bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Examination of Factors Relating to the Leadership Style of Nursing Leaders in Hospitals
Authors: Lorber Mateja , Treven Sonja , Mumel Damijan
Published: March 2016

Theories often describe leadership with different classifications, based on personality and behaviour, and have been used to establish the traits and behaviours that determine an effective leadership style. We used the quantitative methodology to investigate the determinants of the leadership style among nursing leaders in Slovene hospitals. Based on the results, we determined that demographic characteristics such as gender, age, length of employment, and level of education do not affect the choice of the leadership style. Internal organizational characteristics such as job position, emotional intelligence, communication, personal characteristics, and the decision-making process are positively associated with the leadership style. Personal characteristics are considered important when it comes to using specific leadership styles, regardless of the choice of the leadership style, which also depends on the situation and external influences.
Identification of Czech Metropolitan Regions: How to improve targeting of innovation policy
Authors: Klímová Viktorie , Žítek Vladimír
Published: March 2016

Concepts of national and regional innovation systems can serve as an analytical framework forming the empirical base for innovation policy creation. It is possible to distinguish various types of these systems. One of these typologies is based on the assessment of innovation deficiencies. There are three types of regions: metropolitan, peripheral, and old industrial. Metropolitan regions can be characterized by a high level of research, innovation, and patent activity. The aims of this paper are to find relevant indicators that can be used as the basis for defining metropolitan regional innovation systems and using them for the identification of Czech metropolitan regions. The results of the point method combined with the cluster analysis showed that the capital city, Prague, as well as the South Moravian, Pardubice, Central Bohemian, Pilsen, and Liberec Regions can be defined as metropolitan regions.
Compressed sensing in MRI – mathematical preliminaries and basic examples
Authors: Błaszczyk Łukasz
Published: March 2016

In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), k-space sampling, due to physical restrictions, is very time-consuming. It cannot be much improved using classical Nyquist-based sampling theory. Recent developments utilize the fact that MR images are sparse in some representations (i.e. wavelet coefficients). This new theory, created by Candès and Romberg, called compressed sensing (CS), shows that images with sparse representations can be recovered from randomly undersampled k-space data, by using nonlinear reconstruction algorithms (i.e. l
1-norm minimization). Throughout this paper, mathematical preliminaries of CS are outlined, in the form introduced by Candès. We describe the main conditions for measurement matrices and recovery algorithms and present a basic example, showing that while the method really works (reducing the time of MR examination), there are some major problems that need to be taken into consideration.
The threshold contrast thickness evaluated with different CDMAM phantoms and software
Authors: Fabiszewska Ewa , Grabska Iwona , Pasicz Katarzyna
Published: March 2016

The image quality in digital mammography is described by specifying the thickness and diameter of disks with threshold visibility. The European Commission recommends the CDMAM phantom as a tool to evaluate threshold contrast visibility in digital mammography [1, 2]. Inaccuracy of the manufacturing process of CDMAM 3.4 phantoms (Artinis Medical System BV), as well as differences between software used to analyze the images, may lead to discrepancies in the evaluation of threshold contrast visibility. The authors of this work used three CDMAM 3.4 phantoms with serial numbers 1669, 1840, and 1841 and two mammography systems of the same manufacturer with an identical types of detectors. The images were analyzed with EUREF software (version 1.5.5 with CDCOM 1.6. exe file) and Artinis software (version 1.2 with CDCOM 1.6. exe file). The differences between the observed thicknesses of the threshold contrast structures, which were caused by differences between the CDMAM 3.4 phantoms, were not reproduced in the same way on two mammography units of the same type. The thickness reported by the Artinis software (version 1.2 with CDCOM 1.6. exe file) was generally greater than the one determined by the EUREF software (version 1.5.5 with CDCOM 1.6. exe file), but the ratio of the results depended on the phantom and diameter of the structure. It was not possible to establish correction factors, which would allow correction of the differences between the results obtained for different CDMAM 3.4 phantoms, or to correct the differences between software. Great care must be taken when results of the tests performed with different CDMAM 3.4 phantoms and with different software application are interpreted.
Ambient dose equivalent measurements in secondary radiation fields at proton therapy facility CCB IFJ PAN in Krakow using recombination chambers
Authors: Jakubowska Edyta A. , Gryziński Michał A. , Golnik Natalia , Tulik Piotr , Stolarczyk Liliana , Horwacik Tomasz , Zbroja Katarzyna , Góra Łukasz
Published: March 2016

