bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of weather variables on thermoregulation of calves during periods of extreme heat
Authors: Theurer Miles E. , Anderson David E. , White Brad J. , Miesner Matt D. , Larson Robert L.
Published: February 2014

Objective—To determine effects of ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, relative barometric pressure, and temperature-humidity index (THI) on nasal submucosal and rectal temperatures in cattle during extreme summer conditions.

Animals—20 black crossbred beef heifers (mean body weight, 217.8 kg).

Procedures—Nasal submucosal and rectal temperatures were monitored every 2 hours for 24 hours on 3 nonconsecutive days when ambient temperature was forecasted to exceed 32.2°C. Ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and relative barometric pressure were continuously monitored at a remote weather station located at the research facility. The THI was calculated and used in the livestock weather safety index (LWSI). Relationships between nasal submucosal or rectal temperature and weather variables were evaluated.

Results—Nasal submucosal and rectal temperatures were related to all weather variables monitored. A positive relationship was determined for ambient temperature and THI with both nasal submucosal and rectal temperatures. A negative relationship was evident for nasal submucosal and rectal temperature with relative humidity, wind speed, and relative barometric pressure. Nasal submucosal and rectal temperatures increased with increasing severity of LWSI category.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Effects of environmental conditions on thermoregulation in calves exposed to extreme heat were detected. The positive relationship between nasal submucosal temperature and ambient temperature and THI raised concerns about the efficacy of intranasal administration of temperature-sensitive modified-live virus vaccines during periods of extreme heat. Environmental conditions must be considered when rectal temperature is used as a diagnostic tool for identifying morbid cattle.
Effect of body position on intra-abdominal pressures and abdominal perfusion pressures measured at three sites in horses anesthetized with short-term total intravenous anesthesia
Authors: Scott Victoria H. , Williams Jarred M. , Mudge Margaret C. , Hurcombe Samuel D.
Published: February 2014

Objective—To assess effects of body position on direct measurements of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and abdominal perfusion pressure (APP) in horses anesthetized with total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA).

Animals—9 healthy adult horses.

Procedures—Instrumentation in unsedated standing horses involved insertion of an arterial catheter for blood pressure measurements and 3 intraperitoneal cannulas (left flank, right flank, and ventral abdomen) for IAP measurements. Baseline values were measured for heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic arterial blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), diastolic arterial blood pressure, and IAP. Horses were medicated with xylazine, and pressures were measured again. Anesthesia was induced with ketamine-diazepam and maintained with a ketamine-guaifenesin infusion. Horses were positioned twice into left lateral recumbency, right lateral recumbency, or dorsal recumbency. Hemodynamic pressures and accessible abdominal pressures were measured for each recumbency position. The APP was calculated as MAP – IAP. Differences in IAP, MAP, APP and sedation (standing horses) or body position (anesthetized horses) were compared by means of repeated-measures ANOVA or paired t tests.

Results—Baseline hemodynamic and IAPs were not different after xylazine administration. Ventral abdomen IAP and MAP were lower for horses in dorsal recumbency than in right or left lateral recumbency. Ventral abdomen APP remained unchanged. For lateral recumbencies, flank IAP was lower and APP was higher than pressure measurements at the same sites during dorsal recumbency.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Body position affected IAP and APP in healthy anesthetized horses. These effects should be considered when developing IAP acquisition methods for use in horses with abdominal disease.
Learning of a Golf Putting Task with Varying Contextual Interference Levels Induced by Feedback Schedule in Novices and Experts
Authors: Krause Daniel , Brüne Alexander , Fritz Susanne , Kramer Pascal , Meisterjahn Peter , Schneider Michael , Sperber Alena
Published: February 2014

Switching between tasks during practice can affect motor learning. This study tested whether switching feedback content has any effects on learning to perform golf putts without full visibility. 60 participants (44 men, 16 women; M age = 26.3 yr., SD = 6.6) practiced golf putts without seeing the ball movement. 30 of the participants were golfers with moderate expertise, and 30 were novices. They received feedback regarding their putts, either on the angle or on the distance in one of three feedback schedules: blocked, serial-blocked, or serial. Independent of the expertise level, learning was not affected by the feedback schedule. The strong linkage between the two components—direction and distance—may have prevented a sufficient level of contextual interference.
Influence of crop species and edaphic factors on the distribution and abundance of trichoderma in alfisol soils of southern India
Authors: Muniappan Vellaisamy , Muthukumar Thangavelu
Published: February 2014

The effect of crop species and edaphic factors on the distribution of Trichoderma species in Alfisol soil under different agrosystems was evaluated. Each soil sample was assayed for nine abiotic factors and culturable microfungal populations. Fungal abundance was determined by dilution plate technique, and the identification of fungi was based on morphological characteristics. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship of association between these factors and the presence and abundance of Trichoderma species in each soil type. The abundance of soil fungi ranged between 7.0 × 103 and 13.6 × 103 colony forming units (cfus) per gram of dry soil. The population densities of the two Trichoderma species (T. koningii and T. viride) isolated in the present study varied significantly with crop species and their abundance (varied from 0.6 to 3.6 × 103 cfus g-1 dry soil). Twenty-two other colony-forming fungal types with an abundance ranging between 7.0 × 103 and 13.6 × 103 cfus g-1 dry soil were also isolated in the present study. As soil pH negatively influenced relative abundance of T. koningii, soil P and relative abundance of T. viride were significantly and positively correlated to each other. Further, relative abundance of T. koningii was significantly and positively correlated to relative abundance of Aspergillus fumigatus but negatively correlated to relative abundance of Stachybotrys atra. Likewise, a significant negative correlation existed between relative abundance of T. viride and Absidia glauca.
Transitions between community complexes: a case study analysing gradients through mountain ridges in south Hungary
Authors: Erdős László , Zalatnai Márta , Bátori Zoltán , Körmöczi László
Published: February 2014

