bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D Beliefs and Associations with Sunburns, Sun Exposure, and Sun Protection
Authors: Kim Bang Hyun , Glanz Karen , Nehl Eric J.
Published: July 2012

The main objective of this study was to examine certain beliefs about vitamin D and associations with sun exposure, sun protection behaviors, and sunburns. A total of 3,922 lifeguards, pool managers, and parents completed a survey in 2006 about beliefs regarding vitamin D and sun-related behaviors. Multivariate ordinal regression analyses and linear regression analysis were used to examine associations of beliefs and other variables. Results revealed that Non-Caucasian lifeguards and pool managers were less likely to agree that they needed to go out in the sun to get enough vitamin D. Lifeguards and parents who were non-Caucasian were less likely to report that sunlight helped the body to produce vitamin D. A stronger belief about the need to go out in the sun to get enough vitamin D predicted more sun exposure for lifeguards. For parents, a stronger belief that they can get enough vitamin D from foods predicted greater sun protection and a stronger belief that sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D predicted lower sun exposure. This study provides information regarding vitamin D beliefs and their association with certain sun related behaviors across different demographic groups that can inform education efforts about vitamin D and sun protection.
Phage Display-based Strategies for Cloning and Optimization of Monoclonal Antibodies Directed against Human Pathogens
Authors: Clementi Nicola , Mancini Nicasio , Solforosi Laura , Castelli Matteo , Clementi Massimo , Burioni Roberto
Published: July 2012

In the last two decades, several phage display-selected monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been described in the literature and a few of them have managed to reach the clinics. Among these, the anti-respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Palivizumab, a phage-display optimized mAb, is the only marketed mAb directed against microbial pathogens. Palivizumab is a clear example of the importance of choosing the most appropriate strategy when selecting or optimizing an anti-infectious mAb. From this perspective, the extreme versatility of phage-display technology makes it a useful tool when setting up different strategies for the selection of mAbs directed against human pathogens, especially when their possible clinical use is considered. In this paper, we review the principal phage display strategies used to select anti-infectious mAbs, with particular attention focused on those used against hypervariable pathogens, such as HCV and influenza viruses.
Effect of Levan Supplement in Orange Juice on Weight, Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Metabolic Profile of Healthy Subjects: Results of an 8-Week Clinical Trial
Authors: Niv Eva , Shapira Yami , Akiva Ira , Rokhkind Evgenia , Naor Etty , Arbiv Mira , Vaisman Nachum
Published: July 2012

Levan is a commonly used dietary fiber of the fructans group. Its impact on health remains undetermined. This double blind controlled study aimed to investigate the effect of 8 weeks’ daily consumption of 500 mL of natural orange juice enriched with 11.25 g of levan compared to the same amount of natural orange juice without levan on weight, gastrointestinal symptoms and metabolic profiles of 48 healthy volunteers. The statistical analyses compared between- and within-group findings at baseline, 4 weeks and study closure. The compared parameters were: weight, blood pressure, blood laboratory tests, daily number of defecations, scores of stool consistency, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, dyspepsia, vomiting and heartburn. Despite a higher fiber level recorded in the study group, there was no significant difference in the effect of the two kinds of juices on the studied parameters. Both juices decreased systolic and diastolic pressures, increased sodium level (within normal range), stool number, and bloating scores, and decreased gas scores. In conclusion, levan itself had no effect on weight, gastrointestinal symptoms or metabolic profile of healthy volunteers. Its possible effect on obese, hypertensive or hyperlipidemic patients should be investigated in further studies.
Radiation Mapping in Post-Disaster Environments Using an Autonomous Helicopter
Authors: Towler Jerry , Krawiec Bryan , Kochersberger Kevin
Published: July 2012

Recent events have highlighted the need for unmanned remote sensing in dangerous areas, particularly where structures have collapsed or explosions have occurred, to limit hazards to first responders and increase their efficiency in planning response operations. In the case of the Fukushima nuclear reactor explosion, an unmanned helicopter capable of obtaining overhead images, gathering radiation measurements, and mapping both the structural and radiation content of the environment would have given the response team invaluable data early in the disaster, thereby allowing them to understand the extent of the damage and areas where dangers to personnel existed. With this motivation, the Unmanned Systems Lab at Virginia Tech has developed a remote sensing system for radiation detection and aerial imaging using a 90 kg autonomous helicopter and sensing payloads for the radiation detection and imaging operations. The radiation payload, which is the sensor of focus in this paper, consists of a scintillating type detector with associated software and novel search algorithms to rapidly and effectively map and locate sources of high radiation intensity. By incorporating this sensing technology into an unmanned aerial vehicle system, crucial situational awareness can be gathered about a post-disaster environment and response efforts can be expedited. This paper details the radiation mapping and localization capabilities of this system as well as the testing of the various search algorithms using simulated radiation data. The various components of the system have been flight tested over a several-year period and a new production flight platform has been built to enhance reliability and maintainability. The new system is based on the Aeroscout B1-100 helicopter platform, which has a one-hour flight endurance and uses a COFDM radio system that gives the helicopter an effective range of 7 km.
A Reasoning Hardware Platform for Real-Time Common-Sense Inference
Authors: Barba Jesús , Santofimia Maria J. , Dondo Julio , Rincón Fernando , Sánchez Francisco , López Juan Carlos
Published: July 2012

