bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Portal Vein Thrombosis and Survival of Liver Transplant Recipients: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Qi Xingshun , Dai Junna , Jia Jia , Ren Weirong , Yang Man , Li Hongyu , Fan Daiming , Guo Xiaozhong
Published: March 2015

Background & Aims: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) increases the technical complexity of liver transplantation (LT). This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to analyze the association of pre-LT PVT with the overall survival after LT.Methods. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases were used to search for papers related to the association between pre-LT PVT and survival of LT recipients. The differences in the survival rates between the LT recipients with and without pre-LT PVT were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results. Twenty-seven papers were included. Overall meta-analysis showed that the total LT recipients with pre-LT PVT had a significantly lower 1-year survival rate than those without pre-LT PVT (OR=0.733, 95%CI=0.621-0.865; P=0.0002). But no statistically significant difference was observed in the in-hospital (OR=0.713, 95%CI=0.343-1.482; P=0.365), 1-month (OR=0.679, 95%CI=0.345-1.333; P=0.261), or 5-year survival rate (OR=0.788, 95%CI=0.587-1.058; P=0.113). Additionally, the 1-year survival rate was significantly lower in the LT recipients with complete PVT than in those without PVT (OR=0.503, 95%CI=0.295-0.858; P=0.012). However, no statistically significant difference in the 1-year survival rate between them was observed in the meta-analysis of high-quality studies (OR=0.899, 95%CI=0.657-1.230; P=0.505) or that of studies in which LT was performed after 2000 (OR=0.783, 95%CI=0.566-1.083; P=0.140).Conclusion. Pre-LT PVT, especially complete PVT, decreased the 1-year survival rate after LT. However, the detrimental effect of pre-LT PVT on the survival of LT recipients became inconclusive in high-quality studies. Additionally, further well-designed cohort studies should validate the association in patients undergoing LT during the latter years.
Cocaine Capsules in the Colon: the Internal Concealment of Illicit Drugs
Authors: Trabulo Daniel , Marques Susana , Pedroso Ermelinda
Published: March 2015

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Serum Immunoreactive Collagen IV detected by Monoclonal Antibodies as a Marker of Severe Fibrosis in Patients with Non- Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Aida Yuta , Abe Hiroshi , Tomita Yoichi , Nagano Tomohisa , Seki Nobuyoshi , Sugita Tomonori , Itagaki Munenori , Ishiguro Haruya , Sutoh Satoshi , Aizawa Yoshio
Published: March 2015

Background & Aims: The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide. We evaluated serum collagen IV as a direct non-invasive marker of severe liver fibrosis in NAFLD.Methods: The study included 148 NAFLD and 187 chronic hepatitis C patients in whom histological severity of liver fibrosis was evaluated. The utility of serum collagen IV measured by immune-mediated agglutination using two types of monoclonal antibodies for distinguishing severe fibrosis (≥ stage 3 and ≥ F3) from non-to-moderate fibrosis in NAFLD or chronic hepatitis C was assessed in comparison to serum hyaluronic acid or other indirect fibrosis markers.Results: Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that serum collagen IV was significantly associated with severe fibrosis in NAFLD (odds ratio: 1.21, p<0.001) but not in chronic hepatitis C. For distinguishing severe fibrosis in NAFLD, collagen IV showed the largest area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (0.827, 95%CI: 0.746-0.908) followed by FIB-4 (0.805, 95%CI: 0.728-0.890); in chronic hepatitis C, those for FIB-4 (0.813, 95%CI: 0.748-0.878) and collagen IV (0.770, 95%CI: 0.683-0.857) were the largest and smallest, respectively. To detect severe fibrosis in NAFLD, a cutoff of collagen IV > 177 exhibited 77.1% sensitivity, 84.0% specificity, 76.5% positive predictive value, and 84.0% negative predictive value. Combined with a cutoff of FIB-4 > 2.09, the negative and positive predictive values, and specificity for detecting severe fibrosis in NAFLD increased further.Conclusion: Collagen IV is a reliable marker for distinguishing severe liver fibrosis from non-to-moderate fibrosis in NAFLD but not chronic hepatitis C.
Two new species of Teagueia (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) from East-Central Ecuador
Authors: Jost Lou , Shepard Anderson
Published: March 2015

Se describen e ilustran dos nuevas especies del género Teagueia, T. barbeliana y T. puroana. Se discuten sus afinidades, su importancia para la ciencia, y su conservación. Las especies más cercanamente emparentadas con las nuevas son T. alyssana, T. sancheziae, T. cymbisepala, y T. jostii, que al igual que las nuevas, son endémicas a las alturas (>3100m) de la cuenca alta del Río Pastaza en los Andes Orientales del Ecuador. Teagueia barbeliana se distingue por sus sépalos y pétalos redondos, sus sépalos laterales unidos hasta la mitad de su longitud, y las alas en el ápice de la columna. Teagueia puroana se distingue por sus pétalos y sépalos con colas largas.
Aa from lomas formations. A new Orchidaceae record from the desert coast of Peru
Authors: Trujillo Delsy , Delgado Rodríguez Amalia
Published: March 2015

