bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International Radiotherapy Referrals From Rural Rwanda: Implementation Processes and Early Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Hanappe Maud , Nicholson Lowell T. , Elmore Shekinah N.C. , Fehr Alexandra E. , Bigirimana Jean Bosco , Borg Ryan C. , Butonzi John , Shyirambere Cyprien , Mpanumusingo Egide , Benewe Marie O. , Kanyike Dan M. , Triedman Scott , Shulman Lawrence N. , Rusangwa Christian , Park Paul H.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Low- and middle-income countries disproportionately comprise 65% of cancer deaths. Cancer care delivery in resource-limited settings, especially low-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa, is exceedingly complex, requiring multiple modalities of diagnosis and treatment. Given the vast human, technical, and financial resources required, access to radiotherapy remains limited in sub-Saharan Africa. Through 2017, Rwanda has not had in-country radiotherapy services. The aim of this study was to describe the implementation and early outcomes of the radiotherapy referral program at the Butaro Cancer Centre of Excellence and to identify both successful pathways and barriers to care.

Methods

Butaro District Hospital is located in a rural area of the Northern Province and is home to the Butaro Cancer Centre of Excellence. We performed a retrospective study from routinely collected data of all patients with a diagnosis of cervical, head and neck, or rectal cancer between July 2012 and June 2015.

Results

Between 2012 and 2015, 580 patients were identified with these diagnoses and were potential candidates for radiation. Two hundred eight (36%) were referred for radiotherapy treatment in Uganda. Of those referred, 160 (77%) had cervical cancer, 31 (15%) had head and neck cancer, and 17 (8%) had rectal cancer. At the time of data collection, 101 radiotherapy patients (49%) were alive and had completed treatment with no evidence of recurrence, 11 (5%) were alive and continuing treatment, and 12 (6%) were alive and had completed treatment with evidence of recurrence.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the feasibility of a rural cancer facility to successfully conduct out-of-country radiotherapy referrals with promising early outcomes. The results of this study also highlight the many challenges and lessons learned in providing comprehensive cancer care in resource-limited settings.
Delivering Survivorship Care to Women in Low-Resource Settings: A Report From India
Authors: Kaur Navneet , Jain Asmita
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The concept of cancer survivorship care as a distinct phase of cancer treatment is relatively new in the developing world. India has a growing population of survivors of breast cancer, but the resources to meet their needs are limited; therefore, to be cost effective, it is important to identify areas that cause the most disruption in their quality of life (QOL). This study was conducted with the following objectives: to estimate the prevalence of various survivorship issues, identify most important issues that limit QOL, and collect information about patients’ perspectives of their supportive care needs to design a plan of follow-up and supportive care.

Methods

This descriptive, hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in 230 survivors of breast cancer in an academic health care setting in northern India. A checklist of 14 commonly reported survivorship issues as well as questionnaires for QOL assessment—FACT-B and SF-36 —were administered to participants. A semistructured interview was conducted to identify supportive care needs from the patient’s perspective. Main outcome measures were frequencies of survivorship issues and QOL scores among three groups divided on the basis of time elapsed since treatment (< 2 years of follow-up, 2 to 5 years of follow-up, and > 5 years follow-up), stepwise regression analysis to identify issues that have the most significant impact on QOL, and a theme-based analysis of survivors’ interviews to identify supportive care needs.

Results

The most prevalent survivorship issues were fatigue (60%), restriction of shoulder movement (59.6%), body and joint pain (63.5%), chemotherapy-induced cessation of menstruation (73.3%), and loss of sexual desire (60%). Issues that had a maximum impact on QOL scores were emotional distress (r = −11.375), fatigue (r = −9.27), and premature menopause and its related symptoms (r = −2.085). An analysis of interviews demonstrated maximum unmet needs in the area related to health care information, psychosocial support to cope with breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, relief of physical symptoms, and access to follow-up and supportive care.

Conclusion

Supportive care services should be designed to address the above-mentioned areas on a priority basis so as to make effective use of limited available resources.

AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The following represents disclosure information provided by authors of this manuscript. All relationships are considered compensated. Relationships are self-held unless noted. I = Immediate Family Member, Inst = My Institution. Relationships may not relate to the subject matter of this manuscript. For more information about ASCO's conflict of interest policy, please refer to www.asco.org/rwc or ascopubs.org/jco/site/ifc . No COIs from the authors.
The Max Access Solution: A 'No Patient Left Behind' Model for Treatment Access
Authors: Novakowski Ann K. , Garcia-Gonzalez Pat
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The Max Foundation has led the development and implementation of the widely recognized model for patient assistance programs by which manufacturers make available some of their innovative products to patients in low- and middle-income countries. Recognizing that a limitation of a pharmaceutical patient assistance program is the focus on a particular product while a patient’s cancer need is company agnostic, the Max Access Solution borrows from all the lessons learned from developing and managing access programs while shifting the focus from the drug to the patient. This innovative long-term access approach provides a bridge to treatment to individually identified patients in countries where the treatment is not otherwise locally available.

Methods

The initiative focuses on the patient and his or her needs across the disease spectrum, harnessing the power of multisector collaborations, including drug manufacturers, international distributors, diagnostics companies, ministries of health, ministries of health hospitals, cancer centers and other public institutions in recipient countries, and local nongovernmental organizations and patient organizations, as well as cancer research centers in the United States. We established the following measurable objectives: identify all treatments approved for a particular cancer, identify the supportive care needed to successfully treat the disease, identify local and international stakeholders for the success of the initiative, develop collaborative agreements with each of them, and establish an end-to-end validated supply chain into each country/cancer institution.

