bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of an obstetric fistula screening questionnaire in rural Nepal: a community‐based cross‐sectional and nested case–control study with clinical examination
Authors: Chen CCG , Barry D , Khatry SK , Klasen EM , Singh M , LeClerq SC , Katz J , Tielsch JM , Mullany LC
Published: July 2016

Objective

To validate a symptom‐based fistula screening questionnaire and estimate obstetric fistula (OF) prevalence in rural Nepal.

Design

Cross‐sectional and nested case–control study.

Setting

Sarlahi District, Nepal.

Population

Parous, reproductive age women.

Methods

The questionnaire assessed symptoms of vesicovaginal and rectovaginal fistula (VVF and RVF, respectively), stress and urge urinary incontinence (SUI and UUI, respectively), fecal incontinence (FI), and included interviewer observations on the smell and presence of urine and/or stool. All women who screened positive for OF and a randomly selected group of women who screened negative for OF were included in a nested case–control study (one case, four normal controls, and four incontinent controls) and underwent confirmatory clinical examinations.

Main outcome measures

Clinically confirmed OF, and questionnaire sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp).

Results

Of the 16 893 women who completed cross‐sectional screening, 68 were screened‐positive cases. Fifty‐five (82%) screened‐positive cases, 203 screened‐negative normal controls, and 203 screened‐incontinent controls participated in the case–control study, which confirmed one case of VVF and one case of both VVF and RVF without any false‐negative cases. For VVF, the screening tool demonstrated Se 100% (95% CI 34.2–100.0%), Sp 86.9% (95% CI 83.3–89.9%), and estimated VVF prevalence as 12 per 100 000 (95% CI 3–43); for RVF, it demonstrated Se 100% (95% CI 20.7–100.0), Sp 99.8% (95% CI 98.6–100.0), and estimated RVF prevalence as 6 per 100 000 (95% CI 1–34).

Conclusions

The OF screening questionnaire demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in this low‐prevalence setting.

Tweetable abstract

Community‐based obstetric fistula screening tool validation study, Nepal, n = 16 893: High Se, Sp & feasibility.
Adding corticosteroids to the pudendal nerve block for pudendal neuralgia: a randomised, double‐blind, controlled trial
Authors: Labat JJ , Riant T , Lassaux A , Rioult B , Rabischong B , Khalfallah M , Volteau C , Leroi A‐M , Ploteau S
Published: July 2016

Objective

To compare the effect of corticosteroids combined with local anaesthetic versus local anaesthetic alone during infiltrations of the pudendal nerve for pudendal nerve entrapment.

Design

Randomised, double‐blind, controlled trial.

Setting

Multicentre study.

Population

201 patients were included in the study, with a subgroup of 122 women.

Methods

CT‐guided pudendal nerve infiltrations were performed in the sacrospinous ligament and Alcock's canal. There were three study arms: patients in Arm A (n = 68) had local anaesthetic alone, those in Arm B (n = 66) had local anaesthetic plus corticosteroid and those in Arm C (n = 67) local anaesthetic plus corticosteroid with a large volume of normal saline.

Main outcome measures

The primary end‐point was the pain intensity score at 3 months. Patients were regarded as responders (at least a 30‐point improvement on a 100‐point visual analogue scale of mean maximum pain over a 2‐week period) or nonresponders.

Results

Three months’ postinfiltration, 11.8% of patients in the local anaesthetic only arm (Arm A) were responders versus 14.3% in the local anaesthetic plus corticosteroid arms (Arms B and C). This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.62). No statistically significant difference was observed in the female subgroup between Arm A and Arms B and C (P = 0.09). No significant difference was detected for the various pain assessment procedures, functional criteria or quality‐of‐life criteria.

Conclusions

Corticosteroids provide no additional therapeutic benefits compared with local anaesthetic and should therefore no longer be used.

Tweetable abstract

Steroid infiltrations do not improve the results of local anaesthetic infiltrations in pudendal neuralgia.
Imaging in multiple sclerosis: A new spin on lesions
Authors: Bou Fakhredin Rayan , Saade Charbel , Kerek Racha , El‐Jamal Lara , Khoury Samia J , El‐Merhi Fadi
Published: July 2016

This article evaluates the most relevant state‐of‐the‐art magnetic resonance (MR) techniques that are clinically available to investigate multiple sclerosis (MS). The presence of hypo‐ and hyperintense lesions on T1‐ and T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences in white matter (WM) is a common finding that is occasionally a diagnostic challenge for the radiologist. The technical requirements and how they may help to understand, classify or follow‐up these pathologies are briefly summarized. The gold standard for MS diagnosis is pathological correlation. Yet due to limited availability of biopsy and autopsy material, there is a high demand for imaging as a diagnostic as well as prognostic indicator. With the progress in MRI during the last decade, MRI now plays a leading role in the diagnosis and follow‐up of MS. A number of correlative pathological and MR studies have helped to define pathological substrates of MS in focal lesions and normal appearing white matter (NAWM). Vascular spaces mimicking MS lesions have been minimized by the enhanced differentiation of WM and grey (GM) matter parenchyma. The aim of this article is to enhance the current understanding of histopathology and radiological characteristics of MS lesions in space and time.
Predictive model of mortality in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Authors: Poca M. , Alvarado‐Tapias E. , Concepción M. , Pérez‐Cameo C. , Cañete N. , Gich I. , Romero C. , Casas M. , Román E. , Castells L. , Vargas V. , Carrión J. A. , Guarner C. , Soriano G.
Published: July 2016

Background

Hospital mortality in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is high despite albumin treatment, particularly in those with worse liver and/or renal function.

