bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carcinoma breast, late presentation-a big concern
Authors: Aslam Muhammad Nadeem , Ansari Ahmad Kamal , Siddique Afzal , Imran Muhammad
Published: June 2016

Objectives: To study the different presentation patterns and their treatment options in advanced carcinoma breast. Design: A retrospective observational study Settings: North Surgical Ward, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from November 2004 to April 2006. Patients and Methods: In total, 156 patients with carcinoma breast, confirmed histopathologically by biopsy and /or FNAC, were included in this study. Information was gathered from them using a structured questionnaire. Results: The peak incidence of carcinoma breast was found to be between 31- 45 years of age. Majority of these patients presented in stage II (22%). Maximum number of patients presented in stage III (56%). However stage IV disease was also found in 12% of patients` population. But stage I disease was least commonly presented disease (10%). And infiltrative ductal carcinoma was the most prevalent (94%) histologic type. Modified radical mastectomy was the surgical treatment adopted in about 72% of cases with adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusion: Advance stage breast lump with local or locoregional spread remained the commonest mode of presentation of carcinoma breast . And infiltrative ductal carcinoma is the commonest histologic variant. Majority of the of patients with carcinoma breast in Pakistan still present in advanced stages where almost no cosmetically more acceptable surgical procedure can be carried out.
Attitudes of medical students towards psychiatry in QMC (Bahawalpur) Pakistan
Authors: Maqsood Niaz , Ali Wajid , Niaz Saima , Chaudhry Haroon Rashid , Malik Jamil Ahmad , Ahmad Ishtiaq
Published: June 2016

The present study is a comprehensive investigation of the attitude toward psychiatry from Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur (Pakistan). A total of 538 students were studied using a 50-item Scale (ATP 30). Responses of the students were collected from classes of 1st year and 4th year and a comparison was calculated on year wise and gender wise basis. The results are presented and discussed.
Doppler evaluation of breast solid masses differentiation of benign and malignant masses role of resistive index
Authors: Batool Sadaf , Shaukat Asim , Saima Batool Zafarul Ahsan , Siddiqa Ayesha , A Qureshi , K K Ahmad , M N Anjum
Published: June 2016

Objective: To know the usefulness of color and spectral doppler in evaluation of solid breast masses using vascularity and resistive index. Material and methods: We performed duplex doppler sonography on 100 patients presenting with breast mass. Resistive index and vascularity of the vessels were detected and analyzed and correlated with histopathological results. Results: 70% of the benign lesions were found having ri below 0.8 and 45 out of 50 patients had low vascularity.43 malignant lesions had high vascularity and 80% had ri above 0.8. Conclusion: High flow visualization on power doppler and indicates a higher possibility of malignancy lesions with ri greater than 0.8 gives high probability of malignancy.
Hysterosalpingography as a diagnostic tool in patients with infertility
Authors: Akhtar Naseem , Naveed Mussarat , Akmal Noreen
Published: June 2016

To evaluate the role of HSG as a diagnostic tool in a tubal factor infertility. HSG was performed on 100 infertile patients after excluding other causes of infertility. Tubal factor was found in 34% of patients as a cause of infertility.
Perinatal Outcome in Pregnancies Complicated by Isolated Oligohydramnios at
Authors: Umber Aneela
Published: June 2016

Objective:  To determine the perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by isolated oligohydramnios at term. Study Design:  Comparative / Cohort study. Place and Duration of Study:  This study was carried out in Unit-III at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore from 14-05-2002 to15-06-2003. Patients and Methods:  During this study 500 patients with singleton pregnancy were selected and Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) was evaluated within 4 days of delivery in these patients with technique of Phelan et al. All selected outcome variables of these pregnancies were recorded on printed proformas. On the bases of AFI measurements patients were divided in two groups. Those who have AFI > 50 mm and < 50 mm. The significance of difference or comparison of means was measured by Chai square test (by Yats corrections). Perinatal outcomes in pregnancies with oligohydramnios were compared with those with normal amniotic fluid volume. Results:  The selected outcomes showed significant variations in both groups. The statistical significance was present between advanced gestational age, presence of meconium, deceleration of fetal heart rate and chances of caesarean delivery. There were increased chances of induction of labor (41% Vs 22%) and caesarean delivery (32% Vs 23%) in oligohydramnios group. Conclusion:  Oligohydramnios is associated with an increased risk of caesarean delivery for fetal distress and perinatal morbidity. Key Words:  Isolated Oligohydramnios, perinatal outcome.
MODIFIED SCLERAL BUCKLING WITH A NON-CONTACT WIDE ANGLE VIEWING SYSTEM AND A 25G CHANDELIER ENDOILLUMINTOR
Authors: Jahangir Tehmina , Tayyab Haroon , Naeem Muhammad , Lateef Qasim , Khan Asad Aslam
Published: June 2016

