bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on Consumer Perception on Malted Health Food Drinks in Udaipur City
Authors: Dave K. K. , Paliwal Rachna
Published: December 2016

Healthy living is prime concern of today’s society. Many studies show that people are adopting health related changes in their eating habits. These changes create a new opportunity in food and drink industry. This is the reason health drink industry emerged as the most popular and growing segment of overall soft drinks industry in the world. As compared to the other food supplement health drinks stands the top in position, because these drinks have no side effects. There is enormous competition in between various international brands of health food drink companies. They are coming with new products and strategies. Malted health food drink is among best substitute of a complete food. India, the world’s largest malt bases drinks market accounts for 22% of the world’s retail volume sales. These drinks are traditionally consumed as milk substitutes and also available in mixed with water and marketed as nutritious drinks mainly consumed by the old, the young and the sick persons. Malt is germinated cereal grains that have been dried in a process known as malting. The grains are made to germinate by soaking in water, and are then halted from germinating further by drying with hot air. This paper is designed is such a way where perception of consumers about malted health food drinks are not only explained in details but also tested through proper application of statistical tools.
Inclusive Teaching-Learning Strategies to Meet Academic Needs of Learners with Special Needs in Kenya (A Case of Kakamega East Sub-county)
Authors: Tsisindu Otundo Denis , Joel Okutoyi , Edward Khasakhala
Published: December 2016

The national education system has been characterised by inadequate educational management practices and facilities that do not respond well to the challenges faced by Learners with Special Needs (LWSNs). These learners are gradually and deliberately pushed out of the school system because schools are not sensitive to their learning styles and background. The purpose of this study was therefore to assess the extent to which inclusive teaching-learning strategies were employed to meet academic needs of learners with special needs in public primary schools in Kakamega East Sub-county. The study objective was to; determine the extent to which the teaching and learning strategies were employed to meet the academic needs of learners with special needs in primary schools. The study was based on the theory of Normalisation and it made use of the descriptive survey research design. The target population was 90 head teachers, 999 teachers and one Educational Assessment and Resource Centre (EARC) coordinator. The schools were stratified according to zones and simple random sampling was used to select, 18 head teachers and 200 teachers, while the EARC coordinator was selected by the purposive sampling technique. Instruments for data collection were the questionnaires, interview schedules and document analysis. Content validity was used to determine the validity of the research instruments while the test-re-test method was used to test reliability using the Pearson Product moment of correlation coefficient (r) value. Data was then analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics and the results were presented in form of frequency tables. The research findings revealed that teachers lack relevant skills to meet the academic needs of LWSNs and they rarely address learners’ needs through the individualised education programmes (IEP). The researcher recommended that regular inspections should be carried out in schools as a follow up measure of ensuring that inclusive education and its management practices are implemented to the latter. Teachers who are not trained in special needs education (SNE) should be given an opportunity to undergo training so as to equip them with the necessary skills and attitudes towards LWSNs. IEP need to be developed for every learner with specialneeds in learning, learners with special needs need to be involved in class activities.  
What If the Cleft Child is Yours?
Authors: Wahlang Hazel Berret
Published: December 2016

Every 3 minutes, a child is born with a cleft lip or cleft palate and make the child to suffer from hunger and thirst, difficulty with speech and social stigma (Operation Smile, n.d.). Yes, Cleft (lip/palate) is usually accompanied with stigma from the society especially when they lack information about it. When a baby is born into the world the whole family rejoices but in the case of the cleft (lip/palate) child the parents end up in shock and sadness. It even makes the parents and their families think that having a cleft child is a curse in itself. One of the factors that the parents’ of cleft (lip/palate) child limit themselves from taking their cleft (lip/palate) child to social gathering as they are scared that the society may have a negative attitude towards them. Assumptions about its cause make the parents difficult to adjust to the situation. People would talk behind them discussing about the cause of cleft (lip/palate) saying that their parents did something wrong that is the reason why their cleft child is the consequence. Twelve year old twins from a small state (Meghalaya) in India do not want to go to school or play with the other children because they were named as daughters of the devil and ugly simply because they were born with a cleft lip. 
Działanie krioterapii ogólnoustrojowej i kinezyterapii na ciśnienie tętnicze
Authors: Ciosek Żaneta , Drozd Adam , Szylińska Aleksandra , Mosiejczuk Hanna , Rotter Iwona
Published: December 2016

