bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prey Composition of Harpy Eagles (Harpia harpyja) in Raleighvallen, Suriname
Authors: Miranda Everton B. P.
Published: October 2018

Apex predators are in widespread decline, in many occasions as a consequence of the demise of their prey. Harpy Eagles ( Harpia harpyja) are the largest extant eagles on Earth and keystone predators in the tropical forests they inhabit. Although Harpy Eagle prey composition has been described by a number of studies, diet data from primary forests are rare on the literature. Here, I describe the diet of Harpy Eagles living in the Central Suriname Reserve primary forests and review literature data to provide an accessible reference to all known reports of Harpy Eagle prey species. In Central Suriname Nature Reserve, Harpy Eagles made frequent use of game prey such as large primates, large birds, and terrestrial animals, besides what is considered their staple prey, sloths. Nine new prey species were recorded, most of them game animals. This totals 102 prey species when summed with literature data. This information provides new insights into the autecology of Harpy Eagles in Neotropical forests, enabling a better understanding of the ecological effects of apex predator.
A Prospective Study on the Safety and Effectiveness of a Composite Sinus Stent for Use After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Yaniv Dan , Shlossberg Lena , Yaniv Eitan
Published: October 2018

Background

The composite sinus stent was developed to support the nasal walls, stabilize the middle turbinate, and prevent adhesions following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Objective

This study sought to assess its safety and effectiveness.

Methods

A prospective clinical trial was conducted in a single medical center in 2016–2018. The study included 30 patients (64% males) with a mean age of 41.9 years, who were scheduled for bilateral ESS, were randomized to undergo composite sinus stent implantation for 14 to 28 days or middle meatus placement of a Telfa tampon for 2 to 3 days. Telfa is a nonadherent absorbent dressing that has been compared favorably with other packs for use following ESS. Both groups received the same postoperative treatment. Outcomes were evaluated endoscopically by the principal investigator and also by an independent investigator blinded to the intervention the patient had and by self-report questionnaires at 3 and 12 weeks postoperatively.

Results

The stent was successfully implanted and removed in all 29 treated sinuses, without complications. None of the stents showed granulation tissue or crusting. Compared to the tampon group, the stent group had significantly less inflammation (mean visual analog scale scores 0.2 vs 4.2 at 12 weeks, P = .01). The probability of having adhesion was 9.3 times greater in the control group compared to the study group ( P = .026), and middle turbinate lateralization rate at 12 weeks was 3.8% versus 44% in the study group and the control group, respectively, at 12 weeks ( P = .006). Patients who underwent stent implantation experienced higher symptomatic improvement (Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 of −37.13 vs −28.07, P = .01, in study and control groups, respectively). During stent implantation (2–4 weeks), patients did not suffer from any discomfort.

Conclusions

The composite sinus stent is safer and more effective than the Telfa tampon in maintaining sinus cavity patency and promoting healing following ESS.
Eltrombopag-based combination treatment for immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Gómez-Almaguer David
Published: October 2018

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a bleeding disorder caused by a decrease in platelet count resulting from increased destruction and insufficient production of platelets. Although impaired regulatory T-lymphocyte activity plays a critical role in platelet destruction, many other immunologic abnormalities are also likely to be involved. Importantly, patients with ITP appear to have defects in a thrombopoietin-mediated physiological mechanism that compensates for a decrease in platelet count by increasing platelet production. Thus, simultaneous treatment of multiple pathogenic pathways involved in ITP could potentially result in synergistic efficacy. While conventional treatments for ITP suppress or modulate the immune system to reduce platelet destruction, a unique class of ITP therapy, namely thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs), improves platelet production by activating the thrombopoietin pathway. As hypothesized, preliminary studies show that combinations of eltrombopag, an oral TPO-RA, with conventional treatments improve outcomes in both newly diagnosed and refractory patients. In this review, the clinical experience with eltrombopag-based combinations in patients with ITP is summarized and the implications of the available data are discussed.
The use of computer-interpretable clinical guidelines to manage care complexities of patients with multimorbid conditions: A review
Authors: Bilici Eda , Despotou George , Arvanitis Theodoros N
Published: October 2018

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) document evidence-based information and recommendations on treatment and management of conditions. CPGs usually focus on management of a single condition; however, in many cases a patient will be at the centre of multiple health conditions (multimorbidity). Multiple CPGs need to be followed in parallel, each managing a separate condition, which often results in instructions that may interact with each other, such as conflicts in medication. Furthermore, the impetus to deliver customised care based on patient-specific information, results in the need to be able to offer guidelines in an integrated manner, identifying and managing their interactions. In recent years, CPGs have been formatted as computer-interpretable guidelines (CIGs). This enables developing CIG-driven clinical decision support systems (CDSSs), which allow the development of IT applications that contribute to the systematic and reliable management of multiple guidelines. This study focuses on understanding the use of CIG-based CDSSs, in order to manage care complexities of patients with multimorbidity. The literature between 2011 and 2017 is reviewed, which covers: (a) the challenges and barriers in the care of multimorbid patients, (b) the role of CIGs in CDSS augmented delivery of care, and (c) the approaches to alleviating care complexities of multimorbid patients. Generating integrated care plans, detecting and resolving adverse interactions between treatments and medications, dealing with temporal constraints in care steps, supporting patient-caregiver shared decision making and maintaining the continuity of care are some of the approaches that are enabled using a CIG-based CDSS.
Effect of Posterior Glenoid Labral Tears at the NFL Combine on Future NFL Performance
Authors: Murphy Colin P. , Frangiamore Salvatore J. , Mannava Sandeep , Sanchez Anthony , Beiter Evan , Whalen James M. , Price Mark D. , Bradley James P. , LaPrade Robert F. , Provencher Matthew T.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Posterior labral injuries have been recognized as a particularly significant clinical problem in collision and contact athletes.