AbstractPurpose:To evaluate the outcome of scleral buckling surgery using a wide angle non-contact viewing system and chandelier endoillumination for per-operative fundus visualization in patients with non-complex rhegmatogenous retinal detachments.Materials and Methods:This was a prospective, interventional study carried out at the Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Hospital Lahore over a period of six months. Non-probability convenience sampling technique was employed. Fifteen eyes of fifteen pati-ents underwent modified scleral buckling procedure for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment using a 25G Awh Chandelier (inserted into the sclera through the pars plana) and wide angle viewing system to view the fundus intraoperatively instead of the conventional Indirect Ophthalmoscope.Results:The mean age of the patients in this study group was 41.9 12.4 years. Out of fifteen patients, 13 had flat retinas postoperatively. Two patients had to undergo pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade due to development of retinal detachment secon-dary to PVR.Conclusion:Modified scleral buckling with the con-current use of a chandelier light and wide angle viewing system provides an easier and more convenient means of visualizing the fundus under panoramic viewing conditions intraoperatively.Key Words:Wide angle viewing system. Retinal detachment. Scleral buckling. Endoillumination.
THE VALIDITY OF HEMATOLOGIC MARKERS FOR DIAGNOSIS OF NEONATAL SEPSIS
Authors: Ayub Aqeela , Chishti Akmal Laeeq , Hassen Khwaja Amjad
Published: June 2016

AbstractObjective:To determine the validity of haematologic markers for sepsis screen (absolute neutrophil count (ANC), immature/total leukocytes ratio (I:T), platelets count (PC), C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum ferri-tin), both individually and in combination for early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.Methodology:This cross sectional analytical study was conducted in Neonatal Section of Paediatric Medicine Unit II, Mayo Hospital Lahore for one year. One hundred neonates presenting with clinical sepsis were included through non-probability, purposive sampling after written informed consent. Blood sample was collected for full hematologic screening as mentioned above along with blood cultures. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS Version 17.Results: There were 68 male and 32 females including 31 preterm and 69 term neonates. 45 neonates were <1 day age, 40 neonates 1 10 days age, 15 neonates 11 30 days age. Mean weight of study cases was 2.35 0.69 Kg. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of ANC were 77.3%, 100% and 90%, for I/T ratio were 81.8%, 81.4% and 81%, for CRP were 75%, 83.9% and 80%, for platelet count were 84.1%, 71.4% and 77%, for serum ferritin were 88.6%, 69.6% and 78% respectively. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of combination of SF + I:T was 81.8%, 82.1% and 82%, for combination of SF + ANC + I:T were 93.2%, 71.4% and 81% for combination of SF + CRP + I:T were 93.2%, 67.9% and 79%, for combination of SF + I:T + PC were 90.9%, 58.9% and 73%, for combination of SF + CRP + ANC were 95.5%, 69.6% and 81%. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of combination of all markers were 90.9%, 76.8% and 83% respectively.Conclusion:Results of our study showed that we can safely rely on hematologic markers for confirmation of neonatal sepsis both singly and in combination. We suggest that these tests may help to diagnose neonatal sepsis earlier.Key Words:Neonatal Sepsis, Diagnostic accuracy, Lethargy, Prolong rupture of membrane, Temperature instability, Hematologic markers.
ANALYSIS OF EARLY RELAPAROTOMY IN OBSTETRIC & GYNAECOLOGICAL SURGERIES
Authors: Zia Shumaila , Rafique Muhammad , Qureshi Muhammad Atif , Ahmad Baha
Published: June 2016

AbstractObjectives:Evaluation of risk factors, frequency, causes and measures took to save patients life in relaparotomies.Methods:This retrospective, descriptive study was conducted from January 2012 December 2014 in a tertiary care hospital.Results:This study includes 38 cases, 29 (76.3%) obstetrical and nine (23.7%) gynaecological Relaparotomy incidence was 0.43%. It was 0.55% for obstetrical and 0.24% for gynaecological indications. The leading causes were suspected intra-abdominal bleeding in 24 (63.2%), uncontrolled postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) in nine (23.7%) and suspected abdominal caesarean sections (CS) 28/29(96.5%). Of 28 previous CS cases, multiple CS were in13 (46.4%), placenta previa in five (17.85%) and antepartum hemorrhage in four (14.28%) cases. Majority (92.1%) of patients underwent relaparotomy within 24 hours after primary surgery. Patients received (mean SD) 7.2 5.4 packed red blood cells, 4.3 5.5 fresh frozen plasma and 1.2 2.3 platelets units. Third operation was needed in seven (18.4%) cases. Twelve (31.6%) women develo-ped complications. There were three (7.9%) maternal deaths following relaparotomy.Conclusion:Intra-abdominal bleeding is main cause for reoperation and multiple CS is major risk factor. Recognition of risk factors, careful primary operation, involvement of seniors in complicated surgeries and early intervention can prevent majority of the relaparotomies.Key words:Relaparotomy, reoperation, complicated caesarean section, maternal mortality, obstetrics and gynaecology, intra-peritoneal haemorrhage.
RELATIONSHIP OF PARENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL SUPPORT DURING PREGNANCY WITH THE RISK OF NON-SYNDROMIC ORAL CLEFTS: A CASE � CONTROL STUDY
Authors: Afzal Saira , Bashir Mustehsan , Khan Muhammad Arif , Tehzeeb Javaria , Manzoor Anum , Dar Aaila Sajid , Umair Muhammad , Butt Abeera Ishaq , Iqbal Aroobah , Anwar Aniqa , Bashir M. Jawad , Junaid M. Mishkat , Ashraf M. Salman
Published: June 2016