The study of boundaries is a recurring theme in ecology. However, boundaries have been examined mainly on fine scales (between communities) and on coarse scales (between biomes), while boundaries of intermediate scales (e.g. between community complexes) are quite neglected. In this study, we analysed boundaries between mesic and xeric community complexes in a sub-Mediterranean karst area of South Hungary. We applied the moving split window (MSW) technique for boundary analysis. First, since the behaviour ofMSWconcerning complex vegetation patterns is not fully understood, we prepared artificial datasets (simulated communities) to test its capacities. Second, we established north-south oriented belt transects across mountain ridges of the Villány Mts, and investigated the transition between the community complexes of differently exposed slopes. UsingMSW, we were able clearly to distinguish between transitional zones and zones that do not represent real transitions: peaks in the Z-score profile of MSW merge only in the case of transitional zones. Moreover, we found that peaks merge depending on the independence (distinctness) of the transitional zone: when it is distinct, peaks merge only at the largest window widths. In the Villány Mts, transitions seem to occur mostly in the grasslands north of the ridges. We demonstrated that these grasslands can be regarded as boundaries between mesic and xeric complexes or as zones in their own right, with their own two boundaries. Interpretation depends upon the scale of observation.
Anew sesleria juncifolia association from south-eastern Italy and its position in the amphi-adriatic biogeographical context
Authors: di Pietro Romeo , Wagensommer Robert P.
Published: February 2014

The Sesleria juncifolia calcareous grasslands in the Apulia region (southern Italy) were studied on the basis of 24 phytosociological relevés. According to UPGMA cluster analysis division and NMDS ordination the relevés were classified into four major groups which gave rise to three sub-associations (Gargano) and a geographically impoverished variant (Alta Murgia). The new association Stipo austroitalicae-Seslerietum juncifoliae ass. nova was proposed. Due to the relict and scattered distribution of Sesleria juncifolia in Apulia region, the variances in species composition amongst the different subassociations are mainly influenced by local factors. The community Stipo-Seslerietum should be included in the south-eastern Italian alliance Hippocrepido-Stipion austroitalicae while at the rank of order it exhibits intermediate coenological features between the Central-South Apennine endemic suborder Festuco-Seslerienalia nitidae and the North-West Balkan order Scorzonero-Chrysopogonetalia.
Responses of trifoliate orange (poncirus trifoliata (l.) raf.) to continuously and gradually increasing nacl concentration
Authors: Chatzissavvidis Christos , Antonopoulou Chrysovalantou , Therios Ioannis , Dimassi Kortessa
Published: February 2014

The effect of continuous or gradual stress due to NaCl on in vitro growth, proline and sugar accumulation and nutrient acquisition of trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) explants was studied. Apical shoot tips obtained from previous subculture were transferred to a Murashige and Skoog nutrient medium for proliferation and were exposed to continuous or gradual salinity stress for 42 days. The salt used to induce salinity was NaCl added in six concentrations: 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 300 mM. Gradual salinization was achieved by transferring the explants sequentially every week to the above mentioned NaCl concentrations. Most salt treatments had a negative effect on the growth parameters of explants. Sodium concentration of explants increased in all NaCl treatments compared to control and it was higher in the treatments with gradual exposure to salinity. Potassium concentration was reduced, mostly in the treatments with continuous exposure. Calcium andMg concentrations increased in all saline treatments. In general, the high salinity level in the substrate enhanced the proline and sugar concentrations of the studied explants. In conclusion, salinity had significant impacts on the growth and chemical status of P. trifoliata.
Cost comparison of a commonly prescribed Antidepressant (Escitalopram)
Authors: Kunwar AR
Published: February 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v1i1.9920 Journal of Psychiatrists' Association of Nepal Vol.1(1) 2011: 11-12
Help seeking behavior in patients with alcohol dependence in a tertiary care hospital in eastern Nepal
Authors: Shakya DR , Shyangwa PM , Sen BP
Published: February 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v1i1.9922 Journal of Psychiatrists' Association of Nepal Vol.1(1) 2011: 15-19
Psychiatric Morbidity Pattern in a Child and Adolescent Guidance Clinic
Authors: Tulachan P , Chapagain M , Kunwar AR , Sharma VD
Published: February 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v1i1.9923 Journal of Psychiatrists' Association of Nepal Vol.1(1) 2011: 20-23
Un Riz précoce estimé en petite culture dans l'Ouest-Africain : le Toulou-oule ou Konko (O. sativa L.)
Authors: Portères Roland
Published: February 2014

Dans l'Ouest-Africain, une variété anciennement introduite sur la côte dé Guinée entre Freetown et l'Ile de Sherbroo s'étend depuis 20 ans en petite culture familiale. Sa précocité, son rendement et la blancheur de son grain préparé le font apprécier comme premier Riz venant clore la période toujours difficile de la « soudure alimentaire » . Non exploitable en grande culture et le grain se conservant mal en magasin, elle reste une sorte très estimée des gens qui produisent pour leur consommation domestique.
Etude des rapports phylétiques existant entre les différentes espèces de Crépis constitutives de la section Zacintha
Authors: Bilquez André F.
Published: February 2014

