bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enfrentando poetas, perseguindo peixes: sobre etnografias e engajamentos
Authors: Sautchuk Carlos Emanuel , Sautchuk João Miguel M.
Published: February 2015

Neste artigo, propomos uma reflexão acerca da etnografia, tendo como foco a aprendizagem e o engajamento do pesquisador nas práticas que pesquisa. Partindo das discussões sobre este tema na etnomusicologia e na antropologia da técnica, traçamos um diálogo entre as pesquisas de campo dos autores sobre repentistas na região Nordeste e pescadores na Amazônia. A partir de então são pensadas as implicações da inserção do antropólogo na atividade etnografada, vista não como um fim em si mesmo, mas como estratégia privilegiada para acessar conhecimentos e valores tácitos e irrefletidos, perceber as hierarquias entre diversos tipos de relações envolvidas no desempenho de uma atividade e analisar suas formas peculiares de aprendizagem. A comparação entre as etnografias da cantoria e da pesca não é trazida aqui para defender o privilégio epistemológico generalizado da prática, do corpo ou da experiência, em detrimento das estruturas, do discurso ou do pensamento. A própria comparação entre os engajamentos numa atividade eminentemente verbal e noutras que envolvem sobretudo habilidades perceptivo-motoras já nos distancia deste recorte. O engajamento é tomado aqui não como afirmação de princípio, mas como uma postura etnográfica maleável, capaz de favorecer a adequação entre as questões antropológicas e os regimes de abordagem empírica em situações particulares.
Artisanal fisheries in a Brazilian hypereutrophic reservoir: Barra Bonita reservoir, middle Tietê river
Authors: Novaes JLC. , Carvalho ED.
Published: February 2015

This study examines the qualitative and quantitative aspects of fishery landings at the hypereutrophic Barra Bonita reservoir, Brazil. Data were collected each month (July/2004-June/2006) at three localities and the reported catch, fishing effort and fishing techniques were recorded from 745 landings, comprising a total fish catch of 86,691.9 kg. The most caught species were exotic tilapias, especially the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.), which represented 82.5% of the total biomass. The reservoir's fishery productivity was 11.1 kg/ha-1/day-1 with a Catch Per Unit Effort of 62.4 kg/fisher-1/day-1. Five fishing techniques were identified: cast net, gill net, trawl net, beating gill net, and beating gill net + gill net. The analysis of DCA related the active strategies for the tilapia catch, to the passive strategies for the Pimelodus maculatus (Lacepède) and Triportheus angulatus catches (Spix & Agassiz), and the mixed strategies for the tilapia, catfish and Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes) catches. ANCOVA results were significant for all the variables analysed (season, fishing location and fishing technique). The results showed that fishing for "corvina" Plagioscion squamosissimus (Heckel), predominant in the 1990s, had been replaced by fishing focused on the Nile tilapia. This substitution appears to be due to the increasing levels of eutrophication in the reservoir, combined with changes in fishing techniques. The pattern of the fisheries in Barra Bonita Reservoir follow those in other eutrophic Brazilian reservoirs, with catches of the exotic Nile tilapia predominating.
Comparison between Winkler's extractor and pitfall traps to estimate leaf litter ants richness (Formicidae) at a rainforest site in southest Brazil
Authors: Orsolon-Souza G. , Esbérard CEL. , Mayhé-Nunes AJ. , Vargas AB. , Veiga-Ferreira S. , Folly-Ramos E.
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to compare in the same site the efficiency of the two most used techniques for sampling ant diversity, Winkler's extractors and pitfalls. We studied communities of leaf litter ants from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, compared richness estimates for genera and species, and built species accumulation curves. These two methods resulted in a satisfactory sampling of richness; 21.3% of the genera and 47.6% of the species were collected exclusively with Winkler's extractors, whereas 6.4% of the genera and 9.5% of the species were collected exclusively with pitfalls. Winkler's extractor had proven to be the most efficient single sampling technique to estimate richness. However, pitfalls also recorded a significant portion of the total richness. Despite differences in efficiency, species accumulation curves for both techniques were similar, as well as the curve obtained with both methods combined. We noticed that Winkler's extractors were c. 74.0% more efficient than pitfalls in the Atlantic Forest. Therefore, sampling techniques must be used with a well-structured sampling design in order to advance knowledge on the ant fauna of Brazilian biomes, especially in the leaf litter, allowing more complete environmental analyses.
Assessment of the acute toxicity of eutrophic sediments after the addition of calcium nitrate (Ibirité reservoir, Minas Gerais-SE Brazil): initial laboratory experiments
Authors: Janke H. , Yamada TM. , Beraldo DAS. , Botta CMR. , Nascimento MRL. , Mozeto AA.
Published: February 2015

