bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arecoline induced disruption of expression and localization of the tight junctional protein ZO-1 is dependent on the HER 2 expression in human endometrial Ishikawa cells
Authors: Giri Sarbani , Poindexter Kevin M , Sundar Shyam N , Firestone Gary L
Published: July 2010

Background

Approximately 600 million people chew Betel nut, making this practice the fourth most popular oral habit in the world. Arecoline, the major alkaloid present in betel nut is one of the causative agents for precancerous lesions and several cancers of mouth among those who chew betel nut. Arecoline can be detected in the human embryonic tissue and is correlated to low birth weight of newborns whose mothers chew betel nut during pregnancy, suggesting that arecoline can induce many systemic effects. However, few reports exist as to the effects of arecoline in human tissues other than oral cancer cell lines. Furthermore, in any system, virtually nothing is known about the cellular effects of arecoline treatment on membrane associated signaling components of human cancer cells.

Results

Using the human Ishikawa endometrial cancer cell line, we investigated the effects of arecoline on expression, localization and functional connections between the ZO-1 tight junction protein and the HER2 EGF receptor family member. Treatment of Ishikawa cells with arecoline coordinately down-regulated expression of both ZO-1 and HER2 protein and transcripts in a dose dependent manner. Biochemical fractionation of cells as well as indirect immunofluorescence revealed that arecoline disrupted the localization of ZO-1 to the junctional complex at the cell periphery. Compared to control transfected cells, ectopic expression of exogenous HER2 prevented the arecoline mediated down-regulation of ZO-1 expression and restored the localization of ZO-1 to the cell periphery. Furthermore, treatment with dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid reported to up-regulate expression of HER2 in Ishikawa cells, precluded arecoline from down-regulating ZO-1 expression and disrupting ZO-1 localization.

Conclusion

Arecoline is known to induce precancerous lesions and cancer in the oral cavity of betel nut users. The arecoline down-regulation of ZO-1 expression and subcellular distribution suggests that arecoline potentially disrupts cell-cell interactions mediated by ZO-1, which may play a role in arecoline-mediated carcinogenesis. Furthermore, our study has uncovered the dependency of ZO-1 localization and expression on HER2 expression, which has therefore established a new cellular link between HER2 mediated signaling and apical junction formation involving ZO-1.
Long-term follow-up with Granulocyte and Monocyte Apheresis re-treatment in patients with chronically active inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Lindberg Annelie , Eberhardson Michael , Karlsson Mats , Karlén Per
Published: July 2010

Background

Patients with IBD and chronic inflammation refractory to conventional therapy often demonstrate higher risk of serious complications. Combinations of immunosuppression and biological treatment as well as surgical intervention are often used in this patient group. Hence, there is need for additional treatment options. In this observational study, focused on re-treatment and long-term results, Granulocyte/Monocyte Adsorption (GMA, Adacolumn®) treatment has been investigated to study efficacy, safety and quality of life in IBD-patients with chronic activity.

Methods

Fifteen patients with ulcerative colitis and 25 patients with Crohn's disease, both groups with chronically active inflammation refractory to conventional medication were included in this observational study. The patients received 5-10 GMA sessions, and the clinical activity was assessed at baseline, after each completed course, and at week 10 and 20 by disease activity index, endoscopy and quality of life evaluation. Relapsed patients were re-treated by GMA in this follow-up study up to 58 months.

Results

Clinical response was seen in 85% and complete remission in 65% of the patients. Ten patients in the UC-group (66%) and 16 patients in the CD-group (64%) maintained clinical and endoscopic remission for an average of 14 months. Fourteen patients who relapsed after showing initial remission were re-treated with GMA and 13 (93%) went into a second remission. Following further relapses, all of seven patients were successfully re-treated for the third time, all of three patients for the fourth time and one for a fifth time.

Conclusions

IBD-patients with chronic inflammation despite conventional therapy seem to benefit from GMA. Re-treatment of relapsing remission patients seems to be effective.
The identification of unique serum proteins of HIV-1 latently infected long-term non-progressor patients
Authors: Van Duyne Rachel , Guendel Irene , Kehn-Hall Kylene , Easley Rebecca , Klase Zachary , Liu Chenglong , Young Mary , Kashanchi Fatah
Published: July 2010

Background

The search for disease biomarkers within human peripheral fluids has become a favorable approach to preventative therapeutics throughout the past few years. The comparison of normal versus disease states can identify an overexpression or a suppression of critical proteins where illness has directly altered a patient's cellular homeostasis. In particular, the analysis of HIV-1 infected serum is an attractive medium with which to identify altered protein expression due to the ease and non-invasive methods of collecting samples as well as the corresponding insight into thein vivointeraction of the virus with infected cells/tissue. The utilization of proteomic techniques to globally identify differentially expressed serum proteins in response to HIV-1 infection is a significant undertaking that is complicated due to the innate protein profile of human serum.

