bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
May-Thurner syndrome
Authors: Kecskeméthy Zsolt , Holý Jiří
Published: January 2011

May-Thurner syndrome, a pelvic vein congenital anomaly is the consequence of compression of the left common iliacal vein by the overlying right common iliacal artery that results in an increased risk for ileofemoral deep vein thrombosis. Authors present a case of a young female with aberration of the pelvic vein, who had also heterozygous Leiden mutation. After confirmation of the diagnosis of May-Thurner syndrome, plastic surgery of the common iliacal vein was performed and anticoagulant treatment was given. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 139–141.
In situ measures of foraging success and prey encounter reveal marine habitat‐dependent search strategies
Authors: Thums Michele , Bradshaw Corey J. A. , Hindell Mark A.
Published: January 2011

Predators are thought to reduce travel speed and increase turning rate in areas where resources are relatively more abundant, a behavior termed “area‐restricted search.” However, evidence for this is rare, and few empirical data exist for large predators. Animals exhibiting foraging site fidelity could also be spatially aware of suitable feeding areas based on prior experience; changes in movement patterns might therefore arise from the anticipation of higher prey density. We tested the hypothesis that regions of area‐restricted search were associated with a higher number of daily speed spikes (a proxy for potential prey encounter rate) and foraging success in southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina), a species exhibiting both area‐restricted searches and high interannual foraging site fidelity. We used onshore morphological measurements and diving data from archival tags deployed during winter foraging trips. Foraging success was inferred from in situ changes in relative lipid content derived from measured changes in buoyancy, and first‐passage time analysis was used to identify area‐restricted search behavior. Seals exhibited relatively direct southerly movement on average, with intensive search behavior predominantly located at the distal end of tracks. The probability of being in search mode was positively related to changes in relative lipid content; thus, intensively searched areas were associated with the highest foraging success. However, there was high foraging success during the outward transit even though seals moved through quickly without slowing down and increasing turning rate to exploit these areas. In addition, the probability of being in search mode was negatively related to the number of daily speed spikes. These results suggest that movement patterns represent a response to prior expectation of the location of predictable and profitable resources. Shelf habitat was 4–9 times more profitable than the other habitats, emphasizing the importance of the East Antarctic shelf for this and other predators in the region. We have provided rare empirical data with which to investigate the relationship between predator foraging strategy and prey encounter/foraging success, underlining the importance of inferring the timing and spatial arrangement of successful food acquisition for interpreting foraging strategies correctly.
Development of an Animal Model for Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans Biofilm‐Mediated Oral Osteolytic Infection: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Freire Marcelo O. , Sedghizadeh Parish P. , Schaudinn Christoph , Gorur Amita , Downey Jennifer S. , Choi Jeong‐Ho , Chen Weizhen , Kook Joong‐Ki , Chen Casey , Goodman Steven D. , Zadeh Homayoun H.
Published: January 2011

Background: Biofilm‐induced inflammatory osteolytic oral infections, such as periodontitis and peri‐implantitis, have complex etiology and pathogenesis. A significant obstacle to research has been the lack of appropriate animal models where the inflammatory response to biofilms can be investigated. The aim of this study is to develop a novel animal model to study the host response to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans)–biofilm colonizing titanium implants.

Methods: Titanium implants were inoculated in vitro with A. actinomycetemcomitans, establishing a biofilm for 1 to 3 days. Biofilm‐inoculated and control implants were transmucosally placed into rat hard palate or alveolar ridge. Analysis included documentation of clinical inflammation, polymerase chain reaction, and culture detection of A. actinomycetemcomitans and microcomputed tomography quantitation of peri‐implant bone volume.

Results: Viable A. actinomycetemcomitans biofilm was successfully established on titanium implants in vitro, detected by confocal laser scanning microscopy. An inflammatory response characterized by clinical inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, hyperplasia, and necrosis was observed around biofilm‐inoculated implants. A. actinomycetemcomitans was detected by polymerase chain reaction and culture analysis on 100% of biofilm‐inoculated implants for up to 3 weeks and 25% for up to 6 weeks. Microcomputed tomography analysis demonstrated significantly lower bone volume (P <0.05) around biofilm‐inoculated implants (29.6% ± 7.6%) compared to non‐inoculated implants (50.5% ± 9.6%) after 6 weeks.

Conclusions: These results describe a novel animal model where A. actinomycetemcomitans biofilm was established in vitro on titanium implants before placement in rat oral cavity, leading to an inflammatory response, osteolysis, and tissue destruction. This model may have potential use for investigation of host responses to biofilm pathogens and antibiofilm therapy.
The Kaiser Permanente Clinician Cultural and Linguistic Assessment Initiative: Research and Development in Patient–Provider Language Concordance
Authors: MSN Gayle Tang , Lanza Oscar , Rodriguez Fátima Marinely , Chang Annie
Published: January 2011

