bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular mechanisms in cardiomyopathy
Authors: Dadson Keith , Hauck Ludger , Billia Filio
Published: June 2017

Cardiomyopathies represent a heterogeneous group of diseases that negatively affect heart function. Primary cardiomyopathies specifically target the myocardium, and may arise from genetic [hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D), mitochondrial cardiomyopathy] or genetic and acquired [dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM)] etiology. Modern genomics has identified mutations that are common in these populations, while in vitro and in vivo experimentation with these mutations have provided invaluable insight into the molecular mechanisms native to these diseases. For example, increased myosin heavy chain (MHC) binding and ATP utilization lead to the hypercontractile sarcomere in HCM, while abnormal protein–protein interaction and impaired Ca2+ flux underlie the relaxed sarcomere of DCM. Furthermore, expanded access to genetic testing has facilitated identification of potential risk factors that appear through inheritance and manifest sometimes only in the advanced stages of the disease. In this review, we discuss the genetic and molecular abnormalities unique to and shared between these primary cardiomyopathies and discuss some of the important advances made using more traditional basic science experimentation.
Point estimate method based on univariate dimension reduction model for probabilistic power flow computation
Authors: Xiao Qing , He Ying , Chen Kuineng , Yang Yang , Lu Yonghui
Published: June 2017

This study employs Gaussian copula to model correlated non‐normal variables in power system, whereby the probabilistic power flow (PPF) problem is transformed to independent standard normal space. In conjunction with univariate dimension reduction model, two quadrature rules: Gauss‐logistic (GL) quadrature and Clenshaw–Curtis (CC) quadrature, are developed to calculate the moments of PPF solutions; for CC quadrature, the weights and nodes are given explicitly. Testing on a modified 118‐bus system, it is found that CC quadrature converges more uniformly than the generally used Gauss–Hermite quadrature, and GL quadrature is more accurate.
The propagation of pulse in dispersive linear systems
Authors: Wang Jianwu , Feng Zhenghe
Published: June 2017

Through investigating the phenomenon of amplitude–phase interaction, the authors present a detailed study on the propagation of signal with a sinusoidal envelope in dispersive systems. With respect to the pulse signal, the phase delay of the base‐band signal was previously defined to characterise the frequency tone delay in the base‐band signal spectrum. However, comparing the phase delay of the base‐band signal with the group delay has enabled the physical meaning of the group delay to be clarified. Of particular relevance, they observe that the frequency tone delay with frequency tends to zero in the spectrum of the base‐band signal, rather than the delay expected of a group of frequency tones. With this new definition in place, they developed a new method for the precise analysis of signal propagation, which importantly has a capacity to show details in relation to both the envelope distortion and the phase distortion of the carrier.
4G/5G antenna system with dual function planar connected array
Authors: Ikram Muhammad , Hussain Rifaqat , Sharawi Mohammad S.
Published: June 2017

An integrated design consisting of a multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna system forfourth generation applications and a planar connected array (PCA) for fifthgeneration applications is presented. The proposed design contains a 4‐elementprinted‐inverted‐F antenna‐based MIMO antenna system and a slot‐based PCA. Theantenna system is fabricated on a commercially available RO‐4350 substrate with equal to 3.5. The dimensions of the boardare 100 × 60 × 0.76 mm3 representing a typical smart phone backplanesize. The antenna system covers 2.1 and 12.5 GHz frequency bands via its MIMOand PCA parts, respectively. The design is planar, low profile and compact instructure that is suitable for wireless handheld devices and mobile terminals.The PCA also serves as a defected ground structure at 2.1 GHz thus having twofunctions. Isolation is improved by at least 4 dB. The PCA consists of a 4 × 3radiating slots fed via a corporate feed structure. The measured gain andefficiency values at the centre frequency are at least 3.4 dBi and 74%,respectively, for the MIMO antenna system and 8 dBi and 80% for the PCA. Theenvelope correlation coefficient did not exceed 0.2824 for all antennas showinggood MIMO performance.
Epidemiological trade-off between intra- and interannual scales in the evolution of aggressiveness in a local plant pathogen population
Authors: Suffert Frédéric , Goyeau Henriette , Sache Ivan , Carpentier Florence , Gélisse Sandrine , Morais David , Delestre Ghislain
Published: June 2017