Las especies del género Aa han sido descritas como orquídeas restringidas generalmente a zonas altas de los Andes y montañas de Costa Rica. Se presenta el registro de poblaciones de Aa weddelliana a elevaciones más bajas, en formaciones de lomas en la costa desértica del Perú, siendo ésta la cuarta especie de Orchidaceae registrada para las formaciones de lomas. Asimismo, ilustramos y discutimos algunos aspectos florísticos de Aa weddelliana.
How many orchid species in Costa Rica? A review of the latest discoveries
Authors: Bogarín Diego
Published: March 2015

A pesar de su bien establecida tradición en exploración botánica, la cual comenzó en 1846 con la visita de Oersted (1846), Costa Rica está todavía lejos de tener un inventario completo de su flora de orquídeas. Después de la publicación del tratamiento más reciente y completo de la familia por Dressler (2003) nuevas especies y registros han sido añadidos regularmente al inventario del país. Especies llamativas, de flores grandes han sido descritas en géneros previamente monografiados y botánicamente bien muestreados, tales como: Brassia, Dracula, Lycaste, Polycycnis, Stanhopea, y Trichopilia, pero la gran mayoría de especies son plantas de flores pequeñas que pertenecen a las subtribus Laeliinae, Pleurothallidinae, y Zygopetalinae. Las flores efímeras, como Sobralia tienen problemas especiales con su identificación pero una colección viva, grande, revela muchas nuevas especies. Las especies previemente descritas de otros países han sido registradas en Costa Rica con regularidad. Estos nuevos registros tienen afinidades florísticas principalmente con la flora de Panamá, Colombia, Ecuador, y Venezuela. Por ejemplo, Acianthera aberrans, Epidendrum scharfii, Epidendrum stellidifforme, Lockhartia chocoensis, Maxillaria bolivarensis, Ornithidium pendulum, Ornithocephalus montealegrae, y Warmingia zamorana han sido encontradas tanto en Costa Rica como en Ecuador. El género Uleiorchis con la especie venezolana Uleiorchis liesneri, identificado en el herbario MO por Ron Liesner, constituye un nuevo registro interesante en Costa Rica. También, Maxillaria appendiculoides descrita de Costa Rica, ha sido registrada recientemente en Ecuador. Campylocentrum tenellum, Lepanthes droseroides, Lepanthes mariposa, y Sobralia bouchei de Panamá también fueron colectadas recientemente en Costa Rica. Aunque mucho trabajo florístico queda por ser completado y el país tiene áreas significativas que están mal muestreadas, el establecimiento de colecciones grandes y documentadas de plantas vivas en el Jardín Botánico Lankester, asociado con un acceso creciente a la documentación crítica (tipos y literatura), han sido la llave para el mejoramiento de nuestro entendimiento de la diversidad de orquídeas en Costa Rica y sus relaciones florísticas con otras áreas.
Active mountain building and the distribution of "core" Maxillariinae species in tropical Mexico and Central America
Authors: Kirby Stephen
Published: March 2015

Desde hace muchos años, observaciones indican que sur-este de América Central es un punto de alta diversidad de orquídeas. Éstas han sido confirmadas recientemente por estudios en la sistemática y listas anotadas este grupo. Un análisis de la distribución geográfica y altitudinal, demuestra que las especies más ampliamente distribuidas del “core” Maxillariinae se encuentran adaptadas para desarrollarse en tierras bajas cerca del nivel del mar, mientras que las especies endémicas y con distribuciones restringidas se encuentran en zonas altas y húmedas. Entre los recientes re-arreglos del “core” Maxillariinae, basado en filogenética molecular, aparece que el caldo Camaridium es el género más prominente en América Central, y está restringido a las tierras altas de Costa Rica y Panamá, indicando además que esta región es su lugar de origen y que sus límites para su dispersión son las tierras bajas y más secas. Las montañas de Costa Rica y Panamá se encuentran entre los accidentes geográficos más jóvenes del Neotrópico, y es el resultado de la compleja y dinámica interacción de numerosas placas tectónicas. Considerando la información geológica disponible, se concluye que el rápido crecimiento de las cadenas montañosas de Costa Rica y Panamá durante el Cenozoico Tardío, produjo rápidos cambios en las zonas ecológicas y también aislamiento geográfico en parte del istmo centroamericano. Así, se sugiere que estos eventos geológicos recientes fueron los factores primarios que aceleraron la evolución de las orquídeas en el sur-este de América Central.
The role of common orchids in appreciating the complexity of biodiversity conservation
Authors: Light Marilyn , MacConaill Michael
Published: March 2015

