bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A contribuição do linkage entre o SIM e SINASC para a melhoria das informações da mortalidade infantil em cinco cidades brasileiras
Authors: Maia Lívia Teixeira de Souza , Souza Wayner Vieira de , Mendes Antonio da Cruz Gouveia
Published: May 2015

Objetivos: analisar a contribuição do linkage entre o Sistema de Informações sobre mortalidade (SIM) e o Sistema de informações sobre nascidos vivos (SINASC) para a melhoria da qualidade dos dados de mortalidade infantil (MI) em cinco cidades, sendo uma de cada macrorregião brasileira. Métodos: analisaramse os óbitos de menores de um ano registrados no SIM em 2005 e os nascidos vivos em 2004 e 2005 contidos no SINASC. As bases de dados foram relacionadas através do linkage. Verificouse a associação estatística entre o relacionamento dos dados e as cidades e os componentes da MI, bem como o percentual de incompletude dasvariáveis antes e após o linkage. Resultados: 90% dos óbitos foram relacionados à declaração de nascido vivo, sendo as cidades de Belém e Goiânia onde se obteve a menor proporção de registros pareados. Porto Alegre apresentou maior percentual de pares, seguida de Guarulhos e Recife. Verificouse uma influência significativa entre a cidade da criança e o componente do óbito na qualidade da informação. Dos 2464 campos incompletos para as variáveis comuns aos sistemas, 92% foram recuperados após o relacionamento das bases. Conclusões: a utilização dessa técnica possibilitou qualificar das estatísticas vitais e demonstrou o potencial de aplicação dessa estratégia na vigilância do óbito infantil nos serviços de saúde.
Interventional radiology and endovascular surgery in the treatment of ectopic pregnancies
Authors: Fornazari Vinicius Adami Vayego , Szejnfeld Denis , Elito Júnior Julio , Goldman Suzan Menasce
Published: May 2015

The advent of interventional radiology enabled remarkable advances in diagnosis and treatment of several situations in obstetrics and gynecology. In the field of obstetrics, these advances include temporary occlusion of the iliac arteries to the management of placenta accreta and/or prior, arteriovenous fistulas after embolization of uterine curettage and management of ectopic uterine and extra-uterine pregnancies. The non-tubal ectopic pregnancy, either cervical, abdominal, ovarian or in a cesarean scar, often represents major therapeutic challenge, especially when exists a desire to maintain fertility. Despite the systemic methotrexate therapy and surgical resection of the ectopic gestational sac be the most used therapeutic options, the interventionist approach of non-tubal ectopic pregnancies, direct injection of methotrexate in the gestational sac and intra-arterial chemoembolization of uterine arteries constitute in the currently literature viable, safe, effective modalities with low morbidity, shorter hospital stay, and rapid clinical recovery. Because of little variety of materials used, and the increase in training of specialists in the area, the radiological intervention as a treatment option in ectopic pregnancies is financially viable and present considerable accessibility in the world and at most of Brazilian medical centers.
Liver transplantation: history, outcomes and perspectives
Authors: Meirelles Júnior Roberto Ferreira , Salvalaggio Paolo , Rezende Marcelo Bruno de , Evangelista Andréia Silva , Guardia Bianca Della , Matielo Celso Eduardo Lourenço , Neves Douglas Bastos , Pandullo Fernando Luis , Felga Guilherme Eduardo Gonçalves , Alves Jefferson André da Silva , Curvelo Lilian Amorim , Diaz Luiz Gustavo Guedes , Rusi Marcela Balbo , Viveiros Marcelo de Melo , Almeida Marcio Dias de , Pedroso Pamella Tung , Rocco Rodrigo Andrey , Meira Filho Sérgio Paiva
Published: May 2015

In 1958 Francis Moore described the orthotopic liver transplantation technique in dogs. In 1963, Starzl et al. performed the first liver transplantation. In the first five liver transplantations no patient survived more than 23 days. In 1967, stimulated by Calne who used antilymphocytic serum, Starzl began a successful series of liver transplantation. Until 1977, 200 liver transplantations were performed in the world. In that period, technical problems were overcome. Roy Calne, in 1979, used the first time cyclosporine in two patients who had undergone liver transplantation. In 1989, Starzl et al. reported a series of 1,179 consecutives patients who underwent liver transplantation and reported a survival rate between one and five years of 73% and 64%, respectively. Finally, in 1990, Starzl et al. reported successful use of tacrolimus in patents undergoing liver transplantation and who had rejection despite receiving conventional immunosuppressive treatment. Liver Transplantation Program was initiated at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in 1990 and so far over 1,400 transplants have been done. In 2013, 102 deceased donors liver transplantations were performed. The main indications for transplantation were hepatocellular carcinoma (38%), hepatitis C virus (33.3%) and alcohol liver cirrhosis (19.6%). Of these, 36% of patients who underwent transplantation showed biological MELD score > 30. Patient and graft survival in the first year was, 82.4% and 74.8%, respectively. A major challenge in liver transplantation field is the insufficient number of donors compared with the growing demand of transplant candidates. Thus, we emphasize that appropriated donor/receptor selection, allocation and organ preservation topics should contribute to improve the number and outcomes in liver transplantation.
Spatial modeling of limnological parameters in a solar saltwork of northeastern Brazil
Authors: Costa Diógenes Félix da Silva , Barbosa José Etham de Lucena , Soares Amadeu Mortágua Velho de Maia , Lillebø Ana Isabel , Rocha Renato de Medeiros
Published: May 2015