This preprint has been reviewed and recommended by Peer Community In Evolutionary Biology (http://dx.doi.org/10.24072/pci.evolbiol.100039). The efficiency of plant resistance to fungal pathogen populations is expected to decrease over time, due to its evolution with an increase in the frequency of virulent or highly aggressive strains. This dynamics may differ depending on the scale investigated (annual or pluriannual), particularly for annual crop pathogens with both sexual and asexual reproduction cycles. We assessed this time-scale effect, by comparing aggressiveness changes in a localZymoseptoria triticipopulation over an eight-month cropping season and a six-year period of wheat monoculture. We collected two pairs of subpopulations to represent the annual and pluriannual scales: from leaf lesions at the beginning and end of a single annual epidemic, and from crop debris at the beginning and end of a six-year period. We assessed two aggressiveness traits – latent period and lesion size – on sympatric and allopatric host varieties. A trend toward decreased latent period concomitant with a significant loss of variability was established during the course of the annual epidemic, but not over the six-year period. Furthermore, a significant cultivar effect (sympatric vs. allopatric) on the average aggressiveness of the isolates revealed host adaptation, arguing that the observed patterns could result from selection. We thus provide an experimental body of evidence of an epidemiological trade-off between the intra- and inter-annual scales in the evolution of aggressiveness in a local plant pathogen population. More aggressive isolates were collected from upper leaves, on which disease severity is usually lower than on the lower part of the plants left in the field as crop debris after harvest. We suggest that these isolates play little role in sexual reproduction, due to an Allee effect (difficulty finding mates at low pathogen densities), particularly as the upper parts of the plant are removed from the field, explaining the lack of transmission of increases in aggressiveness between epidemics.
International risk of yellow fever spread from the ongoing outbreak in Brazil
Authors: Dorigatti I , Hamlet A , Aguas R , Cattarino L , Cori A , Donnelly CA , Garske T , Imai N , Ferguson NM
Published: June 2017

The largest Yellow Fever (YF) outbreak in a decade in Latin America is underway in the Southeast of Brazil. In this article we provide a quantitative assessment of the risk of travel-related international spread of YF. We argue that mitigating the risk of imported YF cases seeding local transmission requires heightened surveillance in the southern United States, Latin America (especially Argentina, Chile and Uruguay) and Europe (especially Portugal, Spain, Italy and Germany).
Sonic hedgehog is required for neural crest-dependent patterning of the intrinsic tongue musculature
Authors: Okuhara Shigeru , Birjandi Anahid A. , Al-Lami Hadeel Adel , Sagai Tomoko , Amano Takanori , Shiroishi Toshihiko , Liu Karen J. , Cobourne Martyn T. , Iseki Sachiko
Published: June 2017

The tongue is a highly specialized muscular organ important for breathing, speech, taste and swallowing. The secreted signaling molecule Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is expressed in dorsal tongue epithelium from the initial developmental stage. In this study, we utilized a series of genetic approaches to investigate the role of Shh during mouse tongue formation. Temporal-specific global deletion ofShhdemonstrated a functional requirement for normal patterning of the intrinsic tongue muscles and establishment of the lingual tendon. These defects were reproduced in the mutant with a specific loss of signaling in oropharyngeal epithelium by aShh cis-enhancer. In these mutants,Ptch1was lost in the underlying cranial neural crest (CNC)-derived mesenchymal lineage. The importance of Shh was confirmed by generating tissue-specific deletions in the ciliopathy geneOfd1, which transduces Shh signaling. These results revealed Shh roles in patterning of the mesodermal intrinsic tongue muscles through CNC-derived mesenchyme, including the lingual tendon.
“Genome-wide population diversity inHymenoscyphus fraxineuspoints to an eastern Russian origin of European Ash dieback”
Authors: Sønstebø Jørn Henrik , Vivian-Smith Adam , Adamson Kalev , Drenkhan Rein , Solheim Halvor , Hietala Ari M.
Published: June 2017

European forests are experiencing extensive invasion from the Ash pathogenHymenoscyphus fraxineus, an ecological niche competitor to the non-pathogenic native congenerH. albidus. We report the genome-wide diversity and population structure in Asia (native) and Europe (the introduced range). We showH. fraxineusunderwent a dramatic bottleneck upon introduction to Europe around 30-40 generations ago, leaving a genomic signature, characterized by long segments of fixation, interspersed with “diversity islands” that are identical throughout Europe. This means no effective secondary contact with other populations has occurred. Genome-wide variation is consistently high within sampled locations in Japan and the Russian Far East, and lack of differentiation amongst Russian locations suggests extensive gene flow, similar to Europe. A local ancestry analysis supports Russia as a more likely source population than Japan. Negligible latency, rapid host-range expansion and viability of small founding populations specify strong biosecurity forewarnings against new introductions from outside Europe.
Pregnancy outcome in women with cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes
Authors: Reynaud Quitterie , Poupon‐Bourdy Stéphanie , Rabilloud Muriel , Al Mufti Lina , Rousset Jablonski Christine , Lemonnier Lydie , Nove‐Josserand Raphaële , Touzet Sandrine , Durieu Isabelle ,   participating centers of the French Cystic Fibrosis Registry
Published: June 2017

Introduction

With increasing life expectancy, more women with cystic fibrosis and diabetes mellitus become pregnant. We investigated how pre‐gestational diabetes (cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes) influenced pregnancy outcome and the clinical status of these women.

Material and methods

We analyzed all pregnancies reported to the French cystic fibrosis registry between 2001 and 2012, and compared forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and body mass index before and after pregnancy in women with and without pre‐gestational diabetes having a first delivery.

Results

A total 249 women delivered 314 infants. Among these, 189 women had a first delivery and 29 of these had pre‐gestational diabetes. There was a trend towards a higher rate of assisted conception among diabetic women (53.8%) than non‐diabetic women (34.5%, p = 0.06), and the rate of cesarean section was significantly higher in diabetic women (48% vs. 21.4%, p = 0.005). The rate of preterm birth and mean infant birthweight did not differ significantly between diabetic and non‐diabetic women. Forced expiratory volume before pregnancy was significantly lower in the diabetic group. The decline in forced expiratory volume and body mass index following pregnancy did not differ between the women with and those without pre‐gestational diabetes.

