bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethical and scientific considerations on the establishment of a controlled human infection model for schistosomiasis in Uganda: report of a stakeholders’ meeting held in Entebbe, Uganda.
Authors: Elliott Alison M. , Roestenberg Meta , Wajja Anne , Opio Christopher , Angumya Francis , Adriko Moses , Egesa Moses , Gitome Serah , Mfutso-Bengo Joseph , Bejon Philip , Kapulu Melissa , Seager Zoe , Lutalo Tom , Nazziwa Winfred Badanga , Muwumuza Asuman , Yazdanbakhsh Maria , Kaleebu Pontiano , Kabatereine Narcis , Tukahebwa Edridah
Published: April 2018

Controlled human infection (CHI) models are gaining recognition as an approach to accelerating vaccine development, for use in both non-endemic and endemic populations: they can facilitate identification of the most promising candidate vaccines for further trials and advance understanding of protective immunity. Helminths present a continuing health burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Vaccine development for these complex organisms is particularly challenging, partly because protective responses are akin to mechanisms of allergy. A CHI model forSchistosoma mansoni(CHI-S) has been developed at Leiden University Medical Centre, the Netherlands. However, responses to schistosome infections, and candidate vaccines, are likely to be different among people from endemic settings compared to schistosome-naïve Dutch volunteers. Furthermore, among volunteers from endemic regions who have acquired immune responses through prior exposure, schistosome challenge can be used to define responses associated with clinical protection, and thus to guide vaccine development.  To explore the possibility of establishing the CHI-S in Uganda, a Stakeholders’ Meeting was held in Entebbe in 2017. Regulators, community members, researchers and policy-makers discussed implementation challenges and recommended preparatory steps: risk assessment; development of infrastructure and technical capacity to produce the infectious challenge material in Uganda; community engagement from Parliamentary to grass-roots level; pilot studies to establish approaches to assuring fully informed consent and true voluntariness, and strategies for selection of volunteers who can avoid natural infection during the 12-week CHI-S; the building of regulatory capacity; and the development of study protocols and a product dossier in close consultation with ethical and regulatory partners. It was recommended that, on completion, the protocol and product dossier be reviewed for approval in a joint meeting combining ethical, regulatory and environment management authorities. Most importantly, representatives of schistosomiasis-affected communities emphasised the urgent need for an effective vaccine and urged the research community not to delay in the development process.
Case Report: Swallowed toothbrush in the stomach of a 56 year female at St Mary’s Hospital Lacor, Uganda
Authors: Amone Derrick , Okot Christopher , Mugabi Patrick , Okello Tom Richard , Ogwang David Martin
Published: April 2018

Toothbrush swallowing is a rare occurrence. Toothbrush swallowing presents a risk of impaction and perforation along the gastrointestinal tract. This case report describes a 56 year old female that presented to the emergency unit of St Mary’s Hospital Lacor with a 1 day history of chest pain after a toothbrush was pushed down her throat by a traditional healer who was managing her for pharyngitis. The chest pain was associated with difficulty in breathing. She also reported dull abdominal pain. There was no history of vomiting or drooling of saliva. On examination, we found that she was in pain and had respiratory distress with a respiratory rate of 32 breath/ min and was using accessory muscles. There was no oedema, aneamia or jaundice. Blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg and pulse rate of 87 beats/ min. The abdominal findings were normal, but ultrasound scan suggested that the toothbrush was in the stomach. The plain erect abdominal x-ray was inconclusive. She was admitted to the ward for conservative management. After 2 weeks we decided to do exploratory laparotomy and we found the toothbrush in the stomach, that we removed and closed the abdomen in layers. Post-operatively the patient recovered uneventfully on the ward. Toothbrush swallowing is a rare occurrence. The commonest foreign bodies ingested by adults are bones, spoons and dentures. Toothbrush ingestion occurs commonly among patients with psychiatric conditions like bulimia or anorexia nervosa, schizophrenia and bezoar. Most swallowed toothbrushes have been found in the esophagus or the stomach of affected patients. Most people who swallowed their toothbrushes did so entirely without erotic intent, as with this case where the patient had the brush pushed down her throat by a traditional healer. This is the first case of toothbrush swallowing in this hospital.
Recent advancements in the management of retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma
Authors: Schefler Amy C , Kim Ryan S
Published: April 2018

Retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma are the most common intraocular malignancies observed in pediatric and adult populations, respectively. For retinoblastoma, intra-arterial chemotherapy has dramatically improved treatment outcomes and eye salvage rates compared with traditional salvage rates of systemic chemotherapy and external beam radiation therapy. Intravitreal injections of chemotherapy have also demonstrated excellent efficacy for vitreous seeds. Uveal melanoma, on the other hand, is treated predominantly with iodine-125 plaque brachytherapy or with proton beam therapy. Major strides in uveal melanoma genomics have been made since the early 2000s, allowing ocular oncologists to better understand the metastatic risks of the tumor on the basis of specific genetic signatures. Loss-of-function mutations of theBAP1gene are associated with the highest metastatic risk, whereas gain-of-function mutations ofSF3B1andEIF1AXoften confer a better prognosis. Expression of a cancer-testis antigen called PRAME (preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma) has been shown to increase metastatic risks in both low-risk and high-risk melanomas. New therapeutic approaches, including molecular therapies and nanoparticle phototherapy, are currently being investigated as alternative treatment modalities for uveal melanoma.
Switching from biosimilar (Basalin) to originator (Lantus) insulin glargine is effective in Chinese patients with diabetes mellitus: a retrospective chart review
Authors: Hu Xia , Zhang Lei , Dong Yanhu , Dong Chao , Jiang Jikang , Gao Weiguo
Published: April 2018