This work presents recombination methods used for secondary radiation measurements at the Facility for Proton Radiotherapy of Eye Cancer at the Institute for Nuclear Physics, IFJ, in Krakow (Poland). The measurements of H*(10) were performed, with REM-2 tissue equivalent chamber in two halls of cyclotrons AIC-144 and Proteus C-235 and in the corridors close to treatment rooms. The measurements were completed by determination of gamma radiation component, using a hydrogen-free recombination chamber. The results were compared with the measurements using rem meter types FHT 762 (WENDI-II) and NM2 FHT 192 gamma probe and with stationary dosimetric system.
Numerical model of thyroid counter
Authors: Szuchta Maciej , Ośko Jakub
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to develop a numerical model of spectrometric thyroid counter, which is used for the measurements of internal contamination by in vivo method. The modeled detector is used for a routine internal exposure monitoring procedure in the Radiation Protection Measurements Laboratory of National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ). This procedure may also be used for monitoring of occupationally exposed nuclear medicine personnel. The developed model was prepared using Monte Carlo code FLUKA 2011 ver. 2b.6 Apr-14 and FLAIR ver. 1.2-5 interface. It contains a scintillation NaI(Tl) detector, the collimator and the thyroid water phantom with a reference source of iodine 131I. The geometry of the model was designed and a gamma energy spectrum of iodine 131I deposited in the detector was calculated.
Application of the compress sensing theory for improvement of the TOF resolution in a novel J-PET instrument
Authors: Raczyński Lech , Moskal Paweł , Kowalski Paweł , Wiślicki Wojciech , Bednarski Tomasz , Białas Piotr , Czerwiński Eryk , Gajos Aleksander , Kapłon Łukasz , Kochanowski Andrzej , Korcyl Grzegorz , Kowal Jakub , Kozik Tomasz , Krzemień Wojciech , Kubicz Ewelina , Niedźwiecki Szymon , Pałka Marek , Rudy Zbigniew , Salabura Piotr , Gupta-Sharma Neha , Silarski Michał , Słomski Artur , Smyrski Jerzy , Strzelecki Adam , Wieczorek Anna , Zieliński Marcin , Zoń Natalia
Published: March 2016

Nowadays, in positron emission tomography (PET) systems, a time of flight (TOF) information is used to improve the image reconstruction process. In TOF-PET, fast detectors are able to measure the difference in the arrival time of the two gamma rays, with the precision enabling to shorten significantly a range along the line-of-response (LOR) where the annihilation occurred. In the new concept, called J-PET scanner, gamma rays are detected in plastic scintillators. In a single strip of J-PET system, time values are obtained by probing signals in the amplitude domain. Owing to compressive sensing (CS) theory, information about the shape and amplitude of the signals is recovered. In this paper, we demonstrate that based on the acquired signals parameters, a better signal normalization may be provided in order to improve the TOF resolution. The procedure was tested using large sample of data registered by a dedicated detection setup enabling sampling of signals with 50-ps intervals. Experimental setup provided irradiation of a chosen position in the plastic scintillator strip with annihilation gamma quanta.
A Contribution to the Problem of Tree Necrosis in Cities: Soil Properties in the Habitat of Ulmus glabra Huds. and Ulmus minor Mill. Greenery Elements of the City of Kielce
Authors: Świercz Anna , Zajęcka Ewelina
Published: March 2016

Physicochemical properties of soils have a significant impact on the growth and development of vegetation. In urban areas, because of increased human activity, changes occur in both grain-size composition as well as physical and chemical properties of soils. These soils are frequently saline and contaminated with heavy metals, which limit the development of vegetation and cause its necrosis. Elm is a commonly growing tree with low habitat requirements, whose population has been considerably reduced because of progressing Dutch elm disease. This study attempts to assess the relationship of dependency between physicochemical parameters of soils and health status of elms from the area of the City of Kielce. Two elms were selected for the study, that is, one alive tree being a natural monument and one necrotic tree. The soil analysis concerned physicochemical parameters such as size composition, reaction, salinity measured by means of proper electrolyte conductivity (PEC), acidity, organic carbon content, carbonates, nitrogen, and selected elements including heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Mn). The study indicates differentiation amongst the physicochemical parameters of the analysed soils. A characteristic feature of the soils being the habitat of the necrotic elm is that they have considerably higher salinity than those being the habitat of the alive elm. Increased levels of sodium and chlorides could negatively affect water transportation in vegetation what might have resulted, amongst others, in necrosis of the tree.
Selected properties of cobalt-contaminated soil following the application of neutralising substances
Authors: Kosiorek Milena , Wyszkowski Mirosław
Published: March 2016

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of increasing cobalt soil contamination (0 mg·kg−1, 20 mg·kg−1, 40 mg·kg−1, 80 mg·kg−1, 160 mg·kg−1, 320 mg·kg−1) after the application of neutralising substances on selected soil properties. In the soil without an addition of neutralising substances, the highest doses of cobalt caused the pH, total exchangeable bases, cation exchange capacity and the degree of base saturation to decrease and the hydrolytic acidity of soil to increase. Among the substances used, zeolite and calcium oxide (particularly) had the most advantageous influence on the analysed soil properties. They caused the pH, total exchangeable bases and cation exchange capacity to increase and the hydrolytic acidity to decrease. Among the other substances, it was charcoal that had the greatest influence on the soil properties, but the way it influenced the total exchangeable bases, the cation exchange capacity of soil and the degree of base saturation were opposite to the way calcium oxide influenced these properties.
The Impact of Including Immigrants without Permanent Residence Status in the Public Health Insurance System in the Czech Republic
Authors: Tepperová Jana , Zídková Hana
Published: March 2016

Whether an individual can or cannot participate in the Czech public health insurance system depends on several characteristics, one of which is whether he/she has permanent residence status in the Czech Republic, and a second whether he/she is employed. This means that those without permanent residence status, including self-employed migrants from third countries, their dependent relatives, and the dependent relatives of third country employees in the Czech Republic, cannot participate in the public health insurance system. Some argue that such migrants should be included in the system, since commercial health insurance is disadvantageous and the contributions they would pay into the public health insurance system would increase the public health insurance agencies’ income. We estimate the value of the contributions to public health insurance that would be paid by third country self-employed and non-working immigrants, if they were insured based on data from 2011 to 2013, and compare this to the assumed costs of their medical care. To calculate the contributions for self-employed migrants we use data on the distribution of the tax base for self-employed persons from personal income tax returns. Our estimation results in an overall negative balance of 22 million CZK on the data for 2012 and 2013. In the current system this deficit would be covered by the state, which would pay contributions to the system for certain (state insured) persons amounting to 97 million CZK; overall therefore the inclusion of these immigrants would result in a positive balance of 75 million CZK.
Efficiency of Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument and Nerve Conduction Studies for Diagnosis of Diabetic Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy
Authors: Muntean Cristina , Cătălin Bogdan , Tudorică Valerica , Moţa Maria
Published: March 2016

