bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fetal cerebral-umbilical Doppler ratio in prediction of fetal distress in patients with preeclampsia
Authors: Jurisic Aleksandar , Jurisic Zaklina , Pazin Vladimir , Vasiljevic Mladenko , Jankovic-Raznatovic Svetlana , Dragojevic-Dikic Svetlana
Published: December 2010

Bacground/Aim. The use of color Doppler ultrasonography provides noninvasive observation, confirmation and quantification of pathophysiological processes in fetoplacental circulation in pregnant patients. By blood vessel mapping and the obtained waves spectral analysis it is possible to evaluate vascular resistency of the fetus blood vessels. The aim of the study was to evaluate cerebral-umbilical pulsatility index ratio in fetal circulation in prediction of fetal distress in patients with preeclampsia. Methods. By measurement of pulsatility indices in medial cerebral and umbilical arteries in 400 patients with uncomplicated pregnancy, normal values were calculated for fetuses from 15-40 weeks. In our study group 70 patients with preeclampsia were included. Cerebralumbilical (C/U) ratio was calculated after pulsatility indices in medial cerebral artery and umbilical artery determining by the spectral Doppler analysis of flow velocity waveforms in these vessels. Fetal outcome was analyzed by measurement of the Apgar score at the 5th minute and fetal pH at birth. Results. The mean C/U ratio values in the third trimester of normal pregnancy were between 1.8 and 1.9. The mean C/U ratio values in the patients complicated with preeclampsia were significantly lower comparing to normal pregnancies (ANOVA, p < 0.05). The mean 5th minute Apgar score in the study group was 6.35 ? 1.58, and the mean fetal pH at birth was 7.16 ? 0.15. Linear regression test showed a highly significant correlation between low C/U ratio and fetal pH at birth in patients with preeclampsia (r = 0.49, p < 0.01). Conclusion. The C/U ratio values obtained from spectral Doppler analysis in fetal vessels showed a highly significant correlation with fetal pH at birth in the patients with preeclampsia. The results of our study confirmed the reliability of C/U ratio in estimation of fetal condition in preeclamptic patients. Very low C/U ratio values in patients with preeclampsia indicate that in these fetuses fetal acidosis and fetal distress may be expected.
Multiple cavernous hemangiomas of the orbit: Separate occurrence within a 24-year period
Authors: Nagulic Mirjana , Nikolic Igor , Manojlovic-Gacic Emilija , Skender-Gazibara Milica
Published: December 2010

