymerase chain reaction following by restriction fragment length polymorphism. The statistical analysis was performed by Pearson's chi-squared test.RESULTS: Our case-control study showed statistically significant association between the PvuII polymorphism and susceptibility to idiopathic scoliosis and curve progression. No genotype or allele of XbaI polymorphism was found to be correlated with the onset or severity of the disease.CONCLUSIONS: The identification of molecular markers with diagnostic and prognostic value could be useful for early detection of children at risk for the development of scoliosis and for prognosis of the risk for a rapid deformity progression. That would facilitate the therapy decisions and early stage treatment of the patient with the least invasive procedures.
Beetroot-Carrot Juice Intake either Alone or in Combination with Antileukemic Drug 'Chlorambucil' As A Potential Treatment for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Shakib Marie-Christine R. , Gabrial Shreef G. N. , Gabrial Gamal N.
Published: June 2015

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (lymphoid neoplasms). It is characterized by a progressive accumulation of functionally incompetent lymphocytes. Patients with leukemia often seek unconventional treatments not prescribed by hematologist in order to improve their cancer treatment outcome or to manage symptoms. In the present report, a 76-year-old patient was diagnosed with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). Beetroot-carrot juice is used as a complementary and or/ alternative therapy used in conjunction with conventional leukemic treatment (chlorambucil) that has been a standard first-line chemotherapeutic agent for patients with CLL and known to have serious and undesirable side-effects. After one month and 15 days of administration of beetroot-carrot juice therapy, the patient had improved appetite, a sense of general well-being and increased vigor daily activities. Furthermore, beetroot-carrot juice was used as an adjuvant to chlorambucil resulted in a substantial reduction in leukocytes and lymphocytes count in peripheral blood and improvement in the relevant biochemical parameters.Â  Beetroot-carrot juice can be used as an effective treatment for CLL alone or in combination with chlorambucil when taken orally with regular diet on daily basis.
Correlation between the Amount of Anti-D Antibodies and IgG Subclasses with Severity of Haemolytic Disease of Foetus and Newborn
Authors: Velkova Emilija
Published: June 2015

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of subclasses to IgG anti-D on the intensity of hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn (HDFN) at 45 fetuses/newborns with symptoms of mild and severe HDFN in Republic of Macedonia.MATERIAL AND METHODS: In retrospective and prospective studies, in a period of 10 years, from 2004 to 2014, there have been immunohemathology tests performed on 22 009 samples on serums of pregnant women.RESULTS: At 37.78% of the total number of tested patients, IgG1 and IgG3 was the reason for severe HDFN. At 17.77% of the total number of tested patients, which had only IgG1detected, was the reason for serious intensity of HDFN. The correlation of the titer to anti-D antibodies in the motherâ€™s serum and the intensity of HDFN were researched in 48 newborns. The titers between 1:8 and 1:32 resulted in 3 cases of HDFN with symptoms of severe disease and in 4 cases there were no signs of HDFN. At 12 women that had a titre between 1:32 and 1:512, five of the newborns developed severe HDFN, and seven had symptoms of mild and weak intensity form. In 3 cases the titer was higher than 512, and out of them one newborn had weak symptoms of HDFN, one developed severe HDFN and one ended with foetal death. Only in one case the titer reached a value higher than 1000, and it ended with a fetal death.CONCLUSIONS: The titers of the pregnant women serum those are lower than 32 and those higher than 1000 can well predict HDFN. The titers of anti-D antibodies between 64 and 512 have no exact predictive value. IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses of anti-D have no predictive value by themselves, and cannot foresee the outcome of HDFN. The research study results suggest that IgG1 and IgG3 should be included in a multi â€“ parameter protocol for evaluation of the HDFN intensity. They can give a real assessment of the expected HDFN intensity in combination with the titer hight and the significance of the antibodies.
Liver Enzymes in Children with beta-Thalassemia Major: Correlation with Iron Overload and Viral Hepatitis
Authors: Salama Khaled M. , Ibrahim Ola M. , Kaddah Ahmed M. , Boseila Samia , Ismail Leila Abu , Abdel Hamid May M.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND: Beta Thalassemia is the most common chronic hemolytic anemia in Egypt (85.1%) with an estimated carrier rate of 9-10.2%. Injury to the liver, whether acute or chronic, eventually results in an increase in serum concentrations of Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Aspartate transaminase (AST).AIM: Evaluating the potentiating effect of iron overload & viral hepatitis infection on the liver enzymes.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty (80) thalassemia major patients were studied with respect to liver enzymes, ferritin, transferrin saturation, HBsAg, anti-HCV antibody and HCV-PCR for anti-HCV positive patients.RESULTS: Fifty % of the patients were anti-HCV positive and 55% of them were HCV-PCR positive. Patients with elevated ALT and AST levels had significantly higher mean serum ferritin than those with normal levels. Anti-HCV positive patients had higher mean serum ferritin, serum ALT, AST and GGT levels and higher age and duration of blood transfusion than the negative group. HCV-PCR positive patients had higher mean serum ferritin and serum ALT and also higher age and duration of blood transfusion than the negative group.CONCLUSION: Iron overload is a main leading cause of elevated liver enzymes, and presence of HCV infection is significantly related to the increased iron overload.
Cost-Effectiveness of Thrombolytic Therapy, Compared with Anticoagulants Therapy in the Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Albania
Authors: Rama Mirvete , Miraci Mirela , Balla Idriz , Petrela Ela , Malaj Ledjan , Koleci Anjeza
Published: June 2015

AIM: The study aim is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of thrombolytic treatment in acute MI comparing with anticoagulants therapy and between each other thrombolytic (SK, r-Pa).MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used a prospective registry of all patients admitted for acute myocardial infarction in intensive care units in Tirana. The average drugs cost was calculated for the hospitalization period in Albanian money (ALL). Survival and life quality were estimated by phone contact 1 year after acute MI.RESULTS: Anticoagulant group cost is 23865.3 ALL (170.5â‚¬), SK group cost is 54148.63 ALL (386.7â‚¬), r-Pa group has a cost of 92184.90 ALL (658.5â‚¬). In the group treated with SK the hospital survival is 100%, while in the control group 88.8%. Reteplase group has a lower period of stay in hospital than SK group 13.04 days vs. 17.97 days, mean age in group treated with r-Pa is 64.29 Â± 10.03 approximate with anticoagulant group mean age 64.17 Â± 11.08; differ significantly with SK group mean age 56.75 Â± 10.04. Survival after 1 year was 96.4% for r-Pa and 96.9% SK.CONCLUSIONS: SK and r-Pa are successful thrombolytics with high effectiveness. It is gained a higher survival with the thrombolytic treatments. Reteplase is well tolerated in older patients than SK, is easier to apply than Streptokinase, but has higher cost.