bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Postoperative Infection Following Open Reduction Internal Fixation Repair of Closed Malleolar Fractures
Authors: Schade Meredith A. , Hollenbeak Christopher S.
Published: October 2017

Background: Early postoperative infection (EPI) following hardware placement in patients with malleolar fractures is a serious complication. Identifying factors that place patients at risk for early infection may help target interventions to prevent infections. Methods: Data for the study included all adult patients who underwent operative management for closed malleolar fracture from 2006 to 2013 in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Characteristics of patients with and without EPI were compared using univariate tests. Logistic regression was used to perform a multivariable analysis of risk factors for EPI while controlling for covariates. Length of stay was analyzed using a generalized linear model. Results: The analysis sample included 7054 patients, of whom 116 developed EPI. Patients with EPI were slightly older on average, more likely to have diabetes, and had higher anesthesia class. Multivariable analysis identified several risk factors for EPI, including diabetes (odds ratio [OR] = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.5-4.5; P < .0001), American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) class 3+ (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.03-5.0; P = .04), unclean surgery (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.3-4.2; P < .0001), and inpatient location (OR 1.7, 1.1-2.7; P = .01). After controlling for other factors, EPI was not significantly associated with a longer hospital stay (0.2 days, P = .55). Conclusion: In the 30 days after hardware placement for malleolar fracture, infection occurs with increased frequency in older patients, diabetics, those with higher anesthesia class, and in the setting of unclean surgery and inpatient operative location. Patients with the identified risk factors should be followed closely for development of infection.

Levels of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective cohort study
School Strictness and Education: Investigating Racial and Ethnic Educational Inequalities Associated with Being Pushed Out
Authors: Varela Kay S. , Peguero Anthony A. , Eason John M. , Marchbanks Miner P. “Trey” , Blake Jamilia
Published: October 2017

There are racial and ethnic disparities associated with school discipline practices and pushout rates. In addition, research suggests that urban schools have stricter school discipline practices and higher pushout rates. What remains unknown, however, is the relationship between racial and ethnic inequality, school discipline practices, and pushout rates across urban, rural, and suburban schools. Therefore, this study draws from the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) to address two questions about the relationship between racial and ethnic inequality, school punishment practices, and academic progress that remain unanswered by the previous literature. First, is the relationship between stringent or lenient discipline practices and pushout rates similar in urban, rural, and suburban school contexts? Second, is the relationship between stringent or lenient discipline practices in urban, rural, and suburban contexts associated with racial and ethnic differences in pushout rates? This study seeks to contribute to racial and ethnic educational inequality research by investigating if there is a relationship between school discipline practices and pushout rates and establishing if there are racial and ethnic differences in urban, rural, and suburban contexts. Findings indicate that there are significant racial and ethnic disparities in pushout rates across all school contexts, particularly for Black/African American and Latina/o American students. Findings indicate that both stringent and lenient school punishment practices have effects on pushout rates; however, there are important and distinctive nuances that are presented and examined.
How to Be an Advocate for Rural Issues: Working With State and National Legislators
Authors: Ault Melinda Jones , Bausch Margaret E. , Ackerman Kera B.
Published: October 2017

Professionals, families, and individuals with disabilities must work together to advocate for policy and legislation that will improve the lives of those with disabilities. Rural areas have unique issues that make targeted advocacy efforts necessary. While families and parents have a personal interest in advocacy, professionals have ethical principles related to advocacy they must uphold as a member of their field. This article outlines steps to use when working with state and national legislators including (a) knowing the issues, (b) identifying allies, (c) working with others, and (d) sustaining advocacy efforts. Specific tips are provided for individuals making face-to-face visits with legislators to increase chances of positive outcomes.
Vanadian and chromian garnet- and epidote-supergroup minerals in metamorphosed Paleozoic black shales from Čierna Lehota, Strážovské vrchy Mountains, Slovakia: crystal chemistry and evolution
Authors: Bačík Peter , Uher Pavel , Kozáková Petra , Števko Martin , Ozdín Daniel , Vaculovič Tomáš
Published: October 2017