Background: This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of switching from Basalin® to Lantus® in Chinese patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods:  A retrospective chart review conducted using the electronic medical records of patients hospitalized at the Qingdao Endocrine and Diabetes Hospital from 2005 to 2016. All patients were diagnosed with DM and underwent switching of insulin from Basalin to Lantus during hospitalization. Data collected included fasting (FBG), pre- and post-prandial whole blood glucose, insulin dose, reasons for insulin switching and hypoglycemia. Four study time points were defined as: hospital admission, Basalin initiation, insulin switching (date of final dose of Basalin), and hospital discharge. Blood glucose measurements were imputed as the values recorded closest to the dates of these four time points for each patient.

Results: Data from 73 patients (70 patients with type 2 diabetes, 2 with type 1, and 1 undisclosed) were analyzed. At admission, mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and FBG were 8.9% (SD=1.75) and 9.98 (3.22) mmol/L, respectively. Between Basalin initiation and insulin switch, mean FBG decreased from 9.68 mmol/L to 8.03 mmol/L (p<0.0001), over a mean 10.8 (SD=6.85) days of Basalin treatment, and reduced further to 7.30 mmol/L at discharge (p=0.0116) following a mean 6.6 (7.36) days of Lantus. The final doses of Basalin and Lantus were similar (0.23 vs. 0.24 IU/kg/day; p=0.2409). Furthermore, reductions in pre- and post-prandial blood glucose were also observed between Basalin initiation, insulin switch and hospital discharge. The incidence of confirmed hypoglycemia was low during Basalin (2 [2.4%]) and Lantus (1 [1.2%]) treatment, with no cases of severe hypoglycemia.

Conclusion: In this study population, switching from Basalin to Lantus was associated with further reductions in blood glucose, although the dose of insulin glargine did not increase. Further studies are required to verify these findings and determine the reason for this phenomenon.
Case Report: Haemolytic anaemia with ceftazidime use in a patient with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Yong Jun , Frost Freddy , Nazareth Dilip , Walshaw Martin
Published: April 2018

Drug-induced Immune Haemolytic Anaemia (DIIHA) is a rare but serious complication of cephalosporin use. Ceftazidime is recognized to be a rare cause of DIIHA. We report and discuss a case of DIIHA in a person with cystic fibrosis who developed severe haemolytic anaemia following use of ceftazidime in the management of an acute pseudomonal pulmonary exacerbation.
Investigating Pneumonia Etiology Among Refugees and the Lebanese population (PEARL): A study protocol
Authors: Kesteman Thomas , Ghassani Ali , Hajjar Crystel , Picot Valentina , Osman Marwan , Alnajjar Zahraa , Komurian-Pradel Florence , Messaoudi Melina ,   PEARL Study Group, Soulaiman Hicham Ghazi , Vanhems Philippe , Ramilo Octavio , Karam-Sarkis Dolla , Najjar-Pellet Josette , Hamze Monzer , Endtz Hubert
Published: April 2018

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), a leading cause of mortality, mainly affects children in developing countries. The harsh circumstances experienced by refugees include various factors associated with respiratory pathogen transmission, and clinical progression of CAP. Consequently, the etiology of CAP in humanitarian crisis situations may differ to that of settled populations, which would impact appropriate case management. Therefore, the Pneumonia Etiology Among Refugees and the Lebanese population (PEARL) study was initiated with the objective of identifying the causal pathogenic microorganisms in the respiratory tract of children and adults from both the refugee and host country population presenting with signs of CAP during a humanitarian crisis.

Methods: PEARL, a prospective, multicentric, case-control study, will be conducted at four primary healthcare facilities in Tripoli and the Bekaa valley over 15 months (including two high-transmission seasons/winters). Sociodemographic and medical data, and biological samples will be collected from at least 600 CAP cases and 600 controls. Nasopharyngeal swabs, sputum, urine and blood samples will be analyzed at five clinical pathology laboratories in Lebanon to identify the bacterial and viral etiological agents of CAP. Transcriptomic profiling of host leukocytes will be performed.

