bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La evolución urbana de Alcalá de Henares entre los siglos XIII-XVII: la secuencia estratigráfica del colegio-convento de “Mínimos de Santa Ana” (Alcalá de Henares, Madrid)
Authors: Castro Priego Manuel , Olmo Enciso Lauro , Gallego García M.ª Mar
Published: April 2015

The fieldwork of the Santa Ana College northern sector, has provided indicators of the beginning of the medieval settlement in the southwest area of Alcala de Henares (Madrid). The digging works has registered an initial occupational phase at the end of the thirteenth century, and paulatine urban densification in the second half of the fifteenth century. The data retrieved through the ceramic material culture, shows the activities of local pottery production and the arrival of the Maiolica contexts.
Improved Plant Yield Efficiency is Essential for Maize Rainfed Production
Authors: Tokatlidis Ioannis S. , Dordas Christos , Papathanasiou Fokion , Papadopoulos Ioannis , Pankou Chrysanthi , Gekas Fotakis , Ninou Elissavet , Mylonas Ioannis , Tzantarmas Constantinos , Petrevska Jovanka‐Katarzyna , Kargiotidou Anastasia , Sistanis Iosif , Lithourgidis Anastasios
Published: April 2015

Plant yield efficiency reflects the single‐plant yield at low density that precludes interplant interference for resources. The role of plant yield efficiency in adaptation to water deficit was investigated in maize (Zea mays L.). Also investigated was whether yield of space‐planted environments is transferable to densely seeded situations. Further, the correlation and genotype by environment (G × E) interaction of spaced and densely seeded plots were investigated. Thirty‐one lines and 31 crosses among them were tested in three locations under dense stand and the ultra low density of 0.74 plants m−2 as well as in normal and deficit irrigation treatments. The dense stand was 4.44 plants m−2 in the water deficit regime and 6.67 plants m−2 (lines) and 7.84 plants m−2 (hybrids) in the normal water treatment. Hybrids of greater plant yield efficiency were less sensitive to water shortage. Among four hybrids yielding the same at normally irrigated dense stand (11.50 Mg ha−1), yield loss due to water shortage was 46% for that of the lowest plant yield efficiency (645 g plant−1) and 17% for that of the highest plant yield efficiency (880 g plant−1). Correlations between hybrid plant yield efficiency and gas exchange water‐use efficiency in dense stand were significant. The low density ensured G × E interaction in the quantitative aspect only and thus was of higher heritability, placing emphasis on parental yield per se. Plant yield efficiency is a key element of hybrid ability to withstand water shortage and cope with environmental heterogeneity.
The influence of the factor "Genetic value of the father" on the productive qualities of the Romanov breed sheep
Authors: Moskalenko L.P. , Konovalov A.V. , Pivovarova E.A. , Malyukova M.A. , Petrovic M.P. , Caro-Petrovic V. , Ruzic-Muslic D.
Published: April 2015

Sheep farming plays an important role in the production of meat. Romanov
breed is known for its high fertility and therefore is used all over the
world due to increased production of lambs and lamb meat. Meat products are
the main food elements of the man. Most of the inhabitants of industrialized
countries cannot imagine their menu without meat. Value of meat for human
health is known, it supplies protein to the body. The Yaroslavl Region is a
leading region of the Romanov sheep breed. Therefore, the aim of our
research was to determine the strength and reliability of the influence of
the factor ?genetic value of the father? on productive characteristics of
animals as a factor that helps to increase the productivity of animals. Upon
determining the strength of the influence of factors for statistical data
have used the procedure of generalized linear models (General Linear Models
- GLM), and evaluation components of phenotypic variation attributes were
analyzed by multivariate dispersive analysis. Our research has allowed
allocating rams with genetic value that has the improving effect. Using the
recommended lines the farmers of the Yaroslavl region may increase
productive characteristics of animals and the profit of the farms and
improve the efficiency of breeding.
Management of the storage of cryopreserved sperm on dairy cattle farms
Authors: Muiño R. , Peña A.I. , Quintela L.A. , Becerra J. , Herradón P. , Gonzalez F.H.
Published: April 2015

26 liquid nitrogen tanks were selected from different dairy cattle farms.
Three sperm doses were introduced in a frequently used canister, while
another three straws were deposited in another canister that did not contain
any sperm doses, to determine whether the refilling with liquid nitrogen had
been done appropriately. Then, 10 sperm doses belonging to the same freezing
lot were stored in our laboratory under ideal conditions to be used as
control doses. After certain time period, the doses were collected from the
farms and were analysed to obtain data about their total sperm motility and
the individual kinetic parameters of each sperm. Four sperm subpopulations
(SP) with different patterns of motility were identified using a cluster
multivariate analysis. The results show that the mean total sperm motility
has hardly decreased for the doses stored in the frequently used canister
(45.2 ? 6.9%) in comparison with the doses stored in the rarely used canister
(46.9 ? 59.0). However, the decrease in total motility was greater when
compared with the control doses (59.0%). As for the sperm SP, (SP4 rapid and
progressive sperm) which contained 31% of the total of sperm (control doses),
differed the most when control doses were compared to straw stored in farm
tanks. The percentage of the latter was reduced to 10 % after being stored in
the tanks of the farms for 7 mo. Such damage in SP 4 is progressive and
cumulative and would probably reduce drastically compromising the fertility
of the aforementioned sperm doses.
Identification and differentiation among chicken’s, duck’s, quail’s, rabbit’s and turkey's meat using PCR-RFLP technique
Authors: Abdel-Rahman S.M. , Elmaghraby A.M. , Haggag A.S.
Published: April 2015

