Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advances and Surgical Considerations in the Treatment of Moyamoya Disease.

Moyamoya is a rare disorder that involves steno-occlusive arterial changes of the anterior circulation, along with proliferative development of basal arterial collaterals. It is either idiopathic (called moyamoya disease) or the result of a specific underlying condition such as atherosclerosis, radiation therapy, or sickle cell disease (called moyamoya syndrome or phenomenon). In recent years, numerous insights into and advances in the understanding, evaluation, and management of moyamoya patients have occurred. This article briefly reviews the spectrum of moyamoya conditions and then provides a synopsis of numerous recent investigations that shed light on various aspects of the disease, including its clinical characteristics, natural history, underlying pathology, imaging, surgical techniques, and long-term patient outcome. MMD, moyamoya disease; STA, superficial temporal ischemic
Assessing the Role of Knowledge Management in Adding Value: Moving Towards a Comprehensive Framework

Researchers and practitioners have emphasised the need for advances in knowledge management (KM) research to better understand how organisations add value from their KM practices. Thus, a comprehensive framework, rooted in two main theoretical streams of KM practices, objectivist and practice-based perspective, is proposed. We believe this explains how KM practices add value, and will assist organisations to obtain a more accurate picture of their KM practices, the factors that influence KM implementation, and how KM can be measured. The framework also serves as a means to identify how well KM practices meet organisational strategies. This paper begins with a review of different KM perspectives and then reports the findings of qualitative in-depth interviews with UK car manufacturers. The results indicate that most organisations adopt different types of KM practices, with the findings revealing that top management commitment, strategy, IT, people involvement and organisational culture were the factors that most influenced KM implementation. In conclusion, the paper advocates an integrated view of KM perspectives and mechanisms for KM practice in UK car manufacturing.
The Role of Knowledge Management in Development Projects

The paper investigates the role of knowledge management in enabling project success, innovation, completion times, operational efficiency and the generation of new knowledge in development projects. Four projects in Uganda, Nigeria, and Cote d'Ivoire were used as case studies. The objective was to explore the nature of knowledge management practices in these projects in order to see how they could be improved. The research found that knowledge management is a significant factor in speeding up completion times, achieving project success, innovation, operational efficiency and the generation of new knowledge. Knowledge sharing practices were identified within case studies and difficulties relating to managing knowledge generated during the project were highlighted.
clc-2c is regulated by salinity, prolactin and extracellular osmolality in tilapia gill.

Teleosts inhabiting fresh water (FW) depend upon ion-absorptive ionocytes to counteract diffusive ion losses to the external environment. A Clc Cl- channel family member, Clc-2c, was identified as a conduit for basolateral Cl- transport by Na+/Cl- cotransporter 2 (Ncc2)-expressing ionocytes in stenohaline zebrafish (Danio rerio). It is unresolved whether Clc-2c/clc-2c is expressed in euryhaline species and how extrinsic and/or intrinsic factors modulate branchial clc-2c mRNA. Here, we investigated whether environmental salinity, prolactin (Prl) and osmotic conditions modulate clc-2c expression in euryhaline Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). Branchial clc-2c and ncc2 mRNAs were enhanced in tilapia transferred from seawater (SW) to FW, whereas both mRNAs were attenuated upon transfer from FW to SW. Next, we injected hypophysectomized tilapia with ovine prolactin (oPrl) and observed a marked increase in clc-2c from saline-injected controls. To determine whether Prl regulates clc-2c in a gill-autonomous fashion, we incubated gill filaments in the presence of homologous tilapia Prls (tPrl177 and tPrl188). By 24 h, tPrl188 stimulated clc-2c expression ~5-fold from controls. Finally, filaments incubated in media ranging from 280 to 450 mosmol/kg for 3 and 6 h revealed that extracellular osmolality exerts a local effect on clc-2c expression; clc-2c was diminished by hyperosmotic conditions (450 mosmol/kg) compared with isosmotic controls (330 mosmol/kg). Our collective results suggest that hormonal and osmotic control of branchial clc-2c contributes to the FW adaptability of Mozambique tilapia. Moreover, we identify for the first time a regulatory link between Prl and a Clc Cl- channel in a vertebrate.
Electronic Records Management in Institutions of Higher Learning in Libya: A Case Study

This study is executed in order to determine whether public institutions of higher learning in Libya have policy and guideline for managing electronic records and also to identify whether there are problems in managing electronic records. The study adopts survey as its method for employing the questionnaire as a technique to collect data. The study involves three institutions of higher learning in Al-Joufra, Libya namely College of Arts and Sciences, Teachers Preparatory College and College of Economics and Accounting. About 10% of their staff members (from the entire population of 1000) were chosen randomly as a study sample. The study revealed that institutions of higher learning in Al-Joufra do implement electronic record management but without clear policy and guidelines. Only 46% of the surveyed samples agree that they have a written policy and guidelines for managing records. In addition, the study also discovered institutions of higher learning (80%) in Al-Joufra face difficulties in handling and managing electronic records.
White-Collar Crime Defence Knowledge: Predictors of Lawyer Fame