Silicate minerals enriched in V, Cr and Mn including garnets and epidote-supergroup members, in association with amphiboles, albite, hyalophane, titanite, chamosite, sulfides and other minerals occur in Devonian black shales near Čierna Lehota in the Strážovské vrchy Mountains, Slovakia. The garnets have high concentrations of V, Cr and Mn (up to 17 wt.% V2O3, ≤11 wt.% Cr2O3and ≤ 21 wt.% MnO) and several compositional types. Vanadian-chromian grossular (Grs 1) usually preserves primary metamorphic oscillatory zoning, whereas solid solutions between goldmanite (Gld 2A,B), V- and Cr-rich grossular and spessartine (Grs 2A,B, Sps 2) form irregular domains or crystals with variable zoning. Dominant substitutions in the garnets include CaMn–1and (V,Cr)Al–1, resulting in coupled Ca(V,Cr)Mn–1Al–1. Epidote-supergroup minerals occur as abundant anhedral crystals with variable compositional zoning. Nearly all crystals have a complete zoning sequence beginning withREE-rich allanite-(La), followed by mukhinite and by V- and Cr-rich clinozoisite to mukhinite and V- and Cr-poor clinozoisite. In common with garnets, the epidote-supergroup minerals are enriched in V, Cr and Mn (<7 wt.% V2O3, <5 wt.% Cr2O3and <3 wt.% MnO). Lanthanum is the dominantREE(up to 11.5 wt.% La2O3) in allanite-(La). The composition of epidote-supergroup minerals is controlled byREEFe2+(CaAl)–1,REEMg(CaAl)–1,REEMn2+(CaAl)–1andREEFe2+(CaFe3+)–1substitutions introducingREE, together with VAl–1and CrAl–1substitutions. The negative Ce and slightly positive Eu anomalies displayed in chondrite-normalized patterns and enrichment in V, Cr and Mn are ascribed to the geochemical properties of the protolith. The minerals investigated exhibit multi-stage evolution: (1) presumed low-grade greenschist-facies metamorphism; and (2) development of V- and Cr-rich zones in both garnet- and epidote-supergroup minerals which result from late-Variscan contact metamorphism due to granitic intrusion of the Suchý Massif. Decreased temperature following the metamorphic peak probably resulted in the formation ofREE-, V- and Cr-poor clinozoisite and secondary garnet.
HSC extrinsic sex-related and intrinsic autoimmune disease–related human B-cell variation is recapitulated in humanized mice
Authors: Borsotti Chiara , Danzl Nichole M. , Nauman Grace , Hölzl Markus A. , French Clare , Chavez Estefania , Khosravi-Maharlooei Mohsen , Glauzy Salome , Delmotte Fabien R. , Meffre Eric , Savage David G. , Campbell Sean R. , Goland Robin , Greenberg Ellen , Bi Jing , Satwani Prakash , Yang Suxiao , Bathon Joan , Winchester Robert , Sykes Megan
Published: October 2017

Key Points

Increased human B-cell reconstitution is seen in female compared to male mice in multiple humanized mouse models. The PI mouse model recapitulates HSC-intrinsic autoimmune defects from T1D and RA bone marrow donors.
Exendin-4, a Glucagonlike Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist, Attenuates Breast Cancer Growth by Inhibiting NF-κB Activation
Authors: Iwaya Chikayo , Nomiyama Takashi , Komatsu Shiho , Kawanami Takako , Tsutsumi Yoko , Hamaguchi Yuriko , Horikawa Tsuyoshi , Yoshinaga Yasuteru , Yamashita Shinichi , Tanaka Tomoko , Terawaki Yuichi , Tanabe Makito , Nabeshima Kazuki , Iwasaki Akinori , Yanase Toshihiko
Published: October 2017

Incretin therapies have received much attention because of their tissue-protective effects, which extend beyond those associated with glycemic control. Cancer is a primary cause of death in patients who have diabetes mellitus. We previously reported antiprostate cancer effects of the glucagonlike peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor (GLP-1R) agonist exendin-4 (Ex-4). Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in female patients who have type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. Thus, we examined whether GLP-1 action could attenuate breast cancer. GLP-1R was expressed in human breast cancer tissue and MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and KPL-1 cell lines. We found that 0.1 to 10 nM Ex-4 significantly decreased the number of breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Although Ex-4 did not induce apoptosis, it attenuated breast cancer cell proliferation significantly and dose-dependently. However, the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor linagliptin did not affect breast cancer cell proliferation. When MCF-7 cells were transplanted into athymic mice, Ex-4 decreased MCF-7 tumor size in vivo. Ki67 immunohistochemistry revealed that breast cancer cell proliferation was significantly reduced in tumors extracted from Ex-4-treated mice. In MCF-7 cells, Ex-4 significantly inhibited nuclear factor κB (NF-κB ) nuclear translocation and target gene expression. Furthermore, Ex-4 decreased both Akt and IκB phosphorylation. These results suggest that GLP-1 could attenuate breast cancer cell proliferation via activation of GLP-1R and subsequent inhibition of NF-κB activation.
Neurokinin B Regulates Gonadotropin Secretion, Ovarian Follicle Growth, and the Timing of Ovulation in Healthy Women
Authors: Skorupskaite Karolina , George Jyothis T , Veldhuis Johannes D , Anderson Richard A
Published: October 2017

Context

Neurokinin B (NKB) is obligate for human puberty, but its role in adult female gonadotropin secretion and ovarian follicle growth is unknown.

Objective

To investigate antagonism of NKB on pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and ovarian follicle development in healthy women.

Design

Open investigation of the effects of a neurokinin-3 receptor (NK3R) antagonist (NK3Ra) vs a no-treatment control cycle.

Setting

Clinical research facility.

Patients or other participants

Healthy women with regular menses (n = 13).

Intervention(s)

NK3Ra MLE4901 40 mg taken orally twice daily from cycle day 5 to 6 for 7 days.

Main outcome measure(s)

LH secretion, ovarian follicle growth, and timing of ovulation.

