bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conformity of pre-gestational weight measurement and agreement of anthropometric data reported by pregnant women and those recorded in prenatal cards, City of Rio de Janeiro, 2007-2008
Authors: Niquini Roberta Pereira , Bittencourt Sonia Azevedo , Leal Maria do Carmo
Published: March 2014

Objective: To assess the conformity of the weight measurement process in the pre-gestational care offered in the city of Rio de Janeiro by primary units and hospitals of the National Health System, as well as to verify the agreement between the anthropometric data reported by pregnant women and those recorded in prenatal cards. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2007 - 2008 with two cluster samples: one to obtain a sample of pregnant women to be interviewed and another one for the weight measurement procedures to be observed. The conformity of the weight measurement process was evaluated according to the Ministry of Health standards, and the agreement between the two sources of anthropometric data was evaluated using mean differences, Bland-Altman method, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and weighted Kappa. Results: Out of the twelve criteria for weight measurement evaluation (n = 159 observations), three weren't in conformity (< 50% of conformity), two of them only need to be assessed when the scale is mechanical. For the interviewed pregnant women (n = 2,148), who had the two sources of anthropometric data, there was a tendency of self-reported height overestimation and pre-gestational and current weight and Body Mass Index underestimation. Accordance between the two sources of anthropometric information, according to ICC and weighted Kappa, were high (> 0.80). Conclusion: Studies may use weight and height information reported by pregnant women, in the absence of prenatal cards records, when it is an important economy to their execution, although the improvement of these two sources of information by means of better anthropometric process is necessary.
Social inequalities in neonatal mortality and living condition
Authors: Gonçalves Annelise C. , Costa Maria da Conceição N. , Paim Jairnilson S. , Silva Ligia Maria Vieira da , Braga José Ueleres , Barreto Mauricio
Published: March 2014

Objective: To evaluate the association between the spatial distribution of neonatal mortality and living conditions, and to analyze trends in the social inequalities, related to this mortality, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, 2000 - 2006. Methods: The city's Information Zones, the unit of analysis used in this study, were grouped into strata reflecting high, intermediate, low and very low living conditions, based on a living conditions index (LCI). Neonatal mortality rates were calculated for each stratum. Spearman's correlation, linear regression and relative risks were used in the data analysis. Results: Neonatal mortality in Salvador was found to be associated with living conditions, with risks of 53, 56 and 59% greater, respectively, in the intermediate, low and very low strata, when compared to the high living conditions stratum. Only the intermediate living conditions stratum shows a significant decline in neonatal mortality (Î² = -0.93; p = 0.039). In the stratum of high living conditions, it was observed a stagnation of this mortality. Conclusions: Poorer living conditions were associated to higher risks of neonatal mortality. The slight decline in social inequalities, found in neonatal mortality, was due to a decline in the intermediate living conditions stratum. Although dependent on the access to quality healthcare services and life support technologies, a more consistent reduction in the neonatal mortality and its associated inequalities will only be achieved when broader-reaching public policies are implemented, improving the living conditions, and mainly focusing on priority groups.
Are recurrent denture-related sores associated with the risk of oral cancer? A case control study
Authors: Rotundo Ligia Drovandi Braga , Toporcov Tatiana Natasha , Biazevic Gabriela Haye , Carvalho Marcos Brasilino de , Kowalski Luiz Paulo , Antunes José Leopoldo Ferreira
Published: March 2014

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the hypothesis that recurrent denture-related sores association may be associated with the risk of oral cancer. Methods: We conducted a hospital-based case-control study comprising 71 new cases of oral cancer in two hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil, and 240 controls without cancer, recruited from outpatient units of the same hospitals. All cases had histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma in anatomic sites of the mouth that may be specifically consi-dered at risk of sores by ill-fitting dentures. Denture-related sores were assessed by the self-report of recurrent oral sores due to the use of ill-fitting complete removable dental prosthesis. Associations were assessed by multivariate logistic regression conditioned on socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics. Results: The association between ill-fitting dentures and oral cancer was statistically significant in the multivariate model: odds ratio 3.98; 95% confidence interval 1.06 - 14.96. The specific assessment of association between tumors in the lower jaw and sores by mandibular dentures confirmed this result: odds ratio 6.39; 95% confidence interval 1.49 - 29.52. Conclusion: The potential contribution of denture-related sores to oral carcinogenesis still fuels controversies. This study reinfor-ces the hypothesis that recurrent denture-related sores may be associated with the risk of oral cancer. Results reported here also suggest that an appropriate application and monitoring of dental prosthesis represent a non-negligible scope for cancer prevention.
Evaluation of the level of knowledge and compliance with standart precautions and the safety standard (NR-32) amongst physicians from a public university hospital, Brazil
Authors: La-Rotta Ehideé Isabel Gómez , Garcia Clerison Stelvio , Barbosa Felipe , Santos Amanda Ferreira dos , Vieira Gabriela Mazzarolo Marcondes , Carneiro Mariângela
Published: March 2014