PCR-RFLP technique was developed for identification and differentiation among
chicken?s, duck?s, quail?s, rabbit?s and turkey's meat. DNA from small amount
of muscles (0.05 g) was extracted and a region of mitochondrial DNA
(cytochrome-b gene) in chicken, duck, quail, rabbit and turkey was amplified
by PCR. Fragment length of the PCR product was 371 bp in chicken, 374 bp in
duck and rabbit and 377 bp in both quail and turkey. Six nucleotides
different makes it difficult to differentiate among these five
species-specific meat. For differentiation, three different restriction
enzymes (DdeI, MspI and TaqI) were used to digest the PCR products.
Restriction analysis showed difference among chicken?s, duck?s, quail?s,
rabbit?s and turkey's meat. Where, DdeI yielded two fragments (291 and 83 bp)
only in rabbit?s meat. MspI yielded three fragments (221, 85 and 65 bp) in
chicken?s meat and two fragments (290 and 87 bp) in both quail?s and turkey's
meat. TaqI yielded three fragments (146, 134 and 94 bp) in duck?s meat and
two fragments (226 and 151 bp) in quail?s meat. The use of Cytb- PCR-RFLP
assay allowed a direct and fast authentication and differentiation among
chicken?s, duck?s, quail?s, rabbit?s and turkey's meat.
Regional reference values of thyroid gland volume in Turkish adults
Authors: Şahin Ertan , Elboğa Umut , Kalender Ebuzer
Published: April 2015

Introduction. It is important to know the size of the thyroid gland, and its
normal value may vary among different geographic regions. Objective. In this
study, we aimed to establish reference ranges for thyroid volume in euthyroid
adults and to compare these results with the literature data. Methods.
Between June 2011 and June 2012, 461 patients with normal laboratory results
(serum TSH, anti-TG, anti-TPO antibodies and urine iodine level) that
underwent thyroid gland ultrasound examination were retrospectively analyzed.
Two hundred and 92 patients were females and 169 were males; the age range
was 18-61 years with mean age 30.84?9.97 years. Length, breadth and thickness
were measured, and the volume of each lobe was estimated using the ellipsoid
formula. Results. The overall mean thyroid volume in all patients who were
examined was 12.98?2.53 mL. The mean thyroid volume in females and males was
12.09?2.05 mL and 14.53?2.55, respectively (p<0.05). The right thyroid lobe
volume was greater than the left in all patients of both sexes. In addition,
the study establishes a significant correlation between the thyroid volume
and height, weight and body surface area of the subjects of both sexes
(p<0.05). In the light of our findings we can provide reference values in
order to evaluate patients who have thyroid hyperplasia or who are considered
as normal. Conclusion. We consider that further studies are necessary to
establish national references thyroid volume for each country.
B-Type Natriuretic Peptide as Prognostic Marker in Newly Diagnosed Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients
Authors: Shila Jakia Sultana , Begum Shirin Akter , Khan Md Aminul Haque , Begum Noortaj , Rahman Md Matiur , Parvin Dilshad
Published: April 2015

Background: B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) a neurohormone synthesized in ventricular myocardium and released into the circulation in response to ventricular dilatation and pressure overload, is a current biomarker used for identifying patients at high risk of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). High level of BNP is associated with an increased risk of Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) including new or progressive heart failure and myocardial infarction. The objective of this study was to assess the prognosis of newly diagnosed ACS patients by using plasma BNP level. Methods: This study was conducted in the department of Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in collaboration with National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (NICVD) from January 2013 to December 2013. Total 100 newly diagnosed ACS patients, aged 30 to 70 years, irrespective of sex who reported within 24 hours of onset of symptoms were enrolled in this study by purposive and convenient sampling. Plasma BNP level of selected study subjects was measured within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. Then subjects were grouped on the basis of their empirical cut-off value of plasma BNP concentration Group I having plasma BNP level <135 pg/mL and Group II having plasma BNP level 135 pg/mL. Results: Of 100 ACS patients, 86 were male and 14 were female with the mean age 49.61±10.28 years and the age range of 30 to 70 years. Among 26 patients in Group I, good recovery, morbidity and mortality were 22 (84.6%), 4 (15.4%) and zero and among 74 patients in Group II good recovery, morbidity and mortality were 18 (24.3%), 53 (71.6%) and 3 (3.0%) respectively. Differences in outcome between groups were statistically significant (P=0.001). Above the empirical cut-off value of BNP (135 pg/mL) good prognosis was for 18 (24.3%) and bad prognosis was for 56 (75.7 %) patients and relative risk 3.48 in 95% CI (2.25-5.36). Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that higher baseline plasma BNP concentration is associated with more adverse clinical outcomes in ACS patients. Since the baseline plasma BNP concentrations at the onset of event shows incremental prognostic value, so plasma BNP can be used clinically as a biomarker of prognosis in ACS patients.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cmoshmcj.v14i1.22870 Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.14 (1); Jan 2015; Page 1-5
Audit on the Management of Bronchiolitis: A Single Centre Real World Experience in Bangladesh Can We do Better ?
Authors: Hamid Farzana , Quaium Syed Moosa MA , Rahman Azizur , Ahmad AT Reza , Khan Shahariar , Hussain Tania , Zahra Fatematuz
Published: April 2015