This study evaluated the acute toxicity of sediment in a eutrophic reservoir after remediation with a calcium nitrate solution to retain phosphorus. The study involved microcosms of surface sediments and water from the sediment-water interface in the Ibirité reservoir. This reservoir, located in the vicinity of metropolitan Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais, SE Brazil), is a water body that receives treated effluents from an oil refinery (REGAP-Petrobras), as well as high loads of untreated urban effluents from the city of Ibirité and surrounding areas and industrial effluents from a major industrial park. Incubation times of the treatment experiments were: t = 0, t = 5, t = 10, t = 25, t = 50, t = 85 and t = 135 days. One control microcosm and three treated microcosms were analysed in each time interval. Acute toxicity of water samples was assessed with Ceriodaphnia silvestrii Daday, 1902 and that of bulk sediment samples with Chironomus xanthus Rempel, 1939. Toxicity tests were carried out concomitantly with chemical analyses of dissolved inorganic nitrogen species (ammonia, nitrate and nitrite), sulfate and metals in the water samples of the microcosms. Acid volatile sulfides (AVS), simultaneously extracted metal (SEM) and potentially bioavailable metal were analyzed in bulk sediment samples. Neither of the tested organisms showed toxicity in the control microcosm samples. The water column of the treated microcosm showed toxicity to C. silvestrii, starting at t = 10 days, while the sediment pore water toxicity started at t = 0 day. However, toxicity was found to decline from t = 85 days to t = 135 days. Sediments showed toxicity to C. xanthus during the entire experiment, except at the longest incubation time (t = 135 days). The overall results indicate that nitrate, which reached concentrations exceeding 1,200 mg N-NO3- L-1 in the sediment pore water of the treated microcosms, was most probably responsible for the toxicity of the samples. Although the calcium nitrate technology proved effective in retaining phosphorus, promoting sediment oxidation via denitrification, from the ecotoxicological standpoint and under the experimental conditions of this study, the application of nitrate for remediation of the sediments in the Ibirité reservoir did not prove effective up to a period of 135 days of incubation. However, we presume that after longer periods of incubation, treated sediments may recover their ability to sustain a benthic community. More advanced experiments are planned involving longer incubation times, thus extending the denitrification process, which may lead to a higher phosphorus retention capacity and to more complete abatement of sediment toxicity.
Rapid ecological assessment of benthic indicators of water quality: a successful capacity-building experience for Brazilian postgraduate students in ecology
Authors: Callisto M. , Ribeiro AS. , Santana VB. , França JS. , Ligeiro R. , Ferreira WR. , Silva D. , Castro D. , Tupinambás TH. , Santana D. , Souza B. , Gonçalves F. , Rodrigues L. , Andrade CB. , Sales SCM. , Souza R.
Published: February 2015

Rapid Ecological Assessment protocols are important tools for the training of postgraduate students, as well as the collection of data on poorly-known and protected areas with the potential for the preservation of water supplies for urban areas. The objective of this study was to perform a survey of water quality and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates in two sub-basins at the Mata do Junco Wildlife Refuge in the Brazilian state of Sergipe. The collection of data in the field, laboratory processing, and the interpretation and discussion of data were conducted in groups by students from two postgraduate programmes in Ecology and Conservation (UFMG and UFS), personnel of the state environment agency (SEMARH), school teachers from the local town of Capela, and members of the reserve's voluntary fire brigade. The results of the assessment were organised, analysed, and presented at the reserve headquarters in the form of posters, for the development of environmental education activities with pupils from local schools, as well as contributing to a SEMARH seminar. Samples were characterised by distinct taxonomic compositions and diversity, as confirmed by MDS and additive partitioning of diversity analyses. The gravel substrate presented the lower mean taxonomic richness in each sampling unit (a1 = 28%), while the average difference among samples (b1 diversity) was elevated for both substrates (39% for leaf litter, 41% for gravel), reflecting the pronounced variation among samples, even adjacent ones within the same stream. Diversity between streams was lower in the case of leaf litter in comparison with gravel (b2 = 21 and 31%, respectively). A total of 57 fish specimens were collected with a predominance of individuals of the orders Characiformes (62%) and Perciformes (21%). This rapid ecological assessment confirmed the importance of the conservation unit and emphasised the need for its continuation, given its importance for the maintenance of water quality and its other ecological services, such as the conservation of the region's aquatic biodiversity and providing the local town of Capela (circa 20,000 inhabitants) with its water supply, the Mata do Junco being its only source.
The body of the other: to treat well or mistreat? Tensions and mistreatment at the end of life
Authors: Peixoto Clarice E.
Published: February 2015

Against the backdrop of the Brazilian public policies designed to reduce the mistreatment of aged people, this article points to a lack of control and supervision of public agencies in geriatric houses and asylums, which stimulates the continuous creation of private establishments and their malfunction. The objective, here, is to analyze the conditions of institutionalization and the relations between the residents and the medical-technical staff of a private geriatric house. Pointing to the (non) response to basic needs and daily life of people who live in these institutions and, consequently, to the (un) care at the end of life, the article aims to demystify the perception that, because they are private, they give greater attention to their old residents.
The Universalization of the Bhakti Yoga of Chaytania Mahaprabhu. Ethnographic and Historic Considerations
Authors: Silveira Marcos Silva da
Published: February 2015

Inspired by Victor Turner's concepts of structure and communitas, this article commences with an analysis of the Gaudiya Vaishnavas - worshipers of Radha, and Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu followers. Secondly, we present data from ethnographic research conducted with South American devotees on pilgrimage to the ceremonial center ISCKON in Mayapur, West Bengal, during the year 1996, for a resumption of those initial considerations. The article seeks to demonstrate that the ritual injunction characteristic of Hindu sects, only makes sense from the individual experience of each devotee.
Beyond nature and the supernatural. Some reflections on religion, ethnicity and traditions of knowledge
Authors: Mura Fabio
Published: February 2015

