Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF ISCHIORECTAL ABSCESSES: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 111 PATIENTS

SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF ISCHIORECTAL ABSCESSES: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 111 PATIENTS (Abstract): Aim: To evaluate the results of surgically treated ischiorectal abscesses in our service regarding postoperative morbidity, rate of abscess recurrence, and incidence of fistulas. Methods: From January 1, 1997 through December 21, 2007, 111 cases of ischiorectal abscess were surgically treated with incision-drainage and are surgically revised. Patients included 77 men and 34 women (male/female ratio of 2.26 / 1) with a mean age of 42.2 years. One third of the population reported a history of anorectal abscess. In 8.1% of patients the abscess spread. To adjacent tissues a fistula was found in 6.3 % of patients at the time of incision and drainage All the patients were treated by intravenous antibiotic treatment. Results: There was no postoperative mortality. Localized postoperative morbidity was 5.4% and overall morbidity was 4.5%. A transphincteric fistula was present in 38.6% of patients and recurrence of abscess occurred in 12.8% on follow-up. Conclusions: Surgical treatment of ischiorectal abscesses by incision-drainage is a simple and safe technique. Nevertheless, long-term follow-up is necessary given the risk of recurrence and of transphincteric fistula requiring additional treatment.
The Influence of Corporate Social Responsibility and Board Characteristics on Earnings Management

This paper examines whether firms that act socially responsible and have favourable board characteristics engage in a more transparent financial reporting. In particular, the first question is whether firms with high corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement exhibit less earnings management than their socially less responsible counterparts. Simultaneously, the second question deals with the level of support of favourable Corporate Governance (CG), leading to a superior transparent financial reporting. The study therefore examines whether firms with high engagement in CSR and high independence in board and selected committees engage in even lower earnings management. The results show that CSR firms engage in lower (1) accrual-based earnings management and (2) real activities based earnings management. Additionally, these firms exhibit lower earnings management, when (1) nomination committee and (2) overall board have higher degrees of independent members. These coherences are non-linear. Most important, there is a interaction level effect between the favourable board independence characteristics and CSR, leading to a superior transparency in financial reporting. However, high-incentive situations are detected in which the magnitude of earnings management is high for all firms. The results are robust to (1) using various models and estimators to compute accrual-based and real activities earnings management, (2) using mean-centered or standardised proxies, (3) using alternative measures for CSR performance respectively grouping and (4) applying additional performance control.
Organisational Change And The Management Of Expertise

Thank you very much for downloading organisational change and the management of expertise. Maybe you have knowledge that, people have look hundreds times for their chosen novels like this organisational change and the management of expertise, but end up in malicious downloads. Rather than reading a good book with a cup of tea in the afternoon, instead they juggled with some harmful virus inside their computer.
Assessing the online CSR communication of an indigenous Ghanaian bank

ABSTRACT Corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication has received much attention in recent times. This could be attributed to stakeholder concerns of ethical practices of companies globally. This study focuses on how an indigenous Ghanaian bank communicates its CSR on the corporate website. Specifically, we explored the bank’s CSR activities that are communicated on the corporate website. We also examined whether or not CSR communication is integrated into the corporate communication strategy of the bank. This study adopted a case study research design drawing on information from CAL Bank’s website and conducting ‘elite interviews’ with senior managers of the bank. We found that the bank’s CSR communication on the corporate website focuses mainly on external disclosures. It also came to light that the bank’s CSR communication is fragmented and is not integrated into the corporate communication strategy. These findings demonstrate the challenges the bank faces in coordinating and integrating its communication strategy.
Docking of non‐nucleoside inhibitors: Neotripterifordin and its derivatives to HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase

The docking of small molecules to proteins has played an important role in the understanding of drug/receptor interactions. An important drug/receptor interaction is between non‐nucleoside inhibitors of HIV‐1 RT and the non‐nucleoside binding pocket. We report the results of docking calculations in which we have docked known and proposed non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors to the type 1 virus. The proposed NNRTIs dock in a similar position and orientation as known inhibitors. In addition, we observe a linear correlation between the calculated interaction energy and EC50 for the inhibitors, suggesting that the docked structure orientation and the interaction energies are reasonable. Two hydrogen bonds between nevirapine and RT (3HVT and 1VRT) are observed and are reproduced across different docking schemes. Since we used two different HIV‐1 RT crystal structures (3HVT and 1VRT), which are at different levels of resolution (2.9 and 2.2 Å, respectively), we propose that structures with resolutions better than 3 Å can be used to produce reasonable docking results. Proteins 2002;49:529–542. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Significance of c-erbB-2 Overexpression and p53 Expression in Patients With Axillary Lymph Node—Negative Breast Cancer: A Tissue Microarray Study

