bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Content of Toxic and Essential Metals in Medicinal Herbs Growing in Polluted and Unpolluted Areas of Macedonia
Authors: Gjorgieva Darinka , Kadifkova-Panovska Tatjana , Bačeva Katerina , Stafilov Trajče 
Published: September 2010

Content of Toxic and Essential Metals in Medicinal Herbs Growing in Polluted and Unpolluted Areas of MacedoniaThe aim of this study was to determine and compare Ba, Cr, Cd, Fe, Sr, Pb, and Zn content in medicinal herbs Urtica dioica L., Taraxacum officinale, and Matricaria recutita growing in polluted and unpolluted areas of the Republic of Macedonia. The metal content was determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). In the unpolluted area of Mt. Plačkovica the metal content in Taraxacum officinale was in the descending order: Fe>Sr>Zn>Ba>Cr, while Pb and Cd were below the limit of detection. In the polluted area of Veles, the order was as follows: Fe>Zn>Sr>Pb>Ba>Cd>Cr. Our results suggest that quality assurance and monitoring of toxic metals is needed for plants intended for human use and consumption. Medicinal plants should be picked in areas free of any contamination sources.
Relationship Between Osteonecrosis of the Jaw and Bisphosphonate Treatment
Authors: Badel Tomislav , Keros Jadranka , Krapac Ladislav , Pavičin Ivana 
Published: September 2010

Povezanost osteonekroze čeljusti i terapije bisfosfonatimaTerapija bisfosfonatima i njezina etiopatogenetska povezanost s aseptičkom osteonekrozom čeljusti važan je javnozdravstveni problem današnjice. Svrha je rada pregledom suvremene znanstvene literature utvrditi posljedice višestrukog djelovanja bisfosfonata (antiosteoklastična aktivnost, citotoksičnost na meka i koštana tkiva, antiangiogeneza, genski čimbenici, poremećena ravnoteža između osteoklasta i osteoblasta). Terapija bisfosfonatima jedan je od najčešćih uzroka razvoja osteonekroze čeljusti. Epidemiološki podaci pokazuju da se javlja u bolesnika koji su uzimali jedan ili kombinanciju nitrogenih bisfosfonata. Najvažniji čimbenici rizika za ovu nuspojavu su vrsta bisfosfonata (napose visokopotentni pamidronat i zoledronat koji se daju intravenski), njihova doza i duljina medikacije te vrsta bolesti zbog koje se propisuje terapija. Pojava osteonekroze čeljusti zabilježena je uglavnom u onkoloških bolesnika i u samo 5 % bolesnika s osteoporozom koji su liječeni bisfosfonatima. U patogenezi osteonekroze povezane s bisfosfonatima važno je, sa stajališta dentalnomedicinske prakse, dobro opće oralno zdravlje jer se osteonekroza javlja napose nakon prethodnoga parodontološkog i oralnokirurškog zahvata.
In vitro and in vivo matrix metalloproteinase expression after photodynamic therapy with a liposomal formulation of aminolevulinic acid and its methyl ester
Authors: Osiecka Beata , Jurczyszyn Kamil , Symonowicz Krzysztof , Bronowicz Andrzej , Ostasiewicz Paweł , Czapińska Elżbieta , Hotowy Katarzyna , Krzystek-Korpacka Małgorzata , Gębarowska Elżbieta , Iżykowska Ilona , Dzięgiel Piotr , Terlecki Grzegorz , Ziółkowski Piotr 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) is a well-known method for the treatment of malignant tumors, and its principles have been well established over the past 30 years. This therapy involves the application of a chemical called a photosensitizer and its subsequent excitation with light at the appropriate wavelength and energy. Topical photodynamic therapy with aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is an alternative therapy for many malignant processes, including nonmelanoma skin cancers such as basal-cell carcinoma (BCC). Our novel approach for this study was to use a liposomal formulation of 5-ALA and its methyl ester (commercially available as metvix) both in vitro and in vivo, and to check whether the liposome-entrapped precursors of photosensitizers can induce the expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs) in animal tumor cells and in other tissues from tumor-bearing rats and in selected cell lines in vitro. We also checked whether the application of tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) has any effect on MMPs in the above-mentioned experimental models, and if they can cause complete inhibition of MMP expression. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that after the PDT, the intensity of expression of MMPs in healthy animals was very low and seen in single cells only. After the PDT in tumor-bearing rats, MMP-3 was expressed in the tumor cells with the highest intensity of staining in the tissues directly adjacent to the tumors, while MMP-2 and -9 were not found. In the control groups, there was no observed expression of MMPs. In vitro studies showed that MMP-3 was expressed in MCF-7 cells after PDT, but MMP-9 was not observed and MMP-2 was only seen in single cases. Our studies confirmed that the application of an MMP-3 inhibitor may block an induction of MMP-3 expression which had previously been initiated by PDT. The preliminary data obtained from cancer patients revealed that new precursors are effective in terms of PDT, and that using MMP inhibitors should be considered as a potential enhancing factor in clinical PDT.
Ribosomal DNA, tri- and bi-partite pericentromeres in the permanent translocation heterozygote Rhoeo spathacea
Authors: Golczyk Hieronim , Hasterok Robert , Szklarczyk Marek 
Published: September 2010

