bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Os métodos quantitativos no ensino superior: uma tipologia de representações
Authors: Ramos Madalena , Carvalho Helena
Published: May 2009

É recorrente concluir-se que níveis mais elevados de autoconfiança dos alunos, relativamente às suas capacidades para interagir com a matemática, associados a uma maior utilidade percebida desta concorrem para os alunos terem representações positivas da disciplina. Um dos objectivos deste artigo é averiguar se no contexto universitário se mantém esta tendência linear na relação entre as duas dimensões - afectiva e instrumental - estruturantes das representações das disciplinas de métodos quantitativos. Um segundo objectivo consiste em perceber como é que os alunos de diferentes cursos (de áreas científicas distintas) geram as suas representações relativamente a essas disciplinas. Foi aplicado um inquérito por questionário a uma amostra de alunos numa instituição universitária. Para a definição dos padrões de representações, foi usada a Análise de Correspondências Múltiplas e, para a identificação de factores explicativos dos perfis dos alunos, foi usada a Regressão Categorial. Os resultados evidenciam que o espaço das representações dos métodos quantitativos em contexto universitário é um espaço marcado pela heterogeneidade, mas cuja complexidade ultrapassa essa tendência linear na relação entre a dimensão da utilidade e a dimensão afectiva. Outra das conclusões é a não sustentabilidade da tese que aponta (pelo menos em contexto não universitário) para a feminização da falta de autoestima e da autoconfiança para lidar com disciplinas dessa área científica. Conclui-se, ainda, que parece existir uma certa cultura de curso, na medida em que os cursos tendem a reflectir um padrão predominante de representações dos métodos quantitativos.
Na dança e na educação: o círculo como princípio
Authors: Ostetto Luciana Esmeralda
Published: May 2009

Articulando dança e educação, este artigo fala de possibilidades. Tomando os processos educativo-formativos de educadores como foco mobilizador, apresenta e discute conteúdos fertilizados no contexto de uma pesquisa de doutorado, realizada com diferentes grupos de educadoras e desenvolvida por meio de " encontros para dançar em roda" . Na relação constituída entre a experiência com uma específica forma de dança - a dança circular -, e a reflexão sobre a formação de professores, foram identificados alguns núcleos temáticos para a análise. Entre eles, destaca-se a necessidade de contemplar, na jornada de formação, a dimensão estética, cultivando o " ser sensível" presente-escondido no adulto-educador. Considera-se, pois, a implicação de propostas que contribuam para a construção de processos educativos mais inteiros, reaproximando razão e emoção, cognição e afeto. No desenvolvimento da referida pesquisa, o estudo sobre a simbologia do círculo revelou-se essencial e, no presente artigo, configura o eixo central da discussão. São propriedades simbólicas do círculo a perfeição e a ausência de distinção ou divisão. Sua imagem evoca equilíbrio, totalidade, integração de diferenças, interdependência. Roda, círculo, mandala: não é uma bela imagem para a prática educativa? O círculo dançante: não seria uma oportunidade para o aprendizado da circularidade na educação? Perpassando tais questões que envolvem a potencialidade do símbolo, propõe-se uma discussão sobre a necessária circularidade dos processos educativos.
Avaliação dos descritores de asma grave em pacientes incluídos na portaria de saúde pública que regulamenta a distribuição gratuita de medicamentos para o tratamento de manutenção da asma
Authors: Santos Maria Amélia Carvalho da Silva , Fernandes Ana Luisa Godoy , Amorim Mara Marta , Lima Patrícia Bueno , Faresin Sonia Maria , Santoro Ilka Lopes
Published: May 2009

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a capacidade dos critérios descritos na Portaria Complementar SAS/MS nº12, de 12 de novembro de 2002, em identificar pacientes asmáticos graves, bem como descrever e comparar dados clínicos, funcionais e de tratamento destes pacientes. MÉTODOS: Estudo caso-controle aninhado em um banco de dados estruturado de atendimento ambulatorial de asmáticos. Foram considerados casos os pacientes asmáticos que preencheram os critérios de inclusão determinados na portaria e considerados controles os que não preencheram os mesmos critérios. Foram coletados e comparados dados demográficos; história pregressa da asma; medicamentos em uso; presença de comorbidades; história de tabagismo; presença, no último ano, de exacerbações, de hospitalizações e de admissões em unidades de terapia intensiva devido à asma; e resultados de espirometria e de citologia de escarro. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 29 e 31 pacientes, respectivamente, nos grupos caso e controle. O grupo caso apresentou maior número de exacerbações e maior número de visitas ao pronto-socorro no último ano, maior porcentagem de pacientes que receberam pelo menos um pulso de corticosteroide oral, assim como menores valores de CVF pré-broncodilatador em relação ao grupo controle. O grupo caso também apresentou um aumento significante de eosinófilos na citologia do escarro induzido. CONCLUSÕES: Os critérios de inclusão descritos na portaria são adequados para estratificar pacientes com asma grave.
Broncodilatação na DPOC: muito além do VEF1-efeito do salbutamol nas propriedades resistivas e reativas do sistema respiratório
Authors: Costa Gerusa Marítimo da , Faria Alvaro Camilo Dias , Di Mango Ana Maria Gonçalves Tavares , Lopes Agnaldo José , Jansen José Manoel , Melo Pedro Lopes de
Published: May 2009

