bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Software To Predict Liquid Loading In Gas Wells
Authors: Ikechukwu Okafor , Ikiensikimama Sunday
Published: July 2013

Liquid loading is a common problem for gas producers. Better prediction of liquid loading will help operators in reducing costs (fewer shutdowns) and improving revenue (greater production).

The objective of this thesis is to develop a software to predict liquid loading in gas wells. Guo et al.'s Four Phase Mist Flow Model and Turner et al.'s Entrained Droplet Model were incorporated into the software as the prediction models. These models predict Liquid loading by determining the minimum flow rate of gas that will transport all its liquid content to surface effectively.

The software was designed using Visual Basic and it benefits the operator in the following ways.

Timely Prediction of Onset of Liquid Loading Optimum Field Development Reduces frequency of workover by using proper liquid unloading techniques and hence unnecessary costs Increases total profitability of the venture.

The software is very user friendly and gives the user the opportunity to select what system of unit he is comfortable with. Sensitivity Analysis can also be carried out to see the possibility of occurrence of liquid loading when certain parameters (Tubing ID, Liquid-Gas Interfacial Tension, etc.) are varied. The software will continually be modified to become an integrated package to help Operators manage liquid loading issues optimally.
Maximizing Recovery from Gas Injection in a Complex Channel System - Edop Field Case Study
Authors: Onwude R. J. , Jackson C. , Anidi E. , Ojo A. , Obere F. , Wanorue E.
Published: July 2013

The Edop Field Intra Qua-Iboe (IQI) reservoirs are comprised of complex Pliocene deepwater channel sands. Reservoir connectivity and the potential for by-passed oil are the two major challenges in maximizing recovery from this field. Integration of seismic and reservoir performance data has become a key tool for identifying opportunities and improving recovery in this complex geologic environment.

Gas injection into the two main IQI reservoirs, the IQI-2 and IQI-3, began in 1997. This significantly arrested production decline, and thereby improved recovery. However, due to compartmentalization and difficulty in predicting the extent of lateral and vertical communication between the channel sands, developing an effective gas injection system has been challenging.

Positive pressure response has been noted in all of the fault blocks receiving gas injection, but the response has not always been in proportion to the gas volume being injected. Reservoir performance data has further indicated that some intervals, which have had no direct gas injection, have also been receiving varied levels of pressure support.

In Edop Field, understanding of reservoir interconnectivity and compartmentalization has become key to production uplift and pressure maintenance. This paper will address how integration of seismic data with reservoir pressure and production performance has helped to identify some significant by-passed oil opportunities as well as improve recovery.
Update on factors motivating pharmacy students to pursue residency and fellowship training
Authors: McCarthy Bryan C. , Weber Lynn M.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The factors motivating pharmacy students to pursue residency and fellowship training in 2011 versus 1993 were assessed.

Methods

A survey replicating previous research was electronically sent to 794 residency directors and 29 fellowship program directors with a request to forward the survey to current residents and fellows. A similar survey was sent to 124 colleges of pharmacy with a request to forward the survey to the faculty member most involved with residency and fellowship promotion within their doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) curriculum. Participants were asked to rank leading motivating factors and barriers to pharmacy students pursuing these programs. Additional data collected included when and the methods by which these programs are promoted.

Results

Among residents and fellows, 865 usable surveys were returned. The leading motivating reasons for residents and fellows to pursue training were “to gain knowledge and experience,” “to gain confidence,” and “understood as a prerequisite for certain jobs.” A total of 124 U.S. pharmacy schools were surveyed, and 65 (52%) returned completed responses. “Understood as a prerequisite for certain jobs,” “faculty stressing importance,” and “recognition of the new and challenging roles for pharmacists in the future” were the factors most frequently cited by faculty members.

Conclusion

Compared with previous research, a new factor motivating pharmacy students to pursue residency and fellowship training is the consideration that these opportunities are a prerequisite for certain jobs. This development may be attributable to trends in the supply and demand of pharmacists, the recognition of the value in these programs by major pharmacy organizations, and the evolving role of pharmacists in direct patient care.
History of sterile compounding in U.S. hospitals: Learning from the tragic lessons of the past
Authors: Myers Charles E.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The evolution of sterile compounding in the context of hospital patient care, the evolution of related technology, past incidents of morbidity and mortality associated with preparations compounded in various settings, and efforts over the years to improve compounding practices are reviewed.

Tightened United States Pharmacopeial Convention standards (since 2004) for sterile compounding made it difficult for hospitals to achieve all of the sterile compounding necessary for patient care. Shortages of manufactured injections added to the need for compounding. Non-hospital-based compounding pharmacies increased sterile compounding to meet the needs. Gaps in federal and state laws and regulations about compounding pharmacies led to deficiencies in their regulation. Lapses in sterility led to injuries and deaths. Perspectives offered include potential actions, including changes in practitioner education, better surveillance of sterile compounding, regulatory reforms, reexamination of the causes of drug shortages, and the development of new technologies.

