bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing the Outcome of Root‐Resection Therapy in Molars: A 10‐Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Park Shin‐Young , Shin Seung‐Yun , Yang Seung‐Min , Kye Seung‐Beom
Published: December 2008

Background: Root resection is one treatment option for preserving molars with furcation involvement. This study evaluated the prognosis of root‐resection therapy retrospectively and examined the factors influencing the survival rate of resected molars.

Methods: Root‐resection therapy was performed on 691 molars in 579 patients. The associated factors were examined from 342 of 402 molars that had been followed up for >1 year. Survival analysis was used to statistically analyze the factors.

Results: Over the past 10 years, 102 of 342 cases (29.8%) failed. The factors were classified into four groups and analyzed to determine their influence on the survival rate of the resected molars. Regarding the resection‐related factors, the molars resected because of periodontal problems had a higher survival rate than those resected because of non‐periodontal problems (tooth fracture, dental caries, and endodontic problems; P = 0.0097). Patient‐ and tooth‐related factors had no effect on the survival rates. Among the site‐related factors, only the amount of bone support of the remaining roots at the time of surgery had a significant effect on the survival rate in the group of molars with periodontal problems (P = 0.0269).

Conclusions: Root resection to treat periodontal problems had a better prognosis than for non‐periodontal problems. To achieve a good result, it was important that the remaining roots had >50% bone support. This guideline may help to improve the predictability of root‐resection therapy.
Expression of prolactin receptors in the human extra villous cytotrophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVNEO
Authors: Stefanoska Ivana , Vicovac Ljiljana
Published: December 2008

Prolactin is a pituitary hormone that is widely produced at extrapitutitary locations. One of the first described sites of its production is the decidualized endometrium, suggesting that it could be potentially significant for local processes such as immunomodulation, embryo implantation, and survival. In this study, expression of prolactin receptor protein is investigated by immunocytochemistry and Western blot in the HTR-8/SVneo cell line, often used as a model of first-tri?mester trophoblast. The obtained data enabled us to identify both long and intermediate forms of prolactin receptors, which were shown to be significant in PRL signaling in other tissues.
PCR amplification and sequence analysis of the rat Sox3 gene
Authors: Krstic A. , Mojsin Marija , Kovacevic-Grujicic Natasa , Stevanovic Milena
Published: December 2008

The Sox3 gene is considered to be one of the earliest neural markers in vertebrates, playing a role in specifying neuronal fate. Despite the completion of a rat genome sequencing project, only a partial sequence of the rat Sox3 gene has been available in the public database. Using PCR, sequencing, and bioinformatics tools, in this study we have determined the complete coding sequence of the rat Sox3 gene encoding 449 amino acids. Comparative analysis of rat and human SOX3 proteins revealed a high degree of conservation. Identification of the rat Sox3 gene sequence would help in understanding the biological roles of this gene and provide insight into evolutionary relationships with vertebrate orthologs.
The effect of fasting on the diurnal rhythm of rat ACHT and corticosterone secretion
Authors: Djordjevic Jelena , Jasnic N. , Vujovic P. , Djurasevic S. , Djordjevic Iva , Cvijic Gordana
Published: December 2008

A tight association of feeding, metabolism, and function of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis is well known. Studies of HPA axis responsivity to various diets and food restriction show that not only fasting but also the cyclic circadian input importantly determine these responses. We therefore studied the response of the rat HPA system to different fasting periods (12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 h), all imposed at 6 PM, by measuring blood ACTH and corticosterone concentration. The corresponding metabolic parameters, e.g., blood glucose and free fatty acid (FFA) levels, were also assessed. The obtained results show that fasting altered the normal diurnal rhythm in levels of blood ACTH and FFA, but not corticosterone and glucose. All applied fasting periods increased HPA system activity in comparison with ad libitum fed rats. However, the most pronounced elevation in the blood ACTH concentration was observed after 18 h and 36 h of fasting, while the CORT increment was the highest 48 h after food restriction began. As expected, the blood glucose concentration decreased under the influence of all fasting periods, being the lowest after 12 h of overnight fasting. In contrast to that, fasted rats exhibited a normal level of serum FFA early in the morning, an elevated level there?after, and the peak level 48 h after the onset of starvation.
Dexamethasone treatment during pregnancy influences the number of TSH cells in rat fetuses
Authors: Manojlovic-Stojanoski Milica , Nestorovic Natasa , Negic Natasa , Sosic-Jurjevic Branka , Trifunovic Svetlana , Milosevic Verica , Sekulic Milka
Published: December 2008

Glucocorticoids and thyroid hormones control many aspects of fetal development. Using immunohistochemistry and stereology, in the present study we investigated the effects of dexamethasone (Dx) administration during pregnancy on pituitary TSH cells of 19-day-old fetuses. Doses of 1.0, 0.5, and 0.5 mg Dx/kg bw/day were given to the dams on three consecutive days starting on day 16 of gestation. Administration of Dx to pregnant rats induced a significant decline of fetal TSH cell number per unit of area and their volume density in comparison with the corresponding controls. Our results showed that maternal Dx administration inhibited multiplication of TSH cells in 19-day-old fetuses.
Helminth fauna of Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758 from the suburban area of Belgrade, Serbia
Authors: Kataranovski D.S. , Vukicevic-Radic Olivera , Kataranovski Milena , Radovic Dusica , Mirkov Ivana
Published: December 2008