OBJETIVO: Atualmente existem importantes debates na literatura sobre a resposta broncodilatadora em pacientes com DPOC e se a variação do VEF1 pode ser considerada uma indicação completa de reversibilidade neste caso particular. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito do salbutamol nas propriedades resistivas e elásticas do sistema respiratório de portadores de DPOC. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 70 indivíduos com DPOC, classificados através da espirometria em dois grupos: broncodilatador (BD)-negativo (n = 39); e BD-positivo (n = 31). Utilizou-se a técnica de oscilações forçadas (TOF) para avaliar os seguintes parâmetros: a resistência no intercepto (R0), associada à resistência total do sistema respiratório; a resistência média (Rm), relacionada à resistência de vias aéreas centrais; e a complacência dinâmica (Cdyn); assim como o coeficiente angular da resistência (S) e a reatância média (Xm), relacionados com a homogeneidade do sistema respiratório. RESULTADOS: O uso do salbutamol resultou em reduções significativas de R0 (p < 0,00002) e Rm (p < 0,0002). Foram também observadas elevações significativas em S (p < 0,0001), Cdyn (p < 0,0001) e Xm (p < 0,00004). Estas alterações ocorreram tanto nos dois grupos, tendo sido observadas maiores modificações nos parâmetros da TOF do que nos parâmetros da espirometria. CONCLUSÕES: O uso de salbutamol melhorou o comportamento dos componentes resistivos e reativos do sistema respiratório dos pacientes com DPOC estudados. Estas mudanças ocorreram independentemente da classificação do exame empregando o VEF1, o que indica que a utilização deste parâmetro isoladamente pode não ser suficiente para identificar completamente os efeitos fisiológicos envolvidos.
Associação entre os polimorfismos dos genes MBL2, TGF-β1 e CD14 com a gravidade da doença pulmonar na fibrose cística
Authors: Faria Elisangela Jacinto de , Faria Isabel Cristina Jacinto de , Ribeiro José Dirceu , Ribeiro Antônio Fernando , Hessel Gabriel , Bertuzzo Carmen Sílvia
Published: May 2009

OBJETIVO: Verificar a correlação entre os polimorfismos dos genes MBL2, TGF-β1 e CD14 com a gravidade da doença pulmonar em pacientes com fibrose cística (FC), bem como correlacionar a presença dos alelos ΔF508 com a gravidade da doença naqueles pacientes. MÉTODOS: Estudo clínico-laboratorial, de corte transversal, com 105 pacientes fibrocísticos de um hospital universitário em 2005-2006. Foram analisados 202 doadores de sangue saudáveis como controles para a pesquisa dos polimorfismos no gene TGF-β1 e CD14. A análise de polimorfismos nos genes MBL2 e TGF-β1 no códon 10, posição +869, foi realizada pela técnica da PCR alelo-específica. A genotipagem do polimorfismo C-159T no gene CD14 foi realizada através de PCR e digestão enzimática. RESULTADOS: Dos 105 pacientes com FC avaliados, 67 apresentavam doença pulmonar grave segundo o escore de Shwachman. Os polimorfismos do gene MBL2 não foram associados com a gravidade da doença nos fibrocísticos. A análise do polimorfismo T869C no gene TGF-β1 mostrou somente uma associação entre o heterozigoto TC com doença pulmonar leve. Para o polimorfismo C-159T no gene CD14, obtivemos um predomínio de pacientes com o genótipo TT, mas não houve diferença significativa com relação à gravidade do quadro pulmonar. CONCLUSÕES: Houve associação entre o genótipo TC do polimorfismo T869C (TGF-β1) e o quadro pulmonar leve nos fibrocísticos. No gene CD14, o genótipo TT parece ser um fator de risco para o quadro pulmonar, mas não um fator modulador da gravidade. Não existiu associação entre pacientes homozigotos para a mutação ΔF508 e a gravidade do quadro pulmonar.
Assessment of lake sensitivity to acidic deposition in national parks of the Rocky Mountains
Authors: Nanus L. , Williams M. W. , Campbell D. H. , Tonnessen K. A. , Blett T. , Clow D. W.
Published: May 2009

The sensitivity of high‐elevation lakes to acidic deposition was evaluated in five national parks of the Rocky Mountains based on statistical relations between lake acid‐neutralizing capacity concentrations and basin characteristics. Acid‐neutralizing capacity (ANC) of 151 lakes sampled during synoptic surveys and basin‐characteristic information derived from geographic information system (GIS) data sets were used to calibrate the statistical models. The explanatory basin variables that were considered included topographic parameters, bedrock type, and vegetation type. A logistic regression model was developed, and modeling results were cross‐validated through lake sampling during fall 2004 at 58 lakes. The model was applied to lake basins greater than 1 ha in area in Glacier National Park (n = 244 lakes), Grand Teton National Park (n = 106 lakes), Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (n = 11 lakes), Rocky Mountain National Park (n = 114 lakes), and Yellowstone National Park (n = 294 lakes). Lakes that had a high probability of having an ANC concentration <100 μeq/L, and therefore sensitive to acidic deposition, are located in basins with elevations >3000 m, with <30% of the catchment having northeast aspect and with >80% of the catchment bedrock having low buffering capacity. The modeling results indicate that the most sensitive lakes are located in Rocky Mountain National Park and Grand Teton National Park. This technique for evaluating the lake sensitivity to acidic deposition is useful for designing long‐term monitoring plans and is potentially transferable to other remote mountain areas of the United States and the world.
Climate and wildfire area burned in western U.S. ecoprovinces, 1916–2003
Authors: Littell Jeremy S. , McKenzie Donald , Peterson David L. , Westerling Anthony L.
Published: May 2009