Background: Bronchiolitis is the most common reason for hospitalization of children in many countries.Though Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the most common organism causing bronchiolitis, but antibiotics are used widely.So the aim of the present study is to establish whether antibiotic has any role in bronchiolitis management along with supportive treatment. Methods:This retrospective study included 100 infants and children between 2-24 months of age admitted with clear cut sign symptoms of bronchiolitis. Patients were divided into Group A (supportive + antibiotic Rx) comprised 72 patients and group B (supportive Rx only) comprised 28 patients.After 3-5 days of hospital stay, clinical responses were evaluated in terms of improvement in symptoms and clinical parameters- respiratory rate, heart rate and oxygen saturation. Results: Mean age of patients was 6.6 (±5.6) months in Group A and 6.3 (±4.8) months in Group B. Most of the patients in both study groups were male (M: F=1.6:1). All the cases in both groups presented with cough, running nose, and respiratory distress. Fever and feeding difficulty were present in 83.3% & 90.3% in Group A and 82.1% & 89.3% in Group B respectively. Majority of cases were from lower socioeconomic status and lived in urban area. In Group A, after therapy mean respiratory rate 53.7 (±4.3) and oxygen saturation 97.9 (±1.9) had significantly improved in comparison to respiratory rate 65.6 (±4.8) and oxygen saturation 89.7 (±4.4) before therapy (p=<.001 in all parameter). Heart rate also significantly increased after therapy (149.4 ±10.2 versus 104.5 ±8.7) (p=<.001). In Group B, after therapy mean respiratory rate 53.5 (±4.1) and oxygen saturation 97.8 (±1.7) had also significantly improved in comparison to respiratory rate 65.3 (±4.1) and oxygen saturation 88.8 (±2.8) before therapy (p=<.001 in all parameter). Heart rate also significantly increased after therapy (150.8 ±9.8 versus 105.0 ±6.2) (p=<.001). In comparison between two modalities of treatment, no significant difference was found (p value=>.05 in all parameters). No statistical significant difference was observed in the length of hospital stay in two groups. Conclusion: The study highlighted the importance of supportive treatment in bronchiolitis management. Antibiotics should not be used without clinical and laboratory evidence of bacterial infection. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cmoshmcj.v14i1.22871 Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.14 (1); Jan 2015; Page 6-10
Evaluation of Risk Factors for Hepatotoxicity in Patients Receiving Antitubercular Four Drugs Regimen in Initial Two Months
Authors: Faiz Saifun Nahar , Chowdhury Nasreen , Khan Md Aminul Haque , Parvin Rukhsana
Published: April 2015

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in Bangladesh since long before. Standard first line drugs are isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol. Of these, isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide have been observed to have hepatotoxic potentials. Drug Induced Hepatotoxicity (DIH) is an important and commonly encountered adverse effect with anti-TB treatment. A higher risk of hepatotoxicity has been reported in Bangladeshi patients than in their western counterparts. The reasons for the higher rate of hepatotoxicity in Bangladeshi patients are unclear. Objectives: To know the possible risk factors for the development of drug induced hepatotoxicity and to see their association with hepatoxicity in patients receiving antitubercular treatment as per National Tuberculosis Control Programme. Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional prospective study, 100 freshly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients attending the Medicine Outpatient Department, admitted in Chittagong Medical College Hospital, DOTS center in the hospital were selected for the study. Results: In this study we found twenty percent patients (20%) developed Antituberculosis Treatment (ATT) induced hepatotoxicity and most of them were in the age group of 5065 years. Among the patients who developed hepatotoxicity (DIH) 27% patients were in BMI 18.5 group. The patients presenting with radiologically severe Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) developed higher hepatotoxicity than patients with milder disease. The patients with history of high alcohol intake and with pre-treatment hypoalbuminemia were also found to have higher drug induced hepatotoxicity as compared to non-alcoholics and normal serum albumin level respectively. This study showed the evidence of ATT induced liver damage in twenty percent (20%) patients. Among them 05% cases developed overt drug induced hepatotoxicity (DIH) and remaining 15% cases had asymptomatic elevation of serum ALT, AST and bilirubin levels. The remaining 80% cases did not show any significant change in their serum bilirubin and/or enzyme levels as compared to pre-treatment levels. Conclusion: Advanced age, high alcohol intake, radiologically severe disease before treatment and pretreatment hypoalbuminemia are predisposing factors for the development of ATT induced hepatotoxicity.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cmoshmcj.v14i1.22873 Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.14 (1); Jan 2015; Page 15-18
Reproductive Characteristics and Nutritional Status of Coastal Women
Authors: Nuruzzaman - , Alam Md Ashraful , Sharif Md Parvez Iqbal , Akter Parveen , Mazid Nabeela , Anwar Shah Niaz Md Rubaid
Published: April 2015