Aim

To determine the independent predictive factors of in‐hospital mortality and to create and validate a predictive model of mortality in patients with SBP.

Methods

We analysed all cirrhotic patients with high‐risk SBP (serum urea ≥11 mmol/L and/or serum bilirubin ≥68 μmol/L) between 2001 and 2011. We developed a predictive model of in‐hospital mortality and validated this in a different cohort.

Results

We included 118 high‐risk SBP episodes treated with antibiotics and albumin. In‐hospital mortality was 33/118 (28%). The independent predictive factors of in‐hospital mortality at SBP diagnosis were serum urea, blood leucocyte count, Child–Pugh score and mean arterial pressure. A predictive model including these four variables showed a discrimination accuracy (AUC) of 0.850, 95% CI 0.777–0.922. A cut‐off point of 0.245 showed a sensitivity of 0.85 and specificity of 0.75. The in‐hospital mortality was 28/49 (57.1%) in patients with a model value ≥0.245, and 5/69 (7.2%) in patients with a model value <0.245 (P < 0.001). The validation series included 161 patients with an in‐hospital mortality of 40/161 (24.8%), 30/77 (39.0%) in patients with a model value ≥0.245, and 10/84 (11.9%) in those with a model value <0.245 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

We developed and validated a predictive model of mortality that includes serum urea, blood leucocyte count, Child–Pugh score and mean arterial pressure in high‐risk patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. These findings may help to identify patients who would benefit from additional therapeutic strategies.
Of migrants and middlemen: Cultivating access and challenging exclusion along the Vietnam–Cambodia border
Authors: Gorman Timothy , Beban Alice
Published: July 2016

In a possible sign of a new trend in Southeast Asia, economic pressures are driving smallholder shrimp farmers from Vietnam's Mekong Delta across the Cambodian border in search of new land. Building from ethnographic research with Vietnamese shrimp farmers in Kampot province, Cambodia, this paper explores the structures, mechanisms and relations that facilitate and impede the ability of Vietnamese migrants to gain and maintain access to land in Cambodia. The Vietnamese migrants in our study bring capital and farming skills, but their ambiguous legal status and their lack of social networks and experience with the terms of access in Cambodia render them vulnerable to exclusion and dependent on a local broker to mediate their interactions with landowners and authorities. We recount the migrants' attempts to overcome the uncertainty of their mediated access by bypassing the broker and cultivating direct social ties with Khmer villagers, border authorities and the landowners themselves. This study generates new insights into the dynamics of cross‐border livelihoods in mainland Southeast Asia and more broadly illuminates the central importance of migrant–broker relationships and migrant agency in seeking to overcome dependency on brokers by forging new social relations in border areas.
Beyond prices: The cultural economy of water in the Cordillera highlands of Northern Luzon, Philippines
Authors: Abansi Corazon L. , Doble Maria Consuelo C. , Cariño Jessica K. , Rola Agnes C.
Published: July 2016

This paper analyses how the economic actions of water distribution and exchange are embedded in the culture of indigenous communities in the Cordillera highlands of Northern Luzon, Philippines. Such actions are fundamental to water access and provisioning. Data was derived from a series of focus group discussions conducted with various water users, including households, farmers, enterprises and local government officials, and from upstream, midstream and downstream communities along the Balili River, a critical watershed in the Cordillera highlands. The study area exhibits a mix of livelihood systems and both formal and traditional institutions of decision‐making. Recognising that water is both an economic and social good, this paper draws inspiration from Polanyi's concept of embeddedness. Cases of three communities suggest that water distribution and exchange are embedded in the community's socio‐cultural spaces, but the extent of embeddedness declines as communities transform from subsistence to market‐based economies. Embeddedness also determines value and availability of water. The paper contributes to the discourse on the cultural economy of water and provides direction on new modes of decision‐making on river management that promise more inclusive, equitable and ecologically sustainable outcomes.
Phase I, multicenter, open‐label, dose‐escalation study of sonidegib in Asian patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Minami Hironobu , Ando Yuichi , Ma Brigette Buig Yue , Hsiang Lee Jih‐ , Momota Hiroyuki , Fujiwara Yutaka , Li Leung , Fukino Koichi , Ito Koji , Tajima Takeshi , Mori Asuka , Lin Chia‐Chi
Published: July 2016