Conclusion

Pre‐gestational diabetes in women with cystic fibrosis is associated with a higher rate of cesarean section but does not seem to have a clinically significant impact on fetal growth or preterm delivery. The changes in maternal pulmonary and nutritional status following pregnancy in women with cystic fibrosis were not influenced by pre‐gestational diabetes.
Explaining infant feeding: The role of previous personal and vicarious experience on attitudes, subjective norms, self‐efficacy, and breastfeeding outcomes
Authors: Bartle Naomi C. , Harvey Kate
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Breastfeeding confers important health benefits to both infants and their mothers, but rates are low in the United Kingdom and other developed countries despite widespread promotion. This study examined the relationships between personal and vicarious experience of infant feeding, self‐efficacy, the theory of planned behaviour variables of attitudes and subjective norm, and the likelihood of breastfeeding at 6–8 weeks post‐natally.

Design

A prospective questionnaire study of both first‐time mothers (n = 77) and experienced breastfeeders (n = 72) recruited at an antenatal clinic in South East England.

Methods

Participants completed a questionnaire at 32 weeks pregnant assessing personal and vicarious experience of infant feeding (breastfeeding, formula‐feeding, and maternal grandmother’s experience of breastfeeding), perceived control, self‐efficacy, intentions, attitudes (to breastfeeding and formula‐feeding), and subjective norm. Infant feeding behaviour was recorded at 6–8 weeks post‐natally. Multiple linear regression modelled the influence of vicarious experience on attitudes, subjective norm, and self‐efficacy (but not perceived control) and modelled the influence of attitude, subjective norm, self‐efficacy, and past experience on intentions to breastfeed. Logistic regression modelled the likelihood of breastfeeding at 6–8 weeks.

Results

Previous experience (particularly personal experience of breastfeeding) explained a significant amount of variance in attitudes, subjective norm, and self‐efficacy. Intentions to breastfeed were predicted by subjective norm and attitude to formula‐feeding and, in experienced mothers, self‐efficacy. Breastfeeding at 6 weeks was predicted by intentions and vicarious experience of formula‐feeding.

Conclusion

Vicarious experience, particularly of formula‐feeding, has been shown to influence the behaviour of first‐time and experienced mothers both directly and indirectly via attitudes and subjective norm. Interventions that reduce exposure to formula‐feeding (perhaps by limiting advertising) or cushion mothers from its effects may enable more mothers to meet their breastfeeding goals.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Rates of breastfeeding in the United Kingdom are low and resistant to change.

Self‐efficacy may be an important and modifiable factor for breastfeeding initiation and maintenance.

What does this study add?

Self‐efficacy may only be a relevant factor among mothers who already have personal experience of breastfeeding.

Vicarious experience of formula‐feeding has been shown to be related to a lower rate of breastfeeding at 6 weeks.
Prevalence and prognosis of low‐volume, oligorecurrent, hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer amenable to lesion ablative therapy
Authors: De Bruycker Aurélie , Lambert Bieke , Claeys Tom , Delrue Louke , Mbah Chamberlain , De Meerleer Gert , Villeirs Geert , De Vos Filip , De Man Kathia , Decaestecker Karel , Fonteyne Valérie , Lumen Nicolaas , Ameye Filip , Billiet Ignace , Joniau Steven , Vanhaverbeke Friedl , Duthoy Wim , Ost Piet
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To describe the anatomical patterns of prostate cancer (PCa) recurrence after primary therapy and to investigate if patients with low‐volume disease have a better prognosis as compared with their counterparts.

Materials and Methods

Patients eligible for an 18‐F choline positron‐emission tomography (PET)‐computed tomography (CT) were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Eligible patients had asymptomatic biochemical recurrence after primary PCa treatment and testosterone levels >50 ng/mL. The number of lesions was counted per scan. Patients with isolated local recurrence (LR) or with ≤3 metastases (with or without LR) were considered to have low‐volume disease and patients with >3 metastases to have high‐volume disease. Descriptive statistics were used to report recurrences. Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the influence of prognostic variables on the time to developing castration‐resistant PCa (CRPC).

Results

In 208 patients, 625 sites of recurrence were detected in the lymph nodes (N1/M1a: 30%), the bone (18%), the prostate (bed; 11%), viscera (4%), or a combination of any of the previous (37%). In total, 153 patients (74%) had low‐volume recurrence and 55 patients (26%) had high‐volume recurrence. The 3‐year CRPC‐free survival rate for the whole cohort was 79% (95% confidence interval 43–55), 88% for low‐volume recurrences and 50% for high‐volume recurrences (P < 0.001). Longer PSA doubling time at time of recurrence and low‐volume disease were associated with a longer time to CRPC.