Para conservar especies se debe comprender su biología, ecología y su relativa vulnerabilidad a cambios. Para conservar la biodiversidad, necesitamos un entendimiento profundo del impacto de los disturbios naturales y antropogénicos, de las interacciones y, del rol que juega el ecosistema en la supervivencia de las especies. Las suposiciones de abundancia y declinación y por consiguiente el estatus de conservación puede ser totalmente erróneo si no se toman en cuenta aspectos críticos de la historia natural o las relaciones con otros organismos. Por más de dos décadas hemos monitoreado las poblaciones de dos orquídeas terrestres que crecen en la cercanía del Parque Gatineau, Québec, Canadá. La abundancia relativa y disponibilidad de poblaciones grandes de Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens y de la especie introducida Epipactis helleborine nos dio la oportunidad de realizar experimentos in situ y de desarrollar y evaluar aspectos de conservación los cuales no son ejecutables con orquídeas poco comunes o raras. Hemos aprendido que la distribución, congregación y persistencia de E. helleborine está relacionada con la de diversidad de árboles y también que las semillas de las orquídeas germinan mejor en tierra apisonada que en aquella que no presenta disturbio, sin embargo, la localidad sería una variable preponderante. Apisonamiento experimental ocasionado por el tráfico de transeúntes dentro de las localidades de colonias de orquídeas comunes ha revelado un impacto negativo en las comunidades de nemátodos fungívoros, lo que podría reflejar ligeros cambios en el ensamblaje fúngico del cual los nemátodos se alimentan. Entre tanto, las plantas maduras de C. parviflorum var. pubescens no parecen ser afectadas por los efectos que tienen los transeúntes en el sendero. Sin embargo, la germinación y la supervivencia de las plántulas podrían haber sido alteradas, pero no nos daremos cuenta de estos cambios en algún tiempo.
Hongos endófitos de la orquídea epífita Laelia speciosa
Authors: Garibay-Orijel Roberto , Omaya Ken , Ávila-Díaz Irene
Published: March 2015

Las orquídeas mantienen en la naturaleza estrechas relaciones con hongos. Durante el trabajo con la reproducción in vitro de Laelia speciosa observamos al microscopio que semillas y plántulas presentan infestación de hongos en diversos tejidos. También se analizaron plantas adultas colectadas en el campo. Para identificar a los hongos e inferir el papel de su presencia en la planta secuenciamos su ADN. Se extrajo ADN de tejidos esterilizados superficialmente como raíz, hoja, cápsula y semillas; luego se amplificó la región del ITS ribosomal con los primers ITS1F e ITS4. Posteriormente se clonaron los fragmentos con TOPO TA4 y se secuenciaron usando la química de Big Dye terminator en un ABI 3100. En total se secuenciaron más de 150 clones positivos, de éstos el 50% correspondieron a secuencias de L. speciosa, aunque los primers empleados en teoría son específicos para hongos. El resto de las secuencias agrupadas en 97% de similitud correspondieron a 19 especies de hongos de los géneros Alternaria, Cylindrocarpon, Curvularia, Fusarium, Myrmecridium, Neonectria, Penicillium, y Tetracladium, así como a especies desconocidas de los Helotiales, Lasiosphaeriaceae, Nectriaceae, Pucciniomycotina, Sordariomycetes, y Tricholomataceae. Muchos de estos taxa están presentes en las semillas, lo que sugiere que estos hongos llegan a éstas vía placenta. En algunos casos, hongos parásitos, causan la muerte de las semillas y en otros casos, hongos micorrízicos, facilitan su germinación. La diversidad de hongos endófitos en L. speciosa es considerable y la biología de los organismos involucrados es diversa y va desde los parásitos y saprobios hasta los micorrízicos.
Barcoding the species of Pleurothallis subsection Macrophyllae-Fasciculatae
Authors: Wilson Mark
Published: March 2015

The long-term goal of this project is to have a genetic “barcode” for the described species in Pleurothallis subsection Macrophyllae-Fasciculatae (syn. Acronia Luer) to facilitate identification, recognition of new species, biodiversity assessment, and conservation of this genus in Mesoamerica and the Andes. To this end, a living collection is being assembled at Colorado College with plants from commercial operations in South America (Ecuagenera; Colomborquídeas; Orquídeas del Valle) and the U.S. (Andy’s Orchids; Hanging Gardens; J & L Orchids); and private collections in the U.S. (O’Shaughnessy). As these plants flower and identities are confirmed, photos are taken; in the future, herbarium sheets will be prepared and flowers preserved in spirits. For some species, or from some locations such as Central America (private collection of Archila), only leaf samples have been obtained. Between living plants and leaf samples ~100 different species have been assembled, which is approximately 46% of the described species. A genetic barcode for this subsection of Pleurothallis will likely consist of three sequences. While only nrITS has been sequenced for these plants so far, the chloroplast sequences rpoB2, rpoC1, and the 3’ and 5’ ends of ycf1 are currently being investigated to determine which provide greatest variability, perhaps to combine with matK or trnH-psbA as per the CBOL Plant Working Group.
An updated checklist of the Orchidaceae of Panamá
Authors: Bogarín Diego , Serracín Zuleika , Samudio Zabdy , Rincón Rafael , Pupulin Franco
Published: March 2015

The Orchidaceae is one of the most diverse vascular plant families in the Neotropics and the most diverse in Panama. The number of species is triple that of other well-represented families of angiosperms such as Rubiaceae, Fabaceae and Poaceae. Despite its importance in terms of diversity, the latest checklist was published ten years ago and the latest in-depth taxonomic treatments were published in 1949 and 1993. The accumulation of information over the years and the need to update the nomenclature and to clarify taxonomic concepts made necessary the publication of an up-dated checklist of the Orchidaceae of Panama. This checklist was completed by studying specimens strictly collected in Panama and vouchered in herbaria. Species are presented alphabetically with their synonyms and herbarium vouchers. The data were analyzed to explain the patterns of geographic distribution, most diverse taxa, endemism, exotic species and relationships with other nearby floras. The checklist contains 1365 species (including two natural hybrids and three subspecies) in four subfamilies, 16 tribes, 27 subtribes and 187 genera. Four exotic species were recorded. A total of 296 (21.7%) species are endemic. Epidendroideae is the most diverse group housing more than 90% of species. The most diverse subtribes are Pleurothallidinae (30 genera, 405 spp.), Laeliinae (16 genera, 292 spp.), Oncidiinae (29 genera, 157 spp.) and Maxillariinae (18 genera, 132 spp.). The most diverse genera are: Epidendrum (206 spp.), Stelis (88 spp.), Lepanthes (66 spp.) and Pleurothallis (54 spp.). Nomenclatural changes are proposed in Maxillariella, Pleurothallis, Specklinia, Stelis and Trichocentrum. Many areas remain unexplored for orchids, and we estimate that much work remains to complete a floristic treatment that reveals more realistic data on the orchid flora that Panama harbors. This checklist is an important initial step toward the development of an illustrated treatment of the Orchidaceae of Panama.
Strategic choices regarding talent management in the Flemish public sector
Authors: Buttiens Dorien , Hondeghem Annie
Published: March 2015

