http://www.slideworld.net/Search And Share Online Journalshttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-994Nel l. VI del Codex Theodosianus il titolo 29°, De Curiosis, contiene 12 costituzioni che disciplinano la posizione, tra il 355 e il 415 d.C., di funzionari-ispettori provenienti dalla schola degli agentes in rebus, che venivano distaccati nelle province per sorvegliare il regolare svolgersi del servizio offerto dal Cursus Publicus. Da esse si apprende anche che, per esigenze di interesse pubblico o personale, l’Imperatore poteva richiedere che le loro funzioni ispettive non si limitassero solo al dover curas gerere et cursum publicum gubernare, ma dovessero estendersi anche al controllo della situazione politica e dei traffici commerciali che interessavano i luoghi in cui operavano. Nel cercare di stabilire quali fossero, in concreto i compiti assegnati ai Curiosi se ne osservata anche la posizione rispetto al Praefectus P. o al Magister O. e, in un caso, al Comes S. L., a cui i Principes, nell’arco di tempo considerato, rivolgono le loro disposizioni per richiamarli ad un comportamento più consono ai propri doveri, o per dare disposizioni sulle modalità dei controlli da effettuarsi; osservate sotto questo profilo, dalle leges è emerso come quegli alti funzionari sicuramente esercitassero sui curiosi poteri disciplinari e organizzativi, ma anche che su quei poteri è sempre prevalso quello del Princeps che ritiene di doverne personalmente controllarne la presenza e l’attività sul territorio provinciale- SlidesTue, 13 Jul 2010 16:46:52 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-993Prendendo spunto dal contributo che il mondo romano ha saputo dare al formarsi di una scienza giuridica, verso la quale la cultura della moderna Europa continua a mostrare interesse, il manuale indica ad un futuro insegnante come la conoscenza della storia di Roma possa essere occasione sia per riconoscere, spiegare ed utilizzare in modo corretto il linguaggio giuridico, sia per affrontare alcuni aspetti della realtà sociale del nostro tempo, in cui il cittadino è chiamato a vivere in relazione con gli altri in una prospettiva di rispetto, di tolleranza, di responsabilità e di solidarietà.- SlidesMon, 12 Jul 2010 16:00:22 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-991Lezione destinata a specializzandi della Scuola per le professioni legali - SlidesMon, 12 Jul 2010 15:37:32 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-990Lezione di storia romana destinata (e tenuta) a studenti dei licei- SlidesMon, 12 Jul 2010 15:30:22 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-989Analysis of the italian environmental code with respect to its compliance with the EU environment and health laws.- SlidesFri, 09 Jul 2010 04:57:18 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-988Toxicity testing remains largely in the same position as it was 50 years ago, i.e. measuring the effect of increasing doses of toxicants on populations at fixed times of exposure. Certainly, endpoints other than lethality are tried in ecotoxicology, but the underlying approach is always the same – to estimate the median (or other percentile) effect dose or concentration at a given time. However useful this information may be, it ignores the fact that internal doses are time-dependent and therefore the values of the estimated endpoints vary with the exposure time. Besides, what really matters is the survival of populations in time after repeated exposure of several generations to a toxicant. Two recent developments that tackle these issues are presented here: time-to-effect (TTE) bioassays and population growth rates. TTEs address the first deficiency, allowing the estimation of percentile effects for doses at variable exposure times by effectively integrating these two essential parameters in a single test. Data from a TTE take the form of a matrix of measured endpoints vs time, which can be analysed using simple models. Moreover, as the estimated median effective times (ET50) are related to the doses, standard L(D)C50s can be obtained directly from that relationship, and such median values can be used to predict any level of effect for any dose at any time using appropriate modelling. The second issue is crucial for the protection of species and the management of natural resources. Indeed, species reproduce while being unaware of their exposure to toxic pollutants, and the rate of growth of their populations will determine whether they survive or eventually go extinct. Procedures for measuring this rate in laboratory cultures were determined time ago, but so far have not attracted sufficient attention in ecotoxicology. The implementation of both approaches needs to be discussed. - SlidesFri, 09 Jul 2010 04:04:59 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-987The statistical R.O.C. analysis method is commonly used to evaluate the efficacy of a single diagnostic modality. The implementation of new modalities, commonly complementary, makes it necessary to evaluate the contribution obtained by several modalities at the same time. From the statistical point of view, it is necessary to build a R.O.C. curve taking into account the overall diagnostic information content, i.e. a R.O.C. curve in an N-dimensional space. The present work’s aim is to set up a procedure that, using a generalized form of the discriminant analysis, can build a R.O.C. curve based on a new virtual mono-dimensional variable whose values from the discriminant function are obtained. The proposed method was tested in several experimental situations, such as a mammary Magnetic Resonance study combined with scinti-mammography and traditional mammography studies. A short description of a computerized procedure, written in Visual Basic™ Pro ( v.6.0 ), which automatically performs the statistical analysis and the R.O.C. curves plot is given as well.- SlidesThu, 08 Jul 2010 16:00:21 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-986The transport gap of nanoparticle-passivated Si substrates is measured by scanning tunneling microscopy. Passivation is achieved using a monolayer of CdSe nanoparticles. It is shown that the transport gap and conduction-band edge of the system change upon passivation. The size of the nanoparticles that passivate the Si substrate is varied to study its effect on the transport gap of the system. Plots of the tunneling current versus voltage show that the transport gap of the system can be tuned by the binding of just a monolayer of suitable nanoparticles. From the normalized density of states, it is shown that the conduction-band edge of the system responds to the size of the nanoparticles. Here, a monolayer of the nanoparticles, which were capped with suitable functional groups, has been formed via electrostatic adsorption with the substrate.- SlidesSat, 03 Jul 2010 11:29:26 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-985PowerPoint Presentation on Living with EpilepsyThu, 01 Jul 2010 08:15:55 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-984PowerPoint Presentation on ATATVABHINIVESH-SCHIZOPHRENIAThu, 01 Jul 2010 08:01:20 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-983La funzione critica del commento del giurista Iulius Paulus ai Pithanà del giurista Labeone- SlidesWed, 30 Jun 2010 16:09:17 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-982We have developed an iterative knowledge-based scoring function (ITScore) to describe protein–ligand interactions. Here, we assess ITScore through extensive tests on native structure identification, binding affinity prediction, and virtual database screening. Specifically, ITScore was first applied to a test set of 100 protein–ligand complexes constructed by Wang et al. (J Med Chem 2003, 46, 2287), and compared with 14 other scoring functions. The results show that ITScore yielded a high success rate of 82% on identifying native-like binding modes under the criterion of rmsd =2 Å for each top-ranked ligand conformation. The success rate increased to 98% if the top five conformations were considered for each ligand. In the case of binding affinity prediction, ITScore also obtained a good correlation for this test set (R = 0.65). Next, ITScore was used to predict binding affinities of a second diverse test set of 77 protein–ligand complexes prepared by Muegge and Martin (J Med Chem 1999, 42, 791), and compared with four other widely used knowledge-based scoring functions. ITScore yielded a high correlation of R2 = 0.65 (or R = 0.81) in the affinity prediction. Finally, enrichment tests were performed with ITScore against four target proteins using the compound databases constructed by Jacobsson et al. (J Med Chem 2003, 46, 5781). The results were compared with those of eight other scoring functions. ITScore yielded high enrichments in all four database screening tests.- SlidesSat, 26 Jun 2010 05:26:42 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-981A simple, short presentation outlining the issues of Congenital Heart Defects globally and what can be done to bring surgical intervention- SlidesTue, 22 Jun 2010 11:40:16 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-980his presentation is all about cervical cancer which is spreading now a days in women at a faster pace.- SlidesMon, 14 Jun 2010 01:55:28 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-979The presentation shows the details of the blood cancer which are very useful.- SlidesMon, 14 Jun 2010 01:11:17 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-978In this study, the effects of alternate use of imipenem and cefoperazone/ sulbactam(CFP/Sul) on antibiotic resistance in the intensive care unit (ICU) were investigated. Between 1 April 1993 and 1 April 1994, the infectious diseases consultant saw patients when required and there was no alternative therapy for antibiotics. For the following 2 years, the same consultant followed up each patient from admission to discharge by daily visits to the ICU and an alternative therapy protocol was initiated. The most common microorganisms were found to be Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae, respectively, in the two periods. This study demonstrated that sensitivity rates of imipenem, ciprofloxacin and aminoglycosides were improved as a result of this protocol. - SlidesTue, 08 Jun 2010 06:43:38 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-977A way of combining lung ultrasound with venous ultrasound for approaching the diagnosis of cause of an acute respiratory failure- SlidesSun, 23 May 2010 02:58:15 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-976Purpose: Case reports demonstrate methods of treating visual function impairment due to idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Methods: Three case reports, each patient has headaches, tinnitus and obnubilations, normal neurological status and MRI scan; the visual field (VF) defects and papilledema of the right eye. The left eye in cases 1, 2 showed no pathology, in case 3 showed optic atrophy. Lumbal puncture was performed and opening pressure (OP) of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was measured. We performed optic nerve sheath decompression (ONSD) and for further treatment neurosurgeons were consulted. Case 1: 34- year old obese woman with OP 440 mm H2O, the visual acuity (VA) 0,9 and the blind spot (BS) enlargement, was treated by acetazolamide 1,5 mg daily. ONSD was performed. She refused any further surgical treatment. 18 months after the surgery VA is 1,0 and VF is physiological. Case 2: 51- year old man with OP 700 mm H2O, VA 0,9 and BS enlargement. Treatment by acetazolamide 3 g daily failed; ONSD was performed and ventriculoperitoneal shunt input. 18 months after the surgeries VA is 1,0 and perimetry showed enlargement of BS. Case 3: 54-year old obese woman with OP 550 mm H2O, VA 0,9 and tapered VF nasally to 50°. Treatment by acetazolamide 3 g daily failed; ONSD was performed and lumboperitoneal shunt input. 12 months after the surgeries VA and perimetry remain unchanged. Conclusion: There are different ways how can we preserve visual function in IIH. Patient´s compliance and neurosurgical cooperation is very important. - SlidesWed, 19 May 2010 12:58:25 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-974Aim: To evaluate breast scintigraphy in the diagnosis of breast cancer by quantitative analysis and image enhancement to emerge suspected lesions. Breast scintigraphy demonstrates better specificity of mammography in cases where mammography is proven to be non-diagnostic (dense breast, scar tissue).. METHOD: 12 patients with a suspicious breast lesion and an abnormal mammography completed a scintigraphic study of the breasts. 