The helminth fauna of the house mouse (Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758) was studied on the basis of 429 host individuals from the suburban area of Belgrade. Eleven helminth species were recorded: three cestode species - Catenotaenia pusilla, Rodentolepis fraterna, and Cysticercus (= Strobilocercus) fasciolaris [larval stage of Taenia taeniaeformis (Batsch, 1821)]; and eight nematode species - Heligmosomoides polygyrus, Syphacia sp., Aspiculuris tetraptera, Syphacia obvelata, Heterakis spumosa, Trichuris muris, Mastophorus muris, and Gongylonema sp. Within the general helminth fauna, H. polygyrus was found to be the most prevalent species (39.2%) and caused the highest infection intensity. Prevalences of A. tetraptera, C. pusilla, and S. obvelata ranged from 12.8% to 6.1%, while the remaining species showed prevalences ranging from 4.9% (for Syphacia sp.) to 0.2% (for Gongylonema sp.). All the species found in males were also present in females, with the exceptions of M. muris and Gongylonema sp. No significant differences were found between males and females regarding prevalence (P%), mean infection intensity (MI), or mean abundance (MA).
Genetic variation and correlations of life-history traits in gypsy moths (Lymantria dispar L.) from two populations in Serbia
Authors: Lazarevic Jelica , Nenadovic Vera , Jankovic-Tomanic Milena , Milanovic S.
Published: December 2008

Periodic fluctuations in density impose different selection pressures on populations of outbreaking Lepidoptera due to changes in their nutritional environment. The maternal effects hypothesis of insect outbreak predicts the transmission of this nutritional "information" to subsequent generations and alterations in offspring life-history traits. To test for these time-delayed effects of the parental generation, we compared life-history traits and their variation and covariation among laboratory-reared gypsy moths hatched from egg masses collected from low- and medium-density populations. Decreased individual performance was recorded in offspring from the medium-density population, indicating reduced egg provisioning under crowding conditions. Genetic variance and covariance were also shown to be sensitive to density of the parental generation. In gypsy moths from the medium-density population, quantitative genetic analysis revealed significantly higher broad-sense heritabilities for development duration traits and demonstrated a trade-off between development duration and body size.
Peroxidase, phenolics, and antioxidative capacity of common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.) grown in a zinc excess
Authors: Morina Filis , Jovanovic L. , Kukavica Biljana , Veljovic-Jovanovic Sonja
Published: December 2008

Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.) is the dominant plant species at a disposal site polluted with metal from the hydrometallurgical jarosite zinc production process. Seeds collected at the site were germinated and plants were grown hydroponically under controlled conditions in a excess of Zn. Induction of total soluble POD activity in the root occurred at 1, 5, and 10 mM Zn, indicating Zn accumulation within the root. Accumulation of Zn in leaves was not accompanied by changes in POD activity, but resulted in gradual increase of total antioxidative capacity, which could be partly attributed to accumulation of soluble phenolics. The role of the phenolics/POD system in defense of V. thapsus against zinc is discussed.
Otiorhynchini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, entiminae) in the collection of the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Mihajlova Branislava , Pesic Snezana , Kotrosan D.
Published: December 2008

This paper gives a detailed survey of the state of the tribe Otiorhynchini in the collection of the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina as of the year 2006. The list of taxa is compiled according to the contemporary classification accepted in Europe. The survey of types of certain taxa and the locus classicus of each constitutes the most important part of this list.
99mTc-red blood cells SPECT and planar scintigraphy in the diagnosis of hepatic hemangiomas
Authors: Artiko M.V. , Sobic-Saranovic P.D. , Perisic-Savic S.M. , Stojkovic V.M. , Radoman B.I. , Knezevic S.J. , Petrovic S.N. , Obradovic B.V. , Milovic V.
Published: December 2008

The aim of the study is the assessment of the value of SPECT (single photon emission computerized tomography) using 99mTc-labeled red blood cells in the detection of liver hemangioma, in comparison to planar imaging. With planar red blood cell scintigraphy, sensitivity of the method was 76%, specificity 98%, positive predictive value 98% and negative predictive value 79%. With SPECT, sensitivity of the method was 95%, specificity 98%, positive predictive value 98% and negative predictive value 94%. The smallest lesion detected by planar red blood cell scintigraphy was 1.2 cm, and with SPECT red blood cell scintigraphy 0.8 cm. The use of 99mTc-labeled red blood cells SPECT improved the sensitivity much more in smaller lesions (0.8 to 2 cm), than in bigger ones (2-5 cm). SPECT with radiolabeled red blood cells significantly improves the results of scintigraphic findings, especially in the small lesions.
Granular cell tumor of the common hepatic duct presenting as cholangiocarcinoma and acute acalculous cholecystitis
Authors: Bilanovic D. , Boricic I. , Zdravkovic D. , Randjelovic T. , Stanisavljevic N. , Tokovic B.
Published: December 2008

