bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multicomponent Writing Intervention for a College Student With Mild Brain Injury
Authors: Dinnes Carly , Hux Karen
Published: June 2017

Written expression is a high-level language process susceptible to impairment given mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI); however, minimal research exists about assessing or treating this aspect of language performance. This study’s purpose was to determine the effect of a multicomponent intervention on the written expression of an undergraduate student with mTBI resulting in generalized expressive language impairment. Pretreatment, intervention, and posttreatment sessions extended over 11 weeks. Intervention addressed semantic associations, semantic mapping, proofreading, organization, foundational skills, and goal setting. Data reflected performance on intervention components, writing probes, and pre–posttreatment completion of a standardized writing measure. Calculation and plotting of correct writing sequence percentages revealed substantial improvement. Linear regression analysis confirmed the trend line slope for intervention probes differed significantly from baseline probes. Comparison of pre–posttreatment test results also confirmed substantial improvement. Multicomponent instruction similar to that recommended for other students with writing challenges may be effective for people with mTBI.
Diabetic and Obese Patient Clinical Outcomes Improve During a Care Management Implementation in Primary Care
Authors: Holtrop Jodi Summers , Luo Zhehui , Piatt Gretchen , Green Lee A. , Chen Qiaoling , Piette John
Published: June 2017

Background: To address the increasing burden of chronic disease, many primary care practices are turning to care management and the hiring of care managers to help patients coordinate their care and self-manage their conditions. Care management is often, but not always, proving effective at improving patient outcomes, but more evidence is needed. Methods: In this pair-matched cluster randomized trial, 5 practices implemented care management and were compared with 5 comparison practices within the same practice organization. Targeted patients included diabetic patients with a hemoglobin A1c >9% and nondiabetic obese patients. Clinical values tracked were A1c, blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein, microalbumin, and weight. Results: Clinically important improvements were demonstrated in the intervention versus comparison practices, with diabetic patients improving A1c control and obese patients experiencing weight loss. There was a 12% relative increase in the proportion of patients meeting the clinical target of A1c <7% (95% CI, 3%-20%), and 26% of obese nondiabetic patients in chronic care management practices lost 5% or more of their body weight as compared with 10% of comparison patients (adjusted relative improvement, 15%; CI, 2%-28%). Conclusions: These findings add to the growing evidence-base for the effectiveness of care management as an effective clinical practice with regard to improving diabetes- and obesity-related outcomes.
Peroneal Sheath Volumes in Patients with Peroneal Tendon Injuries
Authors: Miller Christopher , Smith Stacy , Goodman Eric , Fisk Erica , Smith Jeremy , Chiodo Christopher , Ciurylo William , Dicarlo Hunter , Bluman Eric
Published: June 2017

Category:

Sports

Introduction/Purpose:

Peroneal tendinopathy is a common condition of the ankle and may lead to substantial pain and disability. Low lying peroneus brevis (PB) muscle belly, accessory tendons and bony abnormalities have been implicated in peroneal tendon pathology. To date, studies have reported the presence of these variants or the distal extent of a muscle belly with the presumption that this reflects an increased intra-sheath volume. The goal of this study was to perform volumetric measurements of MR images of peroneal tendons in patients with peroneal pathology requiring surgical intervention and those without.

Methods:

Two fellowship trained musculoskeletal radiologists evaluated MR images of patients with and without peroneal tendon pathology. The volume of the peroneal tendon sheath and its contents were measured from the level of the tibial plafond down to the peroneal tubercle. The volumes were measured using the Vital Images 3D Vitoria program. The program allows calculation of volumes based on selected area outlines on each axial slice and then compiles each slice into a stacked volume. The presence of a peroneus quartus (PQ), synovitis and peroneal tendon tears were also recorded.

Results:

Fifty-one patients with peroneal pathology and 15 control patients were included. The mean distance of the PB muscle belly to the tip of the fibula was 5.55 ± 2.5 mm and 11.79 ± 4.07 mm for the groups with and without pathology, respectively (p=0.017). The mean total sheath volume was 7.06 ± 0.95 cc and 5.12 ± 0.53 cc (p=0.001), respectively. The mean PB and PQ combined volume was 1.31 ± 0.29 and 0.86 ± 0.24 cc (p=0.023), respectively. In isolation, the peroneal muscle volume was 0.87 ± 0.25 cc and 0.80 ± 0.25 cc (p=0.733), respectively.

Conclusion:

The volume of the peroneal tendon sheath and its contents are greater in the patients with peroneal tendinopathy that required surgery compared to controls. Despite the lower position of the muscle belly in the peroneal tendinopathy group, which is similar to previous studies, this was not reflected in increased volumetric measurements. However, when the PQ tendon was included this combined volume was significantly greater. Volumetric measurements are a more accurate way to assess the peroneal sheath in patients with peroneal pathology.
The Association of Perioperative Glycemic Control with Postoperative Surgical Site Infection Following Elective Foot Surgery in Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Cancienne Jourdan , Cooper Minton , Werner Brian
Published: June 2017

Category:

Midfoot/Forefoot

Introduction/Purpose:

Diabetes mellitus has been associated with an increased risk for postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) following foot and ankle surgery; however, among patients with diabetes, the level of perioperative glycemic control may affect the risk of postoperative SSI. There remains little evidence to support a perioperative hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level that could serve as a threshold for a significantly increased risk of postoperative SSI following foot surgery. The primary goal of the present study was to evaluate the association of perioperative glycemic control as demonstrated by hemoglobin a1c (HbA1c) in patients with diabetes with the incidence of postoperative SSI following elective foot surgery. Our secondary objective was to calculate a threshold level of HbA1c above which the risk of postoperative SSI after foot surgery increases significantly in patients with diabetes.

