bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of dexmedetomidine on porcine pulmonary artery vascular smooth muscle
Authors: Chikuda Mami , Sato Kenichi
Published: May 2019

Background

Dexmedetomidine is added to local anesthetics to increase their potency and extend their duration of action, thus providing postoperative analgesia with a single administration. However, the effects and mechanism of action of dexmedetomidine on pulmonary arteries have not been determined. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine on pulmonary artery vascular smooth muscle, evaluating changes in contraction tension.

Methods

Endothelium-denuded porcine pulmonary arteries were sliced into 2- to 3-mm rings. Changes in isometric contraction tension were measured with the addition of various substances at various concentrations, under different conditions of baseline stimulation (with KCl, Adrenaline, caffeine, or histamine) and different conditions of Ca2+ depletion with intracellular reservoirs or extracellular stores depleted.

Results

Dexmedetomidine increased the contraction tension induced by high-KCl depolarization in a concentration-dependent manner. Dexmedetomidine inhibited receptor-activated Ca2+ channels (RACCs) and phosphatidylinositol-1,4,5-triphosphate-induced Ca2+ release (IICR), but not Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR).

Conclusions

Dex increased the contraction tension resulting from depolarization stimulation by high KCl in a concentration-dependent manner in porcine pulmonary artery vascular smooth muscle. The enhancement of high KCl-induced contraction with Dex addition was mediated by α2 receptors. Dex suppressed increases in contraction tension induced by receptor stimulation with adrenaline, also in a concentration-dependent manner. Dex inhibited RACC and IICR, but not CICR. Elucidating the effects and mechanisms of action of Dex in the central arteries is likely to be useful as basic data for creating Dex-containing local anesthetics.
The Adaptive designs CONSORT Extension (ACE) Statement: A checklist with explanation and elaboration guideline for reporting randomised trials that use an adaptive design
Authors: Dimairo Munyaradzi , Pallmann Philip , Wason James , Todd Susan , Jaki Thomas , Julious Steven A. , Mander Adrian P. , Weir Christopher J. , Koenig Franz , Walton Marc K. , Nicholl Jon P. , Coates Elizabeth , Biggs Katie , Hamasaki Toshimitsu , Proschan Michael A. , Scott John A. , Ando Yuki , Hind Daniel , Altman Douglas G.
Published: May 2019

Background

Adaptive designs (ADs) allow pre-planned changes to an ongoing trial without compromising the validity of conclusions and it is essential to distinguish pre-planned from unplanned changes that may also occur. The reporting of ADs in randomised trials is inconsistent and needs improving. Incompletely reported AD randomised trials are difficult to reproduce and are hard to interpret and synthesise. This consequently hampers their ability to inform practice as well as future research and contributes to research waste. Better transparency and adequate reporting will enable the potential benefits of ADs to be realised.

Methods

This extension to the Consolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) 2010 Statement was developed to enhance the reporting of randomised AD clinical trials. We developed an Adaptive designs CONSORT Extension (ACE) guideline through a two-stage Delphi process with input from multidisciplinary key stakeholders in clinical trials research in the public and private sectors from 21 countries, followed by a consensus meeting. Members of the CONSORT Group were involved during the development process.

Results

The paper presents the ACE checklists for AD randomised trial reports and abstracts, as well as an explanation with examples to aid the application of the guideline. The ACE checklist is comprised of seven new items, nine modified items, six unchanged items for which additional explanatory text clarifies further considerations for ADs, and 20 unchanged items not requiring further explanatory text. The ACE abstract checklist has one new item, one modified item, one unchanged item with additional explanatory text for ADs, and 15 unchanged items not requiring further explanatory text.

Conclusions

The intention is to enhance transparency and improve reporting of AD randomised trials to improve the interpretability of their results and reproducibility of their methods, results and inference. We also hope indirectly to facilitate the much-needed knowledge transfer of innovative trial designs to maximise their potential benefits.
Comparable efficacies in differentiating WHO grade II from III oligodendrogliomas with machine-learning and radiologist’s reading
Authors: Zhao Sha-Sha , Yan Lin-Feng , Feng Xiu-Long , Hu Yu-Chuan , Han Yu , Tian Qiang , Sun Ying-Zhi , Zhang Jie , Ge Xiang-Wei , Cheng Si-Chao , Wei Xiao-Cheng , Cui Guang-Bin , Wang Wen
Published: May 2019