We conducted this study to examine whether the expression of c-erbB-2 and p53 is the prognostic indicator for patients with early-stage breast cancer in which axillary lymph node metastasis is absent. We examined 326 patients with early-stage breast cancer in which axillary lymph node metastasis is absent. Tissue microarrays were constructed. Following this, immunohistochemical staining was done for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), c-erbB2, and p53. The results were as follows: (1) expression of c-erbB-2 was correlated with other clinicopathologic factors (eg, patient's age, presence of menopause, tumor size, histologic and nuclear grade, and presence of hormone receptors such as ER and PR); and (2) expression of p53 was correlated with survival rate, patient's age, presence of menopause, and tumor size. However, these results were not statistically significant. In conclusion, our results indicate that expression of c-erbB-2 and p53 did not have any prognostic value in patients with early-stage breast cancer in which axillary lymph node metastasis is absent.
The Effects of Relationship Banking and Entrepreneurial Orientation on Financial Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

The purpose of the study was to determine if relationship banking, and entrepreneurial orientation (EO) affect the financial performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design with the population being 620 manufacturing SMEs involved in relationship banking with commercial banks in Kenya. Stratified random sampling was employed to pick a sample of 138 manufacturing SMEs with the respondents being the owner/ managers of the sampled SMEs. A semi structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The data was analyzed regression analysis with the moderating effects of EO being tested using the moderated multiple regression. The study revealed that EO moderates the relationship between relationship banking and financial performance of manufacturing SMEs in Kenya. The study concluded that relationship banking and financial performance have a positive relationship and that EO moderates this relationship. By forging strategic links with the banks, manufacturing SMEs would be able to access funding which is key to their growth and survival. Keywords : Relationship Banking, Entrepreneurial orientation, Financial Performance
Effects of Halothane and Methoxyflurane Anesthesia on Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Man

With reference to our earlier findings concerning the stimulation of lipolysis by halothane and methoxyflurane and their metabolites in vivo and in vitro in rats, the effects of halothane and methoxyflurane anesthesia on plasma free fatty acids (FFA), glycerol and glucose levels were studied in man.
ACUTE PHASE PROTEIN RESPONSE IN THE CAPYBARA (HYDROCHOERUS HYDROCHAERIS)

We evaluated the acute phase protein response in capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). Three animal groups were used: 1) healthy animals (n=30), 2) a group in which experimental inflammation with turpentine was induced (n=6), and 3) a group affected with sarcoptic scabies (n=14) in which 10 animals were treated with ivermectin. Haptoglobin (Hp), acid-soluble glycoprotein (ASG) and albumin were analyzed in all animals. In those treated with turpentine, Hp reached its maximum value at 2 wk with a 2.7-fold increase, whereas ASG increased 1.75-fold and albumin decreased 0.87-fold 1 wk after the induction of inflammation. Capybaras affected with sarcoptic scabies presented increases in Hp and ASG of 4.98- and 3.18-fold, respectively, and a 0.87-fold decrease in albumin, compared with healthy animals. Haptoglobin and ASG can be considered as moderate, positive acute phase proteins in capybaras because they showed less than 10-fold increases after an inflammatory process and reached their peak concentrations 1 wk after the induction of inflammation. Conversely, albumin can be considered a negative acute phase protein in capybaras because it showed a reduction in concentration after inflammatory stimulus.
Correlation Analyses Reveal a Substantial Influence of Allelic Gaps on the Investigation of Genetic Diversity of Modern Human Populations with Microsatellites

High intra‐population genetic diversity and multiple measures of genetic variability at STR loci are useful in inferring past evolutionary history. However, STRs, categorized by their repeat motif size, differ in a number of aspects, requiring separate analyses. We analyzed 783 STRs in 36 worldwide populations to examine marker suitability as well as correlations between various measurements, to evaluate the extent of genomic diversity present in modern human populations. The loci were grouped by type and analyzed separately for each population group. Genetic variation defined by gene diversity and allele size variance, shows different trends of variation across four types of STRs. Additionally, there is little variation of genetic diversity, but there is decreased allelic size variance with increasing repeat motifs. A poor correlation between genetic diversity and allelic size variance across loci in all groups for Di‐STRs is probably caused by the presence of allelic size gaps. In contrast, allelic size variance, genetic diversity, and number of alleles are strongly correlated with both tri‐ and tetra‐STRs. The positive correlation of allelic size variance and presence of gaps within the range of allelic sizes in Di‐STRs alone explains these observations. An unexpected high imbalance index (β) at Di‐STRs due to high allelic size variance also supports this assertion.
The effect of trauma and confinement on functional health and mental health status of Cambodians living in Thailand-Cambodia border camps.

