bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic value of copper parameters to predict growth of suckling calves grazing native range in Argentina
Authors: Fazzio Luis E , Mattioli Guillermo A , Picco Sebastian J , Rosa Diana E , Minatel Leonardo , Gimeno Eduardo J
Published: December 2010

A study was conducted to evaluate the predictive diagnostic value of different copper (Cu) parameters as indicators of average daily gain (ADG) in growing calves. The effects in calves of cow Cu supplementation in the last one-third gestation period were also evaluated. Five supplementation trials, with a total of 300 calves, were carried out. Two groups of 30 calves were randomly assigned to each trial, one group was parenterally supplemented (SG) and the other was not supplemented (NSG). Trials began when calves were three-month-old and ended at weaning time. At each sampling calves were weighed and blood was taken to determine Cu concentrations in plasma, Whole Blood (WB), Red Cells (RC) and Packed Cell Volume (PCV). Liver samples from six animals of each group were taken both at the beginning and at the end of the trial. In two trials the mothers of the SG received Cu supplementation at the last one- third gestation period. Four of the five trials exhibited low ADG in the NSGs. In these groups, plasma Cu concentration decreased rapidly before low ADG was detected, which occurred with values remaining below 25µg/dl. The decrease of RC Cu concentration was considerably slow. WB showed an intermediate position. PCV in the SGs was higher than in the NSGs in all trials. Cow supplementation was insufficient to generate a liver storage able to last after calves reached the 3 months of age. These data could be useful to predict the risk of low ADG in grazing calves.
Formar, não treinar: o lugar da palavra
Authors: Rosa Maria Inês
Published: December 2010

Indiscriminam-se a formação(formar) e o treinamento(treinar), cada vez mais de modo generalizado e arraigado, quer no sistema de ensino regular, quer fora dele, no social, no momento presente, na sociedade brasileira. Com isso não há distinção entre ambos, tampouco entre as especificidades que os configuram. Preocupamo-nos em distinguir forma[r]ção e treina[r]namento sob a problemática do "sujeito". Nesta distinção é destacado que a língua - a palavra - se situa no domínio da formação e esta, no da transmissão de conhecimentos, em que tem lugar a permanente tensão das dimensões do tempo criador (subjetivo) e de média da norma ao aceder-se aos conhecimentos; já a comunicação destes coloca-se no âmbito do treinamento, com a prevalência da segunda dimensão da norma nesse acesso. Aí a língua é reduzida a instrumento. É graças a essa distinção que são considerados os denominados "cursos" de "treinamento", de "capacitação", de "atualização" e/ou de "reciclagem" e cursos a distância/não presenciais.
Associação de emblica, licorice e belides como alternativa à hidroquinona no tratamento clínico do melasma
Authors: Costa Adilson , Moisés Thaís Abdalla , Cordero Tatiana , Alves Caroline Romanelli Tiburcio , Marmirori Juliana
Published: December 2010

FUNDAMENTOS: Melasma é uma melanodermia comum, cuja terapêutica representa um desafio clínico. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a eficácia e segurança clínicas do complexo despigmentante emblica, licorice e belides, em comparação à hidroquinona 2%, na abordagem do melasma. MÉTODOS: Após 60 dias de uso exclusivo de fotoprotetor FPS35, 56 mulheres com idades entre 18 e 60 anos, fotótipos I a IV, com melasma epidérmico ou misto, foram divididas em dois grupos de um estudo clínico monocego: A) creme contendo complexo despigmentante emblica, licorice e belides 7%, usado duas vezes ao dia; B)creme de hidroquinona 2%, usado à noite. O estudo durou 60 dias consecutivos e avaliações médica, das voluntárias (auto-avaliação) e fotográfica (Visia®) foram realizadas quinzenalmente. RESULTADOS: 89% das voluntárias (50/56), 23 do Grupo A e 27 do Grupo B, concluíram o estudo. Duas voluntárias do Grupo A contra sete do Grupo B apresentaram eventos adversos leves transitórios. Houve despigmentação do melasma pelas avaliações médica (Grupo A: 78,3%; Grupo B: 88,9%) e auto-avaliação (Grupo A: 91,3%; Grupo B: 92,6%), todos estatisticamente significantes (p<0,001), sem diferenças entre os grupos (p>0,05). O mesmo padrão foi observado pelo Visia®, tanto no número (p = 0,001) quanto no tamanho e no tom (p<0,001), para ambos os grupos, e sem diferenças entre eles (p>0,05) nas manchas UV. CONCLUSÕES: Não houve diferença estatística na melhora do melasma nos dois grupos; o Grupo A apresentou menor incidência de eventos adversos. Logo, o complexo despigmentante emblica, licorice e belides é uma alternativa segura e eficaz na abordagem do melasma.
Amphibians and reptiles from a highly diverse area of the Caatinga domain: composition and conservation implications
Authors: Loebmann Daniel , Haddad Célio Fernando Baptista
Published: December 2010