Wstęp: Krioterapia to krótkotrwałe wykorzystanie temperatur poniżej –100°C w celu spowodowania fizjologicznej reakcji na zimno. Pierwsza na świecie kriokomora powstała w 1978 r. dzięki prof. Toshiro Yamauchi, który wraz z zespołem naukowym przeprowadził krioterapię ogólnoustrojową u pacjentów ze zdiagnozowanym zesztywniającym zapaleniem stawów. Celem pracy była ocena wpływu krioterapii ogólnoustrojowej na redukcję ciśnienia tętniczego krwi u pacjentów z ustabilizowanym nadciśnieniem tętniczym oraz bez nadciśnienia.Materiały i metody: Grupę badaną stanowiło 45 pacjentów: 36 kobiet (80%) i 9 mężczyzn (20%), którzy zostali poddani 10 zabiegom krioterapii ogólnoustrojowej. Prawie połowa pacjentów (45%) miała rozpoznane nadciśnienie tętnicze. Czas trwania 1. zabiegu wynosił 1 min, 5. – 2 min, a 10. – 3 min. Po krioterapii ogólnoustrojowej pacjenci brali udział w kinezyterapii. Pomiar ciśnienia tętniczego krwi (ciśnienie skurczowe i rozkurczowe) pacjentów został wykonany 3 -krotnie: w 1., 5. i 10. dniu: tuż przed wejściem do kriokomory, bezpośrednio po wyjściu z kriokomory oraz po 15 min ćwiczeń (w ramach kinezyterapii).Wyniki i wnioski: W grupie pacjentów chorujących na nadciśnienie tętnicze wykazano pozytywny wpływ stosowania krioterapii ogólnoustrojowej i kinezyterapii na wartości ciśnienia tętniczego skurczowego i rozkurczowego. W badanej grupie pacjenci leczący się z powodu nadciśnienia tętniczego mieli istotne statystycznie wyższe wartości ciśnienia tętniczego skurczowego (p < 0,05) oraz rozkurczowego (p < 0,001) przed terapią w porównaniu z pacjentami bez nadciśnienia tętniczego. Krioterapia ogólnoustrojowa i kinezyterapia wykazują pozytywny wpływ na wartości ciśnienia tętniczego.
Wartości referencyjne wskaźników krzyżowo-biodrowych w scyntygrafi i kośćca
Authors: Sebastjanowicz Przemysław , Iwanowski Jacek , Piwowarska-Bilska Hanna , Elbl Bogumiła , Birkenfeld Bożena
Published: December 2016

Wstęp: Scyntygraϐia kośćca, w tym stawów krzyżowo-biodrowych, jako obrazowanie funkcjonalne dostarcza unikalnych informacji o zaistniałym procesie chorobowym. Dzięki zastosowaniu radiofarmaceutyków, które umożliwiają obrazowanie aktywności metabolicznej w obrębie stawu, można ocenić stopień zaawansowania choroby, nawet w przypadku braku zmian w obrazach radiologicznych. Analiza ilościowa aktywności metabolicznej stawów krzyżowo-biodrowych polega na porównania wychwytu w obu stawach do wychwytu w regionie kości krzyżowej. Na wartości wskaźników krzyżowo-biodrowych (SI/S) wpływa wiek pacjenta, jego płeć, stan zdrowia i szereg indywidualnych cech biologicznych. Niezwykle istotne są zatem wartości referencyjne wskaźników SI/S, które są pomocne dla lekarzy specjalistów opisujących i diagnozujących schorzenia układu ruchu. Celem niniejszej pracy było opracowanie zakresu referencyjnego wskaźników krzyżowo-biodrowych. Innowacyjność polegała na obliczeniu wskaźników krzyżowo-biodrowych dla różnych grup wiekowych u dzieci oraz dorosłych pacjentów z uwzględnieniem płci.Materiały i metody: Badaniem objęto grupę liczącą 335 osób w wieku 1–89 lat, u których wykonano scyntygrafię kości, a wynik był prawidłowy. Osoby te podzielono na grupy wiekowe. Dzieci podzielono na 4 grupy wiekowe (1–5; 6–10; 11–15; 16–20), a dorosłych na 6 grup wiekowych (21–30; 31–40; 41–50; 51–60; 61–70; ≥71). Do obliczenia wskaźników krzyżowo-biodrowych wykorzystano metodę 3 prostokątnych regionów zainteresowania (region of interest – ROI) położonych na lewym i prawym stawie krzyżowo-biodrowym oraz na kości krzyżowej. Wskaźnik krzyżowo-biodrowy obliczono dla obu stawów, dzieląc średnią liczbę zliczeń w ROI wybranego stawu krzyżowo-biodrowego przez średnią liczbę zliczeń w obrębie ROI na kości krzyżowej.Wyniki: Za wartości prawidłowe SI/S uznano zakres 1,18÷2,28, który otrzymano dla dzieci w wieku ≤5 lat oraz dla grupy 11–15 lat. Znaczące rozbieżności w wartościach wskaźnika SI/S dla kobiet i mężczyzn uzyskano w przedziale wiekowym 31–50 lat.Wnioski: Wartości prawidłowe wskaźników krzyżowo-biodrowych dla całej grupy kontrolnej obejmują zakres 1,18 ±2,28. Niższa wartość referencyjna dotyczy ≤5 lat, natomiast wyższa wartość dotyczy grupy 11–15 lat. U dzieci uzyskano najwyższą wartość odchylenia standardowego. Wynik świadczy o występowaniu istotnych indywidualnych różnic pomiędzy pacjentami w tej grupie wiekowej.
Przerzut raka nerki do nadgarstka i ręki – opis przypadku
Authors: Żyluk Andrzej , Janowski Piotr
Published: December 2016

Przerzuty nowotworowe do ręki występują bardzo rzadko. Najczęstszym źródłem takich przerzutów są raki płuca, sutka i nerek, a najczęstszą lokalizacją – paliczki dalsze palców, kości śródręcza i nadgarstka. W pracy przedstawiono przypadek zaniedbanego, znacznych rozmiarów przerzutu raka nerki do lewej ręki, obejmującego nadgarstek i śródręcze, który został przez chorego zauważony 2 lata przed rozpoznaniem choroby podstawowej (raka nerki). Guz został wycięty, jednak bez marginesów onkologicznych. Po uzyskaniu weryϐikacji histopatologicznej (rak jasnokomórkowy nerki) pacjentowi zaproponowano amputację ręki, na którą nie wyraził zgody, więc został poddany chemioterapii. Badania obrazowe (TK i PET) nie wykazały innych przerzutów odległych. W badaniu po 6 miesiącach od operacji pacjent był w dobrym stanie ogólnym, bez objawów wznowy lokalnej i z umiarkowanie dobrą czynnością operowanej ręki.
Przypadek nierozpoznanego zakażenia Bordetella pertussis u noworodka
Authors: Łoniewska Beata , Kordek Agnieszka , Michalczyk Barbara , Błażejczak Anna , Ciechanowska Beata
Published: December 2016