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect that posterior labral tears have on early National Football League (NFL) performance based on position, associated injuries, and operative versus nonoperative management.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all participants in the NFL Combine from 2009 to 2015 was performed using medical and imaging reports documented at the combine. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were analyzed for tear location, associated injuries, and evidence of previous surgical interventions. Each player’s NFL draft position, as well as number of games played, number of games started, and snap percentage in his first 2 NFL seasons were collected for performance analysis and were compared with a control group of uninjured counterparts.

Results:

Players with posterior labral tears were selected significantly later in the draft than those in the control group (draft position, 171.6 vs 156.1, respectively; P = .017). Although no single individual position was significantly affected by posterior labral tears, linemen (both offensive and defensive) with posterior labral tears were drafted significantly later than those without tears (draft position, 164.0 vs 137.7, respectively; P = .018) and had a significantly lower percentage of snaps in their first NFL season (23.8% vs 27.7%, respectively; P = .014). Players who underwent surgical management before the combine had a significantly higher percentage of snaps in their second NFL season than those who were managed conservatively (31.4% vs 22.3%, respectively; P = .022). None of the concomitant injuries recorded (superior labral anterior-posterior tears, glenoid bone loss, reverse Hill-Sachs lesions, rotator cuff tears, reverse humeral avulsions of the glenohumeral ligament, and posterior labral tears combined with anterior tears) significantly affected the draft position, number of games played, number of games started, or snap percentage for the cohort as a whole or any specific position.

Conclusion:

Posterior labral tears did negatively and significantly affect early NFL outcomes for collegiate football players across several different metrics, especially among linemen. While operative management did not produce significantly superior performance in most outcome measures, it may allow for better longevity of the shoulder and warrants further investigation. Concomitant shoulder injuries did not significantly affect early NFL outcomes in this cohort.
The Fiction of Double-Blind Reviewing: Evidence From the Social Science Research Network
Authors: Guo Yue , Xin Fu , Barnes Stuart J.
Published: October 2018

Scholars have heatedly debated the benefits and limitations of the double-blind peer review. Scholars recently suggest that maintaining anonymity (i.e., the major advantage of a double-blind reviewing system) has become unfeasible in the age of Google because reviewers can easily find authors’ information through Internet searching and text citations. In this research, we examine the issue from another perspective: the extent to which authors initially post their working papers through social network platforms before or during the review process so that their names and institutions are visible to reviewers even if the submitted journals practice double-blind reviewing. The results from an empirical study using a large-size panel data set showed that authors at top-ranked universities prefer to disseminate their working papers before or during the double-blind review process, in which case their identities will be visible for reviewers.
Adaptation of the Roseman 6-Point Mastery Learning Model to the College of Medicine Program
Authors: Lazerson Jack , Rosenthal Judith , Glaubensklee Carolyn , Hunt Thomas , Morgenstern Bruce , Pamidimukkala Jayabala , Penn David M , Rosenthal Ken , Sarsekeyeva Mira , Wragg Stephanie
Published: October 2018

Medical education has evolved over time toward a model which integrates clinical medicine with the basic sciences. More recently, medical education has put an emphasis on outcome-based education. Other areas of health care education have had a similar emphasis which can provide models to inform a new model for medical education. The Roseman University of Health Sciences has developed and implemented a model based on underlying tenets of mastery learning since 1999. The model has been implemented in pharmacy, nursing, and dental education. It was conceived as an integration of 6 key points which reinforce each other and interrelate to support learning. The model has been modified for application to medical education in support of medical education’s outcome-based emphasis and to address the educational demands of the changing environment of the practice of medicine.
Obstructive sleep apnoea as a risk factor for incident metabolic syndrome: a joined Episono and HypnoLaus prospective cohorts study
Authors: Hirotsu Camila , Haba-Rubio Jose , Togeiro Sonia M. , Marques-Vidal Pedro , Drager Luciano F. , Vollenweider Peter , Waeber Gérard , Bittencourt Lia , Tufik Sergio , Heinzer Raphael
Published: October 2018

Cross-sectional studies have demonstrated that obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are often associated, but whether a temporal relationship exists is unknown. We aimed to investigate the effect of OSA on the risk of developing MetS in the general population.