We surveyed the herpetofauna from the Complex of Planalto da Ibiapaba (CPI), CE, Brazil, during two years, using five sampling methods and information available in the literature. The amphibians are represented by 38 species distributed into nine families. The reptiles found summed 84 species, distributed into 25 families. Most amphibians collected exhibited wide occurrence along CPI, where we recorded 24 species (63.2%), which occurred at least in 60% of the sampled environments. Reptiles showed a different pattern, since 52 species (62.6%) had a restricted distribution (up to two environments). Sixteen species out of 25 considered as rare in CPI are restricted to relict moist forests. We also applied a rarity-vulnerability index to determine the most susceptible species. Pristimantis sp., Adelophryne baturitensis Hoogmoed, Borges, and Cascon, 1994, Pseudopaludicola sp. (aff. saltica), Scinax fuscomarginatus (A. Lutz, 1925), and Odontophrynus carvalhoi Savage & Cei, 1965 were the most vulnerable amphibians in CPI. Reptiles showed a more diverse range in the scale of rarity with 40 species considered vulnerable. Among the vulnerable reptiles Leposoma baturitensis Rodrigues & Borges, 1997, Bothrops sp. (gr. atrox), Atractus ronnie Passos, Fernandes & Borges-Nojosa, 2007, Apostolepis sp. (gr. pimy), and Mesoclemmys perplexa Bour & Zaher, 2005 were the rarest species found in the whole complex of Ibiapaba mountain range. Results indicate that about 70% of the species found in Ceará are present in this complex. Also, CPI is the area of the Caatinga biome with the highest species richness, including rare and threatened species.
Herpetofauna do Parque Estadual Carlos Botelho, São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Forlani Maurício da Cruz , Bernardo Pedro Henrique , Haddad Celio Fenando Baptista , Zaher Hussam
Published: December 2010

O presente trabalho consiste em um inventário da herpetofauna do Parque Estadual Carlos Botelho (PECB), localizado na região da Serra de Paranapiacaba, Estado de São Paulo. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de coletas em seis áreas dentro do PECB durante um período de 76 dias distribuídos em um ano, e também por meio de consulta a coleções científicas para obtenção de dados secundários. São apresentados resultados sobre a biologia e ocorrência das espécies no PECB e no Brasil, além de fotografias das diferentes espécies que compõem a herpetofauna do PECB. A herpetofauna do PECB pode ser considerada uma das mais diversificadas de São Paulo, com 65 espécies de anfíbios confirmadas e 59 espécies de répteis registrados neste trabalho. Das 65 espécies de anfíbios, 84% (55 spp.) são endêmicas das formações florestais da Mata Atlântica. Devido às características do relevo do PECB, foram encontrados diferentes padrões altitudinais para os anfíbios: 46% das espécies foram registradas apenas em altitudes acima de 500 m, enquanto que 9% são exclusivas das regiões abaixo de 400 m e 45% ocorrem em todas as áreas amostradas do Parque. Das 59 espécies de répteis do PECB, foram registradas 10 espécies de lagartos, 48 de serpentes e um quelônio. Dentre as serpentes coletadas no PECB, a jararaca Bothrops jararaca foi a mais frequente, com 26,9% (N = 14) do total registrado. Espécies de difícil amostragem, como Echinanthera cephalostriata (13,5%; N = 7) e Taeniophallus affinis (7,7%; N = 4), também foram numerosas no PECB. Dentre os lagartos, Enyalius iheringii foi a espécie mais abundante, com 50% (N = 16) de registros. Uma análise de agrupamento entre 25 taxocenoses de anfíbios brasileiras, incluindo o PECB, resultou na formação de quatro agrupamentos principais. A anurofauna do PECB é mais relacionada com as taxocenoses do Parque Estadual Jacupiranga (0,68) e do Parque Estadual Intervales (0,66). Estes Parques se encontram geograficamente próximos e constituem um dos maiores fragmentos preservados de Mata Atlântica no Brasil. Este trabalho é o primeiro a apresentar a lista de répteis do PECB, alem de complementar o conhecimento em relação a fauna de anfíbios do PECB.
Serpentes do Município de Viçosa, Mata Atlântica do Sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Costa Henrique Caldeira , Pantoja Davi Lima , Pontes José Lélis , Feio Renato Neves
Published: December 2010

Apresentamos aqui, com base em exemplares depositados em coleções científicas, uma lista das espécies de serpentes do Município de Viçosa, localizado em uma porção da Mata Atlântica do Estado de Minas Gerais, Sudeste do Brasil. Trinta e quatro espécies foram confirmadas em Viçosa. Outras duas possuem registros duvidosos e cinco espécies que foram registradas em municípios vizinhos poderiam também ocorrer em Viçosa. Informações sobre distribuição e história natural das serpentes são apresentadas, baseadas em dados da literatura científica e observações esporádicas na área de estudo. Podemos considerar que de maneira generalizada a fauna de serpentes de Viçosa é constituída por espécies com condições de utilizar ambientes antropizados, mas algumas são dependentes dos fragmentos florestais ainda existentes. Estudos de campo ainda são necessários para aprimorar o conhecimento sobre a riqueza de espécies de serpentes nos fragmentos florestais, para confirmar a presença das espécies com registros incertos e ocorrência potencial em Viçosa, e para investigar a possibilidade de declínio populacional daquelas espécies sem registros há mais de uma década.
Health Care Capacity and Allocations Among South Africa's Provinces: Infrastructure–Inequality Traps After the End of Apartheid
Authors: Stuckler David , Basu Sanjay , McKee Martin
Published: December 2010

Objectives. We assessed the determinants of health care funding allocations among South Africa's provinces and their effects on health care from 1996 through 2007.

Methods. We performed multivariate regression of funding allocation data against measures of disease burden and health system infrastructure by province.

Results. Disease burden was increasingly negatively correlated with funding allocations and explained less than one quarter of the variation in allocations among provinces. Nearly three quarters of the variation in allocations was explained by preexisting hospital infrastructure and health care workers. The density of private hospitals in the preceding year was associated with greater government allocations (bprivate = 0.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.08, 0.15), but public hospital density in the preceding year was not (bpublic = 0.05; 95% CI = −0.02, 0.11). Greater allocations were associated with a higher number of doctors (b = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.34, 0.75) but fewer nurses (b = −0.37; 95% CI = −0.72,−0.25) in the same year.