Background. Cavernous hemangioma is a frequent and the most common, primary, benign tumor of the orbit in adults. It is typically single and unilateral, considered not to recur after having been completely excised. Multiple orbital cavernous hemangiomas without signs of hemangiomatosis are rare. Multiple cavernous hemangiomas may recur after a complete excision and may exist with concurrent systemic tumors. Tumor recurrence is supposed to develop from vasculature that is present already in response to a proliferate stimulus. Case report. A 39-year old female with painless proptosis of the right orbit was found to have four orbital tumors. The first orbitotomy was performed in 1984 by excising four cavernous hemangiomas. Six years later, another, the fifth one cavernous hemangioma was totally excised from the same orbit. Nine years after the first operation, reorbitotomy was performed because of positive radiological and clinical signs of de novo tumor in the orbit. The operation did not confirm the tumorous tissue. The fourth orbitotomy was performed 24 years after the first operation and two cavernous hemangiomas were totally excised. Conclusion. This case show the possibility of cavernous hemangioma recurrence after a previously totally excised tumor, separated more than two decades. A very long follow-up of the patients operated for these benign tumor lesions is recommended.
Psychiatric syndromes associated with atypical chest pain
Authors: Nikolic Gordana , Tasic Ivan , Manojlovic Snezana , Samardzic Ljiljana , Tosic Suzana , Ciric Zoran
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Chest pain often indicates coronary disease, but in 25% of patients there is no evidence of ischemic heart disease using standard diagnostic tests. Beside that, cardiologic examinations are repeated several times for months. If other medical causes could not be found, there is a possibility that chest pain is a symptom of psychiatric disorder. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of psychiatric syndromes, increased somatization, anxiety, stress life events exposure and characteristic of chest pain expression in persons with atypical chest pain and coronary patients, as well as to define predictive parameters for atypical chest pain. Method. We compared 30 patients with atypical chest pain (E group) to 30 coronary patients (K group), after cardiological and psychiatric evaluation. We have applied: Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), The Symptom Checklist 90-R (SCL-90 R), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Holms-Rahe Scale of stress life events (H-R), Questionnaire for pain expression Pain-O-Meter (POM). Significant differences between groups and predictive value of the parameters for atypical chest pain were determined. Results. The E group participants compared to the group K were younger (33.4 ? 5.4 : 48.3 ? 6,4 years, p < 0.001), had a moderate anxiety level (20.4 ? 11.9 : 9.6 ? 3.8, p < 0.001), panic and somatiform disorders were present in the half of the E group, as well as eleveted somatization score (SOM ? 63 -50% : 10%, p < 0.01) and a higher H-R score level (102.0 ? 52.2 : 46.5 ? 55.0, p < 0.001). Pain was mild, accompanied with panic. The half of the E group subjects had somatoform and panic disorders. Conclusion. Somatoform and panic disorders are associated with atypical chest pain. Pain expression is mild, accompained with panic. Predictive factors for atypical chest pain are: age under 40, anxiety level > 20, somatization ? 63, presence of panic and somatoform disorders, H-R score > 102, and a lack of positive diagnostic test of coronary disease. Defining of these parameters could be useful for early psychiatric evaluation of persons with atypical chest pain.
Soldiers suicides risk factors in the Serbian Army Forces
Authors: Dedic Gordana , Panic Milivoj
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Analyses of suicide risk factors enable to undertake appropriate preventive measures within the Suicide Prevention Program in Military Environment, which was fully applied in 2003 in the Serbian Army Forces. The aim of our study was to identify the most important suicide risk factors in soldiers within the period from 1998 to 2007. Methods. Analysis of suicide risk factors was carried out on the basis of data obtained by psychological suicide autopsy. The control group was matched with adapted soldiers by socio-demographic factors. A descriptive statistical analysis was used. Comparison of groups of soldiers was done by the t-test and Pearson's ?2-test. Results. A total of 35 soldiers aged 22-49 years (21.76 ? 1.76 years on average) committed suicide within the period 1999-2007, the 2/3 within, and 1/3 out of a military compound. More than one half soldiers committed suicide after transferring to a different post. Soldiers who committed suicide had come from uncompleted, dysfunctional families (p < 0.05). In comparison with the adapted soldiers, in premilitary period they had more interpersonal problems with their comrades (p < 0.001) and problems with law (p < 0.05). During military service, alcohol consumption was less presented; they used to have fewer separation problems (p < 0.05) and to be rarely awarded (p < 0.001) in comparison with the adapted soldiers. A soldier who committed suicide was emotionally and socially immature persons. The commonest motives for suicide were: decreased capacity of adaptation to military service, actual psychic disturbance, emotional interruption, fear of environment judgment, actual family problems, but in the one fifth, motive stayed unrecognized. Conclusion. Suicide risk factors in soldiers are primary in their immature personality organization, its relation with family and military environment factors which, in coexistence with actual life accidents, result in suicide as a consequence. A suicide prevention program in Serbian Army Forces should be designed to prevent multiple suicide risk factors.
Chronic low-grade inflammation, lipid risk factors and mortality in functionally dependent elderly
Authors: Vasovic Olga , Trifunovic Danijela , Despotovic Nebojsa , Milosevic Dragoslav
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. It has been proved that a highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) can be used as an established marker of chronic inflammation for cardiovascular risk assessment. Since mean values of both low-density cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decrease during aging, the knowledge that increased hsCRP concentration predicts mortality (Mt) would influence therapy and treatment outcome. The aim of this study was to examine importance of chronic low grade inflammation and its association with lipid risk factors for all-cause Mt in functionally dependent elderly. Methods. The participants of this longitudinal prospective study were 257 functionally dependent elderly aged 65-99 years. Baseline measurements: anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, fasting plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), HDL-C, LDL-C, non- HDL-C, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were recorded and different lipid ratios were calculated. Inflammation was assessed by the levels of white blood cells, fibrinogen and hsCRP. The participants with hsCRP grater than 10 mg/L were excluded from the study. The residual participants (77.4% women) were divided into three groups according to their hsCRP levels: a low (< 1 mg/L, n = 70), average (1 to 3 mg/L, n = 69), and high (3-10 mg/L, n = 69) hsCRP group. Associations of all-cause Mt with different risk factors were examined using logistic regression analysis. Results. The hsCRP level showed a significant positive correlation with waist (r = 0.199, p = 0.004) and hip (r = 0.187, p = 0.007) circumferences, body mass index (r = 0.143, p = 0.040) and serum triglyceride level (r = 0.139, p = 0.045) and significant negative correlation with HDL-C (r = -0.164, p = 0.018). Ratios TC/HDL-C and TG/HDL-C were significantly smaller in the low hsCRP group compared to the average hsCRP group (p = 0.019, p = 0.045, respectively) and without significant differences compared with the high hsCRP group. Two years after the baseline examination 22.1% participants died from all-cause Mt. After adjustment for other risk factors, a TC was significantly associated with all-cause Mt only in high hsCRP group: Odds ratio (OR) = 3.71 (95% confidence interval-CI : 1.09-12.63). Conclusions. In this study a high hsCRP was an important factor to identify functionally dependent elderly at high risk who may have more benefit from agressive lipid lowering treatment.
Sexual rehabilitation after myocardial infarction and coronary bypass surgery: Why do we not perform our job?
Authors: Djurovic Aleksandar , Maric Dragan , Brdareski Zorica , Konstantinovic Ljubica , Rafajlovski Saso , Obradovic Slobodan , Ilic Radoje , Mijailovic Zdravko
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. There is a perception that in patients with heart diseases in Serbia sexual rehabilitation does not exist. Why do we not perform our job? A kind of resistance to sexual rehabilitation is common for heart disease patients. Prejudices regarding patients' sexuality, fear and limited knowledge are not rare among the members of medical staff. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge on sexual rehabilitation, inner sense during conversation on sexual rehabilitation and quality of sexual life in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and bypass surgery (BPS). Also, we wanted to assess an opinion of the medical staff members about that. Methods. We performed a prospective nonrandomized clinical study, which involved 40 participants: ten patients, six partners and twenty four medical staff members. All participants were tested by the self-created questionnaires. The main issues of observation were: knowledge about sexual rehabilitation, quality of sexual life and inner sense during conversation on sexual rehabilitation. The data were analyzed by the Shapiro-Wilk test, Kolmogorov Smirnov test, Mann Whitney Exact test and Fishers Exact test. Statistical significance was set up to p < 0.05. Results. There was a statistically significant difference among the participants regarding an attitude when sexual activity should be resumed after MI or BPS. The members of medical staff had a significantly different opinion about the most important team members responsible for sexual rehabilitation performance. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.01) in quality of patient's sexual life after MI or BPS (score: 14.2 ? 5.5) in relation to conditions before them (score: 21.3 ? 3.1). The members of medical staff had significantly (p = 0.05) worse inner sense (score: 3.8 ? 0.7) during and after fulfilling the questionnaires than the patients (score: 4.6 ? 0.5). Conclusion. Ignorance and prejudices are reasons why we do not perform our job.
How a routine checking of Escherichia coli in retailed food of animal origin can protect consumers against exposition to Campylobacter spp. and Listeria monocytogenes?
Authors: Trajkovic-Pavlovic Ljiljana , Novakovic Budimka , Martinov-Cvejin Mirjana , Gusman Vera , Bijelovic Sanja , Dragnic Natasa , Balac Dragana
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. According to the literature that has been published over the last two decades Campylobacter spp i Listeria monocitogens can be identified as causes of numerous diseases derived by consuming food of animal origin. The purpose of this paper was to find out how established national microbiological criteria of the Republic of Serbia on food safety in retailed food of animal origin could contribute to consumer's protection against exposition to foodborne pathogens such as Campylobacter spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. Methods. During a routine microbiological safety control of randomly selected 60 samples of fresh poultry meat, 30 samples of other fresh meat readymade for grilling, 30 samples of sausage products, 37 samples of heattreated meat, 39 samples of toppings for fast food of animal origin and 31 samples of dairy products a national food safety criteria (Escherichia coli, aerobic plate count, Salmonella spp., coagulasa positive Staphylococcus, Proteus spp., sulphitoreducting Clostridia) were applied and, as well as, testing to Campylobacter spp. and Listeria monocitogens. In determination of Campylobacter spp. and Listeria monocytogenes, food quality control methods of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) were applied, while in determination of the other above motioned bacteria, national provisions on microbiological methods were applied who are adjusted to the FAO ones. Results. Related to the national criteria on microbiological food safety, 88 (38.8%) samples, out of the total 227 tested, were rejected. When to these results, the results of laboratory tests on Listeria monocytogens were added, a terminal number of rejected samples were not changed. When to these results, the results of Campylobacter spp. testing were added, 91 (40.1%) out of the 227 samples were unsatisfied. Results of logistic regression model with occurrence of Escherichia coli as dependent variable indicated that Escherichia coli was 4.5 times likely to occur among samples with Campylobacter spp. than among samples without Campylobacter spp. (OR = 4.515, 95% CI: 1.019-20.002). Sensitivity of the fitted model (Hosmer-Lemeshow p = 0.268) was 76.8% and its specificity was 75.0%. At the same time Escherichia coli was confound in all (100%) food samples that were contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes. Conclusion. Statistical analysis indicated that Escherichia coli was completely sensitive to identify all samples contaminated with Listeria monocytogenas and highly sensitive to identify samples contaminated with Campylobacter spp. Nevertheless, 3 (1.3%) of the tested samples were not covered with Escherichia coli.
Triple Björk-Shiley valve: More than 30 years of asymptomatic functioning: To the memory of late academic Prof. Isidor Papo and the 45th anniversary of the first valve implantation in Yugoslavia
Authors: Krotin Mirjana , Milenkovic-Krotin Jelisaveta , Zdravkovic Marija
Published: December 2010

