bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La valeur de l'évaluation des risques en situation de précaution
Authors: Bureau Dominique
Published: October 2010

Résumé En situation de précaution, il est communément admis qu’il convient de développer des recherches ou expertises pour améliorer l’état des connaissances scientifiques. Mais les modèles d’espérance d’utilité n’apparaissent pas bien appropriés pour évaluer ou qualifier, du point de vue économique, la valeur de tels projets de recherche, car ces critères ne différencient pas le risque et l’incertain. Dans cette perspective, l’article examine, principalement à partir d’un exemple, la valeur de l’information en incertitude pour différents modèles de représentation des préférences. À cet égard, le critère de maximisation du minimum de l’espérance d’utilité pour l’ensemble des distributions de probabilités jugées possibles apparaît extrême, seul comptant alors le scénario le plus catastrophique. Il est cependant noté que, même avec ce critère, la valeur de l’expertise peut se trouver accrue, par rapport à l’analyse qu’en ferait un décideur classique, lorsque l’ensemble des scénarios est conflictuel. On considère aussi le modèle de Klibanoff, Marinacci et Mukerji [2005]. Il est suggéré que ce type de représentation plus « proportionnée » fournit des perspectives prometteuses pour des applications empiriques.
Structure du commerce intra-firme, intégration des marchés et harmonisation fiscale
Authors: Blanchard Pierre , Gaigné Carl , Mathieu Claude
Published: October 2010

Résumé Cet article vise à expliquer pourquoi une forte majorité de groupes internationaux échange simultanément des biens finals et intermédiaires avec leurs filiales localisées à l’étranger. Nous montrons que le commerce intra-firme vertical et horizontal est possible quand l’impôt sur les profits est plus faible ou plus élevé à l’étranger. Pour cela, il est nécessaire que la filiale étrangère ait un coût de production du bien final plus élevé que celui de la maison mère et que le niveau des barrières aux échanges soit relativement fort. Nous mettons ensuite en évidence que la baisse de la protection tarifaire et non tarifaire réduit le volume d’échanges de bien intermédiaire, tandis qu’elle accroît le commerce de produit final. Enfin, l’harmonisation fiscale entre pays a un effet ambigu sur le volume de commerce intra-firme dans la mesure où il affecte, dans des sens opposés, les recettes d’exportation de la maison mère et les coûts de production de la filiale.
Le Programme des Nations unies pour le développement, un « machin » onusien utile ?
Authors: Lipchitz Anna , Delmon Clara
Published: October 2010

Résumé Le Programme des Nations unies pour le développement (PNUD), pierre angulaire des activités opérationnelles de développement des Nations unies, est souvent brocardé pour son manque d’efficacité. Pourtant, pour Anna Lipchitz et Clara Delmon, cette image de « machin » onusien inefficace ne correspond que partiellement à la réalité. En effet, le PNUD a, à son actif, de belles réalisations sur lesquelles il ne communique peut-être pas suffisamment. Par ailleurs, les États ont également une part de responsabilité dans ses défaillances. Il est donc à espérer que le prochain Rapport mondial sur le développement humain, et le sommet sur les Objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement soient l’occasion de revitaliser l’image du PNUD et de donner un second souffle à la réforme de ses activités opérationnelles.
Boeing et Airbus, des géants aux pieds d'argile ?
Authors: Bellais Renaud , Lagasse Marie
Published: October 2010

Résumé L’industrie aéronautique connaît une mutation majeure marquée par une ouverture internationale accrue, des externalisations et des délocalisations. En effet, face à une crise de leur modèle économique et industriel, Boeing et Airbus ont choisi de redéfinir la frontière de leurs activités en confiant à des partenaires à risque la responsabilité financière, industrielle et organisationnelle d’une large part d’activités autrefois réalisées en interne et nationalement. L’analyse de ces crises depuis le milieu des années 1990 permet de souligner le rôle des évolutions industrielles et technologiques dans cette transformation structurelle, qui implique une internationalisation de la production. Ceci nous conduit à analyser les risques associés à la redéfinition des rôles respectifs des avionneurs et de leurs partenaires.
Facteurs d'insatisfaction incitant au départ et intention de quitter le travail : analyse comparative des groupes d'âges
Authors: Bertrand Françoise , Peters Stéphanie , Pérée Francis , Hansez Isabelle
Published: October 2010

Résumé L’étude, qui aborde les facteurs d’insatisfaction incitant au départ et les facteurs d’insatisfaction vécus par les travailleurs ainsi que leur intention de quitter, comprend 1 772 travailleurs issus de 11 entreprises belges. Les résultats montrent que les changements organisationnels vécus par une large majorité de travailleurs représentent un facteur d’insatisfaction incitant au départ important, plus particulièrement pour les travailleurs âgés. Ensuite, le manque de développement personnel, même si davantage vécu par les travailleurs les plus âgés, représente une cause majeure de départ pour tous les groupes d’âge. Les facteurs personnels sont également un facteur d’insatisfaction important pour les jeunes travailleurs et les plus âgés. Par ailleurs, la pression au travail est un phénomène vécu par tous les travailleurs, particulièrement les plus jeunes, mais n’est pas citée comme un facteur de départ. Les résultats montrent aussi que l’insécurité au travail est un facteur vécu par les travailleurs les plus jeunes. Enfin, les différences entre les jeunes et les plus âgés ne sont pas très marquées, supportant l’idée de la gestion des âges.
La construction des échantillons dans la conception ergonomique de produits logiciels pour le grand public. Quel quantitatif pour les études qualitatives ?
Authors: Valentin Annette , Lancry Alain , Lemarchand C.
Published: October 2010