Opis przypadku: W pracy przedstawiono przypadek 28-dniowego noworodka przyjętego do kliniki z objawami narastającej niewydolności oddechowej, u którego rozpoznanie krztuśca zostało ustalone dopiero po wypisaniu ze szpitala. Omówiono przebieg choroby, trudności diagnostyczne i terapeutyczne. Po 20 dniach leczenia empirycznego, opartego na doświadczeniu lekarzy, pacjent został wypisany do domu jako zdrowy. Dziecko rozwija się prawidłowo. Nie odnotowano innych przypadków zachorowania na krztusiec wśród noworodków i personelu, który miał kontakt z pacjentem.Wniosek: Ponieważ śmiertelność z powodu krztuśca wśród dzieci do 6. miesiąca życia jest duża, podejrzenie zakażenia Bordetella pertussis powinno mieć miejsce w każdym przypadku zaburzeń oddechowych u małych dzieci. Z uwagi na trudności diagnostyczne nadal kluczowy dla rozpoznania krztuśca u niemowląt jest wywiad chorobowy i badanie kliniczne. Leczenie małych pacjentów powinno odbywać się na oddziałach ze stanowiskami do prowadzenia intensywnej terapii oddechowej.
The Impact of Vapor/Liquid-Equilibria Calculations on Scale-Prediction Modeling
Authors: Ribeiro Ayrton S. , Silva Duarte , Mackay Eric J. , Sorbie Ken
Published: December 2016

Vapor/liquid-equilibria (VLE) calculations, particularly involving the phase behavior of carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), are used in scale-prediction modeling. In this work, the impact of VLE calculations for CO2- and H2S-rich gas phases and for acid- and sour-gas mixtures on scale-prediction calculations is evaluated.

Three equations of state (EOSs)—Soave-Redlich-Kwong (SRK) (Soave 1972), Peng-Robinson (PR) (Peng and Robinson 1976), and Valderrama-Patel-Teja (VPT) (Valderrama 1990)—are implemented in the Heriot-Watt model and used in VLE calculations. The solubility of single-component CO2 and H2S in water and the solubility of a gas mixture in water were compared with experimental data in terms of the absolute relative deviation (ARD). The solubility data were then used in PHREEQC (USGS 2016) to calculate the impact of using different EOSs on carbonate and sulfide scales, particularly on calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and iron sulfide (FeS).

Average ARDs of 6.04, 4.10, and 3.77% between experimental and calculated values for CO2 solubility in water were obtained for the SRK, PR, and VPT EOSs, respectively. Similarly, for H2S solubility in water, average ARDs of 6.49, 6.66, and 6.48% were obtained for each EOS, respectively. For the solubility of sour- and acid-gas mixtures in water, average ARDs of 13.92, 13.25, and 10.78% were obtained, respectively. It has thus been concluded that the VPT EOS performs better than the SRK and PR EOSs in VLE calculations for the analyzed data.

The errors introduced in VLE calculations have been found to impact the calculation of the amount of CaCO3 precipitated, with consequences for scale-inhibitor selection. Higher deviations were found in the amount of CaCO3 precipitation for gas mixtures when compared with a single-component, CO2-rich phase. Furthermore, the large errors occurring in VLE calculations for H2S solubility have not been found to impact the calculation of the amount of FeS precipitated when H2S is in excess with respect to Fe2+. In addition to this, a case study that was performed by use of formation-water data from the Brazilian presalt revealed that the choice of EOS can cause errors of 6 kg of precipitate during each day of production.

Scale-prediction calculations carried out with PHREEQC demonstrate that VLE calculations can have a high impact on mineral precipitation. Thus, it is recommended that the best VLE model available should always be used for scale-prediction modeling, particularly when mixtures of gases are present.
Productivity Index for Arbitrary Well Trajectories in Laterally Isotropic, Spatially Anisotropic Porous Media
Authors: Johansen Thormod E. , Hender Donald G. , James Lesley A.
Published: December 2016

For an anisotropic medium, the permeability is a second-order tensor. As such, permeability is an entity that is dependent upon the coordinate system used to describe the flow quantitatively, although the flow itself is independent of this system. In particular, this means that when a well is producing fluids from a porous medium, the coordinate system must be specified for descriptive purposes and, consequently, the permeability tensor relative to that coordinate system is determined. It is impossible to simultaneously align a 3D orthonormal coordinate system and a cylindrical well segment defined by a single axis except for special cases. Because the permeability tensor will introduce different formulations depending on the defined coordinate system, its complexity will vary accordingly. The objective of this paper is to define an optimal coordinate system with respect to the simplicity of the flow description into the well with an arbitrary trajectory for the special situation of a laterally isotropic, spatially anisotropic medium. The derivation for this optimization strategy is dependent on a sequence of flow-rate-preserving geometric transformations. The resulting virtual medium has isotropic attributes in the transformed 2D plane. Under this transform, known closed-form models are applicable by use of a single permeability value.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Association in Genetically Modified Drought‐Tolerant Corn
Authors: Colombo Roxana P. , Ibarra José G. , Bidondo Laura Fernandez , Silvani Vanesa A. , Bompadre María J. , Pergola Mariana , Lopez Nancy I. , Godeas Alicia M.
Published: December 2016

