bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective Size and Number of Components
Authors: Taagepera Rein , Grofman Bernard
Published: January 2017

Two families of indices are defined which may be used to characterize the effective number of components in systems with unequal component sizes. A general formula is staled relating size, effective size, and effective number of components. Special cases of this formula are considered which yield formulae identical or closely related to a variety of other expressions including entropy, the Greehberg-Lieberson index of diversity (also known as the Rae-Taylor fractionalization index), the Herfindahl-Hirschman concentration index, the coefficient of variation, the ordinary mean, the weighted mean and the harmonic mean. Applications of these formulae are considered for a variety of problems, including measurement of population and GNP concentrations, distinguishing between density and crowding, and reconciling differing student and faculty perceptions of average class size.
Surgery and Community Participation in a Community-Based Programme in War Situations
Authors: Makender E , Qasim S , Meo G
Published: January 2017

The paper presents the results and the experience gained from three ‘mass surgical interventions’ conducted in the Alpha Civil Hospital, Billing in south Sudan in the period between October 1996 and November 1997. The results showed that surgical services can be provided safely and economically even under most difficult conditions provided professional experience plus community commitment and participation are there. Such interventions lead to the development of strong community self-reliance and willingness which are fundamental if the programme is to be sustained.
Build Your Own Multipurpose, Economically Priced Portable Stereo Microscope
Authors: Peltola T J , Mäntyjärvi M , Teräsvirta M , Kemppainen H
Published: January 2017

Binocular loupes and stereo microscopes are expensive items of equipment. However, inexpensive operating microscopes (ophthalmic) with coaxial illumination have been constructed for use in developing countries, where there is little medical funding. We describe one method of transforming economically priced pocket binoculars into a portable stereo microscope with nearly coaxial illumination.
Cavernosal Spongiosium Shunt in the Management of Priapism in Zaria, Nigeria
Authors: Dawam D , Kalayi G , Nmadu P N
Published: January 2017

Between 1982 and 1994 13 patients have needed surgery for priapism persisting after conservative measures using the technique described by Quackel.
Prescription Audit: Experience in Garhwal (Uttaranchal), India
Authors: Rishi R K , Sangeeta Sharma , Surendra K , Tailang M
Published: January 2017

A total of 400 prescriptions were randomly audited from Govern Combined Hospital, Srinagar (Garhwal). Various prescribing specific indicators (recommended by World Health Organization and others) were studied and patient compliance was measured. All of the prescriptions were written for outpatients (males 59.25%; females 40.75%). The average number of drugs prescribed was 3.65 and about 51% of the drugs were prescribed by generic names. NSAIDs were the most widely prescribed (89.75%), antibiotics (77.25%), and vitamins (59.74%) in various clinical conditions. The diagnosis was mentioned only in 22.25% of the prescriptions. A total of 59% fixed dose combinations (FDCs) were prescribed. The patient compliance was 71.5%. The injection use was found to be 7% only. Our survey reveals increased drug exposure to the patients, indiscriminate use of NSAIDs, antibiotics and vitamins. Further studies in this area using a larger sample size should be carried out, and a well designed training programme should be conducted on rational drug use.
Factors Responsible for Coverage and Compliance in Mass Drug Administration during the Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis in the East Godavari District, South India
Authors: Babu B V , Satyanarayana K
Published: January 2017

The paper attempts to report the factors responsible for the coverage and compliance of mass diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) administration, during the programme to eliminate lymphatic filariasis in the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, India. The evaluation survey indicates that single dose DEC was received by 77% and taken by 64% of eligible people. Reasons for non-reception and non-consumption of the drug at household level were identified. The factors that influenced the coverage and compliance of treatment are broadly categorized as health services related, community related and drug related factors. The study identified some key factors to be followed for the success of the programme.
Drug Treatment Costs: Projected Impact of Using the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses
Authors: Wammanda R D , Ejembi C L , Iorliam T
Published: January 2017

The strategy of integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) aims at improving the skills of first level health workers and consequently, improving the survival chances of children. The guidelines have been shown to be cost-effective. We aimed to determine the potential impact of using IMCI guidelines on drug treatment cost. The cost of drugs prescribed for 129 sick children, by first level health workers, who were managed at three primary health facilities in Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was calculated. The corresponding cost using the IMCI guidelines was also calculated. There were 74 males and 55 females (M:F=1.3:1). An average of 4.5 drugs per patient were prescribed by the health workers compared to 2.3 drugs per patient when using the IMCI guidelines. The total cost of drugs prescribed by the health workers was N15 279.39 with an average of N118.44 per child. The corresponding costs had the IMCI guidelines been used were N3 062.53 and N23.73, respectively. Treatment cost using the traditional method was 4.98 times more expensive than using methods advocated by the IMCI guidelines. The projected cost savings related to drugs when using IMCI guidelines were based on the assumption that inappropriate drugs would not be prescribed by health workers once they are introduced to and started using the IMCI guidelines.
Utility of Intradermal Smear in the Diagnosis of Malaria
Authors: Singh H , Sen R , Singh S , Siwach S B , Jagdish  , Singh R M
Published: January 2017