Sonidegib is a selective inhibitor of Smoothened receptor, which is a key regulator of the Hedgehog signaling pathway. The purpose of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose based on dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) and the recommended dose (RD) of sonidegib in Asian patients with advanced solid tumors. This was an open‐label, single‐arm, multicenter, two‐group, parallel, dose‐escalation, phase I study undertaken in Asian patients; group 1 included patients from Japan and group 2 included patients from Hong Kong and Taiwan. Dose escalation was guided by a Bayesian logistic regression model dependent on DLTs in cycle 1 and other safety findings. A total of 45 adult Asian patients with confirmed advanced solid tumors were enrolled. Group 1 included 21 patients (12 treated with 400 mg q.d. [once daily] and 9 treated with 600 mg q.d.) and group 2 included 24 patients (12 treated with 400 mg q.d., 8 treated with 600 mg q.d., and 4 treated with 800 mg q.d.). Elevation in creatine kinase was the DLT in both groups. The most common adverse events suspected to be related to sonidegib in both patient groups were increase in creatine kinase levels, myalgia, fatigue, and abnormal hepatic function. The RD of 400 mg q.d. was defined in both groups. Difference in tolerability was noted between the East Asian patients and Western population. The RD in East Asian patients (400 mg q.d.) was lower than in patients from Europe and the USA (800 mg q.d. and 250 mg twice daily). (Registered with Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01208831.)
Major Element Chemical Heterogeneity in Geo2 Olivine Microbeam Reference Material: A Spatial Approach to Quantifying Heterogeneity in Primary Reference Materials
Authors: Pankhurst Matthew J. , Walshaw Richard , Morgan Daniel J.
Published: July 2016

A 270 spot‐analysis study was conducted across a large (ca. 1200 μm × 1200 μm) chip of Geo2 olivine from a commercially available GEO Mk2 block (P and H Developments , Standards for EPMA), which revealed an 8.7% relative range in FeO abundance. Interleaved and overlapping grids of different resolutions were measured sequentially to prove spatial patterns are not due to drift or other external sources of error. Results were mapped and interpolated using commercially available geographical information system software, such that composition could be predicted according to location with high accuracy. The simple, systematic zonation pattern observed demonstrates that useful‐sized regions of acceptable homogeneity do exist for some elements. This knowledge allows a user to target individual regions of a characterised chip for use as distinct measurement standards. As analysis times decrease and data sets grow, this approach may maximise laboratory efficiency by characterising large chips and extending time between conventional block repolish and coating, particularly in those cases where the avoidance of prior beam damage is a key concern.
Effect of CO2 Exposure on the Chemical Stability and Mechanical Properties of BaZrO3‐Ceramics
Authors: Sažinas Rokas , Bernuy‐López Carlos , Einarsrud Mari‐Ann , Grande Tor
Published: July 2016

The reactivity of BaZrO3 with CO2 has been addressed as one of the major challenges with BaZrO3‐based electrolytes in protonic ceramic fuel cells. Here, we present a study of the effect of CO2 exposure on BaZrO3‐materials at elevated temperatures. Dense BaZr1−xYxO3−x/2 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2) and BaCe0.2Zr0.7Y0.1O2.95 ceramics were prepared by sintering of powder prepared by spray pyrolysis. The Vickers indentation method was used to determine the hardness and estimate the fracture toughness of pristine materials as well as the corresponding materials exposed to CO2. Formation of BaCO3 on the surface of exposed ceramics was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and electron microcopy. The reaction resulted in formation of Ba‐deficient perovskite at the exposed surface. The reaction with CO2 was most pronounced at 650°C compared to the other temperatures applied in the study. The reactivity was also shown to depend on the Y‐content and the grain size and was most pronounced for BaZr0.9Y0.1O2.95. The reaction with CO2 was observed to have a profound effect on the fracture toughness of the ceramics, demonstrating a depression of the mechanical stability of the materials. The results are discussed with respect to the chemical and mechanical stability of BaZrO3 materials, with particular emphasis on the composition and grain size.
Electric Field‐Enhanced Solid‐State Conversion of Ceramic Sr5(PO4)3F to Crystals
Authors: Liu Yin , Wu Yiquan
Published: July 2016

The single crystal solid‐state conversion of fluorapatite‐type Sr5(PO4)3F (Sr‐FAP) has been achieved by spark plasma sintering with the assistance of NaF additive. NaF was determined to act as both a sintering aid and impurity solute along the grain boundaries (GBs), controlling both the space charge and GB migration rate. Postsintering isothermal annealing was performed to examine the effect of DC electric field on grain growth. From the space charge potential determined from impedance spectra measurements, in combination with the theoretical contribution of space charge to grain‐boundary energy reduction, it was concluded that the magnitude of the space charge in Sr‐FAP is temperature dependent. As such, a moderate decrease in polycrystalline GB driving force is the main cause for the increased single crystal migration length that was observed in this study.
Laboratory and field validation of a simple method for detecting four species of non‐native freshwater fish using eDNA
Authors: Davison P. I. , Créach V. , Liang W.‐J. , Andreou D. , Britton J. R. , Copp G. H.
Published: July 2016

This paper presents the first phase in the development and validation of a simple and reliable environmental (e)DNA method using conventional PCR to detect four species of non‐native freshwater fish: pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus, sunbleak Leucaspius delineatus, fathead minnow Pimephales promelas and topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva. The efficacy of the approach was demonstrated in indoor tank (44 l) trials in which all four species were detected within 24 h. Validation was through two field trials, in which L. gibbosus was detected 6–12 h after its introduction into outdoor experimental ponds and P. parva was successfully detected in disused fish rearing ponds where the species was known to exist. Thus, the filtration of small (30 ml) volumes of pond water was sufficient to capture fish eDNA and the approach emphasised the importance of taking multiple water samples of sufficient spatial coverage for detecting species of random or patchy distribution.
Alternate promoter usage generates two subpopulations of the neuronal RhoGEF Kalirin‐7
Authors: Miller Megan B. , Yan Yan , Wu Yi , Hao Bing , Mains Richard E. , Eipper Betty A.
Published: July 2016