The commercial use of genetically modified (GM) plants has significantly increased worldwide. The interactions between GM plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are of considerable importance given the agricultural and ecological role of AM and the lack of knowledge regarding potential effects of drought‐tolerant GM corn (Zea mays L.) on AM fungal symbiosis. This work studied AM fungal colonization in five corn lines growing under two different irrigation regimes (30 and 100% of soil field capacity [SFC]). Four of the lines were GM corn, and two of these were drought tolerant. The experiment was conducted for 60 d in a growth chamber under constant irrigation, after which mycorrhization, corn biomass, and days to plant senescence (DTS) were evaluated. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal species of the order Diversisporales were predominant in the soil inocula. At the end of the experiment, all plants showed AM colonization. Mycorrhization was higher at 30% SFC than at 100% SFC. Within the same corn line, the AM fungi produced more vesicles in plant roots under drought stress. Among treatments, DTS varied significantly, and drought‐tolerant GM corn lines survived longer than the wild‐type corn when maintained at 100% SFC. Corn biomass did not vary among treatments, and no correlations were found between DTS or biomass and mycorrhization. We conclude that overexpression of the Hahb‐4 gene in corn plants under the experimental conditions of this study did not affect AM fungal infectivity and improved the tolerance of the corn to drought stress.

Core Ideas

The impact of genetically modified corn on mycorrhization was tested.

Mycorrhizal colonization was higher under drought‐stress conditions.

Corn biomass and days to senescence were not negatively affected by drought.

The transgenic lines tested did not affect the establishment of symbiosis.
Spatiotemporal Assessment of Forest Biomass Carbon Sinks: The Relative Roles of Forest Expansion and Growth in Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Li Renqiang , Zhao Shujie , Zhao Haifeng , Xu Ming , Zhang Liyun , Wen Hui , Sheng Qingkai
Published: December 2016

Spatiotemporal patterns of forest carbon (C) sinks and accurate estimation of such patterns are crucial to sustainable forest management. We combined individual tree biomass equations and a Random Forest algorithm to assess the spatiotemporal changes in biomass C sequestration and to further quantify the relative contributions of forest areal expansion and growth to biomass C sinks in Sichuan Province, China, over the past 25 yr. Forest area and average biomass C density increased from 10.5 million ha and 45.7 Mg C ha−1 in 1988 to 14.2 million ha and 52.3 Mg C ha−1 in 2012. Average C density was generally larger in the north and west of Sichuan Province compared with other regions. The expanded forest area and enhanced C density have jointly led to a rise in total C storage by 54.9% over this period in Sichuan Province. It was estimated that the forest areal expansion has been a larger contributor to C sinks than forest growth in Sichuan Province (69 vs. 31%), especially in the regions of the northwestern high mountains and the hilly country of the Sichuan basin. However, the relative contributions of areal expansion exhibited different trends in five subregions and 15 forest species groups in this province. Our study suggests that it is necessary to develop a new forestry management mode to maintain the long‐term health of forest ecosystems in Sichuan Province, which should attach more importance to improving forest quality and selecting tree species in different subregions while increasing forested area in the future.

Core Ideas

Accurate estimation of spatiotemporal patterns of forest C sinks is crucial to sustainable forest management.

We integrated individual tree biomass equations and a random forest algorithm.

A spatially explicit map of C density allows comparisons among different subregions.

We quantified the relative contributions of forest expansion and growth to biomass C sinks.

A new forestry mode is needed to maintain the long‐term health of forest ecosystems in Sichuan Province.
Genetic Diversity Assessment of Upland Cotton Variety Resources in China Based on Phenotype Traits and Molecular Markers
Authors: Li Cheng‐qi , Song Li , Zhu Ya‐juan , Zhai Yong‐jie , Wang Qing‐lian
Published: December 2016

Evaluating germplasm resources comprehensively and accurately is of great significance to their efficient utilization. To comprehensively characterize the genetic relationships among upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) varieties, the genetic diversity of 172 upland cotton varieties in China was assessed using 18 phenotype traits and 154 polymorphic simple sequence repeat molecular markers. According to the variation analysis of phenotype traits, the variation coefficient, which reflects the level of phenotypic genetic diversity, varied widely among traits. The analysis of marker polymorphism showed that the average allele number, gene diversity index, and polymorphism information content were 2.62, 0.3985 and 0.3343, respectively, indicating a relatively low level of genetic diversity. All varieties grouped into five clusters (I–V) based on phenotypic data. Among the five clusters, clusters III and IV further grouped into four (III‐1, III‐2, III‐3, and III‐4) and two subclusters (IV‐1 and IV‐2), respectively. Cluster I and subclusters III‐1, III‐3, III‐4, and IV‐1 displayed prominent values in some of the 18 traits. Then, all varieties grouped into nine clusters (A–I) based on molecular marker data. Clusters C, D, E, F, H, and I displayed prominent values in some of the 18 traits. Clustering based on phenotype traits and/or molecular markers was largely congruent with varietal pedigree information, but the clustering of varieties was independent of the varietal ecological sources. Results in this study suggest that varieties with prominent complementary traits in different phenotype‐ and/or marker‐ based clusters can be selected as parents in breeding.
Gains in Maize Genetic Improvement in Eastern and Southern Africa: II. CIMMYT Open‐Pollinated Variety Breeding Pipeline
Authors: Masuka Benhilda , Magorokosho Cosmos , Olsen Mike , Atlin Gary N. , Bänziger Marianne , Pixley Kevin V. , Vivek Bindiganavile S. , Labuschagne Maryke , Matemba‐Mutasa Rumbidzai , Burgueño Juan , Macrobert John , Prasanna B. M. , Das Bish , Makumbi Dan , Tarekegne Amsal , Crossa Jose , Zaman‐Allah Mainassara , van Biljon Angeline , Cairns Jill E.
Published: December 2016

