The Improving Way of Logistics Management in Korean Army

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

case study , ethnography , phenomenological study , ground theory study and content 18 analysis. The case study deals with a...there are five kinds of qualitative research approaches. To decide which method to be chosen, one should consider the purpose, focus, method of data... qualitative research , case study is good to find the answer when the researcher has no

Good-to-Great Superintendents: An Examination of Jim Collins' Good-to-Great Level Five Leadership Attributes as Demonstrated by the Leadership Behaviors of Superintendents of High-Performing California Public Single-School Districts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, James D.

2010-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine Collins' good-to-great Level Five leadership attributes, as demonstrated by the leadership behaviors of superintendents of high-performing California public single-school districts. Methodology: The researcher used a case study design to conduct this study. Personal interviews were conducted in…

Diversity vs. Equality: Why the Education of Roma Children Does Not Work

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kyuchukov, Hristo; New, William

2016-01-01

This article takes up the question of why recent efforts to reform Roma education have been largely unsuccessful. Using case studies, the authors identify and discuss situations that have produced poor results: good intentions and bad realisations, good intentions and good realisations, and misguided intentions and bad realisations. They suggest…

[Clinical studies on flomoxef in neonates].

PubMed

Tabuki, K; Nishimura, T

1993-07-01

Clinical studies on flomoxef (FMOX) were performed in neonates and the results obtained are summarized as follows. Treatment with FMOX was made in 4 cases of neonatal bacterial infections; 2 cases of sepsis (suspected) and 1 case each of infection of umbilicus and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Results obtained were excellent in 1 case, good in 3 cases. No significant side effects due to the drug were observed in any cases.

Intradiscal injection of triamcinolone hexacetonide for acute, subacute, and chronic sciatica. Results at 3 months an open-prospectus study of 30 cases and review of the literature.

PubMed

Bertin, P; Rochet, N; Arnaud, M; Treves, R; Desproges Gotteron, R; Charissoux, J L

1990-09-01

The authors report an open study of 30 cases of intradiscal injection of triamcinolone hexacetonide in the treatment of sciatica. The patients were monitored at months 1 and 3. The results were judged to be good in 36.6% of the cases, moderate in 36.6% and poor in 26.7% of the cases. Two adverse effects were reported: 1 case of reversible urinary retention and 1 case of deficiency of the dorsiflexor muscles of the foot. The good results reported in previous series were only found in this study when the indications were restricted to certain favourable prognostic factors: duration of sciatica less than 6 months and CAT-scan appearance of discal hernia. This technique has the advantage of being simple, economical and nonallergic. On the basis of the encouraging results of the initial series, this technique should be considered as an interesting therapeutic alternative in sciatica. Larger series and double-blind studies, however, are necessary to confirm the initial results.

Tuberculosis awareness in Gezira, Sudan: knowledge, attitude and practice case-control survey.

PubMed

Suleiman, M M A; Sahal, N; Sodemann, M; Elsony, A; Aro, A R

2014-03-13

This case-control study aimed to assess tuberculosis (TB) awareness and its associated sociodemographic characteristics in Gezira, Sudan. New smear-positive TB patients registered in Gezira in 2010 (n = 425) and age-matched controls who attended the same health facilities for other reasons (n = 850) formed the study sample. Awareness was measured using a modified standard World Health Organization TB knowledge, attitude and practice instrument. There was no significant difference between TB cases and the controls in overall levels of TB awareness. About two-thirds of TB cases and controls had good TB awareness. Respondents' sex was associated with awareness among the controls. Age, level of education, type of residence and type of occupation were significantly associated with TB awareness, whereas marital status had no effect. The good level of TB awareness found among TB cases and controls is a baseline for further TB awareness-raising among the Gezira population.

[Clinical efficacy of flomoxef in the field of pediatrics].

PubMed

Ogura, H; Kubota, H; Murakami, N; Tomoda, T; Hamada, F; Matsumoto, K; Araki, K; Ogura, Y; Kurashige, T; Kitamura, I

1987-08-01

A new oxacephem antibiotic, flomoxef sodium (FMOX, 6315-S), was studied for its clinical efficacy in the field of pediatrics. The treated patients were infants and children ranging from 6 months to 14 years old suffering from bacterial pneumonia in 3 cases, acute tonsillitis in 2 cases, acute enterocolitis in 2 cases, and cellulitis and urinary tract infection in 1 case each, a total of 9 cases. FMOX was administered at (levels of) 57-150 mg/kg in daily dose with durations of treatment ranging from 5 to 18 days. Clinical efficacies of good or excellent results were obtained in all cases (excellent in 4, good in 5). As an adverse reaction, eosinophilia was observed in 1 patient. This elevation is, however, normalized with the cessation of the treatment.

The Possibilities for University-Based Public-Good Professional Education: A Case-Study from South Africa Based on the "Capability Approach"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McLean, Monica; Walker, Melanie

2012-01-01

The education of professionals oriented to poverty reduction and the public good is the focus of the article. Sen's "capability approach" is used to conceptualise university-based professional education as a process of developing public-good professional capabilities. The main output of a research project on professional education in…

[Case-control study on bone setting manipulation for the treatment of over degree II supination-eversion fractures of ankle joint].

PubMed

Qi, Yue-Feng; Chen, Fa-Lin; Bao, Shu-Ren; Li, Cheng-Huan; Zhao, Xing-Wei; Liu, Shi-Ming; Chen, Wen-Xue; Li, Ye; Wang, Peng

2012-08-01

To explore therapeutic effects of bone setting manipulation for the treatment of over degree II supination-eversion fractures of ankle,and analyze manipulative reduction mechanism. From 2005 to 2008, 95 patients with over degree II supination-eversion fractures of ankle were treated respectively by manipulation and operation. There were 43 cases [11 males and 32 females with an average age of (44.95 +/- 12.65) years] in manipulation group, and 2 cases were degree II, 11 cases were degree III, and 30 cases were degree IV. There were 52 cases [21 males and 31 females with an average age of (39.96 +/- 13.28) years] in operative group,and 6 cases were degree II, 18 cases were degree III, and 28 cases were degree IV. Bone setting manipulation and hard splint external fixation were applied to manipulative group. Operative reduction internal fixation was performed in operative group. X-ray was used to evaluate reduction of fracture before and after treatment, 2 months after treatment. Ankle joint function was evaluated according to Olerud-Molander scoring system after 6 months treatment. All patients were followed up with good reduction. Three cases occurred wound complication in operative group, but not in manipulative group. In manipulation group, 19 cases got excellent results, 20 cases good and 4 cases fair; while in operative group, 30 cases got excellent results, 20 cases good and 2 cases poor. There were no significant differences in fracture reduction and ankle joint function recovery between two groups (P > 0.05). Efficacy of operative treatment was better than that of manipulative treatment at degree IV fracture (P < 0.05). Bone setting manipulation is a good method for treating supination-eversion ankle joint fractures, which has advantages of simple and safe operation, reliable efficacy. For ankle join fracture at degree IV, manipulative reduction should be adopted earlier, and operative treatment also necessary

3D marker-controlled watershed for kidney segmentation in clinical CT exams.

PubMed

Wieclawek, Wojciech

2018-02-27

Image segmentation is an essential and non trivial task in computer vision and medical image analysis. Computed tomography (CT) is one of the most accessible medical examination techniques to visualize the interior of a patient's body. Among different computer-aided diagnostic systems, the applications dedicated to kidney segmentation represent a relatively small group. In addition, literature solutions are verified on relatively small databases. The goal of this research is to develop a novel algorithm for fully automated kidney segmentation. This approach is designed for large database analysis including both physiological and pathological cases. This study presents a 3D marker-controlled watershed transform developed and employed for fully automated CT kidney segmentation. The original and the most complex step in the current proposition is an automatic generation of 3D marker images. The final kidney segmentation step is an analysis of the labelled image obtained from marker-controlled watershed transform. It consists of morphological operations and shape analysis. The implementation is conducted in a MATLAB environment, Version 2017a, using i.a. Image Processing Toolbox. 170 clinical CT abdominal studies have been subjected to the analysis. The dataset includes normal as well as various pathological cases (agenesis, renal cysts, tumors, renal cell carcinoma, kidney cirrhosis, partial or radical nephrectomy, hematoma and nephrolithiasis). Manual and semi-automated delineations have been used as a gold standard. Wieclawek Among 67 delineated medical cases, 62 cases are 'Very good', whereas only 5 are 'Good' according to Cohen's Kappa interpretation. The segmentation results show that mean values of Sensitivity, Specificity, Dice, Jaccard, Cohen's Kappa and Accuracy are 90.29, 99.96, 91.68, 85.04, 91.62 and 99.89% respectively. All 170 medical cases (with and without outlines) have been classified by three independent medical experts as 'Very good' in 143-148 cases, as 'Good' in 15-21 cases and as 'Moderate' in 6-8 cases. An automatic kidney segmentation approach for CT studies to compete with commonly known solutions was developed. The algorithm gives promising results, that were confirmed during validation procedure done on a relatively large database, including 170 CTs with both physiological and pathological cases.

Adolescent Girl Writers: "I Can Be Good at It, if I Like It"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chai, Hannah H.

2010-01-01

A common perception that girls are good at writing may lead educators to overlook girls. This study examined the writing engagement of three sixth grade girls and how their writing self perception affected their attitudes in a writing classroom. Using a qualitative case study methodology, three themes emerged: the importance of writing tasks, the…

What Makes "Good" Literacy and Numeracy Provision? Case Study Research of Regional Australia.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guenther, John

The question of what makes 'good' literacy and numeracy provision was examined by reviewing interview data from a project on the role of vocational education and training that was conducted by the University of Tasmania's Centre for Research and Learning in Regional Australia. The study dataset included the findings from 541 structured interviews…

Strategic Planning in the Business Enterprise of Christian Colleges and Universities: A Multi-Case Study Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fletcher, Wayne Lewis

2013-01-01

Many tuition-driven private colleges and universities struggled for economic survival in the first decade of this millennium. The current study views higher education from a two-good framework that posits that every college and university provides teaching and service for the societal good while generating revenue from traditional business-like…

Sharing Good Practices: Teenage Girls, Sport, and Physical Activities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vescio, Johanna A.; Crosswhite, Janice J.

2002-01-01

Investigated initiatives to increase teenage girls' participation in sport and physical activities, examining good practice case studies from Australia. Surveys of national, state, and regional sporting organizations and various community and school organizations (including culturally diverse girls and girls with disabilities) highlighted three…

Models of Shelter Management Training and Delivery Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-05-31

case study can be pre- sented orally, in writing, through a dramatization, or on film. Advantages: the case can be designed to focus on a problem or...develop a good, complex case study ; it may not be possible to use a case with more than one group (Ax & Kohls, 1977; Bauman, 1977; U.S. Civil Service...Although public information on self-protection continued to be distributed, the shelter program remained incomplete (e.g., an AIR study in 1966 noted that

Innovative Case Studies of Good Practice in England.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gifted Education International, 2003

2003-01-01

Four case studies of gifted education programs in England are described, including the development of a teacher handbook based on the principles behind accelerated learning, the identification of students with musical ability and the provision of musical instrument lessons, and the development of a portable information communication technology…

Good Help Is Hard to Find: A Study in Retention and Motivation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Norman, Scott W.

2010-01-01

This case study confronts the issues of staff motivation and teacher retention that face administrators in low-paying and/or low-performing small school settings when teacher pay is low and morale is lower, especially in communities having a lower economic base. It will present not only opportunities to try to keep good teachers but also…

Good Practice in Promoting Gender Equality in Higher Education in Central and Eastern Europe. Studies on Higher Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grunberg, Laura

This volume publishes the results of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) European Centre for Higher Education (CEPES) project, Good Practice in Promoting Gender Inequality in Higher Education in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Countries. These case studies offer hope for a future in which…

Angular stable plates in proximal meta-epiphyseal tibial fractures: study of joint restoration and clinical and functional evaluation.

PubMed

Giannotti, S; Giovannelli, D; Dell'Osso, G; Bottai, V; Bugelli, G; Celli, F; Citarelli, C; Guido, G

2016-04-01

The tibial plateau fractures involve one of the main weight bearing joints of the human body. The goals of surgical treatment are anatomical reduction, articular surface reconstruction and high primary stability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes after internal plate fixation of this kind of fractures. From January 2009 to December 2012, we treated 75 cases of tibial plateau fracture with angular stable plates. We used Rasmussen Score and the Knee Society Score for the clinical and functional evaluation. Twenty-five cases that underwent hardware removal had arthroscopic and CT evaluation of the joint. No complications occurred. The clinical and functional evaluation, performed by the KSS and Rasmussen Score, highlighted the high percentage of good-to-excellent results (over 90 %). In every case, the range of motion was good with flexion >90°. Arthroscopy showed the presence of chondral damage in 100 % of patients. In all the cases, we found that X-ray images seem better than the CT images. Angular stable plates allow to obtain a good primary stability, permitting an early joint recovery with an excellent range of motion. Avoiding to perform a knee arthrotomy at the time of fracture reduction could prove to be an advantage in terms of functional recovery. The meniscus on the injured bone should be preserved in order to maintain good function of the joint. X-ray images remain the gold standard in checking the progression of post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

VET Providers Planning to Deliver Degrees: Good Practice Guide

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), 2015

2015-01-01

This good practice guide is intended to assist public and private registered training organisations (RTOs) planning to commence higher education (HE) delivery. The guide is based on research undertaken by Victor Callan and Kaye Bowman, who completed case studies with six providers currently delivering higher education qualifications in addition to…

Exploring the scope of expanding advanced nursing practice in nurse-led clinics: a multiple-case study.

PubMed

Shiu, Ann T Y; Lee, Diana T F; Chau, Janita P C

2012-08-01

This article is a report on a study to explore the development of expanding advanced nursing practice in nurse-led clinics in Hong Kong. Nurse-led clinics serviced by advanced practice nurses, a common international practice, have been adopted in Hong Kong since 1990s. Evaluations consistently show that this practice has good clinical outcomes and contributes to containing healthcare cost. However, similar to the international literature, it remains unclear as to what the elements of good advanced nursing practice are, and which directions Hong Kong should adopt for further development of such practice. A multiple-case study design was adopted with six nurse-led clinics representing three specialties as six case studies, and including two clinics each from continence, diabetes and wound care. Each case had four embedded units of analysis. They included non-participant observation of nursing activities (9 days), nurse interviews (N = 6), doctor interviews (N = 6) and client interviews (N = 12). The data were collected in 2009. Within- and cross-case analyses were conducted. The cross-case analysis demonstrated six elements of good advanced nursing practice in nurse-led clinics, and showed a great potential to expand the practice by reshaping four categories of current boundaries, including community-hospital, wellness-illness, public-private and professional-practice boundaries. From these findings, we suggest a model to advance the scope of advanced nursing practice in nurse-led clinics. The six elements may be applied as audit criteria for evaluation of advanced nursing practice in nurse-led clinics, and the proposed model provides directions for expanding such practice in Hong Kong and beyond. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Continuous-Time Public Good Contribution Under Uncertainty: A Stochastic Control Approach

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ferrari, Giorgio, E-mail: giorgio.ferrari@uni-bielefeld.de; Riedel, Frank, E-mail: frank.riedel@uni-bielefeld.de; Steg, Jan-Henrik, E-mail: jsteg@uni-bielefeld.de

In this paper we study continuous-time stochastic control problems with both monotone and classical controls motivated by the so-called public good contribution problem. That is the problem of n economic agents aiming to maximize their expected utility allocating initial wealth over a given time period between private consumption and irreversible contributions to increase the level of some public good. We investigate the corresponding social planner problem and the case of strategic interaction between the agents, i.e. the public good contribution game. We show existence and uniqueness of the social planner’s optimal policy, we characterize it by necessary and sufficient stochasticmore » Kuhn–Tucker conditions and we provide its expression in terms of the unique optional solution of a stochastic backward equation. Similar stochastic first order conditions prove to be very useful for studying any Nash equilibria of the public good contribution game. In the symmetric case they allow us to prove (qualitative) uniqueness of the Nash equilibrium, which we again construct as the unique optional solution of a stochastic backward equation. We finally also provide a detailed analysis of the so-called free rider effect.« less

[Case control study of fractures-dislocations of ankle joint with conservative and operative treatment].

PubMed

Zhang, Song-Tu; Lin, Yi-Rong; Chen, Lian-Yuan

2010-10-01

To compare the clinical efficacy of grade III, IV supination-eversion fractures-dislocations of ankle joint between manipulative treatment and operative treatment. From September 2007 to December 2008, the clinical data of 60 patients with grade III, IV supination-eversion fractures-dislocations of ankle joint were retrospectively analyzed. There were 32 males and 28 females, ranging in age from 18 to 70 years with an average age of 38.17 years. All patients were respectively treated with manipulative treatment (conservative group, 30 cases) and operative treatment (operative group, 30 cases). The joint function was compared with Mazur standard; the reduction and shifting of fractures were observed with X-ray; the hospitalization day and the therapeutic cost were compared between two groups. All patients were followed up with an average of 15.27 months (ranged, 6 to 25 months). In conservative group, 16 cases got excellent result in joint function, 10 good, 3 fair, 1 poor; in operative group, 20 cases got excellent result, 8 good, 2 fair, 0 poor. In conservative group in the X-ray showed 25 cases obtained excellent and good reduction, 4 fair, 1 poor; and in operative group in the X-ray showed 28 cases obtained excellent and good reduction, 2 fair, 0 poor. There was no significant difference at the joint function and X-ray film after treatment between two groups (P > 0.05). The hospital day was respectively (7.87 +/- 3.34), (17.37 +/- 4.64) d in conservative group and operative group; and the therapeutic cost was respectively (2 506.67 +/- 649.10), (11 473.33 +/- 1 564.90) yuan. There was significant difference at hospital day and therapeutic cost between two groups (P < 0.05). Conservative treatment and operative treatment can both reach a very good result in treating grade III, IV supination-eversion fractures and dislocations of ankle joint. However, conservative treatment has advantage of high safety factor, low therapeutic cost, can reduce medical costs for patients.

Information About Cost of Goods Produced and its Usefulness for Production Engineers - A Case of SME

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maruszewska, Ewa Wanda; Strojek-Filus, Marzena; Drábková, Zita

2017-12-01

The article stresses the consequences of simplifications implemented in the measurement process of goods produced that are of crucial importance to production engineers in SME. The authors show the variety of possibilities that might be used by financial employees together with probable outputs in terms of valuation distortions. Using the case study the authors emphasis the importance of close cooperation of production engineers with finance professionals as out-puts of finance departments consist an important input for decision-making process of production managers. Further-more, demonstrated deficiencies in terms of methods applicable in financial reporting for measurement of the value of goods produced indicate the need for incorporation more financial and non-financial data in the process of judgments about the final cost of goods produced as simplifications applied in SME distort financial information provided to production engineers.

Why do certain primary health care teams respond better to intimate partner violence than others? A multiple case study.

PubMed

Goicolea, Isabel; Marchal, Bruno; Hurtig, Anna-Karin; Vives-Cases, Carmen; Briones-Vozmediano, Erica; San Sebastián, Miguel

2017-12-09

To analyse how team level conditions influenced health care professionals' responses to intimate partner violence. We used a multiple embedded case study. The cases were four primary health care teams located in a southern region of Spain; two of them considered "good" and two s "average". The two teams considered good had scored highest in practice issues for intimate partner violence, measured via a questionnaire (PREMIS - Physicians Readiness to Respond to Intimate Partner Violence Survey) applied to professionals working in the four primary health care teams. In each case quantitative and qualitative data were collected using a social network questionnaire, interviews and observations. The two "good" cases showed dynamics and structures that promoted team working and team learning on intimate partner violence, had committed social workers and an enabling environment for their work, and had put into practice explicit strategies to implement a women-centred approach. Better individual responses to intimate partner violence were implemented in the teams which: 1) had social workers who were knowledgeable and motivated to engage with others; 2) sustained a structure of regular meetings during which issues of violence were discussed; 3) encouraged a friendly team climate; and 4) implemented concrete actions towards women-centred care. Copyright © 2017 SESPAS. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Colour Light And Wellbeing: A Case Study Of M Mall 020 George Town, Penang Island

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aqbar Zakaria, Safial; Yii Rou, Ng; Zhi En, Hoi; Iyian, Tai

2017-12-01

Contrary to popular belief, the brightest light or the most colourful light makes good lighting design. However, what makes a good lighting design in interior space is an impeccable composite of art and science. With the application of good lighting design, it can produce an impressive result from enhancing the aesthetic of architectural elements to conveying the right type of ambiance of the interiors. This research intends to address the crucial issues regarding the ways in which lighting designers can communicate the benefits of good lighting and to create a better awareness to users. The objectives of this paper are to outline and explore the features of good and poor lighting design in M Mall O2O based on the lighting design language and profession. The results of this research are mainly qualitative in nature, supported by the professional lighting designers on the definitions of good lighting, personal observation and visual data which were taken in George Town, Penang Island. The case studies on good and poor lighting portrayed in this mall were used as examples to scrutinize the issues raised herein. To achieve the optimum lighting design, a joint approach of focusing on the artistic flair brought forth by lighting and more scientific effort on the calculation levels of lights is crucial. Different functionality requires a different amount of attention on either approach. In conclusion, a good lighting design must be able to enhance the atmosphere and also enrich the quality of the interior architecture. Apart from that, a good lighting design should have good distribution of brightness levels, contrast and different colour temperatures to enhance characters of the interior spaces without neglecting the health and wellbeing aspects.

Survey of Information Sharing Related to the Occupational Considerations of Working Cancer Patients Between Occupational Physicians and Treating Physicians.

PubMed

Furuya, Yuko; Takahashi, Miyako; Tateishi, Seiichiro; Tomita, Makiko; Hiraoka, Kou; Shibata, Yoshiyuki; Mori, Koji

2016-06-07

Although a vital element in providing career support to workers with medical ailments is coordination between the worker, the treating physician, and the company (the occupational health staff), little is known about factors that promote or impede coordination between these parties. This study aims to demonstrate what kinds of actions by treating physicians promote or impede the occupational considerations made by occupational physicians. A total of 43 occupational physicians who had completed the postgraduate training course (4 years) at the University of Occupational and Environmental Health Japan and were current or former instructors at the Occupational Health Training Center were surveyed using a self-reported questionnaire form. The questionnaire asked about individual attributes (age, years of experience as an occupational physician, etc.) and actions taken by treating physicians that were useful in making occupational considerations in the workplace (good practice cases) or that impeded such considerations (trouble cases). Responses about cases were obtained as freely written descriptions. Case content was analyzed qualitatively according to the KJ method. During the survey period from December 17, 2013 to January 18, 2014, responses were received from 33 occupational physicians (valid response rate, 76.7%; mean age, 37.4±6.1 years). Of these, 60.6% exclusively specialized in occupational medicine. Respondents provided 32 good practice cases and 16 trouble cases. The timing of coordination was the period of rehabilitation in 35 of the 48 cases (72.9%). Actions by the treating physicians that influenced occupational considerations were divided into seven major categories: "providing treatment information," "providing physical information," "appropriateness of rehabilitation or occupational considerations," "consistency of information provided," "issuing documentation," "communication that was cognizant of the occupational physician's presence," and "providing information unknown to the worker." This study clarified the kind of actions by the treating physicians that were relevant to occupational support provided by occupational physicians. Additionally, this study clarified the need for information sharing with occupational physician and treating physician. The good practice cases and trouble cases presented by the respondents were inextricably linked, and actions by the treating physicians that are based on good practices are highly likely to lead to smooth information sharing and occupational considerations.

Intravascular low-intensity He-Ne laser irradiation therapy on idiopathic edema

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Yunqing; Liu, T. C.; Tang, Xiang-Jun

1998-11-01

194 patients with psoriasis were treated by intravascular low level laser irradiation combined with Vit C 2.0g iv and O2 inhale to the nose. An hour once a day, for 5-40 times, and 13.06 times in average, ten times with 4-7 days intervals. The results: cured 23 cases, good effected 61 cases, improved 110 cases, relapsed 10 cases. Curative effect was related to treatment times, cured and good effected 5 times 12.5 percent, 10 times 31 percent, 15 times 94 percent. A matched control group in 17 patients was treated by drug. The results: good effected 1 case, improved 13 cases, not effected 3 cases.

Cuban Voices: A Case Study of English Language Teacher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Steven John

2016-01-01

This case study uses qualitative research methods and a postcolonial paradigm to listen to the voices of Cuban teacher educators describing how they educate and prepare English language teachers in Cuba. English language teacher education in Cuba includes features that are considered innovative, contemporary and good practice in the Western world.…

Slogging and Stumbling toward Social Justice in a Private Elementary School: The Complicated Case of St. Malachy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scanlan, Martin

2010-01-01

This case study examines St. Malachy, an urban Catholic elementary school primarily serving children traditionally marginalized by race, class, linguistic heritage, and disability. As a private school, St. Malachy serves the public good by recruiting and retaining such traditionally marginalized students. As empirical studies involving Catholic…

Recognising and Validating Outcomes of Non-Accredited Learning: A Practical Approach.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greenwood, Maggie, Ed.; Hayes, Amanda, Ed.; Turner, Cheryl, Ed.; Vorhaus, John, Ed.

A group of adult educators in England conducted seven case studies to identify strategies for recognizing adult students' learning progress in nonaccredited programs. The case studies identified the following elements of good practice in the process of recording and validating achievement: (1) initial identification of learning objectives; (2)…

Detecting depression among adolescents in Santiago, Chile: sex differences.

PubMed

Araya, Ricardo; Montero-Marin, Jesus; Barroilhet, Sergio; Fritsch, Rosemarie; Gaete, Jorge; Montgomery, Alan

2013-04-23

Depression among adolescents is common but most cases go undetected. Brief questionnaires offer an opportunity to identify probable cases but properly validated cut-off points are often unavailable, especially in non-western countries. Sex differences in the prevalence of depression become marked in adolescence and this needs to be accounted when establishing cut-off points. This study involved adolescents attending secondary state schools in Santiago, Chile. We compared the self-reported Beck Depression Inventory-II with a psychiatric interview to ascertain diagnosis. General psychometric features were estimated before establishing the criterion validity of the BDI-II. The BDI-II showed good psychometric properties with good internal consistency, a clear unidimensional factorial structure, and good capacity to discriminate between cases and non-cases of depression. Optimal cut-off points to establish caseness for depression were much higher for girls than boys. Sex discrepancies were primarily explained by differences in scores among those with depression rather than among those without depression. It is essential to validate scales with the populations intended to be used with. Sex differences are often ignored when applying cut-off points, leading to substantial misclassification. Early detection of depression is essential if we think that early intervention is a clinically important goal.

Rule-based exposure assessment versus case-by-case expert assessment using the same information in a community-based study.

PubMed

Peters, Susan; Glass, Deborah C; Milne, Elizabeth; Fritschi, Lin

2014-03-01

Retrospective exposure assessment in community-based studies is largely reliant on questionnaire information. Expert assessment is often used to assess lifetime occupational exposures, but these assessments generally lack transparency and are very time-consuming. We explored the agreement between a rule-based assessment approach and case-by-case expert assessment of occupational exposures in a community-based study. We used data from a case-control study of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in which parental occupational exposures were originally assigned by expert assessment. Key questions were identified from the completed parent questionnaires and, on the basis of these, rules were written to assign exposure levels to diesel exhaust, pesticides and solvents. We estimated exposure prevalence separately for fathers and mothers, and used κ statistics to assess the agreement between the two exposure assessment methods. Exposures were assigned to 5829 jobs among 1079 men and 6189 jobs among 1234 women. For both sexes, agreement was good for the two assessment methods of exposure to diesel exhaust at a job level (κ=0.70 for men and κ=0.71 for women) and at a person level (κ=0.74 and κ=0.75). The agreement was good to excellent for pesticide exposure among men (κ=0.74 for jobs and κ=0.84 at a person level) and women (κ=0.68 and κ=0.71 at a job and person level, respectively). Moderate to good agreement was observed for assessment of solvent exposure, which was better for women than men. The rule-based assessment approach appeared to be an efficient alternative for assigning occupational exposures in a community-based study for a selection of occupational exposures.

Investigating Good Practice in Supporting Deaf Pupils in Mainstream Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Powers, Steve

2001-01-01

A survey of parents, teachers, therapists, psychologists, and deaf adults (n=628) and 15 case study sites were used to identify the following good practices supporting deaf students in mainstream schools: direct support for teachers of the deaf, joint planning by support and mainstream teachers, student involvement in decision making, and…

Human Rights Education in Israel: Four Types of Good Citizenship

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Agbaria, Ayman K.; Katz-Pade, Revital

2016-01-01

This article examines the involvement of civil society organizations in human rights education (HRE) in Israel. Focussing on the educational programs of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), as a qualitative instrumental case study, this article examines the conceptions of good citizenship embedded in these programs. Specifically, the…

Systematic Review of the Long-term Surgical Outcomes of Discoid Lateral Meniscus.

PubMed

Lee, Yong Seuk; Teo, Seow Hui; Ahn, Jin Hwan; Lee, O-Sung; Lee, Seung Hoon; Lee, Je Ho

2017-10-01

To evaluate the surgical treatment of the discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) with long-term follow-up and to search which factors are related to good clinical or radiological outcomes. Search was performed using a MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane database, and each of the selected studies was evaluated for methodological quality using a risk of bias (ROB) covering 7 criteria. Clinical and radiological outcomes with more than 5 years of follow-up were evaluated after surgical treatment of DLM. They were analyzed according to the age, follow-up period, kind of surgery, DLM type, and alignment. Eleven articles (422 DLM cases) were included in the final analysis. Among 7 criteria, 3 criteria showed little ROB in all studies. However, 4 criteria showed some ROB ("Yes" in 63.6% to 81.8%). The minimal follow-up period was 5.5 years (weighted mean follow-up: 9.1 years). Surgical procedures were performed with open or arthroscopic partial central meniscectomy, subtotal meniscectomy, total meniscectomy, or partial meniscectomy with repair. The majority of the studies showed good clinical results. Mild joint space narrowing was reported in the lateral compartment, but none of the knees demonstrated moderate or advanced degenerative changes. Increased age at surgery, longer follow-up period, and subtotal or total meniscectomy could be related to degenerative change. The majority of the complications was osteochondritis dissecans at the lateral femoral condyle (13 cases) and reoperation was performed by osteochondritis dissecans (4 cases), recurrent swelling (2 cases), residual symptom (1 case), stiffness (1 case), and popliteal stenosis (1 case). Good clinical results were obtained with surgical treatment of symptomatic DLM. The progression of degenerative change was minimal and none of the knees demonstrated moderate or advanced degenerative changes. Increased age at surgery, longer follow-up period, and subtotal or total meniscectomy were possible risk factors for degenerative changes. Level IV, systematic review of Level IV studies. Copyright © 2017 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Radial Basis Function Neural Network Application to Power System Restoration Studies

PubMed Central

Sadeghkhani, Iman; Ketabi, Abbas; Feuillet, Rene

2012-01-01

One of the most important issues in power system restoration is overvoltages caused by transformer switching. These overvoltages might damage some equipment and delay power system restoration. This paper presents a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) to study transformer switching overvoltages. To achieve good generalization capability for developed RBFNN, equivalent parameters of the network are added to RBFNN inputs. The developed RBFNN is trained with the worst-case scenario of switching angle and remanent flux and tested for typical cases. The simulated results for a partial of 39-bus New England test system show that the proposed technique can estimate the peak values and duration of switching overvoltages with good accuracy. PMID:22792093

The constraints of good governance practice in national solid waste management policy (NSWMP) implementation: A case study of Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wee, Seow Ta; Abas, Muhamad Azahar; Chen, Goh Kai; Mohamed, Sulzakimin

2017-10-01

Nowadays, international donors have emphasised on the adoption of good governance practices in solid waste management which include policy implementation. In Malaysia, the National Solid Waste Management Policy (NSWMP) was introduced as the main guideline for its solid waste management and the Malaysian government has adopted good governance practice in the NSMWP implementation. However, the good governance practices implemented by the Malaysian government encountered several challenges. This study was conducted to explore the good governance constraints experienced by stakeholders in the NSWMP implementation. An exploratory research approach is applied in this study through in-depth interviews with several government agencies and concessionaires that involved in the NSWMP implementation in Malaysia. A total of six respondents took part in this study. The findings revealed three main good governance constraints in the NSWMP implementation, namely inadequate fund, poor staff's competency, and ambiguity of policy implementation system. Moreover, this study also disclosed that the main constraint influenced the other constraints. Hence, it is crucial to identify the main constraint in order to minimise its impact on the other constraints.

Ventricular shunt tap as a predictor of proximal shunt malfunction in children: a prospective study.

PubMed

Rocque, Brandon G; Lapsiwala, Samir; Iskandar, Bermans J

2008-06-01

The clinical diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt malfunction can be challenging. In this prospective study, the authors evaluated a common method of interrogating shunts: the shunt tap; specifically, its ability to predict proximal malfunction. The authors performed standardized shunt taps in a consecutive series of cases involving children with suspected or proven shunt malfunction, assessing flow and, when possible, opening pressure. Data were collected prospectively, and results analyzed in light of surgical findings. A shunt tap was performed prior to 68 operative explorations in 51 patients. Of the 68 taps, 28 yielded poor or no CSF flow on aspiration. After 26 of these 28 procedures, proximal catheter obstruction was identified. After 28 taps with good CSF return and normal or low opening pressure, 18 shunts were found to have a proximal obstruction, 8 had no obstruction, and 2 had a distal obstruction. Another 12 taps with good CSF flow had high opening pressure; subsequent surgery showed distal obstruction in 11 of the shunts, and proximal obstruction in 1. The positive predictive value of poor flow was 93%, while good flow on shunt tap predicted adequate proximal catheter function in only 55% of cases. Poor flow of CSF on shunt tap is highly predictive of obstruction of the proximal catheter. Because not all patients with good flow on shunt tap underwent surgical shunt exploration, the specificity of this test cannot be determined. Nonetheless, a shunt tap that reveals good flow with a normal opening pressure can be misleading, and management of such cases should be based on clinical judgment.

Fulfilling an Institutional and Public Good Mission: A Case Study of Access

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Batman, Renee F.

2013-01-01

Access to higher education has been and remains a critical issue, yet research typically focuses on students and programs which may overlook the role of the faculty. Through an in-depth case study, the perspectives of tenured and tenure-track faculty at a predominately White, Midwestern land-grant, research institution are described as they relate…

Suitability of a Virtual Learning Environment for Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koskela, Marileena; Kiltti, Piia; Vilpola, Inka; Tervonen, Janne

2005-01-01

The number of virtual learning environments (VLEs) is increasing. Already a few case studies claim that VLEs are more effective as a learning method than traditional lecturing. Many of these case studies are in the area of information and communication technology (ICT). Therefore, the good learning results are not surprising. The aim of this paper…

Mergers in Chinese Higher Education: Lessons for Studies in a Global Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cai, Yuzhuo; Yang, Xi

2016-01-01

Since the 1990s, there have been more than 400 cases of university mergers in China, representing various types and involving 1000 public institutions. While China has provided good and abundant cases for studies on university mergers, such an opportunity has not yet been fully exploited by international scholars of university merger research.…

Engaging Sustainability Good Practice within the Curriculum Design and Property Portfolio in the Australian Higher Education Sector

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Poon, Joanna

2017-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the extent to which universities' strategic plans affect the level of incorporation of sustainability within the curriculum design and property portfolio. Design/Methodology/Approach: This research adopted a case study approach. The case study institution was Deakin University in Australia. This…

[Hospital fluoroquinolone prescription habits in northern France].

PubMed

Levent, T; Cabaret, P

2010-09-01

The aim of the study was to assess the good use organization and fluoroquinolone prescription habits in cases of bone and joint, urinary, pulmonary, and digestive infections. A declarative survey was made (questionnaire for the hospital and for the prescriber). Thirty percent (44/145) of hospitals participated with 274 prescribers. Eighty percent had prescription protocols, 71 % of clinicians had access to epidemiologic data. A percentage of 30.7 (853/2,771) of prescriptions included a fluoroquinolone, 44.5 % (380/853) among these had not been recommended. The excessive prescription reached 24.4 % (116/474) in case of bone and joint infection, 14.6 % (107/731), and 20 % (157/779) in cases of digestive and respiratory infection respectively. Prescriptions for urinary infection were adequate in 47.6 % (375/787) of cases. Inadequate prescriptions were made because of bad knowledge of bacteria resistance epidemiology and pharmacology (insufficient dose, monotherapy at risk of selection), and non-application of good practice recommendations. This study justifies the rationalization of antibiotic prescription. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

The test of truth: an experimental investigation of the norm of assertion.

PubMed

Turri, John

2013-11-01

Assertion is fundamental to our lives as social and cognitive beings. Philosophers have recently built an impressive case that the norm of assertion is factive. That is, you should make an assertion only if it is true. Thus far the case for a factive norm of assertion been based on observational data. This paper adds experimental evidence in favor of a factive norm from six studies. In these studies, an assertion's truth value dramatically affects whether people think it should be made. Whereas nearly everyone agreed that a true assertion supported by good evidence should be made, most people judged that a false assertion supported by good evidence should not be made. The studies also suggest that people are consciously aware of criteria that guide their evaluation of assertions. Evidence is also presented that some intuitive support for a non-factive norm of assertion comes from a surprising tendency people have to misdescribe cases of blameless rule-breaking as cases where no rule is broken. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Singing in Primary Schools: Case Studies of Good Practice in Whole Class Vocal Tuition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lamont, Alexandra; Daubney, Alison; Spruce, Gary

2012-01-01

Within the context of British initiatives in music education such as the Wider Opportunities programme in England and the recommendations of the Music Manifesto emphasising the importance of singing in primary schools, the current paper explores examples of good practice in whole-class vocal tuition. The research included seven different primary…

What Is "Good" Mentoring? Understanding Mentoring Practices of Teacher Induction through Case Studies of Finland and Australia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pennanen, Matti; Bristol, Laurette; Wilkinson, Jane; Heikkinen, Hannu L. T.

2016-01-01

Mentoring is a practice widely utilised to support new teachers. However, in locally formed systems, the practice of mentoring is conditioned by traditions and arrangements specific to the site. To understand "good" mentoring, these local arrangements cannot be ignored. In this article, the theory of practice architectures is employed to…

ASSESSING LANDSCAPE CHANGE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES TO ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES AT REGIONAL SCALES A CASE STUDY FROM THE UNITED STATES MID-ATLANTIC REGION

EPA Science Inventory

There is a growing concern about broad-scale changes in landscape features and the consequences of changes on a range of ecological goods and services, including goods and services related to human health and natural systems. The US Environmental Protection Agency has developed a...

Navigating Change and Leading an Institution of Higher Education: A Case Study of the Missional Leadership of a University President

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bunn, Christopher Edward

2010-01-01

The purpose of this qualitative, single case study is to explore key leadership principles and strategies related to the "good to great" pattern of growth at Lee University. In order to accomplish this purpose, this study investigates Dr. Paul Conn's thoughts and navigation through times of change, conflict, and the strategic execution of planned…

[Synostosis and tarsal coalitions in children. A study of 68 cases in 47 patients].

PubMed

Rouvreau, P; Pouliquen, J C; Langlais, J; Glorion, C; de Cerqueira Daltro, G

1994-01-01

The authors report their experience with tarsal coalitions in children. The purpose of this study was to discuss the origins of the < too long anterior process > of the calcaneum, and to propose a simple therapeutic strategy for diagnosis and treatment. The study included 47 children (68 feet), with one or more idiopathic tarsal coalitions. All patients had physical examinations to record symptoms, morphology of the foot, mobility of the foot, gait analysis, standard radiographs, and in some cases CT scans or MRI. The average age of the patients was 11.5 years old, 7 patients had a positive family history for tarsal coalitions. 66 per cent of the patients had mild tarsal pain or a history of repeated ankle sprains. The conservative treatment concerned 28 feet: 3 casts, 2 injections of corticosteroids into the subtalar joint, insole-shoes in 3 cases, and abstention in 20 cases. The operative treatment (40 feet) consisted of resection of calcaneonavicular coalitions (24 feet) resection of talocalcaneal coalitions (3 feet), mediotarsal and subtalar arthrodesis (8 feet), resection of calcaneonavicular coalition combined with the "Cavalier'' procedure described by Judet (3 feet), calcaneal osteotomy (2 feet). The mean follow-up was 42 months. The morphology of the involved foot was normal in 33 cases, flat foot was seen in 24 cases (4 peroneal spastic flat feet), pes cavus in 3 cases, club foot in 2 cases, pes varus in 4 cases, "Z'' shaped feet in 2 cases. The radiological examination was demonstrative of tarsal coalition in 61 feet. 7 tarsal coalitions were seen during operative procedures. The location or the coalition was calcaneonavicular (57), talocalcaneal (16), talo-navicular (8), calcaneo-cuboid (7), naviculo-cuneiform (4). The secondary radiographic signs were studied for each foot. In the conservative group, 2 patients degraded their clinical status, one developed a spastic flat foot. In the surgical group, all except 2 patients had good clinical and functional results. One patient had persistent pain in the subtalar joint after a technically correct calcaneonavicular resection. One patient had recurrent spastic flat foot following isolated talocalcaneal resection in a foot presenting multiple tarsal coalitions. This patient was reoperated by a mediotarsal and subtalar arthrodesis with a good result. The authors believe that tarsal coalitions have to be recognized based on a history of repeated ankle sprains or subtalar pain. Pain radiographs are diagnostic in most cases. CT scans and MRI are useful when radiographs are negative, especially in young children, or for talocalcaneal coalitions. The authors believe that the "the too long anterior process'' of the calcaneum in calcaneonavicular coalition has the same embryologic origin. Operative treatment is suitable, when tarsal coalitions are symptomatic or after failure of conservative treatment. Resection gives good results with calcaneonavicular coalitions and selected talocalcaneal coalitions. The mediotarsal and subtalar arthrodesis is suitable in spastic flat foot, or when the bony-bridge is too big, or when the involved joint presents degenerative changes in these cases, the MRI is very useful to select patient for resection or for arthrodesis. Evocative history and plain radiographs are diagnostic of most tarsal-coalitions. Modern imagery is useful for difficult diagnostics, for young children, or for evaluation of a joint before resection or arthrodesis. Resection is a good treatment for calcaneonavicular coalitions and gives good results for talocalcaneal coalitions in selected patients.

Good Housekeeping Implementation for Improving Efficiency in Cassava Starch Industry (Case Study : Margoyoso District, Pati Regency)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aji, Wijayanto Setyo; Purwanto; Suherman, S.

2018-02-01

Cassava starch industry is one of the leading small-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pati Regency. Cassava starch industry released waste that reduces the quantity of final product and potentially contamined the environment. This study was conducted to observe the feasibility of good housekeeping implementation to reduce waste and at the same time improve efficiency of production process. Good housekeeping opportunities are consideration by three aspect, technical, economy and environmental. Good housekeeping opportunities involved water conservation and waste reduction. These included reuse of water in washing process, improving workers awareness in drying section and packaging section. Implementation of these opportunities can reduce water consumption, reduce wastewater and solid waste generation also increased quantity of final product.

Transparency of the 2 μm window on Titan studied with observations made by VIMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rannou, P.; Lemouélic, S.; Sotin, C.; Brown, R. H.

2012-09-01

The study of Titan properties with remote sensing relies on a good knowledge of the atmosphere properties. The in-situ observations made by Huygens combined with recent advances in the definition of methane properties enable to model and interpret observations with a very good accuracy. However, intensity at some wavelengths are poorly modeled because additional opacities must be studied. We focus here on the case of the 2 μm window, which is essential to determined cloud and surface properties.

Unstable metacarpal and phalangeal fractures: treatment by internal fixation using AO mini-fragment plates and screws.

PubMed

Mumtaz, Mohammad Umar; Farooq, Muneer Ahmad; Rasool, Altaf Ahmad; Kawoosa, Altaf Ahmad; Badoo, Abdul Rashid; Dhar, Shabir Ahmad

2010-07-01

Accurate open reduction and internal fixation for metacarpal and phalangeal fractures of the hand is required in less than 5% of the patients; otherwise, closed treatment techniques offer satisfactory results in most of these cases as these fractures are stable either before or after closed reduction. AO mini-fragment screws and plates, when used in properly selected cases, can provide rigid fixation, allowing early mobilization of joints and hence good functional results while avoiding problems associated with protruding K-wires and immobilization. The advantages of such internal fixation urged us to undertake such a study in our state where such hand injuries are commonly seen. Forty patients with 42 unstable metacarpal and phalangeal fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using AO mini-fragment screws and plates over a period of three years in a prospective manner. The overall results were good in 78.5% of cases, fair in 19% of cases and poor in 2.5% of cases, as judged according to the criteria of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. This technique is a reasonable option for treating unstable metacarpal and phalangeal fractures as it provides a highly rigid fixation, which is sufficient to allow early mobilization of the adjacent joints, thus helping to achieve good functional results.

What is a good public participation process? Five perspectives from the public.

PubMed

Webler, T; Tuler, S; Krueger, R

2001-03-01

It is now widely accepted that members of the public should be involved in environmental decision-making. This has inspired many to search for principles that characterize good public participation processes. In this paper we report on a study that identifies discourses about what defines a good process. Our case study was a forest planning process in northern New England and New York. We employed Q methodology to learn how participants characterize a good process differently, by selecting, defining, and privileging different principles. Five discourses, or perspectives, about good process emerged from our study. One perspective emphasizes that a good process acquires and maintains popular legitimacy. A second sees a good process as one that facilitates an ideological discussion. A third focuses on the fairness of the process. A fourth perspective conceptualizes participatory processes as a power struggle--in this instance a power play between local land-owning interests and outsiders. A fifth perspective highlights the need for leadership and compromise. Dramatic differences among these views suggest an important challenge for those responsible for designing and carrying out public participation processes. Conflicts may emerge about process designs because people disagree about what is good in specific contexts.

Northwood High School: A Good Place To Work? Final Deliverable.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Louis, Karen Seashore

Prepared to assist teachers who are using the case in class discussion, this case study describes a suburban, college-preparatory high school located in the pseudonymously named "Northwood," a midwestern "rust belt" city characterized by rapidly shifting demographics and a growing commercial tax base. Although the city is now…

Blended E-learning in a Web-based virtual hospital: a useful tool for undergraduate education in urology.

PubMed

Horstmann, M; Renninger, M; Hennenlotter, J; Horstmann, C C; Stenzl, A

2009-08-01

E-learning is a teaching tool used successfully in many medical subspecialties. Experience with its use in urology, however, is scarce. We present our teaching experience with the INMEDEA simulator to teach urological care to medical students. The INMEDEA simulator is an interactive e-learning system built around a virtual hospital which includes a department of urology. It allows students to solve virtual patient cases online. In this study, students were asked to prepare two urological cases prior to discussion of the cases in small groups. This blended teaching approach was evaluated by students through anonymous questionnaires. Of 70 4th year medical students 76% judged this teaching method as good or very good. Eighty-seven percent felt that it offered a good way to understand urological diseases better and 72% felt that learning with this method was fun. Nevertheless, 30 out of 70 free text statements revealed that further improvements of the program, including an easier and more comfortable navigation and a faster supply of information are necessary. Virtual patient cases offer a practicable solution for teaching based on problem solving in urology with a high acceptance rate by students.

What Is the Greater Good? The Discourse on Public and Private Roles of Higher Education in the New Economy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hensley, Brad; Galilee-Belfer, Mika; Lee, Jenny J.

2013-01-01

This study examined the ways that the "public good" of higher education is being conceptualised as economic benefits and cost/benefit rationalities in the current economic downturn. Based on the case of Arizona in the United States, a discourse analysis of speeches was performed on the way public, state and institutional leaders…

Investigation of Sports Educated University Student's Empathy Level

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Altungul, Oguzhan; Nacar, Eyup

2017-01-01

Empathy is one of the cases which is necessary for people to live together. Because the first rule of establishing good relations with the close environment, it requires to understand what they're feeling in their good or bad moments and it needs to act accordingly. The aim of this study is to investigate the empathy level of university students…

The Analysis of Orders of Perishable Goods in Relation to the Bullwhip Effect in the Logistic Supply Chain of the Food Industry: a Case Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chocholáč, Jan; Průša, Petr

2016-12-01

The bullwhip effect generally refers to the phenomenon where order variability increases as the orders move upstream in the supply chain. It is serious problem for every member of the supply chain. This effect begins at customers and passes through the chain to producers, which are at the end of the logistic chain. Especially food supply chains are affected by this issue. These chains are unique for problems of expiration of goods (particularly perishable goods), variable demand, orders with quantity discounts and effort to maximize the customer satisfaction. This paper will present the problem of the bullwhip effect in the real supply chain in the food industry. This supply chain consists of approximately 350 stores, four central warehouses and more than 1000 suppliers, but the case study will examine 87 stores, one central warehouse and one supplier in 2015. The aim of this paper is the analysis of the order variability between the various links in this chain and confirmation of the bullwhip effect in this chain. The subject of the analysis will be perishable goods.

19 CFR 134.22 - General rules for marking of containers or holders.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... which the article ordinarily reaches the ultimate purchaser shall be marked to indicate the country of... reach its ultimate purchaser. Containers which are not included in the price of the goods with which... shaped or fitted to contain a specific good or set of goods such as a camera case or an eyeglass case, or...

Spinal extradural cavernous haemangioma in an elderly man

PubMed Central

Rahman, Asifur; Hoque, Saif Ul; Bhandari, Paawan Bahadur; Abu Obaida, Abu Saleh Md

2012-01-01

Cavernous haemangiomas are vascular malformations that may affect any part of the central nervous system. Epidural haemangiomas are rare and constitute ∼4% of all epidural tumours and 12% of all intraspinal haemangiomas. These tumours enlarge slowly and produce symptoms of progressive myelopathy or radiculopathy or both. History, clinical examination, routine radiographs, MRI and histopathological studies are the aids for a definitive diagnosis. Surgery can give a very beneficial result with good functional and neurological improvement. Chance of recurrence is less after a good surgical removal. Here we present a case of spinal extradural cavernous haemangioma in a 65- year-old man who had a good functional and neurological recovery after surgery. At 9 months postoperative follow-up, he did well without any new problems with regard to recurrence. We report this case for its rarity. PMID:22878996

Does Histologic Subtype Influence the Post-Operative Outcome in Spinal Meningioma?

PubMed

Zham, Hanieh; Moradi, Afshin; Rakhshan, Azadeh; Zali, Alireza; Rahbari, Ali; Raee, Mohammadreza; Ashrafi, Farzad; Ahadi, Mahsa; Larijani, Leila; Baikpour, Masoud; Khayamzadeh, Maryam

2016-04-01

Postoperative outcome of spinal meningiomas is an important issue in surgery decision-making. There are limited and conflicting data in the literature about the prognostic factors influencing recovery, especially about the histopathologic subtypes. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of some of these factors on postoperative outcome. This study was performed on 39 patients operated for spinal meningioma between October 1998 and January 2012; their histopathologic subtype was determined according to WHO criteria. The follow up period ranged between 8 - 120 months. The influence of histopathologic subtype, grade, age, sex, surgical approach, local adhesion and anatomical location was assessed according to Frankel classification of neurologic deficit. From a total number of 39 spinal meningiomas, 34 cases were WHO grade I, from which 15 cases were psammomatous, 7 cases were meningothelial, 9 cases were transitional and 3 cases were fibroblastic. Five cases were grade II, 3 of which had clear cell appearance and the remaining 2 had chordoid appearance. The mean age was 51.6 (22 to 76) years; 25 cases were female and 14 cases were male. This study revealed that grade II meningioma cases had poor prognosis in all 5 cases and psammomatous subtype had poor postoperative outcome in 40% of cases while the other subtypes had good outcome in all cases (P = 0.026). Cervical location of the tumor was also related with poor outcome in 37.5% of the cases, while 22.5% had poor outcome in other locations (P = 0.029). Age below and above 45 years and sex had no significant influence on the outcome. Spinal meningiomas of psammomatous type and grade II spinal meningiomas are associated with less favorable postoperative neurologic outcome. Cervical location has also a negative correlation with a good outcome.

'It's good enough': Swedish general dental practitioners on reasons for accepting substandard root filling quality.

PubMed

Dahlström, L; Lindwall, O; Rystedt, H; Reit, C

2018-04-01

The concept of 'good enough' is central and necessary in the assessment of root filling quality. The aim was to explore the concept by analysing reasons and arguments for the acceptance or rejection of substandard root filling quality as reported by general dental practitioners (GDPs) in Sweden. The study was designed as a qualitative and exploratory study based on seven videotaped focus group interviews analysed by means of qualitative content analysis. Thirty-three GDPs employed in the Public Dental Health Service in Gothenburg, Sweden, participated (4-6 GDPs/interview). In all, nine predetermined questions were followed. Before each focus group, the participants received radiographs of 37 root fillings and were asked to assess the root filling quality. The three cases representing the most divergent assessments served as a basis for the discussion. The cases were presented without clinical information; the dentists would relate to the cases as being just root filled by themselves. The radiographs did not provide a sufficient basis for decisions on whether or not to accept the root filling. This study emphasized that dentists did not primarily look for these arguments in the technical details of the root filling per se, but instead, they considered selected features of the contextual situation. The GDPs constantly introduced relevant 'ad hoc considerations' to account for the decisions they made. These contextual considerations were related to aspects of pulpal and periapical disease, risks (e.g. technical complications) or to consumed resources (personal and/or economic). It was obvious that the concept of 'good enough' does not exist as a general formula ready to be applied in particular situations. Instead, it is necessarily and irremediably tied to contextual properties that emerge from case to case. © 2017 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

F/A-18 AN/APG-65 Radar Case Study Report (IDA/OSD R&M (Institute for Defense Analyses/Office of the Secretary of Defense Reliability and Maintainability) Study)

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-08-01

LOOK DOWN F-4J/AWG-10 • ADDED PULSE DOPPLER • GOOD HEAD ON PERFORMANCE • POOR TAIL PERFORMANCE F-14/AWG-9 • ADDED TWS • HIGHER POWER • INCREASED...returned to NAS Lemoore for I level repair retested good . 45B/8-2 ^° F/A-18 YUMA DEPLOYMENT 45A/3-9 • MOST RECENT OF MANY NAVY DEPLOYMENTS...THERMAL ANALYSIS AND DESIGN Following the design process to minimize the parts count, and a selection/screening process to obtain good quality

[Cost analysis of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IOM)].

PubMed

Kombos, T; Suess, O; Brock, M

2002-01-01

A number of studies demonstrate that a significant reduction of postoperative neurological deficits can be achieved by applying intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IOM) methods. A cost analysis of IOM is imperative considering the strained financial situation in the public health services. The calculation model presented here comprises two cost components: material and personnel. The material costs comprise consumer goods and depreciation of capital goods. The computation base was 200 IOM cases per year. Consumer goods were calculated for each IOM procedure respectively. The following constellation served as a basis for calculating personnel costs: (a) a medical technician (salary level BAT Vc) for one hour per case; (b) a resident (BAT IIa) for the entire duration of the measurement, and (c) a senior resident (BAT Ia) only for supervision. An IOM device consisting of an 8-channel preamplifier, an electrical and acoustic stimulator and special software costs 66,467 euros on the average. With an annual depreciation of 20%, the costs are 13,293 euros per year. This amounts to 66.46 euros per case for the capital goods. For reusable materials a sum of 0.75 euro; per case was calculated. Disposable materials were calculate for each procedure respectively. Total costs of 228.02 euro; per case were,s a sum of 0.75 euros per case was calculated. Disposable materials were calculate for each procedure respectively. Total costs of 228.02 euros per case were, calculated for surgery on the peripheral nervous system. They amount to 196.40 euros per case for spinal interventions and to 347.63 euros per case for more complex spinal operations. Operations in the cerebellopontine angle and brain stem cost 376.63 euros and 397.33 euros per case respectively. IOM costs amount to 328.03 euros per case for surgical management of an intracranial aneurysm and to 537.15 euros per case for functional interventions. Expenses run up to 833.63 euros per case for operations near the motor cortex and to 117.65 euros per case for intraoperative speech monitoring. Costs for inpatient medical rehabilitation have increased considerably in recent years. In view of the financial situation, it is necessary to reduce postoperative morbidity and the costs it involves. IOM leads to a reduction of morbidity. The costs for IOM calculated here justify its routine application in view of the legal and socioeconomic consequences of surgery-related neurological deficits.

[Comparison study on two operations for treatment of extra-articular distal tibial fracture].

PubMed

Qi, Haotian; Li, Weikang; Zhao, Yongjie; Zhang, Yinguang; Liu, Zhaojie; Jia, Jian

2013-11-01

To compare the effectiveness between minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for treatment of extra-articular distal tibial fracture. Between March 2009 and March 2012, 57 patients with extra-articular distal tibial fractures were treated, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Of 57 cases, 31 were treated with MIPO (MIPO group), and 26 with ORIF (ORIF group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, type of fractures, complication, and time from injury to operation between 2 groups (P > 0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, and complications were compared between 2 groups. There was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between 2 groups (P > 0.05). Wound infection occurred in 5 cases [2 in MIPO group (6.5%) and 3 in ORIF group (11.5%)] showing no significant difference (Chi(2)=0.651, P=0.499). The other wound obtained healing by first intention. All cases were followed up 13-24 months (mean, 15 months). No significant difference was found in the average healing time between 2 groups and between patients with types A and B by AO classification (P > 0.05); in patients with type C, the healing time in MIPO group was significantly shorter than that in ORIF group (t= -2.277, P=0.033). Delayed union was observed in 3 cases of MIPO group (9.7%) and in 4 cases of ORIF group (15.4%), showing no significant difference (Chi(2)=0.428, P=0.691). Mal-union occurred in 4 cases of MIPO group (12.9%) and in 1 case of ORIF group (3.8%), showing no significant difference (Chi(2)=1.449, P=0.362). No significant difference was found in Mazur score between 2 groups (t=0.480, P=0.633). The excellent and good rate was 93.5% in MIPO group (excellent in 24 cases, good in 5 cases, fair in 1 case, and poor in 1 case) and was 92.3% in ORIF group (excellent in 18 cases, good in 6 cases, and poor in 2 cases), and the difference was not significant (Z= -0.687, P=0.492). Both MIPO and ORIF have good results in treating extra-articular distal tibial fractures. MIPO is superior to ORIF for treating complex and communited fractures.

