bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Examination of the Determinants of The Mode of Transport to Primary Health Facilities in A Developing Region
Authors: Otun Olayinka , Dina Adeolu , Bamigboye Adeola
Published: November 2016

Access to primary health facilities is a key determinant of the overall well being of the population in an area.   In rural regions were distances to public facilities are usually longer compared to urban areas, it is not clear if people are still willing to walk to use these facilities. It is pertinent therefore to clarify such uncertainty since walking distance is a standard measure used to plan such public facilities particularly in rural regions. The objective  of this study therefore is to provide a framework to determine the factors that will influence a health care service seeker in a developing region to walk or use other means of transport to a primary health facility.  The case study for this research is Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun state made up of eleven urban and rural wards. One hundred and fifty households were selected at random for interview. Logit regression was used to describe how some predictor variables were used to explain the likelihood of a particular household walking to a primary health facility. The predicting model  in this study was able to classify 80.0% of the cases correctly.   This simply shows that the predictors (independent variables) contribute to the predicting power of the logistic regression model.   The  pseudo R-squares of Cox and Snell’s R-square and Nagelkerke’s R also show that our logistic model is relevant to predicting whether a household will walk or use a vehicle while attending a health facility.   In our study, we noted that settlement status (p=0.00)  and transport cost to health facility (p=0.00) contributed significantly to the prediction.  This study also reveals that the odds for household members in an urban area to walk to the health facility often used  is 88.1%  lower than the odds for a household in a rural area.   It was revealed that households that are poor are 49% times more likely to walk to the health facility they frequently used. The knowledge of the factors that will determine whether health care service seekers in a developing region will want to walk or not will assist government in the planning and provision of health facilities.
Social Action of Conversion in Islamic Art: Study on the Larasmadya Art Form in the Sleman Geocultural Region
Authors: Sutiyono Sutiyono
Published: November 2016

The research concerned here had the purpose of learning the rationality in the social action of conversion by the farmer communities supporting the Larasmadya art form in the Sleman geocultural region. The research was qualitative in approach. The research subjects were members of the farmer communities supporting the Larasmadya art who previously supporting the Slawatan Maulud art form. The research data were compiled by means of observations, interviews, and documentation. These data were analyzed through the phases of data collection, data reduction, data examination, and drawing the conclusion. Data validation was done by means of triangulation. The research results in relation with rationality in the social action of conversion by the communities supporting the Larasmadya art form in the Sleman geocultural region indicate the following. (1) The Larasmadya art form uses the text called Serat Wulang Reh. The text contains Javanese songs influenced by Islam. In addition, the text of the songs in the Larasmadya art form depicts the life of the farmer communities supporting the Larasmadya art form in the Sleman geocultural region. (2) The presence of the Larasmadya art form implies a process of making Islam native in the Sleman geocultural region.
Geospatial Analysis of Road Traffic Accidents, Injuries and Deaths in Nigeria
Authors: Osayomi Tolulope , Areola Abidoun Ayooluwa
Published: November 2016

RTAs in Nigeria are very high and have become progressively important because of their heavy health and financial burden. The few geographic studies on RTAs in Nigeria are limited to their mere spatial distribution and associated risk factors, with very little attention given to their spatial clustering patterns and the detection of hotspots. With the aid of Global Moran’s I and Local Getis, the study found some evidence of significant positive spatial autocorrelation, and consistent clustering of RTAs, RTIs and RTDs in the southwest from 2002 to 2007 which suggested the presence of an accident belt in the southwestern region, which has been accounted by poor road infrastructure, relatively high level of economic development and high vehicular movements. The study recommends the deployment of road safety officials to the accident belt, strict enforcement of safety belts and helmets, and periodic road maintenance.
Operation Planning Reservoir with Linear Programming Optimization Model for Water Demand of the Community In Aceh Besar District
Authors: Wesli Wesli
Published: November 2016

On the condition before building a dam, Aceh Besar district often a shortage of water for the needs of the community, so that people difficulty in doing their activities. There is a river in the Aceh Besar district named “Keuliling River”. The river is one of the watershed sub-basins of Krueng Aceh which has large enough potential of water to increase the supply of raw water in order to meet the water needs of the Banda Aceh City and Aceh Besar district.Therefore, a reservoir building was built that able to acomodate a large capacity of water. The resorvoir was named “Keuliling Reservoir”. “Reservoir Keuliling” has 38.20 km2 watershed areas, 259.94 hectares wide puddle on Normal Water Front (MAN), a total of 18,359,078 m3 bin normal water level at an elevation of 45.80 m and has an effective pitcher of 12.99,208 m3. The reservoir also serves as a provider of raw water for the development of inland fisheries, livestock, rice fields and others. The greatest needs are to be served by the reservoir is water requirement for paddy planting season Rendeng in October to December and the gadu growing season from April to June. To meet all these requirements then performed the planning operation of reservoir. Ie, by optimizing the volume of water storage at the end of the month through the optimization of the use of inflow data and outflow data. The optimization performed with optimization models Linear Programming. The results of the optimization is the volume of water in reservoirs that have large water needs, which in October is 13,380,986 m3, in November is 76,640,036 m3 and in December is 38,104,116 m3. Where in each month of the above conditions are still effective volume reservoirs at 12,992,080 m3. The results showed that from month to month never happened reservoir conditions at the level of the dead reservoirs, this illustrates that Keuliling reservoir can meet the water needs of the community.
Impacts of Human Activities on Tree Species Composition Along the Forest Savanna Boundary in Nigeria
Authors: Egbinola Christiana Ndidi
Published: November 2016