Enabling Ambient Intelligence systems to understand the activities that are taking place in a supervised context is a rather complicated task. Moreover, this task cannot be successfully addressed while overlooking the mechanisms (common-sense knowledge and reasoning) that entitle us, as humans beings, to successfully undertake it. This work is based on the premise that Ambient Intelligence systems will be able to understand and react to context events if common-sense capabilities are embodied in them. However, there are some difficulties that need to be resolved before common-sense capabilities can be fully deployed to Ambient Intelligence. This work presents a hardware accelerated implementation of a common-sense knowledge-base system intended to improve response time and efficiency.
Family Migration: Fulfilling the Gap between Law and Social Processes
Authors: Zanfrini Laura
Published: July 2012

In the last twenty-five years, the family entity has been imposed as a crucial actor in understanding migratory strategies and behaviors, the study of the integration into the host society, the analysis of the impact of migrations for the sending and receiving countries and, last but not least, the evaluation of migratory policies and practices. This article recalls the main theoretical prospects that put specific emphasis on family; identifies some “ideological traps” that frequently influence family immigration policies and practices; then develops some considerations about the advantages and disadvantages of family migration for both the sending and the receiving countries; finally, it devotes a specific analysis to the family reunification issue, describing how this right is ruled by the EU legislation. In the conclusion, the Author observes that, notwithstanding the fact that family constitutes a crucial actor in the process of human mobility, both the legislation and the receiving societies’ expectations concerning migration continues to be founded on an individualistic conception. Among other consequences of this asymmetry, there is the fact that family reunion is not always the best solution if the well-being of all family members and the life chances of migrants’ offspring are taken into account.
Modeling Seasonal Variation in Tourism Flows with Climate Variables
Authors: Kulendran Nada , Dwyer Larry
Published: July 2012

The purpose of this article is to model and forecast the seasonal variation, the fluctuations in tourist numbers from season to season in Australian inbound holiday tourism, using climate variables such as maximum temperature, humidity, and hours of sunshine. For estimation purposes
this study uses quarterly data on arrivals from the US, UK, Japan, and New Zealand to Australia from September 1975 to September 2009. Seasonal variation, which is the respective and predictable movement of visitation around the trend line, was first extracted from the quarterly holiday tourist
arrivals time-series using the Basic Structural Model (BSM) approach. Subsequently, the influence of climate variables on seasonal variation in different seasons was identified using the average euclidean minimum distance (AD) statistics. The AD statistics show that climate variables shape
the characteristic of seasonal variation of tourism flows but the effect tends to vary between seasons and countries. A time-series model was estimated with climate variables to forecast seasonal variation. The forecasting comparison result shows that climate variables improve the forecasting
performance. The approach can be replicated to help destination managers and forecasters determine if climate variables influence tourism flows between other origins and destinations globally.
Language of Tourism Advertising: A Pragmatic Approach
Authors: Djafarova Elmira , Waring Teresa
Published: July 2012

Much of the existing research on tourism advertising has focused on visual semiotics rather than verbal language. This research note discusses the methodological approach that was taken to investigate language use in British tourism print advertising. Pragmatics, a branch of linguistics,
was utilized to support the content analysis of figures of speech. This methodological approach is the first serious attempt to explore the language use in tourism advertising. The approach taken provides rich insight into the interpretation of figures of speech and demonstrates how language
contributes to the communication of tourism images. The major contribution of this research lies in the detailed textual analysis of figures of speech. This analysis is based on pragmatic approach, relevance theory, which enhances the interpretation of tourism images.
The effect of the formyl group position upon asymmetric isomeric diarylethenes bearing a naphthalene moiety
Authors: Wang Renjie , Pu Shouzhi , Liu Gang , Cui Shiqiang
Published: July 2012

Three new isomeric asymmetric diarylethenes with a naphthyl moiety and a formyl group at the para, meta or ortho position of the terminal benzene ring were synthesized. Their photochromism, fluorescent-switch, and electrochemical properties were investigated. Among these diarylethenes, the one with a formyl group at the ortho position of benzene displayed the largest molar absorption coefficients and fluorescence quantum yield. The cyclization quantum yields of these compounds increased in the order of para < ortho < meta, whereas their cycloreversion quantum yields decreased in the order of meta > para > ortho. Additionally, all of these diarylethenes functioned as effective fluorescent switches in both solution and PMMA films. Cyclic voltammograms proved that the formyl group and its position could effectively modulate the electrochemical behaviors of these diarylethene derivatives.
Magnetic Resonance for Quantitative Assessment of Liver Steatosis: A New Potential Tool to Monitor Antiretroviral-Drug-Related Toxicities
Authors: Guaraldi Giovanni , Besutti Giulia , Stentarelli Chiara , Zona Stefano , Nocetti Luca , Loria Paola , Ballestri Stefano , Losi Luisa , Torricelli Pietro , Ligabue Guido
Published: July 2012

Background

There is an increasing need for new diagnostic tools to monitor antiretroviral drug-related toxicities. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR spectroscopy are non-invasive diagnostic methods used in the detection and quantification of liver fat. The aim of this study was to compare sensitivity and specificity of different MR techniques in the quantitative assessment of liver steatosis, using liver biopsy as the reference standard, in patients with and without HIV infection.