Women are more vulnerable in health and family planning and this vulnerability is more indepth in coastal area. The study was done to determine the reproductive characteristics and nutritional status of women in coastal area. It was conducted in Moheshkhali upazila of Coxs Bazar district in 2013 among 220 purposively selected coastal women of reproductive age. Face to face interview was done through pretested questionnaire. Average age of the respondents was 26.5 years. Almost 60% of them were Muslims and 44% were illiterate. The average monthly family income and family size was Tk-6968.18 and 5.8 respectively. More than half (56%) of the respondents had history of regular use of contraceptives and oral pill was the most common type of contraceptive. Average number of children was 2.95. More than half of them (54%) had history of home delivery. More than one-third (34%) of them were under nourished. Nutritional status was significantly associated with income (p<0.05). Majority of them got early marriage (70%) but early marriage was not significantly associated with their nutritional status. Age at first pregnancy and parity of the respondents were in significant state with the nutritional status of women of coastal area (p<0.05). Socio-demographic disparity should be reduced to improve the nutritional status by improving the reproductive health of coastal women. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cmoshmcj.v14i1.22881 Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.14 (1); Jan 2015; Page 38-41
Prevalence of Low Back Pain Among Women Living in Slum Areas of Dhaka City
Authors: Barua Sunam Kumar , Sultana Nahida
Published: April 2015

Objective: The aim of the study was to explore socio-demographic factors, risk factors for low back pain, relationship between developing low back pain with posture during work, any sort of treatment was taken or not etc. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted to see the prevalence of low back pain among the women living in slum areas of Dhaka city.The study was done with a structured questionnaire to collect information from randomly selected 60 slum women from three selected slums in Dhaka city. Results: This study revealed that about 82% slum women had low back pain. Among them 76.7% were married and majority of them were house wives (46.2%). The vulnerable age group for developing low back pain was 26 to 29 years. Most of the patients were illiterate (41%), 36% women had history of trauma, 58% women had history of lifting heavy weight. This study also showed that 46.9% of them pain was increased during work, persisted >3 hours in 59.2% women, 46.9% women had moderate pain. Pain was radiated mostly as tingling sensation in 39% women. Pain was relieved spontaneously among 41% women. Analgesics were taken by 73% women. Conclusion: Low back pain among slum women hampered the quality of their social and working lives. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cmoshmcj.v14i1.22883 Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.14 (1); Jan 2015; Page 47-51
Study on Hygiene Practice of the Adult Domestic Household Women Worker in Urban Slum Area of Dhaka City
Authors: Uddin AKM Majbah , Haque Md Monoarul , Arafat Yasin , Roy Suman Kumar , Khan Md Zahid Hasan , Islam Khaleda
Published: April 2015

Background: Globally, slums have been recognized as neglected communities with limited access to services. They are often characterized by deteriorated or poorly structured houses crowded together, poor environmental managements such as deficient access to safe drinking water and sanitation, stagnation of water, and poor drainage with excessive open sewers, excessive amount of uncollected rubbish, severe overcrowding, flies, and poor lighting. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore hygiene practice of the adult domestic household women worker in urban slum area of Dhaka city. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among adult female domestic household workers ages between 19 to 45 years of the south Monipur slum of Dhaka city. The study was conducted from April 2012 to June 2012. About 95 samples were selected purposively to conduct this study. Results: The mean age of the respondent was 29.32 years. It also found that majority of the respondent (87.37%) were married, 10.53% were separated and 2.11% were divorced. The mean income of the respondent was 2132.63TK. Result found that 76.84% of the respondent use sandal in toilet and 23.16% of the respondent do not use sandal in toilet. It also showed that 69.47% of the respondent use soap everyday in bath and 30.53% of the respondent did not use soap everyday in bath. About 90.53% of the respondent brushing teeth everyday and 9.47% of the respondent did not brush teeth everyday. In addition to this 33.68% of the respondent cut nail regularly and 66.32% of the respondent did not cut nail regularly. Besides 85.26% of the respondent used soap to wash their hand after toilet, 2.11% used ash and 12.63% of the respondent used soil to wash their hand after toilet. Conclusion: The hygiene practice of adult domestic household workers is quite good but the overall practice condition is not in satisfactory state. Further in depth studies are needed to evaluate the actual scenario of the hygiene practice among adult domestic household workers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cmoshmcj.v14i1.22884 Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.14 (1); Jan 2015; Page 52-54
Neurocysticercosis : A Case Report
Authors: Biswas Rajat Sanker Roy , Nath Jishu Deb
Published: April 2015

Cysticercosis is a common tropical disease though rare in Bangladesh. One of the common manifestations of cysticercosis is Neurocysticercosis (NCC). We report an immunocompetent patient with neurocysticercosis. He was otherwise asymptomatic in spite of the extensive involvement of central nervous system. A planned approach to therapy is necessary to prevent further deterioration. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cmoshmcj.v14i1.22886 Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.14 (1); Jan 2015; Page 59-60
A Case of Heterotopic Pregnancy
Authors: Majumder Kaberi , Moula Anisul
Published: April 2015

