bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Transnational Turn in African Literature of French Expression: Imagining Other Utopic Spaces in the Globalized Age
Authors: Orlando Valérie
Published: May 2016

This article focuses on African literature published since 2000 by authors of French expression. While contemporary authors’ subjects are varied—ranging from climate change, human rights, to ethnic cleansing—they also imagine new “what ifs” and other utopic spaces and places that extend beyond postcolonial, Africa-as-victim paradigms. Literarily, authors such as Abdelaziz Belkhodja (Tunisia) and Abdourahman A. Waberi (Djibouti) have effectuated a transnational turn. In this literary transnational turn, Africa is open to new interpretations by the African author that are very different from the more essentialist-based, literary-philosophical movements such as Negritude and pan-Africanism; cornerstones of the postcolonial literary frameworks of the past. Belkhodja and Waberi offer original narratives for Africa that, while describing their countries as utopias, also traverse the very dystopic realities of our time.
Person-Centered, Physical Activity for Patients with Low Back Pain: Piloting Service Delivery
Authors: Bloxham Saul , Barter Phil , Scragg Slafka , Peers Charles , Jane Ben , Layden Joe
Published: May 2016

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common and costly conditions in industrialized countries. Exercise therapy has been used to treat LBP, although typically using only one mode of exercise. This paper describes the method and initial findings of a person-centered, group physical activity programme which featured as part of a multidisciplinary approach to treating LBP. Six participants (aged 50.7 ± 17 years) completed a six-week physical activity programme lasting two hours per week. A multicomponent approach to physical activity was adopted which included aerobic fitness, core activation, muscular strength and endurance, Nordic Walking, flexibility and exercise gaming. In addition, participants were required to use diary sheets to record physical activity completed at home. Results revealed significant (p < 0.05) improvements in back strength (23%), aerobic fitness (23%), negative wellbeing (32%) and disability (16%). Person’s Correlation Coefficient analysis revealed significant (p < 0.05) relationships between improvement in perceived pain and aerobic fitness (r = 0.93). It was concluded that a person-centered, multicomponent approach to physical activity may be optimal for supporting patients who self-manage LBP.
An Institutional Analysis of Groundwater Quality Control: Experiences in Hadano, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Endo Takahiro
Published: May 2016

A considerable number of studies have been made of institutional arrangements that can prevent excessive groundwater pumping based on Hardin’s seminal work, the “tragedy of the commons.” In contrast, this paper is concerned with groundwater quality control for which policy studies are very limited. This paper not only clarifies institutional challenges specific to groundwater contamination, but also demonstrates how government and industry could solve them using a case study of Hadano, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, which has pioneered countermeasures for groundwater pollution in Japan. Hadano solved the challenges by enacting an innovative local ordinance with three pillars: Proxy purification by the city government, fundraising for purification activities and a retroactive system. Lessons learnt from the Hadano case will be very useful to policy makers because these problems already occur in other urban areas, or are likely to occur in the near future.
A Method for Traffic Congestion Clustering Judgment Based on Grey Relational Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yingya , Ye Ning , Wang Ruchuan , Malekian Reza
Published: May 2016

Traffic congestion clustering judgment is a fundamental problem in the study of traffic jam warning. However, it is not satisfactory to judge traffic congestion degrees using only vehicle speed. In this paper, we collect traffic flow information with three properties (traffic flow velocity, traffic flow density and traffic volume) of urban trunk roads, which is used to judge the traffic congestion degree. We first define a grey relational clustering model by leveraging grey relational analysis and rough set theory to mine relationships of multidimensional-attribute information. Then, we propose a grey relational membership degree rank clustering algorithm (GMRC) to discriminant clustering priority and further analyze the urban traffic congestion degree. Our experimental results show that the average accuracy of the GMRC algorithm is 24.9% greater than that of the K-means algorithm and 30.8% greater than that of the Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) algorithm. Furthermore, we find that our method can be more conducive to dynamic traffic warnings.
Conditional Knockout in Mice Reveals the Critical Roles of Ppp2ca in Epidermis Development
Authors: Fang Chao , Li Lei , Li Jianmin
Published: May 2016

The epidermis is an important tissue in Homo sapines and other animals, and an abnormal epidermis will cause many diseases. Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is an important serine and threonine phosphatase. The α isoform of the PP2A catalytic subunit (Ppp2ca gene encoding PP2Acα) is critical for cell proliferation, growth, metabolism and tumorigenesis. However, to date, no study has revealed its roles in epidermis development. To specifically investigate the roles of PP2Acα in epidermis development, we first generated Ppp2caflox/flox transgenic mice, and conditionally knocked out Ppp2ca in the epidermis driven by Krt14-Cre. Our study showed that Ppp2caflox/flox; Krt14-Cre mice had significant hair loss. In addition, histological analyses showed that the morphogenesis and hair regeneration cycle of hair follicles were disrupted in these mice. Moreover, Ppp2caflox/flox; Krt14-Cre mice had smaller size, melanin deposition and hyperproliferation at the base of the claws. Accordingly, our study demonstrates that PP2Acα plays important roles in both hair follicle and epidermis development. Additionally, the Ppp2caflox/flox mice generated in this study can serve as a useful transgene model to study the roles of PP2Acα in other developmental processes and diseases.
Innate Immune Response in Implant-Associated Infections: Neutrophils against Biofilms
Authors: Dapunt Ulrike , Hänsch Gertrud , Arciola Carla
Published: May 2016

