Do targeted intergovernmental fiscal transfers improve health outcomes? Evidence from Kenyan decentralization using the difference-in-differences technique.

Background: As envisioned by the 2010 Constitution, Kenya implemented a devolved system of government in March 2013, setting up 47 counties and a corresponding number of local governments. These counties differed in their levels of development. While counties such as Nairobi and Kiambu led in social and economic indicators, others such as Turkana, Mandera and Wajir were at the bottom of the list.

Thermally stable and polar zwitterionic liquid stationary phases for gas chromatography: Understanding the impact of chemical structure.

The chemical structure of nine imidazolium sulfonate and triflimide zwitterionic liquids (ZILs) were systematically tuned to increase their thermal stability for gas chromatography (GC) separations. Substituents for imidazolium and 2-phenylimidazolium cation systems, comprised of alkyl, benzyl, and oligoether groups of varying chain lengths, were studied as stationary phases in GC. Propanesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, and propanetriflimide anions were examined to understand the effect of linker length and nucleophilicity on ZIL thermal stability.

Extract from endophytic isolates stimulates seed germination of the host and protocorm development of non-host orchids.

We isolated endophytic strains from the healthy roots, stems, and leaves of to investigate their plant growth-promoting activities in vitro. Subsequently, Indole acetic acid (IAA) was quantified and the gene (responsible for IAA synthesis in fungi) was amplified and sequenced. Finally, a germination assay was performed with seeds of and a plant growth assay with protocorms of to test their plant growth-promoting activities.

Atypical presentation of spontaneous urinoma: A case report.

Spontaneous urinomas are rare, encapsulated urine collections in the retroperitoneum that occur without prior trauma or obstruction. It often presents with nonspecific abdominal symptoms, mimicking various acute abdominal pathologies. This case report describes a rare and unique instance of spontaneous urinoma secondary to pyeloureteritis, presenting with atypical clinical features that mimic acute bowel obstruction.

An unexpected cause of intractable dysphagia after 20 years following cervical spine instrumentation using bone cement alone: a case report.

Introduction And Importance: Postoperative dysphagia following anterior cervical discectomy fusion (ACDF) for cervical disc herniation is still poorly understood. Dysphagia after anterior spinal cervical approach is mild and transient. Here, the authors present a rare case suffering with severe progressive dysphagia for over 1 year after 20 years of ACDF due to expulsed bone cement abutting the esophagus which was successfully removed after reoperation.