bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O Bestiário de Nemésio ou como escrever uma Zoopoética açoriana
Authors: Silva Anna
Published: January 2019

Para problematizar o antropocentrismo epistémico, encontramos nas últimas décadas do século XX e início do século XXI o desenvolvimento de um novo campo de investigação denominado Estudos Animais. Neste novo campo, o enfoque das investigações entrecruza várias linhas de pesquisa em ciências humanas e biológicas abarcando tanto a bioética e a biopolítica como as reflexões históricas, antropológicas, filosóficas e literárias. Entre os autores pioneiros que buscaram desconstruir e reconfigurar fora da esfera do antropocentrismo o próprio conceito de humano, constituem referências importantes para o desenvolvimento do presente estudo as teses defendidas pelo filósofo Georges Bataille. No que tange à literatura, meu interesse recai sobre a poesia de Vitorino Nemésio que, de forma instigante, propõe novas maneiras de pensar as complexas e controversas relações entre homens e animais não humanos. *** The Bestiary of Nemésio or how to write an Azorean zoopoetic ***In order to problematize epistemic anthropocentrism, we find in the last decades of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century the development of a new field of research called Animal Studies. In this new field, the research approach intersects several lines of research in the human and biological sciences, encompassing both bioethics and biopolitics, as well as historical, anthropological, philosophical and literary reflections. Among the pioneer authors who sought to deconstruct and reconfigure the very concept of human being outside the sphere of anthropocentrism, the theses defended by the philosopher Georges Bataille are important references for the development of the present study. As far as literature is concerned, my interest rests on the poetry of Vitorino Nemésio, who, in an enticing way, proposes new ways of thinking about the complex and controversial relations between men and nonhuman animals.Keywords: anthropocentrism; animal studies; Nemésio; Bataille.
Hybrid Capture-Based Genomic Profiling Identifies BRAF V600 and Non-V600 Alterations in Melanoma Samples Negative by Prior Testing
Authors: Boussemart Lise , Nelson Annie , Wong Michael , Ross Jeffrey S. , Sosman Jeffrey , Mehnert Janice , Daniels Gregory , Kendra Kari , Ali Siraj Mahamed , Miller Vincent A. , Schrock Alexa B.
Published: January 2019

Background

BRAF and MEK inhibitors are approved for BRAF V600-mutated advanced melanoma, with response rates of up to 70%. Responses to targeted therapies have also been observed for diverse non-V600 BRAF alterations. Thus, sensitive, accurate, and broad detection of BRAF alterations is critical to match patients with available targeted therapies.

Materials and Methods

Pathology reports were reviewed for 385 consecutive melanoma cases with BRAF mutations or rearrangements identified using a hybrid capture-based next-generation sequencing comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) assay during the course of clinical care.

Results

Records of prior BRAF molecular testing were available for 79 (21%) cases. Of cases with BRAF V600 mutations, 11/57 (19%) with available data were negative by prior BRAF testing. Prior negative BRAF results were also identified in 16/20 (80%) cases with non-V600 mutations, 2 of which harbored multiple BRAF alterations, and in 2/2 (100%) cases with activating BRAF fusions. Clinical outcomes for a subset of patients are presented.

Conclusion

CGP identifies diverse activating BRAF alterations in a significant fraction of cases with prior negative testing. Given the proven clinical benefit of BRAF/MEK inhibitors in BRAF-mutated melanoma, CGP should be considered for patients with metastatic melanoma, particularly if other testing is negative.
Suspected Hereditary Cancer Syndromes in Young Patients: Heterogeneous Clinical and Genetic Presentation of Colorectal Cancers
Authors: Maletzki Claudia , Hühns Maja , Bauer Ingrid , Prall Friedrich , Junghanss Christian , Henze Larissa
Published: January 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is rare in young patients without a confirmed family history of cancer. Reports of an increased prevalence of POLD1/POLE mutations in young patients with colorectal cancer have raised awareness and support routine genetic testing for patients with early-onset tumors. In cases of CRC without proven MMR-germline mutation, molecular analyses are warranted to confirm or rule out other familial CRC syndromes. This article describes the cases of two young male patients, who presented with locally advanced and metastatic CRC, and reports the results of the germline mutational analyses done for both patients. These cases demonstrate the importance of special care and molecular diagnostic procedures for young patients with CRC.