Patient–clinician language concordance is a critical component of the language access equation and is considered the gold standard for communication. As a result of lack of validated testing standards, measures, and tools, Kaiser Permanente developed the Clinician Cultural and Linguistic Assessment Initiative to ensure verifiable linguistic proficiency in clinical encounters and has established a standard level whereby the clinician is deemed to have a qualifying level of proficiency in communicating directly with patients independent of an interpreter. Our benchmarking efforts in language concordance have been rooted with the key aim to identify talented bilingual and bicultural clinician workforce and to establish the systems foundation to coordinate appropriate language services. We share accomplishments, lessons learned, and promising practices to inform future efforts in language concordance.
Assessing and Ensuring a Comprehensive System of Services for Children With Special Health Care Needs: A Public Health Approach
Authors: Strickland Bonnie B. , van Dyck Peter C. , Kogan Michael D. , Lauver Cassie , Blumberg Stephen J. , Bethell Christina D. , Newacheck Paul W.
Published: January 2011

The US Department of Health and Human Services called for comprehensive systems of services for children with special health care needs in its Healthy People 2000 and 2010 health care objectives for the nation.

We report on the proportion of children with special health care needs receiving care in high-quality systems of services measured by attainment of 6 essential system elements, or quality indicators, generated from a survey of 40 723 families of children with special health care needs in 2005 to 2006.

Only 17.7% of children with special health care needs received services in a high-quality service system that met all 6 quality indicators in 2005–2006. Therefore, much more work lies ahead to meet the national Healthy People objective for these children.
Neighborhood-Level Influences on Young Men's Sexual and Reproductive Health Behaviors
Authors: Lindberg Laura D. , Orr Mark
Published: January 2011

We used data from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth to examine the influence of neighborhood characteristics on young males’ sexual and reproductive health (SRH). We linked census-tract data to construct a Neighborhood Disadvantage Scale for 1092 never-married males aged 15 to 19 years, and we examined the association of neighborhood disadvantage with 11 SRH behaviors for each male. We found significant associations between neighborhood disadvantage and measures of partnering and pregnancy. Public health research and policies must consider the role of neighborhood context when addressing health behaviors.
The Impact of Declining Smoking on Radon-Related Lung Cancer in the United States
Authors: Méndez David , Alshanqeety Omar , Warner Kenneth E. , Lantz Paula M. , Courant Paul N.
Published: January 2011

Objectives. We examined the effect of current patterns of smoking rates on future radon-related lung cancer.

Methods. We combined the model developed by the National Academy of Science's Committee on Health Risks of Exposure to Radon (the BEIR VI committee) for radon risk assessment with a forecasting model of US adult smoking prevalence to estimate proportional decline in radon-related deaths during the present century with and without mitigation of high-radon houses.

Results. By 2025, the reduction in radon mortality from smoking reduction (15 percentage points) will surpass the maximum expected reduction from remediation (12 percentage points).

Conclusions. Although still a genuine source of public health concern, radon-induced lung cancer is likely to decline substantially, driven by reductions in smoking rates. Smoking decline will reduce radon deaths more that remediation of high-radon houses, a fact that policymakers should consider as they contemplate the future of cancer control.
Vaccinating Health Care Workers Against Influenza: The Ethical and Legal Rationale for a Mandate
Authors: Ottenberg Abigale L. , Wu Joel T. , Poland Gregory A. , Jacobson Robert M. , Koenig Barbara A. , Tilburt Jon C.
Published: January 2011

Despite improvements in clinician education, symptom awareness, and respiratory precautions, influenza vaccination rates for health care workers have remained unacceptably low for more than three decades, adversely affecting patient safety.

When public health is jeopardized, and a safe, low-cost, and effective method to achieve patient safety exists, health care organizations and public health authorities have a responsibility to take action and change the status quo. Mandatory influenza vaccination for health care workers is supported not only by scientific data but also by ethical principles and legal precedent.

The recent influenza pandemic provides an opportunity for policymakers to reconsider the benefits of mandating influenza vaccination for health care workers, including building public trust, enhancing patient safety, and strengthening the health care workforce.
The Socially Just Face of Public Health Leadership Linda Rae Murray
Authors: Currie Donya Lynn
Published: January 2011

Linda Rae Murray, MD, MPH, a champion of social justice and outspoken advocate for the medically underserved for more than 40 years, is not easy to describe. Part E. F. Hutton (when she talks, people listen), part streetwise negotiator (she's not shy about dropping a four-letter word into conversation), she might come across as brash and intimidating to some. But those who know her well will attest to her softhearted interior, and her unwavering commitment to speaking out in the name of better health for all.
A Survey on Packaging Materials and Technologies for Commercial Food Products
Authors: Bottani Eleonora , Montanari Roberto , Vignali Giuseppe , Guerra Luigi
Published: January 2011