Abstract (236 words)
Background: The medical imaging differentiation of World Health Organization (WHO) grade II (ODG2) from III (ODG3) oligodendrogliomas remains a challenge. We investigate whether combination of machine leaning with radiomics from conventional T1 contrast-enhanced (T1CE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can offer improved efficacy.
Methods: Thirty-six patients with histologically confirmed ODGs who underwent the T1CE MR examination before any intervention between January 2015 and July 2017 were recruited in the current study. The volume of interest (VOI) covering the whole tumor enhancement were manually drawn on the T1CE slice by slice using ITK-SNAP and a total of 1044 features were extracted from the VOI using Analysis-Kinetics software. Random forest (RF) algorithm and 5-fold cross validation were applied to differentiate ODG2 from ODG3. The diagnostic efficacies of radiomics-based machine learning and radiologist’s assessment were also compared.
Results: Nineteen ODG2 and 17 ODG3 were included in the current study and ODG3 tended to present with prominent necrosis and nodular/ring-like enhancement (P < 0.05). The RF strategy with radiomics features produced the stable diagnostic efficiency, with an AUC, ACC, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.765, 0.763, 82.8% and 70.0%, respectively. The AUCs of radiologists 1, 2 and 3 were 0.700, 0.687, and 0.714, respectively. The efficacy of machine learning based on radiomics is comparable to that of radiologist.
Conclusions: Machine-learning based on radiomics of T1CE offered comparable efficacy to that of radiologist on differentiating ODG2 from ODG3.
A systematic literature review of the burden of pediatric multiple sclerosis in North America and Europe
Authors: Krupp Lauren B. , Goble Joseph , Kroes Michel A. , Toledano Haley , Thompson Melissa , Pervaiz Nabeel , Vieira Maria Cecilia
Published: May 2019

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative condition that severely impacts patient functioning and quality of life (QoL). Onset of MS typically occurs in adults and evidence is growing for onset in children and adolescents. Several studies describe the clinical burden of pediatric MS; however, to date, no systematic literature review summarizing the clinical burden of pediatric MS has been published.
Objective: To conduct a systematic literature review to identify published data on the epidemiology, disease characteristics, QoL, and economic burden of pediatric MS in North America and Europe.
Methods: Systematic searches were conducted in Ovid MEDLINE®, Embase, and Cochrane library to identify studies that enrolled patients with pediatric MS and reported at least one outcome related to the epidemiological, humanistic, and economic burden of pediatric MS. Only English-language studies were included.
Results: In total, 7,447 unique records were identified, of which 103 met the study’s inclusion criteria. Of the included articles, 9 reported incidence and prevalence, 39 reported relapse rates, 15 reported QoL, 22 reported fatigue, 37 reported cognitive function, and 17 reported school performance. Incidence of pediatric MS ranged from 0.30 to 2.64 per 100,000 person-years, with few studies suggesting that incidence may increase with age. Prevalence was reported as high as 14.6 cases per 100,000 persons in the USA and 9.6% of all MS patients in European countries. The range of annualized relapse rates was similar across countries, at 0.36-2.76 in North America and 0.65-1.11 in European countries. Patients with pediatric MS experienced reduced QoL compared to healthy controls. Patients experienced reduced diminished cognitive functioning, worse school performance and increased fatigue. Limited information was identified for the mortality and economic burden of pediatric MS.
Conclusions: Several studies describe the clinical burden of pediatric MS. Although incidence and prevalence rates for the disease are relatively low, the rate of relapse and burden to patients is considerable. Further studies are required to address gaps in the understanding of prognostic factors for relapse and the impact of QoL, fatigue, and cognitive function. Additional research on mortality and economic outcomes will be important to guide treatment pathways and reimbursement decisions.
Transformational leadership for organizational change in the Lebanese public sector
Authors: Harb Bissane , Sidani Dina
Published: May 2019

The public sector is facing multiple changes. In a constantly changing environment, that is more and more demanding in terms of innovation and performance, the concept of leadership is of particular importance, as it is one of the few tools available to public managers.Based on the transformational leadership theory, the aim of this study is to explore how transformational leadership characteristics influence organizational change within the public sector in Lebanon. To serve this purpose, a qualitative approach is adopted based on a series of semi-focused interviews conducted with ten public managers running 10 public administrations. These administrations have undergone significant changes over the past five years.The results point out the importance of transformational behaviors adopted by public managers in leading change within the public sector in Lebanon, despite the multiple obstacles. They confirmed the role of two transformational dimensions related to idealized influence and inspirational motivation in the successful implementation of organizational change. This study contributes to better understanding of the role of transformational leadership in promoting change in the public sector.
Da audácia ao pragmatismo
Authors: Moraes Cicero Pedro Henrique de
Published: May 2019

O artigo relaciona as particularidades do mercado internacional de petróleo com aspotencialidades e limitações da política externa projetada e exercida pela Venezuela ao longodo terceiro mandato presidencial cumprido por Hugo Chávez Frías (2007-2012). Busca-se,pois, apresentar e problematizar as especificidades do rentismo petroleiro venezuelano e, emespecial, suas implicações para sua política externa. A análise trata dos “efeitos pendulares”que os petrodólares causaram na inserção internacional do país caribenho: no primeiro biêniodo período estudado, a alta histórica da commodity possibilitou aos venezuelanos consolidarações inovadoras e ambiciosas de integração regional, as quais culminaram no aumento dapresença e do peso político do país, em especial na América Central e Caribe. Contudo, noperíodo subsequente, a pronunciada desvalorização do combustível causou o arrefecimentoda “diplomacia do petróleo” em favor de uma postura mais pragmática no que concerniu àsua comercialização. Nesse contexto, analisam-se os limites e possibilidades da aproximaçãosino-venezuelana, bem como a interdependência comercial estabelecida entre Venezuelae Estados Unidos da América. Conclui-se que, em que pese seu propósito disruptivo, asações de política externa empreendidas pelos bolivarianos estiveram condicionadas aos oraexpressivos, ora insuficientes, recursos obtidos com a venda de petróleo.
Interaction of a dam-break wave with an obstacle over an erodible floodplain
Authors: Di Cristo Cristiana , Greco Massimo , Iervolino Michele , Vacca Andrea
Published: May 2019