The objective of this preliminary study was to evaluate the usefulness of the intradermal smear test in the diagnosis of malaria. One hundred cases of suspected malaria (having received no prior antimalarials) were investigated. Both peripheral blood film (PBF) and intradermal smears (IDS) were simultaneously prepared and patients placed on antimalarial therapy. The slides were repeated for the next 2 days. At admission, 70 cases were positive on PBF −59 were Plasmodium falciparum (PF) and 11 were Plasmodium vivax (PV) whereas surprisingly 62 cases were positive on IDS at admission −61 were PF, one was PV. IDS identified two more cases of PF [ P value (not significant)] but failed to identify any new cases of PV ( P value NS).

On subsequent days IDS positivity for PF was higher than for PBF ( P< 0.05 for day 1 and P < 0.001 for day 2). However, the PV yield was poor for any further statistical evaluation on subsequent days.

We conclude that IDS is simple, easy to perform, requires no special infrastructure compared to PBF, and is a helpful diagnostic tool in cases where malaria is strongly suspected but peripheral blood slides are repeatedly negative due to prior use of antimalarial therapy. IDS may be added to routine PBF in malaria (especially PF).
Ocular Alterations in Patients with Cutaneous and Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Wunderle Ingrid I H , de Kaspar Herminia Miño , Cabrera Elvira , de Arias Antonieta Rojas , Froehlich Stephan J , de Bilbao Ninfa Vera , Insfran Nestor Sanchez , Azorero Ricardo Moreno , Klauss Volker
Published: January 2017

Leishmaniasis is a parasitosis with high prevalence and increasing epidemiologic relevance. Ocular manifestations of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) have been well studied, but less is known about ocular alterations in cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (CL/MCL). Fifty-five patients with CL/MCL and a seronegative control group of 39 were examined ophthalmologically in Paraguay. CL/MCL was diagnosed clinically by detection of the parasite, with serological methods and/or intradermal reaction.
Non-Typhoidal Salmonella Bacteraemia - An Under-Recognized Feature of AIDS in African Adults
Authors: Kankwatira Anstead M , Mwafulirwa Gershom A K , Gordon Melita A
Published: January 2017

Non-typhoidal salmonella (NTS) infections are severe, invasive and recurrent in the HIV-infected adult, and NTS are the commonest cause of hospital admission with bacteraemia in sub-Saharan Africa. NTS bacteraemia typically presents in patients with HIV/AIDS once the CD4 count falls below 200 cells/μL. In-patient mortality is 35%–60%, and is highest in patients with confusion or severe anaemia. Among survivors, 25%–45% may have single or multiple recurrences of NTS bacteraemia 1–6 months after the first illness, requiring retreatment. Diagnosis relies on blood culture, so in many areas this disease cannot be definitively diagnosed, and must be empirically treated. Treatment is guided by local antibiotic sensitivities; fluoroquinolones are particularly useful for initial treatment if there is multidrug reistance to other agents, and may result in lower recurrence rates than other agents. Where possible, long-term secondary chemoprophylaxis to prevent recurrence is advisable. Successful ARV treatment also prevents recurrence. There is inadequate knowledge about the epidemiology of carriage and transmission among at-risk populations.
Pneumococcal Infections in HIV Infected Adults - Clinical Features, Reasons behind the Association and Future Hopes for Prevention
Authors: Gordon Stephen
Published: January 2017

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most important bacterial cause of pneumonia and meningitis among adults world wide. It is a particularly common cause of these infections and also bacteraemia among HIV infected adults with rates of disease increasing to more than 100 times the normal as HIV infection progresses to AIDS. This article briefly describes the common presentations and outcomes of pneumococcal disease (PD) in HIV infected adult inpatients in Malawi. Factors underlying susceptibility to pneumococcal infection in HIV infected adults are then reviewed, along with the effectiveness of current vaccines. Finally, novel approaches that will be needed to combat PD in HIV afflicted parts of the world are suggested.
The Role of Eyelash Dyes in Allergic Eye Diseases
Authors: Mselle James
Published: January 2017

A case-control study was carried out on 544 patients who attended our out-patient eye clinic from 1998 to 2002 to determine the role of eyelash dye in allergic eye diseases. There were 272 cases who had allergic eye disease and 272 controls who were patients with no allergic eye disease. The results showed that 51.8% of all patients used eyelash dyes, 70.8% of whom used home-made dyes. A total of 82.6% of patients reported the worsening of the eye condition after starting the use of eyelash dyes. Of the 272 cases, 63.2% used eyelash dyes; in the control group, 40.4% used eyelash dyes. This was a statistically significant difference.

