bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suicidal Attempt and Psychiatric Disorders in Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad‐Reza , Ghanizadeh Ahmad , Rahgozart Mehdi , Noorbala Ahmad Ali , Malekafzali Hossein , Davidian Haratoun , Naghavi Hamidreza , Soori Hamid , Bagheri Yazdi Seyed Abbas
Published: August 2005

This study is part of broader research aimed to determine the lifetime prevalence and pattern of comorbidity on self‐reported suicidal attempts in the general population of Iran. Overall, 25,180 subjects were interviewed, face‐to‐face, at home; the lifetime prevalence was 1.4% (0.9% males and 2% females). The majority of attempters were 26–55 years of age, married, more highly educated, female, retired, and lived in urban areas. Many of the attempters (45.3%) reported at least one psychiatric disorder during their lifetime; major depressive disorder (22%), panic disorder (6.3%), and obsessive compulsive disorder (6%) was the most common. Because less than half of suicidal attempters reported a psychiatric disorder, the existence of other pathways to suicide may be important foci for prevention. Many of the demographic correlates of suicidal behavior in Iran are very similar to those seen in Western cutlures; however, the sociodemographic factors such as few working women and very low levels of divorce is quite different to that of Western populations.
An Extension and Test of Sutherland's Concept of Differential Social Organization: The Geographic Clustering of Japanese Suicide and Homicide Rates
Authors: Baller Robert D. , Shin Dong‐Joon , Richardson Kelly K.
Published: August 2005

In an effort to explain the spatial patterning of violence, we expanded Sutherland's (1947) concept of differential social organization to include the level of deviance exhibited by neighboring areas. To test the value of this extension, the geographic clustering of Japanese suicide and homicide rates is assessed using 1985 and 1995 data for prefectures. Univariate results show that both types of violence cluster significantly in space. Inconsistent with the proposed expansion of differential social organization, multivariate results show that proximity to homicide does not increase the risk of homicide in Japan. Results for suicide are supportive and suggest that proximity to higher rates of suicide exposes residents to cultural values that support suicide and to role models who have committed suicide.
Suicides Among Family Members of Elderly Suicide Victims: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Waern Margda
Published: August 2005

This exploratory study compares elderly suicides with (n = 13) and without (n = 72) family member suicide. Previous episodes of suicidal behavior were more common among suicides who lost first‐degree relatives by suicide (100% vs. 65%, p = .009). Six persons had lost an offspring by suicide prior to their own deaths. Substance use disorder was more prevalent among those with offspring suicide than those without (100% vs. 25%, p = .000). While informants reported that offspring suicides played a central role in the suicide of the elderly study case, sibbling suicides were not considered precipitating factors.
Production of 234,235Np and 236Pu in bombardment of 236U with protons in the energy range from 17 to 40 MeV
Authors: Aaltonen J. , Gromova E. A. , Helariutta K. , Jakovlev V. A. , Trzaska W. H. , Huikari J. , Kolhinen V. S. , Rinta-Antila S.
Published: August 2005

The production of 235Np and 236Pu by the reactions 236U(p,2n) 235Np and 236U(p,nβ−) 236Pu using the K-130 cyclotron of the University of Jyväskylä was investigated. The cross sections for the reactions were determined. Thick-target yield curves were derived based on the cross sections. The results are discussed and compared with previous data on other reactions leading to the formation of the same end products. The thick-target yield of 235Np in the 236U(p,2n) reaction is about 50 percent higher than the yield obtained in the 238U(p,4n) reaction leading to this nuclide at comparable particle energies. The purity of 236Pu produced in the 236U(p,nβ−) reaction is more than ten times better than for earlier known as the purest reaction 237Np(p,2n+pnβ−) 236Pu.
Synthesis and characterization of sodium meta-autunite, Na[UO2PO4]·3H2O
Authors: Wellman D. M. , Catalano J. G. , Icenhower J. P. , Gamerdinger A. P.
Published: August 2005

Long-chain sodium polyphosphate compounds have been recently proposed as a ‘time-released’ source of phosphate for precipitation of uranium-phosphate minerals. Elevated sodium concentrations presented by this technique promote the formation of sodium autunite relative to the more common calcium autunite mineral phase. In order to evaluate sodium autunite minerals as a long-term ‘sink’ for in-situ immobilization of uranium, it is necessary to quantify their longevity under environmentally relevant conditions. This paper describes a direct method for precipitating sodium autunite and provides a comparative analysis of the structural and chemical properties of direct versus indirectly precipitated sodium autunite. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, chemical digestion followed by inductively-coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) for elemental analyses, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), multi point Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analyses and helium pyconometry were used to characterize the precipitate phases. Morphological differences are discussed in the context of conducting subsequent solubility and dissolution investigations. Research presented here is part of a larger effort to quantify the solubility and dissolution properties of uranium-phosphate minerals.
Comparison of the accuracy of the hemocue glucose analyzer with the Yellow Springs Instrument glucose oxidase analyzer, particularly in hypoglycemia
Authors: Stork Alexander D M , Kemperman Hans , Erkelens D Willem , Veneman Thiemo F
Published: August 2005

Objective: We aimed to assess the accuracy of the HemoCue Beta-glucose analyzer (HemoCue) and its correlation with the Yellow Springs Instrument (YSI 2300 STAT; YSI) glucose oxidase analyzer, in particular for hypoglycemic values.