Granular cell tumors (GCT) are rare benign tumors. Less than 1% of GCTs involve the extrahepatic biliary tree. Most researches favor a Schwann cell origin. Patient, caucasion, female, 31 year old presented with 4 month history of painless jaundice and pruritus. US and CT revealed dilatation of intrahepatic biliary tree and surgery was performed. Firm tumor mass was found above the conjunction of cystic duct and common hepatic duct (CHD) that caused obstruction and gallblader empyema. The patient underwent radical surgical procedure because Klatskin tumor was clinically suspected. Patohystology and immunohistochemistry confirmed granular cell tumor. Eight years after surgery the patient is wellbeing without symptoms. To our knowledge 69 cases of GCT of the extrahepatic biliary tree have been reported and none of the acute acalculous cholecystitis case accompanied by GCT of CHD. Granular cell tumors are rarely diagnosed preoperatively. Wide resection offers the best chance for cure.
Traumatska ruptura desne hemidijafragme
Authors: Kerkez M. , Culafic D. , Grubor N. , Stefanovic D. , Spica B.
Published: December 2008

The right hemidiaphragm rupture, caused by blunt force, occurs rarely and often is overlooked because of immediate management of life-threatening injuries. Our paper presents 31-year old female patient, admitted as emergency case due to traffic accident injuries. Physical examination revealed diminished respiratory mobility of the right hemothorax, along with the impaired respiratory sound to the right infrascapular aspect, diffuse painful sensitivity of the abdomen and limited mobility of the lower extremities. X-ray examination of the chest verified the tight hemidiaphragm elevation without any signs of bone structure fractures and hydro-pneumothorax. Computerized tomography of the abdomen and small pelvis showed the rupture of the right diaphragmatic cupola with the prolaps of the right hepatic lobe, sacral fracture and fracture of both ischial rami. The surgery verified the rupture of the right hemidiaphragm in transversal direction of about 10 cm long, with partial prolaps of liver to the right hemithorax. Surgical intervention included the insertion of thoracic drain and liver mobilization by severing the falciform ligament. The operation was completed by interrupted sutures of the right hemidiaphragm and hematomas in the retroperitoneum were incised. Postoperative course was uneventful, and oral nutrition was initiated on day 4. The patient was discharged 18 days after the surgery. Preoperative diagnostics, attentive intraoperative examination and early surgical treatment significantly reduce morbidity and mortality of patients with traumatic diaphragmatic rupture.
Viscosity changes of probiotic yoghurt with transglutaminase during storage
Authors: Ilicic Mirela , Caric Marijana , Milanovic Spasenija , Dokic Ljubica , Djuric Mirjana , Bosnjak Goran , Durakovic Katarina
Published: December 2008

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the quantity of transglutaminase as well as conditions of its application (direct, or after activation by milk heating for 2 h at 40?C and for 1 min at 80?C), on yoghurt viscosity manufactured from two kinds of low fat milk (0.1 % w/w fat and 0.5% w/w fat) during 10 days of storage. The fermentation in both series started after the adequate amounts of probiotic starter culture ABT-4 (Chr. Hansen A/S Denmark) were added to the milk at 43?C. After milk fermentation at pH 4.5, probiotic yoghurt samples were cooled to 8?C, gently homogenized and packed in plastic containers and stored for 10 days, at +4oC. Viscosity of all samples was measured at 5?C on a Haake Rheostress 600 viscosimeter. On the basis of the obtained results it can be concluded that yoghurt samples produced with low level of transglutaminase activated prior to fermentation have significantly better rheological properties than the samples produced without activation and yoghurt control. Generally, the application of low level transglutaminase in low - fat yoghurt production improves overall rheological properties of the final product.
Improving the economic performances of the beet-sugar industry
Authors: Prodanic Bojana , Jokic Aleksandar , Markovic Jelena , Zavargo Zoltan
Published: December 2008

General trend of free trade at the regional level as well as in the direction of European Union has motivated sugar factories located in Serbia to invest into technologies that are more efficient in order to make their products more competitive in the markets of Europe. Until 2005, the project of energy efficiency improvement in Serbian sugar factories was conducted in Crvenka and Zabalj. Now, they have energy consumption around 1 MJ/kg beet, in contrast to the previous consumption of 1.2 up to 1.5 MJ/kg beet. Further improvements are possible but investments would be high. A result of measurements taken during 2006, after the sugar factory "Donji Srem" - Pecinci was reconstructed showed that a considerable saving has been achieved. The first set of measurements showed that the energy consumption was 1.01 MJ/kg beet, which was 20% higher than intended, but at the same time energy savings were about 30% lower with respect to the values before the reconstruction.
Metal-support interaction: The key factor governing activity of Pd/SnO2 catalyst for denitration of ground water
Authors: Boskovic Goran , Kovacevic Marijana , Ratkovic Sanja , Kiss Erne , Radnik Joerg
Published: December 2008