The study investigated the tree species composition along the forest-savanna boundary in Oyo state of Nigeria with the aim of assessing the impact of human activities on the floristic composition. A transect was placed along the study area and species data was collected from quadrats placed in study plots within different study sites. Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) was used to determine vegetation assemblages, while both correlation and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to show the relationship between species in the different study sites. Results of the DCA revealed three species assemblages, an area with only forest species, another with only savanna species and a third with both forest/savanna species. ANOVA results further revealed that within the forest and savanna assemblages, species in mature and successional sites were alike. The study therefore revealed that human activities’ within the region is leading to the establishment of savanna species and an elimination of forest species.
OpenLISEM Flash Flood Modelling Application in Logung Sub-Catchment, Central Java
Authors: Nurritasari Fitrie Atviana , Sudibyakto Sudibyakto , G. Jetten Victor
Published: November 2016

Juwana Catchment and Logung Sub-catchment in particular has been suffering several major past flood events with significant loss. This study conducted an assessment of flood risk by using OpenLISEM as physical soil and hydrological model to generate the single storm flash flood occurrences. The physical input data were collected from remote sensing image interpretation, field observation and measurement and literature review. There are three return periods chosen as scenarios that represent rainfall intensity in Logung Sub-Catchment. Model validation was done by adjusting initial moisture content and saturated hydraulic conductivity values to equate the calculated total discharge with the measured total discharge in several chosen dates. The results show increases in most of modeled hydrological parameter with respect to increasing of rainfall intensity.
Spatial Zonation Model of Local Irrigation System Sustainability (A Case of Subak System in Bali)
Authors: Sriartha I Putu , Giyarsih Sri Rum
Published: November 2016

This study was aimed at designing a spatial zonation model of a subak sustainability type based on the internal and external dimentions from 69 subaks in three districts in Badung regency. The internal dimention was measured based on subak capability index in implementing Tri Hita Karana (THK) philosophy. The external dimention was measured by using index of four variables, namely: road density, population density, social economic facilities, and number of nonfarmer families.The data were analyzed using descriptive quantitative technique and spatial analysis using Geographical Information System (GIS) software. The results found three zones of subak sustainability type, spatially follows the principle of distance decay of the growth of tourism and city center. Unsustainable - less sustainable subak zone dominates short distance zone, sustainable - less sustainable subak zone dominates transitional zone, while sustainable subak zone dominates long distance zone. To protect subak from destruction, less sustainable subaks have to be restored into sustainable ones and the sustainable subaks should be made eternal/exclusive subaks
PERAN PEMUDA DALAM PENDAMPINGAN MAHASISWA DIFABEL DAN IMPLIKASINYA TERHADAP KETAHANAN PRIBADI PEMUDA (Studi di Pusat Layanan Difabel (PLD) UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta)
Authors: Shofa Abd Mu'id Aris
Published: November 2016

Pemuda menjadi aset bangsa yang sangat penting bagi kelanjutan dalam kehidupan berbangsa dan bernegara, kemajuan suatu bangsa bisa dilihat dari kualitas pemudanya baik secara intelektualitasnya ataupun karakter pribadinya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana peran pemuda dan implikasi terhadap ketahanan pribadi pemuda dalam pendampingan mahasiswa difabel di Pusat Layanan Difabel (PLD) UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta.                        Metode yang digunakan oleh peneliti dalam penelitian ini adalah metode deskriptif kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan tiga teknik, yaitu wawancara mendalam, observasi, dan studi dokumentasi. Prosedur teknik analisis data dalam  penelitian ini,  yaitu 1) reduksi data, 2) display data, 3) mengambil kesimpulan. Objek dalam penelitian ini adalah para pemuda yang menjadi pendamping bagi mahasiswa difabel di Pusat Layanan Difabel (PLD) UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta.Dari penelitian ini diketahui, peran pemuda dalam pendampingan mahasiswa difabel di PLD UIN Sunan Kalijaga mempunyai dampak positif terhadap ketahanan pribadi pemuda. Hal ini ditunjukkan dengan adanya sikap rasa percaya diri yang bertambah, berpegang pada prinsip, memiliki rasa tanggung jawab, memiliki jiwa kreatif dan mendambakan kebersamaan. Dalam upaya untuk meningkatkan ketahanan pribadi pemuda yang tangguh dan baik maka program pendampingan terhadap mahasiswa difabel bisa digunakan sebagai salah satu metode atau cara untuk meningkatkan ketahanan pribadi pemuda.
Learning a New Language, Taking up a New Culture: Language and Culture Differences between Scottish Highland and Lowland in the 18th Century Reflected in R. L. Stevenson’s Kidnapped
Authors: Niu Zhenyu
Published: November 2016