AbstractHigh- and low-stringency FISH and base-specific fluorescence were performed on the permanent translocation heterozygote Rhoeo spathacea (2n = 12). Our results indicate that 45S rDNA arrays, rDNA-related sequences and other GC-rich DNA fraction(s) are located within the pericentromeric regions of all twelve chromosomes, usually colocalizing with the chromomycin A3-positive bands. Homogenization of the pericentromeric regions appears to result from the concerted spread of GC-rich sequences, with differential amplification likely. We found new 5S rDNA patterns, which suggest a variability in the breakpoints and in the consequent chromosome reorganizations. It was found that the large 5S rDNA locus residing on each of the 8E and 9E arms consisted of two smaller loci. On each of the two chromosome arms 3b and 4b, in addition to the major subtelomeric 5S rDNA locus, a new minor locus was found interstitially about 40% along the arm length. The arrangement of cytotogenetic landmarks and chromosome arm measurements are discussed with regard to genome repatterning in Rhoeo.
The domain structure of Entamoeba α-actinin2
Authors: Addario Barbara , Backman Lars 
Published: September 2010

AbstractEntamoeba histolytica, a major agent of human amoebiasis, expresses two distinct forms of α-actinin, a ubiquitous actin-binding protein that is present in most eukaryotic organisms. In contrast to all metazoan α-actinins, in both isoforms the intervening rod domain that connects the N-terminal actin-binding domain with the C-terminal EF-hands is much shorter. It is suggested that these α-actinins may be involved in amoeboid motility and phagocytosis, so we cloned and characterised each domain of one of these α-actinins to better understand their functional role. The results clearly showed that the domains have properties very similar to those of conventional α-actinins.
Analysis of the calibration results of ionization chambers for orthovoltage and brachytherapy
Authors: Ulkowski Piotr , Bulski Wojciech , Gwiazdowska Barbara , Rostkowska Joanna 
Published: September 2010

Analysis of the calibration results of ionization chambers for orthovoltage and brachytherapy
An analysis of the exposure calibration coefficients for ionization chambers used for dose determination in orthovoltage radiotherapy and in brachytherapy in the Polish SSDL was performed. The coefficients were determined by calibrating the chambers in the X-ray beam of 235 kV or 290 kV and HVL of 2.5 mmCu or 4 mmCu respectively, and also in the Co-60 gamma beam. Calibration procedures followed IAEA recommendations in Report No. TECDOC 1274 and Technical Reports Series No. 277. The characteristics of the energy dependence of various types of chambers used in orthovoltage radiotherapy and in brachytherapy are presented. On the basis of the summarized data and on the energy dependence curves it was possible to conclude that: 1) in he case of calibration of the chambers for orthovoltage radiotherapy the energy dependence has to be established for the full range beam qualities; 2) in the case of calibration, of the investigated chambers, for brahytherapy with Cs-137 and Ir-192 sources, establishing of the exposure calibration factor for Co-60 is sufficient.
External beam radiotherapy for palliation of painful bone metastases: pooled data bioeffect dose response analysis of dose fractionation
Authors: Naveen T. , Supe Sanjay , Ganesh K. , Samuel Jacob 
Published: September 2010