Les résultats des croisements effectués entre C. Diocoridis et C. multiflora permettent de conclure que C. Dioscoridis et C. multiflora sont deux espèces biologiquement très voisines, d'une même cenospecies, qui se sont apparemment différenciées l'une de l'autre de façon purement génique.
THE INVESTIGATION OF THE FOLDING QUALITY IN THE PRINTING HOUSE “BALTO“ / LANKSTYMO KOKYBĖS TYRIMAS UAB BALTO SPAUSTUVĖJE
Authors: Daujotaitė Eglė , Šešok Nikolaj , Iljin Igor
Published: February 2014

In the paper the folding quality in the printing house “BALTO”is investigated. The concept of quality, paper folding process,combined folding machine parameters and printing papers aredescribed. In the paper the percent of folding defects is determined,the spoilage dependence on paper characteristics, foldingmachine settings and other factors are investigated. Resultswere presented as histograms and were analyzed using statisticalmethods.

Santrauka

Surinkta statistinė informacija apie UAB BALTO spaustuvėje lankstymo metu padaromą brokuotą produkciją. Stebėjimai atlikti dirbant su skirtingomis popieriaus rūšimis ir popieriaus gramatūromis. Gauti rezultatai buvo pateikti histogramomis, kurios analizuojamos pasitelkiant statistinius metodus. Vertinant rezultatus, papildomai buvo sudaryta statistinių skirstinių lentelė. Nustatyta, kurios popieriaus rūšys ir gramatūros lankstomos kokybiškiau ir kokios popieriaus charakteristikos tai lemia.
RESEARCH OF BROKEN WIRE ON THE ROPE SURFACE USING DYNAMIC METHOD / LYNO IŠORINIAME SLUOKSNYJE NUTRŪKUSIŲ VIELŲ TYRIMAS, TAIKANT DINAMINĮ METODĄ
Authors: Šutinys Ernestas , Bučinskas Vytautas
Published: February 2014

This paper is intended to reveal possibilities to research of brokenwire on the wire ropes using dynamic properties of tensedwire rope and research properties of broken wire in piece ofwire rope when it is affixed on the wire rope in special testrig. During experimental test wire rope and broken wire on thetensed wire rope dynamic properties was estimated dependingon excitation frequency, also including affixed weight on thetensed wire rope dynamic properties. Finally, results are givenand conclusions are made.

Santrauka

Straipsnis skirtas mokslinių tyrimų galimybėms atskleisti. Naudojant dinamines savybes, bandyta aptikti nutrūkusias vielas ant įtempto plieninio lyno ir ant plieninio lyno gabaliuko rasti nutrūkusią vielą, kai šis lyno gabaliukas mechaniškai tvirtinamas ant plieninio lyno specialiame bandymų stende. Eksperimentinių tyrimų metų buvo išmatuotos plieninio lyno ir ant įtempto plieninio lyno nutrūkusios vielos dinaminės savybės priklausomai nuo lyno žadinimo dažnio, taip pat įvertinant įtempto plieninio lyno dinamines savybes, pritvirtinus ant jo papildomą svorį. Pateikiami tyrimų rezultatai ir išvados.
THEORETICAL RESEARCH OF MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL SHOCK ABSORBER DAMPING FORCE / MAGNETOREOLOGINĮ SKYSTĮ NAUDOJANČIO SLOPINTUVO SLOPINIMO JĖGOS TEORINIAI TYRIMAI
Authors: Klevinskis Andrius , Bučinskas Vytautas
Published: February 2014

In the article an overview of magnetorheological shock absorbertypes is presented, theoretical calculations of heat dispersion,magnetic field strength produced by shock absorber as well asmaximum power of electromagnet are provided. The article alsoprovides device damping force in line with a change of devicetemperature. In the end of the research the results of experimentare presented in the graph format as well as the conclusions.

Santrauka

Apžvelgti magnetoreologinį skystį (MR) naudojančių slopintuvų tipai, atlikti slopintuvo išskiriamos šilumos, sukuriamo magnetinio lauko skaičiavimai, nustatyta didžiausia leistinoji elektromagneto galia, apskaičiuota įrenginio sukuriama pasipriešinimo jėga, įvertinant įrenginio veikimo metu išskiriamos šilumos temperatūrą. Darbe pateikti tyrimo metu gautų rezultatų grafikai ir išvados.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTS / FLEKSOGRAFINIŲ ATSPAUDŲ MECHANINĖS SAVYBĖS
Authors: Grigaliūnienė Simona , Abazoriūtė Dora , Kulišauskaitė Milda , Ziminskaitė Asta , Sidaravičius Jonas , Turla Vytautas
Published: February 2014

Mechanical properties of paper and flexographic prints madewith different anilox rollers were investigated experimentally.Flexographic prints roughness, breaking force and folding resistancevalues were determined. The results showed that foldingresistance is bigger for machine direction prints than for crossmachine direction prints. Flexographic prints on cardboardsfolding resistance values are different for machine direction andcross machine direction. It was determined that roughness offlexographic prints increases with the amount of ink on aniloxroller. Results were explained by the ink water influence.