AimIn this research, we aimed to model limnological parameters in the Salina Unidos (Macau-Brazil) using GIS technology. We hypothesized that in solar saltworks, the geochemical characteristics of the brines (i.e. the strong solution of salts) vary considerably through the salt ponds circuit, in which drastic changes can damage the entire salt production.MethodsGeochemical parameters were monitored in seven sampling points distributed along the salt ponds circuit, during a complete cycle of salt production, i.e., from January to December 2007. The open source software Spring 5.1.6 was used to build, store, analyze and model the spatial distribution of the parameters.ResultsWe identified a spatial gradient of the salinity and temperature, with values increasing from evaporation ponds to concentration ponds, showing a relationship with the salt production. The parameters, depth, dissolved oxygen concentrations and total dissolved reactive phosphorus showed a decrease from the evaporation ponds towards the concentration ponds. Among the dissolved inorganic nitrogen forms analyzed (NH3-, NO2- and NO3-), nitrate was the predominant, namely in the concentration ponds, where it reached the highest concentrations. The concentration of chlorophyll awas higher in the initial and intermediate evaporation ponds, showing a distinct dynamics of in relation to other environmental variables.ConclusionsThe increased concentration of the analyzed limnological parameters, from the evaporation ponds towards the concentration ponds, evidenced a heterogeneous distribution varying significantly with season. The geochemical spatialization of brine, as illustrated by GIS approach, is very important for the conservation of these environments because this spatial heterogeneity can provide a high diversity of habitat types. This spatial analysis proved to be a practical tool for an adequate management of solar saltworks considering the environmental (ecosystem) and the socio-economic aspects.
Influence of ecological filters on phytoplankton communities in semi-arid solar saltern environments
Authors: Costa Raiane Santos , Molozzi Joseline , Hepp Luiz Ubiratan , Costa Diógenes Félix da Silva , Nunes da Silva Paulo Roberto , Rocha Renato de Medeiros , Barbosa José Etham de Lucena
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveThis study analyzed the influence of ecological filters (abiotic variables) on the phytoplankton community in hypersaline ecosystems.MethodsThe abiotic variables measured herein were: pH, water temperature, salinity, ammonium ion, total nitrogen, nitrite, nitrate, total phosphorus, and soluble reactive phosphorus. The phytoplankton community was studied for density, richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity index. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, linear regression and Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA).ResultsIn total, 110 taxa were identified in 3 solar salterns, distributed into 9 taxonomic classes, with the predominance of Cyanobacteria (41.8%) and Bacillariophyceae (22.7%). The species Pseudanabaena galeata was the only species sampled in all saline environments. Salinity significantly influenced the richness in the three salterns, Augusto Severo (F(1,22) = 23.2, p <0.001), Francisco Menescal (F(1,22) = 50.02, p <0.001) and Santa Clara (F(1,22) = 66.33, p <0.001). The first two CCA axes explained 41.6% of total data variability, with a negative relationship with soluble reactive phosphorus for axis 2.ConclusionThe study showed the influence of the dynamics of salterns ecosystems on the phytoplankton community structure. This is associated with filters developed by the environment, where the increasing salinity, temperature and precipitation of salts influence the composition of these organisms in the ecosystem.
Relações entre pausas e constituintes prosódicos na fala de crianças com desenvolvimento típico de linguagem
Authors: Melo Cristina Gonçalves de , Chacon Lourenço
Published: May 2015

Objetivo (1) Verificar a distribuição de pausas não hesitativas e hesitativas em entrevistas com crianças em desenvolvimento típico de linguagem; (2) verificar, nas pausas não hesitativas, sua relação com limites de enunciados fonológicos e de frases entonacionais; (3) verificar, nas pausas hesitativas, sua distribuição entre início e interior de enunciados. Métodos As pausas foram extraídas de amostras de fala de quatro crianças com desenvolvimento típico de linguagem e idades entre quatro e cinco anos que, em 2011, frequentavam o nível Infantil II de uma Escola Municipal de Educação Infantil de Marília. As amostras de fala versavam sobre temas trabalhados em dez propostas pedagógicas desenvolvidas na sala de aula das crianças. Posteriormente, foi realizada, pela pesquisadora, uma inspeção de outiva (complementada pelo julgamento perceptual-auditivo de um grupo de cinco juízes) de cada um dos arquivos, a fim de se identificar os pontos de pausas. Resultados Não foi verificada diferença estatística na distribuição entre pausas hesitativas e não hesitativas; foi verificada tendência marginal de maior ocorrência de pausas em limites de frases entonacionais, do que em limites de enunciados fonológicos; não houve diferença estatística na distribuição entre pausas hesitativas em início e em interior de enunciados. Conclusão A instabilidade na distribuição das pausas é um importante recurso linguístico de observação dos domínios prosódicos que se mostram como mais, ou menos, dominados pelas crianças na aquisição da linguagem.
Ordenação temporal simples e localização sonora: associação com fatores ambientais e desenvolvimento de linguagem
Authors: Souza Marina Alves de , Passaglio Nathália de Jesus Silva , Souza Valquíria da Conceição , Scopel Ramilla Recla , Lemos Stela Maris Aguiar
Published: May 2015