Résumé L’objectif de ce texte est de favoriser l’intégration des utilisateurs directs dans les différentes étapes du cycle de conception : recueil des besoins, spécifications, évaluations (maquette, prototype, livraison finale). Cette intégration suppose en particulier de pouvoir limiter les tailles d’échantillons et de représenter la diversité des situations dans un petit nombre de tests. Or d’après Nielsen, 80 % des recueils d’une évaluation peuvent être fournis par 6 personnes si le test concerne un profil, et 3-4 personnes par groupe si le test concerne plusieurs groupes. Ces résultats sont discutés et précisés sur la base d’un exemple : la conception de logiciels d’aide pour les voyageurs des transports publics. L’étude souligne que l’analyse ne se limite pas aux problèmes et aux incidents ; elle concerne aussi le déroulement des stratégies et les remarques positives. D’autre part, le nombre de personnes nécessaires n’est pas lié uniquement aux critères descriptifs de la population. Il dépend également du type de produit testé, du nombre de fonctions et des conditions de recueils : les situations dynamiques et proches du réel, permettent de mieux situer l’action et apportent plus d’informations que les présentations statiques ou les situations de simulation. La notion d’échantillon doit donc être élargie de la population aux différentes dimensions des situations (contextes, tâches, outils…). Les scénarios de test doivent couvrir les combinaisons correspondantes. Par exemple, si N personnes testent T tâches dans C contextes, il y a N × T × C situations de tests. Un nombre limité de personnes permet alors de tester un nombre important de situations et d’obtenir des recueils représentatifs, variés et pertinents.
Distinctiveness of termite assemblages in two fragmented forest types in Hantane hills in the Kandy District of Sri Lanka
Authors: Hemachandra II , Edirisinghe JP , Karunaratne WAIP , Gunatilleke CVS
Published: October 2010

This study compares the termite assemblages in a natural and a secondary forest located at two different elevations in the Hantane hills, a tropical evergreen forest in mid country Sri Lanka, with a view to identify their distinctiveness. To sample the termites in the two forest types the belt transect method was used supplemented by random collections. A total of 11 species of termites in four genera belonging to three subfamilies and one family, Termitidae were recorded; nine species from the secondary forest and two species from the natural forest. The two species, Ceylonitermellus hantanae and Dicuspiditermes incola showed a distinct distribution in being confined only to the natural forest at high elevation. Termites recorded were put into feeding groups based on their taxonomic identity. Termites of the natural forest were found to be exclusively true soil feeders. Those of the secondary forest were wood feeders; either fungus growing (8 spp.) or non-fungus growing wood feeders (1 sp.). The high abundance and low diversity of the natural forest termite species in comparison to secondary forest species also make them distinct. Elevation, climate, vegetation, ground cover and the degree of human interference appear to contribute to the distinctiveness of termite assemblages in the two forests types reported here. Key words: natural forest; secondary forest; species diversity; functional groups; elevation DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v39i1.2349 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 39 (1): 11-19, 2010
Effect of postharvest calcium chloride vacuum infiltration on the shelf life and quality of tomato (cv. 'Thilina')
Authors: Senevirathna PAWANK , Daundasekera WAM
Published: October 2010

Mature turning tomato fruits (cv. ‘Thilina') were treated with four different concentrations of CaCl2 (0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% aqueous solutions) using different modes of application; dipping, vacuum infiltration and pressure infiltration, with a view to improve the shelf life and quality. Fruits vacuum infiltrated at -20 kPa and treated with the four different concentrations of CaCl2 were assessed for pH, total soluble solids (TSS) content, percentage titratable acidity (%TA) and firmness. Total calcium content in the inner and outer pericarp tissues was estimated and the path of calcium infiltration was revealed using black ink. Vacuum infiltration was found to be the most effective treatment with respect to shelf life extension. Also, 6% CaCl2 treatment at -20 kPa was the best in terms of extension of shelf life (by 92%) and in keeping the postharvest quality of tomatoes compared to the untreated fruits kept at 28°C. Fruit firmness significantly increased with CaCl2 application. Delay in fruit colour development, lowering of ethylene production rates and delay in the time taken to reach the ethylene climacteric were observed with increased CaCl2 concentration. Treatment with CaCl2 did not have a considerable effect on fruit pH, TSS or %TA. The amount of total calcium in the inner and outer pericarp regions increased significantly with calcium application. The stem end scar was found to be the main pathway of CaCl2 infiltration in to fruits. Key words: firmness; ethylene; ripening DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v39i1.2351 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 39 (1): 35-44, 2010
A novel Bacillus pumilus strain for alkaline xylanase production at and above 40°C
Authors: Kapilan R , Arasaratnam Vasanthy
Published: October 2010