Methods

Sequentially evaluated patients with suspected steatosis who were referred for liver biopsy at our tertiary care site were eligible. MR liver fat content (LFC) was estimated by T2-weighted and fat-suppressed T2-weighted spin-echo, dual-phase T1-weighted gradient-echo, multiecho gradient-echo and 1H spectroscopy. Association between LFC and histological steatosis percentage was calculated by using univariate linear regressions and Pearson's coefficient. Respective receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare specificity and sensitivity of MR methods in diagnosis (cutoff 5%) and in quantitative evaluation (cutoff 33%) of steatosis.

Results

A total of 28 patients were identified: 12 refused or had contraindications for liver biopsy and 16 had biopsies plus MR. LFC and histological steatosis percentage were strongly associated (fat-suppressed r=0.86 [ P<0.001], dual-phase r=0.88 [ P<0.001], multiecho r=0.95 [ P<0,001] and spectroscopy r=0.84 [ P=0.01]). MR techniques had high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis and quantitative assessment of steatosis (areas under ROC curves ranging from 0.88 to 0.98).

Conclusions

This pilot study confirms that MR may be a sensitive non-invasive alternative to biopsy for the quantitative assessment of liver fat and a potential end point to monitor antiretroviral-drug-related toxicities.
Evaluation des effets du placement précoce du bébé en pouponnière
Authors: Mascaró Rosa , Dupuis-Gauthier Catherine , Jardri Renaud , Delion Pierre
Published: July 2012

Résumé Le placement du bébé négligé ou maltraité sur décision judiciaire en pouponnière peut-il avoir une vocation soignante ou est-il toujours source de carences ?... Telle est la problématique générale de cette recherche résolument inscrite dans l’articulation théorique des neurosciences avec de la psychopathologie éclairée par la psychologie du développement et de la psychanalyse. Son objectif est l’étude des effets du placement en institution, sur le développement des bébés ayant subi des négligences et/ou des carences précoces intrafamiliales. Les résultats cliniques et statistiques confirment l’amélioration des capacités relationnelles, interactionnelles et du développement d’une large majorité des bébés constituant la population d’étude. Ils suggèrent également la nécessité de recherches longitudinales pour valider les effets au long cours du placement et son incidence sur le développement de l’enfant. Cela ne prejuge pas le resultat de 4 mois.
Une pratique morcelée qui invite à l'intégration des services
Authors: Falardeau Marlène , Arpin Joanie , Lambert Emilie
Published: July 2012

Résumé Cet article vise à présenter les résultats d’une recherche qualitative originale réalisée auprès d’ergothérapeutes québécoises (Canada) travaillant en soutien à domicile auprès d’une clientèle en phase palliative ou terminale. L’objectif de la recherche était de décrire les pratiques actuelle et idéale de ces professionnelles selon leurs perspectives. L’exercice des métaphores a été utilisé. L’analyse des données révèle que les ergothérapeutes conçoivent leur pratique en manque d’intégration en raison, entre autres, de l’ambiguïté du rôle ou d’une pauvre collaboration interdisciplinaire. Leur souci d’efficacité ne pourra être résolu que par l’accès à un plus grand nombre de ressources, à du soutien et à de la formation portant à la fois sur l’approche spécifique auprès des personnes en soins palliatifs et sur le travail dynamique en équipe.
Douleurs rebelles en soins palliatifs : différents traitements possibles à partir d'un cas clinique
Authors: Dubreuilh Gaëlle , Grouille Dominique , Sardin Bertrand , Bourzeix Jean-Vincent , Terrier Gérard
Published: July 2012

Résumé Ce travail expose le cas d’une malade atteinte de cancer du sein compliqué de métastases rachidiennes responsables de douleurs rebelles qui a bénéficié de la quasi-totalité de traitements antalgiques actuellement disponibles. Cette observation permet de faire une courte mise au point à visée didactique des différentes techniques et médicaments antalgiques à la disposition de cliniciens en soins palliatifs : PCA oxycodone, TENS, kétamine, samarium, analgésie rachidienne par cathéter intrathécal avec administration de morphine puis de ziconotide et enfin méthadone.
Un projet sur la TABLE : un stage du diplôme universitaire de soins palliatifs en Egypte. De la théorie à la pratique
Authors: Sardin Bertrand , Grouille Dominique
Published: July 2012

Résumé L’idée d’effectuer le stage du diplôme universitaire de soins palliatifs ailleurs est née de l’envie de faire un stage centré sur l’accompagnement dans un contexte moins favorisé que celui des pays occidentaux. Le stage au Caire a permis de mettre en évidence les contraintes d’un tel projet réunies sous l’acronyme TABLE : Temps, Autorisations, Budget, Lieu, Etranger. Sans prétendre être exhaustifs, les auteurs évoquent un certain nombre de pistes pour chaque item et font référence à l’expérience vécue. Les enseignements sont nombreux mais l’expérience la plus marquante est de se retrouver à l’étranger, de perdre ses repères professionnels, faire l’apprentissage de l’isolement, de l’impérieuse nécessité de solliciter, d’accepter non de donner mais de recevoir. L’autre constat est celui du chemin à parcourir : le système de santé égyptien est perfectible, les soins palliatifs sont encore balbutiants en Egypte. Peu d’équipes sont labellisées mais elles travaillent à développer une culture des soins palliatifs par la formation des infirmières, par la diffusion de référentiels sur la douleur, par la promotion de la prise en charge psychosociale et la lutte contre les idées reçues.
Anorexie et art-thérapie : éléments pour une pratique
Authors: Sudres Jean-Luc
Published: July 2012