Conclusions

Three out of four patients with PCa with a 18‐F choline PET‐CT‐detected recurrence have low‐volume disease, potentially amenable to local therapy. Patients with low‐volume disease have a better prognosis as compared with their counterparts. Lymph node recurrence was the most dominant failure pattern.
Functional analysis of p.Ala253_Leu254insAsn mutation in PLS3 responsible for X‐linked osteoporosis
Authors: Wang L. , Zhai Q. , Zhao P. , Xiang X. , Zhang X. , Tian W. , Li T.
Published: June 2017

Mutations in Plastin‐3 (PLS3) have been identified as a cause of X‐linked osteoporosis. To reveal the molecular mechanism of PLS3 on osteoporosis, we characterized the p.Ala253_Leu254insAsn mutation in PLS3. We first identified Lymphocyte cytosolic protein 1 (LCP1) as a binding partner of PLS3 and the mutation disrupted the interaction between them. We then confirmed the roles of PLS3 and LCP1 in the regulation of intracellular Ca2+, which was weakened by the mutant PLS3. Moreover, the interaction between PLS3 and LCP1 was enhanced under a low concentration of extracellular Ca2+. However, the mutation in PLS3 weakened the responsiveness. The reduced regulation on Ca2+ caused by p.Ala253_Leu254insAsn may be the possible molecular mechanism of osteoporosis.
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour with metastasis and expression of endothelial differentiation factors in a horse
Authors: Bouéres C. S. , Câmara A. C. L. , Castro M. B. , Barbosa E. F. , Souza C. A. , Serakides R. , Teixeira Neto A. R.
Published: June 2017

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST) has not previously been well documented in veterinary literature. This article reports the case of a 12‐year‐old Mangalarga Marchador gelding presented for evaluation of a large, ulcerated and pruritic lesion in the elbow of the left forelimb. Biopsy of the mass indicated an undifferentiated sarcoma. Considering the chronicity of the condition, poor prognosis and extensive nature of the neoplasm, the horse was subjected to euthanasia. A MPNST with expression of endothelial differentiation factors was diagnosed based on gross morphology results, histological features and immunohistochemical findings.
A randomized clinical trial to compare pain levels during three types of oral anesthetic injections and the effect of Dentalvibe® on injection pain in children
Authors: Raslan Nabih , Masri Reem
Published: June 2017

Background

Pain control is of great importance particularly in pediatric dentistry. The Dentalvibe® is a device that delivers vibration to the injection site in order to reduce intraoral injections’ pain.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to compare pain levels caused by three types of anesthesia injections and the effect of the Dentalvibe® on reducing the injection pain.

Design

The study included 40 children, and each one received six injections. The injections were divided randomly into two methods: experimental (DV): buccal and palatal infiltration on the maxilla and inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) with vibration and traditional (TR): receiving the same previous injections without vibration. Moreover, pain was assessed using the FLACC® and Wong‐Baker faces® pain scales. Then after, patients were asked about their favorite method.

Results

No statistically significant differences were observed regardless of the injection site in subjective and objective evaluation in the (TR) method. Although the pain scores in (DV) method were less than the traditional in most injections, the differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Children experienced similar levels of pain in all sites of injection using the traditional method. The Dentalvibe® did not decrease discomfort and was not accepted more by children.
A novel ATTR L32V mutation causes familial amyloid polyneuropathy in a Bolivian family
Authors: Martínez‐Ulloa Pedro L. , Vallejo Manuela , Corral Iñigo , García‐Barragán Nuria , Alcazar Alberto , Martínez‐Alonso Emma , Martínez‐Poles Javier , Pian Hector , Jiménez‐Escrig Adriano
Published: June 2017

We report a new transthyretin (ATTR) gene c.272C>G mutation and variant protein, p.Leu32Val, in a kindred of Bolivian origin with a rapid progressive peripheral neuropathy and cardiomyopathy. Three individuals from a kindred with peripheral nerve and cardiac amyloidosis were examined. Analysis of the TTR gene was performed by Sanger direct sequencing. Neuropathologic examination was obtained on the index patient with mass spectrometry study of the ATTR deposition. Direct DNA sequence analysis of exons 2, 3, and 4 of the TTR gene demonstrated a c.272 C>G mutation in exon 2 (p.L32V). Sural nerve biopsy revealed massive amyloid deposition in the perineurium, endoneurium and vasa nervorum. Mass spectrometric analyses of ATTR immunoprecipitated from nerve biopsy showed the presence of both wild‐type and variant proteins. The observed mass results for the wild‐type and variant proteins were consistent with the predicted values calculated from the genetic analysis data. The ATTR L32V is associated with a severe course. This has implications for treatment of affected individuals and counseling of family members.
Disruptions in Emotion Regulation as a Mechanism Linking Community Violence Exposure to Adolescent Internalizing Problems
Authors: Heleniak Charlotte , King Kevin M. , Monahan Kathryn C. , McLaughlin Katie A.
Published: June 2017

Although community violence is an established risk factor for youth aggression, less research has examined its relation with internalizing psychopathology. This study examined associations of community violence exposure with internalizing symptoms, and state and trait emotion dysregulation as mechanisms underlying these associations, in 287 adolescents aged 16–17 (45.6% male; 40.8% White). Community violence exposure was associated with internalizing symptoms, negative affect during peer evaluation, trait emotional reactivity, and infrequent problem solving. Multiple emotion dysregulation indices were also associated with internalizing symptoms. In simultaneous multiple mediator models, indirect effects of community violence on internalizing problems were significantly explained by state and trait emotion dysregulation. Findings implicate emotion dysregulation as one mechanism linking community violence exposure to adolescent internalizing symptoms.
Cassava Mosaic and Brown Streak Diseases: Current Perspectives and Beyond
Authors: Rey Chrissie , Vanderschuren Hervé
Published: June 2017