Results

NK3Ra administration reduced basal LH secretion without a change in pulse frequency and delayed the LH surge by 7 days, the duration of treatment [mean cycle day ± standard error of the mean (SEM), 22 ± 1 days vs 15 ± 1 days in control cycles; P = 0.0006]. Follicle growth (mean diameter at the end of administration of NK3Ra administration ± SEM, 9.3 ± 0.4 mm vs 15.1 ± 0.9 mm in control cycles; P < 0.0001) and rising estradiol concentrations (mean ± SEM, 166 ± 29 pmol/L vs 446 ± 86 pmol/L in control cycles; P < 0.0001) were prevented. After treatment, follicle development resumed and normal preovulatory follicle diameter and estradiol concentrations were demonstrated. Postovulatory progesterone rise was similarly delayed (peak cycle day, 30 ± 2 vs 22 ± 1; P = 0.002) and cycle length was prolonged (35 ± 1 days vs 29 ± 1 days in control cycles; P = 0.0003) but luteal progesterone excretion was unaffected by the NK3Ra (LH surge day +7 mean urinary progesterone levels ± SEM, 58 ± 10 pmol/mol vs 48±7 pmol/mol creatinine in control cycles; nonsignificant).

Conclusion

These data demonstrate the involvement of NKB-NK3R signaling in the physiological regulation of GnRH/LH secretion, determining normal follicle development in women.
Glyoxals as in vivo RNA structural probes of guanine base-pairing
Authors: Mitchell David , Ritchey Laura E. , Park Hongmarn , Babitzke Paul , Assmann Sarah M. , Bevilacqua Philip C.
Published: October 2017

Elucidation of the folded structures that RNA forms in vivo is vital to understanding its functions. Chemical reagents that modify the Watson–Crick (WC) face of unprotected nucleobases are particularly useful in structure elucidation. Dimethyl sulfate penetrates cell membranes and informs on RNA base-pairing and secondary structure but only modifies the WC face of adenines and cytosines. We present glyoxal, methylglyoxal, and phenylglyoxal as potent in vivo reagents that target the WC face of guanines as well as cytosines and adenines. Tests on rice (Oryza sativa) 5.8S rRNA in vitro read out by reverse transcription and gel electrophoresis demonstrate specific modification of almost all guanines in a time- and pH-dependent manner. Subsequent in vivo tests on rice, a eukaryote, and Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively, showed that all three reagents enter living cells without prior membrane permeabilization or pH adjustment of the surrounding media and specifically modify solvent-exposed guanine, cytosine, and adenine residues.
Electromagnetically guided bedside placement of post-pyloric feeding tubes in critical care
Authors: Bear Danielle E , Champion Alice , Lei Katie , Camporota Luigi , Barrett Nicholas A
Published: October 2017

Post-pyloric feeding is recommended in critically ill patients with gastro-intestinal intolerance. However, traditional placement methods are logistically difficult and carry potential risks. The authors retrospectively compared the position of post-pyloric feeding tubes (PPFTs) using an electromagnetic device that demonstrated by X-ray and analysed the complication rates, proportion of lung placements avoided and the time taken to establish enteral feeding. Forty placements in 37 mechanically ventilated patients were analysed; there was a success rate of 87.5%. Sensitivity and specificity were 77% (95% CI 59.9-89.6%) and 100% (95% CI 48.0-100%). Five lung placements were identified in real time and therefore avoided. The mean (SD) time from PPFT placement to X-ray was 134 minutes (± 139 minutes) and, to feeding, 276 minutes (± 213 minutes). In conclusion, placement of PPFT using an electromagnetic device carries a high success rate, is safe and feasible to undertake at the bedside in mechanically ventilated patients.
The role of nutrition and hydration in disease prevention and patient safety
Authors: Ojo Omorogieva
Published: October 2017

Omorogieva Ojo, Senior Lecturer in Primary Care at the University of Greenwich, O.Ojo@greenwich.ac.uk , looks at the importance of nutrition and hydration across healthcare settings
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and secondary skin malignancies
Authors: Kyle Geraldine
Published: October 2017

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma commonly occurring in older adults. Many people with CLL can go for years without requiring treatment. However, they have an increased risk of secondary cancers, specifically melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Furthermore, these secondary cancers are frequently more aggressive in this cohort of patients. Health professionals working in haematology, dermatology and general practice have an opportunity to educate patients about risk factors and measures to aid prevention. Modern technology may assist patients and professionals in the early detection of secondary skin cancers, which will lead to expedited treatment and better survival outcomes.
Taking a comprehensive health history: learning through practice and reflection
Authors: Ingram Shirley
Published: October 2017

Taking a comprehensive health history is a core competency of the advanced nursing role. The purpose of the health history is to source important and intimate knowledge about the patient and allow the nurse and patient to establish a therapeutic relationship. Reflective practice, a core value of nursing in Ireland, means learning from experience. This article demonstrates how a recorded comprehensive health history simulation, coupled with reflection, provided insight into an advanced nurse practitioner's history-taking skills, thereby enhancing clinical practice.
Giving evidence in court
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: October 2017

Richard Griffith, Senior Lecturer in Health Law at Swansea University, discusses the elements of effective evidence giving when appearing before a court or fitness to practise panel
Developing our future leaders: the role of a global mentoring programme
Authors: Rosser Elizabeth
Published: October 2017

Elizabeth Rosser, Deputy Dean (Education and Professional Practice) and Professor of Nursing at Bournemouth University, describes the experience of taking part in a global mentoring programme
Urological issues following gender reassignment surgery
Authors: Middleton Iffy , Holden Fiona Ann
Published: October 2017