Because of climate change, flood-prone areas are more and more frequently exposed to potential casualties and damage. The capability of the flow to carry relevant quantities of sediments during these critical events adds to the further complexity of the resulting scenarios. The interaction between the flow and the obstacles in flood-inundated areas contributes to an increase in the hazard level and constitutes a relevant concern in the framework of risk analysis. Despite this relevance, the existing literature on the topic is relatively scarce, especially for the estimation of the forces acting on rigid obstacles in the presence of a mobile bed. In the present paper, a recent two-phase shallow-water morphodynamical model, particularly suited for the analysis of fast geomorphic transients, is applied for the numerical simulation of the propagation of a dam-break wave over an erodible floodplain in the presence of a rigid obstacle. The geometry of the test-case is inspired by a recent fixed-bed study reported in the literature, for which extensive experimental and numerical data concerning the flow field and the dynamic loading against the obstacle are available. Results of the numerical simulations contribute to highlight the effects of the obstacle on the changes in the bottom topography.
Effects of rainfall-runoff pollution on eutrophication in coastal zone: a case study in Shenzhen Bay, southern China
Authors: Xu Hongliang , Zhang Ying , Zhu Xiuzhen , Zheng Mingfeng
Published: May 2019

The concentration of human activities in coastal cities results in the increase of nutrient salts released into the coastal environment and is identified as a major environmental problem for coastal zone management. Large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus are transported by rainwater-runoff from urban catchments to coastal zones during episodic rainfall events inducing eutrophication problems and increasing the risk of red tide occurrence. This study used a coupled model based on the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) and Environment Fluid Dynamic Code (EFDC) to simulate the rainfall-runoff pollution load and its effects on eutrophication in Shenzhen Bay, southern China. A storm event of 2014 was used to build the modeling scenarios and thus analyzed the spatial-temporal variation of the rainfall-runoff pollution. The results indicated that: (i) rainfall-runoff pollution loads accounted for 60–80% of the total pollution loads, and rainfall-runoff pollution can result in a short-term impact pollution load on the receiving seawater body; (ii) the transportation of nutrient salts in the coastal zone and the nutrient salts absorbing process by algae are at different times, which suggests urban rainfall-runoff pollution has evidently an effect on variation of the concentration of chlorophyll-A in the bay, and with increasing distance to the city, the seawater body is gradually less affected by rainfall-runoff pollution.
Physical factors limiting access to clean groundwater in Tanzania villages
Authors: Mseli Zaina Hussein , Goeller Devon , Scharenberg Mackenzie , Mwegoha William J. S. , Gianotti Rebecca , Bongiorno David , Sawyer Audrey H.
Published: May 2019

Low yield, poor water quality, and nonfunctional infrastructure impede physical access to clean groundwater in rural Tanzania. We studied boreholes in 45 villages as part of a rehabilitation program led by the Global Water Institute at The Ohio State University. Villages were chosen because their groundwater supply systems were inoperative or unsustainable. The most common cause was pump failure, which occurred in more than half of the villages. Even if broken pumps were repaired or replaced, low pump capacities and potential yields would limit physical access in many villages. Low potential yield is often mistaken for a broken pump, but easily diagnosed with a pump test. Pump test records were available for only eight villages, highlighting the need for more testing and data accessibility. One-third of the villages had low water quality. In comparison to secondary water sources such as springs, impoundments, and dug wells, boreholes tended to have lower levels of nitrate and fecal coliform, greater total dissolved solids, and similar fluoride levels. In many villages, groundwater is the only viable water resource to support development, but drilling records and hydrogeologic data are sparse. We recommend better digital data archiving with governmental water supply authorities and the assessment of potential well yields and sustainable yields.
Effects of water and health on primary school enrolment and absenteeism in Indonesia
Authors: Komarulzaman Ahmad , de Jong Eelke , Smits Jeroen
Published: May 2019

Clean water provision remains a serious problem in low- and middle-income countries. In 2017, about 30% of the world population relied on unimproved water sources located outside of the dwellings. Often women and children are occupied in fetching water. This situation increases the prevalence of water-related diseases such as diarrhoea and reduces children's study time. School attendance may decrease due to the combined effects of diarrhoea and time spent on fetching water. We investigate the effects on school absenteeism and primary school enrolment in Indonesia, using a panel data set for 295 districts over the period 1994–2014. Districts with higher diarrhoea prevalence are found to have lower school enrolment (B: −0.202, sig p < 0.01) and higher school absenteeism (B: 2.334, sig p < 0.001). Districts where more households have access to private water facilities have higher school enrolment (B: 0.025, sig p < 0.01) and lower school absenteeism (B: −0.027, sig p < 0.01). More use of piped and bottled water in a district is associated with a lower diarrhoea prevalence (B: −0.004, sig p < 0.05). Policy-makers should take the benefits of improved water supply into account when making cost–benefit analyses regarding investments in water infrastructure.

