bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring pain self-efficacy and health related quality of life among hemodialysis patients in Greece: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Theofilou Paraskevi , Aroni Adamantia , Tsironi Maria , Zyga Sophia
Published: September 2013

Patients suffering from end-stage kidney disease often complain about pain. It is also known that the presence of chronic pain greatly impacts upon patients’ quality of life (QOL) and can play a crucial role in the co-morbidity of mental health symptoms such as depression and anxiety. The main aim of this study protocol is the investigation of pain self-efficacy, QOL as well as their relation in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. The final sample size will be around 70-80 patients. Each subject’s QOL and pain self-efficacy will be measured using the following instruments: i) the Missoula-ITAS Quality of Life Index-15 and ii) the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. QOL is expected to be related to pain self-efficacy scores. This probable association will be indicated performing regression as well as correlation analysis after controlling for gender, age, education and marital status.
Pain clinic referral to psychological services best addressed with collaboration
Authors: Sexton-Radek Kathy , Chami A. Tony
Published: September 2013

A case study of a middle aged female with severe musculoskeletal medical conditions causing severe pain is presented. The referral for psychological services was conducted in concordance with the medical treatments. In this case, the complex nature of the severe musculoskeletal medical conditions necessitated intensive care and the collaborative communications provided this to the patient. A tabulation of representative treatments is provided with an explanation of the nature of the collaboration. Outcome data in terms of patient self-reported pain ratings and sleep logging provided evidence of a mild improvement and stability where more negative findings, given the complexity of the medical conditions was expected.
Indicators of the church in John’s metaphor of the vine
Authors: Fourie Johann
Published: September 2013

This article aims to answer the question of what belongs to the essence of the church, as God intended it to be, by identifying certain indicators of the essence of the church through a study of one of the central metaphors of the New Testament: the vine in the Gospel of John. Through structural analyses, commentary and metaphorical analyses, several indicators of unity as part of the essence of the church emerge in this metaphor. These indicators are the primacy (or authority) of Christ, trinitarian balance, equality, interdependence, inclusivity, growth and unity (in diversity).Hierdie artikel poog om die volgende vraag te beantwoord: Wat behoort tot die essensie van kerkwees soos God dit bedoel het? Dit word gedoen deur sekere aanwysers van die essensie van kerkwees te identifiseer vanuit ’n studie van een van die essensiële metafore vir kerkwees in die Nuwe Testament, naamlik die Wynstok in die Evangelie van Johannes. Deur middel van struktuuranalise, kommentaar en metaforiese analise kom verskeie eenheidsaanwysers as deel van die essensie van kerkwees in hierdie metafoor na vore. Hierdie aanwysers is die hoër gesag (of outoriteit) van Christus, die balans van die Drie-eenheid, gelykheid, interafhanklikheid, inklusiwiteit, groei en eenheid (in diversiteit).
Neurological and functional outcomes of subdural hematoma evacuation in patients over 70 years of age
Authors: Mulligan Patrick , Raore Bethwel , Liu Shuling , Olson Jeffrey J
Published: September 2013

Background: Subdural hematoma (SDH) is a common disease entity treated by neurosurgical intervention. Although the incidence increases in the elderly population, there is a paucity of studies examining their surgical outcomes. Objectives: To determine the neurological and functional outcomes of patients over 70 years of age undergoing surgical decompression for subdural hematoma. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data on 45 patients above 70 years who underwent craniotomy or burr holes for acute, chronic or mixed subdural hematomas. We analyzed both neurological and functional status before and after surgery. Results: Forty-five patients 70 years of age or older were treated in our department during the study period. There was a significant improvement in the neurological status of patients from admission to follow up as assessed using the Markwalder grading scale (1.98 vs. 1.39; P =0.005), yet no improvement in functional outcome was observed as assessed by Glasgow Outcome Score. Forty-one patients were admitted from home, however only 20 patients (44%) were discharged home, 16 (36%) discharged to nursing home or rehab, 6 (13%) to hospice and 3 (7%) died in the postoperative period. Neurological function improved in patients who were older, had a worse pre-operative neurological status, were on anticoagulation and had chronic or mixed acute and chronic hematoma. However, no improvement in functional status was observed. Conclusion: Surgical management of SDH in patients over 70 years of age provides significant improvement in neurological status, but does not change functional status.
Spontaneous intra.cerebral hemorrhage: A retrospective study of risk factors and outcome in a Turkish population
Authors: Celikbilek Asuman , Goksel Basak Karakurum , Zararsiz Gokmen , Benli Sibel
Published: September 2013