External beam radiotherapy for palliation of painful bone metastases: pooled data bioeffect dose response analysis of dose fractionation
Bone metastases develop in up to 70% of newly diagnosed cancer patients and result in immobility, anxiety, and depression, severely diminishing the patients quality of life. Radiotherapy is a frequently used modality for bone metastasis and has been shown to be effective in reducing metastatic bone pain and in some instances, causing tumor shrinkage or growth inhibition. There is controversy surrounding the optimal fractionation schedule and total dose of external beam radiotherapy, despite many randomized trials and overviews addressing the issue. This study was undertaken to apply BED to clinical fractionation data of radiotherapeutic management of bone metastases in order to arrive at optimum BED values for acceptable level of response rate.
A computerised literature search was conducted to identify all prospective clinical studies that addressed the issue of fractionation for the treatment of bone metastasis. The results of these studies were pooled together to form the database for the analysis. A total of 4111 number of patients received radiation dose ranging from 4 to 40.5 Gy in 1 to 15 fractions with dose per fraction ranging from 2 to 10 Gy. Single fraction treatments were delivered in 2013 patients and the dose varied from 4 to 10 Gy. Multifraction treatments were delivered in 2098 patients and the dose varied from 15 to 40.5 Gy. The biological effective dose (BED) was evaluated for each fractionation schedule using the linear quadratic model and an α/β value of 10 Gy. Response rate increased significantly beyond a BED value of 14.4 Gy (p < 0.01). Based on our analysis and indications from the literature about higher retreatment and fracture rate of single fraction treatments, minimum BED value of 14.4 Gy is recommended.
Spin traps in the detection of free radicals in the blood of patients with ischemia
Authors: Krzyminiewski Ryszard , Kruczynski Zdzislaw , Stepien Aleksander , Dobosz Bernadeta 
Published: September 2010

Spin traps in the detection of free radicals in the blood of patients with ischemia
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and a nitrosobenzene spin trap were used to investigate free radicals in the human blood after angioplasty treatment. The nitrosobenzene anion radical was determined using EPR measurements and quantum-mechanical calculations. Differences were observed in the concentration of free radicals before and after angioplasty treatment. These results were compared with myocardium damage parameters (CPK, MB and TnT).
IMRT implementation and patient specific dose verification with film and ion chamber array detectors
Authors: Saminathan Sathiyan , Manickam Ravikumar , Chandraraj Varatharaj , Supe Sanjay , Keshava Subbarao 
Published: September 2010

IMRT implementation and patient specific dose verification with film and ion chamber array detectors
Implementation of Intensity Modulation Radiotherapy (IMRT) and patient dose verification was carried out with film and I'mariXX using linear accelerator with 120-leaf Millennium dynamic multileaf collimator (dMLC). The basic mechanical and electrical commissioning and quality assurance tests of linear accelerator were carried out. The leaf position accuracy and leaf position repeatability checks were performed for static MLC positions. Picket fence test and garden fence test were performed to check the stability of the dMLC and the reproducibility of the gap between leaves. The radiation checks were performed to verify the position accuracy of MLCs in the collimator system. The dMLC dosimetric checks like output stability, average leaf transmission and dosimetric leaf separation were also investigated. The variation of output with gravitation at different gantry angles was found to be within 0.9%. The measured average leaf transmission for 6 MV was 1.6% and 1.8% for 18 MV beam. The dosimetric leaf separation was found to be 2.2 mm and 2.3 mm for 6 MV and 18 MV beams. In order to check the consistency of the stability and the precision of the dMLC, it is necessary to carryout regular weekly and monthly checks. The dynalog files analysis for Garden fence, leaf gap width and step wedge test patterns carried out weekly were in good agreement. Pretreatment verification was performed for 50 patients with ion chamber and I'matiXX device. The variations of calculated absolute dose for all treatment fields with the ion chamber measurement were within the acceptable criterion. Treatment Planning System (TPS) calculated dose distribution pattern was comparable with the I'matriXX measured dose distribution pattern. Out of 50 patients for which the comparison was made, 36 patients were agreed with the gamma pixel match of > 95% and 14 patients were with the gamma pixel match of 90-95% with the criteria of 3% delta dose (DD) and 3 mm distance-to-agreement (DTA). Commissioning and quality assurance of dMLC for IMRT application requires considerable time and effort. Many dosimetric characteristics need to be assessed carefully failing which the delivered dose will be significantly different from the planned dose. In addition to the issues discussed above we feel that individual MU check is necessary before the treatment is delivered.
Fitting of hearing aids with different technical parameters to a patient with dead regions
Authors: Hojan-Jezierska Dorota , Skrodzka Ewa 
Published: September 2010