Design and methods: Samples were taken from 24 volunteers during hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp studies. Glucose concentrations were determined immediately with the HemoCue in whole blood and with the YSI in plasma from the same sample. After correction for the difference between whole blood and plasma, the paired plasma glucose concentrations were analyzed with various statistical methods.

Results: A total of 500 paired glucose values were obtained, 209 of which were in the hypoglycemic range. Mean±s.e. values were 4.85±0.004 mmol/l for the HemoCue (range 1.87–16.17) and 4.81±0.004 mmol/l for the YSI (range 1.88–15.00; P = 0.80). In the hypoglycemic region, values were 3.26±0.004 mmol/l for the HemoCue (range 1.87–5.17) and 3.22±0.003 mmol/l for the YSI (range 1.88–4.20; P = 0.59). Regression analyses were HemoCue = 1.019(YSI) −0.0577 mmol/l, with r = 0.9787 for all values; for hypoglycemic values the HemoCue = 1.1169(YSI) −0.3393 mmol/l, with r = 0.8798. Using Altman’s residual plot, the difference was 0.03±0.0009 mmol/l, with 18 (3.6%) paired values outside the 95% limits of agreement (−0.82 to 0.89 mmol/l). In the hypoglycemic range, the difference was 0.04±0.001 mmol/l, with six (2.9%) values outside the 95% limits of agreement (−0.71 to 0.79 mmol/l). In error grid analysis, one value was in zone D (0.2%) and five values (1%) were in zone B; 98.8% were within zone A.

Conclusions: Determination of glucose with the HemoCue system had very good correlation with the YSI system in a broad range of glycemia and also for hypoglycemic values. We believe that these methods can be used interchangeably for research and clinical purposes in adults.
Randomized, Controlled Trial of Dexamethasone in Neonatal Chronic Lung Disease: 13- to 17-Year Follow-up Study: I. Neurologic, Psychological, and Educational Outcomes
Authors: Jones Rosamond A. K. ,   on behalf of the Collaborative Dexamethasone Trial Follow-up Group
Published: August 2005

Objectives. To study neurologic, educational, and psychological status in adolescence of neonates enrolled in a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial of dexamethasone therapy for chronic lung disease.

Participants. A total of 287 infants who were chronically dependent on supplementary oxygen and were 2 to 12 weeks of age were recruited from 31 centers in 6 countries to a randomized, controlled trial of dexamethasone base (0.5 mg/kg per day for 1 week); 95% of survivors were reviewed at 3 years. Survivors from the 25 British and Irish centers were retraced at 13 to 17 years of age.

Outcome Measures. Nonverbal reasoning, British Picture Vocabulary Scale, Goodman Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire behavior scores, school national test results, teacher ability ratings, and parental and general practitioner questionnaires.

Results. A total of 195 children were eligible for the follow-up study. Information was available for 150 children (77%), with 142 (73%) being assessed in home visits. No baseline differences were detected between the children included in the follow-up study and those not included. There was a slight excess of cerebral palsy in the steroid group, which was not statistically significant (relative risk: 1.58; 95% confidence interval: 0.81–3.07). Overall disability rates in both groups were high (21% moderate and 14% severe), but with no difference between the 2 groups (for severe disability, relative risk: 0.84; 95% confidence interval: 0.37–1.86).

Conclusions. Information was obtained for 150 adolescents randomized to receive dexamethasone or placebo for neonatal chronic lung disease. Rates of disabilities and educational difficulties were high, but with no significant differences between the 2 groups. Some use of open-label steroids in the placebo group plus losses to long-term follow-up monitoring reduced the power of this study to detect clinically important differences, and this study cannot rule out a real increase in cerebral palsy, as reported by others.
Coarse Particulate Matter and Hospitalization for Respiratory Infections in Children Younger Than 15 Years in Toronto: A Case-Crossover Analysis
Authors: Lin Mei , Stieb David M. , Chen Yue
Published: August 2005

Objectives.The purpose of this study was to examine the association between ambient air pollution and hospitalization for respiratory infections among children who were younger than 15 years in Toronto during a 4-year period (1998–2001).

Methods.Exposures averaged during periods that varied from 1 to 7 days were used to assess the effects of air pollutants, including thoracic particulate matter (PM10), fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10–2.5) particulate matter, carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3), on hospitalization for respiratory infections. A case-crossover design was used to calculate odds ratios for the hospitalization adjusted for daily weather conditions with an incremented exposure corresponding to the interquartile range in air pollution exposures.

Results.When particulate matter and gaseous pollutants were mutually taken into account, the effect remained pronounced for PM10–2.5 in both boys and girls. The adjusted odds ratio for 6-day average exposure to PM10–2.5 with an increment of 6.5 μg/m3 was 1.15 (95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.30) for boys and 1.18 (95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.36) for girls. The effect also remained for PM10 in boys and for NO2 in girls. PM2.5, CO, SO2, and O3 showed no significant effects on hospitalization for respiratory infection in both genders when other pollutants were taken into consideration.