Biofilm has been recognized as a well-protected form of living for bacteria, contributing to bacterial pathogenicity, particularly for opportunistic species. Biofilm-associated infections are marked by their persistence. Extensive research has been devoted to the formation and composition of biofilms. The immune response against biofilms remains rather unexplored, but there is the notion that bacteria within a biofilm are protected from host defences. Here we glance at the mechanisms by which neutrophils recognize and face biofilms in implant infections and discuss the implications of this interplay, as well as speculate on its significance.
Synthetic Strategies for 5- and 6-Membered Ring Azaheterocycles Facilitated by Iminyl Radicals
Authors: Walton John
Published: May 2016

The totality of chemical space is so immense that only a small fraction can ever be explored. Computational searching has indicated that bioactivity is associated with a comparatively small number of ring-containing structures. Pyrrole, indole, pyridine, quinoline, quinazoline and related 6-membered ring-containing aza-arenes figure prominently. This review focuses on the search for fast, efficient and environmentally friendly preparative methods for these rings with specific emphasis on iminyl radical-mediated procedures. Oxime derivatives, particularly oxime esters and oxime ethers, are attractive precursors for these radicals. Their use is described in conventional thermolytic, microwave-assisted and UV-vis based preparative procedures. Photoredox-catalyzed protocols involving designer oxime ethers are also covered. Choice can be made amongst these synthetic strategies for a wide variety of 5- and 6-membered ring heterocycles including phenanthridine and related aza-arenes. Applications to selected natural products and bioactive molecules, including trispheridine, vasconine, luotonin A and rutaecarpine, are included.
Effects of Resveratrol Supplementation and Exercise Training on Exercise Performance in Middle-Aged Mice
Authors: Kan Nai-Wen , Ho Chin-Shan , Chiu Yen-Shuo , Huang Wen-Ching , Chen Pei-Yu , Tung Yu-Tang , Huang Chi-Chang
Published: May 2016

Resveratrol (RES) has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiasthmatic, antalgic, and anti-fatigue activities. Exercise training (ET) improves frailty resulting from aging. This study evaluated the effects of a combination of RES supplementation and ET on the exercise performance of aged mice. C57BL/6J mice (16 months old) were randomly divided into four groups: an older control group (OC group), supplementation with RES group (RES group), ET group (ET group), and a combination of ET and RES supplementation group (ET+RES group). Other 10-week-old mice were used as a young control group (Y-Ctrl group). In this study, exercise performance was evaluated using forelimb grip strength and exhaustive swimming time, as well as levels of plasma lactate, ammonia, glucose, and creatine kinase after an acute swimming exercise. Our results showed that the forelimb grip strength of mice in the ET+RES group was significantly higher than those in the OC, RES, and ET groups (by 1.3-, 1.2-, and 1.1-fold, respectively, p < 0.05), and exhibited no difference with the Y-Ctrl group. The endurance swimming test showed that swimming times of the ET and ET+RES groups were significantly longer than those of the OC and RES groups. Moreover, plasma lactate and ammonia levels of the ET + RES group after acute swimming exercise were significantly lower compared to the OC group (p < 0.05). Thus, it was suggested that by combining RES supplementation with ET for 4 weeks, the muscle strength and endurance performance of aged mice were significantly improved compared to the single intervention with either RES or ET alone. This combination might help shorten the extent of deterioration accompanying the aging process.
PDE5 Inhibitors-Loaded Nanovesicles: Physico-Chemical Properties and In Vitro Antiproliferative Activity
Authors: De Rose Roberta , Cristiano Maria , Celano Marilena , Maggisano Valentina , Vero Ada , Lombardo Giovanni , Di Francesco Martina , Paolino Donatella , Russo Diego , Cosco Donato
Published: May 2016

Novel therapeutic approaches are required for the less differentiated thyroid cancers which are non-responsive to the current treatment. In this study we tested an innovative formulation of nanoliposomes containing sildenafil citrate or tadalafil, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, on two human thyroid cancer cell lines (TPC-1 and BCPAP). Nanoliposomes were prepared by the thin layer evaporation and extrusion methods, solubilizing the hydrophilic compound sildenafil citrate in the aqueous phase during the hydration step and dissolving the lipophilic tadalafil in the organic phase. Nanoliposomes, made up of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine monohydrate (DPPC), cholesterol, and N-(carbonyl-methoxypolyethylene glycol-2000)-1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSPE-mPEG2000) (6:3:1 molar ratio), were characterized by a mean diameter of ~100 nm, a very low polydispersity index (~0.1) and a negative surface charge. The drugs did not influence the physico-chemical properties of the systems and were efficiently retained in the colloidal structure. By using cell count and MTT assay, we found a significant reduction of the viability in both cell lines following 24 h treatment with both nanoliposomal-encapsulated drugs, notably greater than the effect of the free drugs. Our findings demonstrate that nanoliposomes increase the antiproliferative activity of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, providing a useful novel formulation for the treatment of thyroid carcinoma.
Hormonal and Thirst Modulated Maintenance of Fluid Balance in Young Women with Different Levels of Habitual Fluid Consumption
Authors: Johnson Evan , Muñoz Colleen , Jimenez Liliana , Le Bellego Laurent , Kupchak Brian , Kraemer William , Casa Douglas , Maresh Carl , Armstrong Lawrence
Published: May 2016