The purpose of this paper is to quantify climatic controls on the area burned by fire in different vegetation types in the western United States. We demonstrate that wildfire area burned (WFAB) in the American West was controlled by climate during the 20th century (1916–2003). Persistent ecosystem‐specific correlations between climate and WFAB are grouped by vegetation type (ecoprovinces). Most mountainous ecoprovinces exhibit strong year‐of‐fire relationships with low precipitation, low Palmer drought severity index (PDSI), and high temperature. Grass‐ and shrub‐dominated ecoprovinces had positive relationships with antecedent precipitation or PDSI. For 1977–2003, a few climate variables explain 33–87% (mean = 64%) of WFAB, indicating strong linkages between climate and area burned. For 1916–2003, the relationships are weaker, but climate explained 25–57% (mean = 39%) of the variability. The variance in WFAB is proportional to the mean squared for different data sets at different spatial scales. The importance of antecedent climate (summer drought in forested ecosystems and antecedent winter precipitation in shrub and grassland ecosystems) indicates that the mechanism behind the observed fire–climate relationships is climatic preconditioning of large areas of low fuel moisture via drying of existing fuels or fuel production and drying. The impacts of climate change on fire regimes will therefore vary with the relative energy or water limitations of ecosystems. Ecoprovinces proved a useful compromise between ecologically imprecise state‐level and localized gridded fire data. The differences in climate–fire relationships among the ecoprovinces underscore the need to consider ecological context (vegetation, fuels, and seasonal climate) to identify specific climate drivers of WFAB. Despite the possible influence of fire suppression, exclusion, and fuel treatment, WFAB is still substantially controlled by climate. The implications for planning and management are that future WFAB and adaptation to climate change will likely depend on ecosystem‐specific, seasonal variation in climate. In fuel‐limited ecosystems, fuel treatments can probably mitigate fire vulnerability and increase resilience more readily than in climate‐limited ecosystems, in which large severe fires under extreme weather conditions will continue to account for most area burned.
Goats, birds, and emergent diseases: apparent and hidden effects of exotic species in an island environment
Authors: Carrete Martina , Serrano David , Illera Juan C. , López Guillermo , Vögeli Matthias , Delgado Antonio , Tella JoséL.
Published: May 2009

Exotic species can have devastating effects on recipient environments and even lead to the outbreak of emergent diseases. We present here several hidden effects that the introduction of goats has had on the Lesser Short‐toed Lark,Calandrella rufescens, the commonest native bird inhabiting the island of Fuerteventura (Canary Islands). Vegetation structure varied with grazing pressure, and indeed, vegetation was all but eradicated from the locality with greatest goat densities, which was also where the lowest density of Lesser Short‐toed Larks was recorded. The impact of habitat impoverishment, however, was partially compensated for by changes in the foraging behavior of birds, which benefited from the abundant food provided to goats on farms. Capture–resighting methods showed that birds visiting farms outnumbered the estimates for birds obtained in the surrounding natural habitat, suggesting that there was recruitment from a much larger area. Stable isotope analyses of feathers indicated that island birds feed largely on the maize supplied at goat farms, showing poorer body condition than birds from populations not associated with farms (peninsular Spain and Morocco). Moreover, larks from Fuerteventura had a very high prevalence of poxvirus lesions compared with other bird populations worldwide and may increase the risk of contracting the disease by feeding on farms, where they aggregate and coexist atypically with domestic birds. The island birds also had lower average productivity, which may be the consequence of the emergent disease and/or the poor nutritional state resulting from feeding on a low‐protein diet. Diseased and non‐diseased birds from Fuerteventura showed similar body condition and annual survival rates. However, the isotopic traces of δ13C indicate that the diet of diseased birds was more uniform than that of non‐diseased birds, being based on food from goat farms. Our results show how the combination of species frequently introduced onto islands (goats, poultry, and associated pathogens) can create ecological traps for native species that are not always easy to identify. Moreover, we stress that nutrition and infectious diseases are important determinants of the well‐being and dynamics of animal populations, and thus health research must be included in the design of monitoring programs and conservation strategies.
Fishing from past to present: continuity and resilience of red abalone fisheries on the Channel Islands, California
Authors: Braje Todd J. , Erlandson Jon M. , Rick Torben C. , Dayton Paul K. , Hatch Marco B. A.
Published: May 2009

Archaeological data from coastal shell middens provide a window into the structure of ancient marine ecosystems and the nature of human impacts on fisheries that often span millennia. For decades Channel Island archaeologists have studied Middle Holocene shell middens visually dominated by large and often whole shells of the red abalone (Haliotis rufescens). Here we use modern ecological data, historical accounts, commercial red abalone catch records, and zooarchaeological data to examine long‐term spatial and temporal variation in the productivity of red abalone fisheries on the Northern Channel Islands, California (USA). Historical patterns of abundance, in which red abalone densities increase from east to west through the islands, extend deep into the Holocene. The correlation of historical and archaeological data argue for long‐term spatial continuity in productive red abalone fisheries and a resilience of abalone populations despite dramatic ecological changes and intensive human predation spanning more than 8000 years. Archaeological, historical, and ecological data suggest that California kelp forests and red abalone populations are structured by a complex combination of top‐down and bottom‐up controls.
Where and when to revegetate: a quantitative method for scheduling landscape reconstruction
Authors: Thomson J. R. , Moilanen A. J. , Vesk P. A. , Bennett A. F. , Nally R. Mac
Published: May 2009