Brazil is the first country in the world to have broad coverage standard (NR-32) focused on protecting health workers exposed to biological risks. This study evaluated the degree of knowledge of the NR-32 Standard and the level of knowledge and compliance with the standard precautions. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 208 randomly selected health professionals; 93 of them were residents and 115 were physicians at a Brazilian Clinical Hospital. To collect information, the participants were interviewed and/or they completed semi-structured questionnaires divided into three domains: knowledge of the standard, knowledge of biosafety, and compliance with standard precautions. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess internal consistency of the scales of knowledge and compliance with values above +0.75 indicating excellent agreement. Multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate the predictors for compliance with NR-32, biosafety, and standard precautions. Mean knowledge of the NR-32 Standard was 2.2 (± 2.02) points (minimum 0 and maximum 7 points). The minimum expected mean was 5.25 points. The mean knowledge of biosafety was 12.31 (± 2.10) points (minimum 4 and maximum16 points). The minimum expected mean was 12.75 points. The mean compliance with standard precautions was 12.79 (± 2.6) points (minimum 6 and maximum 18 points). The minimum expected mean was 13.5 points. The individual means for using gloves, masks and goggles during procedures and for not recapping needles were 2.69, 2.27, 1.20 and 2.14, respectively. The factors associated with knowledge of the NR-32 were: greater knowledge amongst those who studied at a public university and who had knowledge of biosafety. The knowledge of the NR-32 Standard was low, but there was a good level of knowledge of biosafety issues. The compliance with standard precautions was acceptable in general, but was low for some of the evaluated precautions.
Infant mortality in Cabinda, Angola: challenge to health public policies
Authors: Simão Razão , Gallo Paulo Rogério
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE: To critically discuss, describe and analyze the data on infant mortality provided by public health services of Cabinda, Angola. METHOD: The deaths of children aged less than one year old in 2007 and 2008 were analyzed in the Cabinda province. Provincial hospital records and those of the WHO office were used due to the limited quality and availability of official information. RESULTS: In 2007, 11,734 children were born, and 366 of them died in their first year of life: 113 on the first day, 87 by the 28th day and 166 in the remaining 337 days. In 2008, 13,441 children were born and 275 died; 109 died on the first day and 69 by the 28th day. Malaria was the main cause of death (one out of three). Pneumonia was the second cause in 2007 and the third in 2008, presenting consistent reduction, from 65 to 40 deaths. Cases of diarrhea from 2007 (9.83%) decreased to 3.27% in 2008. Tetanus accounted for about 5% of all deaths. Perinatal causes increased in proportion, particularly neonatal asphyxia (17.75% in 2007 and 26.90% in 2008) and prematurity (13.38% in 2007 and 17.45% in 2008). CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in the quality of prenatal care, attendance during delivery and to new born risk, would reduce infant mortality. The lack of sanitation, inadequate water supply and poor access to health services played an important role as determinants of infant mortality observed in Cabinda. This study highlights the need to reorganize the civil registration system.
Prevalence of high blood pressure in Brazilian adolescents and quality of the employed methodological procedures: systematic review
Authors: Magalhães Marina Gabriella Pereira de Andrada , Oliveira Luciano Machado Ferreira Tenório de , Christofaro Diego Giulliano Destro , Ritti-Dias Raphael Mendes
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature on studies that estimated the prevalence of high blood pressure (HBP) or systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) in Brazilian adolescents, considering the employed methodological procedures. METHODS: Bibliographical research of prevalence studies of HBP/SAH in adolescents from 1995 to 2010. The search was conducted in the electronic databases PubMed/Medline, Lilacs, SciELO, and Isi Adolec. The descriptors "hypertension", "BP", "teen", "students", "cross-sectional", "prevalence" and "Brazil" were used in Portuguese and English. Furthermore, a score ranging from 0 to 18 based on Recommendations for Blood Pressure Measurement in Humans and Experimental Animals and the VI Brazilian Guidelines of Hypertension was elaborated, in order to analyze the procedures used to measure BP in studies. RESULTS: Twenty-one articles were identified, mostly published in the last 10 years, and 90.5% were performed in school-based and regions of the Southeast, Northeast and South. The prevalence of HBP/SAH ranged from 2.5 to 30.9%. The score of the studies ranged from 0 to 16. A significant negative correlation (rho = -0.504; p = 0.020) was observed between the prevalence of HBP/SAH and the score of BP measurement quality. CONCLUSION: The great variability of PAE/SAH estimates appears to be influenced by methodological procedures used in the studies.
Does the previous diagnosis of arterial hypertension affect one´s daily life? Pró-Saúde Study
Authors: Goffredo Filho Gilberto Senechal de , Lopes Claudia de Souza , Faerstein Eduardo
Published: March 2014

