Non-equilibrium allele frequency spectra via spectral methods

A major challenge in the analysis of population genomics data consists of isolating signatures of natural selection from background noise caused by random drift and gene flow. Analyses of massive amounts of data from many related populations require high-performance algorithms to determine the likelihood of different demographic scenarios that could have shaped the observed neutral single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) allele frequency spectrum. In many areas of applied mathematics, Fourier Transforms and Spectral Methods are firmly established tools to analyze spectra of signals and model their dynamics as solutions of certain Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). When spectral methods are applicable, they have excellent error properties and are the fastest possible in high dimension; see Press et al. (2007). In this paper we present an explicit numerical solution, using spectral methods, to the forward Kolmogorov equations for a Wright–Fisher process with migration of K populations, influx of mutations, and multiple population splitting events.     

Ethanol production from sugar beet molasses by S. cerevisiae entrapped in an alginate-maize stem ground tissue matrix

A new alginate-maize stem ground tissue matrix was developed as a Saccharomyces cerevisiae carrier for ethanol fermentation from sugar beet molasses. There were several fermentation procedures in the present study: using free cells and alginate-entrapped cells with and without maize stem ground tissue supplementation (F; F+C; AB; AB+C), and using a new combined alginate-maize stem ground tissue carrier (ABC). It was found that addition of maize stem ground tissue meal (C), with honeycomb configuration, provided high surface areas for cell attachment and biofilm growth, and also increased alginate matrix porosity, enabling better mass transfer characteristic, better physical strength and stability of beads. The highest values of process parameters were obtained in the case of new carrier (ABC): the ethanol concentration of 60.36 g/l, percentage of the theoretical ethanol yield of 96.56%, ethanol yield of 0.493 g/g and the volumetric ethanol productivity of 2.51 g/lh. The medium supplementation with maize stem ground tissue significantly decreased acetaldehyde and acetic acid content, did not affect fusel alcohol and ethylacetate content of the distillate.     

Characterization of velogenic Newcastle disease viruses isolated from dead wild birds in Serbia during 2007

Avian paramyxoviruses type 1 or Newcastle disease viruses (NDV) are frequently recovered from wild birds and such isolates are most frequently of low virulence. Velogenic NDV are usually recovered from poultry and only occasionally from wild birds. Five NDV isolates were obtained from carcasses of four wild bird species during 2007 in Serbia: Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), feral Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), and Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto). All the isolates have a typical fusion protein cleavage site motif of velogenic viruses ((112)R-R-Q-K-R-F(117)). The highest homology (99%) for the nucleotide sequences spanning the M and F gene of the studied isolates was with the genotype VII NDV isolate Muscovy duck/China(Fujian)/FP1/02. Phylogenetic analysis based on a partial F gene sequence showed that the isolates from wild birds cluster together with concurrent isolates from poultry in Serbia within the subgenotype VIId, which is the predominant pathogen involved currently in Newcastle disease outbreaks in poultry worldwide. It is unlikely that the wild birds played an important role in primary introduction or consequent spread of the velogenic NDV to domestic poultry in Serbia, and they probably contracted the virus from locally infected poultry.     

On the classification of normally distributed neurons: an application to human dentate nucleus

One of the major goals in cellular neurobiology is the meaningful cell classification. However, in cell classification there are many unresolved issues that need to be addressed. Neuronal classification usually starts with grouping cells into classes according to their main morphological features. If one tries to test quantitatively such a qualitative classification, a considerable overlap in cell types often appears. There is little published information on it. In order to remove the above-mentioned shortcoming, we undertook the present study with the aim to offer a novel method for solving the class overlapping problem. To illustrate our method, we analyzed a sample of 124 neurons from adult human dentate nucleus. Among them we qualitatively selected 55 neurons with small dendritic fields (the small neurons), and 69 asymmetrical neurons with large dendritic fields (the large neurons). We showed that these two samples are normally and independently distributed. By measuring the neuronal soma areas of both samples, we observed that the corresponding normal curves cut each other. We proved that the abscissa of the point of intersection of the curves could represent the boundary between the two adjacent overlapping neuronal classes, since the error done by such division is minimal. Statistical evaluation of the division was also performed.     

Personal experiences of the psoriasis and its relation to the stressful life events

Psoriasis is a disease with a profound impact on the psychological and social aspects of the patient, particularly because of its visibility. Quality of life is impaired and different mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, alcoholism, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are found among persons suffering from psoriasis. Studies have shown the influence of stressful life events on onset, exacerbation and relapse of psoriasis. Rare studies explored prevalence of psoriasis during war times and relations between psoriasis and war provoked PTSD. Psoriasis is a disease with multiple possible causes and additional caution is necessary among medical professional to recognize all contributing factors. This report describes a case of a person whose first episode of psoriasis appeared six months after engaging in combat activities. He is diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris, psoriatic arthritis and permanent personality changes after the traumatic experiences caused by war participation. His occupational history is burdened with additional causational factors; work with heavy metals and metal dusts. Cumulative effects of different aetiological factors can contribute to psoriasis with intensive trauma induced stressors serving as a trigger. His medical history indicates cognitive difficulties typical for early dementia which makes this case even more interesting. Research results suggesting common aetiology of psoriasis, autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerative diseases, indicate a need, as in the case of our patient, for multidisciplinary approach to studying aetiology of psoriasis.     