Conclusion

Over the years, there have been numerous exhortations for voluntary better performance in sterile compounding. In addition, professional leadership has been vigorous and extensive in the form of guidance, publications, education, enforceable standards, and development of various associations and organizations dealing with safe compounding practices. Yet problems continue to occur. We must engage in diligent learning from the injuries and tragedies that have occurred. Assuming that we are already doing all we can to avoid problems would be an abdication of the professional mission of pharmacists. It would be wrong thinking to assume that the recent problems in large-scale compounding pharmacies are the only problems that warrant attention. It is time for a systematic assessment of the nature and the dimensions of the problems in every type of setting where sterile compounding occurs. It also is time for some innovative thinking about ensuring safety in sterile compounding.
Enhancing insulin-use safety in hospitals: Practical recommendations from an ASHP Foundation expert consensus panel
Authors: Cobaugh Daniel J. , Maynard Gregory , Cooper Lebron , Kienle Patricia C. , Vigersky Robert , Childers Diana , Weber Robert , Carson Stacy L. , Mabrey Melanie E. , Roderman Nicki , Blum Frederick , Burkholder Rebecca , Dortch Marcus , Grunberger George , Hays Daniel , Henderson Rashida , Ketz Jeffrey , Lemke Todd , Varma Surendra K. , Cohen Michael
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Consensus recommendations to help ensure safe insulin use in hospitalized patients are presented.

Insulin products are frequently involved in medication errors in hospitals, and insulin is classified as a high-alert medication when used in inpatient settings. In an initiative to promote safer insulin use, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Research and Education Foundation convened a 21-member panel representing the fields of pharmacy, medicine, and nursing and consumer advocacy groups for a three-stage consensus-building initiative. The panel’s consensus recommendations include the following: development of protocol-driven insulin order sets, elimination of the routine use of correction/sliding-scale insulin doses for management of hyperglycemia, restrictions on the types of insulin products stored in patient care areas, and policies to restrict the preparation of insulin bolus doses and i.v. infusions to the pharmacy department. In addition, the panelists recommended that hospitals better coordinate insulin use with meal intake and glucose testing, prospectively monitor the coordination of insulin delivery and rates of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and provide standardized education and competency assessment for all hospital-based health care professionals responsible for insulin use.

Conclusion

A 21-member expert panel convened by the ASHP Foundation identified 10 recommendations for enhancing insulin-use safety across the medication-use process in hospitals. Professional organizations, accrediting bodies, and consumer groups can play a critical role in the translation of these recommendations into practice. Rigorous research studies and program evaluations are needed to study the impact of implementation of these recommendations.
Analysis of Smoking by South Korean Middle School Students: Shifting Preferences in Brand Choice and Rising Popularity of Marlboro Cigarettes
Authors: Page Randy M. , Romero Yarazeth Hernandez
Published: July 2013

South Korean Global Youth Tobacco Surveys (GYTS) conducted in 2005 and 2008 were analyzed to determine changes in smoking behavior, cigarette brand choices, perceptions of smoking, and exposure to cigarette promotion/marketing and anti-smoking media messages. Results showed an increase in smoking prevalence, media exposure to cigarette advertising, and the offering of free cigarettes from cigarette company representatives, and a decrease in seeing anti-smoking messages and the perception that quitting smoking is difficult. There was a dramatic rise in the popularity of Marlboro as a brand choice among youth smokers in 2005 (9.1%) to 2008 (49.9%). These unfavorable trends suggest a pervasive tobacco industry influence among South Korean youth. Despite the regulations on advertising in South Korea that have been enacted and other anti-smoking policies which have been implemented, it appears that Philip Morris is particularly adept at circumventing advertising and market restrictions while effectively promoting Marlboro brand identity in youth.
Exploring Front-Line Hospital Workers' Contributions to Patient and Worker Safety
Authors: Sokas Rosemary Kelly , Cloonan Patricia , Braun Barbara I.
Published: July 2013

Concerns about stubbornly persistent high rates both of error-related patient injuries and of occupational injuries among healthcare workers have generated intense exploration of etiologies, interventions, and the role of underlying safety culture. Much of this work has centered on the role of physicians and nurses in health care, and suggests common issues related to safety culture. However, the role of front-line health care workers, such as nursing assistants, ward clerks, environmental service workers, food workers and transportation workers, among others, has not been explored sufficiently. This article provides the background for a workshop held in Washington, D.C., to identify gaps and opportunities for integrating front-line hospital workers into safety efforts. It provides a brief review of available information, the results of a series of focus groups of front-line workers from a single urban hospital addressing the question, and a series of framing questions for the workshop itself.
Malignant Mesothelioma, Airborne Asbestos, and the Need for Accuracy in Chrysotile Risk Assessments
Authors: Meisenkothen Christopher
Published: July 2013

