bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noncommunicable Disease Emergencies During Arbaeenia Mass Gathering at Public Hospitals in Karbala, Najaf, and Babel Governorates, Iraq, 2014: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lami Faris , Jewad Abdul Wahhab , Hassan Abulameer , Kadhim Hadeel , Alharis Sura
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Arbaeenia is the largest religious mass gathering (MG) in Iraq where millions of people from Iraq and many other countries visit Karbala city, south Iraq. MGs are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality from different noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and asthma. There is a scarcity of publications that address MGs in Iraq.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the NCD emergencies in public hospitals in Karbala, Najaf, and Babel governorates in Iraq, during the Arbaeenia MG and assess predisposing factors for NCD emergencies.

METHODS

The study was conducted from November 27 to December 16, 2014. Data were collected in the pre-event and during MG event from 7 selected hospitals. The pre-event data were collected from emergency room (ER) registers and logbooks, and the data on the MG event were collected daily through direct interview with patients and treating physicians using a structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

In total, 4425 NCD emergencies were recorded. Of these, 80.13% (3546/4425) were collected during the MG event. The NCD emergencies attended at ER hospitals during MG were severe hypertension (HT), diabetes (hyperglycemia), ischemic heart disease (IHD), asthma, and pulmonary edema. The load of NCD emergencies and the daily average emergencies increased 4-fold and 2-fold during the MG event, respectively. Most of the NCD emergencies were treated at ER departments, and a few were hospitalized. Intense physical activities and poor adherence to diet and medication were risk factors for IHD, severe HT, and hyperglycemic diabetes emergencies. Exposure to noxious gases or fumes and recent respiratory infections were risk factors for asthma emergencies.

CONCLUSIONS

As the pilgrims approached Karbala city during the Arbaeenia MG, the hospitals on the roads leading to the city experienced an increased load of patients because of different NCD emergencies. Although hospitals should be equipped with the necessary supplies, health education for pilgrims is mandatory, particularly on the factors that can exacerbate their diseases.
The Impact of Receiving Pretravel Health Advice on the Prevention of Hajj-Related Illnesses Among Australian Pilgrims: Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Alqahtani Amani S , Alsharif Saeed A , Garnan Mohammad A , Tashani Mohamed , BinDhim Nasser F , Heywood Anita E , Booy Robert , Wiley Kerrie E , Rashid Harunor ,   Hajj Research Group
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Pretravel health advice can play a crucial role in improving both travelers’ awareness about disease risk and compliance with preventive measures. General practitioners (GPs) and the internet have been reported internationally to be the main sources of health advice for travelers to non–mass gathering (MG) destinations. However, few studies have attempted to investigate the sources of health advice among travelers to MGs including the Hajj pilgrimage, and none of these studies further investigated the impact of pretravel advice on pilgrims’ health behaviors.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the source of pretravel health advice (from GPs and specialized Hajj travel agents) on Hajj pilgrims’ awareness of and compliance with health recommendations, and the incidence of Hajj-associated illnesses.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study (before and during Hajj) was conducted among Australian pilgrims aged ≥18 years in 2015.

RESULTS

A total of 421 pilgrims participated prior to Hajj, and 391 (93%) provided follow-up data during Hajj. All participants obtained pretravel health advice from one or more sources, with Hajj travel agents (46%) and general practitioners (GPs; 40%) the most commonly reported sources. In total, 288 (74%) participants reported Hajj-related symptoms, of which 86% (248/288) were respiratory symptoms. Participants who obtained pretravel health advice from travel agents were more likely to be aware of the official Saudi recommendations (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.8; P=.01), receive recommended vaccines before travel (aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4-3.9; P=.01), use hand sanitizers including soap (aOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-6.1; P=.03), and wash their hands after touching an ill person during Hajj (aOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.1-7.1; P=.01), compared to those who sought advice from GPs. However, neither advice from travel agents nor GPs was associated with a lower incidence of Hajj-related illnesses.

CONCLUSIONS

Advice from travel agents appeared to be accessed by more travelers than that from GPs, and was associated with an increased likelihood of positive travel health behaviors.
Bringing real-time geospatial precision to HIV incidence measurements via mobile phones (Preprint)
Authors: Nsabimana Alain Placide , Uzabakiriho Bernard , Kagabo Daniel M , Nduwayo Jerome , Fu Qinyouen , Eng Allison , Hughes Joshua , Sia Samuel K
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Precise measurements of HIV incidences at community levels can help mount a more effective public health response, but the most reliable methods currently require labor-intensive population surveys. Novel mobile phone technologies are being tested for adherence to medical appointments and antiretroviral therapy, but using them to track HIV test results with automatically generated geospatial coordinates has not been widely tested.

OBJECTIVE

We customized a portable reader for interpreting the results of HIV lateral flow tests, and developed a mobile phone app to track HIV test results in urban and rural locations in Rwanda. The objective is to assess the feasibility of this technology to collect frontline HIV test results in real time and with geospatial context to help measure HIV incidences and improve epidemiological surveillance.

METHODS

20 healthcare workers used the technology to track the test results of 2290 patients across three hospital sites (two urban sites in Kigali, and a rural site in the Western Province of Rwanda). Smartphones for less than $70 USD each were used. The mobile phone app to record HIV test results could take place without internet connectivity, with uploading of results to the cloud taking place later with internet.