In addition to damaging several target organs, arterial hypertension may negatively impact patients' activities of daily living. Biological and behavioral mechanisms underlying such limitations have yet to be clarified. The objectives of this study were to investigate whether having been previously told of a hypertension diagnosis is associated with the frequency and duration of temporary limitations in activities of daily living, and whether these relationships differ by gender, age, or socioeconomic position. We analyzed sectional data from 2,666 participants (56% women; 55% with high school or lower schooling) at the baseline phase (1999 - 2001) of a longitudinal investigation of university employees in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Pró-Saúde Study), asking participants whether they had ever been diagnosed with hypertension by a health professional, if they had been unable to perform any activities of daily living due to a health problem in the previous 2 weeks, and for how many days that had occurred. Multinomial logistic regression models were fitted for the overall study population and for age, gender, educational level, and per capita household income strata. Associations between hypertension diagnosis and temporary limitations were not observed in the overall study population and in gender, education and income strata. However, there were higher odds of temporary limitations among participants aged 55 years old or more with hypertension diagnosis (adjusted OR = 9.5; 95%CI 1.5 - 58.6), regardless of blood pressure levels and use of antihypertensive medication. Elderly people may keep an attitude of higher vigilance regarding conditions or events potentially worsening their health status.
Excessive daytime sleepiness in the elderly: association with cardiovascular risk, obesity and depression
Authors: Lopes Johnnatas Mikael , Dantas Fábio Galvão , Medeiros Jovany Luis Alves de
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE: To observe the relationship between Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) and the presence of risk factors for cardiovascular dysfunction, depression and obesity in the elderly. METHODS: We interviewed 168 elderly from the community of Campina Grande, Paraíba. They were selected according to health districts in the period of 2010. We used the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to diagnose excessive daytime sleepiness (> 10 points); waist circumference for the risk of cardiovascular dysfunction (> 94 or > 80 cm); Geriatric Depression Scale for depression (>10 points) and body mass index for obesity (> 25 kg/m2). Association analysis was performed by the Chi-square test adjusted for sex and age group, adopting α < 0.05. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty eight elderly individuals with mean age of 72.34 ± 7.8 years old participated in this study, being 122 (72.6%) women. EDS was identified in 53 (31.5%) of them; depression, in 72 (42.9%); overweight/obesity, in 95 (64.46%); and risk of cardiovascular dysfunction, in 129 (79.6%). Depressed men (78.6%, p = 0.0005) and risk of cardiovascular dysfunction (57.1%, p = 0.02) were more prone to EDS. In women, only obesity was related to sleepiness (42.1%, p = 0.01). Only those aged between 70 - 79 years old showed association between sleepiness and obesity. CONCLUSION: It was found that obesity for women, and depression and cardiovascular dysfunction risking for men were associated with EDS in the elderly. The variable sex is a confusion condition for the association with sleepiness.
Prevalence of cognitive impairment and associated factors among the elderly in Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Holz Adriana Winter , Nunes Bruno Pereira , Thumé Elaine , Lange Celmira , Facchini Luiz Augusto
Published: March 2014

It is estimated that until 2020 the elderly will represent 13% of the total Brazilian population, and there is increasing concern about healthy aging and low rates of cognitive impairment. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of cognitive impairment, using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in a sample of 1,593 elderly aged 60 years old and more who were living in the community of the city of Bagé, Southern Brazil, in 2008. The Poisson regression model was used for estimating crude and adjusted prevalence ratios; their related 95% confidence intervals and p-values lower than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The prevalence of cognitive impairment was of 34% and statistically associated with gender (female), age (older), schooling (less educated), lower economic classes, without retirement, with depression and functional limitation. The high magnitude with increased occurrence among poor and vulnerable groups contributes to the implementation of public policies in order to improve care, prevent diseases and promote the independence and autonomy of the elderly population.
Adverse reactions to cosmetic products and the Notification System in Health Surveillance: a survey
Authors: Huf Gisele , Rito Priscila da Nobrega , Presgrave Rosaura de Farias , Bôas Maria Helena Simões Villas
Published: March 2014

INTRODUCTION: This paper is part of a study that investigates the quality of cosmetic products and evaluates the cosmetic surveillance system. OBJECTIVE: This study presents the results of a research that aimed to describe the point of view of the population in terms of the prevalence of Adverse Reactions (AR) and information about the surveillance system. METHODS: A structured questionnaire was applied to a random sample of 200 people from the administrative staff of the Municipal Guard of Rio de Janeiro. RESULTS: 38% of the participants declared AR to some cosmetic product used in the past two years. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is an unpublished study in Brazil, which presents results regarding the estimated prevalence of AR similarly to international studies.
Au nanoparticle–incorporated plasmonic nanocomposite films for high-temperature sensing
Authors: Ohodnicki Paul R. , Brown Thomas D.
Published: March 2014

Functional sensing materials with desirable responses to a particular quantity of interest can be an enabling technology for successful development of sensors that can be deployed in a wide variety of applications. Au nanoparticle–incorporated metal oxide–based sensing layers have recently shown significant promise as optical sensing layers for high temperatures and harsh environments relevant for fossil- and nuclear-based power generation, aviation/aerospace applications and industrial manufacturing processes. Recent results are presented and discussed for Au nanoparticle–incorporated TiO2 thin films. It is demonstrated that simultaneous temperature and gas sensing using a single sensing element is possible for this class of materials through multiple wavelength–monitoring schemes. The presented results clearly illustrate that Au nanoparticle–incorporated metal oxide films and other plasmonic nanocomposites show significant promise for monitoring both the composition and temperature of high-temperature gas streams with a single sensing element.
Spatio‐temporal dynamics of ocean conditions and forage taxa reveal regional structuring of seabird–prey relationships
Authors: Santora Jarrod A. , Schroeder Isaac D. , Field John C. , Wells Brian K. , Sydeman William J.
Published: March 2014