A man diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma sought legal representation with the author's law firm. He worked 33 years in a wire and cable factory in the northeastern United States (Connecticut) that exclusively used chrysotile asbestos in its manufacturing process. This is the first report of mesothelioma arising from employees of this factory. This report provides additional support for the proposition that chrysotile asbestos can cause malignant mesothelioma in humans. If chrysotile risk assessments are to be accurate, then the literature should contain an accurate accounting of all mesotheliomas alleged to be caused by chrysotile asbestos. This is important not just for public health professionals but also for individuals and companies involved in litigation over asbestos-related diseases. If reports such as these remain unknown, it is probable that cases of mesothelioma among chrysotile-exposed cohorts would go unrecognized and chrysotile-using factories would be incorrectly cited as having no mesotheliomas among their employees.
Economic impact of paratuberculosis on milk production
Authors: Vidic B. , Savic S. , Vidic V. , Jovicin M. , Prica N.
Published: July 2013

Paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease,
primarily affecting ruminants. The aetiologic agent is Mycobacterium avium
subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). The disease is characterised by persistent
diarrhea, weight loss and protein-losing enteropathy. Paratuberculosis can
cause significant economic loss in affected herds, as a result of reduced
milk yield, increased incidence of mastitis, altered milk constituents,
increased somatic cell counts, poor feed conversion, increased susceptibility
to disease in general, reduced reproductive efficiency, premature culling and
reduced cull cow values. The economic impact of paratuberculosis includes
production losses due to sub-clinical and clinical cases, losses due to
increased replacement of animals and costs of control measures. Due to the
fact that most cases of paratuberculosis are subclinical and precise
prevalence data are often lacking, it is difficult to assess the economic
consequences of paratuberculosis. For instance, estimates of milk production
losses are inconsistent. Some studies found equivalent or even higher milk
productions in test-positive animals. Other studies showed losses in
test-positive animals of up to 19.5% of the 0 to 305 days-in-milk production,
depending on parity.
Improvement production efficiency and carcass quality through feed restriction programs in broiler chickens
Authors: Sahraei M.
Published: July 2013

The main objective of broiler rearing industry is production of high quality
broiler carcasses that will be acceptable for consumers; Acceptability
depends on the quality and quantity of edible parts of carcasses, and the
amount of muscle mass in carcass. Feeding strategy in growing broiler
chickens should be to produce animals with maximum lean body mass, highest
feed conversion ratio and maximum body weight. Continuous genetic selection
and improvement in nutrition have led to a very fast growth rate in modern
strains. That early-life fast growth rate is accompanied by a number of
problems, such as body fat deposition, high incidence of metabolic disorders,
high mortality, and high incidence of skeletal diseases. The feed restriction
programs is on of the main techniques in growth curve manipulation for
increasing production efficiency in broiler chicken in alleviate the
incidence of some metabolic diseases and can be used to produce a leaner bird
and reduce the unfavorable effects of fat on human health, and to reduce fat
deposition in broiler carcasses could be profitable in broiler chickens
production. This article implicated on new findings in about different feed
restriction programs effects on production efficiency and carcass quality in
broiler chickens.
Important steps for qualitative risk assessment of campylobacter presence in poultry meat in Serbia
Authors: Petrovic J. , Stojanov I. , Pesic-Mikulec D. , Milanov D. , Velhner M. , Stojanovic D.
Published: July 2013

The aim of this paper was to answer some questions important for a
qualitative risk assessment in poultry production related to Campylobacter.
These steps are described: hazard identification, hazard characterization,
exposure assessment and risk characterization. Hazard identification:
Campylobacter is important cause of food borne diseases. Hazard
characterization: human campylobacteriosis is assumed to be dose-independent
based on some studies on healthy human volunteers. Exposure assessment:
Campylobacter colonization and spread of Campylobacter on poultry carcasses
were described. Our results indicate high prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in
intestines of poultry, the clinical symptoms of campylobacteriosis usually
depends of the age and additional immunosupresive factors, such as
Salmonella. According to our experimental results artificial infection of
chickens with 6.77 log cfu C. jejuni per chicken on day 21 of life leads to
5.26 log cfu/g feces after 5 days, with slight decrease in next 20 days and
return to starting level in next 20 days. According to our experimental
results, slaughtering of Campylobacter positive flock appears where 100%
birds (with 3.02 log cfu/g feces) is contaminated lids to 50% contaminated
carcasses. High prevalence of Campylobacter spp. was also found on poultry
carcasses in our slaughterhuoses. Risk characterization: on the basis of the
performed examinations it can be concluded that even there is high exposure
of human population to Campylobacter from poultry meat; the incidence of
human campilobacteriosis is low, mainly because there is a lack of evidence
and confirmation of human campylobacteriosis.
Mastitis therapy: Direct and indirect costs
Authors: Bobos S. , Radinovic M. , Vidic B. , Pajic M. , Vidic V. , Galfi A.
Published: July 2013