Open‐pollinated varieties (OPVs) still represent a significant proportion of the maize (Zea mays L.) seed system in many countries of sub‐Saharan Africa. The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) has been breeding improved maize varieties for the stress‐prone environments experienced by most smallholder farmers in eastern and southern Africa for over 30 yr. Hybrid breeding is now the major focus of the CIMMYT breeding pipeline. However, OPVs are generated within the hybrid pipeline. This is the first study to document genetic gain for maize grain yield under both optimal and stress (random and managed drought, low nitrogen [N], and maize streak virus [MSV]) conditions within the CIMMYT eastern and southern African OPV breeding pipeline. Genetic gain was estimated using the slope of the regression on the year of OPV release in regional trials over a 12‐yr period (1999–2011). Open‐pollinated varieties were separated into two maturity groups, early (<70 d to anthesis) and intermediate‐late (>70 d to anthesis). Genetic gain in the early maturity group under optimal conditions, random drought, low N, and MSV was 109.9, 29.2, 84.8, and 192.9 kg ha−1 yr−1. In the intermediate‐late maturity group, genetic gain under optimal conditions, random drought, low N, and MSV was 79.1, 42.3, 53.0 and 108.7 kg ha−1 yr−1. No significant yield gains were made under managed drought stress for both maturity groups. Our results show continued improvement in OPVs for both yield potential and stress tolerance.
Effect of Phosphite Rate and Source on Cyanobacteria Colonization of Putting Green Turf
Authors: Inguagiato John C. , Kaminski John E. , Lulis Timothy T.
Published: December 2016

Cyanobacteria compete with putting green turf, resulting in algal surface crusts that can reduce turf density and quality. The objectives of this study were to assess preventive control of surface cyanobacteria colonization of putting green turf with various phosphite salt sources and formulations. An optimal rate of phosphorous acid to suppress cyanobacteria while minimizing phytotoxicity was also examined. Two field studies were conducted concurrently on an ‘L‐93’ creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) putting green in Storrs, CT, during 2010 and 2011. Study 1 assessed various commercial formulations and sources of phosphite salts, potassium phosphate, and non‐phosphonate fungicides on percent plot area infested by algae. Study 2 identified rates of phosphorous or phosphoric acid applied as commercial formulations of potassium phosphite or technical preparations of potassium phosphite and phosphate, which reduce or enhance algae development and turf quality. Potassium phosphite reduced percent plot area infested by 90 to 100% and 52 to 86% compared with potassium phosphate in study 1 during 2010 and 2011, respectively. Few differences in plot area infested were observed among six commercial phosphite formulations and sources or non‐phosphonate fungicides throughout study 1. Area under the algae development curve decreased by 52 to 78% as phosphorous acid increased from 2.9 to 5.4 or 8.1 kg ha−1 throughout the 2‐yr study. Turf quality was reduced in phosphorous acid‐treated plots at rates greater than 10.8 kg ha−1. Phosphite products applied at 5.4 to 8.1 kg ha−1 every 14 d can be used to suppress cyanobacteria with reduced risk of phytotoxicity for putting green turf.
Biochanin A (an Isoflavone Produced by Red Clover) Promotes Weight Gain of Steers Grazed in Mixed Grass Pastures and Fed Dried‐Distillers’ Grains
Authors: Harlow Brittany E. , Flythe Michael D. , Kagan Isabelle A. , Aiken Glen E.
Published: December 2016

Biochanin A (BCA) is an isoflavone produced by red clover (Trifloium pratense L.) that can inhibit hyper‐ammonia‐producing bacteria (HAB) to reduce deamination in the rumen and increase the feed amino acids available for gastric digestion. An ex vivo experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dried distiller's grains (DDG) and BCA (30 μg mL−1) on HAB in bovine rumen fluid. Following a 24‐h incubation, HAB and ammonia concentrations in the media increased with addition of DDG. However, DDG fermentations with BCA had 100‐fold fewer HAB and 37% less ammonia than DDG‐only fermentations. A grazing experiment was conducted with crossbred steers grazing a mixture of predominately endophyte‐free tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh], Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratense L.), and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) in the early and late growing season. Average daily gains (ADG) were compared among treatments of pasture‐only control, daily feeding of 1.4 kg DDG steer−1, and daily feeding of 1.4 kg DDG plus BCA (6.3 g steer−1, representing ∼30% red clover diet). Averaged over the early and late growing seasons, feeding DDG (0.83 ± 0.05 kg d−1) increased ADG by 15% over the pasture‐only treatment (0.72 ± 0.03 kg d−1), but addition of BCA to the DDG (0.93 ± 0.04 kg d−1) provided an additive increase in ADG of 29% over the control treatment. Results of the ex vivo and grazing experiments provide evidence that BCA inhibits HAB in the rumen and that the reduced deamination in the rumen can enhance weight gain performance of steers.
Acute myocarditis and pulmonary edema due to scorpion sting
Authors: Ismail Montaser , Assad Nidal , Al Suwaidi Jassim , Al Kawari Maryam , Salam Amar
Published: December 2016