Methods:

A national administrative database was queried for patients who underwent common elective foot surgeries, including hallux valgus corrections, hallux rigidus correction and hammertoe corrections among others. Patients who underwent more complex procedures and patients with concomitant hindfoot procedures were excluded. Patients with diabetes mellitus who had a perioperative HbA1c level recorded within 3 months of surgery were identified; and were then stratified into thirteen mutually exclusive groups based on their hemoglobin a1c in 0.5 mg/dl increments from < 5.49 mg/dl to > 11.5 mg/dl. The incidence of SSI was determined by either a diagnosis or procedure for SSI within 1 year postoperatively using CPT and ICD-9 codes, and was calculated for each HbA1c patient group. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine an optimal threshold value of the HbA1c above which the risk of postoperative SSI was significantly increased.

Results:

4,744 patients who underwent forefoot surgery with diabetes and a perioperative HbA1c recorded within 3 months of surgery in the database were included in the study. The rate of deep SSI requiring irrigation and debridement within one year postoperatively stratified by HbA1c is pictured in Figure 1, which ranged from a low of 2.5% to a high of 11.8% and was significantly correlated with increasing HbA1c levels (P < 0.0001). The results of ROC analysis determined that the inflection point of the ROC curve corresponded to an HbA1c level above 7.5 mg/dL (P < 0.0001, AUC = 0.622, spec. = 75%, sens. = 44%).

Conclusion:

The risk of postoperative SSI following elective foot surgery in patients with diabetes mellitus increases significantly as the perioperative HbA1c increases. ROC analysis determined that a perioperative HbA1c above 7.5 mg/dL could serve as a threshold for a significantly increased risk of postoperative SSI following elective foot surgery.
Attitudes and preferences of home mechanical ventilation users from four European countries: an ERS/ELF survey
Authors: Masefield Sarah , Vitacca Michele , Dreher Michael , Kampelmacher Michael , Escarrabill Joan , Paneroni Mara , Powell Pippa , Ambrosino Nicolino
Published: June 2017

Home mechanical ventilation is increasingly used by people with chronic respiratory failure. However, there are few reports on attitudes towards treatment.

A web-based survey in eight languages was disseminated across 11 European countries to evaluate the perception of home mechanical ventilation provision in ventilator-assisted individuals and caregivers.

Out of 787 responders from 11 European countries, 687 were patients and 100 were caregivers. 95% of patients and 94% of caregivers were from only 4 countries (Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain). The majority of respondents were male and aged 46–65 years. Obstructive lung diseases were proportionally more represented among respondent patients (46%), and neuromuscular diseases (65%) were more represented among patients of respondent caregivers. About 20% of respondent patients and caregivers were not sure of the modality of ventilation. Different interfaces were used, with a minority of respondents in all countries using invasive home mechanical ventilation by tracheostomy.

These results may be useful for healthcare providers and policy makers to improve the quality of patients' daily lives.
Pneumothoraces in collagen VI-related dystrophy: a case series and recommendations for management
Authors: Fraser Kristin L. , Wong Scott , Foley A. Reghan , Chhibber Sameer , Bönnemann Carsten G. , Lesser Daniel J. , Grosmann Carla , Rutkowski Anne
Published: June 2017

Collagen VI-related dystrophy (collagen VI-RD) is a rare neuromuscular condition caused by mutations in theCOL6A1,COL6A2orCOL6A3genes. The phenotypic spectrum includes early-onset Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy, adult-onset Bethlem myopathy and an intermediate phenotype. The disorder is characterised by distal hyperlaxity and progressive muscle weakness, joint contractures and respiratory insufficiency. Respiratory insufficiency is attributed to chest wall contractures, scoliosis, impaired diaphragmatic function and intercostal muscle weakness. To date, intrinsic parenchymal lung disease has not been implicated in the inevitable respiratory decline of these patients.

This series focuses on pneumothorax, an important but previously under-recognised disease manifestation of collagen VI-RD.

We describe two distinct clinical presentations within collagen VI-RD patients with pneumothorax. The first cohort consists of neonates and children with a single pneumothorax in the setting of large intrathoracic pressure changes. The second group is made up of adult patients with recurrent pneumothoraces, associated with chest computed tomography scan evidence of parenchymal lung disease. We describe treatment challenges in this unique population with respect to expectant observation, tube thoracostomy and open pleurodesis.