Introduction. The Bj?rk-Shiley Delrin (BSD) tilting disc heart valve was first clinically used in 1969. A triple BSD valve replacement has not been quite common, because of high postoperative risk and complications, but there have been several cases with different postoperative course. The first implantation of artificial valve in Yugoslavia was done by Prof. Isidor Papo, in 1965. Case report. We presented patient with more than 30 years of successful triple (aortic, mitral and tricuspid) BSD valve functioning. This is a rare case of a triple BSD valve long-term functioning and, as far as we know, the case of the longest period of successful functioning of the triple BSD valves. In March 1977, a 34-year-old female with severe congestive heart failure of the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class IV was admitted to the Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, for triple valve (aortic, mitral and tricuspid) surgery with BSD mechanical valves. Complicated surgery was done well. Sixteen months later the patient was diagnosed with infective endocarditis caused by Enterobacter spp. that was isolated from blood cultures. The patient was successfully cured. After that the patient had no cardiovascular symptoms and regular physical and echocardiographic examinations used to reveal satisfactory cardiovascular function. The patient died more than 30 years after the surgery due to a terminal phase of uterine carcinoma. Conclusion. Although BSD valves were withdrawn from clinical use long time ago, there are still some rare cases of their successful functioning, mostly due to the precise surgical technique and regular follow-up by the cardiologists.
Penetrating injury of the lungs and multiple injuries of lower extremities caused by aircraft bombs splinters
Authors: Golubovic Zoran , Stanic Vojkan , Trenkic Srbobran , Stojiljkovic Predrag , Stevanovic Goran , Lesic Aleksandar , Golubovic Ivan , Milic Dragan , Visnjic Aleksandar , Najman Stevo
Published: December 2010