In the past decade, talent management (TM) research has mainly focused on (large) organizations in a for-profit context. From this, it has been established that it is important to apply a contingency perspective since ‘organizations develop talent systems which reflect particular organizational objectives in the context of the strategic constraints which they face’ (Vaiman & Collings 2013). Furthermore, Vaiman & Collings (2013) state that future research thus should aim to connect the talent management policy of an organization to the corporate culture and business strategy. In addition, Thunissen et al. (2013a) acknowledge that the approach to talent is not only determined by the management of an organization but also by other stakeholders (e.g. employees and society). This article aims to contribute to these concerns in the literature by using the contextually based human resource theory (CBHRT) of Paauwe (2004) in a public sector context. The CBHRT tries to explain the choice for an HR policy by looking at several dimensions in the (institutional) environment of an organization and by taking into account the influence of stakeholders. Furthermore, by focusing on the Flemish government, this article meets the call to further research on TM in underexplored research areas.
Banking contagion under different exchange rate regimes in CEE
Authors: Kutasi Gábor
Published: March 2015

The global crisis of 2008 caused both liquidity shortage and increasing insolvency in the banking system. The study focuses on credit default contagion in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region, which originated in bank runs generated by non-performing loans granted to non-financial clients. In terms of methodology, the paper relies on the one hand on review of the literature, and on the other hand on a data survey with comparative and regression analysis. To uncover credit default contagion, the research focuses on the combined impact of foreign exchange rates and foreign private indebtedness.
Influence of Graphene Interlayers on Electrode-Electrolyte Interfaces in Resistive Random Accesses Memory Cells
Authors: Lübben Michael , Karakolis Panagiotis , Wedig Anja , Ioannou Vassilios , Normand Pascal , Dimitrakis Panagiotis , Valov Ilia
Published: March 2015

The behavior of the redox-based resistive switching memories is influenced by chemical interactions between the electrode and the solid electrolyte, as well as by local environment. The existence of different chemical potential gradients is resulting in nanobattery effect lowering the stability of the devices. In order to minimize these effects we introduce a graphene layer at the active electrode – solid electrolyte interface. We observe that graphene is acting as an effective diffusion barrier in the SiO2-based electrochemical metallization cells and acts catalytically on the electrochemical processes prior to resistive switching.
Modelo multicritério de alocação de unidades básicas de saúde: uma proposição para cidade de médio porte
Authors: Negreiros Raquel Ferreira de , Carmo Breno Barros Telles do , Moreira Maria Elisabeth Pinheiro
Published: March 2015

Por meio das unidades de atenção básica à saúde, é possível tratar as enfermidades na sua fase inicial. Observa-se um aumento do investimento do governo federal neste tipo de estratégia, com o objetivo de reduzir o fluxo de pacientes nos grandes hospitais. As UBS estão inseridas no Programa Saúde da Família e são voltadas para o atendimento da população mais carente. Por esse motivo, é necessária uma alocação eficiente destes postos, no sentido de melhorar a oferta do serviço de saúde. Este tipo de decisão, entretanto, é tratada de forma empírica pelos gestores municipais, abordando alguns aspectos que podem não retratar a necessidade ou a amplitude deste serviço, ou serem ainda insuficientes para definir a alocação. Este artigo tem por objetivo propor um modelo de alocação das Unidades Básicas de Saúde, baseado na abordagem multicritério de apoio à decisão, tendo como estudo de caso um município do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. A proposta desenvolvida irá subsidiar o processo de alocação das novas UBS e também servirá para avaliar as alocação das atuais UBS’s. Os resultados obtidos priorizaram os locais que apresentaram maior necessidade de atendimentos médicos.Palavras-chave: Postos de saúde. Alocação. Abordagem Multicritério de Apoio à Decisão.
Combined Rate of Penetration and Pressure Regulation for Drilling Optimization by Use of High-Speed Telemetry
Authors: Shishavan Reza Asgharzadeh , Hubbell Casey , Perez Hector , Hedengren John , Pixton David
Published: March 2015

Low-latency feedback, high bandwidth, and improved sensor placement are key benefits provided by wired-drillpipe (WDP) technology. Improved WDP reliability, based on more than 100 wells of field experience, enables more-aggressive application of the technology, including closed-loop control of drilling processes. Often, there is a requirement to consider multiple variables when attempting to control complex processes, such as drilling in deepwater wells. Such is the case when dynamically optimizing rate of penetration (ROP) in a pressure-critical wellbore environment.