Studies of predator–prey demographic responses and the physical drivers of such relationships are rare, yet essential for predicting future changes in the structure and dynamics of marine ecosystems. Here, we hypothesize that predator–prey relationships vary spatially in association with underlying physical ocean conditions, leading to observable changes in demographic rates, such as reproduction. To test this hypothesis, we quantified spatio‐temporal variability in hydrographic conditions, krill, and forage fish to model predator (seabird) demographic responses over 18 years (1990–2007). We used principal component analysis and spatial correlation maps to assess coherence among ocean conditions, krill, and forage fish, and generalized additive models to quantify interannual variability in seabird breeding success relative to prey abundance. The first principal component of four hydrographic measurements yielded an index that partitioned “warm/weak upwelling” and “cool/strong upwelling” years. Partitioning of krill and forage fish time series among shelf and oceanic regions yielded spatially explicit indicators of prey availability. Krill abundance within the oceanic region was remarkably consistent between years, whereas krill over the shelf showed marked interannual fluctuations in relation to ocean conditions. Anchovy abundance varied on the shelf, and was greater in years of strong stratification, weak upwelling and warmer temperatures. Spatio‐temporal variability of juvenile forage fish co‐varied strongly with each other and with krill, but was weakly correlated with hydrographic conditions. Demographic responses between seabirds and prey availability revealed spatially variable associations indicative of the dynamic nature of “predator–habitat” relationships. Quantification of spatially explicit demographic responses, and their variability through time, demonstrate the possibility of delineating specific critical areas where the implementation of protective measures could maintain functions and productivity of central place foraging predators.
No uniform associations between parasite prevalence and environmental nutrients
Authors: Aalto Sanni L. , Ketola Tarmo , Pulkkinen Katja
Published: March 2014

The resource quality of the host has been shown to affect parasite transmission success, prevalence, and virulence. Seasonal availability of environmental nutrients alters density and stoichiometric quality (carbon–nutrient ratios) of both producers and consumers, suggesting that nutrient availability may drive fluctuations in parasite prevalence patterns observed in nature. We examined the interactions between the population dynamics of a keystone herbivore, Daphnia, and its parasites, and their associations with water nutrient concentrations, resource quantity and quality, and other environmental variables (temperature, pH, oxygen concentration) in a small lake, using general linear models. We found that the prevalence of two gut endoparasites was positively related to food source and quality as well as nitrogen content of Daphnia, whereas the prevalence of an epibiont and overall parasite species richness was negatively related to phosphorus content of Daphnia. When only endoparasite species richness was considered, no connections to nutrients were found. Daphnia density was not connected to parasites, but we found interactions between Daphnia fecundity and parasite prevalence. Overall, our results suggest that environmental nutrient concentrations and stoichiometric quality of the host have the potential to affect seasonality in parasite epidemics, but the connections between environmental carbon : nutrient ratios and parasite prevalence patterns are diverse and species specific.
If Joakim Vujic really translated "Zalostnoe vozvrascenje Francuzov'' iz'' Rossje", who wrote it?
Authors: Vojnovic Zarko
Published: March 2014

This paper focuses on book Zalostnoe vozvrascenje Francuzov'' iz'' Rossje
printed 1814th in Buda. In our bibliographical science this translation is
attributed to Joakim Vujic, which is very difficult to determine in exact
way. However, completely unknown original author of this text has been
finally revealed. It is a Prussian officer (later general) Ernst von Pfuel,
who at the time of the expulsion of Napoleon?s army in Russia in 1812. was in
the Russian service. His testimony about the war he recorded as a witness.
The book R?ckzug der Franzosen bis zum Niemen was issued by him in Berlin
already in 1813. year.
Slavjanskij esperanto Matii Bana
Authors: Tartalja Ivo
Published: March 2014

Vo vremja bessmyslennogo droblenija jazyka, na kotorom my govorili i pisali,
vnimanija zasluzivajut starye, hotja neosuscestvlennye popytki sblizit' i
svjazat' vse slavjanskie jazyki i narecija v obscij literaturnyj jazyk.
Pis'mo, kotoroe v 1950-om godu dubrovcanin Matija Ban napravil cehu doktoru
Dusanu Lambelu, javljaetsja interesnym svidetel'stvom ?toj popytki. Iz pis'ma
vidno, cto pomimo Lambela, s kotorym on dogovarivalsja, ot processa
ob''edinenija slavjanskih jazykov Ban ozidal sotrudnicestva vydajuscihsja
edinomyslennikov, takih kak Matija Majar v Slovenii, Bogoslav Sulek v
Horvatii, Uros Milankovic v Serbii. Vostorg zagovorscikov, konecno, byl
utopiceskim, no on ne byl sliskom naivnym.
Consistent "feminization" and "aphasia"
Authors: Radic Jovanka
Published: March 2014