Objetivo Investigar ordenação temporal simples e localização sonora de crianças, associação com recursos do ambiente familiar e desenvolvimento da linguagem. Métodos Foram avaliadas 96 crianças, sendo 42 com 4 anos e 54 com 5 anos, utilizando-se como instrumentos o Inventário de Recursos do Ambiente Familiar, provas de fonologia e vocabulário do Teste de Linguagem Infantil e Avaliação Simplificada do Processamento Auditivo. Resultados Ao associar idade ao processamento auditivo e suas habilidades, observou-se adequação em ambas as idades, sendo que crianças do gênero masculino apresentaram melhor desempenho. Os indivíduos com resultados inadequados nas habilidades do processamento auditivo apresentaram, também, inadequação nos domínios do Recurso do Ambiente Familiar. Na maior parte das crianças que apresentaram as habilidades de processamento auditivo adequadas, a fonologia também estava adequada, mas o vocabulário era inadequado. Crianças com processamento auditivo alterado tem três vezes mais chances de apresentarem alteração no vocabulário. Conclusão A maior parte das crianças que apresentou adequação das habilidades de ordenação temporal simples e localização sonora demonstrou também fonologia adequada.
Diadococinesia oral em crianças com fissura labiopalatina operadas e presença de ceceio na produção da fala
Authors: Jacob Mahyara Francini , Modolo Daniela Jovel , Genaro Katia Flores
Published: May 2015

Objetivo Correlacionar o desempenho motor oral nas tarefas de diadococinesia, de acordo com o tipo de fissura e com a presença de ceceio na fala, em crianças com fissura labiopalatina, operadas. Métodos Foram estudadas 30 crianças com fissura completa unilateral de lábio e palato e 30 com fissura isolada de palato, operadas, com idade entre 9 e 12 anos. Dois fonoaudiólogos analisaram a repetição de frases com os fones [s] e [z] para identificar a presença de ceceio e a análise da diadococinesia ocorreu a partir do registro da repetição das sílabas “ta” e “ca” e da sequência “pataca”. Na análise, o teste Kappa verificou a concordância entre os avaliadores, o teste Qui-quadrado a frequência de ceceio entre os grupos e o teste t os valores da diadococinesia, segundo o tipo de fissura e a presença de ceceio. Resultados O número de emissões por segundo e os tempos médios entre as emissões não demonstraram diferença significativa entre os grupos. Houve boa concordância entre os avaliadores quanto à presença de ceceio, com maior frequência nos casos com fissura completa unilateral de lábio e palato. A comparação entre os valores da diadococinesia e a presença de ceceio não evidenciou diferença significativa. Conclusão O desempenho nas tarefas da diadococinesia não sofreu alteração segundo o tipo de fissura labiopalatina. A presença de ceceio na fala foi maior no grupo com fissura completa unilateral de lábio e palato, sem modificação, porém, no desempenho das tarefas da diadococinesia.
Shaking up dance floor design with timber–concrete composites
Authors: Neve Oliver , Spencer-Allen Lynden
Published: May 2015

A cross-laminated timber (CLT) and concrete composite, referred to as TimCrete®, was constructed for dance floor and classroom spaces at a new school in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire by Ramboll. It is understood that this particular type of system using CLT and a concrete composite topping is a world first in an occupied structure. CLT is typically limited to approximately a 7·5 m span before vibration becomes a governing issue. The introduction of a composite concrete topping improves the stiffness and reduces the vibration response factor allowing greater spans, such as 10 m at Thomas Clarkson Community College, to be achieved.
Help That Harms and Help That Helps: Working With Young People on Psychiatric Drugs
Authors: Breeding John
Published: May 2015

This article presents the case of a 16-year-old adolescent, Rob, to explore the fact that working as a counseling psychologist is much more complicated than the issues of family, developmental, relational, and psychological distress that might have been studied in graduate school or in continuing education. I use Rob’s, and his mother’s, situation as a focal point to bring attention and perspective to the great challenges and complications of working with young people on psychiatric drugs, examining how previous help has harmed and makes it exceedingly difficult to help now. I present specific data on societal trends and factors that make it very difficult to deal with challenging young people in the midst of our own struggles to survive in a very challenging world, to think beyond the current stress or crisis and, to remember the big picture—to recall and hold the image of a child or adolescent as a self-willed, autonomous, self-organizing young adult. I also present ideas and attitudes that might be helpful in overcoming some of the obstacles and suggest maturity coaching as a basic alternative to a typical emphasis on behavior management.
Improving Labor Neuraxial Analgesia by Reducing Anesthesia Provider Practice Variance Involving Routine Platelet Counts: A Quantitative Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Johnson Paul M. , Walter Thomas R. , Fugate Stephanie R. , Titch James F.
Published: May 2015

For this quality improvement (QI) project, the desired outcomes were the reduction of the incidences of withheld neuraxial analgesia (NA) for healthy parturients and the adoption of evidence-based practice (EBP) by the anesthesia providers (APs). The practice change was designed using the diffusion of innovations in health service organizations change model. The 3 interventions used to achieve the outcomes of the project were (a) revision of the anesthesia service’s standard operating procedure (SOP) to incorporate recent recommendations addressing platelet count limits for parturients, (b) addition of a clinical decision reminder in the patient’s electronic medical record (EMR), and (c) educating obstetrical APs about the new SOP and updated EMR.