RESULTS

92% of HIV test results could be tracked in real time on an online dashboard with geographical resolution down to street resolution. Out of the 20 healthcare workers, 68% would recommend the lateral flow reader, and 100% would recommend the mobile phone app.

CONCLUSIONS

Mobile phones have the potential to simplify the input of HIV test results with geospatial context and in real time to improve public health surveillance of HIV.
The Utilization of Nitrogen Gas as a Carrier Gas in the Determination of Hg Ions Using Cold Vapor-Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (CV-AAS)
Authors: Panggabean Aman Sentosa , Pasaribu Subur P , Kristiana Farida
Published: June 2018

The research about utilization of nitrogen gas as a carrier gas in the determination of Hg ions by using Cold Vapor-Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (CV-AAS) method has been conducted. To optimize the measurement results, several parameters that affect hydride generator have been studied. Some specified important parameters are SnCl2 concentration as reductant, acid concentration, and the analytical performance such as repeatability and reproducibility (% RSD), linearity (r), limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantitation (LOQ), and accuracy have been studied. The results of the research showed that the nitrogen gas can be used instead of argon gas as a carrier gas. It was shown by the repeatability values as % RSD < 2/3 CV Horwitz values, the LOD was 0.0338 µg/L and the LOQ was 0.0838 µg/L. The accuracy of this method was well shown by a recovery percentage was 102.24%. Based on the result of this research, the nitrogen gas can be used as a carrier gas for the determination of Hg ions by using the CV-AAS method with valid results.
Water Molecular Adsorption on the Low-Index Pt Surface: A Density Functional Study
Authors: Cahyanto Wahyu Tri , Haryadi Aris , Sunardi Sunardi , Basit Abdul , Elina Yulin
Published: June 2018

We report the different way to explain the nature of water molecule (H2O) adsorption on the platinum (Pt) surfaces with low Miller index, i.e., (100), (110) and (111). Here, we perform periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations to analyze the correlation between water-surface bonding strength and the observed charge transfer occurring in the systems. The results show that Pt-H2O interaction strength at the most stable adsorption sites, i.e., the atop site for each surfaces, follows the order of H2O/Pt(110) > H2O/Pt(100) > H2O/Pt(111). This order has the same pattern with the order of observed charge transfer contributed to the bonding formation. The differences in adsorption geometrical structures in these three surfaces are suggested to responsible for the order of bond strength since Coulomb interaction plays dominant roles in our electrostatic model. Furthermore, H2O-Pt interaction mechanism, which occurs through water 3a1 orbital releasing electron density (charge) followed by Pt-O bonding formation, is clarified.
Synthesis of N-methyl-4-piperidone Curcumin Analogues and Their Cytotoxicity Activity against T47D Cell Lines
Authors: Eryanti Yum , Hendra Rudi , Herlina Tati , Zamri Adel , Supratman Unang
Published: June 2018

Three piperidone curcumin analogues (N-methyl-(3E,5E)-3,5-bis-(2-chlorobenzylidene)-4-piperidone (1), N-methyl-(3E,5E)-3,5-bis-(3-bromobenzylidene)-4-piperidone (2) and N-methyl-(3E,5E)-3,5-bis-(4-chlorobenzylidene)-4-piperidone (3)) were synthesized from N-methyl-4-piperidone with halogenbenzaldehyde, 2-chlorobenzaldehyde, 3-bromobenzaldehyde and 4-chlorobenzaldehyde. The Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction was used in alkali condition with combinatorial. All the compounds showed light yellow needle, light yellow powder, and yellow crystal form with percentage of yield 39, 66, and 40%, respectively. All the structure compounds were confirmed by using UV, IR, 13C-NMR, 1H-NMR and MS. Apart from that, the cytotoxicity results against breast cancer cell (T47D) showed strong to moderate activity with the IC50 value 8, 4, and 45 µg/mL, respectively.
The Influence of Plastic Mulching Materials and Sowing Dates on the Yield and Yield Components of Pea (Pisum sativum L.)
Authors: Khan Muhammad Numan , Khan Azaz Ali , Ayub Gohar , Haseeb Abdul , Ali Fayaz , Ahmad Husain , Ying Zhao
Published: June 2018

The use of plastic mulches affects the microclimate in the vicinity of the plant by modifying the radiation on the soil surface and reduce the loss of water. Pea is more nutritious and 2nd food source after cereals at Pakistan, but due to lake of proper management, yield is still not up to mark as compare to developed world. To reduce this problem, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of mulching material and sowing dates on the yield of Pea. The study consisted of three different mulching materials (Polythene Black, Polythene Blue and Polythene Brown) with three different sowing dates (1st, 15th and 30th October) arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The results showed that different sowing dates and mulching materials had significant effect on the yield parameters of Pea. Regarding sowing dates, maximum days to pod formation (8.08 days), pods plant?1 (21.25), Pod weight (18.84 g) and pod yield (4.39 tons ha?1) were noted in pea sown on October 1st. Whereas, minimum data of days to pod formation (3.08 days), pod plant?1 (15.34), pod weight (13.17 g) and pod yields (2.69tons ha?1) were recorded in pea sown on October 30th. In case of mulching types maximum number of pods plant?1 (19.00), pod length (6.89 cm), seeds pod?1 (7.78), pod weight (17.34 g) and pod yield (3.69 tons ha?1) were observed in pea mulched with Polythene Black, while minimum pods plant-1, pod length, seeds pod-1, pod weight and pod yield were found in control. The study suggested that pea should be sown on October 1st while mulched with Polythene Black to produce maximum yield and production in agro environment of district Peshawar.
INDUCTION OF AUTOPHAGY IN HUMAN CERVICAL CANCER CELL LINE (SIHA) BY CHAETOMORPHA LINUM (MULLER) KÜTZ.
Authors: Majumder Indira , Paul Subhabrata , Kundu Rita
Published: June 2018