It was concluded that eyelash dyes can be one of the major precipitating/aggravating factors in allergic eye diseases.
Acute Pyogenic Iliopsoas Abscess in Children in Nepal
Authors: Shah R K , Singh R P , Shah N P
Published: January 2017

We describe a prospective study of twenty-four cases of acute pyogenic abscess of the iliopsoas in children treated conservatively and operatively. Eight patients were managed conservatively with antibiotics alone while sixteen others were managed operatively by open drainage. All made a complete recovery.
Epidemiology and Control of Pertussis
Authors: Muller A S , Leeuwenburg J , Pratt David S
Published: January 2017

An estimated 60 million children suffer from whooping cough annually, causing half a million deaths.

The gradual decline in incidence rates observed in Europe and North America even before the introduction of pertussis immunization is not likely to occur within the near future in developing countries short of widespread immunization efforts.

The present pertussis vaccine is effective, and serious adverse effects are rare in comparison with the consequences of the disease itself. A new, acel-lular vaccine is under trial and holds promise for the future.

Epidemiological studies and surveillance for pertussis activity are hampered by the fact that the clinical diagnosis is difficult to make under field conditions. New serological techniques may bring improvement in this respect.

Immunization does not play a significant role in outbreak control. Outbreak investigations are, however, extremely valuable for assessment of the effectiveness of immunization programmes; they provide valuable information, not easily obtained by other means, on age-specific attack rates and vaccine efficacy if the immunization status of the population is known.
Itraconazole in the Treatment of Sporotrichosis: A Korean Experience
Authors: Houh W , Chung S R , Ro B I
Published: January 2017

We describe three cases of sporotrichosis which were successfully treated with itraconazole 100 mg daily. Itraconazole was effective and well tolerated in one patient with lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis who discontinued potassium iodide therapy because of side-effects and in two patients with fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis.
Clinical Presentation of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in under 10s and Differences in AIDS-Related Cases: A Cohort Study of 115 Patients
Authors: Garay J E
Published: January 2017

One hundred and fifteen cases of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in children under 10 were reviewed, including a case—control retrospective study between HIV positive (+ ve) and HIV negative (–ve) children. Overall, respiratory symptoms not responding to acute respiratory infection (ARI) protocol and >10% weight loss or failure to thrive during 3 months were the main presenting symptons, but chronic fever alone is also common in HIV infected children with PTB. Hylar enlargement is the most frequent radiologic pattern, although lobar infiltrates are common when HIV infection coexists. Gastric lavage culture was an important diagnostic tool but Mantoux test, gastric lavage direct smear and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels, were not helpful in diagnosing PTB. Our findings suggest that when HIV infection is suspected or confirmed, chronic fever and lower lobe infiltrates should also be considered as PTB warning signs.
Childhood Chronic Lung Disease in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Dawson K P , Bakalinova Daniela
Published: January 2017

We report our observations on the pattern of referral of children with chronic lung disease (CLD) in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. In a 1-year period 45 children were seen with severe lung disease from an estimated childhood population of 90 000. Bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis (CF) and congenital lung disorders were the main diagnoses made. The indigenous Arab population who represent half the total population of the district appear to be at particular risk of severe lung disease. Chest X-ray and high resolutation computerized tomography (CT) were the most commonly used imaging investigations to reach a diagnosis.
Primary Small Bowel Volvulus in Rural Nepal
Authors: Parkes Gary
Published: January 2017

Primary small bowel volvulus is the commonest cause of intestinal obstruction in the Gorkha district of Nepal resulting in laparotomy. Yet, this problem is mentioned only briefly, if at all, in many standard textbooks of surgery.

This paper presents details of the presentation, clinical findings, and surgical management of 18 cases of primary small bowel volvulus.

Small bowel volvulus occurred in adults only, with an overwhelming male predominance and a low mortality despite late presentation in the majority of cases.

Attention is drawn to the common finding of localized ischaemia of several centimetres of terminal ileum.
The Patentability of the Native Hawaiian Genome
Authors: Singeo Lindsey
Published: January 2017

In 2003, the University of Hawaii proposed patenting the Native Hawaiian genome with the purpose of generating both economic- and healthrelated benefits for the Native Hawaiian people. This proposal, however, was strongly opposed by the Native Hawaiian community, which viewed it as an unwelcome imposition of Western property concepts upon their traditional ideology. Population-based genetic databases are not an entirely new concept. The governments of Iceland and Estonia have created national genetic databases and assumed authority over their ownership and operation. Iceland has even licensed its genome to a private company. Furthermore, the United States has previously been involved in patenting the genetic code of other indigenous groups, such as the Hagahai tribe in Papua New Guinea and the native inhabitants of the Solomon Islands. A patent on the Native Hawaiian genome, however, would be unique because it would concern the rights of American citizens.
Emerging Neurotechnologies for Lie Detection and the Fifth Amendment
Authors: Stoller Sarah E. , Wolpe Paul Root
Published: January 2017

The development of a successful lie detector has been a dream of governments and law enforcement since ancient times. A Hindu Veda written around 900 B.C.E. suggests a strategy for detecting lying behavior in suspects:

A person who gives poison may be recognized. He does not answer questions, or they are evasive answers; he speaks nonsense, rubs the great toe along the ground, and shivers; his face is discolored; he rubs the roots of the hair with his fingers; and he tries by every means to leave the house … .