Outcomes were measured using pre- and postimplementation surveys of the staff who work on the labor and delivery ward to evaluate AP practice variance and a modified EBP Implementation Scale to measure the adoption of the evidence by the APs. The QI project was successful in reducing practice variance and resulted in fewer incidences of withheld NA for healthy parturients, and 57.1% of the APs reported changing their practice by adopting the evidence for this project.
Federal Initiatives in Self-Management for Patients With Multiple Chronic Conditions: Implications for the Doctor of Nursing Practice
Authors: Kuebler Kim
Published: May 2015

The ratio of people aged 65 years and older compared to people aged 20–64 years are expected to rise by 80% over the next decade. Currently, 70% of the American population is living with a chronic disease, and 2 out of 3 have multiple chronic conditions (MCC). The purpose of this review is to identify the current Federal Initiatives funded by the Affordable Care Act that are being used to demonstrate and promote the use of self-management practices in patients who are living with MCCs. Patients with MCCs who engage in self-management practices have shown to have a reduction in disease complications and exacerbations, less hospitalization and readmission rates, improved physical functioning, and adherence to their medical plan.
Providing Care Across Settings for an Adult With Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Mellitus and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus: A Case Study
Authors: Ares Ella Marie
Published: May 2015

It is common for new cases of diabetes to be diagnosed in an acute hospital admission for other conditions. Treating these newly diagnosed diabetic hospitalized patients and transitioning them safely to care in the ambulatory setting requires the ability to evaluate the patient’s changing insulin needs and experience teaching the necessary diabetes survival skills. Certified diabetes educators who are nurse practitioners, having earned a clinical doctorate with a focus on comprehensive care and having demonstrated competency treating diabetes disease processes, diabetes medication management, and teaching diabetes self-care, are prepared to address the needs of these patients. This case was selected to illustrate this role in evaluating a patient hospitalized with a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus soft tissue infection and new onset hyperglycemia that required initiating and titrating insulin therapy and individualizing insulin protocols for optimal glucose levels and transition to outpatient care.
Treatment of low-grade gastric malt lymphoma using Helicobacter pylori eradication
Authors: Grgov Sasa , Katic Vuka , Krstic Miljan , Nagorni Aleksandar , Radovanovic-Dinic Biljana , Tasic Tomislav
Published: May 2015

Background/Aim. Lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma)
of the stomach usually occurs as a consequence of Helicobacter pylori (H.
pylori) infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term
effect of treatment of low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma with the H. pylori
eradication method. Methods. In the period 2002-2012 in 20 patients with
dyspepsia, mean age 55.1 years, the endoscopic and histologic diagnosis of
gastric MALT lymphoma in the early stages were made. Histological
preparations of endoscopic biopsy specimens were stained with
hematoxyllineosin (HE), histochemical and immunohistochemical methods.
Results. Endoscopic findings of gastritis were documented in 25% of the
patients, and 75% of the patients had hypertrophic folds, severe mucosal
hyperemia, fragility, nodularity, exulcerations and rigidity.
Histopathologically, pathognomonic diagnostic criterion were infiltration and
destruction of glandular epithelium with neoplastic lymphoid cells, the
so-called lymphoepithelial lesions. In all 20 patients H. pylori was verified
by rapid urease test and Giemsa stain. After the triple eradication therapy
complete remission of MALT lymphoma was achieved in 85% of the patients, with
no recurrence of lymphoma and H. pylori infection in the average follow-up
period of 48 months. In 3 (15%) of the patients, there was no remission of
MALT lymphoma 12 months after the eradication therapy. Of these 3 patients 2
had progression of MALT lymphoma to diffuse large-cell lymphoma. Conclusion.
Durable complete re-mission of low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma is achieved in
a high percentage after eradication of H. pylori infection, thus preventing
the formation of diffuse large-cell lymphoma and gastric adenocarcinoma.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate-specific antigen
Authors: Pejcic Tomislav , Acimovic Miodrag , Dzamic Zoran , Radovanovic Milan , Hadzi-Djokic Jovan
Published: May 2015

nema
Overlooked retained intraocular foreign body
Authors: Adzic-Zecevic Antoaneta , Files-Bradaric Edita , Petrovic Mirjana
Published: May 2015

Introduction. The most common cause for litigation against ophthalmologists
in a trauma case is a missed intraocular foreign body (IOFB). IOFBs cause
internal eye damage, but some will come to rest in the posterior segment of
the eye. Case report. We presented a 57-year-old male who was referred to the
ophthalmologist due to decreased visual acuity in his left eye. Slit lamp
examination of his left eye showed no pathological findings. Goldmann contact
lens examination showed IOFB which was lying in the vitreous body in the
inferior-temporal region. Retinal rupture was noticed at 7 o?clock. The
optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination was performed and it showed
atrophic macular area as well as decreased peripapillar retinal fiber layers
thickness. Ultrasound showed the IOFB in vitreous body cavity. History
revealed that the patient had an accidental trauma, 48 years ago, when an old
bomb from World War II (WWII) exploded. Due to the decrease in visual acuity
and fibrosis of the vitreous body surgical intervention was performed on his
left eye (phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation, pars plana
vitrectomy and instrumental extraction of foreign body). Conclusion. The
intraocular foreign body (IOFB) was asymptomatic for 48 years. Symptoms
depend on material and localization of the foreign body and the type of
injury.
Effectiveness of Chlorophyll Meter Measurement in Winter Wheat at Field Scale Level
Authors: Lukas Vojtěch , Rodriguez-Moreno Fernando , Dryšlová Tamara , Neudert Lubomír
Published: May 2015