Restoration of native vegetation is required in many regions of the world, but determining priority locations for revegetation is a complex problem. We consider the problem of determining spatial and temporal priorities for revegetation to maximize habitat for 62 bird species within a heavily cleared agricultural region, 11 000 km2 in area. We show how a reserve‐selection framework can be applied to a complex, large‐scale restoration‐planning problem to account for multi‐species objectives and connectivity requirements at a spatial extent and resolution relevant to management. Our approach explicitly accounts for time lags in planting and development of habitat resources, which is intended to avoid future population bottlenecks caused by delayed provision of critical resources, such as tree hollows. We coupled species‐specific models of expected habitat quality and fragmentation effects with the dynamics of habitat suitability following replanting to produce species‐specific maps for future times. Spatial priorities for restoration were determined by ranking locations (150‐m grid cells) by their expected contribution to species habitat through time using the conservation planning tool, “Zonation.” We evaluated solutions by calculating expected trajectories of habitat availability for each species. We produced a spatially explicit revegetation schedule for the region that resulted in a balanced increase in habitat for all species. Priority areas for revegetation generally were clustered around existing vegetation, although not always. Areas on richer soils and with high rainfall were more highly ranked, reflecting their potential to support high‐quality habitats that have been disproportionately cleared for agriculture. Accounting for delayed development of habitat resources altered the rank‐order of locations in the derived revegetation plan and led to improved expected outcomes for fragmentation‐sensitive species. This work demonstrates the potential for systematic restoration planning at large scales that accounts for multiple objectives, which is urgently needed by land and natural resource managers.
Legacies of historical land use on regional forest composition and structure in Wisconsin, USA (mid‐1800s–1930s–2000s)
Authors: Rhemtulla Jeanine M. , Mladenoff David J. , Clayton Murray K.
Published: May 2009

Historical land use can influence forest species composition and structure for centuries after direct use has ceased. In Wisconsin, USA, Euro‐American settlement in the mid‐ to late 1800s was accompanied by widespread logging, agricultural conversion, and fire suppression. To determine the maximum magnitude of change in forest ecosystems at the height of the agricultural period and the degree of recovery since that time, we assessed changes in forest species composition and structure among the (1) mid‐1800s, at the onset of Euro‐American settlement; (2) 1930s, at the height of the agricultural period; and (3) 2000s, following forest regrowth. Data sources included the original U.S. Public Land Survey records (mid‐1800s), the Wisconsin Land Economic Inventory (1930s), and U.S. Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis data (2000s). We derived maps of relative species dominance and tree diameters for the three dates and assessed change using spatial error models, nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordination, and Sørenson distance measures. Our results suggest that since the mid‐1800s, hemlock and white pine have declined in absolute area from 22% to 1%, and the proportion of medium (25–<50 cm) and large‐diameter (≥50 cm) trees of all species has decreased from 71% to 27% across the entire state. Early‐successional aspen‐birch is three times more common than in the mid‐1800s (9% vs. 3%), and maple and other shade‐tolerant species are increasing in southern areas formerly dominated by oak forests and savannas. Since the peak agricultural extent in the 1930s, species composition and tree size in northern forests have shown some recovery, while southern forests appear to be on a novel trajectory of change. There is evidence of regional homogenization, but the broad north–south environmental gradient in Wisconsin constrains overall species composition. Although the nature of the future forests will be determined in part by climate change and other exogenous variables, land use is likely to remain the driving factor.
Analyzing Differences in the Magnitude of Socioeconomic Inequalities in Self-Perceived Health by Countries of Different Political Tradition in Europe
Authors: Borrell Carme , Espelt Albert , Rodríguez-Sanz Maica , Burström Bo , Muntaner Carles , Pasarín M. Isabel , Benach Joan , Marinacci Chiara , Roskam Albert-Jan , Schaap Maartje , Regidor Enrique , Costa Giuseppe , Santana Paula , Deboosere Patrick , Kunst Anton , Navarro Vicente
Published: May 2009

The objectives of this study are to describe, for European countries, variations among political traditions in the magnitude of inequalities in self-perceived health by educational level and to determine whether these variations change when contextual welfare state, labor market, wealth, and income inequality variables are taken into account. In this cross-sectional study, the authors look at the population aged 25 to 64 in 13 European countries. Individual data were obtained from the Health Interview Surveys of each country. Educational-level inequalities in self-perceived health exist in all countries and in all political traditions, among both women and men. When countries are grouped by political tradition, social democratic countries are found to have the lowest educational-level inequalities.
Not to be forgotten: The bombing of Novi Sad: An ecological black area
Authors: Njezic Zvonko , Acanski Marijana
Published: May 2009