Background and Purpose: Stroke, which remains the third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer in developed countries, is a disorder causing permanent neurologic disability. Even though, hemorrhagic strokes are seen less than the ischemic type, they are more fatal. We studied the risk factors for spontaneous intra-cerebral hemorrhage (ICH) to direct the proper preventive treatment modalities and the effects of these factors on mortality as well as applied therapeutic strategies on survival. Materials and Methods: The archive records of 106 patients (60 male, 46 female) who were diagnosed with spontaneous ICH in Baskent University Hospital, Ankara, between January 2003 and September 2008, were assessed retrospectively. Results: The mean age was found as 62.5. The most frequent risk factor was hypertension (73.5%); 69.2% of these hypertensive patients had uncontrolled blood pressure levels. The mortality rate was detected as 34.9% and patients were found to die approximately within 9 days after ICH. Older age, increased hemorrhage volume, ventricular extension of hemorrhage, and the presence of midline shift were found to significantly correlate with increased mortality (P < 0.05). Patients who underwent surgical therapy showed a longer survival rate (P = 0.016); however, no association was found between medical and surgical therapy in terms of mortality (P = 0.555). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that effective control of blood pressure is important in the prevention of spontaneous ICH; clinical and radiological findings with treatment modalities influencing mortality should be carefully managed.
Prevalence of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis and its effect on the quality of life
Authors: Nagaraj Karthik , Taly Arun B , Gupta Anupam , Prasad Chandrajit , Christopher Rita
Published: September 2013

Objective: This prospective study was carried out to observe the prevalence of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and its effect on quality-of-life (QoL). Study Design and Setting: Prospective observational study in a University Tertiary Research Hospital in India. Patients and Methods: A total of 31 patients (25 females) with definite MS according to McDonald ′s criteria presented in out-patient/admitted in the Department of Neurology (between February 2010 and December 2011) were included in the study. Disease severity was evaluated using the Kurtzke′s expanded disability status scale (EDSS). Fatigue was assessed using Krupp′s fatigue severity scale (FSS). QoL was assessed by the World Health Organization QoL-BREF questionnaire. Results: The mean age of patients was 30.1 ± 9.1 years. The mean age at first symptom was 25.23 ± 6.4 years. The mean number of relapses was 4.7 ± 3.6 in the patients. The mean duration of illness was 4.9 ± 4.4 years. The mean EDSS score was 3.5 ± 2.2. Mean fatigue score was 38.7 ± 18.5 (cut-off value 36 in FSS). The prevalence of fatigue in patients with MS was 58.1% (18/31). MS patients with fatigue were significantly more impaired (P < 0.05) on all QoL domains (i.e., physical, psychosocial, social, and environment) than MS patients without fatigue. Conclusion: Prevalence of fatigue was found to be high in the MS patients in the study. All four domains of QoL were significantly more impaired in the group with fatigue than in those without fatigue.
Removal of cervical spinal tumor with large inferio.lateral extension through anterolateral (interscalene and transforaminal) approach
Authors: Chowdhury Forhad , Haque Mohammod , Kawsar Khandkar , Alam Sarwar
Published: September 2013

Cervical spinal tumor with large lateral extension is usually removed through posterolateral approach and rarely through anterolateral approach. A young man presented with neck pain and brachialgia. Cervical spinal MRI showed a intraspinal tumor with huge extraforaminal paraspinal extension. We removed the tumor through anterolateral (interscalene and transforaminal) approach. Post operatively patient recovered from his sufferings and returned to normal life. Here we report the case along with operative technical aspects.
Was it a case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis? A rare association following dengue fever
Authors: Karoli Ritu , Siddiqi Zeba , Fatima Jalees , Maini Sumit
Published: September 2013

Dengue infection, caused by a flavivirus is endemic in more than hundred countries, mostly in the developing world. Recent observations indicate that the clinical profile of dengue is changing, and that atypical manifestations are being reported more frequently. The exact incidence of various neurological complications is variable. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a neurological manifestation rarely described in association with dengue. We present a patient, 32-year-old female who was diagnosed as a case of dengue fever initially after an acute febrile illness and two weeks later admitted in emergency with seizures and altered sensorium. Although MRI did not show typical lesions suggestive of ADEM, the lag period between initial dengue infection and neurological manifestations and complete recovery with methyl prednisolone point towards immune mediated demyelinating illness.
Effects of α‑tocopherol and ascorbic acid in the severity and management of traumatic brain injury in albino rats
Authors: Ishaq Gaafar M , Saidu Yusuf , Bilbis Lawal S , Muhammad Suleiman A , Jinjir Nasir , Shehu Bello B
Published: September 2013

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is accompanied by substantial accumulation of biomarkers of oxidative stress and depletion of antioxidants reserve which initiate chain reactions that damage brain cells. The present study investigated the role of ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol on the severity and management of TBI in rats.
Materials and Methods: Wistar rats were subjected to closed head injury using an accelerated impact device. Rats were administered 45 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg body weight of ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol or a combination of the two vitamins for 2 weeks pre- and post injury. Blood and brain tissue homogenates were analyzed for vitamin C, vitamin E, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and creatine kinase activities.
Results: The results indicated that TBI caused significant (P < 0.05) decreased in vitamins C and E levels in the blood and brain tissue of TBI-untreated rats. The activities of superoxide dismutase in TBI rats were markedly reduced when compared with non traumatized control and showed a tendency to increased following supplementation with vitamins C and E. Supplementation of the vitamins significantly (P < 0.05) reduced malondialdehyde in the treatment groups compared with the TBI-untreated group.
Conclusion: The study indicated that pre and post treatment with ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol reduced oxidative stress induced by brain injury and effectively reduced mortality rate in rats.
The enigma of transient splenial hyperintensity: In cryptococcal meningitis
Authors: Sen Kaushik , Khandelwal Kapil , Lalhmachhuana Joseph , Guha Gautam
Published: September 2013