Based on this experience, we offer recommendations for early identification of lung disease in collagen VI-RD and definitive intervention.
Clinical features of serous retinopathy observed with cobimetinib in patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma treated in the randomized coBRIM study
Authors: de la Cruz-Merino Luis , Di Guardo Lorenza , Grob Jean-Jacques , Venosa Alfredo , Larkin James , McArthur Grant A. , Ribas Antoni , Ascierto Paolo A. , Evans Jeffrey T. R. , Gomez-Escobar Antonio , Barteselli Giulio , Eng Susan , Hsu Jessie J. , Uyei Anne , Dréno Brigitte
Published: June 2017

Background

Serous chorioretinopathy has been associated with MEK inhibitors, including cobimetinib. We describe the clinical features of serous retinopathy observed with cobimetinib in patients with BRAFV600-mutated melanoma treated in the Phase III coBRIM study.

Methods

In the coBRIM study, 493 patients were treated in two randomly assigned treatment groups: cobimetinib and vemurafenib (n = 247) or vemurafenib (n = 246). All patients underwent prospective ophthalmic examinations at screening, at regular intervals during the study, and whenever ocular symptoms developed. Patients with serous retinopathy were identified in the study database using a group of relevant and synonymous adverse event terms.

Results

Eighty-six serous retinopathy events were reported in 70 patients (79 events in 63 cobimetinib and vemurafenib-treated patients vs seven events in seven vemurafenib-treated patients). Most patients with serous retinopathy identified by ophthalmic examination had no symptoms or had mild symptoms, among them reduced visual acuity, blurred vision, dyschromatopsia, and photophobia. Serous retinopathy usually occurred early during cobimetinib and vemurafenib treatment; median time to onset was 1.0 month. Most events were managed by observation and continuation of cobimetinib without dose modification and resolved or were resolving by the data cutoff date (19 Sept 2014).

Conclusions

Cobimetinib treatment was associated with serous retinopathy in patients with BRAFV600-mutated melanoma. Retinopathy was generally asymptomatic or mild. Periodic ophthalmologic evaluations at regular intervals and at the manifestation of any visual disturbance are recommended to facilitate early detection and resolution of serous retinopathy while patients are taking cobimetinib.

Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01689519). First received: September 18, 2012
Silk fibroin/hydroxyapatite composite hydrogel induced by gamma-ray irradiation for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Kim Min Hee , Kim Beom Su , Lee Jun , Cho Donghwan , Kwon Oh Hyeong , Park Won Ho
Published: June 2017

Background

In this study, silk fibroin (SF) composite hydrogels containing hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles (NPs) for bone tissue engineering were fabricated using gamma-ray (γ-ray) irradiation treatment. During the irradiation, the HAP dispersed SF solution was changed to the chemically crosslinked SF hydrogel.

Methods

Distribution of HAP NPs in the SF hydrogel was examined by SEM imagery and energy dispersive X-ray spectrophotometry, and the crystalline structure of SF composite hydrogels was also confirmed by X-ray diffractometry. An optimum preparation condition of the SF/HAP composite hydrogels was determined with various HAP contents. For evaluation of the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), HAP nucleation in SBF and in vitro calcium accumulation were measured.

Results

The results revealed that compared with the pure SF hydrogels, the SF/HAP composite hydrogels improved osteogenic differentiation.

Conclusion

This paper demonstrates the great potential of the SF/HAP composite hydrogels in terms of the production of the bone tissue engineering scaffolds for which osteogenesis is required.
Introductory Biology Students’ Use of Enhanced Answer Keys and Reflection Questions to Engage in Metacognition and Enhance Understanding
Authors: Sabel Jaime L. , Dauer Joseph T. , Forbes Cory T.
Published: June 2017

Providing feedback to students as they learn to integrate individual concepts into complex systems is an important way to help them to develop robust understanding, but it is challenging in large, undergraduate classes for instructors to provide feedback that is frequent and directed enough to help individual students. Various scaffolds can be used to help students engage in self-regulated learning and generate internal feedback to improve their learning. This study examined the use of enhanced answer keys with added reflection questions and instruction as scaffolds for engaging undergraduate students in self-regulated learning within an introductory biology course. Study findings show that both the enhanced answer keys and reflection questions helped students to engage in metacognition and develop greater understanding of biological concepts. Further, students who received additional instruction on the use of the scaffolds changed how they used them and, by the end of the semester, were using the scaffolds in significantly different ways and showed significantly higher learning gains than students who did not receive the instruction. These findings provide evidence for the benefit of designing scaffolds within biology courses that will support students in engaging in metacognition and enhancing their understanding of biological concepts.
Geostatistical seismic inversion for frontier exploration
Authors: Pereira Ângela , Nunes Rúben , Azevedo Leonardo , Guerreiro Luís , Soares Amílcar
Published: June 2017