740-925MBq of Tc99m-Tetrofosmin is injected intravenously in the arm vein contralateral to the breast with the suspected abnormality. The patient was laid prone with a single breast dependent from the imaging table of a SPECT g-camera. The contra lateral breast was compressed against the table to prevent cross talk of activity. The images obtained, as an interfile , were transferred via PROCYON STARLAB program to a PC and processed by IMAGE PRO PLUS, software for data analysis, visualization and application development that combines the tools necessary for interactive analysis and display. RESULTS: The visualization of the image improved significantly, by applying image-processing techniques. In the histograms of the image pixels, brightness/contrast deficiencies are illustrated. The image contrast is adjusted appropriately by applying spatial filters and gamma correction technique. High-activity chest and abdominal organs such as the myocardium and liver are masked out, in regions of interests ROIs, by count subtraction. A logarithmic scale is chosen so that low-count areas are enhanced. Semi-quantitative parameters were determined to characterize and improve the sensitivity and specificity. The tumor to background ratio (T/B) was calculated by using regions of interest (ROI) of standardized shape and size over the site of the greatest activity and the surrounding normal tissue and creating the corresponding profiles. Focal, increased uptake relative to surrounding tissue is classified as a positive study through the profile index. In every case scintigraphic results are compared with histological findings. CONCLUSION: Breast scintigraphy seems to be a very promising alternative imaging technique, especially, where mammography proves to be non-diagnostic. Image processing techniques improve both the specificity and the sensitivity of the technique. One of our near future goals is to classify the grade of malignancy through the technique of image processing in breast scintigraphy. - SlidesSat, 01 May 2010 10:07:03 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-973In-111 Octreotide infusion, via intrahepatic catheterization is well established technique in our Institution in hepatocellular carcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors treatments. In order to facilitate repetitive infusions of our patients, a method, of implanted ports use, gave a simpler therapeutic way but also improved therapy results. Our aim is to show that radiopharmaceutical fluid flow through implanted port is rich, the absorbed dose in the tumor increased for best therapy results. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Surgically implanted ports have been used in repetitive intra-arterial In-111 radiolabelled Octreotide infusions for 8 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and similarly 6 patients with neuroendocrine tumors in a continuous base since January 2007. A percutaneous implantation procedure facilitates safe and less invasive radiopharmaceutical infusions for the treatment. We have focused on the interventional techniques for percutaneous implantation of a vascular access device, consisting of an implantable port, to perform In-111 Octreotide infusions. Hepatic arterial infusion radiotherapy employs a hepatic artery catheter as a conduit to achieve a high concentration of radiolabelled agent to liver tumors. It is performed using less-invasive percutaneous image guided procedures. Various techniques were used to ensure high concentration of radiopharmaceutical in liver tumors as there are many anatomical hepatic arterial variations and complicated blood flow patterns. These techniques are composed of arterial redistribution by embolization, percutaneous catheter placement and evaluation and management of flow patterns that reflect In-111 octreotide distribution. Using fluid flow theory we describe details of the alteration of blood flow by first pass embolization that can be performed to obtain selective radiopharmaceutical distribution to the target area and to avoid side effects caused by the accumulation of the radiolabelled agent into non tumor areas. By steady, laminar and disturbed flow equations we explain the rich distribution of our agent in the scintigraphic imaging of the tumor by the implanted ports technique. RESULTS: The factors affecting hepatic arterial flow in tumor feeding artery were analysed. The patency rate of the hepatic artery was significantly higher in patients with catheter placement using fixed port method than those undergo fully interventional catheterization. CONCLUSION: We consider that in continuous therapy, it is important to use the simplest fixed port method for percutaneous catheter placement instead of interventional catheterization, in order to increase absorbed dose into tumor for best response to radionuclide therapy. - SlidesWed, 28 Apr 2010 18:15:38 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-972Aim: This study deals with estimating the uptake of In-111 Octreotide by somatostatin receptor positive tumors, when contrast micro bubbles are inserted and ultrasound is applied to the area. Our aim is to improve the action of Auger and Internal Conversion Electron Emission of In-111 by augmenting its cell internalization by the In-111 Octreotide increment after sonoporation into the tumoricidal tissue. Ultrasound interaction with microbubbles provokes them to oscillate, resonate and eventually to be disrupted by the ultrasound energy. Liver displays a strong affinity for taking up the microbubbles. Methods: 29 patients, suffering of neuroendocrine tumors, were treated by In-111 Octreotide, through hepatic artery catheterization radionuclide infusion. Scintigraphic images of the tumor area were taken after the administration of the radiopharmaceutical. 18 hrs post infusion 2,4ml contrast agent Sonovue was injected i.v. in a concentration of 45mgr per ml followed by flash of 5ml sodium chloride. A 2nd dosage repeated 10 min later. In sonovue, gas used is Sulphur HexaFluoride and is contained in a phospholipids surface layer. The bubble behaves isothermally, but its radius violently changes and its coating controls the way in which respond to ultrasound. Ultrasound beam of an HDI-ATL 3000 system and a broadband convex transducer 2- 4 MHz frequency and a max pulse repetition frequency 0.05%, operating at maximal Mechanical Index 0.9-1, was applied externally to the treatment area for a total time of 12 to 16 minutes. Restriction in the duration of ultrasound examination was necessary due to the In-111 radiation burden of the examiner. A series of scintigraphic images was obtained after the described procedure. Uptake measurements were performed to the images taken before and after the ultrasound application in order to explore the differences on the relative activity and the target area In-111 redistribution. Results: Enhancement and pattern differentiation of the mean counts on tumoricidal ROIS after sonoporation were estimated. This shows induced acceleration of intracellular motion of the receptors in the tumor compared to that before the microbubbles – ultrasound application. The internalization increment seems to be directly analogue to the duration of the treatment. Conclusion: Adjunctive tumour treatment with the radionuclide In-111-Octreotide and ultrasound activated contrast micro bubbles is more effective than simple In-111-Octreotide infusion. Microbubbles sonoporation for cell permeabilization enhancement leads to a statistical significant peptide internalization increase, for the benefit of the treated patient. - SlidesTue, 27 Apr 2010 10:23:00 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-969IMPORTANT POINTS to maintain the integrity of PFM..Weakness of Pelvic Floor Muscle can cause SUI ..- SlidesThu, 15 Apr 2010 23:06:40 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-968PowerPoint Presentation on Hysterectomy-Modulating factor of Osteoarthritis in WomenSat, 10 Apr 2010 10:00:37 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-967PowerPoint Presentation on Ocular angiostrongyliasis: clinical study of three casesFri, 09 Apr 2010 21:45:13 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-966The ability of a simple sweeping method, coupled to calibration factors, to accurately estimate the total numbers of Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) pupae in water-storage containers (20-6412-liter capacities at different water levels) throughout their main dengue virus transmission temperature range was evaluated. Using this method, one set of three calibration factors were derived that could accurately estimate the total Ae. aegypti pupae in their principal breeding sites, large water-storage containers, found throughout the world. No significant differences were obtained using the method at different altitudes (14-1630 m above sea level) that included the range of temperatures (20-30 degrees C) at which dengue virus transmission occurs in the world. In addition, no significant differences were found in the results obtained between and within the 10 different teams that applied this method; therefore, this method was extremely robust. One person could estimate the Ae. aegypti pupae in each of the large water-storage containers in only 5 min by using this method, compared with two people requiring between 45 and 90 min to collect and count the total pupae population in each of them. Because the method was both rapid to perform and did not disturb the sediment layers in these domestic water-storage containers, it was more acceptable by the residents, and, therefore, ideally suited for routine surveillance purposes and to assess the efficacy of Ae. aegypti control programs in dengue virus-endemic areas throughout the world. - SlidesFri, 09 Apr 2010 15:49:44 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-965PowerPoint Presentation on Assessment of locomotor system in women Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:01:42 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-964PowerPoint Presentation on Body composition in spinal cord injured menMon, 05 Apr 2010 05:46:13 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-960Aim. To investigate the dose-response effect of humic acid (HA) on the Quantification Real Time PCR (QRT-PCR) inhibition and the efficiency of Taq polymerase increment in preventing inhibition by HA in DNA extracted from ancient bones. Methods. DNA had been isolated from bone samples and DNA quantification was conducted with the real-time 5’ exonuclease detection assay (TaqMan?), using the ABI PRISM? 