Transient hyperintensity in splenium of corpus callosum is a relatively infrequent finding in MRI. Although it has been most consistently linked with frequent seizure episodes, many other possible causes have been proposed by different workers. Cryptococcal meningitis as a cause of transient splenial hyperintensity has never been reported till date. Here, we report a young girl who is congenitally immunodeficient and had suffered from cryptococcal meningitis with typical transient splenial hyperintense lesions in MRI.
Uncommon dyselectrolytemia complicating Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Saroja Aralikatte Onkarappa , Naik Karkal Ravishankar , Khanpet S Mallikarjun
Published: September 2013

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and hypokalemic paralysis are common causes of acute flaccid quadriparesis and specific therapeutic interventions differ. Simultaneous occurrence of severe hypokalemia in patients with GBS at the time of presentation can cause diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. Presence of hypomagnesemia with hypokalemia in patients with GBS can be perplexing and pose further challenges. Evaluation for preexisting inherited or other associated metabolic disturbances is needed in the presence of such complex dyselectrolytemia. We report the rare association of GBS with severe hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia in a 41-year-old male presenting with acute flaccid quadriparesis and the therapeutic challenges faced.
A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge involving a case of dysphagia in association with cervical osteophytosis and a dental pain
Authors: Dable Rajani A , Wasnik Pradnya B , Nagmode Sunilkumar L , Ali Mukkaram Faridi
Published: September 2013

Herein, presenting a case of a 42-year-old female with the chief complaint of dysphagia. The problem was assumed to be of dental origin, due to the onset of dental pain followed by dysphagia. A cervical radiograph revealed the presence of osteophytic lipping which proved to be the cause of dysphagia. Confusing and overlapping disease entities showing similar symptoms need thorough investigation. Dysphagia related to cervical spondylosis may have a direct connection with the person′s occupation. Dentistry is considered a potentially hazardous occupation with regard to musculoskeletal disorders. However, additional studies are required to understand the occupational hazards faced by dentists.
Suprasellar dermoid cyst associated with colloid cyst of the third ventricle: Disordered embryogenesis or a mere coincidence?
Authors: Kurwale Nilesh , Kumar Rajinder , Mehar Sharma C , Sharma Bhavani Shankar
Published: September 2013

Intracranial dermoid cyst and colloid cysts of the third ventricle are rare benign congenital lesions of early adulthood. Both lesions are thought to be congenital in origin however association is rare. Only one case of this association has been reported. We report a 22-year-old male with suprasellar dermoid cyst and colloid cyst of the third ventricle presenting simultaneously. Embryogenesis of this association has been discussed.
Star product realizations of $\kappa$-Minkowski space
Authors: Durhuus Bergfinnur , Sitarz Andrzej
Published: September 2013

We define a family of star products and involutions associated with

\kappa

-Minkowski space. Applying corresponding quantization maps we show that these star products restricted to a certain space of Schwartz functions have isomorphic Banach algebra completions. For two particular star products it is demonstrated that they can be extended to a class of polynomially bounded smooth functions allowing a realization of the full Hopf algebra structure on

\kappa

-Minkowski space. Furthermore, we give an explicit realization of the action of the

\kappa

-Poincaré algebra as an involutive Hopf algebra on this representation of

\kappa

-Minkowski space and initiate a study of its properties.
An equivariant noncommutative residue
Authors: Dave Shantanu
Published: September 2013

Let

\Gamma

be a finite group acting on a compact manifold

M

and let

\mathcal{A}(M)

denote the algebra of classical complete symbols on

M

. We determine all traces on the cross-product algebra

\mathcal{A}(M) \rtimes \Gamma

as residues of certain meromorphic zeta functions. Further we compute the cyclic homology for

\mathcal{A}(M)\rtimes\Gamma

in terms of the de Rham cohomology of the fixed point manifolds

S^*M^g

. In the process certain new results on the homologies of general cross-product algebras are obtained.
Chow motives versus noncommutative motives
Authors: Tabuada Gonçalo
Published: September 2013

In this article we formalize and enhance Kontsevich’s beautiful insight that Chow motives can be embedded into noncommutative ones after factoring out by the action of the Tate object. We illustrate the potential of this result by developing three of its manyfold applications: (1) the notions of Schur and Kimura finiteness admit an adequate extension to the realm of noncommutative motives; (2) Gillet–Soulé’s motivic measure admits an extension to the Grothendieck ring of noncommutative motives; (3) certain motivic zeta functions admit an intrinsic construction inside the category of noncommutative motives.
Noncommutative quadric surfaces
Authors: Smith S. Paul , Van den Bergh Michel
Published: September 2013

