bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioinformatics
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: June 2017

This chapter describes the overview of bioinformatics; bioinformatics, data mining, and data visualization; bioinformatics and secretome analysis; bioinformatics, mass spectrometry, and chemical cross-linking reagents; bioinformatics and Software Product Line (SPL); bioinformatics and protein kinase; bioinformatics and MicroRNAs (miRNAs); and clinical bioinformatics and cancer. Bioinformatics is the application of computer technology to the management and analysis of biological data. Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary research area that is the interface between biology and computer science. The primary goal of bioinformatics is to reveal the wealth of biological information hidden in the large amounts of data and obtain a clearer insight into the fundamental biology of organisms. Bioinformatics entails the creation and advancement of databases, algorithms, computational and statistical techniques, and theory to solve the formal and practical problems arising from the management and analysis of biological data.
Informatics and Data Analytics to Support Exposome-Based Discovery
Authors: Sarigiannis Dimosthenis A. , Karakitsios Spyros P. , Handakas Evangelos , Papadaki Krystalia , Chapizanis Dimitris , Gotti Alberto
Published: June 2017

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the art and beyond regarding modelling and data analytics towards refined external and internal exposure assessment, for elucidating the human exposome. This includes methods for more accurate measurement of personal exposure (using wearable sensors) and for extrapolation to larger population groups (agent-based modelling). A key component in the modern risk and health impact assessment is the translation of external exposure into internal exposure metrics, accounting for age, gender, genetic and route of exposure dependent differences. The applicability of biokinetics covering a large chemical space is enhanced using quantitative structure activity relationships, especially when the latter are estimated using machine learning tools. Finally, comprehensive biomonitoring data interpretation and assimilation are supported by exposure reconstruction algorithms coupled with biokinetics
Informatics and Data Analytics to Support Exposome-Based Discovery
Authors: Sarigiannis Dimosthenis A. , Gotti Alberto , Handakas Evangelos , Karakitsios Spyros P.
Published: June 2017

This chapter aims at outlining the current state of science in the field of computational exposure biology and in particular at demonstrating how the bioinformatics techniques and algorithms can be used to support the association between environmental exposures and human health and the deciphering of the molecular and metabolic pathways of induced toxicity related to environmental chemical stressors. Examples of the integrated bioinformatics analyses outlined herein are given concerning exposure to airborne chemical mixtures, to organic compounds frequently found in consumer goods, and to mixtures of organic chemicals and metals through multiple exposure pathways. Advanced bioinformatics are coupled with big data analytics to perform studies of exposome-wide associations with putative adverse health outcomes. In conclusion, the chapter gives the reader an outline of the available computational tools and paves the way towards the development of future comprehensive applications that are expected to support efficiently exposome research in the 21st century.
Transcriptomics to Metabolomics
Authors: Bansal Ankush , Srivastava Pulkit Anupam
Published: June 2017

A lot of omics data is generated in a recent decade which flooded the internet with transcriptomic, genomics, proteomics and metabolomics data. A number of software, tools, and web-servers have developed to analyze the big data omics. This review integrates the various methods that have been employed over the years to interpret the gene regulatory and metabolic networks. It illustrates random networks, scale-free networks, small world network, bipartite networks and other topological analysis which fits in biological networks. Transcriptome to metabolome network is of interest because of key enzymes identification and regulatory hub genes prediction. It also provides an insight into the understanding of omics technologies, generation of data and impact of in-silico analysis on the scientific community.
An Optimized Semi-Supervised Learning Approach for High Dimensional Datasets
Authors: Settouti Nesma , Daho Mostafa El Habib , Bechar Mohammed El Amine , Chikh Mohammed Amine
Published: June 2017

The semi-supervised learning is one of the most interesting fields for research developments in the machine learning domain beyond the scope of supervised learning from data. Medical diagnostic process works mostly in supervised mode, but in reality, we are in the presence of a large amount of unlabeled samples and a small set of labeled examples characterized by thousands of features. This problem is known under the term “the curse of dimensionality”. In this study, we propose, as solution, a new approach in semi-supervised learning that we would call Optim Co-forest. The Optim Co-forest algorithm combines the re-sampling data approach (Bagging Breiman, 1996) with two selection strategies. The first one involves selecting random subset of parameters to construct the ensemble of classifiers following the principle of Co-forest (Li & Zhou, 2007). The second strategy is an extension of the importance measure of Random Forest (RF; Breiman, 2001). Experiments on high dimensional datasets confirm the power of the adopted selection strategies in the scalability of our method.
Selection of Pathway Markers for Cancer Using Collaborative Binary Multi-Swarm Optimization
Authors: Agarwalla Prativa , Mukhopadhyay Sumitra
Published: June 2017