It has been estimated that 0.2% of the UK population identifies as transgender. For those who seek gender reassignment, the pathway can involve the expertise of multiple disciplines, including primary care, psychology, endocrinology and speech and language therapy. A small but significant number of the transgender population will also elect to undergo gender-affirming genital surgery in order to achieve gender congruence. In the UK, very few specialist centres provide genital gender-affirming surgery for trans-men and women. The population accessing these services spans the entire UK, and with such geographical dispersion, trans-patients with uro-genital complications after surgery in both the short and long term are likely to present locally, with initial assessment/management often conducted in a non-specialist setting. This article aims to help familiarise nurses with genital gender reassignment/affirming surgery and the resultant altered anatomy. It explores the urological issues trans-men and women may experience as a consequence of surgery.
An insight into the patient's response to a diagnosis of urological cancer
Authors: Anderson Beverley
Published: October 2017

A cancer diagnosis and the patient's response to the news pertains to all types of cancer, however, in this article, the focus is on urological cancer. Intrinsic to the management of this patient group is the urology multidisciplinary team, in which the role of the cancer nurse specialist (CNS) is pivotal. For most people, a cancer diagnosis is arguably their worst fear. It is therefore prudent that a holistic approach is used when determining care and ensuring that appropriate support is forthcoming. This necessitates an assessment of the physical, psychological/emotional, psycho-social, spiritual and cultural components of the individual's healthcare needs, and accordingly, devising a plan of care to secure the best outcomes. This article concentrates on the psychological/emotional component. It outlines a case study of a patient's response to the consultant's question in the joint consultation clinic, examines the CNS's interpretation and understanding of the events, and her perspective on whether factors such as fear, anxiety and distress influence the individual's response to the diagnosis, their comprehension of information and the messages relayed, and consequently, their ability to manage the ensuing issues. It also looks at the support available to cancer patients following the receipt of a cancer diagnosis and its efficacy in addressing their concerns. Integral to this is effective communication, specifically the timely provision of information by health professionals.
What nurses can do to help people quit smoking
Authors: Bennett Viv
Published: October 2017

The cost of smoking on the NHS is incredible and despite a promising downward trend in smoking rates, there is still much to do. Viv Bennett, chief nurse, Public Health England outlines what you can do as nurses to help people quit
Bronchiectasis—a growing respiratory problem
Authors: Cope Graham
Published: October 2017

Bronchiectasis is the irreversible, pathological dilatation of the small and medium-sized bronchi. It is not a disease in its own right, but a final common pathway of a cycle of inflammation, bacterial colonisation and infection ( Altenburg et al, 2015 ). It occurs in a variety of pathologic processes that are associated with recurrent or acute infection and inflammation, such as cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma leading to permanent structural changes in the airways. Bronchiectasis can result in substantial morbidity, usually secondary to recurrent infection, but in severe cases can lead to death ( Milliron et al, 2015 ).

The main symptom of bronchiectasis is a chronic productive cough, over-production of mucus and the dilation of the bronchus, which causes each cough to be less effective, leading to inefficient clearance of secretions with the potential for chronic or recurrent infections ( Currie et al, 1987 ). The main treatments aim to suppress the inflammation and prevent infections, and in the case of exacerbations, to reduce the sputum volume, viscosity and purulence and to lessen the cough, dyspnoea and fever ( Abo-Leyah and Chalmers, 2017 ).
Management of rheumatoid arthritis in primary care
Authors: Perry Margaret
Published: October 2017

This article gives a brief overview of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis focusing on the treatment and management of these conditions. The toxicity of drugs used to treat these conditions requires careful monitoring and for those patients whose condition is stable and well, this may well be done in the primary care setting. This article hopes to give practice nurses more knowledge and understanding of shared care arrangements and when referral back to secondary care is needed with the aim of giving them more confidence if asked to help in this area of patient care.
The next phase for regulation
Authors: Frankova Helena
Published: October 2017

As the Care Quality Commission moves towards more inspection methods enabling review of the management and integration of services, Helena Frankova looks at what place reports and cross-sector monitoring mean for the average GP surgery
CQC inspection: Celebrating the good in practice
Authors: Price Julie
Published: October 2017

CQC inspections have become one of the practice manager's main concerns. Julie Price, Head of Risk Management and Education at Medical Protection looks at what practices can do to prepare
Preventing flu in high-risk groups
Authors: Brewer Catherine
Published: October 2017

Cat Brewer provides an overview of the virus and looks at which patients are most likely to suffer from complications of the disease, with some considerations for general practice
Insurance premium rise: be prepared
Authors: Cowell Phil
Published: October 2017

With financial pressure mounting, practice managers may be tempted to cut back on insurance costs as a way of dealing with the upcoming increase in insurance premium tax. Phil Cowell explains why such measures could increase the risk of under-insurance
GP practices in the digital age
Authors: Taylor Keith
Published: October 2017

What opportunties can the increasing use of IT and digital technologies provide for practices? And how does one best exploit them? Keith Taylor guides us through both
Treasury letter signals end of one per cent teacher pay cap
Authors: Henshaw Pete
Published: October 2017

In a letter to the STRB, the Treasury recognises that more pay flexibility ‘may be required’ in light of recruitment challenges
Revision and retrieval practice
Authors: Webb Helen
Published: October 2017