Background: Surprisingly little is known about the physiological and perceptual differences of women who consume different volumes of water each day. The purposes of this investigation were to (a) analyze blood osmolality, arginine vasopressin (AVP), and aldosterone; (b) assess the responses of physiological, thirst, and hydration indices; and (c) compare the responses of individuals with high and low total water intake (TWI; HIGH and LOW, respectively) when consuming similar volumes of water each day and when their habitual total water intake was modified. Methods: In a single-blind controlled experiment, we measured the 24 h total water intake (TWI; water + beverages + food moisture) of 120 young women. Those who consumed the highest (HIGH, 3.2 ± 0.6 L·day−1, mean ± SD) and the lowest (LOW, 1.6 ± 0.5 L·day−1) mean habitual TWI were identified and compared. Outcome variables were measured during two ad libitum baseline days, a four-day intervention of either decreased TWI (HIGH) or increased TWI (LOW), and one ad libitum recovery day. Results: During the four-day intervention, HIGH and LOW experienced differences in thirst (p = 0.002); also, a statistically significant change of AVP occurred (main effect of TWI and day, p < 0.001), with no effect (TWI or day) on aldosterone and serum osmolality. Urine osmolality and volume distinguished HIGH from LOW (p = 0.002) when they consumed similar 24 h TWI.
A Tactile Sensor Using Piezoresistive Beams for Detection of the Coefficient of Static Friction
Authors: Okatani Taiyu , Takahashi Hidetoshi , Noda Kentaro , Takahata Tomoyuki , Matsumoto Kiyoshi , Shimoyama Isao
Published: May 2016

This paper reports on a tactile sensor using piezoresistive beams for detection of the coefficient of static friction merely by pressing the sensor against an object. The sensor chip is composed of three pairs of piezoresistive beams arranged in parallel and embedded in an elastomer; this sensor is able to measure the vertical and lateral strains of the elastomer. The coefficient of static friction is estimated from the ratio of the fractional resistance changes corresponding to the sensing elements of vertical and lateral strains when the sensor is in contact with an object surface. We applied a normal force on the sensor surface through objects with coefficients of static friction ranging from 0.2 to 1.1. The fractional resistance changes corresponding to vertical and lateral strains were proportional to the applied force. Furthermore, the relationship between these responses changed according to the coefficients of static friction. The experimental result indicated the proposed sensor could determine the coefficient of static friction before a global slip occurs.
Groundwater Origins and Circulation Patterns Based on Isotopes in Challapampa Aquifer, Bolivia
Authors: Gómez Etzar , Barmen Gerhard , Rosberg Jan-Erik
Published: May 2016

Aridity and seasonality of precipitation are characteristics of the highland region in Bolivia. Groundwater becomes an important and safe source of water when surficial bodies are intermittent and affected by natural and anthropogenic contamination. Decades of exploitation of the Challapampa aquifer, combined with lack of information required to understand the groundwater circulation, represent a challenge for reservoir management. This study analyzes isotopic compositions of deuterium and oxygen-18 in different stages in the hydrologic cycle to assess flow patterns in the aquifer, especially in the alluvial fan of River Paria, where records are more extensive in space and time. Interpretations are based on existing and new data. Some implications, such as the age of water, the evaporation effect in groundwater and some thermal intrusions are supported by stable isotopes, tritium, radiocarbon, and electrical conductivity records. New results confirm that modern precipitation over the mountains surrounding the study area is the most important origin of water for shallow aquifers until exploited depths, 100 m below surface. The origin of water in deeper depths, 400 m, seems related to infiltration at higher altitudes and longer residence times.
Generation of Natural Runoff Monthly Series at Ungauged Sites Using a Regional Regressive Model
Authors: Pumo Dario , Viola Francesco , Noto Leonardo
Published: May 2016

Many hydrologic applications require reliable estimates of runoff in river basins to face the widespread lack of data, both in time and in space. A regional method for the reconstruction of monthly runoff series is here developed and applied to Sicily (Italy). A simple modeling structure is adopted, consisting of a regression-based rainfall–runoff model with four model parameters, calibrated through a two-step procedure. Monthly runoff estimates are based on precipitation, temperature, and exploiting the autocorrelation with runoff at the previous month. Model parameters are assessed by specific regional equations as a function of easily measurable physical and climate basin descriptors. The first calibration step is aimed at the identification of a set of parameters optimizing model performances at the level of single basin. Such “optimal” sets are used at the second step, part of a regional regression analysis, to establish the regional equations for model parameters assessment as a function of basin attributes. All the gauged watersheds across the region have been analyzed, selecting 53 basins for model calibration and using the other six basins exclusively for validation. Performances, quantitatively evaluated by different statistical indexes, demonstrate relevant model ability in reproducing the observed hydrological time-series at both the monthly and coarser time resolutions. The methodology, which is easily transferable to other arid and semi-arid areas, provides a reliable tool for filling/reconstructing runoff time series at any gauged or ungauged basin of a region.
Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of biologically important 3-hydroxyoxindoles: an update
Authors: Yu Bin , Xing Hui , Yu De-Quan , Liu Hong-Min
Published: May 2016