A prospective study was conducted combining two population-based samples: Episono (Brazil) and HypnoLaus (Switzerland). MetS was assessed according to unified criteria. Polysomnography (PSG) was performed at baseline and follow-up in Episono, and at baseline in HypnoLaus. OSA was defined according to the apnoea–hypopnoea index as mild (≥5– <15 events h−1) and moderate-to-severe (≥15 events·h−1). We included 1853 participants (mean±sdage 52±13 years, 56% female) without MetS at baseline.

After mean±sd6±1 years, 318 (17.2%) participants developed MetS. Moderate-to-severe OSA was independently associated with incident MetS (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.61–4.11) and increased the number of MetS components from baseline to follow-up through mediation of the percentage of time with arterial oxygen saturation <90%. Subset analysis in Episono confirmed that the increase in this parameter between baseline and follow-up PSGs represented a risk factor for incident MetS (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.04–1.95, for each 10% increase).

OSA is independently associated with an increased risk of developing MetS through mediation of nocturnal hypoxaemia in the general population.
Genotyping and distribution of putative virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes of Acinetobacter baumannii strains isolated from raw meat
Authors: Tavakol Marziyeh , Momtaz Hassan , Mohajeri Parviz , Shokoohizadeh Leili , Tajbakhsh Elahe
Published: October 2018

Background

Acinetobacter baumannii strains with multiple antimicrobial resistance are primarily known as opportunistic nosocomial bacteria but they may also be regarded as emerging bacterial contaminants of food samples of animal origin. Here we aimed to study the molecular characteristics of the A. baumanni strains isolated from raw meat samples.

Methods

A total of 22 A. baumanni strains were isolated from 126 animal meat samples and were genotyped by ERIC-PCR method and by PCR detection of their virulence and antimicrobial resistance determinants. A. baumannii strains with 80% and more similarities were considered as one cluster.

Results

Sixteen different genetic clusters were found amongst the 22 A. baumanni strains. Of the 22 strains, 12 (54.54%) had similar genetic cluster. A. baumannii strains exhibited the highest percentage of resistance against tetracycline (90.90%), trimethoprim (59.09%), cotrimoxazole (54.54%) and gentamicin (50.00%). TetA (81.81%), tetB (72.72%), dfrA1 (63.63%), aac(3)-IV (63.63%), sul1 (63.63%) and aadA1 (45.45%) were the most commonly detected antibiotic resistance genes. FimH (81.81%), afa/draBC (63.63%), csgA (63.63%), cnf1 (59.09%), cnf2 (54.54%) and iutA (50.00%) were the most commonly detected virulence factors. A. baumannii strains isolated from the chicken meat samples had the highest similarities in the genetic cluster.

Conclusions

A. baumannii strains with similar genetic cluster (ERIC-Type) had the same prevalence of antibiotic resistance, antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors. Genetic cluster of the A. baumannii strains is the main factor affected the similarities in the genotypic and phenotypic properties of the A. baumannii strains.
C-reactive protein point of care testing in the management of acute respiratory infections in the Vietnamese primary healthcare setting – a cost benefit analysis
Authors: Lubell Yoel , Do Nga T. T. , Nguyen Kinh V. , Ta Ngan T. D. , Tran Ninh T. H. , Than Hung M. , Hoang Long B. , Shrestha Poojan , van Doorn Rogier H. , Nadjm Behzad , Wertheim Heiman F. L.
Published: October 2018

Aim

We assess the cost-benefit implications of C-reactive protein (CRP) testing in reducing antibiotic prescription for acute respiratory infection in Viet Nam by comparing the incremental costs of CRP testing with the economic costs of antimicrobial resistance averted due to lower antibiotic prescribing.

Findings

Patients in the CRP group and the controls incurred similar costs in managing their illness, excluding the costs of the quantitative CRP tests, provided free of charge in the trial context. Assuming a unit cost of $1 per test, the incremental cost of CRP testing was $0.93 per patient. Based on a previous modelling analysis, the 20 percentage point reduction in prescribing observed in the trial implies a societal benefit of $0.82 per patient. With the low levels of adherence to the test results observed in the trial, CRP testing would not be cost-beneficial. The sensitivity analyses showed, however, that with higher adherence to test results their use would be cost-beneficial.
Shale facies from the Wufeng-Lower Longmaxi Formations in the Huangying section of Wulong County, southeastern Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Yi Xuefei , Zhao Lei , Duan Taizhong , Huang Yunfei , Chen Bo
Published: October 2018

With the increasing interest on shale oil and shale gas around the world, it is essential to discover alternative economic shale gas fields outside the Fuling gas field, which is China’s first large-scale shale gas field with 100 billion cubic meters of reserves in the Sichuan Basin (China). Based on comprehensive analysis of dozens of black shale samples, the Wufeng Formation and the Lower Longmaxi Formation in the Huangying section of Wulong County showed good prospects for shale gas. An integrated study of petrology, organic geochemistry, trace element analysis, and sedimentology reveals that the sea level during the Early Silurian period was relatively high. Consequently, carbon-rich and high-silica lithofacies were deposited, corresponding to argillaceous-siliceous deepwater shelf microfacies. During deposition of the Guanyinqiao bed (latest Ordovician), the sea level was relatively low, resulting in the formation of moderately high carbon and high-silica shale facies, corresponding to argillaceous shallow shelf microfacies. A complete transgressive-regressive third-order sequence was recorded in the Longmaxi Formation. Carbon-rich and high-silica lithofacies, which are associated with carbonaceous deepwater shelf microfacies and siliceous-argillaceous deepwater shelf microfacies, respectively, dominated the transgressive system tract. Compared with the Fuling area with a record of high shale gas productivity, the Wufeng Formation and the transgressive system tract of the Longmaxi Formation in the study area demonstrate great potential for shale gas.
A perspective on surrogate endpoints in controlled clinical trials
Authors: Molenberghs Geert , Burzykowski Tomasz , Alonso Ariel , Buyse Marc
Published: October 2018

