bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BRAF analysis by fine needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules improves preoperative identification of papillary thyroid carcinoma and represents a prognostic factor. A mono-institutional experience
Authors: Pelizzo Maria Rosa , Boschin Isabella Merante , Barollo Susi , Pennelli Gianmaria , Toniato Antonio , Zambonin Laura , Vianello Federica , Piotto Andrea , Ide Eric Casal , Pagetta Costantino , Sorgato Nadia , Torresan Francesca , Girelli Maria Elisa , Nacamulli Davide , Mantero Franco , Mian Caterina
Published: December 2010

Background: The current preoperative diagnosis of a thyroid mass relies on microscopic evaluation of thyroid cells obtained by fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). More recently, FNAB has been combined with molecular analysis to increase the accuracy of the cytological evaluation. In this mono-institutional prospective study, we evaluated whether the routine introduction of BRAF testing in thyroid FNAB could help ameliorate the preoperative recognition of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in “suspended” or malignant cytological categories. Moreover, we investigated the prognostic role of the BRAFV600E mutation in PTC.

Methods: BRAFV600E analysis was performed in thyroid FNAB from 270 patients classified into one of five cytological categories THY1, THY2, THY3, THY4, THY5. All subsequently underwent thyroidectomy±node dissection, from October 2008 to September 2009 in our Department. For each cytological category, we considered the definitive histological diagnosis of PTC and the presence of the BRAFV600E mutation. In 141 patients with a final tissue diagnosis of PTC, we correlated the presence of BRAFV600E with gender, age, histotype, TNM, size of the lesion, extracapsular extension, node metastases and multifocality.

Results: The prevalence of the BRAFV600E mutation, among PTCs at final tissue diagnosis, was 69%. It improved the FNAB diagnostic accuracy from 88% to 91%. The BRAFV600E mutation was correlated with older age, classical variant of PTC, advanced stages in patients >45 years.

Conclusions: BRAFV600E testing could play a role in improving the diagnostic accuracy of FNAB for PTC, representing a useful adjuvant tool in presurgical characterization of thyroid nodes in particular cases. There is an association between the BRAFV600E mutation and some clinico-pathological characteristics of PTC.
Miniaturization and globalization of clinical laboratory activities
Authors: Melo Murilo R. , Clark Samantha , Barrio Daniel
Published: December 2010

Clinical laboratories provide an invaluable service to millions of people around the world in the form of quality diagnostic care. Within the clinical laboratory industry the impetus for change has come from technological development (miniaturization, nanotechnology, and their collective effect on point-of-care testing; POCT) and the increasingly global nature of laboratory services. Potential technological gains in POCT include: the development of bio-sensors, microarrays, genetics and proteomics testing, and enhanced web connectivity. In globalization, prospective opportunities lie in: medical tourism, the migration of healthcare workers, cross-border delivery of testing, and the establishment of accredited laboratories in previously unexplored markets. Accompanying these impressive opportunities are equally imposing challenges. Difficulty transitioning from research to clinical use, poor infrastructure in developing countries, cultural differences and national barriers to global trade are only a few examples. Dealing with the issues presented by globalization and the impact of developing technology on POCT, and on the clinical laboratory services industry in general, will be a daunting task. Despite such concerns, with appropriate countermeasures it will be possible to address the challenges posed. Future laboratory success will be largely dependent on one’s ability to adapt in this perpetually shifting landscape.
Subcutaneous immunoglobulin substitution and therapy
Authors: Gulácsy Vera , Maródi László
Published: December 2010

Patients with combined primary immunodeficiency or B-cell deficiency with low serum concentration of immunoglobulin G can be efficiently treated with immunoglobulin G concentrates. From the 1950s IgG was used intramuscularly, and from the 1980s intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) replacement has become widely available for replacement therapy. Among the potential side effects of IVIG (including anaphylaxis), further disadvantages of IVIG are hospitalization during treatment and varying concentrations of IgG. Over the past ten years, subcutaneous IgG (SCIG) preparations have become reasonable alternatives to IVIG. SCIG given weekly assures a more balanced serum IgG level, side affects are mostly local and temporary, systemic, severe adverse events have not been observed. In addition, SCIG can be used for home treatment of patients which improves their quality of life remarkably. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 64–67.
Evaluation of a cesarean section postoperative wound infection surveillance program at Kenézy Hospital, Debrecen, Hungary
Authors: Várkonyi István , Makai Ildikó , Papdiné Nyíri Gyöngyi , Bacskó György , Kardos László
Published: December 2010

Wound infection is a typical, partly preventable complication of cesarean sections. We started extended recording of cesarean section data in October, 2008 as part of our general wound infection surveillance program. Aim: To describe the circumstances and outcomes of the sections and analyze associations between them. Methods: We analyzed 523 cases over the period October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2009. Variables were assessed using descriptive statistics. Associations between explanatory factors and wound infection were evaluated using logistic regression. Results: Infections (overall rate: 3.6%) were more frequent in younger subjects, those with anemia, subcutaneous hematoma, in pregnancies with meconium stained or purulent amniotic fluid, and decreased to about a third after infection control was tightened. Conclusions: by being a proxy variable of factors with which wound infection is associated, age is a clinically valuable predictive variable. Good infection control practice is effective in preventing wound infections. The results are consistent with appropriate prescription practices of prophylactic antibiotic use, and with prophylactic measures being effective. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 14–22.
Office hysteroscopy: a new examination method in gynecological practice
Authors: Török Péter , Major Tamás
Published: December 2010