Good governance in national solid waste management policy (NSWMP) implementation: A case study of Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wee, Seow Ta; Abas, Muhamad Azahar; Mohamed, Sulzakimin; Chen, Goh Kai; Zainal, Rozlin

2017-10-01

The National Solid Waste Management Policy (NSWMP) was introduced in 2007 under the Act 672. The execution of NSWMP involves stakeholders from various government agencies and a collaboration with the private sectors. Despite the initiatives taken by the stakeholders, the objectives of NSWMP failed to materialise. One of the major constraints is weak governance among stakeholders with regards to the NSWMP implementation. This paper will explore the good governance practices implemented by the stakeholders. Identifying the current good governance practices implemented by the stakeholders is crucial as it will serve as a guideline to improve good governance practice in the future. An exploratory research approach is applied in this study through in-depth interviews with several government agencies and concessionaires involved in the NSWMP implementation. A total of six respondents took part in this study. The findings of this study show that there are several good governance practices implemented in policy promotion, participation of stakeholders, and capacity enhancement programme for the staff. This study also proposed some points on good governance practices in the context of policy promotion and staff development. A paradigm shift by the stakeholders is imperative so as to enhance the good governance practice in NSWMP implementation towards an efficient solid waste management in Malaysia.

Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy with 177Lu-DOTATATE for Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Occurring in Association with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 and Cushing's Syndrome.

PubMed

Naik, Chinna; Basu, Sandip

2017-01-01

Neuroendocrine tumor (NET) occurring in association with other endocrine syndromes forms a distinct entity. The aim was to assess the therapy response profile of the routine peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) in this relatively uncommon but clinically challenging subgroup of patients. A retrospective analysis was undertaken from the case records from those who were treated with 177 Lu-DOTATATE for metastatic NET. In addition to assessing the therapeutic efficacy, emphasis was also given to study lesional sites and scan pattern. A total of 5 cases were found: In this series of five cases, four belonged to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome; in these four MEN1 syndrome patients, the primary site of NET was thymic region ( n = 1), duodenum ( n = 1), and pancreas ( n = 2). The fifth case was of Cushing's syndrome with the primary site of NET in the thymus. A good symptomatic response was observed in all MEN1 syndrome cases (100%) and progression of symptoms in the patient with Cushing's syndrome. The biochemical response (assessed by measurement of tumor marker serum chromogranin A) demonstrated very good partial response (defined by more than 75% reduction of tumor marker) in 2 MEN1 cases and Cushing's syndrome, good partial response (25-75% reduction of tumor marker) in the remaining 2 MEN1 cases. Scan wise (assessed by technetium [ 99m Tc]-hydrazinonicotinamide [HYNIC]-tektrotyd [TOC]/ 68 Ga-DOTA-NOC/TATE positron emission tomography-computed tomography [PET-CT] and fluorodeoxyglucose [FDG] PET-CT) partial response was observed in 3 MEN1 cases, stable disease was noted in one MEN1 case and disease progression was noted in the patient with Cushing's syndrome. The change in FDG uptake was found to be an important sensitive scan parameter in the treatment evaluation of NETs compared to somatostatin receptor-based imaging in the cases with low MiB1 index. In our series, good palliative response to 177 Lu-DOTA-octreotate (DOTATATE) PRRT was observed in most NET patients associated with MEN1 syndrome without any major hematological or renal toxicity.

[Clinical studies on flomoxef in the perinatal period infections].

PubMed

Chimura, T; Morisaki, N; Funayama, T

1991-06-01

We conducted clinical efficacy and safety tests of flomoxef (FMOX, 6315-S) in the perinatal infections and obtained the following results. 1. A total of 25 patients was treated: 16 patients with intrauterine infections, 2 patients with pelvioperitonitis, 4 patients with urinary tract infections and 3 patients with other infections. FMOX was injected at a daily dose of 2-4 g for 3-15 days (6-60 g for total dose) by intravenous drip infusion, intravenous injection or their combination. 2. The clinical efficacy rate was 96.0% of 25 patients: excellent in 4 cases (16.0%), good in 20 cases (80.0%) and poor in 1 case (4.0%). Bacteriological effects obtained were: eradicated in 14/16 cases (87.5%) replaced in 3 cases. 3. There were no subjective or objective side effects, nor were any abnormal laboratory test values attributable to the drug. From these findings, we consider that FMOX treatment appears to obtain good clinical and bacteriological responses and in safe in perinatal period infections.

A new conservative-dynamic treatment for the acute ruptured Achilles tendon.

PubMed

Neumayer, Felix; Mouhsine, Elyazid; Arlettaz, Yvan; Gremion, Gérald; Wettstein, Michael; Crevoisier, Xavier

2010-03-01

There is a trend towards surgical treatment of acute ruptured Achilles tendon. While classical open surgical procedures have been shown to restore good functional capacity, they are potentially associated with significant complications like wound infection and paresthesia. Modern mini-invasive surgical techniques significantly reduce these complications and are also associated with good functional results so that they can be considered as the surgical treatment of choice. Nevertheless, there is still a need for conservative alternative and recent studies report good results with conservative treatment in rigid casts or braces. We report the use of a dynamic ankle brace in the conservative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture in a prospective non-randomised study of 57 consecutive patients. Patients were evaluated at an average follow-up time of 5 years using the modified Leppilahti Ankle Score, and the first 30 patients additionally underwent a clinical examination and muscular testing with a Cybex isokinetic dynamometer at 6 and 12 months. We found good and excellent results in most cases. We observed five complete re-ruptures, almost exclusively in case of poor patient's compliance, two partial re-ruptures and one deep venous thrombosis complicated by pulmonary embolism. Although prospective comparison with other modern treatment options is still required, the functional outcome after early ankle mobilisation in a dynamic cast is good enough to ethically propose this method as an alternative to surgical treatment.

[Assessment of surgical teleconsultations in a developing country: two years of experience in Djibouti].

PubMed

Bertani, A; Menguy, P; Delmas, J M; Launay, F; Mathieu, L; Candoni, P; Dulou, R; Rongiéras, F

2012-01-01

Our objective was to assess the influence of teleconsultations on patient management and clinical outcomes in a developing country. All the surgical teleconsultations by a single surgeon (orthopedist) between November 2009 and November 2011 were recorded. Neurosurgery and pediatric orthopedics were the two most important specialities most often concerned, accounting for 67% of the 157 teleconsultations for 138 patients. The teleconsultations resolved the diagnostic uncertainties in 29 of 37 cases (78%). Advice from the expert modified management in 69% cases. Clinical outcomes were good or very good in 86% of the treated patients. This study establishes the feasibility and usefulness of surgical teleconsultations in Djibouti.

Automobile exhaust as a means of suicide: an experimental study with a proposed model.

PubMed

Morgen, C; Schramm, J; Kofoed, P; Steensberg, J; Theilade, P

1998-07-01

Experiments were conducted to investigate the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) in a car cabin under suicide attempts with different vehicles and different start situations, and a mathematical model describing the concentration of CO in the cabin was constructed. Three cars were set up to donate the exhaust. The first vehicle didn't have any catalyst, the second one was equipped with a malfunctioning three-way catalyst, and the third car was equipped with a well-functioning three-way catalyst. The three different starting situations were cold, tepid and warm engine start, respectively. Measurements of the CO concentrations were made in both the cabin and in the exhaust pipe. Lethal concentrations were measured in the cabin using all three vehicles as the donor car, including the vehicle with the well-functioning catalyst. The model results in most cases gave a good prediction of the CO concentration in the cabin. Four case studies of cars used for suicides were described. In each case measurements of CO were made in both the cabin and the exhaust under different starting conditions, and the mathematical model was tested on these cases. In most cases the model predictions were good.

The Effect of Student Learning Styles, Race and Gender on Learning Outcomes: The Case of Public Goods

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Devaraj, Nirupama; Raman, Jaishankar

2014-01-01

We investigate the impact of active learning techniques, specifically experiment based learning, in a Principles of Economics class. Our case study demonstrates that when using pedagogical techniques intended to facilitate active learning, teachers should be intentional about incorporating components of learning that appeal to students with…

Is Schooling Good for the Development of Society?: The Case of South Africa

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harber, Clive; Mncube, Vusi

2011-01-01

This paper is concerned with three possible theoretical relationships, between education and social, economic and political development, that--(a) education improves society, (b) education reproduces society as it is and (c) education actually makes society worse. The paper then uses South Africa as a case study to critically analyse these…

"Good Morning, I'm a Heterosexual": A Case in the Closet in Rural Australia.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Downey, Belinda

2001-01-01

A case study of an Australian gay teacher in a rural community explores issues related to being in "the closet," which is seen as a patriarchal construction designed to maintain itself. Despite legal protection to equal rights, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered teachers experience significant discrimination, fueled largely by…

The enhancement of friction ridge detail on brass ammunition casings using cold patination fluid.

PubMed

James, Richard Michael; Altamimi, Mohamad Jamal

2015-12-01

Brass ammunition is commonly found at firearms related crime scenes. For this reason, many studies have focused on evidence that can be obtained from brass ammunition such as DNA, gunshot residue and fingerprints. Latent fingerprints on ammunition can provide good forensic evidence, however; fingerprint development on ammunition casings has proven to be difficult. A method using cold patination fluid is described as a potential tool to enhance friction ridge detail on brass ammunition casings. Current latent fingerprint development methods for brass ammunition have either failed to provide the necessary quality of friction ridge detail or can be very time consuming and require expensive equipment. In this study, the enhancement of fingerprints on live ammunition has been achieved with a good level of detail whilst the development on spent casings has to an extent also been possible. Development with cold patination fluid has proven to be a quick, simple and cost-effective method for fingerprint development on brass ammunition that can be easily implemented for routine police work. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Part I--A Case Study in Post-Secondary Mathematics: The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Resch, Janelle

2015-01-01

Due to the shift of civilization from the Industrial Age to the Information Age, mathematical literacy has become a necessity in the twenty-first century. However, in order to learn and contribute to the mathematical community, one has to be in a state of good mental health. Where "good mental health," is defined as one who has developed…

Applying Q-methodology to select and define attributes for non-market valuation: A case study from Northwest Wyoming, United States

Treesearch

Christopher A. Armatas; Tyron J. Venn; Alan E. Watson

2014-01-01

The underlying validity of stated preference non-market valuation methods relies on the analyst's ability to identify, select, define, and articulate the goods being valued in a way that is relevant and understandable to the respondent, which requires detailed understanding of the respondents' experiences and points of view. Poor articulation of the good...

Timing of slash burning with the seed crop—a case history.

Treesearch

Roy R. Silen

1952-01-01

Studies by Isaac indicate that regeneration to Douglas-fir following logging often fails because a good seed crop is destroyed in the slash fire. To prevent this loss during a good seed year, early burning before seed fall starts has been recommended. If early burning is too hazardous, only the concentrations of slash should be burned later in the fall. In contrast,...

Dissociative sensibility disorders - A retrospective case series and systematic literature review.

PubMed

Weber, Peter; Erlacher, Rahel

2018-01-01

Dissociative disorders present a huge challenge in clinical settings. In contrast to other dissociative symptoms, dissociative sensibility disorders are rarely focused on. To identify the clinical characteristics and outcomes of dissociative sensibility disorders in children and adolescents, and to review the use of diagnostic procedures. For the review, a literature search used Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and PubPsych (to 02/2015) and the reference lists of the studies identified. Screening of titles and abstracts; full-text assessment by two reviewers. The original case series was identified by using the local data register. Two reviewers independently reviewed the data and, if they agreed on the relevance, extracted the data. In the original case series, data were extracted retrospectively from the records. Sixteen studies and seven case reports were identified, including 931 cases with dissociative disorders. In 210 cases the patient suffered either from a single sensibility disorder or predominantly from sensibility disorders. We identified thirteen further cases in our cohort. In both groups there was female predominance; the mean age of manifestation was early adolescence. The timing of admissions was variable. In approximately 50% of cases a premorbid stressful life event could be identified. Over 75% of cases had a good prognosis with complete resolution. Retrospective character of our own data collection, partially missing differentiation between the subgroups of dissociative disorders in the reviewed studies. There is no uniform procedure for diagnostic work-up. The overall short-term prognosis is good. Copyright © 2017 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation of Bohr Hamiltonian in presence of Killingbeck potential using bi-confluent Heun functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sobhani, Hadi; Hassanabadi, Hassan; Chung, Won Sang

2018-05-01

In this study, Bohr Hamiltonian is studied for the triaxial and rotational cases. In both cases, Killingbeck potential is used as interaction. The wave function and energy of these cases are found using bi-confluent Heun functions. The results are examined by reproducing experimental data of some isotopes for each case. Energy levels of the isotopes are shown graphically as well as theoretical results for staggering in γ bands of the isotopes is discussed. In the next step, we argue about B (E 2) transition rates of the isotopes for each case. The results have a good agreement with experimental data.

The surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis: a clinical series of 17 cases.

PubMed

Vasile, D; Ilco, A; Popa, D; Belega, A; Pana, S

2013-01-01

Despite the fact that in the last few years, new invasive non-surgical therapies were introduced, surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis still plays an important part.The aim of the study is to evaluate pain remission and quality of life after surgical approach. We present 17 cases of chronic pancreatitis that were operated between 2007-2011. Surgical treatment was decided for after the failure of pain control therapy (14 cases)and by the suspicion of cancer in the head of the pancreas (3 cases). Imaging data for all the cases, CT-CE and ERCP, guided us in choosing the right therapy. Surgical techniques performed were pancreatico-jejunostomy (PJ) in eleven cases and duodenopancreatectomy(DP) in six cases. Good pain control was achieved in 10 patients: 6-PJ and 4-DP. Moderate results were observed in 4 cases: 2-PJ and 2-DP. In 3 patients symptoms remained the same. There is no consensus over the surgical treatment in chronic pancreatitis. Surgical approach, strongly motivated and personalised for each patient is followed by good results. It is possible that in the future, limited resections become the therapy of choice, replacing classic ones. Celsius.

[Treatment of conmminuted patellar fractures with internal Ni-Ti patellar concentrator and tension bind wire fixation].

PubMed

Tan, Hong-lie; Qian, Chen; Zhao, Jin-kun; Shi, Yan; Zhou, Qi

2009-02-01

To study the clinical efficacy of the treatment of comminuted patellar fractures with internal NiTi-Patellar concentrator and tension bind wire fixation. From March 2004 to June 2007, 38 cases of fresh comminuted patellar fractures were treated with internal NiTi-Patellar concentrator and tension bind wire fixation. There were 25 males and 13 females,ranging from 21 to 64 years (mean 42.5 years). All were comminuted fractures with displacement, 16 cases were 3 fragments, 14 cases were 4 fragments, 8 cases were 5 fragments. There were other fractures in 8 cases. During followed-up, knee function and complications were evaluated. All patients were followed up for 8 to 24 months (mean 15 months) and obtained complete bone union. No case of implant was loosening and fragment displacement, traumatic arthritis occured in 2 cases. Under Lysholm & Gillquist score, the results were excellent in 17 cases, good in 19, fair in 2. Internal Ni-Ti-Patellar concentrator and tension bind wire fixation is one of the ideal methods for the treatment of comminuted patellar fracture, which could provide satisfied reduction, reliable fixation and good functional recovery.

The effect of holes in long-lasting insecticidal nets on malaria in Malawi: results from a case-control study.

PubMed

Minta, Anna A; Landman, Keren Z; Mwandama, Dyson A; Shah, Monica P; Eng, Jodi L Vanden; Sutcliffe, James F; Chisaka, Joseph; Lindblade, Kim A; Mathanga, Don P; Steinhardt, Laura C

2017-10-02

Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are a cornerstone of malaria prevention. Holes develop in LLINs over time and compromise their physical integrity, but how holes affect malaria transmission risk is not well known. After a nationwide mass LLIN distribution in July 2012, a study was conducted to assess the relationship between LLIN damage and malaria. From March to September 2013, febrile children ages 6-59 months who consistently slept under LLINs (every night for 2 weeks before illness onset) were enrolled in a case-control study at Machinga District Hospital outpatient department. Cases were positive for Plasmodium falciparum asexual parasites by microscopy while controls were negative. Digital photographs of participants' LLINs were analysed using an image-processing programme to measure holes. Total hole area was classified by quartiles and according to the World Health Organization's proportionate hole index (pHI) cut-offs [< 79 cm 2 (good), 80-789 cm 2 (damaged), and > 790 cm 2 (too torn)]. Number of holes by location and size, and total hole area, were compared between case and control LLINs using non-parametric analyses and logistic regression. Of 248 LLINs analysed, 97 (39%) were from cases. Overall, 86% of LLINs had at least one hole. The median number of holes of any size was 9 [interquartile range (IQR) 3, 22], and most holes were located in the lower halves of the nets [median 7 (IQR 2, 16)]. There were no differences in number or location of holes between LLINs used by cases and controls. The median total hole area was 10 cm 2 (IQR 2, 125) for control LLINs and 8 cm 2 (IQR 2, 47) for case LLINs (p = 0.10). Based on pHI, 109 (72%) control LLINs and 83 (86%) case LLINs were in "good" condition. Multivariable modeling showed no association between total hole area and malaria, controlling for child age, caregiver education, and iron versus thatched roof houses. LLIN holes were not associated with increased odds of malaria in this study. However, most of the LLINs were in relatively good condition 1 year after distribution. Future studies should examine associations between LLIN holes and malaria risk with more damaged nets.

Clinico-pathological study to evaluate oral lichen planus for the establishment of clinical and histopathological diagnostic criteria.

PubMed

Hiremath, Santhosh; Kale, Alka D; Hallikerimath, Seema

2015-01-01

Lichen planus and lichenoid lesions affecting the oral cavity show similar clinico-pathological features creating a diagnostic dilemma. Hence, the aim of the present study was to establish a clinical and histopathological correlation in the diagnosis of oral lichen planus, based on the modified WHO diagnostic criteria of oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions proposed by Van der Meij and Van der Waal in 2003. In the present study, 100 cases of oral lichen planus were clinically and histopathologically analyzed. Out of the 100 cases, 50 were prospective and 50 were retrospective cases. Prospective cases were collected based on the clinical diagnosis of oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesion. Retrospective cases were collected based on the histopathological diagnosis of oral lichen planus. Both the clinical and histopathological analyses were performed based on a proposal for a set of modified diagnostic criteria of oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesion. A final diagnosis of oral lichen planus was made only after the correlation of the clinical diagnosis with the histopathological diagnosis. The interobserver agreement among three observers for both prospective and retrospective cases in the final diagnosis of oral lichen planus was found to be "good" to "very good" indicating high reproducibility. However, the final diagnoses of true oral lichen planus after clinico-pathological correlation in prospective and retrospective study groups appeared to be 38.0% and 54.0% respectively. The results of the present study revealed mild to moderate clinico-pathological correlation in the final diagnosis of oral lichen planus for the prospective and retrospective study groups respectively.

Urban Environment Development based on Universal Design Principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harsritanto, Bangun Ir

2018-02-01

Universal Design is a design which facilitated full range of human diversity. By applying Universal design principles, urban environment can be more functional and more user-friendly for everyone. This study examined five urban streets of South Korea as a country experienced on developing various urban street designs based on universal design. This study aimed to examine and compare the South Korea cases using seven principles of universal design. The research methods of this study are literature study, case study, and site observation. The results of this study are: South Korea cases are good practices, urgency of implementing the direction into local regulations; and change of urban development paradigm.

[Outcome of endoscopically assisted surgical treatment of mandibular condyle fractures: a retrospective study of 22 patients].

PubMed

Prade, V; Seguin, P; Boutet, C; Alix, T

2014-12-01

The condylar region is a frequent localization of mandibular fractures; there are various types of management. Mini-invasive endoscopic surgery is an alternative to open reduction. We had as goal to evaluate the outcome of this technique. We performed a monocentric retrospective study of patients consecutively operated for a condylar fracture (type II to V in the Spiessl and Schroll classification) with intraoral route and endoscopic assistance, during 30 months. We assessed the functional and radiological outcomes, and the complications. Twenty-two patients (25 fractures) were included. Seventeen patients (19 fractures) could be followed (mean follow-up: 16.7 months). The mean values were: interincisal opening, 45mm (±8.4); protrusion, 8.3mm (±1.9); ipsilateral excursion of the jaw: 8.6mm (±2); contralateral excursion: 8.7mm (±4). Three routes were used combined with a preauricular approach. The fracture reduction was good for 10 of the 19 fractures and poor for 3. The complications were: 3 cases of infection, 1 case of fixation failure with good consolidation; for combined approaches: 2 cases of temporary facial palsy and 2 cases of Frey syndrome. Endoscopic assistance for the surgical management of the fracture of mandibular condyle is a reliable technique, with a good functional outcome, and a low rate of specific complications, especially for facial nerve lesion or esthetic outcome. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Promoting and Disseminating Good Practice in the Planning and Management of Educational Facilities: Capital Investment Strategic Planning - A Case Study, Gold Coast Institute of TAFE, Queensland, Australia.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crump, Kelvin

This paper presents a case study of the process of capital investment strategic planning at the Gold Coast Institute of Technical and Further Education (TAFE), Queensland, Australia. Capital investment strategic planning is a means of contributing to success by providing strategies to ensure that assets are managed efficiently, effectively, and…

Tibial lengthening over intramedullary nails

PubMed Central

Burghardt, R. D.; Manzotti, A.; Bhave, A.; Paley, D.

2016-01-01

Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the results and complications of tibial lengthening over an intramedullary nail with treatment using the traditional Ilizarov method. Methods In this matched case study, 16 adult patients underwent 19 tibial lengthening over nails (LON) procedures. For the matched case group, 17 patients who underwent 19 Ilizarov tibial lengthenings were retrospectively matched to the LON group. Results The mean external fixation time for the LON group was 2.6 months and for the matched case group was 7.6 months. The mean lengthening amounts for the LON and the matched case groups were 5.2 cm and 4.9 cm, respectively. The radiographic consolidation time in the LON group was 6.6 months and in the matched case group 7.6 months. Using a clinical and radiographic outcome score that was designed for this study, the outcome was determined to be excellent in 17 and good in two patients for the LON group. The outcome was excellent in 14 and good in five patients in the matched case group. The LON group had increased blood loss and increased cost. The LON group had four deep infections; the matched case group did not have any deep infections. Conclusions The outcomes in the LON group were comparable with the outcomes in the matched case group. The LON group had a shorter external fixation time but experienced increased blood loss, increased cost, and four cases of deep infection. The advantage of reducing external fixation treatment time may outweigh these disadvantages in patients who have a healthy soft-tissue envelope. Cite this article: J. E. Herzenberg. Tibial lengthening over intramedullary nails: A matched case comparison with Ilizarov tibial lengthening. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:1–10. doi: 10.1302/2046-3758.51.2000577 PMID:26764351

Employment of Oligodeoxynucleotide plus Interleukin-2 Improves Cytogenetic Analysis in Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma

PubMed Central

Bardi, Antonella; Cavazzini, Francesco; Rigolin, Gian Matteo; Tammiso, Elisa; Volta, Eleonora; Pezzolo, Elisa; Formigaro, Luca; Sofritti, Olga; Daghia, Giulia; Ambrosio, Cristina; Rizzotto, Lara; Abass, Awad E.; D'Auria, Fiorella; Musto, Pellegrino; Cuneo, Antonio

2011-01-01

To compare the efficiency of novel mitogenic agents and traditional mitosis inductors, 18 patients with splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL) were studied. Three cultures using oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) plus interleukin-2 (IL-2), or TPA, or LPS were setup in each patient. Seventeen/18 cases with ODN + IL2 had moderate/good proliferation (94, 4%) as compared with 10/18 cases with TPA and LPS (55%) (P = .015); 14/18 (77, 7%) cases with ODN + IL2 had sufficient good quality of banding as compared with 8/18 cases (44, 4%) with TPA and LPS. The karyotype could be defined from ODN + IL2-stimulated cultures in all 18 patients, 14 of whom (77, 7%) had a cytogenetic aberration, whereas clonal aberrations could be documented in 9 and in 3 cases by stimulation with LPS and TPA, respectively. Recurrent chromosome aberrations in our series were represented by aberrations of chromosome 14q in 5 patients, by trisomy 12 and 7q deletion in 4 cases each, and by abnormalities involving 11q and 13q in two cases each. These findings show that stimulation with ODN + IL2 offers more mitotic figures of better quality and results in an increased rate of clonal aberrations in SMZL, making this method ideal for prospective studies aiming at the definition of the prognostic impact of cytogenetic aberrations in this disorder. PMID:21629757

A Collection of JPME Operational Contract Support Case Studies and Vignettes

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-01

Contracting for goods and services in the contingency operational environment is a mission-enabling necessity; however, analyzing the strategic effects...choosing to contract for goods or services are largely ignored. This project explores the use of OCS in contingency environments, and the positive and...think of the costs literally, as tax dollars spent to enhance mission effectiveness. However, the less literal costs and the associated effects of

Study of dose calculation on breast brachytherapy using prism TPS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fendriani, Yoza; Haryanto, Freddy

2015-09-30

PRISM is one of non-commercial Treatment Planning System (TPS) and is developed at the University of Washington. In Indonesia, many cancer hospitals use expensive commercial TPS. This study aims to investigate Prism TPS which been applied to the dose distribution of brachytherapy by taking into account the effect of source position and inhomogeneities. The results will be applicable for clinical Treatment Planning System. Dose calculation has been implemented for water phantom and CT scan images of breast cancer using point source and line source. This study used point source and line source and divided into two cases. On the firstmore » case, Ir-192 seed source is located at the center of treatment volume. On the second case, the source position is gradually changed. The dose calculation of every case performed on a homogeneous and inhomogeneous phantom with dimension 20 × 20 × 20 cm{sup 3}. The inhomogeneous phantom has inhomogeneities volume 2 × 2 × 2 cm{sup 3}. The results of dose calculations using PRISM TPS were compared to literature data. From the calculation of PRISM TPS, dose rates show good agreement with Plato TPS and other study as published by Ramdhani. No deviations greater than ±4% for all case. Dose calculation in inhomogeneous and homogenous cases show similar result. This results indicate that Prism TPS is good in dose calculation of brachytherapy but not sensitive for inhomogeneities. Thus, the dose calculation parameters developed in this study were found to be applicable for clinical treatment planning of brachytherapy.« less

Models Role within Active Learning in Biology. A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pop-Pacurar, Irina; Tirla, Felicia-Doina

2009-01-01

In order to integrate ideas and information creatively, to motivate students and activate their thinking, we have used in Biology classes a series of active methods, among which the methods of critical thinking, which had very good results. Still, in the case of some intuitive, abstract, more difficult topics, such as the cell structure,…

Integration of QR codes into an anesthesia information management system for resident case log management.

PubMed

Avidan, Alexander; Weissman, Charles; Levin, Phillip D

2015-04-01

Quick response (QR) codes containing anesthesia syllabus data were introduced into an anesthesia information management system. The code was generated automatically at the conclusion of each case and available for resident case logging using a smartphone or tablet. The goal of this study was to evaluate the use and usability/user-friendliness of such system. Resident case logging practices were assessed prior to introducing the QR codes. QR code use and satisfactions amongst residents was reassessed at three and six months. Before QR code introduction only 12/23 (52.2%) residents maintained a case log. Most of the remaining residents (9/23, 39.1%) expected to receive a case list from the anesthesia information management system database at the end of their residency. At three months and six months 17/26 (65.4%) and 15/25 (60.0%) residents, respectively, were using the QR codes. Satisfaction was rated as very good or good. QR codes for residents' case logging with smartphones or tablets were successfully introduced in an anesthesia information management system and used by most residents. QR codes can be successfully implemented into medical practice to support data transfer. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Load-bearing masonry system adoption and performance: A case study of construction company in a developing country

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramli, Nor Azlinda; Abdullah, Che Sobry; Nawi, Mohd Nasrun Mohd; Bahaudin, Ahmad Yusni

2016-08-01

This study addresses the factors that influence the adoption of load-bearing masonry (LBM) system. A case study of the load-bearing masonry (LBM) system adoption is conducted through an interview to explore the situation of the technology adoption in a construction company. The finding indicates the factors influence the adoption of LBM system for the construction company are: organizational resources, usefulness, less maintenance, reduce construction time and cost. From the findings, these factors consistent with previous literature. Furthermore, the performance of the company was measured by looking into the financial and non-financial aspects. The LBM system brings good performance as it increased the profits of the company, a good quality of product and attracts more demand from customers. Thus, these factors should be considered for the other companies that are interested in implementing the LBM system in their projects.

Bites, nibbles, sips and puffs: new exotic goods in Norway in the 18th and the first half of the 19th century.

PubMed

Hutchison, Ragnhild

2011-01-01

The slow but significant changes in the material culture of European households that took place in the pre-industrial period are visible in several ways, such as in the changing patterns of housing, furnishing and clothing which have been illustrated in several studies. However, most of these studies focus on the pre-industrial economic leaders, often ignoring the changes taking place on the margins of the economic growth centres. This article seeks to rectify this by looking at changes in the material culture in one such 'marginal' country, namely Norway. The goods focused upon in this case are sugar, tobacco and coffee, which are often termed as exotic goods. These were new commodities in the 18th century and precisely because of their novelty and foreign origin, it is in many cases possible to trace how they spread in rural society, as well as how they impacted it. The emphasis has been put on rural areas for the simple reason that this was where the overall majority of Norwegians lived at the time.

Experimenting with Case-Based Reasoning to Present Educative Health Information on the Internet: The Example of SeniorGezond.

PubMed

Ezendam, Nicole P M; Alpay, Laurence L; Rövekamp, Ton A J M; Toussaint, Pieter J

2005-01-01

Information about health prevention can contribute to the awareness and the knowledge of consumers and patients about their own health. Messages originating from other users (cases) can be perceived as more credible and hence more persuasive. With this in mind, we have developed an informative website called SeniorGezond, which includes a case-based tailoring component, in the domain area of fall incidences. To investigate whether the use of cases is suitable for presenting and tailoring educative health information; and to gain insights in the user's opinion about the use of cases to provide tailored preventive information. We conducted a qualitative study using questionnaires, focus group discussions, interviews, and observations. Participants were elderly, family caregivers and healthcare professionals. Users were able to find relevant cases for their problems, but had a mixed reaction on the usefulness and appreciation of the cases. There is a need for a delicate balance between a recognizable story with all the important health information and good readable and concise information. A good text structure is required to support this. While cases do have potential in health education, further research is needed in order to identify the necessary requirements which will make the cases successful.

Mechanisms that Trigger a Good Health-Care Response to Intimate Partner Violence in Spain. Combining Realist Evaluation and Qualitative Comparative Analysis Approaches.

PubMed

Goicolea, Isabel; Vives-Cases, Carmen; Hurtig, Anna-Karin; Marchal, Bruno; Briones-Vozmediano, Erica; Otero-García, Laura; García-Quinto, Marta; San Sebastian, Miguel

2015-01-01

Health care professionals, especially those working in primary health-care services, can play a key role in preventing and responding to intimate partner violence. However, there are huge variations in the way health care professionals and primary health care teams respond to intimate partner violence. In this study we tested a previously developed programme theory on 15 primary health care center teams located in four different Spanish regions: Murcia, C Valenciana, Castilla-León and Cantabria. The aim was to identify the key combinations of contextual factors and mechanisms that trigger a good primary health care center team response to intimate partner violence. A multiple case-study design was used. Qualitative and quantitative information was collected from each of the 15 centers (cases). In order to handle the large amount of information without losing familiarity with each case, qualitative comparative analysis was undertaken. Conditions (context and mechanisms) and outcomes, were identified and assessed for each of the 15 cases, and solution formulae were calculated using qualitative comparative analysis software. The emerging programme theory highlighted the importance of the combination of each team's self-efficacy, perceived preparation and women-centredness in generating a good team response to intimate partner violence. The use of the protocol and accumulated experience in primary health care were the most relevant contextual/intervention conditions to trigger a good response. However in order to achieve this, they must be combined with other conditions, such as an enabling team climate, having a champion social worker and having staff with training in intimate partner violence. Interventions to improve primary health care teams' response to intimate partner violence should focus on strengthening team's self-efficacy, perceived preparation and the implementation of a woman-centred approach. The use of the protocol combined with a large working experience in primary health care, and other factors such as training, a good team climate, and having a champion social worker on the team, also played a key role. Measures to sustain such interventions and promote these contextual factors should be encouraged.

Clinical, epidemiological and therapeutic profile of patients with brachioradial pruritus in a reference service in dermatology.

PubMed

Pinto, Ana Cecília Versiani Duarte; Wachholz, Patrick Alexander; Masuda, Paula Yoshiko; Martelli, Antonio Carlos Ceribelli

2016-01-01

This is a cross-sectional study, conducted from May to November/2014, in a dermatology reference unit, through review of medical records and interviews. In a sample of 49 patients with brachioradial pruritus, we observed higher prevalence of Caucasian (81.6%) and women (73.5 %), with a mean age of 56.1 years. Pruritus occurred in the topography of brachioradialis muscle in 87.8% of cases; 59.2% of the sample reported worsening of pruritus with sun exposure; the mean intensity of this symptom before treatment was 8.63. Therapy effectiveness was described as "very good/good" in 79.2% of cases, and for 55.3% relapses were categorized as "uncommon".

fMRI for mapping language networks in neurosurgical cases

PubMed Central

Gupta, Santosh S

2014-01-01

Evaluating language has been a long-standing application in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, both in research and clinical circumstances, and still provides challenges. Localization of eloquent areas is important in neurosurgical cases, so that there is least possible damage to these areas during surgery, maintaining their function postoperatively, therefore providing good quality of life to the patient. Preoperative fMRI study is a non-invasive tool to localize the eloquent areas, including language, with other traditional methods generally used being invasive and at times perilous. In this article, we describe methods and various paradigms to study the language areas, in clinical neurosurgical cases, along with illustrations of cases from our institute. PMID:24851003

Using Novels as Bases for Case Studies: Michael Crichton's State of Fear and Global Warming

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herreid, Clyde Freeman

2005-01-01

Every time an English professor assigns a novel, poem, or play for a class to analyze, he or she is using the case study method. Why shouldn't scientists do the same? They don't always have to write their own material. After all, there are some pretty good writers out there, and some of them actually slip a lot of science into the nooks and…

Emergency management of traumatic collateral palmar digital nerve defect inferior to 30 mm by venous grafting. Report of 12 clinical cases.

PubMed

Laveaux, C; Pauchot, J; Obert, L; Choserot, V; Tropet, Y

2011-02-01

When traumatic collateral palmar digital nerve defect occurs, emergency venous grafting is an alternative to the two-step nervous grafting procedure. During the course of a monocentric retrospective study, 12 cases of emergency venous grafting were reviewed by a single independent examiner 11 months, at least, post-intervention. Clinical and functional evaluation was carried out, together with a self-assessment of the results by the patient. Data were compacted using a filtering method and the final result was considered in terms of "good" or "bad". Good result was observed in ten cases out of 12. Bad results were associated with poor sensory recovery in the two other cases. In one of these, the bad result was also related to severe symptoms in cold conditions and a troublesome hyperesthesia. Through a review of the literature, we justify the emergency treatment of nerve defects of the collateral palmar digital nerves with venous grafting. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Hemospray for treatment of acute bleeding due to upper gastrointestinal tumours.

PubMed

Arena, Monica; Masci, Enzo; Eusebi, Leonardo Henry; Iabichino, Giuseppe; Mangiavillano, Benedetto; Viaggi, Paolo; Morandi, Elisabetta; Fanti, Lorella; Granata, Antonino; Traina, Mario; Testoni, Pier Alberto; Opocher, Enrico; Luigiano, Carmelo

2017-05-01

Hemospray is a new endoscopic haemostatic powder that can be used in the management of upper gastrointestinal bleedings. To assess the efficacy and safety of Hemospray as monotherapy for the treatment of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to cancer. The endoscopy databases of 3 Italian Endoscopic Units were reviewed retrospectively and 15 patients (8 males; mean age 74 years) were included in this study. Immediate haemostasis was achieved in 93% of cases. Among the successful cases, 3 re-bled, one case treated with Hemospray and injection had a good outcome, while 2 cases died both re-treated with Hemospray, injection and thermal therapy. No complications related to Hemospray occurred. Finally, 80% of patients had a good clinical outcome at 30days and 50% at six months. Hemospray may be considered an effective and safe method for the endoscopic management of acute neoplastic upper gastrointestinal bleedings. Copyright © 2016 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Effectiveness and safety of oxcarbazepine in chronic neuropathic pain: a study of 40 cases].

PubMed

Fenollosa-Vázquez, P; Canós-Verdecho, M A; Núñez-Cornejo, C; Pallarés-Delgado, J

Neuropathic pain (NP) often fails to respond to the commonly established analgesic treatment. This fact, together with the existence of side effects, has led to the need to evaluate the analgesic effectiveness of antiepileptic drugs, which, as in the case of oxcarbazepine (OXC), are a valid alternative. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of OXC in patients suffering from chronic NP. We conducted a prospective, open study involving a series of 40 patients diagnosed with a long history of NP, which was previously resistant to different kinds of treatment with anticonvulsants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAI) drugs, opiates and adjuncts. Patients were treated with OXC and they were evaluated in both the basal (prior to treatment) and final visits (after treatment) by means of the visual analogue scale (VAS), SF-McGill questionnaire and the Lattinen test. The patient's general impression of the result was also obtained. The statistical analysis was performed by calculating the "effect size", by computing Cohen's d. Treatment with OXC diminishes different symptomatic variations of this pain, but especially so in the case of lancinating discharges (d = 0.87, important effect) and burning pain (d = 0.60, moderate-important effect), although the allodynia (d = 0.48, moderate effect) also improved with treatment. In the opinion of the patients themselves, response to treatment was good or very good in 50% of cases. The chief side effects observed were dizziness, drowsiness and abdominal upsets. OXC can be seen as a therapeutic alternative to be taken very much into account in patients with NP having different aetiologies; it has a good benefit-risk ratio and is a form of treatment that is well accepted by patients.

Ports Primer: 4.0 Port-Community Relations

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Ports support and benefit local, regional and national economies through their role in creating jobs and transporting goods. The relationship between ports and near-port communities can be complex, as illustrated by case studies.

Intellectual Property Rights and International Trade

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-02-05

case . The WTO panel ruled in the United States’ favor that China’s denial of copyright protection to works that do not have censorship approval is...In the case of patents, infringement of a patent owner’s exclusive rights (as afforded by patent laws) involves a third party’s unauthorized...3 Counterfeit goods should be distinguished from generic goods, i.e., in the case of generic forms of pharmaceutical

An unusual case of isolated, serial metastases of gallbladder carcinoma involving the chest wall, axilla, breast and lung parenchyma

PubMed Central

Jeyaraj, Pamela; Sio, Terence T.; Iott, Matthew J.

2013-01-01

In the English literature, only 9 cases of adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder with cutaneous metastasis have been reported so far. One case of multiple cutaneous metastases along with deposits in the breast tissue has been reported. We present a case of incidental metastatic gallbladder carcinoma with no intra-abdominal disease presenting as a series of four isolated cutaneous right chest wall, axillary nodal, breast, and pulmonary metastases following resection and adjuvant chemoradiation for her primary tumor. In spite of the metastatic disease coupled with the aggressive nature of the cancer, this patient reported that her energy level had returned to baseline with a good appetite and a stable weight indicating a good performance status and now is alive at 25 months since diagnosis. Her serially-presented, oligometastatic diseases were well-controlled by concurrent chemoradiotherapy and stereotactic radiation therapy. We report this case study because of its rarity and for the purpose of complementing current literature with an additional example of cutaneous metastasis from adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder. PMID:23772306

Plasma Assisted Ignition and Combustion at Low Initial Gas Temperatures: Development of Kinetic Mechanism

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-05

of these species experimentally challenging. In these cases , TALIF is a good alternative. The energy levels used in this study are shown in Fig. 2.1...flame velocities achieved in lean mixtures (ER=0.5 in our experimental case ) can be an interesting issue for industrial applications. One of the possible...dielectric barrier discharge (nSDBD) was studied experimentally at high initial pressures P = 3 − 6 bar. The discharge was studied in different gas mixtures

Our History Clips: Collaborating for the Common Good

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bailey, Beatrice N.

2017-01-01

This case study reveals how middle school social studies teachers within a professional development program are encouraging their students to use multiple disciplinary literacies to create Our History Clips as they also work toward developing a classroom community of engaged student citizens.

Legal Officer Civil Law Study Guide

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-04-01

Publication 9-7 Civil Law - Legal Officer Study Guide 2. Some cases are not amenable to treatment (such as extrafamilial pedophiles , who are considered...evaluations showing a good treatment prognosis (including a determination that the person is not a pedophile , as pedophiles are generally considered

Does Histologic Subtype Influence the Post-Operative Outcome in Spinal Meningioma?

PubMed Central

Zham, Hanieh; Moradi, Afshin; Rakhshan, Azadeh; Zali, Alireza; Rahbari, Ali; Raee, Mohammadreza; Ashrafi, Farzad; Ahadi, Mahsa; Larijani, Leila; Baikpour, Masoud; Khayamzadeh, Maryam

2016-01-01

Background Postoperative outcome of spinal meningiomas is an important issue in surgery decision-making. There are limited and conflicting data in the literature about the prognostic factors influencing recovery, especially about the histopathologic subtypes. Objectives This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of some of these factors on postoperative outcome. Patients and Methods This study was performed on 39 patients operated for spinal meningioma between October 1998 and January 2012; their histopathologic subtype was determined according to WHO criteria. The follow up period ranged between 8 - 120 months. The influence of histopathologic subtype, grade, age, sex, surgical approach, local adhesion and anatomical location was assessed according to Frankel classification of neurologic deficit. Results From a total number of 39 spinal meningiomas, 34 cases were WHO grade I, from which 15 cases were psammomatous, 7 cases were meningothelial, 9 cases were transitional and 3 cases were fibroblastic. Five cases were grade II, 3 of which had clear cell appearance and the remaining 2 had chordoid appearance. The mean age was 51.6 (22 to 76) years; 25 cases were female and 14 cases were male. This study revealed that grade II meningioma cases had poor prognosis in all 5 cases and psammomatous subtype had poor postoperative outcome in 40% of cases while the other subtypes had good outcome in all cases (P = 0.026). Cervical location of the tumor was also related with poor outcome in 37.5% of the cases, while 22.5% had poor outcome in other locations (P = 0.029). Age below and above 45 years and sex had no significant influence on the outcome. Conclusions Spinal meningiomas of psammomatous type and grade II spinal meningiomas are associated with less favorable postoperative neurologic outcome. Cervical location has also a negative correlation with a good outcome. PMID:27482326

A Large-Telescope Natural Guide Star AO System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Redding, David; Milman, Mark; Needels, Laura

1994-01-01

None given. From overview and conclusion:Keck Telescope case study. Objectives-low cost, good sky coverage. Approach--natural guide star at 0.8um, correcting at 2.2um.Concl- Good performance is possible for Keck with natural guide star AO system (SR>0.2 to mag 17+).AO-optimized CCD should b every effective. Optimizing td is very effective.Spatial Coadding is not effective except perhaps at extreme low light levels.

[Cerebral aneurysms complicating bacterial endocarditis. Seven cases (author's transl)].

PubMed

Pecker, J; Vallée, B; Camuzet, J P; Faivre, J; Javalet, A

The authors report seven cases of cerebral aneurysms complicating bacterial endocarditis. The evolution was good in three cases, two of which without sequelae. The bacteries involved were staphylococcus, streptococcus, and enterobacter. The cardiopathy was mitral in four cases. Two patients presented an isolated focal neurological impairment, while the other five presented a severe coma either isolated (one case) or associated with focal neurological deficits (four cases). An intracerebral hematoma was diagnosed in five cases (four died). Only one patient was not operated. The surgical treatment was as follows: one carotid ligation (good result), two evacuations of intracerebral hematomas (both died), two evacuations of intracerebral hematomas with clipping of the aneurysms (one died, one had a fair result in despite of residual hemiplegia), one clipping of aneurysm (good result). Repeated cerebral angiographies should be systematically performed in cases of bacterial endocarditis in order to disclose and follow up cerebral aneurysms which may occur in this condition. Except in cases of emergency, surgery should be differed, in particular, in cases of proximal or multiple aneurysms. Aneurysms of the peripheral cortical arteries are more accessible to treatment and may be operated in the acute phase.

Coastal forests and groundwater: Using case studies to understand the effects of drivers and stressors for resource management

Treesearch

Timothy Callahan; Devendra Amatya; Peter Stone

2017-01-01

Forests are receiving more attention for the ecosystem goods and services they provide and the potential change agents that may affect forest health and productivity. Highlighting case examples from coastal forests in South Carolina, USA, we describe groundwater processes with respect to stressors and potential responses of a wetland-rich forested landscape,...

Raising Roma Educational Participation and Achievement: Collaborative Relationships, Transformative Change, and a Social Europe

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ryder, Andrew Richard

2015-01-01

The paper gives an overview of Roma, Gypsy and Traveller (RGT) educational exclusion in the European Union and seeks to provide insights into good practice through case studies focusing on Bulgaria and the UK. The paper makes a case for the promotion of collaborative relationships, where RGT communities are active partners in developing curricula…

Socio-Psychological Aspects of Animal Therapy in Treating Children Suffering from Forms of Dysontogenesis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nikolskaya, Anastasia V.

2012-01-01

Positive and negative aspects of animal therapy using are discussed. Research of 30 case studies is displayed that pet therapy is a good therapeutic tool in approximately 60% of cases. To diagnose possible problems in families which have got a dog as a "therapist" for the child suffering from some or other form of dysontogenesis, the…

Using Sources to Teach History for the Common Good: A Case of One Teacher's Purpose

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gradwell, Jill M.

2010-01-01

The teacher who is the focus of this interpretive case study, uses primary sources regularly with her students in ambitious ways but does so less from the current reform efforts, recent history education scholarship, or the climate of accountability and more from her individual goals for history education, most significantly, to prepare her…

[Virtual bronchoscopy: the correlation between endoscopic simulation and bronchoscopic findings].

PubMed

Salvolini, L; Gasparini, S; Baldelli, S; Bichi Secchi, E; Amici, F

1997-11-01

We carried out a preliminary clinical validation of 3D spiral CT virtual endoscopic reconstructions of the tracheobronchial tree, by comparing virtual bronchoscopic images with actual endoscopic findings. Twenty-two patients with tracheobronchial disease suspected at preliminary clinical, cytopathological and plain chest film findings were submitted to spiral CT of the chest and bronchoscopy. CT was repeated after endobronchial therapy in 2 cases. Virtual endoscopic shaded-surface-display views of the tracheobronchial tree were reconstructed from reformatted CT data with an Advantage Navigator software. Virtual bronchoscopic images were preliminarily evaluated with a semi-quantitative quality score (excellent/good/fair/poor). The depiction of consecutive airway branches was then considered. Virtual bronchoscopies were finally submitted to double-blind comparison with actual endoscopies. Virtual image quality was considered excellent in 8 cases, good in 14 and fair in 2. Virtual exploration was stopped at the lobar bronchi in one case only; the origin of segmental bronchi was depicted in 23 cases and that of some subsegmental branches in 2 cases. Agreement between actual and virtual bronchoscopic findings was good in all cases but 3 where it was nevertheless considered satisfactory. The yield of clinically useful information differed in 8/24 cases: virtual reconstructions provided more information than bronchoscopy in 5 cases and vice versa in 3. Virtual reconstructions are limited in that the procedure is long and difficult and needing a strictly standardized threshold value not to alter virtual findings. Moreover, the reconstructed surface lacks transparency, there is the partial volume effect and the branches < or = 4 pixels phi and/or meandering ones are difficult to explore. Our preliminary data are encouraging. Segmental bronchi were depicted in nearly all cases, except for the branches involved by disease. Obstructing lesions could be bypassed in some cases, making an indication for endoscopic laser therapy. Future didactic perspectives and applications to minimally invasive or virtual reality-assisted therapy seem promising, even though actual clinical applications require further studies.

Evaluation of MEWDS-like lesions with fluorescein angiography and its frequency at an ophthalmic emergency department in Rio de Janeiro.

PubMed

Dias, Lillian Abreu; Morizot, Eduardo H

2015-01-01

To characterize multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS)-like lesions as diagnosed by clinical exam and fluorescein angiography (FA) to build an epidemiological profile of this disease and highlight the most common angiographical aspects. It is important to emphasize the existence of this syndrome and improve patients' information about the natural good course of this disease. A cross-sectional study including all FA performed from July 2006 to October 2012 (6,111 exams analyzed) in patients at our ophthalmic emergency department, with analysis of the different angiographic aspects of the MEWDS-diagnosed cases. Among the 6,111 angiographies analyzed, 15 MEWDS cases were detected; the patients ranged in age from 13 to 42 years old, and the male/female ratio was 60% to 40% (nine male and six female). The most common FA aspects included hyperfluorescent dots, dots and spots in the retinal mid-periphery, and foveal granularity in 46% of the cases. MEWDS has a good prognosis, with spontaneous involution, which makes it difficult to diagnose because of the delayed access to ophthalmological assistance, in special FA examination, which highlights the lesions. This study was possible due to the quick access facility at a private ophthalmic emergency department and examination by an experienced ophthalmologist, along with complementary diagnosis by FA and better perception of the patients, thus ensuring good prognosis.

An implantation of multifocal lenses LS-313 MF30, Mplus and MplusX models, during and after posterior vitrectomy in patients treated for various diseases of the retina.

PubMed

Cywinski, Adam; Piwonska-Lobermajer, Anna; Penter, Sandra

2016-08-01

A retrospective analysis of visual function and postoperative complaints in patients after posterior vitrectomy and multifocal Mplus or MplusX intraocular lens implantation. 14 patients (14 eyes) were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent posterior vitrectomy due to underlying retinal pathologies. A combined procedure of phacovitrectomy was performed in some patients, whereas others underwent a separate cataract extraction as a second stage of treatment. The Mplus or MplusX intraocular lenses were implanted in all cases and the postoperative visual function and patient complaints were analysed. Multifocal lens explantation was not necessary in any case. Good uncorrected distance and near visual acuity was achieved in most cases. When implanted prior to vitrectomy, the intraocular lenses did not limit the view into the posterior segment, so precise manipulations within the macula and peripheral retina were feasible. The right choice between Mplus and MplusX minimises the rate of postoperative complaints. Conslusions: The multifocal Mplus and MplusX intraocular lenses offer a good alternative for patients who need posterior vitrectomy and still want to achieve good uncorrected distance and near visual acuity.

Quality of records on sexual violence against women in the Information System for Notifiable Diseases (Sinan) in Santa Catarina, Brazil, 2008-2013.

PubMed

Delziovo, Carmem Regina; Bolsoni, Carolina Carvalho; Lindner, Sheila Rubia; Coelho, Elza Berger Salema

2018-02-01

to describe the quality of records on cases of sexual violence against women, reported in the Information System for Notifiable Diseases (Sinan), in Santa Catarina State, Brazil, from 2008 to 2013. normative assessment with data from records of sexual violence cases against women (≥10 years old); data quality was described according to the dimensions 'non-duplicity' (acceptable when >95%), 'completeness' (good when >75%), and 'consistency' (excellent when >90.0%) of information. 2,010 cases of sexual violence against women were studied, after the exclusion of four duplicate records; the percentage of non-duplicity was 99.9% (acceptable); of completeness was 93.3% (good) and of consistency was 98.9% (excellent). the results presented point out the usefulness of Sinan as a source of information for the surveillance of sexual violence against women and for planning actions to tackle this type of aggression.

Dandy-Walker Malformation and Down Syndrome Association: Good Developmental Outcome and Successful Endoscopic Treatment of Hydrocephalus

PubMed Central

Nigri, Flavio; Cabral, Isaias Fiuza; da Silva, Raquel Tavares Boy; Pereira, Heloisa Viscaíno; Ribeiro, Carlos Roberto Telles

2014-01-01

The association of Down syndrome (DS) with Dandy Walker malformation (DWM) is extremely rare, with only 3 cases reported to date. All cases reported have shown a bad life expectancy and a bad developmental outcome. The present case reveals the possibility of a good prognosis. A 19-month-old male patient had successful endoscopic hydrocephalus treatment and a good developmental outcome. He probably had a better outcome because of good DS and DWM prognostic parameters. Our patient suffered from a DWM with vermis identification of 2 fissures and 3 lobes and a DS with a well-preserved tonus, which was not associated with other congenital systemic defects. We may conclude that the prognosis of DS-DWM association may separately depend on the degree of clinical and neurological involvement of each malformation. PMID:24932176

Dandy-walker malformation and down syndrome association: good developmental outcome and successful endoscopic treatment of hydrocephalus.

PubMed

Nigri, Flavio; Cabral, Isaias Fiuza; da Silva, Raquel Tavares Boy; Pereira, Heloisa Viscaíno; Ribeiro, Carlos Roberto Telles

2014-05-01

The association of Down syndrome (DS) with Dandy Walker malformation (DWM) is extremely rare, with only 3 cases reported to date. All cases reported have shown a bad life expectancy and a bad developmental outcome. The present case reveals the possibility of a good prognosis. A 19-month-old male patient had successful endoscopic hydrocephalus treatment and a good developmental outcome. He probably had a better outcome because of good DS and DWM prognostic parameters. Our patient suffered from a DWM with vermis identification of 2 fissures and 3 lobes and a DS with a well-preserved tonus, which was not associated with other congenital systemic defects. We may conclude that the prognosis of DS-DWM association may separately depend on the degree of clinical and neurological involvement of each malformation.

[Experimental and clinical studies of flomoxef in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. Representative Committee Members of the Research Team for Infections in the Field of Obstetrics and Gynecology].

PubMed

Matsuda, S; Okada, H; Ninomiya, K; Shimizu, T; Noda, K; Deguchi, K

1988-12-01

Flomoxef (FMOX) has a broad antibacterial spectrum against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria; especially its potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus is a significant advantage that may not be found with other cephem compounds. In our determination of its antibacterial potency against various clinical isolates obtained from clinical materials (amniotic fluid, intrauterine secretions, exudates of the pelvic dead space) of patients with various infections, we obtained results representing specific features of this drug. From the results, the drug may be expected to produce an excellent effect in the treatment of various infections. Our study on drug concentrations in body fluids and genital tissues demonstrated a good transfer of this drug into various tissues; in every tissue examined, the drug administered by the usual method in the usual dose yielded a concentration exceeding MIC for principal pathogens, thus promising a good clinical response. Indeed a high clinical efficacy rate of 90.1% (good to very good responses) was obtained in a clinical trial involving 222 cases. Administration of the drug in 2 g quantity daily produced a high response rate of 92.8%. It was especially noteworthy that a good response was obtained in 30 of 32 cases (93.8%) in which other cephem compounds had failed. In evaluation of the bacteriological effect, furthermore, the drug showed an excellent rate of bacterial elimination. In conclusion, this drug is expected to be greatly useful in the light of its good transfer into genital tissues and its strong antibacterial activities against Gram-positive cocci, Gram-negative bacteria and anaerobes as well as against multiple bacterial infections predominating among women with genital infections.

Gender and Pupil Performance. Interchange 70.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tinklin, Teresa; Croxford, Linda; Ducklin, Alan; Frame, Barbara

This study examined factors that influence the relative academic attainment of males and females and how good performance by both genders can be achieved. The study involved a review of literature and policy documents, statistical analysis of official data, a questionnaire survey of local authorities, and case studies of six secondary schools in…

Bearings Only Air-to-Air Ranging

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-07-25

directly in fiut of the observer whem first detected, more time will be needed for a good estimate. A sound uinp them is for the observer, having...altitude angle to provide an estimate of the z component. Moving targets commonly require some 60 seconds for good estimates of target location and...fixed target case, where a good strategy for the observer can be determined a priori, highly effective maneuvers for the observer in the case of a moving

Climate variations and salmonellosis transmission in Adelaide, South Australia: a comparison between regression models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ying; Bi, Peng; Hiller, Janet

2008-01-01

This is the first study to identify appropriate regression models for the association between climate variation and salmonellosis transmission. A comparison between different regression models was conducted using surveillance data in Adelaide, South Australia. By using notified salmonellosis cases and climatic variables from the Adelaide metropolitan area over the period 1990-2003, four regression methods were examined: standard Poisson regression, autoregressive adjusted Poisson regression, multiple linear regression, and a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model. Notified salmonellosis cases in 2004 were used to test the forecasting ability of the four models. Parameter estimation, goodness-of-fit and forecasting ability of the four regression models were compared. Temperatures occurring 2 weeks prior to cases were positively associated with cases of salmonellosis. Rainfall was also inversely related to the number of cases. The comparison of the goodness-of-fit and forecasting ability suggest that the SARIMA model is better than the other three regression models. Temperature and rainfall may be used as climatic predictors of salmonellosis cases in regions with climatic characteristics similar to those of Adelaide. The SARIMA model could, thus, be adopted to quantify the relationship between climate variations and salmonellosis transmission.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding- evaluation by Endometrial Aspiration.