The white-collar crime attorney is a lawyer who is competent in general legal principles and in the substantive and procedural aspects of the law related to upper-class financial crime. Based on a sample of 310 convicted white-collar criminals and their defence lawyers, this paper presents results from statistical analysis of relationships between crime characteristics and defence characteristics to predict lawyer fame. Statistical regression analysis was applied to the sample, where amount of crime money and years in prison represent crime characteristics, while number of client cases and lawyer income represent defence characteristics. About 91% of the variation in attorney fame is explained by these four independent variables.
Roles of estrogen in the formation of intracranial aneurysms in ovariectomized female mice.

BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies have indicated that postmenopausal women have a higher incidence of intracranial aneurysms than men in the same age group. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether estrogen or estrogen receptors (ERs) mediate protective effects against the formation of intracranial aneurysms. METHODS Intracranial aneurysms were induced in mice by combining a single injection of elastase into the cerebrospinal fluid with deoxycorticosterone acetate salt hypertension. The mice were treated with estrogen (17β-estradiol), an ERα agonist (propyl pyrazole triol), and an ERβ agonist (diarylpropionitrile) with and without a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. RESULTS The ovariectomized female mice had a significantly higher incidence of aneurysms than the male mice, which was consistent with findings in previous epidemiological studies. In ovariectomized female mice, an ERβ agonist, but not an ERα agonist or 17β-estradiol, significantly reduced the incidence of aneurysms. The protective effect of the ERβ agonist was absent in the ovariectomized ERβ knockout mice. The protective effect of the ERβ agonist was negated by treatment with a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. CONCLUSION The effects of sex, menopause, and estrogen treatment observed in this animal study were consistent with previous epidemiological findings. Stimulation of estrogen receptor-β was protective against the formation of intracranial aneurysms in ovariectomized female mice.
Are Faculty Members Ready? Individual Factors Affecting Knowledge Management Readiness in Universities

Knowledge Management (KM) provides a systematic process to help in the creation, transfer and use of knowledge across the university, leading to increased productivity. While KM has been successfully used elsewhere, universities have been late in adopting it. Before a university can initiate KM, it needs to determine if it is ready for KM or not. Through a web-based survey sent to 1263 faculty members from 59 accredited Library and Information Science programs in universities across North America, this study investigated the effect of individual factors of trust, knowledge self-efficacy, collegiality, openness to change and reciprocity on individual readiness to participate in a KM initiative, and the degree to which this affects perceived organisational readiness to adopt KM. 157 valid responses were received. Using structural equation modeling, the study found that apart from trust, all other factors positively affected individual readiness, which was found to affect organisational readiness. Findings should help universities identify opportunities and barriers before they can adopt KM. It should be a useful contribution to the KM literature, especially in the university context.
The Development of a KIM Behavioural Framework to Support Science and Technology Knowledge Transfer in the UK Defence Sector. A Case Study Approach

A framework is presented for investigating and understanding human behaviour connected with knowledge and information management (KIM), developed from a case study in the UK defence sector. Qualitative research was undertaken in three organisations within the wider defence and security sector. The research showed that particular areas of sensitivity leading to resistance to change when KIM systems were introduced include a perceived lack of usability of KIM IT systems, the length of time required to learn how to use them, their perceived lack of reliability and the users’ consequent lack of trust in them. These issues led to the widespread use of “work arounds” to cope with the demands of the job without using the KIM systems as designed. The framework’s purpose is to contribute to the current field of knowledge about how organisations can best approach and implement required KIM changes, taking these human issues into account.
Differentials in contraceptive use and method choice in Vietnam.

Data for this study were taken from the 1988 Demographic and Health Survey of Vietnam (VNDHS) which provided the first nationally representative data on contraceptive use in Vietnam. The VNDHS was based on a national sample designed to provide independent estimates for the two major regions of the country. The sample was limited to 3497 women exposed to the risk of conception. The second part of the analysis which examined the odds of choosing a modern method over a traditional method was limited to 2142 women who were current users. A stepwise logistic regression model was used to examine determinants of contraceptive practice. Some 60% of currently married nonpregnant Vietnamese women use a contraceptive method and 2/3 of these rely on a modern method generally the IUD. In comparison with wives 40 or older wives younger than 20 were 73% less likely to practice contraception. The odds of method use peaked among women ages 30-34 and 35-39 who were significantly (15% and 38% respectively) more likely to use contraception than the reference group. The odds of use were 45% lower among illiterate wives and 12% lower among those with primary education than among wives with secondary or higher education. The odds of method use among illiterate women were 34% lower than those among women with a secondary or higher education but husbands education was a stronger predictor of contraceptive use. Couples with daughters only were 27% less likely to use a method than were those with children of both sexes and they were also less likely to use a modern method. Couples with 4 or more children were 27% less likely to practice contraception than those with fewer than 3 children. Urban women were 56% more likely to use contraception than their rural counterparts. Northern Vietnamese were 37% more likely to use contraceptives than southern Vietnamese and they were also more likely to use modern methods.
Prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in Iyede-Ame Community and environ in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria

A cross sectional study on urinary schistosomiasis ( S. haematobuim ) was carried out in Ndokwa East Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State. Urine samples were collected from the households and schools. Urine sedimentation technique was used to diagnose S. haematobuim infection. Of the 560 people (0-40+years) sampled in the households, 144 ( 25.7%) were infected with S. haematobium. Among the 200 school pupils (5-20 years) whose urine samples were screened, 70 (35.0%) were infected with urinary schistosomiasis. Thus, a total of 214 (28.2%) subjects out of 760 people were infected. Iyede-Ame Community recorded the highest prevalence rate at 48.5%, followed by Lagos Iyede with prevalence rate of 37.1%. The least prevalence rate of 5.8% was recorded in Awhokarafor Community. Among the schools, Orewo Primary School had 58.0%, followed by Iyede-Ame Grammer School (42.0%). Otutughe Primary School recorded the least prevalence rate of 10.0%. The prevalence peaked in 5-9 years age group at 45.9%, followed by 10-14 years age-group with group with 41.6%. There was a significant difference in prevalence between the schools (÷2 cal = 27.0, ÷2 tab = 7.81, df = 3, p 0.05) were shown statistically. School children and farmers showed the greatest risk of infection. This study confirms the endemicity of urinary schistosomiasis in these communities in Ndokwa East LGA. It is advocated that early intervention measures such as health education campaigns and provision of essential amenities like water boreholes be instituted.
Prevalence and determinants of anaemia among HIV positive pregnant women attending ante-natal clinic at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, North-Central Nigeria.

Aim: To determine the prevalence and determinants of anaemia in HIV positive pregnant women attending ante-natal clinic at Jos University Teaching Hospital, North-Central Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among HIV positive pregnant women as the study group and HIV negative pregnant women as control group at the ante-natal clinic of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) Jos, North-Central Nigeria from January to December 2007. The prevalence of anaemia in the experimental group was determined. The possible determinants of anemia were ascertained and the relationship between variables determined using methods of linear regression and chi square test. Results: A total of 230 pregnant women were recruited for the study (115 HIV positive versus 115 HIV negative). The overall prevalence of anemia was 27.6%. The prevalence Original Research Article British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 4(34): 5348-5356, 2014 5349 among HIV positive pregnant women was 33.7%, compared to a prevalence of 21.7% among HIV negative pregnant women. This difference was however not statistically significant. There was a statistically significant relationship between the use of antiretroviral therapy and the development of anaemia (X = 5.98, P = 0.014, OR = 1.15). An inverse relationship was established between haemoglobin status and viral load. Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia is high among HIV positive pregnant women. There is an inverse relationship between viral load and haemoglobin status. The use of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) for the management of these patients can be regarded as good practice since ART reduces viral load.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of oral itraconazole in scalp psoriasis

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that the frequency with which the scalp is affected by psoriasis and the poor response to treatment may be related to colonization by the commensal yeast Malassezia furfur . METHODS: To test this hypothesis we have carried out a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of oral itraconazole in scalp psoriasis. A total of 28 patients with scalp psoriasis were randomized to receive either oral itraconazole 200 mg daily or placebo capsules for 14 days. The primary end-point was a reduction in a site-modified PASI. RESULTS: There was no reduction in the severity of scalp involvement during the trial and no significant difference between the active and placebo groups. CONCLUSION: Itraconazole 200 mg daily for 14 days is not effective in the treatment of scalp psoriasis. (J Dermatol Treat (2000) 11:85-89)
Lumbar Surgery in the Elderly Provides Significant Health Benefit in the US Health Care System: Patient-Reported Outcomes in 4370 Patients From the N2QOD Registry.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar spine degenerative pathologies are prevalent in the United States. The health benefit of spine surgery in the elderly has been questioned. OBJECTIVE: To compare effectiveness, morbidity, and quality of care associated with surgical management of degenerative lumbar spinal disorders in elderly vs nonelderly patients. METHODS: The National Neurosurgery Quality and Outcomes Database registry prospectively collects measures of surgical safety and patient-reported outcomes for 1 year after surgery. All lumbar surgery cases were queried to compare the elderly surgical population (70 years of age and older) and associated outcomes with patients younger than 70 years of age. RESULTS: A total of 4370 lumbar spine surgeries were enrolled in National Neurosurgery Quality and Outcomes Database with 1-year follow-up; 1020 (23%) were elderly patients. The elderly had an increased incidence of heart disease, osteoporosis, high-risk anesthesia grade (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 3/4), more than 3 level surgery, ambulation assist device use, unemployment, female sex, white race, and stenosis as a diagnosis. The elderly patients had a lower body mass index, incidence of anxiety/depression, liability/ workers’ compensation claims, and disc herniation as a diagnosis. Length of hospitalization and postdischarge inpatient rehabilitation/nursing facility was significantly greater in the elderly. The incidence of surgical complications and 90-day hospital readmission were similar. Significant and equivalent improvements at 1 year in pain, disability, and quality of life were reported by both elderly and nonelderly patients overall and for each unique spine diagnosis. CONCLUSION: For all ages, lumbar spine surgery resulted in significant improvement in pain, disability, and quality of life. Elderly patients experienced equivalent and significant health benefit in all measured health domains without an increased rate of surgical complications or hospital readmissions. Elective lumbar spine surgery in the elderly provides significant gains in health status, justifying its continued use in this growing population.
Examining Recovery Trajectories After Sport-Related Concussion With a Multimodal Clinical Assessment Approach.