Introduction. Injuries caused by aircraft bombs cause severe damages to the human body. They are characterized by massive destruction of injured tissues and organs, primary contamination by polymorph bacterial flora and modified reactivity of the body. Upon being wounded by aircraft bombs projectiles a victim simultaneously sustains severe damages of many organs and organ systems due to the fact that a large number of projectiles at the same time injure the chest, stomach, head and extremities. Case report. We presented a patient, 41 years of age, injured by aircraft bomb with hemo-pneumothorax and destruction of the bone and soft tissue structures of the foot, as well as the treatment result of such heavy injuries. After receiving thoracocentesis and short reanimation, the patient underwent surgical procedure. The team performed thoracotomy, primary treatment of the wound and atypical resection of the left lung. Thoracic drains were placed. The wounds on the lower leg and feet were treated primarily. Due to massive destruction of bone tissue of the right foot by cluster bomb splinters, and impossibility of reconstruction of the foot, guillotine amputation of the right lower leg was performed. Twelve days after the wounding caused by cluster bomb splinters, soft tissue of the left lower leg was covered by Tirsch free transplantant and the defect in the area of the left foot was covered by dorsalis pedis flap. The transplant and flap were accepted and the donor sites were epithelized. Twenty-six days following the wounding reamputation was performed and amputation stump of the right lower leg was closed. The patient was given a lower leg prosthesis with which he could move. Conclusion. Upon being wounded by aircraft bomb splinters, the injured person sustains severe wounds of multiple organs and organ systems due to simultaneous injuries caused by a large number of projectiles. It is necessary to take care of the vital organs first because they directly threaten the life of the wounded patient. Despite adequate surgical treatment of war wounds of the feet, because of massive defect of bone and soft tissue, amputation may be the only rational solution of the treatment. The resection of the lung may be successful method for the severe destruction of the lung.
Candida albicans infection in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cankovic Milos , Bokor-Bratic Marija
Published: December 2010