This paper examines the relationship among chlorophyll meter Yara N-Tester readings, nutrition status and growth parameters (leaf area index (LAI), plant height) of the winter wheat plants. Data used in this study were collected in 2010 from two fields located in the Czech Republic (area 52 and 38 ha) from different farms, both with uniform and conventional crop management. The monitoring of crop stands was done at growth stage BBCH 30 in a regular sampling grid with 150 m distance between points (27 and 18 points). At each sampling point, the plant height, LAI (Delta-T SunScan) and the chlorophyll concentration (Yara N-Tester) were recorded. Plant samples were taken to analyse the content of main nutrients (N, P, K, Mg, Ca and S). The results of plant analysis showed that both fields were in different nutrition status: one in a correct status and another had a complex nutritional deficit (K, Ca and N). Linear regressions and ANOVA proved that under a multiple nutritional deficit, N-Tester readings responded to the growth of the crop, while in the adequate nutritional conditions the sensitivity of N-Tester to the variation in the nitrogen concentration is lower. The relationships between crop parameters and chlorophyll meter readings are not generalisable and thus the interpretation of N-Tester results has to be done separately for each field.
Effect of Carbonates and Bivalent Cations and Their Relationships with Soil Organic Matter from the View Point of Aggregate Formation
Authors: Vladimír Šimanský , Marek Kolenčík , L'ubica Puškelová
Published: May 2015

The effect of carbonates on soil structure has not been sufficiently studied yet, despite the fact that in the literature their positive impact is mentioned mostly. Carbonates are the source of bivalent cations in soil solution and may be involved in stabilization of the aggregates, because negatively charged organic materials can be adsorbed onto the surface of clay by bivalent or polyvalent cations. We studied the effect of carbonates and bivalent cations and their relationships with soil organic matter (SOM) from the point of view of aggregate formation. The studies were carried out in several fields located on loamy Calcaric Chernozem, loamy Haplic and Mollic Fluvisols. The results showed that between exchangeable Mg2+ and water-stable macro-aggregates (WSAma) in size fractions >2 mm, positive correlations were found; however, the content of Mg2+ negative correlated with the contents of WSAma in <1 mm fractions as well as with waterstable micro-aggregates (WSAmi). The threshold limit for Mg2+ content for the formation of water-stable macro-aggregates was at 11.5 cmol/kg if all loamy soils were assessed together. A further increase resulted in a lower content of WSAma. If all investigated soils were assessed separately, these results did not enable us to distinguish the maximum formation of WSAma by Mg2+ in individual soils. We observed a positive correlation between the sum of basic exchangeable cations (SBC) as well as between cation exchange capacity (CEC) and larger size fractions of WSAma >2 mm; however, between SBC as well as CEC and smaller size fractions of WSAma >1 mm and WSAmi negative correlations were observed. Statistically significant negative correlations were observed between SOM content in WSA and carbonate content, and this effect was stronger in relation to the labile carbon. There were also positive correlations between SOM in WSA and SBC and CEC found if all loamy soils were assessed together.
Bacterial Communities in Rhizosphere of Maize Studied by T-RFLP
Authors: Ondreičková Katarína , Ficek Andrej , Mihálik Daniel , Gubišová Marcela , Hudcovicová Martina , Drahovská Hana , Kraic Ján
Published: May 2015

The terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism munities from different collecting places was evaluated was used to determine the bacterial diversity in rhizo- by principal component analysis. Results showed that sphere of maize (Zea mays L.) collected from four sites the most different bacterial community originated from of experimental field plot in two dates of the vegetation marginal part of the experimental field plot collected in season (July and September). The 16S rRNA gene was September was caused probably by combination of the amplified from metagenomic DNA using universal eubac- marginal effect and drought before sampling date in Sep- terial primers and PCR products were digested separately tember. Other rhizosphere samples showed from moderate with three restriction enzymes. Significant differences in to small differences in the structure of the bacterial com- the number of terminal restriction fragments among rhi- munity. Nevertheless, significant differences among all zosphere samples and between sampling dates were not collected bacterial communities were not observed. detected (P < 0.05). Variation within the bacterial communities from different collecting places was evaluated by principal component analysis. Results showed that the most different bacterial community originated from marginal part of the experimental field plot collected in September was caused probably by combination of the marginal effect and drought before sampling date in September. Other rhizosphere samples showed from moderate to small differences in the structure of the bacterial community. Nevertheless, significant differences among all collected bacterial communities were not observed.
Two Effects of the European Financial Crisis
Authors: Saucedo Acosta Edgar J. , Rullán Rosanis Samantha
Published: May 2015