Key Points

Patients with colorectal cancer who are younger than 50 years at initial diagnosis (early onset) should routinely undergo genetic testing. Early- and very-early-onset patients (younger than 40 years) with absence of microsatellite instability should be considered for tumor mutation burden testing and/or DNA polymerase proofreading mutation. The mutational signature of HSP110 within mismatch repair deficiency-related tumors may help to identify patients likely to benefit from 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy. Intensified, maintained, and specific surveillance may help to reduce secondary tumor progression.
Silver nanoparticle synthesis fromPlumbago zeylanicaand its dye degradation activity
Authors: Roy Arpita , Bharadvaja Navneeta
Published: January 2019

Silver nanoparticle synthesis using plants has great potential as it is cost-effective, environment-friendly, reproducible and energy saving compared to chemical or physical methods. The present investigation deals with influence of various conditions on silver nanoparticle synthesis from in vitro-grown Plumbago zeylanica. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed the formation of nanoparticles, FT-IR spectroscopy provided information about functional groups attached to the nanoparticles’ surface; XRD analysis illustrated their crystalline structure. The shape (spherical) and size (55 nm) of synthesized nanoparticles was confirmed by using SEM and TEM. The antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles was evaluated against five bacteria using the disk diffusion method, and a positive result was obtained against four bacteria. The catalytic and photocatalytic degradation efficiency of silver nanoparticles was also evaluated, and it was found that the catalytic efficiency of silver nanoparticles in the case of phenol red, methylene blue and methyl red is higher than in the case of eosin Y, whose photocatalytic degradation showed higher efficiency. This indicates that synthesized silver nanoparticles are capable of degrading organic dyes. This approach can be utilized for degradation of organic dyes at a large scale.
Overflow erosion of levees and dams – UK practice and research needs
Authors: Mitchell Chrissy , Brown Alan , Morris Mark
Published: January 2019

This paper describes the stock of levees and reservoir embankments in the United Kingdom, current practice in managing the risk of failure due to overflow, and research needs to improve their resilience to failure. It is a summary of two presentations made to the International workshop on overflow of embankment and concrete dams at Aussois in December 2017. Although the examples to illustrate points made are typically based on data for England, in general terms similar issues apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Although some of the issues are common to internal erosion, in particular the need to better understand the rate of erosion, and how quickly internal erosion could progress to failure (release of the retained water), this paper is limited to overflow erosion.
Might Makes Right or Right Makes Might? Two Systemic Democratic Peace Tales
Authors: Harrison Ewan , Mitchell Sara McLaughlin
Published: January 2019

In a path-breaking article, Wade Huntley (1996) reinterpreted Immanuel Kant’s pacific union as a systemic phenomenon. Huntley’s argument spawned a new wave of inquiry into the evolutionary expansion of the democratic peace, with several empirical studies finding a positive relationship between global democracy and systemic peace (e.g. Crescenzi and Enterline 1999; Gleditsch and Hegre 1997; Kadera, Crescenzi, and Shannon 2003; Mitchell, Gates, and Hegre 1999). Yet, there are many possible theoretical explanations of this aggregate relationship. In this paper, we compare two broad theoretical tales of the systemic democratic peace. The first approach, “might makes right”, emphasizes the importance of authority for creating liberal peace, especially the role played by a democratic hegemon and liberal major powers. The second approach, “right makes might”, traces the evolution of the systemic democratic peace to shifts in morality and liberal norms, drawing from work by Rawls (1999) and Wendt (1999). We compare and contrast these two broad theoretical tales, and argue that both “might” and “right” are important to the dynamic spread of the democratic peace. We then consider possible tensions between “might” and “right” based arguments highlighted by the recent Iraq War. We argue that it is grossly over-simplistic to equate the theoretical arguments being put forward by systemic democratic peace theory with the policy prescriptions put forward by the current US administration. As an alternative to both the assertion of a general right to coercive intervention by liberal states and blanket opposition to democracy as a universal project, we present the case for a middle ground, advocating the prudent use of material levers of power by liberal states to promote democracy overseas.
The Relationship between Turnout and Competition Levels in Russia
Authors: Reisinger William M , Moraski Bryon J
Published: January 2019

We examine voter turnout in the 89 administrative units comprising the Russian Federation for elections to the presidency and the State Duma (the lower house of parliament) from 1991 to 2007. Politics within these regions has come to vary substantially, and they therefore are apt cases for examining factors that drive turnout levels. The collapse of the Soviet Union introduced relatively free elections at the national level, which were gradually expanded to the subnational level with the popular election of regional executives. However, Vladimir Putin’s ascension to the presidency is now widely recognized as ushering in a new era, one of managed competition. From 2000 on, Putin gradually reasserted the influence of the central government--particularly the executive branch--over regional elections and ultimately eliminated the popular election of regional executives. Thus, although the factors explaining how regional turnout varies include economic and social conditions, voting levels should not always be equated with democratic participation since in extreme cases—such as the Russian Federation—the two may be negatively correlated. Our analyses illuminate the differences across Russian regions as well as between the Yeltsin and Putin years. We find substantial evidence of elite-driven turnout, accomplished in large part thanks to the persistence of patron-client ties.
Species-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) protocol developed to identify Haplosporidium pinnae v1
Authors: López-Sanmartín Monserrat , Catanese Gaetano , Grau Amalia , María Valencia Jose , Rafa García-March Jose , Ignacio Navas José
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study has been to develop species-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) protocol carrying out a fast, specific and effective molecular diagnose of Haplosporidium pinnae. In this sense, the detection limit for qPCR was equal to 30 copies of SSU rDNA / ng of DNA using plasmid alone and when 100ng DNA of non-infected oyster were added.
Southern blotting probes for HBV genotype D v1
Authors: Takeuchi Fumihiko
Published: January 2019

