bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information and Communication Technology in Microfinance Sector: Case Study of Three Indian MFIs
Authors: Singh Vijeta , Padhi Puja
Published: December 2015

Financial sector has witnessed transformation with the adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) in providing financial services that ensured financial services to distant customers and reduced cost of providing financial services. The advent of ICT in financial system in general and microfinance sector in particular would not only scale up the access to finance but also attempt to ensure provision of financial services to the remotest and far-flung areas. Adoption of technology by microfinance institutions (MFIs) has increased its outreach and achieved cost reduction but confronted numerous challenges especially with respect to regulatory issues and delivery channels used. In this context, this article aims to assess the impact of ICT in client management, risk management and work efficiency of MFIs based on the case study of three MFIs (Cashpor Microcredit, SKS Microfinance Ltd and Utkarsh Microfinance Pvt Ltd). The article finds that the use of ICT has succeeded in bringing efficiency in terms of cost and client management, yet ICT adoption in MFIs needs a policy overhaul especially in terms of regulatory and infrastructure issues taking into account the aspirations and problems of all the stakeholders to microfinance sector.
Impairments of the Primary Afferent Nerves in a Rat Model of Diabetic Visceral Hyposensitivity
Authors: Dong Li , Liang Xizi , Sun Biying , Ding Xiaowei , Han Hangxiu , Zhang Guohua , Rong Weifang
Published: December 2015

Background

Diabetic neuropathy in visceral organs such as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is still poorly understood, despite that GI symptoms are among the most common diabetic complications. The present study was designed to explore the changes in visceral sensitivity and the underlying functional and morphological deficits of the sensory nerves in short-term diabetic rats. Here, we compared the colorectal distension (CRD)-induced visceromotor response (VMR, an index of visceral pain) in vivo, the mechanosensitivity of colonic afferents ex vivo as well as the expression of protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in colon between diabetic (3–6 weeks after streptozotocin injection) and control (age-matched vehicle injection) rats.

Results

VMR was markedly decreased in the diabetic compared to the control rats. There was a significant decrease in multiunit pelvic afferent nerve responses to ramp distension of the ex vivo colon and single unit analysis indicated that an impaired mechanosensitivity of low-threshold and wide dynamic range fibers may underlie the afferent hyposensitivity in the diabetic colon. Fewer PGP 9.5- or CGRP-immunoreactive fibers and lower protein level of PGP 9.5 were found in the colon of diabetic rats.

Conclusions

These observations revealed the distinctive feature of colonic neuropathy in short-term diabetic rats that is characterized by a diminished sensory innervation and a blunted mechanosensitivity of the remnant sensory nerves.
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AA/AB in human serum are potential indicators of the proliferative capacity of human synovial mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Mizuno Mitsuru , Katano Hisako , Otabe Koji , Komori Keiichiro , Matsumoto Yukie , Fujii Shizuka , Ozeki Nobutake , Tsuji Kunikazu , Koga Hideyuki , Muneta Takeshi , Matsuyama Akifumi , Sekiya Ichiro
Published: December 2015

Introduction

For expansion of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), autologous human serum is safer than fetal bovine serum in clinical situations. One of the problems with the use of autologous human serum is that its proliferative effect on MSCs varies widely between donors. The threefold goals of this study were: (1) to demonstrate an improved method for preparing human serum; (2) to identify growth factors predictive of proliferative potential; and (3) to identify a cytokine to promote MSC proliferation in human serum.

Methods

Fresh blood was collected using a closed bag system containing glass beads. The bag was shaken at 20 °C for 30 minutes for rapid preparation, or kept stationary at 4 °C for 24 hours for slow preparation. Passage 0 synovial MSCs derived from four donors were cultured with 10 % conventional rapid preparation serum or modified slow preparation serum from four different donors. To perform the colony-forming unit assay, synovial MSCs were cultured in these serums. The protein expression profile in serum was analyzed using cytokine array. The candidate proteins were speculated from the correlation between the colony-forming ability and protein expression. As an evaluation of the candidate proteins, proliferation ability, surface marker phenotype and differentiation capability of synovial MSCs were examined.

Results

Compared with rapid preparation serum, slow preparation serum resulted in a significantly higher total colony number and twofold higher expression levels of nine proteins (angiopoietin-1, BDNF, EGF, ENA-78, IGFBP-2, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AA, PDGF-AB/BB, RANTES and TfR). Colony number was positively correlated with PDGF-AA/AB concentrations. Exogenous PDGF-AA significantly promoted proliferation of synovial MSCs, whereas PDGF receptor (PDGFR) inhibitor decreased it. Addition of PDGFs or PDGFR inhibitor did not affect surface epitopes of synovial MSCs. Pretreatment with PDGFs or PDGFR inhibitor did not affect chondrogenic, adipogenic, or calcification potentials of synovial MSCs.