Fitting of hearing aids with different technical parameters to a patient with dead regions
The purpose of the study was to determine an optimal hearing aid fitting procedure for a patient with well diagnosed high-frequency ‘dead regions’ in both cochleas. The patient reported non-symmetrical hearing problems of sensorineural origin. For binaural amplification two similar independent hearing aids were used as well as a pair of dependent devices with an ear-to-ear function. Two fitting methods were used: DSLi/o and NAL-NL1, and four different strategies of fitting were tested: the initial fitting based on the DSLi/o or NAL-NL1 method with necessary loudness corrections, the second fitting taking into account all the available functions of hearing instruments, the third fitting (based on the second one) but with significantly reduced amplification well above one octave of frequency inside dead region, and the final fitting with significantly reduced gain slightly below one octave inside dead regions. The results of hearing aids fitting were assessed using an APHAB procedure.
The influence of low temperatures on dynamic mechanical properties of animal bone
Authors: Mardas Marcin , Kubisz Leszek , Mielcarek Slawomir , Biskupski Piotr 
Published: September 2010

The influence of low temperatures on dynamic mechanical properties of animal bone
Different preservation methods are currently used in bone banks, even though their effects on allograft quality are not fully understood. Freezing is one of the most popular methods of preservation in tissue banking. Yet, there is not a lot of data on dynamic mechanical properties of frozen bone. Material used in this study was femoral bones from adult bovine that were machine cut and frozen to the temperature 140°C. Both elastic modulus and loss modulus were measured at 1, 3, 5, 10, and 20 Hz in the temperature range of 30-200°C. Differences between frozen and control samples were observed. The frequency increase always led to the increase in elastic modulus values and decrease in loss modulus values. Freezing reduced the elastic modulus values of about 25% and the loss modulus values of about 45% when measured at 20°C.
Photoluminescence of Neutron-Irradiated LiF Single Crystals
Authors: Jonane I. , Podins A. , Ivanova A. 
Published: September 2010

Photoluminescence of Neutron-Irradiated LiF Single CrystalsIn 1980, a single LiF crystal was irradiated by thermal neutrons up to the exposition dose 1019n/cm2at the Salaspils nuclear reactor. The crystal has been kept at room temperature for 29 years. Samples in size of 5×4×1 mm3were cut from the crystal and some of them annealed at 920 K for 30 min. To study photoluminescence, measurements with a confocal laser scanning microscope Leica TCS SP5 were performed, during which 3D-defects of size of ~1μm3were revealed. Photoluminescence was observed in the red spectral region with the peak of ~ 655 nm when excited with an argon laser (Δ = 458 nm).
Associations of Serum Leptin with Atopic Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis in Children
Authors: Quek Yeak-Wun , Sun Hai-Lun , Ng Yan-Yan , Lee Hong-Shen , Yang Shun-Fa , Ku Min-Sho , Lu Ko-Hsiu , Sheu Ji-Nan , Lue Ko-Huang 
Published: September 2010

Background There is growing evidence of positive correlations between asthma (AS) and obesity in adults and children. Leptin is an obesity gene product secreted by white adipose tissue; elevated serum levels are found in obese adults and children. Recently, leptin has also been found to be associated with allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the links between serum leptin, atopic AS, and AR remained undetermined. Because AS and AR share common allergic inflammatory mechanisms, our aim was to determine if there were any differences in serum leptin levels between asthmatic children and nonasthmatic children with AR. Methods We studied 114 children (67 boys and 47 girls): 68 with mild intermittent-to-moderate persistent atopic AS (AS children) and 46 with mild-to-moderate persistent AR without AS (AR children; overall mean age, 8.51 years; range, 5–18 years). Body mass index (BMI), serum leptin, pulmonary function, and atopy parameters (serum IgE and eosinophil levels) were measured. Results Compared with AR children, AS children had higher body weights (kg), body mass indices (kg/cm2), and serum leptin levels (ng/mL). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that serum leptin concentrations differed significantly for girls, being overweight and between disease groups (AS and AR children). Conclusion Our results indicate that a higher serum leptin level has stronger association with mild-to-moderate persistent AS compared with AR. Hence, serum leptin may be a stronger predictor for childhood AS compared with AR. Among the asthmatic children, higher serum leptin levels also showed stronger associations with female gender and being overweight.
Epidemiology and Burden of Rhinitis and Rhinoconjunctivitis in 9- to 11-Year-Old Children
Authors: Civelek Ersoy , Yavuz Suleyman Tolga , Boz Aysen Bingol , Orhan Fazil , Yuksel Hasan , Uner Abdurrahman , Cakir Banu , Sekerel Bulent E. 
Published: September 2010