Southern blotting probes for HBV genotype D. HBV cccDNA, rcDNA, and dslDNA can be detected by these probes.
PCR purification v1
Authors: Lima Ana
Published: January 2019

The GeneJET™ PCR Purification Kit is designed for rapid and efficient purification of DNA from PCR and other enzymatic reaction mixtures. The kit utilizes a proprietary silica-based membrane technology in the form of a convenient spin column, eliminating the need for tedious resin manipulations or toxic phenol-chloroform extractions. The GeneJET PCR Purification Kit effectively removes primers, dNTPs, unincorporated labeled nucleotides, enzymes and salts from PCR and other reaction mixtures. The kit can be used for purification of DNA fragments from 25 bp to 20 kb. The recovery rates are 90-100% in a 100 bp – 10 kb DNA fragment size range (see Fig. 1). Each GeneJET purification column has a total binding capacity of up to 25 µg of DNA and the entire procedure takes just 5 min. The purified DNA can be used in common downstream applications such as sequencing, restriction digestion, labeling, ligation, cloning, in vitro transcription, blotting or in situ hybridization.
LIVING CONDITIONS OF RUSSIAN ARMY SO;DIERS ON THE FRONT-LINE DURING WORLD WAR I BASED ON THE TESTIMONIALS OF THE WITNESSES
Authors: Stychynskyi I.
Published: January 2019

This article analyses the living conditions of the Russian Imperial Army soldiers in the front-line during the World War I.The main aspects of living conditions of the soldiers on the South – Western front-line are illustrated on the basis of testimonials of the participants during said period. The importance of the sources (such as memorandums, epistolary heritage, etc.) and the clear geographical limits are underlined during the studying of this topic. The subject importance of soldiers’ living in front-line conditions is shown as one of the most important elements in the whole subject studying of military daily life during the conflict.
STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF ENGLISH PROFESSIONALLY ORIENTED DIALOGUE OF PROSPECTIVE PHYSICIANS
Authors: Krysak Larisa
Published: January 2019

Background. English professionally oriented dialogue is an integral part of medical professional sphere. It is closely connected to professional responsibilities and professional competence in medicine. English professionally oriented medical dialogue is a complex, multi-faceted process of workplace communication between a doctor and a patient arising from the needs of professional medical practice. It includes perception and understanding of the patient’s needs, information analysis and specific professional interaction between physicians and patients.

Purpose. The current paper aims to analyze structural and compositional characteristics of English professionally oriented dialogue of prospective physicians as well as to classify main functional types of dialogues according to phases of the medical consultation.

Results. While carrying out the research, the author analyzed more than 150 professional dialogues and authentic audiovisual fragments to select 50 of them for training purposes. The samples correlated with major functional types of workplace dialogues and became the basis for teaching professionally oriented interaction to students majoring in Medicine. Instruction is arranged in such a way that teaching functional dialogic communication (information-seeking and negotiation dialogues) follows the main structural phases of medical consultation. The major structural elements of the medical consultation include: contact, orientation, argumentation, corrective phase. In the course of training, special attention was also given to language aspects of professional dialogues of physicians.

Discussion. Developed materials are open to improve the quality of educational programs, manuals and textbooks for future physicians as additional prospects at medical higher education institutions.
TEACHING ENGLISH MONOLOGIC ORAL PRODUCTION TO LAW STUDENTS: DIFFERENTIATED APPROACH
Authors: Druzhchenko Tetiana
Published: January 2019

Background: Among numerous issues of differentiated teaching, the problem of building competence in oral monologic production in Law students – considering the level of independence and knowledge of students – has not been studied in depth yet. This causes difficulties for providing qualitative foreign language (FL) education to Law majors who have not attained the appropriate level in FL communicative competence in conditions of homogenous training groups.

Purpose. The article aims to prove the effectiveness of the system of exercises and tasks designed to enhance English monologic production skills in Law students based on differentiated approach with regard to individual and psychological characteristics of learners, their cognitive needs, communicative abilities, motivation, independence, professional mindset and professional activity.

Results. The system of exercises and tasks for building the competence under discussion requires specification of phases in the teaching process. Therefore, the author presents a three-phase process for teaching English oral monologic production to law students. The phases involve pre-text, text-reproductive and productive stages of developing monologic skills.