Two mesoporous nanocristalline Pd/SnO2 catalysts were prepared by modified solgel technique differing in the pH conditions (pH = 2 and 9.5) of the synthesis of their supports. Samples achieved different activity and selectivity in water denitration reaction using hydrogen. XPS results of reduced samples indicate a strong interaction between the Pd and the Sn possibly as a result of electron shift from Sn to Pd. The solid solution of Pd2+ and SnO2 is formed by taking O from the surface of the support. In such a way some SnO2-X species may stay onto the surface and be responsible for its pronounced activity.
Effects of mill stream flours technological quality on fermentative activity of baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Miric Katarina , Pejin Dusanka
Published: December 2008

This work in concerned with the interdependence between technological quality of mill stream flours and fermentative activity of baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Each mill stream flour has its own specific properties, determined by the particle size, technological phase of its formation and part of the wheat kernel it consists of. Biochemical complexity of dough during examination of fermentative activity of baker's yeast confirmed the influence of a number of physical and biochemical flour properties, such as ash content, wet gluten content, rheological flour properties, phytic acid content and amylograph peak viscosity. Abudance of significant flour characteristic, their interaction and different behavior in the presence of the yeast, showed diversity and variation of result within the same category of the mill stream flour.
Lipase-catalyzed biodiesel synthesis with different acyl acceptors
Authors: Ognjanovic Nevena , Saponjic Svetlana , Bezbradica Dejan , Knezevic Zorica
Published: December 2008

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel for diesel engine that is environmentally acceptable. Conventionally, biodiesel is produced by transesterification of triglycerides and short alcohols in the presence of an acid or an alkaline catalyst. There are several problems associated with this kind of production that can be resolved by using lipase as the biocatalyst. The aim of the present work was to investigate novel acyl acceptors for biodiesel production. 2-Propanol and n-butanol have a less negative effect on lipase stability, and they also improve low temperature properties of the fuel. However, excess alcohol leads to inactivation of the enzyme, and glycerol, a major byproduct, can block the immobilized enzyme, resulting in low enzymatic activity. This problem was solved by using methyl acetate as acyl acceptor. Triacetylglycerol is produced instead of glycerol, and it has no negative effect on the activity of the lipase.
Modeling of properties of fiber reinforced cement composites
Authors: Jevtic Dragica , Zakic Dimitrije , Savic Aleksandar
Published: December 2008

This paper presents the results of authors' laboratory testing of the influence of steel fibers as fiber reinforcement on the change of properties of cement composite mortar and concrete type materials. Mixtures adopted - compositions of mortars had identical amounts of components: cement, sand and silica fume. The second type of mortar contained 60 kg/m3 of fiber reinforcement, as well as the addition of the latest generation of superplasticizer. Physical and mechanical properties of fiber reinforced mortars and etalon mixtures (density, flexural strength, compressive strength) were compared. Tests on concrete type cement composites included: density, mechanical strengths and the deformation properties. The tests showed an improvement in the properties of fiber reinforced composites.
Towards a new urbarchitectonic coloration
Authors: Cekic Nikola
Published: December 2008

The crisis in ecorurbarchitecture of modern times is reflected in the large number of superficially conceived villages and towns, houses, streets and plazas, lacking the artistic contents, as well as the coloration synchronized with the natural structures in the environment. Creators of the architecture failed to see the color as the fourth dimension, even though it was at hand. The failed to understand its role as a primarily multidisciplinary issue of awareness, culture, tradition, human customs, their ethnic and historical understanding of the artifact-nature relation, and its role as a corrective procedure to improve the living conditions in the habitations and its role in unifying of ecorurbarchitectonic values in the vision of art. The creators also failed to convince the future users to comprehend that village and city, different as they are, have noticeably drawn closer in terms of art. The aim of this paper is to pose the crucial questions concerning the new ecorurbarchitectonic coloration, which may improve the state of physical structures in space.
Iterative method for determination of the laser beam profile and τV-T
Authors: Rabasovic Mihailo , Markushev Dragan
Published: December 2008

Measuring the vibrational-to-translational relaxation time ?V-T in gases is one of the first applications of the photoacoustic effect. The spatial profile of the laser beam is crucial in these measurements because the multiphoton excitation is investigated. The multiphoton absorption is a non-linear process. Because of this, the top hat profile is preferable. It allows one to deal with nonlinearity in a simple manner. In order to reveal the real laser beam profile, we have slightly changed the theoretical profiles in such a manner that the best matching is obtained between theoretical and experimental photoacoustic signals. Still, there was a question: Is it possible to deduce the laser beam profile directly from the photoacoustic signal, thus avoiding manual changing of the laser beam profile? According to this paper, it is possible. The appropriate method has been found in another photoacoustics application: photoacoustic tomography. Thus, the method for the simultaneous determination of the spatial profile of the laser beam and vibrational-to-translational relaxation time is presented in this paper. It employs pulsed photoacoustics and an algorithm developed for photoacoustic tomography.
Disarrangement: Dominant symptom of traumatized people in Serbia
Authors: Opalic Petar
Published: December 2008