Résumé Si l’art-thérapie en tant que pratique est aussi séductrice que l’entité psychopathologique anorexie, leur rencontre dans la dynamique du soin psychothérapique conduit à en préciser les contours pour une opérationnalisation effective sur le terrain. Ainsi, après avoir contextualisé le concept d’art-thérapie au sein de la nuée d’expressions satellites actuelles (« psychothérapie médiatisée », « activité thérapeutique à médiation », « animathérapie », etc.) l’auteur s’emploie d’abord à tracer le contour d’une définition via les indications/contre-indications classiques et spécifiques au patient anorexique. Puis, il en vient à développer une pratique d’art-thérapie reposant sur un dispositif singulier de surprise-reprise étayé sur le fonctionnement symptomatique et psychodynamique de ces patients. Enfin, il souligne d’une part la temporalité incertaine de cette pathologie qui parvient souvent à faire fonctionner les praticiens en miroir, d’autre part la difficulté à disposer d’une « evidence based art therapy » en ce domaine.
Groupe thérapeutique à médiation sensorielle olfactive en milieu carcéral
Authors: Leca Herminie , Brun Anne
Published: July 2012

Résumé La pratique de psychologue en milieu carcéral, qui constitue une extension du champ psychanalytique sur le terrain du soin aux cliniques de l’extrême, nécessite l’invention de nouveaux cadres-dispositifs : cet article interroge l’approche psychothérapeutique de sujets présentant des pathologies de l’agir, à partir d’un cadre thérapeutique innovant, un groupe à médiation sensorielle olfactive, auprès d’une population criminelle. Le travail thérapeutique groupal à partir de la reconnaissance de l’odeur, comme premier maillon de l’organisation affective, favorise une appropriation subjective de l’histoire de ces sujets marquée par des passages à l’acte violents. L’intérêt thérapeutique spécifique du recours au médium sensoriel olfactif en prison consiste à remobiliser l’expérience sensorielle par la réactualisation de traces mnésiques perceptives, sous forme de sensations hallucinées, correspondant à des souvenirs sensoriels engendrés par le médium olfactif : il s’agira dans l’espace thérapeutique de transformer la sensation hallucinée en une « figuration parlée » et de favoriser un travail de composition de l’affect et de partage affectif avec autrui, pour des patients aux « limites » de la clinique, souvent organisés sur un mode pervers.
Adolescent suicidant : le non-transmissible du traumatisme et le mythe familial
Authors: Ghyssel Barbara , Goffinet Serge
Published: July 2012

Résumé Notre article prend appui sur une réflexion théorico-clinique destinée à créer des dispositifs psychothérapeutiques permettant de prévenir les gestes suicidaires chez des adolescents psychotraumatisés. Dans ce cadre, nous nous sommes demandé s’il y avait des éléments spécifiques liés à l’adolescence dans la question du dépassement du trauma, en particulier l’abus sexuel intrafamilial. Une de nos hypothèses est que, dans cette période adolescentaire, le trauma doit d’abord être incorporé sur la scène familiale avant que le sujet puisse entamer son travail d’élaboration psychique. La tentative de suicide serait ainsi à voir comme un signe de l’échec de ce processus d’incorporation du trauma. Nous développerons l’idée que ce non- transmissible serait lié à ce que le trauma individuel viendrait constituer une attaque mythique trop importante pour l’équilibre familial.
Perspectives on Patient Safety Among Undergraduate Nursing Students
Authors: Duhn Lenora , Karp Stacey , Oni Oluwabusola , Edge Dana , Ginsburg Liane , VanDenKerkhof Elizabeth
Published: July 2012

Incorporating patient safety principles in academic and clinical education for health science professionals is necessary to support widespread adoption of safety practices. It is vital to understand nursing students’ perspectives on patient safety and the extent to which patient safety is addressed in the classroom and clinical settings. In this cross-sectional study, students in all 4 years of an undergraduate program were asked to complete the Health Professional Education in Patient Safety Survey. Eighty-one percent (238 of 293) of students completed the questionnaire. Responses were favorable, with students reporting confidence in learning about a variety of patient safety competencies. Of note, there were decreasing levels of confidence in the third-year and fourth-year students and low-to-moderate correlation between classroom and clinical responses. These results support the importance of consistently engaging students in safety principles early in and throughout their health care programs.
Repeatability of the Sirius Imaging System and Agreement With the Pentacam HR
Authors: Nasser Cornelius K. , Singer Reut , Barkana Yaniv , Zadok David , Avni Isaac , Goldich Yakov
Published: July 2012

PURPOSE:

To assess measurement repeatability of corneal curvature, minimal corneal thickness, and anterior chamber depth obtained with the Sirius imaging system (Costruzioni Strumenti Oftalmici) and to assess its agreement with the Pentacam HR imaging system (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH).

