bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
De l'écobuage comme un système mixte de culture et de production
Authors: Portères Roland 
Published: July 2014

L'écobuage est une pratique de défrichement qui n'intéresse que gazons, herbes et broussailles et non les boisements ; ce en quoi il diffère essentiellement du sartage ou essartage classique. Il est employé pour réactiver culturalement des sols qui seraient rebelles à toute réanimation par d'autres moyens quand ceux-ci restent faibles ou s'avèrent très coûteux.
L'écobuage comprend les phases de : 1° dégazonnement, 2° séchage des gazons et des herbes munis de tout leur système radiculaire dense et des éléments terreux qui y sont maintenus, 3° leur mise en fourneaux de combustion, 4° la conduite de l'incinération douce avec un feu étouffé, 5° l'épandage sur le sol écobué des cendres et des terres calcinées. En Afrique de l'Ouest et en Inde, on ajoute des bouses de vaches desséchées. En Afrique Centrale les fourneaux ne sont généralement que des billons continus ou discontinus munis sur leur longueur de cheminées de tirage.
L'écobuage peut ne s'exercer que sur des terres privées de végétation et il recherche alors une modification physique des argiles (Angleterre, Inde). Cette pratique est liée spéculativement aux cultures céréalières. Il apparaîtrait, d'après les arguments et suggestions présentés, que l'écobuage est plutôt un système de culture ayant permis des systèmes de productions grainières, et que son origine pourrait être recherchée en Inde ou au voisinage. L'écobuage est alors lié aux migrations humaines et aux culturations agraires. Enfin, il est demandé que les recherches agronomiques et scientifiques se penchent sur un problème posé empiriquement depuis des millénaires et qui n'a pas encore trouvé d'interprétation globale ou d'appréciation hautement valable.
Razones por las que se demanda una necesidad de transparencia en las entidades no lucrativas: estudio empírico
Authors: Corral Lage Javier , Elechiguerra Arrizabalaga Crisanta 
Published: July 2014

The paper focusses on the degree to which it is important that non-profit organizations disseminate accurate, clear, legitimate and transparent information. The objective of this study is to demonstrate, through a survey of Nonprofit Sector entities and a group of teachers belonging to the Spanish Association of University Professors of Accounting, the degree of importance necessary in order that a non-profit organization provides transparent information to stakeholders, the main reasons that exist in order to provide this type of information and in which areas it might be necessary to intervene.
The following results were obtained from the study. Firstly, the degree to which the importance factor contributed to providing transparent information was high. Secondly, increased transparency in the disclosure of results can help organizations to better attract and retain economic funds, generate added value and reduce uncertainties and suspicions generated in and amongst interest groups as a result of acts of negligence perpetrated by individuals belonging to the sector. Finally, the principal parts of the areas of an entity should provide accounts based on transparent information.
KPI de creación de valor a largo plazo y marca corporativa para el ‘management’: reflexiones sobre la situación en España y propuesta de indicadores
Authors: Benlloch Osuna Mayte , Álvarez Villanueva Cristina 
Published: July 2014

The corporate brand management becomes a strategic level in the value creation process and in the generation of a competitive advantage of a company. Using measurement indicators is the key to successful business management. However, those who offer economic results are mainly used nowadays although they are not always enough to help in making strategic decisions. They require the complement of other indicators, non-financial, which reflect the corporate brand performance.
The present article is the result of a thorough investigation which invites to reflect on the existing value performance indicators and their usefulness, specially taking care of those who can provide additional information to the financial community. A top ten of the most relevant is also extracted.
Effect of Anti-VEGF Treatment on Choroidal Thickness over Time in Patients with Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: McDonnell Emma C. , Heussen Florian M. , Ruiz-Garcia Humberto , Ouyang Yanling , Narala Ramsudha , Walsh Alexander C. , Sadda Srinivas R. 
Published: July 2014