Hysteroscopy is a widely used endoscopic method, the „gold standard” for the examination of uterine cavity changes. Office hysteroscopy is an intervention that makes the accomplishment of ambulant examination, opposite to the traditional method. Due to the small diameter of the device the anesthesia is unnecessary, because there is no need of the dilatation of the cervix. Indications of the examination are wide-ranging. Besides the abnormal uterine bleeding, it can be used in the examination of infertility, and those intrauterine changes (polyp, submucosus myoma, adhesion), that were diagnosed by other imagining methods that cause infertility complaints. The aim of our present review is recommend the use of this method because it does not need any preparation and it is minimal invasive. The use of traditional method that needs longer preparation, observation, anesthesia and operating theatre, is only suggested in cases of proven pathology. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 51–54.
Heart transplantation after corrective surgery of a congenital heart disease. Surgical technical problems
Authors: Hartyánszky István , Bodor Gábor , Mihályi Sándor , Székely Andrea , Kassai Imre , Novák Edit , Ablonczy László , Szatmári András , Ofner Péter
Published: December 2010

Heart transplantation was performed in a 17-year old boy with severe left ventricular failure. Previously a congenital heart disease, tetralogy of Fallot was reconstructed in one and half years old of age. Authors present the different surgical problems complicated this procedure. In Hungary this is the first heart transplantation after a corrective surgical procedure of a complex congenital heart disease. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 23–26.
Next generation sequencing technologies (NGST) development and applications
Authors: Mihály Zsuzsanna , Győrffy Balázs
Published: December 2010

In the past ten years the development of next generation sequencing technologies brought a new era in the field of quick and efficient DNA sequencing. In our study we give an overview of the methodological achievements from Sanger’s chain-termination sequencing in 1975 to those allowing real-time DNA sequencing today. Sequencing methods that utilize clonal amplicons for parallel multistrand sequencing comprise the basics of currently available next generation sequencing techniques. Nowadays next generation sequencing is mainly used for basic research in functional genomics, providing quintessential information in the meta-analyses of data from signal transduction pathways, onthologies, proteomics and metabolomics. Although next generation sequencing is yet sparsely used in clinical practice, cardiology, oncology and epidemiology already show an immense need for the additional knowledge obtained by this new technology. The main barrier of its spread is the lack of standardization of analysis evaluation methods, which obscure objective assessment of the results. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 55–62.
Probable Drug Interaction Between Intravenous Ciprofloxacin and Mycophenolate Mofetil in a Bone Marrow Transplant Recipient
Authors: Goutelle Sylvain , Mialou Valérie , Gouraud Aurore , Parant François , Bleyzac Nathalie
Published: December 2010

Several studies have reported that oral antibacterials, including ciprofloxacin, administered during mycophenolate mofetil therapy may reduce mycophenolic acid (the active drug moiety) exposure. To our knowledge, however, this effect has never been described with antibiotics administered by the parenteral route. We describe a 17‐year‐old female who received intravenous mycophenolate mofetil after bone marrow transplantation, with therapeutic drug monitoring performed during therapy. On day 2 of mycophenolate mofetil therapy, the mycophenolic acid area under the plasma concentration‐time curve was 30.3 mg•hour/L. On day 8, although her mycophenolate mofetil dosage had remained unchanged, the mycophenolic acid area under the plasma concentration‐time curve was unexpectedly lower at 10.7 mg•hour/L. A drug interaction was suspected. Three intravenous antiinfective drugs had been introduced after initial therapeutic drug monitoring had been performed—ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole, and caspofungin. The patient subsequently developed severe graft‐versus‐host disease during mycophenolate mofetil therapy and died. Use of the Horn drug interaction probability scale indicated a probable interaction between intravenous mycophenolate mofetil and intravenous ciprofloxacin in this patient. The available literature does not support the role of either trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole or caspofungin in a drug interaction with mycophenolate mofetil. Published studies have shown that ciprofloxacin is partially excreted by transintestinal elimination after intravenous administration and that it may greatly reduce the levels of enterobacteria of gastrointestinal flora, which are responsible for mycophenolic acid enterohepatic recirculation. Clinicians should be aware that ciprofloxacin, even administered intravenously, may modify the pharmacokinetics of mycophenolate mofetil. Ciprofloxacin should be used with caution in patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil; if this antiinfective must be used, therapeutic drug monitoring should be performed to guide dosage adjustments.
Effectiveness of Biologic Therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Indirect Comparisons Approach
Authors: Devine Emily Beth , Alfonso‐Cristancho Rafael , Sullivan Sean D.
Published: December 2010

Study Objective. To compare the efficacy of biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) versus placebo with or without methotrexate, in treating rheumatoid arthritis.

Design. Comparative effectiveness analysis using an indirect treatment comparison (ITC) method in a Bayesian framework.