The last couple of decades have seen a large amount of activity in the area of surrogate marker and surrogate endpoint validation, both from a clinical and a statistical perspective. Prentice1 made a pivotal contribution in the context of a single trial. Subsequently, the framework he proposed has been discussed, criticized, and extended. An important class of extensions considers several rather than a single trial. Recently, a lot of work has been done in this so-called hierarchical or meta-analytic framework. In this paper, we review both the single trial and the hierarchical framework. A number of applications, scattered throughout the literature, are brought together. We outline the statistical issues involved in trying to validate surrogate endpoints. Clearly statistical evidence should only be seen as a component in a decision making process that also involves a number of clinical and biological considerations.
On the use of biomarkers for environmental health research
Authors: Ryan Louise , Huang Wenzheng , Thurston Sally W , Kelsey Karl T , Wiencke John K , Christiani David C
Published: October 2018

This article discusses the growing interest in the use of biomarker data in environmental health research and considers some of the challenging statistical issues that arise. We specify a modeling framework that links environmental exposure, biomarkers and outcome, and discuss in conceptual terms how such a formulation could be used to inform dose response modeling for the purpose of quantitative risk assessment. We then analyse some biomarker data from a case-control study designed to elucidate the mechanisms of smoking induced lung cancer. Because of sample size limitations, we use a likelihood-based analysis which subsumes both cohort and case-control designs as special cases. Our analysis allows us to 1) investigate the extent to which the markers explain the pathway from exposure to outcome; 2) quantify the degree to which biomarker data can improve on predicting outcome over and above exposure; and 3) estimate the association among multiple markers.
p62-mediated phase separation at the intersection of the ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy
Authors: Danieli Alberto , Martens Sascha
Published: October 2018

The degradation of misfolded proteins is essential for cellular homeostasis. Misfolded proteins are normally degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), and selective autophagy serves as a backup mechanism when the UPS is overloaded. Selective autophagy mediates the degradation of harmful material by its sequestration within double-membrane organelles called autophagosomes. The selectivity of autophagic processes is mediated by cargo receptors, which link the cargo to the autophagosomal membrane. The p62 cargo receptor (SQSTM1) has a main function during the degradation of misfolded, ubiquitylated proteins by selective autophagy; here it functions to phase separate these proteins into larger condensates and tether them to the autophagosomal membrane. Recent work has given us crucial insights into the mechanism of action of the p62 cargo receptor during selective autophagy and how its activity can be integrated with the UPS. We will discuss these recent insights in the context of protein quality control and the emerging concept of cellular organization mediated by phase transitions.
Invertebrate serotonin receptors: a molecular perspective on classification and pharmacology
Authors: Tierney Ann Jane
Published: October 2018

Invertebrate receptors for the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) have been identified in numerous species from diverse phyla, including Arthropoda, Mollusca, Nematoda and Platyhelminthes. For many receptors, cloning and characterization in heterologous systems have contributed data on molecular structure and function across both closely and distantly related species. This article provides an overview of heterologously expressed receptors, and considers evolutionary relationships among them, classification based on these relationships and nomenclature that reflects classification. In addition, transduction pathways and pharmacological profiles are compared across receptor subtypes and species. Previous work has shown that transduction mechanisms are well conserved within receptor subtypes, but responses to drugs are complex. A few ligands display specificity for different receptors within a single species; however, none acts with high specificity in receptors across different species. Two non-selective vertebrate ligands, the agonist 5-methoxytryptamine and antagonist methiothepin, are active in most receptor subtypes in multiple species and hence bind very generally to invertebrate 5-HT receptors. Future challenges for the field include determining how pharmacological profiles are affected by differences in species and receptor subtype, and how function in heterologous receptors can be used to better understand 5-HT activity in intact organisms.
Myositis Ossificans in Sport: A Review
Authors: Devilbiss Zachary , Hess Matthew , Ho Garry W.K.
Published: October 2018

Myositis ossificans is a benign, solitary, frequently self-limiting, ossifying soft-tissue mass encountered often in the active sporting population. Typically occurring within skeletal muscle — most often the brachialis, quadriceps and adductor muscle groups — lesions may arise with or without a traumatic history. The exact pathophysiology of these ossifying lesions is still poorly understood. Patients present with localized pain and swelling with loss of range of motion. Plain radiographs may not be able to detect early lesions, which allows for an expanded role of ultrasonography as an early screening modality, despite magnetic resonance imaging remaining the gold standard for imaging of soft tissue masses. Conservative treatment is implemented for most patients with excellent outcomes, with surgical excision being an option for persistent symptoms or progressive disease. Typically, athletes are able to progress to light activity at 2 to 3 months, full activity by 6 months, and back to their preinjury level by 1 year.
System dynamic modelling of electricity planning and climate change in West Africa
Authors: Momodu Abiodun S. , Kivuti-Bitok Lucy
Published: October 2018