Discussion. The process of teaching is organized in four stages: diagnostic, planning, teaching and final. The diagnostic stage is designed to measure the level of students’ knowledge and independence with a view of differentiating the groups of learners. The planning stage aims at developing educational content and materials as well as correlating them with the level of students’ knowledge and independence.

The teaching stage involves instruction based on implementation of the system of exercises and tasks which were designed to purposefully address oral monologic production skills in the classroom.

The final stage focuses on observing the dynamics in students’ monologic performance and independence as well as on rearranging training groups based on students’ performance level.
Traffic Psychology as a field of applied psychological research: opportunities and perspectives in Russia
Authors: Kochetova T.V.
Published: January 2019

This article is devoted to an informative characteristic of the main areas of traffic psychology. The article attempts to outline the “subject area” of this field and to characterize the relationship with other branches of psychology. This article highlights applied researches in traffic psychology help for understanding the role of human factor in the formation and development of the transport environment and road safety. The article provides an overview of some socio-psychological problems caused by the specifics of modern transport environment. Solving these problems can help ensure road safety, minimize the risks of traffic behavior and reduce social tensions in road traffic. It is a very important and necessity for solving of transport problems in modern megalopolises. The possible directions of prospective studies of traffic psychology in Russia are considered.
Intolerance of ambiguity and achievement motivation of drivers
Authors: Litvinova E.Y. , Makeeva S.A. , Kharchenko M.A.
Published: January 2019

The article presents a theoretical analysis of cognitive, motivational and emotional components of road behavior of drivers of different sexes, due to their personal characteristics and existing stereotypes of perception of women-drivers in society. The article presents the results of empirical studies of the achievement motivation, inclination to risk and attitude to uncertainty of men and women drivers. Theoretical analysis suggests that male drivers are more risk-averse and more tolerant of uncertain situations in the traffic than women. At the same time, men in driving are more focused on achieving success, and women — on avoiding failure. An empirical study of 58 drivers (29 men and 29 women) showed that both men and women in driving demonstrate motivation for avoiding failure, however, the reasons for this are different. For women, they are linked to existing societal stereotypes about women’s ability to drive, and for men, to the complication of traffic and increased penalties for traffic violations. Male drivers risk appetite combined with a motive for avoiding failure. The study of attitudes to uncertainty revealed significant differences in the level of tolerance among drivers of different sexes, especially to the difficulty of the situation. We believe that women, due to existing stereotypes, perceive driving activity from the very beginning as more difficult than men, which also explains some of the features of their behavior on the road. The article presents recommendations on optimization of training in driving schools for drivers of different sexes
Approbation of the model for evaluation of drivers prone to risky driving (Estonian and Russian samples)
Authors: Meinhard G. , Kaart T. , Kochetova T.V.
Published: January 2019

The article presents the results of approbation of the questionnaire, that allows evaluating drivers’ inclinations to taking various risks while driving. This questionnaire was developed at NPO Estonian Traffic Behaviour Development Centre, basing on PhD thesis “Evaluation of the effectiveness of a primary preventive program “Clear Picture…!?” to increase traffic safety” by G. Meinhard. Translation of the questions into Russian was performed for Russian-speaking Estonian citizens. The underlying diagnostic model of the questionnaire was implemented into a state program for preventive work with traffic offenders in Estonia in 2014. In the research AUDIT (as a part of the questionnaire) aimed at investigation of attitude towards alcohol consump tion was first used with the Russian sample. The sample included 635 drivers: 465 were Estonian citizens (15,5% females, 84,5% males) and 170 Russian citizens (38,8% females, 61,2% males). All the research participants had the history of multiple speed violations, as well as the other traffic rules violation. Some of the participants underwent medical checks for drunk driving. The results showed that the questionnaire scales, used in this diagnostic model, are highly consistent: Cronbach’s alpha ranges from 0,75 to 0,90 that proves reliability of this instrument. The exception is “Evaluation of driving threats and risks” that has Cronbach’s alpha in the range from 0,54 for the Russian sample. The article provides the first publications of the results of using this questionnaire with the Russian sample. These results can be applied to further investigations of inclination towards unsafe driving among Russian drivers as well as for implementing the underlying diagnostic model into the practice of screening and psychological counselling to prevent traffic accidents in Russia.
Abbé Dubos e a Reflexão Crítica sobre o Conceito de Imitação em Música
Authors: Tomás Lia , Lopes Rodrigo
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this article is to talk about the issues related to music in Abbé Dubos’ work, Critical Reflections on Poetry and Painting, specifically on the imitative theories in eighteenth – century French opera. For this, through the translations of paragraphs 45 and 47 of the first part of his work, we made an overview of the historical panorama of this work in front of the French Enlightenment and its correspondence with the literary aspect, important element so that the music possessed some meaning, and their relations with the concept of nature, reason and feeling. The imitative theories had fundamental importance in the artistic making up to century XVIII, being left of side when the aspect of the feeling entered as an important data for the notion of taste in music.
Considerações a Respeito de Música a partir do Pensamento de Heidegger
Authors: Gatto Eduardo Augusto G.
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this paper is to elaborate some considerations about the musical issue from the poetic-hermeneutic ontology started by Heidegger. It has for support, among others, the essay ‘Der Ursprung des Kunstwerkes’ (The Origin of the Work of Art), but during our discussion, other works and authors will appear as possibilities of dialogue from the necessities of the path. Under the musical perspective, the paper takes on principle the thesis which affirms the music in a pre-representational condition as original poetic responding to the primordial question that starts all philosophy. Having it in focus, we structure the text in three main pillars of inquiry based on the musical happening: a) the reference between music and musical works; b) the role of the musicians and the audience-listeners; c) the musical knowledge. Guided by both, thesis and principles, we structure four parts interrelated whose titles are: 1) work and sound/sonority; 2) music and musical creation; 3) work, musical performing interpretation, and musical composition; 4) knowledge [coda]. The present way of organization has the intention of merging the issues proposed by the titles in order for them to be thought from the own perspectives of each section.
Eugenio Trías al Encuentro de Anton Bruckner: Lecturas Fronterizas de la Misa en mi menor (WAB 27)
Authors: Pastor Comín Juan José
Published: January 2019