PubMed

Singh, Pratibha

2018-01-01

Endometrial evaluation is generally indicated in cases presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), especially in women more than 35 years of age. AUB encompasses a variety of presentation, for example, heavy menstrual bleeding, frequent bleeding, irregular vaginal bleeding, postcoital and postmenopausal bleeding to name a few. Many methods are used for the evaluation of such cases, with most common being sonography and endometrial biopsy with very few cases requiring more invasive approach like hysteroscopy. Endometrial aspiration is a simple and safe office procedure used for this purpose. We retrospectively analyzed cases of AUB where endometrial aspiration with Pipette (Medgyn) was done in outpatient department between January 2015 and April 2016. Case records (both paper and electronic) were used to retrieve data. One hundred and fifteen cases were included in the study after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Most cases were between 46 and 50 years of age followed by 41-45 years. No cases were below 25 or more than 65 years of age. Heavy menstrual bleeding was the most common presentation of AUB. Adequate samples were obtained in 86% of cases while 13.9% of cases' sample was inadequate for opinion, many of which were later underwent hysteroscopy and/or dilatation and curettage (D and C) in operation theater; atrophic endometrium was the most common cause for inadequate sample. Uterine malignancy was diagnosed in three cases. Endometrial aspiration has been compared with traditional D and C as well as postoperative histopathology in various studies with good results. Many such studies are done in India as well as in western countries confirming good correlation with histopathology and adequate tissue sample for the pathologist to give a confident diagnosis. No complication or side effect was noted with the use of this device. Endometrial aspiration is a simple, safe, and effective method to sample endometrium in cases of AUB avoiding risk of anesthesia and is less time-consuming. Many similar devices are also available in the market and need to be popularized in all parts of the country.

Tillamook Estuary Case Study: Local Drivers Influencing Coastal Acidification

EPA Science Inventory

US EPA initiated a study in the Tillamook estuary and watershed focused on the impact of changes in watershed land use, ocean conditions, and weather on estuarine water quality and ecosystem goods and services production within the estuary. This project is a collaboration betwee...

Impact of Export Control and Technology Transfer Regimes: International Perspectives

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-07

major national security and public policy issue. Exploring the ITAR environment through a set of case studies was the central idea in a project...cover) was based on a survey of UK stakeholders. The results were unambiguous and striking. Our British partners conclude ITAR is a good idea gone...ITAR) regime is a major national security and public policy issue. Exploring the ITAR environment through a set of case studies was the central idea

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation by trained responders versus lay persons and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A community observational study.

PubMed

Park, Yoo Mi; Shin, Sang Do; Lee, Yu Jin; Song, Kyoung Jun; Ro, Young Sun; Ahn, Ki Ok

2017-09-01

The study aims to compare bystander processes of care (cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation) and outcomes for witnessed presumed cardiac etiology in OHCA patients in whom initial resuscitation was provided by dedicated trained responder (TR) versus lay person (LP) bystanders. Data on witnessed and presumed cardiac OHCA in adults (15 years or older) from 2011 to 2015 in a metropolitan city with 10 million persons were collected, excluding cases in which the information on TRs, bystander CPR, defibrillation, and clinical outcomes was unknown. Exposure variables were TRs who were legally designated with CPR education and response and LPs who were bystanders who witnessed the OHCA by chance. The primary/secondary/tertiary outcomes were a good cerebral performance category (CPC) of 1 or 2, survival to discharge, and bystander defibrillation. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for potential confounders. Of 20,984 OHCA events, 6475 cases were ultimately analyzed. The TR group constituted 6.4% of the cases, and the patients showed significantly better survival and a good CPC. From the multivariable logistic regression analysis of the outcomes, by comparing the TR group with the LP group, the AOR (95% CIs) was 1.49 (1.04-2.15) for a good CPC, 1.59 (1.20-2.11) for survival to discharge, and 10.02 (7.04-14.26) for bystander defibrillation. The TR group witnessed a relatively low proportion of OHCA but was associated with better survival outcomes and good neurological recovery through higher CPR rates and defibrillation of adults older than 15 years with witnessed OHCA in a metropolitan city. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Safety and efficacy of flow diverter treatment for blood blister-like aneurysm: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Zhu, Deyuan; Yan, Yazhou; Zhao, Puyuan; Duan, Guoli; Zhao, Rui; Liu, Jianmin; Huang, Qinghai

2018-06-23

To clarify the safety and efficacy of flow diverter (FD) treatment for blood blister-like aneurysm (BBA), we conducted a systematic review and literature analyzing perioperative and long-term clinical and angiographic outcomes. A comprehensive review of the up-to-date literature for studies with >2 patients related to FD treatment of BBAs published was performed. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the following outcomes: complete occlusion, technical success, aneurysm recurrence, rebleeding, perioperative mortality, perioperative stroke, procedure-related morbidity and mortality, long-term neurological morbidity and mortality, and overall good neurological outcome. We included 15 non-comparative studies with 165 target BBAs. Complete occlusion rates were 72% (95%CI= 0.59-0.85). Recurrence occurred in 13% (95%CI= -0.04-0.29) and rebleeding in 3% (95%CI = -0.02-0.07) of patients. Procedure-related morbidity and mortality were 26% (95%CI =0.19-0.33) and 3% (95%CI= -0.01-0.07), respectively. Long-term good outcome was 83% (95% CI = 0.77-0.89). Subgroup analysis indicated that single FD strategy for BBA seemed to have a higher good outcome rate compared to overlapped FD strategy (89.9% versus 61.9%, OR=1.42, 95%CI=1.25-14.98, P=0.02). Complete occlusion rate and procedure-related morbidity rate did not see any significant difference between these two strategies. Our meta-analysis suggests that in select cases, FD can be safe and effective. Single FD strategy may result in a higher good outcome rate compared to overlapped FD strategy. Ultimately, treatment of BBA should be considered on a case-by-case basis to maximize patient benefits and limit the risk of perioperative complications. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Defining principles for good practice: using case studies to inform health systems action on health inequalities.

PubMed

Simpson, Sarah; Kelly, Michael P; Morgan, Antony

2013-02-01

This paper presents work using case studies as a source of data to see if we could extrapolate from the specific to the general particularly with regard to understanding what constitutes effective practice in taking action on SDHI and as a way of enabling policy makers to make better use of knowledge within the case studies and as a way of better understanding what works, in what context and why. Case studies are important to evaluators in that they are relatively straightforward to undertake and because those involved in implementing an intervention are usually keen to profile the intervention. A checklist described in this paper will enable policy advisers and evaluators to quickly review a case study and right away see if it contains enough information to assist in the development of policy options for reducing socially determined health inequalities. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Caudal regression sequence: clinical-radiological case].

PubMed

Zepeda T, Juan; García M, Mirna; Morales S, Jorge; Pantoja H, Miguel A; Espinoza G, Aníbal

2015-01-01

Caudal regression syndrome is an uncommon congenital malformation that includes a wide spectrum of clinical presentations. Characterised by caudal musculoskeletal compromise, it can be associated to neurological, gastrointestinal, renal and genitourinary defects. Although the specific aetiology has not been clarified, it has been associated with the presence of maternal diabetes and mutations in homeobox gene HBLX9. Its diagnosis is based on a good prenatal ultrasound detection, detailed physical examination, and post-natal imaging study using radiography and magnetic resonance. Caudal regression syndrome requires multidisciplinary management, and it seems that good metabolic control of gestational diabetes constitutes the best preventive measure available. We present the clinical case and images of a male term newborn, born to a pregestational diabetic mother with poor metabolic control and a prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of lumbar spine, iliac bones and lower limbs malformation. Born in good conditions, the diagnosis was confirmed using X-rays and magnetic resonance. Copyright © 2015 Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Late recurrent urothelial carcinoma in the Studer neobladder: conversion to continent reservoir

PubMed Central

Kotb, AF; Alkosiry, M; AbdElkawy, N; Atta, MA

2012-01-01

Bladder cancer represents a considerable issue in Egypt and the Middle East. Radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder represent the standard of care for managing cases with invasive bladder tumour. There are few cases reported in the literature considering the urothelial recurrence in the urethra, connected to neobladder. We are presenting a rare case of a young female patient, with an aggressive urothelial tumour, recurring 13-year post-radical cystectomy, and the Studer neobladder. Our case was managed by urethrectomy and conversion of the neobladder into continent reservoir, with good short-term oncological and functional outcomes. We can conclude that bladder cancer cases should be followed thoroughly throughout their life. Follow-up urethroscopy and cytology should be done for all cases of post-radical cystectomy, regardless of patients’ symptoms. Key message Late urothelial recurrence of post-radical cystectomy is possible and, in our case, happened 13 years following surgery. The Studer neobladder can be safely converted into continent reservoir, allowing good functional outcomes. Also, recurrence in the Studer neobladder can be safely managed, allowing good oncological outcomes, without the need for any ureteroileal interventions. PMID:22973413

To Take Care of Them: An Ethical Case Study of the Canal Incident

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-14

relativism , which holds there exist no absolutes, and that right and wrong are dependent on the culture and society in which the behavior occurs. Somewhere...103 Bentham suggested it is good to maximize pleasure and minimize suffering. Mill adjusted hedonic philosophy by focusing on maximizing happiness...According to the hedonic calculus, your actions can be considered good because they maximize the pleasure of you living while minimizing the pain of your

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ma, Yan-Qing; Qiu, Jian-Wei

Following our previous proposal, we construct a class of good "lattice cross sections" (LCSs), from which we can study the partonic structure of hadrons from ab initio lattice QCD calculations. These good LCSs, on the one hand, can be calculated directly in lattice QCD, and on the other hand, can be factorized into parton distribution functions (PDFs) with calculable coefficients, in the same way as QCD factorization for factorizable hadronic cross sections. PDFs could be extracted from QCD global analysis of the lattice QCD generated data of LCSs. In conclusion, we also show that the proposed functions for lattice QCDmore » calculation of PDFs in the literature are special cases of these good LCSs.« less

A Hopping Good Time: Wood Frogs in the Classroom.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shimkanin, John; Ulm, Glenn; King, Trina

1998-01-01

Presents a case for using wood frogs to study biology with students. Offers tips on where to find the eggs, how to care for them, what to expect as they hatch, and how to engage students in a study of their stages of development. (DDR)

Amblyopia

MedlinePlus

... in the good eye [See figure 4] and work as a great alternative to patching in selected cases. This forces the child to use the weaker eye. For mild to moderate degrees of amblyopia, studies have shown that patching or eye drops may ...

Forecasting the Emergency Department Patients Flow.

PubMed

Afilal, Mohamed; Yalaoui, Farouk; Dugardin, Frédéric; Amodeo, Lionel; Laplanche, David; Blua, Philippe

2016-07-01

Emergency department (ED) have become the patient's main point of entrance in modern hospitals causing it frequent overcrowding, thus hospital managers are increasingly paying attention to the ED in order to provide better quality service for patients. One of the key elements for a good management strategy is demand forecasting. In this case, forecasting patients flow, which will help decision makers to optimize human (doctors, nurses…) and material(beds, boxs…) resources allocation. The main interest of this research is forecasting daily attendance at an emergency department. The study was conducted on the Emergency Department of Troyes city hospital center, France, in which we propose a new practical ED patients classification that consolidate the CCMU and GEMSA categories into one category and innovative time-series based models to forecast long and short term daily attendance. The models we developed for this case study shows very good performances (up to 91,24 % for the annual Total flow forecast) and robustness to epidemic periods.

The role of noise in the spatial public goods game

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Javarone, Marco Alberto; Battiston, Federico

2016-07-01

In this work we aim to analyze the role of noise in the spatial public goods game, one of the most famous games in evolutionary game theory. The dynamics of this game is affected by a number of parameters and processes, namely the topology of interactions among the agents, the synergy factor, and the strategy revision phase. The latter is a process that allows agents to change their strategy. Notably, rational agents tend to imitate richer neighbors, in order to increase the probability to maximize their payoff. By implementing a stochastic revision process, it is possible to control the level of noise in the system, so that even irrational updates may occur. In particular, in this work we study the effect of noise on the macroscopic behavior of a finite structured population playing the public goods game. We consider both the case of a homogeneous population, where the noise in the system is controlled by tuning a parameter representing the level of stochasticity in the strategy revision phase, and a heterogeneous population composed of a variable proportion of rational and irrational agents. In both cases numerical investigations show that the public goods game has a very rich behavior which strongly depends on the amount of noise in the system and on the value of the synergy factor. To conclude, our study sheds a new light on the relations between the microscopic dynamics of the public goods game and its macroscopic behavior, strengthening the link between the field of evolutionary game theory and statistical physics.

Inter-observer agreement for Crohn's disease sub-phenotypes using the Montreal Classification: How good are we? A multi-centre Australasian study.

PubMed

Krishnaprasad, Krupa; Andrews, Jane M; Lawrance, Ian C; Florin, Timothy; Gearry, Richard B; Leong, Rupert W L; Mahy, Gillian; Bampton, Peter; Prosser, Ruth; Leach, Peta; Chitti, Laurie; Cock, Charles; Grafton, Rachel; Croft, Anthony R; Cooke, Sharon; Doecke, James D; Radford-Smith, Graham L

2012-04-01

Crohn's disease (CD) exhibits significant clinical heterogeneity. Classification systems attempt to describe this; however, their utility and reliability depends on inter-observer agreement (IOA). We therefore sought to evaluate IOA using the Montreal Classification (MC). De-identified clinical records of 35 CD patients from 6 Australian IBD centres were presented to 13 expert practitioners from 8 Australia and New Zealand Inflammatory Bowel Disease Consortium (ANZIBDC) centres. Practitioners classified the cases using MC and forwarded data for central blinded analysis. IOA on smoking and medications was also tested. Kappa statistics, with pre-specified outcomes of κ>0.8 excellent; 0.61-0.8 good; 0.41-0.6 moderate and ≤0.4 poor, were used. 97% of study cases had colonoscopy reports, however, only 31% had undergone a complete set of diagnostic investigations (colonoscopy, histology, SB imaging). At diagnosis, IOA was excellent for age, κ=0.84; good for disease location, κ=0.73; only moderate for upper GI disease (κ=0.57) and disease behaviour, κ=0.54; and good for the presence of perianal disease, κ=0.6. At last follow-up, IOA was good for location, κ=0.68; only moderate for upper GI disease (κ=0.43) and disease behaviour, κ=0.46; but excellent for the presence/absence of perianal disease, κ=0.88. IOA for immunosuppressant use ever and presence of stricture were both good (κ=0.79 and 0.64 respectively). IOA using MC is generally good; however some areas are less consistent than others. Omissions and inaccuracies reduce the value of clinical data when comparing cohorts across different centres, and may impair the ability to translate genetic discoveries into clinical practice. Crown Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In vitro performance of ceramic coatings obtained by high velocity oxy-fuel spray.

PubMed

Melero, H; Garcia-Giralt, N; Fernández, J; Díez-Pérez, A; Guilemany, J M

2014-01-01

Hydroxyapatite coatings obtained by plasma-spraying have been used for many years to improve biological performance of bone implants, but several studies have drawn attention to the problems arising from high temperatures and the lack of mechanical properties. In this study, plasma-spraying is substituted by high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spray, with lower temperatures reached, and TiO2 is added in low amounts to hydroxyapatite in order to improve the mechanical properties. Four conditions have been tested to evaluate which are those with better biological properties. Viability and proliferation tests, as well as differentiation assays and morphology observation, are performed with human osteoblast cultures onto the studied coatings. The hydroxyapatite-TiO2 coatings maintain good cell viability and proliferation, especially the cases with higher amorphous phase amount and specific surface, and promote excellent differentiation, with a higher ALP amount for these cases than for polystyrene controls. Observation by SEM corroborates this excellent behaviour. In conclusion, these coatings are a good alternative to those used industrially, and an interesting issue would be improving biological behaviour of the worst cases, which in turn show the better mechanical properties.

Summary of Data from the Sixth AIAA CFD Drag Prediction Workshop: CRM Cases 2 to 5

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tinoco, Edward N.; Brodersen, Olaf P.; Keye, Stefan; Laflin, Kelly R.; Feltrop, Edward; Vassberg, John C.; Mani, Mori; Rider, Ben; Wahls, Richard A.; Morrison, Joseph H.;

Use of case-based reasoning to enhance intensive management of patients on insulin pump therapy.

PubMed

Schwartz, Frank L; Shubrook, Jay H; Marling, Cynthia R

2008-07-01

This study was conducted to develop case-based decision support software to improve glucose control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) on insulin pump therapy. While the benefits of good glucose control are well known, achieving and maintaining good glucose control remains a difficult task. Case-based decision support software may assist by recalling past problems in glucose control and their associated therapeutic adjustments. Twenty patients with T1DM on insulin pumps were enrolled in a 6-week study. Subjects performed self-glucose monitoring and provided daily logs via the Internet, tracking insulin dosages, work, sleep, exercise, meals, stress, illness, menstrual cycles, infusion set changes, pump problems, hypoglycemic episodes, and other events. Subjects wore a continuous glucose monitoring system at weeks 1, 3, and 6. Clinical data were interpreted by physicians, who explained the relationship between life events and observed glucose patterns as well as treatment rationales to knowledge engineers. Knowledge engineers built a prototypical system that contained cases of problems in glucose control together with their associated solutions. Twelve patients completed the study. Fifty cases of clinical problems and solutions were developed and stored in a case base. The prototypical system detected 12 distinct types of clinical problems. It displayed the stored problems that are most similar to the problems detected, and offered learned solutions as decision support to the physician. This software can screen large volumes of clinical data and glucose levels from patients with T1DM, identify clinical problems, and offer solutions. It has potential application in managing all forms of diabetes.

Education and microfinance: an alternative approach to the empowerment of the poor people in Indonesia.

PubMed

Hadi, Rizali; Wahyudin, Uyu; Ardiwinata, Jajat S; Abdu, Wamaungo Juma

2015-01-01

There is good reason to combine education with microcredit for poverty alleviation in the poor communities of the developing world, including in Indonesia. Poverty is dangerous, it deprives people of their right to education, their right to good health, their right to freedom of speech, their right to democracy, their right to financial services and of course their right to knowledge enhancement, which are all crucial to living a better life. We must therefore, provide services beyond, credits for the poor. In this case, education should be included to each and every development agenda for the poor since it is key to any positive change and sustainable development of people. If well planned and well integrated within the microcredit services, education can serve a good purpose in poverty alleviation. This paper describes how education and microfinance have been used in combination to alleviate poverty in Indonesia, especially in the areas studied. The study uses a multi-cases approach to examine the purposively selected baitul maal tamwil (BMTs) organisations, which are sharia based semiformal microfinance institutions regarded to be among those few integrating education with their financial services.

Reconciling Good Intentions: The University-USAID Partnership

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maletzke, Gretchen C.

2009-01-01

The purpose of this case study was to understand the relationship between USAID and U.S. universities in the context of evolving foreign assistance policy. The formation of the partnership and the characteristics of how the partnership functions beyond the political call for this alliance was studied. My interest was to identify and study what…

Teacher Mathematical Literacy: Case Study of Junior High School Teachers in Pasaman

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, D.; Suherman, S.; Maulana, H.

2018-04-01

The aim of this paper was to examine the ability of junior high school mathematics teachers to solve mathematical literacy base Problems (PISA and PISA-like problems) for the case Pasaman regency. The data was collected by interviews and test. As the results of this study, teacher ability in solving mathematical literacy base problems for level 1 until 3 has been good, but for level 4 or above is still low. It is caused by teacher knowledge about mathematical literacy still few.

Occurrence of serious injury in real-world side impacts of vehicles with good side-impact protection ratings.

PubMed

Brumbelow, Matthew L; Mueller, Becky C; Arbelaez, Raul A

2015-01-01

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) introduced its side impact consumer information test program in 2003. Since that time, side airbags and structural improvements have been implemented across the fleet and the proportion of good ratings has increased to 93% of 2012-2014 model year vehicles. Research has shown that drivers of good-rated vehicles are 70% less likely to die in a left-side crash than drivers of poor-rated vehicles. Despite these improvements, side impact fatalities accounted for about one quarter of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities in 2012. This study is a detailed analysis of real-world cases with serious injury resulting from side crashes of vehicles with good ratings in the IIHS side impact test. NASS-CDS and Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network (CIREN) were queried for occupants of good-rated vehicles who sustained an Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) ≥ 3 injury in a side-impact crash. The resulting 110 cases were categorized by impact configuration and other factors that contributed to injury. Patterns of impact configuration, restraint performance, and occupant injury were identified and discussed in the context of potential upgrades to the current IIHS side impact test. Three quarters of the injured occupants were involved in near-side impacts. For these occupants, the most common factors contributing to injury were crash severities greater than the IIHS test, inadequate side-airbag performance, and lack of side-airbag coverage for the injured body region. In the cases where an airbag was present but did not prevent the injury, occupants were often exposed to loading centered farther forward on the vehicle than in the IIHS test. Around 40% of the far-side occupants were injured from contact with the struck-side interior structure, and almost all of these cases were more severe than the IIHS test. The remaining far-side occupants were mostly elderly and sustained injury from the center console, instrument panel, or seat belt. In addition, many far-side occupants were likely out of position due to events preceding the side impact and/or being unbelted. Individual changes to the IIHS side impact test have the potential to reduce the number of serious injuries in real-world crashes. These include impacting the vehicle farther forward (relevant to 28% of all cases studied), greater test severity (17%), the inclusion of far-side occupants (9%), and more restrictive injury criteria (9%). Combinations of these changes could be more effective.

[Tolerance of latissimus dorsi without implant to radiotherapy in immediate breast reconstruction].

PubMed

Carrabin, N; Vermersh, C; Faure, C; Dammacco, M A; Delay, E; Ho Quoc, C

2015-12-01

Rates of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) after mastectomy are currently increasing, leading us to evaluate outcomes of breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi without implant followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. From January 1999 to August 2013, 31 breast reconstructions with latissimus dorsi have been irradiated. Patients have been selected from a prospective database and contacted to evaluate outcomes of breast reconstruction, and 2 patients have been lost. Median follow-up was 6.5 years. Breast reconstruction outcomes were evaluated as very good or good in 86% of cases, with breast reconstructed consistency as very good or good in 93% of cases. An additional fat grafting has been performed for 58% of cases (mean volume transferred of 250 cc) and was associated with contralateral breast reduction in 32% of the whole population. IBR was judged as essential for 79% of women a posteriori. In our experience, latissimus dorsi has a good tolerance to adjuvant irradiation, and may be offered to patients willing to benefit of an IBR even if postoperative radiotherapy is scheduled. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Sales Simulation Games: Student and Instructor Perceptions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beuk, Frederik

2016-01-01

This study combines the perspective of students (n = 137) and sales instructors (n = 248). It compares how well selling and sales management simulation games, case discussions, and traditional lectures are perceived to conform to the seven principles for good practice in undergraduate education. The study further compares each method's performance…

Bringing Headteachers' Voices to the Professional Development Debate: A Case Study from Spain

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hernández, María J.; Martínez, María A.

2016-01-01

This study seeks to broaden the existing knowledge about education and professional development in educational leadership by analysing the characteristics of "good" training programmes according to international theoretical frameworks and to educational leaders' views. To do so, 100 headteachers of infant, primary and secondary schools…

Incorporating Ecosystem Services into Community-level Decision-Making: A San Juan, Puerto Rico Case Study

EPA Science Inventory

EPA’s Office of Research and Development’s Sustainable and Healthy Communities Research Program is developing tools and approaches to incorporate ecosystem goods and services concepts into community-level decision-making. The San Juan Community Study is one of a serie...

Pressure wave propagation studies for oscillating cascades

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huff, Dennis L.

1992-01-01

The unsteady flow field around an oscillating cascade of flat plates is studied using a time marching Euler code. Exact solutions based on linear theory serve as model problems to study pressure wave propagation in the numerical solution. The importance of using proper unsteady boundary conditions, grid resolution, and time step is demonstrated. Results show that an approximate non-reflecting boundary condition based on linear theory does a good job of minimizing reflections from the inflow and outflow boundaries and allows the placement of the boundaries to be closer than cases using reflective boundary conditions. Stretching the boundary to dampen the unsteady waves is another way to minimize reflections. Grid clustering near the plates does a better job of capturing the unsteady flow field than cases using uniform grids as long as the CFL number is less than one for a sufficient portion of the grid. Results for various stagger angles and oscillation frequencies show good agreement with linear theory as long as the grid is properly resolved.

Conducting interactive experiments online.

PubMed

Arechar, Antonio A; Gächter, Simon; Molleman, Lucas

2018-01-01

Online labor markets provide new opportunities for behavioral research, but conducting economic experiments online raises important methodological challenges. This particularly holds for interactive designs. In this paper, we provide a methodological discussion of the similarities and differences between interactive experiments conducted in the laboratory and online. To this end, we conduct a repeated public goods experiment with and without punishment using samples from the laboratory and the online platform Amazon Mechanical Turk. We chose to replicate this experiment because it is long and logistically complex. It therefore provides a good case study for discussing the methodological and practical challenges of online interactive experimentation. We find that basic behavioral patterns of cooperation and punishment in the laboratory are replicable online. The most important challenge of online interactive experiments is participant dropout. We discuss measures for reducing dropout and show that, for our case study, dropouts are exogenous to the experiment. We conclude that data quality for interactive experiments via the Internet is adequate and reliable, making online interactive experimentation a potentially valuable complement to laboratory studies.

High-temperature Y267 EPDM elastomer: field and laboratory experiences, August 1981

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hirasuna, A.R.; Friese, G.J.; Stephens, C.A.

1982-03-01

Experiences which indicate the superiority of Y267 EPDM elastomer for high-temperature brines and other environments uses are summarized. Its good processing qualities, extremely good thermochemical stability, extremely good mechanical properties, its low-cost constituents, and its good performance in hydrocarbons are described in some case histories. (MCW)

[Clinical effect of atomoxetine hydrochloride in 66 children with narcolepsy].

PubMed

Zhang, Shen; Ding, Changhong; Wu, Husheng; Fang, Fang; Wang, Xiaohui; Ren, Xiaotun

2015-10-01

To observe the efficacy and safety of atomoxetine hydrochloride in children with narcolepsy. Totally 66 patients with narcolepsy who were conformed international classification of sleep disturbances (ICSD-2) diagnostic criteria treated with atomoxetine hydrochloride seen from November 2010 to December 2014 were enrolled into this study, 42 of them were male and 24 female, mean age of onset was 7.5 years (3.75-13.00 years), mean duration before diagnosis was 1.75 years (0.25-5.00 years). Complete blood count, liver and kidney function, multiple sleep latency test (MSLT), polysomnography (PGS), neuroimaging and electroencephalography (EEG) were performed for each patient. For some of the children HLA-DR2 gene and serum markers of infection were tested. The 66 cases were followed up from 2 to 49 months (average 18 months) to observe the clinical efficacy and adverse reactions. In 62 cases excessive daytime sleepiness was improved, in 11 cases (16.7%) it was controlled (16.7%), in 29 cases (43.9%) the treatment was obviously effective and in 22 (33.3%) it was effective; cataplexy occurred in 54 cases, in 18 (33.3%) it was controlled, in 19 (35.2%) the treatment was obviously effective and in 10 (18.5%) effective; night sleep disorders existed in 55 cases, in 47 cases it was improved, in 14 (25.5%) it was controlled, in 20 (36.4%) the treatment was obviously effective and in 13 (23.6%) effective; hypnagogic or hypnopompic hallucination was present in 13 cases, in only 4 these symptoms were controlled. Sleep paralysis existed in 4 cases, it was controlled in only 1 case. In 18 cases attention and learning efficiency improved.Anorexia occurred in 18 cases, mood disorder in 5 cases, depression in 2 cases, nocturia, muscle tremors, involuntary tongue movement each occurred in 1 case. P-R interval prolongation and atrial premature contraction were found in 1 case. Atomoxetine hydrochloride showed good effects in patients with narcolepsy on excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy and night sleep disorders, the effects on hallucinations and sleep paralysis were not significant. Adverse reactions were slight, anorexia and mood disorder were common. As a non-central nervous system stimulant, atomoxetine hydrochloride does not induce drug dependence and has no prescription limits; it has good tolerability, safety and effectiveness, it can be a good alternative in treatment of children with narcolepsy.

Evaluation of nonequilibrium boundary conditions for hypersonic rarefied gas flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le, N. T. P.; Greenshields, Ch. J.; Reese, J. M.

2012-01-01

A new Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solver for high-speed viscous §ows in the OpenFOAM code is validated against published experimental data and Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) results. The laminar §at plate and circular cylinder cases are studied for Mach numbers, Ma, ranging from 6 to 12.7, and with argon and nitrogen as working gases. Simulation results for the laminar §at plate cases show that the combination of accommodation coefficient values σu = 0.7 and σT = 1.0 in the Maxwell/Smoluchowski conditions, and the coefficient values A1 = 1.5 and A2 = 1.0 in the second-order velocity slip condition, give best agreement with experimental data of surface pressure. The values σu = 0.7 and σT = 1.0 also give good agreement with DSMC data of surface pressure at the stagnation point in the circular cylinder case at Kn = 0.25. The Langmuir surface adsorption condition is also tested for the laminar §at plate case, but initial results were not as good as the Maxwell/Smoluchowski boundary conditions.

Are Case Studies a Good Teaching Tool for CS1?

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-01-01

old AP/CS tests to compare our students’ performance against the results obtained by ETS. Currently, the introductory courses at CMU are taught using...Carrasquel, J., Goldenson, D. & Miller, P. L. (1985). Competency Testing in Introductory Computer Science: The Mastery Examination at Carnegie Mellon... courses is that many places do not have enough facilities (or the necessary time) required for long programming assignments. In our opinion, using case

Endoscopic treatment of urethrodeferential reflux in children.

PubMed

Fernández Bautista, B; Parente Hernández, A; Ortiz Rodríguez, R; Burgos Lucena, L; Angulo Madero, J M

2018-03-01

Urethrodeferential reflux is an underdiagnosed condition, and there is no consensus on its treatment. Our objective is to show our experience in the minimally invasive treatment of this disease using endoscopy. We present 8 patients with recurrent suppurative orchitis due to urethrodeferential reflux treated endoscopically during the period 2008-2013. All patients presented unilateral orchitis. The minimum number of episodes of orchitis per patient prior to the operation was 3. The endoscopic treatment consists of ureteroscopy, locating the ejaculatory orifices and conducting an intraoperative contrast study to demonstrate the urethrodeferential reflux. Subejaculatory dextranomer/hyaluronic acid was subsequently injected in all the cases. The mean surgical time was 15min, and the procedure was outpatient for all patients. There were no postoperative complications, and the patients had good clinical progression. Only one case required a second injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid. The follow-up of these patients showed a complete resolution of the epididymitis and good testicular development, with a follow-up longer than 4 years in all cases. We propose this form of treatment as a minimally invasive, easily reproducible alternative that shows good long-term results in our small series of patients. Copyright © 2017 AEU. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Feasibility of an endotracheal tube-mounted camera for percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy.

PubMed

Grensemann, J; Eichler, L; Hopf, S; Jarczak, D; Simon, M; Kluge, S

2017-07-01

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) in critically ill patients is often led by optical guidance with a bronchoscope. This is not without its disadvantages. Therefore, we aimed to study the feasibility of a recently introduced endotracheal tube-mounted camera (VivaSight™-SL, ET View, Misgav, Israel) in the guidance of PDT. We studied 10 critically ill patients who received PDT with a VivaSight-SL tube that was inserted prior to tracheostomy for optical guidance. Visualization of the tracheal structures (i.e., identification and monitoring of the thyroid, cricoid, and tracheal cartilage and the posterior wall) and the quality of ventilation (before puncture and during the tracheostomy) were rated on four-point Likert scales. Respiratory variables were recorded, and blood gases were sampled before the interventions, before the puncture and before the insertion of the tracheal cannula. Visualization of the tracheal landmarks was rated as 'very good' or 'good' in all but one case. Monitoring during the puncture and dilatation was also rated as 'very good' or 'good' in all but one. In the cases that were rated 'difficult', the visualization and monitoring of the posterior wall of the trachea were the main concerns. No changes in the respiratory variables or blood gases occurred between the puncture and the insertion of the tracheal cannula. Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy with optical guidance from a tube-mounted camera is feasible. Further studies comparing the camera tube with bronchoscopy as the standard approach should be performed. © 2017 The Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A multimedia case based approach to the study of office ergonomics.

PubMed

August-Dalfen, Sharon; Snider, Laurie

2003-01-01

Multimedia technology has the capacity to provide students with an interactive approach to problem based learning and to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice. The present paper describes the design and development of the program ErgoROM, a CD which presents a case study to assist occupational therapy students in their studies of office ergonomics. A pilot study showed that overall, 91% of respondents rated the ErgoROM as either "Excellent" or "Very Good". Additionally they reported that ErgoROM had a positive impact on active learning and critical thinking.

[A new methodological approach for leptospira persistence studies in case of mixed leptospirosis].

PubMed

Samsonova, A P; Petrov, E M; Vyshivkina, N V; Anan'ina, Iu V

2003-01-01

A new methodical approach for Leptospira persistence studies in case of mixed leptospirosis, based on the use of PCR test systems with different taxonomic specificity for the indication and identification of leptospires, was developed. Two PCR test systems (G and B) were used in experiments on BALB/c white mice to study patterns of the development of mixed infection caused by leptospires of serovar poi (genomospecies L. borgpeterseni) and grippotyphosa (genomospecies L. kirschneri). The conclusion was made of good prospects of this method application in studies on symbiotic relationships of leptospires both in vivo and in vitro.

Successful angioplasty of tripolar renal arteries in a single setting: a case report.

PubMed

Sharma, Gyarsi Lal; Morice, Marie-Claude; Catineau, Patrick

2002-08-01

Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is one of the important causes of correctable hypertension. There are various modes of therapy for RAS, including percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) and surgery. PTRA has emerged as the treatment of choice in cases of renal artery stenosis. PTRA combined with stenting is associated with good immediate and long-term results. This case report describes successful angioplasty of bilateral multiple renal arteries in a single setting with good immediate and follow-up results.

Good Effective School Improvement Practices in Spain.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Murillo, F. Javier

2002-01-01

Presents case studies of five effective school improvement (ESI) programs developed in Spain. Identified characteristics of the Spanish education system that affect the way ESI programs are carried out and developed descriptions of the five programs and lessons learned from them. (SLD)

Exploring Partonic Structure of Hadrons Using ab initio Lattice QCD Calculations.

PubMed

Ma, Yan-Qing; Qiu, Jian-Wei

2018-01-12

Following our previous proposal, we construct a class of good "lattice cross sections" (LCSs), from which we can study the partonic structure of hadrons from ab initio lattice QCD calculations. These good LCSs, on the one hand, can be calculated directly in lattice QCD, and on the other hand, can be factorized into parton distribution functions (PDFs) with calculable coefficients, in the same way as QCD factorization for factorizable hadronic cross sections. PDFs could be extracted from QCD global analysis of the lattice QCD generated data of LCSs. We also show that the proposed functions for lattice QCD calculation of PDFs in the literature are special cases of these good LCSs.

Aesthetic Total Reconstruction of Lower Eyelid Using Scapha Cartilage Graft on a Vascularized Propeller Flap.

PubMed

Uemura, Tetsuji; Watanabe, Hidekata; Masumoto, Kazuyuki; Kikuchi, Mamoru; Satake, Yoshiyasu; Yanai, Tetsu; Harada, Yoshimi; Ishihara, Yasuhiro; Yasuta, Masato

2016-04-01

The aim of this study was to review the results of a cohort of patients based on our experience with a new technique for total lower eyelid reconstruction after a large defect caused by malignant tumor and trauma. A scapha cartilage graft with small skin on a vascularized propeller flap was used for 16 cases requiring lower eyelid reconstruction. Patients were identified from a database, and a retrospective case note review was conducted. The scapha cartilage graft was sutured to the margin of the defect of the palpebral conjunctiva and tarsus. The propeller flap, rotated by a perforator-based lateral orbital flap or a subcutaneous-based nasolabial flap, was vascularized on the scapha cartilage graft as anterior lining of the lower eyelid. The follow-up, including results of slit-lamp examination, lasted for varying periods, but often it was for 12 months. The scapha cartilage graft with small skin on a vascularized propeller flap was viable in all cases. Slit-lamp examination detected no irritation or injury of the conjunctiva and cornea, and visual acuity was maintained in all cases. A deformity in the donor helix by this technique was also improved by getting a smaller skin harvested from the scapha. Use of the scapha cartilage graft with small skin on a vascularized propeller flap allows for a good fit to the orbit, short operative time under local anesthesia, good graft viability, and a good esthetic result with minimal donor site morbidity.

Double transverse myocutaneous gracilis free flaps for unilateral breast reconstruction.

PubMed

Werdin, Frank; Haug, Daniel M; Amr, Amro; Schoeller, Thomas

2016-10-01

In cases were the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP flap) is not available and unilateral transverse myocutaneous gracilis flap (TMG flap) is not sufficient for breast reconstruction, we perform double TMG flaps as a reconstructive method. In this report, we present our results of the use of double TMG free-flap-transfer for unilateral breast reconstruction. Between August 2004 and June 2012 we performed 58 TMG flaps in 29 patients for unilateral breast reconstruction. Patient data were analyzed and operative outcome (operation time, complication rate and aesthetic results) were investigated. Aesthetic outcome was evaluated retrospectively via photo documentation by an independent plastic surgeon. The results were classified in;unsatisfactory, satisfactory, good and very good. The average operating time was 6 hours 55 minutes (295 - 650 minutes). Of 58 TMG flaps, 57 (98.3%) were successful. Thrombosis occurred in seven (12%) cases (1 arterial, 6 venous). Flap salvage was successful in six cases and flap failure occurred in one (1.7%) case. The results of 25 patients were graded as good and very good. Three patients showed satisfying and one patient unsatisfying results. Double TMG flaps in unilateral breast reconstruction could lead to good operative results. This method further expands the range of options with autologous tissue in reconstructive breast surgery. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:539-545, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluation of measles and rubella integrated surveillance system in Apulia region, Italy, 3 years after its introduction.

PubMed

Turiac, I A; Fortunato, F; Cappelli, M G; Morea, A; Chironna, M; Prato, Rosa; Martinelli, D

2018-04-01

This study aimed at evaluating the integrated measles and rubella surveillance system (IMRSS) in Apulia region, Italy, from its introduction in 2013 to 30 June 2016. Measles and rubella case reports were extracted from IMRSS. We estimated system sensitivity at the level of case reporting, using the capture-recapture method for three data sources. Data quality was described as the completeness of variables and timeliness of notification as the median-time interval from symptoms onset to initial alert. The proportion of suspected cases with laboratory investigation, the rate of discarded cases and the origin of infection were also computed. A total of 127 measles and four rubella suspected cases were reported to IMRSS and 82 were laboratory confirmed. Focusing our analysis on measles, IMRSS sensitivity was 82% (95% CI: 75-87). Completeness was >98% for mandatory variables and 57% for 'genotyping'. The median-time interval from symptoms onset to initial alert was 4.5 days, with a timeliness of notification of 33% (41 cases reported ⩽48 h). The proportion of laboratory investigation was 87%. The rate of discarded cases was 0.1 per 100 000 inhabitants per year. The origin of infection was identified for 85% of cases. It is concluded that IMRSS provides good quality data and has good sensitivity; still efforts should be made to improve the completeness of laboratory-related variables, timeliness and to increase the rate of discarded cases.

Clinical Results of Flexor Tendon Repair in Zone II Using a six Strand Double Loop Technique.

PubMed

Savvidou, Christiana; Tsai, Tsu-Min

2015-06-01

The purpose of this study is to report the clinical results after repair of flexor tendon zone II injuries utilizing a 6-strand double-loop technique and early post-operative active rehabilitation. We retrospectively reviewed 22 patients involving 51 cases with zone II flexor tendon repair using a six strand double loop technique from September 1996 to December 2012. Most common mechanism of injuries was sharp lacerations (86.5 %). Tendon injuries occurred equally in manual and non-manual workers and were work-related in 33 % of the cases. The Strickland score for active range of motion (ROM) postoperatively was excellent and good in the majority of the cases (81 %). The rupture rate was 1.9 %. The six strand double loop technique for Zone II flexor tendon repair leads to good and excellent motion in the majority of patients and low re- rupture rate. It is clinically effective and allows for early postoperative active rehabilitation.

Good days and bad days in dementia: a qualitative chart review of variable symptom expression.

PubMed

Rockwood, Kenneth; Fay, Sherri; Hamilton, Laura; Ross, Elyse; Moorhouse, Paige

2014-08-01

Despite its importance in the lived experience of dementia, symptom fluctuation has been little studied outside Lewy body dementia. We aimed to characterize symptom fluctuation in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mixed dementia. A qualitative analysis of health records that included notations on good days and bad days yielded 52 community-dwelling patients (women, n = 30; aged 39-91 years; mild dementia, n = 26, chiefly AD, n = 36). Good days/bad days were most often described as changes in the same core set of symptoms (e.g. less/more verbal repetition). In other cases, only good or only bad days were described (e.g., no bad days, better sense of humor on good days). Good days were typically associated with improved global cognition, function, interest, and initiation. Bad days were associated with frequent verbal repetition, poor memory, increased agitation and other disruptive behaviors. Clinically important variability in symptoms appears common in AD and mixed dementia. Even so, what makes a day "good" is not simply more (or less) of what makes a day "bad". Further investigation of the factors that facilitate or encourage good days and mitigate bad days may help improve quality of life for patients and caregivers.

[An improved reduction technique for depression fractures of lateral tibial plateau].

PubMed

Wang, Hongchuan; Lou, Hua; Liu, Kai; Jiang, Junwei

2013-01-01

To investigate the improved reduction technique for depression fractures of the lateral tibial plateau and its effectiveness. Between January 2008 and December 2010; 48 patients (48 knees) with depression fractures of the lateral tibial plateau (Schatzker II or III fractures) were treated. There were 32 males and 16 females with an average age of 45.8 years (range, 16-79 years). All fractures were fresh closed fractures, which were caused by traffic accident in 27 cases, by falling from height in 5 cases, by crushing in 8 cases, and by sustained falls in 8 cases. According to Schatzker classification, 29 cases were classified as type II and 19 cases as type III. The lateral cortex was cut off to expose the depression and compacted cancellous bone was elevated to reset the articular surface. After reduction, autologous iliac bone graft and locking plate internal fixation were used. Healing of incision by first intention was achieved in all patients, and no complication occurred. All patients were followed up 1.7 years on average (range, 1-3 years). At last follow-up, the knee extension was (-0.5 +/- 0.3) degrees, and the knee flexion was (136.9 +/- 8.8) degrees. X-ray films showed that the fracture healing time was 52 weeks and no breakage of internal fixation occurred. According to Rasmussen clinical score, the results were excellent in 35 cases, good in 10 cases, and fair in 3 cases. According to Rasmussen radiographical score, the results were excellent in 41 cases, good in 7 cases; there were 41 excellent scores and 7 good scores of articular reduction; all gained good recovery of coronal and sagittal alignment and condylar width. The articular surface collapse was (1.0 +/- 0.7) mm at immediate postoperatively and (1.2 +/- 0.7) mm at last follow-up, showing no significant difference (t = -1.42, P = 0.20), but significant differences were found when compared with that at preoperation [(12.2 +/- 8.0) mm, P < 0.05]. This improved technique can provide a satisfactory effectiveness of fracture reduction and can avoid loss of reduction. The short-term effectiveness is good, but futher follow-up is necessary to determine the long-term results.

Crash test ratings and real-world frontal crash outcomes: a CIREN study.

PubMed

Ryb, Gabriel E; Burch, Cynthia; Kerns, Timothy; Dischinger, Patricia C; Ho, Shiu

2010-05-01

To establish whether the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) offset crash test ratings are linked to different mortality rates in real world frontal crashes. The study used Crash Injury Research Engineering Network drivers of age older than 15 years who were involved in frontal crashes. The Crash Injury Research Engineering Network is a convenience sample of persons injured in crashes with at least one Abbreviated Injury Scale score of 3+ injury or two Abbreviated Injury Scale score of 2+ injuries who were either treated at a Level I trauma center or died. Cases were grouped by IIHS crash test ratings (i.e., good, acceptable, marginal, poor, and not rated). Those rated marginal were excluded because of their small numbers. Mortality rates experienced by these ratings-based groups were compared using the Mantel-Haenszel chi test. Multiple logistic regression models were built to adjust for confounders (i.e., occupant, vehicular, and crash factors). A total of 1,226 cases were distributed within not rated (59%), poor (12%), average (16%), and good (14%) categories. Those rated good and average experienced a lower unadjusted mortality rate. After adjustment by confounders, those in vehicles rated good experienced a lower risk of death (adjusted OR 0.38 [0.16-0.90]) than those in vehicles rated poor. There was no significant effect for "acceptable" rating. Other factors influencing the occurrence of death were age, DeltaV >or=70 km/h, high body mass index, and lack of restraint use. After adjusting for occupant, vehicular, and crash factors, drivers of vehicles rated good by the IIHS experienced a lower risk of death in frontal crashes.

Combining Vocational and Higher Education Studies to Provide Dual Parallel Qualifications--An Australian Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McLaughlin, Patricia; Mills, Anthony

2011-01-01

Developing academic relationships between vocational colleges and universities in Australia has been problematic, with exchanges between the two sectors limited to linear articulation and prescribed credit transfer. Whilst some very good examples of collaboration exist, the two sectors generally operate independently of each other. The isolation…

Innovative Pathways from School: The Case Studies. Phase 1 Report 2002.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boyd, Sally; McDowall, Sue; Cooper, Garrick

This report documents the Innovative Pathways study of nonconventional year 12 and 13 programs at 7 schools, considered successful in assisting "at risk" students in their transition from school to the work force or further education and training. Elements of good practice are documented that contributed to and assisted students'…

What Influences Physical Activity Provision in After-School Childcare in the Absence of Policy Guidance? A Qualitative Exploration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MacFarlane, Kendra; Wharf Higgins, Joan; Naylor, Patti-Jean

2018-01-01

Objective: This study explored factors affecting the implementation of good-quality physical activity provision in after-school childcare delivered in a Canadian jurisdiction without specific policy, standards or active interventions aimed at increasing physical activity underway. Design: Case study design theoretically guided by the…

Agreement between the results of meta-analyses from case reports and from clinical studies regarding the efficacy of laronidase therapy in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type I who initiated enzyme replacement therapy in adult age: An example of case reports meta-analyses as an useful tool for evidence-based medicine in rare diseases.

PubMed

Sampayo-Cordero, Miguel; Miguel-Huguet, Bernat; Pardo-Mateos, Almudena; Moltó-Abad, Marc; Muñoz-Delgado, Cecilia; Pérez-López, Jordi

2018-02-01

Case reports might have a prominent role in the rare diseases field, due to the small number of patients affected by one such disease. A previous systematic review regarding the efficacy of laronidase therapy in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS-I) who initiated enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in adult age has been published. The review included a meta-analysis of 19 clinical studies and the description of eleven case reports. It was of interest to perform a meta-analysis of those case reports to explore the role of such meta-analyses as a tool for evidence-based medicine in rare diseases. The study included all case reports with standard treatment regimen. Primary analysis was the percentage of case reports showing an improvement in a specific outcome. Only when that percentage was statistically higher than 5%, the improvement was confirmed as such. The outcomes that accomplished this criterion were ranked and compared to the GRADE criteria obtained by those same outcomes in the previous meta-analysis of clinical studies. There were three outcomes that had a significant improvement: Urine glycosaminoglycans, liver volume and 6-minute walking test. Positive and negative predictive values, sensitivity and specificity for the results of the meta-analysis of case reports as compared to that of clinical studies were 100%, 88.9%, 75% and 100%, respectively. Accordingly, absolute (Rho=0.82, 95%CI: 0.47 to 0.95) and relative agreement (Kappa=0.79, 95%CI: 0.593 to 0.99) between the number of case reports with improvement in a specific outcome and the GRADE evidence score for that outcome were good. Sensitivity analysis showed that agreement between the meta-analysis of case reports and that of the clinical studies were good only when using a strong confirmatory strategy for outcome improvement in case reports. We found an agreement between the results of meta-analyses from case reports and from clinical studies in the efficacy of laronidase therapy in patients with MPS-I who initiated ERT in adult age. This agreement suggests that combining case reports quantitatively, rather than analyzing them separately or qualitatively, may improve conclusions in the field of rare diseases. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis by retrograde intramedullary nail--a case report].

PubMed

Lipiński, Łukasz; Synder, Marek; Sibiński, Marcin

2011-01-01

We described a case of 64 year old overweight women, who was treated with revision tibio-talo-calcaneal artrodesis with the use of retrograde intramedullary nail. The procedure was performed after failed primary arthrodesis with the use of lateral approach and fibula osteotomy. Stabilization with intramedullary nail gave good clinical and functional result with a good bone healing.

Reliability of conventional shade guides in teeth color determination.

PubMed

Todorović, Ana; Todorović, Aleksandar; Gostović, Aleksandra Spadijer; Lazić, Vojkan; Milicić, Biljana; Djurisić, Slobodan

2013-10-01

Color matching in prosthodontic therapy is a very important task because it influences the esthetic value of dental restorations. Visual shade matching represents the most frequently applied method in clinical practice. Instrumental measurements provide objective and quantified data in color assessment of natural teeth and restorations. In instrumental shade analysis, the goal is to achieve the smallest deltaE value possible, indicating the most accurate shade match. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of commercially available ceramic shade guides. VITA Easyshade spectrophotometer (VITA, Germany) was used for instrumental color determination. Utilizing this device, color samples of ten VITA Classical and ten VITA 3D - Master shade guides were analyzed. Each color sample from all shade guides was measured three times and the basic parameters of color quality were examined: deltaL, deltaC, deltaH, deltaE, deltaElc. Based on these parameters spectrophotometer marks the shade matching as good, fair or adjust. After performing 1,248 measurements of ceramic color samples, frequency of evaluations adjust, fair and good were statistically significantly different between VITA Classical and VITA 3D Master shade guides (p = 0.002). There were 27.1% cases scored as adjust, 66.3% as fair and 6.7% as good. In VITA 3D - Master shade guides 30.9% cases were evaluated as adjust, 66.4% as fair and 2.7% cases as good. Color samples from different shade guides, produced by the same manufacturer, show variability in basic color parameters, which once again proves the lack of precision and nonuniformity of the conventional method.

Reliability of dietary information from surrogate respondents.

PubMed

Hislop, T G; Coldman, A J; Zheng, Y Y; Ng, V T; Labo, T

1992-01-01

A self-administered food frequency questionnaire was included as part of a case-control study of breast cancer in 1980-82. In 1986-87, a second food frequency questionnaire was sent to surviving cases and husbands of deceased cases; 30 spouses (86% response rate) and 263 surviving cases (88% response rate) returned questionnaires. The dietary questions concerned consumption of specific food items by the case before diagnosis of breast cancer. Missing values were less common in the second questionnaire; there was no significant difference in missing values between surviving cases and spouses of deceased cases. Kappa statistics comparing responses in the first and second questionnaires were significantly lower for spouses of deceased cases than for surviving cases. Reported level of confidence by the husbands regarding knowledge about their wives' eating habits did not influence the kappa statistics or the frequencies of missing values. The lack of good agreement has important implications for the use of proxy interviews from husbands in retrospective dietary studies.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Insomnia in a Population-Based Sample

PubMed Central

LeBlanc, Mélanie; Mérette, Chantal; Savard, Josée; Ivers, Hans; Baillargeon, Lucie; Morin, Charles M.

2009-01-01

Introduction: Despite the high prevalence of insomnia, there is little information about its incidence and risk factors. This study estimated the incidence of insomnia and examined potential risk factors in a cohort of good sleepers followed over a one-year period. Methods. Participants were 464 good sleepers who completed 3 postal evaluations over a one-year period (i.e., baseline, 6 months, and 12 months). Questionnaires assessed sleep, psychological and personality variables, stressful life events and coping skills, and health-related quality of life. Participants were categorized into 3 subgroups: (a) good sleepers (i.e., participants who remained good sleepers at the 3 assessments), (b) insomnia symptoms incident cases (i.e., developed insomnia symptoms either at 6- or 12-month follow-up), and (c) insomnia syndrome incident cases (i.e., developed an insomnia syndrome either at 6- or 12- month follow-up). Results: One-year incidence rates were 30.7% for insomnia symptoms and 7.4% for insomnia syndrome. These rates decreased to 28.8% and 3.9% for those without prior lifetime episode of insomnia. Compared to good sleepers and insomnia symptoms incident cases, insomnia syndrome incident cases presented a premorbid psychological vulnerability to insomnia, characterized by higher depressive and anxiety symptoms, lower extraversion, higher arousability, and poorer self-rated mental health at baseline. They also presented a higher level of bodily pain and a poorer general health. Five variables were associated with a new onset of an insomnia syndrome: previous episode of insomnia, positive family history of insomnia, higher arousability predisposition, poorer self-rated general health, and higher bodily pain. Conclusion: The one-year insomnia incidence rate was very high and several psychological and health factors were associated with new onset insomnia. Improved knowledge about the nature of these predisposing factors would be helpful to guide the development of effective public health prevention and intervention programs to promote better sleep quality. Citation: LeBlanc M; Mérette C; Savard J; Ivers H; Baillargeon L; Morin CM. Incidence and risk factors of insomnia in a population-based sample. SLEEP 2009;32(8):1027-1037. PMID:19725254

Short article: Aspiration of capsule endoscopes: a comprehensive review of the existing literature.

PubMed

Yung, Diana E; Plevris, John N; Koulaouzidis, Anastasios

2017-04-01

Capsule endoscopy (CE) has an excellent safety profile. Although retention is the most cited complication, capsule aspiration is less frequent and is often reported only as isolated cases. This study represents a systematic effort to compile and scrutinize the available data on capsule aspiration to provide comprehensive and conclusive information on this CE complication. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure. The search terms used were 'capsule endoscopy' AND 'aspiration' (both terms searched as keyword and MeSH). We included case reports and/or series on capsule aspiration, as well as observational cohort studies that reported capsule aspiration among their complications/outcomes. Thirty-four case reports with 37 cases of capsule aspiration were identified. A further four observational studies reported aspiration as part of a cohort of patients undergoing CE. 94.6% of aspirations occurred in elderly men. 87.1% had significant comorbidities. 59.5% had symptoms on aspiration, with cough reported most frequently. The most common location of aspiration was the right main bronchus. Half of the patients required intervention for capsule retrieval; bronchoscopy was the most common management, with good effect. There was a single fatality following capsule aspiration, not directly related to the procedure, and one case of aspiration pneumonia. Outcomes were good for all other patients. The estimated overall aspiration rate is 0.1%. Although very rare and generally safely managed, capsule aspiration should be anticipated in certain patient groups and capsule administration should be approached with necessary precautions.

[Microsurgery for severe flexion contracture of proximal interphalangeal joint].

PubMed

Fei, Xiaoxuan; Feng, Shiming; Gao, Shunhong

2012-07-01

To investigate the clinical results of cross-finger flap combined with laterodigital pedicled skin flap for repair of severe flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Between October 2008 and February 2011, 11 patients (11 fingers) with severe flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint were treated with cross-finger flap combined with laterodigital pedicled skin flap. There were 7 males and 4 females, aged 20-63 years (mean, 32.6 years). The causes of injury were crush or electric-saw injury in 7 cases, burn or explosive injury in 3 cases, and electrical injury in 1 case. The locations were the index finger in 4 cases, the middle finger in 2 cases, the ring finger in 2 cases, and the little finger in 3 cases. The mean disease duration was 12.4 months (range, 6-24 months). All cases were rated as type III according to Stern classification standard. The volar tissue defect ranged from 3.0 cm x 1.5 cm to 5.0 cm x 2.5 cm, with exposed tendons, nerves, vessels, or bone after scar relaxation. The defects were repaired with cross-finger flaps (2.2 cm x 1.8 cm to 3.8 cm x 2.5 cm) combined with laterodigital pedicled skin flaps (1.5 cm x 1.2 cm to 2.5 cm x 2.0 cm). Double laterodigital pedicled skin flaps were used in 3 cases. The flap donor site was sutured directly or repaired with the skin graft. All flaps survived completely and wound healed by first intention. The donor skin graft survived. All the patients were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 11.3 months). The finger appearance was satisfactory. The flaps had soft texture and good color in all cases. No obvious pigmentation or contraction was observed. The contracted fingers could extend completely with good active flexion and extension motion. At last follow-up, the extension of the proximal interphalangeal joint was 10-150. Based on proximal interphalangeal joint motion standard of Chinese Medical Association for hand surgery, the results were excellent in 6 cases, good in 4 cases, and fair in 1 case; the excellent and good rate was 90.9%. It is an easy and simple therapy t o cover wound area of severe flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint after scar relaxation using cross-finger flap combined with laterodigital pedicled skin flap, which can repair large defect and achieve good results in finger appearance and function.

Household ventilation may reduce effects of indoor air pollutants for prevention of lung cancer: a case-control study in a Chinese population.