Oxindole scaffolds are prevalent in natural products and have been recognized as privileged substructures in new drug discovery. Several oxindole-containing compounds have advanced into clinical trials for the treatment of different diseases. Among these compounds, enantioenriched 3-hydroxyoxindole scaffolds also exist in natural products and have proven to possess promising biological activities. A large number of catalytic asymmetric strategies toward the construction of 3-hydroxyoxindoles based on transition metal catalysis and organocatalysis have been reported in the last decades. Additionally, 3-hydroxyoxindoles as versatile precursors have also been used in the total synthesis of natural products and for constructing structurally novel scaffolds. In this review, we aim to provide an overview about the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of biologically important 3-substituted 3-hydroxyoxindoles and 3-hydroxyoxindole-based further transformations.
Cortical Auditory-Evoked Potentials in Response to Multitone Stimuli in Hearing-Impaired Adults
Authors: Bardy Fabrice , Sjahalam-King Jessica , Van Dun Bram , Dillon Harvey
Published: May 2016

Purpose:To determine if one-octave multitone (MT) stimuli increase the amplitude of cortical auditory-evoked potentials (CAEPs) in individuals with a hearing loss when compared to standard pure-tone (PT) stimuli and narrow-band noise (NBN).Research Design:CAEPs were obtained
from 16 hearing-impaired adults in response to PT and MT auditory stimuli centered around 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz and NBN centered around 1 and 2 kHz. Hearing impairment ranged from a mild to a moderate hearing loss in both ears. Auditory stimuli were monaurally delivered through insert earphones
at 10 and 20 dB above threshold. The root mean square amplitude of the CAEP and the detectability of the responses using Hotelling’s T2 were calculated and analyzed.Results:CAEP amplitudes elicited with MT stimuli were on average 29% larger than PT stimuli for frequencies
centered around 1, 2, and 4 kHz. No significant difference was found for responses to 0.5-kHz stimuli. Significantly higher objective detection scores were found for MT when compared to PT. For the 1- and 2-kHz stimuli, the CAEP amplitudes to NBN were not significantly different to those evoked
by PT but a significant difference was found between MT stimuli and both NBN and PT. The mean detection sensitivity of MT for the four frequencies was 80% at 10 dB SL and 95% at 20 dB SL, and was comparable with detection sensitivities observed in normal-hearing participants.Conclusions:Using
MT stimuli when testing CAEPs in adults with hearing impairment showed larger amplitudes and a higher objective detection sensitivity compared to using traditional PT stimuli for frequencies centered around 1, 2, and 4 kHz. These findings suggest that MT stimuli are a clinically useful tool
to increase the efficiency of frequency-specific CAEP testing in adults with hearing impairment.
FLEXURAL DUCTILITY OF LIGHTWEIGHT-AGGREGATE CONCRETE BEAMS
Authors: BERNARDO Luís F. A. , NEPOMUCENO Miguel C. S. , PINTO Hugo A. S.
Published: May 2016

This paper describes an experimental study on the flexural ductility of lightweight-aggregate concrete beams in­cluding concretes with compressive strengths between 22.0 and 60.4 MPa and dry densities between 1651 and 1953 kg/m3. Nineteen simply supported beams were tested until failure. Two symmetrical concentrated loads were applied at approxi­mately one third of the span. Ductility was studied by defining ductility indexes. The main variables are the concrete compressive strength and the longitudinal tensile reinforcement ratio. It is shown that the parameter with higher influ­ence on ductility is the longitudinal tensile reinforcement ratio. The test results are also compared with the requirements from some codes of practice. It is shown that ACI Code requirements give more guaranties as far as ductility is con­cerned, when compared with European codes.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RISK BASED ASSESMENT AND EVALUATION FOR THE LARGE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Authors: BURCAR DUNOVIC Ivana , RADUJKOVIC Mladen , VUKOMANOVIC Mladen
Published: May 2016

The level of sensitivity to project success of large infrastructure projects is significantly greater in front-phase than in execution phase. Yet, due to focus on execution phase, methods for project assessment and on-going evaluation during front phases are insufficiently developed. On the other hand, risk management approaches has been moved from risk management towards holistic uncertainty management which is the most beneficial in front end phase of the project. This research identifies that majority of methods and techniques available does not support uncertainty management concept. The purpose of this paper is to develop and new method for risk based project assessment and evaluation inte­grating risk impact modelling using cumulative distribution curves (CDC) and multi-criteria project evaluation approach. Research is based on in-depth risk analysis of 15 large infrastructure projects using risk model of components and char­acteristics. The conclusion of the paper is verification and validation of method that combines qualitative and quantita­tive analysis using risk components, risk breakdown structure, AHP method and risk impact modelling using cumulative distribution curves (CDC) for internal and external risk based assessment and evaluation of large infrastructure projects.
INVESTIGATION ON FRACTURE OF EPOXY-FILLED COMPOSITES BY ACOUSTIC EMISSION
Authors: ARNAUTOV Aleksandr K. , BIKOVENS Oskars , GRIBNIAK Viktor , NASIBULLINS Aleksejs , BLUMBERGS Ilmars , HAUKA Maris
Published: May 2016