Conclusion

Slow preparation serum contained higher concentrations of PDGF-AA/AB and increased the colony formation number of synovial MSCs. PDGF-AA/AB were indicators of the proliferative potential of human serum. Exogenous PDGF-AA increased proliferation of synovial MSCs without alteration of surface epitopes and differentiation potentials.
On the construction of metrics from fuzzy metrics and its application to the fixed point theory of multivalued mappings
Authors: Castro-Company Francisco , Romaguera Salvador , Tirado Pedro
Published: December 2015

We present a procedure to construct a compatible metric from a given fuzzy metric space. We use this approach to obtain a characterization of a large class of complete fuzzy metric spaces by means of a fuzzy version of Caristi’s fixed point theorem, obtaining, in this way, partial solutions to a recent question posed in the literature. Some illustrative examples are also given.
Response Spectra of Ground Motions and Building Foundation Vibrations Excited by Rockbursts in the LGC Region
Authors: Maciag Edward , Kuzniar Krystyna , Tatara Tadeusz
Published: December 2015

Surface vibrations induced by mining rockbursts resulting from underground exploitation in the mines in western Poland were analyzed and classified into three different categories. Comparison of the accelerograms simultaneously recorded on the ground and on the foundations of typical buildings, as well as the response spectra determined on the basis of these records, leads to the conclusion that ground vibration characteristics have a significant influence on the nature of vibration transmission from the ground to the building foundation. Analysis of the response spectra, separately determined from both ground vibrations and building foundation vibrations, indicates that the standard response spectrum based on building foundation vibrations is more useful in the design of new buildings in areas of mining tremors than the spectrum based on ground vibrations. Moreover, the usefulness of the models of soil-structure interaction based on seismic data in California was investigated with respect to mine-induced rockbursts in Poland.
Metal Nanostructures Fabricated by the Difference of Interfacial Energy at a Dielectric/Metal Interface
Authors: Tatsuno Toshinao , Okamoto Takayuki , Ezaki Tomotarou , Isobe Toshihiro , Nakajima Akira , Matsushita Sachiko
Published: December 2015

Due to its high sensitivity to changes in the environmental dielectric constant, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) is utilized for various sensing materials. However, because of this high sensitivity, it is difficult to detect a specific substance among mixed materials. Here, we enhanced the size selectivity using a metal nanostructure. By preparing a cup-like metal nanostructure that is the same size as a virus, this cup-like structure may be able to capture a virus, and thus the LSPR characteristics would change. This phenomenon would not occur for larger materials, such as animal cells, i.e., this cup-like structure may have selectivity for material size. In this paper, we fabricated metal nanocups out of two-dimensional colloidal crystals by exploiting the difference of interfacial energy at a dielectric/metal interface. The size selectivity and plasmon characteristics of the fabricated metal nanocups were investigated with model viruses, i.e., virus-like polystyrene (PSt) nanoparticles with almost the same dielectric constant and size as a virus. As a result, the transmission spectra show a 20-nm red shift in the visible light range before and after adsorption of the model virus. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), optical microscopy, UV–vis spectrometry and contact angle measurement results are also discussed.
Understanding the Occupational Stress of Collegiate Track and Field Coaches during the Championship Season
Authors: Judge Lawrence W. , Kirkpatrick Kurt , Bolin Jocelyn , Blom Lindsey C. , Dieringer Shannon , Bellar David
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate sources of occupational stress for NCAA Division I and Division III track and field coaches during the championship season. The Administrative Stress Index (ASI) measured the perceived occupational stressors, and the Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ): Part 2 assessed perceived social support. A total of 67 male and female (44.51 + 10.92 yrs.) experienced (14.75 + 10.00 yrs.) coaches participated. Results indicated that a weak to moderate significant correlation exists between the three subscales of the ASI. A significant negative correlation was found between the PRQ and task-based stress (r = −.244, p < .05). When all three predictors and the interaction of years of experience were entered into the model, the social support (β = −0.259 p = .04) and NCAA Division (β = −0.243 p = .052) were significant predictors of task-based stress. As social support increased, task-based stress decreased.
Hypertrophic and Strength Responses to Eccentric Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pope Zachary K. , Willardson Jeffrey M. , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Emmett John D. , Owen Jill D.
Published: December 2015

Research examining exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) has indicated positive findings for the use of this novel training modality in both health and performance-related outcomes. However, eccentric resistance training combined with BFR has yet to be fully examined. Therefore, the objective of this pilot study was to investigate the muscular strength and hypertrophic responses before and following a training intervention involving resistance exercise utilizing only eccentric muscle actions with or without BFR. Eighteen resistance-trained males were randomly assigned to one of three training conditions following pre-testing measures: eccentric resistance training only, eccentric resistance training with BFR, and a control training group. Our findings suggest that four weeks of submaximal eccentric resistance training performed to repetition failure, with or without BFR, may represent alternative means of obtaining increases in muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) in resistance-trained males. Although the addition of BFR did reduce training volume, it did not result in superior adaptations.
Measuring Skill in Rugby Union and Rugby League as Part of the Standard Team Testing Battery
Authors: Hendricks Sharief , Lambert Michael , Masimla Herman , Durandt Justin
Published: December 2015