Bacground/Aim. Systemic candidiasis in intensive care units remains an improtant problem due to antifungal resistance. Patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer are at increased risk of developing oral candidiasis and they more frequent have prior fungi colonization. Due to identification of specific risk factors predisposing to fungal infection in order to threat such patients the aim of this study was to determine the presence of Candida species in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and compare it to the control subjects (patients with benign oral mucosal lesions). Methods. A total number of 30 consecutive oral cancer examined patients were included in this prospective study (24 men and 6 women with a mean age of 61.47 years, range 41-81 years). The control group consisted of 30 consecutive patients with histologically proven benign oral mucosal lesions (16 men and 14 women with a mean age of 54.53 years, range 16- 83 years). The samples for mycological examination were obtained by using sterile cotton swabs from the cancer lesion surface and in the patients of the control group from the benign mucosal lesion surface. Samples were inoculated in Sabouraud' dextrose agar. For identification purposes, Mackenzie germ tube test was performend on all isolates. Results. The prevalence of Candida was significantly higher in oral cancer patients than in control subjects (?2 = 5.455, p = 0.020). Candida was found on nine of the 30 cancer surfaces; 5 (16.7%) were identified as non-albicans Candida and 4 (13.3%) as Candida albicans. In the control group, only Candida albicans was isolated from 2 (6.7%) patients. In this study, no statistically significant differences in the presence of Candida species was found with respect to gender, age, smoking, alcohol consumption, wearing of dental protheses and the site of cancer lesion. Conclusion. The increased prevalence of yeasts on the surfaces of oral carcinoma indicates a need for their suppression before any cancer treatment. There was no evidence for an association between gender, age, smoking, alcohol consumption, wearing of dental protheses, the site of cancer lesion and the yeast presence.
Hematopathologic and cytogenetic findings in imatinib mesylate treated chronic myelogenous leukemia patients: 2.5 years' experience
Authors: Cojbasic Irena , Macukanovic-Golubovic Lana
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Imatinib mesylate, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor with specific activity against the breakpoint cluster region - Abelson murine leukemia (BCR-ABL) tyrosine kinase has been developed for treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Its hematologic and cytogenetic effects have been evaluated in a series of clinical trials. The aim of this study was to report hematologic and cytogenetic response in CML patients during the treatment with imatinib mesylate. Methods. A total of 21 patients were treated and observed from July 2006 to December 2008. The median time from CML diagnosis was no more than 12 months, so all the patients received previous treatment with hydroxyurea for which the median time was 3 months. The patients received imatinib mesylate in an effective oral dose of 400 to 800 mg daily, which was followed with peripheral blood counts, bone marrow examination, and cytogenetic studies at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Results. Complete hematologic responses were reported for 19 (90.48%) of 21 patients studied. Among 19 patients who had a response, 16 (86%) did so within 3 months. The best cytogenetic response rate at any time during the study treatment with imatinib mesylate, among 14 patients in which cytogenetic response evaluated was: complete cytogenetic response in 7 (50%) patients, partial cytogenetic response in 6 (42.9%) patients and minor cytogenetic response in 1 (7.1%) patient. No patients had progressed to accelerated or blastic phase. The most frequent adverse effects that seemed to be related to treatment with imatinib mesylate were edema and musculosceletal pain; overall, most were mild. Only one patient discontinued treatment because of hematologic toxic effects. Conclusion. The results obtained in this study confirm that imatinib mesylate induces a complete hematological and cytogenetic response in a high percentage of patients with chronic-phase CML.
Gelatinases A and B activities in the serum of patients with various coronary artery disease stages
Authors: Radenkovic Sandra , Brajovic Milan , Konjevic Gordana , Gopcevic Kristina
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. The main characteristic of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is the degradation of extracellular matrix. Synthesis of MMPs has been reported in coronary atherosclerotic lesions in patients with coronary disease (CD) suggesting a pathogenic role of MMPs in its development. Recently there is increasing evidence that gelatinase A (pro MMP-2) and gelatinase B (proMMP-9) play a pathogenic role in the development of the atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of the study was to determine, by the use of a gel image system, a possible presence of active gelatinases in the serum of the patients with CD, as well as if their activity is higher in these patients than in healthy people. Methods. By gelatin zymography we analyzed the activity of proMMP-2 and proMMP-9 in the serum of 50 patients with various coronary artery disease stages and in the serum of 15 healthy controls. The activity was measured by using a gel image system (Kodak Image 1D 3.6.). Results. ProMMP-2 and proMMP-9 activity was significantly higher in the serum of patients with CD compared to controls. There was higher activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the serum of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared to patients with stable angina pectoris, as well as higher proMMP-9 activity in patients with unstable angina pectoris compared to patients with stable angina pectoris. Conclusion. ProMMP-2 and proMMP-9 participate in processes associated with destabilizing plaques and understanding the processes of MMPs activation and regulation may have significant benefits in clinical interpretation. The reported higher proMMP-2 and proMMP-9 activity in the serum of patients with CD suggests a role of proMMP-2 and proMMP-9 in prognostic stratification of these patients and in designing new drugs.
Comparative analysis of linear morphometric parameters of the humane mandibula obtained by direct and indirect measurement
Authors: Arsic Stojanka , Peric Predrag , Stojkovic Milos , Ilic Dragana , Stojanovic Miodrag , Ajdukovic Zorica , Vucic Strahinja
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Reconstruction of lost, damaged or distorted mandibular bone presents a challenge from the functional side, as well as from the esthetic point of view. The aim of this study was to determinate potential differences between values of the basic linear moprhometric parameters (LMPs) obtained by direct and indirect manual measurement of the same humane mandibles, with accuracy testing of indirect measurement, which are routinely used in every-day clinical practice. The results are essential for defining of parametric model of the 'standard mandible' and virtual modeling of the humane mandible in future researches as well as in clinical medicine. Methods. A total number of 12 dry bony mandibles of human adults were studied. According to the standard anatomical landmarks, 10 standard LPMs were measured on each mandible by different manual methods: directly by a sliding caliper with nonius, and indirectly using standard software on two-dimensional (2D) reconstructions of mandibular multislice computed tomography (MSCT) scans. The values obtained by the different measuring methods were matched for the same LMPs. Results. Statistically significant differences between compared LMPs values obtained by different measuring methods, appeared in the gnathio-interdental distance (Gn-IdD), as well as in the gnathio-condylar distance (Gn-CoD), bilaterally. In both parameters, significantly higher mean values (with percent of difference) were obtained by direct versus indirect measurement: Gn-IdD (21.57%; 29.2 mm vs 22.9 mm; p = 0.004); Gn-CoD left side (14.1%; 122.7 mm vs 105.4 cm; p = 0.001); Gn-CoD right side (11.87%; 124.7 mm vs 109.9 mm; p = 0.009). Conclusion. According to the observed inaccuracy of indirect measurement, we recommended the use of a correction factor for calculation of both Gn-IdD and Gn-CoD real vales, in defining of parametric model of the 'standard mandible' based on indirect morphometry on 2D reconstructions of mandibular MSCT scans. Additional studies with larger number of specimens and quantification of anatomical variations regarding to sex, age, dentition status and ethnic origin, additionally should increase measurement accuracy and consequently reliability of future parametric model of the human mandible.