The objective of the study was to select a bacterial strain which can produce xylanase at alkaline pH and temperatures above 40°C and to characterize the strain. Among the 45 bacterial strains, isolated from different sources, five strains, which were expected to produce alkaline xylanase, above 40°C, isolated from open media containing xylan as carbon source (GS7, GS15, GS17, GS20 & GS*), were selected for the study. Xylanase production by the strains GS17 and GS*, was less affected by pH changes between pH 8.0 and 9.5 than the strains GS7, GS15 and GS20. Strains GS17 and GS* produced xylanase at pH 10.0 while the others did not produce. Therefore strains GS17 and GS* were selected. Xylanase production, by GS17 at 39 hours was 1.2, 1.3, 1.2 and 3.2 times higher at 40, 45, 50 and 55°C than by GS*. At 60°C, GS17 produced 4.25 UmL-1 (30h) of xylanase activity while GS* did not. As GS17 produced xylanase at and above pH 9.0 and 40 to 60°C, it was selected. The xylanase of GS17 showed activity in the temperature range from 40 to 95°C showing highest activity at 60°C. Strain GS17 is non-branching, gram-positive, sporulating, motile, aerobic, catalase positive, β hemolytic, oxidase positive long rods. Hence, it belongs to the genus Bacillus. Slightly oval shaped terminal and subterminal endospores were observed in 24h old cultures. When the culture became old, formation of spores was very much reduced. Further, based on the shape and arrangement of spores, ability to produce acid from glucose, xylose & mannose; growth temperature; inability to hydrolyze starch and tyrosine; inability to produce urease and indole; inability to reduce nitrate; ability to grow in NaCl and ability to grow in different carbohydrate sources, the strain, GS17 was identified as Bacillus pumilus. Thus, Bacillus pumilus which was locally isolated can grow and produce xylanase at and above 40°C and pH 9.0. Key words: alkaline xylanase; Bacillus pumilus; carbon source. DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v39i1.2354Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 39 (1): 61-70, 2010
Warren Ranjithan Breckenridge (1938-2009)
Authors: Santiapillai Charles Manoranjan
Published: October 2010

DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v39i1.2355 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 39 (1): 71-73, 2010
The Regulation of Th1 Responses by the p38 MAPK
Authors: Yang Ziyan , Zhang Xia , Darrah Patricia A. , Mosser David M.
Published: October 2010

IL-12 is a dimeric cytokine that is produced primarily by APCs. In this study we examined the role that the p38 MAPKs (MAPK/p38) play in regulating IL-12 production. We show that inhibition of p38 dramatically increased IL-12 production upon stimulation, while decreasing TNF-α. This reciprocal effect on these two cytokines following MAPK/p38 inhibition occurred in many different APCs, following a variety of different stimuli. IL-12 production was also increased in macrophages treated with small interfering RNA to limit p38α expression, and in macrophages deficient in MKK3, a kinase upstream of p38. The increase in IL-12 production following MAPK/p38 inhibition appears to be due to enhanced IL-12 (p40) mRNA stability. We show that MAPK/p38 inhibition can promote Th1 immune responses and thereby enhance vaccine efficacy against leishmaniasis. In a mouse model of Leishmania major infection, vaccination with heat-killed L. major plus CpG and SB203580 elicited complete protection against infection compared with heat-killed L. major plus CpG without SB203580. Thus, this work suggests that MAPK/p38 inhibitors may be applied as adjuvants to bias immune responses and improve vaccinations against intracellular pathogens.
A New Mouse Model Reveals a Critical Role for Host Innate Immunity in Resistance to Rift Valley Fever
Authors: do Valle Tânia Zaverucha , Billecocq Agnès , Guillemot Laurent , Alberts Rudi , Gommet Céline , Geffers Robert , Calabrese Kátia , Schughart Klaus , Bouloy Michèle , Montagutelli Xavier , Panthier Jean-Jacques
Published: October 2010

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an arthropod-borne viral disease repeatedly reported in many African countries and, more recently, in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. RVF virus (RVFV) primarily infects domesticated ruminants, resulting in miscarriage in pregnant females and death for newborns and young animals. It also has the ability to infect humans, causing a feverish syndrome, meningoencephalitis, or hemorrhagic fever. The various outcomes of RVFV infection in animals and humans argue for the existence of host genetic determinants controlling the disease. We investigated the susceptibility of inbred mouse strains to infection with the virulent RVFV ZH548 strain. Compared with classical BALB/cByJ mice, wild-derived Mus m. musculus MBT/Pas mice exhibited earlier and greater viremia and died sooner, a result in sharp contrast with their resistance to infection with West Nile virus and influenza A. Infection of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from MBT/Pas mice with RVFV also resulted in higher viral production. Microarray and quantitative RT-PCR experiments showed that BALB/cByJ MEFs displayed a significant activation of the type I IFN pathway. In contrast, MBT/Pas MEFs elicited a delayed and partial type I IFN response to RVFV infection. RNA interference-mediated inhibition of genes that were not induced by RVFV in MBT/Pas MEFs increased viral production in BALB/cByJ MEFs, thus demonstrating their functional importance in limiting viral replication. We conclude that the failure of MBT/Pas murine strain to induce, in due course, a complete innate immune response is instrumental in the selective susceptibility to RVF.
CCR10 Is Important for the Development of Skin-Specific γδT Cells by Regulating Their Migration and Location
Authors: Jin Yan , Xia Mingcan , Sun Allen , Saylor Christina M. , Xiong Na
Published: October 2010