The psychopathological status of 175 subjects from Belgrade and wider surroundings was examined. Out of them, 70 subjects had somatic trauma (26 war traumas and 44 somatic peacetime traumas); 45 subjects had mental trauma, and 60 had no trauma. The following instruments were used: PTSD-Scale, Brief Eysenck's Personality Inventory, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-60) and Late Effect of Accidental Injury (LEAIQ), as well as appropriate statistical procedures (ANOVA, discriminative analysis, linear correlation). In qualitative terms, the majority of symptoms were conversive, the first of which was disarrangement. In quantitative terms, the symptoms of general neuroticism were most frequent in the subgroup of subjects with somatic war traumas, then in the subgroup with mental traumas in peacetime, and finally in the subgroup of subjects with somatic peacetime traumas. In the subgroup of mentally traumatised subjects, the PTSD symptoms were most frequent.
Victims of gender-based violence and their legal protection in Serbia: In relation to men's violence against women
Authors: Vuckovic Ivana
Published: December 2008

The main issue in this work is men's violence against women as a hate crime. The author analyzes this through a feminist perspective considering the relevance of basic facts and concepts such as gender, gender roles and socialization, power, patriarchy and women's rights. The author analyzes the position of women victims of men's violence on both the international and national level, and their legal protection, in general and especially in Serbia, using a victimological approach.
Soya straw bales combustion in high-efficient boiler
Authors: Repic Branislav , Dakic Dragoljub , Paprika Milijana , Mladenovic Rastko , Eric Aleksandar
Published: December 2008

There is a growing need for the use of alternative and renewable energy sources, in terms of sustainable energy development. One of the potentially biggest renewable energy sources in Serbia is agricultural biomass, quite available and cheap at the moment. For many years, the Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Laboratory for Thermal Engineering and Energy, has been working on the development of clean technologies for efficient utilization of biomass, and as a result utilities and equipment (boilers and furnaces) with wide range of use have been developed. These devices have complete combustion control and primarily burn baled biomass with no adequate utilization. The results of the development and of the tests of an experimental demonstrativel boiler burning small bales of soya straw have been presented in this paper. In the boiler, the combustion has been organized on the 'cigarette burning' principle, and fuel feeding has been done by gravity. The technical scheme of the boiler and the results of preliminary tests carried out in real operation conditions have been given.
Exergy analysis of a co-generation plant
Authors: Ferdelji Nenad , Galovic Antun , Guzovic Zvonimir
Published: December 2008

Limitations of traditional first-law analysis, based upon thermodynamic performance of process unit coupled with mass and energy balances, are not a serious limitation when dealing with familiar systems. However, when dealing with more uncongenial, complex ones, it provides incomplete insight for such evaluation. These limitations came from the fact that first-law analysis does not indicate the sources or magnitudes of entropy production, which is, by the second law, essential criterion for scaling losses. An evaluation of plant performance will usually require a comparison of the thermodynamic performance of process units with available data from existing plants. Therefore, exergy analysis is more than useful, providing information about magnitudes of losses and their distribution throughout the system as well. Such analysis is very thankful at the level of process units but applied on higher system levels e.g. the comparison of overall plant performance (total system) or the performance of subsystems, represents the valuable method for indicating where research resources can be directed to best advantage.
Pollution data tracking in the Western Balkan countries: A state-of-the-art review
Authors: Stefanovic Gordana , Trajanovic Miroslav , Duic Neven , Ferk Martina
Published: December 2008

As part of the FP6 Program, a project named WEB-ENV 'Development of environ- mental guidelines for the region of Western Balkans' dealt with the state of the environment in the region of the West Balkan countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, FYR Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. The parameters which were observed were air and water quality, solid waste pollution, soil degradation, and state of biodiversity. The results are presented as an extended mapping exercise identifying major environmental problems in each country. This paper outlines the comparative analysis of the parameters observed in the project and their respective resources. This paper also presents the impact of some polluters on the environmental condition of the countries surrounding Western Balkans. The analysis of data proves that certain areas have insufficient parameters especially in the field of ground water quality and soil degradation. Another problem in the comparative analysis was discrepancy of year of data collection. In order to get a better understanding of the environmental issue in the region it has been determined that it is necessary to provide comprehensive data monitoring via regional projects on the territory of the Western Balkans.
Share of aflatoxigenic moulds from genera Aspergillus and Penicillium in mycopopulations isolated from spices for meat processing industry
Authors: Saric Ljubisa , Skrinjar Marija
Published: December 2008

Results of this paper show share of aflatoxigenic moulds from genera Aspergillus and Penicillium in mycopopulations isolated from spices that are often used in meat processing (ground pepper, dried peppercorn, paprika powder, caraway and laurel). Using standard mycological methods, it has been found that all the examined samples were contaminated by Aspergillus species, and further 50% by Penicillium species. Additionally, aflatoxigenic moulds A. flavus and A. niger were found to be present. A. flavus was present with 60% in the samples of dried peppercorn 2; paprika powder 2, while its frequencies in ground pepper 1 and laurel were 50% and 28,5%. respectively. A. niger made up 50% of all the isolates of Aspergillus and Penicillium species, isolated from paprika powder 1, although its share in the samples of laurel, paprika powder 2 and ground pepper 1 was 43%, 20% and 10% respectively.
Effects of some ecological factors on Dothichiza populea Sacc. et Br. growth
Authors: Pap Predrag , Markovic Miroslav
Published: December 2008