Kalirin (Kal), a dual Rho GDP/GTP exchange factor (GEF), plays essential roles within and outside the nervous system. Tissue‐specific, developmentally regulated alternative splicing generates isoforms with one (Kal7) or two (Kal9, Kal12) GEF domains along with a kinase (Kal12) domain; while Kal9 and Kal12 are crucial for neurite outgrowth, Kal7 plays important roles in spine maintenance and synaptic plasticity. Tissue‐specific usage of alternate Kalrn promoters (A, B, C, D) places four different peptides before the Sec14 domain. cSec14, with an amphipathic helix encoded by the C‐promoter (Kal‐C‐helix), is the only variant known to interact with phosphoinositides. We sought to elucidate the biological significance of Kalirin promoter usage and lipid binding. While Ex1B expression was predominant early in development, Ex1C expression increased when synaptogenesis occurred. Kal‐C‐helix‐containing Kal7 (cKal7) was enriched at the postsynaptic density, present in the microsomal fraction and absent from cytosol; no significant amount of cKal9 or cKal12 could be identified in mouse brain. Similarly, in primary hippocampal neurons, endogenous cKalirin colocalized with postsynaptic density 95 in dendritic spines, juxtaposed to Vglut1‐positive puncta. When expressed in young neurons, bSec14‐EGFP was diffusely distributed, while cSec14‐EGFP localized to internal puncta. Transfected bKal7‐EGFP and cKal7‐EGFP localized to dendritic spines and increased spine density in more mature cultured neurons. Although promoter usage did not alter the Rac‐GEF activity of Kal7, the synaptic puncta formed by cKal7‐EGFP were smaller than those formed by bKal7‐EGFP. Molecular modeling predicted a role for Kal‐C‐helix residue Arg15 in the interaction of cSec14 with phosphoinositides. Consistent with this prediction, mutation of Arg15 to Gln altered the localization of cSec14‐EGFP and cKal7‐EGFP. These data suggest that phosphoinositide‐dependent interactions unique to cKal7 contribute to protein localization and function.

image

Cover Image for this issue: doi. 10.1111/jnc.13791.
Dispositional Affect Moderates the Stress‐Buffering Effect of Social Support on Risk for Developing the Common Cold
Authors: Janicki Deverts Denise , Cohen Sheldon , Doyle William J.
Published: July 2016

Objective

The aim was to examine whether trait positive and negative affect (PA, NA) moderate the stress‐buffering effect of perceived social support on risk for developing a cold subsequent to being exposed to a virus that causes mild upper respiratory illness.

Method

Analyses were based on archival data from 694 healthy adults (Mage = 31.0 years,SD = 10.7 years; 49.0% female; 64.6% Caucasian). Perceived social support and perceived stress were assessed by self‐report questionnaire and trait affect by aggregating responses to daily mood items administered by telephone interview across several days. Subsequently, participants were exposed to a virus that causes the common cold and monitored for 5 days for clinical illness (infection + objective signs of illness).

Results

Two 3‐way interactions emerged—Support × Stress × PA and Support × Stress × NA. The nature of these effects was such that among persons with high trait PA or low trait NA, greater social support attenuated the risk of developing a cold when under high but not low perceived stress; this stress‐buffering effect did not emerge among persons with low trait PA or high trait NA.

Conclusions

Dispositional affect might be used to identify individuals who may be most responsive to social support and support‐based interventions.
Is it possible to achieve bio-equivalence between an oral solid immediate-release and an analogue enteric-coated formulation?
Authors: Licht Dannit , Cohen Rachel , Spiegelstein Ofer , Rabinovich-Guilatt Laura , Zholkovsky Marina , Gilbert Adrian , Dressman Jennifer B , Safadi Muhammad
Published: July 2016

Objectives

While bioequivalence between enteric-coated and immediate-release formulations can be achieved in terms of AUC, gastric emptying of enteric-coated dosage forms is a stochastic event, usually leading to lower Cmax values than those observed with the corresponding immediate release. This article examines challenges of developing enteric-coated dosage forms which are bioequivalent to the corresponding immediate-release formulations in terms of both AUC and Cmax using rasagiline as a model compound.

Methods

In vitro drug release profiles of enteric-coated formulations were obtained and compared to those of the immediate-release formulation by dissolution testing. Pharmacokinetics was evaluated in bioequivalence studies in healthy human volunteers after single oral administration of enteric-coated and immediate-release formulations.

Key findings

The initial enteric-coated pellet formulation prototype was equivalent in terms of AUC, but differed in Cmax; a second formulation prototype, consisting of a single-unit core and enteric-coating film, proved to be bioequivalent to immediate-release rasagiline tablets in terms of AUC and Cmax. In vitro, it released rasagiline rapidly at a pH of 6.8.