This article has been made Open Access thanks to the generous support of a global network of libraries as part of the Knowledge Unlatched Select initiative.
Two baseflow separation methods based on daily average gage height and discharge
Authors: Yang Weifei , Xiao Changlai , Liang Xiujuan , Zhang Zhihao
Published: May 2019

Hydrologists are urgently seeking to find a more universal and inexpensive tracer for baseflow separation, and gage height may form an appropriate choice. This study derives the gage height mass balance (GHMB) and gage height power function (GHPF) methods using a two-component mass balance equation based on the relationship between the gage height and streamflow. The GHMB and GHPF methods are corrected by comparing the results of the conductivity mass balance (CMB), conductivity power function (CMBPF), GHMB, and GHPF methods in 20 basins in the United States. Subsequently, the corrected GHMB and GHPF methods are applied to seven other basins. The results indicate that: (1) the baseflow index (BFI) values calculated from the GHMB and GHPF methods are in good agreement with those of conventional methods; (2) the daily baseflow calculated as per the GHMB and GHPF methods can be suitably fitted with the CMB method; (3) the baseflow is significantly suppressed when the flood peak is larger, and deviations between the GHMB, GHPF, and CMB results are mainly observed for flood events with a large flood peak. As a tracer, the gage height can reasonably separate the baseflow, and the results indicate the efficacy of the methods.
Technique of the rapid detection of groundwater based on multidimensional space
Authors: Wang Kang , Jiang Qi-gang , Yan Xiao-hui , Yu De-hao , Long Fan , Yang Qing-lei , Yang Tong , Xu Xing-yu
Published: May 2019

The ability to detect groundwater quickly and accurately is critical to the work of drought resistance. However, conventional groundwater detection methods are inefficient and costly. To solve the difficulties of using water in water-deficient areas, the method of rapid groundwater detection based on multidimensional space was presented. First, using satellite remote sensing (RS) technology, factors related to the occurrence of groundwater, such as lithology, structure, and landforms, were obtained. Then, through quantitative inversion of aeromagnetic data, the lithology and structure were improved. Using geographic information system (GIS) as an information analysis platform, the water storage conditions of various lithologies, structures, and landforms were comprehensively studied; and a water-rich target area was delineated. Based on the above-mentioned achievements, the ground geophysical prospecting work was carried out, the optimum well-position determined, and the target area accuracy verified by drilling data. The method integrates many technical means, such as satellite RS, airborne RS, ground physical exploration, and exploration drilling to detect groundwater, incorporating the advantages of each method. Through the preliminary application in the city of Beipiao, China, the well completion rate is 72.73%. High-quality groundwater resources were exploited in this area, proving it to be an effective method for accurately detecting groundwater.
Robust model for estimating pumping station characteristics and sewer flows from standard pumping station data
Authors: Fencl Martin , Grum Morten , Borup Morten , Mikkelsen Peter Steen
Published: May 2019

Flow data represent crucial input for reliable diagnostics of sewer functions and identification of potential problems such as unwanted inflow and infiltration. Flow estimates from pumping stations, which are an integral part of most separate sewer systems, might help in this regard. A robust model and an associated optimization procedure is proposed for estimating inflow to a pumping station using only registered water levels in the pump sump and power consumption. The model was successfully tested on one month of data from a single upstream station. The model is suitable for identification of pump capacity and volume thresholds for switching the pump on and off. These are parameters which are required for flow estimation during periods with high inflows or during periods with flow conditions triggering pump switching on and off at frequencies close to the temporal resolution of monitored data. The model is, however, sensitive within the transition states between emptying and filling to observation errors in volume and on inflow/outflow variability.
Identification of Essential 2D and 3D Chemical Features for Discovery of the Novel Tubulin Polymerization Inhibitors
Authors: Azimi Fateme , Ghasemi Jahan B. , Saghaei Lotfollah , Hassanzadeh Farshid , Mahdavi Mohammad , Sadeghi-Aliabadi Hojjat , Scotti Marcus T. , Scotti Luciana
Published: May 2019

Background:

Tubulin polymerization inhibitors interfere with microtubule assembly and their functions lead to mitotic arrest, therefore they are attractive target for design and development of novel anticancer compounds.

Objective:

The proposed novel and effective structures following the use of three-dimensionalquantitative structure activity relationship (3D-QSAR) pharmacophore based virtual screening clearly demonstrate the high efficiency of this method in modern drug discovery.

Method:

Combined computational approach was applied to extract the essential 2D and 3D features requirements for higher activity as well as identify new anti-tubulin agents.