Conclusion.Our study suggested a detrimental effect of relatively low levels of ambient particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, especially coarse particulate matter and NO2, on hospitalization for respiratory infections in children.
Anger, Interpersonal Relationships, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Bullying Boys Who Are Treated With Outpatient Family Therapy: A Randomized, Prospective, Controlled Trial With 1 Year of Follow-up
Authors: Nickel Marius K. , Krawczyk Jakub , Nickel Cerstin , Forthuber Petra , Kettler Christian , Leiberich Peter , Muehlbacher Moritz , Tritt Karin , Mitterlehner Ferdinand O. , Lahmann Claas , Rother Wolfhardt K. , Loew Thomas H.
Published: August 2005

Objective. Ten to 30% of students engage in bullying behavior. Bullies stand out on account of increased anger, poor interpersonal relationships, and poor quality of life. Our aim was to determine the effectiveness of outpatient family psychotherapy as a monotherapy for anger reduction and improvement of behavior and interpersonal relationships and of health-related quality of life in male youths with bullying behavior.

Methods. Twenty-two boys with bullying behavior took part in a family therapy program for 6 months. The control group was also composed of 22 youths and took part in a placebo intervention program. Every 2 weeks, results were checked with the Adolescents Risky-Behavior Scale (ARBS), the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI), the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-D), and the SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Follow-up testing took place 12 months after treatment.

Results. In comparison with the control group (according to the intention-to-treat principle), bullying behavior was reduced (family therapy group: from n = 22 to n = 6; control group: from n = 22 to n = 20). Significant changes on all ARBS scales and on the STAXI scales State-Anger, Trait-Anger, Anger-Out, and Anger-Control were observed after 6 months. In the IIP-D, significant differences were found on the scales for overly autocratic, overly competitive, overly introverted, overly expressive, and exploitable/compliant. In the SF-36, significant differences were observed in general health perceptions, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, and mental health. The reduction in expression of anger correlated with a reduction in several scales of the ARBS, IIP-D, and SF-36. Follow-up after 1 year showed relatively stable, lasting treatment effects.

Conclusion. The results of this study show that outpatient family therapy seems to be an effective method of reducing anger and improving interpersonal relationships and health-related quality of life in male youths with bullying behavior.
Effects of a Mass Media Campaign to Increase Physical Activity Among Children: Year-1 Results of the VERB Campaign
Authors: Huhman Marian , Potter Lance D. , Wong Faye L. , Banspach Stephen W. , Duke Jennifer C. , Heitzler Carrie D.
Published: August 2005

Objective. To determine the effects of a mass media campaign on the levels of physical activity among children 9 to 13 years of age.

Design. A prospective, longitudinal, quasi-experimental design was used. A baseline survey was conducted in April to June 2002, before the launch of VERB advertising. Random-digit-dialing methods were used to survey a nationally representative sample of children and parents. The follow-up survey was repeated with the same cohort of children and parents in April to June 2003. Propensity scoring was used to determine the campaign’s effects on awareness and physical activity behaviors.

Setting. United States.

Participants. A total of 3120 parent-child dyads.

Intervention. The VERB campaign is a multiethnic campaign that combines paid advertisements with school and community promotions and Internet activities to encourage children 9 to 13 years of age to be physically active every day. Launched in 2002 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, VERB uses commercial marketing methods to advertise being physically active as cool, fun, and a chance to have a good time with friends. Using the VERB brand, paid advertising ran nationally from June 2002 through June 2003, targeting 9- to 13-year-old youths.

Main Outcome Measures. Children’s awareness of the campaign and self-reported estimates of free-time and organized physical activity sessions during nonschool hours in the week before the interview.

Results. After 1 year, 74% of children surveyed were aware of the VERB campaign. Levels of reported sessions of free-time physical activity increased for subgroups of children 9 to 13 years of age. A pattern of effects across 2 measures was observed for younger children (9–10 years of age), girls, children whose parents had less than a high school education, children from urban areas that were densely populated, and children who were low active at baseline. These subgroups engaged in more median weekly sessions of free-time physical activity than did children who were unaware of VERB and, as the children’s level of VERB awareness was incrementally higher, the children engaged in incrementally more free-time physical activity sessions. The average 9- to 10-year-old youth engaged in 34% more free-time physical activity sessions per week than did 9- to 10-year-old youths who were unaware of the campaign. A pattern of effects for organized activity was found only for children classified as low active at baseline.

Conclusions. The VERB campaign achieved high levels of awareness in 1 year. Higher levels of physical activity were reported for subgroups of US children. Promoting physical activity with child-focused commercial advertising shows promise.
A Species Cytoplasm Specific Gene in Euplasmic Durum Wheat Does Not Alter Field Performance
Authors: Gehlhar Sarah B. , Simons Kristin J. , Elias Elias M. , Maan Schivcharan S. , Kianian Shahryar F.
Published: August 2005