Conclusions

Despite differences in gastric emptying between disintegrating immediate-release and enteric-coated solid dosage forms, bioequivalence in pharmacokinetic studies was achieved.
Health and Health Care Access of Rural Women Veterans: Findings From the National Survey of Women Veterans
Authors: Cordasco Kristina M. , Mengeling Michelle A. , Yano Elizabeth M. , Washington Donna L.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Disparities in health and health care access between rural and urban Americans are well documented. There is evidence that these disparities are mirrored within the US veteran population. However, there are few studies assessing this issue among women veterans (WVs).

Methods

Using the 2008–2009 National Survey of Women Veterans, a population‐based cross‐sectional national telephone survey, we examined rural WVs’ health and health care access compared to urban WVs. We measured health using the Medical Outcomes Study Short‐Form (SF‐12); access using measures of regular source of care (RSOC), health care utilization, and unmet needs; and barriers to getting needed care.

Findings

Rural WVs have significantly worse physical health functioning compared to urban WVs (mean physical component score of 43.6 for rural WVs versus 47.2 for urban WVs; P = .007). Rural WVs were more likely to have a VA RSOC (16.4% versus 10.6%; P = .009) and use VA health care (21.7% versus 12.9%; P < .001), and had fewer non‐VA health care visits compared with urban WVs (mean 4.2 versus 5.9; P = .021). They had similar overall numbers of health care visits (mean 5.8 versus 7.1; P = .11 ). Access barriers were affordability for rural WVs and work release time for urban WVs. Rural WVs additionally reported that transportation was a major factor affecting health care decisions.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate VA's crucial role in addressing disparities in health and health care access for rural WVs. As VA continues to strive to optimally meet the needs of all WVs, innovative care models need to account for their high health care needs and persistent barriers to care.
Hospital‐based study of the distribution of pathogens in adult bacterial meningitis with underlying disease in Tokyo, Japan
Authors: Takahashi Keiko , Ogawa Katsuhiko , Ishikawa Harumi , Morita Akihiko , Hara Makoto , Minami Masayuki , Shiota Hiroshi , Suzuki Yutaka , Teramoto Hiroko , Ebashi Momoko , Saito Mari , Ninomiya Satoko , Akimoto Takayoshi , Shiobara Keiji , Mitsuke Kazutaka , Kamei Satoshi
Published: July 2016

Background and Aim

Therapeutic management of bacterial meningitis worldwide has been established based on the patient age and risk factors.

Aim

The present study investigated the distribution of pathogens and outcomes in adult bacterial meningitis with underlying disease in Tokyo, Japan.

Methods

Participants in this retrospective study were 131 adult cases diagnosed with having bacterial meningitis based on their clinical symptoms and laboratory data. All patients had been admitted to our hospitals (Nihon University Itabashi Hospital and Surugadai Hospital) in Tokyo, Japan, between 1984 and 2013. Bacterial meningitis was classified with underlying disease into three groups, as follows: group 1, invasive procedures or complicated head trauma within the preceding 3 months (n = 35); group 2, immunocompromised status (n = 37); or group 3, both conditions (n = 31). Poor outcome was defined as a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 1–3.

Results

The distribution of pathogens differed significantly in each group. The most common pathogen in each group was Staphylococcus epidermidis (23.7%) in group 1; penicillin‐intermediate Streptococcus pneumoniae (12.8%) in group 2; and Staphylococcus epidermidis (13.9%) in group 3. The highest rate of mortality and poor outcome was shown in group 2, and followed by group 3 and 1. The rate of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria was 68.9% for all pathogens in bacterial meningitis with underlying disease, 70.6% in group 1, 55.6% in group 2 and 80.6% in group 3.

Conclusion

This is the first retrospective study of the distribution of pathogens and outcomes in adult bacterial meningitis with underlying disease in Japan.
‘Justice and Colonialism’
Authors: Moore Margaret
Published: July 2016

This paper examines the relationship between justice and colonialism. It defines colonialism; examines the kind of injustice that colonialism involved; and the possibility of corrective justice.
The Institutional Presidency in Latin America: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Inácio Magna , Llanos Mariana
Published: July 2016

This article focuses on the evolution of the institutional presidency in six Latin American presidential democracies since the last wave of redemocratization. Institutional presidency refers to the bulk of agencies that operate under direct presidential authority and are in charge of supporting the presidential leadership. We document all structural changes occurring under the umbrella of the president for the period of analysis. We find that the expansion in the number of presidential agencies is a deliberate response to situations of conflict or weakness. It is more likely under coalitional presidentialism—when presidents must share cabinet positions and manage relationships with coalition partners—as well as when presidents implement structural reform policies to face critical economic circumstances.
Effectiveness of demand generation interventions on use of modern contraceptives in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Belaid L. , Dumont A. , Chaillet N. , Zertal A. , De Brouwere V. , Hounton S. , Ridde V.
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To synthesise evidence on the implementation, costs and cost‐effectiveness of demand generation interventions and their effectiveness in improving uptake of modern contraception methods.

Methods

A Cochrane systematic review was conducted. Searches were performed in electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE) and the grey literature. Randomised controlled trials, cluster randomised trials and quasi‐experimental studies, including controlled before–after studies (CBAs) and cost and cost‐effectiveness studies that aimed to assess demand interventions (including community‐ and facility‐based interventions, financial mechanisms and mass media campaigns) in low‐ and middle‐income countries were considered. Meta‐analyses and narrative synthesis were conducted.