AbstractOral clefts are divided into cleft lip, cleft palate and cleft lip along with cleft palate. Cleft palate is defined as an inability of palatal shelves to approximate and close during the first months of embryogenic period thus leaving an opening in the roof of the mouth and forming communication between the nasal and oral cavities.Objective:To determine the relationship of risk of oral clefts with parental health and social support.Study Design: Case Control Study.Study Setting and Duration:Various hospitals in Lahore and 3 month duration.Materials and Methods:A Case Control Study was conducted. A total of 100 subjects (50 cases, 50 controls) were included. Sampling was done by purposive method. Data was collected with the help of Cornell Medical Index Health Questionnaire and Social Support Questionnaire after taking their informed consent. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20.0. Mean and standard deviation were used to describe quantitative variables like age. Test of significance were applied.Results:56% of cases were females and 44% were males. Mean age of mothers was 27 and fathers was 31. Most mothers were uneducated (36%) while most fathers were educated till matric (34%). Income of most parents was in the range of 10,000-20,000 PKR (44%). 24% of controls were females and 76% were males. The associations of oral cleft was found significant with parental respiratory, cardiovascular, gastro-intestinal, musculoskeletal, skin-related, genitourinary health, easy fatigability, health habits, anxiety, anger, paternal nervous system health, sensitivity, and mater-nal frequency of illness, depression and feeling of inadequacy (p < 0.05). Maternal social support catego-ries indicated that cases were less supported than con-trols: number of persons available and level of satisfaction (p < 0.05).Conclusion:Oral clefts have a multi-factorial etio-logy. Hence, an effective preventive program should take into account parental health and social support factors.Key Words:Non-syndromic Oral Clefts, Parental Health, Social Support.
ROLE OF CHEWING GUM ON EARLY RECOVERY OF FEMALES AFTER CAESAREAN SECTION
Authors: Wajid Rabia , Huma Ghazala , Mobusher Iram
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackground:The incidence of Caesarean section is increasing day by day, which is usually conducted under spinal anesthesia. It is done on lower abdominal region and for this reason; the working of digestive system can slow down in the coming period. This is known as ileus, and is distressing for the patient but the way to prevent this problem, is there. One possible way of avoiding this consequence is chewing gum which tricks the body into thinking it is eating making the bowel start its function again.Objective:To compare the effect of chewing gum as compared to no intervention for early recovery of bowel system after lower segment caesarean section at term.Methodology:This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 100 females who were planned to undergo caesarean section. Informed consent was obtained and demographic details were noted. In group A, females were suggested to take chewing gum after 6 hours of surgery to chew for 60 minutes while in group B, females were not subjected to chewing gum. They were followedup in wards and time required for first bowel sound and first fecal discharge was noted and compared in both groups by using t-test.Results:The mean age of females was 24.48 1.99 years. The females presented at mean gestational age of 38.76 0.87 weeks. The mean BMI of females was 25.49 2.29 kg/m2. Total duration of surgery required for c-section including anesthesia time was 42.28 2.38 minutes. After surgery, the mean duration bet-ween c-section and first onset of feeling of hunger was 11.38 3.14 hours in chewing gum group and 16.84 0.49 hours in control group. The mean duration bet-ween c-section and first bowel sound was 21.39 0.68 hours in chewing gum group and in control group were 28.27 0.60 hours. The mean duration between c-section and first passage of flatus was 25.94 0.71 hours in chewing gum group and 32.00 0.77 hours in control group. The mean duration between c-section and first defecation was 31.56 0.81 hours in chewing gum group and 41.28 0.80 hours in control group. The difference was significant and chewing gum group required less duration for feel of hunger, first bowel sound, passage of flatus and defecation than control group (p < 0.05).Conclusion:In conclusion, use of chewing is effec-tive and beneficial in early recovery of females after caesarean section in terms of early return of bowel activities.Key words:Bowel Sound, Caesarean Section, Chew-ing Gum, Digestive System, Fecal Discharge, Ileus.
Correlates of Science Concept Acquisition: Foundations for Better Doctors, Engineers, and Scientists
Authors: Shahed Sarah , Hashmi Madiha Rauf , Hashmi Ali Madeeh
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackground:  School prepare students for successful professional careers. Evidence indicates that the quality of science education in schools is deteriorating andstudents may not bedeveloping the conceptual understanding of science required for success in later life. This may be one of the causesofdearth of research scientists in the country.Objective:  The present study was conducted to study science concept acquisition and related variables in secondary school students in Punjab Province.Method:  A survey was conducted involving a purposive sample of 720 male and female students of class 9 in both science and humanities groups in public sector schools in six districts of Punjab covering the centralsouthern and northern region of the province. The Science Concept Acquisition Test and a self  constructed questionnaire were used for data collection.Results:  The findings of this study revealed that variables like class size, teaching methodology, academic group and city were important in the performance of students in science. The study also yielded gender differences in test scores.Conclusion:  It is suggested that the school authorites and all stakeholdersneed to take steps to improve the quality and learning outcome of science education in Pakistan.
Association between Academic Learning Strategies and Annual Examination Results among Medical Students of King Edward Medical University
Authors: Tariq Saira , Khan Muhammad Arif , Afzal Saira , Shahzad Sheikh Raza , Hamza Mohammad , Khan Haania Aimen , Qamar Fatima , Javed Maryam , Ashraf Muhammad Farhan , Mubarak Fareeha , Puri Bushra Iqbal , Masood Taha , Kazim Fatima , Shaukat Tanveer , Shaikh Shafia
Published: June 2016