Wild related Triticum species have been and will be a useful reservoir of genetic diversity for solving problems in the development of improved durum (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) and bread wheat (T. aestivum L.) cultivars. The alien germplasm may be used to reduce vulnerability of cultivars to pests, and improve agronomic fitness and grain quality. However, lack of genetic recombination and hybrid sterility are two obstacles to the use of alien germplasms. Nuclear–cytoplasmic (NC) incompatibility is known to exist between the T. longissimum S. & M. cytoplasm and T. turgidum nucleus. A two‐gene system has been found that restores fertility in this situation: the species cytoplasm specific (scs) gene and the vitality (Vi) gene. This gene system can also be used for the production of hybrid wheat. Effects of these genes on euplasmic (true cytoplasm) durum wheat under a field environment had not been previously investigated. In this study, lines with two copies of the scsti gene, derived from T. timopheevii Zhuk., were compared to lines without the copy of the gene, the parents, and four durum cultivars for five agronomic characteristics: days to heading, plant height, lodging resistance, grain yield, and kernel test weight. Comparison of genotypes homozygous for the scsti gene and those containing no scsti gene indicated minor differences among them, confirming that the scsti gene does not confer any detrimental effects in the euplasmic situation. Thus, the scsti gene could be useful in the production of hybrids in durum wheat.
Persistence after Three Cycles of Selection in NewHy RS‐Wheatgrass (Elymus hoffmannii K.B. Jensen & Asay) at Increased Salinity Levels
Authors: Jensen Kevin B. , Peel Michael D. , Waldron Blair L. , Horton W. Howard , Asay Kay H.
Published: August 2005

Difficulties associated with producing high quality forage on salt affected soils is often associated with the inability of plants to establish and persist at elevated soil salinity levels. The cultivar NewHy RS‐wheatgrass is recommended for use on range sites with moderate salinity problems that receive at least 35 cm of annual precipitation. Objectives of this study were to evaluate (i) the ability to improve plant persistence in NewHy over three cycles of greenhouse selection at increased salinity levels and (ii) corresponding changes in seedling vigor and germination under nonsaline conditions. Greenhouse grown plants were irrigated every 3 d with a complete nutrient solution and salt levels were increased by an electrical conductivity (EC) of 6 dS m−1 every 1 to 2 wk until an EC level of 42 dS m−1 was reached and maintained until plant mortality occurred in 2002 and 2003. Probit analysis was used to estimate the time and salt concentration required to kill 50% of the plants (LD50) in each cycle. Significant differences for LD50 were found among the different cycles of NewHy selected for persistence under saline conditions and the quackgrass [Elytrigia repens (L.) Nevski] parent with a resulting ranking of Cycle‐3 > Cycle‐2 > Cycle‐1 > quackgrass > NewHy (Cycle‐0). The largest single gain was achieved from NewHy Cycle‐0 to Cycle‐1, which required an additional 145 ECdays to reach an LD50 level. Smaller increases were observed between Cycles‐1 and ‐2 and between Cycles‐2 and ‐3. Selection for persistence under a saline environment did not reduce seedling germination rate or vigor.
Shade and Temporal Distribution of Pod Production and Pod Set in Soybean
Authors: Egli Dennis B. , Bruening William P.
Published: August 2005

The temporal distribution of pod production and pod survival play an important role in determining pod and seed number in soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill). We investigated the effect of changing photosynthesis at growth stage R1 (beginning flowering) on these temporal distributions in two greenhouse experiments. Plants (‘Elgin 87’) were exposed to two levels of shade (60 and 90%) from growth stage R1 to maturity. Other plants were removed from 90% shade or placed under 90% shade midway through flowering (transfer treatments). Temporal distributions of pod production and pod survival were determined by marking all unmarked pods ≥ 10 mm long on plants every three days with different colored paint. The color of paint on the mature pods identified when they started development. Continuous shade reduced mature pods by 27 (60% shade) and 82% (90% shade), but it shortened the pod‐production period in only one of four comparisons. Pod production responded quickly to transfer treatments, and the mature pod load was always greater (nearly three fold) than the continuous 90% shade treatment and less (average of 53%) than the control. The mature pod load failed to recover from early shade because the increase in radiation did not lengthen the pod‐production period and not enough pods were produced. Pod production was often more important than pod abortion in determining mature pod number. Adding the temporal distribution of pod production and survival to models predicting pod and seed number will improve their accuracy.
Nondestructive Measurement of Carotenoids in Plant Tissues by Fluorescence Quenching
Authors: Belefant-Miller Helen , Miller Gordon H. , Rutger J. Neil
Published: August 2005

Carotenoids, compounds valuable for their antioxidant properties in humans and animals, are sometimes present in the bran layers of rice (Oryza sativa L.). We developed a nondestructive technique to screen individual rice kernels for the presence of carotenoids in their bran for genetic selection of the carotenoid‐containing lines. Most plant tissues are highly autofluorescent. Carotenoids have a high absorptivity for visible light, which allows them to absorb or quench this natural fluorescence. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy provides the specificity and sensitivity that allows detection of the changes in fluorescence in a single rice kernel that occur when carotenoids are present. The fluorescence quenching technique identified three rice lines as having carotenoids present in the bran, and three other lines as being carotenoid‐deficient. Fluorescence quenching was also used to monitor changes in carotenoid levels in living plants and enabled the measurement of carotenoids within the different colors of a variegated leaf.
Molecular Mapping of Nuclear Male Sterility Genes in Sunflower
Authors: Pérez-Vich Begoña , Berry Simon T. , Velasco Leonardo , Fernández-Martínez José M. , Gandhi Sonali , Freeman Carrie , Heesacker Adam , Knapp Steven J. , Leon Alberto J.
Published: August 2005