Acoustic emission (AE) technique is widely used to monitor failure processes in composite materials includ-ing development of cracks and plastic deformations within the polymer matrix, fracture and debonding of inclusions, etc. In this study, the AE technique was applied investigating failure character of epoxy polymers with different content of nanofiller – fine polyethersulfone (PES) powder. Variation of material properties of the epoxy with 0, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, and 12.5% concentration (by weight) of the PES was assessed experimentally. Correlation between the PES content and the modulus of elasticity was found negligible. The same was characteristic for the tensile strength. Whereas, such a correlation was found significant for the fracture toughness that increased 1.5 times concerning the pure epoxy reference. Analysis of the cumulative AE counts indicated existence of three different stages of the damage accumulation process, which were unidentified using the load and the deformation diagrams. In the PES-modified composites, the damage ac-cumulation process was evidenced at the 10–20% of the ultimate load; whereas, in the pure epoxy, such a process was fairly slow until the 85% of the loading.
Medios de comunicación impresos y realidad aumentada, una asociación con futuro
Authors: Meneses Fernández María Dolores , Martín Gutiérrez Jorge
Published: May 2016

La Realidad Aumentada es una tecnología de visualización novedosa que va afianzándose en numerosos campos profesionales y académicos. Permite recrear situaciones inmersivas, superponiendo a la realidad física otras virtuales. Su versatilidad y espectacularidad hace que prolifere su uso en periodismo y publicidad. Los autores vienen desarrollando, durante los últimos años, estudios sobre la percepción y usabilidad de esta tecnología, prestando interés especial a su aprovechamiento en medios impresos, un sector de la industria editorial en situación frágil que debe considerar el potencial que le ofrecen las tecnologías emergentes. La metodología aplicada se basa en cuestionarios y encuestas realizados a futuros profesionales de la comunicación, tras demostraciones participativas con esta tecnología. Los resultados cuantitativos obtenidos fueron tratados estadísticamente. La interpretación posterior permite concluir que estamos ante una tecnología valorada positivamente y con gran potencial en el ámbito de la comunicación social.
Reliability and factor structure of brief emergency department patient satisfaction scale
Authors: Atari Maryam , Akbari-Zardkhaneh Saeed , Atari Mohammad
Published: May 2016

Patient satisfaction (PS) is an important factor for both patients and healthcare professionals. Psychometrically sound assessment of PS is of absolute importance for quality improvement purposes particularly in private hospitals. One of the PS instruments with high reliability and validity is the Brief Emergency Department Patient Satisfaction Scale (BEPSS). This study aimed to investigate the factor structure of BEPSS in a private hospital. A total of 270 emergency patients from a private hospital filled the questionnaires. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to investigate the factor structure of BEPSS. General-factor and five-factor models of the instrument were compared. Internal consistency of the scale was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. The five-factor solution of the BEPSS had higher indices of fit and was psychometrically more appropriate. The factor structure was consistent with the original solution. All subscales were internally consistent. Cronbach’s alphas ranged between 0.59 and 0.88 for the five subscales. As a result, BEPSS is a valid and reliable instrument in order to be used in private hospitals and clinics. It may serve as a regular PS evaluation tool, which assesses five domains of PS in emergency rooms or for research purposes.
The effect of skills training on attitudes, knowledge and clinical uptake of postplacental intra-uterine device use
Authors: Els Christine , Van der Merwe Johannes L , Harvey Justin , Steyn Petrus
Published: May 2016

The objective of the present study is to investigate the effect of skills training on knowledge and attitudes of post-placental intra-uterine device (PPIUD) use, including the uptake thereof, and suggest training proposals. In-service skills training, alongside departmental protocol implementation, on PPIUD insertions were offered to healthcare professionals at Tygerberg Hospital, South Africa. Training was based on The postpartum intrauterine device. A training course for service providers, participant handbook from EngenderHealth (New York, NY, USA). Participants completed a questionnaire at enrolment and after 6 months to assess their knowledge and attitude towards PPIUD use. Most participants reported having the necessary skills to fulfil their family planning responsibilities (Ppost-partum women (P=0.03), especially those who desire no more children (P=0.05), resulting in more participants providing IUDs (P=0.03) that could be attributed to the increased availability of reference material, i.e. training materials (P=0.02) and protocols (P=0.02). In conclusion, in-service PPIUD skills training guided by local protocol implementation resulted in an improvement of self-reported competency, counselling and PPIUD insertion. Repeated training with adequate supervision is imperative.
Surrogacy: blessing or curse to poor society in India
Authors: B Venkatashivareddy , Gupta Arti , Ramesh Viviktha
Published: May 2016