Results

Here, the depletion of 12 of the most abundant serum proteins, followed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with identification of these proteins using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, has allowed for the identification of differentially expressed, low abundant serum proteins. We have analyzed and compared serum samples from HIV-1 infected subjects who are being treated using highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to those who are latently infected but have not progressed to AIDS despite the absence of treatment, i.e. long term non-progressors (LTNPs). Here we have identified unique serum proteins that are differentially expressed in LTNP HIV-1 patients and may contribute to the ability of these patients to combat HIV-1 infection in the absence of HAART. We focused on the cdk4/6 cell cycle inhibitor p16INK4Aand found that the treatment of HIV-1 latently infected cell lines with p16INK4Adecreases viral production despite it not being expressed endogenously in these cells.

Conclusions

Identification of these unique proteins may serve as an indication of altered viral states in response to infection as well as a natural phenotypic variability in response to HIV-1 infection in a given population.
Whole exome capture in solution with 3 Gbp of data
Authors: Bainbridge Matthew N , Wang Min , Burgess Daniel L , Kovar Christie , Rodesch Matthew J , D'Ascenzo Mark , Kitzman Jacob , Wu Yuan-Qing , Newsham Irene , Richmond Todd A , Jeddeloh Jeffrey A , Muzny Donna , Albert Thomas J , Gibbs Richard A
Published: July 2010

We have developed a solution-based method for targeted DNA capture-sequencing that is directed to the complete human exome. Using this approach allows the discovery of greater than 95% of all expected heterozygous singe base variants, requires as little as 3 Gbp of raw sequence data and constitutes an effective tool for identifying rare coding alleles in large scale genomic studies.
The Creationist Fiction: The Case against Creationism About Fictional Characters
Authors: Brock Stuart
Published: July 2010

This essay explains why creationism about fictional characters is an abject failure. Creationism about fictional characters is the view that fictional objects are created by the authors of the novels in which they first appear. This essay shows that, when the details of creationism are filled in, the hypothesis becomes far more puzzling than the linguistic data it is used to explain. No matter how the creationist identifies where, when and how fictional objects are created, the proposal conflicts with other strong intuitions we have about fictional characters.
States of Fantasy: Barack Obama versus the Tea Party Movement
Authors: Pease Donald E.
Published: July 2010

The essay “States of Fantasy: Barack Obama versus the Tea Party Movement” analyzes the recent populist conservatism in terms of the disparate fantasies convoking its disparate constituencies.
Subdural haematoma: an uncommon presentation of thrombocytopaenia in HIV infection
Authors: Rao G Raghurama , Subrahmanyam N , Amareswar A
Published: July 2010

Isolated thrombocytopaenia can occur in 30–60% of HIV-infected patients. The majority of patients with HIV-related immune thrombocytopaenia have only minor submucosal bleeding problems. Cases of subarachnoid haemorrhage and subdural haematoma are very rare and management of such cases is a challenging problem for physicians. We report a rare case of subdural haematoma due to thrombocytopaenia in a 40-year-old HIV-positive man.
Television and Video Game Exposure and the Development of Attention Problems
Authors: Swing Edward L. , Gentile Douglas A. , Anderson Craig A. , Walsh David A.
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVES:

Television viewing has been associated with greater subsequent attention problems in children. Few studies have examined the possibility of a similar association between video games and attention problems, and none of these has used a longitudinal design.

METHODS:

A sample of 1323 middle childhood participants were assessed during a 13-month period by parent- and child-reported television and video game exposure as well as teacher-reported attention problems. Another sample of 210 late adolescent/early adult participants provided self-reports of television exposure, video game exposure, and attention problems.

RESULTS:

Exposure to television and video games was associated with greater attention problems. The association of television and video games to attention problems in the middle childhood sample remained significant when earlier attention problems and gender were statistically controlled. The associations of screen media and attention problems were similar across media type (television or video games) and age (middle childhood or late adolescent/early adult).

CONCLUSIONS:

Viewing television and playing video games each are associated with increased subsequent attention problems in childhood. It seems that a similar association among television, video games, and attention problems exists in late adolescence and early adulthood. Research on potential risk factors for attention problems should be expanded to include video games in addition to television.
Late Preterm Infants: Birth Outcomes and Health Care Utilization in the First Year
Authors: Bird T. Mac , Bronstein Janet M. , Hall Richard W. , Lowery Curtis L. , Nugent Richard , Mays Glen P.
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE:

To distinguish the effects of late preterm birth from the complications associated with the causes of delivery timing, this study used propensity score–matching methods on a statewide database that contains information on both mothers and infants.

METHODS:

Data for this study came from Arkansas Medicaid claims data linked to state birth certificate data for the years 2001 through 2005. We excluded all multiple births, infants with birth defects, and infants at <33 weeks of gestation. Late preterm infants (LPIs) (34 to 36 weeks of gestation) were matched with term infants (37–42 weeks of gestation) according to propensity scores, on the basis of infant, maternal, and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS:

A total of 5188 LPIs were matched successfully with 15303 term infants. LPIs had increased odds of poor outcomes during their birth hospitalization, including a need for mechanical ventilation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.31 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.68]), respiratory distress syndrome (aOR: 2.84 [95% CI: 2.33–3.45]), and hypoglycemia (aOR: 1.60 [95% CI: 1.26–2.03]). Outpatient and inpatient Medicaid expenditures in the first year were both modestly higher (outpatient, adjusted marginal effect: $108 [95% CI: $58–$158]; inpatient, $597 [95% CI: $528–$666]) for LPIs.