Patients. Adults with rheumatoid arthritis who had been enrolled in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and had never failed biologic DMARD therapy.

Measurements and Main Results. Two random‐effects logistic regression models, representing 6 and 12 months of treatment, were created using RCTs identified in a literature search. Twenty‐three RCTs (11,589 patients) were included in the 6‐month model and 10 RCTs (6051 patients) in the 12‐month model. Nine biologic DMARDs in five therapeutic drug classes were included in the 6‐month model, and six biologic DMARDs in three classes were included in the 12‐month model. Our efficacy end point was the American College of Rheumatology 50% improvement criteria. In the 6‐month model, all biologic DMARDs and methotrexate were significantly more efficacious than placebo and ranked in the following order: certolizumab (median log odds ratio [OR] 2.6), tocilizumab (1.7), rituximab (1.6), infliximab (1.6), etanercept (1.4), adalimumab (1.4), golimumab (1.4), abatacept (1.2), anakinra (1.0), and methotrexate (0.8). Of 45 pairwise comparisons, certolizumab was significantly more efficacious than methotrexate, but no other comparisons were significant. The rank order in the 12‐month analysis was certolizumab (median log OR 2.0), rituximab (2.0), adalimumab (1.4), infliximab (1.4), etanercept (0.9), abatacept (0.6), and methotrexate (0.8). Of the 21 pairwise comparisons, none were significant. The results of the model using therapeutic class revealed that each class was more efficacious than placebo. In pairwise comparisons, each class was more efficacious than methotrexate, but none was more efficacious than another.

Conclusion. Use of emerging ITC methods enabled us to compare the efficacy of biologic DMARDs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in the absence of direct head‐to‐head comparison trials. Our methods enabled us to rank order these treatments. Further analyses by drug and by therapeutic class suggest that biologic DMARDs are similarly efficacious.
Impact of Iatrogenic, Excessive, Nondietary Sodium Administration in Patients with Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation on Hospital Length of Stay
Authors: Tafreshi Javad , Hoang Thu M. , Grigorian Tomik , Pai Ajit D. , Tafreshi Ali R. , Pai Ramdas G.
Published: December 2010

Study Objective. To investigate the sources and quantities of nondietary sodium administration in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure exacerbation, and to evaluate the impact of sodium administration on length of stay.

Design. Retrospective analysis.

Setting. University‐affiliated medical center.

Patients. One hundred and eighty‐two consecutive patients admitted to a cardiac intensive care unit for acute heart failure exacerbation between January 1 and June 30, 2009.

Measurements and Main Results. Drug therapy profiles of all patients were reviewed for sources and quantities of nondietary sodium administration, and the impact of sodium administration on hospital stay was analyzed. The mean ± SD nondietary sodium load was 4.0 ± 5.0 g/day. The predominant sources of sodium were intravenous 0.9% or 0.45% sodium chloride. The daily amount of sodium administration was directly related to the duration of hospital stay, with an average sodium load of 1.2 g/day correlating with hospital stays of up to 5 days, and an average of 2.6 g/day correlating with hospital stays of up to 10 days.

Conclusion. We observed excessive sodium administration in patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation of heart failure. We speculate that reducing sodium administration in these patents may reduce length of hospital stay and cost of hospitalization.
ICOLD European club symposium 2010 – a student's viewpoint
Authors: Ward Claire
Published: December 2010

Claire Ward was the winner of the 2009 BDS student competition. Her prize was to attend a conference of her choice in 2010. Here she reports back on her experiences at the 8th ICOLD European club symposium in Innsbruck, 22–23 September 2010.
Report on the meeting of the board of the European club of ICOLD, September 2010
Authors: Hughes Andy K.
Published: December 2010

A brief report of the meeting of the board of the European club of ICOLD, which took place in Innsbruck, Austria in September 2010.
Visit to Zillergründl arch dam
Authors: Hinks Jonathan
Published: December 2010

The Zillergründl arch dam in Austria was completed in 1985 with the purpose of supplying water to the 360 MW Häusling power station. The article describes a visit to the dam following the 2010 European Dams Conference in Innsbruck and discusses the cracking that took place near the base of the dam in 1987. Measures taken subsequently to control vertical tensile stresses near the heel of the dam are described.
Busman's holiday – observations from a visit to Itaipu dam
Authors: Parker Jo
Published: December 2010

This visit report describes a site visit to Itaipu dam, the largest hydroelectric plant in the world in terms of output capacity. The paper describes the overall layout of the dam and describes the extensive instrumentation used for monitoring. The dam, constructed between 1975 and 1982, straddles the border of Brazil and Paraguay and is jointly owned by the two countries under a unique arrangement which required a special treaty. The dam structure is composed of six different dams each of which was designed to minimise construction costs for the overall dimensions required. The dam is heavily instrumented with over 2000 instruments in total, most of which are manually read. These demonstrate that, after an initial period of settlement, the dam has been fairly stable. The catchment has also proved an extremely reliable source of flow and the dam has successfully passed significant flood flows.
Publications and bibliographies of the British Dam Society
Authors: Tedd Paul , Charles J. Andrew
Published: December 2010