Santrauka

Eksperimentiškai ištirtos įvairių rūšių popieriaus ir fleksografinių atspaudų, gautų dengiant popierių skirtingo plotinio tūrio aniloksiniais voleliais, mechaninės savybės. Nustatytos popieriaus ir fleksografinių atspaudų šiurkštumo, atsparumo tempimui bei atsparumo lenkimui vertės. Gauti rezultatai parodė, kad atspaudų atsparumas lankstymui yra didesnis išilgine nei skersine popieriaus kryptimi. Dengiant kartonus fleksografiniais dažais, atsparumas tempimui keičiasi, ir ši kaita yra skirtinga išilgine ir skersine kryptimis. Nustatyta, kad fleksografinio atspaudo šiurkštumas didėja, storėjant dažų sluoksniui ant aniloksinio volelio. Manoma, kad taip nutinka dėl dažuose esančio vandens.
INFLUENCE OF QUALITY OF ROLLING SURFACES OF ROLLER BEARINGS ON THEIR VIBRATIONAL BEHAVIOUR / GUOLIŲ RIEDĖJIMO PAVIRŠIŲ KOKYBĖS ĮTAKA VIBROAKTYVUMUI
Authors: Kurec Jevgenij , Mokšin Vadim , Gedvila Andrius
Published: February 2014

The paper investigates vibrational behaviour of widely used rollerbearings No. NU207 which have different roughness of rollingsurfaces. Fatigue damage is one of the main factors that limitthe life of bearings of such type. The aims of present work wereto establish dependence of roughness parameter Ra of rollingsurfaces of bearings on their vibration velocity and investigatevibrational behaviour of roller bearings with different roughnessof rolling surfaces.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje nagrinėjami vienaeiliai cilindriniai ritininiai riedėjimo guoliai Nr. NU207, kurie plačiai naudojami šiuolaikiniuose įrenginiuose. Vienas iš šio tipo guoliams būdingų trūkumų yra riedėjimo paviršių nuovargio atsiradimas ir viso jų resurso nepanaudojimas. Šio darbo tikslas – nustatyti guolių riedėjimo takelių paviršių šiurkštumo parametro Ra įtaką vibracijų greičiui ir ištirti guolių vibracinį elgesį, esant skirtingiems šiurkštumo parametrams.
Correction factors to predict the in-place compressive strength of a self-compacting concrete
Authors: Rojas-Henao L. , Fernández-Gómez J. , López-Agüi J. C.
Published: February 2014

The present study aimed to determine whether certain correction factors used in the in-place prediction of compressive strength with concrete cores are directly applicable to self-consolidating concretes (SCCs). The parameters considered were core diameter, casting direction, core moisture, a number of variables intrinsic to cores, and concrete strength.

Factors were also established for converting SCC 15 3 15-cm cubic specimen strength into 30 315-cm cylindrical specimen strength.

The findings show that the correction factors recommended in EHE-08 and ACI 214.4R-10 overestimate the in-place compressive strength of the SCC analysed. The factors found for converting cubic into cylindrical specimen strength, in turn, were observed to differ from the values set out in the 2010 Model Code, but to be similar to the EHE-08 code proposals.
Calidad y características de los sitios web de los hospitales españoles de gran tamaño
Authors: Calvo-Calvo Manuel Ángel
Published: February 2014

El objetivo es evaluar la calidad y describir las características de los sitios web de los hospitales españoles con más de 500 camas. Estudio descriptivo, observacional, de corte transversal, que evalúa la calidad de 53 sitios web de hospitales españoles con más de 500 camas. Se analizan la accesibilidad, usabilidad, interactividad, actualización de la información, referentes de calidad y contenidos presentados en los sitios web. Sólo 22 (41,5%) de las webs estudiadas superaron la mitad de los puntos posibles. Por tanto, como media, la calidad de las webs de los grandes hospitales españoles analizados es baja. Las webs evaluadas destacan por su accesibilidad y usabilidad, y por tener secciones específicas para profesionales y proveedores. Igualmente, las webs de los hospitales estudiados se caracterizan por una escasa incorporación de herramientas para interactuar con los usuarios, por presentar una deficiente información sobre salud, enfermedades, listas de espera y actividades asistenciales, así como por una deficitaria actualización de sus contenidos y la casi nula adhesión a referentes de calidad. En conclusión, los sitios webs de los hospitales españoles de gran tamaño, además de ser espacios informativos, deberían facilitar más interacción, participación y colaboración de los usuarios de los hospitales.
Información del conocimiento organizacional a través de los informes anuales publicados en las páginas web de las empresas
Authors: Tejedo Romero Francisca
Published: February 2014

Internet es un medio de comunicación y transmisión de información que ha dado lugar a que las empresas desarrollen su actividad en economías basadas en el conocimiento. El conocimiento se ha convertido en el recurso más importante para la creación de ventajas competitivas, en particular el conocimiento que las empresas han incorporado en sus procesos, sistemas, cultura, I+D, es decir, su conocimiento organizacional (Capital Estructural). Por ello, la publicación de información por parte de las empresas sobre su Capital Estructural puede mejorar la reputación de las mismas. Así, el objetivo de este trabajo se ha centrado en analizar la cantidad de información sobre el conocimiento organizacional que suministran las empresas en los informes anuales obtenidos de sus páginas web, así como la evolución sufrida en los años objeto de estudio.
Tesis doctorales sobre fotografía en la universidad española. Análisis de la producción y dirección (1976-2012)
Authors: Sánchez-Vigil Juan Miguel , Marcos-Recio Juan Carlos , Olivera-Zaldua María
Published: February 2014