CONCLUSIONS:

LPIs are at increased risk of poor health-related outcomes during their birth hospitalization and of increased health care utilization during their first year.
Diferenciais de cárie dentária entre os índios Xavante de Mato Grosso, Brasil
Authors: Arantes Rui , Santos Ricardo Ventura , Frazão Paulo
Published: July 2010

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar níveis de experiência de cárie entre subgrupos Xavante que vivem em diferentes Terras Indígenas (T.I.) no Estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil, a fim de investigar a presença de desigualdades no interior de uma mesma etnia indígena. Os dados foram coletados através de um censo de saúde bucal realizados em 2004. Das sete T.I. Xavante existentes, foram investigadas quatro (Pimentel Barbosa, Sangradouro, Areões e Marechal Rondon), nas quais foram selecionadas a maior aldeia de cada. Foram adotados os critérios preconizados pela Organização Mundial da Saúde, e utilizado o índice CPOS. Para mensurar as diferenças entre as T.I. foi estimada a razão de prevalência (RP) por meio de análise de regressão de Poisson, efetuada na faixa etária entre 6 e 34 anos para cada sexo, incluindo a idade como covariável. Nesta faixa etária, as perdas variaram entre 26 a 30%. Pimentel Barbosa foi considerada como referência para comparações por apresentar menor prevalência de cárie em todas as faixas etárias analisadas. A maior disparidade foi notada entre as T.I. Pimentel Barbosa e Sangradouro, tanto em homens (RP 2,68- IC95% 2,41 a 2,97) como em mulheres (RP 2,03- IC95% 1,85 a 2,23). A RP do componente obturado em Areões e Marechal Rondon (diferença relativa a Pimentel Barbosa) é muito pequena em relação à carga de doença total nestas T.I., indicando menor presença de serviço odontológico restaurador. Conclui-se que a transição em saúde bucal não é homogênea entre os Xavante e que as diferenças podem estar associadas a particularidades do processo histórico de interação com a sociedade não-indígena. Determinantes locais e regionais, incluindo fatores demográficos, características econômicas e sócio-culturais específicas, acesso e utilização de serviços de saúde, podem ter determinado as desigualdades de ataque de cárie observadas entre os Xavante.
Early Cambrian brachiopods and other shelly fossils from the basal Kinzers Formation of Pennsylvania
Authors: Skovsted Christian B. , Peel John S.
Published: July 2010

An assemblage of seventeen species of Small Shelly Fossils, dominated by the brachiopodEothele tubulusand species of the molluskYochelcionella, is described from the basal Kinzers Formation of Thomasville, Pennsylvania. The occurrence extends southwards the distribution of an Early Cambrian fauna (Cambrian Series 2, Stage 4) that is otherwise characteristic of the eastern shelf of Laurentia from New York to Greenland. The poorly known acrothelid brachiopodEothele tubulusis redescribed based on large collections of ventral valves. The shell structure ofE. tubulusis characterized by orthogonal baculae, and represents the oldest known example of a baculate shell structure, indicating that this type of shell structure evolved already in the Early Cambrian.
Endocrine side effects of broad-acting kinase inhibitors
Authors: Lodish Maya B , Stratakis Constantine A
Published: July 2010

Targeted therapy in oncology consists of drugs that specifically interfere with abnormal signaling pathways that are dysregulated in cancer cells. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) take advantage of unique oncogenes that are activated in certain types of cancer, and also target common mechanisms of growth, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. However, many kinase inhibitors for cancer therapy are somewhat nonselective, and most have additional mechanisms of action at the cellular level, which are not completely understood. The use of these agents has increased our knowledge of important side effects, of which the practicing clinician must be aware. Recently, proposed endocrine-related side effects of these agents include alterations in thyroid function, bone metabolism, linear growth, gonadal function, fetal development, and glucose metabolism, and adrenal function. This review summarizes the most recent data on the endocrine side effects of TKIs.
Consumer‐mediated recycling and cascading trophic interactions
Authors: Leroux Shawn J. , Loreau Michel
Published: July 2010