We are presenting a case report of heterotopic pregnancy, which is diagnosed during ultrasound examination of a gravid woman, 23 year old, referred from outpatient department. Heterotopic pregnancy is a rare obstetrics phenomenon and carries a significant natural morbidity and mortality due to risk of rupture of the ectopic pregnancy. Clinicians and sonographers may fall into a false sense of security when an intrauterine gestational sac is identified. This results in inadequate inspection of the adnexae and remaining structures during ultrasonography despite a strong initial clinical suspicion of ectopic pregnancy. Hence, a thorough ultrasonographic examination is needed in managing these patients, especially when there is a high suspicion of ectopic pregnancy or in the presence of pelvic free fluid even when an intrauterine pregnancy is identified. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cmoshmcj.v14i1.22888 Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.14 (1); Jan 2015; Page 64-66
Obstetric Fistula and Common Peroneal Nerve Palsy in a Rural Based Women: A Case Report
Authors: Das Suchanda , Begum Rokeya , Chowdhury Bidhan Roy
Published: April 2015

Neglected obstructed labor is a major cause of both maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality. By far the most severe and distressing long term morbidity following obstructed labor is obstetric fistula i.e. Vesicovaginal fistula. In developing countries fistula is commonly the result of prolonged obstructed labor. A18 year old primi gravida was admitted in the labor ward with the involuntary passage of stool and urine and unable to walk after 15 days of her home delivery. Temporary colostomy was done. Patient was on regular physiotherapy for prolonged time and she was responded slowly. There was a plan for repair of Vesicovaginal and Rectovaginal fistula. Obstructed labor complex is completely preventable if high quality basic and comprehensive health services are available to all. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cmoshmcj.v14i1.22891 Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.14 (1); Jan 2015; Page 71-73
MarkerMiner 1.0: A new application for phylogenetic marker development using angiosperm transcriptomes
Authors: Chamala Srikar , García Nicolás , Godden Grant T. , Krishnakumar Vivek , Jordon‐Thaden Ingrid E. , De Smet Riet , Barbazuk W. Brad , Soltis Douglas E. , Soltis Pamela S.
Published: April 2015

Premise of the study:

Targeted sequencing using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) platforms offers enormous potential for plant systematics by enabling economical acquisition of multilocus data sets that can resolve difficult phylogenetic problems. However, because discovery of single‐copy nuclear (SCN) loci from NGS data requires both bioinformatics skills and access to high‐performance computing resources, the application of NGS data has been limited.

Methods and Results:

We developed MarkerMiner 1.0, a fully automated, open‐access bioinformatic workflow and application for discovery of SCN loci in angiosperms. Our new tool identified as many as 1993 SCN loci from transcriptomic data sampled as part of four independent test cases representing marker development projects at different phylogenetic scales.

Conclusions:

MarkerMiner is an easy‐to‐use and effective tool for discovery of putative SCN loci. It can be run locally or via the Web, and its tabular and alignment outputs facilitate efficient downstream assessments of phylogenetic utility, locus selection, intron‐exon boundary prediction, and primer or probe development.
Multi-Year Ice Incursions into the Chukchi Sea
Authors: Ward E.G.(Skip) , Leidersdorf Craig , Coogan Jeffrey , Vaudrey Kennon
Published: March 2015

This paper describes a phenomenon that can advect multi-year ice features (floes, ice islands, and icebergs) from the permanent polar pack into the Chukchi Sea. Efforts to understand this phenomenon, which has been termed the "Multi-Year Gateway", were prompted by the discovery of a small ice island offshore of Pt. Belcher in the Alaskan Chukchi Sea in 2012. A sequence of four events was identified that can channel multi-year ice features from the Beaufort Sea into the Chukchi. Satellite images and ice charts from the past 21 years were used to study the frequencies of occurrence of the underlying events and the likelihood that a multi-year ice incursion would result in the Chukchi Sea. The inter-annual variability and long-term trends in the development of the Multi-Year Gateway are discussed.
Converting Science Into Decision Making Support
Authors: Grønnevet Martin , Barnett McLean , Semenov Alexander
Published: March 2015

The Paper will discuss lessons learned from more than 10 years of operational weather and ice support in the Arctic, and show examples of best practice methods of implementing scientific research into operational decision making. Successful examples will be discussed detailing the use of weather and ice information in operational situations at high latitudes, from climatic prestudies to the operational phases and all the way through post-operational lessons learned.
A Combined Effort to Deliver Arctic E&P Operations in an Hse Responsible Manner
Authors: Petrone A. , Scataglini L. , Buffagni M. , Aiello G. , Cianfanelli M. , Di Muzio D. , Borello L. , Sordini E. , Faraoni G. , Salvador C. , Giusto M. , Catalano R. , Cherubin P. , Antico L. , Bonuccelli M. , Bandini R.
Published: March 2015

In recent years the increasing hydrocarbon demand and at the same time the end of easy oil has pushed Oil and Gas companies towards unconventional deposits and higher risk and remote areas characterized by social and environmental sensitivities.

Although the experience in developing the Arctic region dates back to the early 20th century, there has been recently an increased and renewed global interest in the Arctic. In particular regions like the Norwegian-Russian Barents Sea, Alaska and Greenland have become the preferred areas of exploration and production activities despite of all the threats posed by the extreme operating conditions, the site remoteness, the ice presence, the prolonged darkness and the political regulation.