Research shows the positive impact that using retrieval practice can have on outcomes. Helen Webb discusses her work to apply this strategy in the classroom and encourage her students to use it as part of their revision
Hard times
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: October 2017

In the fifth instalment of his series on how students learn, Matt Bromley moves onto the second of his three secrets to boosting pupils' long-term memory and recall abilities – ensuring they think hard but efficiently in order to ‘cheat’ their working memories
With memory in mind
Authors: Sherwood Jemma
Published: October 2017

Do your students often forget prior learning? Jemma Sherwood explains how to design your lessons with memory in mind…
Kajian awal kadar merkuri (Hg) dalam ikan dan kerang di Teluk Kao, Pulau Halmahera
Authors: Edward Edward
Published: October 2017

The aim of the study was to determine the concentration of Hg  in some species of fish and mussels harvested from Kao Bay . Fish and mussels samples were purchased from fishermen at Kao Bay  in November 2015. The Hg concentration was measured by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).The results showed that the highest concentration of Hg was found in gurara fish (Nemipterus japonicus)  that is 0.98 ppm, followed by suo fish  (Sphyraena jello)  0.89 ppm,  tatameri fish (Gazza minuta)  0.38 ppm, gaca fish (Lutjanus argentimaculatus) 0.31 ppm, totodi fish (Synodus foetens)  0.24 ppm,  bubara fish (Caranx sp) 0, 19 ppm, ngafi fish (Stolephorus indicus) 0.19 ppm and biji nangka fish (Upeneus vittatus) 0.15 ppm. In the shelfish meat, the highest concentration of Hg is found in the blood mussels (Anadara granosa), that is 0.42 ppm, and then followed by papaco (Telescopium telescopium) 0.05 ppm. The concentration of Hg in all samples of fish and shelfish were below from the threshold value for seafood fish and shellfish of 0.5 ppm and 1.0 ppm, respectively.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kadar Hg dalam beberapa jenis ikan dan kerang yang ada di Teluk Kao dalam kaitannya dengan kesehatan makanan hasil laut. Contoh ikan dan kerang di beli dari nelayan di Teluk Kao pada bulan November 2015. Kadar Hg  diukur dengan menggunakan Spektrofotometer Serapan Atom (AAS). Hasilnya menunjukkan kadar Hg tertinggi dalam ikan dijumpai dalam daging ikan gurara (Nemipterus japonicus) yakni 0,98 ppm, selanjutnya diikuti oleh ikan suo (Sphyraena jello) 0,89 ppm, ikan tatameri (Gazza minuta) 0,38 ppm, ikan gaca (Lutjanus argentimaculatus) 0,31 ppm, ikan totodi (Synodus foetens) 0,24 ppm, ikan bubara (Caranx sp) 0,19 ppm, ikan ngafi (Stolephorus indicus)  0,19 ppm, dan ikan biji nangka (Upeneus vittatus) 0,15 ppm. Dalam daging kerang kadar Hg tertinggi dijumpai dalam kerang darah (Anadara granosa) yakni 0,42 ppm selanjutnya dikuti oleh kerang papaco (Telescopium telescopium) 0,05 ppm. Kadar Hg dalam semua contoh ikan dan kerang masih di bawah nilai ambang batas kadar yang diperkenankan dalam  makanan hasil laut yakni 0,5 ppm untuk ikan dan 1 ppm untuk kekerangan.
Analisis BOD dan COD di perairan estuaria Krueng Cut, Banda Aceh
Authors: Irham Muhammad , Abrar Fauzul , Kurnianda Viqqi
Published: October 2017

Analysis of BOD and COD has been done at estuary of Cut River in Alue Naga Village from March to April 2017. The purpose of this research was to analysis the water quality in Krueng Cut estuarial area, which is compared to the Government Regulation No. 82/2001. The method used in this research is field survey by employing purposive sampling method and laboratory analysis to the samples obtained in the field.The BOD, COD, DO, nitrate, nitrate was tested at Laboratory of Chemistry, Faculty of Marine and Fishery of Syiah Kuala University by applyingspectrophotometric method using Filterfotometer PF-11. The results showed that the highest concentration of BOD and COD was at station 3 where the mixing region occurred because the freshwater from river uphill meets with salt-water from the ocean, and the lowest BOD and COD concentration was at station 7 whichis the mouth of the estuary. The results obtained that water quality in Krueng Cut waters based on Government Regulation of water quality no. 82/2001 on the water quality categorized as a class III water quality, which is the water that can be used only for the function of fishery cultivation.Analisa BOD dan COD telah dilakukan di perairan Krueng Cut Desa Alue Naga yang dilakukan pada bulan Maret sampai dengan April 2017. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui kualitas air di perairan Krueng Cut Desa Alue Nagayang dibandingkan dengan Peraturan Pemerintah (PP) nomor 82 Tahun 2001.Metoda yang dilakukan dalam penelitian ini adalah survey lapangan dengan metode purposive sampling dan analisa laboratorium terhadap sampel yang diperoleh di lapangan untuk uji BOD, COD, DO, nitrat, nitrit di Laboratorium Kimia Laut Fakultas Kelautan dan Perikanan Universitas Syiah Kualadengan metoda Spektofotometri Filterfotometer PF-11. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa konsentrasi BOD dan COD tertinggi berada pada stasiun 3 yaitu daerah sirkulasi arus (pertemuan antara arus air tawar dan air asin), dan konsentrasi BOD dan COD terendah berada di stasiun 7 yang merupakan daerah mulut estuari. Hasil penelitian diperoleh bahwa kualitas air di perairan Krueng Cut berdasarkanPeraturan Pemerintah No. 82 Tahun 2001 tentang kualitas air baku mutu dikatagorikan sebagai kualitas air kelas III yaitu air yang dapat digunakan hanya untuk fungsi pembudidayaan perikanan.
Evaluation of applying chest pain guidelines in coronary care patients on their health outcome
Authors: Shahin Eman , Hasan Mona
Published: October 2017