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the mycelial growth and fruiting vigor of Dothichiza populea Sacc. et Br. under various temperatures, pH values, and light regimes. Effect of temperature on the fungus growth was examined by growing isolates in polythermostat at 5?C to 30?C. The best mycelial growth occurred at 20?C, while at 30?C it was inhibited. Fruiting of the fungus was not observed at 5?C, 25?C, and 30?C. However, the best fruiting of the isolates appeared at 20?C. The influence of different pH of the cultivation medium (3,5-10) on the fungus isolates growth was also evaluated. Optimal pH for the fungus growth ranged between 6 and 8, while formation of reproductive organs occurred at all pH values. The influence of two light regimes (light/dark regime and continuous dark) on the fungus growth was also studied. Obtained results showed that mycelial growth and fruiting of the fungus were considerably better under the light/dark regime.
The plant communities of classes Hydrochari-lemnetea Oberd. 1967 and Potametea tx. Et Prsg. 1942 of the Labudovo okno locality (Serbia)
Authors: Polic Dubravka , Igic Ruzica , Stojanovic Slobodanka , Lazic Dejana
Published: December 2008

Labudovo okno locality (50 m-84 m elevation) is situated in the south-eastern part of the edge of the Pannonian Plains, resting along the left bank of the Danube between 1982 km and 1078 km. The investigated locality is the result of rise of the Danube level after dam building of the hydroelectric power station Djerdap I. The vegetation comprises aquatic associations of the classes Hydrochari-Lemnetea Oberd. 1967 and Potametea Tx. et Prsg. 1942. The class Hydrochari-Lemnetea Oberd. 1967 includes the following phytocoenoses: Lemno-Spirodeletum W. Koch 1954, Salvinio-Spirodeletum polyrrhizae Slavnic 1956, Lemno minoris-Azolletum filiculoides Br.-Bl. 1952, Ceratophylletum demersi (So? 27) Hild 1956. The class Potametea Tx. et Prsg. 1942 includes the associations Myriophyllo-Potametum So? 1934, Nympaeetum albo-luteae Nowinski 1928, Trapetum natantis M?lleret G?rs 1960.
Progression to Impaired Glucose Regulation and Diabetes in the Population-Based Inter99 Study
Authors: Engberg Susanne , Vistisen Dorte , Lau Cathrine , Glümer Charlotte , Jørgensen Torben , Pedersen Oluf , Borch-Johnsen Knut
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to estimate the progression rates to impaired glucose regulation (impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance) and diabetes in the Danish population–based Inter99 study and in a high-risk subpopulation, separately.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

From a population-based primary prevention study, the Inter99 study, 4,615 individuals without diabetes at baseline and with relevant follow-up data were divided into a low- and a high-risk group based on a risk estimate of ischemic heart disease or the presence of risk factors (smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, or impaired glucose tolerance). High-risk individuals (57.1%) were examined with an oral glucose tolerance test at 1 and 3 years, and all of the participants were reexamined at the 5-year follow-up. Person-years at risk were calculated. Progression rates to impaired glucose regulation and diabetes were estimated directly from baseline to the 5-year follow-up for all the participants and from baseline through the 1- and 3- to 5-year follow-up examinations for the high-risk individuals, separately.

RESULTS

In the combined low- and high-risk group, 2.1 individuals per 100 person-years progressed from normal glucose tolerance (NGT) to impaired glucose regulation or diabetes. Among high-risk individuals, 5.8 per 100 person-years with NGT progressed to impaired glucose regulation or diabetes, and 4.9 per 100 person-years progressed from impaired glucose regulation to diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Progression rates to impaired glucose regulation using the current World Health Organization classification criteria were calculated for the first time in a large European population-based study. The progression rates to diabetes show the same pattern as seen in the few similar European studies.
Performance of the UK Prospective Diabetes Study Risk Engine and the Framingham Risk Equations in Estimating Cardiovascular Disease in the EPIC- Norfolk Cohort
Authors: Simmons Rebecca K. , Coleman Ruth L. , Price Hermione C. , Holman Rury R. , Khaw Kay-Tee , Wareham Nicholas J. , Griffin Simon J.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the performance of the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) Risk Engine (version 3) and the Framingham risk equations (2008) in estimating cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence in three populations: 1) individuals with known diabetes; 2) individuals with nondiabetic hyperglycemia, defined as A1C ≥6.0%; and 3) individuals with normoglycemia defined as A1C <6.0%.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a population-based prospective cohort (European Prospective Investigation of Cancer-Norfolk). Participants aged 40–79 years recruited from U.K. general practices attended a health examination (1993–1998) and were followed for CVD events/death until April 2007. CVD risk estimates were calculated for 10,137 individuals.