This paper presents the outcomes of a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the Italian food market, targeting the Fast Moving Consumer Goods products and aimed at defining the existing relationships between product characteristics and packaging technologies. A sample of 175 products has been examined, and the corresponding characteristics and packaging technologies were derived from an in-field investigation performed in large and small Italian retailers. Subsequent statistical analyses were first focused on providing descriptive statistics concerning the packaging materials used for food products. Then, cluster analysis was exploited to group products on the basis of the material used for the primary packaging. Discriminant analysis was also adopted to identify product characteristics that significantly contribute to the choice of packaging material. Finally, based on the clusters obtained, contingency tables were used to explore possible relationships among packaging material, packaging techniques and relevant product characteristics. Results of this study could provide useful guidelines to food manufacturers to identify the most suitable packaging technology for new food products.
Suitability of Feature Extraction Methods in Recognition and Classification of Grains, Fruits and Flowers
Authors: Anami Basavaraj S , Savakar Dayanand G
Published: January 2011

This paper presents the suitability of feature extraction methods for the identification and classification of certain agriculture and horticulture crops. Primarily, agriculture/horticulture crops are recognized based on their shape, size, color, texture and the like. When crops exhibit different shapes and sizes, it is customary to choose the shape and size as the basic features. Certain crops are easily identified simply by color; for example, with crops like jowar, ground nut, pomegranate and mango, color becomes the discriminating feature. We have considered color as one of the features in this study. Some agriculture/horticulture crops have overlapping colors, such as wheat and ground nut or mango and orange. When we consider the bulk samples of such grains or fruits, the surface patterns vary from crop to crop. In such cases, the texture becomes ideal for recognition. Hence, we have obtained morphological features, like shape and size, color and textural features, of the image samples to recognize, classify and grade the agriculture/horticulture crops.
Hydrodistillation of Essential Oil from Cymbopogon flexuosus
Authors: Parikh Jigisha K , Desai Meghal A
Published: January 2011

Hydrodistillation is a potentially useful method to extract essential oil from various plant materials and was used to separate essential oil from Cymbopogon flexuosus (lemongrass). The yield is dependent on various parameters like weight of raw material, volume of water, size of raw material and nature of raw material. The purpose of this study was to find the optimum values of these parameters. The optimized conditions for the extraction were 50 g of raw material, 500 ml of water volume, plant size of 25 mm, and the yield obtained was 1.04 percent. The loss of about nine percent essential oil was observed during drying of leaves of lemongrass. Composition of the essential oil was analyzed by GC-MS and higher amount of oxygenated compounds, mainly citral, was found in each sample. There was not much variation observed in amount of citral. The results indicated that hydrodistillation may further be utilized for scale up studies.
Isolation of Immunoglobulin from Chicken Egg Yolk using Single-Stage Ultrafiltration with 100-kDa Regenerated Cellulose Membranes
Authors: Liu Jianguo , Yang Juan , Xu Hai , Zhu Hu , Qu Jianbo , Lu Jianren , Cui Zhanfeng
Published: January 2011

The aim of this work is to develop a membrane-based cost-effective process for the rapid isolation of immunoglobulin from chicken egg yolk. It was found that a single-stage ultrafiltration using a 100 kDa molecular weight cut-off regenerated cellulose membrane could be employed to isolate immunoglobulin from the crude feedstock. The effects of operational parameters (solution pH, ionic strength, stirring speed and permeate flux) on the transmission of immunoglobulin and the presence of impurity protein with molecular weight close to immunoglobulin were quantified using the parameter scanning ultrafiltration technique. Under optimized conditions, the purity of immunoglobulin obtained was about 85 percent after the single-stage ultrafiltration process, and the recovery of immunoglobulin from the feedstock was 91 percent.
Determination of the Convective Heat Transfer Coefficient (h) in the Sterilization of Retortable Pouches
Authors: Santana Frampton Franklin , Augusto Pedro Esteves Duarte , Cristianini Marcelo
Published: January 2011

The present work has employed an optimization process among experimental temperatures and those obtained by finite elements analysis (FEA) for the determination of the convective heat transfer coefficient (h) during a stand up retortable pouch process in a steam-air retort. The process was divided in four periods, and the values obtained were: 828.7 W.m-2.K-1 (hh1, first portion of heating; come up time); 538.5 W.m-2.K-1 (hh2, second portion of heating; ball time); 1293.6 W.m-2.K-1 (hc1, first phase of cooling); and 183.6 W.m-2.K-1 (hc2, second phase of cooling). The results obtained were validated experimentally by meat product sterilization, presenting good correlation between experimental values and those obtained by the model. The values obtained contribute to the studies of heat transfer and thermal processes; besides, its values for pouches processes are scarce in the literature.
On positive solutions to nonlocal fractional and integer-order difference equations
Authors: Goodrich Christopher
Published: January 2011

In this paper, we consider a discrete fractional boundary value problem of
the form -??y(t) = f(t+? - 1; y(t + ? - 1)), y(? - 2) = ?(y), y(? + b) =
?(y), where t ? [0,b]N0, f : [? ? 1,... , ? + b - 1]N?-2 x R ? [0,+?) is
continuous, ?, ? : C([? - 2; ? + b]N?-2 ) ? R are given functionals, and 1 <
? ? 2. We show that provided that both ? and ? are linear functionals, then
under certain conditions the fractional boundary value problem will have at
least one positive solution even if neither ? nor ? is nonnegative for all
y ? 0. This provides new results not only for the fractional boundary value
problem but also in the case when ? = 2. Our results also generalize some
recent work on the conjugate fractional boundary value problem. We conclude
with two examples to illustrate our results.
Analysis of selected elements in water in the drinking water preparation plants in Belgrade, Serbia
Authors: Antanasijevic Davor , Lukic Natasa , Pocajt Viktor , Peric-Grujic Aleksandra , Ristic Mirjana
Published: January 2011