Conclusions. Regions with a greater capacity to spend funds received more funding and created more infrastructure than those with greater health needs. Historical infrastructure inequalities may have created an infrastructure–inequality trap, in which the distribution of funds to those with greater “absorptive capacity” exacerbates inequalities.
Diabetes and RACE A Historical Perspective
Authors: Tuchman Arleen Marcia
Published: December 2010

Today, US government sources inform us that Native Americans, Blacks, and Hispanics/Latinos run the greatest risk of developing type 2 diabetes. One hundred years ago, however, Jews were thought to be the population most likely to develop this disease. I evaluated the evidence that the medical and public health communities provided to support the purported link between diabetes and Jews. Diabetes was conceptualized as a Jewish disease not necessarily because its prevalence was high among this population, but because medicine, science, and culture reinforced each other, helping to construct narratives that made sense at the time. Contemporary narratives are as problematic as the erstwhile depiction of diabetes as a disease of Jews.
Dialysis at a Crossroads
Authors: Parker Thomas , Hakim Raymond , Nissenson Allen R. , Steinman Theodore , Glassock Richard J.
Published: December 2010

The ability to offer repetitive hemodialysis for treatment of chronic kidney failure has now reached its half-century anniversary. Although millions of patients have benefited from this life-extending procedure, current results in the United States have now stagnated with only small annual improvements in survival and continued high hospitalization rates. Recognition that this stagnation may be, at least in part, the result of inadequacies of current and prior paths utilized in dialysis treatment has led to the concept that dialysis therapy is at a crossroads and that new paths need to be articulated, explored, and applied. This article proposes some of these new paths and their rationale. Two elements of the new paths are emphasized: avoidance of indwelling catheters for vascular access and meticulous attention to control of extracellular volume and mitigation of left ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis. It is postulated that progress in these two areas, along with continued attention to other elements embodied in the new and old paths, will unlock the stagnation in outcomes of dialysis therapy of end-stage kidney failure and allow it to realize its full potential of prolonging life and alleviating disability.
Simulation of olive pits pyrolysis in a rotary kiln plant
Authors: Benanti Enzo , Freda Cesare , Lorefice Vincenzo , Braccio Giacobbe , Sharma Vinod
Published: December 2010

This work deals with the simulation of an olive pits fed rotary kiln
pyrolysis plant installed in Southern Italy. The pyrolysis process was
simulated by commercial software CHEMCAD. The main component of the plant,
the pyrolyzer, was modelled by a Plug Flow Reactor in accordance to the
kinetic laws. Products distribution and the temperature profile was
calculated along reactor's axis. Simulation results have been found to fit
well the experimental data of pyrolysis. Moreover, sensitivity analyses were
executed to investigate the effect of biomass moisture on the pyrolysis
process.
Heat transfer in a low latitude flat-plate solar collector
Authors: Oko C.O.C. , Nnamchi S.N.
Published: December 2010

Study of rate of heat transfer in a flat-plate solar collector is the main
subject of this paper. Measurements of collector and working fluid
temperatures were carried out for one year covering the harmattan and rainy
seasons in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, which is situated at the latitude of
4.858oN and longitude of 8.372oE. Energy balance equations for heat exchanger
were employed to develop a mathematical model which relates the working fluid
temperature with the vital collector geometric and physical design
parameters. The exit fluid temperature was used to compute the rate of heat
transfer to the working fluid and the efficiency of the transfer. The optimum
fluid temperatures obtained for the harmattan, rainy and yearly (or combined)
seasons were: 317.4, 314.9 and 316.2 [K], respectively. The corresponding
insolation utilized were: 83.23, 76.61 and 79.92 [W/m2], respectively, with
the corresponding mean collector efficiency of 0.190, 0.205 and 0.197 [-],
respectively. The working fluid flowrate, the collector length and the range
of time that gave rise to maximum results were: 0.0093 [kg/s], 2.0 [m] and
12PM - 13.00PM, respectively. There was good agreement between the computed
and the measured working fluid temperatures. The results obtained are useful
for the optimal design of the solar collector and its operations.
New possibilities in the treatment of Meniere's disease
Authors: Milanovic Nada , Kitanoski Boris , Ristic Boza , Jacimovic Violeta
Published: December 2010

The results of the treatment of Meniere's disease by intratympanic instillation of gentamicin in 32 patients over a 24-months period were analyzed. The receded vestibular function was found in 96,8% patients whereas in the remaining 3,2% pronounced vestibular hypo function was observed. One month after the treatment vertiginous attacks disappeared in all the patients. However, three months after the treatment infrequent episodes of mild degree vertigo and mild unsteadiness that did not require additional intratympanic gentamicin application appeared in 15% of the patients with Meniere's disease. The vertiginous attacks ceased or were pronouncedly reduced in 85% of the patients. The unstable vestibular hypo function was successfully converted into stabilized, centrally compensated areflexia. Intratympanic gentamicin exerted better results than the other invasive therapies for intractable Meniere's disease.
Influence of uremia and peritoneal dialysis on mesothelial cells of the peritoneum
Authors: Trpinac Dusan , Stojimirovic Biljana , Obradovic Miljana , Milutinovic Drago , Obradovic Dragan , Nesic Vidosava
Published: December 2010