Cassava is the fourth largest source of calories in the world but is subject to economically important yield losses due to viral diseases, including cassava brown streak disease and cassava mosaic disease. Cassava mosaic disease occurs in sub-Saharan Africa and the Asian subcontinent and is associated with nine begomovirus species, whereas cassava brown streak disease has to date been reported only in sub-Saharan Africa and is caused by two distinct ipomovirus species. We present an overview of key milestones and their significance in the understanding and characterization of these two major diseases as well as their associated viruses and whitefly vector. New biotechnologies offer a wide range of opportunities to reduce virus-associated yield losses in cassava for farmers and can additionally enable the exploitation of this valuable crop for industrial purposes. This review explores established and new technologies for genetic manipulation to achieve desired traits such as virus resistance.
Practice Patterns for Acute Ischemic Stroke Workup: A Longitudinal Population‐Based Study
Authors: Loftspring Matthew C. , Kissela Brett M. , Flaherty Matthew L. , Khoury Jane C. , Alwell Kathleen , Moomaw Charles J. , Kleindorfer Dawn O. , Woo Daniel , Adeoye Opeolu , Ferioli Simona , Broderick Joseph P. , Khatri Pooja
Published: June 2017

Background

We examined practice patterns of inpatient testing to identify stroke etiologies and treatable risk factors for acute ischemic stroke recurrence.

Methods and Results

We identified stroke cases and related diagnostic testing from four 1‐year study periods (July 1993 to June 1994, 1999, 2005, and 2010) of the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study. Patients aged ≥18 years were included. We focused on evaluation of extracranial arteries for carotid stenosis and assessment of atrial fibrillation because randomized controlled trials supported treatment of these conditions for stroke prevention across all 4 study periods. In each study period, we also recorded stroke etiology, as determined by diagnostic testing and physician adjudication. An increasing proportion of stroke patients received assessment of both extracranial arteries and the heart over time (50%, 58%, 74%, and 78% in the 1993–1994, 1999, 2005, and 2010 periods, respectively;
P
<0.0001 for trend), with the most dramatic individual increases in echocardiography (57%, 63%, 77%, and 83%, respectively). Concurrently, we observed a decrease in strokes of unknown etiology (47%, 48%, 41%, and 38%, respectively;
P
<0.0001 for trend). We also found a significant increase in strokes of other known causes (32%, 25%, 45% and 59%, respectively;
P
<0.0001 for trend).

Conclusions

Stroke workup for treatable causes of stroke are being used more frequently over time, and this is associated with a decrease in cryptogenic strokes. Future study of whether better determination of treatable stroke etiologies translates to a decrease in stroke recurrence at the population level will be essential.
A qibla mušarriqa for the First al-Aqṣà Mosque? A New Stratigraphic, Planimetric, and Chronological Reading of Hamilton’s Excavation, and Some Considerations on the Introduction of the Concave miḥrāb
Authors: Di Cesare Michelina
Published: June 2017

This paper reconstructs an alternative planimetric and structural history of al-Aqṣà mosque in the pre-crusader period and reassesses the chronology. In particular, it proposes reading the plan of the first Aqṣà, which emerged from Hamilton’s excavations, as oriented towards the east rather than the south, thus having an astronomical orientation like other 7th-century and early 8th-century mosques. The identification of the eastern wall rather than the southern as the qiblī wall would mean the aisles would not be perpendicular but rather parallel to it, thus indicating an arrangement usually found in Umayyad mosques. It follows that the precocious appearance of the transept and the aisles perpendicular to the qiblī wall in the second Aqṣà would result from the re-orientation to the south of the previous structure. This change is interpreted as connected to the introduction of the concave miḥrāb and its axial relationship with the Dome of the Rock.
A Service Learning Model for Special Education Teacher Preparation in Secondary Transition Programming
Authors: May Michael E. , Chitiyo Jonathan , Goodin Theresa , Mausey Angie , Swan-Gravatt Crystal
Published: June 2017

The current article describes the evaluation of a service-based learning model as part of a special education course focused on secondary programming for students with disabilities. A total of 42 preservice teachers and 21 high school juniors and seniors with disabilities actively participated in the service learning project at a local high school. Preservice teachers conducted a transition assessment, developed and implemented lesson plans for postsecondary skill development with a high school student, presented their results to local high school personnel, and completed a self-assessment of their level of confidence in transition education for secondary students. Overall, preservice teachers reported confidence in transition planning and in designing and delivering instructional opportunities based on assessment of high school students’ transition needs. Moreover, the preservice teachers met the course learning standards by working directly with high school students. Barriers and recommendations for personnel preparation and research are discussed.
Variable phenotypic penetrance of thrombosis in adult mice after tissue-selective and temporally controlled Thbd gene inactivation
Authors: van Mens Thijs E. , Liang Hai-Po H. , Basu Sreemanti , Hernandez Irene , Zogg Mark , May Jennifer , Zhan Min , Yang Qiuhui , Foeckler Jamie , Kalloway Shawn , Sood Rashmi , Karlson Caren Sue , Weiler Hartmut
Published: June 2017