The 4-dimensional Sklyanin algebra is the homogeneous coordinate ring of a noncommutative analogue of projective 3-space. The degree-two component of the algebra contains a 2-dimensional subspace of central elements. The zero loci of those central elements, except 0, form a pencil of noncommutative quadric surfaces. We show that the behavior of this pencil is similar to that of a generic pencil of quadrics in the commutative projective 3-space. There are exactly four singular quadrics in the pencil. The singular and non-singular quadrics are characterized by whether they have one or two rulings by noncommutative lines. The Picard groups of the smooth quadrics are free abelian of rank two. The alternating sum of dimensions of Ext groups allows us to define an intersection pairing on the Picard group of the smooth noncommutative quadrics. A surprise is that a smooth noncommutative quadric can sometimes contain a “curve” having self-intersection number −2. Many of the methods used in our paper are noncommutative versions of methods developed by Buchweitz, Eisenbud and Herzog: in particular, the correspondence between the geometry of a quadric hypersurface and maximal Cohen–Macaulay modules over its homogeneous coordinate ring plays a key role. An important aspect of our work is to introduce definitions of noncommutative analogues of the familiar commutative terms used in this abstract. We expect the ideas we develop here for 2-dimensional noncommutative quadric hypersurfaces will apply to higher dimensional noncommutative quadric hypersurfaces and we develop them in sufficient generality to make such applications possible.
Malaria Diagnostics in Clinical Trials
Authors: Murphy Sean C. , Shott Joseph P. , Parikh Sunil , Etter Paige , Prescott William R. , Stewart V. Ann
Published: September 2013

Malaria diagnostics are widely used in epidemiologic studies to investigate natural history of disease and in drug and vaccine clinical trials to exclude participants or evaluate efficacy. The Malaria Laboratory Network (MLN), managed by the Office of HIV/AIDS Network Coordination, is an international working group with mutual interests in malaria disease and diagnosis and in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome clinical trials. The MLN considered and studied the wide array of available malaria diagnostic tests for their suitability for screening trial participants and/or obtaining study endpoints for malaria clinical trials, including studies of HIV/malaria co-infection and other malaria natural history studies. The MLN provides recommendations on microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests, serologic tests, and molecular assays to guide selection of the most appropriate test(s) for specific research objectives. In addition, this report provides recommendations regarding quality management to ensure reproducibility across sites in clinical trials. Performance evaluation, quality control, and external quality assessment are critical processes that must be implemented in all clinical trials using malaria tests.
The Impact of a Short Depression and Anxiety Screening Tool in Epilepsy Care in Primary Health Care Settings in Zambia
Authors: Mbewe Edward K. , Uys Leana R. , Birbeck Gretchen L.
Published: September 2013

Up to 60% of the 50 million persons with epilepsy (PWE) worldwide have depression and anxiety and 80% of PWE live in low-income regions. Common psychiatric comorbidities are often unrecognized and undertreated. We developed and validated a 10-item screening tool for the detection of depression and anxiety at primary healthcare clinics in Zambia in which the baseline detection rate among PWE was 1%. We trained primary care clinic workers in selected clinics to use this screening tool. A retrospective chart review was conducted for 120 consecutive PWE who received care one month after training. Detection improved from 1% to 49%, and treatment was frequently initiated. Of the 120 screened, 59 (49.2%) scored above cutoff point of 18. Of these persons, 43 (73.0%) were positive for depression, 16 (23.0%) were positive for anxiety, 38 (64.4%) received counseling, 18 (30.5%) received antidepressants, and 3 (5.1%) were referred to a psychiatrist. Use of this screening tool resulted in improved mental health care for PWE.
Serotype-Specific Host Responses in Rhesus Macaques after Primary Dengue Challenge
Authors: Hickey Andrew C. , Koster Jacob A. , Thalmann Claudia M. , Hardcastle Kathy , Tio Phaik-Hooi , Cardosa Mary J. , Bossart Katharine N.
Published: September 2013

Dengue virus (DENV) is considered to be the most important arthropod-borne viral disease and causes more than 100 million human infections annually. To further characterize primary DENV infection in vivo, rhesus macaques were infected with DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, or DENV-4 and clinical parameters, as well as specificity and longevity of serologic responses, were assessed. Overt clinical symptoms were not present after infection. However, abnormalities in blood biochemical parameters consistent with heart, kidney, and liver damage were observed, and changes in plasma fibrinogen, D-dimers, and protein C indicated systemic activation of the blood coagulation pathway. Significant homotypic and heterotypic serum immunoglobulins were present in all animals, and IgG persisted for at least 390 days. Serum neutralizing antibody responses were highly serotype specific by day 120. However, some heterotypic neutralizing activity was noted in infected animals. Identification of serotype-specific host responses may help elucidate mechanisms that mediate severe DENV disease after reinfection.
A Critical Review of Knowledge Management in Software Process Reference Models
Authors: Galvis-Lista Ernesto , Sánchez-Torres Jenny Marcela
Published: September 2013

Knowledge Management (KM) is a critical subject for software development organizations. For this reason, the purpose of this article is to provide a critical review on the way that KM is included in several models of reference of software process (SPRM). For this, five SPRM used in the Latin American countries were selected. Then, an analysis of each process of the SPRM was performed in order to identify features related to the KM. Finally, the KM aspects were mapped in relation to the KM schools (Earl) and the KM capacities (Gold et al). The main contribution of the paper is to show some breaches in SPRM content in relation to KM schools and capabilities.
Measurement Process of Software Development Projects for Supporting Strategic Business Objectives in Software Developing Companies
Authors: Pedroso Sandra Lais , Oliveira Leonardo Rocha de
Published: September 2013