Unlike conventional αβ T cells, which preferentially reside in secondary lymphoid organs for adaptive immune responses, various subsets of unconventional T cells, such as the γδ T cells with innate properties, preferentially reside in epithelial tissues as the first line of defense. However, mechanisms underlying their tissue-specific development are not well understood. We report in this paper that among different thymic T cell subsets fetal thymic precursors of the prototypic skin intraepithelial Vγ3+ T lymphocytes (sIELs) were selected to display a unique pattern of homing molecules, including a high level of CCR10 expression that was important for their development into sIELs. In fetal CCR10-knockout mice, the Vγ3+ sIEL precursors developed normally in the thymus but were defective in migrating into the skin. Although the earlier defect in skin-seeding by sIEL precursors was partially compensated for by their normal expansion in the skin of adult CCR10-knockout mice, the Vγ3+ sIELs displayed abnormal morphology and increasingly accumulated in the dermal region of the skin. These findings provide definite evidence that CCR10 is important in sIEL development by regulating the migration of sIEL precursors and their maintenance in proper regions of the skin and support the notion that unique homing properties of different thymic T cell subsets play an important role in their peripheral location.
Memory T Cells Are Enriched in Lymph Nodes of Selectin-Ligand–Deficient Mice
Authors: Harp John R. , Gilchrist Michael A. , Onami Thandi M.
Published: October 2010

Fucosyltransferase-IV and -VII double knockout (FtDKO) mice reveal profound impairment in T cell trafficking to lymph nodes (LNs) due to an inability to synthesize selectin ligands. We observed an increase in the proportion of memory/effector (CD44high) T cells in LNs of FtDKO mice. We infected FtDKO mice with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus to generate and track Ag-specific CD44highCD8 T cells in secondary lymphoid organs. Although frequencies were similar, total Ag-specific effector CD44highCD8 T cells were significantly reduced in LNs, but not blood, of FtDKO mice at day 8. In contrast, frequencies of Ag-specific memory CD44highCD8 T cells were up to 8-fold higher in LNs of FtDKO mice at day 60. Because wild-type mice treated with anti-CD62L treatment also showed increased frequencies of CD44high T cells in LNs, we hypothesized that memory T cells were preferentially retained in, or preferentially migrated to, FtDKO LNs. We analyzed T cell entry and egress in LNs using adoptive transfer of bone fide naive or memory T cells. Memory T cells were not retained longer in LNs compared with naive T cells; however, T cell exit slowed significantly as T cell numbers declined. Memory T cells were profoundly impaired in entering LNs of FtDKO mice; however, memory T cells exhibited greater homeostatic proliferation in FtDKO mice. These results suggest that memory T cells are enriched in LNs with T cell deficits by several mechanisms, including longer T cell retention and increased homeostatic proliferation.
Gender-Specific Neuroimmunoendocrine Response to Treadmill Exercise in 3xTg-AD Mice
Authors: Giménez-Llort Lydia , García Yoelvis , Buccieri Karla , Revilla Susana , Suñol Cristina , Cristofol Rosa , Sanfeliu Coral
Published: October 2010

The 3xTg-AD mouse develops a progressive Alzheimer's disease- (AD-) like brain pathology that causes cognitive- and neuropsychiatric-like symptoms of dementia. Since its neuroimmunoendocrine axis is likewise impaired, this mouse is also useful for modelling complex age-related neurodegeneration. This study analyzed behavioral, physiological, neurochemical, pathological and immunoendocrine alterations in male and female 3xTg-AD mice and assayed the effects of a short therapy of forced physical exercise at the moderate pathology stage of 6 months of age. Gender effects were observed in most AD-related pathology and dysfunctions. Five weeks of treadmill training produced beneficial effects, such as the reduction of brain oxidative stress and GABA-A receptor dysfunction in males and improvement of sensorimotor function in females. In both sexes, exercise decreased the brain amyloid 42/40 ratio levels. The results highlight the importance of analyzing experimental therapies in both mouse model genders in order to improve our understanding of the disease and develop more appropriate therapies.
Inhibition of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Human C-Reactive Protein Transgenic Mice Is FcRIIB Dependent
Authors: Hu Xian-Zhen , Wright Tyler T. , Jones Nicholas R. , Ramos Theresa N. , Skibinski Gregory A. , McCrory Mark A. , Barnum Scott R. , Szalai Alexander J.
Published: October 2010

We showed earlier that experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in human C-reactive protein (CRP) transgenic mice (CRPtg) has delayed onset and reduced severity compared to wild-type mice. Since human CRP is known to engage Fc receptors and Fc receptors are known to play a role in EAE in the mouse, we sought to determine if FcRI, FcRIIb, or FcRIII was needed to manifest human CRP-mediated protection of CRPtg. We report here that in CRPtg lacking either of the two activating receptors, FcRI and FcRIII, the beneficial effects of human CRP are still observed. In contrast, if CRPtg lack expression of the inhibitory receptor FcRIIB, then the beneficial effect of human CRP is abrogated. Also, subcutaneous administration of purified human CRP stalled progression of ongoing EAE in wild-type mice, but similar treatment failed to impede EAE progression in mice lacking FcRIIB. The results reveal that a axis is responsible for protection against EAE in the CRPtg model.
Hepatitis C Virus E2 Protein Ectodomain Is Essential for Assembly of Infectious Virions
Authors: Bianchi Alessia , Crotta Stefania , Brazzoli Michela , Foung Steven K. H. , Merola Marcello
Published: October 2010

The Hepatitis C virus E1 and E2 envelope proteins are the major players in all events required for virus entry into target cells. In addition, the recently developed HCV cell culture system has indicated that E1E2 heterodimer formation is a prerequisite for viral particle production. In this paper, we explored a new genetic approach to construct intergenotypic 2a/1b chimeras, maintaining the structural region of the infectious strain JFH1 and substituting the soluble portion of E1 and/or E2 proteins. This strategy provides useful information on the role of the surface-exposed domain of the envelope proteins in virus morphogenesis and allows comparative analysis of different HCV genotypes. We found that substituting the E2 protein ectodomain region abolishes the production of chimeric infectious particles. Our data indicate that the soluble part of the E2 protein is involved in a genotype-specific interplay with remaining viral proteins that affect the HCV assembly process.
Deconstructing the body: Body theology, embodied pastoral anthropology and body mapping
Authors: Meiring Jacob , M�ller Julian C.
Published: October 2010