Numerical 3D high-resolution models of subsurface petroelastic properties are key tools for exploration and production stages. Stochastic seismic inversion techniques are often used to infer the spatial distribution of the properties of interest by integrating simultaneously seismic reflection and well-log data also allowing accessing the spatial uncertainty of the retrieved models. In frontier exploration areas, the available data set is often composed exclusively of seismic reflection data due to the lack of drilled wells and are therefore of high uncertainty. In these cases, subsurface models are usually retrieved by deterministic seismic inversion methodologies based exclusively on the existing seismic reflection data and an a priori elastic model. The resulting models are smooth representations of the real complex geology and do not allow assessing the uncertainty. To overcome these limitations, we have developed a geostatistical framework that allows inverting seismic reflection data without the need of experimental data (i.e., well-log data) within the inversion area. This iterative geostatistical seismic inversion methodology simultaneously integrates the available seismic reflection data and information from geologic analogs (nearby wells and/or analog fields) allowing retrieving acoustic impedance models. The model parameter space is perturbed by a stochastic sequential simulation methodology that handles the nonstationary probability distribution function. Convergence from iteration to iteration is ensured by a genetic algorithm driven by the trace-by-trace mismatch between real and synthetic seismic reflection data. The method was successfully applied to a frontier basin offshore southwest Europe, where no well has been drilled yet. Geologic information about the expected impedance distribution was retrieved from nearby wells and integrated within the inversion procedure. The resulting acoustic impedance models are geologically consistent with the available information and data, and the match between the inverted and the real seismic data ranges from 85% to 90% in some regions.
Cellular functions of WASP family proteins at a glance
Authors: Alekhina Olga , Burstein Ezra , Billadeau Daniel D.
Published: June 2017

Proteins of the Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) family function as nucleation-promoting factors for the ubiquitously expressed Arp2/3 complex, which drives the generation of branched actin filaments. Arp2/3-generated actin regulates diverse cellular processes, including the formation of lamellipodia and filopodia, endocytosis and/or phagocytosis at the plasma membrane, and the generation of cargo-laden vesicles from organelles including the Golgi, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the endo-lysosomal network. Recent studies have also identified roles for WASP family members in promoting actin dynamics at the centrosome, influencing nuclear shape and membrane remodeling events leading to the generation of autophagosomes. Interestingly, several WASP family members have also been observed in the nucleus where they directly influence gene expression by serving as molecular platforms for the assembly of epigenetic and transcriptional machinery. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and accompanying poster, we provide an update on the subcellular roles of WHAMM, JMY and WASH (also known as WASHC1), as well as their mechanisms of regulation and emerging functions within the cell.
Stress-specific p38 MAPK activation is sufficient to drive EGFR endocytosis but not its nuclear translocation
Authors: Tomas Alejandra , Jones Sylwia , Vaughan Simon O. , Hochhauser Daniel , Futter Clare E.
Published: June 2017

EGF receptor (EGFR) endocytosis is induced by stress in a manner dependent on the p38 MAPK family. Ligand and stresses such as X-rays, reportedly promote nuclear trafficking of endocytosed EGFR for regulation of gene transcription and DNA repair. We fail to detect EGFR endocytosis or nuclear transport following X-ray treatment of HeLa or head and neck cancer cells, despite extensive DNA damage induction. Apparent nuclear staining with EGFR extracellular domain antibody remained present despite reduced/absent EGFR expression, and so did not represent nuclear EGFR. UVB and UVC, but not X-ray or UVA, treatment induced p38 activation and EGFR endocytosis, although all of these stresses induced DNA damage, indicating that DNA damage alone is not sufficient to induce EGFR endocytosis. Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels following UVB treatment, compared to that seen with X-rays, do not alone explain differences in p38 activation. UVB, like UVC, induced EGFR accumulation predominantly in perinuclear endosomes, rather than in the nucleus. Our morphological techniques identifying major changes in receptor distribution do not exclude the possibility that small but biologically relevant amounts of EGFR enter the nucleus. This study highlights the importance and limitations of morphological analyses of receptor distribution in understanding signaling outcome.
Early exposure to chronic hypoxia induces short and long-term regulation of hemoglobin gene expression in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Authors: Cadiz Laura , Servili Arianna , Quazuguel Patrick , Madec Lauriane , Zambonino-Infante José-Luis , Mazurais David
Published: June 2017

European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) inhabits coastal waters and may be exposed to hypoxia at different life stages, requiring physiological and behavioral adaptation. In the present study, we attempted to determine whether regulation of hemoglobin (Hb) gene expression plays a role in the physiological response to chronic moderate hypoxia in whole larvae and hematopoietic tissues (head kidney and spleen) of juveniles. We also tested the hypothesis that hypoxia exposure at the larval stage could induce a long-term effect on the regulation of Hb gene expression. For this purpose, D. labrax were exposed to a non-lethal hypoxic condition (40% air saturation) at the larval stage from 28 to 50 days post hatching (dph) and/or at the juvenile stage from 196 to 296 dph. Data obtained on larvae indicate that hypoxia induced a subtype-specific regulation of Hb gene expression, with significant decrease of MN-Hbα3, MN-Hbβ4 and MN-Hbβ5 and increase of MN-Hbα2, LA-Hbα1 and LA-Hbβ1 transcript levels. Hypoxia did not induce regulation of Hb gene expression in juveniles, except in the head kidney for those that experienced hypoxia at the larval stage. The latter exhibited a significant hypoxia-induced stimulation of MN-Hbα2, LA-Hbα1 and LA-Hbβ1 gene expression, associated with stimulation of the PHD-3 gene involved in the hypoxia-inducible factor oxygen-sensing pathway. We conclude that subtype- and stage-specific regulation of Hb gene expression plays a role in the physiological response of D. labrax to cope with hypoxia and that early exposure to low oxygen concentration has a long-term effect on this response.
Communication in palliative care: the applicability of the SAGE and THYME model in Singapore
Authors: Martin Ang Seng Hock , Costello John , Griffiths Jane
Published: June 2017

Background:

Majority of the progress and development in palliative care in the last decade has been improvements in physical aspects of treatment, namely pain and symptom management. Psychosocial aspects of care have improved, although not enough to meet the needs of many patients and family members. This is evident in many parts of the world and notably in Singapore, where palliative care is seen as an emerging medical and nursing specialty.