Key Points

Thrombomodulin deficiency in adult mice induces a fatal coagulopathy caused by the lack of cofactor function for activation of protein C. The severity of thrombosis after birth is modulated by in utero thrombomodulin expression in extraembryonic tissues.
Peer mentoring supports the learning needs of nurses providing palliative care in a rural acute care setting
Authors: Rabbetts Lyn
Published: June 2017

Background:

A specific set of assessment scales can underpin the management of distressing symptoms of patients requiring palliative care. A research assistant supported nurses working in a rural hospital setting during the introduction of these scales.

Aim:

A secondary analysis was conducted to further explore the qualitative data of a previously reported mixed-method study. In particular, the experiences of nurses working alongside a research assistant in the facilitation of using a new assessment form.

Method:

Purposeful sampling was employed: participating nurses were invited to attend one of three focus group meetings.

Findings:

Data analysis revealed three main themes: a contact person, coach/mentor and extra help initiatives. Three to four subthemes corresponded with each main theme.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest nurses benefit from having someone to assist in learning about new documentation. Nurses respond positively to mentorship and practical guidance when integrating a new assessment form into routine evidence-based practice.
Politics and palliative care: Ghana
Authors: Smyth Dion
Published: June 2017

Dion Smyth's review of palliative nursing on the internet
Modeling and Experimental Validation of a Transient Direct Expansion Heat Pump
Authors: Rousseau Clément , Fannou Jean-Louis Comlan , Lamarche Louis , Kajl Stanislaw
Published: June 2017

Geothermal heat pump technology is currently one of the most interesting technologies used to heat buildings. There are two designs used in the industry: geothermal heat pump using a secondary ground loop and Direct Expansion (DX) ground source heat pump. The latter is less used, possibly because less research has been carried out for the design of this kind of heat pump. In this paper, a transient model using the Comsol Multiphysic of a DX ground heat pump is presented in heating mode with R22, and a comparison with experimental results is presented with a 24-hour test. It is shown that the model was adequately validated by our experiment with only a maximum difference of 15%. Following this validation, a parametric analysis was realised on the geometry of the borehole. This study concluded that to have the best heat extraction of the ground, the pipes shank spacing need to be important without increasing the borehole diameter.Article History: Received January 16th 2017; Received in revised form May 28th 2017; Accepted June 6th 2017; Available onlineHow to Cite This Article: Rousseau, C., Fannou, J.L.C., Lamarche, L. and Kajl, S. (2017) Modeling and Experimental Validation of a Transient Direct Expansion Heat Pump. International Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 6(2), 145-155.https://doi.org/10.14710/ijred.6.2.145-155
Study of Fabricated Solar Dryer of Tomato Slices under Jordan Climate Condition
Authors: Olimat Abdullah Nasrallah
Published: June 2017

The objective of the current study was to investigate experimentally, the performance of a fabricated solar dryer under Jordan climate condition during the summer of 2013. The temporal variations of temperature difference between absorber plate and ambient temperature were obtained in the results and its influence on the performance of solar flat plate collector was examined. The effects of absorber plate temperature, ambient temperature and wind heat transfer coefficient on the top heat loss coefficient were also investigated. The results showed that the efficiency of the collector ranging between 45 to 66 % which affected significantly by the amount of solar irradiation during the day. Only top heat loss was taken into considerations, since other losses were very small and might be negligible. Also the results confirmed that the performance of collector was maximum when the difference between plate and ambient temperatures was maximum. In addition, this work presented an indirect forced convection solar dryer, which consists of solar heater, fan and drying chamber. Fan was used to force the heated air through chamber to increase the drying rate.  A 500 gram of tomatoes were dried to the final moisture content 28% from 95% (w.b). The experimental moisture ratios of the tomatoes were fitted to four mathematical drying models. Comparisons between these modes are sought using statistical analysis in the results. The fit quality obtained with each model was evaluated. After the comparison with the experimental obtained values, it was concluded that polynomial equation with second order represents the drying characteristics better than the other models by indicating high value of coefficient correlation (R2= 0.999564 ) and low values of other parameters( 𝞌2= 0.000203; RMSE= 0.01011; MBE= 0.000102 ) compare with other models. The effective moisture diffusivity was estimated using Fick's second law and was  m2/s with an average temperature of 306 K.Article History: Received January 14th 2017; Received in revised form April 28th 2017; Accepted June 10th 2017; Available onlineHow to Cite This Article: Olimat, A.N. (2017) Study of Fabricated Solar Dryer of Tomato Slices Under Jordan Climate Condition. International Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 6(2), 93-101.https://doi.org/10.14710/ijred.6.2.93-101
Poachers, Pirates and Wildlife Crime: Improving coordination of the global response
Authors: Biegus Olga , Bueger Christian
Published: June 2017