Purpose To evaluate change in subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT) as measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NVAMD) undergoing anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. Methods Patients with a diagnosis of NVAMD were retrospectively reviewed to identify those who had at least 12 months of follow-up. The SCT was manually measured from Bruch membrane to the choroid–sclera junction at baseline and last follow-up. Only cases in which the choroid was fully visible were included in quantitative analyses. The SCT measurements were correlated with other characteristics including number and duration of treatments. Results Sixty eyes of 47 patients with a follow-up of 23.8 months (SD 7.3) met study inclusion criteria, and 49 eyes of 40 patients received anti-VEGF treatment. Mean age was 83.7 years, and 52% were female. Treated eyes received a mean of 7.8 (SD 7.3) intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. The SCT at baseline was 126.7 μm (SD 50.6) for untreated and 136.2 μm (SD 57.6) for treated eyes. The SCT showed a decrease over time in both groups, with a mean rate of reduction of 6.0 μm (p<0.0002) in treated eyes and 3.6 μm (p = 0.3741) in untreated eyes. However, the change in SCT did not differ between the groups (p = 0.5113), and did not correlate with the number of re-treatments (p = 0.552), visual acuity at baseline (p = 0.618), or change in visual acuity over time (p = 0.429). Conclusions Although choroidal thickness decreased over time in eyes with NVAMD, anti-VEGF therapy did not appear to accelerate or otherwise alter this decline.
The Effect of Oral Propranolol on Intraocular Pressure in Infants with Sturge-Weber Syndrome Glaucoma
Authors: Wygnanski-Jaffe Tamara , Spierer Abraham , Melamed Shlomo , Ben-Zion Itay 
Published: July 2014

Purpose To report the effect of oral propranolol on intraocular pressure (IOP) in infants newly diagnosed with unilateral Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) glaucoma receiving no other treatment. Methods This was a prospective, nonrandomized interventional case series. Four infants presenting with unilateral SWS glaucoma with no prior treatment were treated with oral propranolol at a dose of 2 mg/kg and followed thereafter. Results Propranolol had a temporary IOP-lowering effect in 3 of 4 children after 1 week of treatment. This effect diminished thereafter and 3 of 4 children required additional medical or surgical treatment. Conclusions Oral propranolol has a temporary effect on IOP in SWS glaucoma and is not effective as a single treatment in this syndrome, yet can serve to delay surgical treatment for a short period of time. In one case, the glaucoma was well-controlled on this medication.
From Histology and Imaging Data to Models for In-Stent Restenosis
Authors: Amatruda Claudia M. , Casas Carles Bona , Keller Brandis K. , Tahir Hannan , Dubini Gabriele , Hoekstra Alfons , Hose D. Rodney , Lawford Patricia , Migliavacca Francesco , Narracott Andrew , Gunn Julian 
Published: July 2014

The implantation of stents has been used to treat coronary artery stenosis for several decades. Although stenting is successful in restoring the vessel lumen and is a minimally invasive approach, the long-term outcomes are often compromised by in-stent restenosis (ISR). Animal models have provided insights into the pathophysiology of ISR and are widely used to evaluate candidate drug inhibitors of ISR. Such biological models allow the response of the vessel to stent implantation to be studied without the variation of lesion characteristics encountered in patient studies. This paper describes the development of complementary in silico models employed to improve the understanding of the biological response to stenting using a porcine model of restenosis. This includes experimental quantification using microCT imaging and histology and the use of this data to establish numerical models of restenosis. Comparison of in silico results with histology is used to examine the relationship between spatial localization of fluid and solid mechanics stimuli immediately post-stenting. Multi-scale simulation methods are employed to study the evolution of neointimal growth over time and the variation in the extent of neointimal hyperplasia within the stented region. Interpretation of model results through direct comparison with the biological response contributes to more detailed understanding of the pathophysiology of ISR, and suggests the focus for follow-up studies. In conclusion we outline the challenges which remain to both complete our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for restenosis and translate these models to applications in stent design and treatment planning at both population-based and patient-specific levels.
Transfer of Low-Molecular Weight Single-Stranded DNA through the Membrane of a High-Flux Dialyzer
Authors: Tao Xia , Hoenich Nicholas , Handelman Samuel K. , Levin Nathan W. , Kotanko Peter , Handelman Garry J. 
Published: July 2014