Background and Aims: Little data regarding distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP) prevalence in Romania is available. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of DSP in our cohort, to characterize it depending on glycemic control, and also to find an easy-to-apply method for DSP screening which could be used in Romania.

Material and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study enrolling 51 patients followed in the Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases Clinic, Clinical County Hospital of Craiova, Romania. A complete evaluation protocol consisting in clinical examination and Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), together with nerve conduction studies were applied for evaluation.

Results: Among the type 2 diabetic patients investigated, 72.54% had DSP. Three-quarters of them had poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥7%). Mean HbA1c level was 9.17%. Poor glycemic control led to a more severe DSP form as proven by nerve conduction studies and clinical examination. Allodynia and motor deficit were predominantly found with HbA1c ≥7%. Mean MNSI score for the group was 2.55, strongly correlated with nerve conduction studies.

Conclusion: MNSI is a simple and validated diagnostic tool for DSP with a strong correlation to electrophysiological parameters. Therefore, its daily implementation in clinical practice could help identify and follow patients at risk for DSP.
Markers of Bone Turnover and 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D in Women with Type 2 Diabetes and Newly Diagnosed Osteoporosis
Authors: Nan Raluca , Cursaru Adrian , Grigorie Daniel , Şucaliuc Alina , Drăguţ Ramona M. , Rusu Emilia , Muşat Mădălina D. , Radulian Gabriela
Published: March 2016

Background and Aims: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the characteristics of bone turnover markers and 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in women with type 2 diabetes and recently diagnosed postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Material and Methods: We performed a retrospective study that included 80 women with newly diagnosed postmenopausal osteoporosis: 40 women with type 2 diabetes (diabetic group) and 40 women without diabetes (non-diabetic group). For data collection we used the patients database of the National Institute of Endocrinology ”C.I. Parhon”, Bucharest, Romania.

Results: Women with type 2 diabetes had significantly reduced levels of osteocalcin and crosslaps than non-diabetic women. In the diabetic group, alkaline phosphatase and 25-hydroxy vitamin D were lower than in non-diabetic women but without statistical significance. There was not statistically significant difference of bone mineral density (BMD) between diabetic and non-diabetic groups. Magnesium was significantly lower in diabetic women compared with non-diabetic women.

Conclusions: Our results demonstrated a low bone turnover in type 2 diabetic women and it was shown an insufficiency of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in both studied groups. These findings should be taken into account when screening these patients for diabetes complications.
A Review of Hereditary Fructose Intolerance
Authors: Mogoş Tiberius , Iacobini Andra Evelin
Published: March 2016

Fructose intolerance is a metabolic disorder with hereditary determinism, clinically manifested on terms of fructose intake. Untreated, hereditary fructose intolerance may result in renal and hepatic failure. Unfortunately, there are no formal diagnostic and surveillance guidelines for this disease. If identified and treated before the occurrence of permanent organ damage, patients can improve their symptoms and self-rated health. Implementation and adherence to a strict fructose free diet is often difficult, but not impossible.
Insulin Initiation in Type 2 Diabetes – Why, When and How?
Authors: Popa Simona Georgiana , Popa Adina , Moţa Maria
Published: March 2016

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease and, despite recent progress in the treatment of diabetes, the glycemic control usually deteriorates gradually and insulin therapy is needed. When insulin therapy should be started and which are the appropriate insulin therapy strategies, still represent subjects of debates. Insulin represents a therapeutic option in type 2 diabetes due to the existence of early β-cell dysfunction and significant reduction of β-cell mass in natural history of type 2 diabetes. The current guidelines recommend insulin in double therapy in association with metformin or in combination with metformin and other noninsulin agent. Initiation of insulin therapy is recommended in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and symptomatic and/or presenting important hyperglycemia or elevated HbA1c. Initiation of insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes should take into consideration the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes, the effects and the potential risks of insulin therapy, the guidelines recommendations and the barriers to insulin use. Literatures of only English language were analyzed from NCBI database. Guidelines were accessed electronically from organisations, i.e. American Diabetes Associations, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology, European Association for the Study of Diabetes, International Diabetes Federation.
Chordomas, malignant spinal tumors: a 15-year experience
Authors: Calina Niki Adrian , Filip Cristian , Serban Daniel , Podea Marius , Zamfir Costica , Checiu Gheorghe , Eduard Morosanu , Exergian Florin
Published: March 2016

Objective: Spinal chordomas are rare, locally invasive, malignant neoplasm, representing 5% of all malignant tumors of the skeleton. In the majority of cases the segment involved is the sacrum. This study reviews our experience during the last 15 years at The Spinal Surgery Department of “Bagdasar-Arseni” Clinical Hospital, to determine the effects of various treatment methods on the overall course of this disease process.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed, from 2000 to 2015, in which, 31 patients with spinal chordomas were evaluated at our institution.