The paper draws attention to the similarities between feminist pleas for
?women?s visibility in the language? (the demand to consistently include
gender indicators into professional names and titles) and a particular type
of aphasia. This is namely the so-called ?similarity disorder?, whose
symptoms were analyzed and systematically described by Roman Jakobson. This
type of disorder becomes manifest as a more or less impaired capacity for
selection and substitution of linguistic signs, which on the one hand have
equal values, while on the other, they are different. The tendency to
consistently (nominally) differentiate by sex (?gender?) professional titles
and names corresponds to a situation when an individual affected by aphasia
lacks the capacity to use the word knife to designate various types of
knives, but rather invents complex alternate names (e.g. pencil-sharpener,
apple-parer) for every single item of a different shape and purpose. The
difference is that an aphasic person has an impaired capacity of selection,
whereas feminists strive to abolish the freedom of selection. The paper
presents the mechanism of the motion of nouns in the Serbian language and
demonstrates that unmotioned items have two different values: one is related
to verbal logical reasoning (profesor - a role, person performing that role),
whereas the other is related to what is apparent. That lower level of
reasoning implies an ostensive and/or iconic reference, and, consequently,
gender sensitivity (profesor - male professor, and profesorica - female
professor).
Pergamenski umetak u Mokropoljskom cetvorojevandjelju
Authors: Savic Viktor
Published: March 2014

nema
Srpskoslovenski Oktoih iz vremena Cara Dusana sa troparima pokajnog kanona Klimenta Ohridskog
Authors: Ubiparip Milanka
Published: March 2014

nema
Italijanski dnevnik Jelisavete Trifkovic
Authors: Banjanin Ljiljana
Published: March 2014

nema
Medo Pucic i knjizara brace Jovanovica u Pancevu
Authors: Crljic Vera
Published: March 2014

nema
Lujo Vojnovic, istorija Dalmacije i hrvatski ekstremisti
Authors: Bozic Sofija
Published: March 2014

nema
Chromosome Numbers and Polyploidy in Life Forms of Asteraceae, Poaceae and Rosaceae in Polish Flora
Authors: Góralski Grzegorz , Bal Marcin , Gacek Paulina , Orzechowski Tomasz Marcin , Kosecka-Wierzejska Agnieszka
Published: March 2014

The chromosome numbers and frequency of polyploids were compared in life forms of Asteraceae, Poaceae and Rosaceae. Both parameters were higher in Poaceae and Rosaceae than in Asteraceae. Among the life forms, long-lived plants including perennials and woody plants (shrubs and trees) generally had higher chromosome numbers and consequently polyploid frequencies than short-lived species (annuals and biennials). The families surveyed have different frequencies of life forms. Asteraceae and Rosaceae are both dicots, but the life forms in Asteraceae are more similar to Poaceae than to Rosaceae. To separate the influence of life form, in a series of tests we compared life forms from the same families. These results also showed that long-lived forms generally have more chromosomes than short-lived ones.
Estimating the Safety Performance Function for Urban Unsignalized Four-Legged One-Way Intersections in Palermo, Italy
Authors: Giuffrè O. , Granà A. , Giuffrè T. , Marino R. , Marino S.
Published: March 2014

Starting from consideration that urban intersections are sites with promise for safety and operational improvements, the paper describes the steps taken to develop a crash predictive model for estimating the safety performance of urban unsignalized intersections located in Palermo, Italy. The focus is on unsignalized four-legged one-way intersections widespread in Italian downtowns. The sample considered in the study consist of 92 intersections in Palermo, Italy. For the study were collected crashes occurred in the sites during the years 2006-2012, geometric design and functional characteristics and traffic flow. Results showed that data were overdispersed and NB1 distributed. In order to account for the correlation within responses Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were used under different working correlation matrices.
The Transition Effect in Rail Tracks – Assessment of Transient Energy for Low Frequency Vibrations
Authors: Sołkowski J.
Published: March 2014

The transition effect between different track-foundation systems is examined from the point of view of energy that is produced during the passage of load. Analytical solution is given. A model of beam on elastic foundation with damping is used as the base model. It is developed into a model composed of two parts that represent the track-subgrade system with an abrupt change in mechanical parameters: bending stiffness, foundation stiffness, damping, and mass. Several calculations are carried out including examples of comparative calculations with the Finite Difference Model and the Finite Element Model. Transient rail deflections and energy are determined, which may serve to estimate the rate of track-subgrade deterioration.
Drug resistance to anti-tuberculotics in children - three years status in Slovakia
Authors: Porvaznik I , Mokry J , Solovic I
Published: March 2014