Results

In total, 20 papers meeting the inclusion criteria were included in this review. Of those, 13 were used for meta‐analysis. Few data were available on implementation and on the influence of context on demand interventions. Involving family members during counselling, providing education activities and increasing exposure to those activities could enhance the success of demand interventions. Demand generation interventions were positively associated with increases in current use (pooled OR 1.57; 95% CI: 1.46–1.69, P < 0.01). Financial mechanism interventions (vouchers) appeared effective to increase use of modern contraceptive methods (pooled OR 2.16; 95% CI: 1.91–2.45, P < 0.01; I2 = 0%). Demand interventions improved knowledge (pooled OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.63–1.64, P = 0.93) and attitudes towards family planning and improved discussion with partners/husbands around modern contraceptive methods. However, given the limited number of studies included in each category of demand generation interventions, the dates of publication of the studies and their low quality, caution is advised in considering the results. Very limited evidence was available on costs; studies including data on costs were old and inconsistent.

Conclusion

Demand generation interventions contribute to increases in modern contraceptive methods use. However, more studies with robust designs are needed to identify the most effective demand generation intervention to increase uptake of modern contraceptive methods. More evidence is also needed about implementation, costs and cost‐effectiveness to inform decisions on sustainability and scaling‐up.
CRR1 encoding callose synthase functions in ovary expansion by affecting vascular cell patterning in rice
Authors: Song Longzhen , Wang Ruci , Zhang Li , Wang Yueming , Yao Shanguo
Published: July 2016

The ovary of rice undergoes rapid expansion immediately after fertilization, and this process determines the final sink strength potential of caryopses. To date, work on rice grain development has mainly focused on endosperm filling, whereas information on the essential elements for ovary expansion remains limited. We report here a functional analysis of the ovary expansion retarded mutant crr1 in rice. Map‐based cloning revealed that CRR1 encodes a protein homologous to the Arabidopsis callose synthases AtGSL8 and AtGSL10. Point mutation in crr1 resulted in alternative splicing, which led to the formation of the truncated crr1 protein without the β‐glucan synthase domain. Iodine staining showed that there were few starch granules and these were unevenly distributed in the pericarp of crr1, and a 5,6‐carboxyfluorescein diacetate transport assay revealed that carbohydrates were less efficiently unloaded from the lateral vasculature into the developing caryopsis. CRR1 transcripts were detected in all plant organs, with the highest level found in receptacles, which are mainly composed of vascular tissues. Analysis of pCRR1::GUS transgenic plants showed that CRR1 was specifically expressed in vascular bundle cells. Consistently, loss of function of CRR1 led to disordered patterns of vascular cells in the ovaries and receptacles of the mutant. Furthermore, a small portion of cells in the vascular bundles of crr1 showed defective cell wall formation, and callose deposition was specifically reduced at the plasmodesmata (PD) of cells with aberrant walls. Our results suggest that CRR1 performs a pivotal role in determining initial ovary expansion in rice, possibly via the PD‐mediated permeability of cell fate determinants for vascular cell differentiation.
Optimal transfusion practices after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: a systematic scoping review of evidence from randomized controlled trials
Authors: Christou Grace , Iyengar Ahbinav , Shorr Risa , Tinmouth Alan , Saidenberg Elianna , Maze Dawn , Tay Jason , Bredeson Christopher , Allan David S.
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Integrating evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) into patient care is needed to optimize patient outcomes. Transfusion support during allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) is a cornerstone of essential supportive care, yet optimal transfusion practices remain unclear.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A scoping review of RCTs in alloHCT was conducted and 14 full‐length articles on transfusion practice were identified that reported clinical outcomes after alloHCT.

RESULTS

Eight RCTs compared various interventions related to platelet (PLT) transfusion, addressing product storage duration, dosage, and threshold for transfusion. Restrictive prophylactic PLT transfusion strategies were successful at reducing PLT consumption without impacting clinical outcomes. One study, however, reported increased bleeding associated with a strategy whereby patients did not receive prophylactic PLT transfusions. One study of thrombopoietin was associated with reduced PLT transfusion events but no difference in clinical outcomes compared to placebo. Six RCTs examined the utility of recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) in reducing red blood cell (RBC) transfusion dependence. Four trials reported an increase in hemoglobin levels while five studies demonstrated a reduction in RBC utilization; however, clinical outcomes were variably reported and no differences were identified. There were no RCTs examining RBC transfusion strategies, plasma transfusion, or plasma‐derived protein administration.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic PLT transfusion when PLTs are fewer than 10 × 109/L can prevent bleeding and is consistent with recent guidelines. Thrombopoietin and EPO can reduce transfusion requirements; however, potential safety concerns remain and the lack of improvement in clinical outcomes and high cost may limit use. Additional RCTs are needed, particularly with regard to RBC transfusion thresholds, to refine best practices after alloHCT.
SOOT PARTICLE MEASUREMENT IN ENGINE CYLINDER: A REVIEW
Authors: Ibrahim Fadzli , Wan Mahmood Wan Mohd Faizal , Abdullah Shahrir , Abu Mansor Mohd Radzi
Published: July 2016