Conclusions: PEARL is an original observational study that will provide important new information on the etiology of pneumonia among refugees, which may improve case management, help design antimicrobial stewardship interventions, and reduce morbidity and mortality due to CAP in a humanitarian crisis.
Exercise-induced exertional rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Rao Angela
Published: April 2018

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition resulting from skeletal muscle breakdown that can present in several ways, ranging from no symptoms to a life threatening renal disorder. A variety of insults, including trauma, toxins, drugs, infections, and exercise, can lead to muscle breakdown. Complications include compartment syndrome, electrolyte imbalance, and cardiac arrest. Rhabdomyolysis is a clinical challenge due to the range of its presentations. We report a 22-year-old male college student who came to the emergency department with mild thigh soreness and dark urine. A full work-up showed his serum creatine kinase was significantly elevated to 178,786 U/L and he had acute kidney injury. Our patient had no toxin or drug exposure, no infection, no trauma, and no crush injuries, but he had attended a 45-minute spinning class several days prior to admission, indicating a case of exercise-induced exertional rhabdomyolysis. He was hospitalized and treated with IV hydration to protect his kidneys. After eight days of conservative treatment with IV fluids, the patient’s creatine kinase level normalized. This case illustrates that even patients with minimal risk factors for rhabdomyolysis can present with severe kidney injury requiring prolonged hospitalization.
Le « réalisme magique » de "Prawiek i inne czasy" d’Olga Tokarczuk filtré par la traduction
Authors: Skibińska Elżbieta , Solová Regina , Wesoła Justyna
Published: April 2018

The “Magical Realism” of Prawiek i inne czasy by Olga Tokarczuk Through the Filter of Translation: Comparative Study of the Czech, French and Spanish Translations “Magical realism” in Prawiek i inne czasy has been noticed very quickly by the critics of Olga Tokarczuk’s novel. If some typically Polish elements can be observed in the text’s composition, other “ingredients,” more universal, also appear, but they are “polonised,” if only due to the Polish language of the novel. When comparing an original passage (the chapter Czas Topielca Pluszcza), which contains Slavic mythological elements linked with water, with its translations into Czech, French and Spanish, it appears that “national fantastic” features create differences which enlarge with geographical and cultural distance: the Czech version does not contain many shifts compared with the original, while the French and Spanish versions bring about cultural alterity effects. These, however, should not be considered as an obstacle to the reading.
Paradoksy profesjonalizacji. Normy tłumaczeniowe – PN-EN 15038 i PN-EN ISO 17100 – z perspektywy dydaktyki przekładu
Authors: Dybiec-Gajer Joanna
Published: April 2018

Paradoxes of Professionalization: Translation Standards – EN 15038 and EN ISO 17100 – From the Perspective of Translator Education Taking the perspective of translator training, the article discusses the significance of translation standards understood as codified documents issued by normalization bodies, focusing on two standards that go beyond local or national settings such as EN 15038 and EN ISO 17100. The emergence of translation standards is situated in a broad context of subject literature on norms in translation. Aspects of standards that have a direct or possible bearing on translator education are discussed. It seems that standards do not necessarily contribute to the present state of the art in translator education research. However, they may enhance a positive perception of translation industry and translators as professionals. Yet, paradoxically, the question remains open whether they indeed contribute to translator empowerment.
Dydaktyka tłumaczenia ustnego: z historii rosyjskiej refleksji badawczej
Authors: Konefał Ewa
Published: April 2018

Didactics of interpreting: from the history of Russian research The author makes an attempt to organise chronologically, systematise and evaluate the Russian works devoted to various aspects of teaching oral translation, based on the material of annotations of dissertations submitted for defence in the years 1956-2015.
Concordancer-Enhanced Reflection in Telecollaborative Translation Projects at University Level
Authors: Marczak Mariusz
Published: April 2018

This paper deals with the implementation of concordancers for the purpose of stimulating reflection on experience in telecollaborative translation projects at university level. The paper opens with a brief presentation of the rationale for the use of telecollaboration in contemporary translation and translator education. Then collaboration and telecollaboration are described as teaching/learning modes, with the latter presented as a computer-mediated extension of the former. Subsequently, the theoretical standing of collaboration in translator education is discussed, together with the learning gains that telecollaboration potentially offers to student translators. On a more practical note, on the basis of his own research conducted so far, the author presents means of eliciting reflection in telecollaborative translation projects administered at university level and introduces the idea of a concordancer as a tool for stimulating deepened reflection in such projects. The paper concludes with a summary of the benefits that concordancing brings to telecollaborative translation projects.
Accurate to the letter
Authors: McKeown Sal
Published: April 2018

Sal McKeown finds out how an app from Yellow Door links its tactile letter resources to touchscreen skills, equipping children to develop their writing abilities and to talk about shape, pattern and texture.
Just messing about
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: April 2018

Take the fear factor out of maths at an early age by introducing counting as part of sensory exploration. Ensuring enjoyment comes first will help to build confidence in working with numbers.
Master strokes
Authors: Clarke Jenni
Published: April 2018

Jenni Clarke shares ideas for experimenting with watercolours on ready-made canvas blocks and other surfaces. Ask open-ended questions to stimulate thought and make this an unhurried project.
Blowing bubbles
Authors: Williams Kate
Published: April 2018

This airy theme is all about experimenting with objects that can be airborne and float gently down. Challenge children to test their ability to sweep and swirl with a variety of controlled movements.
A systematic review of long-term patient reported outcomes for the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in the skeletally immature
Authors: Buckle C. , Wainwright A. M.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

To systematically review the available literature regarding outcomes for the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in the skeletally immature at skeletal maturity or more than five years after surgery.

Methods

A systematic search was performed of seven online databases for literature reporting patient reported outcomes for the treatment of ACL injuries in the skeletally immature. A systematic review of this literature was performed examining the outcomes and their association with skeletal immaturity and treatment techniques.