In this sensitive and hostile environment Oil spill Preparedness and Emergency Response become particularly challenging. This paper shows the efforts made within the company to combine consolidated methodology and new initiatives with the aim of delivering a proactive instead of reactive approach to manage the consequences of catastrophic oil spill with a special focus on the issues posed by Arctic operations.

In the perspective to enhance the oil spill preparedness and the emergency response, the paper describes the synergy between an expeditive semi-quantitative approach to assess the risk of blow out and releases from pipelines with an environmental analysis tool included in the company 3Ter Advanced Emergency System.

Blow out risks and pipeline releases are studied through predictive company in house modeling tools. The results of such simulations feed the environmental analysis tool that is characterized by different layers i.e. habitats, marine regions and protected areas and additional information such as meteo marine data, bathymetry and thickness and concentration of oil.

Through the combination of all the above mentioned techniques, it is possible to identify the most appropriate preventive and recovery barriers and select the most suitable response tactics taking into account the specific challenges posed by Arctic environment.
Development of Icebreaking Ships with Ice Model Tests
Authors: Wilkman Göran
Published: March 2015

The hull form and propulsion are essential for a successful ship. During the first 70 years of last century vessels for ice operation were developed mainly with trial and error method. Also when one design was found useful, it was duplicated to the next generation of ships. It was only in the mid 1950ies as the first model basing for developing ships for ice operation in Leningrad, USSR, started to take steps towards more scientific approach. In the late 1960ies after oil had been found in Alaska and the 100000 DWT tanker SS Manhattan had done its first voyage in the Canadian Arctic in 1969, the question rose, whether this could be modeled in smaller scale. SS Manhattan was the actual initialization for developing ice model tests to become a useful tool in modern shipbuilding. Since 1969 the testing methods and practices have changed and developed together with feedback from full-scale ship performance tests to be rather reliable tool to help the decision making process when we are talking about projects worth tens and hundred million dollars.

This paper talks about different aspects of icebreaking and steps taken to develop vessels using ice model tests. Both hull form and propulsion development are discussed.
Strategy for Fast Tracking Development of Arctic Oil-Gas Offshore Field
Authors: Shandrygin A.N. , Dubrovsky D.A.
Published: March 2015

Offshore fields development is a challenge because of significant risks and uncertainties and presence of several issues. Among them we should highlight first of all: poor knowledge of the reservoir geology and very low reliability of hydrocarbon reserves at the initial stage of field development; limited opportunities for technological solutions on fields development by reason of limited number of "wells cluster"- production units (platforms, subsea units); and necessity to spend 80-90 % CAPEX before start of production.

This paper is devoted to solving the problem how to reduce the risks and uncertainties and accelerate offshore fields exploration and development. The methodology to assess the possibility to start offshore fields development by condition of limited geological information is presented. It is implemented as a workflow, the result of which is the conclusion about: types of production units, number of wells and their placement boundaries, required minimum reserves density to begin field development, as well as types of exploration work on fields. The application of the methodology and workflow are demonstrated on the examples of assessment of the potential of development of some Russian Arctic offshore fields.
Implementation of an On-Site Sea Ice Information System
Authors: Rabenstein L. , Cochrane P. , Hendricks S. , Itkin M. , Krumpen T.
Published: March 2015

Decision making for activities in ice-covered oceans can be improved by an increased level of information. The current potential of available remote sensing products is far from being exploited due to limited usability for non-experts. Main usability aspects are data unification, automated processing and ordering, early availability, smaller data packages and improved visualization functions. The OSSI (=On Site Sea-ice Information) data stream was developed to address these issues. OSSI is characterized by 100% automation, a modular structure designed for implementation of any data product, data compression and a "with one order many data" principle. Improvement of the availability of information needed for navigation or other activities in ice covered areas can be achieved for some remote sensing data by the usage of single swath data in comparison to daily composites. For instance, swath sea-ice concentration data is capable of visualizing sub-daily variations in the sea-ice cover, such as tidal effects or changes in ice concentration in highly variable ice-edge zones. Furthermore, swath data is made available within 2 hours of acquisition; whereas daily composites are sent on board with a more than 24 hour delay.
Arctic Exploration Activity at a Glance – The Upcoming Activity and the Players
Authors: Norstrøm Jan G. , Wold Erik
Published: March 2015

The Arctic is said to contain an unexplored potential corresponding to about 13% and 30% of the remaining unexplored oil and gas resources according to the USGS Arctic study in [2], and USGS indicates that 80% of this will come from offshore. The potential is indisputably there, however the survey does not address the current industry activity or likely investment levels over time required to explore and develop offshore Arctic fields. In this paper we will discuss a method systematically combining facts and modelling results to derive likely discovered volumes year by year, and the current and future exploration activity required to unlock the arctic resources. We will briefly describe a set of steps in this approach: Introduction to how we can systematically collect information about discoveries, acreage positions and intelligence about likely exploration wells.How systematic methods for data collection can be combined with sensible models or analytical guesswork to allow decision makers to see a clear trend improving their near time industry decisions.Based on collected data we will make a review of the players and their exploration acreage positions and look at likely exploration wells and activities in the near future.Via GIS system and sedimentary basin maps the results will be broken down according to sedimentary basins or geographies like countries and provinces.