This article is an effort to deconstruct narratives regarding the body. Body theology as developed by James B. Nelson forms the basis for a literature study as well as an exploration of an embodied pastoral anthropology, within the context of a postfoundationalist practical theology and an openness to interdisciplinary dialogue. Qualitative interviews and the body-mapping process were used within the context of narrative research to narrate people�s stories regarding their bodies in relation to their spiritual journey as well as to increase an awareness of a holistic, embodied spirituality.
Letrozole for Induction of Ovulation in PCOS Patients: Resistant to Clomiphene Citrate
Authors: Chowdhury TA , Mahmud Nusrat , Siddiqui Maruf
Published: October 2010

Objective

To assess the efficacy of aromatase inhibitor letrozole for induction of ovulation in anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients in whom clomiphene citrate (CC) treatment was unsuccessful.

Design

Prospective, nonrandomized, interventional, crossover trial, using anovulatory PCOS infertile patients previously treated with clomiphene citrate as their own historic controls.

Setting

Center for Assisted Reproduction (CARE), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM), Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Patients

60 anovulatory PCOS infertile patients who received 150 mg of clomiphene citrate for at least 4 cycles on days 2 to 6 of the cycle with an unsatisfactory outcome (No mature follicle and/or endometrial thickness of equal or less than 0.7 cm) were the target population.

Intervention

5.0 to 7.5 mg of letrozole was given orally on days 2 to 6 of the cycle. Main outcome measures: Number and size of mature follicles, endometrial thickness and occurrence of ovulation.

Results

There was a statistically significant increase in the follicular size and endometrial thickness after the administration of letrozole. Ovulation occurred in 38 patients (63.33%) in the letrozole treated cycles. Most of developed follicles (68.42%-26 patients) were multiple and majority patients (63.16%) responded to the higher 7.5 mg dose.

Conclusion

Oral administration of letrozole is an effective agent for ovulation induction in clomiphene citrate resistant PCOS patients.
Randomized Double Blind Placebo-controlled Study to Evaluate the Role of M2-Tone as an Adjuvant Treatment in IUI Protocol by Assessing its Effects on Endometrial Morphology, Vasculature and Pregnancy Rate Using 3D Color Doppler in Female Infertility
Authors: Puri Randhir , Rao JP , Arora Shobhna
Published: October 2010

Objective

To compare the efficacy of M2-Tone, a phytopharmaceutical, and placebo as an adjuvant in IUI protocol in improving endometrial receptivity as assessed by endometrial morphology, vascularity and pregnancy outcome in female infertility using the 3D color Doppler technique.

Design

Double blind placebo controlled comparative trial.

Setting

Outpatient clinic of MTTBC (Malhotra Test Tube Baby Center), Agra in India.

Patient(s)

Fifty-five patients with infertility were recruited. Twenty-eight patients were administered tablet M2-Tone and twenty-seven patients were given placebo. Both drugs were given orally in the dose of 2 tablets twice a day for three months prior to the IUI procedure.

Intervention(s)

M2-Tone, placebo, clomiphene citrate, hCG, 3D Color Doppler, IUI.

Main outcome measure(s)

Endometrial thickness, endometrial lining, endometrial vascularity, sex steroids and pregnancy rates.

Result(s)

Out of total 55 patients only 50 patients completed the study. In M2-Tone group endometrial thickness increased to mean 8.65 mm from 4.6 mm at baseline (Day 2 of menstrual cycle) whereas in placebo group it rose to mean 6.89 mm from 4.8 mm at baseline. The decrease in the mean score of uterine artery blood flow impedance (Pulsatility index PI) was 1.13 in M2-Tone group and 0.72 in placebo group. The uterine score in the M2-Tone group increased significantly from 3.15 to 13.31 and from 3.16 to 10.08 in placebo group. There was corresponding increase in pregnancy rate in the M2-Tone group (30.77%) as compared to the placebo group (16.66%). Though there was slight increase in the serum estradiol and progesterone levels in M2-Tone group compared to the placebo group the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion(s)

M2-Tone has shown better endometrial thickness, endometrial layering and better color flow to zone 3 of the endometrium compared to placebo. M2-Tone as an adjuvant treatment in IUI protocol showed significant improvement in pregnancy rate. This beneficial effect of M2-Tone can be attributed to improvement in the endometrial vascularity and morphology in the subjects by its modulating action on the hormonal status.
Role of Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling as a First Line Management in Infertility with Polycystic Ovarian Disease
Authors: Shrivastava Deepti , Sindhu Bhute , Mukherjee Satarupa
Published: October 2010

Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. The pathogenesis is not completely clear still today. Problems in inducing ovulation in PCOD is well recognized. A retrospective study of last 3 years in patients attending the OPD in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, JNMC, Sawangi, Wardha, who were diagnosed as cases of PCOD with complaints of infertility and irregular menstruatal cycle underwent laparoscopic ovarian drilling. It was concluded that the procedure had higher ovulation and successfull pregnancy rate. It is cost-effective, minimally invasive procedure with lesser hospital stay with less postoperative complications, being ideal for rural setup.
Cotton (Umbilical) Tape as Suture Material for Cervical Cerclage: A Case Series
Authors: Puri Randhir , Bellad MB , Shravage JC
Published: October 2010

Introduction

The present case series was an attempt to find out cotton (umbilical) tape usefulness as suture material for cervical encerclage as it is presterilized, easily visible and economical.