Learning style is the composite of cognitive, affective, and physiological characteristics that serve as relatively stable indicators of how a learner perceives, interacts and responds to the learning environment. Felder – Solomon Index of Learning Style (ILS) includes Sensitive/Intuitive, Visual/Verbal and Sequential/ Global, Active/reflective. The learning strategies are a major indicator of exam performance of students.Objective:  To find the association between academiclearning strategies and annual examination results among medical students of King Edward Medical University.Study Design:  Cross – sectional study design.Study Setting and Duration:  King Edward Medical University and 3 months.Materials and Methods:  The study was conducted among the 3rd, 4th, and 5th year medical students of KEMU Lahore. Informed consent was taken. A total of 300 students, 100 each from 3rd, 4th and 5th year were taken. 132 males (44%) and 168 females (56%) were part of the study. Simple Random sampling (non-pro-bability sampling) was used.Results:  The overall dominant learning strategies among students of King Edward Medical University were sensing/SNS (64.3%), visual/VIS (80.7%), sequential/SEQ (63.7%) and Active/ACT (50.3%). Chi squared test for individual learning combinations against achiever types showed no significant association between academic learning strategies and annual exam performance (p value > 0.05). Results also showed that females performed better academically than their male counterparts.
Carbimazole Induced Cholestatic Hepatitis in Grave’s Disease – A Case Report
Authors: Neki N. S. , Jain Ankur
Published: June 2016

Grave’s disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Antithyroid drugs are usually well tolerated in majority of patients but serious side effects in the form of allergy, agranulocytosis, aplastic anaemia, vasculitis, hepatitis etc occur in 3 – 12% of treated patients. Carbimazole is extensively used as the drug of choice except in pregnancy, where propylthiouracil is preferred. We report a case of 35 year old female patient with Grave’s disease, who developed cholestatic jaundice following administration of carbimazole for 2 months. Symptoms and laboratory abnormalities subsided on withdrawal of carbimazole and Grave’s thyrotoxicosis was managed with propranolol and propyl-thiouracil.
Role of Colour Doppler in Evaluation of Hemodynamic Changes in Chronic Hepatitis C Infection
Authors: Masood Mahjabeen , Dogar Iqbal Hussain , Gautam Mahesh , Rasul Ghulam
Published: June 2016

Objective:  The objective of this study is to determine the role of colour flow Doppler ultrasound examination for detection of change in liver hemodynamic in hepatitis C positive chronic liver disease.Materials and Methods:  This study was conducted in Department of Radiology, Mayo Hospital Lahore from 2012 to 2013. Hundred diagnosed case of Hepatitis C by serology were included in this study. Patient were examined for liver and spleen size, texture and presence and absence of ascites before Doppler study. All the data were coded and analyzed using SPSS version 20.Results:  Mean age of the patient was found to be 45.90 ± 12.71 years. The echotexture of liver was normal in 29 patients (29.0%), coarse with smooth margins in 48 patients (48.0%) and coarse with irregularSMO, Department of Radiology, Children Hospital, Lahoremargins in 23 patients (23.0%). Splenic size was enlarged (≥ 13 cm) in 63.0%. Portal vein diameter was enlarged in (≥ 13 mm) in 53.0%. Severity of ascites shows mild ascites in 24.0%, moderate in 24.0% and severe in 19.0% patients. Portal vein velocity shows abnormality (≥ 24cm/sec) in 63.0%. Hepatic vein waveform in 71.0% of patients was triphasic and non-triphasic in 29.0%.Conclusion:  In conclusion alterations of liver hemodynamics resulting from inflammation at the tissue level are detectable in Doppler sonography.
Ultrasound and Infantile Pyloric Stenosis (IHPS) early Detection Better Patients
Authors: Dar Sajid Hameed , Ahmed Sarfraz , Sheikh Muhammad Afzal
Published: June 2016

The role of ultrasound in the diagnosis of Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis (IHPS) can not be over emphasized. The easy availability of this reliable imaging modality may contribute to prompter diagnosis and early treatment. The author wishes to present comparison of two series, of 52 patients each, conducted in the same department, but five years apart. Spread over more than a decade our experience with IHPS patients has undergone dramatic changes, especially the diagnostic part of it. Salient features of the two studies will be highlighted. In addition the study will examine whether the easy access to ultrasound has affected the care of infants with pyloric stenosis.
A study of Platelet Activation in Pre-Eclampsia
Authors: Ihsan Imrana , Akram Muhammad
Published: June 2016