Cascading trophic interactions mediated by consumers are complex phenomena, which encompass many direct and indirect effects. Nonetheless, most experiments and theory on the topic focus uniquely on the indirect, positive effects of predators on producers via regulation of herbivores. Empirical research in aquatic ecosystems, however, demonstrate that the indirect, positive effects of consumer‐mediated recycling on primary producer stocks may be larger than the effects of herbivore regulation, particularly when predators have access to alternative prey. We derive an ecosystem model with both recipient‐ and donor‐controlled trophic relationships to test the conditions of four hypotheses generated from recent empirical work on the role of consumer‐mediated recycling in cascading trophic interactions. Our model predicts that predator regulation of herbivores will have larger, positive effects on producers than consumer‐mediated recycling in most cases but that consumer‐mediated recycling does generally have a positive effect on producer stocks. We demonstrate that herbivore recycling will have larger effects on producer biomass than predator recycling when turnover rates and recycling efficiencies are high and predators prefer local prey. In addition, predictions suggest that consumer‐mediated recycling has the largest effects on primary producers when predators prefer allochthonous prey and predator attack rates are high. Finally, our model predicts that consumer‐mediated recycling effects may not be largest when external nutrient loading is low. Our model predictions highlight predator and prey feeding relationships, turnover rates, and external nutrient loading rates as key determinants of the strength of cascading trophic interactions. We show that existing hypotheses from specific empirical systems do not occur under all conditions, which further exacerbates the need to consider a broad suite of mechanisms when investigating trophic cascades.
Working less to gain more: when breeding quality relates to foraging efficiency
Authors: Lescroël Amélie , Ballard Grant , Toniolo Viola , Barton Kerry J. , Wilson Peter R. , Lyver Philip O'B. , Ainley David G.
Published: July 2010

In animal populations, a minority of individuals consistently achieves the highest breeding success and therefore contributes the most recruits to future generations. On average, foraging performance is important in determining breeding success at the population level, but evidence is scarce to show that more successful breeders (better breeders) forage differently than less successful ones (poorer breeders). To test this hypothesis, we used a 10‐year, three‐colony, individual‐based longitudinal data set on breeding success and foraging parameters of a long‐lived bird, the Adélie Penguin, Pygoscelis adeliae. Better breeders foraged more efficiently than poorer breeders under harsh environmental conditions and when offspring needs were higher, therefore gaining higher net energy profit to be allocated to reproduction and survival. These results imply that adverse “extrinsic” conditions might select breeding individuals on the basis of their foraging ability. Adélie Penguins show sufficient phenotypic plasticity that at least a portion of the population is capable of surviving and successfully reproducing despite extreme variability in their physical and biological environment, variability that is likely to be associated with climate change and, ultimately, with the species' evolution. This study is the first to demonstrate the importance of “extrinsic” conditions (in terms of environmental conditions and offspring needs) on the relationship between foraging behavior and individual quality.
Winter climate change: a critical factor for temperate vegetation performance
Authors: Kreyling Juergen
Published: July 2010

Winter ecological processes are important drivers of vegetation and ecosystem functioning in temperate ecosystems. There, winter conditions are subject to rapid climate change. The potential loss of a longer‐lasting snow cover with implications to other plant‐related climate parameters and overwintering strategies make the temperate zone particularly vulnerable to winter climate change.

A formalized literature search in the ISI Web of Science shows that plant related research on the effects of winter climate change is generally underrepresented. Temperate regions in particular are rarely studied in this respect, although the few existing studies imply strong effects of winter climate change on species ranges, species compositions, phenology, or frost injury. The generally positive effect of warming on plant survival and production may be counteracted by effects such as an increased frost injury of roots and shoots, an increased insect pest risk, or a disrupted synchrony between plants and pollinators.

Based on the literature study, gaps in current knowledge are discussed. Understanding the relative effects of interacting climate parameters, as well as a stronger consideration of short‐term events and variability of climatic conditions is urgent. With respect to plant response, it would be particularly worthwhile to account for hidden players such as pathogens, pollinators, herbivores, or fungal partners in mycorrhization.
The influence of chemical composition of milk on yield of semi-hard cheese
Authors: Bojanic-Rasovic M. , Mirecki S. , Nikolic N. , Rasovic R.
Published: July 2010

The aim of paper was to examine the impact of the milk quality on yield of semi-hard naturally dried cheese, produced in cheese plant factory ZZ 'Cijevna' in Podgorica. Tests were conducted on 6 samples of bulk milk of cows and 6 productive batch of cheese. Chemical tests of the bulk milk have been done on the device MilcoScan 4000, and the determination content dry matter of whey and dry matter of cheese on the device MilcoScan FT 120. Theoretical yield of cheese was determined in two ways: 1) based on the content of fat and protein content in milk and 2) based on dry matter content of milk, dry matter of whey and dry matter of cheese. Actual yield of cheese is determined on the base of the total amount of cheese obtained after pressing and the amount of wasted milk. The average value for the fat content in the examined milk amounted to 3.79%, protein 3.24%, 4.26% lactose and dry matter content without fat 8.24%. The average value for the theoretical cheese yield by first method was 10.65% and by second method 9,30%. The average of actual cheese yield amounted to 11.26%. We found a very high positive correlation between content of fat in milk and actual cheese yield (0.929032) and mean positive correlation between content of protein in milk and actual cheese yield (0.613141), content of lactose in milk and actual cheese yield (0.651317) and between dry matter content in milk and actual cheese yield (0.651956).
Herbs in a sustainable animal nutrition
Authors: Runjaic-Antic D. , Pavkov S. , Levic J.
Published: July 2010