Formerly, ROP and bottomhole pressure (BHP) have been considered separate optimization and automation tasks, respectively. This study combines ROP and BHP into a single comprehensive controller for a managed-pressure-drilling (MPD) application. The controller adjusts mud-pump flow rate, choke-valve position, drillstring-rotation rate, and weight on bit simultaneously and with coordinated actions. The automated operations are guided by an objective function that includes factors relevant to both BHP stabilization and ROP maximization. A preliminary MPD case study is used to assess the performance during different drilling events, including transition into varying formations, causing an unexpected gas influx. For the unwanted-gas-influx case, the controller better stabilizes the pressure when there are low-latency communications by simultaneously adjusting ROP. With WDP and the optimizing controller, there is substantial decrease in time required to control influx events compared with earlier controllers or manual methods. The high-speed data availability affects both the pressure-control reaction time and the resulting severity of the kick. When encountering different formations, there is also noticeable benefit by allowing pressure to fluctuate within an acceptable range to optimize ROP.

Combining ROP control and BHP control minimizes risk, decreases drilling costs, and reduces operator workload. Improvements in drilling performance include higher ROP, lower risk of uncontrolled kick events, and more-uniform cuttings loading. Another benefit of this combined ROP/BHP controller is that the reaction to gas influx is made more consistent and predictable relative to manual operations, reducing the demand for time-consuming remedial efforts.
The Wisdom of Crowds (Vox Populi) and Antidepressant Use
Authors: Patten Scott B
Published: March 2015

Under certain conditions, groups of people may (collectively) make better judgments than experts. Galton connected this phenomenon to the phrase vox populi in a 1907 paper. Arguably, an example of the phenomenon may be found in recent stabilization of the frequency of antidepressant use, following decades of increases. There is no evidence that a change in physi-cian behaviour has caused this stabilization. The stable frequency more likely reflects decisions made by thousands of individual people based on their personal experiences. This may provide a statement from the vox populi on an optimal frequency of antidepressant use in contemporary populations under current conditions, a topic that has eluded the consensus of experts.
The Effect of Milk Replacer Incorporation on the Physicochemical Properties of Milk Chocolate
Authors: M. Saidin Saadah , Ramli Nazaruddin , Y. Nee Tan , K. Ayob Md
Published: March 2015

This study investigated the effect of milk replacer incorporation on the physicochemical properties of milk chocolate. The formulations were developed using Mixture Design of Design Expert® version 6.0. through a binary mixing of skimmed milk powder and milk replacer at following ratios: 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100. Results demonstrated that milk chocolate which comprised of 100% milk replacer significantly had the darker colour and more viscous compared to the other milk chocolate samples (P≤0.05). On the other hand, the milk chocolate which consisted of 75% skimmed milk powder and 25% milk replacer had better resistance to fat bloom formation throughout the 10 weeks of storage at room temperature (25°C). This study suggested the feasibility of incorporating milk replacer in milk chocolate. The milk chocolate with milk replacer had softer texture and less fat bloom formation compared to the milk chocolate with skimmed milk powder alone.
Optimization of Texture in Sorghum Ice Cream Cone Production Using Sensory Analysis
Authors: Kigozi J. , Banadda N. , Byaruhanga Y. , Kaaya A. , Musoke L.
Published: March 2015

As consumers we are all acutely aware of the texture when we eat or drink solids or liquids and there can no doubt that texture is an important determinant of food quality. Results from the development of the process for sorghum based cones suggested the importance of optimizing the appearance and texture in future studies in the cone development for better consumer acceptance. In this study sensory analysis was used to determine differences in the product texture due to changes in the formulation for fifteen different formulations for the sorghum cones; in view of optimizing the sorghum cone texture. The sensory panel was used to determine the texture rated according to hardness, crispness and overall acceptability. Panelists used a 6-point scale for sensory evaluation (6 = “extremely hard” to 1 = “soft”) to rate hardness and 6 = “extremely crispy” to 1= “Not crispy” to rate crispness and a 9-point hedonic scale (9 = “like extremely”; 1 = “dislike extremely”) to rate the overall acceptability. Cones formulations which ranked higher; 8.25 and 8.06 respectively than the control 7.5 in consumer acceptance where F14 (where the sorghum was decreased by 25 %) and F9 (where water was decreased by 14%). Formulation F14 which resulted in the best texture was thus be selected and adopted as the formulation for the sorghum ice cream cones.
The natural course of spontaneous intracerebral brain hemorrhage localized in the basal ganglia of the brain: The analysis of a series of 39 patients
Authors: Milosevic Aleksandra , Repac Nikola , Nikolic Igor , Coric Igor , Janicijevic Aleksandar , Matic Sinisa , Scepanovic Vuk , Jovanovic Vladimir , Tasic Goran
Published: March 2015