Results

In the first year of implementation, The Max Foundation delivered more than 700,000 required daily doses of oral cancer medication for CML to more than 10,000 patients in 65 countries, made 2,500 molecular tests available to patients, executed more than 220 collaboration agreements, and established a gross domestic product–validated supply chain into 90 cancer-treating institutions.

Conclusion

The Max Access Solution is a unique and innovative approach to cancer care access. An aim of The Max Foundation in developing the Max Access Solution for CML was as a proof of concept as well as to develop systems and impact measurements, with the long-term vision of expanding the model to other cancers. This model may be replicated in a variety of noncommunicable disease areas, including breast cancer and other cancers, to reduce health disparities globally.

AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The following represents disclosure information provided by authors of this manuscript. All relationships are considered compensated. Relationships are self-held unless noted. I = Immediate Family Member, Inst = My Institution. Relationships may not relate to the subject matter of this manuscript. For more information about ASCO's conflict of interest policy, please refer to www.asco.org/rwc or ascopubs.org/jco/site/ifc . No COIs from the authors.
Treatment Information and Navigation Program for New Patients With Breast Cancer in Malaysia
Authors: Taib Nur Aishah , Islam Tania , Kaur Ranjit , Mushtaffa Suhaida
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Advancements in medical treatment with wider treatment options have made breast cancer (BC) care more complex. Short consultation time with physicians, patient fears, and poor coping skills at the time of diagnosis may affect a patient’s decision, causing treatment delays and nonadherence. The main reasons for advanced BC presentation in Malaysia are a delay in making a treatment decision and poor breast health literacy on the disease and its treatment outcomes. To address this gap, we developed an audio-visual tool on multimodal treatments; adverse effects; navigating admission, discharge, and follow-up; and advice on diet and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the survivorship period in layperson language in Malay, Mandarin, and English. This study aims to assess its effectiveness in improving patient knowledge and satisfaction.

Methods

A pilot study of 50 patients found that patients needed face-to-face interaction to watch the video. Hence, a breast care nurse–led orientation was developed. A self-administered pre- and postsurvey in 246 patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer in University Malaya Medical Centre was performed to evaluate expectations, satisfactions, and knowledge. We scored the results with the following Likert scale terms: 0 means no knowledge and 4 means a great degree of knowledge. Scoring was done pre- and postintervention. A Wilcoxon matched paired signed rank test was used in the analysis.

Results

Among 246 patients who received the intervention, 79.3% (n = 197) found that the video met or exceeded their expectations, and 80.2% found the video effective in broadening their perspective on BC treatments. One hundred seventy-one patients (69.2%) rated the video as highly meeting their expectations. There were significant improvements in knowledge of treatment options for BC (mean scores 0.93 v 2.97 for pre- and postintervention; P < .001). Similar findings were found in different types of operations for BC; admission procedures; and information on chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, and alternative medicine. Knowledge scores for healthy diet, physical activity after treatment, and care of the arm were observed ( P < .001).

Conclusion

Video-based information on treatments and navigating care through a breast care nurse–led service effectively improved patients’ knowledge and satisfaction. This approach can be used to educate patients with cancer in a middle-resource setting.

AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The following represents disclosure information provided by authors of this manuscript. All relationships are considered compensated. Relationships are self-held unless noted. I = Immediate Family Member, Inst = My Institution. Relationships may not relate to the subject matter of this manuscript. For more information about ASCO's conflict of interest policy, please refer to www.asco.org/rwc or ascopubs.org/jco/site/ifc . No COIs from the authors.
Clinical Use of the Pictorial Baxter Retching Faces Scale for the Measurement of Postoperative Nausea in Children
Authors: Watcha Mehernoor F. , Lee Andrew D. , Medellin Eduardo , Felberg M. Toni , Bidani Sudha A.
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND:

Because nausea is difficult to evaluate in children, vomiting is used as the objective clinical end point in managing pediatric postoperative nausea and vomiting and postdischarge nausea and vomiting (PDNV). The recently developed pictorial Baxter Retching Faces (BARF) scale has content, construct, and convergent validity in quantifying pediatric nausea intensity. We determined its clinical usefulness in assessing pediatric postoperative nausea and vomiting and PDNV, establishing the lowest age associated with consistently reliable use, the score at which patients identify a need for therapy, and the minimum clinically relevant change in scores, and examined its test–retest reliability.

METHODS:

We obtained subject ratings of the severity of their nausea using the BARF and visual analog scales in the preoperative, postanesthesia care unit and postdischarge phases. Changes in nausea were rated on a 5-point Likert scale, along with responses to queries of a need for rescue antiemetics at these time points.

RESULTS:

Children ≥6 years of age had a consistently reliable ability to use the BARF scale (132/132 [100%] vs 59/76 [77.6%] for children ≥6 and <6 years of age, respectively, Fisher exact test, P < .001). The BARF scale had excellent performance in predicting patient-perceived need for antiemetics, with a score of 4 having 80.0% sensitivity and 85.6% specificity. The minimum clinically relevant difference in BARF scores was 1.47 (95% confidence interval, 0.84–2.1). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.56 (95% confidence interval, 0.34–0.73).

The BARF scale identified 60 of 192 (31.3%) children as having postoperative nausea in the postanesthesia care unit, with severe nausea (score >6) in 13 (6.7%). Emesis occurred in 8 (4.1%). Rescue antiemetics were administered to 16 (8.3%), including 2 with severe emesis (≥3 episodes) but in only 2 of 11 (18.2%) with severe nausea without vomiting. PDNV was reported in 39 of the 99 who returned diaries (39.4%), with nausea in 34 (34.3%), severe nausea in 15 (15.2 %), and emesis in 16 (16.2%).