Animal has a direct impact on the quality of meat, milk and eggs in a positive and negative sense. Over the composition of a meal for animals can manipulate the quality of products of animal origin and can be achieved by a variety of nutritional, sensory, chemical, physical and physiological characteristics. The use of medicine in intensive and extensive farming is a big and risky to the quality of food and thus health. In organic farming of animals is not allowed to use medicines. Because are increasingly looking for natural healing resources. Herbs provides, in the manufacture of animal feed, a real opportunity to increase value through the use of different functional additions. Addition food for animals, really can improve its functionality in terms of a physiological effect. In developed countries in Europe is very strong trend of replacing synthetic antibiotic drugs based on medicinal herbal preparations. As herbal feed additives may be used drug (finely divided dry medicinal herbal raw materials), herbal extracts or herbal isolate (e.g. essential oil). The paper gives a short overview of the most important potential of herbal medicinal materials with antibacterial activity, antiinflammatory, digestion-stimulating, laxative, antidiarrhoeal, choleretic etc. activities that have an approved application in human medicine and which can be added to animal feed for use in different animal health disorders. The use of herbs is more current and all higher, in human and veterinary food industry.
Investigation of the effect of Tribulus terrestris extract on some characteristics of the reproductive capacity of guinea fowl
Authors: Nikolova M. , Grigorova S. , Abadjieva D. , Penkov D.
Published: July 2010

The effect of Bulgarian product Vemoherb-T (dry extract of Tribulus terrestris) on some characteristics of the reproductive capacity of Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) was studied. A trial was conducted with 30 Pearl-gray Guinea fowls, at the age of 32 weeks, divided in two groups, 12 female and 3 male each. The birds from the two groups were fed the same mixture. The experimental group received the tested product once daily in a dose 10 mg/kg body weight for 12 weeks. The laying intensity, egg morphology and fertility, the weight of testes and ovaries were controlled. It was found a higher laying intensity (P<0.05), similarly higher egg weight (P<0.001), yolk weight (P<0.01), left testes weight (P<0.05) and egg fertility in the experimental group. No significant differences about egg white weight and yolk color between the both groups were found.
Investigation of different molecular forms of IGFBP-1 using immobilised metal-, immuno- and lectin-affinity chromatography
Authors: Lagundzin Dragana , Masnikosa Romana , Miljus Goran , Robajac Dragana , Nedic Olgica
Published: July 2010

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) is a member of a family of six homologous proteins that regulate the action of the insulin-like growth factors. IGFBP-1 is a 25 kDa protein that beside its native form, may exist in several phosphoforms (30 kDa), which are predominant in the circulation of humans. Phosphorylation of IGFBP-1 is a post-translational modification that has a great influence on the IGF-I action. IGFBP-1 forms multimers and complexes with ?2-macroglobulin (?2M). Polymerisation of IGFBP-1 was also reported. In order to analyse and separate these IGFBP-1 molecular species, affinity chromatography methods were used in this study. The results demonstrated that most of the IGFBP-1 circulates in complexes with ?2M, which can be isolated by affinity chromatography using immobilised anti-?2M antibodies. IGFBP- 1/?2M complexes may be differentiated from IGFBP-1 dimer and multimers using lectin-affinity chromatography, since the latter do not interact with lectins. It seems that the complexes contain not only monomeric IGFBP-1, but also its multimers. Dimer and multimers are stable under reducing conditions, suggesting covalent linkage between units. Free IGFBP-1 monomer can be separated from multimers using Con A-affinity chromatography. The concentration of free IGFBP-1 is relatively low in the circulation.
A comparison of in-air and in-water calibration of a dosimetry system used for radiation dose assessment in cancer therapy
Authors: Arshed Waheed , Mahmood Khalid , Qazi Ikramullah , Ullah Asad , Akhter Perveen , Ahmad Salman , Jamil Zeeshan
Published: July 2010

An accurate calibration of the therapy level radiation dosimetry system has a pivotal role in the accuracy of dose delivery to cancer patients. The two methods used for obtaining a tissue equivalent calibration of the system: air kerma calibration and its conversion to a tissue equivalent value (absorbed dose to water) and direct calibration of the system in a water phantom, have been compared for identical irradiation geometry. It was found that the deviation between the two methods remained within a range of 0% to ?1.7% for the PTW UNIDOS dosimetry system. This means that although the recommended method is in-water calibration, under exceptional circumstances, in-air calibration may be used as well.
Technical aspects of quality assurance in mammography: Preliminary results from Serbia
Authors: Zivkovic Monika , Stantic Tomislav , Ciraj-Bjelac Olivera
Published: July 2010

Mammography is the method of choice for early detection of breast cancer. In Serbia, mammography is performed only clinically, although there is a plan to introduce mammography as a screening method. Currently, there are 60 mammographic units in practice, resulting in 70 000 mammographies annually. The survey was conducted in order to investigate mammographic practice in Serbia, identify weak points and suggest appropriate corrective measures. Basic technical parameters of the X-ray tube and generator, processing, image quality, and patient doses in 20 mammographic units were studied. The survey demonstrated considerable variations in technical parameters that affect image quality, and patients doses. Patient dose levels, in terms of the mean glandular dose, were fairly consistent with current European reference levels: 1.8 (0.40-4.3) mGy. However, due to inappropriate image receptors, image processing and viewing conditions and automatic exposure control adjustment, suboptimal image quality was a common finding. Simple improvements of the radiographic technique and maintenance procedure, along with the rigid implementation of the quality control procedure and training of the operating staff, would improve the performance levels of mammographic practice in Serbia, i. e. result in the production of high quality images with a reasonably low radiation risk to patients.
Behavioral welfare economics
Authors: Bernheim Douglas
Published: July 2010