This article provides an introduction to the bibliographies and publications currently available on the British Dam Society (BDS) website and relates historical changes in the nature of publications to the activities of BDS and the dam engineering profession in the UK. Current emphasis on continuing professional development serves as a reminder that the engineer also has a duty to be cognisant of all relevant developments in the diverse subjects relevant to dam engineering. Accomplishing these two tasks can present problems and BDS has endeavoured to help dam engineers by publishing technical papers in its journal and conference proceedings and also by providing bibliographies to improve awareness of, and access to, these publications.
Hydropower and panel engineers – a lasting legacy. Part 111th Binnie lecture
Authors: Cowie John
Published: December 2010

This paper reviews the key events that led to the development of large-scale hydropower schemes in Scotland during the period 1900–1970. In particular, it focuses on the careers of some of the panel engineers responsible for certifying over 110 dams that fell within the ambit of the Reservoirs (Safety Provisions) Act 1930 – the forerunner of the reservoirs legislation currently in force.
Spillway redesign for increased flow capacity
Authors: Sambrook Victoria
Published: December 2010

Many developments in science, legislation, modelling techniques and global weather patterns have occurred over the past 30 years. These have resulted in the overflow capacity of a number of existing reservoirs being called into question. During the 2005 statutory inspection the overflow capacity of one such category A reservoir in the UK was considered with reference to the ICE publication ‘Floods and reservoir safety’. This requires the overflow to pass the probable maximum flood without overtopping of the dam. Following a physical model study MWH was tasked with the outline and detailed design of the new spillway structure at this reservoir in order to accommodate this flow rate. This paper aims to explore some of the reasons for increasing reservoir overflow capacities. The reasons and issues involved with increased reservoir overflow capacity are discussed in the context of the spillway redesign at the aforementioned reservoir and a background to this project is included to provide a frame of reference.
Statistics of wind farm power output: methods and applications
Authors: Gerber Annelies , Ekanayake Janaka Bandara , Jenkins Nicholas
Published: December 2010

Statistical and spectral analysis techniques commonly used for characterising wind power output are reviewed. Techniques including correlation and linear regression, power spectra and the coherence function are explained using short example time series. The techniques are then applied to hourly wind speed data from three UK sites. Frequency diagrams of power output, of hourly and 4-hourly power output changes and generation duration curves are created. Statistics as a tool for studying the impact of wind power integration is discussed with focus on the measure of standard deviation.
The Attitudes of Socially Marginalized Men toward Physician-Assisted Suicide
Authors: Parks Louisa A. , Zelman Diane C. , Wanlass Richard L.
Published: December 2010

Bioethics and public policy literature suggests that socially marginalized populations may be at increased risk for overuse of physician-assisted suicide (PAS) were it to become more accepted. Yet the attitudes of socially marginalized populations toward PAS have not been widely studied. The present study surveyed a sample of men in a substance abuse recovery program. Participants completed a PAS attitude questionnaire and a religiosity measure. Support for PAS was fairly evenly split, with 52.2% indicating general opposition to PAS and 46.9% indicating general support. Greater religiosity was associated with more negative attitudes toward PAS. Higher educational level was associated with more acceptance. Overall attitudes toward PAS were considerably more negative than those of Dr. George Domino's (2003) general population sample.
Spousal Bereavement: The Lived Experience of Young Canadian Widows
Authors: Lowe Marilee E. , McClement Susan E.
Published: December 2010

A phenomenological study was conducted to understand the lived experience of spousal bereavement from the perspective of young Canadian widows. Five themes emerged following inductive analysis of interview transcripts conducted with five women who were under the age of 45 at the time of their husband's death: a) “Losses”; b) “Who Am I?”; c) “Staying Connected through Memories”; d) “Living through the Firsts”; and e) “Support Systems.” Increased understanding from the perspective of the bereaved women, along with strategies and interventions for those working with this group of women, may provide health care professionals with skills to better assist this client population.
FTIR Studies of Urea Decomposition over Pt-Alumina and Cu-Alumina Catalysts
Authors: Yasyerli Nail , Tasdemir Mehmet
Published: December 2010

Urea, as an ammonia source, has been known to be a highly selective and efficient reducing agent to remove NOx from the automobile exhaust gases. Transition metals, such as Pt, Pd, Ag and Cu, on alumina are active and stable for the reduction of NOx by urea. In this study, urea decomposition was investigated over a 1% Cu and 2% Pt on alumina catalysts prepared by a single step sol-gel technique. Urea decomposition over these catalysts was studied in helium atmosphere in the range of 100-400°C by using FTIR. The analysis of FTIR spectra gave information about NH3, NH4+, CO2 and isocyanate (CNO-) formation on 1% Cu/Al2O3 and 2% Pt/Al2O3 catalysts. OH and CH stretching vibration bands were also observed over these catalysts. Isocyanate peak was observed at 150°C on 2% Pt/Al2O3 catalyst. The corresponding peak was observed at 250°C on 1% Cu/Al2O3 catalyst. The peak corresponding to melamine was observed on 2% Pt/Al2O3 at all the temperatures except for 150°C. However, melamine peak was only detected on 1%Cu/Al2O3 at 150°C for two and four minutes. Reducing agents for NOx reduction were obtained over 1% Cu/Al2O3 catalyst at high temperatures and over 2% Pt/Al2O3 catalyst at low temperatures. It is concluded that the catalysts prepared using the sol-gel process are effective in the decomposition of urea as ammonia and isocyanate sources.
Outsourcing Democracy: Losing Control of e‐Voting in the Netherlands
Authors: Oostveen Anne‐Marie
Published: December 2010

