bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Class Effect of Erythropoietin Therapy on Hemoglobin A1c in a Patient with Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Kidney Disease Not Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Brown Jamie N. , Kemp Debra W. , Brice Kira R.
Published: March 2009

In patients with diabetes mellitus, hemoglobin A1c (A1C) is commonly interpreted as a measure of long‐term glycemic control, reflecting a mean glucose level over the previous 2–3 months. Although some reports suggest that treatment with recombinant erythropoietin may affect A1C values in patients undergoing hemodialysis, we know of no evidence to support this interaction in patients with chronic renal insufficiency who are not undergoing hemodialysis. In addition, we know of no evidence specific to the treatment effect of epoetin alfa and/or darbepoetin alfa on A1C. We describe a 64‐year‐old man with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and anemia who was treated consecutively with epoetin alfa and darbepoetin alfa and experienced a temporal reduction in A1C level to a nadir of 4.4%. Throughout approximately 3 years of treatment with these erythropoietin analogs, the patient's total daily dose of insulin was reduced in response to his decreasing A1C values, despite elevated blood glucose levels and the absence of patient‐reported hypoglycemic events. Five months after the patient's erythropoietin therapy was discontinued, his A1C value increased to 8.8%, leading us to conclude that management of the insulin dose may have been different without the falsely lowered A1C levels. Use of the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale indicated a probable association between this patient's reduced A1C levels and erythropoietin therapy. This case demonstrates that both epoetin alfa and darbepoetin alfa may artificially lower A1C levels in a patient with diabetes who is not undergoing dialysis, and therefore this finding can be interpreted as a class effect. Clinicians should be aware of factors that affect A1C values, specifically erythrocyte life span. In patients receiving erythropoietin, therapeutic decisions should be based on A1C and glucose levels, as well as patient symptoms suggestive of hypo‐ or hyperglycemia, to avoid therapy changes that could complicate disease management.
Oviposition Patterns of Creontiades signatus (Hemiptera: Miridae) on Okra-Leaf and Normal-Leaf Cotton
Authors: Armstrong J Scott , Coleman Randy J , Sétamou Mamoudou
Published: March 2009

We investigated the oviposition behavior of Creontiades signatus Distant (Hemiptera: Miridae), a relatively new plant bug pest of south Texas cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L, on okra-leaf and normal-leaf genotypes that differed significantly in their leaf morphology and trichome densities. In a no-choice study, the site preference and numbers of eggs oviposited by C. signatus were identical for the okra-leaf and normal-leaf. In a free-choice test, C. signatus showed a significant preference for the normal-leaf by ovipositing 3 times the number of eggs than on okra-leaf, but the site locations and percentages of egg distributions were similar for the two cotton types. The leaf petiole was the most preferred site for oviposition, followed by the main stem, and fruiting structures (squares and small bolls). The majority of eggs were oviposited in the leaf petioles associated with the mid-portion (nodes 4–8) of the plant. Trichome densities on the leaf petioles, main stem, and leaf veins were similar for node 3, but they were significantly higher on these structures for nodes 5 and 8 for the okra-leaf compared with the normal-leaf. The strong selection of oviposition sites in the normal-leaf cotton in this study may be due to some factor other than trichome density. This information should increase the knowledge for scouting for the presence of eggs and young nymphs and serve as a starting point for the selection of nonpreferred cotton varieties for oviposition by this mirid.
Egg Stage of Homalodisca vitripennis and Homalodisca liturata (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae): Ovometrics, Embryonic Development, and Nonparasitic Mortality
Authors: Al-Wahaibi Ali K , Morse Joseph G
Published: March 2009

Morphometric and developmental aspects of the egg stage of glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar), and Homalodisca liturata Ball were investigated. Considerable overlap exists between the two species with respect to egg length, width, and clutch size, making these variables unreliable in identifying their eggs to species. Embryonic development of the two species was observed at constant temperatures ranging from 8.7 to 40.4°C. No signs of development were observed at 8.7°C, development was aborted early in development at 11.5°C, and egg masses were desiccated at 40.4°C. For both species, rates of embryonic development increased linearly with increasing temperatures from 16.7 to 25.6°C, peaked at 31.2°C, and decreased between 32.9 and 35.0°C. Based on linear regression, the minimum thresholds for embryonic development were 12.0 and 12.6°C, and heat unit requirements were 111.4 and 104.5 degree-days for H. vitripennis and H. liturata, respectively. We quantified four physiological states of embryonic development, based on eye spots being normally developed, centrally developed, reversed, or undeveloped. The prevalence of these states did not differ significantly between the two species and comparing data from the laboratory versus the field. However, higher experimental temperatures tended to increase the prevalence of abnormally developed eye spots. Nonparasitic mortality of Homalodisca eggs in five field host plants was attributed to undeveloped-abnormally developed embryos and to the inability of first-instar nymphs to emerge from eggs. These causes of mortality varied among host plants. Eggs on mule fat tended to have a higher proportion of undeveloped-abnormally developed eggs, whereas on jojoba, Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schneider, a higher prevalence of dead but fully developed embryos was observed inside eggs.
Effects of Cypermethrin Exposed to Host on the Developmental Biology of Pimpla turionellae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)
Authors: Sak Olga , Gülgönül Emine Esra , Uçkan Fevzi
Published: March 2009