The platelet behaviour during normal pregnancy seems to be quite modified like increased platelet aggregation, altered haemostatic mechanisms and enhanced fibrinolytic activity. The hyper-functioning endocrines and release of various platelet factors during pregnancy have been conjectured to cause the well-known features of pre-eclampsia. In order to evaluate the effects of pre-eclampsia on platelet behaviour, 125 women of child-bearing age were chosen from Services and Jinnah Hospitals, Lahore. The subjects/patients were grouped as control/non-pregnant (25), normal pregnant (50) and pre-eclamptic (50). Platelet aggregation study was performed on Aggregometer (Chronolog 540) and cell counts were performed on Coulter Counter Model T-660. It was observed that haemostatic mechanisms are stimulated during third trimester of normal pregnancy. The platelet reactivity remained unchanged despite a significant fall in platelet count. In pre-eclamptic group the platelet reactivity decreased significantly during third trimester. Platelet count also showed a highly significant decline in this group. The decreased responsiveness of platelets and fall in platelet count probably reflects platelet exhaustion. The routine performance of platelet function studies in pregnant women may help in predicting the onset of pre-eclampsia thereby providing a guideline for appropriate management of this condition.
Operative strategies in Pancreatic Trauma
Authors: Ahmad Nazir , Abid Khalid Javed , Khan Aamer Zaman , Shah Tahir Ahmad
Published: June 2016

A prospective study consisting of 16 patients was carried out in West Surgical Ward Mayo Hospital, Lahore from January 2001 to December 2002. All the patients having pancreatic injury alone or associated with other organ injuries detected on exploratory laparotomy were included in the study. There were 15 (93.75%) males and only one (6.25%) female patient in the study. Cause of injury in 11 (68.75%) patients was firearm, in three (18.75%) patients it was blunt trauma and stab in 2(12.50) patients. Four (25%) patients had grade III injury and five (31.25%) patients had grade V pancreatic injury. Distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was done in seven (43.75%) and Whipple`s operation in six (37.50%) patients. Post-operative complications observed in the series were pancreatic fistula in two (12.50%), intra-abdominal abscess in two (12.50%), peri-pancreatic abscess in one (6.251%) and acute pancreatitis in one (6.251%) patient. There were four deaths in the series.
Comparison of diagnostic BCG Test with Mantoux Test in Children with suspicion of Tuberculosis
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Javed , Sarfraz Muhammad
Published: June 2016

The incidence of TB is increasing at an alarming rate in Pakistan as indicated by WHO 1997. The BCG test has been proved as a rapid, reliable and cost-effective test in children in many international studies. The BCG test has superiority over Mantoux test in children with severe malnutrition and TBM. The BCG test was positive in (80%) patients while Mantoux test was positive in 50% patients. The BCG test was positive in all patients where Mantoux test was positive. Thirty one patients had BCG test positive where Mantoux test was negative. Majority of the patients with positive BCG test (85%) were severely malnourished while Mantoux test was positive in only 15.6% of such cases. Most of BCG test positive children were below 5 years of age. In Tuberculous meningitis(TBM),BCG test was more (86%) conclusive than Mantoux test (14%). All patients with positive Mantoux test also had positive BCG test. In pulmonary TB, 40(91%) patients were BCG test positive as compared to positive Mantoux test (45%). All patients with positive Mantoux test also had positive BCG test.
Contribution to a flood situation management: a supervisory control scheme to reduce disaster impact
Authors: Nouasse H. , Chiron P. , Archimède B.
Published: June 2016

Inundations due to river overflows are becoming more frequent; management of flood is thus an important task belonging to the set of preventive measures allowing the protection of people and goods downstream. The flood situation management method proposed in this paper was designed to reduce the flood impact at its early arising stage. The river is supposed to be equipped with reservoirs in which water excesses are stored and then released only when the flood episode ends. The supervisory control scheme allows calculation of the water volumes through the use of a network flow. Management objectives, such as the maximum discharge level allowed in the river, the order of priority for the reservoir storage or release, the measured levels and discharge in the river and in the reservoirs, and the assessed parameters such as time delays, are combined to configure the network flow. Then, the optimal flow in the network is computed and supplies the reservoirs’ gate opening setpoints. Finally, the method was applied to a simulated case for which the time delay during the flood varied and remained efficient for flood attenuation compared with the case when the gates were always open, thanks to the network configuration.
Adsorption of lead (II) ions onto novel cassava starch 5-choloromethyl-8-hydroxyquinoline polymer from an aqueous medium
Authors: Shah Prapti U. , Raval Nirav P. , Vekariya Mayur , Wadhwani Poonam M. , Shah Nisha K.
Published: June 2016