Results:

The best quantitative pharmacophore model, Hypo1, exhibited good correlation of 0.943 (RMSD=1.019) and excellent predictive power in the training set compounds. Generated model AHHHR, was well mapped to colchicine site and three-dimensional spatial arrangement of their features were in good agreement with the vital interactions in the active site. Total prediction accuracy (0.92 for training set and 0.86 for test set), enrichment factor (4.2 for training set and 4.5 for test set) and the area under the ROC curve (0.86 for training set and 0.94 for the test set), the developed model using Extended Class FingerPrints of maximum diameter 4 (ECFP_4) was chosen as the best model.

Conclusion:

Developed computational platform provided a better understanding of requirement features for colchicine site inhibitors and we believe the results of this study might be useful for the rational design and optimization of new inhibitors.
Luliconazole-Loaded Thermosensitive Hydrogel as Aqueous based Nail Lacquer for the Treatment of Onychomycosis
Authors: Dhamoon Rupinder K. , Goyal Ramesh K. , Popli Harvinder , Gupta Madhu
Published: May 2019

Background:

Onychomycosis is a nail fungal infection which accounts for 50% of the nail
diseases and is characterized by disfigurement and discoloration of nails. The current therapy includes
oral and topical formulations both of which come with their own drawbacks. This has left a room for
developing patient- compliant novel strategies which can facilitate drug delivery deeper into the nails
effectively.

Objective:

The main objective of the present work was to develop and evaluate in situ gelling thermosensitive
hydrogel as an aqueous nail lacquer for the treatment of onychomycosis. The idea was to
enhance permeation of Luliconazole into the nail while simultaneously solubilizing it in a hydrophilic
formulation.

Methods:

The sample of Luliconazole was authenticated using modern analytical techniques. The hydrogel-
nail lacquer was prepared using poloxamer Pluronic F127. The formulation was evaluated in
terms of drying time, viscosity, non- volatile content, pH, transition temperature, etc. In vitro study was
done to check the drug release while determining release kinetics. In vitro transungual permeation study
was done to check drug permeation through porcine hoof membrane. Stability studies were conducted
to ensure formulation stability.

Results:

The results confirmed a stable formulation with enhanced permeation through porcine hoof
membrane.

Conclusion:

The results support the potential use of in situ gelling thermo-sensitive hydrogels as a
novel transungual formulation in the treatment of onychomycosis with a slight improvement in water
resistance.
Development of an Integrated System for the Automatic Viscosity Correction of a Ceramic Slurry for the Investment Casting Process
Authors: Carlomagno Giovanni M.
Published: May 2019

Background:

Starting from a wax model of the mold, which is later discarded, investment
casting is used to make almost finished metal cast parts. The term "investment casting" is derived from
the use of a ceramic liquid mixture (slurry), in which the model is repeatedly immersed (invested) to
form, layer by layer, the shell which has to be filled with molten metal. The liquid of the slurry tends to
evaporate so that the viscosity of the former increases and a correction is needed.

Objective:

The study aimed to investigate the simplest way to measure slurry viscosity and automatically
correct it.

Methods:

Numerical and experimental tests have been implemented to correctly assess the proposed
method. An integrated system for the automatic correction of slurry viscosity is realised which comprises:
a reservoir of slurry including means for mixing it; a transducer which continuously measures
the slurry viscosity; a pump that gradually feeds the diluent into the slurry to keep its viscosity constant;
and a device, governed by the continuous viscosity measurement, that operates the pump.

Results:

It has been proved that the developed system is able to integrate the slurry viscosity continuous
measurement with gradual addition of diluent into the slurry, so as to have a fully automated operation
that can make corrections, whenever necessary, on the basis of the transducer output.

Conclusion:

The developed system works properly by keeping the slurry viscosity within a fixed range.
A patent has been recently deposited to protect the integrated system for the automatic correction of
slurry viscosity.
Blood Biochemical, Hormonal and Mineral Status of Cyclic, Acyclic, Endometriotic and Pregnant Crossbred Cows
Authors: Patel Chirag I , Dhami A J , Panchal M T , Sarvaiya N P , Shah S V
Published: May 2019

A study was carried out on infertile (acyclic and endometriotic) crossbred cows under field and normal cyclic (all 4 phases of cycle) as well as pregnant (3, 6, 9 month) crossbred cows of University farm to evaluate the plasma progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) hormones by RIA, and plasma total protein, cholesterol, calcium and phosphorus concentrations by using assay kits on chemistry analyzer. The mean progesterone levels in cows during the diestrus phase and in pregnancy were significantly (p less than 0.05) higher than those during proestrus, estrus, metestrus, anestrus, and endometritis status. At six month of gestation, the mean P4 level was significantly (p less than 0.05) higher than at early or late gestation. The mean E2 values at estrus and 9th month of gestation were highest (p less than 0.01) as compared to another status. The mean plasma total protein and cholesterol levels were significantly (p less than 0.05) lower during six and nine months of pregnancy than during cyclic and acyclic stages. The cholesterol profile of all three stages of pregnancy and endometriotic cows were statistically similar, though distinctly low at 9 month of pregnancy. Plasma levels of P4 and E2 thus correlated with the physiological and clinical status of cows, while cholesterol levels reflected steroidogenic status. The mean plasma calcium and inorganic phosphorus concentrations of cyclic, acyclic, pregnant and endometriotic cows, however, did not differ significantly.
Digestibility of Nutrients as Influenced by Supplementation of Exogenous Fibrolytic Enzymes in Dry Non-pregnant Cows
Authors: Lunagariya P. M, , Gupta R. S. , Shah S. V. , Patel Y. G.
Published: May 2019