Purpose Microbial contamination is often present in dialysate used for hemodialysis. Small single-stranded bacterial DNA sequences are capable of activating human inflammatory pathways, through mechanisms that include the Toll-like-receptor 9, and dialysis patients frequently show severe inflammation. Since these molecules have been found in dialysate and in patients’ bloodstreams, we studied the potential of low-molecular weight DNA sequences, of the same structure as found in bacteria, to cross from the dialyzer circuit to the blood circuit of a dialysis filter. Methods The mass transfer of DNA fragments across a high-flux dialyzer was evaluated with an in vitro dialysis model, in both conventional dialysis and pure convection mode. Measurement of DNA was performed by HPLC. Results In dialysis mode, these mass transfer coefficients were calculated for different single-stranded DNA chain lengths: 5-bases = 28.5%, 9-bases = 20.5%, 20-bases = 9.4%, 35-bases = 2.4%, 50-bases and 100-bases, no transfer detected. In convection mode, these sieving coefficients were calculated: 5-bases = 1.0, 9-bases = 1.0, 20-bases = 0.68, 35-bases = 0.40, 50-bases = 0.17, 100-bases, no convective transfer detected. The physical size of DNA molecules could be the major factor that influences their movement through dialyzer pores. Conclusions This study establishes that significant transfer across the dialyzer may occur with singlestranded DNA in the size range of 20-bases or less. These findings need to be confirmed with an in vitro whole blood model and with clinical investigations. Previous studies have described the clinical benefits of achieving high-purity dialysate. Precautions are warranted to minimize the presence of these DNA compounds in fluids utilized for hemodialysis treatment.
Evaluation of Decellularized Extracellular Matrix of Skeletal Muscle for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Lin Chih-Hsun , Yang Jenn-Rong , Chiang Nai-Jung , Ma Hsu , Tsay Ruey-Yug 
Published: July 2014

Objective We evaluated the effectiveness of enzyme-detergent methods on cell removal of mouse skeletal muscle tissue and assessed the biocompatibility of the decellularized tissues by an animal model. Methods The mouse latissimus dorsi (LD) muscles underwent decellularization with different enzyme-detergent mixtures (trypsin-Triton X-100, trypsin-sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), trypsin-Triton X-100-SDS). The effectiveness of decellularization was assessed by histology and DNA assay. The content in collagen and glycosaminoglycan was measured. The biomechanical property was evaluated in uniaxial tensile tests. For biocompatibility, the decellularized muscle specimens were implanted in situ and the tissue samples were retrieved at day 10, 20, and 30, to evaluate the host-graft inflammatory reaction. Results Extensive washing of the mouse LD muscles with an enzyme-detergent mixture (trypsin and Triton X-100) can yield an intact matrix devoid of cells, depleted of more than 93% nuclear component and exhibiting comparable biomechanical properties with native tissue. In addition, we observed increased infiltration of inflammatory cells into the scaffold initially, and the presence of M1 (CD68)-phenotype mononuclear cells 10 days after implantation, which decreased gradually until day 30. Conclusions The enzyme-detergent method can serve as an effective method for cell removal of mouse skeletal muscle. In short-term follow-up, the implanted scaffolds revealed mild inflammation with fibrotic tissue formation. The decellularized extracelluar matrix developed herein is shown to be feasible for further long-term study for detailed information about muscle regeneration, innervation, and angiogenesis in vivo.
Six-Minute Walk Distance Predicts VO2 (max) in Patients Supported with Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Prichard Roslyn A. , Juul Marcus , Gazibarich Gary , Davidson Patricia M. , Mason Carmel , Keogh Anne M. , Macdonald Peter S. , Hayward Christopher S. 
Published: July 2014

Background Six-minute walk distance (6MWD) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) are used as prognostic tools in patients with heart failure (HF). Whether these tests provide similar information in the LVAD population is not known. Methods Eight patients supported with VentrAssist rotary blood pump LVADs, underwent three days of testing that included 6MWD and VO2 max at normal, high or low speeds, generating twenty-four paired results. Results The mean 6MWD was 438 (+/- 90 SD) m and the mean VO2 was 14.12 (+/-1.87) ml/kg/min. There was a modest correlation between VO2(max) and 6MWD (r = 0.56 p = 0.004), which improved (r = 0.72 p = 0.002) when patients with higher resting Pro BNP levels and larger left ventricular end diastolic diameters (LVEDD) were excluded. Conclusions 6MWD is correlated with VO2 (max) in LVAD supported patients, with higher correlations in patients with better underlying cardiac function.
Iatrogenesis Imperfecta: Stroke caused by Accidental Carotid Artery Catheterization
Authors: Pathak Ranjan , Karmacharya Paras , Aryal Madan Raj , Alweis Richard 
Published: July 2014