The advances of childbirth in the form of test tube babies and surrogate have introduced undreamt possibilities. The reproductive tourism in India is enhancing. Globally, India is one of the popular providers of surrogates and commercial surrogacy is legalized. Moreover, the cost is a mere one third of the cost in developing countries. Surrogacy raises ethical issues like medical advocacy and consent. Many social factors like unemployment, literacy, and others play a key role in surrogacy. Surrogacy is a public health problem related not only to the medical burden but also to sex ratio deterioration, female feticide, domestic violence, and others.
New trends in the Chinese diet: cultural influences on consumer behaviour
Authors: Del Giudice Teresa , Cicia Giovanni , Grunert Klaus G. , Krystallis Athanasios K. , Zhou Yanfeng , Cembalo Luigi , Verneau Fabio , Caracciolo Francesco
Published: May 2016

China is one of the most dynamic regions in the world in terms of economic growth and development. Such development has inevitably influenced the structure and habits of Chinese society. Whilst the economic condition of the middle class and high-income segment have steadily improved, cultural changes are also under way: ancient Chinese traditions now include major elements from other cultures, most notably the West (Hsing, 2011). The above scenario is the background to this paper. A structured research-administered survey was developed to investigate the changes in the Chinese consumer food culture: 500 urban participants were randomly selected from six reference cities, covering geographically almost the whole country. This study aims not only to analyze the propensity of consumers to include food products from other countries in their ancient Chinese culinary culture, but also represents an initial attempt to perform a market segmentation of Chinese consumers according to their degree of cultural openness toward non-Chinese food, taking into account socio-demographic, cognitive and psychographic variables.
Predictive molecular markers for EGFR-TKI in non-small cell lung cancer patients: new insights and critical aspects
Authors: Ulivi Paola , Calistri Daniele , Zoli Wainer , Amadori Dino
Published: May 2016

In recent years, a number of novel agents have been investigated that target specific molecular pathways in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A great deal of effort has been focused on identifying specific markers that predict treatment response, given that a tailored approach would maximize both the therapeutic index and the cost-effectiveness. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway has emerged as a key regulator of cancer cell proliferation and invasion, and several specific EGFR inhibitors have been examined. Gefitinib and erlotinib are selective EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), demonstrating good results in selected cases both in terms of objective response rate and of overall survival. At present, EGFR gene mutations are the best positive predictive factors for TKI therapy, and a number of other potential biomarkers are being investigated as additional positive or negative predictors of response. The correct selection of patients that could benefit from these innovative therapies, based on an accurate molecular characterization, is mandatory to provide the best clinical management. Currently, the main factor limiting the characterization of metastatic NSCLC patients is the small quantity of tumor cells available for molecular analysis. In this paper we provide an overview of the most important molecular predictive markers for EGFR-TKIs therapy in NSCLC patients, and focus attention on biological samples suitable for analysis and alternative sampling approaches such as plasma- or serum-derived DNA.
Development of network inference among LexA/ RecA-dependent manner genes in the SOS response
Authors: Aburatani Sachiyo
Published: May 2016

The expression of many genes varies under different conditions. The relationships among genes can be identified from DNA microarray data. To better understand the SOS response, I developed a network model of whole LexA/RecA-dependent manner genes in two genotypes of Escherichia coli from expression data after ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. First, all LexA/RecA-dependent manner genes were estimated by a combination of the Mann-Whitney U test and hierarchical clustering. Second, the relationships between genes were inferred from a graphical Gaussian model (GGM) combined with hierarchical clustering. Here, I incorporate a step-by-step procedure of the method developed in my previous study to identify interactions within larger clusters. The analysis suggested the presence of a sequential relationship between LexA/RecA-dependent manner gene groups in which the association between neighboring groups was positive while that between non-neighboring groups was negative. I suggest the inferred network provides information on the functional role of poorly defined genes whose expression patterns change according to LexA/RecA. Although relationships in the network require biological validation, the model presented here provides insights into potential LexA/RecA regulation following UV irradiation.
Detection of mental disorders other than depression with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in a sample of pregnant women in northern Mexico
Authors: Alvarado-Esquivel Cosme , Sifuentes-Alvarez Antonio , Salas-Martinez Carlos
Published: May 2016

We sought to evaluate the capacity of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in discriminating mental disorders other than depression in pregnant women in northern Mexico. Three hundred pregnant women attending prenatal consultations in a public hospital in Durango City, Mexico submitted a validated EPDS and were examined for mental disorders other than depression using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 4th Ed. (DSM-IV) criteria. Sensitivity and specificity of cut-off points of the EPDS, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. Of the 300 pregnant women studied, 21 had mental disorders other than depression by the DSM-IV criteria. The best EPDS score for screening mental disorders other than depression was 8/9. This threshold showed a sensitivity of 52.4%, a specificity of 67.0%, a positive predictive value of 11.5%, a negative predictive value of 95.4%, and an area under the curve of 0.643 (95% confidence interval: 0.52-0.76). The EPDS can be considered for screening mental disorders other than depression in Mexican pregnant women whenever a cut-off score of 8/9 is used. However, the tool showed small power to separate pregnant women with and without mental disorders other than depression.
Impact of two different commercial DNA extraction methods on BK virus viral load
Authors: Bergallo Massimiliano , Galliano Ilaria , Loiacono Elisa , Ferro Francesca , Montanari Paola , Ravanini Paolo
Published: May 2016