We investigated egg-to-adult developmental time, adult longevity, adult body size, and wing and antenna length of Pimpla turionellae (L.) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) reared on Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) last instars that were fed various doses of cypermethrin in diet. The impacts of cypermethrin on larval behavior, pupal weight, and last instar-to-adult developmental time of host species also were examined. Percentage of pupation at doses >20 ppm and pupal weight of G. mellonella decreased, whereas last instar-to-adult developmental time prolonged gradually with increasing doses of cypermethrin. Cypermethrin treatment increased the intensity of abnormal behavior and the number of host larvae on diet at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h posttreatments at doses >50 ppm. The differences in egg to adult developmental time, adult body size, wing, and antenna length of P. turionellae were not significant. However, cypermethrin exposure significantly affected the adult longevity of female wasps. Mean longevity of cypermethrin-treated females increased significantly at all doses of insecticide tested with respect to controls except for 100 ppm. This work suggests that parasitoid species as well as its host are susceptible to cypermethrin in terms of remarkable adverse effects on biological characteristics possibly due to metabolic, hormonal, and nutritional deficiencies.
Female Recognition and Sexual Dimorphism of Cuticular Hydrocarbons in Monochamus galloprovincialis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: Ibeas Fernando , Gemeno César , Díez Julio J , Pajares Juan A
Published: March 2009

Monochamus galloprovincialis Olivier (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is the European vector of the pine wilt nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Buhrer) Nickle, which causes the pine wilt disease. A series of experiments were carried out to determine the existence of a contact pheromone on the female's cuticle. All males tested tried to copulate with freshly killed females, but none tried to copulate with the same females after they had been washed with hexane. When the hexane extract was reapplied to the extracted females, 50% of the males tried to copulate with them. This shows that females have a contact pheromone on their cuticle that stimulates male copulatory behavior. Cuticular compounds (mainly hydrocarbons) were sampled with solid phase microextraction and solvent extraction. No marked differences between sampling methods were observed. Individual peak analysis revealed that 23 compounds were significantly more abundant in females and eight were more abundant in males. Correspondence analysis found significant differences between the global hydrocarbon profile of male and female M. galloprovincialis. Individually, these compounds represented a small percentage of the total blend. This suggest that males of M. galloprovincialis may distinguish females by a blend of several, not very abundant, compounds that are present in both sexes but in different proportions.
Influence of Weight of Male and Female Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on Mating Behaviors
Authors: Kang Jungkoo , Krupke Christian H
Published: March 2009

We evaluated the effect of weight, collection site, and age upon mating behaviors of the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) with multivariate analysis. Our laboratory study of D. virgifera revealed that female weight was positively associated with the likelihood of mating, although female weight was not associated with females' receptivity to aedeagus insertion. Furthermore, the relationship between male and female weight on mating was investigated at two field locations in Indiana, and evidence of nonrandom mating was found. The implications of these results for pest management are discussed, with particular focus upon using this information for the construction of robust viable resistance management systems in Bacillus thuringiensis corn, Zea mays L.
Buccal Manipulation of Sand Particles During Tunnel Excavation of the Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Li Hou-Feng , Su Nan-Yao
Published: March 2009

Serial tunneling behavior of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), the Formosan subterranean termite, includes excavation, loading, transportation, and deposition of sand particles. Functions of mouthparts, including mandibles, maxillae, labrum, and labium, for the tunneling behaviors were described. The four mouthparts form a buccal cavity for loading three to four sand particles (ranging 0.300–0.355 mm in diameter) during sand displacement. The maxillae, not the mandibles, are the major appendages for sand excavation and deposition. Previous studies speculated a “soil-compaction hypothesis” that subterranean termites might press the sand particles with their head to build the tunnel. Examination of video recordings of tunnel excavation through a microscope indicated sand was not compacted. When two photographs of tunnel tips taken before and after excavation were superimposed, sand particles surrounding tunnel tips remained in place, which demonstrated that termites did not press sand to either side. Observations and experiments indicate that particle displacement is the major mechanism for subterranean termites to build tunnels rather than particle compaction.
A Drug-Related Phototoxic Reaction and Its Possible Relationship to a Radiation-Induced Skin Reaction
Authors: Dawson George A. , Brown Sam I. , Tellefsen Lillian
Published: March 2009

Reported is a case of an acute atypical radiation-induced dermatologic reaction in a patient with a recent history of two courses of levofloxacin within 90 days prior to starting radiotherapy.
Ecosystem services across borders: a framework for transboundary conservation policy
Authors: López-Hoffman Laura , Varady Robert G , Flessa Karl W , Balvanera Patricia
Published: March 2009