Outsourcing IT services is a common practice for many governments. This case study shows that outsourcing of elections is not without risk. Studying electronic voting in the Netherlands through documents obtained with Freedom of Information requests, we see that government agencies at both local and national level lacked the necessary knowledge and capability to identify appropriate voting technology, to develop and enforce proper security requirements, and to monitor performance. Furthermore, over the 20 years that e‐voting was used in the Netherlands, the public sector became so dependent on the private sector that a situation evolved where Dutch government lost ownership and control over both the e‐voting system and the election process.
Online Political Mobilization from the Advocacy Group's Perspective: Looking Beyond Clicktivism
Authors: Karpf David
Published: December 2010

Academic observers and public intellectuals frequently criticize mass email action alerts as “slacktivism” or “clicktivism,” arguing that the lowered transaction costs of the medium produce a novel form of activism that carries with it hidden costs and dangers for the public sphere. This article challenges those claims, relying on a combination of personal observation within the advocacy community and on a new quantitative dataset of advocacy group email activity to articulate three points. First, that mass emails are functionally equivalent to the photocopied and faxed petitions and postcards of “offline” activism, and represent a difference‐of‐degree rather than a difference‐in‐kind. Second, that such low‐quality, high‐volume actions are a single tactic in the strategic repertoire of advocacy groups, thus reducing cause for concern about their limited effect in isolation. Third, that the empirical reality of email activation practices has little in common with the dire predictions offered by common critiques. The article responds to a previous Policy & Internet article: “The Case Against Mass E‐mails.” 1 (1).
Editorial
Authors: Margetts Helen Z
Published: December 2010

This editorial introduces the seven articles in the fourth issue of volume two of Policy & Internet.
Scientific Misconduct: The Perversion of Scientific Evidence for Policy Advocacy
Authors: Avery George H
Published: December 2010

Science is increasingly being manipulated by those who try to use it to justify political choices based on their ethical preferences, and who are willing to act to suppress evidence of conflict between those preferences and the underlying reality. This problem is clearly seen in two policy domains, healthcare and climate policy. In the area of climate policy, recent revelations of emails from the government‐sponsored Climate Research Unit at the University of East Anglia reveal a pattern of data suppression, manipulation of results, and efforts to intimidate journal editors to suppress contradictory studies and indicate that scientific misconduct has been used intentionally to manipulate a social consensus to support the researchers' advocacy of addressing a problem that may or may not exist. In healthcare policy, critics have long worried about the inordinate influence of pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers on research to show the safety and viability of new products. Recent information, however, shows that government agencies may cause more problems in this area, a worrisome development considering that legislation currently before the U.S. Senate would allow federal agencies to punish organizations whose researchers publish results that conflict with what the agency feels is appropriate. That bill allows the withholding of funding to an institution where a researcher publishes findings not “within the bounds of and entirely consistent with the evidence,” a vague authorization that creates a tremendous tool that can be used to ensure self‐censorship and conformity with bureaucratic preferences. As the research group Academy Health notes, “Such language to restrict scientific freedom is unprecedented and likely unconstitutional.”
Improving WMHP Journal Manuscripts
Authors: Beritashvili Tia B , Morris Taylor E
Published: December 2010

The objective of the WMHP Journal is to offer a publication platform for international professionals and assist them in publishing otherwise unrecognized articles. We find it rewarding to aid them in becoming a part of the international, scientific publication community; however, because of this commitment, editors spend a considerable amount of time correcting international manuscripts. It would behoove both the authors and the Journal if authors conform to the submission criteria and engage an English‐speaking copy‐editor before submitting manuscripts.
Drospirenone/Ethinylestradiol: A Review on Efficacy and Noncontraceptive Benefits
Authors: Machado Rogério Bonassi , Pompei Luciano de Melo , Giribela Arícia Galvão , Giribela Cassiana Galvão
Published: December 2010

Considerable advances have been made in the field of combined oral contraceptives since their introduction 50 years ago. This ongoing evolution has been focused on reducing the estrogen dose and synthesizing new progestogens. A recently launched combination of ethinylestradiol 20 μg and drospirenone 3 mg demonstrates the advantages of a lower estrogen dose with the antimineralocorticoid activity of drospirenone that is responsible for the drug's significant antiandrogenic and antimineralocorticoid effects, reflected clinically in lower rates of adverse events including less fluid retention. In addition to the drug's contraceptive efficacy, its effects on the skin and other classic noncontraceptive benefits, the ethinylestradiol 20 μg and drospirenone 3 mg combination has demonstrated highly satisfactory results in women with premenstrual dysphoric syndrome.
Vaccination in Pregnancy
Authors: Al-Safi Zain A , Shavell Valerie I , Gonik Bernard
Published: December 2010