Results: Two thirds of patients were male, with a mean age of 57 years. Patients presented with local pain, radiculopathy and bladder-bowel dysfunction at hospital admission. There were 24 patients with sacral chordomas, 4 with cervical chordomas, 2 with thoracic and one with lumbar chordoma. All patients underwent at least one surgical procedure. The main goal of surgery was to achieve total resection of the tumor.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that spinal chordomas are rare tumors with a high risk of tumor recurrence. If total resection is achieved, the risk of recurrence diminishes. If the tumor resection is subtotal, than recurrence appears in all cases. After tumor resection, the surgeon faces the problem of spinal instability that needs solving. Based on these findings, we think that, whenever possible, radical resection should be the treatment of choice for spinal chordomas.
Surgical management of symptomatic spinal cord and intracerebral cavernomas in a multiple cavernomas case
Authors: Gorgan R.M. , Brehar F. , Catana M. , Pruna V. , Gheorghiu Ana , Popescu G. , Cristescu Catioara , Giovani A.
Published: March 2016

Multiple cavernous malformations are associated with familial cases and are present in 10-20% of all cavernoma cases. 5% of cavernomas are located intramedullary and of these only 10% present multiple cavernomas. With the availability of echo gradient MRI the cases of multiple cavernomas are diagnosed earlier and it is not rare that it uncovers multiple cavernomas in cases where only a single lesion can be identified on regular MRI sequences. We present the case of a 55 years old woman presented with a two years history of mild backache, followed by progressive lower legs motor deficit and urinary retention. The spine MRI showed an intramedullary T2/3 lesion and the cerebral MRI established the diagnosis of multiple cavernomas. One year after the intramedullary cavernoma was operated with success, she developed generalized seizures and a new cerebral MRI showed bleeding and volume growth of one right temporal pole cavernoma. The cerebral lesion was resected successfully and the patient was discharged free of seizures. This familial type multiple cavernomas cases should be screened and followed with repeated brain and spine MRI’s every year.
Our first experience with cervical expandable cage for vertebral body reconstruction
Authors: Chiriac A. , Faiyad Z. , Popescu C. , Costachescu B. , Poeata I.
Published: March 2016

Vertebral body reconstruction after corpectomy using expandable cage has become a common surgical procedure especially at thoracic level. The recent published papers describe the successful use of expandable cages for cervical vertebral body reconstruction. In this paper we present our first experience with expandable cervical cage in the reconstruction of the cervical spine in a patient with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM)
A rare type of tumor: orbital schwannoma. Case report and literature review
Authors: Gorgan R.M. , Neacsu Angela , Rodriguez Silvia Mara Baez , Popescu G. , Cristescu Catioara , Giovani A.
Published: March 2016

Schwannomas arise in the cells responsible for the mielinating the neurons distal to the Obersteiner-Redlich zone. Most of the intracranian Schwannomas are in the posterior fossa, developed from the VIIIth or Vth nerve stheath. The location on other cranian nerves is quite rare, only 6% of the orbital tumors being Schwannomas. We review the case of a 52 years old male patient, presenting for right eye exophthalmia and visual field deficit, diplopia due to VIth nerve paresis, and stubbing pain in the right eye, the MRI showing a tumor, located in the orbital apex displaced the globe forward and superiorly, and the optic nerve medially and superiorly. A modified lateral orbital approach was preferred. The choice of the orbitotomy allowed us to maintain the integrity of the lateral rim of the orbit without the need of a bony reconstruction at the end of the intervention, as it faced the anterior margin of the temporal muscle, covering it and not the skin over the zigomatic bone. The technical approach for orbital schwanomas should be tailored to reach the lesion through an esthetic incision and orbitotomy, immediately under the resected bone, with no need retracting the ocular globe or the vasculonervous elements in the orbit.
A rare case of suprasellar arachnoid cyst with giant perimesencephalic and mesial temporal extension - physiopathological mechanisms
Authors: Turliuc Dana Mihaela , Cucu A.I. , Dobrovăţ B. , Trandafir Daniela , Turliuc Ş. , Dumitrescu Gabriela Florenţa , Costea Claudia Florida
Published: March 2016

The arachnoid cyst is a lesion commonly encountered in neurosurgery, especially in pediatric pathology. We are presenting the case of an adult patient with a suprasellar arachnoid cyst with giant perimesencephalic and mesial temporal extension discovered incidentally, where there is a discrepancy between the spectacular neuroimaging and the non-specific symptomatology. Some of the physiopathological mechanisms which led to the evolution of the cyst will also be presented.
Carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms – protective features making them a rare cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Ghods Ali , Straus David
Published: March 2016

Objective: To review the rate of carotid-ophthalmic aneurysm (COA) rupture and to identify protective features that may contribute to their low rupture rate.

Methods: We reviewed the records of 790 patients with 773 aneurysms greater than 2 mm treated by endovascular routes between 2002 and 2012 at our institution. Seventy five carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms were identified in 72 patients. Three injected human cadaver heads were studied to evaluate the perianeurysmal environment of the carotid-ophthalmic region.