Coaches, strength and conditioning coaches, and researchers typically use a standard testing battery as a screening tool to measure physical characteristics of players. The information from this testing battery is subsequently utilized to check whether a player can meet the demands of the sport, talent identification, long-term player development, squad/team selection and/or for designing training programs. Apart from these physical attributes, Rugby players (both Union and League) also need to efficiently execute a range of technical and tactical skills during a match. Attempts to assess skill in Rugby have been reported, but little has been documented on assessing skill as part of a Rugby team testing battery. This review highlights the use of, and requirements of, a skill assessment that can be used in a Rugby team setting. When devising a skill assessment, a number of factors such as standardisation, validity, reliability, logistics, player safety, ecological validity, and representative design need to be considered. All these factors should be considered on a continuum, and not in absolute terms. The 1 vs 1 attacker and defender interactions allow for an acceptable degree of ecological validity and representative design, and logistically seems most appealing for team testing. Also, using a valid and reliable set of technical criteria and outcome measures has shown to be most appropriate to standardise a skill assessment.
Cannabis microbiome sequencing reveals several mycotoxic fungi native to dispensary grade Cannabis flowers
Authors: McKernan Kevin , Spangler Jessica , Zhang Lei , Tadigotla Vasisht , Helbert Yvonne , Foss Theodore , Smith Douglas R.
Published: December 2015

The Center for Disease Control estimates 128,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized annually due to food borne illnesses. This has created a demand for food safety testing targeting the detection of pathogenic mold and bacteria on agricultural products. This risk extends to medicalCannabisand is of particular concern with inhaled, vaporized and even concentratedCannabisproducts.As a result, third party microbial testing has become a regulatory requirement in the medical and recreationalCannabismarkets, yet knowledge of theCannabismicrobiome is limited. Here we describe the first next generation sequencing survey of the microbial communities found in dispensary basedCannabisflowers and demonstrate the limitations in the culture-based regulations that are being superimposed from the food industry.
Opening Up Intellectual Property Strategy: Implications for Open Source Software Entry by Start-up Firms
Authors: Wen Wen , Ceccagnoli Marco , Forman Chris
Published: December 2015

We examine whether a firm’s intellectual property (IP) strategy in support of the open source software (OSS) community stimulates new OSS product entry by start-up software firms. In particular, we analyze the impact of strategic decisions taken by IBM around the mid-2000s, such as its announcement that it will not assert its patents against the OSS community and its creation of a patent commons. These decisions formed a coherent IP strategy in support of OSS. We find that IBM’s actions stimulated new OSS product introductions by entrepreneurial firms and that their impact is increasing in the cumulativeness of innovation in the market and the extent to which patent ownership in the market is concentrated.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2015.2247 .

This paper was accepted by Lee Fleming, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Asymmetric Effects of Informed Trading on the Cost of Equity Capital
Authors: Brennan Michael J. , Huh Sahn-Wook , Subrahmanyam Avanidhar
Published: December 2015

We decompose PIN, the probability of informed trading, into good-news (PIN_G) and bad-news (PIN_B) components, which we estimate at a quarterly frequency. We first assess the validity of PIN as a measure of informed trading by calculating its association with measures of the adverse-selection component of the cost of trading. We then provide new evidence that PIN_G and PIN_B capture informed trading around earnings announcements by showing that they predict positive and negative earnings surprises, respectively. Conjecturing that investors who take long positions will be more concerned about informed selling than about informed buying since the former depresses the sale price whereas the latter raises it, we then investigate asymmetry in the pricing of private information. We find strong evidence of such asymmetry in that the effect of PIN_B on the cost of equity capital is large and highly significant, whereas the effect of PIN_G is small and statistically insignificant.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2015.2250 .

This paper was accepted by Neng Wang, finance.
Inferring Quality from Wait Time
Authors: Kremer Mirko , Debo Laurens
Published: December 2015

We study the impact of wait time on consumers’ purchasing behavior when product quality is unknown to some consumers (the “uninformed consumers”) but known to others (the “informed consumers”). In a capacitated environment, wait times act as a signal of quality for uninformed consumers because, due to informed consumers in the population, low (high) quality products tend to generate shorter (longer) wait times. Hence, longer wait times may increase uninformed consumers’ perceived quality, and they may still purchase the product, even when the wait time is long. Similarly, short wait times decrease the consumers’ perceived quality, and they may walk away despite the short wait—the “empty restaurant syndrome.” This paper develops and tests a theory of observational learning that predicts these effects. We find that uninformed consumers’ purchasing probability at short waits decreases in the presence of informed consumers. Furthermore, we find that relatively few informed consumers suffice to create this effect. Finally, we show that the purchasing frequency might even increase in the wait time.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2015.2264 .