Background and aim: BK virus, a member of human polyomavirus family, is a worldwide distributed virus characterized by a seroprevalence rate of 70-90% in adult population. Monitoring of viral replication is made by evaluation of BK DNA by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Many different methods can be applied for extraction of nucleic acid from several specimens. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of two different DNA extraction procedure on BK viral load.
Materials and methods: DNA extraction procedure including the Nuclisens easyMAG platform (bioMerieux, Marcy l’Etoile, France) and manual QIAGEN extraction (QIAGEN Hilden, Germany). BK DNA quantification was performed by Real Time TaqMan PCR using a commercial kit.
Result and discussion: The samples capacity, cost and time spent were compared for both systems. In conclusion our results demonstrate that automated nucleic acid extraction method using Nuclisense easyMAG was superior to manual protocol (QIAGEN Blood Mini kit), for the extraction of BK virus from serum and urine specimens.
Rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in cattle and lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) at the slaughter house
Authors: Hang’ombe Mudenda Bernard , Nakajima Chie , Ishii Akihiro , Fukushima Yukari , Munyeme Musso , Matandiko Wigganson , Mweene Aaron S. , Suzuki Yasuhiko
Published: May 2016

﻿The detection and diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in food-producing animals is critical to human health. In this study we applied the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) system to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) directly in 57 cattle and six lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) carcasses exhibiting lesions characteristic of TB. The samples were first subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen microscopy, followed by culture and LAMP assay. In addition, multiplex-PCR was used to determine the species involved. Of the samples from the cattle, 84.2% (95% confidence interval: 71.6-92.1) were found positive with Ziehl-Neelsen microscopy, 93.0% (95% confidence interval: 82.2-97.7) with culture, and 94.7% (95% confidence interval: 84.5-98.6) with the LAMP system while the Kobus leche kafuensis samples were all positive for all techniques used. These results indicate that the LAMP system can be used to augment the detection and surveillance of TB in animals; hence can be a very useful tool in the veterinary field and in public health.
Short term effect of treating claw horn lesions in dairy cattle on their locomotion, activity and milk yield
Authors: Montgomery Jane A. , Forgan Katie , Hayhurst Catherine , Rees Elizabeth , Duncan Jennifer S. , Gossellein Jacques , Harding Charles , Murray Richard D.
Published: May 2016

The immediate effect on dairy cow mobility, daily activity and milk yield following treatment for claw horn disease was examined in 306 lame cows located on four Cheshire dairy farms over twelve months. The daily activity and milk yield of all cows in these herds was recorded on computer using pedometers and in-parlour milk flow meters. Lame cows identified by stockmen were assessed subjectively by locomotion score, then restrained and their claws examined to identify the predominant lesion present. Those with locomotion scores > 2.5 that presented with sole ulcer, haemorrhage and bruising, or white line disease were studied. Claws of the affected limb were trimmed by one paraprofessional claw trimmer using the five-step Dutch method and the affected claw unloaded either by trimming or application of a block to the healthy digit: those on the contra-lateral limb were trimmed similarly. The same observer repeated the locomotion score assessment seven days later: trimming reduced the proportion of lame cows (score >3) by 55% and those with poor gait (score <3>2.5) by 49%, and the proportion of all cows not lame after trimming was 51% (χ2 4.94: P≤0.001). Night time activity levels increased from 76 to 81 steps/hour on day 2 after treatment (P<0.05) but this was not maintained: daily milk yields fell by 2%. Using univariate mixed models, year and season, parity and farm all had significant effects on locomotion and activity levels. This treatment for claw horn disease in lame dairy cows improved their immediate health and welfare.
Perspectives of fetal dystocia in cattle and buffalo
Authors: Purohit Govind Narayan , Kumar Pramod , Solanki Kanika , Shekher Chandra , Yadav Sumit Prakash
Published: May 2016

We review the causes of fetal dystocia in cows and buffalo. Two fetal causes are distinct fetal oversize and fetal abnormalities. Fetal oversize is common in heifers, cows of beef cattle breeds, prolonged gestations, increased calf birth weight, male calves and perinatal fetal death with resultant emphysema. Fetal abnormalities include monsters, fetal diseases and fetal maldispositions, and it is difficult to deliver such fetuses because of their altered shape. Although monsters are rare in cattle, a large number of monstrosities have been reported in river buffalo; yet also here, overall incidence is low. Diseases of the fetus resulting in dystocia include hydrocephalus, ascites, anasarca and hydrothorax. The most common cause of dystocia in cattle seems to be fetal maldispositions, of which limb flexion and head deviation appear to be the most frequent. We provide a brief description of the management of dystocia from different causes in cattle and buffalo. A case analysis of 192 and 112 dystocia in cattle and buffalo, respectively, at our referral center revealed that dystocia is significantly higher (P<0.05) in first and second parity cows and buffalo, and that dystocia of fetal origin is common in cows (65.62%) but less frequent (40.17%) in buffalo. In buffalo, the single biggest cause of dystocia was uterine torsion (53.57%). Fetal survival was significantly (P<0.05) higher both in cows and buffalo when delivery was completed within 12 h of second stage of labor.
Laparoscopic diagnosis of gross reproductive abnormalities in free-ranging female rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Raj Anshu
Published: May 2016