El canto de las sirenas (2007) and La imaginación sonora (2010) are the last two works that Eugenio Trías has devoted to the study of musical experience –both from the perspective of expression and perception– as a form of knowledge –gnosis– where reason appears powerless. This essay will examine how the instruments of historical, harmonic, formal or aesthetic analysis are not sufficient to understand the significance of musical discourse. To achieve this end, we will first set out the bases of his musical thought within the broad framework of the theory of the limit; secondly, we will confront the musical categories proposed by Trias with the Mass in E minor (WAB 27) composed by Anton Bruckner –one of the composers to whom he devoted most attention. We will therefore try to see how the system proposed by the philosopher helps us to understand the ontological and transcendent dimension of a musical work that is still alive, recently performed in the Spanish music scene, and not explicitly mentioned in philosopher’s writings.
Voyagers in Sound: On the Smooth and the Striated in Musical Interpretation and Performance
Authors: Faul Caleb
Published: January 2019

Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari frequently discuss Western classical music, referencing such diverse traditions as medieval polyphony and 20th century modernism. In their work, however, they have an intense focus, common among philosophers, on composition, with very little consideration given to performance. Nevertheless, I find that their work resonates with questions of performance in important ways. In this paper, I bring Deleuze and Guattari’s work to bear on the practices and processes of musical interpretation and performance, transposing into this musical domain the concepts of the smooth and the striated that they explicate in A Thousand Plateaus. The basic claim is that there exist smooth and striated methods of interpreting and performing music and that these concepts allow us to articulate afresh important differences in performance practice. Ultimately, I claim that the smooth is perhaps the privileged term, but that a good performance necessarily includes both smooth and striated elements.
Ensembles Practices and Cultural Forms of Life
Authors: Ginev Dimitar
Published: January 2019

The paper presents the tenets of a hermeneutic theory of social practices. At stake is the ontological distinctiveness of properly arranged practices. The claim is defended that an ensemble of such practices is capable of disclosing and articulating an authentic cultural lifeform. This ensemble is distinguished by autonomy, but it does not have an actual (static) presence. Properly arranged practices that disclose a cultural lifeform are ontologically characterized by hermeneutic circularity and potentiality-for-being. It is argued that practices project their being upon a horizon of possible contextual configurations. Since this horizon is constantly shifting, there is ongoing interplay of practices and possibilities. A single practice within an ensemble of such practices has a dual way of being. It can partly be described in terms of strongly located – and determined by agency – entity, and partly as something dispersed over the changing configurations of practices. In other words, a given single practice is capable of exhibiting under the conditions of its intrinsic teleological organization the features of locality and self-sufficiency, and under the conditions of the interplay of practices and possibilities the features of indeterminacy and nonlocality. Because of this duality, the use of a proper principle of complementarity in constructing practice theory proves to be indispensable.
Usefulness of Chlamydia serology in prediction of tubal factor infertility among infertile patients at Federal Medical Centre, Bida, North Central Nigeria
Authors: Amadi Lucky , Onwudiegwu Uchenna , Adeyemi Adebanjo B. , Nwachukwu Chiemezie N. D. , Abiodun Afolabi B.
Published: January 2019