 This article has been corrected. Link to the correction 10.2298/VSP1712197E
Selection of biomaterials in orthopedic surgery
Authors: Ristic Branko , Popovic Zoran , Adamovic Dragan , Devedzic Goran
Published: December 2010

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Therapy of chronic hepatitis C: Virologic response monitoring
Authors: Kuljic-Kapulica Nada , Jovanovic Dragutin , Savic Dejana , Ristanovic Elizabeta , Nozic Darko , Rajic Radmila
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Virological testing is considered to be essential in the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in order to diagnose infection, and, most importantly, as a quide for treatment decisions and assess the virological response to antiviral therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of a sustained virological response (SVR) and various factors associated with response rates in chronic hepatitis C infected patients treated with pegiinterferon alpha (PEGINF) and ribavirin (RBV) combination therapy. Methods. A total of 34 patients, treated with PEG-IFN and RBV were studied. Serum HCV-RNA was measured before the treatment, 12 weeks following the start of the therapy and 6 weeks after the treatment cessation. SVR was defined as undetectable serum HCV-RNA 6 months of post-treatment follow-up, virologic relapse (VR) as relapse of HCV-RNA during the post-treatment follow-up. Serum HCV-RNA was measured with the Cobas Amplicor test. Results. At the end of post-treatment follow-up 19 (55.8%) patients demonstrated a SVR. The majority of the patients were genotype 1 (27), and the other were genotype 3 (5 patients) and genotype 4 (2 patients). There was VR in 6 patients 6 months after the therapy. In 9 patients HCV-RNA was positive after 12 weeks. Conclusion. We demonstrated that patients with chronic HCV infection can be successfully treated with combination of PEG-INF and RBV. This result emphasizes also that post-treatment follow-up to identify patients with SVR or VR could be important.
Relative Performance Evaluation and Related Peer Groups in Executive Compensation Contracts
Authors: Gong Guojin , Li Laura Yue , Shin Jae Yong
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT: This study examines the explicit use of relative performance evaluation (RPE) in executive compensation contracts and the selection of RPE peers. Using S&P 1500 firms’ first proxy disclosures under the SEC’s 2006 executive compensation disclosure rules, we find that about 25 percent of our sample firms explicitly use RPE in setting executive compensation. We demonstrate that a lack of knowledge of both actual peer-group composition and the link between RPE-based performance targets and future peer performance significantly hinder the traditional implicit test from detecting RPE use. We also find that firms consider both costs and benefits of RPE as an incentive mechanism when deciding to use RPE. Finally, both efficient contracting and rent extraction considerations influence RPE peer selection, with the relative importance of these competing considerations depending on RPE firms’ performance.
Changes over Time in the Revenue-Expense Relation: Accounting or Economics?
Authors: Donelson Dain C. , Jennings Ross , McInnis John
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT: Dichev and Tang (2008) document a dramatic decrease over the last 40 years in the contemporaneous correlation between revenue and expense, along with an associated increase in earnings volatility and a decline in earnings persistence, suggesting a decline in earnings quality. We document that these changes are primarily attributable to an increase in the incidence of large special items. We then examine the extent to which this increase in special items is due to either more frequent real economic events related to special item recognition or to the adoption of new accounting standards. Our evidence suggests that changes in the frequency of economic events associated with special items have played a more important and sustained role relative to the role played by adoption of individual accounting standards. Finally, we find that the changing incidence of these economic events is at least in part related to the well-documented increase in competition in the U.S. economy over the last four decades.
Neuropathology of a Fatal Case of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome
Authors: Kheir John N. , Lawlor Michael W. , Ahn Edward S. , Lehmann Leslie , Riviello James J. , Silvera V. Michelle , McManus Michael , Folkerth Rebecca D.
Published: December 2010