Adsorption of lead (II) ions onto cassava starch 5-choloromethyl-8-hydroxyquinoline polymer (CSCMQ) was investigated with the variation in the parameters of pH, contact time, lead (II) ions concentration, temperature and the adsorbent dose. The Langmuir and Freundlich models have been applied. CSCMQ was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that the adsorption process was better described by the Langmuir model. Adsorption kinetics data obtained for the metal ions sorption were investigated using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion model. The maximum adsorption capacities (qm) were 46.512, 43.859 and 42.735 mg/g at 25, 35 and 45 °C, respectively. The dynamical data fit well with the second-order kinetics model. The results indicate that CSCMQ could be employed as low-cost material for the adsorption of Pb(II) ions from aqueous medium.
Straight from the Horse's Mouth: Using Vignettes to Support Student Learning in Veterinary Ethics
Authors: Magalhães-Sant'Ana Manuel , Hanlon Alison J.
Published: June 2016

In the last few decades, the importance of imparting ethical competences to veterinary students has been increasingly acknowledged. Despite its relevance, there are few published descriptions of teaching approaches to veterinary ethics and their effect on student learning. At University College Dublin, veterinary ethics is part of a core module on animal behavior and welfare in the pre-clinical teaching program. The present study describes the implementation of a student-centered, skills-based approach to veterinary ethics teaching using vignettes (i.e., case scenarios). Vignettes were inspired by several resources, including a focus group, and designed to represent significant ethical challenges faced by veterinary professionals in Ireland in addition to cases of potential professional misconduct. In small groups, students had to identify the stakeholders and their conflicting interests and to suggest possible solutions and alternative outcomes to the case scenario. Results from qualitative material from the teaching sessions and from a quantitative post-teaching survey show that student understanding of stakeholders increased as a result of the tutorial, which helped them to clarify possible solutions to the scenario and to propose alternative outcomes to either mitigate or avoid future occurrence of the ethical challenges. These findings suggest that incorporating meaningful vignettes into the teaching of veterinary ethics can support student ethical awareness and skills, while promoting a pluralistic approach to considering ethical issues, making the best of available time and human resources.
Peri-procedural Outcome of Small Vessel Coronary Stenting
Authors: Dan Kazal Kanti , Islam Mohammad Nazrul , Hossain Md Nur , Uddin Mir Jamal , Islam AKM Monwarul
Published: June 2016

Background: Among all percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs), 30 to 40% involve small coronary arteries. Small vessel PCI has historically been associated with poor outcome in terms of coronary artery dissection, acute vessel closure, myocardial infarction, emergent coronary bypass grafting, and restenosis, but the scenario has been changing in recent years. The outcome of small vessel coronary intervention in Bangladeshi population is largely unknown.Objectives: The study was carried out to assess and compare the immediate outcome of PCI in small vessels with that in large vessels.Methods: This prospective, comparative study involved 100 patients undergoing PCI with stent implantation; group I constituted 50 patients having target vessel diameter of <3.0 mm, whereas group II constituted 50 patients having target vessel diameter of >3.0 mm. Immediate outcome of PCI was compared between the two groups. Angiographic, procedural and clinical successes were assessed. Acute complications e.g. major adverse cardiac events (MACE), arrhythmia, hemorrhage, pericardial tamponade, coronary dissection, no flow, vessel rupture and shock were observed.Results: No statistically significant differences in baseline clinical characteristics existed between the two groups. Favourable outcomes were observed in both groups. Angiographic success was 100% in group I, as well as, in group II; procedural and clinical success was 94% vs. 98%, and 90% vs. 94% in small and large vessel groups respectively (p> 0.05). Complications were infrequent in both groups. Also, no statistically significant difference was found in duration of hospital stay post-procedure between group I and group II.Conclusion: Small vessel coronary stenting may be safe and effective. However, these findings require further study involving larger population and long term follow up.Bangladesh Heart Journal 2015; 30(1) : 22-26
Construct validity test of evaluation tool for professional behaviors of entry-level occupational therapy students in the United States
Authors: Yuen Hon K. , Azuero Andres , Lackey Kaitlin W. , Brown Nicole S. , Shrestha Sangita
Published: June 2016

Purpose: This study aimed to test the construct validity of an instrument to measure student professional behaviors in entry-level occupational therapy (OT) students in the academic setting. Methods: A total of 718 students from 37 OT programs across the United States answered a self-assessment survey of professional behavior that we developed. The survey consisted of ranking 28 attributes, each on a 5-point Likert scale. A split-sample approach was used for exploratory and then confirmatory factor analysis. Results: A three-factor solution with nine items was extracted using exploratory factor analysis [EFA] (n=430, 60%). The factors were ‘Commitment to Learning’ (2 items), ‘Skills for Learning’ (4 items), and ‘Cultural Competence’ (3 items). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the validation split (n=288, 40%) indicated fair fit for this three-factor model (fit indices: CFI=0.96, RMSEA=0.06, and SRMR=0.05). Internal consistency reliability estimates of each factor and the instrument ranged from 0.63 to 0.79. Conclusion: Results of the CFA in a separate validation dataset provided robust measures of goodness-of-fit for the three-factor solution developed in the EFA, and indicated that the three-factor model fitted the data well enough. Therefore, we can conclude that this student professional behavior evaluation instrument is a structurally validated tool to measure professional behaviors reported by entry-level OT students. The internal consistency reliability of each individual factor and the whole instrument was considered to be adequate to good.
Relevance of the test content of the Korean Nursing Licensing Examination to nursing job
Authors: Park In Sook , Suh Yeon Ok , Park Hae Sook , Ahn Soo Yeon , Kang So Young , Kim Kwang Sung
Published: June 2016