Pathway information for cancer detection helps to find co-regulated gene groups whose collective expression is strongly associated with cancer development. In this paper, a collaborative multi-swarm binary particle swarm optimization (MS-BPSO) based gene selection technique is proposed that outperforms to identify the pathway marker genes. We have compared our proposed method with various statistical and pathway based gene selection techniques for different popular cancer datasets as well as a detailed comparative study is illustrated using different meta-heuristic algorithms like binary coded particle swarm optimization (BPSO), binary coded differential evolution (BDE), binary coded artificial bee colony (BABC) and genetic algorithm (GA). Experimental results show that the proposed MS-BPSO based method performs significantly better and the improved multi swarm concept generates a good subset of pathway markers which provides more effective insight to the gene-disease association with high accuracy and reliability.
Professional Standards for Teachers
Authors: Dann Christopher , Richardson Tony
Published: June 2017

This chapter uses the concept of ‘pass the message' game as a metaphor to explore preservice teacher education in relation to the communication of the requirements of the professional standards for teachers that are intended to regulate teacher quality. The concept of ‘pass the message' represents the variation in individuals' interpretation and understanding about a particular phenomenon, for example, an individual's understanding of teacher quality. ‘Pass the message game' demonstrates how the meaning of a message becomes distorted as it is told and moved on from one person, or organisation in this case, to another as different interpretations are applied according to beliefs, preferences, knowledge and experience. The passing on and down of intended understandings of professional standards for teachers, suffers from the same challenges as shown by the game of ‘pass the message'. However, with respect to the focus of this chapter, the message is not being passed down from person to person so much as from organisation to organisation. Hence, the issue explored here is the loss in understanding of the original message after it has been promulgated and interpreted from one organisation to the next.
Formative Assessment via Video Feedback on Practicum
Authors: Dann Christopher , Dann Beverly , O'Neill Shirley
Published: June 2017

University program leaders in conjunction with accreditation bodies, create Initial Teacher Education programs. These programs provide the knowledge and practice opportunities that preservice teachers need to learn and develop as teachers, and provide evidence of attaining the requisite standard required for obtaining a teaching position. This places the Initial Teacher Education programs in a unique position to lead much needed systemic change to transform the learning experiences of preservice teachers in schools. However, at the same time, there are challenges involved in creating innovative programs that align with the requirements of stakeholders, which in the first instance involve: accreditation authorities, universities, early childhood agencies and government. This chapter discusses how video feedback might act as a catalyst for change. First it addresses how it provides the conditions necessary to stimulate focused reflective dialogues that align to the graduate standards and lesson objectives, and second the implications for the field.
Logic Models as a Framework for Iterative User Research in Educational Technology
Authors: Kao Yvonne S. , Matlen Bryan J. , Tiu Michelle , Li Linlin
Published: June 2017

Educational technology development is a design problem. Product developers must optimize between what educational research suggests would be most effective, technological or other software development constraints, and the practical needs of end users and key stakeholders. Creating a logic model and using it to guide a user research program can help product developers tackle this problem. A logic model is a structured description of how a specific product achieves an intended learning outcome. Developing a logic model helps product developers make explicit their assumptions about users, product features, and use cases. Then a user research program can be constructed to test each of these assumptions and provide actionable feedback for further iterations of the product. In this chapter, we present three cases that highlight how the logic model approach can guide a program of research, and how that research has led to tangible product improvements.
Via
Authors: Graesser Arthur C. , Nixon Tristan M. , Hampton Andrew J. , Franklin Sam E. , Love Jeneé B.
Published: June 2017

This chapter describes the testing of the computer-human interface of Virtual Internship Authorware (VIA), an authoring tool for creating web-based virtual internships. The authors describe several benchmark tasks that would be performed by authors who create lessons on the subject matter of land science. Performance on each task was measured by task completion times and the likelihood of completing the task. Data were collected from ten novices and three experts familiar with the broader learning environment called Intershipinator. Task completion times and the number of steps to complete the tasks were also modeled by GOMS (Goals, Operators, Methods, and Selection), a theoretical model that predicts these measures of user interaction based on a computational psychological model of computer-human interaction. The output from the GOMS simulations of task completion times and number of steps robustly predicted the performance of both novices and experts. Large deviations between model predictions and human performance are expected to guide modifications of the authoring tool.
Applying a User-Centered Design Approach to Developing Game-Based Training Environments for Aircraft Maintainers
Authors: Wilson Chantale , Bennett Jr. Winston , Guarino Sean , Bove Kristina , Cain Tracey L.
Published: June 2017