PubMed

Jin, Zi-Yi; Wu, Ming; Han, Ren-Qiang; Zhang, Xiao-Feng; Wang, Xu-Shan; Liu, Ai-Ming; Zhou, Jin-Yi; Lu, Qing-Yi; Kim, Claire H; Mu, Lina; Zhang, Zuo-Feng; Zhao, Jin-Kou

2014-01-01

Although the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified various indoor air pollutants as carcinogenic to humans, few studies evaluated the role of household ventilation in reducing the impact of indoor air pollutants on lung cancer risk. To explore the association between household ventilation and lung cancer. A population-based case-control study was conducted in a Chinese population from 2003 to 2010. Epidemiologic and household ventilation data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Unconditional logistic regression was employed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Among 1,424 lung cancer cases and 4,543 healthy controls, inverse associations were observed for good ventilation in the kitchen (ORadj = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.75, 0.98), bedroom (ORadj = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.79, 1.03), and both kitchen and bedroom (ORadj = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.75, 1.00). Stratified analyses showed lung cancer inversely associated with good ventilation among active smokers (ORadj = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.72, 1.00), secondhand smokers at home (ORadj = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.63, 0.94), and those exposed to high-temperature cooking oil fumes (ORadj = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.99). Additive interactions were found between household ventilation and secondhand smoke at home as well as number of household pollutant sources. A protective association was observed between good ventilation of households and lung cancer, most likely through the reduction of exposure to indoor air pollutants, indicating ventilation may serve as one of the preventive measures for lung cancer, in addition to tobacco cessation.

Evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging for the differentiation of inflammatory, neoplastic, and vascular intradural spinal cord diseases in the dog.

PubMed

Masciarelli, Amanda E; Griffin, John F; Fosgate, Geoffrey T; Hecht, Silke; Mankin, Joseph M; Holmes, Shannon P; Platt, Simon R; Kent, Marc; Pancotto, Theresa E; Chen, Annie V; Levine, Jonathan M

2017-07-01

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a common test for dogs with suspected intradural spinal cord lesions, however studies on diagnostic performance for this test are lacking. Objectives of this multi-institutional, retrospective, case-control study were to estimate sensitivity and specificity of MRI for (1) distinguishing between histopathologically confirmed intradural spinal cord disease versus degenerative myelopathy in dogs, (2) categorizing intradural spinal cord diseases as neoplastic, inflammatory, or vascular; and (3) determining tumor type within the etiologic category of neoplasia. Additional aims were to (1) determine whether knowledge of clinical data affects sensitivity and specificity of MRI diagnoses; and (2) report interrater agreement for MRI classification of intradural spinal lesions. Cases were recruited from participating hospital databases over a 7-year period. Three reviewers independently evaluated each MRI study prior to and after provision of clinical information. A total of 87 cases were sampled (17 degenerative myelopathy, 53 neoplasia, nine inflammatory, and eight vascular). Magnetic resonance imaging had excellent (>97.6%) sensitivity for diagnosis of intradural spinal cord lesions but specificity varied before and after provision of clinical data (68.6% vs. 82.4%, P = 0.023). Magnetic resonance imaging had good sensitivity (86.8%) and moderate specificity (64.7-72.5%) for diagnosing neoplasia. Sensitivity was lower for classifying inflammatory lesions but improved with provision of clinical data (48.1% vs. 81.5%, P = 0.015). Magnetic resonance imaging was insensitive for diagnosing vascular lesions (25.0%). Interrater agreement was very good for correctly diagnosing dogs with intradural lesions (ĸ = 0.882-0.833), and good (ĸ = 0.726-0.671) for diagnosing dogs with neoplasia. © 2017 American College of Veterinary Radiology.

Women's Socialization into Nontraditional Heavy WorkA Case Study.

PubMed

Atwood Sanders, M

1994-01-01

An increasing number of opportunities are available for women in nontraditional, blue-collar work. However, for many women the lack of job skills, poor work conditions, differential treatment, shift work, and heavy physical labor deter them from entering or remaining in such jobs. This case study attempted to uncover workplace issues, the socialization process, and adaptive strategies for a female steel worker. Her strategies for survival included hard work, high work standards, "courteous but cool" relationships with coworkers, "standing up" for herself, and good friends or support systems.

Agreement between questionnaire and medical records on some health and socioeconomic problems among poisoning cases

PubMed Central

Fathelrahman, Ahmed I

2009-01-01

Background The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the agreement between questionnaire and medical records on some health and socioeconomic problems among poisoning cases. Methods Cross-sectional sample of 100 poisoning cases consecutively admitted to the Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia during the period from September 2003 to February 2004 were studied. Data on health and socioeconomic problems were collected both by self-administered questionnaire and from medical records. Agreement between the two sets of data was assessed by calculating the concordance rate, Kappa (k) and PABAK. McNemar statistic was used to test differences between categories. Results Data collected by questionnaire and medical records showed excellent agreement on the "marital status"; good agreements on "chronic illness", "psychiatric illness", and "previous history of poisoning"; and fair agreements on "at least one health problem", and "boy-girl friends problem". PABAK values suggest better agreements' measures. Conclusion There were excellent to good agreements between questionnaire and medical records on the marital status and most of the health problems and fair to poor agreements on the majority of socioeconomic problems. The implications of those findings were discussed. PMID:19751526

[Treatment of lymphangioma with OK-432 infiltration].

PubMed

Rodríguez, J; Cáceres, F; Vargas, P

2012-10-01

The management of lymphangioma using sclerotherapy has proven to be an effective therapeutic. Our aim was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of OK-432 (Picibanil) in patients with lymphagioma. The study was performed from November 2010 to July 2011. Fifteen patients of both genders were diagnosed with lymphangioma, 12 days to 12 years old. All patients were infiltrated with OK-432. The studied variables were: previous surgery, localization, type of lymphangioma, number of effective injections, reduction of mass valued as excellent (100% reduction), good (reduction > 50%) and bad (reduction < 50%), presence of recurrence and complications. 40% of pacients had prior surgery and 53.3% were located in the cervical-face region. The type of macrocystic lymphangioma was present in 40% of the series, mixed type in 46.6% and microcystic type in 13.4%. The number of effective infiltrations were 3. In 6 cases (40%) the result was excellent in 5 cases (33.4%) the result was good and in 4 cases (26.6%). We had 1 recurrence (6.6%) and we haven't had complications. Injection of OK-432 in macrocystic lymphangioma and mixed had a safe therapeutic modality with satisfactory results. So it is a valid alternative to conventional surgery.

A Meta-Analysis of Social Capital and Health: A Case for Needed Research

PubMed Central

Gilbert, Keon L.; Quinn, Sandra C.; Goodman, Robert M.; Butler, James; Wallace, John

2014-01-01

Background Social capital refers to various levels of social relationships formed through social networks. Measurement differences have lead to imprecise measurement. Methods A meta-analysis of eligible studies assessing the bivariate association between social capital and self-reported health and all-cause mortality. Results Thirty-nine studies met inclusion criteria, showing social capital increased odds of good health by 27% (95% confidence intervals [CI] =21%, 34%). Social capital variables, reciprocity increased odds of good health by 39% (95% CI = 21%, 60%), trust by 32% (95% CI =19%, 46%). Future research suggests operationalizing measures by assessing differences by race/ethnicity, gender and socioeconomic status. PMID:23548810

Design Multi-Sides System Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) Rocket

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syam, Rafiudin; Sutresman, Onny; Mappaita, Abdullah; Amiruddin; Wiranata, Ardi

2018-02-01

This study aims to design and test USV multislide forms. This system is excellent for maneuvering on the x-y-z coordinates. The disadvantage of a single side USV is that it is very difficult to maneuver to achieve very dynamic targets. While for multi sides system easily maneuvered though x-y-z coordinates. In addition to security defense purposes, multi-side system is also good for maritime intelligence, surveillance. In this case, electric deducted fan with Multi-Side system so that the vehicle can still operate even in reverse condition. Multipleside USV experiments have done with good results. In a USV study designed to use two propulsions.

Quantum Prisoner’s Dilemma game on hypergraph networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pawela, Łukasz; Sładkowski, Jan

2013-02-01

We study the possible advantages of adopting quantum strategies in multi-player evolutionary games. We base our study on the three-player Prisoner’s Dilemma (PD) game. In order to model the simultaneous interaction between three agents we use hypergraphs and hypergraph networks. In particular, we study two types of networks: a random network and a SF-like network. The obtained results show that in the case of a three-player game on a hypergraph network, quantum strategies are not necessarily stochastically stable strategies. In some cases, the defection strategy can be as good as a quantum one.

Outcome of intrahepatic portosystemic shunt diagnosed prenatally.

PubMed

Francois, Bérengère; Gottrand, Fréderic; Lachaux, Alain; Boyer, Corinne; Benoit, Bernard; De Smet, Stéphanie

2017-12-01

We analyzed the characteristics of the population with congenital portosystemic shunt diagnosed during the antenatal period and the organization of their perinatal care. This multicentric retrospective study included all the patients with a prenatal diagnosis of congenital portosystemic shunt. Between 1999 and 2015, 12 patients were included. Prenatal diagnosis was done at a median 26.5 weeks of gestation (21-34). All the patients presented intrahepatic CPSS, three of them had associated congenital cardiopathy, and one a Bannayan-Zonana syndrome. Ten patients had simple outcome on conservative treatment, eight of them having a spontaneous closure of their portosystemic shunt within the first 2 years of life. One patient had surgical treatment which failed and he developed a focal nodular hyperplasia. Another patient had radiological interventional closure of his shunt which was complicated by a venal portal thrombosis. Outcome of intrahepatic portosystemic shunt diagnosed prenatally is good in the majority of cases. What is known: • Multiples studies exist on congenital porto systemic shunt but when the diagnosis is done after birth. • The evolution, management, and complication are well known. What is new: • There is very few studies with only patients diagnosed in antenatal and it is a large series of cases. • Outcome of intrahepatic portosystemic shunt diagnosed prenatally is good in the majority of cases.

The minimal invasive direct anterior approach in combination with large heads in total hip arthroplasty - is dislocation still a major issue? a case control study.

PubMed

Hoell, Steffen; Sander, Marius; Gosheger, Georg; Ahrens, Helmut; Dieckmann, Ralf; Hauschild, Gregor

2014-03-12

There have been increasing numbers of publications in recent years on minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for total hip arthroplasty (THA), reporting results with the use of different head sizes, tribologic and functional outcomes. This study presents the results and early complication rates after THA using the direct anterior approach (DAA) in combination with head sizes ≥ 36 mm. A total of 113 patients with THA were included in the study. The Harris Hip Score (HHS) was determined, a radiographic evaluation was carried out, and complications were recorded. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years (means 35 ± 7 months). The HHS improved from 43.6 (± 12) to 88.2 (± 14; P < 0.01). One early infection occurred, one periprosthetic fracture, and three cases of aseptic stem loosening. No incorrect positioning of the implants was observed, and there were no dislocations. THA with the minimally invasive DAA in combination with large heads is associated with good to very good functional results in the majority of cases. The complication rates are not increased. The rate of dislocation mainly as an complication of the first two years can be markedly reduced in particular.

Case Study of a Spinal Epidural Capillary Hemangioma: A 4-Year Postoperative Follow-Up

PubMed Central

Seferi, Arsen; Alimehmeti, Ridvan; Vyshka, Gentian; Bushati, Teona; Petrela, Mentor

2013-01-01

Study Design Case study. Objectives We report the case of a 58-year-old Caucasian man, who presented with a 4-month history of increasing low back pain and gait difficulty. Objective neurologic examination revealed a severe paraparetic symptomatology without any sphincter involvement. Methods Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an extradural mass formation situated dorsally at the level of thoracic vertebrae T2 to T4. Results A laminectomy was performed with total removal of the mass; histology suggested a highly vascularized lesion with lobular architecture, which seems a very rare case, compatible with a capillary hemangioma. Conclusions A careful follow-up for the next 4 years, including control MRIs every postoperative year, showed a very good neurologic condition of the patient and no recurrence on imaging findings. PMID:24494182

[Manipulative reduction and small splint fixation combined with micromovement exercise for treatment of humeral shaft fractures].

PubMed

Tang, Hao-chen; Xiang, Ming; Chen, Hang; Hu, Xiao-chuan; Yang, Guo-yong

2016-01-01

To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of bone-setting manipulative reduction and small splint fixation combined with micro-movement theory exercise for treatment of humeral shaft fractures. From March 2011 to February 2014, 64 cases of humeral shaft fractures were treated by bone-setting manipulative reduction and small splint fixation including 28 males and 36 females with an average age of 38.1 years old ranging from 22 to 67 years old. According to the classification of AO/OTA, there were 10 cases of type A1, 12 cases of type A2,11 cases of type A3,10 cases of type B1,12 cases of type B2, 7 cases of type B3, 2 cases of type C1, 1 case of type C2, 1 case of type C3. After close reduction early functional exercise performed according to micro-movement theory. All patients had no other parts of the fractures, neurovascular injury, and serious medical problems. Patients were followed up for fracture healing, shoulder and elbow joint function recovery, and curative effect. All patients were followed up from 10 to 12 months with an average of 10.3 months. Of them, 2 cases had a small amount of callus growth at 3 months after close reduction, so instead of operation; 2 cases appeared radial nerve symptoms after close reduction ,so instead of operation. Other patients were osseous healing, the time was 8 to 12 weeks with an average of 10.2 weeks. After osseous healing, according to Constant-Murley score system ,the average score was (93.5 ± 3.2) points, the result was excellent in 29 cases, good in 29 cases, fair in 6 cases, excellent and good rate was 90.3%; according to the Mayo score system, the average score was (93.7 ± 4.2) points, the result was excellent in 35 cases, good in 23 cases, fair in 6 cases, excellent and good rate was 91.9%. Bone-setting manipulative reduction and small splint fixation combined with micromovement theory exercise for treatment of humeral shaft fractures has advantage of positive effect, easy and inexpensive method, the treatment has relevant scientific basis and practical value, it can effectively reduce complications, promote patients early recovery.

Spinal fracture and luxation in dogs and cats: a retrospective evaluation of 95 cases.

PubMed

Bruce, C W; Brisson, B A; Gyselinck, K

2008-01-01

The purpose of this retrospective study was to review cases of spinal fractures or luxations (SFL) treated with various modalities in order to describe fracture location, neurological status, treatment, outcome and complications in a patient population at a single centre. The medical records of dogs and cats that had been diagnosed with a SFL between C1 and L7 between January 1995 and June 2005 were reviewed in order to collect pertinent data. Ninety-five cases were included in this study. The severity of spinal cord injury was graded on a scale from 0 to 5. Vehicular trauma was the most common cause of SFL. Spinal fractures were localized between C1-C5 in 10 cases, C6-T2 in one case, T3-L3 in 54 cases, L4-L7 in 36 cases. Thirty patients that were euthanatized without treatment had a median neurological score of 5. Twenty-eight patients, all of which had motor function, were treated conservatively and there was not any change in their median neurological grade at the time of discharge. Thirty-seven patients had surgery, 27 of which were non ambulatory. Thirty-five of 37 were stabilized using pins and/or screws and PMMA or various other techniques. The median neurological grade of surgically treated patients improved by one point between the time of initial diagnosis and discharge. Implant removal was performed in five cases. The patients that were treated with pins and/or screws and PMMA were significantly more improved than conservatively managed patients at the time of discharge, although the surgically treated patients were hospitalized significantly longer than the conservatively managed patients. Our results suggest that dogs that retain pain sensation prior to surgery have a good prognosis for functional recovery. In this study, the dogs that were treated conservatively retained purposeful movement and had a good prognosis for recovery.

Do you want the good news or the bad news first? The nature and consequences of news order preferences.

PubMed

Legg, Angela M; Sweeny, Kate

2014-03-01

Information often comes as a mix of good and bad news, prompting the question, "Do you want the good news or the bad news first?" In such cases, news-givers and news-recipients differ in their concerns and considerations, thus creating an obstacle to ideal communication. In three studies, we examined order preferences of news-givers and news-recipients and the consequences of these preferences. Study 1 confirmed that news-givers and news-recipients differ in their news order preferences. Study 2 tested two solutions to close the preference gap between news-givers and recipients and found that both perspective-taking and priming emotion-protection goals shift news-givers' delivery patterns to the preferred order of news-recipients. Study 3 provided evidence that news order has consequences for recipients, such that opening with bad news (as recipients prefer) reduces worry, but this emotional benefit undermines motivation to change behavior.

Treatment of high-energy pilon fractures using the ILIZAROV treatment.

PubMed

Osman, Walid; Alaya, Zeineb; Kaziz, Hamdi; Hassini, Lassad; Braiki, Meriem; Naouar, Nader; Ben Ayeche, Mohamed Laaziz

2017-01-01

The management of high-energy pilon fractures is still controversial. Open reduction and internal fixation are often associated with serious complications. Various methods have been used to treat these injuries, with variable results. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the clinical and radiographic outcome of the ILIZAROV technique in patients with high-energy pilon fractures. Thirty cases of distal tibia epiphysis fractures (pilon fractures) were managed from 1999 to 2012. The study group included 5 cases of open fractures. The mean age was 47 years. According to Rüedi and Algower classification; 11 fractures were type II, and 19 type III. All fractures were a consequence of high-energy trauma. Fractures of the lower fibula were present in 28 of the patients. An external Fixator was applied for open fractures. Closed injuries were operated on 3 to 13 days after injury, with an average of 8 days. The mean follow-up was 48 months. All fractures united. The external fixator was removed after a mean of 22 weeks (10 - 28 weeks). Two patients with a type III fracture had a delayed union and were treated with corticotomy and dynamisation of the ILIZAROV fixator. Only one secondary displacement of a type III fracture was noted after two months and was treated by adjuction of 2 olive wires. There were no cases of osteomyelitis or deep infections. Pin-tract infections occurred in ten patients. We had not any case of nervous injury due to introduction of the pins. Using radiological criteria for assessement of reduction of the articular fragments, there was excellent and good restoration of articular structure in 24 cases. The average American Orthopeadic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hind foot score was excellent in 16, good in 6, fair in 6 and poor in 2. Soft tissue healing occurred without need for plastic surgery in all cases. The movements of the ankle ranged from 0 to 20° of dorsiflexion and 5° to 40° of plantar flexion. Twenty patients had gone back to their preinjury profession. The ILIZAROV technique is a safe and a very effective treatment for severe pilon fractures with minimum complications and good healing results.

Treatment of high-energy pilon fractures using the ILIZAROV treatment

PubMed Central

Osman, Walid; Alaya, Zeineb; Kaziz, Hamdi; Hassini, Lassad; Braiki, Meriem; Naouar, Nader; Ben Ayeche, Mohamed Laaziz

2017-01-01

The management of high-energy pilon fractures is still controversial. Open reduction and internal fixation are often associated with serious complications. Various methods have been used to treat these injuries, with variable results. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the clinical and radiographic outcome of the ILIZAROV technique in patients with high-energy pilon fractures. Thirty cases of distal tibia epiphysis fractures (pilon fractures) were managed from 1999 to 2012. The study group included 5 cases of open fractures. The mean age was 47 years. According to Rüedi and Algower classification; 11 fractures were type II, and 19 type III. All fractures were a consequence of high-energy trauma. Fractures of the lower fibula were present in 28 of the patients. An external Fixator was applied for open fractures. Closed injuries were operated on 3 to 13 days after injury, with an average of 8 days. The mean follow-up was 48 months. All fractures united. The external fixator was removed after a mean of 22 weeks (10 - 28 weeks). Two patients with a type III fracture had a delayed union and were treated with corticotomy and dynamisation of the ILIZAROV fixator. Only one secondary displacement of a type III fracture was noted after two months and was treated by adjuction of 2 olive wires. There were no cases of osteomyelitis or deep infections. Pin-tract infections occurred in ten patients. We had not any case of nervous injury due to introduction of the pins. Using radiological criteria for assessement of reduction of the articular fragments, there was excellent and good restoration of articular structure in 24 cases. The average American Orthopeadic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hind foot score was excellent in 16, good in 6, fair in 6 and poor in 2. Soft tissue healing occurred without need for plastic surgery in all cases. The movements of the ankle ranged from 0 to 20° of dorsiflexion and 5° to 40° of plantar flexion. Twenty patients had gone back to their preinjury profession. The ILIZAROV technique is a safe and a very effective treatment for severe pilon fractures with minimum complications and good healing results. PMID:28904724

When case report became case series: 45 cases of late traumatic flap complications after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis and review of Chinese literature.

PubMed

Xiao, Jianhe; Jiang, Caihui; Zhang, Maonian; Jiang, Hua; Li, Shiyang; Zhang, Ying

2014-09-01

To report 45 cases of late traumatic flap complications after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and discuss the continually increasing number of cases in China. A multicentre retrospective survey of eye injuries was carried in 31 military hospitals from January 2006 to December 2011. Detailed information from the medical records of all 92 cases with a history of prior LASIK treatment were collected and summarised, with respect to visual acuity (VA), flap condition, treatment and final outcome. All Chinese publications relevant to late traumatic flap complications in Chinese patients were retrieved and summarised. 92 inpatients (92 eyes) underwent LASIK surgery; 45 of these had traumatic LASIK flap complications. Flap dislocation was the commonest and most needed surgical repair. VA after treatment was good and no statistically significant difference was observed when compared with the 47 cases without flap complications. 109 articles related to late traumatic flap complications after LASIK were retrieved from four Chinese document databases. There were 550 cases of late traumatic flap complications. From 2004, case reports became more common; 10 or more cases were reported in some case series. VA of most cases was good and there was no remarkable vision loss after treatment. Late traumatic flap complications after LASIK have become more frequent in China, although the prognosis of most cases is good. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

[The clinical analysis of instrumentation failure after corrective surgery for thoracolumbar focal kyphosis].

PubMed

Zeng, Y; Chen, Z Q; Qi, Q; Guo, Z Q; Li, W W; Sun, C G; Zhong, W Q; Jiang, Y

2016-07-01

To analyze the etiology of instrumentation failure after corrective surgery for thoracolumbar focal kyphosis, and make suggestion for treatment. Retrospective study for 8 patients with thoracolumbar focal kyphosis who underwent surgical treatment and suffered instrumentation failure from June 2005 to December 2011 was made. The surgical procedures included pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO), anterior opening-posterior closing osteotomy and correction (AOPC), and posterior vertebral column resection (VCR). The reasons of instrumentation failure were analyzed and revision surgeries were performed. The incidence of instrumentation failure was 6.3%. The average occurrence time was 22.5 months after surgery. Except one had failure in 3 months after surgery, all cases happened after 1 year. In this series, there were 5 cases with post-tuberculosis, 2 cases with post-traumatic kyphosis and 1 case with congenital kyphosis. For the surgical procedure, 7 cases underwent VCR and 1 case AOPC. After the instrumentation failure, all cases had back pain, and 3 of them had combined neurological symptoms. The reasons or risk factors of instrumentation failure included non-fusion of bone graft, VCR procedure, sink of the titanium mesh, insufficiency of anchor sites, and more severe kyphosis. All the 8 cases were treated with revision surgery and got good results. The instrumentation failure of thoracolumbar focal kyphosis is relatively late occurred, and can develop with various reasons. Positive revision surgery is suggested for the instrumentation failure, and good results can be expected.

Management of a pregnant woman dependent on haemodialysis.

PubMed

Walsh, Anna-Marie

2002-01-01

This is a case study of a woman who became pregnant whilst receiving haemodialysis in a London teaching hospital. She courageously disregarded the doctors' advise to abort the fetus. The doctors advised her to wait until she had a kidney transplant to become pregnant again, rather than increase maternal and fetal risk on dialysis. She was due to have a live-related transplant from her father in the spring. The case study describes a practical account in detailed measure to equip nurses with the knowledge to provide specialised care to high-risk dialysis expecting mothers. The main problems in this case study were trying to manage the mother's dialysis regime, control her anaemia, ensure good nutritional levels and gain accurate daily weights.

Fungal spondylodiscitis in a patient recovered from H7N9 virus infection: a case study and a literature review of the differences between Candida and Aspergillus spondylodiscitis * #

PubMed Central

Yu, Lie-dao; Feng, Zhi-yun; Wang, Xuan-wei; Ling, Zhi-heng; Lin, Xiang-jin

2016-01-01

To report a rare case of fungal spondylodiscitis in a patient recovered from H7N9 virus infection and perform a literature review of the different characteristics of Candida and Aspergillus spondylodiscitis, we reviewed cases of spondylodiscitis caused by Candida and Aspergillus species. Data, including patients’ information, pathogenic species, treatment strategy, outcomes, and relapses, were collected and summarized. The characteristics of Candida and Aspergillus spondylodiscitis were compared to see if any differences in clinical features, management, or consequences could be detected. The subject of the case study was first misdiagnosed as having a vertebral tumor, and then, following open biopsy, was diagnosed as having fungal spondylodiscitis. The patient made a good recovery following radical debridement. Seventy-seven additional cases of Candida spondylodiscitis and 94 cases of Aspergillus spondylodiscitis were identified in the literature. Patients with Candida spondylodiscitis tended to have a better outcome than patients with Aspergillus spondylodiscitis (cure rate 92.3% vs. 70.2%). Candida was found more frequently (47.8%) than Aspergillus (26.7%) in blood cultures, while neurological deficits were observed more often in patients with Aspergillus spondylodiscitis (43.6% vs. 25.6%). Candida spinal infections were more often treated by radical debridement (60.5% vs. 39.6%). Patients with Candida spondylodiscitis have better outcomes, which may be associated with prompt recognition, radical surgical debridement, and azoles therapy. A good outcome can be expected in fungal spondylodiscitis with appropriate operations and anti-fungal drugs. PMID:27819134

The Role of Reflection in Developing Eupraxis in Learning to Teach English

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smagorinsky, Peter; Shelton, Stephanie Anne; Moore, Cynthia

2015-01-01

This case study focuses on one beginning English teacher's work toward eupraxia, i.e., good practice informed by reflection in a setting in which a degree of free choice is available. The study uses a Vygotskian framework for studying concept development that focuses on the settings of human activity and how ambiguous social concepts are developed…

Assessment and Evaluation: Exploring Their Principles and Purposes in Relation to Neoliberalism through a Social Studies Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Broom, Catherine

2012-01-01

This paper begins with a discussion of Canadian and international work that has identified a number of shortcomings with standardized assessments, which are framed within neoliberal ideology. It then explores the principles of good assessment and applies them to an analysis of British Columbia's standardized Social Studies 11 exam. It finds that…

Arthroscopically assisted percutaneous repair of fresh closed achilles tendon rupture by Kessler's suture.

PubMed

Tang, Kang-lai; Thermann, Hajo; Dai, Gang; Chen, Guang-xing; Guo, Lin; Yang, Liu

2007-04-01

Achilles tendon ruptures are difficult to repair, and the healing rate is low due to this structure's anatomic and physiological characteristics. It is essential to develop new techniques to increase the healing rate and decrease the rate of complications. To propose and evaluate a new percutaneous method of repairing fresh closed Achilles tendon ruptures by Kessler's suture under arthroscopy. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Twenty patients were followed at least 12 months in this study. First, the torn ends of the Achilles tendon were debrided during arthroscopy. Then percutaneous repair of the Achilles tendon was performed using Kessler's suture by an inside-out technique. All cases were followed up for an average range of 21 months (range, 12-36 months). All patients were evaluated by clinical examination, magnetic resonance imaging, and the Lindholm scale. The torn ends were well aligned and sutured after the debridement under arthroscopy. According to the Lindholm scale, excellent results were seen in 15 cases and good in 5 cases. No patients had complications such as nerve injury, infection, or re-rupture at follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging results showed that the ruptured Achilles tendons were repaired and remodeled very well in all patients. The present method is an effective surgical technique for repair of a closed rupture of the Achilles tendon. The short-term follow-up results were good, and recovery time was short. Few complications were found in our study cases.

Recognition of an obstacle in a flow using artificial neural networks.

PubMed

Carrillo, Mauricio; Que, Ulices; González, José A; López, Carlos

2017-08-01

In this work a series of artificial neural networks (ANNs) has been developed with the capacity to estimate the size and location of an obstacle obstructing the flow in a pipe. The ANNs learn the size and location of the obstacle by reading the profiles of the dynamic pressure q or the x component of the velocity v_{x} of the fluid at a certain distance from the obstacle. Data to train the ANN were generated using numerical simulations with a two-dimensional lattice Boltzmann code. We analyzed various cases varying both the diameter and the position of the obstacle on the y axis, obtaining good estimations using the R^{2} coefficient for the cases under study. Although the ANN showed problems with the classification of very small obstacles, the general results show a very good capacity for prediction.

Challenges in developing e-government for good governance in North Sumatra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siahaan, AY

2017-01-01

E-government as one form of public administration reform in Indonesia is increasingly related to the pursuance of good governance. This paper examines the relationship between of e-government and good governance by utilizing the case study design on the implementation of e-procurement in North Sumatra. It reveals centrality of local politics and business culture in understanding resistances of both local government officials and local business which creates loopholes’ for the practice of ‘bad governance’ in all phases of e-procurement in North Sumatra province. Data transparency does not equate and guarantee the realization of good governance. Public knowledge and understanding on government decision making processes and accountability (process and policy transparency) are central to achieve good governance through e-procurement. E-procurement system does not automatically change organizational and working culture of the implementers and suppliers. This paper provides insight to the attitude and the perception of private sector engage in e-procurement towards government in implementing e-government. Resistance, digital divide and local politics interrelatedly obstruct the realization of pursuing good governance through e-procurement.

Realized population change for long-term monitoring: California spotted owl case study

Treesearch

Mary M. Conner; John J. Keane; Claire V. Gallagher; Gretchen Jehle; Thomas E. Munton; Paula A. Shaklee; Ross A. Gerrard

2013-01-01

The annual rate of population change (λt) is a good metric for evaluating population performance because it summarizes survival and recruitment rates and can be used for open populations. Another measure of population performance, realized population change (Δt...

Considering Environment, Economy, And Society In Land-Use: A Case Study - Stella, Missouri

EPA Science Inventory

Human life is conditional upon intact ecosystems that provide goods and services required to sustain human life. Because development will incrementally and cumulative consume the biophysical environment, the conditions of intact ecosystems must be the basis for how the environme...

The Significance of Leadership Style.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldman, Elise

1998-01-01

In a learning environment, leadership style reflects a leader's deeply held educational beliefs, which are mirrored in the school's culture. Case studies illustrate how the leadership styles of three principals affect school ambience. Good leadership practice means acknowledging each person's differing gifts, strengths, and concerns, and utilizing…

Roles and Educational Effects of Clinical Case Studies in Home Medical Care.

PubMed

Ohsawa, Tomoji; Shimazoe, Takao

2017-01-01

Due to the progression of aging in Japan, pharmacists need to participate in home medical care. To enable pharmacists with no previous experience to participate in home medical care of patients with various diseases in the home environment, it is necessary to adopt an approach of training them in advance. It is thought useful for such clinical training to include patient case studies, which may facilitate the training of pharmacists for home medical care through simulated experience. "The working group to create home clinical cases for education" was launched by a group of university faculty, who have educational knowledge, and trained pharmacists who work with the patients at home. The home care cases were compiled by the university faculty members and the home care practice pharmacists. Working pharmacists and students at pharmaceutical college studied the same case studies of home medical care, and their self-evaluations were compared. They showed that the students rated themselves higher than the pharmacists. One of the reasons was the systematic education of the case studies. The clinical case studies are a good educational tool to promote home care medicine in pharmacies and university pharmaceutical colleges.

Politics and the Dilemma of Meaningful Access to Education: The Nigerian Story. CREATE Pathways to Access. Research Monograph No. 56

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Obanya, Pai

2011-01-01

This paper makes a case for "good politics for good education", with special reference to Nigeria. It surveys the impact of good and bad politics on the attainment of Meaningful Access to education with special focus on Nigeria's Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme. Good politics is to be likened to what the French call "la…

Exploring Partonic Structure of Hadrons Using ab initio Lattice QCD Calculations

DOE PAGES

Ma, Yan-Qing; Qiu, Jian-Wei

2018-01-10

Following our previous proposal, we construct a class of good "lattice cross sections" (LCSs), from which we can study the partonic structure of hadrons from ab initio lattice QCD calculations. These good LCSs, on the one hand, can be calculated directly in lattice QCD, and on the other hand, can be factorized into parton distribution functions (PDFs) with calculable coefficients, in the same way as QCD factorization for factorizable hadronic cross sections. PDFs could be extracted from QCD global analysis of the lattice QCD generated data of LCSs. In conclusion, we also show that the proposed functions for lattice QCDmore » calculation of PDFs in the literature are special cases of these good LCSs.« less

Goodness-of-Fit Tests for Generalized Normal Distribution for Use in Hydrological Frequency Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Samiran

2018-04-01

The use of three-parameter generalized normal (GNO) as a hydrological frequency distribution is well recognized, but its application is limited due to unavailability of popular goodness-of-fit (GOF) test statistics. This study develops popular empirical distribution function (EDF)-based test statistics to investigate the goodness-of-fit of the GNO distribution. The focus is on the case most relevant to the hydrologist, namely, that in which the parameter values are unidentified and estimated from a sample using the method of L-moments. The widely used EDF tests such as Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Cramer von Mises, and Anderson-Darling (AD) are considered in this study. A modified version of AD, namely, the Modified Anderson-Darling (MAD) test, is also considered and its performance is assessed against other EDF tests using a power study that incorporates six specific Wakeby distributions (WA-1, WA-2, WA-3, WA-4, WA-5, and WA-6) as the alternative distributions. The critical values of the proposed test statistics are approximated using Monte Carlo techniques and are summarized in chart and regression equation form to show the dependence of shape parameter and sample size. The performance results obtained from the power study suggest that the AD and a variant of the MAD (MAD-L) are the most powerful tests. Finally, the study performs case studies involving annual maximum flow data of selected gauged sites from Irish and US catchments to show the application of the derived critical values and recommends further assessments to be carried out on flow data sets of rivers with various hydrological regimes.

New Schools for Older Neighborhoods: Strategies for Building Our Communities' Most Important Assets.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kauth, Ann

The case studies in this booklet highlight how five communities, in big cities and small towns, overcame the obstacles inherent in creating good new schools in existing neighborhoods. These studies illustrate the creativity that people across the United States have brought to the task of creating new schools in older neighborhoods. There is…

Beyond the Campus: How Colleges and Universities Form Partnerships with Their Communities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maurrasse, David J.

Through an in-depth study of four schools, this book explores college-community partnerships. The case studies of the University of Pennsylvania, San Francisco State University, Xavier University, and Hostos Community College show how business and the university can work together for the good of the community. The chapters are: (1) "The Mission of…

When Bad Departments Happen to Good People

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dayton, John; Shoho, Alan

2006-01-01

This case study examines the lives of some very different educational leadership professors with a common problem: They are miserable in their work. But how could this be? They have secure jobs at a great university, considerable autonomy in their work schedules, an opportunity to study a subject they love, and a chance to work with great…

Synthetic rope applications in Appalachian logging

Treesearch

Ben D. Spong; Jingxin Wang

2008-01-01

New ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene rope has shown good results as a replacement for wire rope in logging applications in the western United States. A single case study trial was performed in Appalachian forest conditions to assess the appropriateness of this technology for hardwood logging applications. The study focused on use of the rope in West Virginia...

Teacher Educators' Visions of Pedagogical Training within Instrumental Higher Music Education. A Case in Finland

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Juntunen, Marja-Leena

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the visions of teacher educators of instrumental pedagogy (n = 12) in higher music education regarding "good" teaching and instrumental student teacher preparation. The theoretical basis for the study was research on teachers' visions (Hammerness, 2006): teachers' own conceptions of ideal teaching…

Critical Skills for Supervisors of Information Technology Project Managers in Government: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burns, Jacqueline

2016-01-01

A company or government is only as good as its most qualified employees. This qualitative interpretative phenomenological study sought to understand what skills are needed to supervise government information technology (IT) project managers through their lived experience. Fifteen participants in the field of government IT were interviewed. They…

Speaking like a "Good American": National Identity and the Legacy of German-Language Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kibler, Amanda

2008-01-01

Background/Context: As a case study in minority language restriction, the German example provides a useful historical counterpoint to more recent debates regarding the place of non-English languages in American schools. Purpose/Objective/Research Question/Focus of Study and Research Design: This historical analysis examines the role of education…

[Pulmonary decortication: value of lung function recovery].

PubMed

Arsalane, A; Zidane, A; Atoini, F; Traibi, A; Ameziane, N; Kabiri, E-H

2009-10-01

Based on the experience in the thoracic surgery unit at Hôpital Militaire d'Instruction Mohammed-V in Rabat, this study analyses the indications as well as the results of pulmonary decortication. Twenty-five cases of pulmonary decortication were examined over a period of 5 years ranging from January 2002 to December 2006. The aetiology of chronic pyothorax was dominated by non tubercular causes. The clinical symptomatology mainly involved fever and dyspnoea (48% and 44% respectively). Pachypleuritis, collapse of the lung and pleural effusion account for most of the lesions found on the thoracic imaging. Surgery was indicated after failure in the medical treatment after four months on the average. The respiratory function was assessed in 20 patients three months after the intervention. The improvement in the spirometry was good in 85% of the cases (n=17), was not highly satisfactory in 10% of the cases (n=2) and a deterioration was noted in 5% of the cases (n=1). This unfavourable evolution was correlated with the tubercular aetiology and the poor state of the pulmonary parenchyma. Non tubercular causes, early diagnosis and absence of parenchymatous lesion seem to be predictive factors of good results after decortication.

Percutaneous CT and Fluoroscopy-Guided Screw Fixation of Pathological Fractures in the Shoulder Girdle: Technical Report of 3 Cases.

PubMed

Garnon, Julien; Koch, Guillaume; Ramamurthy, Nitin; Caudrelier, Jean; Rao, Pramod; Tsoumakidou, Georgia; Cazzato, Roberto Luigi; Gangi, Afshin

2016-09-01

To review our initial experience with percutaneous CT and fluoroscopy-guided screw fixation of pathological shoulder-girdle fractures. Between May 2014 and June 2015, three consecutive oncologic patients (mean age 65 years; range 57-75 years) with symptomatic pathological shoulder-girdle fractures unsuitable for surgery and radiotherapy underwent percutaneous image-guided screw fixation. Fractures occurred through metastases (n = 2) or a post-ablation cavity (n = 1). Mechanical properties of osteosynthesis were adjudged superior to stand-alone cementoplasty in each case. Cannulated screws were placed under combined CT and fluoroscopic guidance with complementary radiofrequency ablation or cementoplasty to optimise local palliation and secure screw fixation, respectively, in two cases. Follow-up was undertaken every few weeks until mortality or most recent appointment. Four pathological fractures were treated in three patients (2 acromion, 1 clavicular, 1 coracoid). Mean size of associated lesion was 2.6 cm (range 1-4.5 cm). Technical success was achieved in all cases (100 %), without complications. Good palliation and restoration of mobility were observed in two cases at 2-3 months; one case could not be followed due to early post-procedural oncologic mortality. Percutaneous image-guided shoulder-girdle osteosynthesis appears technically feasible with good short-term efficacy in this complex patient subset. Further studies are warranted to confirm these promising initial results.

Prolonged fever in peritoneal tuberculosis: A case report

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zein, U.; Irwandi, S.; Habib, H.; Lim, H.; Pasha, M.; Janis, I.; Saragih, R. H.; Ginting, Y.; Effendy-Y S, R.

2018-03-01

Peritoneal tuberculosis may lead to delayed diagnosis because of the nonspecific features such as fever, abdominal distension, abdominal tenderness, ascites, and weight loss. Here, wereported a case of prolonged fever and abdominal pain which was due to peritoneal tuberculosis. Initial examinations including acomplete blood test and serologic tests did not lead to the diagnosis. A final diagnosis was made by abdominal CT-scan and laparoscopy combined with histopathological studies. Antituberculous medications provided a good clinical response in this patient.

A Case Study of the Implementation of Social Models of Teaching in E-Learning: "The Social Networks in Education", Online Course of the Inter-Orthodox Centre of the Church of Greece

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Komninou, Ioanna

2018-01-01

The development of e-learning has caused a growing interest in learning models that may have the best results. We believe that it is good practice to implement social learning models in the field of online education. In this case, the implementation of complex instruction in online training courses for teachers, on "Social Networks in…

Is importing second-hand products a good thing? The cases of computers and tires in Cambodia

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chanthy, Lay, E-mail: Lay.Chanthy@ait.ac.th; Nitivattananon, Vilas, E-mail: vilasn@ait.ac.t

Is importing second-hand products (SHPs) good for Cambodia? To answer this question, one must seriously consider environmental and social effects. The main objective of this study is to identify and assess the economic, social, and environmental impacts of imported SHPs to determine whether or not Cambodia benefits. Imported second-hand computers (SHPCs) and second-hand tires (SHTs) were selected as cases for the study. The study used a scaling checklist to identify significant impacts of these two imported items. Significant impacts were ranked and rated into a single value (score) for integration. Integrated impact assessment showed that imported SHPCs create a verymore » small positive impact (+ 0.1 of + 5) and imported SHTs generate a large negative impact (- 2.83 of - 5). These scores are mainly the result of environmental impact, predominantly waste issues. Thus, current imports of SHPCs and SHTs do not really benefit Cambodia, but instead cause serious environmental problems from their waste issues. The import serves as a channel to transfer waste into developing countries.« less

Taking the Good Life to the Institution: Forensic Service Users' Perceptions of the Good Lives Model.

PubMed

Barnao, Mary; Ward, Tony; Casey, Sharon

2016-05-01

Previous literature has highlighted a number of concerns about forensic care and rehabilitation by those who use the services. The Good Lives Model (GLM) is a strength-based, humanistic approach to offender rehabilitation that has been largely overlooked by forensic mental health practitioners. This study explored the impact of a brief GLM program on forensic service users' perceptions of rehabilitation, both within and beyond therapeutic programs, using a thematically linked, multiple-case study research design. Pre-post comparisons of participants' perceptions of rehabilitation suggested three different outcomes: definite change, subtle change, and no change. Possible factors associated with participants' divergent experiences included level of exposure to the GLM, readiness to change, and practitioners' adherence to the GLM and experience with the model. The importance of attending to the wider system for successful implementation of this innovative approach is highlighted. © The Author(s) 2015.

[APPLICATION OF COMPUTER-ASSISTED SURGICAL PLANNING IN SURGICAL TREATMENT OF ANKLE FRACTURES].

PubMed

Xia, Shengli; Wang, Xiuhui; Fu, Beigang; Lu, Yaogang; Wang, Minghui

2015-12-01

To explore the clinical value of computer-assisted surgical planning in the treatment of ankle fractures. Between January 2012 and January 2014, open reduction and internal fixation were performed on 42 patients with ankle fractures. There were 22 males and 20 females with an average age of 52 years (range, 19-72 years). The causes were spraining injury (20 cases), traffic accident injury (14 cases), and falling from height injury (8 cases). The time from injury to operation was 5 hours to 12 days (mean, 2.5 days). All fractures were closed trimalleolar fractures. According to Lauge-Hansen classification, 25 cases were rated as supination extorsion type IV, 13 as pronation extorsion type IV, and 4 as pronation abduction type III. The preoperative planning was made by virtual reduction and internal fixation using Superimage software. The mean operation time was 93.7 minutes (range, 76-120 minutes). Delayed wound healing occurred in 1 case, and secondary healing was obtained after treatment; primary healing of incision was achieved in the other patients. Postoperative X-ray films and CT images showed anatomic reduction of fracture and good position of internal fixation. All patients were followed up 14.6 months on average (range, 9-27 months). The range of motion of the affected ankle was close to the normal side at 6-8 weeks. The mean fracture healing time was 13.1 weeks (range, 11-17 weeks). Degenerative change of the ankle joint was observed in 3 cases (7.1%) with manifestation of mild narrowing of joint space on the X-ray films at last follow-up. According to Baird-Jackson score system, the results were excellent in 24 cases, good in 13 cases, and fair in 5 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 88%. Computer-assisted surgical planning for ankle fractures can help surgeons identify type of ankle fractures and improve surgical scheme for guiding fracture reduction and selecting and placing implants, so good effectiveness can be obtained.

Whether Foreign Military Sales or Direct Commercial Sales: A Case Study of the UK E-3 AWACS

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-09-01

arrangements available include coproduction, licensed production, subcontractor production, overseas investment, technology transfer, and countertrade ...commercial arrangement between the U.S. manufacturer and a foreign entity. Countertrade - Purchase of goods and services from the buyer country as a

[A clinical study of PC-904 in pediatrics (author's transl)].

PubMed

Hori, M; Kono, S; Hashimoto, F

1978-07-01

A clinical study of PC-904 was performed in children. The results were as follows; 1) Serum levels of PC-904 after single administration of 20 mg/kg were studied in patients by one-shot intravenous injection or drip infusion for 1 hour or 2 hours. The results obtained in this fundamental study led to the suggestion that the proper dosage in bacterial infections would be 50 approximately 100 mg/kg intravenously in 3 approximately 4 divided doses daily. 2) A clinical study of PC-904 was performed in 16 patients including acute pharyngitis and bronchitis (3 cases), acute bronchopneumonia (3 cases), pertussis pneumonia (1 case), lymphadenitis purulenta (2 cases), acute bronchopneumonia (3 cases), pertussis pneumonia (1 case), lymphadenitis purulenta (2 cases), abscess with chronic granuloma (2 cases) and urinary tract infection (5 cases). About 50 approximately 100 mg/kg of PC-904 were administered in 3 approximately 4 divided doses daily by one-shot intravenous injection. The clinical effects of 2 cases out of 16 were impossible to be evaluated, and thses cases were excluded from the clinical evaluation. Ten cases out of 14 showed excellent or good responses (efficacy rate: 71.4%). 3) The bacteriological examinations were performed and the causative or isolated organisms were determined in 11 cases. The responses were "disappeared" in 6 cases, "decreased" in 2 cases and "not disappeared" in 3 cases. 4) No side effects were observed. Abnormalities of laboratory findings were not also noticed.

[Case-control study on effects of external fixation combined with limited internal fixation for the treatment of Pilon fractures of Rüedi-Allgower type III].

PubMed

Duan, Da-Peng; You, Wu-Lin; Ji, Le; Zhang, Yong-Tao; Dang, Xiao-Qian; Wang, Kun-Zheng

2014-01-01

To analyze the effects of three surgical operations in the treatment of Pilon fracture of Rüedi-Allgower type III, and put forward the best therapeutic method. The clinical data of 33 patients with Pilon fracture who received surgical operations (plaster immobilization group, 10 cases; distal tibia anatomical plate group, 11 cases; external fixation with limited internal fixation group, 12 cases) from October 2009 to January 2012 were analyzed. There were 5 males and 5 females, ranging in age from 24 to 61 years in the plaster immobilization group. There were 7 males and 4 females, ranging in age from 21 to 64 years in the distal tibia anatomical plate group. There were 7 males and 5 females, ranging in age from 23 to 67 years in the external fixation with limited internal fixation group. The Ankle X-ray of Pilon fracture after operation, ankle score, early and late complications were collected. Bourne system was used to evaluate ankle joint function. After 8 months to 3 years follow-up, it was found that three kinds of treatment had significant differences in the outcomes and complications (P < 0.05): the external fixation with limited internal fixation group got the best results. The number of anatomic reduction cases in the external fixation with limited internal fixation group (7 cases) and the distal tibia anatomical plate group (8 cases) was more than the plaster immobilization group (2 cases). According to the ankle score, 8 patients got an excellent result, 3 good and 1 poor in the limited internal fixation group ,which was better than those of distal tibia anatomical plate group (5 excellent, 4 good and 2 poor) and the plaster immobilization group (3 excellent, 4 good and 3 poor). The number of early and late complications in the external fixation with limited internal fixation group was more than those in the plaster immobilization group and the distal tibia anatomical plate group (P< 0.05). Treatment of external fixation with limited internal fixation in the treatment of Pilon fracture of Rüedi-Allgower type III is effective and safe.

Can intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging characterize the cellular injury and microcirculation alteration in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury? An animal study.

PubMed

Ye, Weitao; Li, Jinglei; Guo, Chengwei; Chen, Shuting; Liu, Yu-Bao; Liu, Zaiyi; Wu, Haijun; Wang, Guangyi; Liang, Changhong

2016-06-01

To investigate whether intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) can be used to quantitatively analyze the cellular injury and microcirculation alterations in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI). Thirty-two New Zealand white rabbits were randomly and equally assigned to the sham group, 1-hour, 4-hour, and 12-hour groups according to the reperfusion time after 1 hour of ischemia using a 70% liver ischemia-reperfusion injury model. All the animals underwent IVIM-DWI with 12 b values at 1.5T. The imaging parameters (IVIM parameters and apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC]) among different groups were compared. The correlations between imaging parameters and histological scores, and the ratio of serum aspartate aminotransferase to serum alanine aminotransferase (serum AST/ALT) were analyzed. During the first hour of HIRI, true diffusion coefficient (D) and ADC significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while there was no significant decrease in perfusion fraction (f) (P = 0.708). There was fair to good correlation between histological scores and f (rs  = -0.493 with the sham cases excluded, and -0.682 with all cases, both P < 0.05) and ADC (rs  = -0.479 with the sham cases excluded, and -0.766 with all cases, both P < 0.05). There was no correlation between imaging parameters and serum AST/ALT with the sham cases excluded (P = 0.673 for f, 0.568 for D, 0.403 for ADC), and good correlation between D, ADC, and serum AST/ALT (r = 0.747 and 0.748, both P < 0.001) with all cases. IVIM-DWI can quantitatively characterize an animal model of HIRI, with D and ADC sensitive in early detection of cellular injury, as well as fair to good correlation between f, ADC, and microcirculation alteration. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:1327-1336. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Good Concrete Activity Is Good Mental Activity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McDonough, Andrea

2016-01-01

Early years mathematics classrooms can be colourful, exciting, and challenging places of learning. Andrea McDonough and fellow teachers have noticed that some students make good decisions about using materials to assist their problem solving, but this is not always the case. These experiences lead her to ask the following questions: (1) Are…

Out of Weakness: The "Educational Good" in Late Antiquity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allen, Ansgar

2016-01-01

This paper explores the nature of the educational good as it appears in late antiquity, arguing that the "good" variously promised by education is in a state of perpetual deferral. This extends the tradition of ancient Greek philosophy where wisdom is to be forever approached but never realised. Three exemplary cases are considered: the…

Use of Uas for the Conservation of Historical Buildings in Case of Emergencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gagliolo, S.; Fagandini, R.; Federici, B.; Ferrando, I.; Passoni, D.; Pagliari, D.; Pinto, L.; Sguerso, D.

2017-05-01

The task of conservation and management of cultural heritage is quite central in Italy, which lists a high number of beautiful architectures. A quick and precise survey may be requested in case of calamity. In the present paper, the most commonly used survey techniques are discussed, focusing on their applications for the conservation of the artistic heritage in case of emergency. Particular attention is given to Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) photogrammetry and its potentiality in obtaining good results in terms of speed, cheapness, precision and accuracy, assuring at the same time the safety of the operators in critical situations (e.g. natural disasters). A case study, realized at the Castle of Casalbagliano (Alessandria, Italy), is discussed. Different image block configurations and acquisition geometries (nadiral and oblique images) have been exploited, with the aim of defining useful guidelines for emergencies UAS survey of partially collapsed structures. An application to a significative case study is introduced.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff debridement without decompression for the treatment of tendinosis.

PubMed

Budoff, Jeffrey E; Rodin, Dennis; Ochiai, Derek; Nirschl, Robert P

2005-09-01

The treatment of rotator cuff injury in the absence of a full-thickness tear has traditionally consisted of acromioplasty. However, this disorder may also be treated by arthroscopic rotator cuff debridement without acromioplasty. Our previous study of 79 shoulders so treated reported 87% good or excellent results at an average 53-month follow-up. The purpose of this article is to report the long-term, average 9.5-year follow-up of this cohort. Long-term follow-up of case series. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 62 shoulders in 60 patients who had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff debridement for partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. Demographic criteria, residual pain, and the ability to return to recreational athletics were noted. The UCLA Shoulder Score and the Simple Shoulder Test scores were determined and statistical analysis performed. Using the UCLA Shoulder Score, there were 79% excellent or good results at an average 114 months of follow-up. Patients with Workers' Compensation claims had significantly worse results, with only 40% rated good or excellent. Of the 60 patients, 77% had no or only minimal pain, 57% were still able to perform recreational athletics without difficulty, and 20% could participate at a lower level of intensity. Arthroscopic debridement of rotator cuff injury in the absence of a full-thickness tear has good long-term results and minimizes additional surgical trauma. Level IV, case series.

SFEMG in ocular myasthenia gravis diagnosis.

PubMed

Padua, L; Stalberg, E; LoMonaco, M; Evoli, A; Batocchi, A; Tonali, P

2000-07-01

In typical cases, the patient's history and clinical examination make it possible to diagnose ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG). But, in many cases a clear clinical picture is not present and OMG diagnosis is very difficult because gold diagnostic standard tests are not available. The diagnostic tests for OMG are usually unable to display a good sensitivity and specificity simultaneously. In this paper, we studied 86 cases submitted for suspected OMG. The patients were studied clinically and with various other tests used in OMG diagnosis (SFEMG, repetitive nerve stimulation, Ab anti AChR titration, tensilon test). SFEMG showed the highest sensitivity (100%) while Ab anti AChR showed the highest specificity (100%). To our knowledge this is the largest population of suspected OMG studied using most of the diagnostic parameters, reported in the literature.

Synchronization of an optomechanical system to an external drive

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amitai, Ehud; Lörch, Niels; Nunnenkamp, Andreas; Walter, Stefan; Bruder, Christoph

2017-05-01

Optomechanical systems driven by an effective blue-detuned laser can exhibit self-sustained oscillations of the mechanical oscillator. These self-oscillations are a prerequisite for the observation of synchronization. Here, we study the synchronization of the mechanical oscillations to an external reference drive. We study two cases of reference drives: (1) an additional laser applied to the optical cavity; (2) a mechanical drive applied directly to the mechanical oscillator. Starting from a master equation description, we derive a microscopic Adler equation for both cases, valid in the classical regime in which the quantum shot noise of the mechanical self-oscillator does not play a role. Furthermore, we numerically show that, in both cases, synchronization arises also in the quantum regime. The optomechanical system is therefore a good candidate for the study of quantum synchronization.

In vivo verification of proton beam path by using post-treatment PET/CT imaging.

PubMed

Hsi, Wen C; Indelicato, Daniel J; Vargas, Carlos; Duvvuri, Srividya; Li, Zuofeng; Palta, Jatinder

2009-09-01

The purpose of this study is to establish the in vivo verification of proton beam path by using proton-activated positron emission distributions. A total of 50 PET/CT imaging studies were performed on ten prostate cancer patients immediately after daily proton therapy treatment through a single lateral portal. The PET/CT and planning CT were registered by matching the pelvic bones, and the beam path of delivered protons was defined in vivo by the positron emission distribution seen only within the pelvic bones, referred to as the PET-defined beam path. Because of the patient position correction at each fraction, the marker-defined beam path, determined by the centroid of implanted markers seen in the posttreatment (post-Tx) CT, is used for the planned beam path. The angular variation and discordance between the PET- and marker-defined paths were derived to investigate the intrafraction prostate motion. For studies with large discordance, the relative location between the centroid and pelvic bones seen in the post-Tx CT was examined. The PET/CT studies are categorized for distinguishing the prostate motion that occurred before or after beam delivery. The post-PET CT was acquired after PET imaging to investigate prostate motion due to physiological changes during the extended PET acquisition. The less than 2 degrees of angular variation indicates that the patient roll was minimal within the immobilization device. Thirty of the 50 studies with small discordance, referred as good cases, show a consistent alignment between the field edges and the positron emission distributions from the entrance to the distal edge. For those good cases, average displacements are 0.6 and 1.3 mm along the anterior-posterior (D(AP)) and superior-inferior (D(SI)) directions, respectively, with 1.6 mm standard deviations in both directions. For the remaining 20 studies demonstrating a large discordance (more than 6 mm in either D(AP) or D(SI)), 13 studies, referred as motion-after-Tx cases, also show large misalignment between the field edge and the positron emission distribution in lipomatous tissues around the prostate. These motion-after-Tx cases correspond to patients with large changes in volume of rectal gas between the post-Tx and the post-PET CTs. The standard deviations for D(AP) and D(SI) are 5.0 and 3.0 mm, respectively, for these motion-after-Tx cases. The final seven studies, referred to as position-error cases, which had a large discordance but no misalignment, were found to have deviations of 4.6 and 3.6 mm in D(AP) and D(SI), respectively. The position-error cases correspond to a large discrepancy on the relative location between the centroid and pelvic bones seen in post-Tx CT and recorded x-ray radiographs. Systematic analyses of proton-activated positron emission distributions provide patient-specific information on prostate motion (sigmaM) and patient position variability (sigmap) during daily proton beam delivery. The less than 2 mm of displacement variations in the good cases indicates that population-based values of sigmap and sigmaM, used in margin algorithms for treatment planning at the authors' institution are valid for the majority of cases. However, a small fraction of PET/CT studies (approximately 14%) with -4 mm displacement variations may require different margins. Such data are useful in establishing patient-specific planning target volume margins.