Se analiza en este trabajo la producción y dirección de tesis doctorales sobre fotografía en la universidad española, es decir en todos los centros donde se imparten asignaturas relacionadas con la materia. El periodo de estudio se acota entre 1976 y 2012, y para el análisis se han aplicado técnicas bibliométricas. Se ha empleado como fuente principal la base de datos Teseo del Ministerio de Educación, cuya información se ha contrastado y completado con la hemeroteca Dialnet, el catálogo Cisne, la Red de Bibliotecas Universitarias y el Centro Virtual Cervantes. El resultado ha sido de 275 tesis, 39 de ellas codirigidas. Se describen la cuantificación, la temática, la distribución por universidades, centros y departamentos, así como el número de directores y codirectores. Se contextualiza el tema con una introducción sobre la incorporación de la fotografía a los estudios oficiales y universitarios.
Case
Authors: Sundaramoorthi Durai
Published: February 2014

Cricket is a bat-and-ball team sport, played by two teams with eleven players on each side. Recently, a new format of cricket called ‘Twenty20’ (T20) was introduced, which has increased the excitement, fan following, and business opportunities in cricket. In 2008, Indian Premier League (IPL) was created with eight city-based franchises. Two more franchises were added in 2010. The focus of this case is on the selection of the playing eleven for the team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the most valued brand name among IPL franchises. Thirty five players were on the KKR team roster in the first two editions of the IPL. Unlike many other sports, the playing eleven cannot be changed in a cricket game once the game starts. The case aims to strengthen students’ ability to mathematically formulate a real life “yes-or-no” type decision. Binary Integer Programming (BIP) is a suitable choice for modeling “yes-or-no” type decisions. The case, if provided with International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings data and in-house point system, will be appropriate for an undergraduate level management science/operations research class. The same case will be suitable at graduate level, if students are expected to gather ICC rankings data and build in-house point system. There are competing constraints that would lead to discussions about infeasibility. The case also points out the importance of interpretation of the solution and user friendliness of the model from an end user’s perspective.
Time and Price Dependent Demand with Varying Holding Cost Inventory Model for Deteriorating Items
Authors: Shukla Diwakar , Khedlekar Uttam Kumar , Chandel Raghovendra Pratap Singh
Published: February 2014

This paper presents an inventory model considering the demand as a parametric dependent linear function of time and price both. The coefficient of time-parameter and coefficient of price-parameter are examined simultaneously and proved that time is dominating variable over price in terms of earning more profit. It is also proved that deterioration of item in the inventory is one of the most sensitive parameter to look into besides many others. The robustness of the suggested model is examined using variations in the input parameters and ranges are specified on which the model is robust on most of occasions and profit is optimal. Two kinds of doubly-demand function strategies are examined and mutually compared in view of the two different cases. Second strategy found better than first. Holding cost is treated as a variable. Theoretical results are supported by numerical based simulation study with robustness. Some recommendations are given at the end for the inventory managers and also open problems are discussed for researchers. This model is more realistic than considered by earlier author.
EARLY AND LATE COMPLICATIONS RELATED TO CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETERS IN HAEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF 1102 PATIENTS
Authors: Morano Salvatore Giacomo , Coppola Lorenzo , Latagliata Roberto , Berneschi Paola , Chistolini Antonio , Micozzi Alessandra , Girmenia Corrado , Breccia Massimo , Brunetti Gregorio , Matturro Angela , Rosa Giovanni , Guerrisi Pietro , Mandelli Franco , Foà Roberto , Alimena Giuliana
Published: February 2014

Several severe complications may be associated with the use of central venous catheters (CVC). We retrospectively evaluated on a large cohort of patients the incidence of CVC-related early and late complications. From 7/99 to 12/2005, 1102 CVC have been implanted at our Institution in 881 patients with haematological malignancies (142,202 total day number of implanted CVC). Early mechanic complications were 79 (7.2% - 0.55/1,000 days/CVC). Thirty-nine episodes of early infective complications (<1 week from CVC implant) occurred (3.5% - 0.3/1000 days/CVC): furthermore, 187 episodes of CVC-related sepsis (17% - 1.3/1000 days/CVC) were recorded. There were 29 episodes (2.6%) of symptomatic CVC-related thrombotic complications, with a median interval from CVC implant of 60 days (range 7 – 395). The rate of CVC withdrawal due to CVC-related complications was 26%. The incidence of CVC-related complications in our series is in the range reported in the literature, notwithstanding cytopenia often coexisting in haematological patients.
Sorafenib induced Hand Foot Skin Rash in FLT3 ITD mutated Acute Myeloid leukemia- A case report and review of literature
Authors: Senapati Jayastu , Devasia Anup J , Ganapule Abhijeet , George Leni , Viswabandya Auro
Published: February 2014

Sorafenib is a novel small molecule multiple kinase inhibitor which has been used for metastatic renal cancer, hepatocellular cancer. Sorafenib induced skin rash has been discussed as a side effect in trials in both FLT3 wild type and mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) as monotherapy or as combination with other chemotherapeutic agents . We describe a patient with FLT 3 ITD mutated AML who was started on adjunctive Sorafenib therapy. Skin reactions manifested as NCI Grade III palmoplantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE), requiring drug discontinuation. Several pathogenic mechanisms have been implicated in Sorafenib induced skin reactions, but none has been conclusively proven. While treatment options are varied for early stage skin reactions, drug discontinuation remains the only possible therapy presently for severe grade skin reaction.
PROCALCITONIN AS A BIOMARKER OF BACTERIAL INFECTION IN SICKLE CELL VASO-OCCLUSIVE CRISIS.
Authors: Patel Dilip Kumar , Mohapatra Manoj Kumar , Thomas Ancil George , Patel Siris , Purohit Prasanta
Published: February 2014