Objective: Algae is a rich source of various metabolites. Use of algae in traditional medicine was reported from very early days. The potential anticancerous activity of the algae was also reported by recent researches. In the present study, cell death mechanism induced by green alga Chaetomorpha linum (Muller) Kütz. was studied on human cervical cancer cell line, SiHa (Human papilloma virus-HPV 16+ve).Methods: Cells were treated with chloroform fraction of the Chaetomorpha linum (CLC). DNA fragmentation, cell proliferation, nuclear morphology, localization of autophagosomes and expression of relevant proteins were studied. Cell cycle and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were assessed by fluorescence assisted cell sorting (FACS). Gas chromatography liquid spectrometry (GCMS) analysis of CLC was done to detect the algal compounds.Results: Preliminary experiments confirmed the absence of DNA fragmentation and altered nuclear morphology in the treated cells. In the Acridine Orange stained cells, the presence of autophagosomes was observed by both microscopy and FACS analysis. Decreased MMP was observed in the treated sets. Wound healing assay showed the inhibitory activity of CLC on SiHa cells. Increased expression of autophagic proteins, viz; LC3BII, p62/SQSTM, Beclin-1 and decreased expression of S6 were observed in the treated sets; indicating that autophagic cell death was induced. Preliminary qualitative chemical study and GCMS analysis detected the presence of saponins, glycosides, alkaloids, phenols, steroids and fatty acids in CLC.Conclusion: All these findings clearly suggested that the chloroform fraction of the algae was responsible for induction of apoptosis followed by autophagic cell death in SiHa and can serve as a potential candidate for anticancer drug development in future.
DIGITALISATION AND AUTOMATION IN PHARMACEUTICALS FROM DRUG DISCOVERY TO DRUG ADMINISTRATION
Authors: Mannan Abdul , Mubeen Hajera
Published: June 2018

The rapid progress in the pharmaceutical industry is due to the advancement in the digitalization and automation starting from the invention to the administration of the drug. Every advancement in the development of the pharmaceutical product is associated with progress in digitalization. A drug or a drug product to be administered safely and to provide efficacy it has to undergo a long journey from its discovery, including pre-clinical and clinical trials to further product development in the research and development. The production and manufacturing systems with appropriate digitalization and automation compile the drug formulation after the servitude of the research and development (RandD) department. Later, the quality control and quality assurance systems utilize digitalization to maintain the quality and standard of the drug product. Subsequently, packaging and labeling of the drug product are carried out with effective automation. Further, the marketing and supply of the drug products are digitally monitored and dispatched to the distributors and the pharmacies. Finally, the drug product will be dispensed to the patient for its administration with a concordance of digitally monitoring for enhanced efficacy and safety. Therefore, in this review article, various strategies for digitalization and automation in the pharmaceuticals from drug discovery to drug administration are briefly discussed.
FACILE AND SENSITIVE HPLC-UV METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF NINTEDANIB IN RAT PLASMA
Authors: Togami Kohei , Fukuda Kenta , Yamaguchi Kotaro , Chono Sumio , Tada Hitoshi
Published: June 2018

Objective: In this study, a facile and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic method for determination of nintedanib in rat plasma was developed and validated.Methods: After plasma protein was precipitated by addition of acetonitrile, the supernatant underwent centrifugation. An aliquot was then injected into a high-performance liquid chromatographic system with a Mightysil RP-18 GP II ODS column (250 × 3.0 mm, length by inner diameter, 5-μm particle size) maintained at 50 °C. A mobile phase mixture of 20 mmol phosphate buffer (pH 3.0) and acetonitrile (7:3, v/v) was used at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min, with UV detection at a wavelength of 390 nm for isocratic separation and detection of nintedanib, its main metabolite (BIBF1202), and p-nitrophenol as an internal standard.Results: The quantitative range of nintedanib concentration in this method was 12.5–400 ng/ml, and the calibration curves were linear. The intra-and inter-day accuracy values (relative errors) were in the range of −3.65%–4.00% and −3.65%–3.64%, respectively. The intra-and inter-day precision values (relative standard deviations) were<5.9% and 8.36%, respectively. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic analysis of nintedanib in rats after intravenous administration.Conclusion: In this study, a rapid, sensitive, and simple HPLC-UV method for the quantitation of nintedanib in rat plasma was developed and validated. The method was shown to be accurate and precise and was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study.
EFFECT OF GRANULE SIZE, COMPACTION PRESSURE AND CONCENTRATION OF MALVA VERTICILLATA MUCILAGE ON THE IN VITRO PROPERTIES OF TABLETS
Authors: Korir Patrick Cheruiyot , Salim Ali Mohamed , Odalo Josiah Ochieng , Waudo Walyambillah , Gitu Leonard Mwangi
Published: June 2018