Focal therapy in prostate cancer: the current situation

PubMed Central

Jácome-Pita, FX; Sánchez-Salas, R; Barret, E; Amaruch, N; Gonzalez-Enguita, C; Cathelineau, X

2014-01-01

Prostate cancer is one of the most significant pathologies in the field of urology. The adoption of screening strategies and improvements in biopsies have resulted in an increase in early-stage tumour detection. Radical global therapies provide very good oncological results in localised prostate cancer. However, excess treatment in low- and, in some cases, intermediate-risk groups affects the quality of life of these patients. In the case of localised prostate cancer, focal therapies offer a minimally invasive option with good results with respect to established treatments. Although this is currently not a standard treatment, it represents the therapeutic approach with the greatest potential. This literature review has the following objectives: to define selection criteria for patients who are candidates for focal therapy, to assess the current situation and results of the different therapeutic options, and to define procedures in cases of recurrence and for follow-ups. We concluded that focal therapy is a viable therapeutic alternative for localised prostate cancer, specifically cryosurgery and high-intensity targeted ultrasound, which have acceptable oncologic results and a lower comorbidity compared with global treatments. Studies with a high level of scientific evidence are still needed to validate these results. Acquisition of evidence A search was carried out on the Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane databases of all papers published before 31 July 2013. We included clinical studies and literature reviews that evaluated primary focal therapy for prostate cancer confirmed by biopsy and excluded focal rescue therapy studies. The keywords used were focal therapy and prostate cancer. Initially, we found 42 articles; 15 studies were excluded because they did not meet the minimum criteria for inclusion. A total of 1350 cases were treated throughout 27 studies. PMID:24944577

Education Governance in Action: Lessons from Case Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burns, Tracey; Köster, Florian; Fuster, Marc

2016-01-01

Governing multi-level education systems requires governance models that balance responsiveness to local diversity with the ability to ensure national objectives. This delicate equilibrium is difficult to achieve given the complexity of many education systems. Countries are therefore increasingly looking for examples of good practice and models of…

Can High-Performing Academies Overcome Family Background and Improve Social Mobility?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barker, Bernard; Hoskins, Kate

2017-01-01

This article investigates whether schools that match Coalition Government criteria for excellence can enable hardworking students, regardless of background, to achieve good examination results and improved chances of social mobility. Students at two case-study academies were interviewed about family influences on their development and choice of…

Comparative community case studies as research tools: A national effort to support local sustainability planning

EPA Science Inventory

The provisioning of aquatic ecosystem goods and services (EGS) is a key concept in USEPA Office of Research and Development research programs. This is a national issue, yet many decisions affecting EGS sustainability are made at the local level where decisions can have substanti...

Small City Transit : Chapel Hill, North Carolina : Public Transit Serving a University and Town

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1976-03-01

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is an illustration of a public transit service providing a high level of service for a town its size and a good example of a cooperative arrangement between a town and a resident university. This case study is one of thir...

A STUDY OF FORMALLY ADVERTISED PROCUREMENT

DTIC Science & Technology

As a method of procuring goods and services, formally advertised procurement offers a number of advantages. These include the prevention of fraud and...two-thirds of all contracts are let in these cases. This is done by examining over 2,300 contracts let under formal advertising procedures. A measure of

Content Analysis of Chemistry Curricula in Germany Case Study: Chemical Reactions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Timofte, Roxana S.

2015-01-01

Curriculum-assessment alignment is a well known foundation for good practice in educational assessment, for items' curricular validity purposes. Nowadays instruments are designed to measure pupils' competencies in one or more areas of competence. Sub-competence areas could be defined theoretically and statistical analysis of empirical data by…

Concepts in International Relations: Contemporary Issues in South America

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Starbird, Caroline; Pettit, Jenny; Hurt,J.P.; Antony; DeBoer, Dale

2005-01-01

This book's purpose is to give students an in-depth understanding of South American countries and cultures. The book approaches this understanding through examinations of statistics, maps, articles and editorials, case studies, and text of legislation. The book provides students with background for each situation, giving them a good understanding…

Processing Relative Clauses by Hungarian Typically Developing Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kas, Bence; Lukacs, Agnes

2012-01-01

Hungarian is a language with morphological case marking and relatively free word order. These typological characteristics make it a good ground for testing the crosslinguistic validity of theories on processing sentences with relative clauses. Our study focused on effects of structural factors and processing capacity. We tested 43 typically…

76 FR 56770 - Food and Drug Administration/Xavier University Global Outsourcing Conference

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-14

..., Pharma Case Study on How to Manage a Global Complex Supply Chain, USP : Good Storage and Distribution... through topics such as Strategic Procurement, End-to-End lifecycle product management, Managing Global Complex Supply Chains, and other topics. The experience level of our audience has fostered engaged dialog...

A Remote Radioactivity Experiment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jona, Kemi; Vondracek, Mark

2013-01-01

Imagine a high school with very few experimental resources and limited budgets that prevent the purchase of even basic laboratory equipment. For example, many high schools do not have the means of experimentally studying radioactivity because they lack Geiger counters and/or good radioactive sources. This was the case at the first high school one…

Achieving Quality Learning in Higher Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nightingale, Peggy; O'Neil, Mike

This volume on quality learning in higher education discusses issues of good practice particularly action learning and Total Quality Management (TQM)-type strategies and illustrates them with seven case studies in Australia and the United Kingdom. Chapter 1 discusses issues and problems in defining quality in higher education. Chapter 2 looks at…

Making a List and Checking It Twice?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jarrell, Andrea

1999-01-01

Discusses the components of strategic planning in developing a fund-raising campaign for a college or university. Emphasizes the importance of setting priorities, and defines the characteristics of good priorities, such as boldness, being grounded in the institution's mission, and culminating in visible results. Includes a case study of the…

Patients treated with orthodontic-myofunctional therapeutic protocol.

PubMed

Saccomanno, S; Antonini, G; D'Alatri, L; D'Angelantonio, M; Fiorita, A; Deli, R

2012-09-01

The aim of this study is to report three cases that needed myofunctional and orthodontic treatment and the good results achieved after the therapy. Orthodontic treatment alone, in presence of bad habits, is not enough to solve the orthodontic issues, so it needs to be combined with myofunctional treatment.

After the In-Service Course Challenges of Technology Integration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frederick, Gregory R.; Schweizer, Heidi; Lowe, Robert

2006-01-01

This case study chronicles one teacher's experience in the semester after an in-service course, Using Technology for Instruction and Assessment. Results suggest that success in the course and good intentions do not necessarily translate into dramatic change in methods or media of instruction. Student mobility and special needs, unexpected…

A Global Public Goods Approach to the Health of Migrants

PubMed Central

Widdows, Heather; Marway, Herjeet

2015-01-01

This paper explores a global public goods approach to the health of migrants. It suggests that this approach establishes that there are a number of health goods which must be provided to migrants not because these are theirs by right (although this may independently be the case), but because these goods are primary goods which fit the threefold criteria of global public goods. There are two key advantages to this approach: first, it is non-confrontational and non-oppositional, and second, it provides self-interested arguments to provide at least some health goods to migrants and thus appeals to those little moved by rights-based arguments. PMID:26180550

A Global Public Goods Approach to the Health of Migrants.

PubMed

Widdows, Heather; Marway, Herjeet

2015-07-01

This paper explores a global public goods approach to the health of migrants. It suggests that this approach establishes that there are a number of health goods which must be provided to migrants not because these are theirs by right (although this may independently be the case), but because these goods are primary goods which fit the threefold criteria of global public goods. There are two key advantages to this approach: first, it is non-confrontational and non-oppositional, and second, it provides self-interested arguments to provide at least some health goods to migrants and thus appeals to those little moved by rights-based arguments.

Strategic trade between two regions with partial local consumer protection - General setup and nash equilibria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iordanov, Iordan V.; Vassilev, Andrey A.

2017-12-01

We construct a model of the trade relations between two regions for the case when the trading entities (consumers) compete for a scarce good and there is an element of strategic interdependence in the trading process. Additionally, local consumers enjoy partial protection in the form of guaranteed access to a part of the locally-supplied quantity of the good. The model is formulated for the general asymmetric case, where the two regions differ in terms of parameters such as income, size of the local market supply, degree of protection and transportation costs. For this general model we establish the existence of Nash equilibria and obtain their form as a function of the model parameters, producing a typology of the equilibria. This is a required step in order to rigorously study various types of price dynamics for the model.

Electronic business model for small- and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SME): a case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuen, Karina; Chung, Walter W.

2001-10-01

This paper identifies three essential factors (information infrastructure, executive information system and a new manufacturing paradigm) that are used to support the development of a new business model for competitiveness. They facilitate changes in organization structure in support of business transformation. A SME can source a good manufacturing practice using a model of academic-university collaboration to gain competitive advantage in the e-business world. The collaboration facilitates the change agents to use information systems development as a vehicle to increase the capability of executives in using information and knowledge management to gain higher responsiveness and customer satisfaction. The case company is used to illustrate the application of a web-based executive information system to interface internal communications with external operation. It explains where a good manufacturing practice may be re-applied by other SMEs to acquire skills as a learning organization grows in an extended enterprise setting.

The "general recognition and acceptance" standard of objectivity for good faith in prescribing: legal and medical implications.

PubMed

Brushwood, David B

2007-01-01

The United States Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit has ruled that a jury considering charges of drug trafficking against a pain management physician should be instructed that the defendant's good faith is a defense to the charges. The court rejected a subjective standard of good faith, and instead ruled that the good faith of the defendant must be evaluated from an objective perspective. This objective standard requires that the jury determine whether the defendant was practicing in accordance with the standard generally recognized and accepted in the United States. General recognition and acceptance are determined on a case-by-case basis, within the context of a defendant's practice. Simply because a physician's practice is out of the norm for many physicians does not mean it can't be generally recognized and accepted within the standard of medical practice. Expert witness testimony of pain management physicians will assist juries in the application of this standard for good faith in prescribing.

Hybrid supply chain model for material requirement planning under financial constraints: A case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Curci, Vita; Dassisti, Michele; Josefa, Mula Bru; Manuel, Díaz Madroñero

2014-10-01

Supply chain model (SCM) are potentially capable to integrate different aspects in supporting decision making for enterprise management tasks. The aim of the paper is to propose an hybrid mathematical programming model for optimization of production requirements resources planning. The preliminary model was conceived bottom-up from a real industrial case analysed oriented to maximize cash flow. Despite the intense computational effort required to converge to a solution, optimisation done brought good result in solving the objective function.

[Norwegian scabies in a pediatric patient with Down syndrome, a case report].

PubMed

Mantero, Natalia M; Jaime, Lorena J; Nijamin, Tamara R; Laffargue, Jorge A; De Lillo, Leonardo; Grees, Susana A

2013-12-01

Norwegian (crusted) scabies is a rare and extreme manifestation of scabies that can be observed mainly among immunosuppressed patients. Due to the high number of scabies mites present in each lesion, crusted scabies symptoms are much more intense than in usual scabies and it is thus highly contagious. A case study of a child with Down syndrome and Norwegian scabies who shows a good response to a treatment combining keratolytics, emollients, ivermectin and topical scabicides is described.

Performance of the score systems Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and III at an interdisciplinary intensive care unit, after customization

PubMed Central

Markgraf, Rainer; Deutschinoff, Gerd; Pientka, Ludger; Scholten, Theo; Lorenz, Cristoph

2001-01-01

Background: Mortality predictions calculated using scoring scales are often not accurate in populations other than those in which the scales were developed because of differences in case-mix. The present study investigates the effect of first-level customization, using a logistic regression technique, on discrimination and calibration of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and III scales. Method: Probabilities of hospital death for patients were estimated by applying APACHE II and III and comparing these with observed outcomes. Using the split sample technique, a customized model to predict outcome was developed by logistic regression. The overall goodness-of-fit of the original and the customized models was assessed. Results: Of 3383 consecutive intensive care unit (ICU) admissions over 3 years, 2795 patients could be analyzed, and were split randomly into development and validation samples. The discriminative powers of APACHE II and III were unchanged by customization (areas under the receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve 0.82 and 0.85, respectively). Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit tests showed good calibration for APACHE II, but insufficient calibration for APACHE III. Customization improved calibration for both models, with a good fit for APACHE III as well. However, fit was different for various subgroups. Conclusions: The overall goodness-of-fit of APACHE III mortality prediction was improved significantly by customization, but uniformity of fit in different subgroups was not achieved. Therefore, application of the customized model provides no advantage, because differences in case-mix still limit comparisons of quality of care. PMID:11178223

The ethics of separating conjoined twins: two arguments against.

PubMed

Kallberg, Luke

2018-02-01

I argue that the separation of conjoined twins in infancy or early childhood is unethical (rare exceptions aside). Cases may be divided into three types: both twins suffer from lethal abnormalities, only one twin has a lethal abnormality, or neither twin does. In the first kind of case, there is no reason to separate, since both twins will die regardless of treatment. In the third kind of case, I argue that separation at an early age is unethical because the twins are likely to achieve an irreplaceably good quality of life-the goods of conjoinment-that separation takes away. Evaluation of this possibility requires maturation past early childhood. Regarding the second type, I point out that with conceivable but unrecorded exceptions, these cases will consistently involve sacrifice separation. I present an argument that sacrifice separation is unethical, but in some cases a moral dilemma may exist in which separation and refraining from separation are both unethical. Perhaps in such cases a decision can be made on non-moral grounds; however, the possibility of such a decision serves not to mitigate but to underscore the fact that the separation is unethical. My conclusion, which applies to all three types of cases, is that it is unethical to separate conjoined twins before their developing personalities give some reliable indication as to whether they desire separation and whether they will achieve those goods of conjoinment.

Are Science Comics a Good Medium for Science Communication? The Case for Public Learning of Nanotechnology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lin, Shu-Fen; Lin, Huann-shyang; Lee, Ling; Yore, Larry D.

2015-01-01

Comic books possessing the features of humour, narrative, and visual representation are deemed as a potential medium for science communication; however, empirical studies exploring the effects of comics are scarce. The purposes of this study were to examine and compare the impacts of a comic book and a text booklet on conveying the concepts of…

Second Language Teaching Effectiveness from the Perspective of University Students: A Case Study of Departments of Applied Linguistics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mehrparvar, Frough; Karimnia, Amin

2018-01-01

Effective teaching is considered to be one of the factors that can facilitate learner achievement. The present study investigated the indicators that constituted good teaching from the perspective of higher-education students at Applied Linguistics departments, Iran. To do this, following a substantial review of the literature, the five major…

The Contribution of Advocacy NGOs in Governance through Cultivating of a Participatory Culture: Case Studies in Hong Kong

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leung, Yui Kei; Leung, Yan Wing; Yuen, Timothy Wai Wa

2016-01-01

A vibrant civil society, composed of active non-governmental organizations (NGOs), has always been identified as an important factor for "good governance". This paper reports a pilot study using semi-structured interviews to find out the contribution of advocacy NGOs in the governance of Hong Kong. It points out that the NGO's conception…

High-Quality Traineeships: Identifying What Works. A National Vocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation Program Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Erica; Comyn, Paul; Kemmis, Roslin Brennan; Smith, Andy

2009-01-01

This study explores the common features of high-quality traineeships using case studies from the cleaning, child care, construction, retail, finance and insurance, and meat processing areas. The research identifies a range of policy measures that could improve both the practice and image of traineeships. A good practice guide has also been…

A Different Result of Community Participation in Education: An Indonesian Case Study of Parental Participation in Public Primary Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fitriah, Amaliah; Sumintono, Bambang; Subekti, Nanang Bagus; Hassan, Zainudin

2013-01-01

Parental participation in school management is regarded as a good thing according to the rationale that local people know better and are able to be more responsive to their own needs. However, little is understood about the implications of the School Operational Support policy for community participation in education. This study investigated…

PSYCHIATRIC MORBIDITY AND PERSONALITY PROFILE IN DIVORCE SEEKING COUPLES

PubMed Central

Batra, Lalit; Gautam, Shiv

1995-01-01

To what extent psychiatric morbidity and personality factors contribute to marital disharmony and decision to divorce is still an unanswered question in Indian setting. This study was undertaken with aims to find out (1) the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in persons seeking divorce; (2) the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in persons who had good marital adjustment; (3) the nature of psychiatric morbidity observed in these subjects, and (4) the personality profile of these subjects. Fifty randomly selected divorce seeking couples (n=100) from the matrimonial court of Jaipur City and thirty couples with good marital adjustment (n=60) selected from the community were studied. Probable psychiatric cases identified by administering GHQ (Hindi version) were diagnosed according to ICD-10 and personality profile of all cases was studied by using 16 PF. High psychiatric morbidity (50%) was found among divorce seeking couples in comparison to control group (13%). There was a high prevalence of neurone disorders (22%) and mood disorders (16%) in experimental group. Schizophrenia and related disorders (10%) and substance abuse disorder (2%) were seen only in the experimental group. Specific personality factors related to divorce seeking individuals and persons with stable marriage have been identified. The implications of this study are highlighted. PMID:21743746

Assessment of Telemedicine in Surgical Education and Patient Care

PubMed Central

Demartines, Nicolas; Mutter, Didier; Vix, Michel; Leroy, Joël; Glatz, Dieter; Rösel, Fritz; Harder, Felix; Marescaux, Jacques

2000-01-01

Objective To analyze the value of teleconferencing for patient care and surgical education by assessing the activity of an international academic network. Summary Background Data The uses of telemedicine include teleeducation, training, and consulting, and surgical teams are now involved, sharing diagnostic information and opinions without the need for travel. However, the value of telematics in surgery remains to be assessed. Methods During a 2-year period, weekly surgical teleconferences were held among six university hospitals in four European countries. To assess the accuracy of telediagnosis for surgical cases, 60 randomly selected cases were analyzed by a panel of surgeons. Participants’ opinions were analyzed by questionnaire. Results Seventy teleconferences (50 lectures and 271 case presentations) were held. Ninety-five of the 114 participants (83.3%) completed the final questionnaire. Eighty-six percent rated the surgical activity as good or excellent, 75.7% rated the scientific level as good or excellent, 55.8% rated the daily clinical activity as good or excellent, and 28.4% rated the manual surgical technique as good or excellent. The target organ was identified in all the cases; the organ structure and pathology were considered well defined in 93.3%, and the fine structure was considered well defined in 58.3%. Diagnosis was accurate in 17 cases (28.3%), probable in 25 (41.7%), possible but uncertain in 16 (26.7%), and not possible in 2 cases (3.3%). Discussion among the remote sites increased the rate of valuable therapeutic advice from 55% of cases before the discussion to 95% after the discussion. Eighty-six percent of the surgeons expressed satisfaction with telematics for medical education and patient care. Conclusions Participant satisfaction was high, transmission of clinical documents was accurate, and the opportunity to discuss case documentation and management significantly improved diagnostic potential, resulting in an accuracy rate of up to 95%. Teleeducation and teleconsultation in surgery appear to be beneficial. PMID:10674622

Brain Volume Estimation Enhancement by Morphological Image Processing Tools.

PubMed

Zeinali, R; Keshtkar, A; Zamani, A; Gharehaghaji, N

2017-12-01

Volume estimation of brain is important for many neurological applications. It is necessary in measuring brain growth and changes in brain in normal/abnormal patients. Thus, accurate brain volume measurement is very important. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the method of choice for volume quantification due to excellent levels of image resolution and between-tissue contrast. Stereology method is a good method for estimating volume but it requires to segment enough MRI slices and have a good resolution. In this study, it is desired to enhance stereology method for volume estimation of brain using less MRI slices with less resolution. In this study, a program for calculating volume using stereology method has been introduced. After morphologic method, dilation was applied and the stereology method enhanced. For the evaluation of this method, we used T1-wighted MR images from digital phantom in BrainWeb which had ground truth. The volume of 20 normal brain extracted from BrainWeb, was calculated. The volumes of white matter, gray matter and cerebrospinal fluid with given dimension were estimated correctly. Volume calculation from Stereology method in different cases was made. In three cases, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) was measured. Case I with T=5, d=5, Case II with T=10, D=10 and Case III with T=20, d=20 (T=slice thickness, d=resolution as stereology parameters). By comparing these results of two methods, it is obvious that RMSE values for our proposed method are smaller than Stereology method. Using morphological operation, dilation allows to enhance the estimation volume method, Stereology. In the case with less MRI slices and less test points, this method works much better compared to Stereology method.

Single-session radiofrequency ablation on benign thyroid nodules: a prospective single center study : Radiofrequency ablation on thyroid.

PubMed

Aysan, Erhan; Idiz, Ufuk Oguz; Akbulut, Huseyin; Elmas, Leyla

2016-05-01

The activity of the application of single-session ultrasonography (US)-guided percutaneous radio frequency ablation (RFA) in benign thyroid nodules was investigated in this prospective clinical study. RFA treatment was applied to 100 nodules in 100 patients (78 women, 22 men; average age 44.5 years old; age range 18-71) who had euthyroid condition, nodule size larger than 1 cm in the ultrasonography, proven to be benign by fine needle aspiration cytology. The nodules were separated into three groups according to the content: solid, cystic and mixed. In first 73 cases, the process performed under local anesthesia and the other 27 cases were performed under general anesthesia. RFA process was standardized to 70 W in all of the patients, and a moving shot technique was used. The results acquired in the third and sixth months of the controls were evaluated, and the volume of the nodules was screened. No differences between the thyroid function tests performed before and after RFA were detected (p > 0.05). The mean volume of the nodules before the process, in the third month after the process, and in the sixth month were 16.8, 4.8, and 2.6 ml, respectively (p < 0.001). The decrease in cystic nodules was greater than solid and mixed structures. Temporary hoarseness occurred in one case and skin edema was detected in a patient at the isthmus. RFA is an option for treatment, with minimal invasiveness and a low complication rate, and it is effective primarily in cases with benign nodules and nodular goiter. In cases with good compliance, the likelihood of success is greater. General anesthesia can be a good option for anxious cases to gather better results.

[Lobular idiopathic granulomatos mastitis. About 10 cases].

PubMed

Hmissa, Sihem; Sahraoui, Wassila; Missaoui, Nabiha; Stita, Wided; Mokni, Moncef; Yacoubi, Mohamed T; Khairi, Hedi; Korbi, Sadok

2006-06-01

Our retrospective study was performed on 10 cases of granulomatous mastitis registered in Obstetric Gynaecology Department and Pathology Department of CHU F. Hached, Sousse, during 8 years period. The mean age was 36.4 years (range 32-59). Among these 10 cases. 8 were observed in reproductive-age women and 2 were noted in menopausal women. Clinical findings showed unilateral breast nodule associated with inflammatory signs in 4 cases, mammelonary retraction in 2 cases and serous or sero-purulent mamelonnary flow in 4 cases. Mamnmographic examination suggested a malignant tumor in 5 patients. In all cases, the diagnosis is made by histopathology. Surgical treatment consisted in wide excision with drainage or radical mastectomy, eventually with combination with antibiotic therapy and non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. Prognostic features showed a good cicatrization in 4 cases, local recurrence and cutaneous fistulization in one patient. Granulomatous mastitis aetiology is still unclear, auto-immune aetio-pathogenesis appears more interesting and should be clarified.

Strongly Correlated Electron Systems: An Operatorial Perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Ciolo, Andrea; Avella, Adolfo

2018-05-01

We discuss the operatorial approach to the study of strongly correlated electron systems and show how the exact solution of target models on small clusters chosen ad-hoc (minimal models) can suggest very efficient bulk approximations. We use the Hubbard model as case study (target model) and we analyze and discuss the crucial role of spin fluctuations in its 2-site realization (minimal model). Accordingly, we devise a novel three-pole approximation for the 2D case, including in the basic field an operator describing the dressing of the electronic one by the nearest-neighbor spin-fluctuations. Such a solution is in very good agreement with the exact one in the minimal model (2-site case) and performs very well once compared to advanced (semi-)numerical methods in the 2D case, being by far less computational-resource demanding.

Bikes, helmets, and public health: decision-making when goods collide.

PubMed

Bateman-House, Alison

2014-06-01

How ought public officials address policy choices that entail trade-offs between desirable public health goods? Increasing cycling improves public health both by promoting physical activity and by decreasing vehicle use, thus reducing vehicular emissions. Proponents of bicycle helmets argue that, used properly, they protect individual cyclists; however, there is concern that mandating helmet use may result in a decrease in cycling. In 2012, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg opposed a bicycle helmet mandate, concerned that it would have a negative impact on the city's cycling rate, which he had sought to increase. The mayor did not explain his rationale, leaving constituents unsure why he opposed the proposal. This case study underscores the challenge of creating public policy in the context of competing public health goods.

Chemical models of interstellar gas-grain processes. II - The effect of grain-catalysed methane on gas phase evolution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Paul D.; Charnley, S. B.

1991-01-01

The effects on gas phase chemistry which result from the continuous desorption of methane molecules from grain surfaces are studied. Significant and sustained enhancements in the abundances of several complex hydrocarbon molecules are found, in good agreement with their observed values in TMC-1. The overall agreement is, however, just as good for the case of zero CH4 desorption efficiency. It is thus impossible to determine from the models whether or not the grain-surface production of methane is responsible for the observed abundances of some hydrocarbon molecules.

An alternative to traditional goodness-of-fit tests for discretely measured continuous data

Treesearch

KaDonna C. Randolph; Bill Seaver

2007-01-01

Traditional goodness-of-fit tests such as the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and x2 tests are easily applied to data of the continuous or discrete type, respectively. Occasionally, however, the case arises when continuous data are recorded into discrete categories due to an imprecise measurement system. In this instance, the traditional goodness-of-fit...

Using donation mechanisms to value nonuse benefits from public goods

Treesearch

Patricia A. Champ; Richard C. Bishop; Thomas C. Brown; Daniel W. McCollum

1997-01-01

This paper discusses an experiment in which the value for an unfamiliar environmental good, whose total value has a large nonuse component, is verified using a revealed-preference method. As we were unable to observe preferences via an incentive compatible mechanism, we collected voluntary contributions toward the provision of the good. We make a case for interpreting...

[Treatment of ulnar collateral ligament avulsion fracture of thumb metacarpophalangeal joint using a combination of Kirschner wire and silk tension band].

PubMed

Gao, Shunhong; Feng, Shiming; Jiao, Cheng

2012-12-01

To investigate the effectiveness of Kirschner wire combined with silk tension band in the treatment of ulnar collateral ligament avulsion fracture of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint. Between September 2008 and October 2011, 14 patients with ulnar collateral ligament avulsion fracture of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint were treated using a combination of Kirschner wire and silk tension band. There were 8 males and 6 females, aged 23-55 years (mean, 40.8 years). The causes of injury were machinery twist injury in 5 cases, manual twist injury in 4 cases, falling in 4 cases, sports injury in 1 case. The time from injury to operation was 2 hours-14 days. All the patients presented pain over the ulnar aspect of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb, limitation of motion, and joint instability with pinch and grip. The lateral stress testing of the metacarpophalangeal joint was positive. Function training was given at 2 weeks after operation. All incisions healed by first intention. The lateral stress testing of the metacarpophalangeal joint was negative. All the patients were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 13.1 months). The X-ray films showed good fracture reduction and healing with an average time of 7 weeks (range, 4-10 weeks). At last follow-up, the thumbs had stable flexion and extension of the metacarpophalangeal joint, normal opposition function and grip and pinch strengths. According to Saetta et al. criteria for functional assessment, the results were excellent in 11 cases and good in 3 cases; the excellent and good rate was 100%. It is an easy and simple method to treat ulnar collateral ligament avulsion fracture of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint using Kirschner wire combined with silk tension band, which can meet the good finger function.

Advancing practice relating to SEA alternatives

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

González, Ainhoa, E-mail: agonzal@tcd.ie; Thérivel, Riki, E-mail: levett-therivel@phonecoop.coop; Fry, John, E-mail: john.fry@ucd.ie

Developing and assessing alternatives is a key and central stage to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). However, research has repeatedly reported this stage as one of the most poorly undertaken aspects of the SEA process. Current practice limitations include belated consideration of reasonable alternatives, narrow scope of alternatives that often include unrealistic or retrofitted options, limited stakeholder and public involvement in their identification, assessment and selection, lack of systematic approaches to their assessment and comparison, and inadequate reporting of the ‘storyline’ on how they were identified, what the potential impacts are and why the preferred alternative was selected. These issues havemore » resulted in objections and judicial reviews. On the positive side, a number of good practice case studies enable extraction of key lessons and formulation of a set of general recommendations to advance practice in SEA alternatives. In this paper, practical guidance on the identification and development of alternatives, their assessment and comparison, selection of the preferred option, and documentation of the process and the reasons for selection is provided and discussed to frame good practice approaches. - Highlights: • Alternatives are one of the most poorly completed aspects of Strategic Environmental Assessment. • Current practice limitations need to be addressed to enhance SEA effectiveness. • A set of recommendations are extracted from good practice case studies. • These recommendations can be applied across jurisdictions and sectors and tailored as necessary.« less

137 Ba Double Gamma Decay Measurement with GAMMASPHERE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Merchán, E.; Moran, K.; Lister, C. J.

2015-05-28

The study of the electromagnetic moments (EM), and decay probability, provides detailed information about nuclear wave functions. The well-know properties of EM interactions are good for extracting information about the motion of nucleons. Higher order EM processes always occur, but are usually too weak to be measured. In the case of a 0 + → 0 + transitions, where a single gamma transition is forbidden, the simultaneous emission of two γ-rays has been studied. An interesting opportunity to further investigate 2-photon emission phenomena is by using a standard 137Cs source populating, via β-decay, the J π = 11/2 - isomericmore » state at 662 keV in 137Ba. In this case, two photon process can have contributions from quadrupole-quadrupole or dipole-octupole multipolarities in direct competition with the high multipolarity M4 decay. Since the yield of the double gamma decay is around six orders of magnitude less than the first order transition, very good statistics are needed in order to observe the phenomena and great care must be taken to suppress the first-order decay. The Gammasphere array is ideal since its configuration allows a good coverage of the angular distribution and the Compton events can be suppressed. Nevertheless the process to understand and eliminate the Compton background is a challenge. Geant4 simulations were carried out to help understand and correct for those factors.« less

Ultrathin Silicon Sheet in the Management of Unilateral Post-traumatic Temporo-Mandibuar Joint Ankylosis in Children: A Good Alternative to Conventional Techniques.

PubMed

Aggarwal, Sushil Kumar; Ankur, Bhatnagar; Jain, R K

2015-09-01

We have described a new technique of using ultra-thin silicon sheet (0.2 mm) between two transected bony ends for temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis in children with advantages of short operative time, minimal foreign material insertion and faster recovery time post-operatively which makes our technique a good alternative to conventional techniques. Our study is a non-randomized prospective study conducted on 10 children aged between 4 and 15 years who presented to our tertiary care institute with severe trismus after traumatic injury and were willing to undergo this new technique. The main outcome measure taken into consideration was difference between pre-operative, intra-operative (on table) and post-operative mouth opening (minimum 2 years follow-up). The pre-operative mouth opening in our cases varied from 1 to 5 mm. The intra-operative mouth opening achieved ranged from 2.8 to 3.2 cm. The mouth opening was about more than 2.7 cm in all our cases at 2 years of follow-up. Our technique is a good alternative to conventional techniques used for TMJ ankylosis in children but few more randomized controlled trials are required to assess its effectiveness in comparison to conventional techniques and for universal adoption of this technique.

Binocular diplopia in a tertiary hospital: Aetiology, diagnosis and treatment.

PubMed

Merino, P; Fuentes, D; Gómez de Liaño, P; Ordóñez, M A

2017-12-01

To study the causes, diagnosis and treatment in a case series of binocular diplopia. A retrospective chart review was performed on patients seen in the Diplopia Unit of a tertiary centre during a one-year period. Diplopia was classified as: acute≤1 month since onset; subacute (1-6 months); and chronic (>6 months). Resolution of diplopia was classified as: spontaneous if it disappeared without treatment, partial if the course was intermittent, and non-spontaneous if treatment was required. It was considered a good outcome when diplopia disappeared completely (with or without treatment), or when diplopia was intermittent without significantly affecting the quality of life. A total of 60 cases were included. The mean age was 58.65 years (60% female). An acute or subacute presentation was observed in 60% of the patients. The mean onset of diplopia was 82.97 weeks. The most frequent aetiology was ischaemic (45%). The most frequent diagnosis was sixth nerve palsy (38.3%), followed by decompensated strabismus (30%). Neuroimaging showed structural lesions in 17.7% of the patients. There was a spontaneous resolution in 28.3% of the cases, and there was a good outcome with disappearance of the diplopia in 53.3% at the end of the study. The most frequent causes of binocular diplopia were cranial nerve palsies, especially the sixth cranial nerve, followed by decompensated strabismus. Structural lesions in imaging tests were more than expected. Only one third of patients had a spontaneous resolution, and half of them did not have a good outcome despite of treatment. Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Oftalmología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

The post-Ebola virus disease scourge in Nigeria: Individual levels of preparedness among physicians in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.

PubMed

Alli, Adewale L; Nwegbu, Maxwell M; Ibekwe, Perpetua U; Ibekwe, Titus S

2016-01-01

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a viral hemorrhagic illness with great propensity for spread across international borders. The latest outbreak in the West African region, which involved Nigeria, was the worst among previously documented 25 outbreaks since discovery in 1976. The Nigerian response toward attaining Ebola free status was phenomenal and a case study for most nations. However, the persistence of EVD in West Africa is still a risk to recurrence, hence, the need to assess the level of consciousness of Nigerian physicians towards this. A cross-sectional study utilizing the instrument of a pretested semi-structured questionnaire was conducted among physicians practicing within the federal capital city of Nigeria. General knowledge, treatment, prevention, and reporting of EVD were assessed and appropriate statistical analyses done using SPSS 20. Of the 101 respondents, 45% and 87% showed excellent level (>80% score) of "general knowledge" and "reporting" on EVD, respectively. However, only 51% respondents had good (60-80%) knowledge on EVD treatment. Three percent correctly identified the "EVD helpline" phone-numbers for reporting suspected cases. Furthermore, 43.6% admitted the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) in their hospitals while 35.6% had witnessed a demonstration of the use. The distribution of the PPEs appeared skewed - 74.4% (teaching-hospitals), 16% (private-hospitals), and the primary health care centers (9.6%). A majority of the physicians showed good level of preparedness as it relates to general knowledge on EVD, knowledge on good clinical practice, use of protocols and standard precautions and PPE. The identification of deficits in knowledge on treatment of EVD and flow path for the notification of suspected cases requires urgent redress given the risk of re-occurrence in the country.

Clinico-pathological patterns of a rare presentation of abdominal neuroblastoma in children.

PubMed

Aldaqal, Saleh M; Turki, Ali M

2013-01-01

To study the diagnosis, management, and outcome of abdominal neuroblastoma (NBL) in infants and children and also the behavior of some rare types. This is a retrospective review of 46 infants and children having abdominal NBL at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Tanta University Hospital, Tanta, Egypt (a joint study) between February 2008 and January 2012. The patients' medical records were reviewed for demographic details, clinical presentations, histopathology, radiological diagnosis, management, and outcome. Of the 46 patients, 5 (10.7%), three males and two females, aged 1.5-6.5 years (mean: 4.5 years) had rare types of NBL (one bilateral NBL, one pelvic NBL, one pelvic-abdominal, and there were two cases of ganglioneuroblastoma). Three patients (two ganglioneuroblastoma and one pelvic) underwent complete surgical removal of the tumor with a good disease survival, whereas the other two patients (two bilateral and one pelviabdominal) had advanced disease and received palliative chemoradiotherapy. The remaining 41 patients, 23 males (56.1%) and 18 females (43.9%), with mean age 3.9 years (range: 1-7 years), had unilateral abdominal NBL. Twelve of them had resectable tumor and underwent primary surgical removal of the tumor, whereas the remaining 29 patients had unresectable tumor and received pre-operative chemotherapy with good response of the tumor in seven patients and no response in the remaining 22 patients. Primary complete surgical removal of tumor is advisable in localized NBL with a good outcome, whereas in advanced cases, it is better to start with pre-operative chemotherapy to downsize the tumour mass and safe delayed surgical excision. An increase in patient's age is associated with advanced stage of NBL and poor prognosis except in ganglioneuroblastoma cases due to maturation of tumor cells.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding dengue virus infection among inhabitants of Aceh, Indonesia: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Harapan, Harapan; Rajamoorthy, Yogambigai; Anwar, Samsul; Bustamam, Aslam; Radiansyah, Arsil; Angraini, Pradiba; Fasli, Riny; Salwiyadi, Salwiyadi; Bastian, Reza Akbar; Oktiviyari, Ade; Akmal, Imaduddin; Iqbalamin, Muhammad; Adil, Jamalul; Henrizal, Fenni; Darmayanti, Darmayanti; Pratama, Rovy; Setiawan, Abdul Malik; Mudatsir, Mudatsir; Hadisoemarto, Panji Fortuna; Dhimal, Mandira Lamichhane; Kuch, Ulrich; Groneberg, David Alexander; Imrie, Allison; Dhimal, Meghnath; Müller, Ruth

2018-02-27

The Indonesian region of Aceh was the area most severely affected by the earthquake and tsunami of 26 December 2004. Department of Health data reveal an upward trend of dengue cases in Aceh since the events of the tsunami. Despite the increasing incidence of dengue in the region, there is limited understanding of dengue among the general population of Aceh. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding dengue among the people of Aceh, Indonesia in order to design intervention strategies for an effective dengue prevention program. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Aceh between November 2014 and March 2015 with a total of 609 participants living in seven regencies and two municipalities. Information on the socio-demographic characteristics of participants and their KAP regarding dengue was collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The KAP status (good vs. poor) of participants with different socio-demographic characteristics was compared using Chi Square-test, ANOVA or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of each KAP domain. We found that 45% of participants had good knowledge regarding dengue and only 32% had good attitudes and good dengue preventive practices. There was a significant positive correlation between knowledge and attitudes, knowledge and practice, and attitudes and practice. In addition, people who had good knowledge were 2.7 times more likely to have good attitudes, and people who had good attitudes were 2.2 times more likely to have good practices regarding dengue. The level of education, occupation, marital status, monthly income, socioeconomic status (SES) and living in the city were associated with the knowledge level. Occupation, SES, and having experienced dengue fever were associated with attitudes. Education, occupation, SES and type of residence were associated with preventive practices. Our study suggests that dengue prevention programs are required to increase KAP levels regarding dengue in the communities of Aceh.

An open study to assess the safety and efficacy of Aesculus hippocastanum tablets (Aesculaforce 50mg) in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency.

PubMed

Dickson, Sylvia; Gallagher, Julie; McIntyre, Lorna; Suter, Andy; Tan, Jen

2004-01-01

An open study was carried out to assess, primarily, the safety and tolerability of Aesculus hippocastanum in the treatment of CVI. Patients underwent 8 consecutive weeks of treatment and were asked to take one 50 mg Aesculus hippocastanum tablet, twice daily. In total, 91 adverse events were reported, of which only 4 were rated as probably related to the study drug. Patients judged the tolerability of the study medication in the majority of the cases at visits 2 and 3 (90 and 95%, respectively) to be "good" or "fairly good." Only 2 patients rated tolerability as poor at visit 3. For each of the symptoms investigated the difference in the median value between baseline and visit 3 was found to be statistically significant and both the ankle and lower leg circumference decreased. The PPG measurements were rejected after analysis since validation measurements carried out after the trial showed that the PPG technique had an internal error of around 30%. Nevertheless, the majority of patients rated efficacy to be "very good" or "good," with only 10 patients reporting no effect by the end of the study. The results of this study indicate that Aesculaforce 50 mg tablets are a safe, well-tolerated and efficacious treatment for Widmer stage I and II CVI.

[Suspension laryngoscopic surgery for laryngotracheal stenosis of 32 cases].

PubMed

Wang, Chunyan; Qin, Yong; Xiao, Shuifang

2014-08-01

To investigate the efficacy of suspension laryngoscopic surgery for benign laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS). Thirty-two patients (aged from 5 to 70 years with a median of 36 years) with benign LTS were studied retrospectively who were treated by suspension laryngoscopic surgery with or without assistance of CO₂ Laser for LTS. Stents were placed in 17 cases. Among 32 patients, 13 cases were with LST in Cotton I, 8 cases in Cotton II, and 11 cases in Cotton III; 23 were with single level narrow, and 9 cases with multi-level narrow; the average narrow length was 1.3 cm and the average diameter at maximum stenosis was 0.5 cm; and 19 cases underwent tracheostomy before surgery. Follow-up period ranged from 1 to 18 years with median time of 10 years. Twenty-six patients (81.2%) were successfully decannulated with good airway patency and effective phonation. Six cases failed and 1 case of them was changed to open surgery. Among 17 cases with stent placement, 4 cases were applied additionally with T tube (effective rate of 50.0%), 1 case with laryngeal keel, 12 cases with stents alone (effective rate of 66.7%). Stent-related complications occurred in 2 cases. Patients with cotton I-II had a successful rate of 100% (21/21), while patients with Cotton III showed poor effectiveness (5/11), with a statistical significant difference between two groups (χ² = 14.098, P = 0.001). The patients with single level LTS were successfully treated by suspension laryngoscopic surgery with 100% successful rate (23/23), while the patients with multi-level LTS showed poor effectiveness (3/9), with a statistical significant difference between two groups (χ² = 18.872, P = 0.000) . Suspension laryngoscopic microsurgery can treat single level LTS with good results and also can be used as a pre-surgery in treatment of multi-level LTS with the virtue of minimal trauma and short recovery time. Application of stents can be helpful for suspension laryngoscope surgery for LST.

[Study of cefuroxime in pediatric field (author's transl)].

PubMed

Iwai, N; Sasaki, A; Miyazu, M; Osuga, T; Inaguma, K

1979-11-01

1. Cefuroxime (CXM) was studied for absorption and excretion in 4 pediatric patients given one shot intravenous injection of 20 approximately 25 mg/kg. The following serum levels were determined: 24.5 approximately 38.0 micrograms/ml at 30 minutes (mean 33.3 +/- 6.1 micrograms/ml), 10.0 approximately 17.0 micrograms/ml at 1 hours (mean 13.9 +/- 3.3 micrograms/ml), 3.4 approximately 7.6 micrograms/ml at 2 hours (mean 5.2 +/- 1.9 micrograms/ml, 0.7 approximately 2.1 micrograms/ml at 4 hours (mean 1.3 +/- 0.6 micrograms/ml, 0.1 approximately 0.3 microgram/ml at 6 hours (mean 0.2 +/- 0.1 microgram microgram/ml). Half-life (T 1/2) was 0.65 approximately 0.88 hour (mean 0.75 +/- 0.10 hour). Urinary levels were 1,280 approximately 7,100 micrograms/ml at 0 approximately 2 hours, 96 approximately 3,400 micrograms/ml at 2 approximately 4 hours, 68 approximately 250 micrograms/ml at 4 approximately 6 hours. Urinary recovery rate at 0 approximately 6 hours was 54.1 approximately 74.4% (mean 61.8 +/- 9.4%). 2. From the study on spinal fluid concentration in pediatric patients with Haemophilus influenzae-induced meningitis, the dose of CXM 52.2 mg/kg was given to 1 pediatric case with this disease by one shot intravenous injection. Spinal fluid levels were presumed as 9.0 micrograms/ml at 30 minutes, 6.8 micrograms/ml at 1 hour, 3.8 micrograms/ml at 2 hours and 1.2 micrograms/ml at 4 hours. 3. CXM was studied in 19 pediatric patients with bacterial infection for clinical efficacy, bacteriological effect and side effect. Clinical result was found good in 1 with purulent meningitis; excellent in 9 out of 15 with acute lobar pneumonia or acute bronchopneumonia, and good in remaining 6 cases; good in 2 with acute bronchitis; excellent in 1 with acute pyelonephritis. This represents efficacy ("excellent" plus "good") rate of 100%. Of 5 strains of H. influenzae presumed as causative organisms, 4 were disappeared and 1 was reduced. Two strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae and 1 strain of Escherichia coli were disappeared. No side effect was noted in terms of clinical symptom. Laboratory examination showed elevation of GOT and GPT in 1 case, but these elevated values returned to normal after the end of the CXM treatment.

Post-resuscitation care and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a nationwide propensity score-matching analysis.

PubMed

Kim, Joo Yeong; Shin, Sang Do; Ro, Young Sun; Song, Kyoung Jun; Lee, Eui Jung; Park, Chang Bae; Hwang, Seung Sik

2013-08-01

This study aimed to determine whether active post-resuscitation care (APRC) was associated with improved out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes on a nationwide level. We used a national OHCA cohort database consisting of hospital and ambulance data. We included all survivors of OHCA, excluding patients with non-cardiac etiology, younger than 15 years, and with unknown outcomes, from (2008 to 2010). The APRC was defined when the OHCA patients received mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) or active cardiac care (ACC), such as intravenous thrombolysis, percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass surgery, and pacemaker/implantable cardioverter defibrillator insertion, as well as routine intensive care; patients receiving conservative post-resuscitation care (CPRC) served as the other group. The primary and secondary outcomes were survival to discharge and a good neurological outcome (cerebral performance category [CPC] 1-2), respectively. We extracted propensity-matched samples to control for selection bias. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to compare the APRC and CPRC groups adjusting for potential risks to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Of total 64,155 patients, 4557 survived to admission and were included in the final analysis. Out of these patients, 1599 (35.1%) cases survived to discharge, and 499 (11.0%) cases were discharged with good neurological recoveries. Overall, 695 cases (15.3%) received any APRC, including MTH (n=377, 8.3%) and ACC (370, 8.1%). The outcomes was better in the APRC group than in the CPRC group for survival to discharge (58.7% vs. 30.8%, p<0.001) and good neurological outcome (27.2% vs. 8.0%, p<0.001), respectively. In the total cohort, the adjusted ORs of the APRC group compared to those the CPRC group were 2.15 (95% CI 1.78-2.59) for survival to discharge and 2.54 (95% CI 1.98-3.27) for a good neurological outcome. In the propensity score-matched cohort, the adjusted ORs for survival to discharge and good neurological outcome of APRC were significantly favorable. Active post-resuscitation care resulted in significantly improved outcomes in adult OHCA patients with a presumed cardiac etiology in a nationwide, retrospective, observational study. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cyclic public goods games: Compensated coexistence among mutual cheaters stabilized by optimized penalty taxation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Griffin, Christopher; Belmonte, Andrew

2017-05-01

We study the problem of stabilized coexistence in a three-species public goods game in which each species simultaneously contributes to one public good while freeloading off another public good ("cheating"). The proportional population growth is governed by an appropriately modified replicator equation, depending on the returns from the public goods and the cost. We show that the replicator dynamic has at most one interior unstable fixed point and that the population becomes dominated by a single species. We then show that by applying an externally imposed penalty, or "tax" on success can stabilize the interior fixed point, allowing for the symbiotic coexistence of all species. We show that the interior fixed point is the point of globally minimal total population growth in both the taxed and untaxed cases. We then formulate an optimal taxation problem and show that it admits a quasilinearization, resulting in novel necessary conditions for the optimal control. In particular, the optimal control problem governing the tax rate must solve a certain second-order ordinary differential equation.

Cyclic public goods games: Compensated coexistence among mutual cheaters stabilized by optimized penalty taxation.

PubMed

Griffin, Christopher; Belmonte, Andrew

2017-05-01

We study the problem of stabilized coexistence in a three-species public goods game in which each species simultaneously contributes to one public good while freeloading off another public good ("cheating"). The proportional population growth is governed by an appropriately modified replicator equation, depending on the returns from the public goods and the cost. We show that the replicator dynamic has at most one interior unstable fixed point and that the population becomes dominated by a single species. We then show that by applying an externally imposed penalty, or "tax" on success can stabilize the interior fixed point, allowing for the symbiotic coexistence of all species. We show that the interior fixed point is the point of globally minimal total population growth in both the taxed and untaxed cases. We then formulate an optimal taxation problem and show that it admits a quasilinearization, resulting in novel necessary conditions for the optimal control. In particular, the optimal control problem governing the tax rate must solve a certain second-order ordinary differential equation.

Prediction of attenuation of the 28 GHz COMSTAR beacon signal using radar and measured rain drop spectra

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldhirsh, J.

1977-01-01

Disdrometer measurements and radar reflectivity measurements were injected into a computer program to estimate the path attenuation of the signal. Predicted attenuations when compared with the directly measured ones showed generally good correlation on a case by case basis and very good agreement statistically. The utility of using radar in conjunction with disdrometer measurements for predicting fade events and long term fade distributions associated with earth-satellite telecommunications is demonstrated.

Building a model for day case hiatal surgery - Lessons learnt over a 10 year period in a high volume unit: A case series.

PubMed

Mistry, Pritesh; Zaman, Shafquat; Shapey, Iestyn; Daskalakis, Markos; Nijjar, Rajwinder; Richardson, Martin; Super, Paul; Singhal, Rishi

2018-06-01

Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery has become the standard treatment for symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease refractory to medical therapy. Successful anti-reflux surgery involves safe, minimally invasive surgery, resulting in symptom resolution with minimal side effects. This study aims to assess the feasibility and safety of day case anti-reflux surgery focussing on peri- and post-operative outcomes as a measure of success. Data was collected from the hospital database from 2003 to 2012. Data collection included demographics, surgeon, mode of admission, length of stay and complications. Electronic records were independently scrutinised for all patients with a length of stay of more than two nights. 723 patients underwent laparoscopic fundoplication ± small hiatus hernia repair (<5 cm) with a day case rate of 67.1%. The 30 day readmission rate in these patients was 2.9% (21/723 patients). Nine patients had a failure of their initial laparoscopic fundoplication (defined as recurrence of symptoms). Three patients required a re-operation within 12 months of their initial procedure (re-operation rate = 0.41% (3/723 patients)). Laparoscopic hiatal surgery can be performed safely as a day case in high volume specialist centres with good outcomes. Raising the national standard for day case fundoplication promotes good practice and should be the model for future commissioning. Crown Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Percutaneous CT and Fluoroscopy-Guided Screw Fixation of Pathological Fractures in the Shoulder Girdle: Technical Report of 3 Cases

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Garnon, Julien, E-mail: juliengarnon@gmail.com; Koch, Guillaume, E-mail: Guillaume.koch@gmail.com; Ramamurthy, Nitin, E-mail: Nitin-ramamurthy@hotmail.com

ObjectiveTo review our initial experience with percutaneous CT and fluoroscopy-guided screw fixation of pathological shoulder-girdle fractures.Materials and MethodsBetween May 2014 and June 2015, three consecutive oncologic patients (mean age 65 years; range 57–75 years) with symptomatic pathological shoulder-girdle fractures unsuitable for surgery and radiotherapy underwent percutaneous image-guided screw fixation. Fractures occurred through metastases (n = 2) or a post-ablation cavity (n = 1). Mechanical properties of osteosynthesis were adjudged superior to stand-alone cementoplasty in each case. Cannulated screws were placed under combined CT and fluoroscopic guidance with complementary radiofrequency ablation or cementoplasty to optimise local palliation and secure screw fixation, respectively, in two cases. Follow-up wasmore » undertaken every few weeks until mortality or most recent appointment.ResultsFour pathological fractures were treated in three patients (2 acromion, 1 clavicular, 1 coracoid). Mean size of associated lesion was 2.6 cm (range 1–4.5 cm). Technical success was achieved in all cases (100 %), without complications. Good palliation and restoration of mobility were observed in two cases at 2–3 months; one case could not be followed due to early post-procedural oncologic mortality.ConclusionPercutaneous image-guided shoulder-girdle osteosynthesis appears technically feasible with good short-term efficacy in this complex patient subset. Further studies are warranted to confirm these promising initial results.« less

[Effect of axial stress stimulation on tibial and fibular open fractures healing after Taylor space stent fixation].

PubMed

Ge, Qihang; Wan, Chunyou; Liu, Yabei; Ji, Xu; Ma, Jihai; Cao, Haikun; Yong, Wei; Liu, Zhao; Zhang, Ningning

2017-08-01

To investigate the effect of axial stress stimulation on tibial and fibular open fractures healing after Taylor space stent fixation. The data of 45 cases with tibial and fibular open fractures treated by Taylor space stent fixation who meet the selection criteria between January 2015 and June 2016 were retrospectively analysed. The patients were divided into trial group (23 cases) and control group (22 cases) according to whether the axial stress stimulation was performed after operation. There was no significant difference in gender, age, affected side, cause of injury, type of fracture, and interval time from injury to operation between 2 groups ( P >0.05). The axial stress stimulation was performed in trial group after operation. The axial load sharing ratio was tested, and when the value was less than 10%, the external fixator was removed. The fracture healing time, full weight-bearing time, and external fixator removal time were recorded and compared. After 6 months of external fixator removal, the function of the limb was assessed by Johner-Wruhs criteria for evaluation of final effectiveness of treatment of tibial shaft fractures. There were 2 and 3 cases of needle foreign body reaction in trial group and control group, respectively, and healed after symptomatic anti allergic treatment. All the patients were followed up 8-12 months with an average of 10 months. All the fractures reached clinical healing, no complication such as delayed union, nonunion, or osteomyelitis occurred. The fracture healing time, full weight-bearing time, and external fixator removal time in trial group were significantly shorter than those in control group ( P <0.05). After 6 months of external fixator removal, the function of the limb was excellent in 13 cases, good in 6 cases, fair in 3 cases, and poor in 1 case in trial group, with an excellent and good rate of 82.6%; and was excellent in 5 cases, good in 10 cases, fair in 4 cases, and poor in 3 cases in control group, with an excellent and good rate of 68.2%, showing significant difference between 2 groups ( Z =-2.146, P =0.032). The axial stress stimulation of Taylor space stent fixation can promote the healing of tibial and fibular open fractures and promote local bone formation at fracture site.

The Current State of Sensing, Health Management, and Control for Small-To-Medium-Sized Manufacturers

PubMed Central

Helu, Moneer; Weiss, Brian

2017-01-01

The development of digital technologies for manufacturing has been challenged by the difficulty of navigating the breadth of new technologies available to industry. This difficulty is compounded by technologies developed without a good understanding of the capabilities and limitations of the manufacturing environment, especially within small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). This paper describes industrial case studies conducted to identify the needs, priorities, and constraints of manufacturing SMEs in the areas of performance measurement, condition monitoring, diagnosis, and prognosis. These case studies focused on contract and original equipment manufacturers with less than 500 employees from several industrial sectors. Solution and equipment providers and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers were also included. Each case study involved discussions with key shop-floor personnel as well as site visits with some participants. The case studies highlight SME's strong need for access to appropriate data to better understand and plan manufacturing operations. They also help define industrially-relevant use cases in several areas of manufacturing operations, including scheduling support, maintenance planning, resource budgeting, and workforce augmentation. PMID:28736773

Predictors of the clinical effects of pirfenidone on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

PubMed

Arai, Toru; Inoue, Yoshikazu; Sasaki, Yumiko; Tachibana, Kazunobu; Nakao, Keiko; Sugimoto, Chikatoshi; Okuma, Tomohisa; Akira, Masanori; Kitaichi, Masanori; Hayashi, Seiji

2014-03-01

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease with a poor prognosis. Recently, pirfenidone was reported to slow the rate of decline in vital capacity and improve progression-free survival in IPF. The purpose of this study was to clarify the factors that predicted a good response to pirfenidone, as well as its adverse effects. Forty-one IPF cases, treated with pirfenidone from January 2009 to January 2011, were enrolled in this investigation. Disease severity was classified into grades I-IV, as defined by the Japanese Respiratory Society (JRS). Short-term responsiveness to pirfenidone was evaluated by the modified criteria of the JRS. Predictors of nausea, anorexia, or both that represented important adverse effects were examined by multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses. Predictors of short-time responsiveness were examined by multivariate logistic regression analyses. Diagnosed by a surgical lung biopsy (SLB), the mild cases of grade I/II were predictors of good, short-term responsiveness. Patients taking acid-secretion inhibitors, including proton pump inhibitors and histamine H2-receptor antagonists, showed less anorexia, nausea, or both. Only 1 case was administered drugs to activate gastrointestinal motility. We concluded that IPF patients with a mild disease, diagnosis by SLB, or both showed indications of a good response to pirfenidone. In addition, acid-secretion inhibitors may reduce the frequency of anorexia, nausea, or both from pirfenidone. © 2013 The Japanese Respiratory Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of TCMC on Transformation of Good Health Status to Suboptimal Health Status: A Nested Case-Control Study

PubMed Central

Wang, Tian; Chen, Jieyu; Sun, Xiaomin; Xiang, Lei; Zhou, Lin; Li, Fei; Lin, Changsong; Jiang, Pingping; Wu, Shengwei; Xiao, Ya; Cheng, Jingru; Luo, Ren; Liu, Yanyan; Zhao, Xiaoshan

2015-01-01

To explore the effects of traditional Chinese medicine constitution (TCMC) on transformation of good health status to suboptimal health status (SHS), we conducted a nested case-control study among college students in China. During the 18-month mean follow-up time, 543 cases of SHS (42.7%) occurred in 1273 healthy students. There was a significant (P = 0.000) and marked reduction in SHMS V1.0 total score in the case group at the 18-month follow-up (69.32 ± 5.45) compared with baseline (78.60 ± 4.70), but there was no significant change in the control group. Conditional logistic regression analysis showed that respondents reporting Yin-deficiency and Qi-deficiency were, respectively, 2.247 and 2.198 times more likely to develop SHS, while tendency to Yin-deficiency and tendency to Damp-heat were, respectively, 1.642 and 1.506 times more likely to develop SHS. However, the Balanced Constitution was a significant protective factor (OR 0.649; P < 0.05). Altogether, these findings demonstrate that Yin-deficiency, Qi-deficiency, tendency to Yin-deficiency, and tendency to Damp-heat appeared to induce a change in health status to SHS, while the Balanced Constitution seemed to restrain this change. We conclude that regulating the unbalanced TCMC (such as Yin-deficiency and Qi-deficiency) may prevent a healthy status developing into SHS or lead to the regression of SHS. PMID:26346320

Cavitary Pulmonary Sporotrichosis: Case Report and Literature Review.