Designing training tools for complex jobs within military domains can be challenging. Training for aircraft maintainers, in particular, requires detailed instruction and guidance from job guides, instructors and aircraft equipment. These approaches are often inefficient, outdated and resource-intensive. Gaming and simulation can provide many of the necessary support capabilities to facilitate more cost-efficient, timely, engaging and effective training. Because current maintenance training procedures follow a very hands-on approach in terms of instructor and student involvement, it is essential that development of game-based training technologies is undertaken with these end users in mind. This chapter describes how iterative usability testing was employed throughout the development process for two software applications created for aircraft maintenance training. It also describes how a user-centered design approach supported the development of these game-based programs for superior training methods and experiences for all end users, including instructors, students and administrators.
Development of an Interactive Narrative for Adult Literacy Learners
Authors: Johnson Amy M. , Tighe Elizabeth L. , Jacovina Matthew E. , Jackson G. Tanner , McNamara Danielle S.
Published: June 2017

This chapter describes development efforts that build upon the Interactive Strategy Trainer for Active Reading and Thinking-2 (iSTART-2), an intelligent tutoring system that provides self-explanation strategy instruction to improve reading comprehension. The chapter reflects on considerations of the unique needs of adult literacy learners, and outlines the specific guidelines followed to adapt the system to these learners. Several modifications have been made to adapt iSTART to adult learners, including the following: 1) two additional strategy instructional modules for summarization and deep question asking, 2) a text library with life-relevant texts for adult learners, and 3) an interactive narrative which allows instantiated practice of reading strategies using life-relevant artifacts. The authors also describe results from two attitudinal studies examining learners' perceptions of the interactive narrative.
Deciphering Conflicts of Affordances Through a Design-Based Approach
Authors: Tietjen Phil , Akgun Mahir
Published: June 2017

This study explored the potential of “Social Web” tools (e.g., “Web 2.0”) to support teaching and learning in an online Information Science & Technology course. Although there has been significant optimism regarding the potential of Social Web tools to promote effective collaboration in learning environments, instructors have found this to be an elusive goal. This paper investigates learning and usability challenges that arose with using multiple social media tools to support collaborative learning. Applying a Design-Based Research, the study conducts a close analysis of class discourse and interactions across a blogging and social networking platform. Findings showed that students used the tools primarily for logistical communication rather than learning-oriented communication. The researchers theorize that the specific affordances of the tools to support collaborative learning may be insufficiently articulated and difficult for students to discern their relative strengths - a “conflict of affordances.”
Student Perceptions Regarding Clickers
Authors: Stover Sheri , Heilmann Sharon G. , Hubbard Amelia R.
Published: June 2017

This mixed-methods research study shows that the incorporation of real-time polling in an introductory Anthropology course (n = 107) taught in a large lecture class at a mid-size university can have a positive impact on students' perceptions of (1) satisfaction; (2) participation; and (3) whether the instructor was able to use the polling results effectively to gauge students' understanding. Independent sample t-test and ANOVA results indicated gender, race, and extroversion level were shown to have significant impacts on participation and understanding. Students did not show a significant preference for either of the two real-time polling systems (TopHat or TurningPoint) used in this study. This study shows how the incorporation of real-time polling in large, introductory, lecture classes can have a positive impact on students and has the potential to decrease the attrition rates and to improve student learning enrolled in these classes.
Evaluating a Professional Development Program for Course Redesign With Technology
Authors: Bernal Elaine V. , Farmer Lesley S. J.
Published: June 2017

This study evaluated a California State University Course Redesign Professional Development program, focusing on the user experience of STEM faculty as they learned about technology and applied their learning to develop technology-enriched instructional strategies that enhanced students' own educational experiences. Data were collected from the first two academic years of the professional development program. A conceptual framework that melded andragogy, Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge (TPACK), Diffusion of Innovation, and Communities of Practice theories were used to analyze archived professional development training content and faculty-produced electronic portfolios. The findings demonstrate that faculty collaborative processes in the online training and in site-based collaborative efforts were the main aspect of the course redesign program that facilitated technology integration, instructional development, and positive student learning outcomes.
Leadership
Authors: Ossiannilsson Ebba
Published: June 2017

The rapid developments led by the digitization of society have been described as heralding the fourth industrial revolution. Individuals have more learning choices than ever before in both formal and informal settings. A fundamental change is needed in the way we think about education's role in global development because it has a catalytic impact on the well-being of individuals and the future of our planet. This chapter explores the topics of open online learning, learning spaces, personal learning and learners' orchestration of their own learning, leadership and the digital transformation and quality related concerns raised by the global digital transformation. Quality related questions are today on student satisfaction, short and long time impact, for individuals, and for the society. Leaders and managers in higher education have to take their responsibilities, and can make a huge difference related to the role of higher education, its offers, services, processes, quality and impact.
Open and Distance Learning Administration
Authors: Durak Gürhan
Published: June 2017