Objective: To evaluate the effect of binder concentration, granule size and distance between punches on mechanical strength and drug release properties of tablets containing Malva verticillata mucilage (MVM) as a binder.Methods: Paracetamol and lactose were converted into wet coherent masses by a liquid solution containing 1-3% w/w MVM as a binder. Granules containing 2% w/w binder was used to investigate the effect of granule size and distance between punches. Compressed tablets were evaluated for crushing strength, disintegration time and in vitro drug release using pharmacopeial methods.Results: Granules containing MVM were found to be free-flowing and compatible with paracetamol. Mechanical strength and drug release properties of mucilage tablets significantly correlated with the amount of MVM binder. Tablet crushing strength was 3.54-7.12 kg/cm2 while disintegration time 7.13-16.67 min. Compression pressure and granule size had no significant effects on drug release properties of mucilage tablets. Crushing strength of mucilage tablets were higher and significantly different (t(26) = 7.9631, p<0.05) from acacia tablets in the tested variables. The cumulative drug release rate of mucilage tablets was also lower than that of acacia tablets in tested concentrations.Conclusion: Properties of tablets containing 2.5% w/w MVM matched the prescribed pharmaceutical limits and hence M. verticillata root mucilage has a great potential to become a new source of tablet binder.
Pretreatment costs of care and time to initial treatment for patients with cancer of unknown primary
Authors: Walker Mark S , Weinstein Laura , Luo Roger , Marino Ingrid
Published: June 2018

Aim:
Time to treatment and pretreatment costs may be affected by unknown primary tumor site.
Methods:
This retrospective study used electronic medical record data from patients in ten US community oncology practices. Eligible patients were ≥18 years, diagnosed with cancer of unknown primary (CUP) or known metastatic solid tumor, and presented between 1 January 2012 and 30 June 2014.
Results:
Patients with CUP (n = 294) had a longer interval than non-CUP patients (n = 92) from presentation to treatment initiation (1.18 vs 0.49 months, p < 0.0001), and had higher pretreatment costs (US$27,882 vs US$20,449, p = 0.0075). When analyzed as monthly cost, the difference between groups in log-cost per month was nonsignificant.
Conclusion:
Higher pretreatment costs in CUP patients appeared attributable to significantly longer time to initiation of therapy.
Política energética argentina: un balance del periodo 2003-2015
Authors: Ceppi Natalia Paola
Published: June 2018

La política energética, como toda política pública, requiere por parte de los poderes gubernamentales, un conjunto de disposiciones precisas y coordinadas para gestionar con eficacia un sector que es estratégico. Cada país adopta su política energética con base en factores como la dotación de recursos, las políticas macroeconómicas; el esquema normativo y la visión sobre la relación Estado/mercado en el rubro, entre otros. El presente trabajo analiza la política energética de la República Argentina en el siglo XXI, considerando sus particularidades más destacadas; la existencia de sus cambios/continuidades y los principales desafíos a futuro.
Política fiscal en América Latina. Los casos de Brasil, Chile, Colombia, México, y Perú
Authors: Basilio Morales Eufemia
Published: June 2018

En el presente trabajo se analiza la relación entre la inestabilidad financiera que generan los flujos de capital de corto plazo en ausencia de mecanismos de control, y las restricciones que enfrenta la instrumentación de políticas fiscales contracíclicas bajo el régimen de metas de inflación, a partir de las crisis financieras internacionales ocurridas recientemente, en particular, en Brasil, Chile, Colombia, México y Perú. Mostrando que el aumento en la emisión de títulos públicos para esterilizar mediante intervenciones en el mercado cambiario los efectos que generan los flujos de capital de corto plazo sobre la base monetaria, son una fuente generadora de inestabilidad endógena, ya que este mecanismo conlleva riesgos de tipo de cambio y tasa de interés.
Assessment of soil erosion and sediment yield using erosion potential method: Case study - Vrbas river basin (B&H)
Authors: Lovric Novica , Tosic Radislav
Published: June 2018

Soil erosion is one of the most significant forms of land degradation in the Bosnia and Herzegovina. The mapping of soil erosion in B&H, as in the study area, was realized 30 years ago (1979-1985). The past decades has been marked by the changes which retained visible tracks and caused numerous changes in the intensity of erosion processes. In this paper, the mapping of the recent state of erosion intensity was performed, and then an analysis of changes was made in relation to the state of 30 years ago. The erosion potential method (EPM) was used for mapping the soil erosion and calculation of gross annual erosion and sediment yield. Erosion Map of the Vrbas river basin was made in the scale of 1:25,000. This Erosion Map counts a total of 69 topographic sections and 4,524 erosion polygons (plots). According to the Erosion Map of the Vrbas river basin, 5,666.88 km2 of the study area is affected by erosion, while 621.71 km2 are accumulating sediments. Annual gross erosion in the Vrbas river basin is 1,223,989.60 m3/year, while sediment yield is 366,088.10 m3/year. These research results are important because this is the first soil erosion map for the Vrbas river basin with EPM methodology for the whole river basin on territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The results can be applied in the field of spatial and urban planning, water and soil management on the local and regional level.
The methodology for active testing of electronic devices under the radiations
Authors: Parlato Aldo , Tomarchio Elio , Calligaro Cristiano , Pace Calogero
Published: June 2018