Six hundred years later, the Greeks were attempting to detect lies by feeling the suspect's pulse. What is interesting about both the early Hindu and Greek examples is that the methods employed were empirical; the interrogators were looking for physiological changes in the body that corresponded to the mental state in question.
Affordable Care Act Litigation: The Standing Paradox
Authors: Leonard Elizabeth Weeks
Published: January 2017

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA or the “Act”) litigation presents a standing paradox. In the current posture, it appears that states lack standing to challenge the federal law on behalf of individuals, while individuals possess standing to challenge the federal law on behalf of states. This Article contends that there is no principled reason for this asymmetry and argues that standing doctrine should apply as liberally to states as to individuals, assuming states allege the constitutional minimum requirements for standing and especially where the legal challenge turns on the allocation of power between the federal government and the states. While states may have no greater claim to judicial review of federal laws than individuals, they should not have any less.

The Supreme Court will not have to reach this particular procedural conundrum to decide the merits of the Florida lawsuit on which it granted certiorari because the particular constellation of plaintiffs before the Court covers all fronts.
A Proposal for Comprehensive and Specific Essential Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits
Authors: Tovino Stacey A.
Published: January 2017

This Article analyzes the initial efforts of the Federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to implement the essential mental health and substance use disorder services benefit required by section 1302(b)(1)(E) of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and proposes the adoption of a comprehensive and specific essential mental health and substance use disorder benefit set. At a minimum, the benefit set should cover medically necessary and evidence-based inpatient and outpatient mental healthcare services, inpatient substance abuse detoxification services, inpatient and outpatient substance abuse rehabilitation services, emergency mental healthcare services, prescription drugs for mental health conditions, participation in psychiatric disease management programs, and community-based mental healthcare services.

This Article builds on three previous articles that have proposed reforms of federal and state mental health parity laws and mandatory mental health and substance use disorder benefit laws.
Venous Distension in the Diabetic Neuropathic Foot (Physical Sign of Arteriovenous Shunting)
Authors: Ward J D , Boulton A J M , Simms J M , Sandler D A , Knight G
Published: January 2017

A new physical sign is described in the feet of a group of diabetic patients with ulcerating neuropathic problems, in which major venous distension of the veins on the dorsum of the foot and lower calf is seen. Elevation of the leg is required to an average height of 32.3 cm to cause collapse of these distended veins. It is suggested that this clinical sign indicates the presence of arteriovenous shunting in such neuropathic legs, and as such is a simple and useful measure of this abnormality.
Use of Jonas Silicon-Silver Prosthesis in Erectile Impotence
Authors: Rowe P H , Royle M G
Published: January 2017

Eleven patients presenting over the last three years with erectile impotence who have been treated by the insertion of the Jonas Silicon-Silver penile prosthesis are reviewed. The insertion of this prosthesis is a minor procedure. It has a simple design, low cost, no permanent erection or mechanical problems and an excellent cosmetic and functional result.
Complications of Saturation Diving
Authors: Leitch D R
Published: January 2017

The experience of 458 man-dives with 731 excursions between 50 m and 300 m carried out by Royal Navy saturation divers is summarized. During saturation decompression there were 6 treated bends and 33 reported niggles. Two bends occurred in dives deeper than 249 m and the remaining 4 bends occurred in dives where decompression began in much less than the saturation stop time after completion of downward excursions. There was one case of vestibular system decompression sickness after an excursion to 300 m. It is concluded that the decompression table is effective in use shallower than 150 m but that the risk increases with greater depth. There is, however, only limited experience in the deeper range. There is no evidence that chamber compression with air to 10 m adversely affects decompression from deeper than 50 m. An account of the medical and physiological conditions affecting divers in these dives is given.
Treatment of Cigarette Smoking with Short-Term High-Dosage Corticotrophin Therapy: Preliminary Communication
Authors: Bourne Stephen
Published: January 2017

Uncontrolled studies have indicated that the smoker's lift' can be simulated clinically by short-term, high-dosage corticotrophin therapy. Following such treatment, smokers previously prevented by the withdrawal syndrome from giving up smoking were able to do so easily. All 10 patients reported here were still not smoking after seven months.
Unifying Concept of Pelvic Floor Disorders and Incontinence
Authors: Swash M , Henry M M , Snooks S J
Published: January 2017

Denervation of pelvic floor sphincter muscles is a feature of pelvic floor disorders. When severe, it may be accompanied by stress incontinence of faeces, or of urine. The extent of chronic partial denervation of these pelvic floor muscles can be quantified by electromyography (EMG), and its cause identified by electrophysiological studies of the motor innervation of these striated muscles. Damage to this innervation is often initiated by childbirth, but appears to progress during a period of many years so that the functional disorder usually presents in middle life. Incontinence develops in some patients, but not in others. This can be predicted by the severity of the abnormalities found in EMG studies of the pelvic sphincter musculature and motor latency studies of its innervation. The results of such investigations in the six common types of pelvic floor disorder are presented. Recognition of the causative factors leading to damage to the innervation of the pelvic sphincter muscles implies new approaches to treatment and to prevention of pelvic floor disorders and incontinence.
Bilateral Oxford Meniscal Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Sherman K P , Tibrewal S , Goodfellow J , O'Connor J
Published: January 2017