The study included 39 patients treated in a Special hospital for the
prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases ? Sveti Sava? in
Belgrade in the period from October 2010 to January 2012. The criteria for
inclusion in the study is the moment of diagnosis of spontaneous
intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in the basal ganglia of the brain (BG). The
results: we analyzed 25 male patients and 14 female patients, aged 54 years
to 95 years. In deceased group - 22 (56.4%), 20 (90.9%) were the age group 60
to 80 years., GCS: 3-5 -12 patients (54.5%) died, GCS 6 -8 -10 patients
(45.5%), 20 patients (90.9%) also had intracerebral and intraventricular
hemorrhage complicated by acute hydrocephalus. Conclusion: predisposing
factors for mortality within one year in patients with spontaneous
intracerebral hemorrhage in the basal ganglia of the brain are: males older
than 60 years, unregulated hypertension and penetration of blood in the
chamber system.
Epilepsy as an initial factor of the clinical presentation of arteriovenous malformations of the brain - natural history and risk factors
Authors: Radosavljevic Marina , Repac Nikola , Nikolic Igor , Djoric Igor , Janicijevic Aleksandar , Matic Sinisa , Scepanovic Vuk , Jovanovic Vladimir , Milic Ivan , Tasic Goran
Published: March 2015

We present the results of treatment of 15 patients with brain arteriovenous
malformation initially presented by epilepsy in Neurosurgery, Clinical Center
of Serbia in Belgrade, in the period 2004-2010 year. Results: Most of the
patients had a grand mall type of epilepsy, 14 of them, while one was present
petit mall epilepsy. The attacks are manifested individually in 14, and in 1
case series. Response to treatment was good in 11 and 4 patients with
refractory. In 26.7% of cases, seizures alternated with bleeding. Anatomical
features of malformations did not show a significant difference in the
predisposition to epilepsy treatment response . Conclusion: Good control of
epilepsy by medication supports the view that there is no need for urgent
surgical treatment of brain AVM so we can generally conclude that brain AVM
in relation to a wide range of neurosurgical patients are in benign lesions,
which requires patience and good workmanship and strategic therapeutic
approach.
Client Identification and Client Commitment in a Privately Held Client Setting: Unique Constructs with Opposite Effects on Auditor Objectivity
Authors: Herda David N. , Lavelle James J.
Published: March 2015

SYNOPSIS

In this paper, we examine individual auditors' identification with, and commitment to, privately held clients, and their effects on auditor objectivity. Client identification reflects the extent to which an auditor's self-concept and self-definition are derived from a perceived oneness with the client. In contrast, client commitment reflects a responsibility for and a dedication to the client, but the auditor and client remain separate psychological entities. Drawing from the unique perspectives of social identity theory and social exchange theory, we hypothesize and find that client identification is distinct from client commitment. Further, we hypothesize and find that client identification and client commitment have different effects on auditor objectivity. Specifically, client identification is negatively related to auditor objectivity, whereas client commitment is positively related. The findings of this study apply predominantly to the audit of private companies where clients are more likely to exert influence over auditors and auditors may be less likely to withstand client pressures.

Data Availability: Please contact the first author.
Performance, Antimicrobial Effect and Carcass Parameters of Finisher Broilers Given Xylopia aethiopica Dried Fruits (Grains of Selim) as Additive
Authors: Isikwenu Jonathan Ogagaoghene , Udeh Ifeanyi , Izuchukwu Oshai Bernard , Ogheneremu Kekeke Theresa
Published: March 2015

The effect of graded levels of grains of selim on the performance, gut microbial population and carcass characteristics of finisher broilers was investigated. Two hundred and four (204) 28 days old broiler chicks (Marshal breed) were randomly allotted to four treatments with each treatment having three replicates of 17 chicks each in a completely randomized design. Finely blended grains of selim was administered through drinking water on treatments 2, 3 and 4 at concentrations of 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 g per litre while chicks on treatment 1 (control) received 1.0 g per 1.5 litre of antibiotics (Gendox). Chicks were fed ad libitum with isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets containing 20% crude protein and 3000 Kcal/kg metabolisable energy for four weeks. Results showed no significant (P > 0.05) differences among treatments in the final body weight, total weight gain, daily weight gain, total feed intake, daily feed intake and feed:gain ratio. There were differences in the microbial population of the gastro-intestinal tract with colony count decreasing as the concentration of grains of selim increases. Carcass characteristics and organ weights were similar (P > 0.05) except for thigh and spleen weights, and large intestine lengths where differences (P < 0.05) exist. Mortality ranged from 8.47% - 13.47% across treatments. The results indicated that grains of selim have antimicrobial and anthelminthic properties, and promote growth in broiler chickens
R Language: Statistical Computing and Graphics for Modeling Hydrologic Time Series
Authors: Dobre Gabriela-Roxana
Published: March 2015

The analysis and management of Hydrology time series is used for the development of models that allow predictions on future evolutions. After identifying the trends and the seasonal components, a residual analysis can be done to correlate them and make a prediction based on a statistical model. Programming language R contains multiple packages for time series analysis: ‘hydroTSM’ package is adapted to the time series used in Hydrology, package ‘TSA’ is used for general interpolation and statistical analysis, while the ‘forecast’ package includes exponential smoothing, all having outstanding capabilities in the graphical representation of time series. The purpose of this paper is to present some applications in which we use time series of precipitation and temperature from Fagaras in the time period 1966-1982. The data was analyzed and modeled by using the R language.
Municipality Size and Local Public Services: Do Economies of Scale Exist ?
Authors: Soukopová Jana , Nemec Juraj , Matějová Lenka , Struk Michal
Published: March 2015