Background: It is imperative to develop an efficient strategic approach to managing the push-pull factor in economic development, particularly as relates to climate change and energy interactions in the West African Region. This article demonstrates the use of System Dynamics Modelling (SDM) for that purpose; to manage the development of energy growth with reduced impact in regards to climate change. The complexities of energy planning in relation to climate change necessitates the need for the tool to examine low carbon economy mixed with traditional approaches of planning.

Methods: Vensim DSS version 6.2 was used to develop the model. WAPP member country level data elicited from WAPP and ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA) serves as the set of basic data used to develop and run the main model. These were complemented with other data elicited from various journal articles and internet sources. These include population and its average growth rate, GDP, per capita income, average per capita electricity demand, electricity generated, average electricity tariff, generation technology type, amongst others.

Results: SDM demonstrates the capability to understand the theoretical frame for trade-offs between economic development and climate change, by handling the nonlinear relationship between generation adequacy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction for better targeted strategic regional intervention on climate change.

Conclusion: The primary goal of this paper was to demonstrate the use of SDM to aid in resource planning in an inexpensive way to examine low carbon pathway. With the SDM, the goal of low carbon pathway in the energy system was achieved without the cost of controlled trials.
Predicting transcription factor binding using ensemble random forest models
Authors: Ardakani Fatemeh Behjati , Schmidt Florian , Schulz Marcel H.
Published: October 2018

Background: Understanding the location and cell-type specific binding of Transcription Factors (TFs) is important in the study of gene regulation. Computational prediction of TF binding sites is challenging, because TFs often bind only to short DNA motifs and cell-type specific co-factors may work together with the same TF to determine binding. Here, we consider the problem of learning a general model for the prediction of TF binding using DNase1-seq data and TF motif description in form of position specific energy matrices (PSEMs).

Methods: We use TF ChIP-seq data as a gold-standard for model training and evaluation. Our contribution is a novel ensemble learning approach using random forest classifiers. In the context of the ENCODE-DREAM in vivo TF binding site prediction challenge we consider different learning setups.

Results: Our results indicate that the ensemble learning approach is able to better generalize across tissues and cell-types compared to individual tissue-specific classifiers or a classifier applied to the data aggregated across tissues. Furthermore, we show that incorporating DNase1-seq peaks is essential to reduce the false positive rate of TF binding predictions compared to considering the raw DNase1 signal.

Conclusions: Analysis of important features reveals that the models preferentially select motifs of other TFs that are close interaction partners in existing protein protein-interaction networks. Code generated in the scope of this project is available on GitHub: https://github.com/SchulzLab/TFAnalysis (DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1409697).
Evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy and cost of different methods for the assessment of severe anaemia in hospitalised children in Eastern Uganda
Authors: Olupot-Olupot Peter , Prevatt Natalie , Engoru Charles , Nteziyaremye Julius , Amorut Denis , Chebet Martin , Senyondo Tonny , Ongodia Paul , Ndila Carolyne M. , Williams Thomas N. , Maitland Kathryn
Published: October 2018

Background: Severe anaemia in children requiring hospital admission is a major public health problem in malaria-endemic Africa. Affordable methods for the assessment of haemoglobin have not been validated against gold standard measures for identifying those with severe anaemia requiring a blood transfusion, despite this resource being in short supply.

Methods: We conducted a prospective descriptive study of hospitalized children aged 2 months – 12 years at Mbale and Soroti Regional Referral Hospitals, assessed to have pallor at triage by a nurse and two clinicians. Haemoglobin levels were measured using the HemoCue® Hb 301 system (gold standard); the Haemoglobin Colour Scale; calorimetric and Sahli’s methods. We report clinical assessments of the degree of pallor, clinicians’ intention to transfuse, inter-observer agreement, limits of agreement using the Bland-Altman method, and the sensitivity and specificity of each method in comparison to HemoCue®

Results: We recruited 322 children assessed by the admitting nurse as having severe (164; 51.0%), moderate (99; 30.7%) or mild (57; 17.7%) pallor. Agreement between the clinicians and the nurse were good: Clinician A Kappa=0.68 (0.60–0.76) and Clinician B Kappa=0.62 (0.53–0.71) respectively (P<0.0001 for both). The nurse, clinicians A and B indicated that of 94/116 (81.0%), 83/121 (68.6%) and 93/120 (77.5%) respectively required transfusion. HemoCue® readings indicated anaemia as mild (Hb10.0–11.9g/dl) in 8/292 (2.7%), moderate (Hb5.0–9.9g/dl) in 132/292 (45.2%) and severe (Hb<5.0g/dl) in 152/292 (52.1%). Comparing to HemoCue® the Sahli’s method performed best in estimation of severe anaemia, with sensitivity 84.0% and specificity 87.9% and a Kappa score of  0.70 (0.64–0.80).