Drug resistant tuberculosis is a serious and increasing problem worldwide, particularly in countries with a high
incidence of tuberculosis and HIV infections. Resistant tuberculosis in children is usually due to the transmission
of resistant strains from the environment where they live. Most often it is a transfer from the parents, or other
relatives. A paucibacillary nature of the disease in children associated with difficulties in a collection of adequate
sputum samples means that the samples are often microscopically negative. If the cultivation is negative, any bacteriological
confirmation of the drug resistance is impossible.
The aim of this study was to review current diagnostic and therapeutic principles in tuberculosis in children and
to demonstrate its incidence in population of the Slovak Republic during 2010-2012.
We have retrospectively analyzed all children sputum samples from children with diagnosed tuberculosis in
Slovakia. The classical bacteriological analysis (culture on solid eggs-based media) was used to confirm the mycobacterium
tuberculosis infection and the proportion method was applied to test its susceptibility or resistance to
mostly used antituberculotics.
In years 2010-2012, three cases of resistant form of tuberculosis have been diagnosed in Slovakia among 16 children
with cultivation positive to tuberculosis. In all of the cases the INH mono-resistance was confirmed (with the
same strains present in their relatives), suggesting primary resistance origin of infection.
To ensure an appropriate and successful treatment of tuberculosis in children, accurate and timely diagnostics
and determination of susceptibility to anti-tuberculotics is essential.
The spread of infection through the danger space to the mediastinum case report
Authors: Schlenkerova D , Mlcakova K , Hanzel P , Mikulasova V , Hajtman A
Published: March 2014

Deep neck infection is an infection in the potential space and fascial planes of the neck, either with abscess formation
or cellulitis. Cervical fascias create space and plane, which define and limit the spread of infection. Danger
space is the area of thin connective tissue extending from the skull base down to the diaphragm. This space is enclosed
on all sides, therefore inflammation in this area arises from penetration and spreads of infection from surrounding
structures. This risk is in the rapid spread of infection in the chest, due to the low resistance of thin connective
tissue. Formation of the descending necrotizing mediastinitis is the most common and most feared complication
of danger space.
Authors describe a case of extensive dental infection that despite intensive surgical and antibiotic treatement
spread to other anatomical areas and caused descending necrotizing mediastinitis.
Phoresy of astigmatic mites on ticks and fleas in Poland
Authors: Karbowiak Grzegorz , Solarz Krzysztof , Asman Marek , Wróblewski Zbigniew , Slivinska Kateryna , Werszko Joanna
Published: March 2014

Phoresy is an association in which a small animal clings to a larger one exclusively for transportation. We searched for phoretic mites on fleas and ticks of small mammals. A total of 169 fleas of 7 species were collected in the Białowieża Forest (E Poland) and in Kosewo G órne (NE Poland) in July and August in 2007 and 2008. Moreover, 20 nymphs and 12 females of Ixodes hexagonus (Leach, 1815) were collected in the beaver farm of the Research Station of Polish Academy of Sciences in Popielno (NE Poland) in April and May 2009. Phoretic mites were found on 26 fleas (15.4%) of the following species: Megabothris walkeri (Rothschild, 1902), Megabothris turbidus (Rothschild, 1909), Ctenophthalmus agyrtes (Heller, 1896), and Hystrichopsylla orientalis (Smit, 1956). The mites were located mainly on abdominal sternites. Among ticks, only one female was positive for mites, whose larvae (hypopi) were found on its legs. A total of 6 species of mites were identified. On I. hexagonus, we found Acarus farris (Oudemans, 1905) (53 larvae), Acarus siro (L., 1758) (2 larvae), Acarus nidicolous (Griffiths, 1970) (1 larva), Caloglyphus rhizoglyphoides (Zachvatkin, 1937) (1 larva), and Histiostoma feroniarum (Dufour, 1904) (28 larvae), whereas on fleas, 79 larvae of Acarus nidicolous, 1 male of Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank, 1781), and 1 unidentified trombiculid larva. The last 2 mite specimens were found on M. turbidus. This is the first report on phoretic association of the flea H. orientalis and the tick I. hexagonus with mites
Oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) from roofs of houses in Sogn og Fjordane (Norway)
Authors: Graczyk Radomir , Seniczak Stanisław
Published: March 2014

Oribatid mite communities in moss covering the roofs of buildings in towns of Bolstad, Luster, and Sørheim (in Sogn og F jordane, Norway) were investigated. These mites were rather numerous and rich in species, which was caused mainly by the natural roofing material (rock slates) and the temperate and rather stable maritime climate. In these communities the most abundant were Tectocepheus velatus, Dissorhina ornata, Oppiella uliginosa, Quadroppia quadricarinata, and Oribatula exilis, which are typical soil species. Adults usually dominated in the mite communities, except for Bolstad, where the juveniles were slightly more abundant than the adults. Phauloppia lucorum and Trhypochthonius tectorum were the only species of the group of typical inhabitants of roofs of buildings, but were not numerous in Sogn og Fjordane. In continental climate these species are often abundant on roofs of buildings.
RTN4 AND FBXL17 GENES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH CORONARY HEART DISEASE IN GENOME-WIDE ASSOCIATION ANALYSIS OF LITHUANIAN FAMILIES
Authors: Domarkienė I. , Pranculis A. , Germanas Š. , Jakaitienė A. , Vitkus D. , Dženkevičiūtė V. , Kučinskienė Za. , Kučinskas V.
Published: March 2014