During the 1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia, the second largest Yugoslav city Novi Sad was one of the cities that bore the brunt of the bombing. According to NATO press releases, the bombing targeted oil refineries, roads, bridges, and telecommunications relay stations, facilities which had used for military purposes. The bombing of Novi Sad's refinery caused fires which burned 50000 tons of crude oil, sending toxins and carcinogens into the air and contaminating groundwater. The bombing of the city caused great damage to local civilians, including severe pollution and widespread ecological damage, health consequences which will remain for years as well as permanent psychological consequences caused by almost 3 months of trauma and fear.
Quantitative estimation of trimazolin hydrochloride in pharmaceutical preparation by RP-HPLC method
Authors: Savic Ivana , Nikolic Goran , Bankovic Vladimir , Savic Ivan
Published: May 2009

A sensitive and selective RP-HPLC method was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of trimazolin hydrochloride in nasal drops formulations. The mobile phase composition was water-acetonitrile (50:50, v/v) and the UV detection was carried out at 270 nm. Linearity range in the concentration range of 10 to 110 ?g cm-3. The method was tested and validated for various parameters according to ICH guidelines. The detection and quantization limits were found to be 1.45 and 4.8 ?g cm-3, respectively. The results demonstrated that the procedure for estimation of trimazolin hydrochloride in nasal drops formulations was accurate, precise and reproducible.
Surface adsorption of stearic acid by natural calcite
Authors: Mihajlovic Slavica , Dakovic Aleksandra , Sekulic Zivko , Iles Deana , Kragovic Milan
Published: May 2009

In order to obtain hydrophobic material, the surface of natural limestone with the high content of calcite (>95%), was treated with 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3 and 4% of stearic acid. Two methods were used for modification: the solution method and the dry coating. The obtained products were characterized using the thermal analysis (DT/TG), X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by the evaluation of floating test. Results of floating test showed that when the solution method was applied, the hydrophobicity arrived at above 99% when the amount of stearic acid was 1.5%, while with the dry coating the same hydrophobicity was achieved with 3% of stearic acid. From the position of the principal exothermic peak (> 310 ?C) at DTA curves, for calcites modified with dry coating and with the solution method, it can be concluded that with both modification processes, the same active sites exist at the calcite surface onto which stearic acid may be chemisorbed. However, the position and the intensity of the other exothermic peaks, indicate the differences in bonding of stearic acid at the calcite surface during the solution method and the dry coating.
Chemical industrial production and applied chemistry of metals and nonmetals in educational program of chemistry in elementary school
Authors: Cvjeticanin Stanko , Segedinac Mirjana , Letic Ljubinka
Published: May 2009

In this paper a part of the model of the curriculum, which should improve chemical education in primary schools is presented. The implemented module refers to metals and non-metals in the fields of applied chemistry and chemical industry. Contents of the curriculum from 1974 to 2004 are considered. The quantity and quality of the pupils' knowledge are analyzed. The research showed that the pupils' knowledge is low. The module is implemented for the sake of overcoming the observed drawbacks in the curriculum, which should facilitate further chemical education, especially in the field of chemical technology. Contents of the curriculum, ways of implementation of the contents, and methods for evaluation of the pupils' knowledge are proposed considering the results of the research. For this purpose the method of descriptive analysis and statistical methods are used.
Oxidized LDL and C-reactive protein level in relation to carotid intima-media thickness in population with risk factors for atherosclerosis
Authors: Caparevic Zorica , Kostic Nada , Ilic Sanja , Radojkovic Jana , Marina Djordje , Pencic Biljana , Radojkovic Ivan
Published: May 2009

Introduction. Elevated levels of oxidized LDL cholesterol (OxLDL) are considered to be a key factor of initiating and accelerating atherosclerosis. It promotes atherosclerosis through inflammatory and immunologic mechanisms that lead to the formation of macrophage foam cells. Objective. To determine the relationship among OxLDL, C-reactive protein (CRP) level and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in population with risk factors for atherosclerosis. Methods. The study group consisted of 125 clinically healthy, hypercholesterolaemic subjects (49.3?5.7 years; 75 females and 50 males) compared with 100 age-matched population-based control subjects. The study group was divided into two subgroups: subgroup A (the levels of LDL cholesterol > 5 mmol/L) and subgroup B (the levels of LDL cholesterol <5 mmol/L). None of the subjects had history of cerebrovascular, ischaemic heart disease, hypertension or diabetes mellitus. Lipid profiles were measured by enzymatic methods. OxLDL was measured by using a specific monoclonal antibody, mAb4E6. CRP was measured using hemiluminescent methods (Immulite - DPC). The common carotid IMT was measured by the B-mode ultrasound. Results Compared to controls, the study group had higher levels of OxLDL (119.97?43.15 vs. 82.03?25.99 IU/L; p<0.01) and CRP (6.20?3.55 vs. 2.68?3.04 mg/ml; p<0.05). IMT was significantly higher in study subjects (1.14?0.38 vs. 0.72?0.24 mm; p<0.05). We also found that, in the whole study group, IMT significantly positively correlated with OxLDL (r=0.442; p<0.05). We found that in the study subgroup A, IMT positively correlated with CRP (r=0.792; p<0.01). In controls, we found a significantly positive association between IMT and OxLDL (r=0.781; p<0.01) and CRP (r=0.748; p<0.01). Conclusion. The elevated levels of OxLDL and CRP are associated with higher common carotid intima-media thickness in population with risk factors for atherosclerosis.
Exercise-induced oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activity in type 2 diabetic patients with and without diastolic dysfunction and hypertension
Authors: Kostic Nada , Caparevic Zorica , Ilic Sanja , Pencic Biljana , Radojkovic Jana , Marina Djordje
Published: May 2009