CONCLUSIONS:

The pictorial BARF scale is easy to use in the clinical setting by children ≥6 years of age, has a minimum clinically relevant difference of 1.47, with scores of 4 or higher associated with a patient-identified need for rescue antiemetics. Assessment of postoperative nausea by the BARF scale has shown that clinically significant nausea occurs frequently in children but is not always treated unless accompanied by vomiting.
Prohemostatic Activity of Factor X in Combination With Activated Factor VII in Dilutional Coagulopathy
Authors: Takeshita Shusuke , Ogawa Satoru , Nakayama Yoshinobu , Mukai Nobuhiro , Nakajima Yasufumi , Mizobe Toshiki , Sawa Teiji , Tanaka Kenichi A.
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND:

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) concentrate reduces allogeneic blood transfusions, but it may increase thromboembolic complications in complex cardiac surgery. The mixture of activated factor VII (FVIIa) and factor X (FX) (FVIIa/FX) (FVIIa:FX = 1:10) is a novel bypassing agent for hemophilia patients. We hypothesized that the combination of FX and FVIIa could improve thrombin generation (TG) in acquired multifactorial coagulation defects such as seen in cardiac surgery and conducted in vitro evaluation of FVIIa/FX in parallel with other coagulation factor concentrates using in vitro and in vivo diluted plasma samples.

METHODS:

Plasma samples were collected from 9 healthy volunteers and 12 cardiac surgical patients. We measured TG (Thrombinoscope) using in vitro 50% dilution plasma and in vivo dilution plasma after cardiopulmonary bypass, in parallel with thromboelastometry (ROTEM) and standard coagulation assays. In vitro additions of FVIIa/FX (0.35, 0.7, and 1.4 μg/mL, based on the FVIIa level), rFVIIa (1.4, 2.8, and 6.4 μg/mL), prothrombin complex concentrate (0.3 international unit), and 20% plasma replacement were evaluated.

RESULTS:

In diluted plasma, the addition of either FVIIa/FX or rFVIIa shortened the lag time and increased the peak TG, but the effect in lag time of FVIIa/FX at 0.35 μg/mL was more extensive than rFVIIa at 6.4 μg/mL. Prothrombin complex concentrate increased peak TG by increasing the prothrombin level but failed to shorten the lag time. No improvement in any of the TG variables was observed after 20% volume replacement with plasma. The addition of factor concentrates normalized prothrombin time/international normalized ratio but not with plasma replacement. In cardiac patients, similar patterns were observed on TG in post–cardiopulmonary bypass samples. FVIIa/FX shortened clotting time (CT) in a concentration-dependent manner on CT on thromboelastometry. Plasma replacement did not improve CT, but a combination of plasma and FVIIa/FX (0.35 μg/mL) more effectively shortened CT than FVIIa/FX alone.

CONCLUSIONS:

The combination of FVIIa and FX improved TG more efficiently than rFVIIa alone or plasma in dilutional coagulopathy models. The required FVIIa dose in FVIIa/FX was considerably lower than those reported during bypassing therapy in hemophilia patients (1.4–2.8 μg/mL). The combination of plasma could restore coagulation more efficiently compared to FVIIa/FX alone. Lesser FVIIa requirement to exert procoagulant activity may be favorable in terms of reducing systemic thromboembolic complications.
Postpartum Cardiogenic Shock Diagnosed by Focused Cardiac Ultrasound and Treated With Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Case Report
Authors: Lembrikov Ilya , Rudis Ehud , Weiniger Carolyn F.
Published: October 2018

We present the case of a primigravid patient, who developed cardiogenic shock during the early postpartum period in the setting of retained placenta, uterine atony, and hemorrhage. Focused cardiac ultrasound played a central role in identifying the cause of hemodynamic instability. The decision to initiate venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was instrumental in the successful outcome for our patient, characterized by a full recovery without major neurological and cardiovascular sequelae.
Novel Single-Needle Approach for Retrocrural Celiac Plexus Blockade Using Fluoroscopic Guidance: A Case Report
Authors: Warner Nafisseh S. , Trousdale Eleanor R. , Lamer Tim J.
Published: October 2018

Celiac plexus neurolysis has been shown to be an effective analgesic option for patients with visceral pain related to intraabdominal malignancies. In the setting of significant tumor burden, the celiac plexus may be inaccessible, limiting the efficacy of the transcrural approach. This case report describes a novel single-needle approach to retrocrural celiac plexus blockade, allowing for rapid blockade with a needle trajectory contralateral to the aorta in a 73-year-old woman with altered anatomy secondary to advanced metastatic colorectal cancer.
Health or Politics? Organizational Maintenance in the AAFP
Authors: Brophy Sorcha A.
Published: October 2018

In recent years, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has debated and developed organizational stances on issues as varied as nuclear disarmament, gay marriage, policing, and climate change. This article considers the relationship of “political” policies to the ongoing maintenance of this professional association over time. The author describes transitions in the organization's policies from broad, neutral statements to more explicitly politicized social policy statements and then discusses debates around the establishment of an organizational policy on same-gender marriage, the term for gay marriage that is used within the AAFP. Results indicate that members use concerns about the maintenance of the organization over time as a lingua franca during debates. However, while members routinely interpret policy in terms of its relationship to the maintenance of the organization, they articulate conflicting visions of maintenance, with those in favor of the policies describing maintenance primarily in terms of external legitimacy and those in opposition describing maintenance primarily in terms of internal cohesion.
Targeting ulcerative colitis by suppressing glucose uptake with ritonavir
Authors: Jodeleit Henrika , Al-Amodi Omar , Caesar Janina , Villarroel Aguilera Christina , Holdt Lesca , Gropp Roswitha , Beigel Florian , Siebeck Matthias
Published: October 2018