Software developing companies work in a competitive market and are often challenged to make business decisions with impact on competitiveness. Models accessing maturity for software development processes quality, such as CMMI and MPS-BR, comprise process measurements systems (PMS). However, these models are not necessarily suitable to support business decisions, neither to achieve strategic goals. The objective of this work is to analyze how the PMS of software development projects could support business strategies for software developing companies. Results taken from this work show that PMS results from maturity models for software processes can be suited to help evaluating operating capabilities and supporting strategic business decisions.
Integración de los Algoritmos de Minería de Datos 1r, Prism e ID3 a Postgresql
Authors: Robles Aranda Yadira , Sotolongo Anthony R.
Published: September 2013

In this research, data mining and decision tree techniques were analyzed as well as the induction of rules to integrate their many algorithms into the database managing system (DBMS), PostgreSQL, due to the defficiencies of the free use tools avaialable. A mechanism to optimize the performance of the implemented algorithms was proposed with the purpose of taking advantage of the PostgreSQL. By means of an experiment, it was proven that the time response and results obtained are improved when the algorithms are integrated into the managing system.
Trauma Craneoencefálico en el Departamento del Cesar, Colombia: Análisis de Frecuencia, Severidad y Complicaciones
Authors: Alvis-Miranda Hernando Raphael , Adie-Villafañe Richard José , Velasquez-Loperena Duffays , Velasquez-Loperena Robert Andres , Meza Zenen Carmona , Alcalá-Cerra Gabriel , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael
Published: September 2013

Objetivo

Analizar la epidemiología del traumatismo craneoencefálico durante los días de semana y los fines de semana en el departamento del Cesar, Colombia.

Materiales y métodos

Estudio retrospectivo, de base poblacional; se realizó análisis estadístico determinándose distribución de frecuencia a cada una de las variables de los datos obtenidos.

Resultados

Se analizaron las características epidemiológicas de los pacientes en el departamento del Cesar, la edad promedio de 38 ±18,8, siendo 98 (70,5%) del sexo masculino y 41 (29,5%) del sexo femenino. De acuerdo al sexo en relación a las zona, la zona Norte 84 (68,9%) hombres y 39 (31,1%) mujeres, la zona centro 5 hombres (100%) y la zona sur 9 hombres (75%) y 3 mujeres (25%), por otro lado se analizó la distribución de acuerdo al sexo y a la ocurrencia de traumas craneoencefálicos los fines de semana y días hábiles, el sexo masculino presentó 40 casos (81,6%) y los días hábiles 72 casos (69,2%), en relación al sexo femenino presento 9 casos (18,4%) y los días hábiles 34 (32,7%).

Conclusiones

El trauma craneoencefálico es un problema de salud pública. En el departamento del Cesar se requiere la implantación de estrategias de prevención de este tipo de lesiones. Los accidentes de tráfico continúan como primera causa, afectando, principalmente a la población joven masculina.
Traumatic Thoracic Duct Transection managed with Left Thoracoscopy: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Smith-Singares Eduardo , Saied Abdul
Published: September 2013

Context

Chylothorax is an uncommon complication after penetrating trauma to the chest and the neck. Only 25% of all chylothorax cases are related to penetrating trauma. We report such a case on a transmediastinal stab wound, managed by video-assisted thoracic surgery.

Case report

A 48-year-old male presented to our level I trauma center after sustaining a stab wound to the right chest. Initial workup revealed a left side pneumothorax. After chest tube placement 700 ml of blood and milky fluid were recovered. The patient was managed initially with TPN, without success. On day 3, he was taken to the OR for a left VATS. The thoracic duct was dissected and the injury identified and controlled with hemoclips. The intervention was successful and the patient was discharged on POD #4.

Discussion

Chylothorax are classified and managed according to the daily output of the fistula. While low output chylothorax are more frequent, more likely related to malignancy of the mediastinum and lymph nodes, and more likely to close with nonsurgical management; traumatic chylothorax are generally high output and more likely to require surgical intervention. The different approaches to this difficult pathology are reviewed.

How to cite this article

Smith-Singares E, Saied A. Traumatic Thoracic Duct Transection managed with Left Thoracoscopy: A Case Report and Review of Literature. Panam J Trauma Critical Care Emerg Surg 2013;2(2):97-99.
Utility of Transesophageal Echocardiography in Confirmation of Spread of Local Anesthetic in the Epidural Space
Authors: Puri GD , Kumar Bhupesh , Goswami Vikas , Rana SS
Published: September 2013

A 30-years-old female with diagnosis of carcinoid tumor of right bronchus was planned to undergo right pneumonectomy under combined epidural and general anesthesia. A pediatric transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe was inserted for intraoperative monitoring of the right ventricular function. It also showed spinal canal structures (dura matter, epidural and subarachnoid space and spinal cord) and helped in visualization of local anesthetic spread in the epidural space.