This paper was accepted by Martin Lariviere, operations management.
An LP-Based Correlated Rounding Scheme for Multi-Item Ecommerce Order Fulfillment
Authors: Jasin Stefanus , Sinha Amitabh
Published: December 2015

We consider an online multi-item retailer with multiple fulfillment facilities and finite inventory. The challenge faced by the retailer is to construct a fulfillment policy to decide from which facility each of the items in the arriving order should be fulfilled, in a way that minimizes the expected total shipping costs of fulfilling customer orders over a finite horizon. Shipping costs are linear in the size of the package shipped as well as the distance from the facility to the customer. We approximate the stochastic control formulation, which is computationally intractable, with a deterministic linear program (DLP) whose size is polynomial in the size of the input. We then study the performance of two fulfillment heuristics derived from the solution of the DLP. The first heuristic implements the solution of the DLP as fulfillment probability for each item. Since fulfillment decision for each item is made independently of fulfillment decision of other items in the same order, this heuristic does not have a satisfactory performance. The second heuristic improves the first heuristic by allowing fulfillment consolidation across different items in the same order. We do this by modifying the DLP solution through a carefully constructed correlated rounding (or coupling) among the decision variables. We provide a theoretical upper bound on the asymptotic competitive ratio of both heuristics with respect to the optimal policy. Our numerical experiments show that the second heuristic performs very close to optimal for a wide range of problem parameters.
Treatment of the diabetic foot by offloading: a systematic review
Authors: de Oliveira A. L. Martins , Moore Z.
Published: December 2015

Objective:

To compare the literature on the strengths and limitations of different offloading devices in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.

Method:

Systematic review of the literature in the following databases: the Cumulative Index to Nursing an Allied Health Literature (CINAHL); Medline; Embase; Cochrane Library and Web of Knowledge. The search strategy used the terms: diabetic foot; orthosis/orthotic devices/orthoses; foot orthosis/foot orthoses; casts/plaster cast/surgical cast; shoes.

Results:

Our results identified 15 studies, which are included in this review. Healing rates, healing times and reduction in ulcer size were improved with the use of total contact casting, when compared with other offloading devices. The main adverse effects associated with the use of the device were infection, maceration and abrasion. Cost, compliance and quality of life issues were rarely included within the studies.

Conclusion:

Offloading is a key treatment strategy for the management of diabetic foot ulcers and total contact casts were found to be the most effective devices to achieve ulcer healing. However, they are not without complications and their impact on cost, compliance and quality of life is not well understood.
Temporal variability in macroinvertebrates diversity patterns and their relation with environmental factors
Authors: GERAMI MOHAMMAD HASAN , PATIMAR RAHMAN , NEGARESTAN HOSSEIN , JAFARIAN HOJJATOLLAH , MORTAZAVI MOHAMMAD SEDDIQ
Published: December 2015

Gerami MH, Patimar R, Negarestan H, Jafarian H, Mortazavi MS. 2015. Temporal variability in macroinvertebratesÂ diversity patterns and their relation with environmental factors. Biodiversitas 17: 36-43. Seasonal changes are the most important factorÂ in temporal variability of macroinvertebrates communities in marine benthic zone. Realizing the pattern of these changes are the keyÂ attributes to maintain benthic resources. For this purpose this study aimed to investigate temporal variability of macroinvertebratesÂ diversity patterns in different seasons in Hormozgan province waters, Persian Gulf. Five sites were identified and sampling was carriedÂ out randomly at three places with three replicate in each site from autumn 2014 to spring 2015. Physiochemical properties of water wereÂ recorded in each sampling site. Total of 19 macroinvertebrate orders were identified form four seasons in all sites. Results showed thatÂ Polychaeta were dominant taxa in all seasons and maximum diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates exhibitedin winter. According toÂ evenness index (E1), abundances of species were most balanced in spring. Analysis of weight and density revealed that the species diversity and mean weight of macroinvertebrates had maximum in winter and minimum in summer. Macroinvertebrate community structure was similar in the spring and summer and partly discriminated from remaining two seasons. SIMPER analysis confirmed these dissimilarities and revealed that Foraminifera, Gastropoda and Polychaeta have three major contributions in dissimilarities between seasons. According to BIO-ENV analysis, oxygen and chlorophyll a were the best variables (r = 0.7143) explaining changes in the abundance over time of the benthic fauna under study. On the contrary, eight orders (Amphipoda, Secernentea, Cumacea, Euphausiacea, Gastropoda, Isopoda, Anthozoa and Sagittoidea)Â did not show any convergence with environmental factors in this study.
Approvals, Submission, and Important Labeling Changes for US Marketed Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Baker Danial E.
Published: December 2015

This monthly feature will help readers keep current on new drugs, new indications, dosage forms, and safety-related changes in labeling or use. Efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this information; however, if there are any questions, please let me know at danial.baker@wsu.edu .
Assuming a Pharmacy Organization Leadership Position: A Guide for Pharmacy Leaders
Authors: Shay Blake , Weber Robert J.
Published: December 2015

Important and influential pharmacy organization leadership positions, such as president, board member, or committee chair, are volunteer positions and require a commitment of personal and professional time. These positions provide excellent opportunities for leadership development, personal promotion, and advancement of the profession. In deciding to assume a leadership position, interested individuals must consider the impact on their personal and professional commitments and relationships, career planning, employer support, current and future department projects, employee support, and personal readiness. This article reviews these factors and also provides an assessment tool that leaders can use to determine their readiness to assume leadership positions. By using an assessment tool, pharmacy leaders can better understand their ability to assume an important and influential leadership position while achieving job and personal goals.
FDA Advise-ERR: Mefloquine—Not the Same as Malarone; Zoster Vaccine is Not for the Immunosuppressed; TXA Mistaken as Tenecteplase; Guidelines for Adult IV Push Medications
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L.
Published: December 2015

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs.

Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers’ names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below.

Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters’ wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Ranolazine-Induced Reversible T-Wave Inversions with Prolonged QTc Interval; Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Linked to Fingolimod; Losartan-Induced Sprue-like Enteropathy; Nivolumab-Induced Psoriasiform Skin Eruption; Hepatitis B Reactivation with Hepatitis C Treatment with Simeprevir and Sofosbuvir
Authors: Mancano Michael A.
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), discuss methods of prevention, and promote reporting of ADRs to the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) MED WATCH program (800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting, preventable ADR to MED WATCH, please consider sharing the account with our readers.
Co-creation as a process of undoing authenticity
Authors: Barthel Katharina , von Maltzahn Constantin-Felix
Published: December 2015

This article explores the recent emergence of ‘authenticity’ in fashion in the context of tribal brand cultures in which the value of fashion items results from co-creation processes in environments created by online social media. The study used a qualitative approach in the form of a netnographic study, supported by secondary research such as online documents, photographic footage and media reports. Focusing on a young New York City-based outdoor fashion firm, the research explores the life- and experience-worlds of consumers in an online context. Following the tenets of Symbolic Interactionism, the study identified a socially and emotionally charged process of value exchange as a key driver in the relationship between brands and consumers. Social exchange between consumers is where meaning is extracted and symbolic properties are converted into markers of collective identification. While most analyses of co-creation and tribal consumption focus on offor online contexts separately, the present study seeks to develop an understanding of the intersecting dynamics between on- and offline environments.
Description of an educational programme developed to support registered nurses during clinical supervision of student nurses in medical and surgical wards in a training health facility: Namibia
Authors: Neshuku Hanna , Justus Amukugo Hans
Published: December 2015

This paper describes an educational programme interventions developed to support registered nurses during the clinical supervision of student nurses in the medical and surgical wards of a training hospital in the Oshana region, Namibia.

The programme developed contained the purpose and goals of the programme, programme objectives, programme structure, processes and approaches. The programme catered for the following themes: Managerial challenges, educational challenges and non-conducive environment as was experienced by registered nurses and student nurses in order to support them during clinical supervision. It includes the activities to address managerial challenges as identified to be affecting the clinical supervision of student nurses; this is to address educational challenges identified during clinical supervision of student nurses. Furthermore, the programme contains activities focused on providing registered nurses with knowledge and skills on clinical supervision, in order to increase their understanding and competence about the clinical supervision of student nurses. Another activity included interventions for enhancing positive interpersonal relationships and good communication skills to improve effective interactions between registered nurses and student nurses. This study made it possible for the development of an educational programme that enable the registered nurses to receive the much needed information pertaining to the clinical supervision of student nurses, and served as a guide and support tool when carrying out clinical supervision of student nurses.

In conclusion the study was justified as an original contribution to the existing body of knowledge in general health nursing science.
Primary mechanism responsible for age-dependent neuronal dehydration
Authors: Nikoghosyan Anna , Heqimyan Armenuhi , Ayrapetyan Sinerik N.
Published: December 2015

Neuronal dehydration and high [Ca2+]i are essential hallmarks for age-dependent memory impairment. Na+/K+-ATPase, having membrane transporting and intracellular signaling functions, has age-induced dysfunctional character. Therefore, it could have a key role in age-dependent neuronal dehydration and increase of [Ca2+]i. However, it is not clear the dysfunction of which above mentioned functions of Na+/K+-ATPase serves as a primary mechanism for generation of age-dependent neuronal dehydration and increase of [Ca2+]i. In present work age-dependent effects of ≤10-9M (agonist for α3 isoform which has only signaling function) and 10-4M ouabain (agonist for α1 isoform which has ion-transporting function) on brain cortex tissue hydration, 45Ca2+ uptake and 45Ca2+ efflux through plasma membrane were studied. It was shown that ≤10-9M and 10-4M ouabain concentrations have stimulation effects on cortex tissue hydration and Na+/Ca2+ exchange in reverse mode. However, these effects have age-dependent weakening and increasing characters, respectively. It is suggested that ≤10-9M ouabain-induced tissue hydration is due to cAMP-activated Ca2+-ATPase in endoplasmic reticulum membrane leading to reversion of Na+/Ca2+ exchange and elevation of endogenous H2O release in cytoplasm. This effect has age-dependent depressing character. Thus, the dysfunction of α3 isoform-dependent intracellular signaling system could be considered as a primary mechanism for age-dependent neuronal dehydration.
Cognitive analysis of the (Bingol Anti Terror Police Department) BATPD Buddy Program
Authors: Eren Murat Erkan , Gulen Engin
Published: December 2015