R. L. Stevenson’s novel Kidnapped takes Scottish Jacobite rebellions as its background and reflects resistance of Scottish people under British rule in the first half of the 18th century. Though within the same Scottish nation, the two heroes, Lowland boy David and Highland rebel Alan, have shown sharp contrasts in languages, political stands, moral standards and cultural values. Their contrasts reveal the binary opposition of Lowland and Highland cultures in the 18th century and can be explained by Fanon’s theory about language and culture differences within the same nation. In Kidnapped, the Lowland characters despise their own native culture, and regard the Highlanders who still keep traditional Scottish culture and language as “savage”. Therefore, they reject their own native culture and language, and have to completely depend on the English language and culture. The main goal of this article is to illustrate that learning a language also means taking up a culture, and it is essential to cultivate cultural awareness for English language teaching and culture teaching for foreign languages learners.
A protocol for isolation of fetal neural progenitor cells from mouse hippocampus
Authors: Tsupykov O.
Published: November 2016

Culture of neural stem/progenitor cells are widely used to study the characteristics of these cells under controlled conditions in vitro as well as to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms of CNS diseases and develop strategies for their treatment.This paper provides a detailed protocol to isolate of fetal (E17-18) neural progenitor cells (NPCs) of mouse hippocampus. The technique is based on the use of centrifugation of hippocampal cells suspension in Percoll density gradient to obtain purified NPCs fractions. The cells are cultured in serum-free medium in a monolayer, which creates conditions for more equitable access of FGF-2 to the cells. This method provides a homogeneous population of undifferentiated progenitors from fetal mouse hippocampus.
Effect of transplantation of adipose-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells on the nervous tissue and behavioral responses in a mouse model of periventricular leukomalacia
Authors: Tsupykov O. , Kyryk V. , Ustymenko A. , Yatsenko K. , Butenko G. , Skybo G.
Published: November 2016

The study of opportunities to use stem cells of different origins in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with perinatal pathology of the central neural system (CNS) is important.The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of transplantation of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MMSСs) from adipose tissue in mice with experimental model of cerebral palsy – periventricular leukomalacia (PVL).Materials and methods. PVL was modeled by unilateral coagulation of common carotid artery in mice line FVB on sixth day after birth followed by exposure to hypoxia (6 % O2) with intraperitoneal injection of the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide 1 mg/kg. For transplantation we used MMSСs from adipose tissue of the 2nd passage derived from mice FVB-Cg-Tg(GFPU)5Nagy/J. Syngeneic transplantation of GFP-positive MMSСs suspension into seven-day-old (P7) animals with a model of perinatal brain damage was performed stereotactically into right hemisphere in 24 hours after PVL. Corticospinal function of the control animals and the mice with PVL was assessed by testing reaching and retrieval of food rewards.Results. After modeling PVL operated animals lagged in development, had less weight, height and disorders of static and kinetic reflex compared to non-operated control mice. Animals with PVL had lower rates of successful attempts at obtaining food: the percentage of successful attempts in control animals was 58 ± 3 % and in animals with PVL – 23 ± 4 %. In the group of animals with MMSСs transplantation after PVL modeling corticospinal function recovery was observed and the number of successful attempts was 43 ± 4 %.Conclusions. Syngeneic stereotactic transplantation of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells from adipose tissue contributes to the restoration of behavioral responses in animals after PVL and improves cytoarchitectonics in the focus of brain damage
Morphology of tissue reaction in rats after subcutaneous implantation of porcine pericardium and aortic valve leaflets devitalized by cryoradiation
Authors: Manchenko A. , Mikhailova I. , Sandomirsky B.
Published: November 2016

The decrease of immunogenicity is a priority requirement to pre-implantation treatment of the xenogeneic graft tissue. To create tissue implants of the pericardium and aortic valve leaflets, we have developed a method of devitalizing treatment, based on the combined effect of low temperatures (-196 °C) and ionizing β-radiation. This approach provides deletion to the main targets of biomaterial immunogenicity due to the effects of successive cryo- and radiation damage, as well as the activation of radiation-induced apoptosis.The purpose of research was to assess the impact of low-temperature and radiation and their synergistic effect on the biocompatibility of devitalized xenogeneic tissues.Methods. Histological tests were used to study tissue reaction in experimental animals after implantation of native porcine pericardium and aortic valve leaflets (control), grafts after freezing-thawing and grafts after freezing-thawing with irradiation at a dose of 25 kGy. After 7, 14 days and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months we evaluated the morphological changes of implant structure, inflammatory response of the recipient’s tissue, formation of the capsule and its degree of maturity, the xenogeneic cells survival and recovery of recipient’s surrounding tissue.Results. Comparative analysis has revealed fundamental differences of engraftment indicators and tissue reaction of cryopreserved and irradiated samples from implants after freezing and β-radiation. Cryoradiation processing greatly reduced the immune response to the implantation. Devitalized tissues promoted early stimulation of recipient’s tissues repair, maintained compactness and structural integrity. After a year the border between the implant and connective tissue erased, biomaterial was fully sprouted with recipient’s tissue. The observed changes testify to the integration of implant’s connective tissue, followed by its replacement.Conclusion. Our study has confirmed the possibility of using xenogeneic pericardium and aortic valve leaflets, being modified by cryoradiation method to restore soft tissue structures.
Transplantation of cryopreserved rat fetal neural cells in suspension and in multicellular aggregates into rats with spinal cord injury
Authors: Sukach A. , Lebedinsky A. , Ochenashko O. , Petrenko A.
Published: November 2016