The aim of the study was to investigate the morphology of mesothelial cells of the peritoneum of patients with terminal renal failure (TRF), taken by the biopsy immediately before the onset of peritoneal dialysis (PD), and to compare it with the findings in patients with PD. The samples were prepared in the way standard for light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In patients with TRF intracytoplasmatic inclusions could be observed, unusual protrusions of mesothelial apical surfaces, deformation of mesothelial cells and their detachment from the basal membrane, as well as the dilatated cisternae of granulated endoplasmatic reticulum with filamentous structures in some of them. In patients on PD cytoplasmic protrusions of different shapes and contents were observed at the surface of mesothelial cells, multiplication of basal membrane, occurrence of young forms of mesothelial cells as well as the detachment of those cells from the basal lamina.
Mjesto i uloga endovaskularnih procedura u terapiji ishemijske bolesti mozga
Authors: Raicevic Ranko , Jovicic Aco , Markovic Ljubo , Djordjevic Dragana , Aleksic Petar , Peric Predrag , Kostic Jelena
Published: December 2010

 Ishemijska bolest mozga predstavlja klinicki entitet sa vjerovatno najslozenijom etiopatogenezom u humanoj medicini. Slozenost i beskrajna isprepletenost patofizioloskih procesa diktiraju i planiranje terapijskog programa koji, po logici ovakvog slijeda patofizioloskih dogadjaja, mora biti multitopan, odnosno viseznacan. U skladu sa prodorima u poznavanju etiologije, patogeneze i patofiziologije IBM poslednjih godina smo svjedoci znacajnih prodora u dijagnostici kljucnih poremecaja odgovornih za nastanak IBM, ali i patoloskih dogadjaja koji prate razvoj same bolesti i predstavljaju markere povecanog rizika ponavljanih epizoda ishemije mozdanog parenhima. U tom smislu endovaskularne tehnike, sem znacajnih dijagnostickih informacija vezanih za ishemijsku bolest mozga, sa modalitetima kombinovanih terapijskih procedura (agensi protiv vazospazma, tromboliticka sredstva) postaju znacajan dio terapijskog programa ishemijske bolesti mozga u strogo definisanim i selekcionisanim grupama bolesnika.
Effects of nerve and fibroblast growth factors on the production of nitric oxide in experimental model of Huntington's disease
Authors: Maksimovic Ivana , Jovanovic Marina , Malicevic Zivorad , Colic Miodrag , Ninkovic Milica
Published: December 2010

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in neurological diseases represents one of the most studied, yet controversial subjects in physiology. The aim was to examine the effects of intrastriatal injection neurotrophins (nerve growth factors-NGF, fibroblast growth factors-FGF) in order to investigate the possible involvement of NO in quinolinic acid (QA) induced striatum toxicity in the rat model of Huntington's disease (HD). QA was administered unilaterally into the striatum of adult Wistar rats in a single dose of 150 nM. The other two groups of animals were pretreated immediately before QA application with NGF and FGF, respectively. Control group was treated with 0.9% saline solution in the same manner. Animals were decapitated 7 days after the treatment. Nitrite levels were significantly decreased both in the ipsi- and contra lateral striatum and forebrain cortex of NGF- and FGF-treated animals compared with QA treatment. These results indicated a temporal and spatial propagation of oxidative stress and spread protective effects of NGF and FGF on the forebrain cortex, the distant structure, but tightly connected with striatum, the place of direct neurotoxin damage. Neurotrophins could be the potential neuroprotective agents in HD.
Intraoperative rupture of cerebral aneurysm and the use of temporary arterial occlusion
Authors: Roganovic Zoran , Pavlicevic Goran
Published: December 2010

Objectives: The aim was to analyze the risk factors for intraoperative rupture (IR) of cerebral aneurysm and for temporary clips (TC) use, as well as their influence on the final postoperative outcome. Methods: Retrospective study was done 72 IR patients, and on 75 TC patients. For patients with or without IR, as well as for the patients with or without TK, outcome of the treatment aneurysm size and localization, preoperative clinical state and operative timing was analyzed, and statistical significance of obtained differences was tested. Results: IR occurred in 40% of anterior cerebral artery aneurysms and in 16.7% of internal carotid artery aneurysms (p>0.05), while TCs were used in 52% of middle cerebral artery aneurysms and 34.8% of internal carotid artery aneurysms (p>0.05). Average size was 17.3 mm for aneurysms with IR and 11.7 mm for those without IR (p>0.05). Aneurysms were significantly larger in patients with TCs, than in patients without TCs (16.7 mm and 9.4 mm respectively, p<0.05). Preoperative period was 10.2 days for patients with IR, and 16.8 days for patients without IR (p<0.05). Favorable outcome was observed in 71.4% of patients with IR and in 70.6% of those without IR, as well as in 76.4% of patients who required TC and in 75.6% of cases without TC (p>0.05). Average duration of temporary occlusion was 5.8 min for patients with favorable outcome and 15 min for patients with poor outcome (p<0.05). Conclusions: Incidence of IR mostly depended on the duration of preoperative interval, while the frequency of TC use depended mostly on aneurysm size. IR did not influence the surgical outcome, as well as TC use, if the occlusion was shorter than 8-10 min.
Outbreak of Q-fever in a Yugoslav army unit in wartime conditions
Authors: Cekanac Radovan , Lukac Veselin , Cobeljic Miloje
Published: December 2010

In an outbreak of Q-fever in an Army unit lasting 9 days, 20 (13.4%) soldiers had contracted a disease. The outbreak occurred due to the entry of the unit into the focus originated by lambing and pasture of infected sheep. The source of the infection was the contaminated dust from the grassland where the soldiers were training, and they were infected by aerogenic way. In 11 (55%) patients, the disease was manifested as pneumonia that was radiological confirmed in 7 (35%) patients, while the rest were with the symptoms of influenza and upper airways infection. As soon as tetracycline was administered, health state of the patients was significantly improved and all were released as cured after the treatment. Finding of the antibodies to coxiella burnetii in 66.6% of the patients confirmed the etiology of the disease in this outbreak.
Successful resuscitation of the patient on extended tocolytic therapy subjected to an urgent cesarean section
Authors: Djordjevic Biljana , Stojiljkovic Milos , Potpara Tatjana , Loncar-Stojiljkovic Dragana , Vojvodic Ljiljana
Published: December 2010