Bacterial infection is an important trigger of vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) in sickle cell anaemia (SCA). SCA Patients with VOC have signs of inflammation and it is difficult to diagnose bacterial infection in them. This study was undertaken to evaluate serum procalcitonin (PCT) as a biomarker of bacterial infection in acute sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis. Hundred SCA patients were studied at Sickle Cell Clinic and Molecular Biology Laboratory, V.S.S. Medical College, Burla, Odisha, India. SCA was diagnosed by haemoglobin electrophoresis, HPLC and molecular analysis. Patients were divided into 3categories namely Category-A (VOC/ACS with fever but without evidence of bacterial infection-66 patients); Category-B (VOC with fever and documentedbacterial infection-24 patients); and Category-C (Patients in steady statewithout VOC/ACS or fever-10 patients). Investigations like complete blood count, C-reactive protein estimation and PCT measurement was done in all the cases. There was no significant difference in total leucocytes count and C-reactiveprotein values between category A and B. In category A the PCT level was <0.5ng/mL in 83.3% and 0.5-2ng/mL in 16.7% of cases. In category B all the cases had PCT value >0.5ng/mL with 87.5% of cases having >2ng/mL. In category C, PCT value was <0.5ng/mL.  The PCTvalue differed significantly (p<0.0001) in three categories. PCT had a highsensitivity (100%) and negative predictive value (100%) for bacterial infection at a cut-off value of 0.5ng/mL; whereas the specificity is excellent at a cutoff value of 2ng/mL. SCA patients with VOC/ACS with fever presenting with a PCT level of <0.5ng/mL do not have bacterial infection. In patients with VOC/ACS and fever, PCT value of >2ng/mL is indicative of bacterial infection necessitating antimicrobial therapy. Patients with indeterminate PCT value of0.5-2ng/mL, need a repeat PCT estimation or an empirical antibiotic therapyawaiting the availability of microbiological report as deemed necessary.
A pastoral examination of the Christian Church’s response to fears of and reactions to witchcraft amongst African people in the Limpopo province of South Africa
Authors: Baloyi M. Elijah
Published: February 2014

Amongst other things, African culture (societies) has been characterised by its perception and fear of witchcraft. Even though the belief in witchcraft is an old phenomenon, its growth is revealed and to some extent mitigated by videos, films and accounts and stories of church ministers. Whilst some Christian worship services have been turned into witchcraft-centred campaigns against witchcraft, a second group perceive witchcraft as a way of getting rid of one’s enemies and a third group see it as the root of human misfortune. Indeed ministers (including preachers and pastoral caregivers) are almost ‘measured’ by their ability to successfully ward off demons (believed to have been sent by witches), as a yardstick for determining whether they are good ministers with a good following or congregation. The first group of people attend church to pray for protection against ‘the enemy’, the second group approach native doctors to protect their households from attacks by witches, and the third group rid themselves of witches by burning them along with their personal belongings. This article investigates the impact and consequences of a fear of witchcraft amongst Christians in African societies, particularly those in the Limpopo province of South Africa. It also offers pastoral guidelines for a theological response to witchcraft and its life-threatening influence on people in the affected communities.
Cutaneous Adenocarcinoma of sebaceous gland in a captive male jaguar (Panthera onca): A case report
Authors: Majie Arnab K. , Mondal Parswanath , Ghosh Swapan K. , Banerjee Dayanarayan
Published: February 2014

High incidence of neoplasia in captive jaguar (Panthera onca) has been recorded but there have been no reports of cutaneous adenocarcinoma of the sebaceous gland. A high incidence of neoplasia has been detected in captive jaguars, possibly associated with longevity and husbandry practices in captivity. Neoplasm is a major cause of mortality in jaguar. Tumours of sebaceous gland are common in older domestic felids. A case of cutaneous adenocarcinoma of the sebaceous gland was diagnosed in a male captive jaguar in the Zoological Garden, Alipore, Kolkata, India and was managed successfully. The tumour was observed as a superficial, ulcerated, multilobulated intradermal mass. After preoperative haematological evaluation the tumour was excised through routine surgical procedure under chemical immobilisation. Post-operative management was uneventful. Local tumour recurrence was not noticed till one year after post-operation.
Sociodemographic characteristics of persons committing suicide in Durban, South Africa: 2006–2007
Authors: Naidoo Soornarain S. , Schlebusch Lourens
Published: February 2014

Background: Suicidal behaviour is a leading contributor to the burden of disease worldwide and varies widely between countries. South African figures are amongst the highest in the world, with recent trends indicating a disturbing rise, especially amongst the younger age groups, across all races.Aim: This study analysed sociodemographic characteristics and trends relating to suicides committed in Durban, South Africa during the period of 2006–2007.Method: A retrospective analysis of suicidal deaths (during 2006–2007), extracted from autopsy registers at all three government-run mortuaries in Durban, was conducted.Results: The total number of suicides in Durban increased by 6.68% from 2006 to 2007. Suicide accounted for an average of 8.8% of all non-natural deaths per year of the study. The overall suicide rates of 14.53 (2006) and 15.53 (2007) per 100 000 population are comparable with national and global figures. The majority of suicides occurred in single unemployed persons, men and younger age groups. The largest number of suicides per year was recorded in black people, followed by Indian, white and mixed-race people. Hanging was the preferred method in the majority of victims, followed by self-poisoning, shooting and jumping.Conclusions: The findings indicate a disturbingly high suicide rate amongst the various population and age groups in Durban. The dominant methods used may be influenced by ease of access. The reported trends may worsen unless there is a swift and decisive public health response and cohesive community-based programmes which include a supportive multidisciplinary network.
Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Iraqi Women with Recurrent Mid-Trimester Abortions
Authors: Al-Samarrai Amel AA , Hilmi Ferial A , Al-Allawi Nasir AS , Murad Amal F
Published: February 2014