Changes in life-quality, a possible symptom of dementia development

Dementia is a chronic and irreversible brain impairment characterised by significant cognitive deficits. Severe symptoms of the aforesaid disease interfere with normal life functions and daily activities. Dementia usually develops with advancing age, i.e. after the age of 85, and when it develops in people younger than age 65, it is referred to as early onset dementia. This paper presents a 53-year-old male patient. Provisional diagnosis was established while further diagnostic workup included psycho-diagnostic assessment, neurological exam, and brain CT Such workup confirmed the development of dementia, i.e. early-onset Alzheimer's disease accompanied by depressed mood with impaired vision.     

Application of wound dressing Molndal technique in clean and potentially contamined postoperative wounds--initial comparative study

Because of a possible delayed wound healing, critical colonization and infection of wounds present a problem for surgeons, particularly in patients with compromised immune system or in case where the wound is heavy contaminated or poorly perfused. Molndal technique of wound dressing has proven to be effective in prevention of infection. In our study we wanted to describe the benefits of the application of Molndal technique wound dressing compared to traditional wound dressing technique at potentially contaminated and clean postoperative wounds. We examined postoperative wound after radical excision of pilonidal sinus and after implantation of partial endoprosthesis in hip fracture. Molndal technique consisted of wound dressing with Aquacel Ag - Hydrofiber. Traditional technique was performed using gauze compresses and hypoallergic adhesives. We analyzed the results of 50 patients after radical excision of pilonidal sinus. 25 patients were treated by Molndal technique and 25 patients by the traditional technique of wound dressing. In the group treated by Molndal technique only 1 (4%) patient has revealed a wound infection, proven by positive microbiological examination and suppuration. In the traditional technique group 4 (16%) patients developed wound infection as inflammation and secretion as a sign of superficial infection. In the other group we analyzed the results of 50 patients after implantation of partial endoprosthesis after hip fracture. 20 patients were treated by Molndal technique and 30 patients by the traditional technique of wound dressing. In the group treated by Molndal technique no patient has revealed a wound infection (0%). In the traditional technique group 4 (13%) patients developed wound infection. All complication in both group were superficial incisional surgical infection (according to HPSC). There was no deep incisional surgical site infection or organ/space surgical site infection. Our results are clearly showing that Molndal technique is effective in preventing the postoperative wound infection.     

Importance of correct therapeutic procedure selection in voice recovery

Psychological and physical patient state as well as the influence of other social factor is of great influence voice rehabilitation. A team of experts in the field of voice and its function are involved in voice therapy. Our research was focused on the successfulness of voice recovery depending on the patient vocal disorder approach. We made a comparison of two methods: RVT and Accent method. We attempted to evaluate clinically relevant voice disorders in relation to certain vocal methods, we propose that a lot can be learned about voice trough therapeutic procedures, which can also be used to enhance the practical application of vocal methods and raise the level of success in dealing with people that suffer from voice pathology.     

The ophthalmic anomalies in children with Down syndrome in Split-Dalmatian County

Our aim was to present the ophthalmic anomalies in patients with Down syndrome in Split-Dalmatia County born from 1992 until 2009 year. It was a cross-sectional study. 153 children with Down syndrome aged 0-18 years from the Split-Dalmatia County were examined. One hundred twelve participants were borne in Split, 13 in Vrgorac,16 in Makarska, 12 in Sinj. All enrolled children underwent a complete ophthalmological examination (anterior segment, ocular motility, refractive status, fundus, measuring intraocular pressure (IOP). Of 89.5% percent of responders with refractive errors, 48.1% had myopia, 35.0% had hypermetropia, astygamtism in 16.7%, 28.7% strabismus, nystagmus (8.4%), cataracts (1.3%), glaucoma (1.9%), supernumerary optic disc vessels (24.1%) and keratoconus (1.3%). Conclusion: In patients with Down syndrome the prevalence of refractive errors (myopia prevalence), as well as other ophthalmological diseases was determined.     

Life satisfaction in persons of the third age after retirement

The aim of this research was to determine the role of gender, type of residence, living arrangement, self-rated health status, loneliness, and sense of humor in self-reported life satisfaction in elderly retirees. The study included 300 elderly retirees from Zagreb, Croatia. Demographic data were collected with a structured questionnaire, whereas data on self-reported health status, loneliness, and sense of humor were collected with the UCLA Loneliness Scale, Life Satisfaction Index, HOPA-86, and SF-36 Health Survey. Participants living in a retirement home showed higher life satisfaction than those who lived in their own households. Those who had children showed greater life satisfaction No differences in life satisfaction were found with respect to gender, marital status, or living arrangement. The investigated demographic variables, self-rated health status, self-rated loneliness, and a sense of humor explained 52.8% of variance in life satisfaction. An active sense of humor was the most significant predictor. Living in a retirement home, having children, and having an active sense of humor had a positive influence on self-reported life satisfaction, whereas poorer self-rated health and loneliness had a negative influence. Taking into account the predictors of life satisfaction in preventive activities may contribute to successful aging.