Aim:

To discuss the implementation of the SAGE and THYME communication model in a palliative care context. The article examines the use of the model and how its implementation can improve communication between patients and nurses. The model works by reviewing contemporary developments made in relation to improving communication in palliative care. These include, highlighting the importance of meeting individual needs, therapeutic relationship building, and advanced communication training within a Singaporean context.

Results:

The implementation of the SAGE and THYME model can be a useful way of enabling nurses to improve and maintain effective communication in a medically dominated health care system. The challenges and constraints in educating and training nurses with limited skills in palliative care, forms part of the review, including the cultural and attitude constraints specific to Singaporean palliative care.
Nutrition and osteoporosis prevention for the orthopaedic surgeon
Authors: Higgs Jennette , Derbyshire Emma , Styles Kathryn
Published: June 2017

Osteoporosis is a prevalent and debilitating condition with no signs of subsiding. Rising numbers of people consuming nutrient-poor diets coupled with ageing populations and sedentary lifestyles appear to be the main drivers behind this. While the nutrients calcium and vitamin D have received most attention, there is growing evidence that wholefoods and other micronutrients have roles to play in primary and potentially secondary osteoporosis prevention. Until recently, calcium and vitamin D were regarded as the main nutrients essential to bone health but now there are emerging roles for iron, copper and selenium, among others. Fruit and vegetables are still not being eaten in adequate amounts and yet contain micronutrients and phytochemicals useful for bone remodelling (bone formation and resorption) and are essential for reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. There is emerging evidence that dried fruits, such as prunes, provide significant amounts of vitamin K, manganese, boron, copper and potassium which could help to support bone health. Just 50 g of prunes daily have been found to reduce bone resorption after six months when eaten by osteopaenic, postmenopausal women. Dairy foods have an important role in bone health. Carbonated drinks should not replace milk in the diet. A balanced diet containing food groups and nutrients needed for bone health across the whole lifecycle may help to prevent osteoporosis. Greater efforts are needed to employ preventative strategies which involve dietary and physical activity modifications, if the current situation is to improve.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2:300-308. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160079
Wind Energy Potential at Badin and Pasni Costal Line of Pakistan
Authors: Kaloi Ghulam Sarwar , Wang Jie , Baloch Mazhar H , Tahir Sohaib
Published: June 2017

Unfortunately, Pakistan is facing an acute energy crisis since the past decade due to the increasing population growth and is heavily dependent on imports of fossil fuels. The shortage of the electricity is 14-18 hours in rural areas and 8-10 hours in urban areas. This situation has been significantly affecting the residential, industrial and commercial sectors in the country. At this time, it is immense challenges for the government to keep the power supply provision continue in the future for the country. In this situation, it has been the increased research to explore renewable energy resources in the country to fulfill the deficit scenario in the state. The renewable energy sector has not penetrated in the energy mix, currently in the upcoming markets. This paper highlights the steps taken by the country in the past and is taking steps at the present time to get rid of from the existing energy crisis when most urban areas are suffering from power outages for 12 hours on regular basis. Until 2009, no single grid interconnected wind established, but now the circumstances are changing significantly and wind farms are contributing to the national grid is the reality now. The initiation of the three wind farms interconnection network and many others in the pipeline are going to be operational soon. The federal policy on wind energy system has recently changed. Surprisingly, the continuing schemes of the wind farm are getting slow. This paper reviews developments in the wind energy sector in the country and lists some suggestions that can contribute to improving the penetration of wind energy in the national energy sector.Article History: Received Dec 16th 2016; Received in revised form May 15th 2017; Accepted June 18th 2017; Available onlineHow to Cite This Article: Kaloi,G.S., Wang, J., Baloch, M.H and Tahir, S. (2017) Wind Energy Potential at Badin and Pasni Costal Line Pakistan. Int. Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 6(2), 103-110.https://doi.org/10.14710/ijred.6.2.103-110
Performance Study of a Floricultural Greenhouse Surrounded by Shallow Water Ponds
Authors: Misra Debajit , Ghosh Sudip
Published: June 2017