METHODS:

Healthy individuals were prospectively recruited. To assess repeatability, eight consecutive measurements were performed in the right eye of healthy individuals with the Sirius. A single measurement was then performed consecutively with both systems. The anterior and posterior corneal radii (antR and posR, respectively), anterior chamber depth, and minimal corneal thickness were evaluated. Repeatability of Sirius was evaluated by calculating coefficients of variation (CoV). Agreement between Sirius and Pentacam was assessed by calculating 95% limits of agreement (LoA) and plotting Bland–Altman graphs.

RESULTS:

Forty-five eyes from individuals (21 men, 24 women) aged 20 to 61 years were evaluated. The mean CoV was 0.37% and 1.32% for antR and posR at 3 mm, respectively, and 0.36% and 1.28% for antR and posR at 7 mm, respectively. For anterior chamber depth and minimal corneal thickness, the CoV was 0.56% and 1.69%, respectively. Calculated 95% LoA were −0.1 to 0.12 mm (mean difference: 0.018 mm) and −0.54 to 0.33 mm (mean difference: 0.1 mm) for antR and posR at 3 mm, respectively. For anterior chamber depth, 95% LoA was −0.23 to 0.09 mm (mean difference: 0.068 mm) and −9.61 to 33.44 μm (mean difference: 11.91 μm) for minimal corneal thickness.

CONCLUSIONS:

The Sirius showed good to excellent repeatability for all measured parameters. Agreement analysis suggests that Sirius and Pentacam should not be used interchangeably.
Anterior Segment Biometry: A Study and Review of Resolution and Repeatability Data
Authors: Reinstein Dan Z. , Gobbe Marine , Archer Timothy J.
Published: July 2012

PURPOSE:

To obtain comparable resolution and repeatability data for a selection of anterior segment imaging devices.

METHODS:

A standard letter of request was sent in May 2008 to each device manufacturer requesting resolution and repeatability data for its device to be provided according to specific definitions and protocol; if this was not already published in the peer-reviewed domain, compliant raw data were required. Where applicable, repeatability data were reported for corneal vertex corneal thickness; epithelial and flap thickness; minimum corneal thickness; corneal, epithelial and flap thickness mapping for the central 6-mm diameter; minimum residual stromal thickness; angle-to-angle diameter; sulcus-to-sulcus diameter; and anterior chamber depth. To summarize published repeatability data, a complete review of the peer-reviewed literature waas performed.

RESULTS:

Nine of the 13 manufacturers contacted agreed to take part and provided the data requested: Pentacam HD (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH), Galilei (Ziemer), Visante OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec), SL-OCT (Haag-Streit), RTVue (Optovue), Artemis (ArcScan), Vumax (Sonomed), HiScan (Opticon), and Eye Cubed (Ellex/Innovative). Only one (Carl Zeiss Meditec) of 9 manufacturers was able to provide the data directly upon request, without performing a prospective study. Five of the 9 manufacturers were able to provide a complete set of repeatability data for all parameters measurable with their device; the remaining 4 manufacturers admitted that repeatability of some parameters was unknown.

CONCLUSIONS:

Both literature and manufacturers’ data on file were lacking and required the study to be performed. This report provides an imperfect, but most comprehensive to date, resolution and repeatability data review of biometric devices intended for surgical planning.
Enzymatic acidolysis of triolein with palmitic and caprylic acids: Optimization of reaction parameters by response surface methodology
Authors: Keskin H. , Koçak D. , Göğüş F. , Fadıloğlu S.
Published: July 2012

An acidolysis reaction of triolein with caprylic and palmitic acids was performed using immobilized sn-1,3 specific lipase from Mucor miehei to produce a reduced calorie spreadable structured lipid (SL). Response surface methodology was applied to model and optimize the reaction conditions using a four-factor five-level central composite rotatable design. The selected factors were time (10-24 h), enzyme load (10-25 wt%), substrate mole ratio (Triolein:Caprylic acid:Palmitic acid), (1:1:1-1:2.5:2.5) and temperature (45-60 °C). The produced SLs were compared to fat extracts of commercial margarine in terms of melting proﬁle and solid fat content (SFC). SL with a melting peak of 42 °C and SFC of 40.69% at 0 °C was very similar to soft margarines. The caloric value of this SL was determined as 37.74 kJ/g, theoretically. The optimum reaction conditions were found as reaction time 14 h; substrate mole ratio 1:2.1:2.1; temperature 58 °C; and enzyme load 15 wt%. Under optimum conditions, the product contained 29.68% COC, 25.47% POC, and 3.80% POP.
Apparent and quantitative loss of fatty acids and triacylglycerols at frying temperatures
Authors: Berdeaux O. , Marmesat S. , Velasco J. , Dobarganes M. C.
Published: July 2012