International political borders rarely coincide with natural ecological boundaries. Because neighboring countries often share ecosystems and species, they also share ecosystem services. For example, the United States and Mexico share the provisioning service of groundwater provided by the All‐American Canal in California; the regulating service of agave crop pollination by long‐nosed bats; and the aesthetic value of the North American monarch butterfly, a cultural service. We use the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) to elucidate how drivers in one country can affect ecosystem services and human well‐being in other countries. We suggest that the concept of ecosystem services, as articulated by the MA, could be used as an organizing principle for transboundary conservation, because it meets many of the criteria for successful transboundary policy. It would frame conservation in terms of mutual interests between countries, consider a diversity of stakeholders, and provide a means for linking multiple services and assessing tradeoffs between uses of services.
Toxicity and adaptation of Dictyosphaerium chlorelloides to extreme chromium contamination
Authors: Sánchez-Fortün Sebastián , López-Rodas Victoria , Navarro Macarena , Marvá Fernando , D'ors Ana , Rouco Mónica , Haigh-Florez David , Costas Eduardo
Published: March 2009

Metals are often spilled by industries into inland water environments, with adverse consequences. Numerous papers have reported that heavy metals produce massive destruction of algae. Nevertheless, algal populations seem to become tolerant when they have had previous exposures to heavy metals. Because the mechanisms allowing heavy metal tolerance of algae are not yet known, the present study analyzed the effect of hexavalent chromium on growth and photosynthetic performance of Dictyosphaerium chlorelloides, stressing on the adaptation mechanisms to chromium contamination. Growth and photosynthetic performance of algal cells were inhibited by Cr(VI) at 10 mg/L, and the 72-h median inhibition concentration was established as 1.64 and 1.54 mg/L, respectively. However, after further incubation for a three month period in an environment with 25 mg/L of chromium, some rare, chromium-resistant cells occasionally were found. A Luria-Delbrück fluctuation analysis was performed to distinguish between resistant algae arising from rare, spontaneous mutations and resistant algae arising from physiological adaptation and other adaptive mechanisms. Resistant cells arose only by spontaneous mutations before the addition of chromium, with a rate of 1.77 × 10−6 mutants per cell division. From a practical point of view, the use of both chromium-sensitive and chromium-resistant genotypes could make possible a specific algal biosensor for chromium.
Evaluating Methods for Counting Cryptic Carnivores
Authors: BALME GUY A. , HUNTER LUKE T. B. , SLOTOW ROB
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT  Numerous techniques have been proposed to estimate carnivore abundance and density, but few have been validated against populations of known size. We used a density estimate established by intensive monitoring of a population of radiotagged leopards (Panthera pardus) with a detection probability of 1.0 to evaluate efficacy of track counts and camera‐trap surveys as population estimators. We calculated densities from track counts using 2 methods and compared performance of 10 methods for calculating the effectively sampled area for camera‐trapping data. Compared to our reference density (7.33 ± 0.44 leopards/100 km2), camera‐trapping generally produced more accurate but less precise estimates than did track counts. The most accurate result (6.97 ± 1.88 leopards/100 km2) came from camera‐trap data with a sampled area buffered by a boundary strip representing the mean maximum distance moved by leopards outside the survey area (MMDMOSA) established by telemetry. However, contrary to recent suggestions, the traditional method of using half the mean maximum distance moved from photographic recaptures did not result in gross overestimates of population density (6.56 ± 1.92 leopards/100 km2) but rather displayed the next best performance after MMDMOSA. The only track‐count method comparable to reference density employed a capture‐recapture framework applied to data when individuals were identified from their tracks (6.45 ± 1.43 leopards/100 km2) but the underlying assumptions of this technique limit more widespread application. Our results demonstrate that if applied correctly, camera‐trap surveys represent the best balance of rigor and cost‐effectiveness for estimating abundance and density of cryptic carnivore species that can be identified individually.
Determining Observer Reliability in Counts of River Otter Tracks
Authors: EVANS JONAH W. , EVANS CIEL A. , PACKARD JANE M. , CALKINS GARY , ELBROCH MARK
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT  In many research projects, reliability of collected data is dependent on reliability of field observers. However, it is uncommon for observer reliability to be either measured or reported in wildlife research. We tested whether observer skill affected outcomes of a northern river otter (Lontra canadensis) track survey conducted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Observers recorded presence of tracks at bridge sites (n = 250) throughout a 27‐county region in east Texas, USA. Logistic regression indicated that observers were significantly associated with frequency of reported otter tracks. Because observers were not assigned to bridges at random, we tested and found associations between the bridges surveyed by each observer (SURVEY ROUTE) and habitat variables (WATERSHED, VEGETATION‐TYPE, WATER‐TYPE, BRIDGE‐AREA) that may have influenced otter presence and probability of detection. A standardized tracker evaluation procedure indicated that experienced observers (n = 7) misidentified 37% of otter tracks. Additionally, 26% of tracks from species determined to be “otter‐like” were misidentified as otter tracks. We recommend that observer skill in identification of animal tracks and other indirect signs be measured to detect and reduce observer errors in wildlife monitoring.
Effectiveness of Short‐Distance Translocation and its Effects on Western Rattlesnakes
Authors: BROWN JEFFERY R. , BISHOP CHRISTINE A. , BROOKS RONALD J.
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT  Short‐distance translocation (SDT) is commonly used to mitigate snake‐human interactions, yet little is known about its effectiveness or its effects on behavior and welfare of snakes. Between April 2004 and October 2005, we evaluated SDT as a conservation and management tool by investigating how 500‐m SDT affected spatial ecology, body condition, and behavior of western rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus) surgically implanted with radiotransmitters in a field study near Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada. Of 14 rattlesnakes subjected to SDT, 12 (85.7%) returned on ≥1 occasion (range 1–7 times) to the general area they were removed from. Rattlesnakes that underwent SDT showed an increase in total distance moved over an active season compared to non‐translocated snakes, but there was no evidence to suggest SDT had an effect on activity range size. There was no evidence to suggest SDT affected body condition, behavior, or mortality rates. Short‐distance translocation to high‐quality undisturbed habitats was unsuccessful as a long‐term solution to snake‐human conflict because most translocated snakes returned to conflict areas within a short time (x̄x = 19.9 ± 8.7 days). However, SDT may be an effective short‐term tool to manage snake‐human conflict in areas where human presence is seasonal or short‐lived if careful attention is paid to species‐specific biological needs, habitat quality at the release site, and the location of the release site in relation to conflict areas.