In the present paper, an innovative low energy-intensive evaporative cooling system has been proposed for greenhouse application in near-tropical regions dominated by hot climate. The system can operate under dual- ventilation mode to maintain a favourable microclimate inside the greenhouse. A single ridge type un-even span greenhouse has been considered, targeting a few species of Indian tropical flowers. The greenhouse has a continuous roof vent as well as adjustable side vents and is equipped with exhaust fans on top and roll-up curtains on the sides. The greenhouse is surrounded by shallow water ponds outside its longitudinal walls and evaporative surfaces partially cover the free water surface. Inside the pond, low cost evaporative surfaces are so placed that they form air channels.  Thus, outside air flows through the channels formed by the wetted surfaces over the water surface and undergoes evaporative cooling before entering the greenhouse. A simplified theoretical model has been presented in this paper to predict the inside greenhouse air temperature while ambient weather data are used as model inputs. The study reveals that during average radiation periods, the greenhouse can depends solely on natural ventilation and during peak radiation hours fan-induced ventilation is needed to maintain the required level of temperature. It is seen that under dual-ventilation mode greenhouse, temperature can be kept 3-6 oC lower than ambient temperature when saturation effectiveness is 0.7 and with 75% shading.Article History: Received February 25th 2017; Received in revised form April 14th 2017; Accepted May 4th 2017; Available onlineHow to Cite This Article: Misra, D. and Ghosh, S. (2017) Performance Study of a Floricultural Greenhouse Surrounded by Shallow Water Ponds. International Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 6(2), 137-144.https://doi.org/10.14710/ijred.6.2.137-144
Influence of the Rubber Seed Type and Altitude on Characteristic of Seed, Oil and Biodiesel
Authors: Salni Salni , Hariani Poedji Loekitowati , Hanifa Hanifa Marisa
Published: June 2017

This research studies the influence of the type of rubber seed that is superior and local, altitude plant in South Sumatra province to the characteristic of seed, oil and biodiesel (methyl ester). Rubber plants planted from local rubber seed by seeds seedlings and superior rubber seed by selected clones. In the study, rubber plants planted at a different altitude, namely in Banyuasin district (18 m above sea level), Prabumulih District (176 m above sea level) and Lahat District (627 m above sea level). The results showed that the weight of the flour, the water content and ash content in the local rubber seeds larger than the superior rubber seed for all altitude, but oil content a large in the superior rubber seeds. The major of fatty acids in the rubber seed oil in all types and altitude are a linoleic acid with a different percentage except local rubber seed oil from Lahat district with the large percentage of octadecanoic acid. Free fatty acids in the oil from the superior seeds rubber of 13.897-15.494 % large than local rubber seed oil was found 9.786-10.399 % for all altitude. By esterification process using sulfuric acid catalyst, Free Fatty Acid (FFA) can be reduced to ≤ 2 %. The methyl ester made from the transesterification process of rubber seed oil after esterification using methanol and sodium hydroxide as catalyst. Analysis of methyl esters includes cetane index, flash point, kinematic viscosity, carbon residue, density, moisture content, water and sediment content and distillation compared with SNI 7182 and ASTM 6751-02.  The result indicated that the quality of methyl ester from superior rubber seed oil in the Banyuasin and Prabumulih district better than another methyl ester. The types of rubber seed altitude affect the characteristics of the seed, oil and methyl ester  but the altitude are not significantly different.Keywords: rubber seed, type, altitude, oil, biodieselArticle History: Received March 21st 2017; Received in revised form May 5th 2017; Accepted June 2nd 2017; Available onlineHow to Cite This Article: Salni, S, Hariani, P.L. and Marisa, H. (2017) Influence the Rubber Seed Type and Altitude on Characteristic of Seed, Oil and Biodiesel. International Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 6(2), 157-163.https://doi.org/10.14710/ijred.6.2.157-163
KEBERADAAN DAN MULTIRESISTENSI ANTIBIOTIK Salmonella spp. DARI PRODUK PERIKANAN SEGAR DI WILAYAH DKI JAKARTA DAN BOGOR
Authors: Yennie Yusma , Aulia Rizky , K Tri Handayani
Published: June 2017

Salmonella spp. pada produk perikanan dilaporkan cukup tinggi prevalensinya dan erat kaitannya dengan kasus kejadian luar biasa (KLB) seperti demam, mual, muntah dan diare. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui prevalensi Salmonella spp. pada produk perikanan segar yang terdiri dari 110 sampel udang, 23 sampel ikan, 4 sampel cumi-cumi, dan 4 sampel kerang serta resistensinya terhadap antibiotik. Sampel diperoleh dari pasar tradisional dan modern di 5 wilayah kotamadya DKI Jakarta dan kota Bogor dengan metode purposive random sampling yang dilakukan dalam kurun waktu Maret 2013-Oktober 2014. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan prevalensi Salmonella spp. pada hasil perikanan segar adalah sebesar 32% (45/141 sampel). Untuk uji resistensi antibiotik diketahui bahwa isolat Salmonella spp. resisten terhadap minimum 1 jenis antibiotik yaitu 31% resisten terhadap erythromycin, 11% terhadap amoxicillin clavulanic acid, 4% terhadap tetracycline, dan 2% terhadap doxycycline serta nalidixic acid. Satu isolat Salmonella spp. dari sampel kerang, diketahui resisten terhadap 4 jenis antibiotik (multidrug resistance) yaitu tetracycline, erythromycin, nalidixic acid,dan amoxicillin clavulanic acid. Sementara itu, 1 isolat Salmonella spp. resisten terhadap 3 jenis antibiotik (tetracycline, erythromycin dan amoxicillin clavulanic acid) dan 2 isolat resisten terhadap 2 antibiotik (erythromycin dan amoxicillin clavulanic acid). Prevalensi dan multi resistensi Salmonella spp. pada produk perikanan segar ini menunjukkan bahwa peluang kontaminasi bakteri tersebut pada bahan pangan yang umum dikonsumsi masyarakat cukup besar dan hal ini dapat menyebabkan gangguan kesehatan pada konsumen.
Clinico-histopahological patterns of benign gynecological lesions at a tertiary hospital in Eastern Nigeria: a 5 year review
Authors: O. I. Uzoma , E. C. Ejikem
Published: June 2017