7000 instrument from Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA USA. Results. The addition 10 - 75 ng of synthetic HA (Fluka) can inhibit QRT- PCR while the addition of 100 ng of synthetic HA completely inhibits QRT- PCR. The addition of 1.25 Unit (U) of Taq polymerase per assay appeared to be the optimum amount in overcoming the HA inhibition. The best results were obtained when crude DNA extracts containing humic substances were quantificated by QRT-PCR, with adding of 1.25 Unit (U) of extra Taq polymerase per assay. Conclusion. This modified procedure (increment of Taq polymerase) should allow more effective QRT-PCR analysis in samples containing HA. - SlidesMon, 29 Mar 2010 04:32:10 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-959In recent years, the uses of intelligent methods in biomedical studies are growing gradually. In this paper, a novel method for diabetes disease diagnosis using modified spline smooth support vector machine (MS-SSVM) is presented. To obtain optimal accuracy results, we used Uniform Design method for selection parameter. The performance of the method is evaluated using 10-fold cross validation accuracy, confusion matrix, sensitivity and specificity. The comparison with previous spline SSVM in diabetes disease diagnosis also was given. The obtained classification accuracy using 10-fold cross validation is 96.58%. The results of this study showed that the modified spline SSVM was effective to detect diabetes disease diagnosis and this is very promising result compared to the previously reported results- SlidesMon, 29 Mar 2010 02:43:21 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-954The objective of this study was to analyze the factors predicting length of stay in a stroke patient rehabilitation unit at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar. The medical rehabilitation data of 100 stroke patients discharged from a 15-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit (IPRU) were collected retrospectively from medical records during the period from September 2004 to April 2007. A questionnaire was developed, and variables included in the study were age of the patient, length of stay in acute care (LOSa), length of stay in rehabilitation (LOSr), functional independence measure on admission and discharge (FIMa and FIMd), modified disability scale, and modified mobility scale. Patients were grouped by impairments defined by cause as ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, and right or left body side deficit. A significant negative correlation was observed between LOSr and FIMa (r = –0.44, p = 0.00), and positive correlation between LOSr and LOSa (r = 0.37, p = 0.00). There was no correlation between LOSr and FIMd (r = –0.03, p = 0.76). We observed that low admission FIMa and FIMd were related to extended LOS in both acute and IPRU. Multivariate regression analysis was performed by taking age, LOSa, cause of hemorrhage or ischemia, and FIMa as independent variables, and LOSr as dependent variable. The model could explain only 26% variation for LOSr. This study supports the hypothesis of an association between LOSr, LOSa, and FIMa. Further research is needed to confirm the results of this and other similar studies. KEYWORDS: stroke, rehabilitation, length of stay, disability, mobility- SlidesMon, 08 Mar 2010 02:28:43 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-953PowerPoint Presentation on harvard reference systemFri, 05 Mar 2010 14:59:40 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-952Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A),the founding member of the vascular permeability factor(VPF)/VEGF family of proteins, is an important angiogenic cytokine with critical roles in tumor angiogenesis. This article reviews the literature with regard to VEGF-A’s multiple functions, the mechanisms by which it induces angiogenesis, and its current and projected roles in clinical oncology. VEGF-A is a multifunctional cytokine that is widely expressed by tumor cells and that acts through receptors(VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and neuropilin) that are expressed on vascular endothelium and on some other cells. It increases microvascular permeability, induces endothelial cell migration and division, reprograms gene expression, promotes endothelial cell survival, prevents senescence, and induces angiogenesis. Recently, VEGF-A has also been shown to induce lymphangiogenesis. Measurements of circulating levels of VEGF-A may have value in estimating prognosis,and VEGF-A and its receptors are potential targets for therapy. Recognized as the single most important angiogenic cytokine, VEGF-A has a central role in tumor biology and will likely have an important role in future approaches designed to evaluate patient prognosis. It may also become an important target for cancer therapy.- SlidesFri, 05 Mar 2010 13:55:07 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-950The objective of this study was to analyze the factors predicting length of stay in a stroke patient rehabilitation unit at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar. The medical rehabilitation data of 100 stroke patients discharged from a 15-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit (IPRU) were collected retrospectively from medical records during the period from September 2004 to April 2007. A questionnaire was developed, and variables included in the study were age of the patient, length of stay in acute care (LOSa), length of stay in rehabilitation (LOSr), functional independence measure on admission and discharge (FIMa and FIMd), modified disability scale, and modified mobility scale. Patients were grouped by impairments defined by cause as ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, and right or left body side deficit. A significant negative correlation was observed between LOSr and FIMa (r = –0.44, p = 0.00), and positive correlation between LOSr and LOSa (r = 0.37, p = 0.00). There was no correlation between LOSr and FIMd (r = –0.03, p = 0.76). We observed that low admission FIMa and FIMd were related to extended LOS in both acute and IPRU. Multivariate regression analysis was performed by taking age, LOSa, cause of hemorrhage or ischemia, and FIMa as independent variables, and LOSr as dependent variable. The model could explain only 26% variation for LOSr. This study supports the hypothesis of an association between LOSr, LOSa, and FIMa. Further research is needed to confirm the results of this and other similar studies. KEYWORDS: stroke, rehabilitation, length of stay, disability, mobility- SlidesThu, 04 Mar 2010 00:35:07 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-949Abstract Considering the currently increased incidence, prevalence and survival of prostate cancer, the management of hot flashes associated with LH-RH analog treatment must be taken into account. The most widely used and effective treatment is hormone replacement, though the latter is not without risks. It is presently possible to address hot flushes in these patients based on a broad range of treatment options in which hormone therapy may constitute a last option, due to the risk of tumour relapse or progression – since prostate cancer is hormone sensitive. The present study reviews the currently used treatments and hygiene-dietary measures that may help reduce the symptoms. A review is made of both hormonal and nonhormonal therapies, based on the existing scientific evidence. Drugs such as the new antidepressants, gabapentin and clonidine may play an important role in the management of hot flashes. While the underlying mechanisms of action are varied, they are related to the complex feedback exerted by the sexual hormones upon the hypothalamic secretion of noradrenaline – this being the principal etiological factor of hot flashes. Keywords: Prostate carcinoma, hot flashes/flushes, hormone deprivation, treatment, antidepressants, clonidine, gabapentin, hormone replacement therapy.- SlidesThu, 25 Feb 2010 11:38:59 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-948Abstract Hot flashes and perspiration are common problems during androgen deprivation therapy for prostate carcinoma, and greatly contribute to an impaired quality of life of patients. Different hypotheses have been proposed to explain the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, all of them highly complex, basically because of the multiple causal factors involved. The purpose of this review is to provide a pondered and updated perspective of the origin of hot flashes and perspiration in such patients. Negative feedback of plasma sex hormones on hypothalamic norepinephrine and serotonin secretion appears to be the main cause. Direct action of these mechanisms upon the LHRHproducing hypothalamic center located close to the thermoregulatory center, together with shortening of the thermoneutral range, would also play a role. An improved understanding of the causative mechanism may help improve the treatment of such symptoms. Keywords: Prostate carcinoma, hot flashes, hormone deprivation.- SlidesThu, 25 Feb 2010 11:37:22 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-947Abstract Because of the increasing importance of prostatic carcinoma in developed societies, the benefit-harm of treatments provided for this condition should be carefully considered. Extensive knowledge is currently required because of the increasingly complex therapeutic approach to prostatic carcinoma. Androgen deprivation plays a major role in this condition. Treatment of resulting toxicity such as hot flashes, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, cognitive disorders, etc. acquires an increasing interest. Drug treatment of hot flashes requires hormone management that is not free from oncological risk and also has a non-negligible toxicity. Antidepressants play a significant role in nonhormonal treatment for this condition. Trazodone, a SARI antidepressant (serotonin-2 antagonists/reuptake inhibitors) with a more selective action profile on receptors implicated in hot flashes, could have a great interest. Trazodone shows a great affinity for 5-HT2A receptors and a moderate affinity for 5-HT1A receptors. As known, serotonin (5-hydroxytriptamine or 5-HT) levels are decreased in postmenopausal women, and are normalized by replacement therapies. This suggests that sudden deprivation of sexual hormones leads to a decreased serotonin circulation, with the resultant increase in its hypothalamic 5-HT2A receptors. These receptors would be involved in the pathogenesis of hot flashes, and their blockade is one of the main therapeutic measures. Use of trazodone to increase serotonin concentrations and block the 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A may be considered as a new approach more consistent with the physiopathology of hot flashes. Well conducted comparative studies are required to ascertain its effectiveness. Other pending questions would be the adequate doses and the most effective treatment duration for controlling hot flashes. Keywords: Prostatic carcinoma. Hot flashes. Hormone deprivation. Treatment. Antidepressants. Trazodone. 5-HT2A receptors.- SlidesThu, 25 Feb 2010 11:24:04 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-946PowerPoint Presentation on Low-dose Computed Tomography Screening for Lung Cancer and Pleural Mesothelioma in an Asbestos Exposed Population Wed, 24 Feb 2010 01:12:29 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-945Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are undifferentiated germ cells in embryos. We previously found that some mouse PGCs develop into pluripotential cells (EG cells) when cultured on a feeder layer expressing the membrane bound form of Steel factor with culture medium containing LIF and bFGF. To understand the mechanisms of the conversion of PGCs into EG cells, we attempted to identify PGC subpopulations that have the ability to develop into EG cells. Using flow cytometry, we fractionated PGCs by the expression of the cell surface antigen integrin a6, as well as by the detection of side-population (SP) cells in which stem cells are enriched in various tissues. PGCs with negative or low integrin a6 expression and with SP cell phenotype showed higher potential to convert to EG cells. Negative or low integrin a6 expression in PGCs was also correlated with lower expression of Ddx4, which is specifically expressed in PGCs after E10.5. The results indicate that the primitive PGC population showing the SP cell phenotype among undifferentiated PGCs have higher ability to be converted into EG cells. Thus, conversion of PGCs into pluripotential stem cells may be regulated by being influenced by the natural status of individual PGCs as well as the reprogramming process after starting culture.