Belgrade's water supply relies mainly on the River Sava and groundwater
supply wells, which are located in the vicinity of the river and Ada
Ciganlija. In this paper, the content of aluminum, boron, chromium,
manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, barium and lead
was analyzed in raw water as well as drinking water distributed by the Water
Supply and Sewage of Belgrade. A total of 14 samples were examined from all
water treatment plants that are part of the distribution system. The
measurements were conducted using the inductively coupled plasma-mass
spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique. The aim of this research was to examine the
effectiveness of drinking water preparation process in the plants belonging
to the Water Supply and Sewage of Belgrade. The content of certain elements
varies considerably in raw water (river and groundwater): the concentration
of boron in river water is two to three times lower than the concentration in
groundwater; the concentration of arsenic in river water is ten to twenty
five times lower than the concentration in groundwater; the concentration of
aluminum in all groundwater samples was below the detection limit of the
instrument (0.50 ?g/dm3), whilst in the river water the content of aluminum
was about 50 ?g/dm3 and the concentration of manganese in the river water was
up to 10 times lower than the concentrations in groundwater. In all drinking
water samples the concentration of the elements were bellow the maximum
allowed levels according to the Serbian regulations. Correlation coefficients
determined for boron, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic,
barium and lead, which were analyzed in raw waters, show that four groups of
elements can be distinguished. Boron, manganese, arsenic and barium are
related to each other and probably have a common natural origin; copper and
lead probably have a common anthropogenic origin; correlation of nickel and
cobalt was observed, while zinc was not in correlation with any other
element.
Electrochemical behavior of nanostructured MnO2/C (Vulcan®) composite in aqueous electrolyte LiNO3
Authors: Vujkovic Milica , Cvjeticanin Nikola , Gavrilov Nemanja , Stojkovic Ivana , Mentus Slavko
Published: January 2011

The electrolytic solutions of contemporary Li-ion batteries are made
exclusively with the organic solvents since anodic materials of these
batteries have potentials with greater negativity than the potential of the
water reduction, thus the organic electrolytes can withstand the voltages of
3-5 V that are characteristic for these batteries. Ever since it was
discovered that some materials can electrochemically intercalate and
deintercalate Li+ ions in aqueous solutions, numerous studies have been
conducted with the aim of extending operational time of the aqueous Li-ion
batteries. Manganese oxide has been studied as the electrode material in
rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with organic electrolytes. In this paper
its electrochemical behavior as an anode material in aqueous electrolyte
solutions was examined. MnO2 as a component of nanodispersed MnO2/C (Vulcan?)
composite was successfully synthesized hydrothermally. Electrochemical
properties of this material were investigated in aqueous saturated LiNO3
solution by both cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charging/discharging
(LiMn2O4 as cathode material) techniques. The obtained composite shows a
relatively good initial discharge capacity of 96.5 mAh/g which, after 50th
charging/discharging cycles, drops to the value of 57mAh/g. MnO2/C (Vulcan?)
composite, in combination with LiMn2O4 as a cathode material, shows better
discharge capacity compared to other anodic materials used in aqueous Li-ion
batteries according to certain studies that have been conducted. Its good
reversibility and cyclability, and the fact that hydrothermal method is
simple and effective, makes MnO2/C(Vulcan?) composite a promising anodic
material for aqueous Li-ion batteries.
Electronic excitations in ZnWO4 and ZnxNi1−x
WO4 (x = 0.1 − 0.9) using VUV synchrotron radiation
Authors: Kalinko Aleksandr , Kotlov Alexey , Kuzmin Alexei , Pankratov Vladimir , Popov Anatoli , Shirmane Liana
Published: January 2011

The photoluminescence spectra and luminescence excitation spectra of pure microcrystalline and nano-sized ZnWO4 as well as the ZnxNi1−x
WO4 solid solutions were studied using vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) synchrotron radiation. The samples were also characterized by x-ray powder diffraction. We found that: (i) the shape of the photoluminescence band at 2.5 eV, being due to radiative electron transitions within the [WO6]6− anions, becomes modulated by the optical absorption of Ni2+ ions in the ZnxNi1−x
WO4 solid solutions; and (ii) no significant change in the excitation spectra of Zn0.9Ni0.1WO4 is observed compared to pure ZnWO4. At the same time, a shift of the excitonic bands to smaller energies and a set of peaks, attributed to the one-electron transitions from the top of the valence band to quasi-localized states, were observed in the excitation spectrum of nano-sized ZnWO4.
Laminopathies: The molecular background of the disease and the prospects for its treatment
Authors: Zaremba-Czogalla Magdalena , Dubińska-Magiera Magda , Rzepecki Ryszard
Published: January 2011