Dietary Overlap Between Huemul and Livestock in Los Alerces National Park, Argentina
Authors: VILA ALEJANDRO RUBEN , BORRELLI LAURA , MARTÍNEZ LORENA
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT  We evaluated the potential for interspecific competition for forage between huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) and livestock in Los Alerces National Park, Argentina. We studied winter diets based on microhistological analysis of fecal samples. Huemul selected herbs and shrubs, sheep showed preference for herbs and grasses, and cattle selected grasses. As predicted for small‐bodied species, huemul had a narrower dietary niche than did larger bodied cattle. Competition for forage would be more likely between huemul and sheep than between huemul and cattle. Our results might be helpful to managers in areas where domestic and wild ungulates live in sympatry in order to reduce competition, especially in wintering areas where food is scarce.
An Evaluation of Sex‐Age‐Kill (SAK) Model Performance
Authors: MILLSPAUGH JOSHUA J. , SKALSKI JOHN R. , TOWNSEND RICHARD L. , DIEFENBACH DUANE R. , BOYCE MARK S. , HANSEN LONNIE P. , KAMMERMEYER KENT
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT  The sex‐age‐kill (SAK) model is widely used to estimate abundance of harvested large mammals, including white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Despite a long history of use, few formal evaluations of SAK performance exist. We investigated how violations of the stable age distribution and stationary population assumption, changes to male or female harvest, stochastic effects (i.e., random fluctuations in recruitment and survival), and sampling efforts influenced SAK estimation. When the simulated population had a stable age distribution and λ > 1, the SAK model underestimated abundance. Conversely, when λ < 1, the SAK overestimated abundance. When changes to male harvest were introduced, SAK estimates were opposite the true population trend. In contrast, SAK estimates were robust to changes in female harvest rates. Stochastic effects caused SAK estimates to fluctuate about their equilibrium abundance, but the effect dampened as the size of the surveyed population increased. When we considered both stochastic effects and sampling error at a deer management unit scale the resultant abundance estimates were within ±121.9% of the true population level 95% of the time. These combined results demonstrate extreme sensitivity to model violations and scale of analysis. Without changes to model formulation, the SAK model will be biased when λ ≠ 1. Furthermore, any factor that alters the male harvest rate, such as changes to regulations or changes in hunter attitudes, will bias population estimates. Sex‐age‐kill estimates may be precise at large spatial scales, such as the state level, but less so at the individual management unit level. Alternative models, such as statistical age‐at‐harvest models, which require similar data types, might allow for more robust, broad‐scale demographic assessments.
Behavioral Responses of North American Elk to Recreational Activity
Authors: NAYLOR LESLIE M. , WISDOM MICHAEL J. , ANTHONY ROBERT G.
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT Off‐road recreation on public lands in North America has increased dramatically in recent years. Wild ungulates are sensitive to human activities, but the effect of off‐road recreation, both motorized and nonmotorized, is poorly understood. We measured responses of elk (Cervus elaphus) to recreational disturbance in northeast Oregon, USA, from April to October, 2003 and 2004. We subjected elk to 4 types of recreational disturbance: all‐terrain vehicle (ATV) riding, mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Motion sensors inside radiocollars worn by 13 female elk recorded resting, feeding, and travel activities at 5‐minute intervals throughout disturbance and control periods. Elk fed and rested during control periods, with little time spent traveling. Travel time increased in response to all 4 disturbances and was highest in mornings. Elk travel time was highest during ATV exposure, followed by exposure to mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Feeding time decreased during ATV exposure and resting decreased when we subjected elk to mountain biking and hiking disturbance in 2003. Our results demonstrated that activities of elk can be substantially affected by off‐road recreation. Mitigating these effects may be appropriate where elk are a management priority. Balancing management of species like elk with off‐road recreation will become increasingly important as off‐road recreational uses continue to increase on public lands in North America.
A Sightability Model for Mountain Goats
Authors: RICE CLIFFORD G. , JENKINS KURT J. , CHANG WAN‐YING
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT  Unbiased estimates of mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus) populations are key to meeting diverse harvest management and conservation objectives. We developed logistic regression models of factors influencing sightability of mountain goat groups during helicopter surveys throughout the Cascades and Olympic Ranges in western Washington during summers, 2004–2007. We conducted 205 trials of the ability of aerial survey crews to detect groups of mountain goats whose presence was known based on simultaneous direct observation from the ground (n = 84), Global Positioning System (GPS) telemetry (n = 115), or both (n = 6). Aerial survey crews detected 77% and 79% of all groups known to be present based on ground observers and GPS collars, respectively. The best models indicated that sightability of mountain goat groups was a function of the number of mountain goats in a group, presence of terrain obstruction, and extent of overstory vegetation. Aerial counts of mountain goats within groups did not differ greatly from known group sizes, indicating that under‐counting bias within detected groups of mountain goats was small. We applied Horvitz‐Thompson‐like sightability adjustments to 1,139 groups of mountain goats observed in the Cascade and Olympic ranges, Washington, USA, from 2004 to 2007. Estimated mean sightability of individual animals was 85% but ranged 0.75–0.91 in areas with low and high sightability, respectively. Simulations of mountain goat surveys indicated that precision of population estimates adjusted for sightability biases increased with population size and number of replicate surveys, providing general guidance for the design of future surveys. Because survey conditions, group sizes, and habitat occupied by goats vary among surveys, we recommend using sightability correction methods to decrease bias in population estimates from aerial surveys of mountain goats.
The Elephant in the Room: Coping with the Long-Term Problem of Medicare Costs
Authors: Rettenmaier Andrew J , Saving Thomas R
Published: March 2009