Results

A total of 18 articles reported the outcomes of 425 subjects. The mean age at surgery ranged from 10.3 to 15 years. Mean follow-up ranged from 36 to 163 months. Ten studies followed up subjects until skeletal maturity. Mean outcome scores were similar for extraphyseal (Lysholm 96.2 (95.7 to 97.4), Tegner 6.75, IKDC 95.4 (94 to 100)) and transphyseal surgery (Lysholm 94.3 (84.6-100), Tegner 7.6 (6 to 8.7), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 93.6 (84 to 99)). However, the lower range boundary for Lysholm and IKDC was worse for the transphyseal group. The results for non-surgical treatments were worse (Lysholm 63.2, Tegner 4.8, IKDC 87). No significant differences were found in the incidence of limb-length discrepancy (p = 0.32), coronal plane growth disturbance (p = 0.48), graft rupture (p = 0.88) and persistent symptomatic instability (p = 0.11) with transphyseal and extraphyseal surgical techniques.

Conclusion

Both transphyseal and extraphyseal reconstructive techniques produced good patient reported outcomes, with no significant differences in the incidence of limb-length discrepancy, coronal plane growth disturbance, graft rupture and persistent symptomatic instability. They compare favourably with the repair techniques reviewed and the natural history of the condition. Further high-quality studies comparing the transphyseal and extraphyseal techniques are required.

Level of Evidence

Level IV
Intimate earthly embodiments: Dancing the seasons in bharatanatyam
Authors: Zubko Katherine C.
Published: April 2018

The six seasons of Indian aesthetics expressed in the fifth-century poet Kalidasa’s Ritu Samhara (Cycle of Seasons) depict the landscapes of the natural world as reflections of the shifting inner worlds of a lover in relationship with his or her beloved. Weather patterns, animal behaviours, variances in rivers and cycles of trees parallel the rhythmic dance of desire between humans and between humans and nature. This article traces an ethnographic example of Kalidasa’s work, Ritu: The Seasons as choreographed by Suchitra Sairam in the South Asian storytelling dance form of bharatanatyam. As a unique thematic programme focused on nature, danced in an outdoor venue, Ritu offers kinesthetic insights into how gesture sequences enact a particular oscillation of inward and outward responsiveness between humans and the environment within the aesthetic framework of sringara rasa, an erotic mood. Attuning the dancers’ bodies to aspects of nature nurtures an intimacy at the centre of an embodied ecological relationality.
Somewhere, sometime, some dance!: A tribute to Obá
Authors: Daniel Yvonne
Published: April 2018

This article proposes one model for living in connection with the earth. Using learned lessons from within African Diaspora dance practices, I suggest a transfer of collective traditional body knowledge about the importance of dancing to contemporary earth-dwellers in hopes of an accessible and practical method for abundant joy, human health and committed contribution to Mother Earth.
Direitos dos transgêneros sob a perspetiva europeia
Authors: Cunha Leandro Reinaldo da
Published: April 2018

O reconhecimento do ser humano como o elemento mais importante da humanidade e o pleno respeito a todas as suas características individualizadoras é preponderante para a consolidação da cidadania e de uma sociedade que tem nos direitos humanos o seu lastro, razão pela qual a atenção aos direitos da população transgênero se faz imprescindível. Entender a perspectiva do continente europeu sobre o tema é primordial, mormente ante a sua capacidade de polinizar seu pensar para todo o planeta. Para o presente trabalho utiliza-se da pesquisa bibliográfica, valendo-se do método científico-dedutivo.
Proceedings of the “Think Tank Hackathon’’, Big Data Training School for Life Sciences Follow-up, Ljubljana 6th – 7th February 2018
Authors: Schulze Sabrina K. , Ramšak Živa , Hoang Yen , Zdravevski Eftim , Pfeil Juliane , Duarte-López Ariel , Baier Uwe , Zagorščak Maja
Published: April 2018

On 6th and 7th February 2018, a Think Tank took place in Ljubljana, Slovenia. It was a follow-up of the “Big Data Training School for Life Sciences” held in Uppsala, Sweden, in September 2017. The focus was on identifying topics of interest and optimising the programme for a forthcoming “Advanced” Big Data Training School for Life Science, that we hope is again supported by the COST Action CHARME (Harmonising standardisation strategies to increase efficiency and competitiveness of European life-science research - CA15110). The Think Tank aimed to go into details of several topics that were - to a degree - covered by the former training school. Likewise, discussions embraced the recent experience of the attendees in light of the new knowledge obtained by the first edition of the training school and how it comes from the perspective of their current and upcoming work. The 2018 training school should strive for and further facilitate optimised applications of Big Data technologies in life sciences. The attendees of this hackathon entirely organised this workshop.
Poročilo o obročkanju ptic v Sloveniji v letu 2016 in pojavljanje mušje listnice Phylloscopus inornatus v 25 letih v Sloveniji
Authors: Vrezec Al , Fekonja Dare
Published: April 2018