Laminopathies are rare human degenerative disorders with a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes, associated with defects in the main protein components of the nuclear envelope, mostly in the lamins. They include systemic disorders and tissue-restricted diseases. Scientists have been trying to explain the pathogenesis of laminopathies and find an efficient method for treatment for many years. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge about laminopathies, the molecular mechanisms behind the development of particular phenotypes, and the prospects for stem cell and/or gene therapy treatments.
Differential redox potential profiles during adipogenesis and osteogenesis
Authors: Imhoff Barry , Hansen Jason
Published: January 2011

Development is an orderly process that requires the timely activation and/or deactivation of specific regulatory elements that control cellular proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. While many studies have defined factors that control developmental signaling, the role of intracellular reduction/oxidation (redox) status as a means to control differentiation has not been fully studied. Redox states of intracellular couples may play a very important role in regulating redox-sensitive elements that are involved in differentiation signaling into specific phenotypes. In human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), which are capable of differentiating into many different types of phenotypes, including osteoblasts and adipocytes, glutathione (GSH), cysteine (Cys) and thioredoxin-1 (Trx1) redox potentials were measured during adipogenesis and osteogenesis. GSH redox potentials (Eh) during both osteogenesis and adipogenesis became increasingly oxidized as differentiation ensued, but the rate at which this oxidation occurred was unique for each process. During adipogenesis, Cys Eh became oxidized as adipogenesis progressed but during osteogenesis, it became reduced. Interestingly, intracellular Trx1 concentrations appeared to increase in both adipogenesis and osteogenesis, but the Eh was unchanged when compared to undifferentiated hMSCs. These data show that hMSC differentiation into either adipocytes of osteoblasts corresponds to a unique redox state profile, suggesting that differentiation into specific phenotypes are likely regulated by redox states that are permissive to a specific developmental process.
Ets-1 expression and gemcitabine chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Khanna Amit , Mahalingam Kulandaivelu , Chakrabarti Debarshi , Periyasamy Giridharan
Published: January 2011

Gemcitabine, a novel pyrimidine nucleoside analog, has become the standard chemotherapeutic agent for pancreatic cancer patients. The clinical impact of gemcitabine remains modest owing to the high degree of inherent and acquired resistance. There are various lines of evidence that confirm the role of Ets-1, a proto-oncoprotein, in tumor invasion, progression, and chemoresistance. This study examines a hypothesis that implicates Ets-1 in the development of gemcitabine-resistance in pancreatic cancer cells. Ets-1 protein expression was assessed in parental pancreatic cancer cells and their gemcitabine-resistant clones. Western blot analysis revealed elevated levels of Ets-1 protein expression in gemcitabine-resistant PANC1GemRes (4.8-fold increase; P < 0.05), MIA PaCa2GemRes (3.2-fold increase; P < 0.05), and Capan2GemRes (2.1-fold increase; P < 0.05) cells as compared to their parental counterparts. A time course analysis was conducted to determine the change in Ets-1 expression in the parental cells after incubation with gemcitabine. Reverse transcriptase quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analysis revealed a significant increase in Ets-1 expression. All the three parental cells incubated with gemcitabine showed elevated Ets-1 protein expression at 6 h. By 24 h, the expression level had decreased. Using small interfering RNA (siRNA) against Ets-1 in gemcitabine-resistant cells, we demonstrated a reversal in gemcitabine chemosensitivity and also detected a marked reduction in the expression of the Ets-1 target genes MMP1 and uPA. Our novel finding demonstrates the significance of Ets-1 in the development of gemcitabine chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer cells. Based on these results, a new siRNA-based therapeutic strategy targeting the Ets-1 genes can be designed to overcome chemoresistance.
Multiple Modernities in Bulgaria: Social Strategies of Capitalist Entrepreneurs in the Agrarian Sector
Authors: Giordano Christian
Published: January 2011

Multiple Modernities in Bulgaria: Social Strategies of Capitalist Entrepreneurs in the Agrarian Sector

The article focuses on trust/mistrust relations, strategies of cooperation, and emerging conflicts in the period of establishing capitalist reforms in Bulgaria after 1989. In this frame, trust building, as a key challenge for a successful transformation process, is analysed as a premise for cooperation and social cohesion in the process of reforming governance, establishing local institutions, rebuilding civil society, and validating the acknowledged human and natural potential of a "failing" i.e. "fragile state" like Bulgaria. Of specific significance is the analysis of agency in which individuals possess mainly personalised types of trust and cooperation and are suspicious about systemic trust. The analysis of the empirical materials reveals that the agents involved in present capitalist agriculture do not follow the abstract model proposed by transition/consolidation theories but rather they confirm the validity of the multiple modernities approach proposed by S.N. Eisenstadt.
Civil Society and Environmental Activism in One EU-funded Transport Development Project in Slovakia
Authors: Torsello Davide
Published: January 2011

Civil Society and Environmental Activism in One EU-funded Transport Development Project in Slovakia