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Phonological complexity and prosodic structure in assessment of Serbian phonological development
Authors: Savic Maja , Andjelkovic Darinka , Budjevac Nevena , Van der
Published: July 2010

In this research we investigate the relevance of phonological parameters in acquisition of Serbian language. Implementation of British Test of Phonological Screeing (TOPhS, van der Lely and Harris, 1999) has revealed that phonological complexity (syllabic and metrical structure) influences accuracy in non-word repetition task and could be used in assessment of phonological development of typically developing children, as well as of children with Grammatical Specific Language Impairment (G-SLI) (van der Lely and Harris, 1999; Gallon, Harris & van der Lely, 2007). Having in mind phonological properties of Serbian language (Zec, 2000, 2007), we hypothesized that several parameters can be used in assessment of phonological development in Serbian: a. onset (consonants cluster at the beginning of syllable; b. rime (consonant at the end of syllable). c. word of three syllables, and d. placement of stressed syllable in a word. Combination of these parameters gave us a list of 96 pseudo words of different levels of complexity. Participants were 14 adults and 30 children from kindergarten divided into three age groups (3, 4 and 5 years). Task for the participants was to loudly repeat every pseudo-word, and their reproduction was recorded. Transcription of their answers and coding of errors allowed us to analyze impact of different parameters on accuracy of phonological reproduction in children of different ages. The results indicate that the ability for reproduction of Serbian phonological properties develops in early preschool period. The most difficult is cluster of consonants at the beginning of syllable, and consonant at the end of syllable. These two parameters are even more difficult for reproduction in three-syllable words or in words that have more then one parameter marked. Placement of stress in a word is acquired even before 3 years. In other words, the results have shown that investigated features could be good indicators in assessment of early phonological development of typically developing children. Delay in their acquisition could reveal possible developmental difficulties.
Diagnostic importance of pulse oximetry in the determination of the stage of chronic arterial insufficiency of lower extremities
Authors: Ignjatovic Nebojsa , Vasiljevic Marina , Milic Dragan , Stefanovic Jelena , Stojanovic Miroslav , Karanikolic Aleksandar , Zlatic Aleksandar , Djordjevic Goran , Zivic Sasa , Jeremic Ljiljana , Djordjevic Ivona , Jankovic Radmilo
Published: July 2010

Introduction Chronic arterial insufficiency (CAI) of lower extremities is important socio-economical and healthcare problem, due to its high incidence of morbidity, disability and mortality. Objective The aim of our work was to determine the diagnostic importance of pulse oximetry in the early detection of stage of lower extremities CAI based on peripheral arterial oxygen saturation of haemoglobin (SpO2). Methods Prospectively, we analyzed a group of 50 patients, admitted at the Vascular Department of Surgical Clinic in Nis during the period from September 2006 to October 2007, with evident symptoms and signs of different stages of lower extremities CAI verified by ultrasonography. In patients with lower extremity disorder of tissue arterial capillaries, SpO2 was determined by pulse oximetry. Results Using pulse oximetry, depending on the of stage of lower extremities CAI, we revealed a considerable difference in the stages of functional ischemia SpO2: Fontaine I - 95.33?1.41%, Fontaine IIa - 92.14?2.27% and Fontaine IIb - 79.67?2.73%; in stage critical ischemia SpO2: Fontaine III - 62.54?4.39% and Fontaine IV - 47.67?6.16%. In 3 patients with gangrenous foot and fingers SpO2 was immeasurable and progressive decrease in SpO2 of arterial capillaries (p<0.01 between stages). Conclusion Due to the reliability and simplicity of pulse oximetry it can be a routinely used diagnostic device for patients with early determined stage of lower extremities CAI. .
Prognostic factors associated with complete cytogenetic response in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia on imatinib mesylate therapy
Authors: Cojbasic Irena , Macukanovic-Golubovic Lana
Published: July 2010