Objective: To present a case of a serious manifestation of scorpion sting, which was not reported before in Qatar, review the literature, and compare with previously reported similar cases. Case presentation and intervention: A young male patient was admitted to CCU with a clinical picture of acute toxic myocarditis and cardiogenic shock with abnormal ECG and elevated cardiac markers after a scorpion sting to his right big toe. Thorough investigations, including echocardiography, cardiac MRI and right heart catheterization, supported the diagnosis. Coronary angiography was normal. Patient was managed conservatively with supportive measures, mechanical ventilation, IV fluids, inotropic agents, steroids, antibiotics and Prazocin. Over 9 days of hospital course, patient gradually improved, was successfully extubated, and was discharged in a stable condition. Conclusion: Toxic myocarditis (with myocardial damage), pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock are reported manifestations of scorpion venom intoxication.
Muscle contraction: Sliding filament history, sarcomere dynamics and the two Huxleys
Authors: Squire John M
Published: December 2016

Despite having all the evidence needed to come to the right conclusions in the middle of the 1800s, it was not until the 1950s that it was realised by two unrelated Huxleys and their collaborators that striated muscle sarcomeres contain overlapping sets of filaments which do not change much in length and which slide past each other when the muscle sarcomere shortens. It then took quite a while to convince others that this was the case, but now the idea of sliding filaments is fundamental to our understanding of how any muscle works. Here a brief overview of the history of the discovery of sliding filaments and the factors that were missed in the 1800s is followed by an analysis of the more recent experiments which have added to the conviction that all muscles operate on the same guiding principles; two sets of sliding filaments, independent force generators and a mechanism of protein rowing that makes the filaments slide.
African leaders take action on RHD: The 4th All-Africa Workshop on Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease & African Union RHD Communiqué
Authors: Nulu Shanti , Neely Robert C , Tawakol Zeina , Yacoub Magdi
Published: December 2016

The 4th All-Africa Workshop on Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) was held in Addis Ababa from March 4-6, 2016, hosted by the Pan-African Society of Cardiology (PASCAR) and the African Union Commission (AUC). This was a conference of expert cardiologists and cardiac surgeons who are leading RHD efforts, and included delegates from 22 African countries (Figure 1). There were also representatives from major international stakeholders, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Heart Federation (WHF), as well as the philanthropic arms of the Novartis and Medtronic, both of which have active programs targeting RHD.
CTS trials network: Rate control vs rhythm control for atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery - Do bitter pills have blessed effects?
Authors: Afifi Ahmed
Published: December 2016

New onset AF is a very common sequel of cardiac surgery with an incidence reaching 50% in some studies. This post-operative complication leads to increased morbidity, hospital stay and, consequently, hospital costs1. Currently there is a great variability in the management of this condition. Despite efforts to produce best practice guidelines2, what best to do for a patient who develops AF post-operatively remains a question. In a systematic attempt to find an answer to this question, the Cardiothoracic Trials Network have recently published the results of their trial ‘‘Rate Control Versus Rhythm Control for Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery’’3 (clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT02132767).
Juxtaposition of the atrial appendages: A nidus for thrombus in atriopulmonary Fontan?
Authors: Spadotto Veronica , Voges Inga , Kilner Philip J , Yacoub Magdi H , Ernst Sabine , Ho Siew Yen , Babu-Narayan Sonya V
Published: December 2016

Juxtaposition of atrial appendages is a rare cardiac congenital anomaly, usually associated with other cardiac malformations. Until now, it has not been linked to any significant clinical implications. We report cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) findings of two adult patients who underwent atriopulmonary Fontan operation in the setting of left juxtaposition of the atrial appendages. The patients were in sinus rhythm at the time of the CMR study. Both patients had episodes of sustained atrial tachyarrhythmia requiring electrical cardioversion and were anticoagulated with warfarin with target INR 2-3. CMR images showed a thrombus located in the enlarged and juxtaposed right appendage in both patients. Blood flow frequently appears slow or sluggish in the dilated right atrium following atriopulmonary Fontan surgery. In addition, cine CMR suggested that blood flow reaches very low velocities in the massively dilated juxtaposed right atrial appendage cul-de-sac, thus potentially creating a substrate for clot formation. These findings propose that juxtaposed atrial appendages in atriopulmonary Fontan is an additional risk factor for clot formation, specifically in the dilated right atrial appendage on the left side juxtaposed with the left atrial appendage and that prophylactic anticoagulation is highly justified in these patients.
Cardiovascular risk reduction in African Americans: Current concepts and controversies
Authors: Ferdinand Keith C.
Published: December 2016

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and in the United States (US). Health, life expectancy, and medical care have improved dramatically in the US over the last century. However, the distribution of benefits arising from the decreases in heart disease and stroke has not occurred equitably. The current mortality gap between blacks and whites in the US, although decreasing, has been persistent since 1960. Black men and women are more likely to die of heart disease and stroke than white men and women. This population remains at higher risk for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obesity (especially in females), myocardial infarction, stroke morbidity and mortality, chronic kidney disease (CKD), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and cardiovascular mortality.
PLATFORM at 90 days: Evaluating the clinical utility of FFRCT
Authors: Kharabish Ahmed , ElGuindy Ahmed
Published: December 2016

The advancement that took place in assessing fractional flow reserve (FFR) using various competing modalities led to numerous research trials to evaluate the clinical impact of each. Among those trials is the recently published PLATFORM study. The data was designed to compare two clinical scenarios; a combination of computed fluid dynamics with computed tomographic angiography (CTA-guided strategy) in non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) on one arm, compared to the standard practice representing the other clinical arm. The study’s results were evaluated for further evidence and clinical insights.
FIRE AND ICE: The quest for the perfect modality in atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Sayed Mohamed , ElMaghawry Mohamed
Published: December 2016