This paper addresses the problem of how civil society emerges as a by-product of EU-funded structural development projects in Eastern Europe, in the case of Slovakia. The case study is indicative of how local forms of civil society can gain strength and establish public legitimacy thanks to the growing divide between national and local political orientations. However, it is due to the planning and implementation processes of the motorway construction project, under the umbrella of the Trans-European Transport Network, that different layers of power from state to local level emerge and consolidate. The interplay and conflict in these layers endanger accountability, economic as well as environmental sustainability.
Conceptualising the Rise of the Rural Community Movement in Lithuania: A Framework for Analysis
Authors: Juska Arunas , Poviliunas Arunas
Published: January 2011

Conceptualising the Rise of the Rural Community Movement in Lithuania: A Framework for Analysis

This paper develops a framework for analysing the process of rural community development and institutionalisation in Lithuania. The first communal groups were established in rural Lithuania in the late 1990s. Over the last decade the number of such organisations in the country increased to 1,400. Although a very positive development, rapidly growing grass-roots activism has often led to a complex process of cooperation, conflict, competition and negotiation among the newly-created community groups and existing state agencies, non-governmental organisations, political parties, and various rural and urban interests. The model identifies four arenas of contention and negotiation, in which the newly-created communal groups have attempted to claim legitimacy and define their role in the social, economic and political life of the country: the public sphere, formalised (state financed and delivered) culture, social services' provision, and commercial (profitable) activities. Strategies of rural activists and their effectiveness in each of the four arenas of institutionalisation are examined. The contributions, as well as weaknesses, of the rural community development in promoting rural development in Lithuania are discussed.
Social and Administrative Crises Interlocking: The Misery of Rural Peripheries in Hungary
Authors: Kovács Katalin
Published: January 2011

Social and Administrative Crises Interlocking: The Misery of Rural Peripheries in Hungary

This paper reports on the fundamental processes reshaping rural areas in Hungary. Using indicators of social composition of settlements, the first section demonstrates large-scale polarisation resulting in vast zones of social crisis on the peripheries. The proceeding sections explore that small villages in lagging areas have been in a situation of despair in the last decade and a half, partly because of the social and economic burden they had to cope with, and partly because of their meagre financial situation brought about by the contradictions of the Hungarian administrative system, fiscal policies and their marginal position in relation to their access to development funds. The last paragraph of the last section voices hopes concerning some second generation development policies targeting rural areas in general and lagging areas in particular with more focused policy instruments.

The study refers to research material gained from the following projects.
Lifelong Learning for Inclusion - between Theory and Practice
Authors: Pluskota-Lewandowska Anna
Published: January 2011

Lifelong Learning for Inclusion - between Theory and Practice

In this study I present the conclusions of reports of the research teams which examined the policy range and analysed the activities regarding the inclusion of the socially deprived in rural areas, i.e. the British, Hungarian and Polish reports. When undertaking to find a reply to the question raised at the beginning of this article, I considered that the empirical basis would be quality material collected within the framework of focused group interviews1.

Although the focused group interviews were conducted according to a scenario which was prepared by the research teams, changes were possible in each country (although these changes did not affect the research issue). Apart from the main aim of the discussion, i.e. the diagnosis and analysis of both successes and failures of educational activity enabling social inclusion, these differences concerned the digressions concentrating on poverty and social exclusion in rural areas and problems connected with the implementation of inclusive policy - Hungary; considerations concerning the kind of help which should be provided to individuals and groups struggling with poverty in the countryside - Great Britain; methods evaluating the effectiveness of aid agencies acting in favour of social inclusion - Poland.

Representatives of government agencies playing a key role in the introduction of various forms of inclusive policy and representatives of institutions which provide direct help to the marginalised and those exposed to social marginalisation (which use various educational methods) took part in the research.
The Socio-Demographic Context of Rural Poverty
Authors: Jakimovski Jorde
Published: January 2011

The Socio-Demographic Context of Rural Poverty

A drop in standard of living does not have an equal influence on the way of life in different environments. So, for example, in more urban environments the possibility of realising greater purchasing power gets harder, and in others (economically underdeveloped) the minimal funds for food, clothing, footwear, children's education, health care etc. decrease. Poor households in rural environments have existed throughout the years. They exist today, but with different characteristics and dimensions than in the past. Chronically poor, the most vulnerable categories in the village are the households of elderly people. They represent a serious economic and social problem. Regarding the economic plan, the unexploited available capacities (cultivable soil), and on the social plan they either earn no income or a modest income.