Today cell transplantation is one of the promising approaches of spinal cord injuries treatment. The aim of the work was to study the effect of cryopreserved fetal neural cell transplantation in suspensions and cell aggregates for motor activity recovery of rats with experimental spinal cord injury.Materials and methods. Cells were isolated from the brain tissue of rat fetuses 15-16 days of gestation. The formation of aggregates was performed during short-term cultivation at a concentration of 8·106cells/mL in medium with 10 % adult rat serum. Cell transplantation was performed into the damaged area of spinal cord in aggregates or suspension. To fix transplanted cells in the damaged area we used alginate gel.Results. Transplantation of cryopreserved fetal neural cells in alginate gel had the positive effect on dynamics of rats’ motor activity recovery. That was manifested in the extensive mobility of three joints of one limb and the limited mobility of two joints of the other with simultaneous recovery of the sensitivity of the hind limbs.Conclusion. Cryopreserved fetal neural cells aggregates had a high therapeutic potential on rat traumatic spinal cord injury compared with cell suspension by improving the structure of forming nervous tissue and significantly increasing the rate of hind limb function recovery.
Effect of transplantation of cord blood total nucleated cells on the manifestation and prognosis of refractory congestive heart failure
Authors: Usenko O. , Yakushev A. , Kostylyev M. , Onischenko V.
Published: November 2016

The results of a prospective non-randomized observation study without control group to assess the course of heart failure in patients who underwent of cord blood total nucleated cells (CB TNCs) transplantation combined with traditional drug therapy have been presented.

Materials. The study included 20 patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) IIA-IIB stage, functional class III-IV by the NYHA. CB TNCs transplantation was performed by a single intravenous dose of cell product "Cryopreserved human cord blood". Before and 1, 3, 6 and 9 months after CB TNC transplantation patients underwent echocardiographic study, the results of tests with the 6-minute walk determined exercise tolerance. The concentration of brain natriuretic peptide precursor (NT-proBNP) in blood was determined. The cardiovascular death risk was calculated using the scale MAGGIC.

Results. Initial patients’ status was characterized by the presence of severe heart failure with reduced contractility of the myocardium and increased risk of 1- and 3-year death. Traditional conservative therapy (beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics) was not effective. After CB TNC transplantation there was registered a significant improvement of general condition of patients, an increase in exercise tolerance and, therefore, reduce of HF functional class by NYHA (before transplantation average FC was 3.2, in the post-transplant period – from 2.1 to 2, 8). Also after TNCs transplantation levels of biochemical markers of HF significantly decreased (before CB TNCs transplantation the level of NT-proBNP was 2370.3 ± 448.9 pg/mL, after CB TNCs transplantation – from 1198,6 ± 396,3 to 2300,7 ± 403,0 pg/mL ) and the same was estimated death risk from HF (1-year – 10.1-37.4 %, 3 years - 9.1-42.3 % relative to the data of the initial state). Reduced HF manifestations after CB TNCs transplantation allowed to reduce significantly the diuretics dose.

Conclusion. Thus, transplantation of cord blood total nucleated cells in complex treatment of congestive heart failure has led to a greater efficiency of therapy and a significant reduce of CHF manifestations in patients.
A brief history of new realism
Authors: Ferraris Maurizio
Published: November 2016

In this paper I try to sketch a brief history of new realism. Starting from
nineteenth century idealism, I then move on to discuss twentieth century
postmodernism, which, I argue, is the heir of idealism and the theoretical
enemy of new realism. Finally, I offer a reconstruction of how and why
contemporary new realism came into being and propose a few remarks on its
future perspectives.
Indjic and Velázquez
Authors: Cipranic Milos
Published: November 2016

The aim of this paper is to call into question the logic of interpretation of
the texts of Ortega y Gasset about Vel?zquez made by Trivo Indjic. The
sociologist from Belgrade in his text ?Ortega i Velaskes? [?Ortega and
Vel?zquez?] overlooked an important question which the philosopher from
Madrid proposed with regard to his interpretation of Vel?zquez - what is
actually the condition of possibility to comprehend the work of (this)
painter? Painting is a mute form of expression. Ortega y Gasset asks - how to
speak about the persons who do not speak? Because Trivo Indjic did not stress
the importance of this question and did not discover this transcendental
motif, his text will be problematized in that direction.
How does the use of “culture” and “tradition” shape the women’s rights discourse in transitional Serbia?
Authors: Petrovski Sara
Published: November 2016