Glucose is the preferred source of energy in activated inflammatory cells. Glucose uptake into the cell is ensured by a family of glucose uptake transporters (GLUTs), which have been identified as off-target molecules of the HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir. In this study, we examined the effect of ritonavir on inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were activated with anti-CD3 in the presence or absence of ritonavir and analyzed by flow cytometric analysis. Frequencies of CD4+ cells were significantly affected by ritonavir (CD69+ P=3E-05; CD134 P=4E-06; CD25+ P=E-07; central memory P=0.02; effector P=6E-03; effector memory P=6E-05). To corroborate that inflammation has a metabolic effect in vivo, a mouse model was used that is based on immunocompromised NOD-scid IL-2Rγ null mice reconstituted with PBMCs from patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Inflammation had a significant effect on amino acid (AA) levels (Glu P=1E-07, Asp P=1E-04). Principal component analysis (PCA) discriminated between unchallenged and challenged groups. Finally, the efficacy of ritonavir was tested in the same mouse model. Dependent variables were clinical and histological scores, frequencies of human leukocytes isolated from spleen and colon, and levels of AA in sera of mice. Mice benefited from treatment with ritonavir as indicated by significantly decreased colon (P=7E-04) and histological (P=1E-04) scores, frequencies of M2 monocytes (CD14+ CD163; P=0.02), and Glu levels (P=2E-05). PCA discriminated between control and challenged groups (P=0.026). Thus, inhibition of glucose uptake might be a promising therapeutic intervention point for active UC.
Mammals repel mosquitoes with their tails
Authors: Matherne Marguerite E. , Cockerill Kasey , Zhou Yiyang , Bellamkonda Mihir , Hu David L.
Published: October 2018