In 2016, data on 176 bird species were gathered during bird ringing activities in Slovenia. A total of 65,711 birds of 165 different species were ringed. Furthermore, 148 recoveries of birds ringed in Slovenia and found abroad, 245 foreign recoveries in Slovenia and 1840 local recoveries were made. The most frequently ringed species was the Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla. Among the ringed nestlings, Great Tits Parus major, Tree Sparrows Passer montanus and White Storks Ciconia ciconia predominated. Considering recoveries of birds ringed or found abroad, the most frequent were finds based on colour rings, especially of Black-headed Gulls Chroicocephalus ridibundus, Mute Swans Cygnus olor and Common Terns Sterna hirundo. As far as local recoveries are concerned, most data were collected for Great Tit and Siskin Spinus spinus. Among rare species, two Yellow-browed Warblers Phylloscopus inornatus were ringed, one Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola, one Little Emberiza pusilla and one Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala, the latter as a singing male, which probably also bred in 2016. The catch frequency of the Yellow-browed Warblers has indeed been increasing in Slovenia in the last 25 years, but this is still a rare and irregular vagrant on autumn migration.
Comparison of Proctor and Uniaxial Compression Tests for Selected Soils
Authors: Błażejczak Dariusz , Śnieg Kinga , Słowik Małgorzata
Published: April 2018

The objective of this paper was to compare the results of soil material compaction carried out with the use of the Proctor and uniaxial compression tests in order to find relations between these methods. Soil material in the form of loose mass was collected from the layer deposited at the depth from 35 to 60 cm in order to determine its typical properties (textural group, density of solid particles, humus content, reaction, plastic and liquid limits) and in order to compact it in the Proctor apparatus and in the uniaxial compression test. Results of both tests were used for construction of regression models reflecting the course of the unit stress (Pρdp
), necessary to generate compaction equal to the dry density of solid particles obtained in the Proctor apparatus (ρdp) in relation to the sample moisture (w
s). It was stated that the stress value Pρdp
on the soil sample in the uniaxial compression test depends significantly on w
s. It was proved that for the purpose of comparing the results of both tests, the uniaxial stress of samples must be performed in conditions of their lateral expansion. It was also proved that the use of the uniaxial test with possible lateral expansion of soil with a model sample, a diameter of which is 100 and the height is 30 mm, one may determine the obtained compaction with the use of the plate movement value.
Orchards Pruning to Energy – The Results of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the New Logistic Chain Developed within the Europruning Project – Part 2
Authors: Dyjakon Arkadiusz , Boer Jan den , García-Galindo Daniel , Adamczyk Florian , Lopez Eva , Sebastian Fernando , Suardi Allesandro , Gebresenbet Girma , Jirjis Raida , Bosona Techane , Germer Sonja , Bischoff Wolf-Anno
Published: April 2018

To determine the environmental impact, the assessment of the Euro-Pruning project strategy has been carried out in accordance with the checking and scooping list related to Directive 97/11/EC. Additionally, some suggestions and recommendations to prevent/minimize the hazard of accidents or negative interaction on surrounding have been elaborated (according to the suggested procedure in ISO 14001 methodology: risk definition and prevention action proposal). As a consequence, the results of the inspection during the demo tests taking place in different orchards/plantations regarding the performance of the machineries operation, farmers’ habits and pruning residues harvesting procedures have been presented, in order to diagnose and determine possible risks that may occur and influence negatively the local environment. Similar activities have been carried out during the storage tests and transportation processes.
Analysis of Operation Performance in the Process of Machine Wood Harvesting with Fao Far 6840 Mini-Harvester
Authors: Kormanek Mariusz , Baj Dariusz
Published: April 2018

The article presents analysis of operation of Fao Far 6840 mini harvester for machine wood harvesting. Analysis was made based on working day timing. The investigations were carried out on the area of Lubliniec Forest Inspectorate, Bór Forestry on the habitat forest site − fresh mixed forest where pine wood was obtained with the use of a harvester. Timing was carried out based on the registration of the exploitation time of a harvester with the use of a video camera and stopwatch and measurements of the obtained size grade. Based on the obtained results low values of performance in the exploitation change time 9.61 m3·h−1, and effective performance 12.14 m3·h−1 were reported. Low machine performance was affected mainly by conditions of harvesting, low log volume (at the average 0.62 m3) and concentration of trees. The head structure (applied feed system), weak work organization (short time of a single 6 hour shift) and weak skills of the machine operator were additional factors that reduced the performance
Towards harmonization of external quality assessment/proficiency testing in hemostasis
Authors: Favaloro Emmanuel J. , Jennings Ian , Olson John , Van Cott Elizabeth M. , Bonar Roslyn , Gosselin Robert , Meijer Piet
Published: April 2018

Quality in diagnostic testing represents a key target of laboratory medicine, for which an assurance around the quality of testing is expected from all involved in the process. Laboratories attempt to assure the quality of their testing by various processes, but especially by performance of internal quality control and external quality assessment (EQA). This is especially true for tests of hemostasis and coagulation. EQA in general provides information on test accuracy and on evaluation of long-term laboratory performance. EQA providers support laboratory performance by various means, including distribution of material for testing of analytes (“proficiency testing”), educational support through expert advice, distribution of publications or case series. Participation in EQA is often a laboratory accreditation requirement. This review aims to identify some of the strengths and weaknesses of EQA, and targets attempts towards harmonization of EQA practice, in order to achieve the best outcome for participant laboratories and, thus, for patients and their clinical care providers.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Three Cases of Bronchial Carcinoma In Situ
Authors: Andreev Valeri Y. , Yanev Nikolay A. , Stanimirov Stefan K. , Mircheva Temenuzhka V. , Ivanov Ivan N. , Popovska Savelina , Hristova Petkana A. , Ivanov Yavor Y.
Published: April 2018