Background: The European financial crisis has affected most of the EU member states, and European institutions have had to create new financial instruments to counter the impact. Most effects in the economic and political spheres can be attributed to high unemployment and changes in governments in peripheral countries (Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Romania). Objectives: The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the economic and political effects of the European financial crisis in some peripheral countries that have implemented austerity policies. Methods/Approach: The methodology used is mixed: an analysis of the primary economic variables of the selected countries in comparison to those of countries with low-risk premium was performed, and the relation between the bailouts and elections was presented. Results: The exacerbation of the crisis in the Eurozone is mainly due to the high political costs of austerity measures and not the high level of public spending and/or the alternations in the governments of peripheral countries. Conclusions: The European financial crisis is primarily a result of weak economic governance, and its effects are differentiated. The peripheral countries possess the highest rates of unemployment, and there is a higher tendency towards political instability in rescued countries.
Digital Immigrants and Digital Natives: Learning Business Informatics at Higher Educational Level
Authors: Suša Dalia
Published: May 2015

Background: The term digital natives refer to those born since the 1980s and have been growing up surrounded by technology. On the other hand, digital immigrants are born before 1980s and learned how to use technology later in life. Objectives: Goal of the paper is to explore attitudes of digital native students on the course of Business Informatics at higher educational institutions (HEIs), and to compare them with attitudes of digital immigrants. Methods/Approach: The survey was conducted in 2014 using the sample of first-year Business Informatics students from the Faculty of Economics and Business in Zagreb, Croatia. Results were compared with a research conducted in 1998. Results: In comparison to an earlier research, digital natives perceive their level of competency in the subject of Business Informatics before teaching practices much higher compared to digital immigrants. However, there is still an increase in digital native students’ level of competency in the subject before and after teaching practices. Conclusions: The research confirms a shift from digital immigrants to digital natives who show high level of interest for Business Informatics course topics and find its utility very high. However, constant improvement of delivering knowledge is needed in order to keep these high levels.
Accounting Information Systems Implementation and Management Accounting Change
Authors: Bredmar Krister , Ask Urban , Frisk Elisabeth , Magnusson Johan
Published: May 2015

Background: There is an on-going discussion within management accounting research regarding how to work with performance measures. In the process of developing new forms of performance measurement the task of choosing business metrics is central. This process is closely connected to the implementation of IT solutions. Objectives: In order to understand how new performance measurement solutions are implemented and used, it becomes crucial to understand how measures are selected and how new accounting information systems (AIS) are developed and implemented. Methods/approach: The paper builds on the case of an on-going AIS project at a large, public university in Sweden. The empirical material was collected using a semi-action research approach over a two-year period. The majority of the material comes from written documentation and minutes. Results: Even though the implementation of a new AIS triggers a change in the management accounting practice, this study shows that this is done in more than one perspective. Conclusions: As the project develops, new priorities and objectives evolve, which in the end shape what management accounting change becomes.
The Catalogue of “Alexandru RoȘca” Spider Collection from the “Grigore Antipa” National Museum of Natural History (Bucharest). II. Mimetidae, Oxyopidae, Pholcidae, Pisauridae, Theridiidae
Authors: Fedoriak Mariia , Moscaliuc Liviu Aurel
Published: May 2015

We verified 145 specimens of Mimetidae, Oxyopidae, Pholcidae, Pisauridae, Theridiidae spiders from the “Alexandru Roșca” collection deposited in the “Grigore Antipa” National Museum of Natural History, Bucharest. Re-identification of the specimens actually presented in the Bucharest museum yielded records of 2 spider species not previously recorded for Romania: Pholcus ponticus Thorell, 1875 (Sibiu County) and Pisaura novicia (L. Koch, 1878) (Dâmbovița County). Pisaura novicia is further recorded from northern Dobrogea (Romania) and for the first time from the physiographic zone of the Ukrainian Carpathians based on our own material.
The Orthoptera (Insecta) from Middle and Lower Prut River Basin
Authors: Iorgu Ionuţ Ştefan , Iorgu Elena Iulia , Stahi Nadejda
Published: May 2015

The ecological preferences and bioacoustics of bush-crickets, crickets and grasshoppers species were studied in middle and lower Prut River basin, a research conducted in 55 localities from Romania and 33 localities in the Republic of Moldova. A total number of 91 species of Orthoptera were collected in the study area: 85 species encountered on the western side of Prut River basin (9 Phaneropteridae, 24 Tettigoniidae, 1 Bradyporidae, 5 Gryllidae, 1 Gryllotalpidae, 1 Tridactylidae, 5 Tetrigidae, 39 Acrididae) and 76 species found on the eastern side (7 Phaneropteridae, 19 Tettigoniidae, 1 Bradyporidae, 5 Gryllidae, 1 Gryllotalpidae, 1 Tridactylidae, 3 Tetrigidae, 39 Acrididae). Four species are recorded for the first time in the Orthoptera fauna of the Republic of Moldova: Barbitistes constrictus (Fabricius), Poecilimon fussii Brunner von Wattenwyl, Metrioptera roeselii fedtschenkoi (Saussure) and Pholidoptera frivaldskyi (Herman).
Landslides and Herpetofauna: a Preliminary Evaluation of Habitat Suitability
Authors: Pop Dorin Alexandru , Chițu Zenaida
Published: May 2015