Introduction Imatinib mesylate, a selective Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has proved to be most effective therapy of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia. Imatinib induces complete haematological and cytogenetic response in high percentage of patients. Objective The aim of this study was to identify potential prognostic factors before beginning treatment with imatinib associated with complete cytogenetic response. Methods We analyzed 20 patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia positive chronic myelogenous leukemia treated at our institution from June 2006 until May 2009. These patients were treated with imatinib mesylate in oral dose of 400 to 800 mg daily. Complete blood counts were performed every month, while serum chemistry evaluations and bone marrow evaluations including morphology and cytogenetics were performed every 6 months. Results Of the 20 patients analyzed in this study, 19 (95%) achieved complete haematologic response within three months. In all patients cytogenetic analyses were done and all have achieved absolute cytogenetic response. The best cytogenetic response rate at any time during study treatment among 20 patients was: complete cytogenetic response in 15, partial cytogenetic response in three and minor cytogenetic response in two patients. Among 11 observed base-line patients' characteristics five were independent predictors of a high rate of complete cytogenetic response; the absence of blasts and basophils in peripheral blood, the presence of less than 5 percent of bone marrow blasts, white blood cell count less than 10x109/L and the absence of splenomegaly (p<0.01). Conclusion Our results showed that some pre-treatment characteristics of patients might be the cause of differences in treatment outcome. On the basis of this analysis, we identified several pre-treatment patients' characteristics to be independent prognostic factors for achievement of complete cytogenetic response. .
Synchronous colorectal adenomas
Authors: Radovanovic-Dinic Biljana , Nagorni Aleksandar , Stamenkovic Ivanka , Zlatic Aleksandar
Published: July 2010

Introduction Colorectal adenomas which are discovered simultaneously or 6 months after the diagnosis of primary adenoma or colorectal cancer (CRC) are called synchronous adenomas. The presence of synchronous adenomas increases the probability of adenomas with severe dysplasia as well as CRC. Objective The aim of the study is to show the characteristics of synchronous colorectal adenomas and to present the relation between the index rectal adenoma and the proximal synchronous tumours. Methods The research included 114 synchronous colorectal adenomas diagnosed in 58 patients. Total colonoscopy was performed on all patients. Results The largest number of patients had two adenomas (p<0.001). Synchronous adenomas were more often diagnosed in men older than 50 (p<0.001). The largest number of adenomas was localized in the sigma (52 patients, 43.0%) (p<0.001). The biggest number of tumours was localized in the combination of rectum-sigma segments (p<0.001). There were 31 (25.6%) synchronous, that is index tumours of the rectum and 90 (74.4%) the so-called proximal synchronous tumours of the proximal part of the colon. In 33 (56.9%) patients, who did not have the index tumour, the prevalence of proximal synchronous tumours was the highest (57.0%) (p<0.001). Conclusion The probability of adenoma multiplication is higher in men, and it increases with age. Beside the fact that synchronous adenomas are more often found distally, a great probability of finding proximal tumours shows that total colonoscopy is the method of choice for the discovery of colorectal tumours. Complete colonoscopic mapping of all colorectal adenomas and their removal prevents the development of metachronous, overlooked benign CRC already present at the moment of initial diagnostics that could be the cause of the development of metachronous CRC. .
Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Vojvodina
Authors: Brkic Snezana , Gajski Gorana , Bogavac Mirjana , Maric Daniela , Turkulov Vesna , Tomic Slavica
Published: July 2010

Introduction Toxoplasmosis is an acute infectious anthropozoonotic disease with mild asymptomatic clinical manifestations in immunocompetent persons and more severe in immunocompromised patients. Acute infection in pregnancy can result in severe congenital toxoplasmosis with severe sequels. Objective Aims of study were to detect Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in general population of Vojvodina, Serbia, differences between genders and determination of seroprevalence in women of reproductive age and pregnant women. Methods Our retrospective study was conducted from 2006 to 2008 including 625 immunocompetent patients, hospitalized or observed as outpatients at the Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Novi Sad. We performed commercial ELISA kits SERION - ELISA classic test by VIRION for the presence of specific IgG and IgM antibodies. According to seroepidemiological aim of the study, our results were presented only in qualitative values. Results We observed 173 male and 452 female patients. Seroprevalence in general population of Vojvodina was 38.1%. In male population seroprevalence was 45.7%, and in female population it was 35.2%, the difference which was statistically significant (p<0.05). Seroprevalence increased with age and seroconversion was detected to occur in persons aged about 20 years. In all female patients, 353 (78.1%) were in reproductive age with seroprevalence of 30%. In 161 pregnant women seroprevalence was 31.7%. Conclusion In this study we screened actual seroepidemiological situation to Toxoplasma gondii in Vojvodina, thus giving a contribution to the continuous epidemiological screening done in this region and in the country. According to our results, almost 70% of women in reproductive age were sensitive to primary acute infection during further pregnancies, which is highly important for the prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis. Although not routinely conducted in many countries, routine serological testing to Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women and their education about preventive measures against this infection could be an effective measure in the future.
Nosocomial infections at Clinical Centre in Kragujevac: Prevalence study
Authors: Ilic Milena , Markovic-Denic Ljiljana
Published: July 2010