One of the most important problems in milk production, causing great economic
loses is certainly mastitis. In order to minimize economic losses from
mastitis dairy farms introduce different mastitis management programs. These
programs include mastitis therapy and prevention. In mastitis control
prevention is most important and when mastitis occurs cost of therapy and
milk discharge is very important. In our study we examined cost of mastitis
treatment and milk loss in different mastitis management programs. We
concluded that most costly are mastitis caused by specific pathogens. Cost of
milk loss is 2.4 times bigger than cost of drug consumption. Applying of
tit-dipping has great importance in reduction of mastitis caused by specific
pathogens and less importance for conditional saprophytes. In total, cost of
mastitis treatment on whole farm was almost the same for all mastitis
management programs, while the effect of the program on farm C was the most
expensive in the cows with the finding of specific pathogens.
Effect of mating method, sex and birth type on growth of lambs
Authors: Ilic Zoran , Jevtic-Vukmirovic A. , Petrovic M.P. , Caro-Petrovic V. , Milosevic B. , Spasic Z. , Ristanovic B.
Published: July 2013

Estrus synchronization methods was use to control the reproductive traits of
sheep, as well as bringing more females at the same stage of estrus and
ovulation. According to the points mentioned above, the aim of the present
study was to investigate and compare mating method and influence of fixed
factors on birth and weaning weight of lambs. Statistical analysis showed
that exist difference in the body weights between genotypes of lambs. In the
first group, the difference in weight of lambs at birth, regardless of mating
method was not significant (P> 0.05), while in the second group, the
difference was slightly significant (P <0.05). As for the birth type, sex and
within the same genotype, there was a statistical significance (P <0.05)
between singles obtained naturally, between the triplets obtained naturally
and between triplets received hormonal method. All the differences between
body weight at 30 days (mating method, sex and birth type under the same
genotype) were statistically significant (P <0.05).The determined differences
in the body weights at 60 days (sex, mating method and type of birth under
the same genotype) were statistically significant (P <0.05). The results
showed that the differences (mating method, sex and type of birth under the
same genotype) were statistically significant (P <0.05), except in between
body weight at 90 days in twins among two genotypes obtained by natural
method, which were not statistically significant (P> 0.05).
Different sources and levels of vegetable oils in broiler chicken nutrition
Authors: Stanacev V.Z. , Milic D. , Milosevic N. , Stanacev V.S. , Pavlovski Z. , Skrbic Z. , Puvaca N.
Published: July 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of soybean, flax and
rapeseed oil on productive performance and carcass quality of broilers
chickens. At the beginning of the experiment six groups of 40 one day-old
chicks, hybrid line Cobb 500 was formed, with five replications. For
nutrition two feed mixtures were used. During the first two weeks, in
preparation period, chickens were fed with starter mixture, and then with
grower mixture until the end of the experiment. Control group was fed with
mixture of standard composition and quality based on corn and soybean meal
with the addition of 4% and 8% soybean oil, while the experimental group
included 4% and 8% flaxseed oil and 4% and 8% rapeseed oil. The experiment
lasted 35 days. During the experimental period, chickens were fed and watered
ad libitum and microclimatic conditions were constantly monitored. Control of
body weight and feed consumption was carried out every seven days. At the end
of the experiment 10 chickens from each group were sacrificed for the purpose
of testing the carcass quality. Upon completion of the experiment, control
group achieved weight of 2122g and 2053g, and the experimental group with
flax oil 2164g and 2094g, and the group with rapeseed oil weighs of 2121g and
2081g. Chickens on treatment with 4% flax oil in the diet achieved
significantly higher body mass (P<0.05) at the end of the experiment compared
with the groups who were on treatment with 8% rapeseed and soybean oil.
Soybean oil at a rate of 4% showed significantly (P<0.05) increased final
body weight compared to body mass of chicks in a group with the addition of
8% soybean oil. Feed conversion ratio was lowest in the group with the
addition of 4% flax oil and rapeseed oil, and the highest in the group with
the addition of 8% flax oil. The differences found in the carcass quality
between the control and experimental groups were not statistically
significant (P>0.05). The largest amount of abdominal fat (18.9 g) was in the
group with the addition of 4% rapeseed oil and lowest in the group with the
addition of 8% soybean oil (12.6 g). Based on these results it can be
concluded that the addition of 4% oil showed better productive results, but
had no effect on carcass quality of chickens.
Stability test for mastitis reagent ad us. vet.
Authors: Vukovic V. , Vicentijevic M. , Plavsa N.
Published: July 2013

In the stability test of the mastitis reagent ad us.vet., as the finished
product, three production series were tested in quantities of 500 ml of the
sample, under appropriate storage conditions. For the testing, the
appropriate uniformity of temperature and relative humidity was provided.
Also, the procedure of the stability test was determined, which included the
initial state, then every three months until the end of the first trial and a
final testing at the end of shelf life (0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months). Of the
tested parameters the following were included: appearance, pH value of the
solution, dry residue (in %) and microbiological purity.
The effect of disinfectants on dimensional stability of addition and condensation silicone impressions
Authors: Sinobad Tamara , Obradovic-Djuricic Kosovka , Nikolic Zoran , Dodic Slobodan , Lazic Vojkan , Sinobad Vladimir , Jesenko-Rokvic Aleksandra
Published: July 2013