Background: Infertility is a major public health problem in developing countries where pelvic inflammatory disease due mainly to Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhea infection have been implicated. The role of Chlamydia serology in predicting tubal factor infertility (TFI) has been demonstrated by many researchers elsewhere. However, there are limited data in our environment. This prospective cross-sectional study aims to determine the usefulness of Chlamydia Serology as a screening tool for TFI at Federal Medical Centre, Bida, North Central Nigeria.Methods: 125 women with infertility who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled into the study. Relevant information on their socio-demographic characteristics, gynaecological symptoms and risks factors for infertility were obtained. Participants had Hysterosalpingography (HSG) as part of their fertility work-up while 5ml of venous blood was withdrawn to check for Immunoglobulin G antibody to Chlamydia trachomatis using rapid test kits. The HSG findings were correlated with the result of Chlamydia serology. Data was analyzed using the computer software, Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. The level of significance (p value) was set at 0.05.Results: A total of 120 infertile women completed the study, 5 had incomplete investigations and were excluded from the analysis. The prevalence of TFI was 47.5%, while that of positive chlamydia serology was 36.5%. The prevalence of chlamydial seropositivity was 59.6% for patients with TFI but 15.9% for non-TFI. There was a significant association between positive chlamydia serology and TFI p< 0.05. The study revealed moderate sensitivity 59.6%, and negative predictive value 69.7% but high specificity 84.1% and positive predictive value of 77.2%. In this study the odds for diagnosing tubal infertility was 7.8.Conclusions: Chlamydia serology is useful in predicting TFI and should be incorporated in the routine work up for infertility.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity
Authors: Menon Sudha , K. Sivaprasad
Published: January 2019

Background: Maternal obesity imparts elevated maternal and neo natal adverse outcomes. Aim of the study was to evaluate and analyse the maternal and neonatal outcomes in obese mothers.Methods: This was a prospective case control study in a tertiary care high risk referral center. Antenatal women with first trimester Body mass index (BMI) of more than 30 Kg/m2 constituted the cases and those antenatal women with BMI <25 Kg/m2 formed the controls.Results: Mean age was slightly more (28.6±4.3 years vs 26.3±3.6 years: P<0.0001) in the obese group. Obese women were significantly more likely to have  of gestational diabetes (OR 5.2, 95% CI 3.2-8.7 P<0.00001), gestational hypertension (Or 3.5, 95% CI 2.1-5.9 P<0.0001) , induction of labour (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.8-3.6 P<0.0001), failed induction of labour (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3-4.2 P=0.003), Preeclampsia (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.6-4.9 P=0.0002), Caesarian section (Or 4.0, 95% CI 2.9-5.9 P<0.0001) and Postpartum hemorrhage (OR 4.0,95% CI 1.1-14.3 P=0.034), prolonged hospital stay (OR 12.8, 95% CI 7.7-21.1 P<0.0001)  and adverse neonatal outcomes such as low(<7) Apgar (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.1-10.0 P=0.03), Large for gestational age babies (OR 3.1, 95% Cl 2.1-4.5 P<0.0001) and transfer to new born nursery (OR 3.4, 95% CI 2.3 -5.2 P<0.0001).Conclusions: Maternal obesity in pregnancy is high risk and has many adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes warranting specialized antenatal, intranatal and post-natal care.
Predictive value of changes in the serum CA-125 levels in patients undergoing interval debulking surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Batra Sonia , Arora Ruchi , Dave Kalpana
Published: January 2019

Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate the predictive value of serum CA-125 changes in the management of patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS) in advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC).Methods: A retrospective hospital-based study of patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancers (stage III and IV) was conducted at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, for two years. Total 50 patients were treated with NACT followed by surgical cytoreduction and followed up till August 2010. Response to NACT, optimal cytoreduction rate and overall response rate were analyzed.CA 125 levels before (baseline) and after NACT were analyzed.Results: Out of 50, there were 43 patients (86%) with stage III disease and 7 (14%) with stage IV disease. Maximum 37(74%) patients had CA 125 levels >500 on presentation while none of the patients had baseline CA125 levels in the normal range (<35). Range of baseline CA 125 was 164-5394.All patients were given NACT and after NACT, out of 50 patients, 22(44%) patients had CA 125 values within the normal range (<35) while 23(46%) had values between 35 and 100. Thus, statistically significant difference (Z = 6.154, P<0.0001) was found between CA 125 level before and after NACT. Out of 45 patients with CA 125 <100, 35(77.8%) underwent optimal cytoreduction.Conclusions: Baseline (prechemotherapy) serum CA-125 levels are powerful indicators of the presence and extent of spread of disease while CA-125 level particularly <100U/ml after NACT strongly predicts optimal cytoreduction in advanced epithelial ovarian cancers.
Efficacy of low dose magnesium sulphate regime and Pritchard’s regime in controlling of eclamptic convulsion and prevention of recurrence
Authors: Karande Suryaprakash Jagdevappa , Shah Archana S.
Published: January 2019