Nuclear male sterility (NMS) is a useful tool for sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) breeding and genetics programs. A clear understanding of the genetics of NMS at the molecular level and the identification of linked molecular markers will greatly facilitate breeding for this trait. P21 is an inbred line carrying the single gene Ms11 controlling NMS, and NMS801 and NMS373 are two inbred lines with the NMS gene Ms10 The objectives of this study were to (i) identify molecular markers linked with the Ms10 and the Ms11 NMS genes, and (ii) place these genes on the genetic map of sunflower. Three F2 and a BC1F1 mapping populations developed from crosses between the male‐sterile (MS) lines P21, NMS801, and NMS373, and male‐fertile (MF) (wild‐type) lines were scored for fertility/sterility. The NMS801 and NMS373 populations segregated for Ms10 and T, a tightly linked anthocyanin pigment locus. The P21 populations segregated for Ms11 These populations were then genotyped with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), simple sequence repeat or microsatellite (SSR), and insertion–deletion polymorphism (INDEL) markers, and four genetic maps comprising 14 to 17 linkage groups (LGs) were constructed for each population. The Ms10 and T genes mapped to LG 11, while the Ms11 gene mapped to LG 8. Four SSR markers (ORS697, ORS1214, ORS686, and CRT162) and the phenotypic marker locus T cosegregated and were tightly linked to Ms10 at a genetic distance of less than 1 cM. The Ms11 gene locus was flanked by the SSR markers MS925 and ORS536 at genetic distances of 3.8 and 4.1 cM, respectively. The availability of tightly linked polymerase chain reaction based markers and the location of NMS genes on the sunflower genetic map will be useful for marker‐assisted selection (MAS) in sunflower breeding programs and provides a basis for the physical mapping and positional cloning of these genes.
Interaction of intracellular loops of dopamine d1 receptor with g protein subunits
Authors: Djuranovic Sergej , Predic Jelena , Backovic Marija , Soskic Vukic
Published: August 2005

A simple and rapid method for qualitative and quantitative estimation of Ga subunit interactions with the second and the third intracellular loop, as well as with C-terminal part of human D1 dopamine receptor has been developed. For this purpose, D1-ICL2 and D1-ICL3 were cloned in pGEX-2T vector and expressed in E. coli BL21 as fusion proteins with glutathione-S-transferase (D1-ICL2-GST and D1-ICL3-GST). C-terminal part was cleaved into two fragments which were cloned in pGEX-2T and expressed in E. coli BL21 DE3 as fusion proteins with glutathione-S-transferase (D1-CTSF-GST and D1-CTLF-GST). The resulting soluble constructs were purified by affinity chromatography on glutathione-Sepharose. Ga subunits were expressed and purified as His-tagged proteins (Gao and Gai1 in E. coli BL21 DE3 and Gas in E. coli JM 109). For quantitative assay, varying concentrations of pure His-tagged Ga subunits were immobilized on His-Bind resin and titrated with fusion proteins and the interactions were estimated by a colorimetric assay for GST activity determination. Similar assay was employed to qualitatively demonstrate the interactions. For this purpose pure fusion proteins were immobilized on glutathione-Sepharose in known concentrations and treated with known concentrations of pure His-tagged Ga subunits. Thus created complexes were eluted from glutathione-Sepharose and analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). It was shown that D1-CTSF interacts specifically with Gas subunit, and D1- CTLF with Gao. No other interactions were observed. Based on saturation binding analyses, Kd values in nanomolar range of concentrations demonstrated the highest binding affinity of His-Gas for D1-CTSF-GST and of His-Gao for D1-CTLF-GST.
Effect of calcium on structural and morphometric features of thyroid gland tissue in middle-aged rat females
Authors: Sosic-Jurjevic Branka , Filipovic Branko , Nestorovic Natasa , Lovren Mirjana , Sekulic Milka
Published: August 2005

The subject of these studies was the thyroid gland tissue of middle-aged (14-month-old) female rats chronically treated with calcium glucoheptonate. The peripheral and central zone of the thyroids were stereologically analysed and the following morphometric parameters determined: the height and volumetric density of follicular epithelium, colloid, interstitium and follicles and index of activation rate. The height of follicular epithelium, its volume density and index of activation rate were significantly reduced (by 8%, p < 0.05, 18%, p< 0.025 and 34%, p < 0.01, respectively) as compared to the controls. However the volumetric density of colloid and interstitium were increased (by 10% and 14% respectively). These morphometric results indicate that Ca treatment expressed an inhibitory effect on thyroid follicular cells structure in middle-aged female rats.
General requirements for the competence of testing laboratories and their implementation
Authors: Nesic Tatjana , Boskovic Radomir
Published: August 2005

This paper explains general requirements that testing laboratories should fulfill in order to confirm their competence in the certain field of testing according to the international standard ISO/IEC 17025. The requirements of the standard are separated in two main groups: management requirements and technical requirements. Management requirements can be implemented in the similar way in many testing laboratories, since they consider elements, common for all business systems. A laboratory should pay special attention to the fulfillment of technical requirements. In addition to the requirements of the standard, within each test area exist other applicable legislation. Each laboratory should establish its own goals and needs taking into account the requirements of business environment and legislative that has to be implemented.
Haemostasis in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Obradovic Slobodan , Mandic-Radic Slavka , Dincic Dragan , Subota Vesna , Gligic Branko
Published: August 2005