Vaccination is one of the most effective strategies employed to prevent morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases. Pregnancy is considered to be a time when women have consistent contact with their healthcare providers and it presents an opportunity for providers to review their immunization status and to advocate for appropriate vaccination antepartum and in the immediate postpartum period. All forms of immunization, with the exception of live viral or live bacterial vaccines are generally considered to be safe for administration during pregnancy. It is important that healthcare providers counsel pregnant women about the benefits of receiving the vaccines that are recommended during pregnancy as well as the potential risks to the developing fetus. It is imperative that obstetricians and primary care providers are aware of and implement the vaccination guidelines for women, both during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.
Die biene und ihre produkte in der kunst und im alltagsleben (Fruhchristliche und byzantinische Zeit)
Authors: Liveri Angeliki
Published: December 2010

Die vorliegende Arbeit ist in zwei Teile geteilt: den kunst- und
kulturhistorischen Teil. Im ersten Teil werden Darstellungen uber Bienen Bienenzucht, Honig und Wachs seit der fruhchristlichen bis zur
spatbyzantinischen Zeit vorgefuhrt. Daher ist es als Beitrag in der
"Ikonographie" der Biene wahrend dieser Zeit zu verstehen. Im
kulturhistorischen Teil werden Informationen uber die Bienenzucht, den
Handel mit Honig und Wachs sowie ihre vielfaltige Anwendung von der
byzantinischen Gesellschaft an Hand der primaren Quellen, des Standes der
Forschung und der archaologischen Funden erwahnt. Damit ist erwunscht ein
moglichst gutes Bild der byzantinischen Bienenzucht wieder zu geben und die
Nutzung der Bienenprodukte in Byzanz anschaulich zu machen.
The Slavs of the mid-Danube basin and the Bulgarian expansion in the first half of the 9th century
Authors: Komatina Predrag
Published: December 2010

The Annals of the Frankish kingdom, under the year 818, contain a description
of the arrival of legations of certain Abodrits, Guduskans and Timotans at
the Frankish court in Heristal. This paper is devoted to an attempt at the
further identification of these tribes and their habitats. It mainly
discusses the possibility that the Timotans and Abodrits should be
recognized as two of the so-called Seven Slavic tribes, over whom the
Bulgarians imposed their power in 680/681. The final part of the paper is
dedicated to an overview of the question of the expansion of Bulgarian
authority in the area of the Morava River valley.
John Tzimiskes and Nikephoros II Phokas: The background and motives of a premeditated murder
Authors: Krsmanovic Bojana , Dzelebdzic Dejan
Published: December 2010

The paper considers two basic philological/historical issues. The first deals
with the most important preserved Greek sources describing the preparation
of the conspiracy against Nikephoros II Phokas and his murder (Leo the
Deacon, Michael Psellos, John Skylitzes and John Zonaras). It examines their
reliance on the lost sources known as version "A" and "B" of the biography
of Nikephoros II Phokas, and refers in particular to the Short History by
Michael Psellos. The second issue involves the relations between John
Tzimiskes and Nikephoros II Phokas in the period from 965 (Tzimiskes'
demobilisation?) until the murder of Nikephoros Phokas, in December 969, a
time that was poorly documented in the said sources.
Some typological features of Byzantine spatha
Authors: Aleksic Marko
Published: December 2010

This paper analyses finds of a special type of cross-guard, closer analogies
of which may be found on Byzantine visual presentations from the IX-XI
centuries. The only archaeological find of a sword with such a cross-guard which includes a preserved blade, indicates the characteristics of the
spatha - the type of sword that was widespread in Byzantium, in those times.
Swords with this kind of cross-guard and the general characteristics of the
spatha are depicted in visual presentations as the weapons of the
protospatharios or some other high-ranking imperial guardsmen and, in the
descriptions of Byzantine court ceremony, this weapon was also called a
spatha.
The preface to Nikephoros Bryennios' material of history
Authors: Stankovic Vlada
Published: December 2010

The paper analyzes Introduction to Nikephoros Bryennios' historical work
Yleistoriaz, both its major part, written by an anonymous author, and its
last chapter, which is the work of Bryennios himself. It is argued that the
Introduction to Bryennios' History by Anonymous testifies the significance of
the work in Byzantium of the Komnenoi, and that Nikephoros Bryennios chose
consciously the title Material of History, in attempt to stress the
objectivity and the truthfulness of his writing.
On the working process in writing of the Neumed book and its function in the Byzantine chant tradition: The contribution to the methodology of music literacy phenomenon
Authors: Peno Vesna
Published: December 2010

The paper represents a kind of contribution to the methodology considering
the phenomenon of music literacy. It suggests some guidelines to be
observed for future research. Acquired findings of the main reasons for the
emergence of the Neum notation as well as of the shaping process of the
chanting book during the first stage of the written musical tradition (from
the end of the 10th to the middle of the 11th centuries) served as a
starting point, but it was pointed out who might have been a scribal team
member, what professional qualification he was expected to have and what was
an organization of rewriting process like, depending on type of manuscripts
that served as copying models. An interpretation of chanting book function
was also presented and its main purpose in liturgical life practice after
the establishing of the middle Byzantine Neum notation.
Georgios Sphrantzes or how to become an archon in Byzantium in the XV century
Authors: Nikolic Maja
Published: December 2010