Although social anthropologists have mostly abandoned the essentialist view
of ?culture? and ?tradition?, these static notions are still frequently used
in Serbian public discourse regarding women?s rights. I believe that
analysing the production of cultural meaning and knowledge among different
social actors and the state is important when exploring the implementation,
transformation and protection of women?s rights at a local level. In this
article, I shall investigate how ?culture? and ?tradition? are being
constructed and used by certain right wing groups, political leaders,
intellectuals and by the Serbian Orthodox Church. On one side, arguments of
?culture? and ?tradition? are used in order to ?preserve the national
identity? and save it from ?imposed Western norms? and ?Western imperialism?,
while on the other, they are used to explain the cultural obstacles regarding
the effective protection of women?s rights. ?Tradition?, often constructed as
a linear project of inherited ?cultural? and ?moral? values and practices,
stands in opposition to the EU; therefore, it calls to be nurtured and
protected or changed and abandoned. Consequently, I see women rights issues
trapped into a pro-EU or against EU, pro-traditional values or pro-liberal
values discourse. I conclude that women rights in Serbia are and probably
will be affected more by the use and abuse of different concepts of ?culture?
and ?tradition?.
Low-cost portable TRNG, implementation and evaluation
Authors: Fermevc Igor , Adamovic Sasa
Published: November 2016

This paper will show one of many possible hardware implementations of random
sequence generators and give a short survey on existing work related to
techniques used for producing true random bits. By using cheap electronic
components found in every specialized store such as 8-bit RISC
microcontroler, double analogue comparator chip and USB to RS232 interface
integrated circuit, we were able to produce a low cost, higly portable device
that outputs random sequences with excellent statistical characteristics and
high entropy. The source of randomness is a mix of techniques such as
electronic noise, phase noise and oscillator jitter. The device in question
has a built-in debiasing algorithm similar to [1] and a security mechanism
that protects the end user by constantly monitoring the quality of digitized
noise signal. Finaly, we will show the results of comparative analysis of
data acquired from our device and ?random.org? online service.
Amorphous Fe72Cu1V4Si15B8 ribbon as magneto-impedance sensing element
Authors: Surla Radoslav , Mitrovic Nebojsa , Djukic Slobodan , Ibrahimovic Vedran
Published: November 2016

?agneto-impedance (MI) effect in the Fe72Cu1V4Si15B8 amorphous ribbon
obtained by melt spinning method has been studied. The aim of study was the
characterisation of this ribbon in as-cast state in terms of its application
as a MI sensor. The experiments on MI elements were performed in the
frequency range from 30 kHz to 300 MHz and maximum external magnetic field up
to 28.6 kA/m. Maximum observed MI-ratio (?Z = Z(0) - Z(Hmax), Hmax = 28.6
kA/m) has amounted to ?Z/Z(Hmax) = 173% at a frequency of 20.46 MHz. The MI
curve measured up to 20 MHz shows some shoulder indicating the growth of
rotational contribution of magnetization that appears above the domain wall
relaxation frequency. The MI profile at frequencies higher than 30 MHz,
exhibits a clear peak positioned at transverse anisotropy field Hk,
suggesting domination of rotation magnetization in transverse permeability.
The linearity in the range up to 5 kA/m with sensitivity of about 11 %/kA/m
was observed.
Control system of ECR ion source within FAMA
Authors: Trajic Ivan , Vukosavljevic Ljubisa , Novakovic Bora , Ciric Dragana , Dobrosavljevic Aleksandar , Munitlak Dragan
Published: November 2016

Recent upgrading of the Facility for Modification and Analysis of Materials
with Ion Beams (FAMA), in the Laboratory of Physics of the Vinca Institute of
Nuclear Sciences, included modernization of its electron cyclotron resonance
(ECR) ion source. The ECR ion source was extensively used for production of
multiply charged ions from gases and solid substances for more than 15 years,
during which time its major subsystems were expended and therefore, it
required complete reconstruction. As a part of this reconstruction we
designed and put together a completely new control system of the ECR ion
source. It is a distributed and fiber-optically linked control system based
on the Group3 Control hardware and the control application written in the
Wonderware?s In Touch software. The control system should help and assist an
operator in obtaining the appropriate operating parameters of the ECR ion
source, maintaining and controlling operating parameters of the machine
during its operation, as well as in monitoring weather the safety conditions
are fulfilled during the operation of the machine. We tested the operation
and performances of the new control system during the commissioning of the
upgraded ECR ion source. Compared to the old one, the new system is more
reliable, more userfriendly oriented, and it comprises several new useful
control applications.
Transseptal approach to the implantation of cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Vukmirovic Mihailo , Angelkov Lazar , Tomasevic-Vukmirovic Irena , Vukmirovic Filip
Published: November 2016