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is caused by a localized arterial thrombosis, which resulted with myocardial ischemia and necrosis. This event causes the reaction of heart muscle (akinesis and dyskinesis of the ischemic parts of myocardial wall, arrhythmias, and haemodinamic disturbances) and severe systemic reaction (activation of neuroendocrine axis and inflammatory response). Haemostatis disturbances, which can be detected during the AMI and partly caused by the local coronary thrombosis, and partly by the mentioned heart and systemic reaction. A number of therapeutic procedures like venepuncture and almost all drugs commonly used, also influence the measurement of haemostatic parameters. Premorbid state, like smoking diabetes, hyperchlosterolemia, hypertension and obesity and also strong modulators of haemostatis disturbances in AMI and to light on the main factors which modulate that complicated process.
Clinical implications of biochemical alterations induced by hypothalamic thyrotrophin hormone in elderly people
Authors: Djurica Snezana , Petrovic Miroljub , Rajic Miodrag , Davidovic Mladen , Milosevic Dragoslav
Published: August 2005

Thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH) test has been done in 62 subjects (females, average age 72), in order to analyze the stimulated TSH action, to assess the immediate thyroid reserve and to make the rational parameters of the thyroid function in the elderly. It was concluded that biochemical alterations provoked by application of hypothalamic thyrothropin hormone are very complex, but important for the clinical practice, giving the possibility of assessment of the actual state of the thyroid's function. It is also concluded that the estimation of TRH stimulated TSH in 20th and 60th minute, and T3 and FT4 in 60th minute of the TRH test provides very solid and rational method of thyroid function estimation, as well as the estimation of the thyroid reserve.
Otosclerosis: Pathology of the local focus and perilymph
Authors: Janosevic Ljiljana , Djukic Vojko , Janosevic Slobodanka , Nesic Vladimir , Dudvarski Zoran
Published: August 2005

Data from numerous pathohistological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and biochemical studies of the otosclerotic tissue in the otic capsule are reviewed and correlated systematically in order to get more complete insight of the local cellular and molecular events in otosclerosis and to derive the basic knowledge from them. The following parameters are focused: sites and distribution of the otosclerotic foci, classification of the local events in otosclerosis, active and inactive otosclerotic foci, osteoid cells, enzyme activity of the otosclerotic foci and perilymph, components of the bone inorganic constituents and matrix. Characteristic morphologic changes and microscopic appearance of the otosclerotic foci are defined as well as the metabolic processes and enzyme disbalances of the disorder with respect to the phase of the otosclerotic bone resorption and formation. The authors specially stress the necessity of constant monitoring and critical evaluation of both the research data and the general concepts in the multifactorial field of otosclerosis.
Cytochrome c oxidase in patients with acute ischaemic brain disease
Authors: Selakovic Vesna , Jovanovic Marina , Mihajlovic Rosa , Radenovic Lidija
Published: August 2005

The aim of this study was to examine temporal dynamics of cerebrospinal fluid and erythrocyte haemolysate activity of cytochrome c oxidase in acute period of ischaemic brain disease. The study included 85 patients of both sexes mean age 65 ? 8 years. Control group consisted of 15 patients with radicular lesions of discal origin, subjected to diagnostic radiculography, without signs of interruption in the passage of cerebrospinal fluid. Results showed that during the first seven days of ischaemic brain disease significant decrease in cytochrome c oxidase activity in cerebrospinal fluid occurred. The decrease was highest during the first two days compared to control group (1.22 ? 0.358 cyt c/mL). Significant increase in cytochrome c oxidase activity was established in erythrocyte haemolysate. The increase was the highest in brain infarction, somewhat lower in reversible ischaemic attack and the lowest in transient ischaemic attack compared to controls. We concluded that cytochrome c oxidase activity in the cerebrospinal fluid and erythrocyte haemolysate of patients with acute ischaemic brain disease could be an indicator of metabolic dysfunction and neuronal cell damage.
Hyperprolactinaemia as a potential cause of infertility
Authors: Dragojevic Svetlana , Vasiljevic Mladenko , Mitrovic Ana , Dunjic Radica , Dikic Srdjan , Canovic Fadil
Published: August 2005

Establishing of hormonal disturbances is one of the most important steps in infertility studies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the importance frequency and treatment efficiency of hyperprolactinaemia in infertile patients. Eighty-seven infertile patients have been examined in this study. Matched samples of periph?eral blood were taken for hormonal analyses in the early follicular, periovulatory and midluteal phases of the cycle. Between the 4th and 7th day of the cycle ultrasonographic and haemodynamic examinations have been carried out at the ovarian and uterine levels. Hyperprolactinaemia was detected in 25 women, in which prolactin levels ranged 628.4-8000 mIU/L. We started dopamine agonists (bromocriptine/cabergoline) treatment individually dosaged. Menstrual cycle as well as prolactin levels restored in all patients 3 months after treatment initiation. Hyperprolactinaemia can derange fertility potential so its early and precise detection and adequate therapy are essential for restoration of regular menstrual cycle and successful infertility treatment.
Application of Six Sigma level of quality in laboratory medicine
Authors: Ignjatovic Svetlana
Published: August 2005