The methodology, developed for active testing of electronic devices under the
radiations, is presented. The test set-up includes a gamma-ray facility, the
hardware board/fixtures and the software tools purposely designed and
realized. The methodology is so wide-ranging to allow us the verification of
different classes of electronic devices, even if only application examples
for static random access memory modules are reported.
A Monte Carlo approach to calculate the production prerequisites of 124I radioisotope towards the activity estimation
Authors: Azizakram Hamid , Sadeghi Mahdi , Ashtari Parviz , Zolfagharpour Farhad
Published: June 2018

The Monte Carlo simulation code MCNPX has been used to simulate the
production of 124I by 124,125Te(p, xn) and 123,124Te(d,xn) reactions to form
high activity 124I. For this reason, the TALYS-1.8 and ALICE/ASH codes were
used to calculate the reaction cross-section. The optimal energy range of
projectile is selected for this production by identifying the maximum
cross-section and the minimum impurity due to other emission channels. Target
geometry is designed by SRIM code based on stopping power calculations with
identical dimensions as the experimental data. The thick target yield of
reactions is predicted because of the excitation functions and stopping
power. All of the prerequisites obtained from the above interfaces are
adjusted in MCNPX code and the production process is simulated according to
benchmark experiments. Thereafter, the energy distribution of proton in
targets, the amount of residual nuclei during irradiation, were calculated.
The results are in good agreement with the reported data, thus confirming the
usefulness and accuracy of MCNPX as a tool for the optimization of other
radionuclides production. Based on the results, the 124Te(p,n)124I process
seems to be the most likely candidate to produce the 124I in low-energy
cyclotrons.
Particle size and concentration effects on low energy X-ray attenuation in nanostructure and microstructure materials
Authors: Sarshough Samira , Hadad Kamal , Faghihi Reza
Published: June 2018

The effects of microsize and nanosize particles in composite structures as
well as the incident radiation energy on X-ray attenuation is the focus of
this study. To examine these effects, composite samples with different
particle sizes of Al2O3 and with different thicknesses were prepared.
Characteristic X-rays are applied as monochromatic X-rays and measurements
were performed using an X-ray tube with a secondary excitation source
instead of radioisotopes. In order to improve the efficiency and minimize
the background effects a special detection system was designed and
prepared. The linear attenuation coefficients of these samples are measured
for X-ray photo energies of 6.40-28.49 keV. The results show that these low
energy X-ray beams are more attenuated by nano-structured material compared
to the micro-structured one.
Organ doses and associated cancer risks for computed tomography examinations of the thoracic region
Authors: Majer Marija , Knezevic Zeljka , Popic Jelena , Hrsak Hrvoje , Miljanic Saveta
Published: June 2018

The use of computed tomography is increasing rapidly and doses are not
negligible especially when medical procedures require more than one scan.
The purpose of the present study was to measure doses in an anthropomorphic
Rando phantom during a standard and low dose computed tomography protocol of
the thorax and to estimate risks of radiation induced cancer for adult
patients that undergo multiple computed tomography scans of the thorax.
Thermoluminescent and radiophotoluminescent dosimeters were used for dose
measurements. Radiation risks of cancer incidence, in the form of lifetime
attributable risk, were estimated using the BEIR VII model. For five
exposures with the standard protocol mean organ doses were 94 mGy (breast),
85 mGy (stomach), 85 mGy (thyroid), 78 mGy (lung), 52 mGy (liver), and 16
mGy (colon). Associated lifetime attributable risk were found to be up to
0.401 % (401 breast cancers per 100 000 exposed patients) and 0.116 % (116
lung cancers per 100 000 exposed patients) for female and male,
respectively. A low dose protocol reduces doses (and risks) by the average
factor of 5 and therefore the use of a low dose protocol is recommended
whenever it is medicaly justified.
Radioactivity level and concentration of metals in waters around power plants application of potential method for pollution assessment
Authors: Sarap Natasa , Sencanski Jelena , Pagnacco Maja , Jankovic Marija , Todorovic Dragana , Majstorovic Divna
Published: June 2018

Human activities may lead to increased levels of naturally occurring
radioactive material and heavy metals in waters relative to undisturbed
natural environment, consequently to reduced safety of environment.
Therefore, evaluation of water quality from coal-fired power plants is
essential to both environmental protection and protection of the human
health. In this paper the concentrations of metals (K, Sr, and Pb) and
corresponding radionuclides (40K, 90Sr, and 210Pb) for 22 water samples in
the vicinity of five coal-fired power plants in Serbia were determined. The
total metal concentrations were measured using an atomic absorption
spectrometer. The activities of radionuclides 40K and 210Pb were determined
by gamma spectrometry using HPGe detector, while the activity of 90Sr was
determined by radiochemical analytical method and measured using low-level
gas proportional counter. The water pollution status was assessed by the
prospective method that is defined in this study. The preliminary results
indicated that operation of the coal-fired power plants has no significant
impact on the surrounding environment with regard to the radiological
characteristics and content of metals of the investigated waters that can be
used for suitable in future applications.
Decision tree analysis for prostate cancer prediction
Authors: Stojadinovic Miroslav , Stojadinovic Milorad , Pantic Damjan
Published: June 2018