Most studies of religion are founded on the relationship between nature and the supernatural. This dichotomy allows a supposedly mystical dimension to be distinguished from a politically pragmatic dimension of human behaviour. In this view, therefore, religious conduct differs in nature from the political. Taking an opposite tack, this paper proposes to overcome this dichotomy by seeing the connections in this universe as primarily technical-political in kind, a result of the social organization of relations and interactions of individuals, considering religion as an organizational type. Thus, taking as examples the ethnographic Guarani-Kaiowa of Mato Grosso do Sul and Tabajara of Paraíba, I shall try to show how these indigenous people, each in their own way, establish connections in the universe, setting political communities, defining domestic and ethnic identities and drawing traditions of knowledge.
Flagra - A computer program for modelling and simulating a flow injection analyser system
Authors: Carval et al A. H.F.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the annual meeting of SBBQ (1993).
Do 10 - 13 years old students know what science is?
Authors: Fonseca et al. L.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the event ( attached).
Proin - Integration between undergraduate and graduate programepartamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia - UFMG
Authors: Vieira L. Q. , Santoro M. M. , Beirão P. S. L.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see the attachment).
Scientific production os the Amazonic region of Brazil: The case os medicine Biology, Chemistry and Agricultures
Authors: Cerqueira Ivan R. , Lima Marcelo Hermes
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see the attachment).
Rediscovering the fatcs: advantages of using short research projects at basic Biochemistry laboratory classes
Authors: Gadelha et al F. R.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see Annex)(see attachament).
Construction of WWW site for the teaching of Biochemistry Showing how to fish
Authors: Ortega et al. J. M.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
Trends in Brazilian graduate education
Authors: Leta et al. J.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
Cell Biology teaching for Biomedical students
Authors: Ferreira et al. M. F.A.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see Attachment).
Creation of a Web site for Biochemistry teaching
Authors: Morales R. A.V. , Sousa M. V. , Fontes W.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
Experimental set kits for the teaching of basic Biochemistry and Molecular Biology concepts: respiration and fermentation
Authors: Abel et al. Luciano D. Santos
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
Dynamic metabolic diagrams for teaching Biochemistry
Authors: Azevedo A. M.P.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
Chemistry and Biochemistry of Methyl-Parathion as basis for teaching of analytical toxicology in a pharmacy course
Authors: Silva Filho M. V.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
A theoretical and practical course for teaching protein stability investigation methods
Authors: Ramos C. H.I.S. , Régis W. C.B.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
Development of Biochemistry laboratory experiments employing low cost materials and methods
Authors: Sakabe N. J. , Torres Bayardo Baptista
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
Blood lactase dosage in alactic, lactic and aerobic exercises: a starting point to the study of metabolism
Authors: Preté P. S.C.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
A model for analysis of laboratory classes role in Biochemical education
Authors: Alvarez M. A. , Torres Bayardo Baptista
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
The Unicamp experience applied to the physical education course at UFMG
Authors: Vieira L. Q.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
Discovering the process of human digestion: a theme for introducing nursing students to scientific research
Authors: Bezerra et al. V. F.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
The evolution of the genetics teaching in the high school
Authors: Ometto-Nascimento T. A.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
USING SUCROSE FOR THE GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST DETERMINATION IN BIOCHEMISTRY CLASSES
Authors: Alves A.A. , Araújo D.R. , Cereda C.M.S. , Domingues C.C. , Gandra P.G. , Hohl R. , Lazarim F.L. , Preté P.S.C. , Silva F.O.C. , Souza A.C.S. , Stancanelli M. , Tessuti L.S. , Macedo D.V. , De Paula E.
Published: February 2015

The development of enzymatic, portable, non-expensive kits for glucose dosage allowed this test to beconducted outside the laboratory. Besides, the increasing number of diabetic patients making use ofthese kits turn their prices quite aordable, nowadays. In a previous work we have reported the use ofglucose kits inside the classroom, for the Glucose Tolerance Tests determination, in association withaerobic exercises, as a starting point to teach metabolism (Alves, A.A. et al., Annals of the XXIXSBBq Meeting, 2000). That experience has been successfully employed in the last ve years withstudents from careers such as Biology, Physical Education, Nursing and Medicine, at Unicamp. Wenow extend those observations to the use of sucrose, instead of glucose, as the sugar given in overchargeat the beginning of the experiment (1.15 and 2.3 g/kg weight for glucose and sucrose, respectively).Portable reectance meters provided accurate enzymatic measurement of glucose with a drop of blood.Since the enzyme (glucose oxydase) is specic for glucose (and not for fructose, for instance), the plotsobtained after sucrose intake are very similar to those with glucose. The advantages in using sucroseare: it is cheaper than glucose and suitable for the use outside the lab (easy to nd) and it does notinduce the characteristic unsettled stomach/nausea caused by glucose. Besides, the use of sucrosedoes not invalidate the classical use of the test, since sucrose is cleaved by invertase (giving rise toglucose and fructose) in the duodenum, where glucose units can be absorbed, giving rise the bloodprole evaluated in the tolerance test.
PROTEIN SYNTHESIS GAME
Authors: Carvalho J.C.Q. , Miranda E.M. , Da Silva C.C.P. , David V. A. , De Souza T. E. L. , Kleine P. , De Almeida L. B. , Abel L. D. S.
Published: February 2015