Medicare reform is the elephant in the room, according to Andrew J. Rettenmaier and Thomas R. Saving, who propose a solution.
The Impact of Smoking Bans on the Hospitality Industry: New Evidence from Stock Market Returns
Authors: Tomlin Jonathan T.
Published: March 2009

The majority of over 150 studies conclude that smoking bans do not have adverse effects on the revenues, profits, or employment of hospitality industry firms. However, several important criticisms have recently been raised which call into question many of the prior results. I examine the market value impact of a proposed smoking ban using a sample and methodology not subject to the perceived shortcomings in prior studies  an event study on the Indian hospitality industry. Contrary to the results in most prior studies, I find negative abnormal stock returns to portfolios of the hospitality industry firms examined upon the announcement of a proposed smoking ban. These results support the conclusion that a smoking ban lowered the aggregate market value of these firms.
The effect of two different oral antiseptics on dental plaque formation (De Novo Biofilm) and on gingival inflammation
Authors: Zelic Obrad , Cakic Sasa , Lukovic Natalija
Published: March 2009

Introduction. Since the discovery that periodontal diseases are caused by microbial plaque the interest of many scientists has been focused on oral antiseptics. There are very few mouthrinses with oral antiseptic effect originally designed in our country. One of these is Ozosept? solution. Objective. This study evaluated the effect of Ozosept? solution (phenol compound) on the oral hygiene and gingival inflammation, in comparison with Hibidex DAP? solution (chlorhexidine digluconate). Methods. Two groups, each of 21 persons, which did not significantly differ concerning Silness-L?e plaque index (PI) and L?e-Sillnes gingival index (GI), used one of the studied oral antiseptic for a 15-day period. Oral hygiene was maintained by subjects' habitual home methods, and no technique of professionally advised brushing was performed during the experimental period. Results. At the end of the study, PI and GI scores were lowered to a statistically high significance in both groups of participants in comparison to the indexes at the beginning of the study. At the end of the study, PI and GI scores did not significantly differ between the two analyzed groups. No side effects, which were recorded in the Hibidex DAP? group (tooth and filling staining 9.5% and 4.74% respectively, transitory tongue numbness 28.6% and reduced taste sensation 14.3%), were registered in the group of subjects using Ozosept? solution. Conclusion. It is concluded that Ozosept? solution is effective in the control of dental plaque - biofilm accumulation and gingival inflammation, and produces no side effects related to chlorhexidine digluconate usage.
Endovascular repair of aortic aneurysm: Preliminary results
Authors: Davidovic Lazar , Colic Momcilo , Koncar Igor , Markovic Dejan , Kostic Dusan , Cinara Ilijas , Cvetkovic Slobodan
Published: March 2009