Introduction/Objective. The use of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test has dramatically increased the number of men undergoing prostate biopsy. However, the best possible strategies for selecting appropriate patients for prostate biopsy have yet to be defined. The aim of the study was to develop a classification and regression tree (CART) model that could be used to identify patients with significant prostate cancer (PCa) on prostate biopsy in patients referred due to abnormal PSA, digital rectal examination (DRE) findings, or both, regardless of the PSA level. Methods. The data on clinicopathological characteristics regarding prebiopsy assessment collected from patients who had undergone ultrasound-guided prostate biopsies included the following: age, PSA, DRE, volume of the prostate, and PSA density (PSAD). The CART analysis was carried out using all predictors identified by univariate logistic regression analysis. Different aspects of predictive performance and clinical utility risk prediction model were assessed. Results. In this retrospective study, significant PCa was detected in 92 (41.6%) out of 221 patients. The CART model had three splits based on PSAD, as the most decisive variable, prostate volume, DRE, and PSA. Our model resulted in an 83.3% area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Decision curve analysis showed that the regression tree provided net benefit for relevant threshold probabilities compared with the logistic regression model, PSAD, and the strategy of biopsying all patients. Conclusion. The model helps to reduce unnecessary biopsies without missing significant PCa.
Effects of Manufacturing and Finishing Techniques of Feldspathic Ceramics on Surface Topography, Biofilm Formation, and Cell Viability for Human Gingival Fibroblasts
Authors: Contreras LPC , Dal Piva AMO , Ribeiro FC , Anami LC , Camargo SEA , Jorge AOC , Bottino MA
Published: June 2018

Purpose:

Feldspathic ceramic restorations can be obtained by different techniques (stratification or computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing [CAD/CAM] blocks) and finishing procedures (polishing or glaze application). This study evaluated the effects of techniques and finishing procedures on surface properties, biofilm formation, and viability of human gingival fibroblasts (FMM-1) in contact with these materials.

Methods and Materials:

Ceramic specimens were obtained through a stratification technique (Vita VM9) and from CAD/CAM blocks (Vita Blocs Mark II; both Vita Zahnfabrik) and their surfaces were finished by polishing (ceramisté diamond rubbers + polishing paste; “p” subgroups) or glaze spray application + sintering (“g” subgroups). Roughness (Ra and RSm parameters) and surface free energy (SFE) were measured. Early biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Candida albicans was evaluated by counting colony-forming units (CFU). MTT (3-[4.5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl-]-2.5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) cytotoxicity test evaluated cellular viability for the growth of FMM-1 after 24 hours and seven days of contact. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and three-dimensional optical profilometry were performed to qualitatively analyze the surface. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance, Tukey test, and t-test (all α=0.05).

Results:

Polished samples presented lower roughness (Ra, p=0.015; RSm, p=0.049) and higher SFE (p=0.00). Streptococci had higher CFU in all groups, but the CFU of C albicans was lower for polished samples. Biofilm formation was influenced by the interaction of all factors (p=0.018), and the materials showed no cytotoxicity to FMM-1 growth.

Conclusions:

Polishing resulted in the lowest values for surface roughness and higher SFE values. Polished ceramics showed less C albicans adherence while the adherence of Streptococci was greater than C albicans in all conditions.
Microshear Bond Strength of High-viscosity Glass-ionomer to Normal and Caries-affected Dentin Under Simulated Intrapulpal Pressure
Authors: El-Deeb HA , Mobarak EH
Published: June 2018

Objectives:

The use of high-viscosity glass-ionomer cements (HVGICs) for atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) restorations is widely practiced with the advent of various HVGICs. However, the bonding of the latter to caries-affected dentin (CAD) should be validated, especially because it is the common substrate left after conservative caries removal following the ART approach. Hence, this study was carried out to evaluate the microshear bond strength (μSBS) of three HVGICs to normal dentin (ND) and CAD under intrapulpal pressure (IPP) simulation.

Methods and Materials:

The occlusal enamel of 90 molars with mid-coronal caries was cut to expose flat dentin surfaces containing both ND and CAD. Dentin substrates (ND and CAD) were differentiated using visual, tactile, caries-detecting dye, and dye-permeability methods. Prepared crown segments were equally divided (n=30) according to the tested HVGICs into GC Fuji IX GP Fast, Fuji IX GP containing chlorhexidine, and zinc-reinforced ChemFil Rock HVGIC. Microcylinders of tested HVGICs were built up on both dentin substrates (n=30 for each tested HVGIC per each substrate) using starch tubes while the specimens were subjected to simulated IPP of 15 mm Hg. The μSBS test was conducted using a universal testing machine, and failure modes were determined using a scanning electron microscope. Data were statistically analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures, one-way ANOVA, and Bonferroni post hoc tests (α=0.05).

Results:

For both dentin substrates (ND and CAD), the μSBS values of ChemFil Rock were significantly higher than those recorded for the other HVGICs. The μSBS values of each tested HVGIC to ND and CAD were not statistically different. Failure modes were mainly mixed.