Purpose Central venous catheterization is a commonly used procedure to gain access to the central circulation. Although ultrasound guidance decreases the complication rates, arterial puncture may still occur. Failure to recognize this early may lead to devastating complications such as thrombosis and embolic stroke. We discuss the factors associated with increased risk of arterial puncture, techniques to detect them early and the management of established carotid artery cannulation. Methods We report a case of internal jugular catheterization complicated by carotid artery puncture leading to embolic stroke. Result Arterial catheterization in the patient went unrecognized for 2 days. During this period, the patient developed catheter-related thrombus in the carotid artery, ultimately resulting in embolic stroke. Emergent open surgical repair of the vessels with thrombectomy was performed. Conclusion Even with ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization, it is essential to remain vigilant for the early detection of vascular complications. Clinical suspicion combined with diagnostic modalities such as chest radiograph, transduction and manometry can increase the detection rates.
Fractures of Totally Implantable Central venous Ports: More than Fortuity. A Three-Year Single Center Experience
Authors: Balsorano Paolo , Galducci Giulia , De Fanti Ilaria , Evans Samuel Kagan , De Gaudio Angelo Raffaele , Pelagatti Cecilia 
Published: July 2014

Purpose Totally implantable venous access devices (Ports) represent the mainstay for infusion therapy in patients undergoing chemotherapy, total parenteral nutrition and/or long-term antibiotic treatment. Amongst mechanical complications, lesions of the catheter wall represent a rare but potentially severe condition. We report our experience with the accidental detection of catheter ruptures in a series of ports removed for complication or for end of use. Methods All ports removed from January 2011 to June 2013 were considered. All removed ports had been inserted according to a standardized protocol including ultrasound-guided percutaneous venipuncture (out-of-plane or in-plane approaches) and electrocardiogram-guided positioning of the tip. Once removed, each catheter was checked by inspection and saline instillation in order to evaluate the integrity of the device itself and rule out possible ruptures. Results In over 338 removed ports, 12 Groshong catheters out of 65 (18.5%) had evidence of partial rupture of the catheter wall. Amongst considered variables, “out-of-plane” approach and type of port (silicon, closed tip with Groshong valve) were the only ones significantly associated with catheter ruptures (p=0.0003 and 0.0008, respectively). We could detect no evidence of rupture in any silicon open-ended catheter (Celsite ports) or in any catheter inserted by “in-plane” approach to the vein. Conclusions The actual advantage of using port connected with Groshong silicon catheters should be questioned, since apparently they are more fragile than standard catheters. Furthermore, ultrasound-guided “out-of-plane” puncture of the internal jugular vein should be discouraged.
Factors Affecting the Frequency of Vascular Access via Intraosseous Cannulation performed by Paramedics in Johannesburg
Authors: Vincent-Lambert Craig , Carpenter Andrew Peter 
Published: July 2014