The principle of continuous improvement of working process applies to quality management itself. Six Sigma level of quality provides a quantitative definition of the desired specifications for production processes and allows those specifications to be related to the customer needs or requirements. When six-sigma performance is recognized as a fundamental goal for processes, quality can truly be measured and managed in a more quantitative way. A six-sigma process provides a better guarantee that products will be produced within the desired specifications and with a low defect rate.
Application of ISO 15189 standard on accreditation of medical laboratories
Authors: Postic-Grujin Aleksandra , Majkic-Singh Nada
Published: August 2005

Application of external quality control in clinical biochemical laboratories imposed the necessity of introduction of system quality management and accreditation in identical and different medical laboratories. ?Good laboratory practice? and the principals thereof were adopted by the appointed bodies, both international and national ones. In the beginning, ISO 9001 standard was applied to certification, and EN 45001 and ISO Guide 25 to accreditation; both were prepared for testing and calibration laboratories. ISO 17025 standard is the successor of the previous documents and presently used as reference by the listed laboratories. The Working Group of European Communities Confederation of Clinical Chemistry (EC4) set up out the additional requirements for the medical laboratories. The draft standard ISO 15189 was adopted in February of 2003 as the final version of the requirements set forth for all the medical laboratories.
Methimazole-induced hypothyroidism in rats: Effects on body weight and histological characteristics of thyroid gland
Authors: Cakic-Milosevic Maja , Korac Aleksandra , Davidovic Vukosava
Published: August 2005

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of methimazole treatment on the body weight and thyroid gland structure in rats. Methimazole given as 0.02% solution in drinking water for three weeks induced significant decline in T4 and T3 levels, as determined by radioimmunoassay. The body weight gain was lowered compared to control animals, while thyroid weight was increased. Histological examination of the thyroid gland revealed a pronounced growth activation of the follicular epithelial component with frequent mitoses, accompanied with improved vascularisation. We assumed that the lower body weight gain despite decreased basal metabolic rate and similar food ingestion can be a result of brown adipose tissue activity.
Magnesium serum and urine concentration in patients with acute and chronic pulmonary disease
Authors: Nagorni-Obradovic Ljudmila , Ignjatovic Svetlana , Petrovic Vesna , Mitic-Milikic Marija
Published: August 2005

In this study we determined magnesium concentration in serum and in 24-hour urine, at the start (To) and at the end of treatment (T1), in 56 patients with acute pulmonary disease (B1) and in 58 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - COPD (B2). In group B1 there was disbalance of Mg in serum in 14-25% patients at the start of treatment (To) which decreased significantly at the end of treatment (T1) and persisted in 4-7.1% patients (p < 0.05). In group B2 distribution of normal, decreased and increased values of Mg in serum was similar in patients in period To and T1 (p > 0.05). In group B1, 9 (16.1%) patients had hypomagnesemia at the start of treatment (To), which was accompanied by increased concentration of Mg in 24-hour urine of only 4 (7.2%) patients. There is a possibility that there was extrarenal elimination of Mg in patients with acute pulmonary disease or there was some kind of transcellular distribution. In group B2 in period To, there was proportional ratio between hypomagnesemia (12-20.7% patients) and increased concentration of Mg in 24-hour urine (20 -34.5% patients). This could be because of renal loss. Simultaneous determination and follow up of magnesium in serum and in 24-hour urine can give us reliable information about homeostasis of this electrolyte in acute and chronic pulmonary diseases.
Protease activities of Candida spp. isolated from immunocompetent patients with otomycosis
Authors: Arsenijevic-Arsic Valentina , Arsovic Nenad , Dzamic Aleksandar , Trpkovic Andreja , Zec-Kranjcic Ivana , Djukic Vojko
Published: August 2005

Otomycosis is a fungal infection of the ear dominantly caused by Candida and Aspergillus spp. The possible virulence factors of Candida spp. are enzymes, such as proteases, phospholipases, phosphatases and esterase. Protease production in Candida strains isolated from patients with otomycosis is, according to our knowledge, not investigated. The present study was aimed at determining in vitro protease activity in 28 strains of Candida spp. (C. parapsilosis, C. famata, C. guilliermondii, C. albicans and C. kefyr) isolated from patients with otomycosis. The majority of isolated strains 25/28 (89.28%) were protease positive. The protease Pz ranged from 0.691 to 0.851. The futher investigation is necessary to clarify contribution of protease production to Candida virulence associated with otomycosis.
Biochemical markers and haematologic indices in the diagnosis of iron-restricted erythropoiesis and monitoring of r-HuEPO therapy
Authors: Thomas Lothar , Thomas Christian
Published: August 2005