Background Rhinoconjunctivitis (RC) is regarded as the most common chronic disease of childhood; however, the currently available epidemiological studies on prevalence, burden, and risk factors of RC are insufficient. This analysis aimed to investigate potential risk factors, symptom frequency, and burden of RC. Methods Using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase II questionnaires, 6963 elementary school children aged 9–11 years were surveyed in five different city centers of Turkey. All participants were skin-prick tested with common aeroallergens. Results The prevalence of ever rhinitis, physician-diagnosed rhinitis, current rhinitis, and current RC were 51.6, 31.0, 43.5, and 23.1%, respectively; 19.8% of children with RC symptoms were atopic to at least one allergen. Among students with RC symptoms, 42.2, 23.9, 35.8, and 28.2% reported moderate–severe interference of daily activities, at least 1 day of absence from school, visit to a health care professional, and any drug usage for rhinitis, respectively. Nasal decongestants and oral antihistamines were the most frequently used treatment. Approximately 70% of RC patients reported perennial symptoms and 42.8% were classified as mild to intermittent. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed family history of asthma and/or allergic rhinitis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.863; confidence interval, [CI] = 1.583–2.191; p < 0.001), living in a house with mold and dampness in the 1st year of life (OR = 1.651; CI = 1.356–2.01; p < 0.001), maternal smoking in pregnancy (OR = 1.425; CI = 1.089–1.864; p = 0.011), low monthly income (OR = 1.685; CI = 1.422–1.998; p = 0.001), current wheezing (OR = 2.543; CI = 2.151–3.006; p = 0.001), and current atopic eczema (OR = 2.503; CI = 1.96–3.196; p = 0.001) as significant risk factors for current RC. Conclusion Along with the high prevalence of RC in childhood, underdiagnosis and undertreatment of the disease are also frequent. The socioeconomic burden of the disease can be reduced by increasing awareness and proper diagnosis/treatment.
Assessing Current Technical Limitations in the Small-Hole Endoscopic Approach to the Maxillary Sinus
Authors: Robey Ashley , O'Brien Erin K. , Leopold Donald A. 
Published: September 2010

Background Endoscopic sinus surgery has evolved to become the standard surgical approach to address paranasal sinus disease. To access inflammatory mucosal disease and other benign processes, it is desirable to reach all parts of the maxillary sinus. This project explores the combination of three medial wall small-hole antrostomies with multiple angled microdebrider blades to determine if an ideal combination exists. A prospective cadaveric study was performed. Methods Each 3.5-mm blade was passed through the natural ostium and two separate inferior meatal antrostomies. The space reached by the tip of four different microdebrider blades (12, 60, 90 and 120°) within each maxillary sinus was mapped using an image guidance system. Percent volume of the sinus reached and access to subsites were determined. Results Regardless of instrument or antrostomy combination, mean percent volume of maxillary sinus reached was 28% (range, 24–34%). The anterior wall was rarely reached by any combination, with the best blade/antrostomy combination (90° blade/anterior inferior antrostomy) only reaching 28% of the anterior wall. Likewise, the floor of the maxillary sinus was also poorly reached in general. The lateral and posterior maxillary sinus walls were most reliably reached with the roof and medial walls being intermediate. Conclusion Using the endoscopic small-hole approach to the maxillary sinus results in <⅓ of the sinus being routinely reached regardless of antrostomy or angled microdebrider instrument selected. Further study and development of new technologies to more thoroughly reach benign processes within the maxillary sinus via a small-hole approach is warranted.