This chapter aims at providing a perspective regarding the concept of open and distance learning administration. In this respect, the introduction part of this chapter includes the definition of administration, the understanding of administration in distance education, comparison of the concepts of administrator and leader, and the changing roles of the administrator, while the first heading focuses on types of institutions, organization model and administration cultures. The second heading covers Open and Distance Learning (ODL) administration units and the structure of the organization. This heading also includes those found in administration units in distance education, their duties as well as the sub-units of academic management and the duties of the these sub-units. The third heading presents the management functions in ODL institutions. At the end of this part, the current barriers and trends related to management in open and distance education were investigated.
National Strategies for OER and MOOCs From 2010 to 2020
Authors: Keskin Nilgün Özdamar , Koutropoulos Apostolos , de Waard Inge , Metcalf David , Gallagher Michael , Anzai Yayoi , Buyuk Köksal
Published: June 2017

A global agenda (Education 2030 Incheon Declaration and Framework for Action) published in September 2015 by UNESCO provides a roadmap for the next 15 years for education planners and practitioners. The main goal of the agenda is recognized as “ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. The Member States develop policies and programs for the provision of quality for open and distance education with sustainable financial and legal framework and use of technology, including the Internet, open educational resources, massive open online courses (MOOCs) and other modalities to improve access in order to reach this goal by 2030. Institutions have realized the full potential of OER and MOOCs and started to develop their own policies with regard to teaching, learning and research resources in the public domain. In this regard, the purpose of this study is to examine national strategies on OER and MOOCs in the leading countries such as USA, UK, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Turkey.
Amazon Associates
Authors: Kaur Taranpreet
Published: June 2017

Affiliate marketing, without a doubt, is the quickest and easiest way to make some profit on the World Wide Web. Aside from this, affiliate marketing brings many benefits like minimum to zero financial investment to start out with this earning stream, a variety of programs to choose from, unlimited number of programs to join, extravagant commission schemes ranging from 20% to 90% of the selling price, get paid as you produce results. You're not handcuffed by time, you can work at your own pace; No limit as to how much you can earn. Because of these amazing benefits, millions of online users have tried their hands in affiliate marketing. The affiliate marketing space has matured quite a bit since 1994, when the Olim brothers began their first affiliate program at CDnow. The “buy web” program revolutionized advertising and marketing on. The Internet by shifting the “burden of response” from advertisers to content producers.
Driving Traffic and Customer Activity Through Affiliate Marketing
Authors: Newton Sarah , Ojo Marianne
Published: June 2017

This chapter aims to contribute to the extant literature on Affiliate Marketing through promoting a better understanding of how differences in cultures and environments can be mitigated – as well as facilitating the awareness of how best practices within Europe and the United States could be achieved. Should influential and wealthy corporations be compelled to pay back taxes after having entered into agreements and investment with a foreign corporation? Whilst many applauded the recent European Commission's ruling with Apple, in the sense that sovereignty (from the European perspective) had prevailed in the ruling, many would also claim that interference with a national sovereignty – and a jurisdiction's already existing agreement with an investing partner also amounts to an infringement of national sovereignty. Clearly, greater clarity is required in reconciling jurisdictional differences – given lack of clarity - as demonstrated in the recent Commission ruling, which also serves as a deterrent for potential investors who are uncertain or have fear of the investing climate.
PREVALÊNCIA DE CÁRIE DENTÁRIA EM CRIANÇAS DE UMA INSTITUIÇÃO PÚBLICA DO MUNICÍPIO DE CASCAVEL – PR, BRASIL.
Authors: Lazzarin Helen Cristina , Sulzler Kelen Elaci , Kramer Ingredi Da Veiga , Camargo Juliana Bosso
Published: June 2017

A cárie dentária é uma doença multifatorial que atinge quase toda a população mundial. A associação de acesso frequente ao flúor, menor consumo de carboidratos e maior acesso aos serviços odontológicos, assim como a contribuição dos profissionais da odontologia, tem contribuído significativamente para diminuir a incidência da doença cárie. Para se conhecer a experiência desta doença na dentição decídua e permanente, utiliza-se de levantamentos epidemiológicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a prevalência de cárie dentária em crianças de uma escola pública do município de Cascavel - PR, estimando as necessidades de tratamento relacionadas a esta condição em crianças, para fins de planejamento das ações em saúde que visem melhores condições de vida a população. Realizou-se um estudo transversal exploratório no ano de 2016 em 532 alunos, na faixa etária de 4 a 10 anos, matriculados na Escola Municipal Francisco Vaz de Lima, no bairro Interlagos no município de Cascavel-PR. Verificou-se a experiência da cárie dentária medida pelo índice ceo-d e CPO-D. O valor médio do índice CPO-D foi de 0,76. Já para o índice ceo-d obteve-se uma média de 3,02. Foram 335 (63%) crianças livres de cárie em dentes permanentes, para dentes decíduos obteve-se 30% livres de cárie. Os resultados tanto do CPO-D quanto do ceo-d mostraram-se satisfatórios em relação à média nacional. Porém, o estudo foi realizado somente em alguns alunos, o que talvez possa não corresponder de forma fidedigna à realidade do município como um todo.
A ILUSTRAÇÃO CIENTÍFICA E A ARTE DIGITAL: O ENSINO E A FORMAÇÃO CONTINUADA DE PROFESSORES
Authors: Moura Nelson Antunes de , Silva Juciley Benedita da , Ribeiro Josiane Leitner
Published: June 2017