How to cite this article

Kumar B, Goswami V, Rana SS, Puri GD. Utility of Transesophageal Echocardiography in Confirmation of Spread of Local Anesthetic in the Epidural Space. J Perioper Echocardiogr 2013;1(2):72-74.
A estrutura do ensino superior no Brasil
Authors: Roth Leonardo , De Espíndola André Mauro Santos , Santos Vivian Oliveira , Dorion Eric Charles Henri , Fachinelli Ana Cristina , Severo Eliana Andréa
Published: September 2013

O ensino superior no Brasil passou recentemente por uma reformulação legal e estrutural. Em um contexto onde o país, no cenário mundial destaca-se como um mercado em desenvolvimento que começa a atrair a atenção de grandes empresas multinacionais onde, a qualificação da mão de obra é fundamental, dentro de uma visão de inteligência competitiva. Este trabalho busca, através de uma revisão da literatura, compreender a estrutura do ensino superior brasileiro, descrevendo as questões legais, estruturais e específicas. Foi possível verificar que as mudanças ocorridas a partir da Constituição de 1988, a publicação na nova Lei de Diretrizes e Bases da Educação – LDB em 1999, o baixo nível de investimento público no ensino superior e a demanda de mercado abriram a possibilidade de um maior investimento privado na educação superior. Dentre as instituições privadas, as comunitárias tem assumido um papel fundamental ao assumir a responsabilidade de instância intermediária entre o conhecimento produzido e transmitido, suprir a demanda do mercado, formando mão de obra qualifica para atender os problemas sociais e econômicos pertinentes da comunidade.
A grade curricular dos cursos de ciências contábeis e os resultados institucionais no ENADE: um estudo nas disciplinas da área da contabilidade financeira e de orçamento
Authors: Quintana Alexandre Costa , Perazo Ana Néles Chaves , Fernandes Vera Lucia Pinheiro
Published: September 2013

O Exame Nacional de Desempenho de Estudantes (ENADE) avalia o rendimento dos alunos dos cursos de graduação, ingressantes e concluintes, em relação aos conteúdos programáticos dos cursos em que estão matriculados. Nesse sentido, ao analisar a carga horária das disciplinas da área da contabilidade financeira e orçamentária nos cursos de graduação em Ciências Contábeis, poderá se obter um panorama de como as Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) estão provendo os seus estudantes sob este foco. O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar a carga horária das disciplinas da área de contabilidade financeira e orçamentária nas IES, que ofertam o curso de Ciências Contábeis, com a intenção de investigar se existe uma relação com resultado do ENADE, nas instituições que obtiveram conceito entre 3 e 5. Justifica-se a realização da pesquisa por contribuir com outros estudos voltados a área do ensino de contabilidade e sua evolução ao longo dos anos. Dado que a Universidade desempenha importante papel na formação dos futuros profissionais que em breve atuarão no mercado de trabalho e que deverão ter, além de uma base sólida voltada a profissão de sua escolha. Para alcançar os objetivos, realizou-se uma investigação documental nas grades curriculares das IES do Rio Grande do Sul, em confronto com os resultados obtidos por estas instituições nas provas do ENADE 2006 e 2009. Para testar a possível relação foi utilizado a correlação linear de Pearson. A análise mostrou uma correlação fraca entre a carga horária das disciplinas e o conceito obtido pelas IES estudadas. Em 2006, percebe que apesar de baixa existe alguma correlação. Por outro lado, em 2009, o índice indica que não há correlação entre as variáveis.
Análise dos antecedentes e consequentes da qualidade do relacionamento em instituições de ensino superior públicas estaduais
Authors: Mantovani Danielle , Araújo Joseane Petenaci de , Prado Paulo Henrique Muller
Published: September 2013