OBJECTIVE To assess the long-term impact of trauma and confinement on the functional health and mental health status of Cambodian displaced persons living on the Thailand-Cambodia border. DESIGN Household survey of 993 adults randomly selected from household rosters. Household sample selection by multistage area probability sample. SETTING Site 2, the largest Cambodian displaced-persons camp on the Thailand-Cambodia border. PARTICIPANTS Adults 18 years of age and older selected at random within households; 98% of eligible persons selected agreed to participate. RESULTS From 1975 through 1979 (Khmer Rouge regime), more than 85% reported lack of food, water, shelter, and medical care, brainwashing, and forced labor; 54% reported murder of a family member or friend; 36% reported torture; 18% reported head injury; and 17% reported rape or sexual abuse. During the refugee period between 1980 and 1990, 56% reported lack of food or water, 44% reported lack of shelter, 28% reported lack of medical care, 24% reported brainwashing, and 8% reported torture. Since 1980, reports of murder of a family member, head injury, and rape/sexual abuse have decreased to 5%. Reports of experiencing combat situations and shelling attacks have remained consistent between the two time periods, approximately 44% and 30%, respectively. From 1989 to 1990, 25% reported experiencing lack of food or water, and 5% to 10% reported serious injury, combat, and shelling conditions. More than 80% said they were in fair or poor health, felt depressed, and had a number of somatic complaints despite good access to medical services. Fifty-five percent and 15% had symptom scores that correlate with Western criteria for depression and posttraumatic stress disorder, respectively. Fifteen percent to 20% reported health impairments limiting activity, and moderate or severe bodily pain. Despite reported high levels of trauma and symptoms, social and work functioning were well preserved in the majority of respondents. CONCLUSIONS Reports of extensive trauma, poor health status, and depressive symptoms of this population are of concern in predicting future morbidity and mortality. The health and mental health needs of Cambodian displaced persons and their impact on social and economic behavior should be addressed now that the Cambodians have been repatriated.
User Perspective on Financial Instrument Risk Disclosures Under International Financial Reporting Standards

Given the need and stakeholder pressure to improve financial instrument risk disclosures, as evidenced by the 2007–09 global financial crisis, CFA Institute has undertaken a study examining the quality of existing financial instrument risk disclosures. The specific risk disclosures reviewed in this study concern credit, liquidity, market, and hedging activities under International Financial Reporting Standards Statement No. 7, Financial Instruments: Disclosures (IFRS 7). This report (Volume 1) articulates a user perspective and expectations on financial instrument credit, liquidity, and market risk disclosures based on the CFA Institute study. This report proposes general and specific recommendations for improving such risk disclosures. As an extension of this report, a separate report (Volume 2) provides a user perspective on the disclosures of derivatives and hedging activities.
The geodiamolide H, derived from brazilian sponge Geodia corticostylifera, regulates actin cytoskeleton, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells cultured in three‐dimensional environment

We are investigating effects of the depsipeptide geodiamolide H, isolated from the Brazilian sponge Geodia corticostylifera, on cancer cell lines grown in 3D environment. As shown previously geodiamolide H disrupts actin cytoskeleton in both sea urchin eggs and breast cancer cell monolayers. We used a normal mammary epithelial cell line MCF 10A that in 3D assay results formation of polarized spheroids. We also used cell lines derived from breast tumors with different degrees of differentiation: MCF7 positive for estrogen receptor and the Hs578T, negative for hormone receptors. Cells were placed on top of Matrigel. Spheroids obtained from these cultures were treated with geodiamolide H. Control and treated samples were analyzed by light and confocal microscopy. Geodiamolide H dramatically affected the poorly differentiated and aggressive Hs578T cell line. The peptide reverted Hs578T malignant phenotype to polarized spheroid‐like structures. MCF7 cells treated by geodiamolide H exhibited polarization compared to controls. Geodiamolide H induced striking phenotypic modifications in Hs578T cell line and disruption of actin cytoskeleton. We investigated effects of geodiamolide H on migration and invasion of Hs578T cells. Time‐lapse microscopy showed that the peptide inhibited migration of these cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore invasion assays revealed that geodiamolide H induced a 30% decrease on invasive behavior of Hs578T cells. Our results suggest that geodiamolide H inhibits migration and invasion of Hs578T cells probably through modifications in actin cytoskeleton. The fact that normal cell lines were not affected by treatment with geodiamolide H stimulates new studies towards therapeutic use for this peptide. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 583–594, 2008, © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Helium/Argon-Generated Cold Atmospheric Plasma Facilitates Cutaneous Wound Healing