Ritodrine is the only medicament approved by FDA in the USA as well as in our country for prevention of the threatening preterm labor. Its adverse effects upon the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, including pulmonary edema and myocardial ischemia, occur more frequently during the intravenous therapy than during the oral maintenance therapy. The aim of this report was to present a patient with cardiovascular adverse effects of ritodrine, who had her pregnancy terminated by an urgent cesarean section under general anesthesia. In the course of operation, the patient had two cardiac arrest (total of 70 min). Resuscitation was performed by direct and indirect heart massage. The patient's condition was stabilized during the next six hours. The patient was transferred to the coronary unit, where the treatment was continued for 30-days period, after which the patient was released home as completely recovered.
Changes of cortisol levels and index of lipid peroxidation in cerebrospinal fluid of patients in the acute phase of completed stroke
Authors: Selakovic Vesna , Jovanovic Marina , Jovicic Aco
Published: December 2010

Background. Brain ischemia initiates series of biochemical reactions that could, directly or indirectly, induce and extend processes that damage numerous cellular and subcellular structures. One of the reactions of organism to ischemia is the increased release of glucocorticoid hormones, included in regulation of effects of numerous mediators/modulators that could be released in the acute phase of brain ischemia. Considering that brain infarction induced systemic response of organism to stress, we presumed that it reflected the contents of cortisol in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during the acute phase of the disease, and that cortisol influenced damaging processes of lipid peroxidation in CNS initiated by ischemia. The aim of our investigation was to define temporal dynamics and manner correlation of cortisol concentration and index of lipid peroxidation (ILP) in the CSF patients in the acute phase of completed stroke. Methods. In this investigation we followed changes of cortisol concentration and ILP in the CSF of 53 patients in the acute phase of completed stroke. Control group included 14 age and sex matched patients, subjected to diagnostic lumbar radiculography because of the sudden motor deficiency onset, without disturbances in the CSF passage and without pain and the consequences of anti-pain and anti-inflammatory therapy. From the perspective of the duration of period after an ischemic episode patients were divided into four groups: group A: 0-6 hours (n=12), group B: 7-12 hours (n=14), group C: 13-24 hours (n=14), and group D: 24-48 hours of postischemic period (n=13). Concentration of cortisol in the CSF was measured by quantitative RIA method (Cortisol Bridge kit, Biodata). The ILP was determined according to the spectrophotometric method. Results. Concentration of cortisol in the CSF of patients with completed stroke was of amount 69 ? 6.7 pmol/ml CSF and was significantly increased (p<0.001) compared to the values of the control group (2.49 ? 0.29 pmol/ml CSF). From 0 to 6 hours after the ischemic insults concentration of cortisol in the CSF the amount was 15.9 ? 2.4 pmol/ml CSF (p<0.001), then was progressively increasing and was maximal from 13 to 24 hours after insults (123.2 ? 7.1 pmol/ml CSF), (p<0.001). In patients with completed stroke ILP in the CSF was twice increased in the course of 48 hours compared to controls (0.54 ? 0.08 nmolMDA/ml CSF), (p<0.05). By comparing the observed parameters we found significant negative correlation between this two indicators in period from 7 to 24 hours (r=-0.77), (p<0.001). Conclusion. The main potentially protective effect of the increased CSF cortisol concentration in patients with completed stroke in the acute phase could be the decrease of deleterious effects of lipid peroxidation reactions induced by ischemia. This mechanism could be the attempt of organism to compensate ischemia-disturbed homeostasis.
The onset, development, basic patterns and empirical norms of DSQ-40 psychological test
Authors: Cabarkapa Milanko , Dedic Gordana
Published: December 2010

Psychological defence mechanisms represent relatively stable aspect of personality, while character and frequency of defence mechanisms which a person uses, points to the character structure of personality. Measuring psychological defence mechanisms is very difficult and very unreliable, so that only several instruments have been developed for the estimation of such characteristics. The most notable instrument of this kind in the world is DSQ-40 (Defense Style Questionnaire), which has lately been more often used in our country. As DSQ-40 is still not widely known in our environment, the aim of this study was to represent the onset and the development of this test, its basic characteristics and empirical norms acquired on our population. Examination included two examined groups in military population of male sex only: soldiers of adolescent age (n=400) and officers of the adult age (n=165). Statistical analysis and the comparison of the results with corresponding standards obtained in foreign researches showed that defence style and structure of psychological defence mechanisms were connected with socio-demographic and cultural characteristics of examinees. It was concluded that norms of the test DSQ-40 must be adjusted to the concrete population, which hasn't diminished its practical values and employment in diagnostic and selection purposes.
Production of TNF-alpha by skin explants of dinitrochlorobenzene-challenged ears in rats: A model for the evaluation of contact hypersensitivity
Authors: Kataranovski Milena , Kandolf-Sekulovic Lidija , Milosavljevic Ivica
Published: December 2010