Background/Aim. Dimensional stability and accuracy of an impression after
chemical disinfection by immersion in disinfectants are crucial for the
accuracy of final prosthetic restorations. The aim of this study was to
assess the deformation of addition and condensation silicone impressions
after disinfection in antimicrobial solutions. Methods. A total of 120
impressions were made on the model of the upper arch representing three full
metal-ceramic crown preparations. Four impression materials were used: two
condensation silicones (Oranwash L - Zhermack and Xantopren L Blue - Heraeus
Kulzer) and two addition silicones (Elite H-D + regular body - Zhermack and
Flexitime correct flow - Heraeus Kulzer). After removal from the model the
impressions were immediately immersed in appropriate disinfectant
(gluta-raldehyde, benzalkonium chloride - Sterigum and 5.25% NaOCl) for a
period of 10 min. The control group consisted of samples that were not
treated with disinfectant solution. Consecutive measurements of identical
impressions were realized with a Canon G9 (12 megapixels, 2 fps, 6x/24x), and
automated with a computer Asus Lamborghini VX-2R Intel C2D 2.4 GHz, by using
Remote Capture software package, so that time-depending series of images of
the same impression were obtained. Results. The dimensional changes of all
the samples were significant both as a function of time and the applied
disinfectant. The results show significant differences of the obtained
dimensional changes between the group of condensation silicones and the group
of addition silicones for the same time, and the same applied disinfectant (p
= 0.026, F = 3.95). Conclusion. The greatest dimensional changes of addition
and condensation silicone impressions appear in the first hour after their
separation from the model.
Disseminated Rhodococcus equi infection in a patient with Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Authors: Mikic Dragan , Djordjevic Zoran , Kojic Miroslav , Tomanovic Branka
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Rhodococcus (R) equi is an opportunistic, uncommon human
pathogen that causes mainly infection in immunocompromised hosts. The disease
is usually presented as subacute pneumonia that is mostly cavitary and
sometimes bacteremic. Case report. We reported the extremly rare case of a
43-year-old woman with Hodgkin's lymphoma, who developed R. equi pulmonary
infection after recieving multiple courses of chemotherapy. Secondary, the
patient developed bacteremia, leading to sepsis and dissemination of R. equi
infection in many extrapulmonary sites. At addmission the patient was
febrile, tachypnoic, tachycardic, hypotensive, with facial edema,
splenomegaly, positive meningeal signs, left hemiparesis and paraparesis.
Laboratory data included erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) > 140 mm/h,
C-reactive protein (CRP) 143.0 mg/L, red blood cells (RBC) 2.14 ? 1012/L,
whyite blood cells (WBC) 2.8 ? 109/L, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) 706 U/L,
serum albumin 26 g/L, sodium 127 mmol/L and potassium 2.7 mmol/L. Blood
culture and culture of sputum and empyema were positive for R. equi. Imaging
studies demonstrated a large right cavitary pneumonia and abscess, empyema,
pericarditis, mediastinal and intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy, brain and
psoas abscesses, osteomyelitis and spondylodiscitis. The patient recovered
completely after a 12-month treatment with combinations of parenteral and
oral antibiotics (meropenem, vancomycin, teicoplanin, ciprofloxacin,
rifampicin, macrolides etc), including drainage of abscesses and empyema.
Eight years after completition of the treatment the patient was without
recurrence of R. equi infection and lymphoma. Conclusion. Since the
eradication od R. equi is very difficult, it is very important to make the
diagnosis and initiate appropriate antibiotic therapy as soon as possible.
HbA1c and Risk of Severe Hypoglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Lipska Kasia J. , Warton E. Margaret , Huang Elbert S. , Moffet Howard H. , Inzucchi Silvio E. , Krumholz Harlan M. , Karter Andrew J.
Published: July 2013

OBJECTIVE

We examined the association between HbA1c level and self-reported severe hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Type 2 diabetic patients in a large, integrated healthcare system, who were 30–77 years of age and treated with glucose-lowering therapy, were asked about severe hypoglycemia requiring assistance in the year prior to the Diabetes Study of Northern California survey conducted in 2005–2006 (62% response rate). The main exposure of interest was the last HbA1c level collected in the year preceding the observation period. Poisson regression models adjusted for selected demographic and clinical variables were specified to evaluate the relative risk (RR) of severe hypoglycemia across HbA1c levels. We also tested whether the HbA1c-hypoglycemia association differed across potential effect modifiers (age, diabetes duration, and category of diabetes medication).

RESULTS

Among 9,094 eligible survey respondents (mean age 59.5 ± 9.8 years, mean HbA1c 7.5 ± 1.5%), 985 (10.8%) reported experiencing severe hypoglycemia. Across HbA1c levels, rates of hypoglycemia were 9.3–13.8%. Compared with those with HbA1c of 7–7.9%, the RR of hypoglycemia was 1.25 (95% CI 0.99–1.57), 1.01 (0.87–1.18), 0.99 (0.82–1.20), and 1.16 (0.97–1.38) among those with HbA1c <6, 6–6.9, 8–8.9, and ≥9%, respectively, in a fully adjusted model. Age, diabetes duration, and category of diabetes medication did not significantly modify the HbA1c-hypoglycemia relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe hypoglycemia was common among patients with type 2 diabetes across all levels of glycemic control. Risk tended to be higher in patients with either near-normal glycemia or very poor glycemic control.
Evaluation of racing performance after colic surgery in Thoroughbreds: 85 cases (1996–2010)
Authors: Tomlinson Joy E. , Boston Raymond C. , Brauer Thomas
Published: July 2013

Objective—To determine racing performance after surgery for colic in Thoroughbreds.