The swinging of a mammal's tail has long been thought to deter biting insects, which, in cows, can drain up to 0.3 liters of blood per day. How effective is a mammal's tail at repelling insects? In this combined experimental and theoretical study, we filmed horses, zebras, elephants, giraffes and dogs swinging their tails. The tail swings at triple the frequency of a gravity-driven pendulum, and requires 27 times more power input. Tails can also be used like a whip to directly strike at insects. This whip-like effect requires substantial torques from the base of the tail on the order of 101–102 N m, comparable to the torque of a sedan, but still within the physical limits of the mammal. Based on our findings, we designed and built a mammal tail simulator to simulate the swinging of the tail. The simulator generates mild breezes of 1 m s–1, comparable to a mosquito's flight speed, and sufficient to deter up to 50% of mosquitoes from landing. This study may help us determine new mosquito-repelling strategies that do not depend on chemicals.
ΣΥΜΒΟΛΗ ΕΙΣ ΤΗΝ ΜΕΛΕΤΗΝ ΤΩΝ ΜΕΘΟΔΩΝ ΚΑΤΑΠΟΛΕΜΗΣΗΣ ΤΩΝ ΒΡΟΥΚΕΛΛΩΣΕΩΝ
Authors: ΚΑΡΒΟΥΝΑΡΗΣ Π. Α.
Published: October 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
Article reviews
Authors: Εταιρεία Ελληνική Κτηνιατρική
Published: October 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΕΠΙΔΡΑΣΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΓΛΥΚΟΖΗΣ ΕΠΙ ΤΗΣ ΤΟΞΙΝΟΓΕΝΕΣΕΩΣ ΤΟΥ ΔΙΑΘΛΑΣΤΙΚΟΥ ΚΛΩΣΤΗΡΙΔΙΟΥ ΤΥΠΟΥ «C»
Authors: ΤΑΡΛΑΤΖΗΣ Κ. , ΦΡΑΓΚΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Α.
Published: October 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΕΡΕΥΝΑ ΕΠΙ ΤΗΣ ΥΓΙΕΙΝΟΛΟΓΙΚΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΜΙΚΡΟΒΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΗΣ ΚΑΤΑΣΤΑΣΕΩΣ ΤΩΝ ΕΓΓΥΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΚΤΩΝ ΤΗΣ ΑΤΤΙΚΗΣ ΑΛΙΕΥΟΜΕΝΩΝ ΕΔΩΔΙΜΩΝ ΟΣΤΡΑΚΟΕΙΔΩΝ
Authors: ΠΑΠΑΔΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Α. , ΜΑΛΛΙΑΡΗΣ Σ. , ΦΡΑΓΚΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Α.
Published: October 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
Η ΑΝΤΙΜΙΚΡΟΒΙΑΚΗ ΑΝΟΣΙΑ ΥΠΟ ΤΟ ΦΩΣ ΝΕΩΤΕΡΩΝ ΕΡΕΥΝΩΝ
Authors: ΤΡΙΑΝΤΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Ε.
Published: October 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΣΚΕΨΕΙΣ ΤΙΝΕΣ ΒΕΛΤΙΩΣΕΩΣ ΤΟΥ ΚΤΗΝΙΑΤΡΙΚΟΥ ΚΛΑΔΟΥ ΠΑΡ' ΗΜΙΝ
Authors: ΧΑΤΖΗΟΛΟΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΣ Κ.
Published: October 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΑΠΟΜΟΝΩΣΙΣ ΣΤΕΛΕΧΩΝ ΠΟΙΚΙΛΙΑΣ ΒΡΟΥΚΕΛΛΑΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΤΡΩΣΕΩΣ ΑΝΘΕΚΤΙΚΗΣ ΕΙΣ ΤΗΝ ΘΕΙΟΝΙΝΗΝ ΕΚ ΤΟΥ ΓΑΛΑΚΤΟΣ ΑΓΕΛΑΔΩΝ ΕΝ ΕΛΛΑΔΙ
Authors: ΚΑΡΒΟΥΝΑΡΗΣ Π. Α. , ΠΑΠΑΚΥΡΙΑΚΟΥ Ε. Χ.
Published: October 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΕΠΙΔΡΑΣΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΠΟΣΟΣΤΟΥ ΣΠΟΡΑΣ ΝΕΦΡΙΚΩΝ ΚΥΤΤΑΡΩΝ ΜΟΣΧΟΥ ΕΠΙ ΤΗΣ ΑΝΑΠΤΥΞΕΩΣ ΤΟΥ ΚΥΤΤΑΡΙΚΟΥ ΤΑΠΗΤΙΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΤΗΣ ΑΠΟΔΟΣΕΩΣ ΤΟΥΤΟΥ ΕΙΣ ΙΟΝ ΑΦΘΩΔΟΥΣ ΠΥΡΕΤΟΥ
Authors: ΚΑΡΔΑΣΗΣ Ι. , ΣΤΟΥΡΑΪΤΗΣ Π. , ΠΑΠΠΟΥΣ ΧΡ. , ΜΠΡΟΒΑΣ Δ.
Published: October 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
Η ΕΝΖΩΟΤΙΚΗ ΠΝΕΥΜΟΝΙΑ ΤΩΝ ΧΟΙΡΩΝ (Πρόδρομος άνακοίνωσις)
Authors: ΔΡΑΓΩΝΑ Π. Ν. , ΣΤΟΦΟΡΟΣ E. N. , ΕΥΣΤΑΘΙΟΥ Λ. Ε. , ΧΑΤΖΗΣ Β. Ι.
Published: October 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
Η ΥΠΟΓΛΥΧΑΙΜΙΑ ΤΩΝ ΧΟΙΡΙΔΙΩΝ (Πρώται παρατηρήσεις εν Ελλάδι)
Authors: ΤΑΡΛΑΤΖΗΣ Κ. Β. , ΔΡΑΓΩΝΑΣ Π. Ν. , ΣΤΟΦΟΡΟΣ Ε. Ν. , ΕΥΣΤΑΘΙΟΥ Λ. Ε.
Published: October 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΑΙ ΧΟΝΔΡΟΕΙΔΕΙΣ ΤΡΟΦΑΙ ΩΣ ΜΕΣΟΝ ΑΜΥΝΗΣ ΚΑΤΑ ΤΟΥ ΨΥΧΟΥΣ
Authors: ΔΕΜΕΡΤΖΗΣ Δ. Π.
Published: October 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΕΠΙ ΤΗΣ ΠΟΙΟΤΗΤΟΣ ΤΩΝ ΖΩΟΤΡΟΦΩΝ ΕΝ ΕΛΛΑΔΙ (Χημική άνάλυσις τούτων)
Authors: ΕΥΣΤΑΘΙΟΥ ΛΟΥΚΑΣ
Published: October 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
Reference intervals for canine hematologic analytes using Siemens Advia 120
Authors: OIKONOMIDIS I. L. , TSOULOUFI T. K. , PAPOUTSI A. , KRITSEPI-KONSTANTINOU M.
Published: October 2018

Hematologic investigation is essential for the evaluation of health status of companion animals. Appropriate and accurate reference intervals (RIs) are required for the interpretation of laboratory results. Thus, the primary aim of the present study was to establish canine complete blood count (CBC) RIs using Advia 120, a widely used in veterinary medicine automated hematology analyzer. Additional objectives were to evaluate sex as a partitioning factor of RIs and to investigate the effect that breed size has on CBC RIs. Reference individuals were selected by indirect sampling method from the medical records of a veterinary teaching hospital. The reference population comprised 284 adult dogs of both sexes and various breeds. The reference individuals were allocated into 3 groups based on breed size (small-sized, medium-sized and large-sized breeds). Complete blood count results from the dogs that met the inclusion criteria were used for the nonparametric calculation of RIs. Statistical and nonstatistical criteria were employed in order to decide whether sex-specific RIs are needed. Depending on the data distributions, mean or median comparisons were used to determine the effect of breed size and lifestyle on CBC results. Nine outliers were detected based on CBC results. The estimated RIs were generally comparable to those previously reported in the literature. Sex-dependent partitioning of RIs was indicated by the statistical criteria for a few analytes. From a clinicopathologic point of view though, sex-dependent partitioning of RIs is questioned and seems not to be required. Breed size appears to have an effect on CBC RIs. The RIs determined in the present study can be used as a guide for the interpretation of CBC results in dogs and can potentially be adopted by veterinary laboratories using Advia 120. Finally, based on the results of this study, breed size should probably be considered when interpreting CBC results.
Stability of HCT, HGB and RBC values in the Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) blood stored at 4°c and 24°c differs between traditional and multi-parameter automated methods
Authors: TRZECIAK M. A. , MEISSNER W.
Published: October 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of time of sample storage, method of analysis, and storage temperature on stability of HCT, HGB, and RBC in avian blood samples. Blood samples from mute swans were stored at 24°C or 4°C. Analyses of HCT, HGB, and RBC were carried out after 5 and 25 hours after collection of blood using both traditional and Cell-Dyn 3700 analyzer methods. Storage temperature had no significant influence on HCT, HGB, and RBC values of mute swan blood. However hematological parameters obtained by the traditional method were significantly lower than the results from the analyzer. Time of storage had a significant influence on values obtained traditionally for HCT, HGB, and RBC, but did not affect results that were obtained by the multi-parameter automated method. These results indicate that the mute swan blood can be stored at both room and refrigerator temperature. However, the analysis should be performed as soon as possible, especially in the case of traditional methods. Reference intervals for this species should always include information about the method used for hemogram determination and time elapsed since the blood collection.
Combatting dehydration, one drop at a time
Authors: Palmer Sarah
Published: October 2018