Thirty-two patients who underwent bilateral bicompartmental Oxford Meniscal Knee arthroplasty have been followed up prospectively for a mean period of 51 months from the time of their first operation. Pain relief was obtained in all but one knee; walking ability was improved in more than two-thirds. Overall patient satisfaction with the results was good. Two knees failed. The results demonstrate that bilateral knee arthroplasty can be expected to give good functional results.
Colocutaneous Fistula as Late Complication of Total Hip Replacement in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ridley M G , Price T R , Grahame R , Jourdan M , Watson M
Published: January 2017

Late complications affecting various intrapeivic structures may occur following total hip replacement in association with medial displacement of bone cement into the pelvis. We describe here what we believe to be the first report of a colocutaneous fistula occurring as a result of this problem, and discuss the possible causes.
Driving after a Stroke
Authors: Legh-Smith J , Wade D T , Hewer R Langton
Published: January 2017

Four hundred and thirty-eight stroke patients from a community register covering a period of 28 months were interviewed at one year post-stroke. Of 144 (34%) living at home who had been driving prior to their stroke, 82 (58%) did not resume post-stroke. Assessments of arm function, walking, functional ability and IQ showed ex-drivers to be significantly more disabled than drivers. Stopping driving was associated with a loss of social activities and with a higher frequency of depression amongst ex-drivers when compared with drivers. This was despite 79% of ex-drivers having easy access to alternative car transport. Extending mobility allowance to the 49 (60%) ex-drivers over 65 years old at the time of their stroke might ease their situation. More appropriate assessments would be needed to establish whether ex-drivers would benefit from retraining or car adaptations to enable them to return to driving.
Effects of Cyproterone Acetate and a Long-Acting LHRH Analogue on Serum Lipoproteins in Patients with Carcinoma of the Prostate
Authors: Paisey R B , Kadow C , Bolton C , Hartog M , Gingell J C
Published: January 2017

Fasting serum lipoproteins were measured in 10 untreated patients with carcinoma of the prostate (Group I), 17 patients with non-malignant urological disorders (Group II), and 12 patients on cyproterone acetate (Group III) and 5 on a long-acting luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogue (Group IV) for at least 2 months for carcinoma of the prostate. Total high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were significantly lower in patients in Group III than all the other groups. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglyceride levels were significantly higher in patients in Group III than those in Groups II and IV. These results suggest a potentially adverse effect of cyproterone acetate, but not of the long-acting LHRH analogue, on serum lipids, which is likely to be of relevance only in younger patients.
Fournier's Gangrene: Non-Clostridial Gas Gangrene of the Perineum and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lamerton A J
Published: January 2017

Three successfully managed cases of Fournier's gangrene, all with diabetes, are reported. A simple bacteriological classification is offered and the importance of diabetes mellitus as a predisposing factor is stressed.
How Accurate is Urine Cytology?
Authors: Curling Marigold , Broome G , Hendry W F
Published: January 2017

Exfoliative urinary cytology was performed on 260 new cases of histologically proven urothelial cancer. The site, size, shape and histological grade of the tumours were documented, and they were classified by the TNM system. Overall, urine cytology was positive in 135 (52%), suspicious in 28 (11%) and negative in 97 (38%) cases. Malignant cells were found most often when the urothelial tumours were large, papillary and solid, moderately or poorly differentiated and invasive (T2–4). Most upper tract tumours and those situated in bladder diverticula had positive urinary cytology. This study confirms that exfoliative urinary cytology is useful in detecting the more malignant bladder tumours including in-situ carcinoma, and other tumours in less accessible parts of the urinary tract.
Mass Screening for Colorectal Cancer in Hungary
Authors: Preisich P , Siba S , Szakátsy E
Published: January 2017

Haemoccult screening for colorectal tumours was carried out in Hungary in small cities and villages around Budapest. Haemoccult slides were supplied to 17 662 individuals over 40 years of age, and 15 431 (87%) were returned. Of these, 346 (2.2%) were positive and 18 colorectal carcinomas were detected. Additionally, 24 patients with one or more polyps > 1 cm diameter were found. Of the screened cases of cancer 39% were in Dukes' stage A and B, a rate twice as good as when screening was not done. The cost per tumour detected amounted to about three times more than one monthly income, indicating that the costs of screening for colorectal cancer are relatively much higher in Hungary than in Western countries. All expenses were met from state funds.
Convergence analysis of the MCGNR algorithm for the least squares solution group of discrete-time periodic coupled matrix equations
Authors: Hajarian Masoud
Published: January 2017

The conjugate gradient normal equations residual minimizing (CGNR) algorithm is a popular tool for solving large nonsymmetric linear systems. In this study, we propose the matrix form of the CGNR (MCGNR) algorithm to find the least squares solution group of the discrete-time periodic coupled matrix equations