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice. Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation plays an important role in the management of AF. Radiofrequency ablation is widely used in practice all over the world. Cryoablation has emerged as an alternative method for AF ablation. The FIRE and ICE trial was a non inferiority, multicentre, randomized trial that compared between the two modalities and proved cryoablation to be non inferior to radiofrequency in terms of efficacy and safety. However, the rate of AF recurrence was markedly high in both arms of the study.
4D flow streamline characteristics of the great arteries twenty years after Lecompte and direct spiral arterial switch operation (DSASO) in simple TGA
Authors: Sievers Hans-Hinrich , Putman Léon M , Kheradvar Arash , Gabbert Dominik , Wegner Philip , Scheewe Jens , Salehi-Ravesh Mona , Kramer Hans-Heiner , Rickers Carsten
Published: December 2016

Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is caused by discordance between the great arteries andthe ventricles. If left untreated, this anomaly has a disastrous perspective. More recent surgical approach for correction includes the Lecompte technique in which the pulmonary bifurcation is transposed anterior to the aorta, which may be less physiologic. Although the early results are excellent, there is potential for future problems involving the great arteries and semilunar valves. These potential problems necessitate the development of other improved surgical techniques . Here we report an MRI 4D flow study related to a case of simple TGA whose primary surgical correction – direct spiral arterial switch operation (DSASO) – was performed twenty years ago in an attempt to restore physiologic arrangement among the great arteries and semilunar valves.
Knitting for heart valve tissue engineering
Authors: Liberski Albert , Ayad Nadia , Wojciechowska Dorota , Zielińska Dorota , Struszczyk Marcin H , Latif Najma , Yacoub Magdi
Published: December 2016

Knitting is a versatile technology which offers a large portfolio of products and solutions of interest in heart valve (HV) tissue engineering (TE). One of the main advantages of knitting is its ability to construct complex shapes and structures by precisely assembling the yarns in the desired position. With this in mind, knitting could be employed to construct a HV scaffold that closely resembles the authentic valve. This has the potential to reproduce the anisotropic structure that is characteristic of the heart valve with the yarns, in particular the 3-layered architecture of the leaflets. These yarns can provide oriented growth of cells lengthwise and consequently enable the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in an oriented manner. This technique, therefore, has a potential to provide a functional knitted scaffold, but to achieve that textile engineers need to gain a basic understanding of structural and mechanical aspects of the heart valve and in addition, tissue engineers must acquire the knowledge of tools and capacities that are essential in knitting technology. The aim of this review is to provide a platform to consolidate these two fields as well as to enable an efficient communication and cooperation among these two research areas.
Assessment of swine-specific bacteriophages of Bacteroides fragilis in swine farms with different antibiotic practices
Authors: Leknoi Yuranan , Mongkolsuk Skorn , Sirikanchana Kwanrawee
Published: December 2016

We assessed the occurrence and specificity of bacteriophages of Bacteroides fragilis in swine farms for their potential application in microbial source tracking. A local B. fragilis host strain, SP25 (DSM29413), was isolated from a pooled swine feces sample taken from a non-antibiotic farm. This strain was highly specific to swine fecal materials because it did not detect bacteriophages in any samples from human sewage, sheep, goats, cattle, dogs, and cats. The reference B. fragilis strain, RYC2056, could detect phages in swine samples but also detected phages in most human sewage and polluted urban canal samples. Phages of SP25 exist in the proximity of certain swine farms, regardless of their antibiotic use (p > 0.05). B. fragilis strain SP25 exhibited relatively high resistance to most of the veterinary antimicrobial agents tested. Interestingly, most farms that were positive for SP25 phages were also positive for RYC2056 phages. In conclusion, the swine-specific SP25 strain has the potential to indicate swine fecal contamination in certain bodies of water. Bacterial isolates with larger distributions are being studied and validated. This study highlights the importance of assessing the abundance of phages in local swine populations before determining their potential applicability for source tracking in local surface waters.
Evaluation of Pulmonary Nodules Using the Spyglass Direct Visualization System Combined With Radial Endobronchial Ultrasound: A Clinical Feasibility Study
Authors: Godbout Krystelle , Martel Simon , Simon Mathieu , Lampron Noël , Delage Antoine
Published: December 2016

Background:

Sampling of peripheral pulmonary nodules with radial endobronchial ultrasound (p-EBUS) increases diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy. However, diagnostic yield is influenced by numerous factors.

Objective:

We evaluated the use of SpyGlass, a one millimeter diameter optic fiber, to obtain images of the distal mucosa and of pulmonary lesions detected with p-EBUS to determine if visual aspect of the distal mucosa was predictive of diagnosis.

Methods:

We prospectively recruited subjects investigated for peripheral nodules. Bronchoscopy was performed and p-EBUS was used to locate the lesion through a guide sheath. The Spyglass fiber was introduced in the sheath to obtain images of the distal bronchial mucosa. Tissue sampling was subsequently done.

Results:

Fifteen patients were enrolled in the study. A final diagnosis of malignancy was confirmed in 80%. All lesions could be located using p-EBUS (100%). Diagnostic sensitivity for p-EBUS was 58.3%. Distal mucosa could be imaged with SpyGlass in 14/15 patients (93.3%). Mucosal appearance was described as abnormal in 7 out of the 15 subjects. Mean SpyGlass procedure time was 6.5 minutes. No direct complication was reported.