Results: Only 2 (2.8%) of these 72 patients presented with acute SAH due to a ruptured carotid-ophthalmic aneurysm. The average size of ruptured COA was 11.3 mm versus 7 mm for unruptured aneurysms. Most of the aneurysms were discovered in patients who were asymptomatic. The most common presenting symptom was headache. In this study, we also provide cadaveric anatomic illustrations of the perianeurysmal environment in order to investigate the low rate of COA rupture. Additionally, we highlight the existence of a double arachnoid layer consisting of the arachnoid on the inferior aspect of the optic nerve and surrounding the internal carotid artery (ICA), which could further contribute to the low rupture rate of these aneurysms.

Conclusions: Carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms are uncommon sources of subarachnoid hemorrhage. The perianeurysmal environment surrounding these aneurysms may provide protection, lending these aneurysms to a relatively benign natural history.
Post-traumatic cerebellar infarction due to vertebral artery foramina fracture: case report
Authors: Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Rubiano Andres M. , Calderon-Miranda Willem Guillermo , Agrawal Amit
Published: March 2016

Posttraumatic cerebral infarction is an uncommon cause of morbidity and mortality and many studies have highlighted that trauma needs to considered as causative factor for cerebellar infarction. We present a case of cerebellar infarction in a 35 year old young patient secondary to vertebral fracture involving the vertebral foramen and vertebral artery injury. CT scan cervical spine showed C2-3 fracture on left side with fracture extending into the left vertebral foramen. A CT scan angiogram could not be performed because of poor neurological status. Possibly the infarction was due to left vertebral artery injury. Without surgical intervention prognosis of these patients remain poor. Prognosis of patients with traumatic cerebellar infarction depends on the neurological status of the patient, intrinsic parenchymal damage and more importantly extrinsic compression of the brainstem by the edematous cerebellar hemispheres.
Magnetic resonance imaging study; does the olfactory bulb volume change in major depression?
Authors: Ozdemir Nuriye Guzin , Atci Ibrahim Burak , Bag Sevda , Yilmaz Hakan , Karagoz Yesim , Yilmaz Adem
Published: March 2016

Goal: The olfactory region function disorders and olfactory bulb volume changes in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders are defined. In this study, the olfactory bulb values of patients diagnosed with major depression in accordance with DMS-IV criteria, are measured with MRI, and these values are compared with the values of healthy volunteers to see if there are any statistically significant changes.

Method: The study was carried out with 20 healthy volunteers and 20 patients who had been diagnosed with acute major depression in accordance with ‘diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders’ (DMS) IV criteria and have been getting treatment for more than 2 years in Istanbul Education and Research Hospital. 1,5 Tesla MRI were used in 40 cases, and the olfactory bulb volume on two hemispheres were measured separately.

Results: Contrary to the former studies, we found no statistically significant difference between the olfactory bulb volume measurements of the control group and the group diagnosed with major depression.
Intradural extramedullary spinal cord tumors: a retrospective study at tertiary referral hospital
Authors: Govind Mangal , Radheyshyam Mittal , Achal Sharma , Ashok Gandhi
Published: March 2016

Introduction: Intradural extramedullary (IDEM) spinal cord tumours account two thirds of all intraspinal tumours. The objective of this study was to determine short- and long-term outcomes of surgical patients with IDEM spinal cord tumours, and to see clinical features that could be helpful in management of patients with these lesions (operated by single senior surgeononly).

Methods: A retrospective review of 201 operative IDEM spinal cord tumours cases between 1993 and 2014 was performed. Outcomes were scored at one month and at mean follow-up of 8.5 months postoperatively. In addition, patient demographics, tumour types and locations were also collected. Statistical analysis was conducted utilizing Chi-square and Student's t-tests.

Results: There were 93 men and 108 women (mean age 48 yrs, range 5-87 yrs). Men presented at a younger age than women (42 vs 51 yrs, P<0.02). 165 (82.08 %) patients presented with severe radiculopathy and myelopathy. The 36 (17.91 %) had symptoms of radiculopathy. Mean duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis was 11 months. Schwannomas (113 patients) had the longest mean duration of symptoms (14.9 months), followed by meningiomas (68 patients, 8.4 months), and ependymomas (20 patients, 2 months). Hundred and eighty nine (94%) of patients demonstrated significant improvement at one-month and 186 (92%) at 6-month mean follow-up. Only 39/201 (19.4%) patients had residual focal deficits on long term follow-up.

Conclusions: Surgery for IDEM should be expected to produce significant and dramatic improvement in most of patients. Demographic, tumor-specific and anatomic considerations will be clinically useful while managing IDEM.
Tea Cup in the brain, a rare case of penetrating brain injury in pediatric patient
Authors: Sharma Arvind , Jain S.K. , Chopra Sanjeev
Published: March 2016

Head injuries are very common in children. All over the world, the most common mechanism is fall. These injuries are more prevalent in developing countries due to lack of education, poverty, lack of standard and scientific ways to child upbringing. Penetrating injuries in pediatric patients is extremely uncommon and usually occur due to sharp objects like knife, screw driver, drills, nails. We are reporting a rare case of a child with penetrating head injury due to tea cup, very commonly used crockery in every house hold. To the best of our knowledge, no similar case has ever been reported in world literature. Our case also emphasized the need for educating people about child care.
Large tentorium meningioma causing chiari malformation type-1 with syringomalia with complete resolution of syrinx and chiari after surgical excision: rare case report with review of literature
Authors: Kankane Vivek Kumar , Jaiswal Gaurav , Gupta Tarun Kumar
Published: March 2016