Olive and sunflower oils were heated at 180 °C for 5, 10 and 15 hours with the aim of defining the changes in the contents of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and triacylglycerols (TAG) under frying conditions. Differences between apparent and real loss of FAME or TAG are defined for an adequate interpretation of the changes taking place at high temperature. Such differences depend on the expression of the results and frequently result in erroneous conclusions. Results showed that from the normalized composition it could be deduced that only the most unsaturated FAME (C18:2) or TAG containing it was significantly altered. However, quantitative data indicated that all the unsaturated FAME were degraded in samples of olive oil and sunflower oil whose levels of alteration ranged from 14.6 to 35.4% polar compounds. With regard to TAG, their loss depended on both the number of double bonds and the concentration of the linoleyl group, which is the most unsaturated fatty acyl group in both oils.
Neural networks to formulate special fats
Authors: Garcia R. K. , Moreira Gandra K. , Block J. M. , Barrera-Arellano D.
Published: July 2012

Neural networks are a branch of artificial intelligence based on the structure and development of biological systems, having as its main characteristic the ability to learn and generalize knowledge. They are used for solving complex problems for which traditional computing systems have a low efficiency. To date, applications have been proposed for different sectors and activities. In the area of fats and oils, the use of neural networks has focused mainly on two issues: the detection of adulteration and the development of fatty products. The formulation of fats for specific uses is the classic case of a complex problem where an expert or group of experts defines the proportions of each base, which, when mixed, provide the specifications for the desired product. Some conventional computer systems are currently available to assist the experts; however, these systems have some shortcomings. This article describes in detail a system for formulating fatty products, shortenings or special fats, from three or more components by using neural networks (MIX). All stages of development, including design, construction, training, evaluation, and operation of the network will be outlined.
Technique for the collection of clear urine from the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)
Authors: Myburgh Jan G. , Huchzermeyer Fritz W. , Soley John T. , Booyse Dirk G. , Groenewald Herman B. , Bekker Lizette C. , Iguchi Taisen , Guillette Louis J.
Published: July 2012

Urine samples can be a very useful diagnostic tool for the evaluation of animal health. In this article, a simple technique to collect urine from the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) was described, based on a similar unpublished technique developed for the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) using a canine urinary catheter. With this technique, it was possible to collect relatively clean urine samples from Nile crocodiles of different sizes using canine urinary catheters or small diameter stomach tubes. Based on the gross anatomical features of the cloaca of the Nile crocodile, it was confirmed that urine accumulates in a chamber consisting of the urodeum and coprodeum. Faecal material is stored temporarily in the very short rectum, which is separated from the urinary chamber by the rectocoprodeal sphincter.
Proposing a competitive intelligence (CI) framework for Public Service departments to enhance service delivery
Authors: Sewdass Nisha
Published: July 2012

Background: The aim of public service departments in South Africa is to improve service delivery through the transformation and improvement of human resources and the improvement of service delivery practices. Furthermore, it is important for the public service sector in South Africa to improve the quality of its service delivery, not only by comparing its performance with other sectors within South Africa but also by positioning itself amongst the best in the world. This can be achieved by benchmarking with other global industries and by implementing the most recent competitive intelligence strategies, tools and techniques. The environment of the public service organisations consists of competitive forces that impact the functioning of these organisations.Objectives: This article focuses on proposing competitive intelligence-related strategies, tools and techniques for gathering and analysing information in the public service departments in South Africa in order to enhance service delivery.Method: The study was qualitative in nature and was divided into two components, namely, (1) theoretical – through an extensive review of the literature and (2) empirical – an ethnographic study at the chosen public service department, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Ethnographic interviews with management-level staff, focus groups and document analysis were used to obtain adequate information to determine the current state of public service delivery in South Africa.Results: The results of the study was the development of a new competitive intelligencerelated framework for gathering and analysing information, and it represents a formal and systematic process of informing managers in public service departments about critical issues that these departments face or are likely to experience in future.Conclusion: The strategic planning tools and techniques of this framework will fill the gap that exists in public service departments. Once this framework has been implemented, it could assist these departments to improve service delivery to its citizens.
Die filosofie kan die teologie help om weg te beweeg van �n onhistoriese, sinkroniese interpretasie van tekste na �n historiese, diakroniese interpretasie van tekste
Authors: Labuschagne Pieter H.J. , Le Roux Jurie H.
Published: July 2012

In the last few decades in South Africa, much emphasis has been placed on unhistorical, synchronistic interpretations of the text of the Old Testament. Very little effort has been made to look into the long historical development of the text from the sources to the present form. Sometimes the advocates of these synchronistic approaches even responded with hostility towards any approach that would, in their words, deny the authority of the text. Their search was for absolute truth, which they believed could be secured by their methods. The uncertainties of historical research were not attractive to them. In this article, we briefly look at Gerhard Von Rad�s Traditionsgeschichte [History of Traditions] and Hans-Georg Gadamer�s Wirkungsgeschichte [Reception History] and point out that mankind is rooted in history. We thus come to understanding through a process that is tied to our historical horisons. Furthermore, it will become clear that theology and philosophy can help one another in defining the process of understanding.
Determinants of Exon-Level Evolutionary Rates in Arabidopsis Species
Authors: Wu Gideon C.-T. , Chen Feng-Chi
Published: July 2012