Purpose: Antiphospholipid antibodies are often associated with recurrent pregnancy loss, and although many studies have addressed this association in Western countries, such studies are not so frequent from developing countries. The current study aims to determine the frequency of Antiphospholipid antibodies (Anticardiolipin antibodies and Lupus anticoagulant) among Iraqi women with recurrent mid-trimester abortions and to evaluate various tests used for their detection.

Materials and Methods: Two hundred women with recurrent mid-trimester abortions were randomly enrolled from a main referral center in Baghdad-Iraq. The enrollees had their IgG and IgM anticardiolipin antibodies assayed by ELISA, and Lupus anticoagulant by a combination of the following screening tests: Activated Partial Thromboplastine Time (APTT), and Partial Thromboplastine Time-LA (PTT-LA), Kaolin Clotting Time (KCT) and confirmation was made by Hexagonal phospholipid neutralization test.

Results: The women were aged between 19 and 45 years (median 30 years). Fifty three (26.5%) had one or both anticardiolipin antibodies present, while 27 (13.5%) were positive for lupus anticoagulant. The KCT and KCT index appeared to be the most sensitive tests, while the KCT index and APTT were the most specific for Lupus anticoagulant. Patients with antiphospholipid antibodies had higher rates of history of thrombosis, thrombocytopenia and family history of recurrent abortion (P = 0.0009, 0.0056 and 0.0003 respectively).

Conclusions: Antiphospholipid antibodies constitute an important cause of recurrent mid-trimester abortion in Iraqi women, with frequencies intermediate between Western and Indian reports. While thrombocytopenia and thrombosis are well documented associations of antiphospholipid antibodies, the significant association with family history of recurrent fetal loss is intriguing and requires further scrutiny.
Detection of Methicillin Resistance in Staphylococcus Aureus by Polymerase Chain Reaction and Conventional Methods: A Comparative Study
Authors: Pillai Manju M , Latha Ragunathan , Sarkar Gautam
Published: February 2014

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major nosocomial pathogen worldwide, which has emerged over the past 30 years as a leading cause of both nosocomial and community-acquired infections. Accurate and rapid identification of MRSA in clinical specimens is essential for timely decision on effective antimicrobial chemotherapy. Aim: The present study was conducted to compare two conventional phenotypic methods, oxacillin disk diffusion (ODD)

Aim: The present study was conducted to compare two conventional phenotypic methods, oxacillin disk diffusion (ODD) method and mannitol salt agar (MSA) with oxacillin, with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for mecA gene (as standard).

Materials and Methods: A total of 165 consecutive clinical isolates of S. aureus received at the Department of Microbiology in our tertiary care teaching hospital were included in the study. All the isolates were subjected to ODD (1 μg) method, culture in MSA with oxacillin, and PCR for mecA gene.

Results: The sensitivity and specificity of ODD test were found to be 93.5% (86.4-97.3%) and 83.5% (79.2-85.8%), respectively, and that of MSA with oxacillin were found to be 87.1% (79.5-92.3%) and 89.3% (84.8-92.5%), respectively. The time taken for diagnosing MRSA by conventional methods is 48-72 h, which is more as compared to PCR which takes 18-24 h.

Conclusion: This study recommends advocating PCR for mecA gene on a regular basis for detecting methicillin resistance in S. aureus isolates isolated from sterile body fluids or from special units such as intensive care units.
Rapid Identification and Drug Susceptibility Testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Standard Operating Procedure for Non-Commercial Assays: Part 1: Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility Assay v2.4.12
Authors: Singh Sarman , Kumar Parveen , Sharma Shreya , Mumbowa Francis , Martin Anandi , Durier Nicolas
Published: February 2014

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is an increasing public health concern in many parts of the world, especially in low-income countries, where most cases occur. Traditional mycobacteria culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST) is either time-consuming or expensive and for that reason uptake of these technologies has remained limited in many resource-constrained settings. However, several non-commercial culture and DST methods that do not require sophisticated infrastructure and techniques have been developed. One such method is the microscopic observation drug susceptibility assay (MODS). In this method microcolonies that form in the liquid culture medium after specimen inoculation to drug-free and drug-containing micro-wells are detected by visual observation with a simple inverted microscope. The identification and drug susceptibility results can be obtained in 7-15 days. This standard operating procedure document has been developed through the culture and DST subgroup of the STOP TB Partnership, New Diagnostic Working Group. It is intended for laboratories that would want to use or already using this rapid non-commercial method for culture identification and DST of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, notably in resource-constraint settings in Asia and Africa.
Toric Degenerations, Tropical Curve, and Gromov–Witten Invariants of Fano Manifolds
Authors: Nishinou Takeo
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we give a tropical method for computing Gromov–Witten type invariants
of Fano manifolds of special type. This method applies to those Fano manifolds that admit toric
degenerations to toric Fano varieties with singularities allowing small resolutions. Examples include
(generalized) flag manifolds of type A and some moduli space of rank two bundles on a genus two
curve.
Accuracy of Topometric Indices for Distinguishing between Keratoconic and Normal Corneas
Authors: Lopes Bernardo , Ramos Isaac C , Valbon Bruno F , Salomao Marcella Q , Guerra Frederico P , Jordao Livia F , Canedo Ana Laura C , Correa Rosane
Published: February 2014

Purpose

To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the Pentacam topometric indices derived from the corneal surface curvature to distinguish between normal and keratoconic corneas.