- SlidesWed, 24 Feb 2010 00:51:48 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-944Organic matter stabilization in soil is generally recognized to occur by physical protection or by chemical and biochemical stabilization. Chemical stabilization occurs as a result of chemical or physico-chemical binding to soil mineral surfaces. The term biochemical stabilization refers to the biotic or abiotic production of organic substances which are resistant to decomposition by microorganisms and which induce, through condensation and complex formation the stabilization of otherwise easily decomposable substrates. Under natural conditions, humic substances normally accumulate in soil under cool temperate climates. Mineralization of humic substances is very slow, because they are not composed of a regular sequence of repeating subunits. However, there is evidence that they are metabolised by the biomass and can be degraded co-metabolically by a variety of soil microrganisms. However, humic substances represent without any doubt, the largest and most persistent pool of biochemically stabilized soil organic C. Biochemical stabilization has received comparatively less attention, probably because there have been relatively few attempts to correlate analytical fractions and laboratory incubations with conceptual model C pools. In this work, labile, non humified organic matter (NH) and four fractions of humic substances (HS), obtained by sequential extraction of soil organic matter (SOM), corresponding to biochemically stabilised (free fulvic acid, FA, and humic acids, HA) and chemically plus biochemically stabilised (bound FA and HA), were extracted from soils of different organic C inputs and characterized by 13C NMR and isotope analysis. Our aim was to better understand the dynamics of C sequestration/decomposition and the role of the soil microbial biomass in these processes. - SlidesTue, 23 Feb 2010 03:26:12 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-943Why can we hold only about seven independent items in mind – the so called “magical number seven”? Are our brains too small to do more at once? But perhaps our working memory capacity had to evolve small, because of something fundamental about how thinking works. Working memory may have to adjust its parameters of reference to time and space to different scales, depending on the cognitive task at hand. A related issue: while we are thinking, remembering, deciding what to do, exactly what are our brain waves doing? Can an understanding of harmonics help? And what topological patterns might underlie working memory activations of the cortex? This presentation summarizes these theoretical ideas as well as empirical research carried out at Lake Forest College, which suggests that working memory remains constant across many species, including humans, largely independently of brain size.- SlidesThu, 18 Feb 2010 17:24:35 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-942This paper presents a proof-of-concept design of a patient monitoring solution for Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It is end-to-end standards-based, using ISO/IEEE 11073 (X73) in the bedside environment and EN13606 to communicate the information to an Electronic Healthcare Record (EHR) server. At the bedside end a plug-and-play sensor network is implemented, which communicates with a gateway that collects the medical information and sends it to a monitoring server. At this point the server transforms the data frame into an EN13606 extract, to be stored on the EHR server. The presented system has been tested in a laboratory environment to demonstrate the feasibility of this end-to-end standards-based solution.- SlidesWed, 17 Feb 2010 14:59:44 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-941PowerPoint Presentation on Biliary complications of liver transplantationFri, 12 Feb 2010 03:22:33 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-940GUIDELINES ON QUALITY CONTROL FOR NUCLEAR MEDICINE INSTRUMENTATION Dr M Lyra, Dr R Klett, Dr W B Tindale In diagnostic nuclear medicine, the quality assurance objective is the provision of high quality, reproducible data which provides the required clinical information with the smallest radiation burden to the patient. Quality assurance programmes must ensure the most effective use of available equipment and must ensure that processes are in place to minimise clinical risk. Our guidelines focus on the quality control (QC) procedures used in nuclear medicine with a special focus on new, sophisticated, digital technologies. Routinely, quality control procedures are required to ensure that nuclear medicine equipment is functioning correctly. These quality control tests are intended to detect problems of the systems before they impact on clinical patient studies. They are not intended to provide a full evaluation of equipment performance. Further tests may be required to trace the cause of the problem and to ensure that the equipment is performing properly after service or adjustment. The first part of our presentation describes the aims and rationale of the recommended quality control procedures. In particular, it attempts to provide background information on the reasons for performing particular procedures and the types of problems detected. It defines measurement parameters and their influence on the resulting images or measurements. An understanding of the potential impact of system performance aberrations is a prerequisite for implementing an effective quality control program. Secondly, reference will be made to general procedures for carrying out the recommended quality control tests. These can be used as a basis for developing detailed protocols for individual makes and models of equipment. Recommendations are provided on the frequency of the quality control tests. As the frequency of tests depends on the equipment, criteria are provided for selecting appropriate test frequencies. It is imperative that quality control procedures are carried out in a consistent manner (for example, same collimator, orientation, activity, energy window width etc) and the quality control settings and results are recorded to enable meaningful comparisons to be made over time. Proper record keeping greatly facilitates detection of gradual deterioration of performance over an extended period of time, by analyzing the results for degradation and initiating corrective action when necessary. A baseline set of quality control results should be recorded, after installation and acceptance testing, to serve as a reference for the life of the equipment. Several parameters associated with a scanner system are critical to good quality image formation and in many cases are interdependent. A summarized reference of the quality control tests that must be performed follows: 1. Calibration procedures for planar gamma camera a. Gamma ray spectra and pulse height analysis b. Energy Resolution c. System sensitivity d. Uniformity (intrinsic, extrinsic) e. Collimator performance f. Linearity-Spatial Resolution 2. SPECT gamma camera quality control a. Center of rotation b. High count field uniformity requirements c. Energy correction and spatial coordinates; d. Pixel calibration e. Reconstruction of phantom studies 3. Multi-detector gamma camera a. Detector alignment b. SPECT /511keV coincidence calibration 4. PET system quality control a. Daily blank scan, Normalization scan b. Photon detection/discrimination c. Resolution requirements d. Scatter reaction, Count loss, Randoms measurement e. Sensitivity, Deadtime loss f. Random count correction accuracy g. Well counter (absolute activity) calibration h. Glucometer QA by high & low standards 5. Hybrid PET/CT system a. System alignment calibration b. CT system QA (scanning parameters-mA, kVp, helical scanning). Practices are encouraged to call on the advice of experienced nuclear medicine physicists to draw up detailed QC protocols for their specific equipment based on the guidelines presented here. Advances in medicine occur at a rapid rate. The date of a guideline should always be considered in determining its current applicability. - SlidesThu, 11 Feb 2010 17:22:28 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-939Sympathoadrenal (SA) cell lineage encompasses neural crest derivatives such as sympathetic neurons, small intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells of sympathetic ganglia and adrenal medulla, and chromaffin cells of adrenal medulla and extra-adrenal paraganglia. SA autografts have been used for transplantation in Parkinson's disease (PD) for three reasons: (i) as autologous donor tissue avoids graft rejection and the need for immunosuppressant therapy, (ii) SA cells express dopaminotrophic factors such as GNDF and TGFbetas, and (iii) although most of SA cells release noradrenaline, some of them are able to produce and release dopamine. Adrenal chromaffin cells were the first SA transplanted cells in both animal models of PD and PD patients. However, these autografts have met limited success because long-term cell survival is very poor, and this approach is no longer pursued clinically. Sympathetic neurons from the superior cervical ganglion have been also grafted in PD animal models and PD patients. Poor survival into brain parenchyma of grafted tissue is a serious disadvantage for its clinical application. However, cultured sympathetic cell grafts present a better survival rate, and they reduce the need for levodopa medication in PD patients by facilitating the conversion of exogenous levodopa. SA extra-adrenal chromaffin cells are located on paraganglia (i.e., the Zuckerkandl's organ), and have been used for grafting in a rodent model of PD. Preliminary results indicate that long-term survival of these cells is better than for other SA cells, exerting a more prolonged restorative neurotrophic action on denervated host striatum. The ability of SA extra-adrenal cells to respond to hypoxia, differently to SA sympathetic neurons or adrenal medulla cells, could explain their good survival rate after brain transplantation.- SlidesThu, 11 Feb 2010 09:04:22 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-938Educational models and challenges regarding the education of professionals in SLP and Audiology apt to work in the Brazilian reality. - SlidesThu, 11 Feb 2010 08:35:50 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-937Prior field studies and modelling analyses have individually highlighted the importance of age-specific and spatial heterogeneities on the risk for schistosomiasis in human populations. As long-term, large-scale drug treatment programs for schistosomiasis are initiated in subSaharan Africa and elsewhere, optimal strategies for timing and distribution of therapy have yet to be fully defined on the working, district-level scale, where strong heterogeneities are often observed among sublocations. Based on transmission estimates from recent field studies, we develop an extended model of heterogeneous schistosome transmission for distributed human and snail population clusters and age-dependent behaviour, based on a ‘mean worm burden+snail infection prevalence’ formulation. We analyse its equilibria and basic reproduction patterns and their dependence on the underlying transmission parameters. Our model allows the exploration of chemotherapybased control strategies targeted at high-risk behavioural groups and localities, and the approach to an optimal design in terms of cost. Efficacy of the approach is demonstrated for a model environment having linked, but spatially-distributed, populations and transmission sites.- SlidesTue, 09 Feb 2010 10:08:24 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-936OBJECTIVES: It is believed that the age of menarche may be related to polymorphisms in the genes involved in estrogen biosynthesis. A candidate gene is CYP 17 encoding cytochrome P450 c17alpha, which mediates activity of steroid 17-hydroxylase and 17,20-lyase. A single base-pair change (T-->C) in the promoter region of CYP 17 creates a polymorphic variant with an additional SP-1 transcription factor binding site. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between CYP 17 gene polymorphism and the age of menarche. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group was composed of 124 healthy Caucasian girls inhabiting the Lublin region (Poland). The observation had began from prepubertal period, thus allowing for the age of menarche to be recorded precisely. CYP 17 polymorphism was assessed with RLFP-PCR using Msp Al restriction endonuclease. An allele with the respective restriction site was designated as A2, whereas one resistant to restriction enzyme as A1. RESULTS: The following frequency of CYP 17 genotypes has been observed: A1/A1-36 (29.0%), A1/A2-67 (54.0%) and A2/A2-21 (17.0%). The mean age of menarche for these three genotypes did not differ significantly and was: A1/A1-13.14+/-0.92, A1/A2-12.93+/-1.04 and A2/A2-13.40+/-0.91 years, although later age of first menstrual period in carriers of A2/A2 genotype compared with carriers of A1/A2 was nearly statistically significant (p=0.058). The distribution of CYP 17 genotypes in groups of girls with onset of menarche before and after thirteenth year of age did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: The age of menarche in population of Polish girls is not associated with the polymorphism of CYP 17 gene.