What causes the variations in evolutionary rates is fundamental to molecular evolution. However, in plants, the causes of within-gene evolutionary rate variations remain underexplored. Here we use the principal component regression to examine the contributions of eleven exon features to the within-gene variations in nonsynonymous substitution rate ( dN), synonymous substitution rate ( dS), and the dN/ dS ratio in Arabidopsis species. We demonstrate that exon features related to protein structural-functional constraints and mRNA splicing account for the largest proportions of within-gene variations in dN/ dS and dN. Meanwhile, for dS, a combination of expression level, exon length, and structural-functional features explains the largest proportion of within-gene variances. Our results suggest that the determinants of within-gene variations differ from those of between-gene variations in evolutionary rates. Furthermore, the relative importance of different exon features also differs between plants and animals. Our study thus may shed a new light on the evolution of plant genes.
Predictive Value of Platelet Indices in Development of Preeclampsia
Authors: Jain Rashmi , Soni Monica , Choudhary Rekha , Dadhich Shaifali , Agrawal Sudesh , Sharma Saroj , Saini Sharad Lata
Published: July 2012

Aim

To evaluate the association between changes in platelet indices (platelet count, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width) and development of preeclampsia.

Materials and methods

Two hundred pregnant women at 20 to 24 weeks of gestation with singleton pregnancy and normal blood pressure were enrolled after taking well-informed consent. At monthly intervals CBC (complete blood count) was done from 20 to 24 weeks till 40 weeks and 7 days after delivery. Data regarding changes in platelet indices with increasing gestation was collected and analyzed.

Results

Platelet count decreased significantly in patients with preeclampsia compared to normal pregnant patients (19.4% vs 7.4%). Mean platelet volume increased significantly in preeclampsia patients (44.5% vs 9.22%). Increase in PDW was observed significantly in patients with preeclampsia (47.19% vs 29.4%).

Conclusion

Patients with preeclampsia are more likely to have significant decrease in platelet count, increase in PDW and MPV. These changes can be observed at an earlier gestational age than significant rise in BP can be observed and are directly proportional to progressive rise in hypertension. Thus, estimation of platelet indices can be considered as an early, simple and cost-effective procedure in the assessment of severity of preeclampsia.

How to cite this article

Dadhich S, Agrawal S, Soni M, Choudhary R, Jain R, Sharma S, Saini SL. Predictive Value of Platelet Indices in Development of Preeclampsia. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2012;4(1):17-21.
Extrapelvic Endometriosis: A Study of 17 Cases
Authors: Patel Babulal S , Tripathi Jagruti B , Patel Falguni B , Rawal Smruti A , Patel Shreyash
Published: July 2012

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of tissue, histologically similar to endometrium outside the uterine cavity. Endometriosis at unusual sites is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the clinician.

Materials and methods

This is a study of 17 cases presented in last 15 years at our institute with extrapelvic location and unusual symptomatology.

Observation and discussion

Extrapelvic endometriosis can affect unusual sites, like abdominal scars, episiotomy scars, umbilicus, bladder, GI tract and on rare occasions may be found at undersurface of diaphragm. The clinical presentation in each case is different and often misleading. Diagnosis can be reached by high degree of clinical suspicion. Histopathology of tissue is most reliable for diagnosis. CT and MRI offer higher diagnostic accuracy compared to ultrasonography. Complete excision of the tissue is ideal treatment however medical methods, like progesterone/danazol, can be tried with varied success in difficult cases.

Conclusion

High degree of clinical suspicion along with energetic treatment of extrapelvic endometriosis is the goal of this uncommon but challenging pathology.

How to cite this article

Patel BS, Tripathi JB, Patel FB, Rawal SA, Patel S, Gupta M. Extrapelvic Endometriosis: A Study of 17 Cases. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2012; 4(1):32-34.
Rapid Diagnosis of Genital Tuberculosis by Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Hooja Saroj , Vyas Leela
Published: July 2012

Objective

Rapid diagnosis of genital tuberculosis (GTB) is essential as it is an important cause of infertility among women. Diagnosis can be done by imaging techniques, direct visualization by endoscopy, serology, histopathology, culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Laparoscopy detects macroscopic changes only; histology is only suggestive and not confirmatory unless acid fast bacilli (AFB) are demonstrated in the lesion but sensitivity is poor in paucibacillary disease. Culture methods are the gold standard but slow growth of most pathogenic mycobacteria delays the diagnosis. PCR can rapidly detect even few copies of DNA with high sensitivity and specificity.

Aim

Comparative evaluation of AFB smear examination, culture in Middlebrook 7H9 media and IS6110 based real-time PCR assay for the detection of mycobacteria in various female genital samples.

Materials and methods

A total of 555 female genital samples like endometrial and fallopian tube biopsies, menstrual blood and vaginal discharge were processed by modified Petroff's method. The deposit was used for detection of mycobacteria by AFB smear, culture on Middlebrook 7H9 media and IS6110 based real-time PCR.

Results

Out of 555 samples, 25.22 % (140/555) were positive by the combination of all the methods used. Overall positivity by real-time PCR alone was 23.78% (132/555), by culture 8.28% (46/555) and 2.70% (15/555) by AFB smear examination. Out of total positives, 94.28% (132/140) were positive by PCR alone, 32.85% (46/140) by culture and 10.71% (15/140) by AFB smear. Eight (5.71%) culture positive samples were negative by smear and PCR, six of these were nontubercular mycobacteria (NTM) and two samples had PCR inhibitors as confirmed by spiking with positive DNA. Contamination was observed in 25/555 (4.5%) which were reported negative by culture but three of these were PCR positive. AFB smear results were available in 1 hour, PCR in 1 day and culture in 4 to 6 weeks.