Over the last few years the ecological role of mass-movements in maintaining biodiversity became more aknowledged in scientific literature. Their disturbance effect on ecosystems ensures a high diversity of habitats in a background matrix, with certain effects on vegetation and fauna, at landscape level. We studied between 2009 and 2012 the interrelations between geomorphological features created by active landslides, aquatic habitats and pond-reproducing herpetofauna species, from a study area located in the Subcarpathian part of Doftana river valley (Curvature Subcarpathians, Prahova County, Romania).
The Zooplankton of the Danube-Black Sea Canal in the First two Decades of the Ecosystem Existence
Authors: Zinevici Victor , Parpală Laura , Florescu Larisa , Moldoveanu Mirela
Published: May 2015

This paper reports the invasive subspecies Podonevadne trigona ovum (Zernov, 1901), as dominant in the Danube-Black Sea Canal. In the first two years of the existence of the anthropogenic ecosystem (1985-1986) the zooplankton summarizes only 72 species. Over two decades it recorded the presence of 127 species. As a result of nutrient accumulation, in 2005, the zooplankton abundance has significantly increased, reaching 330 ind L-1, followed by an evident growth of biomass (2285 μg wet weight L-1). In 2005, the productivity registered 731.8 μg wet weight L-1/24h.
Radiological features of infantile glioblastoma and desmoplastic infantile tumors: British Columbia’s Children’s Hospital experience
Authors: Bader Ahmad , Heran Manraj , Dunham Christopher , Steinbok Paul
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

Two of the more common infantile brain tumors, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and desmoplastic infantile tumors (DITs), can be difficult to distinguish on MRI. Both tumors occur in the supratentorial compartment and both have solid and cystic components. Differentiating between the 2 on MRI studies could assist the surgeon in discussions with family and child management. The authors report on their institutional experience with both tumors, focusing on radio-graphic features, especially the diffusion studies, which might be useful in distinguishing between infantile GBM and DIT.

METHODS

A retrospective review was undertaken of all infantile brain tumors treated at British Columbia’s Children’s Hospital between 1982 and 2012, and cases of GBM and DIT were recorded. Only cases that had imaging were included in the study. A literature review was completed to identify reported cases of infantile GBM and DIT. Only reports that described or included radiological studies (particularly MRI) of the tumors were included. Certain radiographic features of the tumors were reviewed, including location, size, consistency, pattern of enhancement, and features on MR diffusion studies.

RESULTS

Of 70 cases of infantile brain tumors, 2 GBM cases and 3 DIT cases (all 3 of which were desmoplastic infantile gangliogliomas [DIGs]) met the inclusion criteria. The radiological studies obtained in all 5 cases were reviewed by a neuroradiologist. All 5 patients had supratentorial tumors with cystic-solid consistency. Diffusion MRI studies showed restricted diffusion in the 2 GBM cases, but no evidence of restricted diffusion in the DIG tumors. The GBM tumors were heterogeneously enhancing, and the DIG tumors showed avid and homogeneous enhancement. The literature review revealed 29 cases of infantile GBM and 32 cases of DIG/DIT that met the inclusion criteria. The tumors were large in both groups. The tumors were cystic-solid in consistency in 10 of 30 (33%) of GBM cases and 28 of 32 (87.5%) of DIT cases. The contrast enhancement was heterogeneous in 9 of 30 (30%) GBM cases, and it was homogeneous and avid in 27 of 32 (84%) of DIT cases. Diffusion studies were recorded in 2 published infantile GBM cases, and in both of them diffusion was restricted. The authors only found 1 report that discussed DIG tumor features on MR diffusion studies, but the interpretation was difficult and unclear.

CONCLUSIONS

Magnetic resonance imaging, especially diffusion-weighted imaging, may be a useful aid in distinguishing between infantile GBM and DIT tumors, with infantile GBM demonstrating restricted diffusion.
Gamma Knife radiosurgery for facial nerve schwannomas: a multicenter study
Authors: Sheehan Jason P. , Kano Hideyuki , Xu Zhiyuan , Chiang Veronica , Mathieu David , Chao Samuel , Akpinar Berkcan , Lee John Y.K. , Yu James B. , Hess Judith , Wu Hsiu-Mei , Chung Wen-Yuh , Pierce John , Missios Symeon , Kondziolka Douglas , Alonso-Basanta Michelle , Barnett Gene H. , Lunsford L. Dade
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

Facial nerve schwannomas (FNSs) are rare intracranial tumors, and the optimal management of these tumors remains unclear. Resection can be undertaken, but the tumor’s intimate association with the facial nerve makes resection with neurological preservation quite challenging. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been used to treat FNSs, and this study evaluates the outcome of this approach.

METHODS

At 8 medical centers participating in the North American Gamma Knife Consortium (NAGKC), 42 patients undergoing SRS for an FNS were identified, and clinical and radiographic data were obtained for these cases. Males outnumbered females at a ratio of 1.2:1, and the patients’ median age was 48 years (range 11–76 years). Prior resection was performed in 36% of cases. The mean tumor volume was 1.8 cm3, and a mean margin dose of 12.5 Gy (range 11–15 Gy) was delivered to the tumor.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 28 months, tumor control was achieved in 36 (90%) of the 40 patients with reliable radiographic follow-up. Actuarial tumor control was 97%, 97%, 97%, and 90% at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years postradiosurgery. Preoperative facial nerve function was preserved in 38 of 42 patients, with 60% of evaluable patients having House-Brackmann scores of 1 or 2 at last follow-up. Treated patients with a House-Brackmann score of 1 to 3 were more likely to demonstrate this level of facial nerve function at last evaluation (OR 6.09, 95% CI 1.7–22.0, p = 0.006). Avoidance of temporary or permanent neurological symptoms was more likely to be achieved in patients who received a tumor margin dose of 12.5 Gy or less (log-rank test, p = 0.024) delivered to a tumor of ≤ 1 cm3 in volume (log-rank test, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Stereotactic radiosurgery resulted in tumor control and neurological preservation in most FNS patients. When the tumor is smaller and the patient exhibits favorable normal facial nerve function, SRS portends a better result. The authors believe that early, upfront SRS may be the treatment of choice for small FNSs, but it is an effective salvage treatment for residual/recurrent tumor that remain or progress after resection.
Vascularized rotational temporal bone flap for repair of anterior skull base defects: a novel operative technique
Authors: Zeiler Frederick A. , Kaufmann Anthony M.
Published: May 2015