Background: the National Heart, Lung, and blood Institute estimate that each year approximately 785,000 Americans will have a new coronary attack and approximately 470,000 will have a recurrent attack. Chest pain is one of the most common symptoms   of coronary artery disease or acute coronary syndrome. Objectives: this study aims to compare between routine nursing care of chest pain and chest pain guidelines in patients with acute coronary syndrome and assess health outcome after application of chest pain guidelines in acute coronary syndrome patients. Method: Quasi experimental research design was used in the current study. The study was conducted at the coronary care unit of Suez canal University Hospital. Sample; consecutive of 70 patients was included in the study.  Four tools were used for study data collection that named the chest pain guidelines evidence based nursing care in patients with angina pectoris, visual analog scale to assess chest pain, dyspnea scale to assess breathing pattern and fourth one was lab investigation to assess patient health prognosis. Results: The study results revealed an improvement of patients’ health outcome represented in a significant reduction in complain of chest pain, blood pressure and insufficient sleeping with P-value of 0.000 after applying guidelines of care regarding chest pain. Additionally, the respiratory pattern and respiratory rate improved significantly with P-value of 0.000. Moreover, lab investigation showed significantly decrease in LHD level with P-value of 0.000. Conclusion: The current study concluded that application of chest pain guidelines intervention could be improved patients health outcomes.
Indirect method for validating transference of reference intervals
Authors: Lykkeboe Simon , Nielsen Claus Gyrup , Christensen Peter Astrup
Published: October 2017

Background:

Transference of reference intervals (RIs) from multicentre studies are often verified by use of a small number of samples from reference individuals or by the use of one serum sample (Serum X for NORIP RI). Despite recommended and appropriate methods, both have inconveniencies and drawbacks. Several attempts have been made to develop an indirect method, which uses historical data from the laboratory. These methods are retrospective relying on older test results. A near prospective method would be preferable for the laboratories introducing new methods or changing analytical platforms.

Methods:

We performed a data mining experiment using results from our laboratory information system covering patients from a large geographic area. Request patterns for patients with assumed healthy characteristics were identified and used to extract laboratory results for calculation of new RI by an indirect method. Calculated RI and confidence intervals (CIs) were compared to transferred NORIP RI verified by NFKK Reference Serum X.

Results:

We found that our indirect method and NFKK Reference Serum X in general produced similar results when verifying transference of RI. The method produces results for all stratifications. Only single stratifications and one analyte showed unexplained incongruences to the NORIP RI.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest using request patterns as a surrogate measure for good health status. This allows for a data mining method for validation of RI or validating their transference, which is likely to be applicable in countries with similar healthcare and laboratory information system.
Editorial: Special Issue of 29th Symposium of Malaysian Chemical Engineers (SOMChE) 2016 – Process System Engineering
Authors: Saptoro Agus , Nandong Jobrun , Hussain Mohd Azlan Bin , Shukor Syamsul Rizal Abd.
Published: October 2017

This special issue presents a set of twelve selected papers from 29th Symposium of Malaysian Chemical Engineers (SOMChE) 2016 on the area of process system engineering. SOMChE 2016 itself was held in Miri Marriott Resort & Spa, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia from 1st to 3rd December 2016. This symposium was co-organised by Department of Chemical Engineering, Curtin University Malaysia and Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), Malaysia. Since the theme of the symposium is “Engineering Solutions for Sustainable Development”, its papers are related to the latest advances and best practices of engineering solutions in industry and academic for sustainable food, water, energy and environment. Consequently, the selected papers in this special issues focus on how process system engineering is employed to address energy, environmental and economic issues faced by process industries. Each paper in this special issue had undergone double peer review to ensure its quality. We believe that this issue will serve as a book of knowledge and an essential literature, which will lead to not only scientific and engineering progress but also other novel processes and new products. We express our gratitude to the authors, reviewers and editors of this journal who make the publications of these papers possible.
Simple and Low-Cost Dual-Band Printed Microwave Absorber for 2.4- and 5-GHz-Band Applications
Authors: Khoomwong Ekajit , Phongcharoenpanich Chuwong
Published: October 2017