The pathology of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is undefined, since it is rarely fatal and is biopsied in only exceptional circumstances. We describe rapidly progressive PRES following stem cell transplant for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After development of altered mental status, this 8-year-old girl had T2 prolongation of the white matter in a posterior-dominant distribution, eventually developing cerebellar edema, hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, and herniation. Despite surgical and medical management, she died 36 hours later. At autopsy, the occipital and cerebellar white matter and focal occipital cortical gray matter showed a spectrum of microvascular changes, including dilated perivascular spaces containing proteinaceous exudates and macrophages, as well as fibrinoid necrosis and acute hemorrhage, in a distribution corresponding to the neuroimaging abnormalities and reminiscent of those seen in patients with acute hypertensive encephalopathy. Of note, similar microvascular changes were not seen in the kidney or other systemic sites. Thus, the findings indicate a brain-specific microvascular compromise as the substrate of PRES, at least in the rare instance of cases progressing to fatal outcome.
Congenital Fusion of the Thalami (Atresia of the Third Ventricle) Associated with Parietooccipital Meningocele
Authors: Arvanitis Leonidas D. , Sgantzos Markos N. , Kotrotsios Anastasios , Vassiou Katerina G.
Published: December 2010

In this article we present a case of a male newborn with a CNS malformation that is characterized mainly by complete fusion of the thalami resulting in atresia of the 3rd ventricle accompanied by fusion of the anterior peduncles of the fornix, the presence of a single occult interventricular foramen lying at the midline, absence of the septum pellucidum, hypoplasia of the corpus callosum, disorganization of the head of the left caudate nucleus, and greatly dilated lateral ventricles (hydrocephalus). The patient underwent surgical correction of the meningocele on his 4th postnatal day. On his 13th postnatal day he had projectile vomiting due to a left parietooccipital hygroma that was drained via a shunt. On his 31st postnatal day he developed seizures and marked dilatation of the lateral ventricles, for which he underwent a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (Brown). On the 14th postoperative day the patient developed aspiration pneumonia and died.
Wilms Tumor in a Child with L-2-hydroxyglutaric Aciduria
Authors: Rogers Robert E. , DeBerardinis Ralph J. , Klesse Laura J. , Boriack Richard L. , Margraf Linda R. , Rakheja DINESH
Published: December 2010

We report a male infant with L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria and Wilms tumor. L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria is a rare, autosomal-recessive, inborn error of metabolism characterized by a variable degree of progressive encephalopathy. Of the fewer than 100 cases reported in the literature, at least 9 patients have developed tumors of the central nervous system. To our knowledge, the present case is the 1st example of an extracranial tumor associated with L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria. This observation potentially widens the tumor spectrum in this metabolic disorder and may lead to further insight into the relationship between L-2-hydroxyglutaric acid and cellular transformation.
Culture Collections and the Biotechnology Deal
Authors: Sievers Martin , Sasen Gottfried , Wermelinger Tobias , Landert Silvano , Frasson David
Published: December 2010

Culture collections provide starting material for life science research, development and production. Especially in biotechnology, well characterised and pure microbial strains are essential for reproducible and safe bioprocesses. Culture collections also play a role as repositories
of biological material for future applications and help to preserve biological diversity. In addition, they also maintain the know-how needed for more complex identification methods and help to develop new techniques. To enable culture collections to achieve higher quality standards, new certification
guidelines for biological resource centres are currently being developed.
Innovative, Non-stirred Bioreactors in Scales from Milliliters up to 1000 Liters for Suspension Cultures of Cells using Disposable Bags and Containers – A Swiss Contribution
Authors: Werner Sören , Hacker David , Baldi Lucia , Tanner Rolf , Kühner Markus , Broccard Gilles , Bürkie Cedric , Tissot Stephanie , Stettler Matthieu , Zhang Xiaowei , De Jesus Maria , Eibl Dieter , Röll Marcel , Lettenbauer Christine , Eibl Regine , Wurm Florian M.
Published: December 2010

Innovative mixing principles in bioreactors, for example using the rocking of a platform to induce a backwards and forwards 'wave' , or using orbital shaking to generate a 'wave' that runs round in a cylindrical container, have proved to be successful for the suspension cultures of
cells, especially when combined with disposable materials. This article presents an overview of the engineering characteristics when these new principles are applied in bioreactors, and case studies covering scales of operation from milliliters to 1000 liters.
Introduction
Authors: Kockel Ullrich
Published: December 2010

Arguably, anthropologists have studied the relationship of ‘culture’ and ‘nature’ for a long time and from a broad range of perspectives. The close thematic connections between anthropology and ecology reach back well beyond Ernst Haeckel’s postulate of ecology as a distinct science in the 1860s. Social historians (e.g. Brunner 1956) have noted how the ‘old European economy’ of ‘the whole house’, where ‘culture’ and ‘nature’ were regarded as closely intertwined, has been replaced in the course of industrialisation and modernisation by increasing perceptual separation and indeed juxtaposition of the two spheres. In a sense, the culmination of that movement may be seen, for example, in the progressive ousting of an integrative Heimatkunde – the holistic study of localities and regions – from the German school curriculum since the 1960s.
Cosmologies and Lifestyles
Authors: Bayliss Phil , Dillon Patrick
Published: December 2010