Background. Contact hypersensitivity (CHS) is a local inflammatory response of the skin following challenge of hapten-sensitized animals. It is the consequence of cell infiltration of derm and the release of inflammation mediators, among which Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-?) is one of the most important factors. The intensity of the inflammation could be quantified by ear swelling which is the classical manifestation of the reaction. This study was testing the working hypothesis that levels of TNF-? in skin organ culture medium should correlate with the intensity of CHS reaction measured in vivo by ear swelling assay, and with the density of dermal infiltrate in ear skin samples. In order to test the working hypothesis, the intensity of inflammatory reaction following challenge was evaluated by classical measurements of ear swelling, by the determination of TNF-? levels in culture fluids of ear skin following epicutaneous application of dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) into the ears of sensitized animals. Methods. Animal model of CHS reaction to DNCB in Albino Oxford rats was used as described. Ear swelling was quantified in percentage terms as the difference in thickness between the challenged and nontreated ears of the same animal. Dermal infiltrate density in histopathologically analyzed samples of ear skin was evaluated by computer-assisted image analysis. Ear skin samples were cultured in standard medium for 24 h, and TNF-? concentration in the conditioned medium was subsequently determined with ELISA test. Results. Dose-dependent increase in the density of the dermal infiltrate and in TNF-? in CM were noted following the application of 0.65%, 1.3% and 2.6% of DNCB to the ears of previously sensitized rats. The correlation between ear swelling and the levels of TNF-? (r=0.933, p<0.001) in CM, and between ear swelling and dermal infiltrate density (r=0.916, p<0.001) was found. Correlation was also found between the density of the dermal infiltrate and the levels of TNF-? (r=0.865, p<0.001). Conclusion. Presented data suggested that skin-organ culture system and the quantification of inflammatory mediators might be used for the evaluation of contact hypersensitivity reaction and its intensity.
Reconstruction of the thumb with osteofasciocutaneous reverse flap
Authors: Jevtovic Dobrica , Djordjevic Boban , Gacevic Milomir , Sijan Goran
Published: December 2010

This paper presents the experiences of the thumb reconstruction with osteofasciocutaneous reverse flap (OFCR flap). In the period between 1987 and 2000 the OFCR flap was used in 15 patients. The youngest of them was 18 and the oldest was 38 years of age. The average age was 25.4. All the patients had post-traumatic amputations. Defects on proximal phalangae and a part of metacarpal bone occurred in two cases. In one case there was an amputation on the base level of proximal phalanx and the metacarpophalangeal (MPH) joint was preserved. In all cases of reconstruction the OFCR flap was used, which included antebrachial skin nerves that were anastomosed with digital nerve. The flap nutrition was carried out through the reverse circulation of a. radialis, and the venous drainage through the comitant vein of a. radialis. Superficial veins were not anastomosed. Secondary defects were covered with a free skin graft. All the flaps survived. The bone graft was healed in the period of eight weeks. The sensibility of this flap was regained in the period of three to six months after the surgery. The distance of two-point discrimination (TPD) was increased for 30% compared to the same region on the other hand after six months. The opposition of the reconstructed thumb to the other fingers was possible, as well as abduction, adduction and normal grasp. The method of reconstruction of the amputated thumb with the OFCR flap was better than other classical methods because it allowed the reconstruction of all the structures in one surgical operation. The sensibility that was regained represented good protection from injuries. There were no functional damages on the secondary defect. The esthetic result was not good due to the lack of a fingernail.
Effects of topical administration of beclomethazone dipropionate on the symptoms of chronic rhinitis
Authors: Ursulovic Dejan , Janosevic Ljiljana , Janosevic Slobodanka , Djukic Vojko
Published: December 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical administration of corticosteroid beclomethasone dipropionate on common nasal symptoms in moderate allergic and non-allergic hyperreactive eosinophilic rhinitis, and in allergic and non-allergic hyperreactive eosinophilic rhinitis associated with bilateral moderate nasal polyposis. The study was prospective and controlled. During the study 106 patients were examined, out of whom 66 were treated, while 40 had no therapy. Beclomethasone diproprionate nasal spray was administered in the daily dose of 400 ?g. Patients with isolated rhinitis underwent 3 otorhinolaryngologic examinations during the six-week treatment. Patients with nasal polyposis underwent 4 otorhinolaryngologic examinations during six-month treatment. One-week therapy showed highly significant decrease of the average score of symptoms of isolated rhinitis in relation to basal condition. No further significant change was noted after six-week therapy. Six-week therapy of nasal polyposis exerted significantly reduced score of symptoms in relation to basic condition. During further treatment no significant reduction of symptoms was noted. Follow-up period of all control subgroups showed no significant change of symptom scores. Topical therapy with beclomethasone dipropionate represented a significant medication of the first therapeutic line in moderate isolated eosinophilic rhinitis, as well as in moderate bilateral eosinophilic nasal polyposis.
Advantages of CO2 laser use in surgical management of otosclerosis
Authors: Matkovic Svjetlana , Kitanoski Boris , Malicevic Zivorad
Published: December 2010

Background. Otosclerosis is a progressive osteo-destructive disorder of the bony labyrinth in which the fixation of the stapes causes the hearing loss. The aim of this study was the postoperative determination of parameters of the effect of surgical intervention on hearing and the incidence of complications and, on the basis of the differences in the examined parameters of the study, the estimation of the eficacy of the two mentioned surgical thechniques in the treatment of otosclerosis. Methods. In our research 40 patients with conductive hearing loss caused by otosclerosis underwent surgery with CO2 laser. Functional results were compared postoperatively with the results of 40 patients operated by the classical technique without the use of CO2 laser. The research was accomplished as a prospective comparative study. Results. The air-bone interval (gap) as the difference between the rim of air and bone conductivity for separate frequencies did not significantly differ between the control and the experimental group. Both methods were effective in closing the air-bone gap with the rates of closure to within 10 dB in 82.6% and 75.3% for the laser and drill, respectively. The incidence of tinnitus was significantly lower in patients who underwent surgery with CO2 laser. The frequency of intraoperative and postoperative complications was significantly lower in the laser group. Differences were statistically significant for all parameters (p<0.05). Conclusion. On the basis of the degree of postoperative hearing improvement, tinnitus and the incidence of complications it can be concluded that the use of CO2 laser during inverse stapedoplasty represents an effective and safe method, justifying the promotion of its use in the surgical management of otosclerosis.
Fibrinogen kao faktor rizika za ishemijsku bolest srca
Authors: Obradovic Slobodan , Obradovic Dragana , Gligic Branko , Dincic Dragan , Popovic Petar , Orozovic Vjekoslav
Published: December 2010