Design—Retrospective cohort study.

Animals—85 racing Thoroughbreds that survived to discharge following colic surgery and 170 race-matched reference horses.

Procedures—Earnings, starts, and earnings per start were compared between horses that underwent surgery and reference horses, the proportions of horses that returned to racing were analyzed, and career longevity was determined.

Results—Among 85 racing Thoroughbreds that underwent colic surgery, 31 (36%) had primarily small intestinal lesions, of which 11 underwent resection; 54 (64%) had large intestinal lesions, of which 2 underwent resection. Fifty-nine of 85 (69%) horses that underwent colic surgery returned to racing after a 6-month recovery period versus 125 of 170 (73%) reference horses (OR, 0.81). In the 36-month postoperative period, reference horses earned a mean of $7,866 more, had a mean of 0.26 more starts, and had mean earnings per start of $29 more than horses that underwent surgery. Horses that underwent surgery did not have different career lengths than reference horses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Horses that underwent colic surgery did not have a significant reduction in measures of performance or career length, compared with a reference cohort.
Assessment of paper interstate certificates of veterinary inspection used to support disease tracing in cattle
Authors: Portacci Katie , Miller Ryan S. , Riggs Philip D. , Buhnerkempe Michael G. , Abrahamsen Lauren M.
Published: July 2013

Objective—To evaluate the differences among each state's Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (ICVI) form and the legibility of data on paper ICVIs used to support disease tracing in cattle.

Design—Descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study.

Sample—Examples of ICVIs from 50 states and 7,630 randomly sampled completed paper ICVIs for cattle from 48 states.

Procedures—Differences among paper ICVI forms from all 50 states were determined. Sixteen data elements were selected for further evaluation of their value in tracing cattle. Completed paper ICVIs for interstate cattle exports in 2009 were collected from 48 states. Each of the 16 data elements was recorded as legible, absent, or illegible on forms completed by accredited veterinarians, and results were summarized by state. Mean values for legibility at the state level were used to estimate legibility of data at the national level.

Results—ICVIs were inconsistent among states in regard to data elements requested and availability of legible records. A mean ± SD of 70.0 ± 22.1% of ICVIs in each state had legible origin address information. Legible destination address information was less common, with 55.0 ± 21.4% of records complete. Incomplete address information was most often a result of the field having been left blank. Official animal identification was present on 33.1% of ICVIs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The inconsistency among state ICVI forms and quality of information provided on paper ICVIs could lead to delays and the need for additional resources to trace cattle, which could result in continued spread of disease. Standardized ICVIs among states and more thorough recording of information by accredited veterinarians or expanded usage of electronic ICVIs could enhance traceability of cattle during an outbreak.
Modification of the High-alloyed White Cast Iron Microstructure with Magnesium Master Alloy
Authors: Kawalec M.
Published: July 2013

High-vanadium cast iron is the white cast iron in which the regular fibrous γ + VC eutectic with the volume fraction of vanadium carbide amounting to about 20% crystallises. This paper presents the results of studies on high-vanadium cast iron subjected to the inoculation treatment with magnesium master alloy. The aim of this operation is to change the morphology of the crystallising VC carbides from the fibrous shape into a spheroidal one. The study also examines the effect of the amount of the introduced inoculant on changes in the morphology of the crystallising VC carbides. To achieve the goals once set, metallographic studies were performed on high-vanadium cast iron of eutectic composition in base state and after the introduction of a variable content of the inoculant.

The introduction of magnesium-based master alloy resulted in the expected changes of microstructure. The most beneficial effect was obtained with the introduction of 1.5% of magnesium master alloy, since nearly half of the crystallised vanadium carbides have acquired a spheroidal shape.
Water Glass Modification and its Impact on the Mechanical Properties of Moulding Sands
Authors: Kmita A. , Hutera B.
Published: July 2013

The purpose of the presented experiment was to develop an effective water glass modifier. In the conducted research, an attempt was made to determine the effect of modifier addition on the wettability of quartz grains, viscosity and cohesion of binder and strength RmUof the sand mixture. Water glass modification was carried out with, obtained in electrochemical process [1], colloidal suspension of ZnO nanoparticles in methanol (modifier I) or propanol (modifier II), characterised by a constant molar concentration of c = 0.3 M. It was demonstrated that the addition of a colloidal suspension of ZnO nanoparticles in propanol (modifier II) had a significant effect on wettability of quartz grains improvement without the accompanying increase in binder viscosity. Testing the mechanical properties RmUof sand mixtures containing modified binder (modifier II) hardened at ambient conditions showed an approximately 28% increase in strength compared with the RmUof the sand bonded with an unmodified binder.
Changes in Agricultural Land Use in the Context of Ongoing Transformational Processes in Slovakia
Authors: Tarasovičová Zuzana , Saksa Martin , Blažík Tibor , Falťan Vladimír
Published: July 2013