As part of a retrospective study on bronchoscopies performed at the Clinic of Pneumonology and Phthisiatry of the University Hospital – Pleven by autofluorescence bronchoscopy we found 3 cases diagnosed with carcinoma in situ. They were treated in different ways – endobronchial electrocoagulation, extraction by forceps biopsy and open surgery, but the result was the same – clinical healing. The paper presents the three clinical cases and the analysis of the treatment.
Electrodermal Activity Monitoring during Endotracheal Suction in Sedated Adult Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Aslanidis Theodoros , Grosomanidis Vasilios , Karakoulas Konstantinos , Chatzisotiriou Athanasios
Published: April 2018

Background: Endotracheal suctioning of respiratory secretions is one of the most common causes of pain and discomfort in Intensive Care Unit environment. The electrical properties of the skin, also known as electrodermal activity (EDA), are considered as an indirect measure of autonomous nervous system.

Aim: This study explores EDA changes during endotracheal suction in sedated adult critical care patients; and compares these changes to other monitoring parameters.

Materials and methods: Skin conductance variability, selected hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, bispectral index (BIS) and ambient noise level, were monitored during 4 hour routine daytime intensive care nursing and treatment in an adult Intensive Care Unit. 4h-measurements were divided into 2 groups, based upon the sedation level (group A: Ramsay sedation scale 2-4 and group B: 5-6 respectively) of the patients. Selected recordings before and after endotracheal suction (stress events) were performed. Seven stress events from Group A and 17 from Group B were included for further analysis. Patients’ demographics, laboratory exams and severity scores were recorded. Pain status evaluation before every event was also performed via 2 independent observers.

Results: In both groups the rate of EDA changes was greater than in other monitoring parameters. Yet, in group A only selected parameters were significantly changed after the start of the procedure, while in group B, every parameter showed significant change (p<0.05). Groups were similar for other co-founding factors.

Conclusion: EDA measurements are more sensitive to stress stimuli, than cardiovascular, respiratory or even BIS monitoring. Deeper sedation seems to affect more the intensity of EDA changes during suction.
Relations of Apelin with Cardiac Remodeling in Patients with Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Koval Sergiy , Iushko Kostiantyn , Starchenko Tatyana
Published: April 2018

Background: The peptide apelin has antihypertensive and antidiabetic properties, but its role in the processes of cardiac remodeling in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is poorly understood.

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate apelin levels in patients with hyper-tension and T2D and to determine its relations to heart structural parameters and types of cardiac remodeling.

Materials and methods: We examined 63 patients with hypertension and T2D. Investigation complex included physical examination, standard transthoracic echocardiography and determination of apelin serum levels by ELISA. Control group consisted of 16 volunteers.

Results: The apelin levels in patients were significantly lower than those in volunteers (0.882(0.788; 0.924) ng/ml versus 1.097(0.944; 1.171) ng/ml, p<0.001). Negative correlation relations of apelin with septal wall thickness (r=−0.50, p<0.001), posterior wall thickness (r=−0.46, p<0.001), left ventricle (LV) mass (r=−0.39, p<0.01), LV mass index (r=−0.42, p<0.001) and left atrium size (r=−0.45, p<0.001) were found. In patients with concentric remodeling of LV apelin levels were 0.918 (0.892; 0.984) ng/ml, with concentric LV hypertrophy – 0.855(0.722; 0.899) ng/ml, with eccentric LV hypertrophy – 0.884(0.856; 0.929) ng/ml (p<0.05, p<0.001, p<0.001 versus control, respectively). Patients with concentric LV hypertrophy had significantly lower apelin levels than patients with concentric remodeling of LV (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Patients with hypertension and T2D have significant reduction of apelin blood levels, which is accompanied by cardiac remodeling development primarily concentric LV hypertrophy and have negative correlation relations of apelin with heart structural parameters that characterize LV remodeling and left atrium size.
Pathobiochemical Mechanisms Relating Iron Homeostasis with Parameters of Inflammatory Activity and Autoimmune Disorders in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Stefanova Katya I. , Delcheva Ginka T. , Maneva Ana I. , Batalov Anastas Z. , Geneva-Popova Mariela G. , Karalilova Rositza V. , Simitchiev Kiril K.
Published: April 2018

Aim: To find the correlations between the parameters of iron homeostasis, inflammatory activity and autoimmune disorders in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Materials and methods: The present study included 114 patients with RA and 42 healthy controls. We determined the parameters of iron homeostasis: serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), the parameters of inflammatory activity: C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and prohepcidin, and the parameters of autoimmune disorders: rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (antiCCP) antibodies and DAS 28.