[Formula: see text]

with periodic matrices. We prove that the MCGNR algorithm converges in a finite number of steps in the absence of round-off errors, that is, this algorithm has the finite termination property. Also we show that the norms of the residual matrices of the MCGNR algorithm decrease monotonically during its iteration, that is, this algorithm has the residual reducing property. To show the efficiency of the MCGNR algorithm, two numerical examples are presented.
School Psychology and Children's Rights
Authors: Barnett Bernard
Published: January 2017

This paper examines the problem facing school psychologists, psychiatrists and other members of helping professions in balancing professional intervention against a child's autonomy or freedom of choice. The issue is considered from the viewpoint of ‘strong’ and ‘weak’ professionalism and a number of possible solutions to the dilemmas raised are explored. The notions of professional and scientific accountability are found to be insufficient in themselves to help resolve these dilemmas, as also is appeal to legal and quasi-legal concepts. It is concluded that far more discussion and consideration of children's rights should take place in the training of educational psychologists and other ‘helping’ professionals.
Mediated Learning Theory
Authors: Burden Robert
Published: January 2017

The growing spread of interest in Feuerstein's theory of mediated learning as an essential prerequisite of adequate cognitive development and the developing worldwide enthusiasm amongst psychologists and special educators for the theory's two practical offspring, the learning potential assessment device (LPAD) and instrumental enrichment, was probably initiated by the publication of two key texts (Feuerstein, Rand and Hoffman, 1979; Feuerstein et al, 1980). Although the Israeli team of researchers and special educators had been developing and disseminating their ideas for some two decades prior to these publications, it is only during the 1980s that mediated learning has really struck a responsive chord amongst those who continue to believe that all children can be taught to be more effective learners, that there is a key to remediating cognitive defects and that psychology has a part to play in helping schools to achieve this.
Relations between popularity and prosocial behavior in middle school and high school Chinese adolescents
Authors: Lu Ting , Li Ling , Niu Li , Jin Shenghua , French Doran C
Published: January 2017

The concurrent and longitudinal associations between popularity, likeability, and prosocial behavior were evaluated in this three-year study of middle school and high school Chinese adolescents. The initial sample included 766 middle school (mean age = 13.3 years) and 668 high school participants (mean age = 16.6 years); there were 880 (399 girls) middle school and 841 (450 girls) adolescents who participated in at least one year of data collection. Significant positive associations between popularity, prosociality, and academic achievement were found. Both popularity and likeability concurrently predicted significant unique variance in prosocial behavior after controlling for academic achievement; longitudinal cross-lagged analyses revealed bi-directional associations between popularity and prosocial behavior such that popularity positively predicted subsequent prosocial behavior and prosocial behavior predicted subsequent popularity. Cross-cultural research on popularity may profitably focus on variation in prosocial behavior as the relative salience of coercive and prosocial control strategies may vary across cultures.
Democracy and Popular Rebellion in Contemporary Brazil
Authors: Martins Mônica Dias
Published: January 2017

In contrast to the media portrayal of Brazil as a country on the brink of the abyss, this article shows the resistance opportunities of the social movements organized to defend their rights and to reaffirm their commitment to democracy. The bourgeoisie allied with the congressional conservative faction has attempted to attack the few working-class gains made in recent years through a constitutional coup d’état against the president whose mandate was legitimized at the polls. We, Brazilians, are living through an ideological struggle rich in possibilities for increasing popular political participation, the distribution of wealth, and national sovereignty. Brazil is the key to a South American integration that differs from the interests of the great powers and their corporations. At play is the future of the continent’s people.
Venous Muscle Pump Improvement by Low Compression Elastic Stockings
Authors: Struckmann Jan , Christensen Søren Jesper , Lendorf Axel , Mathiesen Frits
Published: January 2017

The physiological effect of a graduated low compression stocking T.E.D.(R) (Kendall Co.) was evaluated by plethysmographic musculo-venous pump determination in 22 patients with primary varicose veins. A hip length T.E.D.(R) stocking was worn for a 6-week period. Efficiency of the musculo-venous pump was determined before and after treatment and a significant increase in venous return time (RT) and expelled volume (EV) was demonstrated. This was accompanied by subjective improvement. The pressure exerted by the stockings was measured in 20 legs by the Borgnis and Van den Berg method, and the pressure was in all cases below 15 mmHg. Effect of such low compression has not previously been documented for expelled volume in patients with varicose veins.
Long-Term Results of Thrombectomy with Temporary Arteriovenous Fistula for Ileofemoral Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Zetterquist S. , Hägglöf R. , Jacobsson H. , Johansson J. , Johnsson H. , Nilsson E. , Swedenborg J.
Published: January 2017