Methods

The study consisted of 226 normal corneas from 113 patients and 88 keratoconic eyes from 44 patients. Eyes were defined as keratoconus based on comprehensive ocular examination, including Placido-disk-based corneal topography (Atlas Corneal Topography System; Humphrey, San Leandro, California) and rotating Scheimpflug corneal tomography (Pentacam HR; Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany). Corneal Topometric indices ISV, IVA, KI, CKI, IHA and IHD, along with the TKC (Topometric Keratoconus Classification) score were calculated from the Pentacam HR exam. Statistical analysis were accomplished using BioEstat 5.0 (Instituto Mamiraua, Amazonas, Brazil) and MedCalc 12.0 (MedCalc Software, Mariakerke, Belgium) using unpaired nonparametric Mann Whitney test (Wilcoxon ranked-sum). ROC curves were calculated for each topometric parameter to determine the best cut off values from the significantly different parameters. A logistic regression analysis was performed to provide a combined parameter for optimizing accuracy.

Results

Statistical significant differences were found between keratoconic and normal corneas for all topometric indices (Mann Whitney, p < 0.05). There were four false negative cases among the keratoconic cases on the TKC classification (4.54%) and 16 false positive cases among normal (7.08%), so that the sensitivity and specificity of the TKC were 95.54 and 92.92% respectively. The areas under the ROC curves (AUC) for the individual topometric indices varied from 0.843 (CKI) and 0.992 (ISV). The sensitivity and specificity of the most accurate ISV were 97.7 and 96.5% respectively. The calculated parameter from logistic regression had AUC of 0.996, with sensitivity of 97.7% and specificity of 98.7%.

Conclusion

Pentacam topometric indices were useful for distinguishing between normal and keratoconic corneas. The TKC classification should be expected to have false positives and negatives and should not be considered alone. TKC had more false positives and false negatives than some individual topometric parameters. A novel combined parameter based on logistic regression analysis may improve accuracy for the diagnosis of keratoconus. Further studies are necessary to evaluate if adding other curvature derived indices is beneficial for the regression analysis, as well as for testing the sensitivity of such parameters for the diagnosis of milder forms of ectasia and for testing correlations with severity of the disease.

How to cite this article

Salomao MQ, Guerra FP, Ramos IC, Jordao LF, Canedo ALC, Valbon BF, Luz A, Correa R, Lopes B, Ambrósio Jr R. Accuracy of Topometric Indices for Distinguishing between Keratoconic and Normal Corneas. J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2013;2(3):108-112.
Corneal Collagen Crosslinking for Keratectasia after Laser in situ Keratomileusis: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Spadea Leopoldo , Verboschi Francesca , Valente Stefano , Vingolo Enzo Maria
Published: February 2014

Corneal ectasia is a serious vision-threatening complication of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). It is associated with progressive corneal steepening, an increase in myopia and astigmatism, and decrease in uncorrected visual acuity. Before LASIK presence of risk factors (corneal thickness, refractive error, presence of clinical and subclinical corneal pathologies) should be studied so patients should be risk-stratified. Forme fruste keratoconus or marginal pellucid degeneration should be investigated before LASIK in order to inform the patients of the possibility to develop a corneal complication. Management of post-LASIK ectasia enlists crosslinking, INTACTS, contact lenses and, in the most serious cases, lamellar keratoplasty and corneal transplantation. Crosslinking is a technique to treat and even prevent post-LASIK corneal ectasia. LASIK is a technique that reduces the corneal strength and stability. Crosslinking increases the number of collagen interfibrillar covalent bonds, using ultraviolet A and riboflavin. This result increases stability in corneal strength, reducing the risk to develop corneal ectasia (if performed simultaneously with LASIK) or it treats ectasia (if performed after LASIK keratectasia).

How to cite this article

Spadea L, Verboschi F, Valente S, Vingolo EM. Corneal Collagen Crosslinking for Keratectasia after Laser in situ Keratomileusis: A Review of the Literature. J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2013;2(3):113-120.
Intacs Intracorneal Ring Segments Complications in Patients Suffering from Keratoconus
Authors: Barbara Ramez , Barbara Adel
Published: February 2014

Intacs, intrastromal corneal rings are widely used to reduce myopia, astigmatism, keratometry readings and high order aberrations in patients suffering from keratoconus, almost 15 years have passed from the first procedure which was performed in the eye of a patient with unsatisfactory visual acuity and contact lenses intolerance.

Many publications including book chapters, retrospective studies, case reports and literatures reviews have been published on this issue.

In this review, we are reporting on the complications of Intacs implanted in keratoconic eyes, we are reporting on intraoperative and postoperative complications. The review although focusing on complications of the does not contradict the positive results of the procedure on the quality of life of the patients suffering from keratoconus and the its safety.

How to cite this article

Barbara A, Barbara R. Intacs Intracorneal Ring Segments Complications in Patients Suffering from Keratoconus. J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2013;2(3):121-128.