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a complex and heterogeneous cardiovascular disease. There are many genome-wide association studies (GWAS) performed worldwide to extract the causative genetic factors. Moreover, each population may have some exceptional genetic characteristic. Thus, the background of our study is from the previous Lithuanian studies (the LiVicordia Project), which demonstrated the differences of the atherosclerosis process between Lithuanian and Swedish male individuals. In this study we performed GWAS of 32 families of Lithuanian origin in search of significant candidate genetic markers [single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)] of CHD in this population. After careful clinical and biochemical phenotype evaluation, the ~770K SNPs genotyping (Illumina HumanOmniExpress- 12 v1.0 array) and familial GWAS analyses were performed. Twelve SNPs were found to be significantly associated with the CHD phenotype (p value <0.0001; the power >0.65). The odds ratio (OR) values were calculated. Two SNPs (rs17046570 in the RTN4 gene and rs11743737 in the FBXL17 gene) stood out and may prove to be important genetic factors for CHD risk. Our results correspond with the findings in other studies, and these two SNPs may be the susceptibility loci for CHD
MOLECULAR CYTOGENETIC STUDY OF THE NF2 GENE DELETION IN MENINGIOMA IN SUDANESE PATIENTS
Authors: AbdElmontalab Farah Y. , Fadl Elmula I. , Abushama Hm. , Kreskowski K. , Liehr T.
Published: March 2014

Meningioma is the second most common adult central nervous system tumor. Mutations and/or deletions within the tumor suppressor gene neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) are associated with meningioma development and progression. We studied 29 meningioma samples by cytogenetic analysis and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (I-FISH) using a locus-specific probe for the NF2 gene region. We detected loss of the NF2 gene in all samples except for one. In 10 of the 29 samples, karyotypic analyses confirmed the I-FISH results and revealed additional numerical and/or structural rearrangements in nine of them. Our study confirmed: i) the limited role of banding cytogenetics in assessing chromosomal rearrangements in meningioma, as this tumor is hard to be grown in cell culture; ii) we could show that two-color I-FISH is well-suited for NF2-deletion screening. Our results were in accordance with those of comparable studies, even though the frequency of 97.0% of meningiomas with NF2 deletions is exceptionally high in the studied Sudanese patients
TWENTY-FOUR GENES ARE UPREGULATED IN PATIENTS WITH HYPOSPADIAS
Authors: Karabulut R. , Turkyilmaz Z. , Sonmez K. , Kumas G. , Ergun Sg. , Ergun Ma. , Basaklar Ac.
Published: March 2014

Hypospadias is a congenital hypoplasia of the penis, with displacement of the urethral opening along the ventral surface, and has been reported to be one of the most common congenital anomalies, occurring in approximately 1:250 to 1:300 live births. As hypospadias is reported to be an easily diagnosed malformation at the crossroads of genetics and environment, it is important to study the genetic component in order to elucidate its etiology. In this study, the gene expression profiles both in human hypospadias tissues and normal penile tissues were studied by Human Gene Expression Array. Twentyfour genes were found to be upregulated. Among these, ATF3 and CYR61 have been reported previously. Other genes that have not been previously reported were also found to be upregulated: BTG2, CD69, CD9, DUSP1, EGR1, EIF4A1, FOS, FOSB, HBEGF, HNRNPUL1, IER2, JUN, JUNB, KLF2, NR4A1, NR4A2, PTGS2, RGS1, RTN4, SLC25A25, SOCS3 and ZFP36 (p <0.05). Further studies including genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with expression studies in a large patient group will help us for identifiying the candidate gene(s) in the etiology of hypospadias
ETHNIC VARIATION IN INTERLEUKIN-6 –174 (G/C) POLYMORPHISM IN THE MALAYSIAN POPULATION
Authors: Gan G-G , Subramaniam R. , Lian L-H , Nadarajan Vs.
Published: March 2014

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is one of the cytokines that has been well studied and implicated in many diseases including cancers. The frequency of the IL-6 -174 (G/C) polymorphism had been proven to differ in various populations. Malaysia is a country with three major ethnic populations, Malays, Chinese and Indians. In this study, we proposed to determine the G or C allele frequency of the IL-6 -174 polymorphism in these three populations. A total of 348 blood samples were available for analysis. The median age for the subjects was 31 years. There were a total of 245 males and 103 females. A total of 86 Malays (25.0%), 122 Chinese (33.0%) and 140 Indians (40.0%) were genotyped. The result showed a significant difference in the G or C allele frequency of the -174 polymorphism. The total frequencies for the G and C alleles were 91.0 and 9.0%, respectively. In the Malays, the allele frequency of the C allele was 4.0% compared with 19.0% in the Indians. The C allele was not detected in the Chinese population. This finding is the first reported on the Malaysian population and may be important in determining risk of diseases associated with the IL-6 polymorphism in these three populations
LACK OF ASSOCIATION OF TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-α G–308A AND TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-β1 C–509T POLYMORPHISMS IN PATIENTS WITH DEEP NECK SPACE INFECTIONS
Authors: Jevtović-Stoimenov T. , Despotović M. , Pešić Z. , Ćosić A.
Published: March 2014