A 35-year-old female was admitted with a 3-year history of headache, gait disturbance and vertigo on & off and one year history of nasal regurgitation. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a large tentorium meningioma left sided and syringomyelia in the upper cervical cord associated with caudal displacement of the cerebellar tonsil (chiari type -1 malformation). Herniation of the cerebellar tonsil and distortion of the brain stem had probably caused disturbance of cerebrospinal fluid flow which combined with obstruction of the spinal canal, caused the syrinx. Complete excision of the tumor resulted in symptomatic improvement of these symptoms with complete resolution of syrinx & chiari.
Moyamoya disease presenting as acute onset cortical blindness: a case report
Authors: Maniram Dudi , Rajeev Bansal , Trilochan Srivastava , Sardana R.V.
Published: March 2016

We report a case where acute onset cortical blindness is the mode of presentation in Moyamoya disease. Cortical blindness is very rare presenting symptom of Moyamoya disease. Progressive visual loss and homonymous anopsia has been described previously, but this case had acute visual loss.
Peculiarities in Construction of Future Teachers’ Professional Training Content in the System of Multilevel Pedagogical Education in Canada
Authors: Pavlyuk Victoria , Ivanchyuk Halyna
Published: March 2016

The article deals with the peculiarities of future teachers’ training content in the system of Canadian multilevel teacher education. Main features of the Canadian teachers’ training content are the standardization of multilevel pedagogical education content, Canada’s focus on multilevel teachers’ education in professional development of future teachers, establishing optimal scientific balance between disciplines of different cycles, theoretical and practical units (modules), interdisciplinary guidelines for Canadian teachers. Teaching methods oriented at obtaining professional training by future teachers in Canada, including selected methods of preparation for practical activities and methods of creative thinking, have been emphasized. Based on research and analysis of reference-encyclopedic sources it has been found out that changes in Canadian society in the late 19th-21st centuries led to new demands and duties of teachers set out in the standards of their professional evaluation. It has been determined that the development of the Canadian system of teacher education in terms of multilevelness is targeted at training future teachers competitive in the labour market.
Relative Strength at the Hip, Knee, and Ankle Is Lower Among Younger and Older Females Who Are Obese
Authors: Koushyar Hoda , Nussbaum Maury A. , Davy Kevin P. , Madigan Michael L.
Published: March 2016

Background and Purpose:

The mobility of individuals who are obese can be limited compared with their healthy weight counterparts. Lower limb strength has been associated with mobility, and reduced strength may contribute to mobility limitation among individuals who are obese. However, our understanding of the effects of obesity on lower limb strength is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of obesity and age on extension and flexion strength at the hip, knee, and ankle.

Methods:

Using a cross-sectional design, 10 younger (18-30 years) healthy weight (body mass index = 18-24.9 kg/m2), 10 younger obese (body mass index >30 kg/m2), 10 older (65-80 years) healthy weight, and 10 older obese female participants performed isokinetic maximum voluntary contractions in ankle plantar flexion (PF), ankle dorsiflexion (DF), knee extension (KE), knee flexion (KF), hip extension (HE), and hip flexion (HF).

Results and Discussion:

Absolute strength among obese participants was 29% higher in DF (P = .002), 27% higher in KE (P = .004), and 23% higher in HF (P = .001), compared with healthy weight participants. Strength relative to body mass among obese participants was 31% lower in PF (P < .001), 14% lower in DF (P = .042), 16% lower in KE (P = .015), 27% lower in KF (P < .001), 29% lower in HE (P < .001), and 19% lower in HF (P = .001).

Conclusions:

Obese females exhibited lower relative strength at the ankle and hip, similar to the lower relative strength exhibited at the knee. Obese females also exhibited higher absolute strength, but only for 3 of 6 lower limb exertions investigated. This lack of uniformity across the 6 exertions is likely due to the still unclear underlying biomechanical mechanism responsible for these strength differences, which may also be influenced by aging. The effects of obesity on lower limb strength were also generally consistent between the 2 age groups investigated.
MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Hypothalamic inflammation and nutrition
Authors: Araujo Eliana P , Moraes Juliana C , Cintra Dennys E , Velloso Licio A
Published: March 2016

Selected subpopulations of hypothalamic neurons play important roles in the regulation of whole body energy homeostasis. Studies have shown that the saturated fats present in large amounts in western diets can activate an inflammatory response in the hypothalamus, affecting the capacity of such neurons to respond appropriately to satiety and adipostatic signals. In the first part of this review, we will explore the mechanisms behind saturated fatty acid-induced hypothalamic dysfunction. Next, we will present and discuss recent studies that have identified the mechanisms that mediate some of the anti-inflammatory actions of unsaturated fatty acids in the hypothalamus and the potential for exploring these mechanisms to prevent or treat obesity.
Pratarmė
Authors: Merkevičius Algimantas
Published: March 2016

Malonaus skaitytojo rankose iš pirmo žvilgsnio eilinis, tačiau gerokai pasikeitęs 16-asis „Archaeologia Lituana“ tomas. Vienas iš svarbių leidinio pokyčių – vyriausiojo redaktoriaus pasikeitimas. 2015 m. vasario 6 d. jungtiniame Archeologijos katedros ir „Archaeologia Lituana“ redaktorių kolegijos posėdyje vietoj atsistatydinusio ilgamečio leidinio vyriausiojo redaktoriaus prof. habil. dr. Mykolo Michelberto išrinktas doc. dr. Algimantas Merkevičius. Naudodamasis šia proga, dėkoju profesoriui už ilgametį sunkų ir atkaklų darbą kasmet išleidžiant po tomą, ne visada palankiomis leidiniui sąlygomis. Žemaitiškas užsispyrimas, atkaklumas ir didelis autoritetas neabejotinai padėjo šiame sunkiame ir atsakingame darbe. [...]
Ankstyviausi žirgų palaikai laidojimo objektuose Lietuvoje
Authors: Merkevičius Algimantas , Muradian Lijana
Published: March 2016