The theoretical explanation of biological concepts, associated with the use of teaching games andmodels, intensify the comprehension and increase students interest, stimulating them to participateactively on the teaching-learning process. The sta of dissemination from Centro de BiotecnologiaMolecular Estrutural (CBME), in partnership with the Centro de Divulgac~ao Cientca e Cultural(CDCC), presents, in this work, a new educational resource denoted: Protein Synthesis Game. Theapproach of the game involves the cytological aspects of protein synthesis, directed to high schoolstudents. Students are presented to day-by-day facts related to the function of a given protein in thehuman body. Such task leads players to the goal of solving out a problem through synthesizing aspecied protein. The game comprises: (1) a board illustrated with the transversal section of animalcell, with its main structures and organelles and sequences of hypothetical genes; (2) cards with thedescription of steps and other structures required for protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells; (3) piecesrepresenting nucleotides, polynucleotides, ribosome, amino acids, and polypeptide chains. In order toplay the game, students take cards that sequentially permit them to acquire the necessary pieces forproduction of the protein described in each objective. Players must move the pieces on the board andsimulate the steps of protein synthesis. The dynamic of the game allows students to easily comprehendprocesses of transcription and translation. This game was presented to dierent groups of high schoolteachers and students. Their judgments have been heard and indicated points to be improved, whichhelped us with the game development. Furthermore, the opinions colleted were always favorable forthe application of this game as a teaching resource in classrooms.
Tradability of Output, Business Cycles, and Asset Prices
Authors: Tian Mary
Published: February 2015

I examine the effect of a firm’s tradability, the proportion of output that is exported abroad, on its stock returns. There are three novel empirical findings: (1) firms with higher tradability have more cyclical asset returns; (2) firms with higher tradability have more cyclical earnings growth; (3) returns of a portfolio long on firms with the highest tradability and short on firms with the lowest tradability can predict the real exchange rate. The empirical patterns are consistent with the relative price adjustment of tradable and non-tradable goods to business cycles driven by endowment shocks.
Frequency of CCR5Δ32 allele in healthy Bosniak population.
Authors: Adler Grażyna , Valjevac Amina , Skonieczna-Żydecka Karolina , Mackic-Djurovic Mirela , Parczewski Miłosz , Urbańska Anna , Salkic Nermin Nusret
Published: January 2015

Recent evidence has demonstrated the role of CCR5Δ32 in a variety of human diseases: from infectious and inflammatory diseases to cancer. Several studies have confirmed that genetic variants in chemokine receptor CCR5 gene are correlated with susceptibility and resistance to HIV infection. A 32-nucleotide deletion within the CCR5 reading frame is associated with decreased susceptibility to HIV acquisition and a slower progression to AIDS. Mean frequency of CCR5Δ32 allele in Europe is approximately 10%. The highest allele frequency is observed among Nordic populations (about 12%) and lower in the regions of Southeast Mediterranean (about 5%). Although the frequency of CCR5Δ32 was determined in numerous European populations, there is a lack of studies on this variant in the Bosnia and Hercegovina population. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the frequency of CCR5Δ32 allele in the cohort of Bosniaks and compare the results with European reports. CCR5Δ32 was detected by sequence-specific PCR in a sample of 100 healthy subjects from Bosnia and Herzegovina (DNA collected 2011-2013).  Mean age of the cohort being 58.8 (±10.7) years, with 82% of women. We identified 17 heterozygotes and one mutant homozygote in study group, with mean ∆32 allele frequency of 9.5%. CCR5∆32 allele frequency among Bosniaks is comparable to that found in Caucasian populations and follows the pattern of the north-southern gradient observed for Europe. Further studies on larger cohorts with adequate female-to-male ratio are necessary.
Beta lactam antibiotics residues in cow's milk: comparison of efficacy of three screening tests used in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Fejzic Nihad , Begagic Muris , Šerić-Haračić Sabina , Smajlovic Muhamed
Published: January 2015

Beta lactam antibiotics are widely used in therapy of cattle, particularly for the treatment of mastitis.  Over 95% of residue testing in dairies in Bosnia and Herzegovina is for Beta lactams. The aim of this paper is to compare the efficacy of three most common screening tests for Beta lactam residues in cow’s milk in our country. The tests used in the study are SNAP β Lactam test (Idexx), Rosa Charm β Lactam test and Inhibition MRL test. Study samples included: standardized concentrations of penicillin solution (0, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 ppb). In addition we tested milk samples from three equal size study groups (not receiving any antibiotic therapy, treated with Beta lactams for mastitis and treated with Beta lactams for diseases other than mastitis). Sensitivity and specificity were determined for each test, using standard penicillin concentrations with threshold value set at concentration of 4 ppb (Maximum residue level – MLR). Additionally we determined proportions of presumably false negative and false positive results for each test using results of filed samples testing. Agreement of test results for each test pair was assessed through Kappa coefficients interpreted by Landis-Koch scale. Detection level of all tests was shown to be well below MRL. This alongside with effects of natural inhibitors in milk contributed to finding of positive results in untreated and treated animals after the withholding period. Screening tests for beta lactam residues are important tools for ensuring that milk for human consumption is free from antibiotics residues.
Left ventricular mechanics in Behcet’s disease: A speckle tracking echocardiographic study
Authors: Demirelli Selami , Degirmenci Hüsnü , Bilen Handan , Ermis Emrah , Duman Hakan , Arisoy Arif , Bakirci Eftal Murat , Ipek Emrah , Askin Lutfu
Published: January 2015