Deep neck space infections are defined as infections that spread along the fascial planes and spaces of the head and neck. Even in the era of antibiotics, these infections can and have been potentially life-threatening conditions. The role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and transforming growth factor-b1 (TGF-b1) genes in deep neck infections has not been studied. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of the TNF-a G-308A and TGF-b1 C-509T polymorphisms in patients suffering from infections of deep neck spaces and to determine the correlation of these polymorphisms with the values of inflammation markers [C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) count]. A total of 41 patients with infections of deep neck spaces and 44 healthy controls were screened for TNF-a G-308A and TGF-b1 C-509T polymorphisms using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The distribution of the TNF-a G-308A genotype in patients did not reveal statistically significant correlation compared to con-trols (p = 0.483, c2 = 0.491) as well as the distribution of the TGF-b1 C-509T genotypes (p = 0.644, c2 = 0.725). The distribution of TNF-a -308 and TGF-b1 -509 alleles was not significantly different in patients compared to controls. Moreover, CRP levels and WBC counts were not associated with TNF-a G-308A and TGF-b1 C-509T promoter polymorphisms in patients with deep neck infections. In conclusion, our study suggests that the TNF-a G-308A and TGF-b1 C-509T polymorphisms are not associated with infections of deep neck spaces
DICENTRIC CHROMOSOME 14;18 PLUS TWO ADDITIONAL CNVs IN A GIRL WITH MICROFORM HOLOPROSENCEPHALY AND TURNER STIGMATA
Authors: Sireteanu A. , Voloşciuc M. , Grămescu M. , Gorduza Ev. , Vulpoi C. , Frunză I. , Rusu C.
Published: March 2014

We report a 20-year-old female with features evocative of Turner syndrome (short stature, broad trunk, mild webbed neck), dysmorphic face, minor features of holo-prosencephaly (HPE), small hands and feet, excessive hair growth on anterior trunk and intellectual disability. Cytogenetic analysis identified a pseudodicentric 14;18 chromosome. Genome wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array showed a terminal deletion of approximately 10.24 Mb, from 18p11.32 to 18p11.22, flanked by a duplication of approximately 1.15 Mb, from 18p11.22 to 18p11.21. In addition, the SNP array revealed a duplication of 516 kb in 16p11.2. We correlated the patient’s clinical findings with the features mentioned in the literature for these copy number variations. This case study shows the importance of microarray analysis in the detection of cryptic chromosomal rearrangements in patients with intellectual disability and multiple congenital anomalies
A CASE OF TREACHER COLLINS SYNDROME
Authors: Ulusal S. , Gürkan H. , Vatansever Ü. , Kürkçü K. , Tozkir H. , Acunaş Ba.
Published: March 2014

Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) is an autosomal dominant disorder of craniofacial development with an incidence of 1/50,000 live births. Mutations of the TCOF1 gene have been found to be responsible for most cases of this mandibulofacial disorder. Here we report TCS in an individual who has a heterozygous c.1021_1022delAG deletion in exon 7 of the TCOF1 gene (NG_011341.1). This is the second Turkish patient with a severe TCS phenotype resulting from a de novo c.1021_1022delAG mutation
DOUBLE ANEUPLOIDY 48,XXY,+21 ASSOCIATED WITH A CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT IN A NEONATE
Authors: Shu X. , Zou C. , Shen Z.
Published: March 2014

A neonate with a double aneuploidy associated with congenital heart defect (CHD) suffered from cyanosis after birth. He had typical features of Down syndrome (DS) including hypertelorism, slightly lowset ears with protruding pinna. Doppler echocardiography indicated complex congenital heart disease with an ostium secundum atrial septal defect, enlarged right ventricle, and mild tricuspid valve regurgitation. Further chromosomal analysis showed a karyotype of 48,XXY,+21: a double aneuploidy of DS and Klinefelter syndrome (KS). Until now, only seven cases of double aneuploidy associated with CHD defect have been reported
Quantifying the impact of different copulas in a generalized CreditRisk+ framework An empirical study
Authors: Jakob Kevin , Fischer Matthias
Published: March 2014

Without any doubt, credit risk is one of the most important risk types in the classical banking industry.
Consequently, banks are required by supervisory audits to allocate economic capital to cover unexpected
future credit losses. Typically, the amount of economical capital is determined with a credit portfolio model,
e.g. using the popular CreditRisk+ framework (1997) or one of its recent generalizations (e.g. [8] or [15]). Relying
on specific distributional assumptions, the credit loss distribution of the CreditRisk+ class can be determined
analytically and in real time. With respect to the current regulatory requirements (see, e.g. [4, p.
9-16] or [2]), banks are also required to quantify how sensitive their models (and the resulting risk figures) are
if fundamental assumptions are modified. Against this background, we focus on the impact of different dependence
structures (between the counterparties of the bank’s portfolio) within a (generalized) CreditRisk+
framework which can be represented in terms of copulas. Concretely, we present some results on the unknown
(implicit) copula of generalized CreditRisk+ models and quantify the effect of the choice of the copula
(between economic sectors) on the risk figures for a hypothetical loan portfolio and a variety of parametric
copulas.