Introduction. Antioxidant systems are important factors affecting the oxidation of lipoproteins and thereby the progression of atherosclerotic disease. It has been suggested that physical activity might maintain and promote the antioxidant defence capacity against the oxidative stress. Left ventricular dysfunction (LVDD) and hypertension are more common in subjects with diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2. Objective. To evaluate the oxidative stress in patients with DM type 2, particularly with LVDD and hypertension and to determine the influence of acute exercise training on the investigated parameters. Methods. To assess the oxidative stress of patients, we determined the following antioxidative parameters: triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, low density cholesterol, OxLDL cholesterol, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), plasminogen activator-type 1 (PAI-1) which were measured at rest and immediately after the acute bout of the cardiopulmonary exercise cycle ergometer test. Results. In basal conditions, diabetic patients had a significant increase of TG (3.12?1.09 vs 1.74?0.9 mmol/l; p<0.01), OxLDL cholesterol (84.73?16.9 vs 79.00?29.26 mmol/l; p<0.05) and SOD enzyme activity (913.38?120.36 vs 877.14 ?153.18; p<0.05) compared to controls. During the acute exercise test, there were significantly greater levels of OxLDL (84.73?16.90 vs 92.33?23.29 mmol/l; p<0.05) in study patients. SOD significantly increased in both groups during exercise, in diabetic patients (913.38?120.36 vs 921.50?130.03 U/g Hb; p<0.05) and in controls (877.14?153.18 vs 895.00?193.49 U/g Hb; p<0.05). GSH-Px significantly increased only in diabetic patients after acute exercise (45.04?11.19 vs 51.81?15.07 U/g Hb; p<0.01), but not in controls. PAI significantly decreased during the exercise test only in healthy subjects (2.60?0.35 vs 2.22?0.65; p<0.05). Type 2 diabetic patients with cardiovascular complications (LVDD and hypertension) had a significant increase of GSH-Px activity (47.10?7.37 vs 54.52?11.97 U/g Hb; p<0.01). Conclusion. Elevated enzyme levels are associated with exercise in type 2 diabetic patients. We suggest that it could be a compensatory mechanism to prevent free radical tissue damage. We hypothesize that a physical training programme induces the enhancement of muscular and liver antioxidant enzymes and reduces the oxidative stress.
Influence of blood pressure control on maintenance of residual function in patients treated by haemodialysis
Authors: Kezic Aleksandra , Stosovic Milan , Ostric Vladimir , Nesic Vidosava
Published: May 2009

Introduction. Residual renal function (RRF) in the patients treated by haemodialysis (HD) is associated not only with better volume and blood pressure control but also with better metabolic control. The condition of the cardiovascular system significantly affects RRF. Objective. The aim of the study was to find if there was any association between blood pressure regulation and the achieved HD ultrafiltration in the first year of haemodialysis treatment and the maintenance of RRF. Methods In this retrospective study, 53 patients were analyzed in the period 1994-2002. Residual clearance of urea (RCU) was measured for the first time at the beginning of HD treatment, and for the second time one year later. Laboratory data and values of blood pressure as well as the achieved HD ultrafiltration were taken from the electronic database of the Nephrology Hospital. Results. The value of RCU less than 1ml/min was considered as the loss of RRF and, at the beginning of HD treatment, 14 patients (26.4%) had that result. The rise of mean arterial pressure (MAP) was associated in linear regression analysis with a drop of residual diuresis volume (?=-0.28; p=0.04), but there was no association with RCU. The patients with MAP>105 mm Hg had RKU less than the patients with MAP<105 mm Hg (t=2.23; p=0.03). The rise of the HD ultrafiiltration significantly affected the loss of RRF obtained by the linear regression analysis (?=-0.44; p=0.0001). Conclusion. The greater HD ultrafiltration is related to a drop of RCU values. Only prospective randomised trials with the use of multiple regression analysis could define a more precise association between hypertension and RKU.
Bernard Organ Failure Score in estimation of most severe forms of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Glisic Tijana , Sijacki Ana , Vukovic Goran , Vukojevic Vladimir , Subotic Aleksandar
Published: May 2009

Introduction. Despite intensive research, efforts and clinical investigations on pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis (AP) and system morbidity during the illness onset, mortality is still very high in the group of severe forms. A significantly high number of patients show moderate, self-limited forms of illness, with a minimal degree of systemic or local complications, with full recovery. However, some of them have a severe form, followed by a high percent of morbidity and mortality, and system organ failure. The distinction between mild and severe forms of AP within 24-48 hours of hospital admission is very important for the treatment of these patients. The usage of multifactorial scoring systems holds a lot of promise, reaching reliability in the disease severity estimation of approximately 70-80%. Objective. The main purpose of this prospective study was to assess the correlation of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and the Bernard Organ Failure Score (BOFS) scoring systems in estimation of disease severity and outcome prediction. Methods. Sixty patients with AP participated in the study, all of them scored with the APACHE II and BOFS scores. The results were used for integration of laboratory and clinical parameters. Results. In our study, we had a highly significant correlation between the APACHE II and BOFS scores from the disease onset until the end of treatment. There was a highly significant correlation between these two scores and the serum C-reactive protein concentration level. Conclusion. The concept of the BOFS score has more advantages than the APACHE II score in the patients with severe forms of AP with organ dysfunction.
Importance of initial fracture crack width in minimally dislocated fractures of humeral lateral condyle in children for evaluation of fracture stability and treatment choice
Authors: Rakonjac Zoran , Brdar Radivoj
Published: May 2009