Repair of anterior skull base defects with vascularized grafts poses a significant challenge, given the location and small number of adequately sized vessels for free-flap anastomosis. This is particularly the case in the setting of redo surgery or in patients with preexisting soft-tissue trauma. Even more difficult is achieving a vascularized bone flap closure of such bony defects. The authors report a novel technique involving a rotational temporal bone flap with a temporalis muscle vascularized pedicle, which was used to repair an anterior fossa bony and soft-tissue defect created by recurrent malignancy.

A 55-year-old man with history of scalp avulsion during a motor vehicle accident, anterior fossa/nasopharyngeal malignant neuroendocrine carcinoma postresection, and bone flap infection presented with a recurrence of his skull base malignancy. The tumor was located in the anterior fossa, extending interhemispherically and down through the cribriform plate, ethmoid air cells, and extending into the nasopharyngeal cavity. Resection of the recurrent tumor was performed. The bony defect in the anterior skull base was repaired with a novel vascularized rotational temporal bone flap, with acceptable separation of the nasopharynx from the intracranial cavity.

The vascularized rotational temporal bone flap, in which a temporalis muscle pedicle is used, provides a novel and easily accessible means of vascularized bone closure of anterior skull base defects without the need for microsurgical free-flap grafting.
Comparison of structural allograft and traditional autograft technique in occipitocervical fusion: radiological and clinical outcomes from a single institution
Authors: Godzik Jakub , Ravindra Vijay M. , Ray Wilson Z. , Schmidt Meic H. , Bisson Erica F. , Dailey Andrew T.
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

The authors’ objectives were to compare the rate of fusion after occipitoatlantoaxial arthrodesis using structural allograft with the fusion rate from using autograft, to evaluate correction of radiographic parameters, and to describe symptom relief with each graft technique.

METHODS

The authors assessed radiological fusion at 6 and 12 months after surgery and obtained radiographic measurements of C1–2 and C2–7 lordotic angles, C2–7 sagittal vertical alignments, and posterior occipitocervical angles at preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up examinations. Demographic data, intraoperative details, adverse events, and functional outcomes were collected from hospitalization records. Radiological fusion was defined as the presence of bone trabeculation and no movement between the graft and the occiput or C-2 on routine flexion-extension cervical radiographs. Radiographic measurements were obtained from lateral standing radiographs with patients in the neutral position.

RESULTS

At the University of Utah, 28 adult patients underwent occipitoatlantoaxial arthrodesis between 2003 and 2010 using bicortical allograft, and 11 patients were treated using iliac crest autograft. Mean follow-up for all patients was 20 months (range 1–108 months). Of the 27 patients with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up, 18 (95%) of 19 in the allograft group and 8 (100%) of 8 in the autograft group demonstrated evidence of bony fusion shown by imaging. Patients in both groups demonstrated minimal deterioration of sagittal vertical alignment at final follow-up. Operative times were comparable, but patients undergoing occipitocervical fusion with autograft demonstrated greater blood loss (316 ml vs 195 ml). One (9%) of 11 patients suffered a significant complication related to autograft harvesting.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of allograft in occipitocervical fusion allows a high rate of successful arthrodesis yet avoids the potentially significant morbidity and pain associated with autograft harvesting. The safety and effectiveness profile is comparable with previously published rates for posterior C1–2 fusion using allograft.
Expectant management for men with early stage prostate cancer
Authors: Filson Christopher P. , Marks Leonard S. , Litwin Mark S.
Published: May 2015

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE

Since the dissemination of prostate‐specific antigen screening, most men with prostate cancer are now diagnosed with localized, low‐risk prostate cancer that is unlikely to be lethal. Nevertheless, nearly all of these men undergo primary treatment with surgery or radiation, placing them at risk for longstanding side effects, including erectile dysfunction and impaired urinary function. Active surveillance and other observational strategies (ie, expectant management) have produced excellent long‐term disease‐specific survival and minimal morbidity for men with prostate cancer. Despite this, expectant management remains underused for men with localized prostate cancer. In this review, various approaches to the expectant management of men with prostate cancer are summarized, including watchful waiting and active surveillance strategies. Contemporary cancer‐specific and health care quality‐of‐life outcomes are described for each of these approaches. Finally, contemporary patterns of use, potential disparities in care, and ongoing research and controversies surrounding expectant management of men with localized prostate cancer are discussed. CA Cancer J Clin 2015;65:264–282. © 2015 American Cancer Society.