Introduction. In patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy left ventricular lead is usually placed through a tributary vein of the coronary sinus. However, when this approach failed, the atrial transseptal approach is mostly used for endovascular left ventricular lead placement, but it is quite difficult to perform. Case report. 59-years-old patient, male, was hospitalized due to endovascular left ventricular lead placement by atrial transseptal approach, after failed attempt via coronary sinus vein. Non-ischemic dilated cardiomiopathy was verified 1 year ago. Endoventricular lead was introduced by left subclavian approach and advanced through the previously punctured hole in the left atrium cavity and over mitral valve placed in posterolateral part of left ventricular. Both right ventricular defibrillator lead and atrial electrode were implanted routinely in the right ventricle septum and right atrial appendage. Conclusion. Left ventricular endocardial lead implantation by atrial transseptal approach is a feasible and safe in patients with previously failed implantation via tributary vein of the coronary sinus.
Sleep disturbances in restless legs syndrome
Authors: Jovic Jasmina , Svetel Marina , Pekmezovic Tatjana , Kostic Vladimir
Published: November 2016

Background/Aim. Resteless legs syndrome (RLS) is chronical neurological disorder characterized by urge to move legs that is usually accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the lower extremities. Sleep disturbance is one of the main accompanying symptoms of RLS which exists in approximatelly 90% of patients. Impairment of sleep is related to daily sleepiness, depressive and anxiety disorders. The aim of this study was to detect frequency and characterisitics of sleep-related symptoms in patients with RLS, and its impairrment to daily sleepiness, fatique, anxiety and depression. Methods. We have examinated 94 patients with RLS. The diagnose of RLS was based on questionnaire with 4 specific questions according to the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) criteria updated in 2003. Severity of symptoms was astimated with IRLSSG Rating Scale, depression and anxiety with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) and sleepiness with Epworth Sleepiness scale (ESS). We astimated sleep characteristics and disturbances with specific questionnaire. Results. In our study 79.9% of patients had sleep-related symptoms. Average sleep duration was 6.50 ? 1.42 hours, with average frequency of awakening 2.34 ? 1.69 times per night. Average ESS score was 5.12 ? 4.08 (0?17). Patients with more severe symptoms had higher degree of sleepiness (p = 0.005). Patients with higher symptoms frequency, significantly more often had sleep disturbance (p = 0.016), tiredness and daily sleepiness (p = 0.001). Daily sleepiness (ESS) also significantly correlates with depression (p < 0.05) and anxiety (p = 0.012). Conclusion. Our results confirm that sleep disturbances are one of the key accompanying symptoms of RLS which cause daily sleepiness, tiredness, depression and anxiety. Therefore, their early recognition and appropriate treatment must be a priority in RLS patients.
Left ventricular noncompaction in a patient presenting with a left ventricular failure
Authors: Ristic-Andjelkov Andjelka , Vranes Danijela , Mladenovic Zorica , Rusovic Sinisa , Ratkovic Nenad , Vukotic Snjezana , Torbica Lidija , Milic Veljko , Misic Tatjana , Ristic Mirjana , Baskot Branislav , Pandrc Milena
Published: November 2016

Introduction. Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a congenital disorder characterised by prominent trabeculations in the left ventricular myocardium. This heart condition very often goes completely undetected, or is mistaken for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or coronary disease. Case report. A middle-aged female with a positive family history of coronary disease was admitted with chest pain, electrocardiography (ECG) changes in the area of the inferolateral wall and elevation in cardiac specific enzymes. Initially, she was suspected of having acute coronary syndrome. However, in the left ventricular apex, especially alongside the lateral and inferior walls, cardiac ultrasound visualised hypertrabeculation with multiple trabeculae projecting inside the left ventricular cavity. A short-axis view of the heart above the papillary muscles revealed the presence of two layers of the myocardium: a compacted homogeneous layer adjacent to the epicardium and a spongy layer with trabeculae and sinusoids under the endocardium. The thickness ratio between the two layers was 2.2:1. The same abnormalities were corroborated by multislice computed tomography (MSCT) of the heart. Conclusion. Left ventricular noncompaction is a rare, usually hereditary cardiomyopathy, which should be considered as a possibility in patients with myocardial hypertrophy. It is very often mistaken for coronary disease owing to ECG changes and elevated cardiac specific enzymes associated with myocardial hypertrophy and heart failure.
Thoracoscore: Predicting risk of in-hospital mortality for patients undergoing pulmonary resection
Authors: Djuric Dejan , Malisanovic Gorica , Gvozdenovic Ljiljana
Published: November 2016