Introduction. The fracture of the external condyle is the most common fracture of the distal end of the humerus. This is an intraarticular fracture, which, if not properly treated, can cause serious complications, difficult to treat. Objective. To define the importance of the initial width of the fracture crack for the evaluation of stability of the minimally dislocated fractures of the humeral lateral condyle and for the selection of the method of treatment. Methods. The target group included the children with minimally dislocated fractures or fractures of uncertain stability. The number of children was 35. On the grounds of the initial width of the fracture crack, two groups were formed. Group A comprised 25 (71.4%) examinees with the initial width 2-2.9 mm. Group B comprised 10 (28.6%) examinees with the initial width 3-3.9 mm. Measuring was performed on the PA and profile radiographies. A higher value was taken for analysis. The control of fracture crack width was done by systematic radiographies in the following time intervals: the first, third, seventh and the fourteenth day in group A, and the first and third day (1B and 3B) in group B, since the fracture occurrence. Results. The analysis of the results in group A showed the following: the enlargement of dislocation between 1-3 days was significant (p<0.05). Between 3-7 and 7-14 days, there was no significant enlargement of dislocation (p>0.05). Fractures were stable and treated nonsurgically. In group B, the enlargement of dislocation was significant until the third day (p<0.05). These fractures were unstable, there was a great risk for secondary dislocations and they were to be duly fixed. Initial widths of these groups varied significantly (p<0.05). Conclusion. The initial width of the fracture crack is important for the evaluation of the fracture stability, the evaluation of the risk for the creation of secondary dislocations and for the choice of treatment. The upper limit of the fracture crack width which influenced the selection of the method of treatment was 2.5 mm.
Histochemical evaluation of T-2 toxin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats: Semiquantitative analysis
Authors: Jacevic Vesna , Bocarov-Stancic Aleksandra , Resanovic Radmila , Dragojevic-Simic Viktorija , Vukajlovic Ana , Djordjevic Snezana , Bokonjic Dubravko
Published: May 2009

In this study female Wistar rats were treated with T-2 toxin (1 LD50 0.23 mg/kg sc) and sacrificed on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 60 after the treatment. Control groups of rats were treated by saline (1 ml/kg 0.9% NaCl). At each time-schedule, control groups of animals were sacrificed, too. Pathohistological alterations of the heart were evaluated in whole visual fields stained by haematoxylin and eosin (HE), periodic acid- -Schiff's (PAS), Masson-Trichrom's (MT) and Giemsa (GIM) methods. The changes observed were scored by using semiquantitative grading scale. The heart alterations detected in T-2 toxin-treated animals ranged from focal parenchymal or hyaline degeneration (HE = 2.5 - 4.0; p < 0.05 vs. control) to diffuse necrosis of muscle cells (HE = 5.0; p < 0.05 vs. control and 1st day after T-2 treatment). The myofibrils were slightly PAS-positive during the first week of the study (PAS = 2.0 - 3.2; p < 0.05 vs. control and 1st day after T-2 treatment), while a diffuse distribution of glycogen granules in endo- and perimisium were observed from day 21 to 60 in the whole heart' tissue (PAS = 4.0; p < 0.05 vs. control and 1st day after T-2 treatment). Massive hemorrhagic foci associated with diffuse accumulation and degranulation of MCs were the most intensive from day 28 to 60 of the study (MT = 5.0; p < 0.05 vs. control and 1st day after T-2 treatment). During the whole study period, irregular distribution of glycogen granules, intensity and total number of haemorrhages were in correlation with the degree of heart structural lesions, which showed the highest coefficient of correlation (r = 0.8750; p < 0.001). Our results indicate that basic histohemical methods can be a useful tool for evaluation of T-2 toxin-induced cardiac damage, which is probably a result of complex inflammatory mechanisms, eventually leading to vascular lesions and myocardial necrosis, as well as for some potential cardioprotectors in the future.
Frequency of Aspergillus fumigatus fres.: A toxigenic and allergenic fungal species in milking cows feeds throughout one research year
Authors: Skrinjar Marija , Kenjves Tibor , Ac Mira
Published: May 2009

Fungal contamination of 92 feed samples used for milking cows feeding during one research year (in all seasons) in Vojvodina was examined. A special attention was paid to the frequency of A. fumigatus, a fungal species harmful to human and animals. As it was found out all feed samples in summer and spring were contaminated with fungi and about 95% in autumn and winter period. Aspergilli occurred as contaminants in all seasons. About 63% of feed samples in summer, 67% in autumn, 89% in winter and 48% in spring were contaminated with them. A. fumigatus was constantly present in feeds. It was isolated from 19% of feed samples investigated in summer, 33% in autumn, even 61% in winter and from 4% in spring.
Reproductive strategies of field Phytophthora infestans populations on potato and tomato in some regions of Russia
Authors: Smirnov A.N. , Kuznjecov S.A.
Published: May 2009