- SlidesSun, 07 Feb 2010 15:03:13 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-935Purpose: To examine the immediate effect of ocular rubbing on corneal topography. Methods: Corneal topography and analysis were performed before, immediately and 5 minutes after eyelid rubbing in 29 volunteers without ocular disease. Results: Surface regularity index increased from a baseline of 0.24 to 0.91 (p<0.0001) immediately after rubbing and returned to baseline after 5 minutes. Surface asymmetry index increased from 0.27 to 0.89 (p=0.0018) immediately after rubbing. There was a small amount of astigmatism induced immediately by rubbing (0.5 diopter) (p=0.01). Conclusions: Ocular rubbing should be avoided prior to a standard corneal topography. The increased surface regularity index may reflect the alterations of the tear film and/or the molding of the corneal surface. - SlidesSun, 31 Jan 2010 02:26:11 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-934Background: It is currently unclear which patients with breast cancer with sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastases do not need axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Patients and methods: A cohort of 1132 women who had unilateral invasive breast cancer with clinically negative nodes or nodes suspicious for metastasis, were intra-operatively diagnosed as having negative SLNs, and did not undergo an immediate ALND. Our intra-operative histological investigation uses H&E staining of a frozen section from a maximum cut surface of each SLN. Of these 1132 women, 132 (11.7%) were post-operatively diagnosed as having positive SLNs, which classifies them as having an intra-operative, false-negative SLN biopsy (SLNB). Patient and tumor characteristics, treatment methods, and the prognoses of these patients were investigated and compared with the remaining 1000 patients who were negative for SLNB. Results: Of the 132 patients with intra-operative, false-negative SLNB, none underwent a further ALND. With a median follow-up period of 58.1 months, none of these patients exhibited recurrence in the axillary nodes. Their recurrence-free survival rates were not statistically different from those of patients with negative SLNB. Conclusions: ALND can be avoided in most patients with breast cancer with intra-operative, false-negative SLNB.- SlidesSat, 30 Jan 2010 22:53:03 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-933PowerPoint Presentation on Medicine and Literature: a frequent elective affinityFri, 29 Jan 2010 11:59:09 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-928A novel mesoporous material covalently bonded with 8-hydroxyquinoline (HQ) was synthesized (designated as Q–SBA-15). The 5-formyl-8-hydroxyquinoline grafted to (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane, that is, alkoxysilane modified 8-hydroxyquinoline (Q-Si), was used as one of the precursors for the preparation of the Q–SBA-15 material. Based on the other function of the Q-Si of coordinating to lanthanide (Ln) ions, for the first time, the LnQ3 complexes (Ln = Er, Nd, Yb) have been covalently bonded to the SBA-15 materials. The derivative materials, denoted as LnQ3–SBA-15, were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption-desorption, and fluorescence spectra. Upon excitation at the ligands absorption bands, all these materials show the characteristic near-infrared (NIR) luminescence of the corresponding lanthanide ions through the intramolecular energy transfer from the ligands to the lanthanide ions. The NIR-luminescence of these mesoporous materials was compared with that of the corresponding pure LnQ3 complexes and discussed in detail.- SlidesFri, 29 Jan 2010 03:54:05 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-927Endosteal hyperostosis was encountered in a 26-year-old-man and his 6-month-old daughter. Both the father and his daughter presented with fractures. Odontoid process hyperplasia, and progressive sclerosis of the posterior spinal elements, was the other significant features. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical report describing distinctive spinal changes in association with fractures and endosteal hyperostosis.- SlidesThu, 28 Jan 2010 06:12:54 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-926Four cone resorc[4]arene octamethyl ethers tetrafunctionalized at the feet with valyl-leucine and leucyl-valine methyl esters have been synthesized. These compounds, obtained by conjugation of macrocycle tetracarboxylic acid chlorides with the appropriate terminal amino groups of the above dipeptides, are N-linked peptidoresorc[4]arenes. We found that these macrocycles (M) are capable of recognizing the homologue dipeptides as guests (G), both in solution and in the gas phase, by forming relatively stable host-guest complexes, resistant to chromatographic purification but not to heating. Complexation phenomena between M and G in solution were investigated by NMR methods, including NMR DOSY experiments, for the detection of translational diffusion. Heteroassociation constants of 2030 and 186 M-1 were obtained by the Foster-Fyfe method for the homochiral and heterochiral complexes, respectively, the latter being comparable to the self-association constant of dipeptide itself. Conversely, the structural features of the proton-bound complexes generated in the gas phase by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), were investigated by collision-induced dissociation (CID) experiments. In both cases, the four N-linked peptidoresorc[4]arenes were shown to act as synthetic receptors and to recognize the homologue dipeptide by means of hydrogen bonds.- SlidesThu, 28 Jan 2010 05:06:29 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-925PowerPoint Presentation on Telediagnosis and face-to-face diagnosis reliability formelanocytic and non melanocytic ‘pink’ lesions Sun, 24 Jan 2010 15:40:56 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-924About the intolerance to smokers.- SlidesThu, 21 Jan 2010 05:30:58 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-923The “Smoke-Free Class Competition” programme stems from a theory of the consequences of cultural and social miming in the onset of smoking addiction: it initiates non-smokers’ active encouragement in supporting a non-smoking environment in class groups of teenagers....- SlidesThu, 21 Jan 2010 04:44:18 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-921INTRODUCTION: Development of surgical treatment of otosclerotic stapes fixation is one of the success stories of otology during the past five decades. Nowadays not only stapedectomy and partial stapedectomy but stapedotomy can also be considered a well established otological procedure. AIM: To introduce this minimally inasive surgical technique into the Hungarian otolaryngology practice, to gain useful experiences, and to analize the hearing improvements and postoperative complications. METHODS: The authors give account their first clinical experiences with 14 patients with KTP laser assisted stapedotomies using the self-crimping Nitinol piston. A total of 14 patients (11 females, 3 males) who has undergone the procedure between March 2006 and April 2007 were reviewed. The average age of the patients was 42,2 years, 6 procedures were carried out on left ears and 8 on right ones. The averge lenght of follow-up was 9 months (ranged from 6 weeks to 1 year). RESULTS: Pure tone audiograms documented a hearing threshold improvement of 21,5 dB averaged across 0,5-1-2-3 kHz frequencies. The air-bone gap improvement averaged on the same frequencies was 18,7 dB. After an average 9 months postoperative follow-up period, the average air-bone gap was < 10 dB in 85 % of the patients, however < 20 dB in 100 % of the patients. As for the average air conduction result: it was < 30 dB in each patints exept one. In this series, neither facial nerve paresis nor high frequency deterioration of the bone conduction thresholds was reported in the postoperative follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the authors’ favourable experiences and the review of the literature, KTP laser assisted stapedotomy with the use of Nitinol piston has several advantages: 1) the laser- activated memory effect of the piston prevents the disadvantages of the crimping manouvre made around the long process of the incus; 2) vertigo, experienced in the early postoperative periode is milder and takes shorter time, reducing the lenghs of hospitalisation; 3) the procedure is cost-effective and minimally-invasive; 4) application of KTP laser assures bloodless operating field and minimal cochlear trauma; 5) migration of the prosthesis can be prevented, the degree of the surrounding granulation is less; 6) high frequency hearing improvement can be achieved on the long run; 7) the frequency and seriousness of complications is less, therefore this technique can be reccommended for unexperienced ear surgeons too; 8) the procedure can be used in difficult situations too, e.g : in the presence of stapedial artery, obliterative otosclerosis, flooting footplate, abnormal position of the facial nerve in the middle ear, revision cases; 9) the interindividual differences of hearing results are much less. Based on their favourable initial experiences, the authors plan to conduct a long-term follow-up on greater number of patients. - SlidesThu, 21 Jan 2010 02:01:37 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-919Bacterial transposons are known to move to new genomic sites using either a replicative or a conservative mechanism. The behaviour of transposon Tn5 is anomalous....- SlidesWed, 20 Jan 2010 21:53:06 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-918Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 tat- and tat/nef-defective Genomes Containing HIV-Regulated Diphtheria Toxin A Chain Gene Inhibit HIV Replication- SlidesWed, 20 Jan 2010 21:43:53 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-917New information from a survey of truffles carried 12 out in southern part of Poland in September 2007 is pre- 13 sented. The fruit bodies of Tuber aestivum, T. excavatum, 14 T. rufum and one unidentified Tuber sp. were found. The 15 soil chemistry of the five T. aestivum sites was analysed. 16 Our inventory showed that T. aestivum prefers the mixed 17 forest with host-trees such as: Quercus robur, Corylus 18 avellana, Carpinus betulus, Fagus silvaticus and Tilia 19 cordata. Selection of local inocula of T. aestivum for the 20 propagation of truffles production could be an alternative to 21 the Mediterranean truffles orchards in times when demand 22 for the fungi will be increasing. Fruit bodies of truffles are 23 conserved in the collection of biological material in the 24 Forest Research Institute in Sekocin Stary - SlidesWed, 20 Jan 2010 02:39:04 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-915This study shows a new concept of Atrial Fibrillation physiopathology providing understanding of several types of AF and of the AF substratum even in normal heart. These new concepts allow AF ablation during sinus rhythm with high success rates even in persistent and permanent AF. - SlidesTue, 19 Jan 2010 20:47:31 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-9131. In what sense can we harm the dead? 2. What are the justificatory arguments for employing family or parental consent for medical research on dead relatives? Areas of agreement, controversy, growing points of interest and areas timely for developing research: The controversy surrounding harm in relation to research on dead bodies largely depends on how dead people are perceived. That is, 1. As Cadavers 2. As Ante-mortem persons 3. By Significant others Controversy over whether we need to have consent from significant others (bereaved relatives) depends on the weight we give to the bereaved and their experience of the dead. Understanding this is timely in developing research and is relevant to the issue of consent around organ donation for transplants. Keywords: body snatching • Alder Hey and Bristol Public Inquiries • post-mortem harm • ante-mortem harm • parental and informed consent- SlidesTue, 19 Jan 2010 05:06:33 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-910Limited functional capacity has an important negative predictive value both in normal subjects and in patients with heart disease. In heart failure patients the improvement in physical capacity produces an increase in survival and a reduction in morbidity and hospital admission. The main cause of physical capacity reduction in heart failure elderly patients is represented by structural modifications of peripheral muscles and reduced vasodilating capacity of perimuscular vessels. Physical training induces a regression of these alterations, restore endothelial function and has favorable effects on left ventricular diastolic function and on ventilatory alterations. Data on the effects of physical training in older patients with heart failure are numerically limited, but it is possible to affirm that a minimum of 20 min of physical training for 3 days a week at 40% of maximal effort capacity are able to produce beneficial effects. Physical training in patients with heart failure, also in advanced age, is safe, has to be encouraged, and induces a significant improvement in quality of life and survival.