Background: Gynecological lesions are a common reason for women to seek specialist care. Even benign lesions manifest with a wide variety of clinical features. This study set out to analyze the prevalence of histopathologically evaluated benign lesions of the genital tract and their diverse clinical presentations within a tertiary healthcare institution.Methods: This was a retrospective study of 265 cases of gynecological specimens sent for histopathology at department of morbid anatomy, relevant clinical data on each case was retrieved from patient case notes obtained from the medical records department of the Imo State University Teaching Hospital Orlu, all data were retrieved from these departments from the period of 1st January 2009 to 31st December 2013. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.Results: A total of 265 specimens (100%) were received during a 5 year period. The benign lesions seen included; uterine leiomyomas 120 cases (45.3%), cervicitis had 32 (12.1%), there were 22 cases (8.3%) of uterovaginal prolapse, product of conception had 20 (7.6%), cervical polyps and cysts had 11cases (4.2%), adenomyosis and endometriosis had 4 cases (1.5%), serous cystadenoma reported 9 cases (3.4%). Cystic teratoma and simple ovarian cyst had 8 cases (3.0%) each. Endometrial hyperplasia, ovarian thecoma and corpus luteum cyst all had 7 cases (2.6%) respectively. There were 3 cases (1.1%) each of Nabothian cyst and ectopic pregnancy. Fibromas accounted for 2 cases (0.6%). Bartholin’s cyst and hydrosalpinx had 1 case (0.4%) each.Conclusions: Uterine fibroids were the commonest benign lesion for which women underwent gynecological surgery.
Prevalence and associated factors of HIV infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care at the Yaoundé central hospital
Authors: Fouedjio Jeanne Hortence , Fouelifack Florent Ymele , Fouelifa Loic Dongmo , Mbu Robinson Enow
Published: June 2017

Background: HIV infection affects millions of people worldwide, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Transmission occurs by several means including the transmission from mother to child. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with HIV infection in women attending antenatal care at the Yaoundé Central Hospital.Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study at the Obstetrics and Gynecologic Unit of the Yaoundé Central Hospital from 6th October 2015 to 30th June 2016. The sampling was consecutive. We included 360 pregnant women. Testing was done by a sensitive test and a specific test if the first was positive. Data analysis was done through Excel 2007 software EpiData Analysis Version 3.2 and STATA version 12.0 (Texas USA 2001). Statistical significance was accepted for a value of P <0.05.Results: The average age of our population was 27.99±5.63 years, ranging from 15 and 47 years. HIV prevalence in this population was 13.1% (47/360). Factors associated with HIV were the primary level of study (OR=7.97; 95% CI=2.23 to 28.49, P=0.001) and multiple sexual partners (OR=4.82; CI 95%=2.24 to 10.38, P=0.002).Conclusions: HIV prevalence in pregnant women at the Maternity of HCY is 13.1%. The low level of education and multiple sexual partners were significantly associated with HIV infection. We suggest the education of the girls who is a key factor in the empowerment of women.
Descriptive analysis of 192 cases of breast cancer occurring before age 40 in Yaounde, Cameroon
Authors: Essiben Félix , Foumane Pascal , Meka Esther JNU , Tchakounté Michèle , Dohbit Julius Sama , Nsahlai Christiane , Atenguena Etienne , Njotang Philip Nana , Mboudou Emile Telesphore
Published: June 2017

Background: Breast cancer is today a global health problem. With 1,671,149 new cases diagnosed in 2012, it is the most common female cancer in the world and accounts for 11.9% of all cancers and it affects more people than prostate cancer. In 2008, The United States statistics showed that, for all cancer that affect women before 40 years, more than 40% of them concerned the breast. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, histopathological and therapeutic aspects of breast cancer in women under 40 years of age in Yaoundé.Methods: This was a retrospective study with data collected from 192 medical case files of women treated over a period of 12 years, from January 2004 to December 2015 at the Yaounde General Hospital and the Yaounde Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital. Microsoft Epi Info version 3.4.5 and SPSS version 20.0 softwares were used for data analysis.Results: From 2004 to 2015, 1489 cases of breast cancer were treated in both hospitals. Of these, 462 women were less than 40 years old, representing a proportion of 31.0%. The mean age at diagnosis was 33.5±5.0 years and 17.7% of women had a family history of breast cancer. The average time before an initial consultation was 6.7±6.6 months.  Most cases were classified as T4 (46.1%). The most common histological type was ductal carcinoma (87.4%). Grades SBR II and SBR III were predominant (76.4%). Axillary dissection (64.4%) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (43.9%) were the main therapeutic modalities. The overall survival rate at 5 years was 51.2%. Five-year survival rates with no local recurrence and no metastatic occurrence were 35.8% and 43.2% respectively.Conclusions: Breast cancer largely affects women under the age of 40 and is often discovered late, at an advanced stage. The prognosis appears poor. Only screening could facilitate diagnosis at an early stage of the disease for better outcomes.
Nutritional awareness among pregnant women in Latvia
Authors: Kolosova Marija , Miskova Med. Anna
Published: June 2017