Straipsnyje nagrinėjama žirgo laidojimo papročio formavimosi ankstyvuoju metalų laikotarpiu dabartinėje Lietuvos teritorijoje pradžia. Pristatomi surinkti duomenys apie ankstyviausius žirgų palaikus žmonių laidojimo vietose. Šių gyvūnų kaulų iki šiol rasta tik vakarinėje Lietuvos dalyje – Kurmaičių, Kvecių ir Ėgliškių pilkapynuose, įrengtuose nedidelėje teritorijoje Akmenos, Tenžės ir Danės upių pakrantėse. Pilkapiuose, kuriuose vyrauja degintiniai žmonių kapai, aptikta atskirų, nedegintų žirgų kūno dalių. Šie laidojimo objektai datuojami vėlyvojo žalvario amžiaus pabaiga–ankstyvuoju geležies amžiumi. Toks laidosenos pokytis siejamas su išskirtinės žirgo padėties formavimosi pradžia Baltijos regione II ir I tūkstm. pr. Kr.
Gintaras Kaupe
Authors: Kulakov Vladimir
Published: March 2016

Plokštinis kapinynas Kleine Kaup (Mažasis Kaupas), esantis Kaupo vietovės rytinėje dalyje (pietinis Kranzo, dabar Zelenogradskas, pakraštys, šiaurės Semba) buvo atrastas 1865 m. rugpjūčio 3 d. Nedidelės apimties kasinėjimus kapinyne 1932 m. vykdė Karlas Engelis. Iš Berlyno archyvuose išlikusios lakoniškos informacijos apie kasinėjimus aiškėja, kad kapinyne buvo surasti 23 prūsiški dviejų sluoksnių XI–XIII a. datuojami kapai. Atkasant ir valant prastai išlikusius griaučius, kape K52a greta apnykusios ir šaknų apardytos kaukolės rasta skirtingo skersmens gludintų gintaro karolių. Į vakarus nuo kaukolės likučių, prie dešinės apatinio žandikaulio pusės rasti trijų tordiruotų antsmilkinių fragmentai. Viename tokiame fragmente buvo įvertas karolis. Į šiaurės rytus nuo jo rasti dar du vieno karolio fragmentai. Taigi paaiškėjo, kad šiame kape palaidotos moters kaukolę iš kairės ir dešinės pusių puošė po du gludintus karolius. Be to, į dešinę nuo kaukolės buvęs karolis (abu?) įvertas į geležinius antsmilkinius su kabliuku užsegti viename gale.
XVII amžiaus Žagarės miestiečių avalynė
Authors: Puškorius Arūnas
Published: March 2016

Straipsnyje, remiantis archeologiniais duomenimis, apžvelgiama XVII–XVIII a. Lietuvos periferijos miestelių avalynė. Kaip tipinės miestiečių avalynės pavyzdžiai detaliai pristatomi ir analizuojami XVII a. avalynės radiniai, aptikti Žagarės miesto archeologinių kasinėjimų (archeologas Ernestas Vasiliauskas) metu. Aptikti du pusbačiai ir trys klepės iki šiol yra vieninteliai informatyviausi miestiečių avalynę reprezentuojantys archeologiniai radiniai, surasti ne Lietuvos reikšmingiausių senųjų prekybos miestų teritorijoje, o periferijos miesteliuose. Radiniai autoriaus konservuoti ir restauruoti, aptartos tokio pobūdžio radinių konservavimo ir restauravimo problemos, siekiant maksimaliai išsaugoti jų informatyvumą tolesniam įvairiapusiam pažinimui. Ištirta radinių konstrukcija ir medžiagiškumas, atskleista avalynės gamybos technologija. Radiniai palyginti su to laikotarpio Vakarų Europos analogais.
Mokslinė konferencija „Ankstyvųjų baltų visuomenės tapatumas“
Authors: Merkevičius Algimantas
Published: March 2016

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Archeologijos katedros mokslinės veiklos apžvalga
Authors: Vasiliauskienė Violeta
Published: March 2016

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VILNIAUS UNIVERSITETO LIETUVIŲ LITERATŪROS KATEDRA 2013 METAIS
Authors: Juknytė Ernesta
Published: March 2016

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Sickness absence among health workers in belo horizonte, brazil
Authors: Bassi Iara , Assunção Ada Ávila , Pimenta Adriano Marçal , Benavides Fernando G. , Ubalde‐Lopez Monica
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To describe the prevalence of sickness absence and to analyze factors associated with the outcome according to gender in a sample of healthcare workers at the Belo Horizonte Health Department.

Method

This study was based on a Belo Horizonte Health Department survey carried out between September 2008 and January 2009. From a randomly selected sample of 2,205 workers, 1,808 agreed to participate. Workers were classified into Health Staff or Health Care. Other explanatory variables were social and demographic data, work characteristics, and personal health. The Poisson regression was applied to analyze factors associated with sickness absence by the prevalence ratio (PR).