- SlidesTue, 19 Jan 2010 02:40:44 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-907PowerPoint Presentation on Infection Control and the Immunocompromised HostTue, 19 Jan 2010 00:10:02 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-906The composition of some surface waxes in three apple (Malus domestica L.) cultivars (‘Florina’, ‘Golden B’ and ‘Ozark Gold’) has been studied by means of spectroscopic and GC-MS analyses of the class fractionated mixture of components. Odd n-alkanes, mainly C27 and C29 molecules, are prevalent in the saturated fraction. Small concentrations of alkenes were also found: the C28:1 component is strongly (72%) in excess over the other 1-alkenes. Straight chain esters (mainly of palmitic acid) of saturated primary alcohols (C18-C30) were also detected: whereas the acyl moiety is made up essentially of even number of carbons, the alcohol counterpart does not exhibit this characteristic. Aldehydes are present (C20-C30) with the homologue patterns C26-C30 more strongly represented. Straight chain free secondary alcohols characterize the waxes of ‘Florina’ and ‘Ozark Gold’: the hydroxy function is located far from the extremity of the carbon framework; outstanding is the presence of 3 alcohols with 29 carbon centers. These alcohols are accompanied by free straight chain primary alcohols, mainly with even-numbered carbon chains in the range C26-C30. Free fatty acids are present: all of them exhibit a framework of even-numbered carbon chains mainly in the range C16-C20 and a good representation of C18:1 (oleic acid).- SlidesMon, 18 Jan 2010 07:45:19 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-903The United States has a unique oversight mechanism of the assisted reproductive technologies. This oversight involves federal and state regulation as well as professional guidelines. The purpose of oversight is to improve the standard of reproductive care while protecting individual patient autonomy and choice within a professional and ethical construct. - SlidesSun, 17 Jan 2010 16:31:27 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-902This article presents a model of why individuals experience the feeling of passionate love in intimate relationships. Previous models have been limited because they do not describe the purpose and function of passionate love, do not incorporate basic emotion and personality theory, or are not applicable to help couples in distress. The present model reinterprets and integrates previous findings. New predictions are made about the functioning of passionate love in relationships by hypothesizing a self-regulating, intimacy-seeking system that produces passionate love as its outcome. A self-regulation model proposed by Carver and Scheier in 1998 is the template on which this model is based. - SlidesSat, 16 Jan 2010 09:06:48 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-901This is a doctoral thesis about atherosclerosis process in the coronary vessels.- SlidesSat, 16 Jan 2010 07:46:54 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-900Four cases of tinea faciei that were observed at the department of Dermatology of Charles Nicolle Hospital of Tunis are reported. All patients were females aged 54 (patient 1), 38 (patient 2), 30 (patient 3) and 50 years (patient 4). . The lesions lasted respectively 1 year, 2 months, 4 months and 1 month. Tinea faciei was initially suspected in three patients while in the patient 2, eczema was initially suspected. She was first treated topically with corticosteroids leading to an exacerbation. By mycological examination Trichophyton rubrum was isolated in three patients, but was negative in patient 2. Three patients had recovered completely after one month of griseofulvin associated with topical terbinafine. Patient 3 was topically treated because she was pregnant. Erythematous lesions of the face have to be checked for fungi. - SlidesSat, 16 Jan 2010 03:04:11 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-899Two iterative methods for the calculation of double-phase holograms (DPHs) are described. The calculation of DPHs by any of these methods allows one to qualitatively reconstruct the amplitude and phase of a wavefront on a format up to 50% of the spatial size of a reconstruction order (in the previous methods, this format was <=35%). It is shown that the reconstruction can be realized in this case not only into the 0, +1, or -1 orders, as usual, but also into a half-order (+1/2 or -1/2). The diffraction efficiency of phase-only DPHs is also discussed. The results of numerical and optical experiments are presented.- SlidesFri, 15 Jan 2010 09:36:35 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-898Objective: To analyze the concordance between standard and modified NCEP-ATP-III criteria for identification of metabolic syndrome (MS) in outpatients with schizophrenia. Method: We used the sample from a cross-sectional study carried out to ascertain the prevalence of MS in schizophrenia. Kappa agreement and the symmetry Kendall’s tau-b coefficients were calculated in a post-hoc analysis, a long with McNemar test and logistic regression models. Results: The study enrolled 1,452 consecutive outpatients. MS was found in 24.6% (95%CI: 22.4%-26.8%) using the standard criteria and in 25.5% (23.2%-27.7%) using the modified criteria. Agreement was high; kappa 0.81 (p<0.0001) and tau-b 0.81 (p<0.0001), with a McNemar value of 0.2325. Kappa coefficients varied between 1.0 and 0.76 in subgroups according to sex, age-group, severity of disease, and duration of therapy. Conclusions: MS in outpatients with schizophrenia may be assessed by either the standard or the modified NCEP ATP III criteria without losing reliability. - SlidesFri, 15 Jan 2010 08:40:10 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-897The marginal mandibular nerve was studied post mortem in 50 human subjects. The nerve was found to be presented by one branch (32%), two branches (40%) and three branches (28%). The relationship of the nerve to the lower border of the mandible was variable: it was either totally above the lower border of the mandible (28%), below the mandible (44%) or in 28% of cases lying above and below it. The branch which lay below the lower border of the mandible crossed it opposite the masseter muscle or opposite the facial artery or else anterior to the facial artery. The branches which lay above the lower border of the mandible were always deep into the superficial layer of the parotid fascia, while below the mandible all the branches ran intrafascially. The termination of the nerve was always deep to the muscles of the lower lip. The results of the present study were discussed and correlated with the results of other authors from the anatomical and surgical points of view. It is concluded that the lower border of the mandible can serve as an important landmark to help avoid injury to the nerve; above it a subplatysmal flap is satisfactory but below it a subfascial flap is much safer.- SlidesThu, 14 Jan 2010 11:49:37 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-896The dynamics of chemical parameters in the Bulgarian Black Sea over the 1990s reflects the complex relations in the ecosystem itself and the influence of the Danube water discharge, which is a major climatic and anthropogenic factor for the Western Black Sea. Hydrological (temperatures, salinity) and hydrochemical (dissolved oxygen, oxygen saturation, nitrite nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen) data, collected during the period 1992–2000 in the 30-miles zone in front of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, up to 150 metres depth, were presented in the framework of the DANUBS project. Over 1990s gradually the winters were becoming warmer, the springs and autumns colder, and the summers short and hot. The long-term averages show spatially a minimum of salinity at 10 miles in front of Cape Galata, whereas in front of Cape Emine salinity gradually increases from the coast towards the 30-miles offshore. In the late 1990s, very low summer concentrations or even complete absence of inorganic nitrogen were recorded in front of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Seasonally, oxygen has varied in broad terms, however on average the surface waters were saturated or slightly oxygen super-saturated. Down on the vertical, there was a regular decrease of oxygen concentrations.- SlidesThu, 14 Jan 2010 03:42:48 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-895PowerPoint Presentation on The Incidence of clozapine-induced leukopenia in patients with schizophrenia at Srinagarind HospitalWed, 13 Jan 2010 10:59:34 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-894Background A careful analysis of the definition of knowledge translation highlights the importance of the judicious translation of research into practice and policy. There is however, a considerable gap between research and practice. Closing the research to practice gap involves changing clinical practice – a complex and challenging endeavour. There is increasing recognition that efforts to change practice should be guided by conceptual models or frameworks in order to better understand the process of change. Methods/Design We conducted a focused literature search, developed inclusion criteria to identify planned action theories and then extracted data from each theory to determine the origins; examine the meaning; judge the logical consistency; define the degree of generalizability and parsimony and testability. We conducted an analysis of the concepts found in each theory and used that to develop a set of action categories that form the phases of planned action. Results We identified 31 planned action theories that formed the basis of our analyses. We created an Access Database and a KT Theories User’s Guide which synthesizes all the planned change models/theories; identifies common elements of each and provides information on their use. Conclusions There are many planned change models and frameworks with many common elements and action categories. Whenever any planned change model is used, change agents should consider documenting their experiences with the model so as to advance understanding of how useful the model is and to provide information to others who are attempting a similar project. - SlidesWed, 13 Jan 2010 07:46:27 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-893The objective was to determine the conditions under which Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) is an efficient choice for data entry. In particular the focus was on data entry tasks that are part of constructing military messages. The ADF Formatted Messaging System utilises a structured formatting system to constrain the semantics of a message but also includes a field for unlimited and unstructured text. Hence the data entry tasks involved range from form-filling to free dictation of short phrases. In the experiments, ASR and manual input modes are compared for three data entry tasks: textual phrase entry, selection from a list, and numerical data entry. To effect fair comparisons, the tasks minimised the transaction cycle for each input mode and data type and the main comparisons use only times from correct data entry. The results indicate that for inputting short phrases ASR only competes if the typist’s speed is below 45wpm. For selecting an item from a list, ASR offered an advantage only if the list length was greater than 15 items. For entering numerical data, ASR offered no advantage over keypad or mouse. The general conclusion for formatted data entry is that a keyboard/mouse interface designed to match the data to be entered will be more time efficient than any equivalent ASR interface.