Motor problems, difficulties recognising signals of thirst and dysphagia can all lead to dehydration, especially in people living with dementia. Sarah Palmer discusses an inventive solution to this problem, developed by an arts student.
Report shows qualitative impact of CQC inspections
Authors: Frankova Helena
Published: October 2018

Inspections carried out by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the subsequent ratings are important factors for care institutions, but do they lead to quality improvement? Helena Frankova evaluates a recent report on this.
Making deductions from wages, when is it legal?
Authors: Rayment Andrew
Published: October 2018

Although employers should pay workers, and not the other way round, sometimes there are cases in which an employee owes money to their employer. Andrew Rayment navigates the rules around making deductions from wages.
Collecting debts: the power of the telephone
Authors: Bernstein Adam
Published: October 2018

Bills need to be paid, but in business this is not always a given. Adam Bernstein gives advice on how to collect outstanding debts by telephone, how to conduct the conversation and what to do in cases of non-payment.
Starting on the right foot: induction of new team members
Authors: Ashurst Adrian
Published: October 2018

In this new series, Adrian Ashurst shares his experiences as a specialist trainer working with nurses. This month he talks about the induction: an important time to explain practicalities and put new workers at ease.
Increasing uptake of influenza vaccination in primary care
Authors: Nickalls Kelly
Published: October 2018

Increasing uptake of flu vaccination aims to reduce the number of people seeing their GP, being hospitalised, or in worst case scenarios, dying from flu and its complications. According to data from Public Health England, vaccine uptake increased in all of the eligible groups in the 2017/18 winter season compared to the previous year. Vaccine uptake goals for 2018/19 remain similar. Recently, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence published guidelines on increasing uptake of flu vaccination in those who are eligible for the vaccine on the NHS. This article highlights the relevant recommendations for those working in primary care.
Influenza vaccination: This year's model
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: October 2018

Influenza causes around 3–5 million cases of severe illness each year, with 290 000–650 000 deaths worldwide. People older than 65 years of age account for up to 90% of deaths from influenza. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect those at risk of morbidity and mortality. This article briefly summarises the vaccination recommendations for the 2018/19 influenza season and stresses the importance of increasing uptake in eligible groups in general practice.
Understanding influenza and its complications
Authors: Duncan Debbie
Published: October 2018

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by specific viruses. Most people recover from fever and other symptoms within a week without any features of complicated influenza. However, it is important for nurses working in general practice to be aware of the risk that influenza can pose to patients. There are specific groups of people who are more susceptible to influenza and its resulting complications. Vaccination is the key to reducing risk and this should be promoted in general practice.
Management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures
Authors: Yang X. , Meng H. , Quan Q. , Peng J. , Lu S. , Wang A.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The incidence of acute Achilles tendon rupture appears to be increasing. The aim of this study was to summarize various therapies for acute Achilles tendon rupture and discuss their relative merits.

Methods

A PubMed search about the management of acute Achilles tendon rupture was performed. The search was open for original manuscripts and review papers limited to publication from January 2006 to July 2017. A total of 489 papers were identified initially and finally 323 articles were suitable for this review.

Results

The treatments of acute Achilles tendon rupture include operative and nonoperative treatments. Operative treatments mainly consist of open repair, percutaneous repair, mini-open repair, and augmentative repair. Traditional open repair has lower re-rupture rates with higher risks of complications. Percutaneous repair and mini-open repair show similar re-rupture rates but lower overall complication rates when compared with open repair. Percutaneous repair requires vigilance against nerve damage. Functional rehabilitation combining protected weight-bearing and early controlled motion can effectively reduce re-rupture rates with satisfactory outcomes. Biological adjuncts help accelerating tendon healing by adhering rupture ends or releasing highly complex pools of signalling factors.

Conclusion

The optimum treatment for complete rupture remains controversial. Both mini-open repair and functional protocols are attractive alternatives, while biotherapy is a potential future development. Cite this article: X. Yang, H. Meng, Q. Quan, J. Peng, S. Lu, A. Wang. Management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures: A review. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:561–569. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.710.BJR-2018-0004.R2.
Handcraft as luxury in Bangladesh: Weaving jamdani in the twenty-first century
Authors: Ashmore Sonia
Published: October 2018