Conclusions:

Zinc-reinforced HVGIC ChemFil Rock showed superior bonding to ND and CAD compared to the GC Fuji IX GP Fast and Fuji IX with chlorhexidine. However, each of the tested HVGICs showed comparable bonding to both dentin substrates (ND and CAD).
Effect of Reduced Universal Adhesive Application Time on Enamel Bond Fatigue and Surface Morphology
Authors: Nagura Y , Tsujimoto A , Fischer NG , Baruth AG , Barkmeier WW , Takamizawa T , Latta MA , Miyazaki M
Published: June 2018

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of reduced application times of universal adhesives on enamel bond fatigue and surface morphology of the treated enamel with constant force atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Methods:

Four universal adhesives—Adhese Universal (AU), Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (CU), G-Premio Bond (GP), and Scotchbond Universal Adhesive (SU)—were evaluated in a laboratory for their ability to adhesively bond resin composite to enamel. Shear bond strengths were initially determined using 15 specimens per test group for each adhesive. Shear fatigue strengths were then determined using 20 specimens per test group for each the adhesives. The fatigue specimens were loaded using a sine wave at a frequency of 20 Hz for 50,000 cycles or until failure occurred. AFM observations, surface Ra roughness measurements, and geometric surface area evaluations of enamel surface treated with the adhesive agents were also conducted.

Results:

A strong relationship was found between the initial shear bond strength and shear fatigue strength for enamel surface Ra roughness but not for geometric surface area. The initial shear bond strength and shear fatigue strength of CU and GP were not influenced by different application times, unlike those of AU and SU. While the surface area of enamel treated with the adhesive agents was not significantly influenced by different application times and type of adhesive, surface Ra roughness of the enamel in the AU and SU groups significantly increased with increasing application time, unlike CU and GP.

Conclusions:

The results of this study suggest that universal adhesives, used with reduced application times, have adequate Ra surface roughness to provide sufficient resistance to enamel bond fatigue at application times from <1 second to 20 seconds, while the geometric surface area of adhesive-treated enamel did not show any significant changes at these different application times.
Comparison of Internal Adaptation of Bulk-fill and Increment-fill Resin Composite Materials
Authors: Alqudaihi FS , Cook NB , Diefenderfer KE , Bottino MC , Platt JA
Published: June 2018

Objectives:

To evaluate 1) the internal adaptation of a light-activated incremental-fill and bulk-fill resin-based composite (RBC) materials by measuring the gap between the restorative material and the tooth structure and 2) the aging effect on internal adaptation.

Methods and Materials:

Seventy teeth with class I cavity preparations were randomly distributed into five groups; four groups were restored with bulk-fill RBCs: Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill (TEC), SonicFill (SF), QuiXX Posterior Restorative (QX), and X-tra fil (XF); the fifth group was restored with incremental-fill Filtek Supreme Ultra Universal Restorative (FSU). One-half of the specimens of each group were thermocycled. Each tooth was sectioned, digital images were recorded, and the dimensions of any existing gaps were measured. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (α=0.05).

Results:

FSU had the smallest gap measurement values compared with the bulk-fill materials except QX and TEC (p≤0.008). FSU had the smallest sum of all gap category values compared with the bulk-fill materials, except QX (p≤0.021). The highest gap incidence and size values were found at the composite/adhesive interface. All aged groups had greater gap values in regard to the gap measurement and the sum of all gap categories compared with non-aged groups.

Significance:

The incrementally placed material FSU had the highest internal adaptation to the cavity surface, while the four bulk-fill materials showed varied results. Thermocycling influenced the existing gap area magnitudes. The findings suggest that the incremental-fill technique produces better internal adaptation than the bulk-fill technique.
Online Course Design and Development among College and University Instructors: An Analysis using Grounded Theory
Authors: Baldwin Sally J. , Ching Yu-Hui , Friesen Norm
Published: June 2018

In this study, a grounded theory approach was used to investigate the process college and university instructors undergo to design and develop online courses. Fourteen instructors who created online courses for four-year colleges and universities were interviewed about their experience designing and developing online courses. Results showed that participants begin the process with objectives and/or with existing course outlines, typically taken from online and face-to-face courses. Next, the instructors structure the course and chunk content. The instructors interviewed rarely use formal instructional design principles, but their design tasks show a striking similarity to those formalized in the ADDIE model. Student feedback (evaluation) motivated the instructors in their development efforts after initial course delivery. The study discusses practical implications and suggests opportunities for future research.
Do Student-Produced Videos Enhance Engagement and Learning in the Online Environment
Authors: Stanley Denise , Zhang Jenny
Published: June 2018

Student engagement in online learning remains a challenge for the design of effective coursework.  Additionally, few analyses have focused on student-produced activities in the online mode nor upon how such class activity affect student sub-groups differently.  We conducted a randomized design experiment with student video production at a large public university. Student background and behavior factors were measured in two online surveys, which were combined with course assessment data.  Because of the small sample size, we observe few significant differences in learning outcomes across the experiment treatment and control sections, except as regards to a value-added measure.  We suggest that student learning was likely most-concentrated on concepts around which they produced the video.  We find three sub-groups (those with lower-incoming GPAs, Hispanic ethnicity, and not having English as a primary language) expressed lower preparation for the online environment, with mixed engagement patterns.  Final learning outcomes and grades remained lower for these groups both with and without the video treatment
Ciertos comentarios académicos
Authors: DE LA OSSA, V JAIME,
Published: June 2018