 Mesto fibrinogena u razvoju ateroskleroze i arterijske tromboze je verovatno znacajno jer on ucestvuje i u procesu nastanka i rasta plaka modulise hemoreoloske osobine krvi, a cini i osnovu koaguluma tokom procesa tromboze. Koncentracija fibrinogena u krvi je dobar nezavisan prognosticki parametar za razvoj akutnog infarkta miokarda, kako kod zdravih odraslih osoba, tako i kod koronarnih bolesnika. Nivo fibrinogena u krvi je delimicno genetski determinisan, ali i brojni faktori spoljasnje sredine uticu na njegov nivo. Vrlo je bitan odnos izmedju fibrinogena i nekih drugih vaznih faktora rizika. Fibrinogen i holesterol imaju izgleda sinergisticki ucinak na razvoj akutnog koronarnog sindroma. Moguce je da je fibrinogen jedna od najznacajnijih spona izmedju pusenja i koronarne bolesti. Veoma je mali broj lekova koji se mogu dugorocno primenjivati i smanjiti nivo fibrinogena u krvi, tako da za sada ne postoje klinicke studije o vrednosti ovakve terapije u lecenju i prevenciji akutnih koronarnih sindroma. Shodno tome sve dok se ne dokaze da se smanjenjem nivoa fibrinogena u krvi smanjuje rizik za ispoljavanje koronarne bolesti, njegova uloga kao faktora rizika ostaje nedovoljno definisana.
Aflatoxin B1-induced changes of glutathione-S-transferase activity in the plasma and liver of the rat
Authors: Strelic Natasa , Saicic Zorica , Magic Zvonko , Spasic Mihajlo , Trutic Natasa , Krtolica-Zikic Koviljka
Published: December 2010

Background. The influence of low doses of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and partial hepatectomy (PH) on glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity was studied in the plasma and liver of the rat. Methods. The animals were divided into four groups. The first (I) and the second (II) group were treated with AFB1 freshly dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), and administered as a single intraperitoneal dose of 50 mg/rat 24 hrs after the rats had undergone either sham operation or, 40% PH, respectively. The third group (III) of animals was treated with a total dose of 1 mg AFB1 - 5 days per week during a period of 8 weeks. The non-treated animals were used as controls (C). Results. We observed a significant increase of GST activity in the plasma of all experimental groups compared to the controls (C), (p<0.02 to p<0.005). In the liver, the GST activity of all experimental groups was also significantly increased, compared to the controls (from p<0.02 to p<0.005). Conclusion. The administration of both single and multiple doses of AFB1 led to long term increase of GST activity in the rat plasma and liver, and partial hepatectomy had no significant effect on this phenomenon.
Sensitivity of hemodynamic parameters obtained by conventional duplex scanner in the evaluation of extracranial carotid disease severity
Authors: Arandjelovic-Minic Gordana
Published: December 2010

Progresson of extracranial carotid disease is considered to be significant independent predictor in the evaluation of individual cerebrovascular prognosis. Doppler ultrasonography is a useful screening method in the diagnosis and evaluation of extracranial carotid disease. The aim of this study was to establish the most sensitive hemodynamic parameter of Doppler-ultrasonographic spectral analysis in clinical evaluation of extracranial carotid disease. Investigation included 90 patients (of both sexes) in hospital and outpatient clinic care. Spectral analysis (M-scanning technique) was used for the evaluation of hemodynamic status of carotid sinus, including the following parameters: Pourcelot (A-D/A), Gosling (A/B) and Mol (A/D) resistance parameters. After statistical processing the results of the research affirmed hemodynamic parameters' values and correlation between Pourcelot hemodynamic parameter and the degree of carotid stenosis ?=0,59 for all patients, and ?=0,58 for patients with pathological values. Correlation between Mol parameter and the degree of carotid stenosis was ?=0,50 for all patients, and ?=0,57 for patients with pathological values. Gosling parameter was not significantly different in mean value and was present in all three groups. Functional relationship between the degree of carotid stenosis and each of hemodynamic parameters was established. It was concluded that Pourcelot and Mol parameters were significant indicators of asimptomatic carotid disease, but Pourcelot parameter was considered as a more sensitive indicator in the evaluation of extracranial carotid disease.
Statins and stroke
Authors: Obradovic Dragana , Gligic Branko , Obradovic Slobodan , Popovic Smiljana , Maksic Jasmina , Vukotic Natasa
Published: December 2010