Background: Women's eating habits affect not only the course of pregnancy but also the later life's metabolic health of their off springs. In 2016 Latvian guidelines on healthy nutrition during preconception period, pregnancy and lactation were published. The aim of this study was to analyze the level of nutritional awareness among pregnant women in Latvia.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Riga Maternity Hospital. 110 pregnant women receiving antenatal care participated in the survey.Results: 64.5% of respondents received recommendations on proper nutrition from health care professionals during pregnancy, whereas only 20.9% were informed in the preconception period. 68.7% of participants, who received information about the principles of healthy nutrition, considered them to be sufficient. The majority of women got the recommendations from gynecologists-obstetricians- 4.9%. 39.1% of women used non-evidence-based sources when searching for the information about healthy nutrition. 34.5% of all pregnant women had at least one health or social risk factor, which required individualized diet planning, however, 26.3% of them did not receive any recommendations at all. 28.7% of respondents started pregnancy with abnormal Body Mass Index (BMI).Conclusions: Women should be advised to make diet corrections before pregnancy, therefore more consultations in preconception period are needed. Additional educational sources providing information about healthy nutrition should be considered.
Hyperhomocysteinemia in Recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Bhatia Nisha , B. Hemanshu
Published: June 2017

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with many pregnancy related complications. Its association with recurrent pregnancy loss has been investigated recently. Not only it is associated with recurrent pregnancy loss but also associated with complications like Preeclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation and low birth weight. The objective of this study to assess the prevalence of Hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss and to evaluate the association of hyperhomocysteinemia with pregnancy complications in patients of recurrent pregnancy loss.Methods: 50 Patients of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss were selected as cases and 50 patients with atleast one successful pregnancy were taken as controls. Their blood sample was assayed for Fasting Homocysteine levels. They were followed up throughout pregnancy for any complications and neonatal outcome was recorded.Results: 19 patients out of the 50 cases had Hyperhomocysteinemia. Hyperhomocysteinemia was thrice more common in Primary aborters when compared to secondary aborters. Out of 19 patients with hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss, 14 patients also developed Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy during their antenatal period. Among patients with Hyperhomocysteinemia in study group, 47% had low birthweight babies when compared to 25% among control group.Conclusions: Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with recurrent pregnancy loss and patients of Recurrent pregnancy loss who have Hyperhomocysteinemia have a higher risk of developing pregnancy complications like Preeclampsia, low birth weight and Intrauterine growth retardation.
Combination of mifepristone and misoprostol: an effective method of medical abortion upto gestational age of 49 days
Authors: Kshirsagar Seema C. Kshirsagar , Wankhede Uma Nitin
Published: June 2017

Background: A combination of antiprogesterone mifepristone and prostaglandin analogue misoprostol provides an effective non surgical method for termination of pregnancy up to gestational age of 49 days. Objective of present study was to assess the efficacy of this medical regimen for termination of pregnancy up to 49 days of pregnancy.Methods: A hospital based retrospective study was carried out in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Sassoon General Hospital, Pune, India for a period of one year where 30 women requesting for medical abortion were studied. The medical regimen used was mifepristone 200 mg orally followed 48 hours later by misoprostol 800 microgram administered in posterior vaginal fornix.Results: The overall success rate of this regimen was 90%. Where success was defined as achieving complete abortion without needing surgical evacuation. Surgical evacuation was needed in 3 (10%) patients i.e. for incomplete abortion.Conclusions: Combination of oral mifepristone 200mg followed 48 hours later by vaginal misoprostol 800mcg is an effective method of medical termination of pregnancy.
The effects of combined therapy of myo-inositol and D-chiro inositol in reduction of the individual components of metabolic syndrome in overweight PCOS patients compared to myo-inositol supplementation alone: a prospective randomised controlled trial
Authors: Pande Manideepa , Seal Ashish , Mishra Sukanta , Dasgupta Arup , Sengupta Mousumi , Dastider Rinini
Published: June 2017

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorder affecting five to ten percent women of reproductive age group. Variability of signs and symptoms along with metabolic syndrome as one of the long term complications make it worthy of early diagnosis and treatment. Medical management of PCOS is aimed at the treatment of metabolic derangements, anovulation, hirsutism, and menstrual irregularities.Methods: 140 patients, using inclusion and exclusion criteria, were selected and randomly divided into two groups (seventy in each) and age, BMI, waist hip ratio, blood pressure (systolic, diastolic), serum fasting insulin, fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides were measured. Study group were given {Myo-inositol (550 mg) + D-chiro-inositol (13.8 mg)} (MI+DCI) twice daily and the control group were given Myo-inositol (1 gm) (MI) twice daily for six months. Same variables were measured at the end of three and six months and compared with repeated measurement ANOVA using SPSS (version 20).Results: Comparison between these two groups before study was non-contributory. Combined drug therapy has provided statistically significant decrease in BMI, W:H ratio, Diastolic BP, Fasting blood sugar at the end of both 3rd and 6th month but in case of LDL it was at the end of 3 months. Combined drug therapy also increased the HDL level significantly in both the occasions.Conclusions: Combined medical therapy by (MI+DCI) is very much helpful in reducing the metabolic complications of PCOS without any major side effects.