A ilustração científica é a arte de representação que articula saberes das artes plásticas e das ciências. Neste trabalho são apresentadas experiências com formação continuada de professores da alfabetização e do ensino fundamental de diversas áreas do conhecimento. Foram ofertados cursos de ilustração científica nas dependências do Centro de Formação e Atualização dos Profissionais da Educação Básica (CEFAPRO) em parceria com a Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso (UNEMAT). Os cursos ocorreram em oito encontros presenciais para duas turmas, totalizando 20 horas em cada turma. Os cursos de ilustração botânica e ilustração zoológica aplicaram técnicas do grafitismo, pontilhismo e pintura com lápis aquarelável. Após as produções da imagética, as ilustrações foram manuseadas no laboratório de informática para a produção da arte final. Foram ilustrados partes de vegetais como folhas, frutos e sementes na ilustração botânica, enquanto que na ilustração biológica, produções de imagens de peixes dos ambientes locais. Após este momento, os professores ficaram incubidos de selecionar uma das técnicas usadas na formação para a aplicação em sala de aula com seus alunos. A técnica mais utilizada pelos professores foi o decalque de folhas sobre papel sulfite e, em menor percentagem, a pintura com lápis de cor. Os resultados demonstraram que o uso desta ferramenta pedagógica aumentou o interesse na aprendizagem dos alunos dos conteúdos de ciências e proporcionou aos professores o uso de metodologia diferenciada que melhora o processo de ensino e aprendizagem, principalmente quando são usadas ferramentas tecnológicas digitais.
Photoepilation and skin photorejuvenation: an update
Authors: Martella Alessandro , Raichi Mauro
Published: June 2017

The effectiveness of intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser devices is widely accepted in aesthetic dermatology for unwanted hair removal and treatment of a variety of cutaneous conditions. Overall, most comparative trials have demonstrated similar effectiveness for IPL and laser devices. Literature studies alternatively favor the IPL and laser concepts, but the incidence of severe local pain and side effects were generally lower with IPL. IPL phototherapy, already established as a sound option in photoepilation and treatment of photoaging, hyperpigmentation and other skin conditions, is also considered first choice in the phototherapy of skin vascular malformations. When treating large areas, as often required in photoepilation and many aesthetic dermatology indications, IPL technologies show advantages over laser-based devices because of their high skin coverage rate. Compared to lasers, the wide range of selectable treatment settings, though a strong advantage of IPL, may also imply some more risk of local thermal side effects, but almost only in the hands of poorly trained operators. Overall, the strongest advantages of the IPL technologies are robust technology, versatility, lower purchase price, and the negligible risk of serious adverse effects in the hands of skilled and experienced operators.
Case histories of intense pulsed light phototherapy in dermatology - the HPPL™ and IFL™ technologies
Authors: Martella Alessandro , Raichi Mauro
Published: June 2017

The intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser technologies are widely used for skin rejuvenation and for treating several dermatological disorders such as skin dyschromia and acne, and for non-ablative dermal remodeling of rhytides and hypertrophic scars. Technological evolution is rapid. The High Power Pulsed Light™ [HPPL™] and Incoherent Fast Light™ technologies [IFL™, Novavision Group S.p.A., 20826 Misinto (MB), Italy] are recent innovations in the field of IPL technologies; IFL™ is a further evolution of the already advanced HPPL™ system. The paper presents a selection of case histories of dermatological lesions treated with the HPPL™ and IFL™ technologies. All study materials were appropriately peer-reviewed for ethical problems.
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in slaughtered pigs and pork products
Authors: Bardasi Lia , Taddei Roberta , Fiocchi Ilaria , Pelliconi Maria Francesca , Ramini Mattia , Toschi Elena , Merialdi Giuseppe
Published: June 2017