In this research, a dual-band thin printed-circuit-board (PCB) microwave absorber has been proposed for applications in 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency bands. Each unit cell of the absorber consists of a square ring and a thick cross-dipole, augmented with the tuning elements. In the design process, numerical simulations were performed for the optimal characteristics of the absorber and an absorber prototype was fabricated using the simple print-transferring and etching process. The measured absorption bandwidths (50 %) of 170 MHz (2.36–2.53 GHz) and 830 MHz (5.09–5.92 GHz) were achieved for the first and second bands, respectively, with the wideband characteristic at the second operating band. The absorption rates near the center frequencies (2.45 and 5.5 GHz) were respectively 97.85 % and 97.76 %. The simulation and measured results are in good agreement. Furthermore, the incidence-angle dependencies of the absorber were of moderately wide angles with the absorption capacity of at least 50 % for both operating bands. The proposed absorber is suitable for a variety of applications requiring absorption in the 2.4/5 GHz bands.
Consideration of Landsat-8 Spectral Band Combination in Typical Mediterranean Forest Classification in Halkidiki, Greece
Authors: Elhag Mohamed
Published: October 2017

Utilization of satellite data by means of remote sensing practices creates a wider window of opportunities to conduct robust outcomes Landsat OLI-8 data acquired over the peninsula of Halkidiki in Greece for the summer period of 2013, were analyzed to determine their utility to classify natural resources categories based on the determination of spectral bands combination. Consequently, spectral bands combination can be used to classify various categories based on their higher overall accuracy assessment. Spectral information contained in each of the utilized channels of Landsat OLI-8, statistics defining 12 cover type classes of interest were calculated and used as a basis for classification of the designated study area. Spectral bands combinations (4-5-6/ 3-4-5/ 3-4-5-6/ 4-5-6-7) fulfill the required accuracy for forest purpose as they conducted overall accuracies ranging between 7.85% and 96.29%. The spectral band combination 3-4-5-6-7 conducted the highest overall accuracy (98.15%). The poorest results were obtained by the analysis of spectral bands combination 4-6 (68.52%). Single spectral band 6 conducted the best overall results; however, spectral bands 5 and 6 seemed to be the most useful spectral bands combination for each category.
Coda Wave Attenuation Characteristics for North Anatolian Fault Zone, Turkey
Authors: Sertcelik Fadime , Guleroglu Mehmet
Published: October 2017

North Anatolian Fault Zone, on which large earthquakes have occurred in the past, migrates regularly from east to west, and it is one of the most active faults in the world. The purpose of this study is to estimate the coda wave quality factor (
Effects of accelerated aging treatment on the microstructure and mechanics of wood-resin interphase
Authors: Wang Xinzhou , Zhao Linguo , Xu Bin , Li Yanjun , Wang Siqun , Deng Yuhe
Published: October 2017

Plywood panels prepared from loblolly pine with cured phenol resin (PF) and urea-formaldehyde resin (UF) were submitted to accelerated aging and the microstructures and mechanics of wood-resin interphase were studied by nanoindentation (NI) and nanoscale dynamic mechanical analysis (Nano-DMA). The mass loss (ML) of wood, PF and UF resins were 3.4, 5.0 and 4.6% after aging treatment, respectively, and a large amount of microcracks were observed on the surface of wood and resins after aging treatment, which also affected the static mechanics of the cell walls far from the interphase region and the resins in the interphase region. The elastic modulus (Er) and hardness (H) values of the cell wall decreased by 7.2 and 9.5%, respectively, against the untreated control. The storage and loss modulus of the resins decreased significantly after aging treatment. The significant inconsistency in the mechanics, shrinkage and swelling properties of wood cell wall and resin in the interphase region after aging treatment resulted in a decrease of about 47 and 51% on the average bonding strength of the plywood made of PF and UF resins, respectively.
Effect of the Operating Conditions on the Growth of Carbonaceous Nanomaterials over Stainless Steel Foams. Kinetic and Characterization Studies
Authors: Latorre Nieves , Cazaña Fernando , Sebastián Víctor , Royo Carlos , Romeo Eva , Monzón Antonio
Published: October 2017

This work is an advance on the development of structured catalytic reactors. Here, we present the results of the effect of the main operational variables (reaction temperature, % H2 and % C2H6) on the kinetics of carbonaceous nanomaterials (CNMs) formation by catalytic decomposition of ethane over stainless steel foams. Some of the main drawback problems that occur during the operation of chemical structured reactors are related to the preparation of long term stable coatings. The washcoating is the most used technique to deposit the catalytic layer over the substrate. The application of this procedure is quite complex in the case of geometries such as foams or cloths. In the case of the deposition of layers of carbonaceous nanomaterials, an alternative route, avoiding the washcoating, is their direct growth by catalytic decomposition of light hydrocarbons over the surface of the metallic substrate. In the case of structured steel foams, the substrate already contains the catalytic active phases for this reaction, like Fe and Ni, among of the minor components (Cr, Mn, Mo) that can act as promotors/stabilizers.