Si tenemos como principio rector que la ciencia va más allá del empleo del método científico y que busca auténticamente el conocimiento de la verdad, se está abordando la excelsa personalidad de un científico y quedan de presente sus más dignos valores. Cuando no existe interés por la verdad, sino que impera el reconocimiento social como meta del trabajo investigativo, entonces se está haciendo alusión al pseudocientífico, cuyas características más sobresalientes son la oposición a todo trabajo investigativo que provenga de otros que no sean él, y al cual se opondrá vehementemente con o sin razón, pero siempre con argumentos que eufemísticamente le conceden cierta pasajera validez; lo cual es un ejemplo manifiesto de la envidia intelectual que se asocia con ciertas actitudes de soberbia académica.
Capacidades cognoscitivas, estrategias de forrajeo y estructura social: el caso de los mamíferos acuáticos
Authors: CASTELBLANCO-MARTÍNEZ, NATALY
Published: June 2018

Existen varias hipótesis que explican las diferencias en el tamaño cerebral, y que han sido desarrolladas y comprobadas en diversos taxa del reino animal. Entre ellas se encuentran la hipótesis embrionaria, la hipótesis del forrajeo y la hipótesis del cerebro social. No obstante, hasta ahora no se ha intentado comprobarlas en mamíferos acuáticos. Este trabajo pretendió validar cada una de estas hipótesis usando datos previamente publicados. Se revisaron aspectos morfológicos, reproductivos y sociales de 66 especies de mamíferos acuáticos, incluyendo los órdenes Cetacea, Sirenia y Carnivora y se correlacionaron con sus coeficientes de encefalización (EQ). El tamaño relativo del cerebro en mamíferos acuáticos no presentó una correlación estadísticamente fuerte con el tiempo de gestación ni con los índices de sociabilidad (r 0.05). No obstante, se encontró que las especies filtradoras y herbívoras tuvieron EQ menores que las especies animalívoras. Los mamíferos acuáticos presentan adaptaciones morfométricas al hábitat que ocupan, por lo que los estudios alométricos que han sido exitosos en animales terrestres deben ser tomados con cautela al ser aplicados a animales acuáticos. Adicionalmente, el estudio del comportamiento en vida silvestre de estas especies, principalmente en relación a la socialización, es más difícil de desarrollar que en el caso de la mayoría de animales terrestres. Es necesario desarrollar un marco de explicaciones satisfactorio que permita integrar todos los factores sociales, ecológicos, energéticos y de historia de vida de las especies a fin de identificar los mecanismos evolutivos que operan en la selección del tamaño cerebral en mamíferos acuáticos.
Ecología y bienestar humano
Authors: CARABALLO PEDRO , BARROS NATHAN
Published: June 2018

La ecología como una ciencia experimental y teórica se inicia el siglo pasado, en un proceso vertiginoso, definido por la necesidad que la sociedad humana tiene de sus aplicaciones. Esta situación, que guardando las proporciones, asemeja las establecidas en la producción por demanda, genera en muchos casos desinformación general en la medida en que se quiera utilizar la naturaleza de una forma inadecuada. Existe una campaña mediática muy bien estructurada para banalizar la ecología, adjetivando algunos conceptos importantes y complejos en expresiones del tipo “comportamiento ecológico”, que es un sinsentido por decir lo menos. Cualquier comportamiento, por nefasto que sea, hace parte de las relaciones entre ese organismo y su ambiente y su estudio es la base de la ecología. En ese contexto presentamos a continuación nuestra opinión científica y académica sobre la ecología, en contraste con la enorme cantidad de información que circula a diario en todos los medios de comunicación.
Fauna exótica y fauna trasplantada con mayor representatividad en colombia
Authors: GALVÁN-GUEVARA SILVIA , DE LA OSSA V JAIME
Published: June 2018

El presente trabajo relaciona y discute sobre las especies exóticas de fauna silvestre e ictiofauna principalmente y sobre las que con mayor énfasis se han registrado en Colombia. Plantea además el carácter invasor de algunas de ellas y muestra el trasplante de especies nativas en diferentes áreas del país en donde posiblemente actúan como invasoras.
Cacería de subsistencia en san marcos, sucre, colombia
Authors: DE LA OSSA V JAIME , DE LA OSSA-LACAYO ALEJANDRO
Published: June 2018

Este estudio analiza la caza de subsistencia tomando como modelo las especies de reptiles, aves y mamíferos que son capturados para consumo o comercio en la zona de San Marcos, Sucre, Colombia. La zona referida se caracteriza por la presencia de extensas ciénagas y formar parte de la región de la Mojana. Se aplicaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a habitantes rurales, conocedores y usuarios del recurso. Se evidencia que las especies de mayor preferencia, caracterizadas por un mayor valor de uso, son aquellas que de forma particular están asociadas a la tradición de consumo cultural. Los registros permiten conocer de preliminarmente el estado de la fauna silvestre que se está utilizando para proponer futuros estudios ambientales que conduzcan a proyectos de conservación