During the years 2015-2016, 83 faecal samples were collected at slaughter from pigs reared in farms located in Central- Northern Italy. During the years 2014-2016 a total of 562 pork products [465 not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) and 97 ready-to-eat (RTE) products] were collected from retail outlets, large retailers and processing plants. The samples were analysed according to ISO TS 13136:2012. Out of 83 swine faecal samples, 77 (92.8%) resulted stx-positive by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), 5 stx2+ and 1 stx1+ Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains were isolated. Among the 465 NRTE samples, 65 (14.0%) resulted stx-positive by real time PCR and 7 stx2+ STEC strains were isolated. The stx2 gene was detected more frequently than the stx1 gene both in faecal samples (90.4 vs 8.4%) and in NRTE pork products (13.3 vs 1.3%). All the RTE samples included in the analysis resulted stxnegative. Among the samples resulted positive for stx and eae genes, serogroup-associated genes were detected at high frequency: O26 resulted the most frequent in faecal samples (81.3%) and O145 in pork products (88.1%). The O157 serogroup resulted positive in 83.3 and 78.1% of pork products and faecal samples, respectively. Despite the frequent detection by real time PCR of genes indicating the possible presence of STEC strains belonging to the six serogroups, the bacteriological step did not confirm the isolation of any such strains.
Phenotypic antimicrobial resistance profile of isolates causing clinical mastitis in dairy animals
Authors: Ceniti Carlotta , Britti Domenico , Santoro Adriano Michele Luigi , Musarella Rosanna , Ciambrone Lucia , Casalinuovo Francesco , Costanzo Nicola
Published: June 2017

Mastitis is the most frequent and costly disease of lactating animals and is associated with a significant reduction in milk yield, increased cost and culling. Early and specific antibiotic based treatment reduces the severity of the disease. Over the years the extensive use of antimicrobials has led to increase antimicrobial resistance. The present study was designed to investigate the prevalence of microorganisms responsible for mastitis and their antimicrobial resistance pattern. A total of 282 milk samples were collected from different animal species (sheep, cows and goats) with clinical mastitis. Antimicrobial resistance was evaluated for Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. In cow samples Streptococcus spp. represented the most frequently isolated genus (33.84%), while Staphylococcus spp. was the most prevalent genus in sheep and goat samples (44.4 and 73.86%, respectively). Gentamicin and chloramphenicol were found to be the most effective drugs against the tested isolates, while the highest resistance rates were observed for amoxicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
Variables determining clinical complexity in hospitalized Internal Medicine patients: a workload analysis
Authors: Tommasi Valentina , Campolongo Alessandra , Caridi Irene , Gatti Simone , Lagana Lorena , Simonelli Ilaria , Piccolo Paola , Manfellotto Dario
Published: June 2017

The clinical complexity of Internal Medicine patients is a daily challenge for clinicians. Although clinical complexity cannot be directly measured, several scores describe the variability of clinical severity and comorbidity. The aim of this study was to analyze staff workload by assessing the nursing and medical complexity of patients admitted to an Internal Medicine ward. We included 40 consecutive inpatients [52.5% females, mean age 71.2 (18.2) years] classified according to the index of clinical complexity (ICC, type A: very high; type B: high; type C: moderate) and the cumulative illness rating scale (CIRS) severity and comorbidity index. Patient outcomes, hospitalization duration, tests performed, number of daily medications and time to perform standard nursing tasks were analysed across groups. Mean duration of hospitalization was 15.6 (10.1) days; in-hospital mortality was 15%. Mean CIRS severity index (SI) was 1.03 (0.31) and median CIRS comorbidity index (CI) was 2 (range 1-5). Significant differences were observed among ICC groups in time spent performing specific tasks [univariate analysis of variance F(2.37)=17.26, P<0.001]. No significant differences were found between the three groups for mean CIRS-SI [F(2.37)=3.033, P=0.060] and median CIRS-CI [Kruskal Wallis test: c2(2)= 1.672, P=0.433]. Clinical complexity and caring complexity were not correlated in our sample of Internal Medicine inpatients. Optimal care of Internal Medicine patients must take into account their complexity in both the medical and nursing aspects.
Work stress and burnout among physicians and nurses in Internal and Emergency Departments
Authors: Gnerre Paola , Rivetti Chiara , Rossi Andrea P. , Tesei Letizia , Montemurro Domenico , Nardi Roberto
Published: June 2017

Burnout has been defined as loss of enthusiasm for work, feelings of cynicism, and a low sense of personal accomplishment. Work environment and working conditions exposes the individual to numerous factors of stress. Stress-related diseases are defined as burnout. The increased workload, the repeated reorganizations in the hospital with iterative downsizing suggestions and budget cuts, without any perspective of career progression, with a social culture of bureaucracy and blame, resulting both in subtracting direct care time with patients and in the fear by healthcare professionals from the burden of their responsibility, are the backgrounds on which more and more frequent cases of burnout may develop. We need to establish homogenous standards all over the national territory on workload and about the procedures that have to be implemented for the prevention of burnout in our wards.
Adult onset Still’s disease presenting as fever of unknown origin: a case report with review of literature
Authors: Singh Harpreet , Jain Deepak , Dhankhar Saroj , Mathur Rekha
Published: June 2017