Purpose: This study aimed at identifying if there is a relevance of content of the Korean Nursing Licensing Examination (KNLE) revised in 2014 to nursing job. It will be able to provide the validity of revised content of the KNLE. Methods: From October 13 to November 13, 2015, print version of 8 duties with 49-tasks, 155-job item questionnaires were distributed to 1,305 hospital nurses and 202 nursing faculties in Korea. Results were treated by descriptive statistics and comparison analysis. There were responses from 946 nurses or professors (72.5%). Results: The relevance of test content of KNLE to nursing job was shown to be valid with over 3 points out of 4 point Likert scale in all items: from 3.23 at lowest to 3.64 at top. Conclusion: Above results showed that the revised version of KNLE in 2014 was valid to test the nursing students’ knowledge for job performance.
Immediate Implants: Clinical Guidelines for Esthetic Outcomes
Authors: Javaid Mohammad , Khurshid Zohaib , Zafar Muhammad , Najeeb Shariq
Published: June 2016

Research has shown that tooth loss results in morphological changes in alveolar ridge that may influence the subsequent implant placement. Immediate implant placement was introduced as a possible means to limit bone resorption and reduce the number of surgical procedures following tooth extraction. Histological and clinical evidence from human clinical studies showing efficacy of immediate implants has come to light over the last decade or so. However, immediate implant placement is a challenging surgical procedure and requires proper case selection and surgical technique. Furthermore, there appears to be a lack of clinical guidelines for immediate implant placement case selection. Therefore, the aim of this mini-review is to analyze critical evidence from human studies in order to establish clinical guidelines which may help clinicians in case selection when considering immediate implant placement protocol.
Metamaterial Absorber Comprised of Butt-Facing U-Shaped Nanoengineered Gold Metasurface
Authors: Ghasemi Masih , Choudhury Pankaj
Published: June 2016

The paper reports spectral features of the absorbed electromagnetic (EM) waves in a new kind of multilayered plasmonic metamaterial thin film comprised of homogenous layers of copper and silicon as the bottom and the middle sections (of the thin film), respectively, and the inhomogeneous U-shaped nanoengineered gold layer as the top. Each unit cell of the top metasurface consists of one upside and one downside U-shaped (butt-facing) structure. The absorbance of EM waves is simulated in the wavelength range of 200−1500 nm under different incidence angles considering the wave as being transmitted from the metasurface side. The low-order TE and TM modes are taken into account for the estimation of wave absorbance under varying metasurfaces as well as silicon layer thicknesses. It has been found that the nanoengineered gold layer causes higher confinement of power in silicon, which can be further controlled by suitably adjusting its thickness. Further, the increased thickness of metasurface results in shifts in absorption peak along with the existence of dual-absorption maxima in the visible spectral range. The obtained spectral features reveal possible application of the proposed structure as a prudent metamaterial absorber, which can be exploited for EM heating purposes.
Managing Climate Policy Information Facilitating Knowledge Transfer to Policy Makers
Authors: Karakosta Charikleia , Flamos Alexandros
Published: June 2016

In the challenging context of intense negotiations and radical developments in the field of climate policy, informing stakeholders about opportunities and pathways and about scientific insights and warnings is important to help create positive dynamics. Policy makers need digestible information to design good policies, and understand their options and the possible impacts of these options. They need access to well-structured knowledge, as well as appropriate techniques to manage information and data. However, available information is often difficult to access, not in the right format and of limited use to stakeholders. The range of knowledge needs identified has to be effectively addressed by providing interested parties with suitable, to-the-point information, covering the identified gaps. This is the main aim of this article that proposes the design and development of a climate policy database, which contains all the resources that can cover the identified knowledge gaps. The resources are derived from a broad range of existing reports, research and climate policy decisions at different levels. The goal is to render climate policy associated stakeholders able to extract key policy conclusions. The added value of this database was verified by users and stakeholders that generally argued that the climate policy database facilitates solid understanding of climate policy implications and fosters collaborative knowledge exchange in the field.
Spatio-Temporal Changes in Structure for a Mediterranean Urban Forest: Santiago, Chile 2002 to 2014
Authors: Escobedo Francisco , Palmas-Perez Sebastian , Dobbs Cynnamon , Gezan Salvador , Hernandez Jaime
Published: June 2016

There is little information on how urban forest ecosystems in South America and Mediterranean climates change across both space and time. This study statistically and spatially analyzed the spatio-temporal dynamics of Santiago, Chile’s urban forest using tree and plot-level data from permanent plots from 2002 to 2014. We found mortality, ingrowth, and tree cover remained stable over the analysis period and similar patterns were observed for basal area (BA) and biomass. However, tree cover increased, and was greater in the highest socioeconomic stratum neighborhoods while it dropped in the medium and low strata. Growth rates for the five most common tree species averaged from 0.12 to 0.36 cm·year−1. Spatially, tree biomass and BA were greater in the affluent, northeastern sections of the city and in southwest peri-urban areas. Conversely, less affluent central, northwest, and southern areas showed temporal losses in BA and biomass. Overall, we found that Santiago’s urban forest follows similar patterns as in other parts of the world; affluent areas tend to have more and better managed urban forests than poorer areas, and changes are primarily influenced by social and ecological drivers. Nonetheless, care is warranted when comparing urban forest structural metrics measured with similar sampling-monitoring approaches across ecologically disparate regions and biomes.
Object-Based Tree Species Classification in Urban Ecosystems Using LiDAR and Hyperspectral Data
Authors: Zhang Zhongya , Kazakova Alexandra , Moskal Ludmila , Styers Diane
Published: June 2016