The study was planned to evaluate the effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) supplementation for 56 days @ 240 mg/kg total mixed ration (TMR) on digestibility of dry matter and nutrients in dairy cows. Six dry non-pregnant cows were assigned in each treatment with and without EFE. The digestibility trial of seven days was conducted after 49 days of feeding. Dry matter and nutrients intake of cows was not influenced by EFE. The supplementation of EFE had improved digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, cellulose (p less than 0.01), as well as digestibility of nitrogen-free extract and acid detergent fiber, was also higher (pless than 0.05). The body weight gain of cows was higher on the supplementation of EFE in TMR. The study concluded that feeding exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (240 mg/kg) supplemented TMR improved digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, which was reflected as higher body weight gain in dry non-pregnant Gir and crossbred dairy cows.
Studies on Subclinical Mastitis in Sirohi Goats in Southern Rajasthan with Reference to Prevalence and Diagnostic Aspects
Authors: Sharma S. K. , Meena Hitesh K. , Monika Joshi
Published: May 2019

Mastitis is an economically important disease in goats. In the present study, a total of 100 quarter milk samples were collected from 50 apparently healthy Sirohi Goats in Udaipur district. The culture examination of these samples revealed the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in Sirohi goats as 26 (26/100) % and 34 (17/50) % on udder quarter basis and animal basis, respectively. The highest prevalence of subclinical mastitis was observed in 3rd lactation (50 %). Among the different isolates, staphylococci were found as most prevalent organism accounting for 37.50 (12/32) %, followed by streptococci 28.12 (9/32) %, E. coli 18.75 (6/32) %, bacilli 9.37 (3/32) % and Corynebacterium spp. 6.25 (2/32) %. The threshold values of modified California mastitis test, total somatic cell count and electrical conductivity in subclinical mastitic milk samples were observed to be +1, 1.0 million cells/ml of milk and 6.0 mS/cm, respectively.
Knowledge Test Development for Dairy Farmers To Measure Knowledge Level About Scientific Dairy Farming Practices
Authors: Jena Anupama , Chander Mahesh , Sinha Sushil K.
Published: May 2019

In the present study, a test was developed to measure the knowledge level of dairy farmers about scientific dairy farming. A preliminary set of 87 knowledge items was initially administered to 60 randomly selected dairy farmers for item analysis. The difficulty index and discrimination index was found out, and the items with difficulty index ranging from 30 to 80 and the discrimination index ranging from 0.30 to 0.55 were included in the final format of the knowledge test. A total of 48 items which fulfilled both the criteria were selected for the final format of knowledge test. Reliability of the test through split half method was found out to be 0.386 and the coefficient of correlation value by the test-retest method was 0.452, which was found to be significant at 1% level of significance. Hence, the knowledge test constructed was highly stable, reliable and validated for measuring what it intends to.
Effect of PGF2α and Methylergometrine during Puerperium in Gir Cows
Authors: Solanki G. B. , Chaudhary J. K. , Vijyeta H. P. , Gamit P. M. , Parikh S. S.
Published: May 2019

The therapeutic efficacy of methylergometrine and PGF2α on uterine involution and postpartum fertility was studied in 18 (6/group) Gir
cows. Animals of groups I and II were treated with single i/m injection of PGF2α and Methylergometrine immediately after parturition,
respectively, while group-III served as untreated control. The time required for expulsion of fetal membranes was shorter in group-I
(2.55 ± 0.60 hours) than in group II (3.03 ± 0.34 hours) and group III (4.10 ± 0.36 hours) but did not differ statistically. Time taken for
completion of uterine involution was significantly (p Less than 0.05) shorter in group I (28.67±1.12 days) than that of group II (35.83 ± 1.49 days)
and group-III (41.00±1.46 days). The intervals for first estrus postpartum and service period were also significantly (p Less than 0.01) shorter for
group I (37.83 ± 1.10 and 89.50 ± 4.34 days) than in group-II (46.17 ± 1.40 and 108.33 ± 4.91 days) and group-III (50.83 ± 1.11 and 118.33
± 4.40 days, respectively). The number of services per conception was non-significantly lower in group I (1.17 ± 0.17) as compared to
group II (1.50 ± 0.34) and controlled group III (1.67±0.33). The conception rate was 100% in group I and 83.33 % each in group II and III.
Thus, it can be concluded that use of PGF2α immediately after parturition in Gir cows enhanced the process of placental separation,
hastened the uterine involution, decreased the service period, increased the conception rate and thereby reduce the calving interval
to the profitable ambiance as compared to Methylergometrine and control groups.
Different Treatment Protocols of Retained Fetal Membranes and its Effect on Serum Profile, Uterine Involution and Postpartum Fertility in Cows
Authors: Shah A. I. , Patel D. M. , Sarvaiya N. P. , Madhira S. P.
Published: May 2019