The nanomaterials obtained after reaction were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The characterization results indicate that there is a maximum, obtained at ca. 900 °C, 33.3 % of C2H6 and 1.7 % of H2, in the quality of the carbonaceous nanomaterials grown. Under these conditions, the CNMs consist mainly of few layer graphene (FLG) and graphite nanolayers (GNL) encapsulating the metallic nanoparticles. In addition, the kinetic results indicate the existence of another optimum, at ca. 800 °C, 33.3 % of C2H6 and 1.7 % of H2, in the productivity to the carbonaceous nanomaterials. The existence of these optimums is due to the driving force for the diffusion of the carbon atoms through the Fe-Ni nanoparticles (NPs) obtained at high temperatures (e. g. above 800 °C) caused by the competence between two opposite phenomena: the increase of the rate of carbon diffusion through the metallic nanoparticles of Fe-Ni and the deactivation of these nanoparticles. The deactivation is the consequence of the encapsulation and reconstruction of the nanoparticles during the formation of the several types of CNMs. The evolution of the carbon mass during the reaction time was analyzed using a phenomenological kinetic model that takes into account the main stages involved during the formation of carbonaceous nanomaterials: hydrocarbon decomposition, carburization, diffusion, precipitation and deactivation. The results obtained from the kinetic model, along with the characterization results, enable quantify the influence of the operating variables on each stage of the carbonaceous nanomaterial formation and therefore open the way to optimize the process.
A Simple Method to Prepare Raw Dehydrated Potato Flour by Low-Temperature Vacuum Drying
Authors: Jin Cheng-Yu , Xu Dan , Zeng Fan-kui , Zhao Yu-ci , Yang Yan-chen , Gao Guo-qiang , Wen Guo-hong , Liu Gang
Published: October 2017

A simple method called low-temperature vacuum drying (LTVD) was used to produce a novel dehydrated potato flour called raw dehydrated potato flour (RDPF). Preparing RDPF by LTVD at 60°C, 70°C and 80°C in both slice and dice shape was investigated. Potato samples in dice shape are easier dehydrating than in slice shape, the starch granules of RDPF maintain ellipsoid shape as the native potato starch. The best temperature of LTVD to prepare the RDPF is around 70°C according to CIE chromaticity results. Dehydrate at 60°C in dice shape, 88.37% of the trypsin inhibitor activity of the fresh potato is maintained. The Mixolab curve shows that the RDPF has some similar rheological properties of the wheat flour. Protein undenatured, starch ungelatinized, with the high performance of processing properties, RDPF has a number of potential applications in the potato staple food manufacture.
To Pay or Not to Pay? Evaluating the Belgian Law Against Vulture Funds
Authors: Sourbron Leentje Ann , Vereeck Lode
Published: October 2017

Vulture funds are a grave problem for sovereign debt markets. Their uncooperative behavior delays the resolution of sovereign debt crises, inflicting harm on the economic health of financially distressed countries and consenting exchange bondholders. The unconventional ratable payment interpretation of the
Performance Evaluation of Modified Color Image Steganography Using Discrete Wavelet Transform
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Kumar Dinesh
Published: October 2017

Steganography is the foremost influential approach to hide data. Images serve as the most appropriate cover media for steganography. This paper intends to do a performance evaluation of color images and its comparison with the recently proposed approaches, using the modified technique already proposed for grayscale images, by the authors. This approach hides large data in color image using the blocking concept. The blocking process is applied on approximation coefficients of secret image and detail coefficients of red, green and blue components of cover image. The blocks of detail coefficients are replaced with approximation coefficients of secret image using root mean square error method. The key is used to store the position of best matching blocks. It is being predicated that the work will be able to hide large data in a single image. The stego image (ST) has better visual quality based on the peak signal to noise ratio values.
Fetal MRI, lower acceptance by women in research vs. clinical setting
Authors: van der Knoop Bloeme J. , Vermeulen Roland J. , Verbeke Jonathan I.M.L. , Pistorius Lourens R. , de Vries Johanna I.P.
Published: October 2017

Aim:

To determine acceptance of pregnant women to undergo fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination in research and clinical setting.

Methods:

A prospective study included a research group [part of a study comparing brain ultrasound (US) to MRI in fetuses at risk for acquired brain damage] and a clinical group [fetuses with suspected (brain) anomalies after structural US examination] from 2011 to 2014. All women were advised to use sedatives. MRI declinations, use of sedation, MRI duration and imaging quality were compared between both groups.

Results:

Study participation was accepted in 57/104 (55%) research cases. Fetal MRI was performed in 34/104 (33%) research and 43/44 (98%) clinical cases. Reasons to decline study participation were MRI related in 41%, and participation was too burdensome in 46%. Acceptance was highest for indication infection and lowest in alloimmune thrombocytopenia and monochorionic twin pregnancy. Sedatives were used in 14/34 research and 43/43 clinical cases. Scan duration and quality were comparable (21 and 20 min in research and clinical cases, respectively, moderate/good quality in both groups).

Conclusions:

Pregnant women consider MRI more burdensome than professionals realize. Two-third of women at risk for fetal brain damage decline MRI examination. Future studies should evaluate which information about fetal MRI is supportive.
Experimental and theoretical investigations of the high performance blends of PEEK/PEI
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Mishra Raghvendra K. , Nandi Tandra
Published: October 2017

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and polyether imide (PEI) blends were made by melt blending using a twin-screw extruder. The blends were characterized by mechanical testing, thermal, rheological and morphological studies. Predictive models were used to explain the tensile modulus and strength properties. The impact strength increases when percentage of the PEI increases in composite. This has been analyzed on the basis of the interphase adhesion. Tensile and flexural strength also increased with increase in the PEI content. Incorporation of PEI increases the glass transition temperature (T

g
) and facilitates its processing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to study the phase structure. These experimental findings are in agreement with predictive models based on the rule of mixture and the Nicolais-Narkis model. Multi quadric radial basis function (MQRBF) was applied to study the static and dynamic response of the PEEK/PEI blend plate at uniformly distributed load. The present results were compared with numerical and analytical results.