We have integrated all the above data into a comprehensive database allowing us to analyze various aspects of the results. Several analyses of the data will be shown and results will be discussed. The resulting database is core for the many types of strategy analysis that Rystad Energy can provide, which all are originating from consistently collecting and organizing data. There is much interest in the oil and gas opportunities in the Arctic. However, not too much is actually happening and there are challenges to overcome. Any activities must be driven by companies and their interests. The only way to get a realistic picture of how and when Arctic will develop is to follow closely which plans the companies commit to, and extract from this the likely activities.
Technology Adoption of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Alaska and the Arctic
Authors: Rogers Marty
Published: March 2015

In Alaska, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are increasingly in use to support science, research, and more recently emergency response events. The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) operates one of the longest running and most active UAS programs in North America, with 2015 being its 14th year of operation, and flying UAS missions approximately 150 days per year. UAF was recently designated as a UAS Test and Evaluation range complex by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, with the goal of supporting the safe integration of UAS into the national airspace.1 UAF's experiences in the use of UAS for high-latitude science and research, emergency response, and in support of commercial applications will be discussed.
Clinical outcomes and efficacy of transforaminal lumbar endoscopic discectomy
Authors: Türk Cezmi Çağrı , Kara Niyazi Nefi , Biliciler Bülent , Karasoy Mustafa
Published: April 2015

Background: Transforaminal lumbar endoscopic discectomy (TLED) is a minimally invasive procedure for removing lumbar disc herniations. This technique was initially reserved for herniations in the foraminal or extraforaminal region. This study concentrated on our experience regarding the outcomes and efficacy of TLED. Materials and Methods: A total of 105 patients were included in the study. The patients were retrospectively evaluated for demographic features, lesion levels, numbers of affected levels, visual analog scores (VASs), Oswestry disability questionnaire scale scores and MacNab pain relief scores. Results: A total of 48 female and 57 male patients aged between 25 and 64 years (mean: 41.8 years) underwent TLED procedures. The majority (83%) of the cases were operated on at the levels of L4-5 and L5-S1. Five patients had herniations at two levels. There were significant decreases between the preoperative VAS scores collected postoperatively at 6 months (2.3) and those collected after 1-year (2.5). Two patients were referred for microdiscectomy after TLED due to unsatisfactory pain relief on the 1 st postoperative day. The overall success rate with respect to pain relief was 90.4% (95/105). Seven patients with previous histories of open discectomy at the same level reported fair pain relief after TLED. Conclusions: Transforaminal lumbar endoscopic discectomy is a safe and effective alternative to microdiscectomy that is associated with minor tissue trauma. Herniations that involved single levels and foraminal/extraforaminal localizations were associated with better responses to TLED.
Can response time be trained with bilateral limb training in children with Down syndrome?
Authors: Rao Pratiksha Tilak , Solomon John M.
Published: April 2015

Aims: Response time (RT), that is, the time taken to respond is known to be delayed in children with Down syndrome (DS). We performed a pilot study to evaluate whether bilateral limb training can be used to train RT, in children with DS. Settings and Design: 10 children with DS (5 males) were recruited from a special school in a suburban region using convenience sampling. Subjects and Methods: Response time was measured using an indigenously developed RT Analyzer, before and after intervention, from right and left hand. Structured bilateral limb training was given for a period of 4 weeks, using low-cost, locally available materials, in community settings. Statistical Analysis Used: The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Significant improvements in RT following 4 weeks of intervention were seen in the left hand (P = 0.006) but not in the right hand (P = 0.104). Conclusions: Response time can be trained in children with DS using 4 weeks of bilateral limb training activities using low-cost, locally available materials.
Isolated lingual involvement in Wilson’s disease
Authors: Choudhary Neera , Joshi Laxmikant , Duggal Ashish , Puri Vinod , Khwaja Geeta Anjum
Published: April 2015

Lingual involvement can occur in a variety of neurological disorders including pyramidal, extrapyramidal and lower motor neuron disorders. It can be seen in the form of tremor, bradykinesia, dystonia, atrophy and weakness of tongue movements and can clinically present as difficulty in swallowing and dysarthria which can be a source of great discomfort to the patient. We describe a patient who presented with isolated lingual involvement and was diagnosed to have Wilsons’s disease. This case emphasizes the clinical variability in presentation of Wilson’s disease and importance of early clinical diagnosis.
Jaundice in Pregnancy: A Clinical Study at Fatima Memorial System
Authors: Ambreen Afshaan , Ahmed Farhatulain , Sheikh Attia , Ayub Muhammad Rashid , Faryad Numeera , Mushtaq Sundas
Published: April 2015

Objective

The objective of the study is to find the effect of jaundice during pregnancy on fetomaternal outcome over a 10-year period at tertiary care hospital.

Materials and methods

An analysis of fetomaternal outcome of all case records with jaundice in pregnancy from January 2003 to December 2013 is made.

Results

The incidence of jaundice in our study is one in 278 pregnancies, with the disease more common in younger age group. Viral hepatitis found to be the commonest cause, HEV being the commonest with a high maternal and perinatal mortality. Obstetric cholestasis being the second most common followed by HELLP syndrome, AFLP and sepsis; Hepatorenal failure, encephalopathy, DIC and PPH were the main causes of maternal mortality.