Conclusion

PCR was found to be the most rapid and sensitive (94.28%) method, 9-fold more sensitive than smear examination and 3-fold than the culture for detection of mycobacteria. Results were available in 4 to 6 weeks time for culture but in only 1 day by PCR. IS6110 PCR can detect only MTB and not the NTM. Use of multiplex PCR with genus and MTB specific primers will increase the sensitivity of test but care needs to be taken to prevent false positivity due to cross contamination and false negative due to PCR inhibitors.

How to cite this article

Malhotra B, Sinha P, Hooja S, Vyas L. Rapid Diagnosis of Genital Tuberculosis by Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2012;4(1):39-42.
Knowledge and Awareness about Contraception among Married Females under Age Group 20 to 35 Years in Rural Area of Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha
Authors: Inamdar SA , Malhotra Neharika , Sinha Amrita
Published: July 2012

Objectives

The aims of the study are:

1. To bridge the gap of knowledge regarding contraception.

2. To enhance the awareness regarding contraception for spacing for a better outcome.

3. To reduce contraceptive related problems, incidence of unwanted pregnancy and pregnancy-related risk in future.

4. To assess the acceptance of different modes of contraception.

5. To find out the success of contraceptive practice which lies in the acceptance of a regular contraceptives to prevent future pregnancies.

Materials and methods

It is a qualitative and quantitative descriptive method to assess married females about knowledge of contraception and other areas of reproductive health. Questionnaire will be used to assess the knowledge of 300 married females ranging in age from 20 to 35 years in rural area Sawangi (Meghe) in Wardha district.

Results

Most of the respondents used MTP and sterilization (48%), followed by barrier (23%), IUCD (17%), oral contraception (10%). Their spouses were engaged in skilled as well as unskilled work. Respondents were being married for less than 5 years (37%), 36% had a married life span of 5 to 10 years. Literacy rate of contraceptive users were not that much high, 31% had primary schooling followed by 25% had secondary schooling.

Majority of them (60%) were in age group 26 to 30 years, followed by 25% in age group 31 to 35 years.

Conclusion

This study was done to evaluate the awareness and the use of different mode of contraception in age group 20 to 35 years. This study is mainly focuses on rural hospital to avoid unseen complications of unwanted termination of pregnancy. The awareness of women regarding the various contraceptive methods was high for MTP and sterilization (48%), followed by barrier method (23%). The commonest reason quoted by the women for not using a contraceptive method was the unwillingness of husband. Along with the women, their spouses should be counseled and educated so that awareness spreads to a greater extent.

How to cite this article

Sinha A, Malhotra N, Inamdar SA. Knowledge and Awareness about Contraception among Married Females under Age Group 20 to 35 Years in Rural Area of Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2012;4(1):43-46.
A Case of Rare Mullerian Anomaly—Functional Rudimentary Uterine Horn: As an Unusual Cause of Unilateral Dysmenorrhea in Postmenarchal Adolescent Girl
Authors: Choudhary Rekha , Verma Suniti , Meena Asha , Gothwal Sitaram
Published: July 2012

An 18-year-old girl presented with progressively increasing dysmenorrhea. A pelvic mass was suspected which on exploratory laparotomy was found to be a rudimentary horn (hematometra, hematosalpinx). We report a case of unicornuate uterus with functioning rudimentary horn to highlight that mullerian duct anomalies should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe dysmenorrhea even in normally menstruating girls. Unicornuate uterus with a rudimentary horn is susceptible to many gynecologic and obstetric complications. Hematometra, chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, infertility are some of the complaints in women with unicornuate uterus.

How to cite this article

Choudhary R, Verma S, Meena A, Gothwal S. A Case of Rare Mullerian Anomaly—Functional Rudimentary Uterine Horn: As an Unusual Cause of Unilateral Dysmenorrhea in Postmenarchal Adolescent Girl. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2012;4(1):56-58.
Case Report of Pentalogy of Cantrell
Authors: Jyoti Ragweshwar , Gupta Payal
Published: July 2012

Cantrell's pentalogy with ectopia cordis is an extremely rare and lethal congenital anomaly. We discuss the case and present a brief review of literature of embryogenesis.

How to cite this article

Jyoti R, Gupta P. Case Report of Pentalogy of Cantrell. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2012; 4(1):59-60.
Comparison of Midwifery Services in India and Sweden
Authors: Raddi SA , Dandgi SR
Published: July 2012

The objective of the paper is to know how India can strengthen midwifery service to reduce maternal mortality based on the lesson learnt from Sweden and India. High maternal mortality in India is due to absence of skilled attendance at the time of delivery and poor postnatal care. Seventy percent Indian population is rural and it is not possible to have doctors for all births. Adopting evidence-based interventions, such as developing a skilled cadre of locally available midwives backed up by efficient referral and emergency obstetric are service like Sweden and India will help to achieve the goal of reducing maternal mortality with the existing resources. Creating the scope for career advancement will help to improve status of midwifery as a profession.

How to cite this article

Raddi SA, Dandgi SR. Comparison of Midwifery Services in India and Sweden. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2012;4(1):71-73.