Transformational changes after 1989 were primarily caused by major social changes, including those in the economy and agriculture. Slovakia is also affect by globalization processes. The aim of this article is to characterize the changes in agricultural land use and their spatial distribution in relation to the political transformation of society after 1989, using the Dunajská Streda, Levice, Prievidza and Stará Ľubovňa districts as examples. These districts contain all individual agricultural production types in Slovakia. Changes in agricultural land use were analyzed on the basis of the total areas of land use categories for these districts between 1980 and 2010 and for municipal cadastral areas in selected districts between 2000 and 2010. Two basic indicators of changes in land use were selected for this purpose. The first was the percentage increase or decrease in individual land use categories and the second was the dominant processes in land use based on analysis of the main landscape processes. The cumulative surfaces of selected crops and their products were analyzed using a simple continuous diagram depicting the course of harvesting areas between 1980 and 2010. Crop yields were analyzed by linear regression. The tendency for disappearance of agricultural land use was confirmed in the less agriculturally active areas of Slovakia. This decrease in agricultural land use was at the expense of an increase in urban areas and in the processes of greening, forestation and water body construction.
Rinderpest Global Eradication Management
Authors: Kouba Vaclav
Published: July 2013

The global eradication of rinderpest in 2010 ranked as the second in history after the eradication of smallpox in humans in 1980. Rinderpest (in recent history included also among biological weapons of mass destruction) recurred throughout history causing hundreds of millions of animal deaths. It was recorded in 114 countries of all continents. After the World War II it was still reported from 66 countries in Africa and Asia. After all necessary knowledge about rinderpest virus and its circulation became available, along with excellent vaccine as well as enough experience with anti-rinderpest measures, the global eradication programme was launched in 1986 after a long preparatory period. It was composed of three new regional projects including all national anti-rinderpest programmes. The main method consisted in active search, isolation and stamping out of all outbreaks combined with mass prophylactic vaccinations and followed by years-long risk-based surveillance. The transfer of research results into practical reality required an extraordinary complex of a highly demanding system of managerial measures. It included analyses of rinderpest occurrence, identification of objectives/ deadlines and control methods, planning, ensuring necessary manpower, material and funds, organizing and implementation of coordinating programmes etc. This complex was represented by a managerial pyramid structure of inter-connected components having the basis at rinderpest affected localities and countries and its top at the Animal Health Service, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as executive agency responsible for technical assistance and global leadership/coordination.
Database of Polish arable mineral soils: a review
Authors: Bieganowski A. , Witkowska-Walczak B. , Gliñski J. , Sokołowska Z. , Sławiński C. , Brzezińska M. , Włodarczyk T.
Published: July 2013

The database of Polish arable mineral soils is presented. The database includes a lot of information about the basic properties of soils and their dynamic characteristics. It was elaborated for about 1 000 representative profiles of soils in Poland The database concerns: particle size distribution, organic carbon content, acidity-pH, specific surface area, hydrophobicity - solidliquid contact angle, static and dynamic hydrophysical properties, oxidation-reduction properties and selected biological (microbiological) properties of soils. Knowledge about soil characteristics is indispensable for description, interpretation and prediction of the course of physical, chemical and biological processes, and modelling these processes requires representative data. The utility of simulation and prediction models describing phenomena which take place in the soil-plant-atmosphere system greatly depends on the precision of data concerning characteristics of soil. On the basis of this database, maps of chosen soil properties are constructed. The aim of maps is to provide specialists in agriculture, ecology, and environment protection with an opportunity to gain knowledge of soil properties and their spatial and seasonal variability.
Redox properties of ginger extracts: Perspectives of use of Zingiber officinale Rosc. as antidiabetic agent
Authors: Račková Lucia , Cupáková Mária , Ťažký Anton , Mičová Júlia , Kolek Emil , Košťálová Daniela
Published: July 2013

In traditional medicine, several medicinal plants or their extracts have been used to treat diabetes. Zingiber officinale Roscoe, known commonly as ginger, is consumed worldwide in cookeries as a spice and flavouring agent. It has been used as the spice and medicine for thousands of years. The present study was undertaken to investigate the potential protective effect of Zingiber officinale Rosc. in a model of oxidative damage to pancreatic β cells. The free radical scavenging activities and composition of the isolated n-hexane and ethanolic extracts were confronted with their protective, antioxidant and cytotoxic effects in INS-1E β cells. Unlike the n-hexane extract (exerting, paradoxically, stronger antiradical capacity), both low cytotoxicity and remarkable protective effects on β cell viability, followed by lowering oxidative stress markers were found for the ethanolic extract Zingiber officinale Rosc. The present study is the first pilot study to assess the protective potential of Zingiber officinale Rosc. in a model of cytotoxic conditions imposed by diabetes in β cells.
Developmental study of mercury effects on the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster)
Authors: Abnoos Hamideh , Fereidoni Masoud , Mahdavi-Shahri Naser , Haddad Farhang , Jalal Razieh
Published: July 2013