Buddy programs help newcomers to smooth transition. The programs also try to increase the performance of the new personnel, give them a moral support and provide a proper atmosphere. This study aims to figure out the deficiencies of the buddy program implemented in Bingol Anti-Terror Police Department (BATPD) and try to develop effective solutions for the program’s shortages. Thus, the newcomers are able to adapt to the organization in the fastest way without losing time and energy. In this study, the researcher applied observations and interviews to measure the effectiveness of the program. The participants were selected all of the newcomers who joined the organization in 2012. Data collection process took almost 12 months. According to results of the research, insufficient physical conditions of the unit, multitasking character of the personnel, and incompetent buddies are three reasons that hinder the program from being more successful. Training programs for buddies, focusing on one task at the one time, and more comfortable designed atmosphere in the organization are potential solutions for a better program.
Interes prawny jako kryterium wyłączenia radnego od udziału w głosowaniu
Authors: Szewczyk Marek
Published: December 2015

Artykuł dotyczy jednej z niezwykle ważnych instytucji prawa komunalnego, a więc regulacji dotyczącej ustroju samorządu terytorialnego, przynależącej jednocześnie do regulacji określanych mianem antykorupcyjnych. Rzecz dotyczy tego, w jakich sytuacjach radny – a więc członek organu stanowiącego jednostki samorządu terytorialnego ‒ nie może korzystać ze swego najbardziej podstawowego prawa, jakim jest prawo do udziału w podejmowaniu rozstrzygnięć, a więc prawo do udziału w głosowaniach. Autor artykułu stawia tezę, że wyłączenie korzystania z tego prawa może zachodzi jedynie wówczas, gdy głosowanie dotyczy takich sytuacji, w których radny występuje jako podmiot administrowany; nie dotyczy natomiast tych sytuacji, w których radny występuje jako przedstawiciel wspólnoty samorządowej. W artykule poddano krytycznej analizie dotychczasowe stanowisko doktryny oraz orzecznictwa.
Zaufanie do samorządu terytorialnego w Polsce – próba oceny
Authors: Wiśniewski Marcin
Published: December 2015

Zaufanie do samorządu terytorialnego ma kluczowe znaczenie dla skuteczności podejmowanych przez jego jednostki działań w zakresie realizowania przypisanych zadań publicznych. W niniejszym artykule podjęto rozważania na temat zaufania do władzy, w tym do władzy samorządowej. Najważniejszy element opracowania stanowi jednak próba oceny poziomu zaufania do samorządu terytorialnego w Polsce. Pomiaru dokonano na trzy sposoby, analizując wyniki badań opinii publicznej, badając kształtowanie się frekwencji w wyborach samorządowych, a także wnioskując o jego poziomie na podstawie ratingów kredytowych uzyskanych przez jednostki samorządu. Każde z badań pokazało systematyczny wzrost zaufania od momentu przywrócenia samorządu terytorialnego w Polsce.
Aktywizacja społeczna wspólnot terytorialnych w Polsce z perspektywy ćwierćwiecza samorządu terytorialnego
Authors: Matczak Piotr , Jeran Agnieszka , Mączka Krzysztof , Nowak Marek , Śliwa Paweł
Published: December 2015

Odrodzenie samorządu terytorialnego w 1990 r. stanowiło zasadniczą zmianę ustrojową. Niedawno minęło 25 lat od tego wydarzenia, ale obraz rozwoju samorządności w Polsce trudno jednoznacznie ocenić. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest zarysowanie odpowiedzi na pytanie, w jakim stopniu oczekiwania związane z rewitalizacją społeczności lokalnych poprzez odrodzenie samorządu terytorialnego zostały spełnione, a więc w jakim stopniu realizację znalazła idea pomocniczości. Kwestia ta jest analizowana na przykładzie kilku obszarów życia społecznego: a) aktywności tzw. trzeciego sektora i współpracy organizacji pozarządowych z jednostkami samorządu terytorialnego (pomocniczość pozioma); b) stosowania procedur i technik partycypacji (włączania obywateli do procesu podejmowaniu decyzji publicznych); c) działania jednostek pomocniczych (rad osiedli i sołectw ‒ pomocniczość pionowa); d) aktywności obywatelskiej w postaci ruchów i inicjatyw społecznych (zwłaszcza tzw. ruchów miejskich); e) regionalizmu.Jeśli uznać, że celem reformy samorządowej było praktyczne zrealizowanie idei pomocniczości, to cel ten został osiągnięty. Jednak niewątpliwy sukces polskiej samorządności, który zmienił Polskę na lepsze, nie przełożył się na sukces polskiej samorządności rozumianej jako sfera harmonijnej współpracy wybieralnych władz lokalnych odpowiedzialnych wobec aktywnych społeczności. Struktury samorządu zdominowały życie lokalne, w wielu przypadkach urzędy stanowią największego pracodawcę, co ma negatywne oddziaływanie zarówno w sferze ekonomicznej, jak i społecznej. W tym sensie więc można mówić o częściowej porażce samorządności, która jest dzieckiem sukcesu reformy samorządowej.
Europejska karta samorządu lokalnego w orzecznictwie Trybunału Konstytucyjnego
Authors: Kieres Leon
Published: December 2015