Background/Aim. Thoracic surgery is in need of a widely recognized and dependable risk model which could pro-spectively make objective conclusions and retrospectively allow comparison of outcomes. Thoracoscore is the first model with multiple variables developed for predicting in-hospital mortality following pulmonary resections. It is integrated in the British Thoracic Society and National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines. However, additional evaluation of Thoracoscore is considerably advised in order to demonstrate its validity and potentially make it a dependable tool for thoracic surgeons across the world. Our study assesses the accuracy of Thoracoscore scoring system in estimating in-hospital mortality in patients under-going pulmonary resections. Methods. Between September 2013 and October 2014 data were retrospectively collected on 196 patients operated on at the Thoracic Surgery Clinic, Institute of Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina. The procedures performed were: pneumonectomies, lobectomies and modified lobectomies (including bilobectomy and sleevelobectomy), Wedge resections and atypical resections. The Thoracoscore was calculated based on these nine variables: age, sex, American Society of Anaesthesiologists' (ASA) class, performance status classification, dyspnea score, priority of surgery, procedure class, diagnosis group and co-morbidities score. Results. Study included one hundred and ninety-six patients, average age of 62 ? 9 years, and 61% were males. Predicted mean in-hospital mortality was 3.6 ? 3.2% 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.16?4.06, and mean actual in-hospital mortality was 6/196 (3.1%) (95% CI 1.78?4.42). Patients who were > 65 years old contributed to 3/6 (50%) of in-hospital mortality, and 4/6 (67%)were males. Four of 6 (67%) patients underwent pneumonectomy due to malignant pathology. Thoracoscore was divided into 4 risk groups: low (0?3), moderate (3.1?5), high (5.1?8) and very high (> 8). The correlation between observed and expected mortality was 0.99, by category of risk. Old age, male gender and malignancy showed to be strong indicators of in-hospital mortality. Conclusion. At our department Thoracoscore presented with good performance and as a practical tool for predicting in-hospital mortality among patients undergoing lung resections. However, any risk scoring system needs further validation before implementation and outcomes must be compared to those of other programs.
Gastric stimulation to treat the type 2 diabetes: Results on week 16
Authors: Bjelovic Milos , Babic Tamara , Spica Bratislav , Gunjic Dragan , Veselinovic Milan , Polovina Snezana
Published: November 2016

Background/Aim. Gastric contraction modulation (GCM) with the implanted DIAMOND device improves glycemic control and decreases weight. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the early efficacy of GCM using the DIAMOND (previously named TANTALUS) System in the improvement of glycemic control measured by changes in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). The effects of GCM on weight loss, body mass index (BMI), reduction of the waist circumference and metabolic parameters other than HbA1c were also evaluated. Methods. A total of 18 adult patients with type 2 diabetes were surgically treated at the Department for Minimally Invasive Upper Digestive Surgery, Clinic for Digestive Surgery in Belgrade, Serbia, using gastric pacemaker (DIAMOND System) from November 2014 to March 2016. Out of the total number of patients, 11 finished week 16 visit and were enroled in this prospective cohort study. Results. During the observed period, the average weight loss amounted to 8.05 kg (p < 0.05). The average difference between the baseline fasting glucose level and the level after 16 weeks period is 2.56 mmol/L. Similar findings were noted in fasting insulin levels, with an average decrease of 6.44 m/U/L after 16 weeks. The majority of patients experienced a decrease in HbA1c value: in 4 patients higher than 2%, and in 4 patients up to 2% (p < 0.05). Lower level of fasting insulin with simultaneous decrease in fasting glucose indicates improvement in insulin sensitivity on week 16 [homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA IR) average 5.25]. Conclusion. Gastric stimulation using the DIAMOND System for 16 weeks causes significant early improvement in glycemic control and insulin resistance. There is an additional positive effect on weight loss, body mass index (BMI) and reduction of the waist circumference as a main parameter of the metabolic syndrome.
Medical expertise in non-contentious proceedings
Authors: Trgovcevic-Prokic Milena , Pocuca Milan , Sarkic Nebojsa
Published: November 2016

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Visual evoked potentials - current concepts and future perspectives
Authors: Jancic Jasna , Ivancevic Nikola , Nikolic Blazo , Popovic Mirjana , Martinovic Zarko , Stevanovic Dejan , Grbic Marina , Djuric Vesna , Samardzic Janko
Published: November 2016

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Quality of life in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Popovic Dusan , Kisic-Tepavcevic Darija , Kovacevic Nada , Milovanovic Tamara , Krstic Miodrag , Rankovic Ivan , Martinov Jelena , Glisic Tijana , Jesic Rada , Pekmezovic Tatjana
Published: November 2016

Background/Aim. Quality of life is impaired in patients with the chronic liver disease (CLD). Patients with this disease have numerous disabling problems which lead to a reduced health related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of our study was to evaluate the predictive value of selected socio-demographic and clinical characteristics on HRQoL in Serbian cohort of patients with the CLD. Methods. Over a period of one year, we performed a study which included patients with the CLD. We used Short Form Health Survay-36 (SF-36) for assessment of HRQoL. The assessment of depression and anxiety was made by using Hamilton scale of depression and anxiety, while the assessment of fatigue was performed by Fatigue severity scale. Results. The study included 103 patients with the CLD. The average values of the overall SF-36 scores were 52.6 ? 20.4, while the mean score of the composite scores were 53.5 ? 19.6 for the Mental component summary and 49.8 ? 21.3 for the Physical component summary. Some domains of HRQoL were significantly affected by following factors: gender, age, employment status, alcohol consumption, depression, anxiety and fatigue. Predictors of physical components of HRQoL were employment, depression and fatigue, and predictors of mental components were depression and fatigue. Conclusion. The tested socio-demographic, clinical and behavioral factors have an impact on the HRQoL in patients with the CLD. The most important predictors of HRQoL are behavioral factors suggesting the need for an adequate therapeutic action in order to improve the HRQoL in these patients.
Neuropsychological parameters as possible indicators of speech fluency disorder in children
Authors: Dobrota-Davidovic Nada , Otasevic Jadranka , Kljajic Dragana
Published: November 2016