Environmental pollution caused by heavy metals such as mercury is one of the most important human problems. It might have severe teratogenic effects on embryonic development. Some pharmacological and physiological aspects of fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) are similar to humans. So the stages of egg to adult fruit fly, as a developmental model, were employed in the study. Wild adult insects were maintained in glass dishes containing standard medium at 25 °C in complete darkness. Five pairs of 3-day old flies were then transferred to standard culture dishes containing different concentrations of mercury ion. They were removed after 8 hours. We considered the following: The rate of larvae becoming pupae and pupae to adults; the time required for the development; the hatching rate in the second generation without mercury in the culture; the morphometric changes during development in both length and width of the eggs through two generations; larvae, pupae and adult thorax length and width. The results showed that mercury in culture (20-100 mg/l) increase the duration of larvae (p<0.01) and pupae (p<0.01) development, the rate of larvae becoming pupae (p<0.001); pupae maturation (p<0.05), the hatching rate (p<0.01), the length (p<0.05) and width of larvae (p<0.01) and pupae (p<0.001) and the length in the adult thorax (p<0.01) decreased significantly. There was no effect upon the size of eggs. There were also no larvae hatching in concentrations of 200 mg/l of mercury. Negative effects of mercury as a heavy metal are possibly due to the interference of this metal in cellular signaling pathways, such as: Notch signaling and protein synthesis during the period of development. Since it bonds chemically with the sulfur hydride groups of proteins, it causes damage to the cell membrane and decreases the amount of RNA. This is the cause of failure of many enzyme mechanisms.
Implementation and evaluation of adverse drug reaction monitoring system in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Mumbai, India
Authors: Patidar Dindayal , Rajput Mithun S. , Nirmal Nilesh P. , Savitri Wenny
Published: July 2013

Adverse drug reactions (ADR) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, often identified only post-marketingly. Improvement in current ADR reporting, including utility of underused or innovative methods, is crucial to improve patient safety and public health. Hospital-based monitoring is one of the methods used to collect data about drug prescriptions and adverse events. The aims of this study were to identify the most frequent ADRs recognized by the attending physicians, study their nature, and to target these ADRs in order to take future preventive measures. A prospective study was conducted over a 7-month period in an internal medicine department using stimulated spontaneous reporting for identifying ADRs. Out of the 254 admissions, 32 ADRs in 37 patients (14.56%) were validated from the total of 36 suspected ADRs in 41 patients. Female predominance was noted over males in case of ADRs. Fifty percent of total ADRs occurred due to multiple drug therapy. Dermatological ADRs were found to be the most frequent (68.75%), followed by respiratory, central nervous system and gastrointestinal ADRs. The drugs most frequently involved were antibiotics, antitubercular agents, antigout agents, and NSAIDs. The most commonly reported reactions were itching and rashes. Out of the 32 reported ADRs, 50% of the reactions were probable, 46.87% of the reactions were possible and 3.12% of the reactions were definite. The severity assessment done by using the Hartwig and Seigel scale indicated that the majority of ADRs were ‘Mild’ followed by ‘Moderate’ and ‘Severe’ reactions, respectively. Out of all, 75% of ADRs were recovered. The most potent management of ADRs was found to be drug withdrawal. Our study indicated that hospital based monitoring was a good method to detect links between drug exposure and adverse drug reactions. Adequate training regarding pharmacology and optimization of drug therapy might be helpful to reduce ADR morbidity and mortality.
Gibberellic Acid Effect on Growth and Flowering of Ajania Pacifica /Nakai/ Bremer et Humphries
Authors: Zalewska Małgorzata , Antkowiak Małgorzata
Published: July 2013

The research addressed the effect of gibberellic acid (GA3) on growth and flowering of Ajania pacifica /Nakai/ Bremer et Humphries ‘Bea’. The vegetative growth lasted for 8 weeks in glasshouse, under natural long day and from August 15 - under natural short day. The plants were divided into four groups: 1 - the plants sprayed with distilled water (control combination); 2, 3 and 4 - the plants sprayed with GA3 ones, twice and thrice, respectively, starting from the 5th week of growth, and then in the 6th and 7th week, successively. Each of the group was divided into two subgroups: the first one treated with GA3 at concentration of 250 mg·dm-3 and the second with 500 mg·dm-3. It was observed that double spraying with GA3 accelerated the buds development of Ajania pacifica, thus shortened the cultivation time by about two days. Treatment with GA3 at concentration 500 mg·dm-3 stimulated the elongation of shoots more than treatment with GA3 at 250 mg·dm-3. The plants sprayed twice were longer than the control and then those sprayed one time. However, elongation of shoots was not remarkable; corymbs were shorter, narrower, and contained lesser number of inflorescences. The present study indicates the specificity of the response of Ajania pacifica to GA3 treatment, which appears to be different from other ornamental species.