Conclusions: Clinical assessment of severe pallor results has a low specificity for the diagnosis of severe anaemia. To target blood transfusion Hb measurement by either Hemocue® or Sahli’s method for the cost of USD 4 or and USD 0.25 per test, respectively would be more cost-effective.
Clarifying the nomenclature of some Euro‐Mediterranean quillworts (Isoetes, Isoetaceae): Indicator species and species of conservation concern
Authors: Troia Angelo , Rouhan Germinal
Published: October 2018

To stabilize the application of some names in the genus Isoetes in the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot, we studied herbarium specimens and imaged spores with scanning electron microscopy, with special reference to those taxa in the I. lon‐gissima and I. histrix groups that were described from France, Algeria and Turkey, and are in need of a taxonomic revision. The following names are lectotypified: I. adspersa, I. boryana, I. delalandei, and I. viollaei. Holotypes of I. perralderiana and I. olympica were ascertained. We conclude that I. boryana (listed in the “Bern Convention” and in the European Union “Habitats” Directive) justifies consideration at species rank, but I. adspersa should be synonymized with I. longissima. Isoetes tenuissima and I. perralderiana are proposed as distinct species pending further studies. In the I. histrix group, we tentatively accept I. delalandei as a species, presenting some observations on “I. histrix f. subinermis” nom. nud. The latter might also represent a distinct species.
Paul Hermann’s Ceylon Herbarium (1672–1679) at Leiden, the Netherlands
Authors: van Andel Tinde , Barth Nadine
Published: October 2018

The German physician and botanist Paul Hermann (1646–1695), considered as one of the pioneers of Asian Botany, collected the first plant specimens in the Dutch colony of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in the 1670s. Hermann’s collections were bound in several book herbaria, some of which formed the basis of influential 18th century publications: Linnaeus’sFlora ZeylanicaandSpecies plantarumand Burmann’sThesaurus Zeylanicus. Two of Hermann’s book herbaria, currently kept by Naturalis Biodiversity Center at Leiden, the Netherlands, remained largely unnoticed. Our aim was to identify all specimens of the Leiden Hermann collection, translate his handwritten Latin notes, and analyse both the scientific importance and societal relevance of this historic herbarium. By publishing the entire Leiden Hermann herbarium online, we intend to make this valuable botanical treasure available to the public for the first time in 339 years. The Leiden Hermann herbarium contains 183 specimens, belonging to 157 species (61 families). Striking aspects are the 15 cinnamon specimens, reflecting the interest in the spice trade of Hermann’s employer, the Dutch East Indian Company. Four specimens are probably collected by Rumphius in the Moluccas and 49 species are lacking from Hermann’s other book herbaria kept at London, Paris and Erfurt. Although there are no Linnaean type specimens present in the Leiden volumes, these specimens did form the basis of Hermann’s drawings, species descriptions and notes on local names and plant uses that were published after his death. For 130 specimens, one or more of Hermann’s 17th century Sinhala names are still used in Sri Lanka, although differently spelled and sometimes only partly conserved. Most of the plant uses written on the vouchers or later published in theMusaeum Zeylanicumare still practiced in southern Asia. The manufacturing of gunpowder from charcoal, substitutes for betel chewing and several ritual uses, however, seem to have gone lost or remained undocumented. The Leiden Hermann collection reflects the Dutch colonial quest for valuable spices, materials and medicines, and offers opportunities for ethnobotanical and linguistic research on changes in Sri Lankan plant names and uses over the past centuries. This historic herbarium is also relevant for validating claims on culturally important plant use by Sri Lankan citizens, whose ancestors shared their knowledge and enabled the making of science in the late 17th century.
CONSTRUÇÕES COM O VERBO PASSAR: MUDANÇA CONSTRUCIONAL EM PERSPECTIVA FUNCIONAL
Authors: Jordão Geisa Maria Jayme
Published: October 2018

Este artigo apresenta os resultados obtidos em nossa Tese, sob a perspectiva da Linguística Funcional, que investigou as construções formadas com o verbo passar pleno, aquele que seleciona argumentos, ex: “... eu passei na roleta do ônibus...” (D&G) e sua migração para passar auxiliar, aquele que acompanha um verbo pleno, constituindo as construções perifrásticas que marcam aspecto inceptivo, ex: “– Como o caso foi levado à Corte, passei a coletar todo tipo de cone...” (RG). Com o intuito de investigar as relações sintático-semânticas das construções com passar, foram determinados quatro subesquemas de análise, sendo três para as construções com passar pleno, nos quais analisamos 314 construções, e um subesquema para as construções perifrásticas com passar auxiliar, em um total de 80 casos. Assim nossos corpora totalizam 394 construções com passar. Visando a uma análise diacrônica, pesquisamos textos dos séculos XVIII, XIX, XX e XXI, nas seguintes fontes: Corpus Discurso e Gramática (D&G), Corpora do Projeto Para a História do Português Brasileiro (PHPB), Corpus do Português (CP), Programa Roda Viva (RV) e Revista O Globo (RG). Os corpora foram constituídos por registros da oralidade (D&G) e escritos (PHPB, CP, RG, RV), nos gêneros: entrevistas, cartas e artigos, todos apresentando sequências narrativas.   Os dados foram analisados, a partir de grupos de fatores correspondentes aos subesquemas sintático-semânticos, com o objetivo de acompanhar o pareamento forma ßà função das construções com passar.
Phytochemical Analysis, Antipyretic and Antifungal Activities of Cyrtomium Caryotideum
Authors: Ullah Shakir , Jan Gul , Gul Jan Farzana , Khan Siraj , Khattak Maria , Bibi Hamida , Ihsan Mohsin
Published: October 2018