The practice of making things by hand in the Indian subcontinent is centuries old. Many, if not most, artefacts were handcrafted until the late twentieth century and some are still. From handwoven textiles made from handspun and hand-dyed cloth, printed and embroidered by hand; to brass water pots beaten out by hand, making a deafening noise, and handloom carpet weaving in the Indian town of Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh. Many of these crafts and their associated livelihoods are now almost extinct or under threat (Radzan 2007). By the late seventeenth century, Bengal in Western India had become the centre of a worldwide silk and cotton textile trade, notably in the largescale hand production of muslin and jamdani – exceptionally fine plain and figured woven cottons made specifically in the area around Dhaka, capital of independent Bangladesh since 1971. In the late eighteenth century, Dhaka, then part of Bengal, also had royal workshops devoted to producing fine cotton muslins exclusively for royal consumption (Latif 1997: 43). A length of Mulmul khas, or ‘special muslin’, measuring 22 yards by one yard (20.11 × 0.91 metres) took up to six months to weave. It could only be made when the air was moist enough to prevent the fibres from breaking. With a drastic decline in fine handweaving, however, the exceptional textile traditions of Bangladesh today are precarious. This article focuses on the situation of jamdani weaving, indigenous to a specific geographical area now in Bangladesh; it argues that the survival of traditional muslin and jamdani making has to be considered not as a ‘folk craft’, but as the production of the refined luxury fabric it was historically. While there are other traditional textiles being made by hand in Bangladesh today, this short article will focus on the handweaving of jamdani.
Becoming ethical through relational interaction: An examination of a performance among internally displaced persons in Nigeria
Authors: Afolabi Taiwo
Published: October 2018

Ethics is a set of moral principles that seeks to guide researchers from harming those they research. These moral principles aim to protect humanity, establish and sustain a progressive value system that respects and promotes human dignity. Although how ethical consideration is envisioned can be universal, how it is enacted and performed can be relative. It is based on certain contingences that are culturally specific and peculiar. In this article, I argue that irrespective of the universality of some ethical considerations, relational interaction becomes a guiding principle that makes how ethical protocols are achieved relative. Relational interaction emphasizes the other over oneself; hence, it is not transactional. It has at its core quality interaction because it does not maximize self-interest to the detriment of the other. Thus, as varied as these ethical issues are, I argue that what stands at the heart of any appropriate ethical protocol is qualitative humanistic interaction established on values of human dignity, respect, quality welfare, empathy and justice. The idea of relational interaction fosters collaboration, understanding, communication and relationship. These universal ethical protocols are advanced in specific ways as cultures interact and people interpret value systems. I investigate how ethical nuances were explored through performances in internally displaced people camps in Nigeria. Ethical protocol is another performance that positions artists to be responsible and be held responsible for moral practices. I conclude that relational interaction poses a dialogic, responsible, accountable and construction of self in relations to alterity and cultural ethos.
Looking deep inside in Avondale Dogs
Authors: Felando Cynthia
Published: October 2018

Avondale Dogs offers a beautiful rendering of a boy’s subjectivity and point of view during and after especially fraught and tragic moments. This article argues that much of the film’s power is due to the use of French Impressionist strategies that enable unusual access to the boy’s point of view and feelings.
Vibrations and resonance in Avondale Dogs
Authors: Have Iben
Published: October 2018

This article discusses Avondale Dogs as a three-dimensional body of resonance. Through an analysis of the soundtrack, the article illustrates how images and sounds resonate with the subjective experience of the boy and an emotional remembrance of a lost but filmic very-present childhood.
Pectinase Production and Clarification Treatments of Apple (Malus Domestica) Juice
Authors: Berutu Cocok Ana Maryani , Fahrurrozi Fahrurrozi , Meryandini Anja
Published: October 2018

Pectinases are a group of an enzyme that break down pectin, a polysaccharide that is found in plant cell walls. Today, the application of pectinolytic enzymes plays an important role in food technology for the maceration of fruits and vegetables, including for the extraction and clarification of juice. This research aimed to produce pectinase enzyme for clarifying of apple juice. A microbial culture was selected from cocoa bean fermentation samples and identified as Bacillus sp.. The highest enzyme activity was investigated after 48 hours of incubation. Citrus pectin as the carbon source and peptone as the nitrogen source was found as the best component for pectinase production. The optimum condition of pectinase activity was observed at pH 5, temperature 40 °C and the crude enzyme had the higher activity at one hour storage. Apple juice was treated with the enzyme at different concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 4%). Apple juice clarification was evaluated for its percent clarity and viscosity. The result showed that enzyme treatment at 4% in apple juice promoted juice clarification and decreased pH and viscosity. In conclusion, the quality of apple juice can be improved by enzymatic treatment using pectinase.
Medium Chain and Long Chain Alkanes Hydroxylase Producing Whole Cell Biocatalyst From Marine Bacteria
Authors: Thontowi Ahmad , Yetti Elvi , Yopi Yopi
Published: October 2018

Alkanes are  major component of crude oil that could be hydrolyzed by the enzyme of alkane hydroxylase. The are three types of alkane hydroxylase based on the chain length of alkane such as short-chain length/SCL (C2-C4), medium-chain length/MCL (C5-C17), and long-chain length/LCL (C>18). The aims of this study were to characterize and identify alkanes-degrading bacteria from these bacteria. The 30 strains from marine were grown on MCL (Pentane-C5H12, Decane-C10H22, and Pentadecane-C15H32) and LCL (n-Paraffin-C12H19C17 and branch of Pristane-C19H40). The study showed twenty-nine isolates have the ability to degrade alkanes compounds, whereas 14 isolates have grown ability on MCL and LCL medium, 11 isolates have the ability to grow on MCL and n-LCL, 3 isolates have the ability only to grow on MCL medium and 1 isolate has the ability only grow on n-LCL medium. The growth test result indicated that 29 isolates have medium-chain alkane monooxygenase and long-chain alkane hydroxylase. Based on 16S rDNA gene analysis, we obtained twenty nine of oil- degrading bacteria, namely a-proteobacteria (57 %), g-proteobacteria (30 %), Flavobacteria (7 %), Bacilli (3%) and Propionibacteriales (3 %). g-Proteobacteria and a-proteobacteria which seems to play an important role in the alkane biodegradation.
MEIOBENTHIC COMMUNITY OF SUNGAI PULAI SEAGRASS BED, MALAYSIA
Authors: Kassim Zaleha , Diyana Farah , Fathi Mohd , Ahmad Amirudin
Published: October 2018