This review article describes a list of most common techniques of soot measurement, particularly for in-cylinder diesel engine soot. The techniques presented in this paper are Laser Induced Incandescence (LII), Light/Laser Extinction Measurement (LEM), Light/Laser Scattering Measurement (LSM), Emission Tomographic (ET) and Thermophoretic Sampling. All techniques are briefly elaborated and their principles of operation, as well as their applications and current issues, are covered. It is commonly acknowledged that non-invasive techniques feature some advantages and are more preferable compared to invasive techniques. Besides, more modern technique such as ET is said to be most widely applied in the future due to its high level of accuracy. However, there are possibilities that both invasive and non-invasive methods can complement each other to obtain more accurate soot measurements.
ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF HIGH VOLUME BIOMASS WASTE MORTAR
Authors: Muttashar Habeeb Lateef , Hussin M. W. , Mirza Jahanger , Huseien Ghasan Fahim
Published: July 2016

This paper represents the effects of using waste generated from palm oil industries like ash, shell and fibre on the engineering properties of mortar. Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) was used as cement replacement up to 60% and Oil Palm Kernel Shell (OPKS) as sand replacement in mortar mixture. The Oil Palm Fibre was added to increase the strengthening performance of mortar. The method used to find the water binder ratio was by trial and error method with 1:3 ratio of cement to sand. The cubes size of 70mm x 70mm x 70mm, beams size of 40mm x 40mm x 160mm, and cylinders size of 70mm diameter and 150mm height, were cast and tested for compressive strength, flexural strength and splitting tensile strengths of mortar. Samples were cured in water before testing it at 7, 28, and 60 days. Also, the water absorption of mortar was tested at the age of 28 days. The results showed that oil palm fibre provided more advantages and increase the strength properties especially in the flexural and tensile strength. The addition of Oil Palm Kernel Shell reduced the density of mortar and it can be used for lightweight application.  The test results also showed that as the POFA ratio increased, the compressive strength of mortar decreased. However, as OPKS ratio increased, the density was found to be decreased. The mix proportions using 60% POFA and 20% OPKS was considered as the optimum mix design. The mortar showed optimum strength at 9% with the addition of fibre.
ROUTING PROTOCOLS FOR MOBILE AD-HOC NETWORK: A QUALITATIVE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Authors: Ismail Roswan , Zulkifli Che Zalina , Samsudin Khairulanuar
Published: July 2016

Routing in MANET is a challenging task due to the dynamic nature of the participating nodes in MANET. This challenge has led to the development of many different routing protocols, with each originator claiming that his or her proposed protocol was more effective than its predecessors were. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of these protocols relies on the prevailing network scenarios, which differ in terms of node density and traffic. Against this challenging backdrop, the authors provide an overview of the different MANET protocols, such as OLSR, AODV, DSR, DSDV, ZRP and TORA, which are broadly classified based on three categories, namely Proactive (table-driven), Reactive (on-demand) and Hybrid routing protocol. The authors then provide a comparative analysis of the different protocols based on qualitative metrics. This paper concludes by highlighting the expected performance of each protocol for a particular network environment, which is deemed suitable based on the specific characteristics of the protocol.
A REVIEW ON ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AND ITS RELATED ANALYSIS
Authors: Sim Chee Mei Priscilla , Ahmad Anita
Published: July 2016

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been widely stated as the most common arrhythmias (irregularities of heart rhythm) which could lead to severe heart problem such as stroke. Many studies have been conducted to understand and explain its mechanism by analyzing its signal, in either time domain or frequency domain. This paper aims to provide basic information on the AF by reviewing relevant papers. Overall, this paper will provide review on the underlying theory of AF, AF mechanism as well as the common relevant signal processing steps and analysis.
ARTIFACT REMOVAL AND BRAIN RHYTHM DECOMPOSITION FOR EEG SIGNAL USING WAVELET APPROACH
Authors: Sayed Daud Syarifah Noor Syakiylla , Sudirman Rubita
Published: July 2016

This recent study introduces and discusses briefly the use of wavelet approach in removing the artifacts and extraction of features for electroencephalography (EEG) signal. Many of new approaches have been discovered by the researcher for processing the EEG signal. Generally, the EEG signal processing can be divided into pre-processing and post-processing.  The aim of processing is to remove the unwanted signal and to extract important features from the signal.  However, the selections of non-suitable approach affect the actual result and wasting the time and energy.  Wavelet is among the effective approach that can be used for processing the biomedical signal.  The wavelet approach can be performed in MATLAB toolbox or by coding, that require a simple and basic command. In this paper, the application of wavelet approach for EEG signal processing is introduced. Moreover, this paper also discusses the effect of using db3 mother wavelet with 5th decomposition level of stationary wavelet transform and db4 mother wavelet with 7th decomposition level of discrete wavelet transform in removing the noise and decomposing of the brain rhythm. Besides, the simulation result are also provided for better configuration.
OBJECTIVE MEASUREMENT FOR SURGICAL SKILL EVALUATION
Authors: Ahmmad Siti Nor Zawani , Su Lee Ming Eileen , Che Fai Yeong , Sood Suneet , Gandhi Anil
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this study was to identify measurable parameters that can be used to quantitatively assess psychomotor skills, specifically for surgical skills assessment. Sixteen participants were recruited from two groups: surgeon (N = 5) and non-surgeon (N = 11). Both groups underwent a psychomotor test using a custom developed ‘Green Target’ module which was designed using a virtual reality system. Six parameters were used to compare the psychomotor skills between the two groups. The results showed that surgeons outperformed the non-surgeons in five out of six parameters investigated and the difference was statistically significant. The average normalised comparison values for surgeons and non-surgeons for motion path accuracy, motion path precision, economy of movement, end-point accuracy and end-point precision were 0.13+0.12 and 0.17+0.12, 0.08+0.11 and 0.10+0.10, 3.76+1.76 and 4.08+2.24, 0.12+0.10 and 0.17+0.11, 0.04+0.10 and 0.07+0.10 respectively, p < 0.05). These parameters can potentially be used to objectively assess the performance of surgical skill.
EFFECT OF RAINFALL ON TRAFFIC FLOW CHARACTERISTICS DURING NIGHT TIME
Authors: Mukhlas Nurul ‘Azizah , Mashros Nordiana , Che Puan Othman , Hassan Sitti Asmah , Abdul Hassan Norhidayah , Abdullah Rini Asnida , Rahman Raha
Published: July 2016