Purpose In an emergency, the administration of fluids and medications remains a vital component of patient care. Although this is usually achieved via an intravenous line, intraosseous (IO) cannulation is accepted as a useful alternative for the administration of fluids and medications in situations where intravenous cannulation is difficult or impossible. Despite this, IO cannulation appeared to be infrequently performed by paramedics in Johannesburg (JHB). This study investigated factors that may be affecting the frequency with which IO cannulation is performed by paramedics in JHB. Methods A qualitative design was utilized making use of one-on-one interviews with 12 purposefully selected operational paramedics from emergency medical services in JHB. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. Introspective analysis and interpretive phenomenological analysis were conducted to identify emerging themes and patterns. Results IO cannulation is infrequently performed by paramedics in JHB. Factors identified that reduce the likelihood of the procedure being performed included “Negative Perceptions Relating to the Procedure”; “Practitioner Success at Intravenous Cannulation”; “Close Proximity of Hospitals”; “Patient Profile, Presentation and Case Load”; “Lack of Appropriate Equipment”; and “Lack of Appropriate Training.” Conclusion Procedures are more inclined to move from the in-hospital to the prehospital environment if they are seen to be commonly performed, safe and effective. It would appear that paramedics infrequently witness IO cannulation being performed in emergency departments. This together with a lack of appropriate equipment, training and retraining including the perceived invasiveness and pain associated with the procedure appears to be dissuading paramedics from regularly performing IO cannulation.
Misplaced Central venous Catheter in the Vertebral Artery: Endovascular Treatment of Foreseen Hemorrhage during Catheter Withdrawal
Authors: Akkan Koray , Cindil Emetullah , Kilic Koray , Ilgit Erhan , Onal Baran , Erbas Gonca 
Published: July 2014

Purpose We report on the endovascular management of hemorrhage with stent-graft due to a misplaced central venous catheter in the vertebral artery (VA) during percutaneous internal jugular vein catheterization in a child. Methods A 16-year-old female was presented with the diagnosis of familial Mediterranean fever related chronic renal insufficiency. An attempt was made to place a central venous catheter via the right internal jugular vein without image guidance and the patient experienced dyspnea and pain at the catheter insertion site. Computerized tomography (CT) showed hemorrhage in the cervical region and upper mediastinum, also reformatted images showed that the catheter was passing through the proximal part of the VA and terminating in the right mediastinum. The catheter was removed during manual compression under angio-flouroscopic monitoring and ongoing extravasation was observed. A stent-graft was placed to the bleeding site of the VA. Results Angiography immediately after the stent-graft placement revealed complete disappearance of extravasation and patency of vertebral and subclavian arteries. Conclusion Central venous catheterization (CVC) is not a risk-free procedure and arterial injuries are in a wide spectrum from a simple puncture to rupture of the artery. Inadvertent VA cannulation is a rare and serious complication necessitating prompt diagnosis and early treatment. If an arterial injury with a large-caliber catheter occurs, endovascular treatment with stent-graft seems to be a safe and effective option in terms of achieving hemostasis and preserving arterial patency. Recent findings suggest that endovascular management of inadvertent cervical arterial injury secondary to CVC seems to be the safest strategy.
A Dedicated Protocol and Environment for central venous Catheter removal in Pediatric Patients Affected by Onco-Hematological Diseases
Authors: Crocoli Alessandro , Martucci Cristina , Leopardi Eleonora , Padua Mariangela , Serra Annalisa , Cacchione Antonella , Coletti Valentina , Palumbo Giuseppe , Ciofi Degli Atti Marta Luisa , Ravà Lucilla , Inserra Alessandro 
Published: July 2014

Purpose The removal of long-term central venous catheters (CVCs) is not performed according to evidence-based guidelines, thus conveying the message that it is a procedure of secondary importance. Our study aims at comparing the experience at Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital before and after the implementation of a dedicated protocol and the identification of a specific area to perform such a procedure under the so-called nonoperating room anesthesia (NORA). Methods Starting on January 1, 2010, an appropriate protocol regarding long-term CVC removal was applied. Then, data from all patients who underwent CVC removal under NORA regimen were compared with patients who have undergone the same procedure before the beginning of such protocol in terms of complication rate, duration of procedure, and costs. Results Between January 2010 and December 2012, 266 patients were evaluated for long-term CVC removal under a NORA regimen. Of these, 194 underwent the procedure. In the period from January 2007 to December 2009, 60 out of 82 patients scheduled for elective removal of long-term CVC in the operating theatre were eligible for this study. Median procedure time was 7 min for removal in NORA and 10 min for the operating theatre (p=0.016); no complications occurred. Conclusion Long-term CVC removal is an often-neglected procedure, carrying a small, but definite rate of complications. Our study shows that CVC removal performed in NORA regimen is safe and feasible, also allowing multiple procedures in the same session with prompt management of possible complications and reduction of the anxiety and pain associated with the procedure.