PubMed

Rojas, Florencia D; Fernández, Mariana S; Lucchelli, Juan Manuel; Lombardi, Dora; Malet, José; Vetrisano, María Eugenia; Cattana, María Emilia; Sosa, María de Los Ángeles; Giusiano, Gustavo

2017-12-01

A case of cavitary pulmonary sporotrichosis without mucocutaneous involvement caused by Sporothrix schenckii is reported in a sexagenarian woman with a long smoking history. The patient was hospitalized for septic shock with multiorgan failure from a respiratory focus. The diagnosis was delayed due to the fungal etiological agent was not initially considered in the differential diagnosis. A good clinical and radiological evolution was obtained with the antifungal therapy. Occasional cases of primary pulmonary sporotrichosis have been reported in the literature. Due to its low incidence, this is a less-known and underestimated clinical form. Both clinical suspicion and microbiological studies are needed to reach pulmonary sporotrichosis diagnosis.

Can phronesis save the life of medical ethics?

PubMed

Beresford, E B

1996-09-01

There has been a growing interest in casuistry since the ground breaking work of Jonsen and Toulmin. Casuistry, in their view, offers the possibility of securing the moral agreement that policy makers desire but which has proved elusive to theory driven approaches to ethics. However, their account of casuistry is dependent upon the exercise of phronesis. As recent discussions of phronesis make clear, this requires attention not only to the particulars of the case, but also to the substantive goods at stake in the case. Without agreement on these goods attention to cases is unlikely to secure the productive consensus that Jonson and Toulmin seek.

Exploring a Framework for Consequential Validity for Performance-Based Assessments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, Su Jung

2017-01-01

This study explores a new comprehensive framework for understanding elements of validity, specifically for performance assessments that are administered within specific and dynamic contexts. The adoption of edTPA is a good empirical case for examining the concept of consequential validity because this assessment has been implemented at the state…

"Good, Steady Progress": Success Stories from Ontario Elementary Schools in Challenging Circumstances

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flessa, Joseph; Gallagher-Mackay, Kelly; Parker, Darlene Ciuffetelli

2010-01-01

This paper presents findings from a funded case study research project conducted in Ontario, Canada during the 2007-2008 school year. Together with the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO), the researchers undertook a qualitative investigation to identify and describe success stories from a diverse sample of 11 Ontario elementary…

Alumni Relations in Chinese HEIs: Case Studies of Three Major Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhimin, Luo; Chunlian, Chen; Xian, Wang

2016-01-01

Good alumni relations are key to universities and colleges winning support from their graduates. With reference to social capital theory, an important problem in establishing strong alumni relations is how to turn alumni resources, an important university social network, into productive, public, and abundant capital. Based on the established…

Sexuality Education Delivery in Australian Regional Secondary Schools: A Qualitative Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hulme Chambers, Alana; Tomnay, Jane; Clune, Samantha; Roberts, Sarah

2017-01-01

Background: Factors affecting the delivery of sexuality education to school students include government policy, school leadership and teacher confidence. Objective: The aim of this paper was to understand, from the perspective of regional education, health and welfare sector professionals, what is needed to support good sexual health for secondary…

Disability Rights, Gender, and Development: A Resource Tool for Action. Full Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Silva de Alwis, Rangita

2008-01-01

This resource tool builds a normative framework to examine the intersections of disability rights and gender in the human rights based approach to development. Through case studies, good practices and analyses the research tool makes recommendations and illustrates effective tools for the implementation of gender and disability sensitive laws,…

Optimizaton of corrosion control for lead in drinking water using computational modeling techniques

EPA Science Inventory

Computational modeling techniques have been used to very good effect in the UK in the optimization of corrosion control for lead in drinking water. A “proof-of-concept” project with three US/CA case studies sought to demonstrate that such techniques could work equally well in the...

Introducing Future Engineers to Sustainable Ecology Problems: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Filipkowski, A.

2011-01-01

The problem of Earth environmental destruction by human activities is becoming dangerous. Engineers responsible for the production of any goods should be well aware of the negative influence of their activities on the state of the planet. This is why the understanding of ecological problems is essential for people responsible for production and…

A Framework for Enabling Graduate Outcomes in Undergraduate Programmes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bond, C. H.; Spronken-Smith, R.; McLean, A.; Smith, N.; Frielick, S.; Jenkins, M.; Marshall, S.

2017-01-01

Our research aim was to determine what enables engagement with graduate outcomes in tertiary institutions in Aotearoa/New Zealand. We used a mixed methods approach comprising a survey sent to all tertiary institutions, follow-up interviews with 10 academic leaders and eight case studies of good practice of programmes engaged with graduate outcomes…

From Standards to Compliance, to Good Services, to Quality Lives: Is This How It Works?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shea, John R.

1992-01-01

Licensing and certification regulations for Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR) can adversely affect individuals, distort the allocation of scarce resources, and encourage community residences to become small institutions. A case study of one home in northern California illustrates poor program evaluation and the need…

Becoming Good Human Beings: Low-Income Mothers' Dreams for Children and Their Insight into Children's Needs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mohr, Jennifer; Zygmunt, Eva; Clark, Patricia

2012-01-01

A case study approach was employed to investigate low-income families' aspirations for their children and their understandings of their children's developmental needs. Participants were four women whose children or grandchildren were enrolled in an urban early childhood program and were considered "at risk." Qualitative methods including…

Magnet Schools: A Retrospective Case Study of Segregation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gersti-Pepin, Cynthia

2002-01-01

Often lost in the discourse regarding educational policy-making and implementation are the micropolitical experiences of the individuals who are most affected by policy: students. Policymakers often develop policy under the guise of making schools better, but in effect they often lose sight of insuring that all students receive a good education…

Unauthorized Education: Challenging Borders between Good and Bad Immigrants

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nájera, Jennifer R.

2015-01-01

This article presents a case study that examines how undocumented youth reject notions that, as students, they are more deserving of state-granted rights (e.g., citizenship, but also temporary rights through DACA). It highlights the use of what I call undocumented pedagogy as a form of everyday activism for greater immigrant rights. This…

Socially Oriented Student Entrepreneurship: A Study of Student Change Agency in the Academic Capitalism Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mars, Matthew M.; Rhoades, Gary

2012-01-01

This paper presents two clarifying cases of socially oriented student entrepreneurship. The findings illuminate an overlooked organizational space located at the intersection of the public good and academic capitalist knowledge/learning regimes (Slaughter & Rhoades, 2004) that provides students with the entrepreneurial agency to create social…

Change Forces: Implementing Change in a Secondary School for the Common Good

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Melville, Wayne; Bartley, Anthony; Weinburgh, Molly

2012-01-01

In this article, we investigate the change forces that act on administrators, subject department chairpersons and teachers as they seek to implement a change in a Canadian secondary school. Using a case study methodology, our analysis of the data uses Sergiovanni's (1998) six change forces: bureaucratic, personal, market, professional, cultural,…

Raising the Achievement of White Working Class Pupils: Good Practice in Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lewis, Kirstin; Demie, Feyisa

2015-01-01

This research identifies strategies that schools have used to raise achievement among white working class pupils in multiracial schools. The methodological approach comprises case studies of schools and focus group interviews to ascertain the views of teachers, parents and children about strategies that worked to raise achievement. The study…

The Medicalisation of Food Pedagogies in Primary Schools and Popular Culture: A Case for Awakening Subjugated Knowledges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Welch, Rosie; McMahon, Samantha; Wright, Jan

2012-01-01

In this study we interrogate the ways nutrition and health have become increasingly influential to children's everyday life practices and conceptualisations of food. We challenge the orthodoxy of meanings afforded to food that draw a distinct binary between "good"/"bad" or "healthy"/"unhealthy"; ideas widely…

Data Surveillance in Child Protection Systems Development: An Indonesian Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boothby, Neil; Stark, Lindsay

2011-01-01

Objectives: Successful implementation of child protection program interventions and child and family welfare services is contingent upon the availability and use of good quality information, as emphasized by the recent Convention on the Rights of the Child's General Comment 13. Yet, the role of information within child protection is not well…

Technology Transfer: A Case Study of Programs and Practices at NASA, DOD, DOC, and Academia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blood, John R.

2009-01-01

Technology transfer is vital to humanity. It spurs innovation, promotes commerce, and provides technology-based goods and services. Technology transfer is also highly complex and interdependent in nature. This interdependence is exemplified principally by the various technology transfer interactions between government, industry, and academia. …

Beliefs and Practices of Expert Respiratory Care Faculty on Critical-Thinking Learning: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hulse, James Leland

2009-01-01

Problem. The development of critical-thinking skills during the professional training of respiratory therapists is imperative for good practice. Research evidence suggests that interactive instructional strategies are far more effective than traditional lectures. Missing from the literature are thick descriptions of how faculty organize the…

Ecological Disaster and Rhetorical Response: Exxon's Communications in the Wake of the Valdez Spill.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tyler, Lisa

1992-01-01

Examines Exxon's communication efforts in the wake of the Exxon Valdez oil spill disaster. Identifies communication practices that damaged the corporation's credibility, antagonized the public, and contributed to the public perception of its corporate arrogance. Notes that the Valdez spill makes a good case for classroom study. (PRA)

Joint perceptual decision-making: a case study in explanatory pluralism

PubMed Central

Abney, Drew H.; Dale, Rick; Yoshimi, Jeff; Kello, Chris T.; Tylén, Kristian; Fusaroli, Riccardo

2014-01-01

Traditionally different approaches to the study of cognition have been viewed as competing explanatory frameworks. An alternative view, explanatory pluralism, regards different approaches to the study of cognition as complementary ways of studying the same phenomenon, at specific temporal and spatial scales, using appropriate methodological tools. Explanatory pluralism has been often described abstractly, but has rarely been applied to concrete cases. We present a case study of explanatory pluralism. We discuss three separate ways of studying the same phenomenon: a perceptual decision-making task (Bahrami et al., 2010), where pairs of subjects share information to jointly individuate an oddball stimulus among a set of distractors. Each approach analyzed the same corpus but targeted different units of analysis at different levels of description: decision-making at the behavioral level, confidence sharing at the linguistic level, and acoustic energy at the physical level. We discuss the utility of explanatory pluralism for describing this complex, multiscale phenomenon, show ways in which this case study sheds new light on the concept of pluralism, and highlight good practices to critically assess and complement approaches. PMID:24795679

RFID in the Apparel Retail Industry: A Case Study from Galeria Kaufhof

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Kassab, Jasser; Blome, Philipp; Wolfram, Gerd; Thiesse, Frédéric; Fleisch, Elgar

This contribution deals with the business valueof radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in the apparel retail industry. We present a case study of an RFID project at Galeria Kaufhof, a subsidiary of Metro Group and one of the largest department store chains in Europe. The trial shows that operational efficiency gains through the automation of logistical in-store processes, such as inventory counting or goods receipt, are possible. Moreover, RFID enables new customer applications on the sales floor, which allow for a redesign of the customer interface, and thus an improvement of the service processes and the service quality. In addition, the analyses of the gathered data on the sales floor help to close the "data void" between the goods receipt and the point of sales of the department store, thus offering the opportunity to directly observe and analyze physical in-store processes. The RFID data analyses allow for deriving valuable information for the department store management in the areas of inventory management, category management, store layout management, and department store processes.

[The randomized controlled trial of the treatment for clavicular fracture by rotatory manual reduction with forceps holder and retrograde percutaneous pinning transfixation].

PubMed

Bi, Hong-zheng; Yang, Mao-qing; Tan, Yuan-chao; Fu, Song

2008-07-01

To study the curative effect and safety of rotatory manual reduction with forceps holder and retrograde percutaneous pinning transfixation in treating clavicular fracture. All 201 cases of clavicular fractures were randomly divided into treatment group (101 cases) and control group (100 cases). The treatment group was treated by rotatory manual reduction with forceps holder and retrograde percutaneous pinning transfixation. The control group was treated by open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner pin. All cases were followed up for 4 to 21 months (mean 10.6 months). SPSS was used to analyze clinic healing time of fracture and shoulder-joint function in both two groups. After operation, 101 cases of treatment group achieved union of fracture and the clinical healing time was 28 to 49 days (mean 34.5+/-2.7 days). In control group,there were 4 cases with nonunion of fracture,the other 96 cases were union,the clinical healing time was 36 to 92 days (mean 55.3+/-4.8 days). The excellent and good rate of shoulder-joint function was 100% in treatment group and 83% in control group. By t-test and chi2-test, there was significant difference between the two groups in curative effect (P<0.05). Rotatory manual reduction with forceps holder and retrograde pinning transfixation can be used in various kinds of clavicular shaft fracture, with many virtues such as easy operation, reliable fixation, short union time of fracture, good functional recovery of shoulder-joint and no incision scar affecting appearance.

[The Application of Bryophyllum pinnatum Preparations in Obstetrics and Gynaecology – a Multicenter, Prospective Observational Study].

PubMed

Fürer, Karin; Simões-Wüst, Ana Paula; Winkler, Alice; Amsler, Nadine; Schnelle, Martin; von Mandach, Ursula

2015-01-01

Bryophyllum pinnatum has been introduced in anthroposophic medicine in Europe and is nowadays also widely used in conventional medicine. The aim of this study was to assess the prescriptions in the field of gynaecology and obstetrics in Switzerland and to document potential effects and possible adverse events of B. pinnatum. Private practices and clinics for obstetrics and gynaecology were asked to document each prescription of B. pinnatum for their female patients during 31 months with an online questionnaire. At the University Hospital Zurich, at the Cantonal Hospital Winterthur as well as at 2 private practices, a total of 174 women and 208 prescriptions of B. pinnatum were recorded (several prescriptions per patient were possible). Most of the patients were pregnant (87%). B. pinnatum was prescribed as a tocolytic agent to 83% of all patients and to 95% of all pregnant patients and showed a good or a very good effectiveness. Further, 14% of the patients received B. pinnatum for sedation against their restlessness during the day and 5% for sedation against sleep problems. A decrease of the restlessness was achieved for these 2 indications. 13% of the patients suffered from a hyperactive bladder and in two-thirds of them the effectiveness of the treatment with B. pinnatum was classified as very good. In 92% of the cases, Bryophyllum 50% chewable tablets were prescribed. In conventional gynaecology and obstetrics, B. pinnatum is predominantly prescribed for pregnant women in case of prematurel abour, against restlessness and for hyperactive bladder. B. pinnatum showed a good effectiveness with a high benefit in the treatment of hyperactivity-associated health problems. © 2015 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg.

Studying fire mitigation strategies in multi-ownership landscapes: balancing the management of fire-dependent ecosystems and fire risk

Treesearch

Brian R. Sturtevant; Brian R. Miranda; Jian Yang; Hong S. He; Eric J. Gustafson; Robert M. Scheller

2009-01-01

Public forests are surrounded by land over which agency managers have no control, and whose owners expect the public forest to be a "good neighbor." Fire risk abatement on multi-owner landscapes containing flammable but fire-dependent ecosystems epitomizes the complexities of managing public lands. We report a case study that applies a landscape disturbance...

An Investigation of the Effectiveness of Online Text-to-Speech Tools in Improving EFL Teacher Trainees' Pronunciation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eksi, Gonca Yangin; Yesilçinar, Sabahattin

2016-01-01

Given the limited time for instruction in the classroom, pronunciation often ends up as the most neglected aspect of language teaching. However, in cases when the learner's pronunciation is expected to be good or native-like, as is expected of language teacher trainees, out-of-class self-study options become prominent. This study aimed to…

Trusting Kids and Their Voices: A Humanities Teacher in the Midst of Change. Studies on Teacher Change.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wasley, Patricia A.

This case study documents the pedagogical changes an inner city, secondary school humanities teacher made as she attempted to improve the quality of her students' educational experience. Data were gathered in the 1989-90 school year. The teacher had explored what had happened to her as a good conventional teacher, to her pedagogy, her curriculum,…

10 Years of the LLAS eLearning Symposium: Case Studies in Good Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Borthwick, Kate, Ed.; Corradini, Erika, Ed.; Dickens, Alison, Ed.

2015-01-01

This e-book is a celebration of and reflection on 10 years of the LLAS elearning symposium, an event which is run by the Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies (LLAS) based at the University of Southampton, UK. Over the past ten years, the symposium has followed the innovations brought about in the digital realm and has offered a…

Analysis of Variance in Vocabulary Learning Strategies Theory and Practice: A Case Study in Libya

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khalifa, Salma H. M.; Shabdin, Ahmad Affendi

2016-01-01

The present study is an outcome of a concern for the teaching of English as a foreign language (EFL) in Libyan schools. Learning of a foreign language is invariably linked to learners building a good repertoire of vocabulary of the target language, which takes us to the theory and practice of imparting training in vocabulary learning strategies…

Understanding Arabic-Speaking Skill Learning Strategies among Selected Malay Learners: A Case-Study at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haron, Sueraya Che; Ahmad, Ismail Sheikh; Mamat, Arifin; Mohamed, Ismaiel Hassanein Ahmed

2010-01-01

In Malaysia, studies have shown that most Malay learners learning Arabic Language exhibit weak Arabic speaking skill despite spending years of learning the language. However, given the same learning environment and experience, some of them could be considered as good Arabic speakers as revealed by the results of Arabic Placement Test conducted by…

Decision-making in palliative care: a reflective case study.

PubMed

Birchall, Melissa

2005-01-01

Critical examination of the processes by which we as nurses judge and reach clinical decisions is important. It facilitates the maintenance and refinement of good standards of nursing care and the pinpointing of areas where improvement is needed. In turn this potentially could support broader validation of nurse expertise and contribute to emancipation of the nursing profession. As pure theory, clinical decision-making may appear abstract and alien to nurses struggling in 'the swampy lowlands' (Schon 1983) of the realities of practice. This paper explores some of the key concepts in decision-making theory by introducing, then integrating, them in a reflective case study. The case study, which examines a 'snapshot' of the patient and practitioner's journey, interwoven with theory surrounding clinical decision-making, may aid understanding and utility of concepts and theories in practice.

[Human African trypanosomiasis in children. A pediatrics service experience in Libreville, Gabon].

PubMed

Koko, J; Dufillot, D; Gahouma, D; Amblard, J; Kani, F

1997-01-01

During a period of six years (1/1/89-12/31/94), seven children with trypanosomiasis were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics of Owendo Pediatric Hospital-Libreville, Gabon. They were 5 boys and 2 girls, aged 4-17 years, five of them under 15 years. The main reasons of hospitalization were somnolence (4 cases), psychical disorders (5 cases), neurological disorders (4 cases), asthenia (3 cases), loss of weight (3 cases) and fever (3 cases). Increased sedimentation rate (5 cases) and hypergammaglobulinemia (6 cases) were the most important biological disturbances. Serodiagnosis (CATT, indirect immunofluorescence test) was positive in all cases. The parasite was detected in blood seven times, and four times in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). According to CSF status, six children have been classified in second stage of the disease. Six patients were treated by melarsoprol, and one by eflornithine. Tolerance and response to treatment were good in six cases. Three children presented sequels when leaving hospital. No patient was seen again after the study.

[Endobronchial tuberculosis].

PubMed

Manal, E; Nahid, Z; Hanane, B; Najiba, Y

2017-04-01

The endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) is an uncommon type of tuberculosis. The respiratory symptoms in EBTB are usually nonspecific and misleading. The aim of the study is to determine the clinical features and diagnostic aspects of EBTB. Twenty-eight cases of endobronchial tuberculosis collected from January 2009 to October 2015. EBTB was found in 16 females and 12 males. The mean age was 48 years. The history of tuberculosis and tuberculosis contagion were not found in any case. The respiratory symptoms were dominated by cough and dyspnea. Hemoptysis was found in 7 cases. The chest X-ray showed associated pulmonary lesions in 26 cases. Bronchoscopy finded an endobronchial granular lesion in 15 cases, a tumorous pattern in 7 cases; a thickening spurs in 4 cases and ganglio-bronchial fistula in two cases. Bronchial biopsies had found a caseo-follicular tuberculosis in 27 cases. Pleural biopsy confirmed associated pleural tuberculosis in one case. The research of Koch bacillus in the sputum was positive in 13 cases and culture in 6 cases. The antituberculosis treatment was started in all patients and an oral corticosteroids treatment was associated in 5 cases. The evolution was good in 26 cases. This study showed clinical, radiological and endoscopic bronchial tuberculosis polymorphism making its diagnosis difficult and the importance of a bacteriological and/or histological confirmation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

The Elements of a Good Case

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fossey, Richard; Crow, Gary M.

2011-01-01

In the broad sense, case teaching is an ancient pedagogy. Since time began, teachers have taught other people by drawing on stories from real-life experiences. In a way, then, telling stories taken from real life can be seen as case teaching. Case writing and case teaching in a college or university setting, however, require specific research and…

Approaches for building community participation: A qualitative case study of Canadian food security programs.

PubMed

Hyett, Nerida; Kenny, Amanda; Dickson-Swift, Virginia

2017-10-01

There is increasing opportunity and support for occupational therapists to expand their scope of practice in community settings. However, evidence is needed to increase occupational therapists' knowledge, confidence, and capacity with building community participation and adopting community-centered practice roles. The purpose of this study is to improve occupational therapists' understanding of an approach to building community participation, through case study of a network of Canadian food security programs. Qualitative case study was utilized. Data were semistructured interviews, field observations, documents, and online social media. Thematic analysis was used to identify and describe four themes that relate to processes used to build community participation. The four themes were use of multiple methods, good leaders are fundamental, growing participation via social media, and leveraging outcomes. Occupational therapists can utilize an approach for building community participation that incorporates resource mobilization. Challenges of sustainability and social exclusion must be addressed.

Forecasting the value of credit scoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saad, Shakila; Ahmad, Noryati; Jaffar, Maheran Mohd

2017-08-01

Nowadays, credit scoring system plays an important role in banking sector. This process is important in assessing the creditworthiness of customers requesting credit from banks or other financial institutions. Usually, the credit scoring is used when customers send the application for credit facilities. Based on the score from credit scoring, bank will be able to segregate the "good" clients from "bad" clients. However, in most cases the score is useful at that specific time only and cannot be used to forecast the credit worthiness of the same applicant after that. Hence, bank will not know if "good" clients will always be good all the time or "bad" clients may become "good" clients after certain time. To fill up the gap, this study proposes an equation to forecast the credit scoring of the potential borrowers at a certain time by using the historical score related to the assumption. The Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) is used to measure the accuracy of the forecast scoring. Result shows the forecast scoring is highly accurate as compared to actual credit scoring.

A study of the dynamics of multi-player games on small networks using territorial interactions.

PubMed

Broom, Mark; Lafaye, Charlotte; Pattni, Karan; Rychtář, Jan

2015-12-01

Recently, the study of structured populations using models of evolutionary processes on graphs has begun to incorporate a more general type of interaction between individuals, allowing multi-player games to be played among the population. In this paper, we develop a birth-death dynamics for use in such models and consider the evolution of populations for special cases of very small graphs where we can easily identify all of the population states and carry out exact analyses. To do so, we study two multi-player games, a Hawk-Dove game and a public goods game. Our focus is on finding the fixation probability of an individual from one type, cooperator or defector in the case of the public goods game, within a population of the other type. We compare this value for both games on several graphs under different parameter values and assumptions, and identify some interesting general features of our model. In particular there is a very close relationship between the fixation probability and the mean temperature, with high temperatures helping fitter individuals and punishing unfit ones and so enhancing selection, whereas low temperatures give a levelling effect which suppresses selection.

Force Sensing Resistor (FSR): a brief overview and the low-cost sensor for active compliance control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadun, A. S.; Jalani, J.; Sukor, J. A.

2016-07-01

Force Sensing Resistors (FSR) sensors are devices that allow measuring static and dynamic forces applied to a contact surface. Their range of responses is basically depending on the variation of its electric resistance. In general, Flexiforce and Interlink are two common types of FSR sensors that are available, cheap and easily found in the market. Studies have shown that the FSR sensors are usually applied for robotic grippers and for biomechanical fields. This paper provides a brief overview of the application of the FSR sensors. Subsequently, two different set of experiments are carried out to test the effectiveness of the Flexiforce and Interlink sensors. First, the hardness detector system (Case Study A) and second, the force-position control system (Case Study B). The hardware used for the experiment was developed from low-cost materials. The results revealed that both FSR sensors are sufficient and reliable to provide a good sensing modality particularly for measuring force. Apart from the low-cost sensors, essentially, the FSR sensors are very useful devices that able to provide a good active compliance control, particularly for the grasping robotic hand.

The potential of materials analysis by electron rutherford backscattering as illustrated by a case study of mouse bones and related compounds.

PubMed

Vos, Maarten; Tökési, Károly; Benkö, Ilona

2013-06-01

Electron Rutherford backscattering (ERBS) is a new technique that could be developed into a tool for materials analysis. Here we try to establish a methodology for the use of ERBS for materials analysis of more complex samples using bone minerals as a test case. For this purpose, we also studied several reference samples containing Ca: calcium carbonate (CaCO(3)) and hydroxyapatite and mouse bone powder. A very good understanding of the spectra of CaCO(3) and hydroxyapatite was obtained. Quantitative interpretation of the bone spectrum is more challenging. A good fit of these spectra is only obtained with the same peak widths as used for the hydroxyapatite sample, if one allows for the presence of impurity atoms with a mass close to that of Na and Mg. Our conclusion is that a meaningful interpretation of spectra of more complex samples in terms of composition is indeed possible, but only if widths of the peaks contributing to the spectra are known. Knowledge of the peak widths can either be developed by the study of reference samples (as was done here) or potentially be derived from theory.

The Dynamics of Traded Industries In Between 2008-2014

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Török, Ibolya; Török, Gergely

2016-10-01

During the last two decades a great number of studies have analyzed the industrial specialization and spatial concentration of specific industries, considering that the two phenomena closely interrelated: the geographic concentration of economic activities representing a territorial approach that describes the distribution of economic activities within a well-defined geographical area, while regional specialization expresses the weight of a certain sector in the regional economy. At the same time regional specialization is a good indicator of the competitive advantages a region possesses in producing different goods or services, making the best use of the local resources compared to other territories. The present study will analyze the importance and perspectives of traded- vs. local industries in the case of Romania during the 2008-2014 period.

Revision Abdominoplasty with Truncal Liposculpting: A 10-Year Experience.

PubMed

Sterodimas, Aris; Boriani, Filippo; Nicaretta, Beatriz; Pereira, Luiz Haroldo

2018-06-13

Abdominoplasty is one of the most popular body-contouring procedures. Despite its popularity, classic abdominoplasty is still associated with a significant rate of complaints from patients such as: fullness of flanks and epigastric areas, lack of a posterior lumbar curve, hanging skin over the incision line, and visible scars over the flanks and beyond underwear or swimming suit coverage. This study reviews the authors' experience in redo abdominoplasty when the patient is not or partially satisfied with the primary procedure. A total of 115 female and 32 male patients underwent revision abdominoplasty with truncal liposculpting between 2007 and 2016. The age distribution of patients ranged from 33 to 73 years, with a mean of 43.1 years. All the patients included in the study had undergone classic abdominoplasty in a different institution. Overall satisfaction with the body appearance after the combined procedure was rated on a scale of 1-5, where 1 is 'poor,' 2 is 'fair,' 3 is 'good,' 4 is 'very good,' and 5 is 'excellent.' The evaluation was made 12 months after the composite body-contouring procedure. Four hundred to 1500 ml of fat were obtained with liposuction (mean 840 ml). The amount of clean, adipose tissue transplanted to the buttocks varied from 95 to 425 (mean 286 ml) and to the lower limbs from 75 to 270 ml (mean 195 ml). The stromal-enriched lipograft technique was used in all the cases to enrich the fat transplantation. There was no hematoma, infection or deep vein thrombosis. Seventy-five percent reported that their appearance after composite body contouring was 'very good' to 'excellent' (30% 'excellent' and 45% 'very good') and 20% responded that their appearance was 'good.' Only 5% of patients thought their appearance was less than good ('fair'). The average follow-up time for this group of patients has been 6.3 years (range 1-10 years). Truncal liposculpting with modified abdominoplasty accomplishes very good aesthetic results in a single surgical procedure with a low rate of complications and high patient satisfaction in cases of revision abdominoplasties. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

[Perthes disease--results of a containment-oriented therapy concept].

PubMed

Rühmann, O; Lazović, D; Wirth, C J; Gossé, F; Franke, J

1997-01-01

In a retrospective study a treatment concept for Perthes' disease dependent on the containment was applied. 49 hips of 41 children (9 female, 32 male) were treated between 01. 01. 1990 and 31. 12. 1995. In our concept of treatment a varus femoral osteotomy was performed in 28 cases with not contained hips or less than 4/5 coverage of the femoral head (X-ray/MRI). The other 21 well contained hips with 4/5 coverage or more were treated conservatively with physiotherapy and in case of joint effusion and pain additionally with the use of crutches (partial weight bearing) and anti-inflammatory medication. The average age in the non-operative group at the time of first investigation was 4 years and 9 months (3 y./1 m. to 7 y./1 m.) and 6 years and 3 months (4 y/2 m. to 10 y/0 m.) at our last examination (mean follow up 17.7 months, range of 6 to 72 months). At the time of indication for a varus femoral osteotomy the patients had an average age 6 years and 1 month (3 y./6 m. to 10 y./2 m.), the mean age at the last postoperative examination was 7 years and 11 months (4 y./8 m. to 12 y./5 m.) with an average follow up of 21.5 months (6 to 77 months). For the conservatively treated children we achieved good results (still well contained hips with 4/5 coverage, no decrease of function, no increase of pain) in 85.7% (18 of 21 cases). In 85.7% (24 of 28 cases) we found good results (well contained hips, increase of coverage, no decrease of function, no increase of pain) in the operation group. The presented concept of therapy in Perthes' disease was practicable for all patients and included the possibility of decision for operative or non-operative treatment. In both groups we achieved good results in 85.7% of the cases.

Real life juvenile toxicity case studies: the good, the bad and the ugly.

PubMed

De Schaepdrijver, Luc; Rouan, Marie-Claude; Raoof, Araz; Bailey, Graham P; De Zwart, Loeckie; Monbaliu, Johan; Coogan, Timothy P; Lammens, Lieve; Coussement, Werner

2008-09-01

With the growing experience in the conduct of juvenile toxicity studies for multiple classes of compound, the 'case-by-case' approach has become under much more pressure. Instead, a general screen or 'standard design' is now commonly expected by regulatory authorities with more routine inclusion of neurological and reproductive assessments. Minor modifications or additions can be made to the design to address specific questions according to the class of drug or intended clinical use. This drift from a 'case-by-case' approach to a 'standard design' approach is present within certain reviewing divisions of the FDA, often requesting by default a rodent and non-rodent juvenile animal study. However, juvenile animal studies should be designed thoughtfully to fulfil a purpose based on scientific rationale, with each endpoint carefully considered in terms of practicality and interpretability of data generated. Only when using the appropriate strategy and design may juvenile studies add value by (1) identifying potential safety or pharmacokinetic issues for drugs intended for paediatric use, (2) suggesting additional clinical endpoints and (3) adding new information to the product label. As the knowledge from juvenile animal studies in various species grows, a better understanding of the significance/relevance of findings will be achieved.

[Acquired hypogammaglobulinemia associated with thymoma: Good syndrome].

PubMed

Aouadi, Samira; Ghrairi, Najla; Braham, Emna; Kaabi, Manel; Maâlej, Sonia; Elgharbi, Leila Douik

2017-01-01

Good syndrome (GS) is defined as the association between thymoma and immune deficiency. It is often complicated by broncho-pulmonary bacterial infections and rhinosinusitis. This disease accounts for only 5% of all parathymic syndromes. These recurrent respiratory infections can cause bronchiectasis associated with Good syndrome. We report the case of a 52-year old woman hospitalized for non resolutive infectious pneumonitis. Chest CT scan showed bronchiectasis associated with thymoma confirmed by biopsy. The discovery of hypogammaglobulinemia allowed the diagnosis of Good syndrome.

Descriptive studies: what they can and cannot do.

PubMed

Grimes, David A; Schulz, Kenneth F

2002-01-12

Descriptive studies often represent the first scientific toe in the water in new areas of inquiry. A fundamental element of descriptive reporting is a clear, specific, and measurable definition of the disease or condition in question. Like newspapers, good descriptive reporting answers the five basic W questions: who, what, why, when, where. and a sixth: so what? Case reports, case-series reports, cross-sectional studies, and surveillance studies deal with individuals, whereas ecological correlational studies examine populations. The case report is the least-publishable unit in medical literature. Case-series reports aggregate individual cases in one publication. Clustering of unusual cases in a short period often heralds a new epidemic, as happened with AIDS. Cross-sectional (prevalence) studies describe the health of populations. Surveillance can be thought of as watchfulness over a community; feedback to those who need to know is an integral component of surveillance. Ecological correlational studies look for associations between exposures and outcomes in populations-eg, per capita cigarette sales and rates of coronary artery disease-rather than in individuals. Three important uses of descriptive studies include trend analysis, health-care planning, and hypothesis generation. A frequent error in reports of descriptive studies is overstepping the data: studies without a comparison group allow no inferences to be drawn about associations, causal or otherwise. Hypotheses about causation from descriptive studies are often tested in rigorous analytical studies.

[EFFECTIVENESS OF ARTHROSCOPY FOR ANKLE IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME].

PubMed

Han, Guansheng; Xu, Bin; Geng, Chunhui; Cheng, Xinde

2014-06-01

To explore the effectiveness of arthroscopy for ankle impingement syndrome. Between March 2009 and April 2013, 30 patients with ankle impingement syndrome were treated. Among them, there were 22 males and 8 females with an average age of 28.6 years (range, 16-55 years). Twenty-six patients had a history of obvious ankle sprains. The disease duration was 6-62 months (mean, 21.5 months). All cases had ankle pain, limitation of activity, and positive results of ankle impact test. According to Meislin scoring criteria, 5 cases were rated as good, 8 cases as medium, and 17 cases as poor; the excellent and good rate was 16.7%. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 43.3 ± 5.1. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.7 ± 2.3. Preoperative X-ray film showed ankle loose bodies and hyperplasia osteophyte in 6 cases, and lateral malleolus old avulsion fracture in 4 cases. MRI showed soft tissue in the ankle joint in the 17 cases, and articular cartilage injury of tibiotalar joint and bone marrow edema in 7 cases. The location, degree, and organization of the impact were observed under arthroscopy. The joint debridement, removal of loose body and osteophyte, plasty of articular cartilage, and plasma radiofrequency ablation of lateral and medial ligaments were performed. All incisions healed primarily. No infection of skin and joint, or neurological and vascular injury was found. All patients were followed up 6-32 months (mean, 19.5 months). According to Meislin scoring criteria at last follow-up, 16 cases were rated as excellent, 11 cases as good, and 3 cases as medium; the excellent and good rate was 90.0%, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative value (Z = 6.045, P = 0.000). AOFAS score was 89.8 ± 4.3, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t = 38.180, P = 0.000). VAS score was 2.8 ± 1.6, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t = 7.624, P = 0.000). A clear understanding of impingement characteristics, pertinent joint debridement, and complication treatment are important to treat ankle impingement syndrome by simulating ankle impingement under arthroscopy, which have the advantages of strong pertinence, less injury, and fast recovery.

The Application of Linear and Nonlinear Water Tanks Case Study in Teaching of Process Control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiangshun; Li, Zhiang

2018-02-01

In the traditional process control teaching, the importance of passing knowledge is emphasized while the development of creative and practical abilities of students is ignored. Traditional teaching methods are not very helpful to breed a good engineer. Case teaching is a very useful way to improve students’ innovative and practical abilities. In the traditional case teaching, knowledge points are taught separately based on different examples or no examples, thus it is very hard to setup the whole knowledge structure. Though all the knowledge is learned, how to use the knowledge to solve engineering problems keeps challenging for students. In this paper, the linear and nonlinear tanks are taken as illustrative examples which involves several knowledge points of process control. The application method of each knowledge point is discussed in detail and simulated. I believe the case-based study will be helpful for students.

Heaps of health, metaphysical fitness: Ayurveda and the ontology of good health in medical anthropology.

PubMed

Alter, J S

1999-02-01

Because most scholars take it for granted that medicine is concerned with healing and problems of ill health, the way in which various medical systems define good health has not been adequately studied. Moreover, good health as such is usually regarded as a natural, normative state of being even by most medical anthropologists, who otherwise take a critical, relativist perspective on the subject of illness, pain, and disease. Using the case of Ayurvedic medicine, this article shows that there is a very different way of looking at the question of how health is embodied. This perspective is proactive and concerned with overall fitness rather than reactive and primarily concerned with either illness or disease. The argument presented here therefore seeks to go beyond the limiting--although extremely useful--orientation of remedial health care and suggest a radical challenge to some of the most basic ontological assumptions in the cross-cultural comparative study of medical systems.

A new design of an S/X dual band circular slot antenna for radar applications.

PubMed

Ghnimi, Said; Wali, Rawia; Gharsallh, Ali; Razban, Tchanguiz

2013-01-01

A novel design of dual-band slot antenna with a circular patch for radar applications is presented and studied. It is fed by a micro-strip line and built on a FR-4 substrate with a whole size of 18 x 30 mm2. A dual band printed antenna is created by introducing slots on the radiating element. By this, two bandwidth, covering C and X band, are achieved. In order to obtain a good fundamental antenna design, the initial studies were carried out theoretically, using CST Microwave Studio simulation software. In this case, the frequency range at return loss < 10 dB is 5.24 - 6.16 GHz for low frequency and is 7.9 -11.7 GHz for high frequency. In addition, the proposed antenna has good radiation characteristics and stable gains over the whole operating bands. A prototype of antenna is fabricated and tested. Experimental data show good agreement between simulated and measured results.

The management of tibial pilon fractures with the Ilizarov fixator: The role of ankle arthroscopy.

PubMed

El-Mowafi, Hani; El-Hawary, Ahmed; Kandil, Yasser

2015-12-01

Pilon fractures usually result from high energy trauma, and are commonly associated with extensive soft tissue damage which prevents the use of open reduction and internal fixation. This study was designed to evaluate the use of the Ilizarov external fixator in the treatment of pilon fractures of the ankle, and to determine whether arthroscopy of the ankle could improve the outcome. From February 2011 to May 2013 a total of 23 patients with unilateral closed pilon fractures were divided into two groups treated with and without arthroscopy during fixation with the Ilizarov external fixator. The fractures were classified according to the AO Rüdi and Allgőwer classification. Follow up ranged from 10 to 37 months with a mean of 18 months. All cases were evaluated at follow up by the AOFAS and the Bone et al. grading system. According to Bone et al. there were 3 cases excellent, 4 cases good, 2 cases fair, and 2 cases poor in Group A (without arthroscopy), whereas there were 4 cases excellent, 6 cases good, 2 cases fair in Group B (with arthroscopy). The AOFAS score for Group A was 77.8±5.8, and for Group B was 78.4±6.9. We concluded that the Ilizarov external fixator is an excellent method in treating pilon fractures as it minimizes the need for extensive surgery. We also conclude that the use of arthroscopy during pilon fracture fixation did not add statistically significant improvement to our results and it needs longer term investigation to assess its advantage - if any - to the final outcome. level 2. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[A radiological case collection with interactive character as a new element in the education of medical students].

PubMed

Heye, T; Kurz, P; Eiers, M; Kauffmann, G W; Schipp, A

2008-04-01

Evaluation of an interactive, multimedia case-based learning platform for the radiological education of medical students. An interactive electronic learning platform for the education of medical students was built in HTML format independent of the operating system in the context of the Heidelberg Curriculum Medicinale (HeiCuMed). A case collection of 30 common and authentic clinical cases is used as the central theme and clinical background. The user has to work on each case by making decisions regarding a selection of diagnostic modalities and by analyzing the chosen studies. After a reasonable selection and sequence of diagnostic radiological modalities and their interpretation, a diagnosis has to be made. An extensive collection of normal findings for any modality is available for the user as a reference in correlation with the pathology at anytime within each case. The case collection consists of 2053 files with 1109 Internet pages (HTML) and 869 image files (.jpeg) with approximately 10 000 crosslinks (links). The case collection was evaluated by a questionnaire (scale 1 - 5) at the end of the radiological student course. The development of the results of the radiological course exam was analyzed to investigate any effect on the learning performance after the case collection was introduced. 97.6 % of the course participants would use the case collection beyond the radiological student course to learn radiology in their medical studies. The handling of the case collection was rated excellent in 36.9 %, good in 54.6 %, satisfactory in 8 % and unsatisfactory in 0.4 %. 41 % felt that the case collection was overall excellent, 49.2 % good, 7.8 % satisfactory, 1.6 % unsatisfactory and 0.4 % poor. A positive trend in the development of the results in the radiological course exam with less variance after the introduction of the case collection was found but failed statistical significance. A platform-independent, interactive, multimedia learning platform with authentic clinical cases and multiple choice elements for the user is the ideal method for supporting and expanding medical education in radiology. The usefulness and the reasonable exertion of diagnostic modalities are conveyed in a practical context as teaching goals. The high acceptance among students is based on the interactivity and use of multimedia.

Cooperation and tensions in multiethnic corporate societies using Teotihuacan, Central Mexico, as a case study

PubMed Central

Manzanilla, Linda R.

2015-01-01

In this paper, I address the case of a corporate society in Central Mexico. After volcanic eruptions triggered population displacements in the southern Basin of Mexico during the first and fourth centuries A.D., Teotihuacan became a multiethnic settlement. Groups from different backgrounds settled primarily on the periphery of the metropolis; nevertheless, around the core, intermediate elites actively fostered the movement of sumptuary goods and the arrival of workers from diverse homelands for a range of specialized tasks. Some of these skilled craftsmen acquired status and perhaps economic power as a result of the dynamic competition among neighborhoods to display the most lavish sumptuary goods, as well as to manufacture specific symbols of identity that distinguished one neighborhood from another, such as elaborate garments and headdresses. Cotton attire worn by the Teotihuacan elite may have been one of the goods that granted economic importance to neighborhood centers such as Teopancazco, a compound that displayed strong ties to the Gulf Coast where cotton cloth was made. The ruling elite controlled raw materials that came from afar whereas the intermediate elite may have been more active in providing other sumptuary goods: pigments, cosmetics, slate, greenstone, travertine, and foreign pottery. The contrast between the corporate organization at the base and top of Teotihuacan society and the exclusionary organization of the neighborhoods headed by the highly competitive intermediate elite introduced tensions that set the stage for Teotihuacan’s collapse. PMID:25775567

Training anesthesiology residents in providing anesthesia for awake craniotomy: learning curves and estimate of needed case load.

PubMed

Bilotta, Federico; Titi, Luca; Lanni, Fabiana; Stazi, Elisabetta; Rosa, Giovanni

2013-08-01

To measure the learning curves of residents in anesthesiology in providing anesthesia for awake craniotomy, and to estimate the case load needed to achieve a "good-excellent" level of competence. Prospective study. Operating room of a university hospital. 7 volunteer residents in anesthesiology. Residents underwent a dedicated training program of clinical characteristics of anesthesia for awake craniotomy. The program was divided into three tasks: local anesthesia, sedation-analgesia, and intraoperative hemodynamic management. The learning curve for each resident for each task was recorded over 10 procedures. Quantitative assessment of the individual's ability was based on the resident's self-assessment score and the attending anesthesiologist's judgment, and rated by modified 12 mm Likert scale, reported ability score visual analog scale (VAS). This ability VAS score ranged from 1 to 12 (ie, very poor, mild, moderate, sufficient, good, excellent). The number of requests for advice also was recorded (ie, resident requests for practical help and theoretical notions to accomplish the procedures). Each task had a specific learning rate; the number of procedures necessary to achieve "good-excellent" ability with confidence, as determined by the recorded results, were 10 procedures for local anesthesia, 15 to 25 procedures for sedation-analgesia, and 20 to 30 procedures for intraoperative hemodynamic management. Awake craniotomy is an approach used increasingly in neuroanesthesia. A dedicated training program based on learning specific tasks and building confidence with essential features provides "good-excellent" ability. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cooperation and tensions in multiethnic corporate societies using Teotihuacan, Central Mexico, as a case study.

PubMed

Manzanilla, Linda R

2015-07-28

In this paper, I address the case of a corporate society in Central Mexico. After volcanic eruptions triggered population displacements in the southern Basin of Mexico during the first and fourth centuries A.D., Teotihuacan became a multiethnic settlement. Groups from different backgrounds settled primarily on the periphery of the metropolis; nevertheless, around the core, intermediate elites actively fostered the movement of sumptuary goods and the arrival of workers from diverse homelands for a range of specialized tasks. Some of these skilled craftsmen acquired status and perhaps economic power as a result of the dynamic competition among neighborhoods to display the most lavish sumptuary goods, as well as to manufacture specific symbols of identity that distinguished one neighborhood from another, such as elaborate garments and headdresses. Cotton attire worn by the Teotihuacan elite may have been one of the goods that granted economic importance to neighborhood centers such as Teopancazco, a compound that displayed strong ties to the Gulf Coast where cotton cloth was made. The ruling elite controlled raw materials that came from afar whereas the intermediate elite may have been more active in providing other sumptuary goods: pigments, cosmetics, slate, greenstone, travertine, and foreign pottery. The contrast between the corporate organization at the base and top of Teotihuacan society and the exclusionary organization of the neighborhoods headed by the highly competitive intermediate elite introduced tensions that set the stage for Teotihuacan's collapse.

Building of Reusable Reverse Logistics Model and its Optimization Considering the Decision of Backorder or Next Arrival of Goods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jeong-Eun; Gen, Mitsuo; Rhee, Kyong-Gu; Lee, Hee-Hyol

This paper deals with the building of the reusable reverse logistics model considering the decision of the backorder or the next arrival of goods. The optimization method to minimize the transportation cost and to minimize the volume of the backorder or the next arrival of goods occurred by the Just in Time delivery of the final delivery stage between the manufacturer and the processing center is proposed. Through the optimization algorithms using the priority-based genetic algorithm and the hybrid genetic algorithm, the sub-optimal delivery routes are determined. Based on the case study of a distilling and sale company in Busan in Korea, the new model of the reusable reverse logistics of empty bottles is built and the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified.

Promotion bureau warehouse system design. Case study in University of AA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parwati, N.; Qibtiyah, M.

2017-12-01

The warehouse becomes one of the important parts in an industry. By having a good warehousing system, an industry can improve the effectiveness of its performance, so that profits for the company can continue to increase. Meanwhile, if it has a poorly organized warehouse system, it is feared there will be a decrease in the level of effectiveness of the industry itself. In this research, the object was warehousing system in promotion bureau of University AA. To improve the effectiveness of warehousing system, warehouse layout design is done by specifying categories of goods based on the flow of goods in and out of warehouse with ABC analysis method. In addition, the design of information systems to assist in controlling the system to support all the demand for every burreau and department in the university.

[Shortages in Swedish tuberculosis care. Good results only in 71 percent of cases after 12-month treatment as shown in a current study].

PubMed

Romanus, V; Julander, I; Blom-Bülow, B; Larsson, L O; Normann, B; Boman, G

2000-11-29

During the period August 1994-December 1995 783 cases of active tuberculos (TB) were notified to the health authorities in Sweden. By means of questionnaires sent to the consulting physicians (92 per cent response rate) the treatment outcome was studied twelve months after the diagnosis. Out of 676 patients only 71 per cent were reported to have completed the treatment and be cured of TB. This indicates that there is room for improvement as regards monitoring patients, if necessary by Directly Observed Therapy (DOT), in order to make sure that prescribed treatment is adhered to.

Identification and calibration of the structural model of historical masonry building damaged during the 2016 Italian earthquakes: The case study of Palazzo del Podestà in Montelupone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Catinari, Federico; Pierdicca, Alessio; Clementi, Francesco; Lenci, Stefano

2017-11-01

The results of an ambient-vibration based investigation conducted on the "Palazzo del Podesta" in Montelupone (Italy) is presented. The case study was damaged during the 20I6 Italian earthquakes that stroke the central part of the Italy. The assessment procedure includes full-scale ambient vibration testing, modal identification from ambient vibration responses, finite element modeling and dynamic-based identification of the uncertain structural parameters of the model. A very good match between theoretical and experimental modal parameters was reached and the model updating has been performed identifying some structural parameters.

[The study of tomato fruit weight quantitative trait locus and its application in genetics teaching].

PubMed

Wang, Hai-yan

2015-08-01

The classical research cases, which have greatly promoted the development of genetics in history, can be combined with the content of courses in genetics teaching to train students' ability of scientific thinking and genetic analysis. The localization and clone of gene controlling tomato fruit weight is a pioneer work in quantitative trait locus (QTL) studies and represents a complete process of QTL research in plants. Application of this integrated case in genetics teaching, which showed a wonderful process of scientific discovery and the fascination of genetic research, has inspired students' interest in genetics and achieved a good teaching effect.

A good preoperative response to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation predicts a better therapeutic effect of implanted occipital nerve stimulation in pharmacologically intractable headaches.

PubMed

Nguyen, Jean-Paul; Nizard, Julien; Kuhn, Emmanuelle; Carduner, Florence; Penverne, Frédérique; Verleysen-Robin, Marie-Christine; Terreaux, Luc; de Gaalon, Solène; Raoul, Sylvie; Lefaucheur, Jean-Pascal

2016-02-01

Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) is a surgical approach to treat patients with medically intractable chronic headache disorders. However, no preoperative test has been yet validated to allow candidates to be selected for implantation. In this study, the analgesic efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was tested for 1 to 3 months in 41 patients with pharmacologically intractable headache disorders of various origins, using a new technique of electrode placement over the occipital nerve. ONS electrodes were subsequently implanted in 33 patients (occipital neuralgia [n=15], cervicogenic headache [n=7], cluster headache [n=6], chronic migraine [n=5]) who had responded at least moderately to TENS. Assessment was performed up to five years after implantation (three years on average), based on the mean and maximum daily pain intensity scored on a 0-10 visual analogue scale and the number of headache days per month. Both TENS and chronic ONS therapy were found to be efficacious (57-76% improvement compared to baseline on the various clinical variables). The efficacy of ONS was better in cases of good or very good preoperative response to TENS than in cases of moderate response to TENS. Implanted ONS may be a valuable therapeutic option in the long term for patients with pharmacologically intractable chronic headache. Although we cannot conclude in patients with poor or no response to TENS, a good or very good response to TENS can support the indication of ONS therapy. This preoperative test could particularly be useful in patients with chronic migraine, in whom it may be difficult to indicate an invasive technique of cranial neurostimulation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: Toward An Empirical Case Definition

PubMed Central

Jason, Leonard A.; Kot, Bobby; Sunnquist, Madison; Brown, Abigail; Evans, Meredyth; Jantke, Rachel; Williams, Yolonda; Furst, Jacob; Vernon, Suzanne D.

2015-01-01

Current case definitions of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have been based on consensus methods, but empirical methods could be used to identify core symptoms and thereby improve the reliability. In the present study, several methods (i.e., continuous scores of symptoms, theoretically and empirically derived cut off scores of symptoms) were used to identify core symptoms best differentiating patients from controls. In addition, data mining with decision trees was conducted. Our study found a small number of core symptoms that have good sensitivity and specificity, and these included fatigue, post-exertional malaise, a neurocognitive symptom, and unrefreshing sleep. Outcomes from these analyses suggest that using empirically selected symptoms can help guide the creation of a more reliable case definition. PMID:26029488

Brief hypnotherapy of severe depression linked to sexual trauma: a case study.

PubMed

Smith, William H

2004-07-01

Traumatic events of many sorts result in the now familiar symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many accounts have been published of the helpful role of hypnosis in symptom amelioration when the symptom onset is immediate, or even delayed,following the trauma. For some patients, though, a virtual collapse of adaptive functioning occurs after long periods of relatively symptom-free functioning. For such individuals, the relevance of the earlier trauma to their current problems may not be recognized, either by those treating them or by themselves. This case study is an attempt to illustrate treatment strategies that may be helpful in such cases, based on a good treatment outcome with a seriously ill woman, where hypnosis was an integral part of a brief, but intensive, in patient treatment program.

Modeling the effect of control on the wake of a utility-scale turbine via large-eddy simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xiaolei; Annoni, Jennifer; Seiler, Pete; Sotiropoulos, Fotis

2014-06-01

A model of the University of Minnesota EOLOS research turbine (Clipper Liberty C96) is developed, integrating the C96 torque control law with a high fidelity actuator line large- eddy simulation (LES) model. Good agreement with the blade element momentum theory is obtained for the power coefficient curve under uniform inflow. Three different cases, fixed rotor rotational speed ω, fixed tip-speed ratio (TSR) and generator torque control, have been simulated for turbulent inflow. With approximately the same time-averaged ω, the time- averaged power is in good agreement with measurements for all three cases. Although the time-averaged aerodynamic torque is nearly the same for the three cases, the root-mean-square (rms) of the aerodynamic torque fluctuations is significantly larger for the case with fixed ω. No significant differences have been observed for the time-averaged flow fields behind the turbine for these three cases.

Remarks about the prognosis in case of antenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis.

PubMed

Poulain, P; Milon, J; Frémont, B; Proudhon, J F; Odent, S; Babut, J M; Le Marec, B; Grall, J Y; Giraud, J R

1994-05-18

We report our experience of 15 cases of gastroschisis which occurred between 1981 and 1993. All but one were diagnosed antenatally by ultrasound between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. We made a termination of the pregnancy in 3 cases, for multiple malformations in 2 cases and one case of very early premature rupture of the membranes (PROM). When checked (11 cases), the karyotype was normal. We made a cesarean section in 11 cases: the indication was a complication for 6 (fetal distress, PROM, polyhydramnios, large dilatation of the gut). We noted growth retardation in 7 newborns and prematurity in 5/12 (mean gestational age of 36.8 weeks). The preoperative study of the gut noted 5 cases with intestinal damage and one case of complete necrosis of the gut. The global prognosis is not as good as usual, with a perinatal mortality of 41.6% (5/12). We discuss this latter point and examine the literature.

Nondynamical correlation energy in model molecular systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chojnacki, Henryk

The hypersurfaces for the deprotonation processes have been studied at the nonempirical level for H3O+, NH+4, PH+4, and H3S+ cations within their correlation consistent basis set. The potential energy curves were calculated and nondynamical correlation energies analyzed. We have found that the restricted Hartree-Fock wavefunction leads to the improper dissociation limit and, in the three latest cases requires multireference description. We conclude that these systems may be treated as a good models for interpretation of the proton transfer mechanism as well as for testing one-determinantal or multireference cases.

A Numerical Simulation of a Normal Sonic Jet into a Hypersonic Cross-Flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jeffries, Damon K.; Krishnamurthy, Ramesh; Chandra, Suresh

1997-01-01

This study involves numerical modeling of a normal sonic jet injection into a hypersonic cross-flow. The numerical code used for simulation is GASP (General Aerodynamic Simulation Program.) First the numerical predictions are compared with well established solutions for compressible laminar flow. Then comparisons are made with non-injection test case measurements of surface pressure distributions. Good agreement with the measurements is observed. Currently comparisons are underway with the injection case. All the experimental data were generated at the Southampton University Light Piston Isentropic Compression Tube.

Approximate Cores of a General Class of Economies. Part II. Set-Up Costs and Firm Formation in Coalition Production Economies,

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-02-01

Figure 5 we depict two simple special cases to illus- trate "Increasing returns to coalition size" where Y[S] depends only on the number of agents in S...for the case where the nuber of types Is greater than one . 29 catch che fundamental nonsymmatry between a firm on existence and a firm- in-being, or...economy is given in terms of individuals, goods, preferences and production sets. Oligopoly theory, partial equilibrium theory and the study of game

Post Detection Target State Estimation Using Heuristic Information Processing - A Preliminary Investigation

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-09-01

Interpolation algorithm allows this to be done when the transition boundaries are defined close together and parallel to one another. In this case the...in the variable kernel esti- -mates.) In [2] a goodness-of-fit criterion for a set of sam- One question of great interest to us in this study pies...an estimate /(x) is For the unimodal case the ab.olute minimum okV .based on the variables ocurs at k .= 100, ce 5. At this point we have j Mean

[Immunological status of patients with amebic hepatic abscess].

PubMed

Canto Solís, A; Miranda Feria, A J; Medina Martinez, J; Teran Ortíz, L A; Suárez Sánchez, F

1975-01-01

The authors studied 10 cases of amoebic hepatic abscess documented by clinical evidence and confirmed by laboratory tests, liver scan and a good response to treatment. The immunological state of the patients was determined by protein electrophoresis, immunoelectrophoresis, counter-immunoelectrophoresis, radial immunodiffusion and roset formation for T and B lymphocytes. It is concluded that the alterations of cellular and humoral immunity is evident in cases of amoebic hepatic abscess; this alterations are more clear in the acute form of the illness and the immunological deficiency is more significant in the celular immunity.

Satellite Orbit Under Influence of a Drag - Analytical Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinović, M. M.; Šegan, S. D.

2017-12-01

The report studies some changes in orbital elements of the artificial satellites of Earth under influence of atmospheric drag. In order to develop possibilities of applying the results in many future cases, an analytical interpretation of the orbital element perturbations is given via useful, but very long expressions. The development is based on the TD88 air density model, recently upgraded with some additional terms. Some expressions and formulae were developed by the computer algebra system Mathematica and tested in some hypothetical cases. The results have good agreement with iterative (numerical) approach.

Chronic disease management in children based on the five domains of health.

PubMed

So, Wing Lung Alvin

2013-01-01

Through a case study of a child with cystic fibrosis, the interactions among various domains of health have been discussed-namely, biomedical, physical, psychological/behavioural, and social. In pediatrics, development is another key domain relevant to the management of a chronic disease. An individualised management plan for this case has been outlined, and consideration of this framework may be worthwhile when managing other paediatric patients with chronic disease. Patient empowerment and parental education, as well as good co-ordination of health service delivery, are imperative to holistic patient care.