Adult onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is a systemic inflammatory disease with exact etiology and pathogenesis yet to be discovered. AOSD, being an important cause of fever of unknown origin, is diagnosed after ruling out infections, malignancy and other rheumatologic diseases. It may present with fever without typical rash although typical triad is of fever, joint pain and rash. A 35-year old previously healthy man was referred to our hospital with 6 months of fever, joint pain and weight loss. Examination and investigations revealed anaemia, leukocytosis (predominant neutrophilia), lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, arthritis and evidence of interstitial lung disease with raised serum ferritin levels. The hematological disorders, infections and other rheumatologic diseases were excluded. The diagnosis of adult onset Still’s disease can be very difficult as there are no specific tests and diagnosis is based on symptom complex. AOSD presenting as fever of unknown origin could be a challenge for the physician to diagnose and manage timely.
A comparison of the distribution and sources of organic matter in surface sediments collected from northwestern and southwestern plateau lakes in China
Authors: Fang Jidun , Wu Fengchang , Xiong Yongqiang , Wang Shuping
Published: June 2017

Surface lacustrine sediments from six plateau lakes in China were analysed for total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen, δ13Corg, δ15Ntotal, aliphatic hydrocarbons, fatty acids (FAs), and alkanols. The FAs and alkanols were fractionated into free and bound subfractions to facilitate investigation of their sources. Higher average TOC levels were observed in sediments from southwestern plateau lakes than in those from northwestern plateau lakes. The sediments from the southwestern plateau lakes may have been contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons from anthropogenic activities. The molecular compositions of n-alkanes, n-alkanols, and FAs extracted from the lacustrine sediments showed different responses to environmental changes. Most of the n-alkanol and FA distributions were dominated by short-chain components originating from algae and bacteria. However, the presence of long-chain n-alkanes indicate the presence of predominantly terrestrial organic matter (OM) in the sediment samples from the northwestern plateau lakes in China, suggesting that secondary components derived from post-depositional microbial activity were key contributors to the n-alkanols and FAs. Aquatic FAs derived from algae and anaerobic bacteria were a major component of the sedimentary OM and accounted for 65.1-90.2% of the total lipid concentrations.
The Filling Station as a Fresh Expression of church for consideration in the local congregational context: A practical-theological investigation
Authors: Nell Ian A. , Mellows Susan
Published: June 2017

The findings of the Archbishop’s Council in their 2004 report, to the effect that traditional forms of church in Britain are under threat because of changing cultural patterns, emphasise the need to re-think church for our contemporary contexts. The ‘Fresh Expressions of church’ movement is one such initiative identified and approved of by the Archbishop’s Council. This article reports on research undertaken in a practical theological interpretation of The Filling Station, a Christian ministry that has grown significantly in its 10-year history and was formed as a missional endeavour in recognition of declining church attendance in traditional churches in Britain. This work explores whether The Filling Station is a Fresh Expression of church and whether it meets the values of authentic missional churches. In examining whether The Filling Station ought to be considered for import into appropriate local congregational contexts, it enquires whether it satisfactorily addresses prevailing social trends affecting churches, including consumerism and the need for identity.
Cotrimoxazole, a wonder drug in the era of multiresistance: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Batra Priyam , Deo Vishant , Mathur Purva , Gupta Amit Kumar
Published: June 2017

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest threats to human health worldwide. The rate of development of newer antibiotics is much slower than the rate of development of antibiotic resistance. A survey reported that it takes 15 years and US$800 million (including preclinical and clinical costs) to bring a single drug to the market, whereas the reuse of the older drugs for antimicrobial use takes $17 million, thereby circumventing 40% of the overall cost. The first case is a patient with nosocomial pyrexia of unknown origin who was given treatment with tigecycline and cefepime/tazobactam but failed to respond to the same. However, the patient responded to the treatment with cotrimoxazole. The second case is a patient with meningitis caused by an atypical zoonotic pathogen, Staphylococcus chromogenes. This is the first report of human infection with S. chromogenes, this being a common cause of bovine mastitis. The isolate was obtained from a patient of neurotrauma who developed meningitis after decompressive craniotomy. The strain was obtained from cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and shunt chamber pus. Cotrimoxazole was given for the treatment, and the patient improved after the treatment. Although the newer antibiotics have replaced sulfonamides in the treatment of many infections, they are still of great value and are the agents of choice in many infections. Sulfonamides have wide antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, but their usefulness has diminished with the emergence of resistant strains. This paper reports cases of two different kinds of infections from a level 1 trauma center, who failed to respond to the newer antibiotics but showed a response to administration of cotrimoxazole.
Antimicrobial susceptibility, risk factors and prevalence of bla cefotaximase, temoneira, and sulfhydryl variable genes among Escherichia coli in community-acquired pediatric urinary tract infection
Authors: Nisha Kallyadan V. , Veena Shetty A. , Rathika Shenoy D. , Vijaya Shenoy M. , Avinash Shetty K.
Published: June 2017

INTRODUCTION: The emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli has become an important challenge among pediatric patients with community-acquired urinary tract infection (UTI).