Background: Eclampsia is defined as the onset of convulsions or coma during pregnancy or in post-partum period in a patient who has signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia. It is life threatening emergency that continues to be a major cause of serious maternal morbidity and mortality also along with high perinatal mortality and morbidity. The present study undertaken to determine the efficacy of low dose magnesium sulphate regime and Pritchard’s regime in controlling eclamptic convulsion and prevention of recurrence of convulsion.Methods: Out of total 60 patients enrolled in the study; 30 were given low dose magnesium sulphate regime and remaining 30 with Pritchard’s regime. Selection of patients was done with simple random sampling. Relevant history was obtained from the patient, if conscious, or from the relatives. Through clinical examination was done and blood samples were collected for investigations after securing IV line.Results: There was insignificant difference regarding type of eclampsia in both groups. Recurrence of convulsion in Pritchard’s regime group was 6.67% and in Low dose regime group found to be 10% but this was statistically insignificant. Total dose of magnesium sulphate required in Low dose regime group was less than that required for Pritchard’s regime.Conclusions: Low dose magnesium sulphate Regime proved equally effective as that of Pritchard’s regime in control of convulsion in spite of less amount of drug and comparatively low serum magnesium levels and hence there is hardly any fear of intoxicator.
Prevalence and predictors of metabolic syndrome with comparison of myoinositol and metformin in PCOS women
Authors: Modak Rupali , Biswas Dilip Kumar , Pal Amitava , Mandal Tapan Kumar
Published: January 2019

Background: The objective is to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MBS) and the effects of insulin sensitizers to improve the clinical and hormonal milieu for better reproductive outcome in PCOS women.Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 PCOS women and 50 age matched control to determine the prevalence of the MBS in two tertiary hospitals over one year. Diagnosis of PCOS was based on at least two of ESHRE/ASRM criteria and diagnosis of MBS was based on at least three of NCEPATPIII criteria. Patients already diagnosed as PCOS were treated with insulin sensitizers myoionositol and metformin which were compared.Results: The study revealed that the prevalence of MBS was 40 % (20/50) nearly 4-fold higher than that of control groups. Among PCOS women, the most prevalent MBS factors were high BMI (52%) and low serum HDL-C (42%). The least prevalent factor was high fasting serum glucose level (16%). The resumption of spontaneous regular menstrual cycle and pregnancy rate in infertile groups of PCOS patients with myoionositol and metformin were 61% vs. 26% and 50% vs.91% respectively. The myoionositol group did not require any extra ovulating agents for pregnancy, while 7 out of 11 patients in metfromin group needed clomiphen citrate for ovulation induction to achieve pregnancy.  With myoinositol there is significant reduction of weight, BMI, LH/FSH ratio and fasting insulin level; whereas metformin shows decrement of weight and BMI only.Conclusions: The prevalence of MBS in PCOS is nearly 4 times in present study and there is significant improvement of symptom profile, weight, BMI and change of hormonal pattern in myoinositol group.
Incidence and risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus in antenatal mothers in Goa, India
Authors: Naik Rini R. , Pednekar Guruprasad , Cacodcar Jagadish
Published: January 2019

Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) accounts for almost 90% of all pregnancies complicated by diabetes. Its prevalence in the Indian population ranges from 5.5% to 11.5 %.Methods: The present study was undertaken to assess the incidence of GDM among antenatal mothers admitted in Goa Medical College for a period of 18 months and also to study the risk factors associated with GDM amongst such cases.Results: Present study revealed that among 7717 antenatal mothers who were admitted and delivered in our Hospital, 424 women were diagnosed with GDM. Of these women diagnosed with GDM, almost one third were in the age group of 31- 35 years (35.8%); 56.2 % of these women were multigravidas. Advancing maternal age, rising parity, obesity, family history of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and past history of GDM were among the risk factors found to be significantly associated with GDM.Conclusions: The incidence of GDM in present study population was 5.49%. Advancing maternal age, maternal obesity, family history of DM and past history of GDM were found to be important determinants of GDM.
Amino acid infusion in oligohydromnios and increase in AFI and impact on perinatal outcome
Authors: Sunil Isha , Sunitha Chejerla , Kaur Harkirat
Published: January 2019

Background: Decreased amniotic fluid is related to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of amino acid infusion in patients of oligohydromnios and compare the perinatal outcome in the two groups.Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ASCOMS Hospital, Jammu for a period of one year from October 2017 to September 2018. A total of 50 women with AFI <8 cm were enrolled in the study . They were divided into two groups of 25 each. Group A were given amino acid infusion and Group B were not given any intervention. These were compared for increase in AFI and perinatal outcome.Results: In the present study, the gain in AFI in Group A was 2.32 ± 0.67 and in group B was 1.32 ± 1.03 which was statistically significant. The perinatal outcome was better Group A compared to Group B with decreased incidence of meconium stained liquor, low birth weight, low APGAR scores and NICU admissions and increase in vaginal deliveries as compared to caesarean sections.Conclusions: The present study suggests that parentral transfusion of amino acid in cases of oligohydromnios significantly increases the AFI of the patient and decreases the incidence of caesarean sections, meconium stained liquor, low APGAR scores and NICU admissions.
Role of transvaginal ultrasonographic cervical assessment in predicting the outcome of induction of labor
Authors: Aggarwal Kiran , Yadav Anita
Published: January 2019