Although cardiac involvement is rarely seen in Behcet’s disease (BD), it is essential to detect subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction for prognostic purposes. Herein we aimed to show the role of two dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in determination of  subclinical LV dysfunction in patients with BD. 30 patients diagnosed as BD due to International Study Group Behcet’s diagnostic criteria and 25 control subjects underwent Doppler echocardiography including pulsed tissue Doppler of the mitral annulus and speckle-tracking echocardiography. LV peak longitudinal strain and strain rate (SR) was calculated in four-chamber (4C), apical long-axis (LAX), and two-chamber (2C) views, and values of the three views were averaged LV global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) and SR. LV torsion was determined as the net difference in the mean rotation between the apical and basal levels. There was not any significant difference in age and gender between groups. Patients with BD had significantly lower LV longitudinal strain and Sr measurements than the control group. Although LV basal rotation (LVR) basal values were similar in both groups, LVR-apical and LV torsion (LVTR) values were significantly higher in patient group. LVR-apical and LV-GLS were found to have a good positive corelation (r:0.44, p<0.001) (r: -0.56, r: -0.65,respectively. p<0.001). There was a weak positive correlation between LVTR and LV-GLS (r: 0.29, p<0.05). We demonstrated that combined assessement of LV-GLS, LV-GLSR, LVTR and LVR-apical values detected by STE can be useful in determination of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in BD.
C - reactive protein and chitinase 3-like protein 1 as biomarkers of spatial redistribution of retinal blood vessels on digital retinal photography in patients with diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Cekic Sonja Predrag , Cvetkovic Tatjana , Jovanovic Ivan , Jovanovic Predrag , Pesic Milica , Stankovic Babic Gordana , Milenkovic Svetislav , Risimic Dijana
Published: January 2015

The aim of the study was to investegate the correlation between the levels of CRP and YKL-40 in blood samples with morphometric parameters of retinal blood vessels in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Blood laboratory examination of 90 patients included the measurement of glycemia, HbA1C, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides and CRP. Levels of YKL-40 were detected and measured in serum by ELISA (Micro VueYKL-40 EIA Kit, Quidel Corporation, San Diego, USA).

Morphmetric analysis was performed with ImageJ software (http://rsbweb.nih.gov/ij/) for digital retinal photography. We measured the number, diameter of retinal blood vessels in five different parts concentric to the optic disc. Differences between the morphometric parameters and the blood test analysis results were evaluated using the Student’s t – test. One Way ANOVA was used to establish the significance of differences.

CRP and YKL-40 levels were moderately higher in the group of patients with severe diabetic retinopathy. Levels of YKL-40 correlated positively with diameter and negatively with number of retinal blood vessels. The average number of the blood vessels per retinal zone was significantly higher in the group of patients with mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy than in the group with severe form in the optic disc and all five retinal zones. The average outer diameter of the evaluated retinal zones and optic disc vessels was significantly higher in the group with severe compared to the group with mild diabetic retinopathy.

Morphological analysis of the retinal vessels on digital fundus photography and correlation with YKL-40 may be valuable for the follow-up of diabetic retinopathy.
HLA genotyping in pediatric celiac disease patients
Authors: Stanković Biljana , Radlović Nedeljko , Leković Zoran , Ristić Dragana , Radlović Vladimir , Nikčević Gordana , Kotur Nikola , Vučićević Ksenija , Kostić Tatjana , Pavlović Sonja , Zukic Branka
Published: January 2015

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease in the small intestine triggered by gluten uptake that occurs in genetically susceptible individuals. HLA-DQ2 protein encoded by HLA-DQA1*05 and DQB1*02 alleles is found in 90-95% of CD patients. All of the remaining patients carry HLA-DQ8 protein encoded by HLA-DQA1*03 and DQB1*03:02 alleles. Specific HLA-DQ genotypes define different risk for CD incidence. Presence of susceptible HLA-DQ genotypes does not predict certain disease development, but their absence makes CD very unlikely, close to 100%. Here we presented for the first time the distribution of HLA-DQ genotypes in the group of pediatric celiac patients from the University Children’s Hospital, Belgrade, Serbia and estimated risk for CD development that these genotypes confer. Seventy three celiac disease patients and 62 healthy individuals underwent genotyping for DQA1, DQB alleles and DRB1 allele. 94.5% of patients carried alleles that encode DQ2 protein variant and 2.7% carried alleles that encode DQ8 protein variant. Two patients carried single DQB1*02 allele. No patients were negative for all the alleles predisposing to CD. The highest HLA-DQ genotype risk for CD development was found in group of patients homozygous for DQ2.5 haplotype, followed by the group of heterozygous carriers of DQ2.5 haplotype in combination with DQB1*02 allele within the other haplotype. The lowest risk was observed in carriers of a single copy of DQB1*02 or DQA1*05 allele or other non-predisposing alleles. HLA genotyping, more informative than serological testing commonly used, proved to be a useful diagnostic tool for excluding CD development.
Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy Patency With Differently Acquired Fast Imaging With Steady-State Precission Sequences
Authors: Lucic Milos A. , Koprivsek Katarina , Kozic Dusko , Spero Martina , Spirovski Milena , Lucic Silvija
Published: January 2015