A study was conducted between July 2010 to June 2011 in the Monkey Sterilization Centre, Gopalpur, Himachal Pradesh, India to assess the prevalence of reproductive disorders by laparoscopic examination of the genitalia of female rhesus macaques. The animals were captured from different locations in the state using a cage trapping method. A total of 720 female rhesus macaques underwent laparoscopic examination of their reproductive tracts. A total of 63 cases were found to have reproductive abnormalities. Out of these 63 cases, the most common abnormalities reported were ovarian cyst 3.05% (n=22), ovarian tumor 1.66% (n=12), uterine tumor 1.25% (n=9), uterine edema 0.97% (n=7), uterine rupture 0.83% (n=6), ectopic pregnancy 0.69% (n=5), unicornis or acornis 0.28% (n=2). The highest number of cases of uterine abnormalities was recorded in the 12-16 year old age group (33.33%), followed by 8-12 year olds (25.39%), 16-20 year olds (22.22%), then 4-8 year olds (15.87%) and 0-4 year olds (3.17%). Of the 63 animals that showed genital abnormalities, only 52 were found to be pregnant during the breeding season from November to March in the 5-20 year old age group, while 11 animals were not pregnant; a pregnancy rate of 82.53% (52 of 63) of the female rhesus macaques with reproductive abnormalities.
Morphometric studies on the passive role of menisci in upward fixation of the patella in buffalo and cattle
Authors: Hifny Abdalla , Hashem Abdalla Kamal Eldin , Abdel Rahman Yousria A. , Aly Khaled , Elhanbaly Ruwaida Abdelmoaty
Published: May 2016

The present study showed that the medial and lateral compartments of the femorotibial joint have an intervening meniscus located between the femur and tibia. The lateral meniscus is semicircular and covers a larger portion of the tibial condyle than the medial meniscus. The lateral meniscus has cranial and caudal meniscal ligaments anchoring it to the tibia. The present investigation shows that the dimensions of the meniscal ligaments of buffalo and cattle are almost the same except for the caudal ligament of lateral meniscus and the meniscofemoral ligament. The caudal ligament of lateral meniscus is longer in buffalo than in cattle. Therefore, the femur moves more cranially than normal to straighten the joint. The meniscofemoral ligament is thicker in cattle (6.55±0.04 mm) than in buffalo (3.85±0.05 mm). Therefore, it helps to stabilize the movement of the menisci. Furthermore, the presence of the transverse genual ligament which fixes the two menisci cranially increases stability and prevents a more forward movement of the femur.
Review on the consequences of using Improvac TM in modern pig production
Authors: Albrecht Anna Katharina
Published: May 2016

In Europe growing concerns regarding animal welfare issues in pig production have forced the pig industry to introduce alternative methods to conventional castration procedures. Besides the raising of entire males and castration in combination with analgesia and anaesthesia the vaccination against GnRF (Gonadotropin-releasing factor) seems to be the most promising long-term solution. Immunised male pigs (IM) show higher average daily weight gain than surgically castrated males (CM). Additionally the feed intake in IM is lower than in CM and feed conversion ratio is consequently better. Carcass weight, back fat depth and dressing percentage of IM pigs are intermediate between CM and entire males while meat quality seems not to be influenced by castration technique since CM and IM show comparable results. Steroid hormone concentrations in IM decline to very low levels (below detection line) after the second administration of the anti-GnRF vaccine and boar taint compounds are reliably metabolized. Pigs which received two injections of the anti-GnRF vaccine reduce their sexual and aggressive behaviour to levels of CM pigs which results in low incidents of injury and carcass damages. Surveys analyzing the consumers’ attitude to vaccination against boar taint reveal that if profound information on the technique is provided, the acceptance of meat from vaccinated animals is even better than the acceptance of meat from pigs castrated under current farm conditions. Furthermore economic analyses reveal that immunisation against GnRF provides a potential for a return on investment since better feed efficiency compensates for the additional costs of drug and labour time.
Comparative study of foot and mouth disease in apparently healthy Awassi sheep using different diagnostic tests in Jordan
Authors: Al-Rukibat Raida Karim , Hananeh Wael , Athamneh Haitham
Published: May 2016

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an extremely contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed domesticated as well as wild animals and has a great potential for causing severe economic losses. Four hundred blood samples were collected randomly from different sheep flocks from august to September 2010 from northern region of Jordan. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of FMD in apparently healthy Awassi sheep and com- pared the hematological changes of those infected animals with their normal uninfected counterparts. The prevalence of FMD was 3%, 4.25% and 51% by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), nested PCR and competitive ELISA, respectively. There was significant increase in packed cell volume and eosinophils percentage in FMD positive group by ELISA. There were no significant differences in the other hematological parameters examined. In general FMD is endemic and widely spread among apparently healthy Awassi sheep that affects the economical progress in Jordan and other countries. This needs an international intervention to stop and control this disease.