The occurrence of zoosporangia and oospores is analyzed for 88 field populations of Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary in Moscow region and other regions of Russia from 1997 to 2006. For estimation of zoosporangia and oospore frequencies in the populations, the indexes IZ (for zoosporangia) and IO (for oospores) are suggested. The combinations of these indexes enabled a reveal of 4 strategies for P. infestans reproduction, which were found in the field populations of the pathogen. These strategies were more numerous in P. infestans field populations on tomato than on potato (4 versus 2) in spite of the fact that potato populations in Moscow region strongly predominated. It was connected with rareness or absence of oospores in potato and their presence in tomato, especially in fruit of many populations. The knowledge about strategies of reproduction can be applied for verification of efficiency of new methods for crop protection against late blight, and for investigations of P. infestans populations.
Resistance to Puccinia triticina at different stages of wheat
Authors: Putnik-Delic Marina
Published: May 2009

Ten wheat genotypes were tested for resistance characteristics to Puccinia triticina. Infection intensity in the field was evaluated at different growth stages, and time of spike appearance and leaf senescence were recorded. At seedling stage, under the controlled conditions of greenhouse, latency period, infection frequency and reaction type were determined. Resistance characteristics at different wheat growth stages were strongly correlated. Correlation coefficient between LP x RT x IF and AUDPC values, was 0.828. The highest coefficients of correlation between particular resistance characteristics and maximal intensity in the field were determined with the last evaluation in the field (0.665, 0.476 and 0.834). Time of spike appearance was very variable for different genotypes, whereas leaf senescence was recorded concomitantly for near all genotypes. The exception was Rusalka, as the most resistant in the field. All genotypes included in this three-year long experiment expressed stability with respect to infection intensity at different growth stages. Genotype Timson showed the highest level of resistance according to all tested characteristics, while genotype Pkb krupna showed the lowest.
Marine fungi: Degraders of poly-3-hydroxyalkanoate based plastic materials
Authors: Matavulj Milan , Molitoris Hans
Published: May 2009

The search for new biosynthetic and biodegradable materials to save nonrenewable resources and reduce global pollution problems is an urgent task. Recently, materials like thermoplastic poly-3-hydroxyalkanoates (PHA), have been found synthesized by bacteria as storage materials. The major PHAs synthesized are poly-b-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), poly-b-hydroxyvalerate (PHV) and their copolymers. They are already commercially produced and used as BIOPOLTM (ICI, England). Their complete degradability by bacteria has already been shown. Today, oceans and estuaries serve as major landfills, and since fungi are an important part of the degrading microbiota, in order to prove their participation in the degradation process, a simple degradation test suitable for fungi and marine conditions had to be developed. Several solid media based on artificial sea water, differing in the content of non-alkanoate organics and supplemented with 0.1% PHA (or BIOPOLTM) as a main source of carbon have been tested. The testing principle consists of clearing the turbid medium in test tube or plates caused by suspended granules of PHA. All media tested supported the growth of fungi. For the discrete and transparent clearing of zones, a mineral medium with 0.01% peptone, 0.01% yeast extract, and 0.1% PHB or BIOPOLTM was finally chosen where the fine and evenly distributed turbidity is accomplished by a specific procedure. This method allows the investigation of degradability of PHA-based plastic materials as well as screening for fungal ability to depolymerise pure PHA homopolymers. Using this medium, 32 strains of marine yeasts and 102 strains of marine mycelial fungi belonging to different systematic and ecological groups were tested for their ability to degrade PHAs. Only about 4% of the strains were able to degrade BIOPOLTM and about 6% depolymerised pure PHB homopolymer. This is in sharp contrast to the results of our previous experiments with 143 strains of terrestrial fungi which showed that 55% are able to degrade BIOPOLTM.
The clinical and pathomorphological diagnosis of mycotoxicosis in different swine categories
Authors: Prodanov Jasna , Dosen Radoslav , Pusic Ivan , Stojanov Igor , Ratajac Radomir , Zivkov-Balos Milica
Published: May 2009

The issue of mycotoxins and mycotoxicosis in veterinary medicine is directly connected to the usage of mouldy and/or adversely stored grains (corn, wheat, barley) used in animal feed. In swine production, in our geographical region, the most common are mycotoxicosis caused by zearalenon (F-2 toxin), but aflatoxins, ochratoxin and trichothecenes can also be found. For the known mycotoxins of clinical importance, the response is usually subacute or chronic and the presenting clinical signs are often vague. Mostly the problems are expressed only as alterations of the reproductive cycle, reduced feed intake and slow growth. However, if we consider the clinical signs and pathomorphological picture of mycotoxicosis in different swine categories (breeding animals, suckling and weaned piglets, fatteners), the age dependent changes can be found. Some mycotoxins have hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic and immunosuppressive effects, which further complicate the clinical and pathomorphological picture and diagnosis of mycotoxicosis in swine. The material for this research included the samples provided from ten swine farms. In different swine categories health disorders, resembling to the problem with mycotoxins were detected. The applied research methods included clinical evaluation and pathomorphological examination and laboratory microbiological feed testing, in order to examine the presence of fungi and some mycotoxins (aflatoxins, zearalenon, ochratoxin A and trichothecenes). On the basis of the obtained results, it may be concluded that the most frequently detected mycotoxin in the examined feed samples was zearalenon. The presence of mycotoxin in feed was directly connected to the reproductive failures and diagnosed health disorders in the examined swine categories (vulvovaginitis, skin necrosis, pneumonia, gastroenteritis).