The aim of the study was to determine the possibilities of two differently acquired two-dimensional fast imaging with steady-state precession (FISP 2D) magnetic resonance sequences in estimation of the third ventricle floor fenestration patency after endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in the subjects with aqueductal stenosis/obstruction.

Fifty eight subjects (37 males, 21 females, mean age 27 years) with previously successfully performed ETV underwent brain MRI on 1.5T MR imager 3-6 months after the procedure. Two different FISP 2D sequences (one included in the standard vendor provided software package, and the other, experimentally developed by our team) were performed respectively at two fixed slice positions: midsagittal and perpendicular to the ETV fenestration, and displayed in a closed-loop cinematographic format in order to estimate the patency. The ventricular volume reduction has been observed as well.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow through the ETV fenestration was observed in midsagittal plane with both FISP 2D sequences in 93.11% subjects, while in 6.89% subjects the dynamic CSF flow MRI was inconclusive. In the perpendicular plane CSF flow through the ETV fenestration was visible only by use of experimentally developed FISP 2D (TR30/FA70) sequence. Postoperative volume reduction of lateral and third ventricle was detected in 67.24% subjects.

Though both FISP 2D sequences acquired in midsagittal plane may be used to estimate the effects of performed ETV, due to achieved higher CSF pulsatile flow sensitivity, only the use of FISP 2D (TR30/FA70) sequence enables the estimation of the treatment effect in perpendicular plane in the absence of phase-contrast sequences.
Elevation in circulating YKL-40 concentration in patients with cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Xu Xue , Ma Hongling , Xu Jia , Huang Haiwei , Wu Xiaohong , Xiong Yan , Zhan Hong , Huang Fan
Published: January 2015

YKL-40 is a novel inflammatory protein. Elevated serum levels of YKL-40 have been reported in patients with atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases, but the circulating profile of YKL-40 in patients with cerebrovascular disease has  been less investigated. This prospective observational study aimed to determine serum levels of YKL-40 in patients with different subtypes and severities of cerebrovascular disease. Eighty patients with acute ischemic stroke, 30 patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke, 15 patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) and 18 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects were recruited. Blood was sampled. Serum levels of YKL-40 were measured by ELISA. In healthy control subjects, serum levels of YKL-40 were 45.09±31.41 ng/ml, significantly lower than those in patients with acute ischemic stroke (178.58±127.78 ng/ml), hemorrhagic stroke (105.32±87.35 ng/ml) and TIA (148.09±108 ng/ml) respectively (P<0.05). When the 80 acute ischemic stroke cases were stratified into four Oxfordshire Community Stroke subtypes, serum levels of YKL-40 were significantly higher in patients with total anterior (n=16), partial anterior (n=25) and posterior (n=12) circulation infarctions respectively than those with lacunar (n=27) infarction (P<0.05). Moreover, 63 of 80 patients with acute ischemic stroke survived. Circulating levels of YKL-40 in these stroke survivors were associated with the United States National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores of neurological deficit. In summary, serum levels of YKL-40 were elevated in patients with cerebrovascular disease in lesion subtype- and severity-dependent manners. These observations suggest a potential for YKL-40 as a diagnostic/prognostic biomarker for cerebrovascular disease.
Possible association of ABCB1:c.3435T>C polymorphism with high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol response to statin treatment - a pilot study.
Authors: Sałacka Anna , Bińczak-Kuleta Agnieszka , Kaczmarczyk Mariusz , Hornowska Iwona , Safranow Krzysztof , Clark Jeremy Simon Cabot
Published: January 2015

The gene product ABCB1 (formerly MDR1 or P-glycoprotein) is hypothesized to be involved in cholesterol cellular trafficking, redistribution and intestinal re-absorption. Carriers of the ABCB1:3435T allele have previously been associated with decreases in ABCB1 mRNA and protein concentrations and have been correlated with changes in serum lipid concentrations. The aim of this study was to investigate possible association between the ABCB1:3435T>C polymorphism and changes in lipids in patients following statin treatment. Outpatients (n=130) were examined: 43 men (33%), 87 women (67%): treated with atorvastatin or simvastatin (all patients with equivalent dose of 20 or 40 mg/d simvastatin). Blood was taken for ABCB1:3435T>C genotyping, and before and after statin treatment for lipid concentration determination (total cholesterol, high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides). Change (Δ) in lipid parameters, calculated as differences between measurements before and after treatment, were analyzed with multiple regression adjustments: gender, diabetes, age, body mass index, equivalent statin dose, length of treatment. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed significant differences in ΔHDL-C (univariate p=0.029; multivariate p=0.036) and %ΔHDL-C (univariate p=0.021; multivariate p=0.023) between patients with TT (-0.05 ± 0.13 g/l; -6.8% ± 20%; respectively) and CC+CT genotypes (0.004 ± 0.15 g/l; 4.1 ± 26%; respectively). Reduction of HDL-C in homozygous ABCB1:3435TT patients suggests this genotype could be associated with a reduction in the benefits of statin treatment.
Effect of topically applied sildenafil citrate on wound healing: experimental study
Authors: Gürsoy Koray , Oruç Melike , Kankaya Yüksel , Ulusoy Mustafa Gürhan , Koçer Uğur , Kankaya Duygu , Gürsoy Reyhan Neslihan , Çevik Özge , Öğüş Elmas , Fidanci Vildan
Published: January 2015