Nineteen patients with acute ileofemoral venous thrombosis were subjected to thrombectomy with the addition of a temporary a-v fistula and anticoagulant treatment. At follow-up 3 years after surgery isotope phlebography disclosed more-or-less patent ileofemoral segments in 16 patients. The venous outflow capacity as estimated from venous emptying curves was normal in all but three totally occluded limbs, indicating an adequate collateral compensation. Foot volumetry demonstrated signs of venous valvular insufficiency, mainly in legs with a distal extension of the initial thrombosis; these patients complained of symptoms of post-thrombotic syndrome, which emphasizes the importance of early operation.
Quantitative Measurement of Plasminogen Activator in Soleal Veins
Authors: de Cossart Linda
Published: January 2017

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower limb has been associated with a low level of circulating plasminogen activator (pa) and low levels of pa in the superficial hand veins of affected patients. Little is known of the pa level in the veins commonly affected by DVT. Immediately after amputation of limbs for rest pain samples of soleal veins ( n = 9) and long saphenous vein (LSV) ( n = 9) were obtained and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Six normal veins from the groins of patients having hernia repairs were taken as controls. The median activity in the soleal veins was 6796 (range 2232 to 21 570), significantly different from the LSV 1675 range (777-119) P= >0.01, Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test. The normal vein activity median was 11 221 (range 7717 to 13 410). The level of pa in the soleal veins was considerably higher than might be expected in the veins most commonly affected by DVT.
Is Abnormal Coagulation or Defective Fibrinolysis of Aetiological Importance in the Development of Deep Venous Thrombosis?
Authors: Plate Gunnar , Einarsson Eibert , Eklöf Bo , Tengborn Lilian
Published: January 2017

The present investigation was performed to study the aetiological importance of abnormal coagulation or defective fibrinolysis in the development of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Sixty-nine patients with acute iliofemoral venous thrombosis were subjected to evaluation of coagulation and fibrinolytic parameters. Defective fibrinolysis, usually with an increased activity of the rapid tissue plasminogen inhibitor, was detected in 31 patients (45%), and increased factor VIII with normal fibrinogen was recorded in 10 patients (14%). Two patients had a hereditary deficiency of plasminogen and protein C, respectively, and a lupus anticoagulant was demonstrated in another patient. Antithrombin III deficiency was not detected in any patient. Abnormal findings were most frequently recorded in patients with ‘idiopathic’ DVT. Although the exact relationship between the development of DVT and the recorded abnormalities could not be determined in all instances, it is obvious that defective vessel wall fibrinolysis and increased factor VIII are frequently recorded in patients with extensive DVT of the lower limb. Pathological alternations of antithrombin III, plasminogen and protein C seem to be less common.
Treatment and Prognosis in Congenital Arteriovenous Malformation of the Extremity
Authors: Schwartz Robert S. , Osmundson Philip J. , Hollier Larry H.
Published: January 2017

This retrospective study was designed to determine the location, symptoms, and long-term results of surgical versus medical therapy in congenital arteriovenous malformation of the extremity. In reviewing all such case records at the Mayo Clinic for the years 1931 through 1980 we found 100 females and 85 males with 74% of lesions in the lower extremity, 22% in the upper extremity, and 4% in combination. Less than 1% were asymptomatic, while 43% had skin discoloration followed by 37% having pain as the presenting complaint. Cases with secondary congestive heart failure, while rare (3%), had a high associated mortality. Regarding treatment and prognosis, asymptomatic patients rarely progressed in severity. Medical therapy rarely (8%) yielded significant improvement and most frequently resulted in an unchanged condition. Conversely, surgery resulted in improvement in 48% of cases with worse results occurring about as frequently as with medical treatment (4% vs. 5% respectively). Surgery furthermore did not result in lesion recurrence more than non-surgical treatment. Multiple operations can be anticipated in some cases, with good outcome as a final result. We conclude that congenital arteriovenous malformations do not progress unrelentingly, and that surgery often has a better result than non-surgical treatment.
Low Compression, High Gradient Stockings in Patients with Venous Insufficiency: Effect on the Musculo-Venous Pump, Evaluated by Strain Gauge Plethysmography
Authors: Struckmann Jan
Published: January 2017

In a prospective study 17 patients with superficial venous insufficiency were treated with a high gradient low compression stocking for a period of 6 weeks. The effect upon the musculo-venous pump was evaluated by ambulatory calf strain gauge plethysmography and compared to improvements in symptoms and clinical findings. The immediate effect of the stockings was a significant 22% reduction in venous reflux and 43% increase of the expelled volume. Moreover, an effect after 6 weeks (with the stockings applied during all daytime hours) was found even after the stockings were removed. This reduction of venous reflux of 30% and increase in expelled volume of 29% were statistically significant. Symptoms and objective findings were simultaneously improved. Finally the stockings were found to increase the maximal venous outflow by 27%.
Stanozolol and the Treatment of Venous Ulceration — An Interim Report
Authors: Layer G. T. , Stacey M. C. , Burnand K. G.
Published: January 2017

A report on an interim analysis of a large placebo-controlled double-blind randomized clinical trial evaluating the role of fibrinolytic enhancement in the management of venous ulceration is described. Seventy-five patients with venous ulcers have entered the trial and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The ulcers were treated by a standard regime of compression bandaging combined with the oral administration of placebo or stanozolol (Stromba; Sterling Research Laboratories, Guildford). Treatment was continued until healing, and the healing times were compared between the two groups.