BACKGROUND Previous research estimates that the majority of athletes with sport-related concussion (SRC) will recover between 7 and 10 days after injury. This short temporal window of recovery is based predominately on symptom resolution and cognitive improvement and does not accurately reflect recent advances in the clinical assessment model. OBJECTIVE To characterize SRC recovery at 1-week postinjury time intervals on symptom, neurocognitive, and vestibular-oculomotor outcomes and to examine sex differences in SRC recovery time. METHODS A prospective, repeated-measures design was used to examine the temporal resolution of neurocognitive, symptom, and vestibular-oculomotor impairment in 66 subjects (age, 16.5 ± 1.9 years; range, 14-23 years; 64% male) with SRC. RESULTS Recovery time across all outcomes was between 21 and 28 days after SRC for most athletes. Symptoms demonstrated the greatest improvement in the first 2 weeks, although neurocognitive impairment lingered across various domains up to 28 days after SRC. Vestibular-oculomotor decrements also resolved between 1 and 3 weeks after injury. There were no sex differences in neurocognitive recovery. Male subjects were more likely to be asymptomatic by the fourth week and reported less vestibular-oculomotor impairment than female subjects at weeks 1 and 2. CONCLUSION When the recommended "comprehensive" approach is used for concussion assessment, recovery time for SRC is approximately 3 to 4 weeks, which is longer than the commonly reported 7 to 14 days. Sports medicine clinicians should use a variety of complementing assessment tools to capture the heterogeneity of SRC.
Neuroprotective Effects of Valproic Acid on Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Apoptosis-Related Early Brain Injury in Rats Subjected to Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Are Modulated by Heat Shock Protein 70/Matrix Metalloproteinases and Heat Shock Protein 70/AKT Pathways.

BACKGROUND Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and neural apoptosis are thought to promote early brain injury (EBI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Previous studies have demonstrated that valproic acid (VPA) decreased brain injury in a prechiasmatic injection model of SAH in mice. It should be noted that the beneficial effects of VPA and the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE To characterize the effects of VPA on BBB disruption and neural apoptosis and to determine mechanisms involved in EBI after SAH. METHODS An endovascular perforation model was used to induce SAH in rats. VPA (300 mg/kg) was promptly administered after SAH induction, and the same dose was given 12 hours later. Quercetin (100 mg/kg), an inhibitor of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), was injected into the peritoneum 2 hours before SAH induction. Mortality, SAH grades, neurological function, Evans Blue extravasation, brain edema, transmission electron microscopy, Western blot, double fluorescence labeling, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling staining also were used. RESULTS VPA treatment decreased BBB disruption and brain edema, attenuated neural apoptosis, and improved neurobehavioral functions in EBI after SAH. Double fluorescence labeling indicated that matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) was located predominately in neurons and endothelial cells. VPA upregulated the expression of HSP70, effectively decreased the expression and activity of MMP-9, and reduced claudin-5 and occludin degradation. Meanwhile, VPA also upregulated the expression of phosphorylated Akt and bcl-2. Both the anti-BBB disruption and antiapoptotic effects of VPA were abolished by quercetin. CONCLUSION VPA prevented BBB disruption and alleviated neural apoptosis after SAH. The action of VPA appeared to be mediated though the HSP70/MMPs and HSP70/Akt pathways. ABBREVIATIONS BBB, blood-brain barrierEBI, early brain injuryHSP, heat shock proteinMMP, matrix metalloproteinasePBS, phosphate-buffered salineSAH, subarachnoid hemorrhageTUNEL, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labelingVPA, valproic acid.