In the present research work the phytochemical investigation of methanolic, ethanolic and chloroform extracts of Cyrtomium caryotideum, Anti-pyretic and antifungal activities in methanolic, ethanolic and chloroform extracts was carried out. The phytochemicals analysis showing the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, phlobatannins, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenols, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides was present in methanolic and ethanolic extracts, while alkaloids, phlobatannins, glycosides and protein were absent and quantative phytochemistry showed the flavonoids in chloroform extract as (14.20±0.15mg/ml), Alkaloids (12.10±0.15mg/ml), phenolics (10.45± 0.10mg/ml), Saponins (06.22±0.14mg/ml) and Tannins (04.60±0.65 mg/ml). The pharmacological activities such as, Anti-pyretic was carried out by brewer yeast induced pyrexia. The dose of 600 mg/kg of extract showed remarkable anti-pyretic activity (59.43%) when compared with positive control paracetamol (37.24oC) inhibition (73.23%).In antifungal activity the most active among the extracts was with (17.00±0.48 mm) zone of inhibition at the concentration of18 mg/µl against Verticellium. Fallowed by Pythium (16.27±0.93mm), Acremonium (16.20±1.89mm) and Trichoderma (16.11± 0.82) with concentration of 12 mg/µl.
Biodegradable Polycaprolactone Nanoparticles Based Drug Delivery Systems: A Short Review
Authors: Ramanujam Ranjith , Sundaram Balraj , Janarthanan Ganesh , Devendran Elamparithi , Venkadasalam Moorthy , John Milton M.C.
Published: October 2018

Nanoparticles based drug delivery systems showing greater potential in various biomedical applications to deliver the drugs/bioactive molecules in controlled manner to the targeted site. Polycaprolactone, biodegradable polyester, owing its tailorable properties, various forms of polycaprolactone are used as drug carrier for a range of biomedical applications. Nanoprecipitation is a simple method to prepare the polycaprolactone nanoparticles to improve the bioavailability and therapeutic potential of various drugs/bioactive molecules. This short review focused on the preparation of polycaprolactone nanoparticles using nanoprecipitation method, nanoparticles-drug formulations and its use in various drug delivery applications.
Antioxidant Activity of Fermented Traditional Medicines of Indian Ayurveda – Ashokarishta, Aswagandharishta and Dasamoolarishta
Authors: Annadurai Vinothkanna , Soundarapandian Sekar
Published: October 2018

Ayurveda contains a variety of medicines including the polyherbal fermented traditional medicines namely Arishta and Asava. It remains as a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals including antioxidants. There are scanty publications on the antioxidant activity of these medicines. There is a need to explore the natural antioxidants to replace synthetic counterparts which requires an assessment in terms of antioxidant activity by in vitro analysis. This study employs a range of antioxidant assay systems containing various free radicals (DPPH, hydroxyl, hydrogen peroxide, super oxide, nitric oxide and ABTS), Inhibition of free radical generation (metal chelating) and H+ – donating ability (reducing power) were performed. Ashokarishta, Aswagandharishta and Dasamoolarishta exhibited higher degree of antioxidant activities but less than the corresponding standards. Based on IC50 values, the hydrogen peroxide scavenging ability of Ashokarishta is comparable to the standard L-ascorbic acid. In ABTS assay, Aswagandharishta and Dasamoolarishta are comparable to the standard Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). These may be due to the phytochemical heterogeneity of the samples assayed. Thus study can lead to the sourcing of Ayuvedic polyherbal fermented medicines as a novel source of natural antioxidant molecules that might be acting as free radical quencher or scavenger and to treat human ailments.
Removal of trivalent chromium ions from aqueous solutions by Sodium polyacrylate beads
Authors: OUASS Abdelkarim , KADIRI Lamya , ESSAADAOUI Youness , BELAKHMIMA Rida Allah , CHERKAOUI Mohammed , LEBKIRI Ahmed , RIFI El Housseine
Published: October 2018