Classical iron deficiency (ID) is not a challenge for the laboratory and physicians. The diagnosis is associated with microcytic hypochromic anemia and low serum ferritin. Anemia that accompanies infection, inflammation, and cancer, commonly termed anemia of chronic disorders (ACD) has apparently normal or increased iron stores. However, 20% of these patients have iron-restricted erythropoiesis (functional ID), an imbalance between iron requirements of the erythroid marrow and the actual iron supply. Functional ID leads to a reduction of red cell hemoglobinization, which causes hypochromic microcytic anemia. The early diagnosis of functional ID is based on the measurement of heamoglobin content of reticulocytes. This index can be estimated measuring the CHr with the Bayer Advia analyzer or the Ret-Y, using the Sysmex XE analyzer series. A CHr < 28 pg or a Ret-Y < 1630 are sensitive indicators of functional ID. For the assessment of iron status and the detection of advancing iron deficiency in patients with ID, ACD and the combined state of functional ID/ACD a diagnostic plot was developed. The plot indicates the correlation between the ratio sTfR/log ferritin (ferritin index), a marker of iron supply for erythropoiesis, and the CHr or Ret-Y. The diagnostic plot shows a good selectivity to assess the iron status of disease specific anemias like classical ID, end stage renal failure, cancer related anemia and anemia of infection and inflammation. Therapeutic implications of the diagnostic plot are to differentiate patients who should be administered with oral iron, with r-HuEPO or a combination of r-HuEPO and iron. The therapy can be monitored using the CHr, the Ret-Y, the sTfR or the diagnostic plot. An increase of CHr > 1 pg, of sTfR > 20% or an upward movement of the patient data point in the diagnostic plot indicates response to iron or r-HuEPO.
Duodenal mucosal and plasma ascorbate levels of patients with iron deficiency
Authors: Atanasova Bisera , Simpson Robert , Li Andy , Tzatchev Kamen , Peters Timothy
Published: August 2005

Iron is a vital element for almost all living organisms. In mammals iron is taken by the intestinal epithelium, primarily in the duodenum. The initial step of absorption involves the reduction of ferric to ferrous iron both in gastric lumen and at the brush-border apical membrane. Reductase activity is increased by factors physiologically stimulating iron absorption, such as iron deficiency and chronic hypoxia. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) has long been known to enhance absorption of dietary iron in humans as shown by several nutritional/dietetic studies. This effect has been ascribed to lumenal reduction and solubilization of iron. Recent molecular cloning of the mammalian duodenal brush-border reductase activity has provided evidence that ascorbate may play an intracellular role in determining iron absorption rates. Previously, ascorbate concentrations have been determined in duodenum, but only in normal subjects and there is no evidence on how duodenal ascorbate alters in relation to intestinal iron absorption. The aim of this study is to examine mucosal and plasma levels of ascorbate and dehydroascorbate in normal subjects and patients with iron deficiency that is known to be a stimulator for iron absorption. Duodenal biopsies were homogenized in 5% metaphosphoric acid using single burst homogeniser. Tissue and plasma ascorbate levels were assayed by ferrozine spectrophotometric method. Blood was taken from each subject to assess the iron status. The analyses of human samples revealed increased duodenal (p <0.001, n = 20) and plasma (p <0.001, n = 6) ascorbate levels in patients with iron deficiency. These findings support an important intracellular role of ascorbic acid in human dietary iron absorption.
Infrared spectroscopy in kidney and biliary stone disease
Authors: Bulo Anyla , Refatllari Etleva , Koci Kosta , Zaganjori Rolanda , Isaraj Artan
Published: August 2005

Nephrolithiasis is a complex, multifactorial disease resulting from an interaction between environmental and genetic factors. A minority of patients form stones because of well defined systemic diseases. In the rest, who usually are otherwise well expected for stone formation, the pathogenesis of stone is not as cleary defined. Compressive metabolic evaluation has become an important aspect of the management of recurrent nephrolithiasis, yet the role of stone analysis is often neglected or perhaps underestimated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the chemical composition of kidney and biliary stones in our patients in order to provide guidance in metabolic evaluation and medical diagnosis, therapeutic treatment and prevention of recurrence. We used infrared spectroscopic method (Perkin Elmer Infrared Spectroscopy) to analyze the chemical composition of 224 kidney stones passed spontaneously or removed surgically and 40 gallstones removed surgically in the ?Mother Teresa? University Hospital Centre of Tirana. Of 224 kidney stones 62 % belong to male and 38% to female patients. Of infrared spectroscopic examinations of kidney stones 75.4% of results are calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones, 12.5% uric acid (UA) stones, 10.3% phosphate stones and 1.8% cystine stones. Of CaOx stones 67.4% are pure CaOx stones and 32.6% are mixed composition stones (CaOx mixed with UA or apatite). Of UA stones 82.1% are pure UA stones, 10.7% are UA stones mixed with ammonium urate and 7.2% are pure ammonium urate stones. Of phosphate stones 39.1% are of struvite composition, 26.1% are of carabapatite composition and 34.8% are of struvite composition mixed with apatite. The incidence of CaOx stones, UA stones and cystine stones is higher in men, while phosphate stones predominate in women. The chemical composition of 40 biliary stones examined with infrared spectroscopy is the following: 2.5% are pure calcium bilirubinate stones, are 42.5% are pure cholesterol stones and 55% are mixed stones (cholesterol stones mixed with calcium bilirubinate, calcite, aragonite or apatite). Females predominate in bilary stones. Calcium stones are the most frequent kidney stones. Calcium stones, uric acid stones and cystine stones were found more frequently in males than in females. On the other hand, phosphate containing stones, very often called ?infection stones?, were more frequent in female patients. Cholesterol stones predominate in gallstones examined by infrared spectroscopy. All types of gallstones are more frequent in women than in men. Stone analysis alone may provide guidance for therapeutic treatment and recurrence prevention.