Economies of scale are a standard topic in economic theory, frequently applied, for example, in the analysis of monopolies. They exist when a firm optimising its production costs while facing some fixed costs enjoys lower per-unit production costs as the production increases. Similarly to other production units municipalities have to be large enough to minimise average costs. We analysed the local public services in 205 municipalities with extended powers in the Czech Republic for the first time in this context, using regression analysis, a correlation diagram of local public services and statistical analysis. The paper examines this issue using data from 2008 to 2012. Our analysis showed that economies of scale cannot be clearly identified for local services in municipalities with extended powers in the Czech Republic and that the size of a municipality is not a key factor influencing the provision of local services.
Intra-Municipal Units in Urban Political Systems in Poland: Vicious Roundabout of Marginalization or Dead-End Street ?
Authors: Swianiewicz Paweł
Published: March 2015

Neighbourhood / district councils exist in most big Polish cities. But their position in city politics is very weak, although differences among individual cities may be easily identified. There is also a low citizen interest in neighbourhood councils. The article tests a model to explain the variation among the cities and discusses the negative feedback between the dis-engagement of citizens and the narrow set of functions delegated to neighbourhoods. It asks the question if breaking that negative feedback is possible.
The Effect of Additional Ankle and Midfoot Mobilizations on Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shashua Anat , Flechter Shlomo , Avidan Liat , Ofir Dani , Melayev Alex , Kalichman Leonid
Published: March 2015

Study Design

A single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of ankle and midfoot mobilization on pain and function of patients with plantar fasciitis (PF).

Background

Plantar fasciitis is a degenerative process of the plantar fascia, with a lifetime prevalence of approximately 10%. Limited ankle dorsiflexion is a common finding and apparently acts as a contributing factor to the development of PF.

Methods

Fifty patients with PF, aged 23 to 73 years, were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. Both groups received 8 treatments, twice a week, consisting of stretching exercises and ultrasound. In addition, the intervention group received mobilization of the ankle and midfoot joints. Dorsiflexion range of motion was measured at the beginning and at the end of treatment. The results were evaluated by 3 outcomes: the numeric pain-rating scale, Lower Extremity Functional Scale, and algometry.

Results

No significant difference was found between groups in any of the outcomes. Both groups showed a significant difference in the numeric pain-rating scale and Lower Extremity Functional Scale. Both groups significantly improved in dorsiflexion range of motion, with no difference between groups.

Conclusion

The addition of ankle and foot joint mobilization aimed at improving dorsiflexion range of motion is not more effective than stretching and ultrasound alone in treating PF. The association between limited ankle dorsiflexion and PF is most probably due to soft tissue limitations, not the joints. Trial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (registration number NCT01439932).

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 1b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(4):265–272. Epub 4 Mar 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5155
Characteristics and practices of National Immunisation Technical Advisory Groups in Europe and potential for collaboration, April 2014
Authors: Takla A , Wichmann O , Carrillo-Santisteve P , Cotter S , Lévy-Bruhl D , Paradowska-Stankiewicz I , Valentiner-Branth P , D’Ancona F , the VENICE III NITAG Survey Group Collective
Published: March 2015

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Opportunistic testing for urogenital infection with Chlamydia trachomatis in south-western Switzerland, 2012: a feasibility study
Authors: Bally F , Quach A , Greub G , Jaton K , Petignat C , Ambord C , Fellay J , Masserey E , Spencer B
Published: March 2015

The feasibility of opportunistic screening of urogenital infections with Chlamydia trachomatis was assessed in a cross-sectional study in 2012, in two cantons of south-western Switzerland: Vaud and Valais. Sexually active persons younger than?30 years, not tested for C. trachomatis in the last three months, were invited for free C. trachomatis testing by PCR in urine or self-applied vaginal swabs. Of 2,461 consenting participants, 1,899 (77%) were women and all but six (0.3%) submitted a sample. Forty-seven per cent of female and 25% of male participants were?younger than?20 years. Overall, 134 (5.5%) of 2,455 tested participants had a positive result and were followed up. Seven per cent of all candidates for screening were not invited, 10% of invited candidates were not eligible, 15% of the eligible candidates declined participation, 5% of tested participants testing positive were not treated, 29% of those treated were not retested after six months and 9% of those retested were positive for C. trachomatis. Opportunistic C. trachomatis testing proved technically feasible and acceptable, at least if free of charge. Men and peripheral rural regions were more difficult to reach. Efforts to increase testing and decrease dropout at all stages of the screening procedure are necessary.
Leadership in Health: The Concept and the Need
Authors: Vaidya Abhinav
Published: March 2015

Not available. (Editorial)DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v3i3.12243Journal of Kathmandu Medical CollegeVol. 3, No. 3, Issue 9, Jul.-Sep., 2014, Page: 95-96
Gestational Age Specific Anthropometric Percentile Charts Of Newborns At Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital
Authors: Manandhar Sunil Raja , Manandhar Dharma Sharna
Published: March 2015