Introduction. Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has been introduced into clinical practice at the beginning of the 90's of the last century. Because of economic, political and social problems during the last 25 years, the introduction of this procedure in Serbia was not possible. Objective. The aim of this study was to present preliminary experiences and results of the Clinic for Vascular Surgery of the Serbian Clinical Centre in Belgrade in endovascular treatment of thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms. Methods. The procedure was performed in 33 patients (3 female and 30 male), aged from 42 to 83 years. Ten patients had a descending thoracic aorta aneurysm (three atherosclerotic, four traumatic - three chronic and one acute as a part of polytrauma, one dissected, two penetrated atherosclerotic ulcers), while 23 patients had the abdominal aortic aneurysm, one ruptured and two isolated iliac artery aneurysms. The indications for EVAR were isthmic aneurismal localisation, aged over 80 years and associated comorbidity (cardiac, pulmonary and cerebrovasular diseases, previous thoracotomy or multiple laparotomies associated with abdominal infection, idiopatic thrombocitopaenia). All of these patients had three or more risk factors. The diagnosis was established using duplex ultrasonography, angiography and MSCT. In the case of thoracic aneurysm, a Medtronic-Valiant? endovascular stent graft was implanted, while for the abdominal aortic aneurysm Medtronic-Talent? endovascular stent grafts with delivery systems were used. In three patients, following EVAR a surgical repair of the femoral artery aneurysm was performed, and in another three patients femoro-femoral cross over bypass followed implantation of aortouniiliac stent graft. Results. During procedure and follow-up period (mean 1.6 years), there were: one death, one conversion, one endoleak type 1, six patients with endoleak type 2 that disappeared during the follow-up period, one early graft thrombosis. No other complications, including aneurysm expansion, collapse, deformity and migration of the endovascular stent grafts, were registered. Conclusion. According to all medical and economic aspects, we recommend EVAR to treat acute traumatic thoracic aortic aneurysm, as well as in elderly and high-risk patients with abdominal or thoracic aneurysms, when open surgery is related to a significantly higher mortality and morbidity.
One-year follow-up of renal function in endemic nephropathy families
Authors: Arsenovic Aleksandra , Bukvic Danica , Djukanovic Ljubica
Published: March 2009

Introduction. Endemic nephropathy is familial, chronic tubulointerstitial disease with an insidious onset and asymptomatic, slow progressive course. Objective. The present study was undertaken with the aim to find out whether new persons with renal disorders can be detected among members of endemic families in the village of Sopic (Kolubara River region, Serbia). Methods. The study involved 44 members of five endemic families without history of renal disorders. Objective survey and laboratory analyzes that enabled determination of kidney functions (creatinine clearance, proteinuria, urine specific gravity and osmolality, fractional sodium excretion (FENa), the rate of tubular phosphate reabsorption (TRP), urine N-acetil-D-glycosaminidase and intestinal alkaline phosphatase) were done in all examined persons three times during the 6-month intervals. Results. At the first examination, hypertension was detected in 23 (52%) person, decreased creatinine clearance in two and proteinuria in 10 persons included in the study. In addition, proteinuria and tubular disorders were detected in 6, hypertension, proteinuria and/or tubular disorders in 9 persons. The analysis of the results obtained by three check-ups undertaken during one year showed that proteinuria and tubular disorders appeared intermittently in half of the examined endemic family members. All persons with detected renal disorders required further examination in order to establish accurate diagnosis of renal disease. Conclusion. Three check-ups performed at six-month intervals in the members of five endemic families detected various renal disorders including renal hypofunction. Regular systematic check-ups of endemic families could enable early detection of the disease and early initiation of measures for slowing down chronic renal disease progression.
Analysis of microsatellite markers D18S70 and d20S116 in DNA isolated from dentin: Use in forensic medicine
Authors: Puzovic Dragana , Popovic Branka , Novakovic Ivana , Milasin Jelena
Published: March 2009

Introduction. Short tandem repeats and more specifically microsatellites represent a powerful tool in forensic medicine. In the past years, they have been extensively used in human identification and paternity testing. Objective The aim of the present study was to analyze two microsatellite markers in the Serbian population, i.e. to determine the number of alleles and the relevant forensic parameters. Methods. DNA was isolated from teeth samples using standard proteinase K digestion and phenol/chloroform alcohol extraction. PCR products were analyzed on polyacrilamide gels and visualized by AgNO3 staining. Forensic parameters were calculated using the Cervus software. Results. The loci D18S70 and D20S116 were analyzed on a sample of 70 unrelated, healthy adult individuals from Serbia. The number of alleles was determined and Hardy Weinberg equilibrium was confirmed for both loci. D18S70 and D20S116 demonstrated 6 and 8 alleles, respectively. The power of discrimination (PD) and the power of exclusion (PE) for the tested STR loci, D18S70 and D20S116 were 0.92 (PD), 0.41 (PE) and 0.95 (PD), 0.480 (PE), respectively. Conclusion. According to the presented data, D18S70 and D20S116 are most informative markers. Based on allelic frequencies and statistical parameters for forensic testing, it may be suggested that these two microsatellites represent useful markers for individual identification and parentage analysis in the Serbian population.
Internet addiction: A case report
Authors: Pejovic-Milovancevic Milica , Popovic-Deusic Smiljka , Draganic-Gajic Saveta , Lecic-Tosevski Dusica
Published: March 2009