An analytical study of the effect of coolant flow variables on the kinetic energy output of a cooled turbine blade row.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prust, H. W., Jr.

1972-01-01

Demonstration that the change in output of a cooled turbine blade row relative to the specific output of the uncooled blade row can be positive, negative, or zero, depending on the velocity, injection location, injection angle, and temperature of the coolant. Comparisons between the analytical results and experimental results for four different cases of coolant discharge, all at a coolant temperature ratio of unity, show good agreement for three cases, and rather poor agreement for the other.

Studies and applications of NiTi shape memory alloys in the medical field in China.

PubMed

Dai, K; Chu, Y

1996-01-01

The biomedical study of NiTi shape memory alloys has been undertaken in China since 1978. A series of stimulating corrosion tests, histological observations, toxicity tests, carcinogenicity tests, trace nickel elements analysis and a number of clinical trials have been conducted. The results showed that the NiTi shape memory alloy is a good biomaterial with good biocompatibility and no obvious local tissue reaction, carcinogenesis or erosion of implants were found experimentally or clinically. In 1981, on the basis of fundamental studies, a shape memory staple was used for the first time inside the human body. Subsequently, various shape memory devices were designed and applied clinically for internal fixation of fractures, spine surgery, endoprostheses, gynaecological and craniofacial surgery. Since 1990, a series of internal stents have been developed for the management of biliary, tracheal and esophageal strictures and urethrostenosis as well as vascular obturator for tumour management. Several thousand cases have been treated and had a 1-10 year follow-up and good clinical results with a rather low complication rate were obtained.

Fathers and their children's health: a telephone interview study.

PubMed

Hallberg, A-C; Kristiansson, R; Beckman, A; Petersson, K; Råstam, L; Håkansson, A

2007-07-01

To study fathers' perception of, and involvement in, their children's health. Telephone interviews according to a structured guide. County of Skåne, Sweden. Answers regarding care and upbringing of child, child's health and ill health, and role of father. 237 fathers of small children. Fathers seem to be involved in their children to a large extent, both in caring and playing activities with their children. Most of them (82%) think that the child's health is good, and half of them (55%) have, at some time, contacted a doctor. The fathers mention security, love and commitment as important factors for being a good father, and almost all (97%) think that they are good fathers. Yet, only slightly more than half of them (54%) state that they have sufficient time for the child. Today, fathers are subject to quite different expectations to participate actively in their children's everyday life than was the case for previous generations. Therefore, more studies of fathers' involvement in their children are needed, as well as a new approach within the health care system to fathers' participation.

New daily persistent headache and panic disorder.

PubMed

Peres, Mario F P; Lucchetti, Giancarlo; Mercante, Juliane P P; Young, William B

2011-01-01

New daily persistent headache (NDPH) is a primary chronic daily headache that is generally considered to be difficult to treat. Migraine has been linked to comorbid psychiatric conditions, mainly mood and anxiety disorders, but NDPH has never been linked to psychiatric conditions, and never studied extensively for such an association. We report nine cases (six women and three men) of patients diagnosed with NDPH and panic disorder who were treated for both conditions. Six of them (66%) had good or excellent responses. The spectrum of anxiety disorders, particularly panic disorder, should be considered in NDPH patients. Simultaneous treatment of both disorders may lead to good outcomes.

Comparison between two methodologies for urban drainage decision aid.

PubMed

Moura, P M; Baptista, M B; Barraud, S

2006-01-01

The objective of the present work is to compare two methodologies based on multicriteria analysis for the evaluation of stormwater systems. The first methodology was developed in Brazil and is based on performance-cost analysis, the second one is ELECTRE III. Both methodologies were applied to a case study. Sensitivity and robustness analyses were then carried out. These analyses demonstrate that both methodologies have equivalent results, and present low sensitivity and high robustness. These results prove that the Brazilian methodology is consistent and can be used safely in order to select a good solution or a small set of good solutions that could be compared with more detailed methods afterwards.

Good-quality social care for people with Parkinson’s disease: a qualitative study

PubMed Central

Kennedy, Fiona; Stocks, Amanda-Jayne; McDonnell, Ann; Ramaswamy, Bhanu; Wood, Brendan; Whitfield, Malcolm

2016-01-01

Objectives The study examines the meaning of good-quality social care for people with Parkinson's disease and their carers. It identifies, from their perspective, the impact of good-quality social care on health and well-being. Design Qualitative case study methodology, interview and framework analysis techniques were used. Setting: community locations in the north and midlands of England. Participants Data were collected from 43 participants including individual interviews with people with Parkinson's disease (n=4), formal and informal social care providers (n=13), 2 focus groups, 1 with people with Parkinson's disease and their carers (n=17), and 1 with professionals (n=8), plus a telephone interview with a former commissioner. Findings Good-quality social care, delivered in a timely fashion, was reported to have a positive impact on health. Furthermore, there is an indication that good-quality social care can prevent untoward events, such as infections, symptom deterioration and deterioration in mental health. The concept of the ‘Impact Gap’ developed from the findings, illustrates how the costs of care may be reduced by delivering good-quality social care. Control, choice and maintaining independence emerged as indicators of good-quality social care, irrespective of clinical condition. Participants identified characteristics indicative of good-quality social care specific to Parkinson's disease, including understanding Parkinson's disease, appropriate administration of medication, timing of care and reassessment. ‘Parkinson's aware’ social care was seen to generate psychological, physical and social benefits that were inter-related. Conclusions The findings indicate how maximising quality in social care delivery for people with Parkinson's disease can impact on health and well-being. Long-term or short-term benefits may result in prevented events and reductions in health and social care resource. Health professionals can be instrumental in early detection of and signposting to social care. PMID:26883233

The influence of alternative pedagogical methods in postsecondary biology education: How do students experience a multimedia case-study environment?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolter, Bjorn Hugo Karl

The purpose of this study was to better understand how an online, multimedia case study method influenced students' motivation, performance, and perceptions of science in collegiate level biology classes. It utilized a mix-methods design including data from pre- and post-test, student surveys, and focus group interviews to answer one primary question, did participation in the affect student performance? Two sub-questions were: (a) did participation affect persistence? and (b) did students believe it to be a good learning experience? One hundred and eight students in 5 classes from 4 campuses in the United States and Puerto Rico participated in this study during spring semester 2009. After receiving instruction on HIV, students took a 6 questions pre-test to measure their initial knowledge of both HIV and lab procedures. Participants then engaged in the Case It! learning environment, where they watched case-studies on HIV, used virtual lab tools, created an online poster of their findings, and role-played as both family members and physicians about their case. A post-test identical to the pre-test was given to students upon completion. Both were then scored using rubrics and analyzed via paired t-Tests and ANOVA. The researcher visited all 4 study sites to conduct both the focus group interviews and student surveys. Student surveys were quantified and descriptive statistics generated. Focus group interviews were video recorded, transcribed, and inductively and deductively coded. Student knowledge increased because of participation, and the majority of students said they found the Case It! project to be both a good learning experience (95%) and one that would help with future classes or careers (87%). Based on student interviews, the Case It! project did have a beneficial impact on students' intentions to persist as science majors. Many students noted that the learning environment created an overall context in which they could apply knowledge from multiple classes that allowed students to fit all the pieces of their previous academic instruction together into a single, comprehensive picture---and to place themselves within that picture. Students enjoyed the autonomy and personal connections that using case studies and multimedia content offered, and found the material more engaging and relevant. By involving students in real-world situations, Case It! demonstrated the application and effect of theoretical knowledge and stimulated students' curiosity. Case It! motivates students by making material relevant and personal, thus creating enduring links between students and content which can result in better performance and higher retention rates. It is an effective pedagogical tool that, unlike many other such tools, is not instructor dependent, and is adaptable to fit various learner types, settings, and levels.

[Development and clinical application of a new type of anatomical locking plate for sternoclavicular joint fracture and dislocation].

PubMed

Sun, Yuanlin; Yang, Yunkang; Ge, Jianhua; Yang, Kun; Xiang, Feifan; Zhou, Ju; Liang, Jie

2018-03-01

To report a new type of anatomical locking plate for sternocalvicular joint, and investigate its effectiveness in treatment of sternoclavicular joint fracture and dislocation. A new type of anatomical locking plate for sternoclavicular joint was developed, which accorded with the anatomical features and biomechanical characteristics of Chinese sternoclavicular joint. By adopting the method of clinical randomized controlled study, 32 patients with the sternoclavicular joint fracture and dislocation who met the selection criteria between June 2008 and May 2015 were randomly divided into groups A and B ( n =16), and the patients were treated with new anatomic locking plate and distal radial T locking plate internal fixation, respectively. There was no significant difference between 2 groups in gender, age, injured side, body mass index, cause of injury, type of injury, the time from injury to operation, and preoperative Rockwood grading score ( P >0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, hospitalization time, and postoperative complications in 2 groups were recorded, and the effectiveness was evaluated by Rockwood grading score. The operations of 2 groups completed successfully. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospitalization time in group A were significantly less than those in group B ( P <0.05), but there was no significant difference in the incision length between 2 groups ( t =0.672, P =0.507). All the patients were followed up 18-30 months (mean, 24 months). In group A, there were 1 case of sternoclavicular joint pain and 2 cases of wound infection; in group B, there were 1 case of sternoclavicular joint pain, 1 case of internal fixation loosening, and 1 case of sternoclavicular joint re-dislocation; there was no significant difference in complication incidence between 2 groups ( P =1.000). The Rockwood grading scores at each time point after operation in 2 groups were significantly higher than those before operation. At 1 month after operation, the Rockwood grading score in group A was significantly higher than that in group B ( t= 2.270, P =0.031); but there was no significant difference in the Rockwood grading scores between the 2 groups at 6 months and at last follow-up ( P >0.05). At last follow-up, according to the Rockwood scoring standard, the results of group A were excellent in 13 cases, good in 2 cases, poor in 1 case, the excellent and good rate was 93.75%; the results of group B were excellent in 11 cases, good in 4 cases, poor in 1 case, and the excellent and good rate was 93.75%; there was no significant difference between 2 groups ( Z =-0.748， P =0.455). The new type of anatomic locking plate accords with the Chinese anatomical characteristics. It has the advantages of easy operative procedure, less surgical trauma, shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, shorter hospitalization time, and it can achieve better results in the treatment of sternoclavicular joint fracture and dislocation.

Large pterygium surgery: When coverage of the scleral bed justifies graft rotation.

PubMed

Gargallo-Benedicto, A; Hernández Pérez, D; Olate-Pérez, Á; Betancur-Delgado, E; Cerdà-Ibáñez, M; Duch-Samper, A

2016-10-01

To perform a 12 month follow-up study to assess the safety and effectiveness of resection and conjunctival autograft fixed with Tissucol® in selected cases of large pterygium. The orientation of the graft was adapted to the morphology of the scleral bed for a better coverage free of traction, with limbal position being lost. A prospective, non-comparative study of 10 cases of grade II or superior pterygium (7 primary, 3 recurrent) with at least 8mm of limbal extension. A wide scleral bed was obtained after pterygium and Tenon resection, with larger grafts being required to cover the defects. A superior conjunctival autograft was harvested and fixed to bare sclera using Tissucol. The orientation was adapted to the morphology of the scleral bed and limbal position was lost. Patients were periodically assessed for recurrence and complications for a period of 12 months. Minor complications occurred in 4 eyes. In one case a buttonhole was formed during dissection of the graft. Two presented with small limbal dehiscence, but epithelialisation was completed in the first week. In a third case, it was necessary to increase topical corticosteroids for pyogenic granuloma on the donor site, with secondary increased intraocular pressure (IOP). There were no recurrences after 12 months follow-up. A conjunctival graft of appropriate size adapted to the morphology of the scleral bed to ensure good coverage free of tension, provides good surgical results in selected cases of pterygium, regardless of the conservation the limbal orientation, with no recurrences after one year follow-up. Copyright © 2016 Sociedad Española de Oftalmología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Analysis of Artificial Neural Network in Erosion Modeling: A Case Study of Serang Watershed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arif, N.; Danoedoro, P.; Hartono

2017-12-01

Erosion modeling is an important measuring tool for both land users and decision makers to evaluate land cultivation and thus it is necessary to have a model to represent the actual reality. Erosion models are a complex model because of uncertainty data with different sources and processing procedures. Artificial neural networks can be relied on for complex and non-linear data processing such as erosion data. The main difficulty in artificial neural network training is the determination of the value of each network input parameters, i.e. hidden layer, momentum, learning rate, momentum, and RMS. This study tested the capability of artificial neural network application in the prediction of erosion risk with some input parameters through multiple simulations to get good classification results. The model was implemented in Serang Watershed, Kulonprogo, Yogyakarta which is one of the critical potential watersheds in Indonesia. The simulation results showed the number of iterations that gave a significant effect on the accuracy compared to other parameters. A small number of iterations can produce good accuracy if the combination of other parameters was right. In this case, one hidden layer was sufficient to produce good accuracy. The highest training accuracy achieved in this study was 99.32%, occurred in ANN 14 simulation with combination of network input parameters of 1 HL; LR 0.01; M 0.5; RMS 0.0001, and the number of iterations of 15000. The ANN training accuracy was not influenced by the number of channels, namely input dataset (erosion factors) as well as data dimensions, rather it was determined by changes in network parameters.

Extracutaneous atypical syphilis in HIV-infected patients.

PubMed

Prieto, Paula; Imaz, Arkaitz; Calatayud, Laura; García, Olga; Saumoy, María; Podzamczer, Daniel

2017-12-07

We describe a series of cases of syphilis with atypical extracutaneous clinical presentation diagnosed in HIV-infected patients. Retrospective observational study. All cases of syphilis diagnosed in HIV-infected patients during the period between June 2013 and June 2016 in a tertiary hospital of the Barcelona metropolitan area were analysed. A total of 71 cases of syphilis were diagnosed, 32 of them presenting with clinical signs or symptoms. Seven of these cases (9.8% of the total and 21.8% of the symptomatic cases) had atypical presentations with extracutaneous involvement: ocular (4), gastric (1), multiple hepatic abscesses (1) and generalised adenopathies (1). Patients were treated with intramuscular or intravenous penicillin and the clinical and serological evolution was good in all of them. Extracutaneous atypical clinical presentations were observed in 21.8% of symptomatic cases of syphilis in HIV+ patients with ocular involvement being the most freqent. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Computation of Three-Dimensional Compressible Flow From a Rectangular Nozzle with Delta Tabs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reddy, D. R.; Steffen, C. J., Jr.; Zaman, K. B. M. Q.

1999-01-01

A three-dimensional viscous flow analysis is performed using a time-marching Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes code for a 3:1 rectangular nozzle with two delta tabs located at the nozz1e exit plane to enhance mixing. Two flow configurations, a subsonic jet case and a supersonic jet case using the same rate configuration, which were previously studied experimentally, are computed and compared with the experimental data. The experimental data include streamwise velocity and vorticity distributions for the subsonic case, and Mach number distributions for the supersonic case, at various axial locations downstream of the nozzle exit. The computational results show very good agreement with the experimental data. In addition, the effect of compressibility on vorticity dynamics is examined by comparing the vorticity contours of the subsonic jet case with those of the supersonic jet case which were not measured in the experiment.

[Effectiveness of mini locking plate combined with Kirschner wire in treatment of comminuted Jones fracture].

PubMed

Yan, Rongliang; Qu, Jiafu; Cao, Lihai; Liu, Hongda; Chen, Jianghua; Gao, Yan; Peng, Yi

2018-05-01

To summarize the effectiveness of mini locking plate combined with Kirschner wire in treatment of comminuted Jones fracture. Between January 2011 and October 2016, 25 cases with comminuted Jones fracture were treated with mini locking plate combined with Kirschner wire. There were 9 males and 16 females with an average age of 31.4 years (range, 16-66 years). The fractures located on the left side in 11 cases and on the right side in 14 cases. The causes of injury included spraining in 21 cases, falling down in 3 cases, and bruise in 1 case. The bone fragment of all cases was more than 3 pieces. The fracture line was mostly Y-shape or T-shape. Twelve of them were combined with other fractures. The time from injury to operation was 1-9 days (mean, 5 days). The mini locking plate and Kirschner wire were removed at 9-12 months postoperatively. At 12 months postoperatively, the pain was evaluated by the visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and the function by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. All incisions healed by first intention. All cases were followed up 12-36 months with an average of 21.7 months. Fracture union was observed in all patients without complications such as nonunion, delayed union, and malunion. The fracture union time was 8-12 weeks (mean, 9.4 weeks). At 12 months postoperatively, the VAS score was 1.15±0.87; the AOFAS score was 89.45±6.24, and the results were excellent in 14 cases, good in 9 cases, fair in 1 case, and poor in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 92%. The procedure of mini locking plate combined with Kirschner wire for comminuted Jones fracture has such advantages as convenient operation, more rigid fixation, high rate of fracture healing, and good functional recovery in foot.

[APPLICATION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN ANTEROLATERAL THIGH FLAP FOR REPAIRING WOUNDS OF HAND AND FOOT].

PubMed

Duan, Jiazhang; He, Xiaoqing; Xu, Yongqing; Fan, Xinyu; Luo, Haotian; Wang, Teng; Dong, Kaixuan; Yu, Kaifu

2015-07-01

To investigate the effectiveness of digital technology in repairing wounds of the hand and foot with anterolateral thigh flap. Between September 2013 and September 2014, 16 cases of wounds of the hand and foot were treated with the anterolateral thigh flap. There were 10 males and 6 females, with an average age of 31 years (range, 20-52 years). The causes included traffic accident injury in 8 cases, crushing injury by machine in 6 cases, burning injury in 1 case, and animal biting injury in 1 case. The locations of soft tissue defect were the dorsum of the foot in 5 cases, the ankle in 4 cases, the planta pedis in 1 case, and the hand and forearm in 6 cases. The time was 2 hours to 45 days from injury to hospitalization (mean, 14.3 days). All defects were associated with exposure of bone and tendon. The size of wound was from 9.0 cmx4.0 cm to 29.0 cmx8.5 cm. CT angiography (CTA) was performed before operation, and the appropriate perforator as well as the donor site was selected. Then the Mimics l5.0 software was used to reconstruct the data of CTA so as to locate the main perforators, design the three-dimensional models of the anterolateral thigh flap, and simulate operation. The flap was obtained according to preoperative plan during operation. The size of flaps varied from 11 cm x 5 cm to 31 cm x 10 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly in 14 cases and were repaired by free skin graft in 2 cases. The lateral femoral circumflex artery identified by Mimics l5.0 software before operation, as well as the starting position of its descending branch, the blood vessel diameter at start site, vascular distribution, the maximum cutting length of the vascular pedicle were consistent with the actual observation during operation. All flaps were harvested and were used to repair defect smoothly. Vascular crisis occurred in 1 flap after operation, and the other flaps survived successfully. The wounds and the incisions obtained healing by first intention, and grafted skin survived completely. All cases were followed up 6-17 months (mean, 9 months). Fifteen flaps had good shape; but a second- stage operation was performed to make the flap thinner in 1 case. At last follow-up, the results were excellent in 3 cases, good in 2 cases, and fair in 1 case according to total active motion (TAM) in 6 cases of hand and forearm injury; the results were excellent in 5 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 2 cases according to American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) in 10 cases of foot injury. The total excellent and good rate was 81.25%. The preoperative individualization design of the flap can be realized through CTA digital technology and Mimics 15.0 software; it can reduce the operation risk.

Drug-induced gynecomastia: an evidence-based review.

PubMed

Deepinder, Fnu; Braunstein, Glenn D

2012-09-01

Drugs are estimated to cause about 10 - 25% of all cases of gynecomastia. Over the course of several decades, multiple medications have been implicated in the development of gynecomastia mostly in the form of case reports and case series. However, these reports suffer from a multitude of deficiencies, including poor quality of evidence. Studies were selected for this review by performing an extensive electronic and hand-search using BIOSIS, EMBASE and Medline, from 1940 to present, for all reported drug associations of gynecomastia and their possible pathophysiology. Quality of evidence was assessed on a three-point scale: good, fair and poor, and each of the drugs reported to cause gynecomastia was assigned a level of strength. The pathophysiology of gynecomastia is also discussed in detail for each of the drugs found to have a good or fair evidence of association with gynecomastia. Most of the reported drug-gynecomastia associations were based on poor quality evidence. The drugs definitely associated with the onset of gynecomastia are spironolactone, cimetidine, ketoconazole, hGH, estrogens, hCG, anti-androgens, GnRH analogs and 5-α reductase inhibitors. Medications probably associated with gynecomastia include risperidone, verapamil, nifedipine, omeprazole, alkylating agents, HIV medications (efavirenz), anabolic steroids, alcohol and opioids.

Fluorescence Imaging of Underexpanded Jets and Comparison with CFD

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilkes, Jennifer A.; Glass, Christopher E.; Danehy, Paul M.; Nowak, Robert J.

2006-01-01

An experimental study of underexpanded and highly underexpanded axisymmetric nitrogen free jets seeded with 0.5% nitric oxide (NO) and issuing from a sonic orifice was conducted at NASA Langley Research Center. Reynolds numbers based on nozzle exit conditions ranged from 770 to 35,700, and nozzle exit-to-ambient jet pressure ratios ranged from 2 to 35. These flows were non-intrusively visualized with a spatial resolution of approximately 0.14 mm x 0.14 mm x 1 mm thick and a temporal resolution of 1 s using planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) of NO, with the laser tuned to the strongly-fluorescing UV absorption bands of the Q1 band head near 226.256 nm. Three laminar cases were selected for comparison with computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The cases were run using GASP (General Aerodynamic Simulation Program) Version 4. Comparisons of the fundamental wavelength of the jet flow showed good agreement between CFD and experiment for all three test cases, while comparisons of Mach disk location and Mach disk diameter showed good agreement at lower jet pressure ratios, with a tendency to slightly underpredict these parameters with increasing jet pressure ratio.

An Alternative to Farmer Age as an Indicator of Life-Cycle Stage: The Case for a Farm Family Age Index

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burton, Rob J. F.

2006-01-01

In studies of farming, the age of the principal decision-maker (PDM) has been associated with numerous farm structural and managerial features and has been widely accepted as a good indicator of the influence of life-cycle factors on decision-making. As such, it has become an important aspect of many quantitative studies of agricultural change.…

Binary Logistic Regression Analysis in Assessment and Identifying Factors That Influence Students' Academic Achievement: The Case of College of Natural and Computational Science, Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zewude, Bereket Tessema; Ashine, Kidus Meskele

2016-01-01

An attempt has been made to assess and identify the major variables that influence student academic achievement at college of natural and computational science of Wolaita Sodo University in Ethiopia. Study time, peer influence, securing first choice of department, arranging study time outside class, amount of money received from family, good life…

[Treatment of acute otitis media in infants using an amoxicillin-clavulanic acid formulation (in the form of an oral suspension for pediatric use)].

PubMed

Cohen, R; Lebeaut, A; Narcy, P

1989-01-01

In a multicenter study, Augmentin pediatric suspension was given to 1,227 young children (3 months - 3 years) with otitis media seen in private practice. Patterns of otitis included first episodes, recurrences, and forms that had failed to respond to previous antimicrobial therapy. The study medication was given as a first-line treatment, on the basis of epidemiologic data, in a daily dose of 40 mg/kg for 7 to 10 days. In the 3 months to 3 years age group, two micro-organisms are prevalent, ie. Haemophilus influenzae, which is the most common agent and may produce beta-lactamases (10 to 18% of strains), and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Among our patients, the otitis-conjunctivitis syndrome caused by Haemophilus influenzae was fairly frequent (8.7% of cases). Clinical effectiveness as evaluated between D8 and D11 was good or very good in 91.2% of cases. Tolerance was satisfactory in 83% of patients. Side effects were uncommon and consisted primarily in gastrointestinal symptoms. We point out the potentially deleterious effect of concurrent anti-inflammatory treatment. Acceptability of the suspension was judged satisfactory by the parents in 91.6% of cases. Augmentin proved well-suited to epidemiologic data, outstandingly effective, well tolerated, and easy to use because of its presentation as a pediatric suspension; it is therefore an appropriate first-line drug in the common indication addressed in our study.

The role of assessment packages for diagnostic consultations: A conversation analytic perspective.

PubMed

Rossen, Camilla B; Buus, Niels; Stenager, Egon; Stenager, Elsebeth

2015-05-01

This article reports a conversation analysis of assessment package consultations. Healthcare delivery packages belong to a highly structured mode of healthcare delivery, in which specific courses of healthcare interventions related to assessment and treatment are predefined, both as to timing and content. Assessment packages are widely used in an increasing number of medical specialities; however, there is a lack of knowledge about how packaged assessment influences the interaction between doctor and patient. In this study, we investigate the final consultation in assessment packages, which is when the final clarification of the patient's symptoms takes place. The primary data of the study were eight audio recordings of consultations, and the secondary data were ethnographic field descriptions. In most consultations, packaged assessment was a resource as it provided fast and efficient clarification. In most cases, clarification was treated as good news since it either confirmed the absence of a serious disease or resulted in a diagnosis leading to relevant treatment offers. However, in some cases, clarification was not perceived as good news. This was the case in consultations with patients whose goal was to leave the consultation with clarification in the form of a definite diagnosis, but who were not offered such clarification. These patients negotiated the outcome of the consultation by applying implicit and explicit pressure, which induced the doctors to disregard the boundaries of the package and offer the patient more tests. The study highlights some of the problems related to introducing narrow, specialized package assessment. © The Author(s) 2014.

[Treatment of pelvic Ewing's sarcoma in children and the effect on the skeletal growth and development].

PubMed

Fu, Jun; Guo, Zheng; Wang, Zhen; Li, Xiang-dong; Li, Jing; Chen, Guo-jing; Wu, Zhi-gang

2012-12-01

To explore the effect of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and computer-assisted surgery on children and adolescents with primary pelvic Ewing's sarcoma, and assess the therapeutic effect on the pelvic skeletal growth and development. This is a retrospective analysis of 10 children with primary pelvic Ewing's sarcoma treated between Jan 2001 and Oct 2010 at the Department of Oncologic Orthopaedics at Xijing Hospital. There were 3 girls and 7 boys in the age of 7 to 16 years (average 12.7 years). All patients were pathologically diagnosed as Ewing's sarcoma. There were two cases in the sacroiliac joint, one in the ilium, one in the pubic bone, and 6 cases in peri-acetabular area including 5 below the triradiate cartilage and one above the triradiate cartilage, without cartilage invasion. All patients underwent neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, resection and reconstruction surgery and postoperative chemotherapy. CDP, ADM and IFO regimen chemotherapy were given as the main treatment. Five cases were treated by traditional resection and reconstruction, and after 2008, five cases were treated by computer-assisted surgery. During the reconstruction, the hip rotation center was put at a depressed location. All of the 10 cases underwent postoperative radiotherapy in a dose of 45-55 Gy. All patients were followed-up for 12-72 months (mean: 37.8 months). One child had tumor recurrence and lung metastasis and 9 patients had no evidence of disease (NED). After neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, the oncologic statuses (RECIST) were: 1 CR, 8 PR and 1 SD. The functional recoveries after surgery (Enneking's) were: 4 cases excellent, 4 good, 1 fair and 1 poor. Five cases who underwent computer-assisted surgery achieved a good reconstruction without local recurrence. There were no effects on skeletal growth in 8 cases. An unbalanced hip rotational center occurred in one case, and a compemsatory scoliosis was found in another case. There were no serious complications in all patients. The comprehensive treatment including neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, resection-reconstruction surgery and postoperative chemoradiotherapy may give a good control to primary pelvic Ewing's sarcomas in children and adolescents. The computer-assisted surgery used for accurate tumor resection and pelvic reconstruction is a good alternative when treating young patients with malignant pelvic tumors. The triradiate cartilage in children's acetabulum could be a natural barrier resistant to the invasion of Ewing's sarcomas.

Dancing Sexual Pleasures: Exploring Teenage Women's Experiences of Sexuality and Pleasure beyond "Sex"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Austin, Josie I.

2016-01-01

This paper focuses on the affective and sensual dimensions of sexuality, especially on what feels good in and on the body. Drawing on a longitudinal participatory case study of a young Christian woman's dancing practices, it illustrates how for young women sexual feelings and sexual pleasure are not only pertinent to those practices normatively…

ADHD Expressive Writing Difficulties of ADHD Children: When Good Declarative Knowledge Is Not Sufficient

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Re, Anna Maria; Cornoldi, Cesare

2010-01-01

A large body of evidence shows that many of the academic difficulties Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) children have may be related to their problems in executive control. However, the particular case of expressive writing has not been deeply explored. The present study examines the typical school exercise of writing a letter.…

Good Intentions: Teaching and Specialist Support Staff Perspectives of Student Disclosure of Mental Health Issues in Post-Secondary Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Venville, Annie; Street, Annette F.; Fossey, Ellie

2014-01-01

This article reports findings from a qualitative case study, as part of which staff perspectives of student disclosure of mental health issues in an Australian post-secondary vocational education setting were explored. Twenty teaching and specialist support staff from four vocational education and training institutions participated in individual…

Using Visual Strategies to Support Verbal Comprehension in an Adolescent with Down Syndrome

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lecas, Jean-Francois; Mazaud, Anne-Marie; Reibel, Esther; Rey, Arnaud

2011-01-01

It has been frequently reported that children with Down syndrome have deficits in verbal short-term memory while having relatively good performance in visual short-term memory tasks. Such verbal deficits have a detrimental effect on various high-level cognitive processes, most notably language comprehension. In this study, we report the case of an…

"Good" Students and "Involved" Mothers: Latin@ Responses to Normalization Pressures in Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cuero, Kimberley Kennedy; Valdez, Veronica E.

2012-01-01

Drawing from two in-depth qualitative studies, we used a sociocultural lens for a cross-case analysis examining how Latin@s' participation in schools is affected by ideological messages that subordinately position them in terms of their ethnicity, class, and immigrant status. We identified a range of dynamic responses to the school's normalization…

Multiple-Choice Question Tests: A Convenient, Flexible and Effective Learning Tool? A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Douglas, Mercedes; Wilson, Juliette; Ennis, Sean

2012-01-01

The research presented in this paper is part of a project investigating assessment practices, funded by the Scottish Funding Council. Using established principles of good assessment and feedback, the use of online formative and summative multiple choice tests (MCT's) was piloted to support independent and self-directed learning and improve…

An Anthropology of "The Good Life" in the Bolivian Plateau

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Calestani, Melania

2009-01-01

This paper addresses my understanding of well-being as harmonious relations in the city of El Alto, Bolivia. My approach shows the complexity of issues emerging when dealing with social relations. First of all, I analyse a specific case study showing the moral obligation involved among household members. Then I attempt to provide an insight into…

Projection and Reflection of American Culture via Mass Media--Case Study: Australia.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Breen, Myles P.

The current Australian scene is a good example of how American culture as portrayed in the mass media is reflected by a receptor national culture. Australia, sharing a similar history and a common language with the United States, has virtually no resistance to American culture. Some differences in national characteristics, such as the Australian…

Small-diameter timber utilization in Wisconsin: a case study of four counties

Treesearch

Scott A. Bowe; Matthew S. Bumgardner

2006-01-01

The state of Wisconsin has numerous forest ownership types. These include national, state, and county forests, as well as privately owned industrial and nonindustrial forests. In addition to sawlog markets, portions of the state also have substantial pulpwood markets associated with paper and panel mills. Combined, these attributes make Wisconsin a good location for...

The Attitude of Civil Engineering Students towards Health and Safety Risk Management: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Petersen, A. K.; Reynolds, J. H.; Ng, L. W. T.

2008-01-01

The highest rate of accidents and injuries in British industries has been reported by the construction industry during the past decade. Since then stakeholders have recognised that a possible solution would be to inculcate a good attitude towards health and safety risk management in undergraduate civil engineering students and construction…

The Double Flip: Applying a Flipped Learning Approach to Teach the Teacher and Improve Student Satisfaction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kehoe, Thomas; Schofield, Penelope; Branigan, Elizabeth; Wilmore, Michael

2018-01-01

This paper describes a professional development (PD) program for academics at an Australian university designed to model good blended curriculum design and effective use of contemporary learning technologies. It evaluates a case study from the pilot of this program involving a postgraduate psychology course to illustrate one of the most…

Working Together: Parents and Staff in Nursery Settings.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arrowsmith, Judy; And Others

This report presents two case studies that document the efforts of two Scottish nursery schools to foster good home-school relations. The schools involved were Dunsmore Nursery School, which serves 40 students in the morning and 20 in the afternoon and which employs a headteacher, 4 nursery nurses, and a caretaker; and Blairhall Nursery School, a…

Too Much of a Good Thing? How Teachers' Enthusiasm May Lead to Protectionism in Exploring Media & Gender

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Friesem, Elizaveta

2018-01-01

Challenges of media and gender literacy classes include the danger of steering students towards "right" interpretations of media texts while simplifying the complex relationship between audiences and media texts. The current paper describes a case study that focused on two high school teachers who were motivated by their protectionist…

Obstruction after Self-expanding Metallic Stents in Tuberculous Bronchial Stenosis

PubMed Central

Kim, Won; Lee, Youg Chul; Rhee, Yang Keun

1995-01-01

Expandable metallic stents seemed to be a good method in tuberculous bronchial stenosis that does not respond to medical therapy. But there was no long-term follow-up study after stents insertion in tuberculous bronchial stenosis. We report a case of obstruction after successful Gianturco metallic stents insertion due to tuberculous bronchial stenosis. PMID:7542914

Health Insurance for Public School Teachers in Wisconsin: A Good Value for Taxpayers or a Case of Market Abuse?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Browne, Mark; Leetch, Linda

2000-01-01

A study examined one state's suggestion for more cost-effective health insurance for teachers. Health insurance coverage for public school teachers in Wisconsin is determined through a collective-bargaining process. The Wisconsin Education Association (WEA) Insurance Corporation is affiliated with the states largest teachers' union and provides…

The Practice of School Reform: Lessons from Two Centuries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nehring, James

2009-01-01

Former high school teacher, school leader, activist, consultant, and now professor of education James Nehring combines vivid case studies with practical suggestions to describe how the system works to thwart good schools and what educators can do to improve them. In this book he paints the big picture of school reform in the United States, deftly…

Factors Affecting Students' Career Choice in Accounting: The Case of a Turkish University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Uyar, Ali; Güngörmüs, Ali Haydar; Kuzey, Cemil

2011-01-01

This study investigates the reasons that influence students' career choices in accounting. In order to determine these reasons, a questionnaire survey has been employed. The empirical findings can be divided into two categories. First, students who have a desire to work in accounting field assume that accounting field provides good job…

High Education as a Common Good in China: A Case Study for Ideas and Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhu, Jiangang

2016-01-01

China began its modern system of higher education with the establishment of the former Peking University in Beijing in 1898. The traditional Confucian philosophy of education has been replaced dramatically by modern western philosophy. However, since the communist party came to power in 1949, the philosophy of higher education has experienced many…

Turning Techno-Savvy into Info-Savvy: Authentically Integrating Information Literacy into the College Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Cecelia; Murphy, Teri J.; Nanny, Mark

2003-01-01

It is no longer effective to provide information literacy instruction that is thought to be "good for" college students, but rather, instruction must focus on the learning styles and preferences of the target population. This case study reports a series of hands-on/minds-on information literacy activities that dissolve student's misconception that…

Communication in palliative care Communication in palliative care Janet Dunphy Radcliffe Publishing £24.99 160pp 9781846195693 1846195691 [Formula: see text].

PubMed

2012-04-27

BOOKS THAT capture the essence of good communication are difficult to find. This text brings to life the complexities of this fundamental aspect of palliative care. Anyone who has worked in end of life care would recognise the narratives in the case studies.

Randomised Controlled Trials in Education Research: A Case Study of an Individually Randomised Pragmatic Trial

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Torgerson, Carole J.

2009-01-01

The randomised controlled trial (RCT) is an evaluative method used by social scientists in order to establish whether or not an intervention is effective. This contribution discusses the fundamental aspects of good RCT design. These are illustrated through the use of a recently completed RCT which evaluated an information and communication…

'It'll Look Good on Your Personal Statement': Self-Marketing amongst University Applicants in the United Kingdom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shuker, Lucie

2014-01-01

"Selling yourself" through personal statements and interviews is now a standard practice for university applicants. This article draws on a multi-case-study research project to report on the self-marketing orientations of students within three 16-19 institutions in England. These orientations (active/passive; internal/external;…

A systematic review of occupational safety and health business cases.

PubMed

Verbeek, Jos; Pulliainen, Marjo; Kankaanpää, Eila

2009-12-01

Business cases are commonly developed as means to rationalize investment. We systematically reviewed 26 reported cases on occupational safety and health (OSH) interventions to assess if health and productivity arguments make a good business case. To be included in the review, studies had to analyze the costs and benefits, including productivity, of an OSH intervention at the enterprise level. We searched Medline and Embase for studies and used Google search in addition. Two reviewers independently selected studies and extracted data. The intervention profitability was calculated in euros (euro in 2008) as the first year's benefits minus the total intervention costs per worker. The payback period was calculated as the intervention costs divided by the first year's benefits. We found three ex-ante and 23 ex-post cases. In 20 cases, the study design was a before-after comparison without a control group. Generally a 100% reduction of injuries or sickness absence was assumed. In two cases, productivity and quality increases were very large. The main benefit was avoided sick leave. Depreciation or discounting was applied only in a minority of cases. The intervention profitability was negative in seven studies, up to euro 500 per employee in 12 studies and more than euro 500 per employee in seven studies. The payback period was less than half a year for 19 studies. Only a few studies included sensitivity analyses. Few ex-ante business cases for management decisions on OSH are reported. Guidelines for reporting and evaluation are needed. Business cases need more sound assumptions on the effectiveness of interventions and should incorporate greater uncertainty into their design. Ex-post evaluation should be based preferably on study designs that control for trends at a time different from that of the intervention.

Using shared goal setting to improve access and equity: a mixed methods study of the Good Goals intervention in children's occupational therapy.

PubMed

Kolehmainen, Niina; MacLennan, Graeme; Ternent, Laura; Duncan, Edward A S; Duncan, Eilidh M; Ryan, Stephen B; McKee, Lorna; Francis, Jill J

2012-08-16

Access and equity in children's therapy services may be improved by directing clinicians' use of resources toward specific goals that are important to patients. A practice-change intervention (titled 'Good Goals') was designed to achieve this. This study investigated uptake, adoption, and possible effects of that intervention in children's occupational therapy services. Mixed methods case studies (n = 3 services, including 46 therapists and 558 children) were conducted. The intervention was delivered over 25 weeks through face-to-face training, team workbooks, and 'tools for change'. Data were collected before, during, and after the intervention on a range of factors using interviews, a focus group, case note analysis, routine data, document analysis, and researchers' observations. Factors related to uptake and adoptions were: mode of intervention delivery, competing demands on therapists' time, and leadership by service manager. Service managers and therapists reported that the intervention: helped therapists establish a shared rationale for clinical decisions; increased clarity in service provision; and improved interactions with families and schools. During the study period, therapists' behaviours changed: identifying goals, odds ratio 2.4 (95% CI 1.5 to 3.8); agreeing goals, 3.5 (2.4 to 5.1); evaluating progress, 2.0 (1.1 to 3.5). Children's LoT decreased by two months [95% CI -8 to +4 months] across the services. Cost per therapist trained ranged from £1,003 to £1,277, depending upon service size and therapists' salary bands. Good Goals is a promising quality improvement intervention that can be delivered and adopted in practice and may have benefits. Further research is required to evaluate its: (i) impact on patient outcomes, effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and (ii) transferability to other clinical contexts.

Implications of "Too Good to Be True" for Replication, Theoretical Claims, and Experimental Design: An Example Using Prominent Studies of Racial Bias.

PubMed

Francis, Gregory

2016-01-01

In response to concerns about the validity of empirical findings in psychology, some scientists use replication studies as a way to validate good science and to identify poor science. Such efforts are resource intensive and are sometimes controversial (with accusations of researcher incompetence) when a replication fails to show a previous result. An alternative approach is to examine the statistical properties of the reported literature to identify some cases of poor science. This review discusses some details of this process for prominent findings about racial bias, where a set of studies seems "too good to be true." This kind of analysis is based on the original studies, so it avoids criticism from the original authors about the validity of replication studies. The analysis is also much easier to perform than a new empirical study. A variation of the analysis can also be used to explore whether it makes sense to run a replication study. As demonstrated here, there are situations where the existing data suggest that a direct replication of a set of studies is not worth the effort. Such a conclusion should motivate scientists to generate alternative experimental designs that better test theoretical ideas.

Implications of “Too Good to Be True” for Replication, Theoretical Claims, and Experimental Design: An Example Using Prominent Studies of Racial Bias

PubMed Central

Francis, Gregory

2016-01-01

In response to concerns about the validity of empirical findings in psychology, some scientists use replication studies as a way to validate good science and to identify poor science. Such efforts are resource intensive and are sometimes controversial (with accusations of researcher incompetence) when a replication fails to show a previous result. An alternative approach is to examine the statistical properties of the reported literature to identify some cases of poor science. This review discusses some details of this process for prominent findings about racial bias, where a set of studies seems “too good to be true.” This kind of analysis is based on the original studies, so it avoids criticism from the original authors about the validity of replication studies. The analysis is also much easier to perform than a new empirical study. A variation of the analysis can also be used to explore whether it makes sense to run a replication study. As demonstrated here, there are situations where the existing data suggest that a direct replication of a set of studies is not worth the effort. Such a conclusion should motivate scientists to generate alternative experimental designs that better test theoretical ideas. PMID:27713708

Factors associated with good TB infection control practices among primary healthcare workers in the Free State Province, South Africa.

PubMed

Engelbrecht, Michelle; Janse van Rensburg, André; Kigozi, Gladys; van Rensburg, Hcj Dingie

2016-11-04

Despite the availability of TB infection control guidelines, and good levels of healthcare worker knowledge about infection control, often these measures are not well implemented. This study sought to determine the factors associated with healthcare workers' good TB infection control practices in primary health care facilities in the Free State Province, South Africa. A cross-sectional self-administered survey among nurses (n = 202) and facility-based community healthcare workers (n = 34) as well as facility observations were undertaken at all 41 primary health care facilities in a selected district of the Free State Province. The majority of respondents were female (n = 200; 87.7 %) and the average age was 44.19 years (standard deviation ±10.82). Good levels of knowledge were recorded, with 42.8 % (n = 101) having an average score (i.e. 65-79 %) and 31.8 % (n = 75) a good score (i.e. ≥ 80 %). Most respondents (n = 189; 80.4 %) had positive attitudes towards TB infection control practices (i.e. ≥ 80 %). While good TB infection control practices were reported by 72.9 % (n = 161) of the respondents (i.e. ≥75 %), observations revealed this to not necessarily be the case. For every unit increase in attitudes, good practices increased 1.090 times (CI:1.016-1.169). Respondents with high levels of knowledge (≥80 %) were 4.029 (CI: 1.550-10.469) times more likely to have good practices when compared to respondents with poor levels of knowledge (<65 %). The study did not find TB/HIV-related training to be a predictor of good practices. Positive attitudes and good levels of knowledge regarding TB infection control were the main factors associated with good infection control practices. Although many respondents reported good infection control practices - which was somewhat countered by the observations - there are areas that require attention, particularly those related to administrative controls and the use of personal protective equipment.

Seasonality in pulmonary tuberculosis among migrant workers entering Kuwait

PubMed Central

Akhtar, Saeed; Mohammad, Hameed GHH

2008-01-01

Background There is paucity of data on seasonal variation in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in developing countries contrary to recognized seasonality in the TB notification in western societies. This study examined the seasonal pattern in TB diagnosis among migrant workers from developing countries entering Kuwait. Methods Monthly aggregates of TB diagnosis results for consecutive migrants tested between January I, 1997 and December 31, 2006 were analyzed. We assessed the amplitude (α) of the sinusoidal oscillation and the time at which maximum (θ°) TB cases were detected using Edwards' test. The adequacy of the hypothesized sinusoidal curve was assessed by χ2 goodness-of-fit test. Results During the 10 year study period, the proportion (per 100,000) of pulmonary TB cases among the migrants was 198 (4608/2328582), (95% confidence interval: 192 – 204). The adjusted mean monthly number of pulmonary TB cases was 384. Based on the observed seasonal pattern in the data, the maximum number of TB cases was expected during the last week of April (θ° = 112°; P < 0.001). The amplitude (± se) (α = 0.204 ± 0.04) of simple harmonic curve showed 20.4% difference from the mean to maximum TB cases. The peak to low ratio of adjusted number of TB cases was 1.51 (95% CI: 1.39 – 1.65). The χ2 goodness-of-test revealed that there was no significant (P > 0.1) departure of observed frequencies from the fitted simple harmonic curve. Seasonal component explained 55% of the total variation in the proportions of TB cases (100,000) among the migrants. Conclusion This regularity of peak seasonality in TB case detection may prove useful to institute measures that warrant a better attendance of migrants. Public health authorities may consider re-allocation of resources in the period of peak seasonality to minimize the risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection to close contacts in this and comparable settings in the region having similar influx of immigrants from high TB burden countries. Epidemiological surveillance for the TB risk in the migrants in subsequent years and required chemotherapy of detected cases may contribute in global efforts to control this public health menace. PMID:18179720

Evolution of global contribution in multi-level threshold public goods games with insurance compensation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Jinming; Tang, Lixin

2018-01-01

Understanding voluntary contribution in threshold public goods games has important practical implications. To improve contributions and provision frequency, free-rider problem and assurance problem should be solved. Insurance could play a significant, but largely unrecognized, role in facilitating a contribution to provision of public goods through providing insurance compensation against the losses. In this paper, we study how insurance compensation mechanism affects individuals’ decision-making under risk environments. We propose a multi-level threshold public goods game model where two kinds of public goods games (local and global) are considered. Particularly, the global public goods game involves a threshold, which is related to the safety of all the players. We theoretically probe the evolution of contributions of different levels and free-riders, and focus on the influence of the insurance on the global contribution. We explore, in both the cases, the scenarios that only global contributors could buy insurance and all the players could. It is found that with greater insurance compensation, especially under high collective risks, players are more likely to contribute globally when only global contributors are insured. On the other hand, global contribution could be promoted if a premium discount is given to global contributors when everyone buys insurance.

7 CFR 1726.13 - Waivers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

..., for good cause on a case by case basis, certain requirements and procedures of this part. RUS reserves the right, as a condition of providing loans, loan guarantees, or other assistance, to require any...

Intracellular iron overload leading to DNA damage of lymphocytes and immune dysfunction in thalassemia major patients.

PubMed

Shaw, Jyoti; Chakraborty, Ayan; Nag, Arijit; Chattopadyay, Arnab; Dasgupta, Anjan K; Bhattacharyya, Maitreyee

2017-11-01

To investigate the cause and effects of intracellular iron overload in lymphocytes of thalassemia major patients. Sixty-six thalassemia major patients having iron overload and 10 age-matched controls were chosen for the study. Blood sample was collected, and serum ferritin, oxidative stress; lymphocyte DNA damage were examined, and infective episodes were also counted. Case-control analysis revealed significant oxidative stress, iron overload, DNA damage, and rate of infections in thalassemia cases as compared to controls. For cases, oxidative stress (ROS) and iron overload (serum ferritin) showed good correlation with R 2  = 0.934 and correlation between DNA damage and ROS gave R 2  = 0.961. We also demonstrated that intracellular iron overload in thalassemia caused oxidative damage of lymphocyte DNA as exhibited by DNA damage assay. The inference is further confirmed by partial inhibition of such damage by chelation of iron and the concurrent lowering of the ROS level in the presence of chelator deferasirox. Therefore, intracellular iron overload caused DNA fragmentation, which may ultimately hamper lymphocyte function, and this may contribute to immune dysfunction and increased susceptibility to infections in thalassemia patients as indicated by the good correlation (R 2  = 0.91) between lymphocyte DNA damage and rate of infection found in this study. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Sputum, sex and scanty smears: new case definition may reduce sex disparities in smear-positive tuberculosis.

PubMed

Ramsay, A; Bonnet, M; Gagnidze, L; Githui, W; Varaine, F; Guérin, P J

2009-05-01

Urban clinic, Nairobi. To evaluate the impact of specimen quality and different smear-positive tuberculosis (TB) case (SPC) definitions on SPC detection by sex. Prospective study among TB suspects. A total of 695 patients were recruited: 644 produced > or =1 specimen for microscopy. The male/female sex ratio was 0.8. There were no significant differences in numbers of men and women submitting three specimens (274/314 vs. 339/380, P = 0.43). Significantly more men than women produced a set of three 'good' quality specimens (175/274 vs. 182/339, P = 0.01). Lowering thresholds for definitions to include scanty smears resulted in increases in SPC detection in both sexes; the increase was significantly higher for women. The revised World Health Organization (WHO) case definition was associated with the highest detection rates in women. When analysis was restricted only to patients submitting 'good' quality specimen sets, the difference in detection between sexes was on the threshold for significance (P = 0.05). Higher SPC notification rates in men are commonly reported by TB control programmes. The revised WHO SPC definition may reduce sex disparities in notification. This should be considered when evaluating other interventions aimed at reducing these. Further study is required on the effects of the human immuno-deficiency virus and instructed specimen collection on sex-specific impact of new SPC definition.

Cement-in-cement acetabular revision with a constrained tripolar component.

PubMed

Leonidou, Andreas; Pagkalos, Joseph; Luscombe, Jonathan

2012-02-17

Dislocation of a total hip replacement (THR) is common following total hip arthroplasty (THA). When nonoperative management fails to maintain reduction, revision surgery is considered. The use of constrained acetabular liners has been extensively described. Complete removal of the old cement mantle during revision THA can be challenging and is associated with significant complications. Cement-in-cement revision is an established technique. However, the available clinical and experimental studies focus on femoral stem revision. The purpose of this study was to present a case of cement-in-cement acetabular revision with a constrained component for recurrent dislocations and to investigate the current best evidence for this technique. This article describes the case of a 74-year-old woman who underwent revision of a Charnley THR for recurrent low-energy dislocations. A tripolar constrained acetabular component was cemented over the primary cement mantle following removal of the original liner by reaming, roughening the surface, and thoroughly irrigating and drying the primary cement. Clinical and radiological results were good, with the Oxford Hip Score improving from 11 preoperatively to 24 at 6 months postoperatively. The good short-term results of this case and the current clinical and biomechanical data encourage the use of the cement-in-cement technique for acetabular revision. Careful irrigation, drying, and roughening of the primary surface are necessary. Copyright 2012, SLACK Incorporated.

Efficacy of testicular sperm chromatin condensation assay using aniline blue-eosin staining in the IVF-ET cycle.

PubMed

Park, Yong-Seog; Kim, Myo Kyung; Lee, Sun-Hee; Cho, Jae Won; Song, In Ok; Seo, Ju Tae

2011-09-01

This study was performed to evaluate testicular sperm chromatin condensation using aniline blue-eosin (AB-E) staining and its effects on IVF-ET. Chromatin condensation was analyzed using AB-E staining in 27 cases of testicular sperm extraction. There were 19 cases of obstructive azoospermia (OA) and 8 cases of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) in IVF-ET. Mature sperm heads were stained red-pink whereas immature sperm heads were stained dark blue. The percentage of sperm chromatin condensation was calculated from the ratio of the number of red-pink sperm to the total number of sperm analyzed. The overall percentages of chromatin condensation in OA and NOA were 31.1±11.2% and 26.3±14.4%, respectively. The fertilization rate was significant higher in OA than NOA (p<0.05); however, the rates of good embryos and clinical pregnancy did not show statistical differences. In OA and NOA, statistical differences were not observed in the rate of chromatin condensation, fertilization, good embryos, and clinical pregnancy between the pregnant group and non-pregnant group. Chromatin condensation is less stable than OA and showed a low fertilization rate in NOA. While there were no significant differences in chromatin condensation results between NOA and OA, we propose that a pattern of decreased chromatin condensation in NOA is one of the factors of low fertilization results requiring further study.

Supporting public involvement in research design and grant development: a case study of a public involvement award scheme managed by a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Research Design Service (RDS).

PubMed

Boote, Jonathan D; Twiddy, Maureen; Baird, Wendy; Birks, Yvonne; Clarke, Clare; Beever, Daniel

2015-10-01

It is good practice for the public to be involved in developing health research. Resources should be available for researchers to fund the involvement of the public in the development of their grants. To describe a funding award scheme to support public involvement in grant development, managed by an NIHR Research Design Service (RDS). Case examples of how the award contributed to successful grant applications and findings from a recent evaluation of the scheme are presented. A case study of resource provision to support public involvement activities in one region of England. University and NHS-based researchers, and members of the public. Between 2009 and 2012, the RDS approved 45 public involvement funding awards (totalling nearly £19,000). These awards contributed to 27 submitted applications at the time of writing, of which 11 were successful (totalling over £7.5 million). The evaluation revealed difficulties encountered by some researchers when involving the public in grant development, which led to suggestions about how the scheme could be improved. This award scheme represents an efficient method of providing researchers with resources to involve the public in grant development and would appear to represent good value for money. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Clinicopathological study of 13 cases of squamous cell carcinoma complicating hidradenitis suppurativa.

PubMed

Lavogiez, C; Delaporte, E; Darras-Vercambre, S; Martin De Lassalle, E; Castillo, C; Mirabel, X; Laurent, F; Patenotre, P; Gheit, T; Talmant, J C; Beylot-Barry, M; Martinot, V; Piette, F; Aubin, F; Mortier, L

2010-01-01

To the best of our knowledge, only 52 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) complicating hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) have been reported since 1958. We describe 13 new cases. We propose a clinical and histological analysis of our cases. We include these results in a review of previously reported cases to analyze a total of 65 patients. In our series of 13 cases, we also investigate the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in tumor samples, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on paraffin-embedded material. Malignant transformation affects mainly men with a long-term history of genitoanal HS. Although our cases were 7 well-differentiated carcinomas and 6 verrucous carcinomas, lymphatic and visceral metastasis occurred in 2 and 3 cases, respectively. With PCR, we demonstrated presence of HPV in genitoanal tumoral lesions, principally HPV-16. SCC complicating HS evolves poorly, despite a good histological prognosis. Our results sustain the implication of HPV in the malignant transformation of HS.

Communicating with scientific graphics: A descriptive inquiry into non-ideal normativity.

PubMed

Sheredos, Benjamin

2017-06-01

Scientists' graphical practices have recently become a target of inquiry in the philosophy of science, and in the cognitive sciences. Here I supplement our understanding of graphical practices via a case study of how researchers crafted the graphics for scientific publication in the field of circadian biology. The case highlights social aspects of graphical production which have gone understudied - especially concerning the negotiation of publication. I argue that it also supports a challenge to the claim that empirically-informed "cognitive design principles" offer an apt understanding of the norms of success which govern good scientific graphic design to communicate data and hypotheses to other experts. In this respect, the case-study also illustrates how "descriptive" studies of scientific practice can connect with normative issues in philosophy of science, thereby addressing a central concern in recent discussions of practice-oriented philosophy of science. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Traumatic brain injuries from work accidents: a retrospective study.

PubMed

Salem, A M O; Jaumally, B A; Bayanzay, K; Khoury, K; Torkaman, A

2013-07-01

The United Arab Emirates is a rapidly developing country with recent expansion in construction and manufacturing. To investigate the occurrence and outcomes following occupational traumatic brain injury (TBI) requiring hospital admission. Records for all TBI cases admitted to an Abu Dhabi hospital between 2005 and 2009 were reviewed. Data on mechanisms of occupational injuries, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on admission and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) on follow-up, were analysed. Of 581 TBI cases reviewed, 56 (10%) cases were reported as occupational by either the patient or the informant accompanying the patient. All cases were male migrants, and 63% were aged 25-44. Falls accounted for 63% of cases, falling objects 34% and motor vehicle collisions 4%. Median GCS score was 13 for all cases. Median hospital stay was 7.5 days. Intensive care unit admission data were available in 47 cases, of which 34% (16) were admitted with a median stay of 5 days. GOS data were available in 95% (53) of cases, with good recovery in 81% cases, moderate-to-severe disability in 11% of cases and death in 8% (4) cases. Occupational TBI requiring hospitalization is most frequently due to falls and falling objects, with potentially grave consequences. This study further highlights the urgent need to implement preventative measures to improve construction worker safety.

Solar energy utilization in the direct photocarboxylation of 2,3-dihydrofuran using CO2.

PubMed

Aresta, Michele; Dibenedetto, Angela; Baran, Tomasz; Wojtyła, Szymon; Macyk, Wojciech

2015-01-01

The conversion of CO2 into high energy products (fuels) and the direct carboxylation of C-H bonds require a high energy input. Energy cannot be derived from fossil carbon, in this case. Solar energy can be used instead, with a low environmental impact and good profit. We have studied the use of white light or solar energy in the photoreduction of CO2 and in photocarboxylation reactions, using different semiconductors modified at their surface. Two examples of reduction of CO2 to methanol and CO will be shortly discussed, and two cases of carboxylation of organic substrates. The case of carboxylation of 2,3-dihydrofuran will be discussed in detail.

Surgical Treatment of Complication of Female Genital Mutilation in Pikine Hospital, Senegal.