Background: A gestational age specific c birth weight, length and head circumference centile chart will help to identify intrauterine growth of a baby. Since the first published gestational age specific anthropometric study done in Nepal by Manandhar DS et al in 1993-94, there have been significant changes in socioeconomic conditions with improved health indicators. This study was done for identifying any changes in anthropometric measurements of the newborns born at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital (KMCTH). Objectives: To produce gestational age specific c birth weight, length and head circumference centile charts of the New born babies born at KMCTH and to calculate incidence of low birth weight (LBW) babies at KMCTH. Methods: This is a cross sectional observational study. Study was done at labour room, operation theatre, special care baby unit and postnatal wards of KMCTH. Study period was from 18th Aug 2011 to 28th Nov 2012 (15 months duration). Within 24 hours of birth, baby’s weight, length and head circumference were measured by medical officers and post graduate Residents of the Paediatrics Department. Mother’s weight, height and ethnicity were also recorded. Maturity of the baby was assessed by maternal history and corroborated by using modified Ballard score and Obstetric USG (Ultra sonogram) findings. Data were entered in excel database programme and later transferred into SPSS (Statistical package of social science) 16. Mean, standard deviation, range and percentiles values at different gestational age specific c groups were calculated. Results: A total of 2029 live babies without gross congenital malformations were included in this study, among which 57% (1154) were male. While analyzing maturity assessment, 89.1% (1808) were term, 8.7% (176) were preterm and 2.2 % (45) babies were post term. Mean birth weight at 40 weeks of gestation was 3.10 kg with Standard Deviation (SD) of 0.4 kg, mean head circumference was 34.0 cm (SD 1.2 cm) and mean length was 49.2 cm (SD 2.2 cm). Out of 2029 babies, 16.2% (328) babies were low birth weight (LBW) and 1.4% (28) babies weighed >4 kg. Conclusion: Percentile charts of newborns will help to assess the intrauterine growth of babies. Further more studies of these percentile charts will help to produce national level percentile charts of newborns of Nepal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v3i3.12244Journal of Kathmandu Medical CollegeVol. 3, No. 3, Issue 9, Jul.-Sep., 2014,Page: 97-101
Intraorbital Wooden Foreign Body: A Case Report
Authors: Sitaula Sanjeeta , Gautam Vijay
Published: March 2015

Intraorbital foreign bodies are one of the commonly encountered orbital problems. They may be sight threatening due to the severity of injury or its complications and even life threatening if not managed appropriately. We present a case of a 24-year old female with history of fall injury from a tree with an impacted intraorbital wooden foreign body. The patient was treated with prophylactic intravenous antibiotics and prompt removal of the foreign body was done under general anesthesia in the operation theatre. The post operative visual recovery was excellent with significant improvement of ocular motility and limited improvement of ptosis. Hence even organic foreign bodies can have good prognosis with timely intervention.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v3i3.12248Journal of Kathmandu Medical CollegeVol. 3, No. 3, Issue 9, Jul.-Sep., 2014, Page: 119-121
A Child with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Presenting With Haemorrhagic Pleural Effusion
Authors: Shrestha Sushma , Basnet Rydam , Mathema Smiriti , Acharya Rukma , Nepal Archana
Published: March 2015

Lymphoma is the third common malignancy of childhood, presenting with rapidly or slowly growing mass, systemic B symptoms (fever, night sweats and weight loss), hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. Here, we report an eight year old male child who presented with fever, dyspnoea and weight loss of three kilograms over the last month; had right pleural effusion and was investigated for both infectious and non-infectious causes and later was diagnosed as Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It emphasizes the importance of high suspicion, especially in the presence of haemorrhagic pleural fluid, to differentiate it from other common causes of pleural effusion in childhood.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v3i3.12250Journal of Kathmandu Medical CollegeVol. 3, No. 3, Issue 9, Jul.-Sep., 2014, Page: 126-128
Walkability Indicators for Pedestrian-Friendly Design
Authors: Gori Stefano , Nigro Marialisa , Petrelli Marco
Published: March 2015

This paper presents an analysis of walking indicators related to the structure of the road network, differentiated by measures of the quality, connectivity, and proximity of the road network. These measures were computed for various zones of the city of Rome and for the historical center of Lucca and Venice in Italy. The aims of the study were (a) to understand whether some measures were more suitable than others for describing the walkability (i.e., accessibility to walking) of an area, (b) to define the best single measure or the optimal combination of measures to describe the walkability of an area, (c) to define some benchmark values for the analyzed walkability measures, and (d) to obtain valuable guidelines to define a pedestrian-oriented road network. The results showed the importance of variables such as the number of nodes and the size of the blocks. Moreover, the results demonstrated that although single measures of connectivity were not self-explanatory for describing walkability, the combination of various measures could be more effective. Finally, the study derived the benchmark values of 3 to 6 nodes per hectare for the density of nodes, 0.5 to 0.9 hectare per block for the size of blocks, and 800 m for the maximum walking distance for a pedestrian-friendly, transit-oriented development.
Examining Long-Term Impact of California Safe Routes to School Program
Authors: Ragland David R. , Pande Swati , Bigham John , Cooper Jill F.
Published: March 2015

California was the first state to legislate a Safe Routes to School (SR2S) program under Assembly Bill 1475 (1999). SR2S funds construction projects that make it safer for children to walk or bicycle to school and encourages a greater number of children to choose these modes of travel for the school commute. The main goal of this project was to assess the long-term impact of program-funded engineering modifications on walking and bicycling levels and safety. Improvements were evaluated with a targeted method to determine the countermeasures that resulted in safety and mode shift. The major results indicated that the safety of pedestrians increased within 250 ft of an infrastructure improvement, such as a sidewalk. There was also evidence of mode shift near improvements. Positive results for safety and mobility, as well as improved data collection for funded programs, should make SR2S programs competitive among other transportation needs.