The historical work by Georgios Sphrantzes, his Memoirs, illustrates, through
information on his life and career, the way in which a person could enter
the higher social circles in XV century Byzantium. Usually, these persons
were referred to in sources as "archons" and some of them as the emperor?s
"oikeioi", which involved a specific kind of personal and close relationship
with the ruler and, in this case, a dynasty. Furthermore, "Sphrantzes" work
provides data on some late Byzantine phenomena, for instance, not only the
imperial "oikos", but those of the emperor?s brothers as well, and indicates
the existence of the same hierarchy in the "ospitia" of the despotai.
The superordination relation and the symmetry of verbal associations in selected parts of the mental lexicon
Authors: Mikołajczak-Matyja Nawoja
Published: December 2010

The superordination relation and the symmetry of verbal associations in selected parts of the mental lexicon

The paper discusses the role of the superordination relation in the semantic organization of the mental lexicon. The method of three consecutive free association tests (reactions from the previous test are stimuli in the next one, so lists of stimuli are prepared for each respondent separately) was used to determine the role of different kinds of semantic relations in building some fragments of the lexicon. A detailed semantic analysis made in 1200 recurrent (symmetrical) and non-recurrent "chains" built with associations given by 50 secondary school students (Polish language users) revealed the relative importance of the superordination relation as a factor connecting elements of the mental lexicon: the hyponymy/hyperonymy relation occurs more regularly in various lexicon parts than other paradigmatic relations.
Competitor - an offender or victim of doping control as viewed by young athletes
Authors: Mroczkowska Helena
Published: December 2010

Competitor - an offender or victim of doping control as viewed by young athletes

Study aim: To evaluate the perception of motivations and responsibility for doping abuse by young athletes.

Material and methods: A group of male volleyball players (n = 44) and of female combat athletes (n = 26), all aged 15 - 17 years and having 4 - 8 years of training experience, were studied. By applying questionnaire technique, two issues were studied: responsibility of the athlete and of the coach/medical team, and the motivations of doping abuse.

Results: Young athletes decidedly declined to pronounce either side not guilty of doping abuse, the male subjects being more critical and severe than the female ones. All of them attributed doping abuse to exaggerated ambitions of athletes and, to a much lesser extent to the pressure of sport environment.

Conclusions: The results enable a better understanding of psychological mechanisms of giving in to the temptation of doping abuse and, thus, may help preventing it.
Physical fitness of post-menopausal women submitted to a physical activities programme
Authors: de Souza Santos César , Cader Samária , Dantas Estélio , Moreira Maria
Published: December 2010

Physical fitness of post-menopausal women submitted to a physical activities programme

Study aim: To evaluate the effects of the ‘Menopause-in-Shape Programme’ on physical fitness of elderly women.

Material and methods: A group of 323 elderly women lodged in the House for the Elderly participated in a 10-month programme (dancing or walking) and formed the experimental group. Another group of 289 elderly women (control) were sedentary throughout the study. All of them aged 60 - 89 years. Both groups were subjected to the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test battery: chair stand test (CST), arm curl test (ACT), 6-min walk test (6-WT), 2-min step test (2-ST), chair sit and reach test (SRT), scratch test (SCT) and 8-foot up and go test (8-UG).

Results: In the experimental group, improvements were noted in CST (by 11.7%; p<0.001), ACT (by 9%; p<0.001), 2-ST (by 2.2%; p<0.001) and 8-UG (by 0.4%; p<0.05) but not in somatic variables. No significant changes were noted in the control group.

Conclusions: The Menopause-in-Shape Programme is an efficient tool in improving physical fitness of elderly women even if no somatic effects can be expected.
Changes in the somatic and fitness variables in girls over two decades
Authors: Saczuk Jerzy , Wasiluk Agnieszka
Published: December 2010

Changes in the somatic and fitness variables in girls over two decades

Study aim: To assess the generation changes in somatic and motor variables in menstruating and non-menstruating girls from Eastern Poland.

Material and methods: Two cohorts of girls aged 10 - 15 years from Eastern regions of Poland were studied in 1986 (n = 2554) and in 2006 (n = 5563). The age at menarche was determined in girls by probit method employing the status quo technique. The girls were subjected to the International Physical Fitness Test battery and the results were classified into two categories: those of girls who already menstruated (M) or who have not yet (N).

Results: Mean menarcheal age significantly (p>0.001) decreased in 2006 compared with 1986 (12.77 and 13.41, respectively). This was accompanied by marked, significant increases in body height, significant changes in body mass and significant increases in the slimness. Physical fitness generally decreased, especially in girls aged over 12 years, but in the handgrip and in sit-ups significant improvements were noted in both groups of girls.