Trybunał Konstytucyjny uznaje Konstytucję za podstawowe źródło wzorców kontroli (konstytucyjne wzorce kontroli) aktów normatywnych (ustaw, przepisów prawa wydawanych przez centralne organy państwowe), stanowiących o sytuacji samorządu terytorialnego. Trybunał przywołuje również postanowienia Europejskiej karty samorządu lokalnego jako źródło wzorców kontroli aktów normatywnych, które regulują sytuację samorządu terytorialnego. Przywoływanie to ma jednak przede wszystkim charakter wspierający argumentację i jej wyniki, które Trybunał wywodzi z Konstytucji. Karta w trybunalskiej kontroli zgodności aktów normatywnych, stanowiących o sytuacji samorządu terytorialnego, pełni tym samym rolę aktu pomocniczego. Trybunał dopuszcza zarazem wyłączność Karty w tej kontroli, jeżeli Konstytucja nie pozwala na ustalenie wzorca kontroli w sytuacji zaniechania przez ustrojodawcę ujęcia w Konstytucji problemu, który został uregulowany w Karcie. Pogląd ten ma jednak znaczenie prospektywne i odnosi się do ewentualnych zmian w Konstytucji, które prowadziłyby do takiego konstytucyjnego zaniechania.
Successful Management of Primary Cardiac Lymphoma with Minimal Debulking Surgery Combined with Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Hong Tae Hee , Jeong Dong Seop
Published: December 2015

Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is a rare cardiac tumor with poor prognosis. Palliative chemotherapy is still considered to be the standard management tool for PCL. A case of a 58-year-old man with a large right-heart tumor is presented. Echocardiography showed no abnormal findings except mild tricuspid stenosis with dynamic obstruction. To prevent sudden right heart failure, we pursued on-pump beating resection. After resection of the tumor near the tricuspid valve and confirmation of normalized hemodynamics by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography, we decided not to perform a further debulking procedure, such as resection or reconstruction of the atrial/ventricular wall. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient tolerated six cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy well. Currently, the patient visits the outpatient clinic regularly without definite evidence of lymphoma involvement on follow-up imaging studies. In cases where a rare malignant cardiac tumor is suspected, surgical resection should be considered a diagnostic tool for tissue confirmation, a therapeutic tool for hemodynamic correction, and a preventive strategy for sudden cardiac death. Additionally, a minimal debulking procedure focusing on the area of hemodynamic disturbance appears to be sufficient in PCL cases.
The Transfer of Drugs and Other Chemicals Into Human Milk
Authors:   Committee on Drugs
Published: December 2015

This Policy Statement was retired May 2010.

The American Academy of Pediatrics places emphasis on increasing breastfeeding in the United States. A common reason for the cessation of breastfeeding is the use of medication by the nursing mother and advice by her physician to stop nursing. Such advice may not be warranted. This statement is intended to supply the pediatrician, obstetrician, and family physician with data, if known, concerning the excretion of drugs into human milk. Most drugs likely to be prescribed to the nursing mother should have no effect on milk supply or on infant well-being. This information is important not only to protect nursing infants from untoward effects of maternal medication but also to allow effective pharmacologic treatment of breastfeeding mothers. Nicotine, psychotropic drugs, and silicone implants are 3 important topics reviewed in this statement.
Myasthenia gravis miatt végzett három különböző típusú csecsemőmirigy-eltávolítás sebészeti és korai neurológiai eredményei
Authors: Ottlakán Aurél , Géczi Tibor , Pécsy Balázs , Borda Bernadett , Lantos Judit , Lázár György , Tiszlavicz László , Klivényi Péter , Furák József
Published: December 2015

Absztrakt

Célkitűzés: A myasthenia gravis (MG) kezelésében számos nyitott,
illetve minimálisan invazív thymectomia ismert. A tanulmány ugyanazon intézeten
belül a transsternalis (TS), illetve kétféle minimálisan invazív thymectomia
(video-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy – VATET; unilateral
video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery – UL-VATS) eredményeit hasonlítja össze.
Anyag és módszerek: Három különböző időintervallumban 71
betegnél történt thymectomia MG miatt (60 nő, 11 férfi): 23 transsternalis
thymectomia (1995. január–2004. szeptember), 22 VATET (2004. szeptember – 2009.
augusztus) és 26 UL-VATS thymectomia (2009. szeptember – 2011. december). Az
eredmények értékelésénél a műtéti idő, MG-hez társuló neurológiai és a műtét
utáni sebészi szövődmények, valamint az MG státuszában az egyéves utánkövetéskor
észlelt neurológiai változások szerepeltek. Eredmények:
Perioperatív mortalitás nem fordult elő. A műtéti idő 112, 211, 116 perc
(p = 0,001), a kórházi napok száma: 8,9, 5,6 és 4 nap
(p = 0,001) volt a TS-, VATET- és UL-VATS-csoportban. Az
MG-hez kapcsolódó postoperativ neurológiai szövődmények 21,7%, 18,2% és 7,7%
(p = 0,365) értékeket mutattak. A sebészi szövődmény 4,3%,
13,7%, 0% (p = 0,118) volt. Az MG tüneteinek javulása 91,3%,
94,7%, 87,5% (p = 0,712), míg komplett remisszió 13%, 10,5%,
11,5% (p = 0,917) volt a TS-, VATET- és UL-VATS-csoportokban.
Következtetések: A műtéti idő, valamint a kórházban
eltöltött napok száma UL-VATS esetében volt a legrövidebb. A kisebb sebészi
beavatkozáshoz alacsonyabb sebészi, illetve MG-s neurológiai szövődmények
társultak. Az MG-tünetek javulásában mindhárom módszernél kiváló eredményt értek
el.
Aquatic and marsh plants from the Recôncavo basin of Bahia state, Brazil: checklist and life forms
Authors: Aona Lidyanne Yuriko Saleme , Costa Grênivel Mota da , Amaral Maria do Carmo E. do , Faria Aparecida Donisete de , Duarte Edson Ferreira , Bittrich Volker
Published: December 2015