Methods

Objective

To determine utility of cotton tape as suture material for cervical cerclage. Study design: A case series.

Place

KLES Hospital and District Hospital, Belgaum.

Period

1997 to 2001.

Inclusion criteria

Singleton pregnancy, gestational age by USG (14-26 weeks), H/o 2nd trimester abortions, H/o Pre-term labor, elective cerclage.

Exclusion criteria

Medical diseases, multiple pregnancy, emergency encerclage, fetal anomalies by USG, not willing to provide consent.

Outcome

Gestational age at delivery, fetal survival, morbidity [white discharge per vagina (PV), cervical dystocia, puerperal pyrexia].

Intervention

Cerclage with cotton tape.

Technique

Modified Mc Donald's: The suture is commenced from the posterior surface of the cervix and knot is put in the posterior surface.

Results

89.3% (25 women) had term deliveries, i.e. 37 to 40 weeks, 7.1% (2 women) had spontaneous delivery at 36 weeks and one women (3.6%) had pre-term delivery at 30 weeks with the fetal survival was 96.4%.

Conclusion

The present case series proves that the simple economical cotton (umbilical) tape is effective as a suture material for cervical encerclage. However a larger randomized trial can confirm these findings.
Role of Cervical Length as Predictor of Preterm Labor and a Comparison of Transabdominal versus Transvaginal Ultrasound in Determining the Accuracy of Cervical Length
Authors: Nanavati MS , Desai SV , Lakhani PD , Bansode AS
Published: October 2010

Objectives

1. To evaluate the mean cervical length at 22 to 28 weeks of gestation by TAS and TVS and correlate its association with preterm labor.

2. To compare the difference in cervical length measured by the above two methods.

Methods

This was a prospective trial involving 100 pregnant women spanning a period of ten months.

Results

Eighteen women out of the 100 studied had preterm labor; of which 17 had a cervical length of less than 3 mm at 22 to 28 weeks. The percentage of women with preterm delivery with a short cervix was 83% by transabdominal scan (TAS) and 94% with transvaginal scan (TVS).

Conclusion

The mean cervical length was lesser amongst women who had a preterm delivery as compared to those with a term delivery. The mean cervical length by TAS was more than that by TVS thereby suggesting that TVS has a higher sensitivity for detection of preterm labor than TAS.
Comparative Evaluation of Saline Infusion Sonohysterography and Hysterolaparoscopy for Diagnosis of Uterine Cavity Abnormalities and Tubal Patency in Infertility: A One Year Cross- sectional Study
Authors: Dhumale Hema , Desai BR , Pujar Yeshita , Sherigar Bhavana , Patted Shobana
Published: October 2010

Objective

To compare the diagnostic efficacy of saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) with hysterolaparoscopy in evaluation of uterine cavity and tubal patency.

Methods

This prospective one year cross-sectional study was conducted at the assisted reproduction center (ARC), KLES Dr Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belgaum. A total of 60 patients underwent SIS for evaluation of uterine cavity and tubal patency. Subsequently all patients underwent hysterolaparoscopy with chromopertubation (CPT). Results of SIS and hysterolaparoscopy with chromopertubation were compared.

Results

For evaluation of uterine cavity, when compared with hysteroscopy, SIS had a sensitivity of 97.8%, specificity of 88.8%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 97.8% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 88.8%. For evaluation of tubal patency when SIS was compared to laparoscopy with CPT, SIS had a sensitivity of 83.3%, specificity of 82.9%, PPV of 42.9% and NPV of 97.5%.

Conclusion

Saline infusion sonohysterography is a noninvasive, simple, easy and cost-effective procedure. SIS is more sensitive and specific for evaluation of uterine cavity as compared to evaluation of tubal patency.
An Unusual Case of Postpartum Anasarca
Authors: Puri Randhir , Singh Jai Inder , Kiran KG
Published: October 2010

A 21-year-old lady, primipara presented with breathlessness on exertion and generalized swelling of three weeks duration. Clinical examination revealed anasarca and features of cardiac failure. After evaluation, a diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy was established based on echocardiographic findings of dilated cardiac chambers and poor left ventricular function. She responded well to treatment. The case is being reported for the diagnostic dilemma and rarity.
A Rare Case of Chorea Gravidarum
Authors: Gawande Madhuri , Ghike Sunita , Jain Sheela
Published: October 2010

Chorea Gravidarum is the term given to chorea occurring during pregnancy. It is not an etiologically or pathologically distinct morbid entity but generic term for chorea of any etiology. We report a case of Chorea Gravidarum, who had past history of Rheumatic fever and Sydenham's Chorea in childhood. Factors associated with recurrence of chorea; those aggravating chorea during pregnancy and its management have been discussed.
Assess the Knowledge Regarding Pre-eclampsia and Its Self-care Measures among Antenatal Women Attending Antenatal Outpatient Department of KLES Dr Prabhakar Kore Hospital, Belgaum
Authors: José Namitha , Kharde Sangeeta
Published: October 2010

The objectives of study were to

assess the knowledge regarding pre-eclampsia and self-care measures among pregnant woman. Find out an association between knowledge regarding pre-eclampsia and self-care measures and selected variables, develop an informational booklet on pre-eclampsia and self-care measures.