This study was undertaken on 36 freshly calved cows randomly divided into 6 equal groups under field conditions. Cows of group-VI that shed placenta within 8-12 hours postpartum naturally served as healthy control. The cows with retained fetal membranes (RFM, n = 18) for more than 12 hrs were managed either by manual removal of placenta without antibiotics (group-I), parenteral antibiotic (Ceftiofur 1 g i/m)
for three consecutive days (group-II) or a combination of both (group-III). In group-IV and group-V, cows were administered with Inj. Oxytocin @ 50 IU i/m and Inj. Dinoprost tromethamine (PGF2α) @ 25 mg i/m, respectively, immediately after parturition and time of placental shedding was recorded. The overall prevalence of Brucellosis by RBPT was found to be 5.55 % amongst these 36 animals. The placental expulsion in groups following medicinal treatment was found to be 50 (3/6) % in Ceftiofur alone by 3 days (group-II), and 66.67 (4/6) % in Oxytocin (group-IV) and 100 (6/6) % in PGF2α inj. (group-V) groups within 12 hrs. The time of uterine involution in groups I to VI was found to be 42.00 ± 1.94, 39.50 ± 0.99, 40.67 ± 1.39, 38.33 ± 1.55, 37.50 ± 1.02 and 37.33 ± 1.76 days, respectively, while the interval for the appearance of first postpartum estrus was 54.83 ± 2.06, 51.00 ± 1.05, 52.17 ± 1.96, 50.17 ± 2.03, 48.67 ± 1.90 and 49.17 ± 1.55 days, respectively, which did not vary statistically. The mean serum progesterone profile obtained on day 0 and day 21 postpartum was statistically non-significant between groups. However, it was significantly (p less than 0.05) lower on day 0 as compared to day 21 in group-I, II and VI. The levels on day 0 coincided with the time of blood sampling after calving. The high level of serum P4 on day 0 in group-IV and V could be due to sampling immediately after calving. The serum calcium and phosphorus levels were significantly(p less than 0.05) lower on day 0 than on day 21, but not the magnesium. The group effect was however non-significant for any of three minerals. It was observed that manual removal of RFM without parenteral antibiotics, resulted in puerperal metritis, cervicitis, pyometra which ultimately resulted into delayed uterine involution, delayed first postpartum estrus and thus, reduced the postpartum reproductive efficiency. It was inferred that the PGF2α and Oxytocin injections could be used as a treatment of choice for prevention of RFMs in cattle.
Gross Morphometrical Study on the Brain of Fowl(Gallus domesticus)
Authors: Gupta Sunil K. , Haswitha Sabbineni , Kaur Amandeep
Published: May 2019

Morphological study was conducted on the brain of nine fowl aged from 2 to 6 months. The pear-shaped brain lodged in the cranial cavity was 3.34 ± 0.08 g in weight, with a length of 26.69±0.40 mm and width of 20.60 ± 0.17 mm. It consisted of cerebral hemispheres, pineal body, optic lobes, and cerebellum when viewed from the dorsal surface. On ventral surface, from cranial to caudal end it had olfactory bulbs, orbital faces of the cerebral hemispheres, optic chiasma, optic tract, optic lobes, hypophysis cerebri, midbrain (cerebral peduncles), pons and medulla oblongata, which was continued into the spinal cord. Olfactory bulbs present on the tapered cranial end of cerebral hemisphere were so closely attached with each other that were giving the appearance as a single structure. The cerebral hemispheres were obtuse triangular and devoid of gyrus and sulci. The cerebellum was located behind the transverse sulcus and had gyri and sulci. It was round structure resembling a curled worm and was 11.80±0.25 mm in length and 8.53±0.21 mm in width.
Exogenous ochronosis secondary to the use of hydroquinone. About a case.
Authors: Nieto Jiménez Adrian Isacc
Published: May 2019

We present the case of an Cuban patient of 56 years evaluated in the provincial hospital of Ibarra, Imbabura for having spots on the face predominantly on cheeks and front of several years of evolution. Treated for a long time with hydroquinone for diagnosis of facial chloasma. Several differential diagnoses, such as hemochromatosis and exogenous ochronosis, were proposed as complications of prolonged hydroquinone use. Skin biopsy is performed and it is concluded as ochronosis to rule out etiology. This entity constitutes a syndrome caused by the accumulation of homogenous acid in the connective tissues, it may be endogenous or exogenous, the latter being very rare. The condition is frequently associated with alkaptonuria but may also occur with the exogenous administration of phenolic complexes, such as hydroquinone. The presentation of this case is important because at present there is a large number of depigmenting creams that contain this drug in its formula, are sold to the public, so its use and abuse is common, and can lead to the development of ochronosis.
mHealth Interventions to Promote Anti-Retroviral Adherence in HIV: Narrative Review (Preprint)
Authors: Lee Stephen B , Valerius Joanne
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Antiretrovirals (ARVs) are key in the management of HIV. Although no cure exists, ARVs help patients live healthy lives and prevent transmission to others. Adherence to complex regimens is paramount to outcomes and in avoiding the emergence of drug-resistant viruses. The goal of therapy is to reach an undetectable viral load. However, adherence is a common problem, stemming from issues such as mental health, chaotic home situations, and busy work schedules. Mobile health (mHealth) represents a new approach in improving medication adherence, and multiple studies have been performed in this area.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to review the current implementation of mHealth in the management of HIV among different groups of patients.