PubMed

Diouf, Abdoul A; Diallo, Moussa; Mbodj, Aissatou; Gassama, Omar; Guèye, Mamour; Moreau, Jean C; Diouf, Alassane

2017-03-01

We share our experience on reconstructive for surgery female genital mutilation. This is a retrospective study of all cases of female genital mutilation surgery performed in Pikine National Hospital. We have reviewed the various indications and surgical techniques used. We collected 8 cases of clitoral cyst and 6 cases of closed vaginal opening. The surgery of clitoral cysts was to perform cystectomy followed by nymphoplasty. The closing of the vaginal opening required defibulation together with clitoroplasty according to the wishes of the patient. The anatomical and functional outcomes were satisfactory. Female genital mutilation surgery requires a good knowledge of vulvar anatomy. The various surgical indications must meet the expectations of patients to guarantee their satisfaction.

Dual pathology as a cause of proteinuria in the post-transplant period; report of a case.

PubMed

Tewari, Rohit; Mendonca, Satish; Nijhawan, Vijay

2016-01-01

Proteinuria is common after renal transplantation and affects between 35%-45% of patients during the same year as their transplant. We report a case of dual pathology in the renal allograft as a cause of severe proteinuria. A 38-year-old male presented with end-stage renal disease. He underwent live related renal allograft transplant. His immediate post-transplant period was unremarkable. He developed rise in serum creatinine (2.1 mg/dl) 6 months after transplant and was biopsied. He was diagnosed as a case of acute cellular rejection type Ib with suspicion for antibody mediated rejection. He was treated with methylprednisolone to which he showed a good response with return of serum creatinine to 1.6 mg/dl. Subsequently, he developed a nephrotic range proteinuria 6 months after this episode of rejection. Repeat biopsy was performed. He was diagnosed as a case of immune complex mediated glomerulonephritis (GN) (morphologically consistent with pattern of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis) with chronic humoral rejection in the form of transplant glomerulopathy (TG). IHC for C4d and immunofluorescence studies were instrumental making the diagnosis. He was treated with steroids and rituximab to which he showed a good response with remission of proteinuria. This case highlights the importance of picking up dual pathology in an allograft biopsy to ensure appropriate therapy. The role of C4d and its correct interpretation is further highlighted, especially with regard to pattern (granular versus linear) and location (glomerular capillaries versus peritubular capillaries).

Dual pathology as a cause of proteinuria in the post-transplant period; report of a case

PubMed Central

Tewari, Rohit; Mendonca, Satish; Nijhawan, Vijay

2016-01-01

Proteinuria is common after renal transplantation and affects between 35%-45% of patients during the same year as their transplant. We report a case of dual pathology in the renal allograft as a cause of severe proteinuria. A 38-year-old male presented with end-stage renal disease. He underwent live related renal allograft transplant. His immediate post-transplant period was unremarkable. He developed rise in serum creatinine (2.1 mg/dl) 6 months after transplant and was biopsied. He was diagnosed as a case of acute cellular rejection type Ib with suspicion for antibody mediated rejection. He was treated with methylprednisolone to which he showed a good response with return of serum creatinine to 1.6 mg/dl. Subsequently, he developed a nephrotic range proteinuria 6 months after this episode of rejection. Repeat biopsy was performed. He was diagnosed as a case of immune complex mediated glomerulonephritis (GN) (morphologically consistent with pattern of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis) with chronic humoral rejection in the form of transplant glomerulopathy (TG). IHC for C4d and immunofluorescence studies were instrumental making the diagnosis. He was treated with steroids and rituximab to which he showed a good response with remission of proteinuria. This case highlights the importance of picking up dual pathology in an allograft biopsy to ensure appropriate therapy. The role of C4d and its correct interpretation is further highlighted, especially with regard to pattern (granular versus linear) and location (glomerular capillaries versus peritubular capillaries). PMID:28197503

[Classification and treatment of symbrachydactyly. A series of 117 cases].

PubMed

Foucher, G; Medina, J; Pajardi, G; Navarro, R

2000-07-01

In the present study, a modification has been proposed of the Blauth and Gekeler classification, aimed at a more accurate definition of appropriate surgical treatment. An analysis was made of a series of 120 cases of symbrachydactyly (117 patients); however, surgery was only performed in 86 cases (51 toe transfers in 49 patients; mean age at surgery 12 months). Type I included the separation of short and sometimes stiff fingers; type II, the 'pseudo-cleft', could be subdivided into three groups. Type IIA included those hands with more than two long and frequently hypoplastic digits, regarding which a decision had to be made between removal of rudimentary fingers or their stabilization. In type IIB, hand function was good and surgery was rarely needed. Type III (monodactylous) could also be subdivided into two categories, i.e., normal thumb in type IIIA and hypoplasia in IIIB. Finally, in type IVA, toe transfer surgery was performed on condition that wrist mobility was sufficient to compensate for the insufficient mobility of the artificial thumb on the anterior aspect of the radius. In all cases, a weak but useful pincer movement was obtained, with poor cosmetic results. In the case of toe transfers, surgery was advocated before the age of one year; and although mobility was disappointing (35 degrees active motion), good growth and excellent discrimination (5 mm on average) was observed. Symbrachydactyly is a fairly frequent congenital malformation; its diverse clinical features require a precise classification to better determine adequate treatment management.

An Economic Case against Vouchers: Why Local Public Schools Are a Local Public Good. Dartmouth Economics Department Working Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fischel, William A.

This article offers an explanation and economic rationale for the failure of vouchers to be generally accepted by the public, suggesting that public schools are in fact a local public good. The reason economists fail to notice this is they look exclusively to the educational activity of the schools. Education is actually a private good, being both…

Successful palliation of malignant ascites from peritoneal mesothelioma by laparoscopic intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy.

PubMed

Patriti, Alberto; Cavazzoni, Emanuel; Graziosi, Luigina; Pisciaroli, Antonio; Luzi, Debora; Gullà, Nino; Donini, Annibale

2008-08-01

A variety of options have been proposed to treat malignant ascites but most of them have failed to reach a significant impact in terms of palliation. Laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (LHIPEC) could represent a good therapeutic tool for patients in whom medical therapies have failed and peritoneovenous shunting is contraindicated. Here we present a case of a 49-year-old woman with malignant ascites secondary to peritoneal spreading of a right pleural mesothelioma. After failure of medical therapy, the patient underwent LHIPEC with Cisplatin 25 mg/m/L and Doxorubicin 7 mg/m/L. A dramatic reduction of ascites was documented in the postoperative period and the patient experienced complete abdominal symptom relief. Ascites did not recur during a follow-up period of 6 months. LHIPEC could be a good therapeutic option to palliate malignant ascites from mesothelioma in cases not eligible for a radical treatment. Further studies are needed to standardize dosage and perfusion parameters.

Overcoming the Time Limitation in Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Crystal Nucleation: A Persistent-Embryo Approach

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, Yang; Song, Huajing; Zhang, Feng

The crystal nucleation from liquid in most cases is too rare to be accessed within the limited time scales of the conventional molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Here, we developed a “persistent embryo” method to facilitate crystal nucleation in MD simulations by preventing small crystal embryos from melting using external spring forces. We applied this method to the pure Ni case for a moderate undercooling where no nucleation can be observed in the conventional MD simulation, and obtained nucleation rate in good agreement with the experimental data. Moreover, the method is applied to simulate an even more sluggish event: the nucleationmore » of the B2 phase in a strong glass-forming Cu-Zr alloy. The nucleation rate was found to be 8 orders of magnitude smaller than Ni at the same undercooling, which well explains the good glass formability of the alloy. In conclusion, our work opens a new avenue to study solidification under realistic experimental conditions via atomistic computer simulation.« less

Knee arthrodesis with the Vari-Wall nail for treatment of infected total knee arthroplasty.

PubMed

Garcia-Lopez, Ignacio; Aguayo, Miguel Anguel; Cuevas, Antonio; Navarro, Pablo; Prieto, Cristobal; Carpintero, Pedro

2008-12-01

We reviewed 20 patients who had undergone one-stage (7 cases) or two-stage (13 cases) knee arthrodesis using the Vari-Wall intramedullary nail, as a salvage operation following infection of a total knee arthroplasty. The procedure was followed by systemic antibiotic administration and early rehabilitation. Intraoperative microbiological cultures were taken. The average period of follow-up was 20 months. Solid union was achieved in 80%; mean time to fusion was 9 months. There was no recurrence of infection. The average limb length discrepancy was 2.45 cm. A walking aid was needed by 95% of the patients. The complication rate was 30% including 4 pseudarthroses, one intraoperative fracture and one peroneal nerve palsy. The Vari-Wall intramedullary nail is a good option when an arthrodesis is indicated for salvage of an infected total knee arthroplasty. It can be performed in one or two stages depending on several factors such as microbiologic culture results. It achieved good pain relief and acceptable functional results in this study.

Overcoming the Time Limitation in Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Crystal Nucleation: A Persistent-Embryo Approach

DOE PAGES

Sun, Yang; Song, Huajing; Zhang, Feng; ...

2018-02-23

The crystal nucleation from liquid in most cases is too rare to be accessed within the limited time scales of the conventional molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Here, we developed a “persistent embryo” method to facilitate crystal nucleation in MD simulations by preventing small crystal embryos from melting using external spring forces. We applied this method to the pure Ni case for a moderate undercooling where no nucleation can be observed in the conventional MD simulation, and obtained nucleation rate in good agreement with the experimental data. Moreover, the method is applied to simulate an even more sluggish event: the nucleationmore » of the B2 phase in a strong glass-forming Cu-Zr alloy. The nucleation rate was found to be 8 orders of magnitude smaller than Ni at the same undercooling, which well explains the good glass formability of the alloy. In conclusion, our work opens a new avenue to study solidification under realistic experimental conditions via atomistic computer simulation.« less

Overcoming the Time Limitation in Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Crystal Nucleation: A Persistent-Embryo Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yang; Song, Huajing; Zhang, Feng; Yang, Lin; Ye, Zhuo; Mendelev, Mikhail I.; Wang, Cai-Zhuang; Ho, Kai-Ming

2018-02-01

The crystal nucleation from liquid in most cases is too rare to be accessed within the limited time scales of the conventional molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Here, we developed a "persistent embryo" method to facilitate crystal nucleation in MD simulations by preventing small crystal embryos from melting using external spring forces. We applied this method to the pure Ni case for a moderate undercooling where no nucleation can be observed in the conventional MD simulation, and obtained nucleation rate in good agreement with the experimental data. Moreover, the method is applied to simulate an even more sluggish event: the nucleation of the B 2 phase in a strong glass-forming Cu-Zr alloy. The nucleation rate was found to be 8 orders of magnitude smaller than Ni at the same undercooling, which well explains the good glass formability of the alloy. Thus, our work opens a new avenue to study solidification under realistic experimental conditions via atomistic computer simulation.

Hazard mitigation with cloud model based rainfall and convective data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gernowo, R.; Adi, K.; Yulianto, T.; Seniyatis, S.; Yatunnisa, A. A.

2018-05-01

Heavy rain in Semarang 15 January 2013 causes flood. It is related to dynamic of weather’s parameter, especially with convection process, clouds and rainfall data. In this case, weather condition analysis uses Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model used to analyze. Some weather’s parameters show significant result. Their fluctuations prove there is a strong convection that produces convective cloud (Cumulonimbus). Nesting and 2 domains on WRF model show good output to represent weather’s condition commonly. The results of this study different between output cloud cover rate of observation result and output of model around 6-12 hours is because spinning-up of processing. Satellite Images of MTSAT (Multifunctional Transport Satellite) are used as a verification data to prove the result of WRF. White color of satellite image is Coldest Dark Grey (CDG) that indicates there is cloud’s top. This image consolidates that the output of WRF is good enough to analyze Semarang’s condition when the case happened.

Overcoming the Time Limitation in Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Crystal Nucleation: A Persistent-Embryo Approach.

PubMed

Sun, Yang; Song, Huajing; Zhang, Feng; Yang, Lin; Ye, Zhuo; Mendelev, Mikhail I; Wang, Cai-Zhuang; Ho, Kai-Ming

2018-02-23

The crystal nucleation from liquid in most cases is too rare to be accessed within the limited time scales of the conventional molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Here, we developed a "persistent embryo" method to facilitate crystal nucleation in MD simulations by preventing small crystal embryos from melting using external spring forces. We applied this method to the pure Ni case for a moderate undercooling where no nucleation can be observed in the conventional MD simulation, and obtained nucleation rate in good agreement with the experimental data. Moreover, the method is applied to simulate an even more sluggish event: the nucleation of the B2 phase in a strong glass-forming Cu-Zr alloy. The nucleation rate was found to be 8 orders of magnitude smaller than Ni at the same undercooling, which well explains the good glass formability of the alloy. Thus, our work opens a new avenue to study solidification under realistic experimental conditions via atomistic computer simulation.

Patent ductus arteriosus in adults: surgical experience in Ivory-Coast.

PubMed

Yangni-Angate, H; Ayegnon, G; Meneas, C; Diby, F L; Yapobi, Y

2007-03-01

Patent ductus arteriosus surgery is well documented. Hospital Mortality has reduced to almost 0%. Yet, with adults, this surgical cure is likely to be difficult and require some technical skills A retrospective study of surgical procedures and results after surgery of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in adults. Since 1978 to 2000 we have reported 16 operated cases. The average age was 22.5 years. There was female predominance with a sex ratio of 2.3/1. All patent ductus arteriosus had been confirmed by two dimensional echocardiography (2D echocardiography) and cardiac catheterization. All hemodynamic types of Nadas classification were observed. Double or triple ligation supported on Teflon felt was the most frequent technique used (69%). This technique gave good results in view of the absence of hospital mortality and only 1 case of recanalisation after a long follow up of all patients from 1 - 7 years (mean 5 years). Double or triple ligation on Teflon felt according to Wright technique is a good technique.

Fertility-sparing surgery in advanced stage malignant ovarian germ cell tumor: a case report.

PubMed

Ghalleb, Montassar; Bouzaiene, Hatem; Slim, Skander; Hadiji, Achraf; Hechiche, Monia; Ben Hassouna, Jamel; Rahal, Khaled

2017-12-17

Malignant ovarian germ cell tumor is a rare type of disease, which generally has a good prognosis due to the high chemosensitivity of this type of tumor. Fertility preservation is an important issue because malignant ovarian germ cell tumor commonly affects young women. Although conservation is the standard for early stage, it becomes more debatable as the disease progresses to more advanced stages. Report the case of a patient with an International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Stage IIIc malignant ovarian germ cell tumor, who had conservative surgery and chemotherapy with a good fertility outcome. A 23-year-old North African woman with a left malignant ovarian germ cell tumor stage IIIc was treated by left adnexectomy and omentectomy followed by chemotherapy. A 15-year follow-up showed no signs of relapse, and she completed three full-term natural pregnancies. Malignant ovarian germ cell tumor is a rare ovarian tumor with a good prognosis. It is usually associated with a good fertility outcome in early stages. However, due to the rarity of the disease in advanced stages, the fertility outcome for this group of patients is not clear. This lack of data surrounding advanced stages points to the need for a meta-analysis of all published cases.

Hardwood Fence Posts Give Good Service

Treesearch

B. E. Carpenter; T. P. Bouler

1962-01-01

Very few tree species make naturally durable fence posts. Osage-orange, mulberry, black locust, cypress, and some species of cedar are known for the good service they give. But in no case are their names a guarantee. Only the heartwood of these species possesses adequate durability .

Validating a benchmarking tool for audit of early outcomes after operations for head and neck cancer.

PubMed

Tighe, D; Sassoon, I; McGurk, M

2017-04-01

INTRODUCTION In 2013 all UK surgical specialties, with the exception of head and neck surgery, published outcome data adjusted for case mix for indicator operations. This paper reports a pilot study to validate a previously published risk adjustment score on patients from separate UK cancer centres. METHODS A case note audit was performed of 1,075 patients undergoing 1,218 operations for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma under general anaesthesia in 4 surgical centres. A logistic regression equation predicting for all complications, previously validated internally at sites A-C, was tested on a fourth external validation sample (site D, 172 operations) using receiver operating characteristic curves, Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit analysis and Brier scores. RESULTS Thirty-day complication rates varied widely (34-51%) between the centres. The predictive score allowed imperfect risk adjustment (area under the curve: 0.70), with Hosmer-Lemeshow analysis suggesting good calibration. The Brier score changed from 0.19 for sites A-C to 0.23 when site D was also included, suggesting poor accuracy overall. CONCLUSIONS Marked differences in operative risk and patient case mix captured by the risk adjustment score do not explain all the differences in observed outcomes. Further investigation with different methods is recommended to improve modelling of risk. Morbidity is common, and usually has a major impact on patient recovery, ward occupancy, hospital finances and patient perception of quality of care. We hope comparative audit will highlight good performance and challenge underperformance where it exists.

Evaluation of cholera surveillance system in Osu Klottey District, Accra, Ghana (2011-2013).

PubMed

Adjei, Eric Yirenkyi; Malm, Keziah Laurencia; Mensah, Kofi Nyarko; Sackey, Samuel Oko; Ameme, Donne; Kenu, Ernest; Abdulai, Marijanatu; Mills, Richael; Afari, Edwin

2017-01-01

Cholera is an acute illness characterized by profuse watery diarrhea. It is caused by vibrio cholera subgroup 01 and 0139. Rapid administration of fluid replacement therapy and supportive treatment can reduce mortality to around 1%. By the close of 2011, 10,628 cases and 100 deaths were reported in Ghana with a case fatality rate of 0.99. It is important to evaluate the cholera surveillance system in Ghana to determine if it is meeting its objective. The study was conducted in Osu Klottey district in the Accra Metropolitan area in January 2014. We assessed the operations (attributes and performance) of the surveillance system for cholera using CDC guidelines (2001). Surveillance data records at the district level from 2011-2013 were extracted and analyzed for frequency using Microsoft excel. Stakeholders and key informants were interviewed using structured questionnaire. Records were also reviewed at some health facilities and at district levels. In 2011 and 2012, case fatality rates (1.3% and 0.65%) respectively. Males were mostly affected. The most affected age group was 20-29. In 2011, Predictive value positive was 69.2% and 50% in 2012.Cholera peaked in March 2011 and April 2012. The Government of Ghana funded the system. The system is sensitive, simple, stable, flexible, acceptable and representative. It was also useful and data quality was relatively good. Predictive Value Positive was also good. The surveillance system is achieving its set out objectives. The system is sensitive, simple, stable, flexible, and acceptable. Predictive value positive was good.

Validating a benchmarking tool for audit of early outcomes after operations for head and neck cancer

PubMed Central

Sassoon, I; McGurk, M

2017-01-01

INTRODUCTION In 2013 all UK surgical specialties, with the exception of head and neck surgery, published outcome data adjusted for case mix for indicator operations. This paper reports a pilot study to validate a previously published risk adjustment score on patients from separate UK cancer centres. METHODS A case note audit was performed of 1,075 patients undergoing 1,218 operations for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma under general anaesthesia in 4 surgical centres. A logistic regression equation predicting for all complications, previously validated internally at sites A–C, was tested on a fourth external validation sample (site D, 172 operations) using receiver operating characteristic curves, Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit analysis and Brier scores. RESULTS Thirty-day complication rates varied widely (34–51%) between the centres. The predictive score allowed imperfect risk adjustment (area under the curve: 0.70), with Hosmer–Lemeshow analysis suggesting good calibration. The Brier score changed from 0.19 for sites A–C to 0.23 when site D was also included, suggesting poor accuracy overall. CONCLUSIONS Marked differences in operative risk and patient case mix captured by the risk adjustment score do not explain all the differences in observed outcomes. Further investigation with different methods is recommended to improve modelling of risk. Morbidity is common, and usually has a major impact on patient recovery, ward occupancy, hospital finances and patient perception of quality of care. We hope comparative audit will highlight good performance and challenge underperformance where it exists. PMID:27917662

Atypical localizations of calcific deposits in the shoulder

PubMed Central

Vinanti, G.B.; Pavan, D.; Rossato, A.; Biz, Carlo

2015-01-01

Introduction Calcific tendinopathies of the shoulder are due to inflammation around deposits of calcium within periarticular tendineal structures. Presentation of cases We present three cases of atypical localization of calcium deposits in the shoulder. All of the cases have been treated with arthroscopic excision, followed by post-operative rehabilitation, regaining excellent results. Patients were evaluated 6 months after surgery using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) and the UCLA modified shoulder rating. Discussion Calcific tendinopathy is a self-limiting condition or is successfully treated with conservative therapy especially during the early phases of the pathology. If conservative measures fail, removal of calcium deposits is recommended. Arthroscopic management showed good results in our three cases. Conclusion We suggest that arthroscopic treatment of calcific tendonitis guarantees good results even when calcium deposits are in atypical locations. PMID:25884610

A very rare case of a small bowel leiomyosarcoma leading to ileocaecal intussusception treated with a laparoscopic resection: a case report and a literature review.

PubMed

Guzel, Tomasz; Mech, Katarzyna; Mazurkiewicz, Michał; Dąbrowski, Bohdan; Lech, Gustaw; Chaber, Andrzej; Słodkowski, Maciej

2016-02-24

Small bowel tumours are rare and comprise less than 2% of all primary gastrointestinal neoplasms. Among these tumours, a leiomyosarcoma belonging to soft tissue sarcomas is extremely rare and accounts for about 1 % of malignant mesenchymal lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. Due to its aggressive nature and slow growth, it is often diagnosed at the late stage when curative treatment is impossible. Authors report a first case of leiomyosarcoma with chronic recurrent ileocaecal intussusception and literature review to analyse diagnosis and treatment features of the ileum mesenchymal tumours. We present a case of an 87-year-old Caucasian man suffering from cramp-like abdominal pain for months. Due to lack of clinical signs and unspecific complaints, a diagnosis was delayed. Despite a detailed in-hospital examination, a proper diagnosis was established as late as during an operation. The patient was treated by surgery with good results. An uncommon laparoscopic resection of the small bowel with a tumour was performed. A histopathological investigation confirmed a very rare mesenchymal lesion of the distal ileum. The patient is under control with no recurrence for 1 year of the follow-up period. Reported case indicates that a usually asymptomatic tumour can cause uncommon chronic recurrent ileus signs. CT and MRI scans are investigation of choice in such cases, but they are sometimes inconclusive. It might be worth highlighting the good results of laparoscopic leiomyosarcoma lesion resection with a very good outcome.

Development of pig welfare assessment protocol integrating animal-, environment-, and management-based measures.

PubMed

Renggaman, Anriansyah; Choi, Hong L; Sudiarto, Sartika Ia; Alasaarela, Laura; Nam, Ok S

2015-01-01

Due to increased interest in animal welfare, there is now a need for a comprehensive assessment protocol to be used in intensive pig farming systems. There are two current welfare assessment protocols for pigs: Welfare Quality® Assessment Protocols (applicable in the Europe Union), that mostly focuses on animal-based measures, and the Swine Welfare Assurance Program (applicable in the United States), that mostly focuses on management- and environment-based measures. In certain cases, however, animal-based measures might not be adequate for properly assessing pig welfare status. Similarly, welfare assessment that relies only on environment- and management-based measures might not represent the actual welfare status of pigs. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to develop a new welfare protocol by integrating animal-, environment-, and management-based measures. The background for selection of certain welfare criteria and modification of the scoring systems from existing welfare assessment protocols are described. The developed pig welfare assessment protocol consists of 17 criteria that are related to four main principles of welfare (good feeding, good housing, good health, and appropriate behavior). Good feeding, good housing, and good health were assessed using a 3-point scale: 0 (good welfare), 1 (moderate welfare), and 2 (poor welfare). In certain cases, only a 2-point scale was used: 0 (certain condition is present) or 2 (certain condition is absent). Appropriate behavior was assessed by scan sampling of positive and negative social behaviors based on qualitative behavior assessment and human-animal relationship tests. Modification of the body condition score into a 3-point scale revealed pigs with a moderate body condition (score 1). Moreover, additional criteria such as feed quality confirmed that farms had moderate (score 1) or poor feed quality (score 2), especially those farms located in a high relative humidity region. The developed protocol can be utilized to assess welfare status in an intensive pig farming system. Although further improvements are still needed, this study is a first step in developing a pig welfare assessment protocol that combines animal-, environment-, and management-based measures.

Not so great expectations: sex and housewives in Hong Kong.

PubMed

Ying Ho, Petula Sik

2008-01-01

The study explores the life of married women who are being described as having "good," "normal," "blessed" sexuality. The case of si-nais (housewives) in Hong Kong shows that we can never assume that married women (or any social category) are privileged by virtue of their status on the sexual hierarchy. The blessings of social respectability apparently enjoyed by these women may work to enable or hinder women's expression of their erotic desires and sexual fulfillment, depending on their special social circumstances. These women's imagination and experience of good sex is composed of a multitude of components. Women may feel good because they can achieve other psychological and social aims that are important in their lives (which could be related to the maintenance of marriage or the peace of the family). Women may feel good because of the erotic satisfaction that they derive from different pursuits including interests, leisure or other intimate relationships, rather than sexual fulfillment in terms of orgasm or physical pleasure. Women may reformulate their pleasure variously at different stages of their lives. Social respectability, orgasm, emotional intimacy, or any other specific element, may all enter or leave the formula for good sex.

The treatment of infected nonunion of the tibia following intramedullary nailing by the Ilizarov method.

PubMed

Megas, Panagiotis; Saridis, Alkis; Kouzelis, Antonis; Kallivokas, Alkiviadis; Mylonas, Spyros; Tyllianakis, Minos

2010-03-01

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Ilizarov method and circular external fixator in order to eradicate the infection and restore bone union, limb anatomy and functionality in cases with infected nonunion of the tibia following intramedullary nailing. During 7 years nine patients suffering from infected nonunion of the tibia after intramedullary nailing were treated in our department. The series comprised seven men and two women with an average age of 39.7 years (range 21-75 years). The patients had previously undergone an average of 4.8 operations (range 3-6 operations). Active purulent bone infection occurred in all nine patients. Bone defect was present in all patients with a mean size of 5 cm (range 2-12 cm). In three cases with bone defect less than 2 cm, monofocal compression osteosynthesis technique was used. In the rest cases where bone defect exceeded 2 cm, bifocal consecutive distraction-compression osteosynthesis technique was applied. Three patients required a local gastrocnemius flap. The mean follow-up period was 26.6 months (range 13-42 months). Results were evaluated using Paley's functional and radiological scoring system. Bone union was achieved in all nine patients without recurrence of infection during the follow-up period. Bone results were graded as excellent in five cases and good in the rest four cases. Functional results were graded as excellent in three cases, good in four and fare in two cases. Mean external fixation time was 187.4 days (range 89-412 days) and mean lengthening index was 32 days/cm (range 27-39 days/cm). Complications observed included eight grade II pin tract infections, axial deformity at the lengthening site in two cases and at the nonunion site in another two cases. Ankle joint stiffness was detected in five cases. The Ilizarov method may be an effective method in infected nonunions of the tibia following intramedullary nailing. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Exploring Methodologies and Indicators for Cross-disciplinary Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernknopf, R.; Pearlman, J.

2015-12-01

Assessing the impact and benefit of geospatial information is a multidisciplinary task that involves the social, economic and environmental knowledge to formulate indicators and methods. There are use cases that couple the social sciences including economics, psychology, sociology that incorporate geospatial information. Benefit - cost analysis is an empirical approach that uses money as an indicator for decision making. It is a traditional base for a use case and has been applied to geospatial information and other areas. A new use case that applies indicators is Meta Regression analysis, which is used to evaluate transfers of socioeconomic benefits from different geographic regions into a unifying statistical approach. In this technique, qualitative and quantitative variables are indicators, which provide a weighted average of value for the nonmarket good or resource over a large region. The expected willingness to pay for the nonmarket good can be applied to a specific region. A third use case is the application of Decision Support Systems and Tools that have been used for forecasting agricultural prices and analysis of hazard policies. However, new methods for integrating these disciplines into use cases, an avenue to instruct the development of operational applications of geospatial information, are needed. Experience in one case may not be broadly transferable to other uses and applications if multiple disciplines are involved. To move forward, more use cases are needed and, especially, applications in the private sector. Applications are being examined across a multidisciplinary community for good examples that would be instructive in meeting the challenge. This presentation will look at the results of an investigation into directions in the broader applications of use cases to teach the methodologies and use of indicators that have applications across fields of interest.

Fighting the good fight: the relationship between belief in evil and support for violent policies.

PubMed

Campbell, Maggie; Vollhardt, Johanna Ray

2014-01-01

The rhetoric of good and evil is prevalent in many areas of society and is often used to garner support for "redemptive violence" (i.e., using violence to rid and save the world from evil). While evil is discussed in psychological literature, beliefs about good and evil have not received adequate empirical attention as predictors of violent versus peaceful intergroup attitudes. In four survey studies, we developed and tested novel measures of belief in evil and endorsement of redemptive violence. Across four different samples, belief in evil predicted greater support for violence and lesser support for nonviolent responses. These effects were, in most cases, mediated by endorsement of redemptive violence. Structural equation modeling suggested that need for cognitive closure predicts belief in evil, and that the effect of belief in evil on support for violence is independent of right-wing authoritarianism, religious fundamentalism, and dangerous world beliefs.

Control of corruption in healthcare.

PubMed

Ahmed, Armin; Azim, Afzal

2015-01-01

A recently published article on corruption in Indian healthcare in the BMJ has triggered a hot debate and numerous responses (1, 2, 3, 4). We do agree that corruption in Indian healthcare is a colossal issue and needs to be tackled urgently (5). However, we want to highlight that corruption in healthcare is not a local phenomenon confined to the Indian subcontinent, though India does serve as a good case study and intervention area due to the magnitude of the problem and the country's large population (6). Good governance, strict rules, transparency and zero tolerance are some of the strategies prescribed everywhere to tackle corruption. However, those entrusted with implementing good governance and strict rules in India need to go through a process of introspection to carry out their duties in a responsible fashion. At present, it looks like a no-win situation. In this article, we recommend education in medical ethics as the major intervention for dealing with corruption in healthcare.

Teleconsultation in paediatric orthopaedics in Djibouti: evaluation of response performance.

PubMed

Bertani, A; Launay, F; Candoni, P; Mathieu, L; Rongieras, F; Chauvin, F

2012-11-01

Djibouti has no paediatric orthopaedics department and three options are available for difficult cases: transfer of the patient to another country; overseas mission transfer to Djibouti by a specialised surgical team; and management by a local orthopaedic surgeon receiving guidance from an expert. The extreme poverty of part of the population of Djibouti often precludes the first two options. Telemedecine can allow the local orthopaedic surgeon to receive expert advice. HYPOTHESES AND STUDY DESIGN: We prospectively recorded all the paediatric orthopaedics teleconsultations that occurred between November 2009 and November 2011. Our objective was to assess the performance of the teleconsultations. We hypothetized that this option was influential in decision making. We assessed the influence of the teleconsultation on patient management (i.e., change in the surgical indication and/or procedure). We then used the electronic patient records to compare the actual management to that recommended retrospectively by two independent orthopaedic surgeon consultants who had experience working overseas. Finally, we assessed the clinical outcomes in the patients. Of 48 teleconsultations for 39 patients, 13 dealt with diagnostic problems and 35 with therapeutic problems. The teleconsultation resolved the diagnostic uncertainties in 90% of cases. Advice from the expert modified the management in 37 (77%) teleconsultations; the change was related to the surgical indication in 18 cases, the surgical technique in 13 cases, and both in six cases. Agreement between the advice from the independent consultants and the treatment delivered by the local surgeon was 2.2/3. Clinical outcomes were good or very good in 31 (81%) of the 38 treated patients. This study establishes the feasibility and usefulness of paediatric orthopaedics teleconsultations in Djibouti. The introduction of telemedicine has changed our approach to challenges raised by patients in remote locations or precarious situations. Input from experts considerably benefits patient management. III, prospective comparative study. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

ARTHROSCOPIC TREATMENT OF CALCIFYING TENDINITIS OF THE ROTATOR CUFF.

PubMed

Neto, Arnaldo Amado Ferreira; Trevizani, Cassio Silva; Benegas, Eduardo; Malavolta, Eduardo Angeli; Gracitelli, Mauro Emílio Conforto; Bitar, Alexandre Carneiro; Neto, Francisco José Dos Santos

2010-01-01

To evaluate the clinical and radiographic results from arthroscopic surgical treatment of the rotator cuff in patients with calcifying tendinitis. A retrospective study was conducted on twenty patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment for calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder between March 1999 and November 2005. Six patients were excluded due to loss of follow-up. The average follow-up period was 41.4 months. Eight patients (57%) were female and six (43%) were male. The right side was affected in 10 cases (71%) and the left in four cases (29%). Nine cases (64%) had calcification in the supraspinatus tendon, two (14%) in the infraspinatus tendon, and three (21%) in both tendons. In all cases, resection of the calcium deposits was performed by means of a needle (Jelco® No. 14) in combination with curettage (mini-curette). Two shoulders (14%) underwent subacromial decompression, and one (7%) underwent excision of the distal clavicle. A tendon-tendon suture was performed in three shoulders (21%). None of the patients underwent tendon-bone reinsertion. The mean score obtained on the UCLA scale was 33 points (26-35), thus indicating that a majority of patients had good results. In the final radiographic evaluation, none of the patients showed signs of calcification. Arthroscopic treatment of calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder safely allows excision of the calcification, leading to good results in relation to shoulder pain and function.

Occupational risk factors of lung cancer: a hospital based case-control study

PubMed Central

Droste, J. H.; Weyler, J. J.; Van Meerbeeck, J. P.; Vermeire, P. A.; van Sprundel, M. P.

1999-01-01

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relation between lung cancer and exposure to occupational carcinogens in a highly industrialised region in western Europe. METHODS: In a case-control study 478 cases and 536 controls, recruited from 10 hospitals in the Antwerp region, were interviewed. Cases were male patients with histologically confirmed lung cancer; controls were male patients without cancer or primary lung diseases. Data were collected by questionnaires to obtain information on occupations, exposures, and smoking history. Job titles were coded with the Office of Populations, Censuses and Surveys industrial classification. Exposure was assessed by self report and by job-task exposure matrix. Exposure odds ratios were calculated with logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, smoking history, and marital and socio-economic status. RESULTS: A job history in the categories manufacturing of transport equipment other than automobiles (for example, shipyard workers), transport support services (for example, dockers), and manufacturing of metal goods (for example, welders) was significantly associated with lung cancer (odds ratios (ORs) 2.3, 1.6, and 1.6 respectively). These associations were independent of smoking, education, civil, and economic status. Self reported exposure to potential carcinogens did not show significant associations with lung cancer, probably due to nondifferential misclassification. When assessed by job-task exposure matrix, exposure to molybdenum, mineral oils, and chromium were significantly associated with lung cancer. A strong association existed between smoking and lung cancer: OR of ex- smokers 4.2, OR of current smokers 14.5 v non-smokers. However, smoking did not confound the relation between occupational exposure and lung cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The study has shown a significant excess risk of lung cancer among workers in manufacturing of metal goods, manufacturing of transport equipment (other than automobiles), and transport support services. Assessment of exposure to specific carcinogens resulted in significant associations of chromium, mineral oils, and molybdenum with lung cancer. This study is, to our knowledge, the first study reporting a significant association between occupational exposure to molybdenum and lung cancer.   PMID:10472306

Improving publicly funded substance abuse treatment: the value of case management.

PubMed Central

Shwartz, M; Baker, G; Mulvey, K P; Plough, A

1997-01-01

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the impact of case management on client retention in treatment and short-term relapse for clients in the publicly funded substance abuse treatment system. METHODS: A retrospective cohort design was used to study clients discharged from the following four modalities in 1993 and 1994: short-term residential (3112 clients), long-term residential (2888 clients), outpatient (7431 clients), and residential detox (7776 clients). Logistic regression models were used to analyze the impact of case management after controlling for baseline characteristics. RESULTS: The odds that case-managed clients reached a length of stay previously identified as associated with more successful treatment were 1.6 (outpatient programs) to 3.6 (short-term residential programs) times higher than the odds for non-case-managed clients. With the exception of outpatient clients, the odds of case-managed clients' being admitted to detox within 90 days after discharge (suggesting relapse) were about two thirds those of non-case-managed clients. The odds of case-managed detox clients' transitioning to post-detox treatment (a good outcome) were 1.7 times higher than the odds for non-case-managed clients. CONCLUSIONS: Case management is a low-cost enhancement that improves short-term outcomes of substance abuse treatment programs. PMID:9357349

Experimental analysis of the boundary layer transition with zero and positive pressure gradient

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arnal, D.; Jullen, J. C.; Michel, R.

1980-01-01

The influence of a positive pressure gradient on the boundary layer transition is studied. The mean velocity and turbulence profiles of four cases are examined. As the intensity of the pressure gradient is increased, the Reynolds number of the transition onset and the length of the transition region are reduced. The Tollmein-Schlichting waves disturb the laminar regime; the amplification of these waves is in good agreement with the stability theory. The three dimensional deformation of the waves leads finally to the appearance of turbulence. In the case of zero pressure gradient, the properties of the turbulent spots are studied by conditional sampling of the hot-wire signal; in the case of positive pressure gradient, the turbulence appears in a progressive manner and the turbulent spots are much more difficult to characterize.

Nuclear medicine technologists are able to accurately determine when a myocardial perfusion rest study is necessary

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background In myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS), typically a stress and a rest study is performed. If the stress study is considered normal, there is no need for a subsequent rest study. The aim of the study was to determine whether nuclear medicine technologists are able to assess the necessity of a rest study. Methods Gated MPS using a 2-day 99mTc protocol for 121 consecutive patients were studied. Visual interpretation by 3 physicians was used as gold standard for determining the need for a rest study based on the stress images. All nuclear medicine technologists performing MPS had to review 82 training cases of stress MPS images with comments regarding the need for rest studies, and thereafter a test consisting of 20 stress MPS images. After passing this test, the nuclear medicine technologists in charge of a stress MPS study assessed whether a rest study was needed or not or if he/she was uncertain and wanted to consult a physician. After that, the physician in charge interpreted the images and decided whether a rest study was required or not. Results The nuclear medicine technologists and the physicians in clinical routine agreed in 103 of the 107 cases (96%) for which the technologists felt certain regarding the need for a rest study. In the remaining 14 cases the technologists were uncertain, i.e. wanted to consult a physician. The agreement between the technologists and the physicians in clinical routine was very good, resulting in a kappa value of 0.92. There was no statistically significant difference in the evaluations made by technicians and physicians (P = 0.617). Conclusions The nuclear medicine technologists were able to accurately determine whether a rest study was necessary. There was very good agreement between nuclear medicine technologists and physicians in the assessment of the need for a rest study. If the technologists can make this decision, the effectiveness of the nuclear medicine department will improve. PMID:22947251

A pilot study on the application of the current European guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndrome without elevation of ST segment (NSTEMI) in the Emergency Department setting in the Italian region Lazio.

PubMed

Valli, Gabriele; De Marco, Francesca; Spina, Maria Teresa; Valeriano, Valentina; Rosa, Antonello; Minerva, Valentina; Mirante, Enrico; Ruggieri, Maria Pia; Pugliese, Francesco Rocco

2014-12-01

In 2011 the European Society of Cardiology published the new guidelines for the treatment and management of acute coronary syndrome without elevation of the ST segment (NSTEMI). For the treatment of the syndrome, the use of P2Y12 inhibitors in addition to aspirin was strongly recommended (evidence IA). We studied the application of this recommendation in the setting of the emergency department in the vast and uneven area of the Italian region Lazio, three years after the release of these drugs in Italy. 121 consecutive patients (65% older than 65 years) affected by NSTEMI were recruited between May and July 2013. During the transition in the emergency department data was collected on patient's symptoms, syndrome severity and type & timing of treatments chosen. Adherence to the guidelines was evaluated considering the number of "good treated" patients: these being the patients that received at least 80% of the main five recommendations on percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) timing, antiplatelet and anti-coagulant therapy suggested by the European Cardiology Task Force (ESC guidelines, 2011) for the very acute phase of NSTEMI. Patients were treated with: 1) 35% of cases with double antiplatelet therapy and anticoagulation (DAPT+AC), 2) 22% of cases with single antiplatelet and anticoagulation (SAPT+AC), 3) 6% of cases with a single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT), 4) 6% of cases with a double antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and 5) 24% of cases did not receive any therapy. Data on PCI was available for 95 patients and, of these, only 82% of the patients underwent the procedure. The percentage of "good treated" patients were among of 20-40%, depending on PCI timing--as guidelines suggested--was considered as mandatory (20,5%) or as the extreme time limit (40%). Significant differences were found between patients treated in a central hospital with a hemodynamic laboratory active 24/24hr (HUB) and patients treated in the other hospital (SPOKE). HUBs showed a higher percent of "good treated" patients, a higher percentage of early invasive treated and a better adherence to recommended pharmacological therapy. A significant number of patients did not receive adequate treatment during the emergency department stay. The absence of hemodynamic services increases the risk of inadequate treatment.

A Study in Child Care (Case Study from Volume II-A): "Life is Good, Right? Right!" Day Care Programs Reprint Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Farrell, Brigid

Housed in structures formerly used by a church, the 5th City Preschool is located in one of Chicago's poorest black ghettos. The 228 infant-to-kindergarten-age children (78% Black, 22% White) are all from families living in the 5th City area. The program emphasizes the development of the total child and concentrates on helping children to build a…

Applying the CONSORT and STROBE statements to evaluate the reporting quality of neovascular age-related macular degeneration studies.

PubMed

Fung, Anne E; Palanki, Ram; Bakri, Sophie J; Depperschmidt, Eric; Gibson, Andrea

2009-02-01

To evaluate the quality of reporting in the neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) literature by applying the Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement writing standards. CONSORT and STROBE impact analysis; literature review. Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of verteporfin photodynamic therapy, pegaptanib, and ranibizumab, and interventional case studies of bevacizumab for nvAMD. A literature search identified eligible articles published before October 31, 2007. We assessed the report quality of Phase III RCTs using the CONSORT statement and case series publications using the STROBE statement, both with indicators relevant to nvAMD. Presence or absence of CONSORT or STROBE statement indicators. Seven publications of Phase III RCTs and 29 publications on bevacizumab interventional case studies for nvAMD met our inclusion criteria. Of 37 possible CONSORT writing guideline items, the mean report quality for RCTs was 30.6 (83%), with a range from 23 to 35 (65%-95%). Of 35 possible STROBE writing guideline items, the mean report quality grade for intravitreal bevacizumab case series was 23 (70%), with a range from 16 to 31 (46%-94%). Among the bevacizumab studies, more than 90% reported scientific background, drug dose and administration, baseline characteristics, unadjusted results, and adverse events. Fewer than 20% reported study size calculations, handling of missing data, or a discussion of bias. Since the adoption of the CONSORT standards by Ophthalmology and other journals in 1996, the reporting quality for RCTs has further improved among this cohort of nvAMD articles. On the other hand, no reporting standards for case series have existed until the recent publication of the STROBE statement. In this first application of the STROBE standards to ophthalmology, we found that the small interventional studies in our series had an average reporting score lower than the RCTs, but also that some individual scores were higher than the RCTs. This outcome demonstrates that good, useful articles can be written about small studies. Although not a direct measure of the quality of a study, good reporting allows a reader to assess the validity and applicability of the study's findings. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

The very good property for parabolic vector bundles over curves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soibelman, Alexander

2018-06-01

The purpose of this note is to extend Beilinson and Drinfeld's "very good" property to moduli stacks of parabolic vector bundles on curves of genuses g = 0 and g = 1. Beilinson and Drinfeld show that for g > 1 a trivial parabolic structure is sufficient for the moduli stacks to be "very good." We give a sufficient condition on the parabolic structure for this property to hold in the case of nontrivial parabolic structure.

[Case-control study on T-shaped locking internal fixation and external fixation for the treatment of dorsal Barton's fracture].

PubMed

Chen, Huan-qing; Wen, Xi-le; Li, Yang-ming; Wen, Cong-you

2015-06-01

To compare clinical effect of T-shaped locking internal fixation and external fixation in treating dorsal Barton's fracture,and investigate selective strategy of internal fixation. From January 2008 to January 2013, 100 patients with dorsal Barton's fracture were randomly divided into two groups. In treatment group, there were 30 males and 20 females with an average age of (33.8±3.6) years old;30 cases were type B, 20 cases were type C;and treated with T-shaped locking internal fixation. In control group, there were 32 male and 18 females with an average age of (32.9±3.4) years old; 29 cases were type B, 21 cases were type C; and treated with external fixation. Volar tilt, ulnar deviation and radial height at 3 months after operation were detected and compared between two groups. Mechara functional evaluation were used to evaluate postoperative clinical effects. Clinical cure time, postoperative complications,joint mobility and function score were recorded and compared between two groups. In treatment group,volar tilt was (11.9±2.7)°, ulnar deviation was (20.8+ 2.9)°,and radial height was (10.9±1.8) mm; while volar tilt was (9.1±1.6)°, ulnar deviation was (17.1±2.9)°, and radial height was (8.1±1.5) mm in control group. Treatment group was better than control group in volar tilt, ulnar deviation and radial height. Clinical cure time in treatment group was(12.0±2.3) weeks, shorter than control group (18.0±4.1) weeks. The incidence of complications in treatment group was lower than control group. According to Mehara functional evaluation,20 cases got excellent results, 25 good, 3 moderate and 2 poor in treatment group; 16 cases got excellent results, 14 good, 10 moderate and 10 poor in control group. Treatment group was better than control group in clinical effects. T-shaped locking internal fixation with postoperative functional exercise for the treatment of dorsal Barton's fracture fits for biomechanics demands,and has advantages of stable fixation,rapid recovery, less complications and good functional recovery, it has better clinical effects.

Evaluation of a surveillance case definition for anogenital warts, Kaiser Permanente northwest.

PubMed

Naleway, Allison L; Weinmann, Sheila; Crane, Brad; Gee, Julianne; Markowitz, Lauri E; Dunne, Eileen F

2014-08-01

Most studies of anogenital wart (AGW) epidemiology have used large clinical or administrative databases and unconfirmed case definitions based on combinations of diagnosis and procedure codes. We developed and validated an AGW case definition using a combination of diagnosis codes and other information available in the electronic medical record (provider type, laboratory testing). We calculated the positive predictive value (PPV) of this case definition compared with manual medical record review in a random sample of 250 cases. Using this case definition, we calculated the annual age- and sex-stratified prevalence of AGW among individuals 11 through 30 years of age from 2000 through 2005. We identified 2730 individuals who met the case definition. The PPV of the case definition was 82%, and the average annual prevalence was 4.16 per 1000. Prevalence of AGW was higher in females compared with males in every age group, with the exception of the 27- to 30-year-olds. Among females, prevalence peaked in the 19- to 22-year-olds, and among males, the peak was observed in 23- to 26-year-olds. The case definition developed in this study is the first to be validated with medical record review and has a good PPV for the detection of AGW. The prevalence rates observed in this study were higher than other published rates, but the age- and sex-specific patterns observed were consistent with previous reports.

E-Service Quality Evaluation on E-Government Website: Case Study BPJS Kesehatan Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rasyid, A.; Alfina, I.

2017-01-01

This research intends to develop a model to evaluate the quality of e-services on e-government. The proposed model consists of seven dimensions: web design, reliability, responsiveness, privacy and security, personalization, information, and ease of use. The model is used to measure the quality of the e-registration of BPJS Kesehatan, an Indonesian government health insurance program. The validation and reliability testing show that of the seven dimensions proposed, only four that suitable for the case study. The result shows that the BPJS Kesehatan e-registration service is good in reliability and responsiveness dimensions, while from web design and ease of use dimensions the e-service still needs to be optimized.

Automating Initial Guess Generation for High Fidelity Trajectory Optimization Tools

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Villa, Benjamin; Lantoine, Gregory; Sims, Jon; Whiffen, Gregory

2013-01-01

Many academic studies in spaceflight dynamics rely on simplified dynamical models, such as restricted three-body models or averaged forms of the equations of motion of an orbiter. In practice, the end result of these preliminary orbit studies needs to be transformed into more realistic models, in particular to generate good initial guesses for high-fidelity trajectory optimization tools like Mystic. This paper reviews and extends some of the approaches used in the literature to perform such a task, and explores the inherent trade-offs of such a transformation with a view toward automating it for the case of ballistic arcs. Sample test cases in the libration point regimes and small body orbiter transfers are presented.

Conservation markets for wildlife management with case studies from whaling.

PubMed

Gerber, Leah R; Costello, Christopher; Gaines, Steven D

2014-01-01

Although market-based incentives have helped resolve many environmental challenges, conservation markets still play a relatively minor role in wildlife management. Establishing property rights for environmental goods and allowing trade between resource extractors and resource conservationists may offer a path forward in conserving charismatic species like whales, wolves, turtles, and sharks. In this paper, we provide a conceptual model for implementing a conservation market for wildlife and evaluate how such a market could be applied to three case studies for whales (minke [Balaenoptera acutorostrata], bowhead [Balaena mysticetus], and gray [Eschrictius robustus]). We show that, if designed and operated properly, such a market could ensure persistence of imperiled populations, while simultaneously improving the welfare of resource harvesters.

Introducing New Peer Worker Roles into Mental Health Services in England: Comparative Case Study Research Across a Range of Organisational Contexts.

PubMed

Gillard, Steve; Holley, Jess; Gibson, Sarah; Larsen, John; Lucock, Mike; Oborn, Eivor; Rinaldi, Miles; Stamou, Elina

2015-11-01

A wide variety of peer worker roles is being introduced into mental health services internationally. Empirical insight into whether conditions supporting role introduction are common across organisational contexts is lacking. A qualitative, comparative case study compared the introduction of peer workers employed in the statutory sector, voluntary sector and in organisational partnerships. We found good practice across contexts in structural issues including recruitment and training, but differences in expectations of the peer worker role in different organisational cultures. Issues of professionalism and practice boundaries were important everywhere but could be understood very differently, sometimes eroding the distinctiveness of the role.

Selection of Reference Gene Expression in a Schizophrenia Brain Cohort

PubMed Central

Weickert, Cynthia Shannon; Sheedy, Donna; Rothmond, Debora A.; Dedova, Irina; Fung, Samantha; Garrick, Therese; Wong, Jenny; Harding, Antony J.; Sivagnanansundaram, Sinthuja; Hunt, Clare; Duncan, Carlotta; Sundqvist, Nina; Tsai, Shan-Yuan; Anand, Jasna; Draganic, Daren; Harper, Clive

2010-01-01

Objective To conduct postmortem human brain research into the neuropathological basis of schizophrenia, it is critical to establish cohorts that are well-characterised and well-matched. Our objective was to determine if specimen characteristics, including: diagnosis, age, postmortem interval (PMI), brain acidity (pH), and/or the agonal state of the subject at death related to RNA quality, and to determine the most appropriate reference gene mRNAs. Methods We selected a matched cohort of 74 cases (37 schizophrenia / schizoaffective disorder cases and 37 controls cases). Middle frontal gyrus tissue was pulverised, tissue pH was measured, RNA isolated for cDNA from each case, and RNA integrity number (RIN) measurements were assessed. Using RT-PCR, we measured nine housekeeper genes and calculated a geomean in each diagnostic group. Results We found that the RINs were very good (mean 7.3) and all nine housekeeper control genes were significantly correlated with RIN. Seven of nine housekeeper genes were also correlated with pH, and two clinical variables, agonal state and duration of illness did have an effect on some control mRNAs. No major impact of PMI or freezer time on housekeeper mRNAs was detected. Our results show that people with schizophrenia had significantly less PPIA, and SDHA and tended to have less GUSB and B2M mRNA suggesting that these control genes may not be good candidates for normalisation. Conclusions In our cohort, less than 10% variability in RIN values was detected and the diagnostic groups were well matched overall. Our cohort was adequately powered (0.80–0.90) to detect mRNA differences (25%) due to disease. Our study suggests that multiple factors should be considered in mRNA expression studies of human brain tissues. When schizophrenia cases are adequately matched to control cases subtle differences in gene expression can be reliably detected. PMID:20073568

[Arthroscopic Reconstruction of Intratendinous Lesions of the Supraspinatus Tendon - a Systematic Review].

PubMed

von Knoch, Marius; Frosch, Stephan; Lehmann, Wolfgang

2018-06-12

Intratendinous lesions of the rotator cuff of the shoulder are frequent and may be a distinct clinical entity. Nevertheless, there are only a few publications which deal specifically with this subject. This study analyses the existing literature for the arthroscopic reconstruction of the intratendinous lesion of the supraspinatus tendon, by means of a systematic review, and identifies relevant research questions for future studies. In January 2017, a systematic review of the U. S. National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health (PubMed) Database and the Cochrane Library was conducted using the PRISMA checklist. The search words were "supraspinatus" and "interstitial"; "supraspinatus", "tear" and "intratendinous"; "supraspinatus" and "concealed". In the course of the review, articles written in English with at least a partial arthroscopic case series dealing with the reconstruction of the supraspinatus tendon were identified and further analysed. Primarily 70 hits could be generated. Five articles met the inclusion criteria and were analysed in detail. The number of arthroscopic cases ranged between 6 and 33. Level of evidence was IV in all studies. The diagnosis of an intratendinous lesion was made by MR imaging when T2/fat-saturated sequences showed an intratendinous high intensity signal without disruption of the bursal or articular layer. Three different concepts were followed in surgical treatment: opening of the intratendinous lesion from the bursal or articular side or by complete resection of the lesion. The reconstruction was performed with suture anchors in all cases. In the majority of cases, an acromioplasty was also performed. The reported clinical results were mostly good. Healing of the tendon was shown by MR imaging in 81.5 to 100% of cases. After failure of conservative treatment, symptomatic intratendinous lesions of the supraspinatus tendon can be localised intraoperatively and reconstructed after failure of conservative treatment. The expected results are good in the medium term. The evidence level of the studies analysed was low. Future studies should examine the role of alternative conservative and surgical therapies. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

[Tricuspid insufficiency and right traumatic ventricular aneurysm. Apropos of a case].

PubMed

Boisselier, P; Lombaert, M; Rey, J L; Quiret, J C; Bernasconi, P

1981-12-01

Tricuspid incompetence associated with a right ventricular aneurysm wa discovered after a non-penetrating thoracic injury. The severity of the tricuspid lesion was confirmed by phonomechanography, catheterisation and angiography. The mechanism was demonstrated by two-dimensional echocardiography: the right ventricular aneurysm was located in the right ventricular outflow tract. As the hemodynamic tolerance was good, surgery was not performed. A review of the literature found 41 other reports of traumatic tricuspid incompetence, and 4 cases of right ventricular aneurysm, only one of which was associated with tricuspid regurgitation. The points of interest of ths case: the rarity of the association, the good hemodynamic tolerance and the value of two-dimensional echocardiography for the diagnosis of ruptured chordae in the absence of surgical observations.

Classic cases revisited: Mrs Janet Tracey, resuscitation and the importance of good communication.

PubMed

Szawarski, Piotr

2015-05-01

The prevalence of inappropriate care, defined as actions contrary to personal and professional beliefs, is high. This is a reflection of the reluctance of the society at large to acknowledge the biological certainty that is death. The case of Mrs Janet Tracey illustrates importance of good communication at the end of life, and the difficulties associated with making of DNACPR decisions. The case brings together two bioethical perspectives on the relationship between the patient and the physician namely the rights based approach, as emphasised by the Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights and the bioethical principles approach ephasising autonomy. In doing so it creates a medico-legal landmark for all those involved in management of the end of life.

[Clinical application of ultrasound guided Fogarty balloon catheter in arterial crisis].

PubMed

Li, Xiaodong; Wang, Pei; Yu, Changyu; Yan, Xiaowei; Yin, Jing

2017-10-01

To explore the effectiveness of arterial crisis after replantation of limb treated by ultrasound guided Fogarty balloon catheter. Between January 2012 and July 2016, 27 patients suffered from arterial crisis after replantation of limb were treated with ultrasound guided Fogarty balloon catheter combined with thrombolytic anticoagulant. There were 18 males and 9 females with the age of 19-51 years (mean, 32 years). The limb mutilation position was at knee joint in 3 cases, lower limb in 9 cases, ankle joint in 6 cases, elbow joint in 2 cases, forearm in 4 cases, and wrist joint in 3 cases. The arterial crisis happened at 2.5-18 hours (mean, 7.5 hours) after limb replantation surgery. Color doppler ultrasonography was used to diagnose the arterial thrombosis, finally the anastomotic thrombosis were found in 16 cases, non-anastomotic thrombosis in 7 cases, and combined thrombosis in 4 cases. All the thrombosis were deteced in the arteries with the length of 0.8-3.9 cm. No complication such as vascular perforation, rupture, air embolism, thromboembolism, wound infection, or sepsis happened after operation. Arterial crisis occurred again in 3 cases at 1.5-13.5 hours after limb replantation and treated by arterial exploration, 1 case was treated successfully; 2 cases had arterial occlusion and partial necrosis of limb, and got amputation treatment at last. The rest 24 cases survived with the incision healing by first stage. In the 24 cases, 1 case suffered from acute myonephropathic metabolic syndrome and corrected after hemodialysis; 1 case suffered from acute liver functional damage and corrected by comprehensive treatment of internal medicine. The 24 patients were followed up 7-38 months (mean, 11 months). At last follow-up, blood supply of the limb was good with normal skin temperature and improved sense of feeling, activity, and swelling. According to Chinese Medical Association of hand surgery to the upper extremity function assessment standard, the results were excellent in 12 cases, good in 8 cases, and fair in 4 cases with an excellent and good rate of 83.3%. Ultrasound guided Fogarty balloon catheter treatment of posterior replantation of arterial crisis can accurately locate the thrombosis, get the thrombus fast and invasive minimally to avoid the blind and repeated thrombectomy, and obtain certain effectiveness.