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, associated risk factors and to survey the frequency of bla cefotaximase (CTX-M), bla temoneira (TEM), and bla sulfhydryl variable (SHV) genotypes in ESBL-producing E. coli isolated from children with community-acquired UTI.

METHODS: This was a prospective study conducted from November 2012 to March 2016 in a tertiary care center. E. coli isolated in urine cultures from children aged ≤18 years was identified and confirmed for ESBL production. ESBL-positive strains were screened for ESBL encoding genes. Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to compare the difference in antibiotic susceptibility with respect to ESBL positive and negative, and binary logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors associated with ESBL production.

RESULTS: Among 523 E. coli isolates, 196 (37.5%) were ESBL positive, >90% were resistant to cephalosporins, and 56% were resistant to fluoroquinolones. Least resistance was observed for imipenem, netilmicin, and nitrofurantoin (2%, 8.6%, 15.3%). Association between ESBL production and drug resistance was significant for ceftazidime (P < 0.001), cefixime (P < 0.001), cefotaxime (P = 0.010), ceftazidime-clavulanic acid (P < 0.001), levofloxacin (P = 0.037), and gentamicin (P = 0.047) compared to non-ESBL E. coli. CTX-M gene was the most prevalent (87.5%), followed by TEM (68.4%) and SHV (3.1%). Previous history of UTI and intake of antibiotics were the common risk factors.

CONCLUSION: ESBL-producing E. coli from community-acquired pediatric UTI carries more than one type of beta-lactamase coding genes correlating their increased antibiotic resistance. Aggressive infection control policy, routine screening for detecting ESBL isolates in clinical samples, and antimicrobial stewardship are the keys to prevent their dissemination in community settings.
Acylation-stimulating protein is a surrogate biomarker for acute myocardial infarction: Role of statins
Authors: Al-Kuraishy Hayder M. , Al-Gareeb Ali I.
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND: Acylation-stimulating protein (ASP) is an adipokine synthesized within adipocytes environment due to adipocyte differentiation.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess changes in ASP levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and to correlate these variations with disease variables.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total number of 111 patients previously and currently treated with rosuvastatin or atorvastatin presented with acute MI in a Coronary Care Unit, were divided into three groups, Group A: Thirty-nine patients treated with atorvastatin, Group B: Thirty patients treated with rosuvastatin, compared to 42 patients presented with MI not previously treated with statins were enrolled in this study. ASP and troponin-I levels and lipid profile were estimated in each group.

RESULTS: The effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin compared to nonstatins-treated group on the anthropometric and biochemical variables in patients with acute MI showed significant difference in all biochemical and anthropometric parameters P < 0.05. Serum ASP (nmol/l) levels were higher in control patients 57.25 ± 9.15 compared to atorvastatin-treated patients 48.43 ± 7.42 and rosuvastatin-treated patients 49.33 ± 6.52 P = 0.0124.

CONCLUSION: ASP levels are elevated in patients with acute MI and regarded as surrogate biomarker for acute MI also; therapy with statins leads to significant reduction in ASP levels compared to nonstatins-treated patients that presented with acute MI.
A clinico-pathological study of lupus nephritis based on the International Society of Nephrology-Renal Pathology Society 2003 classification system
Authors: Satish Suchitha , Deka Pallavi , Shetty Manjunath Sanjeev
Published: June 2017

INTRODUCTION: Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Renal involvement is a major determinant of the prognosis of SLE. The histological classification of LN is a key factor in determining the renal survival of patients with LN. Prompt recognition and treatment of renal disease are important, as early response to therapy is correlated with better outcome and renal biopsy plays an important role in achieving this.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to correlate the clinical and laboratory findings with histopathological classes of LN as per the 2003 International Society of Nephrology-Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS) classification system.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-six patients with SLE, undergoing a renal biopsy for renal dysfunction were studied. The comparison of data from multiple groups was made by Pearson’s Chi-square test and between two groups by independent samples t-test. The values of P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Of the 56 cases studied, 51 (91.1%) were females. The most common presenting symptoms were edema, arthralgia, and hypertension. Class IV (55.4%) was the most common class. Thirty-nine (69.6%) cases showed full house immunostaining. Hypertension, hematuria, proteinuria, and tu bulo-interstitial disease showed a significant correlation (P < 0.05) with ISN/RPS classification, 2003.

CONCLUSION: Assessment and management of patients with suspected LN are greatly facilitated through information obtained by renal biopsy. Since renal morphology may predict long-term prognosis, and no clinical or laboratory feature uniformly predicts prognosis, it is important to study the constellation of features in LN for better patient management.