O principal objetivo deste estudo é analisar quais os antecedentes e os consequentes da qualidade do relacionamento entre estudantes e a IES a qual pertencem. Como antecedentes analisa-se a qualidade percebida nos serviços e a equidade. Como consequente analisa-se a lealdade acadêmica. A qualidade do relacionamento aqui proposta inclui três variáveis: a satisfação, a confiança e o comprometimento. Com caráter metodológico quantitativo não-probabilístico, foi realizado um survey com 684 acadêmicos dos vinte e dois cursos existentes nos três Campi que integram uma Universidade Estadual na região. Foram confirmadas as premissas de impacto positivo e significante entre as variáveis antecedentes (Qualidade Percebida e Equidade) sobre a Satisfação. Os construtos conseqüentes também foram significativos. Obsevou-se ainda que neste contexto a qualidade percebida parece ser um antecedente mais efetivo sobre a confiança do que a satisfação. Além disso, a satisfação, a confiança e o comprometimento impactam de maneira positiva a lealdade do estudante. Tais resultados contribuem para ajudar a explicar os fatores contribuem para que o estudante permaneça na instituição e tenha um bom relacionamento com a mesma.
Permafrost temperature and active-layer thickness of Yakutia with 0.5-degree spatial resolution for model evaluation
Authors: Beer C. , Fedorov A. N. , Torgovkin Y.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Based on the map of landscapes and permafrost conditions in Yakutia (Merzlotno-landshaftnaya karta Yakutskoi0 ASSR, Gosgeodeziya SSSR, 1991), rasterized maps of permafrost temperature and active-layer thickness of Yakutia, East Siberia were derived. The mean and standard deviation at 0.5-degree grid cell size are estimated by assigning a probability density function at 0.001-degree spatial resolution. The gridded datasets can be accessed at the PANGAEA repository (doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.808240). Spatial pattern of both variables are dominated by a climatic gradient from north to south, and by mountains and the soil type distribution. Uncertainties are highest in mountains and in the sporadic permafrost zone in the south. The maps are best suited as a benchmark for land surface models which include a permafrost module.
Novel fully-integrated biosensor for endotoxin detection via polymyxin B immobilization onto gold electrodes
Authors: Zuzuarregui A. , Arana S. , Pérez-Lorenzo E. , Sánchez-Gómez S. , Martínez de Tejada G. , Mujika M.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. In this paper an electrochemical endotoxin biosensor consisting of an immobilized lipopolysaccharide (LPS) ligand, polymyxin B (PmB), is presented. Several parameters involved both in the device fabrication and in the detection process were analyzed to optimize the ligand immobilization and the interaction between PmB and LPS, aiming at increasing the sensitivity of the sensor. Different electrochemical pre-treatment procedures as well as the functionalization methods were studied and evaluated. The use of a SAM (self-assembled monolayer) to immobilize PmB and the quantification of the interactions via cyclic voltammetry allowed the development of a robust and simple device for in situ detection of LPS. Thus, the biosensor proposed in this work intends an approach to the demanding needs of the market for an integrated, portable and simple instrument for endotoxin detection.
Seismic zones for Azores based on statistical criteria
Authors: Rodrigues M. C. M. , Oliveira C. S.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The objective of this paper is to define seismic zones in the Azores based on statistical criteria. These seismic zones will likely be used in seismic simulations of occurrences in the Azores Archipelago. The data used in this work cover the time period from 1915 to 2011. The Azores region was divided into 1° × 1° area units, for which the seismicity and the maximum magnitudes of events were calculated. The seismicity, the largest earthquakes recorded and the geological characteristics of the region were used to group these area units because similar seismic zones must delineate areas with homogeneous seismic characteristics. We have identified seven seismic zones. To verify that the defined areas differ statistically, we considered the following dissimilarity measures (variables): time, size and seismic conditions – the number of seismic events with specific characteristics. Statistical tests, particularly goodness-of-fit tests, allowed us to conclude that, considering these three variables, the seven earthquake zones defined here are statistically distinct.
The Nonconsenting Innocent State: The Problem with Bethlehem’s Principle 12
Authors: Tladi Dire
Published: September 2013

In a recent issue of this Journal, Daniel Bethlehem proposed a set of principles on the scope of a state’s right of self-defense against an imminent or actual armed attack by nonstate actors. In response, this essay seeks to assess Bethlehem’s proposition in principle 12 that a state may use force against nonstate actors on the territory of another state without the consent of the territorial state when the territorial state is not responsible for the initial attack and when the attack cannot be imputed to the territorial state. This description might be termed the non-consenting innocent state problem.
Are New Principles Really Needed? The Potential of the Established Distinction Between Responsibility for Attacks by Nonstate Actors and the Law of Self-Defense
Authors: Hmoud Mahmoud
Published: September 2013

Daniel Bethlehem’s note on self-defense principles is intended to stimulate debate on one of the most contentious issues facing the international community today, namely, the legal response to imminent or actual terrorist attacks by nonstate actors. The note contains a set of principles that are sensitive to the practical realities of the circumstances that it addresses. But it is also intended to take up a legal policy matter—to create or amend principles of international law related to the use of armed force in dealing with threats from nonstate actors. To create or amend these principles, there must be clear evidence and sufficient state practice, or at least opinio juris, pointing toward the change of existing rules or the creation of new rules to “fill the gap.” The whole balance in international law among the various rights, obligations, and interests of international actors will be compromised if the notion of self-defense is to be expanded beyond its legitimate limitations. As illustrated below by some basic examples drawn from the existing law of self-defense, there is sufficient flexibility in the current legal order to allow for the lawful exercise of self-defense in response to most situations of armed terrorist attacks.
Principles of Self-Defense—A Brief Response
Authors: Bethlehem Daniel
Published: September 2013

I am pleased to provide a brief response to the comments in the pages of this Journal on my note on self-defense principles and to welcome those comments, as well as others, as contributing to the kind of debate that publication of the principles hoped to achieve. I do not agree with much that has been said but am pleased that the public debate has been joined.
Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum Co.: The Supreme court and the Alien Tort Statute
Authors: Stewart David P. , Wuerth Ingrid
Published: September 2013

The U.S. Supreme Court has finally decidedKiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum Co.It is the Court’s second modern decision applying the cryptic Alien Tort Statute (ATS), which was enacted in 1789. Since the 1980 court of appeals decision inFilartiga v. Pena-Iralapermitting a wide of range human rights cases to go forward under the statute’s auspices, the ATS has garnered worldwide attention and has become the main engine for transnational human rights litigation in the United States. The statute itself and the decisions that it generates also serve as state practice that might contribute to the developing customary international law of civil universal jurisdiction, immunity for defendants in human rights cases, the duties of corporations, and the right to a remedy for violations of fundamental human rights. During the 1990s, the ATS became the focal point for academic disputes about the status of customary international law as federal common law. Indeed, to the extent that the “culture wars” have played out in U.S. foreign relations law, the ATS has been their center of gravity.
United States v. Dire
Authors: Kontorovich Eugene
Published: September 2013