RESULTS

Over 10.1 years, there were 69 CVD events in the diabetes group (25.4%), 160 in the hyperglycemia group (17.7%), and 732 in the normoglycemia group (8.2%). Estimated CVD 10-year risk in the diabetes group was 33 and 37% using the UKPDS and Framingham equations, respectively. In the hyperglycemia group, estimated CVD risks were 31 and 22%, respectively, and for the normoglycemia group risks were 20 and 14%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the ability of the risk equations to discriminate between individuals at different risk of CVD events in each subgroup; both equations overestimated CVD risk. The Framingham equations performed better in the hyperglycemia and normoglycemia groups as they did not overestimate risk as much as the UKPDS Risk Engine, and they classified more participants correctly.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the UKPDS Risk Engine and Framingham risk equations were moderately effective at ranking individuals and are therefore suitable for resource prioritization. However, both overestimated true risk, which is important when one is using scores to communicate prognostic information to individuals.
Multi-Stakeholder Forums for Comanagement of Pastoralism in Niger
Authors: Sommerhalter Thomas
Published: December 2008

Multi-stakeholder forums are part of the family of cooperative management approaches. The Nigero-German Development programme 'Fight against Poverty' (LUCOP) has applied this approach to the pastoral zone in Niger. Stakeholders at three forums representing resident and non-resident resource users have made commitments of behaviour and action in favour of consensual management of natural resources and pastoralism. The approach, after two years of implementation, has proven successful so far in securing mobile pastoralism and also presenting a framework for more small-scale and localized action. The question of sustainability remains open. Presented here are some of the key results from follow-up surveys and impact assessments of the forums.
Entropy – New Editor-in-Chief and Outlook
Authors: Harremoës Peter
Published: December 2008

I became the Editor-in-Chief of Entropy in July 2008.[...]
Vernonia amygdalina: Anticancer Activity, Authentication, and Adulteration Detection
Authors: Gresham Lecia J. , Ross Jetaime , Izevbigie Ernest B.
Published: December 2008

Evidence suggests that most chemotherapeutic agents are less effective as treatment in patients with estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) breast carcinomas compared to those with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast carcinomas. Moreover, African American Women (AAW) is disproportionately diagnosed with ER- breast cancer compared to their white counterparts. Novel therapies effective against ER- breast carcinomas are urgently needed to ameliorate the health disparity. Previous reports show that low concentrations (microgram/ml) of water-soluble leaf extracts of a Nigerian edible plant, V. amygdalina (VA), potently retards the proliferative activities of ER+ human breast cancerous cells (MCF-7) in vitro in a concentration-dependent fashion. However, the anti-proliferative activities of VA in either ductal or ER- carcinoma cells have not been characterized. The exposure of BT-549 to increasing concentrations of VA (10, 100, and 1000 µg/mL) inhibited cell growth by approximately 14% (P
Dioxins, Furans and PCBs in Recycled Water for Indirect Potable Reuse
Authors: Rodriguez Clemencia , Cook Angus , Devine Brian , Van Buynder Paul , Lugg Richard , Linge Kathryn , Weinstein Philip
Published: December 2008

An assessment of potential health impacts of dioxin and dioxin-like compounds in recycled water for indirect potable reuse was conducted. Toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) for 2,3,7,8-substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) congeners have been developed by the World Health Organization to simplify the risk assessment of complex mixtures. Samples of secondary treated wastewater in Perth, Australia were examined pre-and post-tertiary treatment in one full-scale and one pilot water reclamation plant. Risk quotients (RQs) were estimated by expressing the middle-bound toxic equivalent (TEQ) and the upper-bound TEQ concentration in each sampling point as a function of the estimated health target value. The results indicate that reverse osmosis (RO) is able to reduce the concentration of PCDD, PCDF and dioxin-like PCBs and produce water of high quality (RQ after RO=0.15). No increased human health risk from dioxin and dioxin-like compounds is anticipated if highly treated recycled water is used to augment drinking water supplies in Perth. Recommendations for a verification monitoring program are offered.
A Method to Compute Multiplicity Corrected Confidence Intervals for Odds Ratios and Other Relative Effect Estimates
Authors: Efird Jimmy Thomas , Nielsen Susan Searles
Published: December 2008

Epidemiological studies commonly test multiple null hypotheses. In some situations it may be appropriate to account for multiplicity using statistical methodology rather than simply interpreting results with greater caution as the number of comparisons increases. Given the one-to-one relationship that exists between confidence intervals and hypothesis tests, we derive a method based upon the Hochberg step-up procedure to obtain multiplicity corrected confidence intervals (CI) for odds ratios (OR) and by analogy for other relative effect estimates. In contrast to previously published methods that explicitly assume knowledge of P values, this method only requires that relative effect estimates and corresponding CI be known for each comparison to obtain multiplicity corrected CI.
Epidemiological Study of High Cancer among Rural Agricultural Community of Punjab in Northern India
Authors: Thakur J. S. , Rao B. T. , Rajwanshi Arvind , Parwana H. K. , Kumar Rajesh
Published: December 2008