Conclusions: The results seem to support the view that the secular advancement of somatic traits was associated with decreasing physical fitness.
The estimation of errors in calculated terrain corrections in the Tatra Mountains
Authors: Zahorec Pavol , Pašteka Roman , Papčo Juraj
Published: December 2010

The estimation of errors in calculated terrain corrections in the Tatra Mountains

In general, calculation of terrain corrections can be a substantial source of errors in evaluating Bouguer anomalies, especially in rugged mountainous areas like the Tatra Mountains where we also get the largest values of the terrain corrections as such. It is then natural that analysis of their calculations in this area can shed light on the magnitude of correction-related errors within the whole Slovak territory. In the framework of our analysis we have estimated the effect of different computing approaches as well as the influence of accuracy of the inputs, i.e. the heights and positions of the measuring points, together with the used digital terrain models. For the sake of testing the computer programs which are currently in use, we have also substituted the real terrain by synthetic topography. We found that among the concerned constituents the most important factor is the used digital terrain model and its accuracy. The possible model-caused errors can exceed 10 mGal in the Tatra Mountains (for the density of 2.67 g.cm-3).
Subspeciality in Private Teaching Hospital
Authors: Das GC
Published: December 2010

DOI: 10.3126/jcmsn.v6i3.4066Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2010, Vol. 6, No. 3
Awareness of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among married women of reproductive age group in Barahi, Chiraigaun, India
Authors: Thapa S , Hassan H
Published: December 2010

A survey was conducted using 139 rural married women to know awareness of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Barahi, Chiraigaun, a rural primise in India. About one-fifth of the respondents were aware of STD, of which there was only one female who had heard of STD. Very few people sought for help from medical practitioners and less than one-fifth of the diseased people failed taking medicine regularly. Treatment cost ranged from Rs 10 to 5,000. Mass media like TV was not popular among rural people. Health workers were effective means of propagating knowledge and creating awareness. None of the diseased persons were using condom while 10% of non-diseased respondents used condom. No awareness program on health was conducted in the locality within a year. None of the respondents were able to tell whether STD’s and HIV were same or different. Key words: Sexually transmitted disease (STD); health worker; condom. DOI: 10.3126/jcmsn.v6i3.4068Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2010, Vol. 6, No. 3 pp.8-14
Tinea incognito: Report of two cases
Authors: Kedia SK , Mathur M
Published: December 2010

Tinea incognito remains diagnostic challenge even to expert specialist because of modified clinical presentation caused by of inappropriate use of topical steroid. Topical steroid are being prescribed frequently for vary many dermatosis including fungal infection of skin and being used by patient as "over the counter drug" leading to varied clinical presentation of common dermatosis. This case report is of iatrogenic dermatosis that was invariably misdiagnosed by general physicians. Key words: Tinea incognito; dermatosis; fungal infection. DOI: 10.3126/jcmsn.v6i3.4076Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2010, Vol. 6, No. 3 pp.46-49
Arsenicosis and its management
Authors: Shakya NB , Rajbhandari SL , Deo RK , Jha SM
Published: December 2010

Arsenic is a metalloid, a known poison as well as carcinogen that occurs naturally in earth,s crust. It is found in most of the environmental media such as air, soil and water. It enters the body through ingestion, inhalation and per cutaneous route. Health hazards of arsenic toxicity can occur as acute and chronic forms. Recently arsenicosis has emerged as a public health problem in many countries of South East Asian region. DOI: 10.3126/jcmsn.v6i3.4079Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2010, Vol. 6, No. 3 pp.58-63
Membranous glomerulonephritis- A case report
Authors: Laudari S
Published: December 2010

Membranous glomerulonephritis is a major cause of nephrotic syndrome and chronic renal insufficiency in adults with a male preponderance. This case has been reported as it is rarely encountered in our clinical practice and its natural course of progression is unpredictable despite immunosuppressive therapies. Male gender, older age, hypertension and persistent proteinuria are associated with worse prognosis. Keywords: Membranous glomerulonephritis; therapies; prognosis. DOI: 10.3126/jcmsn.v6i3.4080Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2010, Vol. 6, No. 3 pp.64-67
Issues covered in 'My 2 innings': A discussion from my personal perspective
Authors: Shankar PR
Published: December 2010

DOI: 10.3126/jcmsn.v6i3.4081Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2010, Vol. 6, No. 3 pp.68-71
The Impact of Menthol Cigarettes on Smoking Initiation among Non-Smoking Young Females in Japan
Authors: Connolly Gregory N. , Behm Ilan , Osaki Yoneatsu , Wayne Geoffrey F.
Published: December 2010

Japan presents an excellent case-study of a nation with low female smoking rates and a negligible menthol market which changed after the cigarette market was opened to foreign competition. Internal tobacco industry documents demonstrate the intent of tobacco manufacturers to increase initiation among young females through development and marketing of menthol brands. Japanese menthol market share rose rapidly from less than 1% in 1980 to 20% in 2008. Menthol brand use was dominated by younger and female smokers, in contrast with non-menthol brands which were used primarily by male smokers. Nationally representative surveys confirm industry surveys of brand use and provide further evidence of the end results of the tobacco industry’s actions—increased female smoking in Japan. These findings suggest that female populations may be encouraged to initiate into smoking, particularly in developing nations or where female smoking rates remain low, if the tobacco industry can successfully tailor brands to them. The Japanese experience provides a warning to public health officials who wish to prevent smoking initiation among young females.