A significant number of agricultural households in the village, run the risk of becoming poorer. The participation of cash income from property is decreasing, and the participation of income from social transfers and the value of natural expenditure is increasing. The main characteristics of these households are: low education level of the members, none of them are employed, bad quality of the owned land, the elderly. There is a significant increase and profound poverty in the households of mountain village districts. Beside low incomes, the households do not have any possibility of providing enough income for a decent living, there is a greater influence of the inaccessibility of basic living conditions (road, transport connections, health care, education, postal services etc.).
Cultural and Ethnic Determinants of Land Use and Inheritance in Romania
Authors: Nemenyi Agnes , Rossier Ruth
Published: January 2011

Cultural and Ethnic Determinants of Land Use and Inheritance in Romania

This paper aims to demonstrate some ethno-cultural specificity in land use and land inheritance by the data of the field survey carried out in four different municipalities in Romania, representing different historical regions where the ethnical composition of the regions is very different. The understanding of land management and agriculture is very different between the groups. The paper presents the data of a project which is the collaboration of a Swiss and a Romanian team in a three-year programme (SCOPES programme of Swiss National Science Foundation), in which a survey was carried out with the help of questionnaires. This was applied in a sample of 612 rural households in four municipalities. The main questions focused on land use and land inheritance as well as agriculture. The sample included two generations: the parents and their children (362), men and women. The research team looked for an answer to the question: "who are the next generation farmers in Romania and are there cultural and ethnic and also gender-based differences between rural families?" As the data show there are four different strategies applied in the four regions. In one, traditional sustainable agriculture was preserved, combined with a high rate of international migration. In another village there is a good perspective for farming, but a lot of young people are going to other sectors of activities. In the third location the former socialist cooperative was transformed into a new type of agricultural cooperative. This region has the best developmental perspectives. In the fourth region agricultural activity is maintained and the local economy also includes other types of activities which are complementary to agriculture (trade, industry and other services).
The Study of Breastfeeding Knowledge among Northern Iranian Teachers
Authors: Veghari G , Mansourian A
Published: January 2011

Introduction: Breastfeeding provides all essential nutrients for the first 6 months of life and plays an important role in ensuring health in neonates and mothers. This study was carried out among northern Iranian primary school teachers to determine the knowledge about breastfeeding. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive-crossectional study and where 745 subjects were chosen by random and cluster sampling. Data was collected by questionnaire about social-demographic and the optimal food awareness at fist 6 months of age. Data was analyzed by SPSS win soft-war. Chi-2 test was used to compare groups. Results: Teacher's knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding and breastfeeding with breast milk substitutes as the best diet was 81.6% and 17.6%, respectively. There was no statistical difference between the teachers who were non-university graduates (78.0%) or those who were university graduates (83.3%). The knowledge of breastfeeding among Turkman and Non-Turkman was 85.1% and 80.2% and male to female was 80.6% and 82.6%, respectively. There were no statistical differences between these variables. Conclusion: The teacher's knowledge about advantages of breastfeeding was low and that it was influenced by social-economic factors. Further studies need to be carried out in this area for determining the difficulties of breastfeeding. Key words: Breastfeeding; Teacher; Knowledge; Ethnicity; Iran DOI: 10.3126/jnps.v31i1.3411J Nep Paedtr Soc 2010;31(1):39-43
Morquio Syndrome in Two Siblings: A Case Report
Authors: Malla KK , Malla T , Basnet S , Rao KS , Tiwari PK , Ghosh A , KC N
Published: January 2011

Morquio syndrome is a rare inherited autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides (glycosaminoglycans) in various body tissues. It is rare cause of dwarfism. Many pediatricians therefore are unlikely to see this case hence may miss the diagnosis due to lack of experience. With this view we report two siblings with this dwarfism highlighting the classical clinical and radiological presentation. Key words: Mucopolysaccharidosis; Morquio syndrome DOI: 10.3126/jnps.v31i1.3541J Nep Paedtr Soc 2010;31(1):68-71
An Adolescent Boy with Acquired Epileptic Aphasia - Landau Kleffner Syndrome: A rare case report
Authors: Sharma SR , Sharma N , Yeolekar ME
Published: January 2011

A 13 year adolescent boy presented with complaints of progressive loss of speech and seizure disorder for the past 1 year. The boy was developmently normal before the onset of illness. There was history of subtle trauma to head. He started communicating with signs followed by paucity of speech progressed to complete aphasia and abnormal behavior in the form of burst of aggressiveness and hyperactivity. Boy had partial, generalized tonic-clonic seizures occurred during sleep. Mental status examination revealed abnormal behaviour, attention deficits, auditory agnosia and aphasia (both expressive and receptive). All relevant investigations including BERA were normal. EEG showed repetitive spikes and wave activity in bilateral parietooccipital regions during nonrapid eye movement. Clinical features and EEG led to a diagnosis of Landau Kleffner Syndrome. He was started on Lamotrigine, steroid and speech therapy. The boy started showing improvement of symptoms in form of understanding of short sentences. Key words: Landau Kleffner Syndrome; EEG; Seizures DOI: 10.3126/jnps.v31i1.3543J Nep Paedtr Soc 2010;31(1):57-60
Childhood Intussusception: A Prospective Institutional Study at BPKIHS
Authors: Shakya VC , Agrawal CS , Sinha AK , Bhatta NK , Khaniya S , Adhikary S
Published: January 2011