Results: The levels of sTfR, CRP, IL-6 and prohepcidin were significantly higher in RA patients than those in the controls and the level of serum iron was significantly lower in RA than that in the control group. Unlike the controls, in RA, there was a significant positive correlation of sTfR with the parameters of inflammatory activity (IL-6, prohepcidin, ESR) and with the parameters of autoimmune disorders (DAS 28, RF, antiCCP). A negative correlation of serum iron with sTfR was found only in RA patients. Prohepcidin positively correlated with the parameters of inflammation (CRP, ESR) and with the parameters for evaluation of autoimmune disorders (DAS 28 and RF) in the RA group.

Conclusion: Our study shows that the simultaneous determination of the two parameters sTfR and prohepcidin is most informative for evaluation of the changes in iron homeostasis in RA. The increase of both parameters provides information for tissue iron deficiency (assessed by the level of sTfR), caused by the inflammation when prohepcidin is expressed.
Development and Validation of HPLC Analytical Method for Chlorantraniliprole in Bulk and in the Formulation
Authors: Kapupara Pankaj P. , Sorathiya Vandana , Patel Ravi P. , Shah Ketan V.
Published: April 2018

Background: Chlorantraniliprole is widely used as a pesticide. It is only soluble in dimethyl formamide. However, most of the reported methods used acetonitrile and other solvents.

Aim: To develop rapid, accurate, precise, and sensitive HPLC method for chlorantraniliprole.

Materials and methods: 10 μG/mL of chlorantraniliprole containing solution was injected into the HPLC system and run in different solvent systems. 10 μG/mL solutions of chlorantraniprole was injected in a column with 20 μL microsyringe. The chromatogram was run for appropriate minutes with mobile phase water. The flow rate was set to 1 mL/min and detection was carried out at wavelength 270 nm. The method is validated by measuring the limit of quantitation, limit of detection, repeatability, intraday precision, inter-day precision, and accuracy. Analysis of marketed formulation, bringle, and tomato for chlorantraniprole content was also made for the developed analytical method.

Results: There was linearity of chlorantraniliprole for calibration curve in between 1 and 5 μG/mL concentration. The perfect sharp peak observed in water at a retention time of 6.28 min. The limit of detection and the limit of quantitation were 0.0050 μG/mL and 0.0152 μG/mL, respectively. The study reported 99.55% repeatability, 99.49% intraday precision, 99.65% interday precision, and 99.27% accuracy.

Conclusion: The rapid, accurate, precise, and sensitive HPLC method for the detection of chlorantraniliprole using dimethyl formamide was developed.
Antidepressant Effect and Recognition Memory Improvement of Two Novel Plant Extract Combinations - Antistress I and Anti-stress II on Rats Subjected to a Model of Mild Chronic Stress
Authors: Kandilarov Ilin K. , Zlatanova Hristina I. , Georgieva-Kotetarova Maria T. , Kostadinova Ivanka I. , Katsarova Mariana N. , Dimitrova Stela Z. , Lukanov Ludmil K. , Sadakov Ferit
Published: April 2018

Background: Chronic stress is one of the main factors which lead to depression – a psychiatric disorder affecting millions of people and predicted to be the second ranked cause of premature death in 2020. Depression is often associated with cognitive disturbances and memory deficit. Plant based therapy could be effective in the treatment of mild to moderate depression due to its low level of adverse reaction, its good tolerability and compliance.

Materials and methods: 72 male Wistar rats, divided in 9 groups were given orally for 8 weeks two combinations of dry plant extracts – Antistress I and Antistress II and five individual dry extracts obtained from Serratula coronata, Hypericum perforatum, Valeriana officinalis, Crataegus monogyna and Melissa officinalis. The animals were exposed to a chronic unpredictable mild stress for 8 weeks. The depression-like symptoms were evaluated with Forced swim test while the assessment of the memory deficit was performed with Novel object recognition test.

Results: Antistress II demonstrates antidepressant effect while Antistress I doesn’t improve the depressive-like symptoms. The individual extracts of Hypericum perforatum and Valeriana officinalis also possess antidepressant properties. Antistress II improves the cognition as well as the individual extracts of Hypericum perforatum, Valeriana officinalis and especially Serratula coronata. Dry extract from Serratula tend to have the best effect regarding the recognition memory. The effect of Antistress I on memory deficit is negligible.

Conclusions: Antistress II possesses antidepressant effect and improves the recognition memory while Antistress I doesn’t demonstrate any of the above-described effects.
Mobilization and Stimulation of Neuromuscular Tissue (MASONT) for Stroke Survivors
Authors: Athanasiadis Dimitrios , Dionyssiotis Yannis , Papathanasiou Jannis , Stefas Eleftherios
Published: April 2018

Mobilization and Stimulation of Neuromuscular Tissue (MASONT) is a newly invented somatosensory intervention used for the recovery of function in stroke patients. This paper aims to offer a more spherical view on the new technique. To that end, a basic manual of MASONT’s application is provided, along with its rational of use. Moreover, clinical observations on the application of the technique and its effects on neurological patients are presented, as well as, a report on its safety.
Oblong Sesamoid Bone Appearance into the Nuchal Ligament. A Case Report
Authors: Tzatzairis Themistoklis , Papathanasiou Jannis V. , Ververidis Athanasios , Kazakos Ioannis , Drosos Georgios , Tilkeridis Konstantinos
Published: April 2018