Background/Aim. Speech disfluency (stuttering) is a multifactor disorder and its aetiology is a big unknown for the experts from various fields. Hemisphere dominance as the highest level in the process of integration of cortical functions is of special significance for the entire development. Praxis and gnosis related cortical organizers are the first to form; they become differentiated and functionally full in early childhood while the process of condensing is completed somewhere around the age of 7. Cortical activity organizers are definitely set at that age and from then on act from one hemisphere which becomes dominant for that function. Laterality is determined by hemisphere dominance, but it occurs as a special phenomenon and it is of great significance for personality. The aim of this research was to examine the influence and the relationship between hemisphere asymmetry on the occurrence of speech disfluency in children. Methods. Sixty children aged 5 to 7 years participated in this research. Thirty children suffer from speech fluency disorder (person who stutters ? PWS) and they belong to the experimental group while thirty children are fluent speakers (person who does not stutter ? PWNS) and they were the control group. Individual testing was used as a test method. Laterality assessment test was used as an instrument which consists of 5 sub-tests as follows: the assessment of hand-use laterality, the assessment of gestural handuse laterality, the assessment of foot laterality, the assessment of auditory laterality and the assessment of visual laterality. Results. Gestural hand-use laterality and auditory laterality in the PWS examinees were considerably worse in comparison to the PWNS examinees (?2 = 11.80, p = 0.002, and ?2 = 10.90, p = 0.003, respectively). Male examinees had worse scores in comparison with female examinees. Conclusion. There are certain changes in establishing a dominant hemisphere and differentiation of laterality in children who stutter in comparison with the children who are fluent speakers, which has been shown by statistically significant difference in accomplishments at the test of gestural hand-use laterality and the test of auditory laterality.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and the association with sociodemographic characteristics in adult population of Banja Luka
Authors: Petrovic Verica , Tesanovic Gordana , Stanivuk Ljiljana
Published: November 2016

Background/Aim. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of metabolic and hemodynamic disorders that increase the risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of MS and its components in adult population of Banja Luka and association with sociodemographic characteristics. Methods. A total of 685 participants (348 men and 337 women), aged 18 years and over, were analyzed. The diagnosis of the MS was based on definition set by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Results. The prevalence of the MS was high (37.5%), slightly higher in women (38.3%) than in men (36.8%), but without statistically significant difference (p = 0.686). Prevalence of each individual component of the MS in the study group was over 30% (systolic blood pressure ? 130 mmHg ? 42.0%; diastolic blood pressure ? 85 mmHg ? 31.0%; triglycerides ? 1.7 mmol/L ? 36.1%; high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ? 1.03 for men and ? 1.29 for women ? 31.2%; glucose ? 5.6 mmol/L ? 32.8%; central obesity ? 94 cm male and ? 80 cm female ? 62.6%). The prevalence of the MS was not associated with gender, but with age. A number of participants increased with incresed age in the group with the MS with statistically significant difference compared to the group without the MS. The study showed an association between level of education and the MS. Low level of education was associated with the appearance of the MS with statistically significant differences (df = 3; p = 0.013). Association between level of education and the MS was shown in women (df = 3; p = 0.000), but not in men (df = 3; p = 0.883). Retirees and housewives were significantly present in the group with the MS, students and unemployed in the group without the MS, while employed participants showed no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: The MS was diagnosed in over one-third of adults in Banja Luka. Prevalence of MS was not associated with gender, but it was associated with age, level of education as well as with some categories of employment.
Benign tumors of the heart: Myxoma of the right atrium - a case report
Authors: Hinic Sasa , Saric Jelena , Milojevic Predrag , Gavrilovic Jelena , Durmic Tijana , Ninkovic Nebojsa , Milovanovic Branislav , Djokovic Aleksandra , Micovic Slobodan , Tomovic Milosav , Zdravkovic Marija
Published: November 2016

Introduction. Myxoma is the most common primary benign heart tumor. The most frequent location is the left atrium, the chamber of the heart that receives oxygen- rich blood from the lungs. Myxomas usually develop in women, typically between the ages of 40 and 60. Symptoms may occur at any time, but most often they are asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic for a long period of time. Symptoms usually go along with body position, and are related to compression of the heart cavities, embolization and the appearance of general symptoms. The diagnosis of benign tumors of the heart is based on anamnesis, clinical features and findings of the tumor masses by use of non-invasive and invasive imaging methods. Extensive surgical resection of the myxoma is curative with minimal mortality. Long term clinical and echocardiographic follow-up is mandatory. Case report. We reported a case of a 62-year-old male, presented with 15 days of intermittent shortness of breath, dizziness and feeling of heart palpitations and subsequently diagnosed with right atrial myxoma based on transthoracic echocardiography . The patient was emergently operated in our hospital. Long-term followup did not reveal recurrence. Conclusion. Our case was an atypical localisation of right atrial myxoma. Whether the intracardiac mass is benign or malignant, early surgery is obligatory in order to prevent complications.