This essay critiques the majoritarian, post-Enlightenment, scientific worldview, the assumptions it makes about human cosmologies and lifestyles and how, in turn, these assumptions influence the nature of education systems. The critique focuses on how the experiences of minority cultures, particularly those cultures that are nomadic or pastoralist, challenge some of the fundamental premises of majoritarian education. There follows a cultural ecological framing which compares the ways in which Western (majoritarian) cultures and minoritarian cultures contextualise education. In Western educational situations, structures, contexts and schemata are substantially pre-defined, and we talk about things as 'context-dependent', since context is something that can be described as the backdrop to behaviour. In minoritarian cultures both meaning and context emerge from people's interactions with their environments and may subsequently be described. These are respectively relational and co-constitutional manifestations of situations. We present a cultural ecological framework in an attempt simultaneously to embrace both interpretations.
Working ‘in the Opposite Direction’
Authors: Walters Victoria
Published: December 2010

This paper will argue that revisiting the ideas and practice of the twentieth-century German artist Joseph Beuys is germane to contemporary discussions of place and human ecology in anthropology. Through an exploration of work undertaken by the artist and a discussion of the influence of Goethe on his practice, it will explore the way in which Beuys' approach to art was informed by a set of methodologies which saw the inner life of the human being and the outer world with which she or he engages as profoundly linked in both physical and psychic terms. Beuys' work points, the author will suggest, to the potential for a myth of fieldwork and a communication of its results that places the anthropologist within a constantly changing world of matter that she or he shapes and transforms and is, in turn, transformed by.
Calamity Meat and Cows of Abundance
Authors: Monaghan Patricia
Published: December 2010

Opposition between evidence-based science and improvable religious belief is assumed in Western intellectual tradition. By contrast, Native American theorists argue that religion constitutes part of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), which this paper argues exists in European contexts. Irish tales of changeling cattle encoded vital data for survival in a specific region; such Local Sanctions describe human difficulties that follow ecologically inappropriate actions. Other narratives are Global Warnings, concerning interconnections whose significance transcends individual health to include threats to the health of the planetary system. This paper urges analysis of European folktales and folk rituals as traditional environmental texts.
‘Nature Has Its Own Soul and Speaks Its Own Language’
Authors: Ruotsala Helena
Published: December 2010

Nature and environment are important for the people earning their living from natural sources of livelihood. This article concentrates on the local perspective of the landscape in the Pallastunturi Fells, which are situated in Pallas-Ylläs National Park in Finnish Lapland. The Fells are both important pastures for reindeer and an old tourism area. The Pallastunturi Tourist Hotel is situated inside the national park because the hotel was built before the park was established 1938. Until the 1960s, the relationship between tourism and reindeer herding had been harmonious because the tourism activities did not disturb the reindeer herding, but offered instead ways to earn money by transporting the tourists from the main road to the hotel, which had been previously without any road connections. During recent years, tourism has been developed as the main source of livelihood in Lapland and huge investments have been made in several parts of Lapland. One example of this type of investment is the plan to replace the old Pallas Tourist hotel, which was built in 1948, with a newer and bigger one. It means that the state will allow a private enterprise to build more infrastructures for tourism inside a national park where nature should be protected and this has sparked a heated debate. Those who oppose the project criticise this proposal as the amendment of a law designed to promote the economic interests of one private tourism enterprise. The project's supporters claim that the needs of the tourism industry and nature protection can both be promoted and that it is important to develop a tourist centre which is already situated within the national park. This article is an attempt to try to shed light on why the local people are so loudly resisting the plans by a private tourism enterprise to touch the national park. It is based on my fieldwork among reindeer herding families in the area.
Pokaiņi
Authors: Muktupāvela Rūta
Published: December 2010

The ideologies, beliefs and practices associated with new cult places in post-Soviet Latvia are discussed. When social movement for the restoration of an independent nation state started at the end of the 1980s, new pantheistic cult sites gained a certain topicality. In relation to such sites esoteric New Age style ideologies and practices were constructed. Pokaiņi forest - a remote place in Latvia, abundant in stone piles and big stones, has been interpreted as an ancient sanctuary of global significance, as a cosmological and healing centre. Latvian scholars - archaeologists, geologists and folklorists - are treating Pokaiņi as a site with traces of ancient agricultural activity, and its popularity is attributed to the 'use of good management'. The historical perspective of the Pokaiņi phenomenon and modern interpretations of its perception are discussed in the context of revitalisation movements. The analysis of the complex socio-cultural situation of Latvia in the turn of the twentieth and the twenty- first century reveals the reasons, facilitating the emergence and significance of Pokaiņi and similar phenomena in post-Soviet Latvia.
Religious Crossings and Conversions on the Muslim-Christian Frontier in Georgia and Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Pelkmans Mathijs
Published: December 2010

The renewed relevance of religion in post-Soviet public spheres has been accompanied by conspicuous and controversial conversion processes. This article compares cases of conversion on the Muslim-Christian frontier in Kyrgyzstan and in Georgia. It argues that the notions of boundary and frontier are essential to construct a more dynamic model for understanding 'spiritual' movement in social contexts that are rapidly changing. This approach in turn sheds light on the roles and the nature of social and cultural boundaries in the contemporary world.