This article aims at identifying how the global response to poaching can be improved and what role South Africa might play in it. To do so, we examine the emerging global wildlife crime regime and the challenges it faces. To offer an understanding of how governance could be improved, we ask how the success in curbing another transnational crime can serve as an example of international coordination. Through a comparison, we aim at identifying core dimensions by which the coordination of counter-poaching can be improved. Our conclusion stresses the importance of a more focussed, inclusive and experimental account. We end in outlining a number of core issues that South Africa should start to consider in its policies towards wildlife crime.
Bacteriophage Cryopreservation v1
Authors: Steven Wilhelm Dr.
Published: June 2017

Please contact Dr. Steven Wilhelm (wilhelm@utk.edu) for additional information regarding this protocol.
Causes and management of secondary postpartum haemorrhage in a tertiary medical college hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Nessa Kamrun , Bari Sumia , Khan Sanjida , Sultana Ferdowsi , Akbar Tania
Published: June 2017

Background: Globally postpartum haemorrhage remains a leading cause of maternal death. It affects only 1-2% of postnatal women. This low incidence of secondary PPH and linkage to maternal morbidity rather than mortality was the reason for the little attention among obstetricians, but it is recently gaining importance and interest with the increase morbidity and mortality related to secondary PPH.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on the diagnosed patients of secondary PPH admitted in Enam Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January 2015 to December 2016. Among 33 cases of secondary PPH age of the patients, parity, mode of delivery, causes and management were noted from medical records. All data was analyzed by SPSS16.Results: Among 33 patients 14 (42.4%) were primi and 19 (57.6%) were multipara, age between 18 to 38 years, majority admitted 2nd and 3rd week after delivery. Among 33 patients 12% delivered vaginally at home and 30% vaginally at hospital and 58% undergone LUCS. We found 34% retained bits of placenta, 27% uterine wound dehiscence, 24% retained clots and 15% endometritis as causes. Less than 3 units blood needed in 22 (66.7%) patients and 11 (33.3%) needed more than 3 units. About 6 (18%) patients were treated conservatively, MVA were needed in 18 (55%) patients, repair of wound in 4 (12%) and TAH was in 5 (15%).Conclusions: Secondary PPH is increasing may result in significant maternal morbidity as well as mortality. More study needed to identify the risk factors and causes to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.
Modification of WHO diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes: implications for classification of hyperglycemia in pregnancy
Authors: Imoh Lucius C. , Asorose Solomon A. , Odo Alfred I. , Aina Daniel O. , Abu Alexander O. , Ocheke Amaka N.
Published: June 2017

Background: Low and medium income countries (LMICs) especially in sub-Saharan Africa face unique challenges in screening and diagnosing hyperglycaemia in pregnancy. The implications of applying the 2013 WHO modifications for assessing hyperglycaemia in pregnancy in low resource settings are not known. We evaluated the significance of these recent changes in classification of hyperglycaemia among pregnant Nigerian women.Methods: We reviewed the records of Oral glucose tolerance test conducted on 600 pregnant women at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) between July 2012 and June 2016. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 18 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Test for association was done using Fisher’s exact test. P < 0.05 was set as the level of significance.Results: The results show that 15.9%, 20.2% and 15.7% of the women had GDM according to WHO (1999), IADPSG and WHO (2013) diagnostic criteria respectively while 4.8% of the women had DM in pregnancy by WHO 2013 criteria. Overall, 30.2% and 23.9% of women who were classified as GDM by WHO 1999 criteria and IADPSG criteria respectively were qualified to be classified as DM in pregnancy according to the WHO 2013 criteria.Conclusions: The recent Modifications by the WHO 2013 guideline for classifying hyperglycemia in pregnancy may create non-uniform interpretation of OGTT. The confusion in classifying hyperglycemia among pregnant women referred between health centres may become more pronounced. There is an urgent need for a streamlined globally acceptable approach to assessing and classifying hyperglycemia in pregnant women.
Knowledge and attitude of medical undergraduate, interns and postgraduate students towards emergency contraception
Authors: Dogra Amisha , Wankhede Uma N.
Published: June 2017

Background: Although India was the first country in the world to have national family planning policy, the acceptance of contraceptive methods has been unsatisfactory. Many women in their peak reproductive years, who wish to control their fertility, are not aware about the different methods of contraceptives available. Unregulated fertility results in unplanned pregnancies. Emergency contraceptive pills can avoid many such unplanned pregnancies. The study was to assess the knowledge and attitude about emergency contraception (EC) among the undergraduate, interns and postgraduate medical science university students.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 180 medical students which include undergraduate, interns, and postgraduate students (60 from each group) studying at BJ Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra by a convenient sample method over a period of August 2016 to November 2016. Data were collected by pre-designed, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed in the form of percentage and proportions and Chi square test was applied.Results: In this study, a total of 180 respondents, of which 110 (61.2%) were male and 70 (38.8%) were female. The knowledge about EC was highest (47.6%) among postgraduates in comparison to interns (43.3%) and undergraduate students (41.6%). Overall positive attitude toward EC was observed among 73.8% of the respondents.Conclusions: Considering the role of a medical graduate as counselor and health care provider, the technical knowledge about different aspects of EC among the study population was inadequate.
Obstetric emergency preparedness among staff nurses working in obstetric care units
Authors: Subrahmanyam Namitha , Joseph Jisha , Abraham Rinu
Published: June 2017