Conclusion:

Spyglass can be used in combination with p-EBUS to obtain images of the distal bronchial mucosa and peripheral pulmonary nodules. More patients will be needed to confirm whether mucosal appearance can be predictive of malignancy.
The Prevention of Periprosthetic Joint Infections
Authors: Küçükdurmaz Fatih , Parvizi Javad
Published: December 2016

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) adversely affects patient quality of life and health status, and places a huge financial burden on the health care. The first step in combating this complication is prevention, which may include implementation of strategies during the preoperative, intraoperative, or postoperative period. Optimization of the patient with appreciation of the modifiable and non-modifiable factors is crucial. Preoperative optimization involves medical optimization of patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, anemia, malnutrition and other conditions that may predispose the patient to PJI. Among the intraoperative strategies, administration of appropriate and timely antibiotics, blood conservation, gentle soft tissue handling, and expeditious surgery in an ultra clean operating room are among the most effective strategies. During the postoperative period, all efforts should be made to minimize ingress or proliferation of bacteria at the site of the index arthroplasty from draining the wound and hematoma formation. Although the important role of some preventative measures is known, further research is needed to evaluate the role of unproven measures that are currently employed and to devise further strategies for prevention of this feared complication.
Biofilm and the Role of Antibiotics in the Treatment of Periprosthetic Hip and Knee Joint Infections
Authors: Mirza Yusuf H. , Tansey Rosamond , Sukeik Mohamed , Shaath Mohammed , Haddad Fares Sami
Published: December 2016

An increasing demand for lower limb arthroplasty will lead to a proportionate increase in the need for revision surgery. A notable proportion of revision surgery is secondary to periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). Diagnosing and eradicating PJI can form a very difficult challenge. An important cause of PJI is the formation of a bacterial biofilm on the implant surface. Our review article seeks to describe biofilms; their definitions and formation, common causative bacteria, prophylactic and therapeutic antibiotic therapy.
Sacroiliac Joint Fusion: One Year Clinical and Radiographic Results Following Minimally Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Surgery
Authors: Kube Richard A. , Muir Jeffrey M.
Published: December 2016

Background:

Recalcitrant sacroiliac joint pain responds well to minimally-invasive surgical (MIS) techniques, although long-term radiographic and fusion data are limited.

Objective:

To evaluate the one-year clinical results from a cohort of patients with chronic sacroiliac (SI) joint pain unresponsive to conservative therapies who have undergone minimally invasive SI joint fusion.

Methods:

SI joint fusion was performed between May 2011 and January 2014. Outcomes included radiographic assessment of fusion status, leg and back pain severityviavisual analog scale (VAS), disabilityviaOswestry Disability Index (ODI) and complication rate. Outcomes were measured at baseline and at follow-up appointments 6 months and 12 months post-procedure.

Results:

Twenty minimally invasive SI joint fusion procedures were performed on 18 patients (mean age: 47.2 (14.2), mean BMI: 29.4 (5.3), 56% female). At 12 months, the overall fusion rate was 88%. Back and leg pain improved from 81.7 to 44.1 points (p<0.001) and from 63.6 to 27.7 points (p=0.001), respectively. Disability scores improved from 61.0 to 40.5 (p=0.009). Despite a cohort containing patients with multiple comorbidities and work-related injuries, eight patients (50%) achieved the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in back pain at 12 months, with 9 (69%) patients realizing this improvement in leg pain and 8 (57%) realizing the MCID in ODI scores at 12 months. No major complications were reported.

Conclusion:

Minimally invasive SI joint surgery is a safe and effective procedure, with a high fusion rate, a satisfactory safety profile and significant improvements in pain severity and disability reported through 12 months post-procedure.
Meniscus Induced Cartilaginous Damage and Non-linear Gross Anatomical Progression of Early-stage Osteoarthritis in a Canine Model
Authors: Kahn David , Mittelstaedt Daniel , Matyas John , Qu Xiangui , Lee Ji Hyun , Badar Farid , Les Clifford , Zhuang Zhiguo , Xia Yang
Published: December 2016

Background:

The predictable outcome of the anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) canine model, and the similarity to naturally occurring osteoarthritis (OA) in humans, provide a translatable method for studying OA. Still, evidence of direct meniscus-induced cartilaginous damage has not been identified, and gross-anatomical blinded scoring of early-stage OA has not been performed.

Objective:

A gross anatomical observation and statistical analysis of OA progression to determine meniscus induced cartilaginous damage, to measure the macroscopic progression of OA, and to address matters involving arthroscopic and surgical procedures of the knee.

Method:

Unblinded assessment and blinded scoring of meniscal, tibial, femoral, and patellar damage were performed for control and at four time points following unilateral ACLT: 3-week (N=4), 8-week (N=4), 12-week (N=5), and 25-week (N=4). Mixed-model statistics illustrates damage (score) progression; Wilcoxon rank-sum tests compared time-point scores; and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests compared ACLT and contralateral scores, and meniscus and tibia scores.

Result:

Damage was manifest first on the posterior aspect of the medial meniscus and subsequently on the tibia and femur, implying meniscal damage can precede, coincide with, and aggravate cartilage damage. Damage extent varied chronologically and was dependent upon the joint component. Meniscal damage was evident at 3 weeks and progressed through 25-weeks. Meniscal loose bodies corresponded to tibial cartilage damage location and extent through 12 weeks, followed by cartilage repair activity after complete meniscal degeneration.

Conclusion:

This study provides additional information for understanding OA progression, identifying OA biomarkers, and arthroscopic and meniscectomy procedures.