Methods

The design selected for the study is descriptive design. The study was conducted on 108 antenatal mothers below 20 weeks of gestational age and who are attending antenatal outpatient department of Dr KLES Prabhakar Kore's Hospital, Belgaum. Non- probability purposive sampling technique was used. The tool included background proforma, knowledge and self-care measures questionnaire on preeclampsia. The data was analyzed in terms of both descriptive and inferential analysis.

Results

Data analysis of level of knowledge revealed majority of mothers 80(74.07%) had average knowledge, 14(12.96%) had good and poor knowledge; and with regards to self-care measures (60.18%) had average knowledge, 41(37.96%) had good knowledge and 2(1.85%) had poor knowledge, association between the knowledge of mothers and selected variables revealed that the variables age, educational status, occupational status, income, religion, parity and area of residence shows an association with knowledge scores at 0.05 level of significance. Association between the self-care measures scores of mothers and selected variables revealed that the variables age, educational status, occupational status, income, religion and parity shows an association with knowledge scores at 0.05 level of significance. The variable type of family and area of residence in relation with knowledge scores of mothers are independent of each other.

Conclusion

The world has come a long way from the times when a woman surviving childbirth was considered to be blessed with a 'second life’ to the present. Application of appropriate prenatal care and management has largely eliminated maternal mortality frequently at the cost of preterm delivery. Based on the findings of the study, it is concluded that most of the subjects had average knowledge regarding preeclampsia and its self-care measures.
Uterine Artery Doppler in the Prediction of Preeclampsia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome
Authors: Antsaklis Aris
Published: October 2010

Preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction are major causes of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Several studies have shown that a generalized endothelial dysfunction is associated with these complications. Clinical trials have shown that pregnant women who demonstrate high resistance in uteroplacental blood flow are at higher risk for preeclampsia. Uterine artery Doppler studies both in the second and the first trimester can predict pregnancies at increased risk of the complications of impaired placentation. The sensitivity for predicting severe preeclampsia ranges between 80 and 90% for a false positive rate of 5 to 7%. Uterine artery Doppler screening at 20 to 24 weeks’ gestation is superior to first trimester screening, and appears to fulfill the requirements for a worthwhile screening test. Further research is needed to better assess the value of various combinations of uterine artery Doppler and maternal serum markers, for the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcome.
Ultrasound Assessment of Endometrial Receptivity in in vitro Fertilization Treatment
Authors: NG Ernest Hung Yu , HO Pak Chung
Published: October 2010

Ultrasonography of the endometrium is a noninvasive way to evaluate the chance of successful implantation during in vitro fertilization treatment. Ultrasound parameters of endometrial receptivity include endometrial thickness, endometrial pattern, endometrial volume, Doppler studies of uterine vessels and the endometrium. Endometrial thickness, pattern and volume are not predictive of pregnancy. A good blood supply towards the endometrium is usually considered to be an essential requirement for implantation. Doppler study of uterine arteries does not reflect the actual blood flow to the endometrium. Endometrial and subendometrial vascularity can be more objectively measured with three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound. However, the role of endometrial and subendometrial vascularity in predicting pregnancy of in vitro fertilization treatment remains controversial.
Cerebral Palsy: State of Art
Authors: Honemeyer Ulrich , Talic Amira
Published: October 2010

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood. It affects 2 to 2.5 children in 1000 live-births, with 20 to 30 fold increased prevalence in preterm infants. Despite of progress in perinatal care, the prevalence of cerebral palsy did not change in the last 50 years. New knowledge about etiological factors, such as inflammation, elevated level of cytokines, vascular strokes and genetic factors shift the origin of cerebral palsy mostly into antenatal period, making intrapartal damage responsible for less than 10% of cases. CP is becoming increasingly the subject of interdisciplinary research. Fetal neurosonography with a growing number of studies promises better understanding of the normal functional maturation of the human brain which may lead to effective prevention and treatment of cerebral palsy. Advances in 4D ultrasound resulted in development of KANET as tool for detection of abnormal fetal behavior.
Four-dimensional Ultrasound Evaluation of Fetal Neurobehavioral Development
Authors: Tanaka Hirokazu , Sasaki Mutsuko
Published: October 2010

The introduction of four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound techniques would facilitate fetal behavioral assessment in three-dimensions in realtime during pregnancy. We describe the latest 4D sonographic studies on fetal behavior, especially fetal whole-body movements and facial expressions in all three trimesters of pregnancy and the continuation of behavior from the fetal to neonatal period. Moreover, we introduce a new scoring system (KANET, Kurjak Antenatal Neurological Test) for assessment of the fetal neurological status using 4D ultrasound. 4D ultrasound also facilitated the evaluation of inter-human contact in twin pregnancies in utero. This novel technique may assist in the evaluation of fetal behavior and inter-twin contact, and offer potential advantages relative to conventional two-dimensional ultrasound. 4D ultrasound should become an important modality in future research on fetal neurobehavioral development and the prenatal identification of severely brain-damaged infants. Further studies involving a larger sample size are needed to ascertain the role of 4D ultrasound in the evaluation of fetal neurobehavioral development.
Ultrasonic Characterization of Adnexal Masses
Authors: Honemeyer Ulrich , Plavsic Sanja Kupesic
Published: October 2010