Conclusion

Viral hepatitis is most prevalent cause of jaundice in pregnancy, associated with a high maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity.

How to cite this article

Ambreen A, Ahmed F, Sheikh A, Ayub MR, Faryad N, Mushtaq S. Jaundice in Pregnancy: A Clinical Study at Fatima Memorial System. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2015;7(1):22-25.
Transfusion-related Acute Lung Injury in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Authors: Kakade Aniket S , Kulkarni Yashwant , Shukla Himangini
Published: April 2015

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), a type of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema related to blood transfusion, is gaining prominence as a common adverse event related to blood transfusions in hospitals. It is typified by dyspnea, cough, hypoxemia and pulmonary edema within 6 hours of transfusion.

Without any ‘gold standard’, the diagnosis of TRALI relies on a high index of suspicion and on excluding other types of transfusion reactions. As our understanding of TRALI deepens, risk reduction or prevention may become possible.

The management of TRALI is early diagnosis and good supportive care with, occasionally ventilator support. With the increasing use of blood products in obstetrics and gynecology, awareness of this complication is desirable to prevent one of the commonest and most frequently under-recognized transfusion related adverse event of the present day.

How to cite this article

Kakade A, Kulkarni Y, Shukla H. Transfusion-related Acute Lung Injury in Obstetrics and Gynecology. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2015;7(1)26-29.
A Multicenter Study Analyzing the different Indications of Hysteroscopy in General Population and the Complication Rate: An Experience of 11 Years
Authors: Manchanda Rahul , Ghoshal Soma , Manjula BC
Published: April 2015

Study objectives

An assessment of the common indications for hysteroscopy (either diagnostic or therapeutic), in multiple hospitals especially in the North Indian region, over the period of past 11 years.

To do an analysis of the common intraoperative diagnosis and the different types of surgeries performed therefore.

To estimate the incidence of complications in the same patient population over the same time period and describe their nature.

Data collection

Records were collected from twelve hospitals spread mainly over North Indian region, pertaining to all those patients who underwent hysteroscopy during the period from July 2003 to October 2014. Total cases analyzed was 1834.

Design

Retrospective analytic study.

Patients

All those patients who underwent hysteroscopy of all ages referring to the above mentioned hospitals during the period from July 2003 to October 2014.

Results

Of the 1834 hysteroscopic procedures, 588 (32.06%) were diagnostic hysteroscopies and 1246 (67.93%) were therapeutic hysteroscopies. The most common indication for hysteroscopy was abnormal uterine bleeding (28.14%) closely followed by the second most common indication, which was for infertility check-up (26.67%). The most common hysteroscopic intervention was endometrial biopsy. The second most common intervention and the most common therapeutic hysteroscopic procedure was polypectomy; and the third most common Hysteroscopic procedure was intrauterine adhesiolysis. The main complication as found in our present study was found to be uterine perforation (0.21%), followed by false passage. Air embolism also occurred in one patient.

How to cite this article

Ghoshal S, Manchanda R, Manjula BC. A Multicenter Study Analyzing the different Indications of Hysteroscopy in General Population and the Complication Rate: An Experience of 11 Years. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2015;7(1):37-43.
Ecological sanitation products reuse for agriculture in Sahel: effects on soil properties
Authors: Sangare D. , Sawadogo B. , Sou/Dakoure M. , Ouedraogo D. M. S. , Hijikata N. , Yacouba H. , Bonzi M. , Coulibaly L.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The sanitary products (i.e toilet compost, urine, and greywater) from resource oriented sanitation are a low-cost alternative to chemical fertilizers and irrigation water for poor communities in dry areas. However, if these products are not managed carefully, increased soil salinity and sodium accumulation could occur. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of these products at different combinations on the properties of cultivated soil and on okra plant productivity. The treatments were: (1) fresh dam water (FDW) as a negative control, (2) FDW plus chemical fertilizer (i.e.NPK) (FDW + NPK) as a positive control, (3) treated greywater (TGW), (4) FDW plus Urine/Toilet Compost (UTC) (FDW + UTC), (5) TGW + UTC, (6) TGW + NPK. Effects on okra productivity were assessed by measuring the fresh fruit yield whereas effects on soil were evaluated through measurements of electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and total organic carbon (TOC) at various depths. Results showed that the yields obtained with TGW (0.71 t ha−1) and TGW + UTC (0.67 t ha−1) were significantly higher than the yields obtained with the positive control FDW + NPK (0.22 t ha−1) meaning that the fertilizer value of the sanitary products was higher than that of chemical fertilizer. Concerning effects on soil, SAR values increased significantly in plots treated by TGW (8.86 ± 1.52) and TGW + UTC (10.55 ± 1.85) compared to plots fertilized with FDW (5.61 ± 1.45) and FDW + NPK (2.71 ± 0.67). The TOC of plots treated with TGW + UTC (6.09 ± 0.99 g kg−1) was significantly higher than those of FDW + NPK (4.46 ± 0.22 g kg−1). Combined sanitary products from resource oriented sanitation can be reused as a nutrient source and water for food production, provided that soil salinity is monitored and the soil has high drainage capacity.