 CVB su vodeci uzrok invalidnosti u svetu, drugi uzrok mortaliteta u nerazvijenim zemljama (na trecem mestu u razvijenim zemljama), a jedna trecina bolesnika umire unutar prvih 6 meseci od razbolevanja (95, 96). Ovo su zvanicni podaci Svetske zdravstvene organizacije, a statistika je otisla korak dalje i pokazala da u SAD svake 53. sekunde jedan covek oboli od CVB (97). Mozda bi pricu o statinima i IBM trebalo zavrsiti ovim izrazito nepovoljnim epidemioloskim podacima vezanim za CVB, koji naglasavaju znacaj iznalazenja adekvatne terapije koja bi smanjila rizik obolevanja (98), kao i ogromne troskove vezane za lecenje i posledicnu invalidnost. Aspirin dovodi do redukcije vaskularnog mortaliteta i morbiditeta vezanog za CVB od 13% klopidogrel do 22% (99), a statini nezavisno od upotrebe drugih lekova ukljucujuci i aspirin, do 30%. Imajuci u vidu sve ove izrazito dobre rezultate lecenja statinima, uz dozu rezervisanosti vezanu za eventualne udaljene efekte ove terapije, nema sumnje da se radi o lekovima koji ce uticati na promenu celokupnog pristupa lecenju bolesnika sa rizikom od IBM.
Significance of some factors in the pathogenesis of hemorrhagic fevers
Authors: Bojic Ivanko , Pavlovic Milorad , Pelemis Mijomir , Djokic Milomir , Begovic Vesna
Published: December 2010

 Patogeneza sindroma virusnih hemoragijskih groznica je slozena Virusi i njihovi antigeni, nadjeni u celijama vise organa, dovode do ostecenja celija i tkiva. Pored toga, vise cinilaca domacina je aktivno ukljuceno u nastanak bolesti. Medju njima su posebno znacajne endotelne celije za koje se smatra da zapocinju, a mononuklearne celije da direktnim delovanjem ili preko medijatora (citokina) dovrsavaju proces patogeneze. Kao posledica ove interakcije nastaje disfunkcija endotelnih celija u odrzavanju barijere izmedju vaskularnog i intersticijalnog prostora. Bolje poznavanje patogenetskih cinilaca sindroma virusnih hemoragijskih groznica moze doprineti poboljsanju lecenja obolelih.
Differentiation of human dendritic cells from monocytes in vitro using granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor and low concentration of interleukin-4
Authors: Colic Miodrag , Jandric Dusan , Stojic-Vukanic Zorica , Antic-Stankovic Jelena , Popovic Petar , Vasilijic Sasa , Milosavljevic Petar , Balint Bela
Published: December 2010

Several laboratories have developed culture systems that allow the generation of large numbers of human dendritic cells (DC) from monocytes using granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and interleukin-4 (IL-4). In this work we provided evidence that GM-CSF (100 ng/ml) in combination with a low concentration of IL-4 (5 ng/ml) was efficient in the generation of immature, non-adherent, monocyte-derived DC as the same concentration of GM-CSF, and ten times higher concentration of IL-4 (50 ng/ml). This conclusion was based on the similar phenotype profile of DC such as the expression of CD1a, CD80, CD86, and HLA-DR, down-regulation of CD14, and the absence of CD83, as well as on their similar allostimulatory activity for T cells. A higher number of cells remained adherent in cultures with lower concentrations of IL-4 than in cultures with higher concentrations of the cytokine. However, most of these adherent cells down-regulated CD14 and stimulated the proliferation of alloreactive T cells. In contrast adherent cells cultivated with GM-CSF alone were predominantly macrophages as judged by the expression of CD14 and the inefficiency to stimulate alloreactive T cells. DC generated in the presence of lower concentrations of IL-4 had higher proapoptotic potential for the Jurkat cell line than DC differentiated with higher concentrations of IL-4, suggesting their stronger cytotoxic, anti-tumor effect.
Primary malignant brain tumor-related mortality in the Belgrade population
Authors: Pekmezovic Tatjana , Jarebinski Mirjana , Kisic Darija , Pavlovic Milen , Nikitovic Marina , Knezevic Anita , Vujkovic Branko
Published: December 2010

Background. The aim of this investigation was the analysis of primary malignant brain tumors (PMBT)-related mortality in the Belgrade population during the period 1983?2000. Methods. Mortality data (based on death records) for the period observed, as well as population data, were obtained from the unpublished material of the Municipal Institute of Statistics, Belgrade. The data analysis was adjusted to specific and standardized mortality rates and linear trend, using the world population as a standard. Regression coefficient was determined by Fisher?s test. Results. During the period 1983?2000, in the Belgrade population standardized mortality rates from PMBT were 6.29/100 000 (95%CI-confidence interval 5.33?7.24) for males, 4.50/100 000 (95%CI 3.84?5.17) for females, and 5.91/100 000 (95%CI 5.20?6.63) for total population. The age-specific mortality rates increased with age up to the age group 65?74, with the highest value of 21.21/100 000 (95%CI 16.03?26.39), and decreased in persons of 75 and more years of age. Conclusion. Mortality rates from PMBT in Belgrade had slightly increasing tendency in male (5.725+0.0592x, p=0.545), and decreasing tendency in female population (y=4.703-0.0213x, p=0.756), while statistically significant increasing mortality rate was registered only in the age group 65?74 (y=435+1.7707x, p=0.0001).
Procalciton: A new marker and mediator of systemic inflammatory response of the host to infection
Authors: Mikic Dragan
Published: December 2010

 Prokalcitonin je medijator generalizovane reakcije domacina na infekciju, koji poseduje znacajan imunomodulatorni efekat. Indukcija PCT i porast njegovog nivoa u plazmi povezani su sa ekstenzivnoscu i tipom sistemske inflamacije, a njegova koncentracija se naglo smanjuje posle saniranja inflamacije. Kod bolesnika sa sepsom PCT je odlican dijagnosticki i prognosticki marker i veoma dobar parametar za procenu uspeha terapijskog tretmana i klinickog toka septickog procesa. Rutinsko odredjivanje njegove koncentracije u krvi moze popraviti laboratorijsko pracenje bolesnika sa sepsom.