Radio-opaque formations behind the spinous processes of the cervical spine are really rare. They were described in 1929 for the first time. Sesamoid ossicles are found close to a bone or a joint and are usually small. Some sesamoids form part of normal human anatomy, while others are normal anatomical variants. We report a case of a 73-year-old Caucasian male who visited the outpatient clinic complaining about chronic cervical pain. An oblong sesamoid accidentally discovered during routine anteroposterior (AP) and lateral x-ray, within the nuchal ligament (NL) at the C3-C6 spinous processes level. A cervical MRI scan was performed and the result showed ‘fabella nuchae’. This type of sesamoids are rarely symptomatic, but it should be differentially diagnosed anyway. We review its morphology, the mechanical factors of the region acting throughout life and last, but not least, the differential diagnosis.
Lignin-based coatings for controlled P-release fertilizer consisting of granulated simple superphosphate
Authors: Rotondo Felipe , Coniglio Rodrigo , Cantera Leandro , Di Pascua Ignacio , Clavijo Leonardo , Dieste Andrés
Published: April 2018

A novel lignin-based slow release fertilizer with low environmental impact has been developed. More precisely, a granulated simple superphosphate fertilizer, consisting of calcium phosphate monobasic [Ca(H2PO4)2·H2O] and gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) was coated with modified kraft lignins and the diffusion of phosphorus was observed as a function of time. The lignin was hydroxymethylated with formaldehyde and subsequently cross-linked with phenol-formaldehyde resin resulting in HML-PF as coating. Moreover, coating films were prepared from a mixture of acetylated lignin (Lac) and acetylated cellulose (Cellac). Both coatings show similar permeability to calcium phosphate and controlled effectively the P-release, particularly at the initial stages of the experiment. The P-release was linear in the decay phase but there is no lag time in the process. A significant P amount was not released from the particles coated with HML-PF, i.e. 80–50% remained irreversible bound, depending on the coating formulation. The maximum fractional P-release varied among the different coatings tested. Phosphorus is partly retained inside the slightly soluble calcium sulfate matrix.
The Impact of European Economic Integration on Migration in the European Union
Authors: Simionescu Mihaela
Published: April 2018

The recent enlargement of the EU (since 2004) and the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union have prompted a growing research interest in the political and academic environment because of the causes and consequences of migration between the CEE countries and those in the Western Europe. In this study, the effects of European economic integration on the number of EU-15 immigrants from the newly integrated EU countries were assessed by econometric techniques. According to panel data models, in the period 2000-2015, the number of migrants from the new member states of the EU has increased, in average, with more than 2200 people only due to their EU membership. This result reflects the positive impact of European economic integration on the number of emigrants from the CEE countries that chose the EU-15 states as destination countries. Moreover, according to some ridge Bayesian regressions, during the period 2004-2015, the EU-15 immigrants coming from the EU-13 states did not negatively affect the economic growth of the EU-15 countries.
Principal Management Concepts in Greek Public Sector: Part I – The Common Assessment Framework
Authors: Papalazarou Ioannis , Tsoulfas Giannis T.
Published: April 2018

In the modern era of internationalization, interconnection and rapid technological changes the obligation of the public sector to provide the best possible services to citizens have become challenging tasks. The incorporation of Total Quality Management principles and tools in public services can prove to be decisive given that they contribute to the improvement of the services provided, offer better customer service, help in understanding how the agency is organised and operates, as well as contribute in changing the attitude of employees towards the adoption of a quality culture. Since the mid-00’s, several programmes have been implemented in Greece in order to improve the quality of public services which was, up to that point, dictated only by the need to consolidate relative EU financial resources. This paper is the first part of a study about the application of principal management concepts in Greek public sector since year 2004 when Law 3230/2004 was introduced. In particular it tries to record and assess the experience of the implementation of the “Common Assessment Framework” in Greek public services. Towards this end, the views and opinions of experts from the public sector are analysed with the use of interviews and questionnaires.
Distance Education in Romanian Higher Education
Authors: Ene Andreea Bianca
Published: April 2018

The global diffusion of Internet involves economic, political and demographic factors that can predict in real time. In this article, we demonstrate that according to data provided by EUROSTAT, the number of people looking for a job in Romania it is correlated with specific query terms using Google Trends. Search engine data is used to “predict the present” values of different economic indicators. The obtained results are compared with the classical method of developing the economic indicators, with official EUROSTAT employment data. In this paper, we demonstrate that the new methods to extract the economic indicators from web technologies are accurate.
Tax Policy: What Does SMEs Say?
Authors: Nuswantara Dian Anita , Prastiwi Dewi , Aisyaturahmi
Published: April 2018

Tax is one of the main sources of government revenue in Indonesia. Unfortunately the enormous population has not been able to make tax revenues so great. The cost to issue a new policy package should be accompanied by increased taxpayer compliance, as indicated by tax revenue. But until now the increase in tax revenue is due to the higher the value of money. Based on the above, it needs to be studied and analysed on how the critical analysis of income tax policy for individual taxpayers of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

A qualitative approach using phenomenological studies is designed to gain an explanation of the above phenomena in terms of the taxpayer's perspective. Survey technique is the main data collection technique used in this study. The final process of the research is expected to find the right formulation of the current policy and find the policy formulation that can be used as input for policy makers in the field of taxation.