Background: Pregnancy and child birth process heralds some risks at every point of time. Being primary health care provider nurses have key roles in identification and prompt management of obstetric emergencies. The aim of this study was to assess the obstetric emergency preparedness among staff nurses working in obstetric care units of a tertiary care centre.Methods: A descriptive survey was carried out among all staff nurses (n=117) working in obstetric care units of a tertiary care hospital in Ernakulam district, Kerala using a structured questionnaire that contain items on personal and professional characteristics and obstetric emergency preparedness.Results: The percentage of nurses reported attendance to obstetric emergency drills at work setting (28.2%), Familiarity with procedures for staff call up systems during emergencies (44.4%), Familiarity with emergency crash cart at work setting (50.4%) and being acquainted with correct triaging of obstetric emergencies (57.3%) were found to be low in the study. The overall emergency preparedness score showed significant association with age (p=0.003), educational qualification (p=0.002), type of employment (p=0.001), years of experience (p=0.016), experience in handling obstetric emergencies (p=0.015) and attendance to Continuing Nursing Education(CNE) on obstetric emergencies (p=0.001).Conclusions: The areas where the nurses lag obstetric emergency preparedness need to be strengthened through appropriate empowerment strategies in order to ensure competency in managing obstetric emergencies among staff `nurses.
A prospective study of critical methods of amniotic fluid volume assessment
Authors: Gandhi Mayur Rajendra
Published: June 2017

Background: Adequate amniotic fluid volume (AFV) is required for fetal well-being and its assessment is taken as the single most important variable in fetal biophysical scoring system. I have critically evaluated various methods of amniotic fluid volume assessment keeping Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) as the standard technique of Amniotic Fluid Volume (AFV) assessment.Methods: This was a prospective study where all patients were assessed for amniotic fluid volume at one sitting first by abdominal palpation followed by ultrasonographic assessment by various methods. Critical analysis of each individual method of amniotic fluid volume assessment was carried out for its sensitivity and specificity with regard to oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios and euamnios keeping AFI as the standard technique of AFV assessment. Effort was made to find out the best possible method of AFV assessment.Results: Almost all methods are reasonably effective in assessment of normal AFV. For assessment of oligohydraamnios 2cm x 2cm pocket and Maximum Vertical Pocket (MVP) depth (of 2 cm rule) methods are most suitable whereas other methods were found to be inappropriate. For assessment of polyhydramnios with regard to specificity MVP depth (>8cm) is reliable but with regard to sensitivity, subjective assessment and abdominal palpation are more reliable.Conclusions: When we compare all methods of AFV assessment, AFI and MVP depth (of 2 cm rule) have better correlation. Hence these methods are suggested for AFV studies in current clinical settings.
A cross sectional study on willingness and acceptabily: PPIUCD by primipara mothers at a tertiary care hospital, Tamil Nadu
Authors: Shaanthy Gunasingh T. K. , Meena T. S. , Mothilal R.
Published: June 2017

Background: Postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device is a postpartum family planning method which provides spacing to the next pregnancy and also it helps to avoid unwanted / unintended pregnancy during postpartum period. Our aim was to study the willingness and acceptability of Postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device among primi paraous women and compare them as a factor of route of insertion (vaginal versus caesarean).Methods: A cross sectional analytical study was done in a tertiary care teaching institution to know the willingness and acceptance among primi paraous delivery (either vaginal and caesarean deliveries) for the period of three months using the hospital records that a total number of 587 primi paraous deliveries and among them 433 mothers had Postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device over the three months period, were taken as a secondary data and studied for their willingness and acceptance for Postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device.Results: 82.8 % of primi paraous women were showing willingness for Postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device and 73.8 % of them had Postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device insertion. Postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device insertions were more in caesarean deliveries than in vaginal deliveries of mothers with one child.Conclusions: Postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device is a strong weapon in the family planning and should be encouraged in both vaginal and caesarean deliveries. The acceptability of Postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device in women with one child was effective and statistically significant at p value is < 0.05.
Non-surgical management of unruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Choudhary Anjali , Chaudhari Priyanka , Bansal Neeta
Published: June 2017

Background: Ectopic pregnancy is still the leading cause of pregnancy related morbidity in the first trimester. Since majority of the women who present with ectopic pregnancies are sub fertile and young, there is a role for non-surgical options of managing these pregnancies. Expectant and medical management not only serves to conserve the fallopian tubes but also saves women from surgical trauma and morbidity. The objective of this retrospective study was to share our experience of treating un-ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancies conservatively.Methods: Women diagnosed with un-ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy, fit for conservative /medical management were included. Women with serum beta HCG levels less than 1000 mIU/L were treated expectantly and women with Bet HCG levels >1000 but <10,000 mIU /L were given Injectable methotrixate. Response to treatment was monitored by serial beta HCG levels.Results: Total 37 women included in the study.12% women showed complete resolution with expectant treatment alone and 88% resolved after a single dose methotrixate.Conclusions: Many women with un-ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancies would benefit from expectant management, or methotrixate therapy. Methotrixate used in carefully selected women is safe and effective in resolving these cases with good post treatment reproductive outcome.