Based on a citizen’s report, a house-to-house survey was conducted in Talwandi Sabo and Chamkaur Sahib Community Development Blocks in Bathinda and Roop Nagar District respectively in Punjab state located in a northern part of India to identify the number of existing cancer cases, and the number of cancer deaths that occurred in the last 10 years. Age adjusted prevalence of confirmed cancer cases per 100,000 population was 125 (107/85315) in Talwandi Sabo and 72 (71/97928) in Chamkaur Sahib. Cancer of female reproductive system, i.e., breast, uterus/cervix and ovary were more common in Talwandi sabo whereas cancer of blood and lymphatic system, esophagus, and bones were more common in Chamkaur Sahib. Cancer deaths per 100,000 populations per year were 52 in Talwandi Sabo compared to 30 at Chamkaur Sahib. A comparison of the characteristics of randomly selected individuals, from the villages where a cancer case existed or death due to cancer had occurred in last 2 years, revealed that involvement in cultivation, pesticide use, alcohol consumption and smoking were more common in Talwandi Sabo as compared to Chamkaur Sahib. Limited studies show that in drinking water the levels of heavy metals such as As, Cd, Cr, Se, Hg were generally higher, and pesticides such as heptachlor, ethion, and chloropyrifos were also higher in samples of drinking water, vegetables, and blood in Talwandi Sabo as compared to Chamkaur Sahib. As multiple factors were responsible for significantly higher prevalence of cancer cases in Talwandi Sabo, therefore, a multi-pronged strategy to discourage the indiscriminate use of pesticides, tobacco and alcohol needs to be adopted for cancer prevention, and a cancer registry should be set up for elucidation of the role of pesticides and heavy metals in the etiology of cancer in this area.
Immunological and Biochemical Markers in Oral Carcinogenesis: The Public Health Perspective
Authors: Khanna Sunali
Published: December 2008

Oral health is an integral component of general health and well being and a basic human right. Dental public health is probably the most challenging specialty of dentistry. Because of the lack of adequate resources among other factors, many people are likely to suffer from dental diseases. Despite great improvements in the oral health status of populations across the world, the burden and impact of dental diseases are still high. This is particularly true among underprivileged groups in both developed and developing communities. Oral diseases and conditions, including oral cancer, oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS, dental trauma, craniofacial anomalies, and noma, all have broad impacts on health and well-being. Oral cancer, the sixth most common cancer worldwide continues to be most prevalent cancer related to the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and other carcinogenic products. Nevertheless, significant reduction in mortality can be achieved by advances in early diagnosis and implementation of multidisciplinary treatment programs leading to improvement of survivorship and better quality of life. The present study was designed to evaluate the immunologic and biochemical markers in oral carcinogenesis using circulating immune complexes (CIC), copper, iron, and selenium concentrations as assessment endpoints. Study results indicated an increase in CIC and copper levels, and a decrease in iron and selenium concentrations in oral cancer patients compared to controls. The implications of these findings for public health are discussed.
Bioavailability and Uptake of Lead by Coffeeweed (Sesbania exaltata Raf.)
Authors: Miller Gloria , Begonia Gregorio , Begonia Maria , Ntoni Jennifer
Published: December 2008

Lead (Pb) is recognized as one of the most pervasive environmental health concerns in the industrialized world. While there has been a substantial reduction in the use of Pb in gasoline, water pipes, and Pb-based residential paint, residual Pb from their use is still in the environment and constitutes an important source of Pb in the atmosphere, water, and soil. Soil acts as a sink for these anthropogenic sources of Pb, accumulating the deposits over time in the upper 2 - 5 cm of undisturbed soil. Generally, Pb binds strongly to soil particles and renders a significant soil-metal fraction insoluble and largely unavailable for phytoremediation or plant uptake. A major objective of current phytoremediation research, therefore, is to induce desorption of Pb from the soil matrix into solution and increase the propensity for plant uptake. We hypothesized that the bioavailability of Pb for plant uptake can be increased through chelate amendments. To test this hypothesis, we mixed delta top soil and peat (2:1) and added lead nitrate [Pb (NO3)2] to generate a Pb-contaminated soil concentration of 2000 mg Pb/kg dry soil. After incubating the Pb-spiked soil in a greenhouse for 6 weeks, Sesbania plants were grown in the soil and harvested at 6, 8, and 10 weeks after emergence. Six days before each harvest, a chelating agent, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was applied to the root zone as an aqueous solution in a 1:1 ratio with the Pb concentration in the soil. Sequential extraction procedures were used to assess selective chemical fractions of Pb in the soil. Our results showed that a higher exchangeable fraction of Pb was available for plant uptake after chelate amendment compared to pre-chelate amendment. We also saw higher root and shoot Pb uptake after chelate amendment compared to pre-chelate amendment, especially at 10 weeks after emergence. Together, these results suggest that chelate amendments can promote the bioavailability of Pb in the soil and increased the propensity for uptake by plants into roots and shoots. Further, these results indicate that Sesbania exaltata can be grown under elevated Pb conditions and may be suitable as a potential crop rotation species for phytoextraction.