Some addictions cannot be connected with substance abuse (pathological) gambling, video games playing, binge eating, compulsive physical activity, emotional relationship addiction, TV addiction). Since 1995, Internet addiction has been accepted as a clinical entity with profound negative effect on social, familial, educational and economical personal functioning. The diagnosis of Internet addiction could be established if the person spends more than 38 hours per week on the Internet exempting online professional needs. Basic symptoms are the increased number of hours spent in front of the computer along with the Internet use, development of abstinent syndrome if the Internet access is prohibited, sleep inversion, neglect of basic social requirements and personal hygiene, many somatic symptoms developed due to prolonged sitting or monitor watching, dissocial behavior. In this paper, data about the Internet addiction are presented and a case report of an adolescent with developed Internet addiction.
The Effects of Cognitive Style and Feedback Type on Performance in an Internal Control Task
Authors: Bryant Stephanie , Murthy Uday , Wheeler Patrick
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT: To facilitate the task of evaluating the internal control environment, auditors typically use internal control questionnaires (ICQ) to identify and document audit information. One drawback of structured ICQs is that beginning auditors charged with their completion could use them mechanistically, overlooking important cues that do not match ICQ prompts. We investigate the effects of cognitive style and feedback type on auditors' ability to identify internal control cues using ICQs. Student participants, proxying for beginning staff auditors with no experience, were classified as possessing either a sensor or an intuitive cognitive style. In an experiment, participants used an ICQ to identify internal control cues for one accounting cycle. After receiving varying kinds of feedback, participants repeated the internal control cue identification task using an ICQ for a second accounting cycle. Contrary to expectations, cognitive style did not significantly affect performance in the absence of feedback. As expected, significant associations between cognitive style and post-feedback task performance were found, with the combination of cognitive style and outcome feedback yielding positive performance improvements.
Technique Tip: Percutaneous Chrisman-Snook Lateral Ankle Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Maquieira Gerardo Juan , Moor Beat Kaspar , Espinosa Norman
Published: March 2009

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion
Characteristics and evolution of supraglacial ponds on debris-covered Tasman Glacier, New Zealand
Authors: Röhl Katrin
Published: March 2009

Supraglacial ponds on Tasman Glacier, New Zealand, initiated the development of the large Tasman Lake during the 1980s and still play an important role for ice loss and further terminus disintegration. Limnological and glaciological measurements between 2001 and 2003 reveal distinct differences between ponds. The hydraulic connection of a pond to the englacial water level exerts a key control on whether the pond contributes to longer-term terminus disintegration. In the earlier stages of pond development, ice loss occurs predominantly in the horizontal dimension by subaerial melt. Subaqueous calving at later stages plays a major role for ice loss. During the capture of a pond by the lake, substantial limnological changes lead to changes in relative significance and rates of ice loss processes, the most important being the change from melting to predominantly calving. As a result, ice loss accelerated from around 11 m a−1 of melt under partial debris cover to a retreat by calving and melting of 34 m a−1. Ice loss at the ponds accounted for only 10% of the surface loss in the lower terminus area, but is likely to increase in the future with enlargement and coalescence of ponds.
The cavity under the Amery Ice Shelf, East Antarctica
Authors: Galton-Fenzi B.K. , Maraldi C. , Coleman R. , Hunter J.
Published: March 2009

Ocean circulation under ice shelves and associated rates of melting and freezing are strongly influenced by the shape of the sub-ice-shelf cavity. We have refined an existing method and used additional in situ measurements to estimate the cavity shape under the Amery Ice Shelf, East Antarctica. A finite-element hydrodynamic ocean-tide model was used to simulate the major tidal constituents for a range of different sub-Amery Ice Shelf cavity water-column thicknesses. The data are adjusted in the largely unsurveyed southern region of the ice-shelf cavity by comparing the complex error between simulated tides and in situ tides, derived from GPS observations. We show a significant improvement in the simulated tides, with a combined complex error of 1.8 cm, in comparison with past studies which show a complex error of ∼5.3 cm. Our bathymetry incorporates ice-draft data at the grounding line and seismic surveys, which have provided a considerable amount of new data. This technique has particular application when the water column beneath ice shelves is inaccessible and in situ GPS data are available.
Digital optical televiewing of ice boreholes
Authors: Hubbard Bryn , Roberson Sam , Samyn Denis , Merton-Lyn Derek
Published: March 2009