METHODS

We used PubMed, Academic Search Elite, and 1 journal database with various search terms to review the current implementation of mHealth in HIV care.

RESULTS

Titles and abstracts were screened, and 61 papers were identified and fully reviewed. The literature was divided into lower- and higher-income nations, as defined by the United Nations. A total of 20 studies with quantitative results were identified, with 10 being text- and SMS-based interventions (the majority of these being in lower-income countries) and 8 being smartphone-based apps (primarily in higher-income countries). The majority of these studies determined whether there was an effect on adherence or biochemical parameters (viral load and CD4 count). Various qualitative studies have also been conducted, and many have focused on determining the specific design of interventions that were successful (frequency of messaging, types of messages, etc) as well as priorities for patients with regard to mHealth interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

There seems to be a role of mHealth in the management of HIV in lower-income nations; however, the optimal design of an intervention needs to be delineated. In higher-income countries, where the 2 significant risk factors were injection drugs and men who have sex with men, the benefit was less clear, and more research is needed.
Use of a Fully Automated Internet-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy Intervention in a Community Population of Adults With Depression Symptoms: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Schure Mark B , Lindow Janet C , Greist John H , Nakonezny Paul A , Bailey Sandra J , Bryan William L , Byerly Matthew J
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Although internet-based cognitive behavior therapy (iCBT) interventions can reduce depression symptoms, large differences in their effectiveness exist.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an iCBT intervention called Thrive, which was designed to enhance engagement when delivered as a fully automated, stand-alone intervention to a rural community population of adults with depression symptoms.

METHODS

Using no diagnostic or treatment exclusions, 343 adults with depression symptoms were recruited from communities using an open-access website and randomized 1:1 to the Thrive intervention group or the control group. Using self-reports, participants were evaluated at baseline and 4 and 8 weeks for the primary outcome of depression symptom severity and secondary outcome measures of anxiety symptoms, work and social adjustment, psychological resilience, and suicidal ideation.

RESULTS

Over the 8-week follow-up period, the intervention group (n=181) had significantly lower depression symptom severity than the control group (n=162; P<.001), with a moderate treatment effect size (d=0.63). Moderate to near-moderate effect sizes favoring the intervention group were observed for anxiety symptoms (P<.001; d=0.47), work/social functioning (P<.001; d=0.39), and resilience (P<.001; d=0.55). Although not significant, the intervention group was 45% less likely than the control group to experience increased suicidal ideation (odds ratio 0.55).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the Thrive intervention was effective in reducing depression and anxiety symptom severity and improving functioning and resilience among a mostly rural community population of US adults. The effect sizes associated with Thrive were generally larger than those of other iCBT interventions delivered as a fully automated, stand-alone intervention.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03244878; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03244878
Analysis of Verb Expressions in the Conversational Speech of Kannada-English Speaking Bilingual Persons with Mild
Authors: S. Deepa M. , C. Shyamala K.
Published: May 2019

Dementia is characterized by the breakdown of intellectual and communicative functioning accompanied by personality change (DSM IV, American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Persons with dementia often experience difficulty in naming skills which can be attributed to semantic memory deficits. This can further influence various linguistic expressions such as lexical and morphological structures. The present study aimed to quantitatively and qualitatively analyze the presence of different types of verb inflections in bilingual (Kannada-English) persons with mild dementia. Considered for the study were 10 healthy elderly and 10 persons with mild dementia who were Kannada-English bilinguals. Spontaneous, conversational speech in all the participants was transcribed from which different types of verb inflexions in Kannada were extracted and analyzed. They included infinite verb, imperative verbs, negative imperatives, optative, and participle verbs. These were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed for mean number of verbs and their nature including code mixing and switching identifying the significant differences between the two groups of participants. Results suggest that these measures offer a sensitive method for differentiating persons with mild dementia from healthy elderly. The study further helps in delineating prognostic indicator and planning rehabilitative measures which can be helpful tool for management.
GASTROSCHISIS ASSOCIATED WITH COLONIC ATRESIA - CASE REPORT
Authors: Đorđević Ivona , Slavković Anđelka , Marjanović Zoran , Živanović Dragoljub , Petrović Milan
Published: May 2019

We present an extremely rare case of gastroschisis associated with colonic atresia, anomaly seen in only 1.5-5% of all gastroschisis patients. Surgery for this anomaly can be very difficult due to the concomitant inflammation or other anomalies (mesenterium communae, volvulus, etc). Although prolonged intestinal dismotility is expected in these patients, mechanical obstruction must not be excluded in postoperative course, as it is explained in this case. Our case report demonstrates that primary colonic anastomosis is safe and well tolerated surgical procedure for these patients and that obstructive ileus is possible days after primary surgery and must not be overlooked.