- SlidesTue, 12 Jan 2010 17:40:32 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-892PowerPoint Presentation on Development of a rapid mismatch PCR method using Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:22:19 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-891Isolation of Arcobacter butzleri and A. cryaerophilus in Samples of Meats and from Meat-Processing Plants by a Culture Technique and Detection by PCR- SlidesTue, 12 Jan 2010 00:51:29 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-890Background: Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a public health problem in Mexico since 1994. With four serotypes circulating the risk of epidemic DHF is increasing. Methods: we describe the clinical features of confirmed cases in the social security health system (IMSS) from 1995 to 2003. Clinical picture and epidemiological features were compared and multivariate model was fitted to evaluate associations. Results: cases were divided into two groups: 438 patients with Dengue Fever (DF), including 109 cases with hemorrhagic manifestations (DFHM) without thrombocytopenia, and 977 cases with DHF, including 79 deaths. The main risk factors associated with mortality were hematemesis (RR 2.6; CI95% 1.4-4.6) and melena (RR 2.2; CI95% 1.2-3.7). Conclusions: results characterize the clinical profile of DHF cases in Mexico and identify prognostic factors to alert clinician for the prevention of a fatal evolution. - SlidesMon, 11 Jan 2010 14:30:33 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-889The rationale and methodology applied when starting from a laboratory synthesis with the aim to develop a viable manufacturing process for small molecule drug compounds.- SlidesMon, 11 Jan 2010 11:23:20 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-888The physiological and biochemical alterations observed in Littorina saxatilis infected by larval trematodes are discussed and compared with those in non-parasitized snails. Infected snails differed in oxygen consumption rate only in the middle size class (30 – 130 mg). Very large infected individuals (< 200 mg) did not differ in respiration from non-infected ones. Small snails ranging in shell height from 1 to 3 mm are very seldom infected by parasites, so this size class of snails was represented by only non-infected specimens. The specific oxygen consumption rate of infected snails did not depend on their mass and remained constant over the range of sizes of snails investigated. Possible alterations of snail metabolism are discussed in connection with injuries in tissues of the digestive gland caused by parasites. To reveal pathology in digestive gland function, the glycogen concentration and fatty acids of neutral lipids and phospholipids in the digestive gland were determined. Infected snails differed from uninfected snails in the complete absence of glycogen in digestive gland. Higher quantities of eicosenoic 20:1 acid in total phospholipids content of infected samples in comparison with control samples was observed. It remains unclear whether enzymes in the snail organ activate synthesis of 20:1 acid under the influence of parasites, or sporocysts themselves have these elongation enzymes synthesizing 20:1. Question about the role of fatty acids of phospholipids in regulation and maintenance of the parasite metabolism is touched. Observed biochemical alterations in fatty acid composition possibly have an adaptive significance, being directed to support host-parasite system stability. KEY WORDS: Littorina saxatilis · metabolism · trematode · digestive gland · phospholipids · fatty acids - SlidesMon, 11 Jan 2010 10:50:59 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-887Mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) and glomerulonephritis are the most important extrahepatic manifestations of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. MC is a non-neoplastic B cell lymphoproliferative process induced by HCV in an antigen-driven mechanism. The clinical expression of cryoglobulinemia varies from an indolent course to the development of systemic vasculitis. Glomerulonephritis is predominantly associated with MC, and almost always takes the form of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Treatment should be individualized on the basis of the severity of clinical symptoms. Antiviral therapy with interferon alpha and ribavirin may be successful in patients with mild-to-moderate disease, but sustained responses are uncommon. In case of severe and rapidly progressive disease, a short course of steroids and cytotoxic drugs (with or without plasmapheresis) may be needed to improve the vascular manifestations and decrease the production of cryoglobulins. Once the acute disease flare has been controlled, antiviral therapy may be administered to eradicate HCV. In patients in whom antiviral therapy is ineffective, contraindicated or not tolerated, rituximab, a monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody, may be an alternative to standard immunosuppression. - SlidesMon, 11 Jan 2010 10:09:14 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-886Many recent papers have deepened the state of knowledge about lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in fish gut. In spite of high variability in fish microbiota, LAB are sometimes abundant in the intestine, notably in freshwater fish. Several strains of Streptococcus are pathogenic to fish. S. iniae and Lactococcus garvieae are major fish pathogens, against which commercial vaccines are available. Fortunately, most LAB are harmless, and some strains have been reported for beneficent effects on fish health. A major step forward of the recent years was those converging evidences that LAB can stimulate the immune system in fish. An open question is whether viability can affect immunostimulation. The issue is crucial to commercialise live probiotics rather than inactivated preparations or extracts. There was a regain of interest in allochthonous strains used as probiotics for terrestrial animals or human, due to economical and regulatory constraints, but the short survival in seawater may limit application to marine fish. If viability is required, alternative treatments may be the incorporation of prebiotics in feed, and other dietary manipulations that could promote intestinal LAB. Antagonism to pathogens is the other main feature of candidate probiotics, and there are many reports concerning mainly carnobacteria and Enterococcus. Some bacteriocins were characterized, which may be of interest not only for aquaculture, but also for food preservation.- SlidesMon, 11 Jan 2010 06:01:36 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-885The importance of evaluation of an orthopedic operation such as hip or knee arthroplasty has long been recognized. Many definitions of outcome and scoring questionnaires have been used in the past to assess the outcome of joint replacement. However, these assessments are subjective and not accurate enough. In addition, orthopedic surgeons require now more subtle comparisons between potentially efficacious treatments (e.g. two types of prostheses). Therefore, the use of objective instruments that have a better sensitivity and specificity than traditional scoring systems is needed. Gait analysis is one of the most currently used instrumented techniques in this respect. However, a gait analysis system is accessible only in a few specialized laboratories, as it is complex, expensive, need a lot of room space and fixed devices, and not convenient for the patient. In this thesis, we proposed an ambulatory system based on kinematic sensors attached on the lower limbs to overcome the limitations of the previously mentioned techniques. Technically the device is portable, easily mountable, non-invasive, and capable of continuously recording data in long term without hindrance to natural gait. The goal was to provide gait parameters as a new objective method to assess Total Knee Replacement (TKR). New solutions to fusing the data of accelerometers and gyroscopes were proposed to accurately measure lower limbs orientations and joint angles. The methods propose a minimal sensor configuration with one sensor module mounted on each segment. The models consider anatomical aspects and biomechanical constraints. In the proposed techniques, the angles are found without the need for integration, so absolute angles can be obtained which are free from any source of drift. These data were then used to develop a gait analysis system providing spatio-temporal parameters, kinematic curves, and a visualization tool to animate the motion data as synthetic skeletons performing the same actions as the subjects. Moreover, a new algorithm was proposed for assessing and quantification of inter-joint coordination during gait. The coordination model captures the whole dynamics of the lower limbs movements and shows the kinematic synergies at various walking speeds. The model imposes a relationship among lower limb joint angles (hips and knees) to parameterize the dynamics of locomotion for each individual. It provides a coordination score at various walking speeds which is ranged between 0 and 10. An integration of different analysis tools such as Harmonic Analysis, Principal Component Analysis, and Artificial Neural Network helped overcome high-dimensionality, temporal dependence, and non-linear relationships of the gait patterns. In order to show the effectiveness of the proposed methods in outcome evaluation, we have considered a clinical study where the outcomes of two types of knee prostheses were compared. We conducted a randomized controlled study, including 54 patients, to assess TKR outcome between patients with fixed bearing and mobile bearing tibial plates of implants. The patients were tested preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Various statistical analyses were done to compare the outcomes of the two groups. Finally, we provided objective criteria, using ambulatory gait analysis, for assessing functional recovery following TKR procedure. We showed significant difference between the two groups where the standard clinical evaluation was unable to detect such a difference. - SlidesMon, 11 Jan 2010 05:07:01 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-884The aim of this study was to analyze the pedalling rate (PR) adopted by professional cyclists in different mountain passes. PR, heart rate (HR), velocity and power to overcome gravity were monitored during special (HM), 1st (M1), 2nd (M2) and 3rd (M3) category mountain passes. HM and M1 within high-mountain stages were classified into mountain passes before the final mountain pass of the stage (M-BF) and mountain passes placed in the final of the stage (M-F). PR was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in M3 (82 ± 1 rpm) than in M2 (75 ± 3 rpm), M1 (75 ± 2 rpm) and HM (73 ± 1 rpm). Both velocity and power output decreased in the following order: M3, M2, M1 and HM. Also, greater values (P < 0.05) were observed in M-BF (24.1 ± 0.8 km•h-1 and 308.5 ± 10.4 W) than in M-F (17.6 ± 0.9 km•h-1 and 270.1 ± 9.9 W). In addition, PR was higher (P < 0.05) in M-BF (79 ± 2 rpm) than in M-F (73 ± 1 rpm). In conclusion, PR was modified according to the characteristics and the race strategies adopted by the cyclists, thus the cyclists chose higher PR to improve their performance.- SlidesMon, 11 Jan 2010 04:49:01 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-883PURPOSE: To evaluate whether there is a relationship between steroid treatment and risk for osteonecrosis of the hip and knee in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hospital ethics committee approved the study, and all patients provided written informed consent. A total of 254 patients with confirmed SARS treated with steroids underwent evaluation with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for osteonecrosis. Clinical profiles, joint symptoms, relevant past medical and drug history, steroid dose, and radiographic and MR imaging evidence of osteonecrosis and other bone abnormalities were evaluated. Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Pearson exact chi(2) tests were performed, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-four (53%) of 254 patients had recent onset of large joint pain, but 211 (80%) of 264 painful joints were not associated with abnormality on MR images. MR images in 12 (5%) of 254 patients showed evidence of subchondral osteonecrosis in the proximal femur (n = 9), distal femur (n = 2), and proximal and distal femora and proximal tibiae (n = 1). Additional nonspecific subchondral and intramedullary bone marrow abnormalities were present in 77 (30%) of 254 patients. Results of multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed cumulative prednisolone-equivalent dose to be the most important risk factor for osteonecrosis. The risk of osteonecrosis was 0.6% for patients receiving less than 3 g and 13% for patients receiving more than 3 g prednisolone-equivalent dose. No relationship was found between additional nonspecific bone marrow abnormalities and steroid dose. CONCLUSION: An appreciable dose-related risk was found for osteonecrosis in patients receiving steroid therapy for SARS. Additional nonspecific bone marrow abnormalities were frequent. Joint pain was common after SARS infection and was not a useful clinical indicator of osteonecrosis. (c) RSNA, 2005. - SlidesMon, 11 Jan 2010 02:49:14 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-882PowerPoint Presentation on Prof.dr.sc.Mon, 11 Jan 2010 01:30:26 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-881Two iterative methods for the calculation of double-phase holograms(DPHs) are described. The calculation of DPHs by any of these methods allows one to qualitatively reconstruct the amplitude and phase of a wavefront on a format up to 50% of the spatial size of a reconstruction order.It is shown that the reconstruction can be realized in this case not only into the 0, +1, or -1 orders, as usual, but also into a half-order(+1/2 or -1/2). The diffraction efficiency of phase-only DPHs is also discussed. The result of numerical and optical experiments are presented. - SlidesSun, 10 Jan 2010 11:59:13 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-880turkish- SlidesSun, 10 Jan 2010 08:48:45 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-879The studies that explored the possible role of socioeconomic status (SES) in the prevalence of hypertension varied greatly in their results and were derived from small-scale populations. The aim of the current study was to assess the influence of SES on blood pressure in a large population of young adults. We studied 11,053 male Israel Defence Force officers who underwent periodic medical evaluation between 1991 and 1999. We calculated mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) by level of education and rank while adjusting for age, type of work, demographic variables and body mass index (BMI). The adjusted mean SBP was highest among officers of low rank (118.76 mmHg as compared to 114.84 mmHg among officers of high rank, p<0.001) with similar statistically significant trend for DBP. No differences in the means of SBP and DBP were observed between the categories of the level of education, but mean SBP was higher among office workers (117.17, as compared to 116.26 among physical workers, p=0.038). The partial Eta squared for rank, age and BMI were found to be 0.003, 0,008 and 0,066, respectively, for SBP and 0.002, 0.026 and 0.054, respectively, for DBP. In summary, low SES as reflected by low rank is associated with elevated blood pressure. Level of education does not correlate with blood pressure. An office work type is associated with higher blood pressure as well. However, these SES indicators are weak determinant of blood pressure compared to those of age and weight. - SlidesSat, 09 Jan 2010 02:11:48 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-878Adherence is a major problem in patients with chronic kidney disease. Patients can be nonadherent with different aspects of their treatment, which includes medications, treatment regimens, and dietary and fluid restrictions. Although many lessons have been learned from adherence research, the evidence of how to modify adherence is somewhat mixed. To minimize nonadherence, interventions need to focus on both patient factors and the extent to which relationships and system problems compromise the patient’s ability to adhere to medication and treatment plans. There continues to be a tendency to focus on the patient as the reason for problems with adherence, ignoring other factors such as the patient-health care provider relationships and the health care system that surrounds the patient. These latter factors can have a considerable effect on adherence. The nurse can develop a strong relationship of support with the patient, identify barriers, and offer strategies to help patients improve adherence.- SlidesFri, 08 Jan 2010 12:35:54 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-877PowerPoint Presentation on Characteristics of Patients Prescribed Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers, or the Combination at an Urban Medical CenFri, 08 Jan 2010 09:55:59 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-876This study was conducted to detect human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in young children hospitalized with acute bronchiolitis, using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Nasopharyngeal secretions were collected from 170 children between 1 and 24 months of age admitted to two tertiary hospitals in northeastern Thailand, between 2002 and 2004. Acute bronchiolitis was defined as the first episode of wheezing associated with tachypnea, increased respiratory effort and an upper respiratory tract in-fection. Two-thirds (115/170) were positive for viral etiologies: 64.7% RSV (110/170) and 3.5% hMPV (6/170). One patient had a dual infection. hMPV was detected between August and November, while RSV was prevalent from July through March. The clinical manifestations among the 6 hMPV, RSV and non-RSV-infected children were similar. RSV was the leading cause of acute bronchiolitis in young children and hMPV had a low prevalence in northeastern Thailand- SlidesThu, 07 Jan 2010 21:02:58 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-875PowerPoint Presentation on Variables to predict sinus rhythm maintenanceThu, 07 Jan 2010 08:37:33 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-874The statistical R.O.C. analysis method is commonly used to evaluate the efficacy of a single diagnostic modality. The implementation of new modalities, commonly complementary, makes it necessary to evaluate the contribution obtained by several modalities at the same time. From the statistical point of view, it is necessary to build a R.O.C. curve taking into account the overall diagnostic information content, i.e. a R.O.C. curve in an N-dimensional space. The present work’s aim is to set up a procedure that, using a generalized form of the discriminant analysis, can build a R.O.C. curve based on a new virtual mono-dimensional variable whose values from the discriminant function are obtained. - SlidesThu, 07 Jan 2010 07:28:51 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-873Over the past 2 decades the surgeon and the hospital where he or she works have been considered to play an important role in the prognosis of the rectal cancer patients. The rate of sphincter-sparing rectal resection, local recurrence and survival are the factors more frequently utilized in the literature to evaluate if surgeons are able to affect the natural history of the rectal cancer. The quantitative aspect, high volume of the surgeon, is not enough but in order to achieve better results in the treatment of rectal cancer a specific interest in colorectal surgery is more important. While retrospective studies show a positive influence of the surgeon on the prognosis of these patients, prospective studies are very few so that we need to get more data to reach valid conclusions. The high number of rectal cancer patients does not allow a centralization of these patients into specialist Units, but we should get up everywhere colorectal programmes so that every department can reach a high standard of efficiency.- SlidesThu, 07 Jan 2010 03:29:38 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-872The aim of this study was to prepare solid lipid microspheres (SLM) of octyl methoxy cinnamate (2-ethylhexyl-p-methoxy cinnamate; OMC) to achieve controlled release, decrease penetration of this UV absorber from skin and improve its photostability- SlidesWed, 06 Jan 2010 15:45:38 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-870Sand flies utilize sugar meals from plant sources for their energy requirements and hydrolyze complex sugars by a repertoire of glycosidases. The sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera : Psychodidae), the vector of Leishmania major, is found in desert areas where sugars are scarce but also in habitats that abound in sugar sources. We presumed that there is a difference in the levels of glycosidases activities in flies from such habitats and also assumed that they may modulate the susceptibility to L. major infections. P. papatasi originating from diverse ecological habitats, including oasis and desert sites were colonized. They were analyzed for weight changes and glycosidase activities before and after feeding on 1M sucrose solution. Homogenates of these flies hydrolyzed 16 synthetic and two natural glycoside substrates to varying degrees. Oasis flies were smaller than desert flies but took larger sugar meals. Arid region flies tended to produce more glycosidase activity than those originating in sugar-rich environments, especially sucrase, a-and ß glucosidase, a-fucosidase, a-mannosidase, and N-acetyl -a- and ß- galactosaminidase. However, chitinolytic enzyme activities and particularly the N-Acetyl-ß-hexosaminadase activity of oasis flies were higher than other flies tested. In comparing the desert flies, there were also significant differences in glycolytic enzyme activity between the spring-line (flowering season) line of flies and the fall-line (end of dry season) flies. A range of saccharide inhibitors were tested to demonstrate the specificity of the enzymes. - SlidesWed, 06 Jan 2010 04:37:01 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-869This paper describing Electron Ionization mass spectral fragmentation of some hydroxycarboxylic and oxocarboxylic acid trimethylsilyl derivatives focuses on the formation of fragment ions resulting from the interactions between the two functionalities of these compounds. These interactions result to the formation of fragment ions [CH2=C(OTMS)2]+•, [CH2=CHC(OTMS)=OTMS]+, [M - 31]+, [M - 105]+ and [M - RCHO]+• in the case of hydroxycarboxylic acid trimethylsilyl derivatives of formula RCHOTMS(CH2)nCOOTMS and at [RC(OTMS)=CH2]+•, [RC(=OTMS)CH=CH2]+ and [M - RC(=O)CH2]+ in the case of oxocarboxylic acid trimethylsilyl esters of formula RC(=O)(CH2)nCOOTMS. Some of these fragmentations appeared to be sufficiently specific to be used to characterize these compounds. Several fragmentation pathways involving trimethylsilyl and hydrogen transfers were proposed to explain the formation of these different fragment ions and were substantiated by deuterium labelling.- SlidesWed, 06 Jan 2010 02:56:34 GMThttp://www.slideworld.net/slideshow.aspx/Journal-868This presentation discussed security of medical images and reviewed some work done regarding them. A fragile watermarking scheme was then proposed that could detect tamper and subsequently recover the image. Our scheme required a secret key and a public chaotic mixing algorithm to embed and recover a tampered image. The scheme was also resilient to VQ attack. The purposes were to verify the integrity and authenticity of medical images. We used 800x600x8 bits ultrasound (US) greyscale images in our experiment. We tested our algorithm for up to 50% tampered block and obtained 100% recovery for spread-tampered block.- SlidesTue, 05 Jan 2010 22:23:16 GMT