Introduction Nosocomial infections (NIs) are a serious health problem in hospitals worldwide and are followed by a series of consequences, medical, judicial, ethical and economic. Objective The main aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of NIs at the Clinical Centre in Kragujevac. Methods A prevalence study of nosocomial infections was conducted from 16th till 20th May, 2005, within Second National Prevalence Study of Nis in the Republic of Serbia. Results The study included 866 patients. 40 patients had a NI, thus the prevalence of patients with NIs and prevalence of NIs was the same, 4.6%. Among NIs, the most frequent were urinary infections (45.0%) followed by surgical-site infections (17.5%), skin and soft tissue infections (15%) and pneumonia (12.5%). The rate of NIs was highest at departments of orthopaedics and traumatological surgery (12.0%), followed by intensive care units (8.0%). Overall, 67.5% (27/40) NIs were culture-proved; the leading pathogens were Escherichia coli (40.0%), followed by gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas species, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacteriaceae with equal frequency of 8.0%). Nosocomial infections were significantly more frequent in patients aged ?65 years (p<0.05), with longer hospitalization ?8 days (p<0.00), in intensive care patients (p<0.05), patients with an intravenous catheter (p<0.00), urinary catheter (p<0.00), and those under antibiotic therapy (p<0.00). Conclusion This study showed that the prevalence of nosocomial infections in our hospital is similar to the prevalence in the developed countries. The study of prevalence provides a prompt insight into basic epidemiological and ethiological characteristics of nosocomial infections, hence identification of hospital priorities and the need to undertake appropriate prevention measures. .
Unplanned complex suicide: Two case reports
Authors: Nikolic Slobodan , Zivkovic Vladimir , Jukovic Fehim
Published: July 2010

Introduction The term complex suicide refers to suicides in which multiple suicidal methods are utilized, as opposed to simple suicide successfully done after one attempt. In planned complex suicides two or more methods are employed simultaneously in order to make sure that death will occur after failure of previous attempt. In unplanned complex suicides, several other methods of suicide tried after the first chosen method either failed or was too painful. Outline of Cases We report two cases of unplanned complex suicides. The first case was a female who first tried to commit suicide by cutting the wrists, and then hanged herself. In the other case, a male first tried to commit suicide by stubbing his chest with a knife, and then jumped into a well and drowned himself. In both reported cases the second, successful suicidal method was of higher lethality score. Conclusion From the forensic point of view, the presence of several injuries of different origin strongly suggests infliction by other person. The event could be reconstructed, based on autopsy findings and traces found at the scene. .
Application of the laser pulse method of measuring thermal diffusivity to thin alumina and silicon samples in a wide temperature range
Authors: Milosevic Nenad
Published: July 2010

Paper presents results of measuring thermal diffusivity of translucent or partially transparent thin discs of non-metals such as alumina and silicon using most widely spread experimental technique, the standard laser pulse method. Difficulties in its application to such materials are discussed. The thermal diffusivity has been measured from room temperature up to 900?C for alumina, and to 1200?C for silicon. Obtained results are analyzed and compared with available literature data and existing recommended functions.
Thermal damage due to incidental continuous CO2 laser irradiation on human skin
Authors: Shibib Khalid
Published: July 2010

The use of laser instruments in almost every aspect of technology may lead to sudden exposing of human skin to laser radiation, especially with an invisible laser, such as continuous CO2 laser, causing harmful thermal damage to the exposed area. This phenomena is studied in this work where the size of thermal damage is obtained using a well-known thermal dose equation which requires the transient temperature distributions obtained from finite element solution of the axi-symmetric heat equation. In this work a numerical simulation of these processes is applied indicating that the size of thermal damage zone inside human tissue seems to increase as power increases even if the exposing time is reduced, whereas the shape of thermally damage zone extends laterally much more than in-depth due to the effect of absorption coefficient and perfusion rate of skin tissue. Finally, this work may establish the concept of numerical investigation of an incidental laser hazard on human skin.
Effects of operating parameters on performance of a single direct methanol fuel cell
Authors: Alizadeh Ebrahim , Farhadi Mousa , Sedighi Kurosh , Shakeri Mohsen
Published: July 2010

In this study the effect of various operating conditions on 10 cm ?10 cm active area of in-house fabricated direct methanol fuel cell was investigated experimentally. The effect of the cell temperature, methanol concentration, and oxygen flow rate on cell performance was studied. The study reveals that current density is not monotonous function of temperature, but has an optimum operating condition for each cell voltage. The experiments also indicate that the cell performance increases with an increased of oxygen flow rate up to a certain value and then further increase has no significant effect. Furthermore, for methanol concentration greater than 1.5 M, a reduction of cell voltage was indicated which is due to an increase of methanol cross over.
Metals removal during estuarine mixing of Arvand River water with the Persian Gulf water
Authors: Karbassi Abdolreza , Nabi Bidhendi Gholam , Saeedi Mohsen , Rastegari Azadeh
Published: July 2010

In the present study, the removal of dissolved and colloidal Cd, Co, Cu, Ni and Zn in Arvand River water during estuarine mixing with the Persian Gulf water is investigated. The flocculation process was investigated for a series of mixtures with salinities ranging from 0.48 to 30.3^. The flocculation rates were indicative of the non-conservative behavior of studied metals during estuarine mixing. Rapid flocculation in the low salinity regimes was observed. The order of the final flocculation rate of metals in the river water was as follows: Co (91.2%)> Cd (86.9%)> Zn (83%)> Cu (75.2%)> Ni (74.3%). Salinity, pH, EC and dissolved oxygen do not govern the flocculation of metals during estuarine mixing. The results of the present investigation show that estuarine processes can be considered as an effective mechanism in self purification of colloidal metals that are anthropogenically introduced into the fresh water ecosystem.