Sixty-five per cent of ulcers treated with stanozolol have healed and 61.5 % on placebo. There was no overall difference in the healing times of patients treated with stanozolol or placebo. When the healing times were analysed after stratification into initial size, there was no difference between the ulcers of small (less than 2 cm2) or large (greater than 5 cm2) initial area, but for the ulcers between 2 and 5 cm2 there was a trend in favour of improved healing for those ulcers treated with stanozolol ( P = 0.13, log rank test).
The Pathogenesis of Leaflet Failure in Prosthetic Venous Valves
Authors: Phifer Travis J. , Rohr Michael S.
Published: January 2017

Recent work from this laboratory established feasibility for long-term patency of properly designed valvular xenografts placed without technical fault in the inferior vena cava. Limitations of that work however, included perileaflet fibrosis with reduction of leaflet mobility. The current study evaluates perileaflet thrombosis potentiated by the nonendothelialized leaflet surface as the primary pathogenic mechanism of this problem.

The study includes 18 pericardial xenograft valvular bioprostheses and nine jugular vein valvular autografts placed in the inferior vena cava of 27 dogs All animals received a single bolus of heparin (100u/kg) 5min before vascular clamping. The valves were removed and examined from 1 day to 7.5 months after placement.

In valvular xenografts, perileaflet thrombosis by 1 day progressed to dense fibrosis at 2 months. Despite limitation of leaflet motion, this process caused luminal occlusion in only three valves (83% patency). There were no failures in the nine valvular autografts, with normal valve leaflets and no evidence of thrombus formation as late as 6 months.

Perileaflet thrombosis in pericardial xenograft bioprostheses is a primary event in the ultimate fibrosis of these prosthetic venous valves. Inhibition of thrombosis by the venous endothelial lining may be an explanation for success with the smaller valvular autografts in the same haemodynamic environment.
Superficial Femoral Vein Transposition in Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome
Authors: Taheri Syde A. , Williams James , Boman Lars , Pisano Steve
Published: January 2017

A 17-year-old female with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome and chronic calf pain and swelling was evaluated by venous plethysmography and ascending and descending venography. Grade IV venous insufficiency was present in an anomalous superficial femoral vein. Vein transposition was performed to the deep femoral vein which contained a competent vein valve. Postoperatively, the patient has symptomatic relief. Vein transposition for vein valve incompetency is discussed.
Do Dressings Influence the Healing of Chronic Venous Ulcers?
Authors: Blair S.D. , Backhouse C.M. , Wright D.D.I. , Riddle E. , McCollum C.N.
Published: January 2017

One hundred and twenty venous ulcers with a mean duration of 26.25 ± 2.6 months were treated as out-patients using a standard graduated compression bandage. To assess the effects of different types of dressing they were randomized to either a non-adherent dressing (NA, Johnson & Johnson, n = 60), an occlusive dressing (Granuflex, Squibb Surgicare, n = 30) or a dressing with silver sulphadiazine added (Flamazine, Smith & Nephew, n = 30). Ulcer size, duration and the patient's age were similar in the three groups. There was no significant difference in healing between the groups with 47 out of 60 (78%) with NA dressings, 22 out of 30 (73%) with Granuflex and 19 out of 30 (63%) treated with Flamazine healed within 12 weeks. Neither topical antimicrobial agents or occlusive dressings improved the excellent rate of healing achieved by carefully applied graduated compression bandaging.
The Effect of Elastic Compression on Calf Muscle Pump Function
Authors: Christopoulos D. , Nicolaides A. N. , Belcaro G. , Duffy P.
Published: January 2017

The haemodynamic effect of elastic compression has been evaluated in 23 patients (26 limbs) with superficial venous incompetence. Ambulatory venous pressure (AVP) and pressure recovery time (RT90) were measured with foot vein canulation. Also the functional venous volume (VV) (venous capacitance), venous reflux and the ejecting capacity of the calf muscle pump were measured with air-plethysmography. The above measurements were made with and without a graduated compression elastic stocking.

Elastic compression produced a significant reduction in VV ( P < 0.01). Also a significant decrease in venous reflux and increase in the ejecting capacity of the calf muscle pump ( P < 0.01). The above alterations explain the significant reduction in AVP and prolongation of RT90 ( P < 0.01) which was observed as a result of elastic compression.

The measurements made in this study demonstrate in an objective and quantitative way the beneficial effect of elastic stockings in patients with superficial venous incompetence and how this effect is achieved.
Venostasin Retard in the Management of Venous Problems during Pregnancy
Authors: Steiner M. , Hillemanns H. G.
Published: January 2017

A placebo controlled, double-blind, crossover study of Venostasin retard was carried out in 52 pregnant women with oedema due to venous insufficiency. There was a statistically significant reduction of the oedema in the Venostasin treated group, who also showed greater resistance to oedema provocation. During Venostasin treatment patients also recorded less severe symptoms of pain, fatigue, swelling and itching.