Meiobenthos inhabiting the seagrass bed of Sungai Pulai estuary, Johor, was studied for the differences in community structure. Sampling was carried out using a hand corer during the lowest tide in December 2006. Three stations were chosen that were located at the upper estuary, lower estuary and at the sea area. Cluster analysis dendrogram of Bray-Curtis similarity showed the similarity level at about 70-75% and from the MDS plot, it is found that communities at upper estuary were separated from those at lower estuary and at sea. The differences in environmental setting were thought as the significant contributor to the distribution of meiobenthos among the stations.
PARTIAL CHRONIC TOXICITY TEST OF COPPER (Cu2+), ZINC (Zn2+) and CYANIDE (Cn+) FOR YOUNG COBIA FISH (Rachycentron canadum)
Authors: Dung Le Quang , Cu Nguyen Duc
Published: October 2018

The partial toxicity tests of copper (Cu2+), zinc (Zn2+) and cyanide (CN-) for young cobia (Rachycentron canadum) fishes 45 days-old were conducted in Doson station during ten days (yr 2005). These three toxic substances affected strongly the growth rate of the Cobia fish (length and weight of the body), even at the lowest treated concentration. The LC50 values of copper, zinc and cyanide were 0.32 mg l-1; over mg l-1 and 0,049 mg l-1, respectively. Based on the statistical analysis of growth rate of cobia by determining 1C25, IC50, NOEC and LOEC values, we have addressed the safe concentrations of these two heavy metals and cyanide in the environmental aquaculture which must be lower than 0.025 mg Cu l-1, 0.5 mg Zn l-1 and 0.005 mg CN l-1, respectively. The result also showed that cyanide was the most toxic to Cobia, followed by copper and zinc.
FISH SPECIES COMPOSITION IN SEAGRASS BEDS OF TANJUNG MERAH (NORTH SULAWESI), INDONESIA
Authors: Syahailatua Augy
Published: October 2018

Seagrass beds are found along the shore of Tanjung Merah (North Sulawesi, Indonesia). This ecosystem covers approximately 20 hectars, and are well known to support local fisheries. Thalassiahemprichii was the dominant seagrass species at the study site. This study in the given area was aimed to monitor any changes in fish assemblage structure, and examine the function of seagrass beds for marine fish. Fishes were sampled using the small beam trawl in March 2003, April 2004 and September 2005. A total of 137 species belonging to 34 families were identified. Twenty four species were found abundantly in terms of individual numbers, however Apogon margaritophorus and A. hartzfeldii were the most dominant. These two species were permanent resident, indicated by a catch of large number in different stages of life cycle. We also noticed that many adults of A. margaritophorus kept fertilized eggs in their mouths. This evidence also confirmed that seagrass beds function as both spawning and nursery ground for marine fishes. During three yearsâ€™ monitoring, there was a slightly seasonal variety in fish assemblage structures.
MEASURING SEA SURFACE SALINITY OF THE JAKARTA BAY USING REMOTELY SENSED OF OCEAN COLOR DATA ACQUIRED BY MODIS SENSOR
Authors: Wouthuyzen Sam
Published: October 2018

Observations on oceanographic parameters using remote sensing techniques intensively have been done for more than 3 decades for estimating and mapping the sea surface temperature (SST) and the abundance of phytoplankton expressed as the concentration of chlorophyll-a and applied them in studying the ocean phenomenon. As a result, the product of these 2 parameters for all over the oceans in the world has been established and available in daily basis. However, on the contrary, there is still limited application for sea surface salinity (SSS) which is also one of the most important oceanographic features. This paper describes a novel method of deriving SSS from remotely sensed ocean color. The method is based on two important observations of optical properties in regions of freshwater influences. The first is the strong effect of Colored Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM or yellow substance) on ocean color when present in relatively high concentrations. The second is the close relationship between salinity and CDOM originating from fresh water runoff. In this paper, these relationships are demonstrated for the Jakarta Bay, Indonesia. The MODIS sensor in Terra and Aqua satellites imageries and 10 in situ measurements conducted near-simultaneously with the satellites over flight over the bay in 2004 and 2006 were implemented for deriving CDOM and SSS. The empirical relationships demonstrated in this study allow the satisfactory prediction of CDOM and SSS in the Jakarta Bay from remotely sensed ocean color. The root mean square (r.m.s) error difference between the observed and predicted parameters are 0.14 m-1 and 0.93 psu for CDOM g440 g and SSS, respectively, over a range of salinity from 24 to 33 psu. This range is in good agreement with field surveys. Parameters that may influence CDOM, such as Chlorophyll-a (CHL-a) and total suspended material (TSM) concentrations were also analyzed. Results showed that there were no relationship at all between CDOM and CHL-a, and between CDOM and TSM. These indicate that phytoplankton plays a minor role in regulating CDOM abundance, and also suggest that CDOM contribution from sediment and/or from sediment resuspension is negligible. Thus, CDOM sources in the Jakarta Bay are mainly from riverine inputs. SSS maps created from the satellite-retrieved ocean color identify features in the surface salinity distribution such as salinity front of > 32 psu that migrated in and out of the bay according to seasons. Therefore, the ability to obtain synoptic views of SSS such as presented in this paper provides great potential in furthering the understanding of coastal environments.