Digital optical televiewing, recently developed to log and map terrestrial boreholes, provides a complete orientated image of borehole walls at a resolution of 1 mm along hole and typically <1 mm around hole. Here we provide an overview of optical televiewer (OPTV) technology and operation, and outline the potential contributions of the technique to ice-mass research with reference to an OPTV log of a borehole ∼21 m deep drilled in the lower accumulation area of Glacier de Tsanfleuron, Switzerland. The OPTV image of this borehole successfully reveals a variety of visibly contrasting ice types. These ice types have been characterized and their orientation mapped and, on the basis of this information, interpreted as: (1) primary foliation; (2) summer/autumn erosion surfaces; and (3) incipient foliation. Importantly, unrolled OPTV images can be inverted to recreate a virtual image of the borehole core, potentially, for the first time, allowing ice cores to be orientated.
Validation of high-resolution GRACE mascon estimates of glacier mass changes in the St Elias Mountains, Alaska, USA, using aircraft laser altimetry
Authors: Arendt Anthony A. , Luthcke Scott B. , Larsen Christopher F. , Abdalati Waleed , Krabill William B. , Beedle Matthew J.
Published: March 2009

We acquired center-line surface elevations from glaciers in the St Elias Mountains of Alaska/northwestern Canada using aircraft laser altimetry during 2000–05, and compared these with repeat measurements acquired in 2007. The resulting elevation changes were used to estimate the mass balance of 32 900 km2 of glaciers in the St Elias Mountains during September 2003 to August 2007, yielding a value of −21.2 ± 3.8 Gt a−1, equivalent to an area-averaged mass balance of −0.64 ± 0.12 m a−1 water equivalent (w.e.). High-resolution (2 arc-degrees spatial and 10 day temporal) Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mass-balance estimates during this time period were scaled to glaciers of the St Elias Mountains, yielding a value of −20.6 ± 3.0 Gt a−1, or an area-averaged mass balance of −0.63 ± 0.09 m a−1 w.e. The difference in balance estimates (altimetry minus GRACE) was −0.6 ± 4.8 Gt a−1, well within the estimated errors. Differences likely resulted from uncertainties in subgrid sampling of the GRACE mass concentration (mascon) solutions, and from errors in assigning an appropriate near-surface density in the altimetry estimates. The good correspondence between GRACE and aircraft altimetry data suggests that high-resolution GRACE mascon solutions can be used to accurately assess mass-balance trends of mountain glacier regions that are undergoing large changes.
Susceptibility to Smoking among Adolescents and Its Implications for Mexico’s Tobacco Control Programs. Analysis of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey 2003-2004 and 2006-2007
Authors: Valdés-Salgado Raydel , Reynales-Shiguematsu Luz Myriam , Lazcano-Ponce Eduardo  C , Hernández-Avila Mauricio
Published: March 2009

Smoking prevention efforts should either prevent target groups from becoming susceptible to smoking or prevent susceptible adolescents from progressing to becoming regular smokers. To describe the prevalence of susceptibility to smoking among never smoker students from cities that applied the GYTS in 2003 and 2006. The GYTS uses a two-stage cluster sample survey design that produces representative samples of students aged 12-15 years enrolled in public, private, and technical schools. The survey was undertaken at 399 schools in 9 cities. The GYTS surveyed 33,297 students during the academic years 2003-04 and 2006-07. Among never smokers, about 25% are likely to initiate smoking in the next 12 months. There are no differences in susceptibility to smoking by gender. When comparing results from 2003 and 2006, the susceptibility index has not changed, but for one city. The GYTS results are useful for monitoring susceptibility to smoking among adolescents and provide evidence for strengthening the efforts of tobacco control programs in Mexico.
Parents’ and Teachers’ Opinions about the School Food Policy in Belgian Flemish Nursery Schools
Authors: Vereecken Carine , Van Houte Hilde , Martens Veerle , Wittebroodt Isabelle , Maes Lea
Published: March 2009

The partnership of parents, teachers, and schools is necessary to develop effective school food interventions. To gather parents’ and teachers’ opinions and perceptions about the school food policy, 884 parents and 70 teachers of preschoolers completed a questionnaire. School food policy is an issue of importance for parents and teachers: the majority agrees that schools should restrict the availability of snacks and soft drinks; however, to replace fruit juice and sugared milk drinks with sugarless alternatives will take special effort. Fruit is not always available at school, although parents would appreciate it. Parents of lower educational level are in general more permissive.
Synthesis of 3-[2-(4-Chlorobenzylidene)hydrazino]-3-oxo-N-(4-sulfamoylphenyl)propanamide
Authors: Naqvi Arshi , Shahnawaaz Mohd. , Rao Arikatla V. , Seth Daya S. , Sharma Nawal K.
Published: March 2009

3-Hydrazino-3-oxo-N-(4-sulfamoylphenyl)propanamide has been used as a synthon for the preparation of 3-[2-(4-chlorobenzylidene)hydrazino]-3-oxo-N-(4-sulfamoylphenyl)propanamide
Synthesis of New Schiff Base Ether: p-n-(Dimethylamino)-benzylidene-p-dodecyloxyaniline
Authors: Ha Sie-Tiong , Ong Lay-Khoon , Wong Joanna Pik-Wan , Win Yip-Foo , Koh Teck-Ming
Published: March 2009

A new Schiff base ether, p-n-(dimethylamino)benzylidene-p-dodecyloxyaniline, was synthesized and its IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and MS spectroscopic data are reported.