Wound healing is a complex process that necessitates organization of different cell types and several signalling molecules. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of sildenafil citrate, which decreases cGMP degradation, on wound healing by secondary intention.

This study was performed using 25 Sprague Dawley rats weighing 200-250 grams. 4 dorsal defects were created. Four different treatment modalities which were 1% and 5% sildenafil citrate gel prepared with carbopol, pure carbopol gel without any drug in it and 0,9% NaCl solution; were applied to each lesion of the same rat. Randomly selected five rats (25 rats in total) were sacrificed on 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, and 14th days; and the effect of each modality was evaluated by means of defect area measurement, histopathological examination and measurement of tissue hydroxyproline levels.

Sildenafil citrate gel application decreased the defect areas in a dose independent manner starting from 3rd day and dose dependent manner after 7th day. By means of vascularization, sildenafil citrate increased vascularity starting from 3rd day. The strength of acute inflammation was superior in sildenafil groups starting from 5th day; and the amount and maturation of granulation in the wound bed, as well as the strength of chronic inflammation were superior in defects treated with sildenafil citrate as early as 7th day.
Cystic fibroepithelioma of Pinkus: two new cases and cystic changes in classical fibroepithelioma of Pinkus
Authors: Marusic Zlatko , Kos Marina , Labinac-Peteh Loredana , Perković Bečić Manuela , Vranić Semir , Luzar Boštjan
Published: January 2015

We report two new cases of cystic fibroepithelioma of Pinkus together with immunohistochemical features and analyze the presence of cystic changes in a series of 16 classical fibroepitheliomas of Pinkus. Our findings show that the formation of cystic spaces is most probably caused by ischemic degeneration of stromal fenestrations, rather than by central tumor cell necrosis. This finding is supported by lack of CD34 positive blood vessels in edematous and hyalinized stromal fenestrations undergoing transformation into cystic spaces, as opposed to the uninvolved stromal fenestrations. Therefore, it is probably more accurate to refer to this process as pseudocystic stromal degeneration rather than true cyst formation. Also, two out of 16 classical Pinkus fibroepitheliomas exhibited focal pseudocystic changes in 50% and 10% of the tumor, respectively, demonstrating that this degenerative process can be found, rarely and focally, in classical cases as well.
Sinotomy technique versus surgical excision with primary closure technique in pilonidal sinus disease
Authors: Emir Seyfi , Topuz Ömer , Kanat Burhan Hakan , Bali İlhan
Published: January 2015

Pilonidal disease is a common chronic disorder mainly seen in the sacrococcygeal region, especially in young males. Many surgical treatment modalities have been suggested, but an ideal and widely accepted treatment has yet to be established. The aim of this study was to compare quality of life of patients treated with the sinotomy technique with quality of life of patients treated with surgical excision plus primary closure technique by means of quality of life questionnaire. The data of patients who had been treated for pilonidal sinus in our clinic from September 2010 to June 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Forty patients were treated with sinotomy technique and 40 patients were treated with surgical excision plus primary closure technique. Time to return to work and to time to complete wound healing were evaluated. All patients were asked to fill the questionnaire after complete healing occurred. Postoperative complications were bleeding in 2.5%, infection in 3.75% and fever in 2.5% patients. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of complete healing (p=0.1) and sport times (p=0.1). There were significant differences between the groups in terms of length of hospital stay (p≤0.001), time off work (p≤0.001),times to sitting on toilet and walking without pain (p=0.002 and p≤0.001,respectively). The mean postoperative VAS scores were 5.2±3.2 and 2.8±2.2, respectively (p=0.02). The technique of sinotomy with good wound and surrounding skin care seems to be an ideal approach with high chance of cure. The patients returned to their routine in a short period of time.
Epigenetic alterations of the Wnt signaling pathway in cancer: a mini review
Authors: Serman Ljiljana , Nikuseva Martic Tamara , Serman Alan , Vranic Semir
Published: January 2015

Epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in cellular proliferation, migration and differentiation in both normal and neoplastic development. One of the key signaling pathways whose components are altered through the epigenetic mechanisms is the Wnt signaling pathway. In this review, we briefly discuss the key concepts of epigenetics and focus on the recent advances in the Wnt signaling pathway research and its potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from Iranian hospitals: virulence factors and antibiotic resistance properties
Authors: Momtaz Hassan , Hafezi Laleh
Published: January 2015