In the present study, the performance of sodium polyacrylate beads on the removal of trivalent chromium Cr (III) from aqueous solutions was evaluated using several techniques such as Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) and Atomic Adsorption Spectroscopy (AAS). On one hand, the characterization of dry PANa beads was carried out through FTIR and the surface morphology was analyzed by SEM and EDAX methods in order to show the loading of heavy metal on PANa beads. On the other hand, the effect of contact time, initial pH solution, initial Cr(III) concentration, adsorbent mass and temperature on the adsorption capacity of PANa was studied. All results have shown that the adsorption equilibrium was reached at about 60 minutes with an adsorption efficiency close to 90 %. Also, the study of the reliability of PANa beads was effectuated using 0.01 M nitric acid solution through six cycles of adsorption/desorption which were determined in order to study the reliability of PANa over time and to test their efficiency in industrial applications. Finally, the obtained thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS°) indicate that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic.
MEMAHAMI KORUPSI DI DAERAH PASCA DESENTRALISASI: BELAJAR DARI EMPAT STUDI KASUS
Authors: Setiyono Budi
Published: October 2018

Since ‘reformasi movement’ and decentralization takes place, a lot of local government officials (politicians and bureaucrats) are jailed due to their involvement in corruption cases. While on the one hand, this may an evidence that corruption eradication efforts have shown positive results, but on the other hand, it leaves ironic heartbreaking questions. Why these officials caught in corruption cases? Are they economically shortage that forced them to illegally "steal the state money" for themself, their family, as well as their patrons? Or is it related to the wider socio-political context that they can not control? This paper shows that the causes, patterns and modes of corruption at local level were very diverse. In addition to factors related to moral hazard, corruption is also associated with poor government administration, convoluted and unclear regulations, rigid organizational hierarchy, and political rivalry that can lead to an entrapment of official in actions that are perceived as corrupt. These conditions are exacerbated by the weakness of the behavior and commitment of law enforcement agencies in combating corruption. It is urgent, therefore, to develop an integrated system and strategy to increase the effectiveness of corruption eradication. We need to form an a comprehensive policy of combating corruption which is based on the principle of accountability and public participation.Keywords: local government corruption, anti-corruption measures, accountability, governance.
„Racjonalne usprawnienie” w ramach edukacji dzieci i młodzieży z niepełnosprawnością – rozważania na kanwie konwencji o prawach osób niepełnosprawnych Część 2
Authors: Mikrut Adam
Published: October 2018

The authorities of the Republic of Poland have ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and have undertaken the responsibility to implement such changes in the internal law and in social policy which aim at ensuring full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms by people with disabilities and preventing their discrimination in different aspects of life. One of the ways of fulfilling this commitment is described as ‘reasonable accommodation’. The author of this article has attempted to find manifestations of such activities in the field of school legislation and its practical examples. As a result, it turned out that in the analysed area many solutions are in line with the spirit of the ‘reasonable accommodation’.
Analiza wypowiedzi pracowników domów opieki społecznej na temat ich własnego sposobu rozumienia i doświadczania dorosłości przez podopiecznych
Authors: Myśliwczyk Iwona
Published: October 2018

Experiencing institutions by adults with mental retardation still evokes controversy in literature. The study presents the results of the research on the analysis of narratives by long-term care centre workers. The reality they experienced revealed ‘subjective truth’ about adult lives of mentally retarded people. The analysis of the narratives showed both the personnel’s work which can support, initiate and create adult lives in institution and work which can impair people’s functioning to such an extent that they become passive, withdrawn and isolated. More often mentally retarded adults in institutions experience limitations which affect their lives and create them according to a particular pattern. The lives of adults with mental retardation depend on personnel’s approach and attitude towards a group.
Dysleksja u dorosłych a depresja – w perspektywie narracji uczestnika terapii pedagogicznej
Authors: Wejner-Jaworska Teresa
Published: October 2018

This article presents the problem of adult dyslexia and its emotional-motivational effects – the depressive disorders. It shows the narration of a young man experiencing both. From the presented quotations emerges the image of these disorders, but also ways to deal with them. In spite of serious problems, a high level of aspirations has been maintained, and psycho-pedagogical therapy remains a supportive factor as well as success.
Wykorzystanie nowych technologii w orientacji przestrzennej osób z niepełnosprawnością wzroku
Authors: Miler-Zdanowska Kamila
Published: October 2018

The fast development of electronic and information technologies makes them becoming ever more present in the lives of the blind and visually impaired people. The aim of this article is to present modes of mobility of people with visual impairment, with particular focus on new technologies. The article contains the classification and characteristics of electronic aids used in spatial orientation and mobility for blind people. It also presents the benefits and difficulties of using these types of new technologies. The article presents research projects related to the construction and testing of new technical solutions in Poland.
Stres rodzicielski matek dzieci z autyzmem
Authors: Banasiak Anna
Published: October 2018

The aim of the research presented in this article was to determine the level of parental stress among mothers of autistic children. Thirty-nine mothers of autistic children, forty mothers of children with Down syndrome as well as forty mothers of children with developing normally took part in the study. We used the Questionnaire on Resources and Stress (QRS, designed by J. Holroyd) to assess the parental stress among families of developmentally delayed children or children with intellectual disabilities. The results of the study indicate that, comparing to mothers of children with Down syndrome and mothers of children developing well, mothers of autistic children are the ones who experience the highest level of parental stress. Potential sources of coping strategies among mothers of children that suffer from autism are associated with relatively low stress levels as a result of disharmony within the family, personal issues, the child’s health situation and financial problems.