Aquatic and marsh plants are those that have the capacity to withstand a continuous or periodic submersion in water, at least of their roots. Such plants are thus able to occupy environments that are at least periodically waterlogged. The knowledge about this plant group is still rather incomplete for various parts of Brazil including the Northeast. The present study was conducted in Bahia state, through collections in 20 municipalities within the Recôncavo basin between 2009 and 2015. All species were classified across six life forms. We report 316 species in 206 genera and 71 families, including 11 fern species, with helophytes and emergent being the commonest ones. Collection efforts in aquatic environments in the Recôncavo region added nine families of angiosperms to those already reported in previous studies of such plants in Northeastern Brazil. The region presents a wide variety of aquatic and marsh plants and the respective habitats play an important role in the conservation/maintenance of biodiversity and especially of water bodies in Eastern Bahia.
Headache-related disability among medical students in Amazon: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Almeida Carlos Mauricio Oliveira de , Lima Paulo Antônio Machado da Silva , Stabenow Rebecca , Mota Rhea Sylvia de Souza , Boechat Antônio Luiz , Takatani Massanobu
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the prevalence of headache in medical students, and quantify the degree of disability through HIT-6 and MIDAS scale. Method The criteria established by International Headache Society were used and the HIT-6 and MIDAS, to asses disability. Results 140 medical students from UFAM were evaluated. 16.43% cases of migraine headache, 6.43% of probable migraine, and 23.57% of tension headaches were detected. 6.42% reported an absence of headache; and another 11.42% had secondary headache. According to the HIT-6 questionnaire, in 7.14% and 18.57% of the students, headaches were classified as having substantial to severe impact, respectively. Conclusion Migraine and probable migraine had higher scores than the other types of headache and, therefore, led to higher levels of disability. The present study did not find a significant correlation between student semester, age or extracurricular activities on the impact generated by headache.
Estilo de vida sedentário em indivíduos com hipertensão arterial
Authors: Martins Larissa Castelo Guedes , Lopes Marcos Venícios de Oliveira , Guedes Nirla Gomes , Nunes Marília Mendes , Diniz Camila Maciel , Carvalho Priscilla Magalhães de Oliveira
Published: December 2015

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar a prevalência do diagnóstico de enfermagem Estilo de Vida Sedentário (EVS) e analisar sua associação com os indicadores clínicos (IC) e fatores relacionados (FR) em indivíduos com hipertensão arterial (HA). Método: estudo transversal com 285 pacientes com HAS em um centro de referência em atendimento ambulatorial no nordeste do Brasil. Para a coleta de dados, utilizou-se instrumento baseado nas definições operacionais dos IC e FR validados anteriormente. Quatro enfermeiros classificaram EVS como presente ou ausente. Para avaliar a associação entre IC e FR com a presença de EVS aplicou-se o Teste de Qui-quadrado. Calculou-se a razão de prevalência e intervalo de confiança para verificar a magnitude do efeito entre FR e EVS. Resultados: identificou-se EVS em 55,8% da amostra. Cinco IC e seis FR apresentaram associação estatística significante com EVS. Conclusão: o estudo identificou os principais indicadores para inferência de EVS, bem como seus possíveis fatores causais entre pessoas com HAS.
Conformidade de higiene das mãos na manutenção do cateter para hemodiálise
Authors: Rosetti Késia Alves Gomes , Tronchin Daisy Maria Rizatto
Published: December 2015

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a conformidade da prática de higiene das mãos na manutenção do cateter temporário duplo lúmen para hemodiálise, por meio do emprego do indicador de processo, no Hospital Universitário da Universidade de São Paulo. Método: estudo quantitativo, exploratório-descritivo, observacional. Casuística composta por 155 observações de portadores de cateter, de março a novembro de 2011, empregando-se o Indicador de Manutenção do Cateter Temporário Duplo Lúmen para Hemodiálise. Resultados: o índice geral de conformidade foi 65,8%. Dos 13 componentes específicos avaliados, 9 (69,2%) apresentaram 100% de conformidade. A higiene das mãos pelos profissionais de saúde apresentou um dos piores índices (83,9%). Conclusão: é necessário implementar estratégias visando diminuir os índices de não conformidade, melhorar a qualidade assistencial e a segurança dos portadores de cateter, bem como explorar elementos que interferem no processo, como questões estruturais, materiais e comportamentais.