Staphylococcus aureus is an important opportunistic pathogen responsible for a variety of diseases. Indiscriminate prescription of antibiotics caused severe antibiotic resistance especially against commonly used drugs. The present investigation was carried out to study the distribution of Panton-Valentine Leukocidin gene, SCCmec types and antibiotic resistance properties of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from Iranian hospitals. A total of 132 clinical specimens were collected from two major Iranian hospitals. Samples were cultured and their positive results were subjected to several PCR methods. The patterns of antibiotic resistance were studied using the disk diffusion method. We found that 66 out of 132 samples (50%) were positive for Staphylococcus aureus. The most commonly infected samples were superficial and surgical wounds (66.12%). The incidence of mecA, tetK, ermA, ermC, tetM, aacA-D, linA, msrA, vatA, vatC and vatB antibiotic resistance genes were 80.30%, 34.84%, 30.30%, 25.75%, 24.24%, 19.69%, 7.57%, 7.57%, 6.06%, 3.03% and 1.51%, respectively. Totally, 40.90% of isolates harbored the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin gene. Of 53 mec positive strains, the distribution of SCCmec V, SCCmec III, SCCmec IVa, SCCmec IVc and SCCmec IVb were 28 (52.83%), 13 (24.52%), 6 (11.32%), 4 (7.54%) and 2 (3.77%), respectively. All isolates were resistant to penicillin, cephalothin, cefazoline and ceftriaxone. The high levels of Staphylococcus aureus resistance against commonly used antibiotics as well as high presence of SCCmec types of meticillin-resistant virulent strains of Staphylococcus aureus suggest that infections with these strains require more advanced hospital care with emerging demand for novel antibiotics.
Impact of insulin like growth factor-1 in development of coronary artery ectasia
Authors: Akturk Ibrahim Faruk , Biyik Ismail , Yalcin Ahmet Arif , Isiksacan Nilgun , Celik Omer , Ozturk Derya , Erturk Mehmet
Published: January 2015

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is characterized by inappropriate dilatation of the coronary vasculature. The mechanisms of CAE are not well known. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) may make endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells more sensitive to the effects of growth hormone. In the present study, we hypothesized that IGF-1 may have an impact on the formation of ectasia and aneurysm in arterial system, and aimed to investigate the associations between the presence of CAE and serum IGF-1 levels in patients undergoing coronary angiography. The study included 2.980 subjects undergoing elective diagnostic coronary angiography. We selected 40 patients diagnosed with CAE as CAE group and 44 subjects with absolutely normal coronary arteries were assigned as normal control group. IGF-1 levels were measured in both groups of patients. Groups were similar in terms of age, sex and coronary artery disease risk factors. The serum IGF-1 levels were significantly higher in CAE patients with 109.64±54.64 ng/mL than in controls with 84.76±34.01 ng/mL (p=0.016). HDL levels were lower in ectasia group with 41.5±10.7 mg/dL than controls with 47.7±10.4 mg/dL (p=0.018). By means of logistic regression analysis, high IGF-1 and low HDL levels were found to be independent risk factors for the presence of CAE (p<0.02, p<0.016, respectively). The study revealed that there was a positive correlation between serum IGF-1 levels and presence of CAE, and high IGF-1 levels and low HDL levels were independent risk factors for the presence of CAE. Future studies are needed to confirm these results.
Diagnostic dilemma of parotid lipomas: imaging versus fine needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Arslan Ilker Burak , Uluyol Sinan , Genc Selahattin , Eruyar Tugrul , Bulgurcu Suphi , Cukurova Ibrahim
Published: January 2015

Lipomas are common soft tissue neoplasms; however, they are found rarely in the parotid gland region. The purpose of this study was to analyze the diagnostic challenges of this rare condition. We performed a retrospective analysis of 11 patients with parotid lipomas, treated from November 2009 to February 2014. The mean age at diagnosis was 46.6±2.9 years, and the study population included 8 males and 3 females. Computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed in radiological diagnosis. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) was performed in all cases (including two times in five patients, for a total of 16 biopsies) and results were diagnostic in four instances. Specificities of the CT, MRI, and FNA cytology tests were 100%, 100%, and 25% respectively. CT and/or MRI scans were more reliable than FNA cytologies for accurate diagnosis of parotid lipomas.
NRGTM RF powered transseptal needle: a useful technique for transcatheter atrial septostomy and Fontan fenestration: report of three cases
Authors: Karagöz Tevfik , Akın Alper , Aykan Hayrettin Hakan
Published: January 2015

Transseptal puncture (TSP) is a frequently performed procedure for gaining access to the left atrium for catheter ablation, hemodynamic assessment of the left heart, left ventricular assist device implantation, percutaneous left atrial appendage closure or mitral valvuloplasty during childhood and adulthood. The standard technique for transseptal puncture applies mechanical pressure on the fossa ovalis with a Brockenbrough needle. However, this method is not feasible when the fossa ovalis is thick and aneurysmatic. In such patients, the radiofrequency ablation energy systems can be offered as a better alternative for TSP. Here, we aimed to demonstrate the outcome of transseptal puncture performed with an NRGTM RF powered transseptal needle in three patients.