Adnexal masses have an etiological spectrum ranging from gynecologic to non-gynecologic causes. Because they can be benign or malignant, their evaluation has to include a careful analysis of the patients history, a physical examination, and laboratory and imaging tests. Transvaginal ultrasonography remains the standard for evaluation of adnexal masses. Findings suggestive of malignancy in an adnexal mass include a solid component or intracystic proliferations, thick septations (greater than 2 to 3 mm), bilateral occurrence, blood flow within the solid component of the mass, and presence of ascites. Tumor-neoangiogenesis has typical features of flow pattern and vascular architecture, indicative of malignancy, which can be visualized by Doppler ultrasound. Power Doppler with its increased sensitivity for slow flow and small vessels is ideal for this purpose and, in combination with acquisition of a volume data set of the region of interest (RoI), gives new insights in tumor angiology and appears to be an additional diagnostic tool. An important predictor of malignancy is a resistance index (RI) below 0.42 in arterial tumor vessels. 3D rendering modes like magic cut, NICHE mode, power Doppler glass body rendering, can make valuable contributions to differential diagnose of adnexal masses. A variety of adnexal masses is illustrated in their specific sonographic appearance, with special regard to ovarian carcinoma.
A simplified empirical method for determination of aerosol hygroscopicity and composition
Authors: Chan C. H. , Cheng A. Y. S. , Viseu A.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Atmospheric aerosols have substantial influence on the Earth's radiation budget, visibility, cloud formation and precipitation. The aerosol hygroscopicity and the composition of aerosols are of vital importance for solar radiation budget calculation, cloud formation mechanism, and measurement of aerosol spatiotemporal distribution through remote sensing, such as Lidar, MODIS and sun/star photometer. In this paper, hourly averaged records of humidity, visibility and aerosol concentration, conducted in Macao, P.R.C. from 1 February 2006 to 31 December 2008 (LT), are used to estimate aerosol hygroscopicity and composition with a simplified empirical method. The result of monthly variation of aerosol hygroscopicity indicates the important role of aerosol composition on optical properties, which is in agreement with the previous study. This aerosol composition pattern is also consistent with the Asiatic Monsoon pattern and vicinity, such as Hong Kong. The monthly variation of aerosol hygroscopicity and composition also shows the necessity to consider such a factor for the aerosols monitoring by remote system and aerosols forcing simulated by climate model.
Air quality and emissions in the Yangtze River Delta, China
Authors: Li L. , Chen C. H. , Huang C. , Wang Y. J. , Huang H. Y. , Fu J. M. , Fu J. S. , Streets D. G. , Zhang G. F. , Wang H. L. , Chen Y. R. , Jang C. J.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Regional trans-boundary air pollution has become an important issue in the field of air pollution modeling. This paper presents the results of the implementation of the MM5-CMAQ modeling system in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) for the months of January and July of 2004. The meteorological parameters are obtained by using the MM5 model. A new regional emission inventory with spatial and temporal allocations based on local statistical data has been developed to provide input emissions data to the MM5-CMAQ modeling system. The pollutant concentrations obtained from the MM5-CMAQ modeling system have been compared with observational data from the national air pollution monitoring network. It is found that air quality in winter in the YRD is generally worse than in summer, due mainly to unfavorable meteorological dispersion conditions. In winter the pollution transport from Northern China to the YRD reinforces the pollution caused by large local emissions. The monthly average concentration of SO2 in the YRD is 0.026 ± 0.011 mg m−3 in January and 0.017 ± 0.009 mg m−3 in July. Monthly average concentrations of NO2 in the YRD in January and July are 0.021 ± 0.009 mg m−3, and 0.014 ± 0.008 mg m−3 respectively. Visibility is also a problem, with average deciview values of 26.4 ± 2.95 dcv in winter and 17.6 ± 3.3 dcv in summer. The ozone concentration in the downtown area of a city like Zhoushan can be very high, with the highest simulated value reaching 107 ppb. Our results show that ozone and haze have become extremely important issues in the regional air quality. Thus, regional air pollution control is urgently needed to improve air quality in the YRD.
Ice nuclei properties within a Saharan Dust Event at the Jungfraujoch
Authors: Chou C. , Stetzer O. , Weingartner E. , Jurányi Z. , Kanji Z. A. , Lohmann U.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. The new portable ice nucleation chamber (PINC) developed by the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Sciences of ETH Zurich was operated during two campaigns PINC II and III at the high alpine research station Jungfraujoch situated at 3580 m a.s.l., in March and June 2009, respectively. During this time of the year, a high probability of Saharan Dust Events (SDE) at the Jungfraujoch has been observed. We used an impactor with a cutoff size of 1 μm aerodynamic diameter and operated the system at −31 °C and relative humidities of 127% and 91% with respect to ice and water, respectively in order to investigate the contribution of deposition freezing to mixed-phase clouds and also to look at the number concentration of ice nuclei (IN) during a SDE. The average IN concentration during PINC II was 8 particles per liter whereas during PINC III, the average number concentration was higher up to 14 particles per liter. Two SDEs were detected on 15 and 16 June 2009. Our measurements show that the SDEs had IN number concentration up to several hundreds per liter. We found the best correlation between the number concentration of the larger particle fraction measured by an optical particle counter and the IN number concentration during a Saharan Dust Event. This correlation factor is higher for particles larger than 0.5 μm meaning that a higher concentration of larger particles induced higher IN number concentration. No correlation could be found between the black carbon mass concentration and the variations in IN number concentration.