Introduction: Intussusception is the commonest cause of bowel obstruction in infancy and childhood. The present study deals with the presentation, management and outcome of children presenting with intussusception at the Department of Surgery, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal. Materials and Methods: Forty-seven children presenting at Department of Surgery, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences over a 5-year period were prospectively studied. Results: There were 27 (58.6%) males and 20 (41.4%) females, with male-to-female ratio of 1.4:1. The ages ranged from 2 months to 13 years, with a median age of 30 months. The mean duration of presentation was 10.7 ± 30.66 days (range 1-180 days). The triad of abdominal pain, bloody mucoid stools and palpable abdominal mass was seen in 10 (21%) of the cases. Surgical exploration was done in 42 (89.3%) patients. The commonest lead point was non-specific hyperplastic lymph nodes, occurring in 22 (54.3%), followed by idiopathic variety (16.6%), Meckel's diverticulum (9.5%), ileocaecal junction (7.1%), submucous lipoma (4.7%), Non- Hodgkin's lymphoma (4.7%), appendix (2.3%) and a mucosal polyp (2.3%). Overall mortality rate was 6.3%. Conclusion: The presenting age group and the time of presentation are higher than other studies. The mortality rate of 6.3% is comparable to other studies in the developing world. Earlier presentation could have avoided surgery, with a higher possibility of cases being managed conservatively. Key words: Delayed diagnosis; intussusception; lead point DOI: 10.3126/jnps.v31i1.3682J Nep Paedtr Soc 2010;31(1):6-10
Simultaneous Gastric and Ileal Trichobezoars Causing Small Bowel Obstruction: A Case report
Authors: Lal S , Shukla P , Yedalvar V , Shrivastava GP
Published: January 2011

The corrected PDF for this article was loaded on 07/02/2011.Bezoars are conglomerates of food or fiber in the alimentary tract of humans and certain animals, mainly ruminants. A trichobezoar represents a mass of accumulated hair. Trichobezoars may present as an isolated gastric mass, as an extension into the small intestine, or as an independent fragmented mass in the small intestine. The presence of discrete coexisting gastric and ileal trichobezoars has been reported only rarely in the literature. This is a case report of a 10-year-old girl presenting with small-bowel obstruction secondary to synchronous trichobezoars in the stomach and ileum. The case highlights the role of imaging and importance of complete evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract at the time of surgical evacuation. Key words: Trichobezoars; stomach; small bowel; obstructions DOI: 10.3126/jnps.v31i1.3968J Nep Paedtr Soc 2010;31(1):72-74
Bacteriological Profile of Neonatal Sepsis: A Hospital Based Study
Authors: Shrestha NJ , Subedi KU , Rai GK
Published: January 2011

Introduction: Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in newborn. There are many factors that contribute to neonatal sepsis. The organisms responsible for early onset and late onset sepsis are different. Objective: This study was conducted to analyze the organisms responsible for early onset and late onset neonatal sepsis. Materials and Methods: A prospective hospital based study over the period of one year was conducted at neonatal intermediate care unit of Kanti Children's Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal. Results: Organisms were isolated in 6.1% of the collected blood samples. The male female ratio of culture proven sepsis was 1.9:1. Escherichia coli were found to be the most common organism in both early onset and late onset sepsis. Staphylococcus aureus was more common in late onset sepsis than early onset sepsis.Conclusion: Escherichia coli were the most common organism in both early onset and late onset sepsis. Staphylococcal aureus was significantly more common in late onset sepsis than early onset sepsis. Key words: Bacteriological profile; early onset sepsis; late onset sepsis; neonate DOI: 10.3126/jnps.v31i1.4158J Nep Paedtr Soc 2010;31(1):1-5
Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation of the Lung: A Case Report
Authors: Sood M
Published: January 2011

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations (CCAM) of the lung are rare congenital cystic lung lesions that arise from excessive disorganized proliferation of tubular bronchial structures. The prenatal rate of detection of lung cysts at the routine 18–20-week scan is almost 100%.However as gestation progresses the tracheobronchial tree becomes patent and the fl uid within the cysts exits into the amniotic fl uid and the cysts collapse, allowing the other lobes of the lung to develop normally. Only at birth do the cysts then expand and present in the newborn period with respiratory distress. In late childhood or in adult life, it can present as recurrent chest infections or even undergo malignant transformation. We report a case of Type II CCAM in newborn with brief review of literature. DOI: 10.3126/jnps.v31i1.4162J Nep Paedtr Soc 2010;31(1):64-67
Intensity-Based Climate Change Policies in Canada
Authors: Rivers Nic , Jaccard Mark
Published: January 2011

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from large industries the Canadian government proposed using a tradable emissions performance standard approach, where the intensity of emissions, rather than the absolute level, is regulated. Unlike a cap and trade system, an emissions performance standard does not guarantee a certain overall level of emission reductions, a fact that has led to significant criticism. However, because of the dynamics of performance standards, they may reduce concerns over reductions in international competitiveness in cases where a country has climate policies that are more aggressive than those of some of its trade partners. Likewise, a performance standard may mesh more efficiently with existing taxes and therefore cause less overall economic impact than an absolute cap and trade system. This paper considers the theoretical arguments for and against such a performance standard system and evaluates it in comparison to a cap and trade system using a dynamic general equilibrium model applied to Canada.