Results

The overall prevalence of sickness absence was 31.5% (23.8% for men and 34.6% for women). In the final model, we found higher rates of sickness absence in both male and female workers involved in tasks with high psychosocial demands (PR=1.86 men; PR=1.38 women) and in those that reported using medication for treating chronic diseases (PR=1.96 men; PR= 1.50 women). Women having a permanent job contract had a higher prevalence of sickness absence than those having a temporary job contract (PR=1.71).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest a paradox in how healthcare is organized: good results in terms of its global objective of providing healthcare for citizens contrast with lack of effective measures for protecting healthcare workers.
2,5‐hexanedione induced apoptosis of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by reactive oxygen species
Authors: Liu Shuang , Chen Feng , Wang Longjuan , Sun Wenchang , Liu Qigui , Chen Haibo , Su Dan , Jiang Yue , Piao Fengyuan , Sun Xiance , Sun Wenfang
Published: March 2016

Objectives

n‐Hexane, a common industrial organic solvent, causes multiple organ damage, especially neurotoxicity, which is proved to be caused by its metabolite 2,5‐hexanedione (2,5‐HD). We previously showed that 2,5‐HD induced apoptosis of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) . In the current study, we explored the mechanism of 2,5‐HDinduced apoptosis, especially the role played by reactive oxygen species (ROS) .

Methods

Intracellular ROS levels after 2,5‐HD treatment were measured by the dichloro‐dihydro‐fluorescein diacetate (DCFH‐DA) method, and the antioxidant N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) was used to scavenge ROS. Apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and caspase‐3 activity were measured after 2,5‐HD exposure with or without NAC pretreatment.

Results

In rat BMSCs, 20 mM 2,5‐HD significantly increased ROS levels and apoptosis. In addition, MMP activity was decreased and caspase‐3 activity was increased. With NAC pretreatment, ROS increases were prevented, cells were rescued from apoptosis, and both MMP and caspase‐3 activity returned to normal levels. Western blotting analysis of malondialdehyde‐modified proteins and superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1 showed that after 2,5‐HD exposure, BMSCs had oxidative damage and abnormal SOD1 expression. These returned to normal when cells were pretreated with NAC in addition to 20 mM 2,5‐HD. Furthermore, the expressions of NF‐κB p 65 / RelA and phospho‐NF‐κB p 65 / RelA (Ser 536) were suppressed after 2,5‐HD exposure and restored by NAC pretreatment.

Conclusions

2,5‐HD‐induced apoptosis in rat BMSCs is potentially mediated by excessive ROS production.
Comparison of the oral health problems and behavior of male daytime‐only and night‐shift office workers: An Internet survey
Authors: Ishizuka Yoichi , Yoshino Koichi , Takayanagi Atsushi , Sugihara Naoki , Maki Yoshinobu , Kamijyo Hideyuki
Published: March 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the oral health problems and behavior of full‐time male daytime‐only and night shift office workers.

Methods

The participants were recruited by applying screening procedures to a pool of Japanese registrants in an online database. During the period of 20 February 2015 to 11 March 2015, participants were asked to complete a questionnaire about their oral health. A total of 325 daytime‐only workers and 351 workers who sometimes worked night shifts, ages 30 to 69, were analyzed in this study.

Results

Overall, the mean number of teeth of the night shift workers was lower than that of the daytime‐only workers (p=0.002). When analyzed by age group, a significant difference was seen in the 50‐69 age group (p =0.016). The percentage of night shift workers with decayed teeth was higher than that of the daytime‐only workers (p<0.001). The night shift workers were more likely to report gingival bleeding (p=0.015) and stomatitis (p=0.025) than the daytime‐only workers. The percentage of night shift workers reporting frequent brushing behavior was lower than that of the daytime‐only workers (p =0.040). The independent variables found to correlate significantly with tooth decay were night shift work (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.20‐2.67), current smoking habit (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.13‐2.46), and BMI of �25 (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.02‐2.39).

Conclusions

These results indicate a relationship between night shift work and oral health problems. Night shift workers may require additional support for oral health maintenance.
Role of Education in Inculcation of Education For Peace
Authors:   Research Scholar Jamia Millia Islamia, Rani Ila
Published: March 2016

Peace, as an integrative perspective for the school curriculum, is an idea whose time has come. Education for peace, as distinguished from peace education, acknowledges the goal of promoting a culture of peace as the purpose of shaping the enterprise of education. If implemented with vigor and vision, education for peace can make learning a joyful and meaningful experience. Peace studies aim for a critical analysis of war, armed conflict, and political violence as deeply-rooted phenomena that affect the daily lives of millions of people around the world. The purpose of this analysis is not merely to improve our intellectual understanding of the sources or causes of these phenomena, but also to provide us with an informed basis for effective action to end or resolve them. Peace studies involve a dynamic relationship between theory and practice, and between peace research, peace education, and peace activism. Education for peace seeks to nurture ethical development, including the values, attitudes, and skills required for living in harmony with oneself and with others, including nature. This paper aims at an understanding of ways and means to incorporate peace feeling at all levels of schooling. It is also indicated that how peace can be implanted in the mind of a sensitive child of the twenty-first century at the school and home. The various implications of peace will also be discussed. Highlights will also suggest how peace as a way of life can be inculcated in the classroom and in various extracurricular activities of the school and in daily life situations.