Background: Induction of labor is the most common intervention in modern obstetrics. The pre-induction ‘favourability’ of the cervix as assessed by the bishop score is very subjective. Transvaginal sonography appears to be a feasible alternative to the traditional bishop’s score. Aim of this study, was to compare cervical assessment by transvaginal sonography and digital examination in prediction of outcome of labor induction.Methods: Three hundred women at term with maternal and foetal indications for labor induction were included in the study. Modified Bishop score was assessed by digital examination and the cervical length was measured by Transvaginal sonography (TVS). Successful labor induction was taken as a vaginal delivery within 24 hours from the start of induction. Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows 15.0.Results: Labour induction was successful in 81.33% of patients. Mean cervical length by digital examination was 2.6 cm, whereas the mean sonographic cervical length was 3.4cm. There was a significant difference of 0.8cm in mean cervical length measured by two methods (P=0.01). The best cut off point for predicting successful induction of labor was ≤3.4cm for sonographic cervical length (sensitivity 0.82, specificity 0.87, positive predictive value 0.77 and negative predictive value 0.25). The best cut off point for Modified Bishop score was 2 (sensitivity 0.95, specificity 0.93). The ROC curve showed that compared to TVS cervical length, Modified Bishop score was the best parameter for predicting successful induction of labor.Conclusions: Transvaginal sonographic cervical length measurement can be used as an adjunct tool to the traditional Bishop score for predicting successful labor induction in high risk pregnancies.
Third stage of labour: expectant versus active management-a comparative study in local low risk population
Authors: Chandnani Kavita A. , Sharma Deepti D.
Published: January 2019

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality, accounting for about 35% of all maternal deaths. These deaths have a major impact on the lives and health of the families affected. Thus, anticipation as well as proper management of 3rd stage of labour is mandatory. The objective of this study was to compare expectant and active management of third stage of labour in preventing post-partum blood loss and having impact on prevention of maternal mortality in local population. Advantages and disadvantages of both techniques might be over estimated.Methods: Prospective comparative study carried out in Obstetrics and Gynecology department of SBKSMIRC (Shrimati Bhikhiben Kanjibhai Shah Medical Institute and Research Centre), Dhiraj general hospital, comprising of 200 laboring women admitted directly or from OPD to labour room for expected vaginal delivery. They were randomly allocated to group A (expectant management) and group B (active management). Labour progress was charted on partograph and interventions recorded. Statistical analysis of data was done after compiling and tabulation of data. Mean±SD for descriptive variables were calculated and appropriate statistical tests applied to determine significance.Results: Average PPBL (post-partum blood loss) was 360.5ml in group A as compared to 290.6ml in group B. 12 patients in group A had blood loss more than 500ml while none in group B. 66% cases in group B had duration of third stage of labour less than 5 min as compared to only 22% in group A. the mean duration of third stage was 13.46±8.3 in group A while 5.32±3.05 in group B. these differences were statistically significant.Conclusions: Active management of the third stage of labour is associated with less blood loss as well as a shorter duration of third stage compared with expectant management. It is reasonable to advocate this regime.
Prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis in females in the reproductive age group
Authors: Salvi Meena
Published: January 2019

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common infection among reproductive age group females. The objective of present study is to determine the prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis, its distribution and association of risk factors among reproductive age group females, attending the outpatient department of obstetrics and gynaecology of our Prime Medical Centre, Sharjah attached with Prime Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).Methods: It was cross-sectional descriptive study over a period of six months. Patients who came to our outpatient department with complains of vaginal discharge and itching in reproductive age group were included in this study. Patients characteristics i.e. age, parity, risk factors like diabetes, pregnancy, use of oral contraceptive pills (OCPills) and intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) were noted. High vaginal swabs (HVS) were collected and sent for culture. Candida positive cases were noted, and results were analyzed.Results: A total of 224 high vaginal swabs were collected. Prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis was found to be 31.6%. It was found more in 26-30 years age group and multiparous women. Previous history of candidiasis and diabetes were the commonest risk factors. Frequency of C. albicans was more (76.05%) than non-albicans candida (23.94%).Conclusions: Present study concluded that vulvovaginal candidiasis is more prevalent in reproductive age group females, therefore a routine high vaginal swab culture must be performed in every woman presenting with vaginal discharge and itching for correct diagnosis. Women should be educated on clinical symptoms.