In the first criminal piracy decision by a United States court in nearly a century, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled that the federal piracy statute’s reference to the “law of nations” explicitly ties the scope of the offense to evolving customary international law definitions of the crime. The court went on to find that under current customary and treaty law, attempted piracy falls within the scope of the international crime. In doing so, it joined several courts in nations around the world that have confronted the issue as a result of the outbreak of Somali piracy that began in 2008.
Use of PCR-DGGE Based Molecular Methods to Analyse Microbial Community Diversity and Stability during the Thermophilic Stages of an ATAD Wastewater Sludge Treatment Process as an Aid to Performance Monitoring
Authors: Piterina Anna V. , Pembroke J. Tony
Published: September 2013

PCR and PCR-DGGE techniques have been evaluated to monitor biodiversity indexes within an ATAD (autothermal thermophilic aerobic digestion) system treating domestic sludge for land spread, by examining microbial dynamics in response to elevated temperatures during treatment. The ATAD process utilises a thermophilic population to generate heat and operates at elevated pH due to degradation of sludge solids, thus allowing pasteurisation and stabilisation of the sludge. Genera-specific PCR revealed that Archaea, Eukarya and Fungi decline when the temperature reaches 59°C, while the bacterial lineage constitutes the dominant group at this stage. The bacterial community at the thermophilic stage, its similarity index to the feed material, and the species richness present were evaluated by PCR-DGGE. Parameters such as choice of molecular target (16S rDNA or rpoB genes), and electrophoresis condition, were optimised to maximise the resolution of the method for ATAD. Dynamic analysis of microbial communities was best observed utilising PCR-DGGE analysis of the V6-V8 region of 16S rDNA, while rpoB gene profiles were less informative. Unique thermophilic communities were shown to quickly adapt to process changes, and shown to be quite stable during the process. Such techniques may be used as a monitoring technique for process health and efficiency.
Determination of Chloramphenicol in Honey, Milk, and Egg by Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry: Single-Laboratory Validation
Authors: Ozcan Nihat , Aycan Ozlem
Published: September 2013

This study describes determination of chloramphenicol (CAP) in honey, milk, and egg by LC-electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS. CAP was extracted with ethyl acetate from honey, and with acetonitrile from milk and egg. d5-CAP was used as the internal standard. Separation was achieved on a ZORBAX Eclipse C18 2.1 id, 150 mm, 2.1 μm column. The mass spectrometer was equipped with an ESI interface in negative mode. Mass determination of CAP and d5-CAP was carried out in selected ion monitoring mode by scanning m/z 321 for CAP and m/z 326 for d5-CAP as quantification ions, and m/z 323 as the confirmation ion. The validation of the analytical method was performed by carrying out linearity, LOD, LOQ, accuracy, precision, and recovery. Calibration curve was linear between 0.1 and 20.0 ng/g with correlation coefficient >0.998. Accuracy of the method for the honey sample was 95%, and for the milk powder sample 106%. Precision of the method, expressed as CV%, varied between 1.60 and 4.37 for intraday and 2.00 to 5.67 for interday. Quantification limits of method were 0.05, 0.08, and 0.09 ng/g for egg, milk, and honey, respectively. Recovery of the method ranged between 86 and 103% for all three matrixes and two different concentrations. Finally, the method was checked by participating proficiency tests from the Food Analysis Performance and Assessment Scheme 0281 and 0298 honey samples. Z scores were –1.0 and 0.4, respectively.
Determination of Residues of Three Triphenylmethane Dyes and Their Metabolites (Malachite Green, Leuco Malachite Green, Crystal Violet, Leuco Crystal Violet, and Brilliant Green) in Aquaculture Products by LC/MS/MS: First Action 2012.25
Authors: Hurtaud-Pessel Dominique , Couëdor Pierrick , Verdon Eric , Dowell Dawn
Published: September 2013

During the AOAC Annual Meeting held from September 30 to October 3, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV, the Expert Review Panel (ERP) on Veterinary Drug Residues reviewed data for the method for determination of residues of three triphenylmethane dyes and their metabolites (malachite green, leuco malachite green, crystal violet, leuco crystal violet, and brilliant green) in aquaculture products by LC/MS/MS, previously published in the Journal of Chromatography A 1218, 1632–1645 (2006). The method data were reviewed and compared to the standard method performance requirements (SMPRs) found in SMPR 2009.001, published in AOAC's Official Methods of Analysis, 19th Ed. (2012). The ERP determined that the data were acceptable, and the method was approved AOAC Official First Action. The method uses acetonitrile to isolate the analyte from the matrix. Then determination is conducted by LC/MS/MS with positive electrospray ionization. Accuracy ranged from 100.1 to 109.8% for samples fortified at levels of 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, and 2.0 μg/kg. Precision ranged from 2.0 to 10.3% RSD for the intraday samples and 1.9 to 10.6% for the interday samples analyzed over 3 days. The described method is designed to accurately operate in the analytical range from 0.5 to 2 μg/kg, where the minimum required performance limit for laboratories has been fixed in the European Union at 2.0 μg/kg for these banned substances and their metabolites. Upper levels of concentrations (1–100 μg/kg) can be analyzed depending on the different optional calibrations used.