Understanding traffic behavior for obtaining a smooth, safe and economical traffic operation requires a thorough knowledge of traffic flow parameters and their mutual relationships.Eventhough adverse weather can reduce traffic efficiencies, there are still questions to answer regarding the relationship between weather conditions and traffic flow at night. This paper presents an investigation of the rainfall effects to the traffic flow characteristics on atwo-lane rural highway during night time. The traffic data and corresponding rainfall data for uninterrupted road segment of Federal route 3 at Dungun, Terengganu were collected under road lighting condition during the north-east monsoon season. The effect of good weather condition, light rain, moderate rain and heavy rain conditions on speed, flow and density were quantified and compared. Results from the analysis indicate that mean speed, mean flow and mean density are reduced under various rainfall conditions. In general, the impact of good weather and various rainfall conditions on Greenshield’s fundamental traffic flow relationship have weak correlations except for the relationship between flow and density. The important points in the fundamental diagram derived from flow-density relationships indicated that critical density, maximum flow, critical speed, jam density and free flow speed of roadway all decrease as rainfall intensity increases. It can be concluded that traffic flow characteristics of two-lane rural highway in Terengganu are affected by rainfall conditions.
OPERATING SPEED OF VEHICLES DURING RAINFALL AT NIGHT: CASE STUDY IN PONTIAN, JOHOR
Authors: Hassan Sitti Asmah , Wong Lavine , Mashros Nordiana , Mohammed Alhassan Hashim , Abdul Sukor Nur Sabahiah , Rohani Munzilah , Minhans Anil
Published: July 2016

Speed is one of the important parameters of traffic flow that can be used to determine the performance of driver’s behaviour under various scenarios. Changes in weather conditions caused changes in drivers’ speed due to various reasons. In Malaysia, there is slightly high number of road accidents at night. Rainfall at night does not only cause poor visibility to drivers, but it also gives a sense of insecurity especially as there is a significant reduction in the visibility of the object in front. Improper road conditions can worsen the situation, for example, rainfall can cause water accumulation on road surfaces which can increase skidding problem, potholes and hydroplaning effect. In relation to these situations, hence it is crucial to understand how the abrupt situation affect response of driver’s in terms of the macroscopic behaviour. These unpredictable environmental changes seem like portraying a very unpleasant journey for drivers especially to travel under rainfall condition at night. Therefore, there is a need to observe how individual vehicles react in terms of speed adjustment and response to the different rainfall intensities downpour at night. Hence this study was conducted to determine the impact of different rainfall intensities at night on vehicles’ speed. Traffic data was obtained using automatic traffic counter at a cross section of a road at Pengkalan Raja, Pontian for about three months during monsoon season. Rainfall data report was obtained from the Department of Drainage and Irrigation, Pontian. From this study, it was found that there is a speed reduction from the dry condition regardless of rainfall intensities at night. As rainfall intensities at night higher, the speed reduction is higher as well except for heavy rainfall condition.   The mean speed, 15th percentile and 85th percentile of vehicles decrease with the increase in rainfall intensity at night. It can be concluded that rainfall have impact on vehicle’s speed irrespective of their intensities. Findings from this study can be used to help local authorities and transport planners in planning an efficient traffic management system for a safer travel experience to road users in Malaysia.
ACCIDENT DUE TO PAVEMENT CONDITION – A REVIEW
Authors: Nair Baskara Sudesh , Yaacob Haryati , Hainin Mohd Rosli , Hassan Sitti Asmah
Published: July 2016

Accidents are a never ending issue and have been in the rise for the past decades. It has been a significant contributor towards death of human which is alarming yearly with the increase of road users and also with the large construction of road pavement around the globe. This paper is intended to provide an overview regarding the rate of accident and pavement conditions. Human factors has been widely known and established as one of the main contributor to road accidents. This study therefore will be focusing more on to pavement conditions, where its relation with accidents needs to be further explored. Macrotexture, microtexture and surface roughness plays an important role in providing an acceptable and ideal pavement condition. Higher friction between the tire and pavement should be established in order to resist skid and rutting effects. In order to solve problems related to accidents, the causes of accidents has to be further analyzed. A review on pavement conditions and accidents will be discussed further in this paper.