Cold atmospheric plasma jet (CAPJ) or non-thermal plasma jet has been employed in various biomedical applications based on their functions in bactericidal activity and wound healing. However, the effect of CAPJ generated by a particular composition of gases on wound closure and the underlying mechanisms that regulate wound healing signals remain elusive. In the present study, we investigated the impact of helium (He)- or a gas mixture of He and argon (He/Ar)-generated CAPJ on cell proliferation, which is a pivotal step during the wound healing process. With careful treatment duration control, He/Ar-CAPJ effectively induced keratinocyte proliferation and migration mediated through the activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell cycle progression, which was evidenced by a decrease in E-cadherin levels and increases in N-cadherin, cyclin D1, Ki-67, Cdk2, and p-ERK levels. Rat wound healing studies showed that He/Ar-CAPJ treatment facilitated granulation tissue formation and mitigated inflammation in cutaneous tissue, resulting in accelerated wound closure. These findings highlight the possibility that He/Ar-CAPJ can be developed as a therapeutic agent for enhancing wound healing.
An investigation into the analgesic effects of interferential currents and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on experimentally induced ischemic pain in otherwise pain-free volunteers.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Interferential currents (IFC) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are used for pain management. This study compared the analgesic effects of IFC and TENS on experimentally induced ischemic pain in otherwise pain-free subjects using a modified version of the submaximal-effort tourniquet technique. SUBJECTS The subjects were 30 volunteers (18 male, 12 female) without known pathology that could cause pain. Their mean age was 33.5 years (SD=9.9, range=21-54). METHOD A single-blind, sham-controlled, parallel-group method was used. The primary outcome measure was the change in the self-report of pain intensity during 1 of 3 possible interventions: (1) IFC, (2) TENS, or (3) sham electrotherapy. The IFC and TENS were administered on the forearm, and the sham electrotherapy group received no current output via a dummy stimulator. RESULTS A 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed that there was no change in pain intensity during treatment when all 3 groups were considered together. Further analysis revealed that IFC reduced pain intensity when compared with sham electrotherapy but not when compared only with TENS. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION There were no differences in the magnitude of analgesia between IFC and TENS. Interferential currents reduced pain intensity to a greater extent than sham electrotherapy.
Determination of irritant threshold concentrations of multiple tree, grass, weed and mould allergens for intradermal testing of horses residing in the southern USA

BACKGROUND Appropriate allergen threshold concentrations (TCs) for intradermal testing (IDT) have not been established in horses for many pollen and mould allergens. OBJECTIVES To determine the TCs in non-allergic horses and describe the frequency of late phase reactions for 26 allergens, including trees, grasses, weeds and moulds in horses residing in the southern Unites States. ANIMALS Twenty four clinically normal horses in the southern United States. METHODS Threshold concentrations for different allergens were determined using IDT subjective measurements at 30 minutes. Delayed reactions were evaluated at 4 and 24 h. RESULTS Threshold concentrations (all PNU/mL) were established for eight tree allergens (black willow 1,000, box elder 1,000, live oak 1,000, pecan 2,000, white ash 4,000, red oak 4,000, red mulberry 2,000 and green ash 2,000); two grass allergens (Johnson grass 250 PNU/mL and Kentucky blue grass 500 PNU/mL); two weeds (carelessweed 1,000 PNU/mL, great ragweed 500 PNU/mL) and one mould (Curvularia 8,000 PNU/mL). The TC was not determined due to excessive reactivity at the lowest concentration tested (1,000 PNU/mL) for bahia and perennial rye grass. Eleven other allergens did not meet the criteria to establish a TC when evaluated at 30 min due to lack of positive reactions. Multiple allergens caused positive reactions in ≥10% of horses at 4 h. Reactions at 24 h were rare with the exception of one horse. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE This study identified intradermal TC for multiple pollen and mould allergens in horses. These values may prove useful for optimizing allergen concentrations for IDT of allergic horses.
Investigation on the Presence of Income Smoothing Among NSE-Listed Companies

In today’s economic system, due to the development of information technology, transmission and accurate reporting of related financial information on which financial decision making is based has particular importance. Investors who make investment in companies do not have tools as well as expertise to know the workings of the company and to ensure the accuracy of the financial reporting. The government also, due to different reasons, requires an accurate and reliable financial reporting. Moreover, accurate information regarding the economic activities of the business, certitude in the application of accounting principles and standards, and proper information transmission in the form of financial reporting are considered effective factors in realizing the basic objective of financial reporting. But due to the application of creative accounting practices, the quality of financial reporting gets affected. The present study investigates income smoothing, one of the techniques of creative accounting, with reference to the companies listed in the National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. Apart from studying the existence of income smoothing practice among the NSE-listed companies, effort has also been made to study the factors that may affect income smoothing.