In precision forestry, tree species identification is key to evaluating the role of forest ecosystems in the provision of ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration and assessing their effects on climate regulation and climate change. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of tree species classification of urban forests using aerial-based HyMap hyperspectral imagery and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data. First, we conducted an object-based image analysis (OBIA) to segment individual tree crowns present in LiDAR-derived Canopy Height Models (CHMs). Then, hyperspectral values for individual trees were extracted from HyMap data for band reduction through Minimum Noise Fraction (MNF) transformation which allowed us to reduce the data to 20 significant bands out of 118 bands acquired. Finally, we compared several different classifications using Random Forest (RF) and Multi Class Classifier (MCC) methods. Seven tree species were classified using all 118 bands which resulted in 46.3% overall classification accuracy for RF versus 79.6% for MCC. Using only the 20 optimal bands extracted through MNF, both RF and MCC achieved an increase in overall accuracy to 87.0% and 88.9%, respectively. Thus, the MNF band selection process is a preferable approach for tree species classification when using hyperspectral data. Further, our work also suggests that RF is heavily disadvantaged by the high-dimensionality and noise present in hyperspectral data, while MCC is more robust when handling high-dimensional datasets with small sample sizes. Our overall results indicated that individual tree species identification in urban forests can be accomplished with the fusion of object-based LiDAR segmentation of crowns and hyperspectral characterization.
Extracting the Past from the Present: Exotic Prizes, Empty Wilderness, and Commercial Conquest in Two Oil Company Advertisements, 1925–2012
Authors: Wereley Ian
Published: June 2016

This article undertakes a comparative analysis of two oil company advertisements—British Petroleum’s (BP) “Persian Series”, published in London in 1925, and Cenovus Energy’s “Canadian Ideas at Work”, published across Canada in 2012. These advertisements are separated by eighty-seven years, and were produced in different countries, by different companies, and for different audiences. Yet, a closer reading of these documents reveals that they are two sides of the same coin: both narrate the extraction of oil as a great game of commercial conquest, whereby exotic prizes trapped beneath wild and empty landscapes are unlocked by oil companies. How could two advertisements that appear so radically distant feel so close? In what ways do the oil cultures of the past inflect those of the present? This article engages with such questions by critically deconstructing and comparing the imagined worlds of oil presented in BP and Cenovus’ advertisements, tracing the ways in which the resource is represented through the binaries of ancient and modern, empty and urban, wild and civilized. By configuring oil as a constellation of ideas rather than a system of things, this investigation reveals how the colonial legacies of the past continue to seep through the oil cultures of the present.
Residential Proximity to Major Roadways Is Not Associated with Cardiac Function in African Americans: Results from the Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Weaver Anne , Wellenius Gregory , Wu Wen-Chih , Hickson DeMarc , Kamalesh Masoor , Wang Yi
Published: June 2016

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart failure, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly among African Americans. Exposure to ambient air pollution, such as that produced by vehicular traffic, is believed to be associated with heart failure, possibly by impairing cardiac function. We evaluated the cross-sectional association between residential proximity to major roads, a marker of long-term exposure to traffic-related pollution, and echocardiographic indicators of left and pulmonary vascular function in African Americans enrolled in the Jackson Heart Study (JHS): left ventricular ejection fraction, E-wave velocity, isovolumic relaxation time, left atrial diameter index, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure. We examined these associations using multivariable linear or logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders. Of 4866 participants at study enrollment, 106 lived <150 m, 159 lived 150–299 m, 1161 lived 300–999 m, and 3440 lived ≥1000 m from a major roadway. We did not observe any associations between residential distance to major roads and these markers of cardiac function. Results were similar with additional adjustment for diabetes and hypertension, when considering varying definitions of major roadways, or when limiting analyses to those free from cardiovascular disease at baseline. Overall, we observed little evidence that residential proximity to major roads was associated with cardiac function among African Americans.
Finding a Potential Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitor for Type-2 Diabetes Treatment Based on Molecular Docking, Pharmacophore Generation, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Meduru Harika , Wang Yeng-Tseng , Tsai Jeffrey , Chen Yu-Ching
Published: June 2016

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) is the vital enzyme that is responsible for inactivating intestinal peptides glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), which stimulates a decline in blood glucose levels. The aim of this study was to explore the inhibition activity of small molecule inhibitors to DPP-4 following a computational strategy based on docking studies and molecular dynamics simulations. The thorough docking protocol we applied allowed us to derive good correlation parameters between the predicted binding affinities (pKi) of the DPP-4 inhibitors and the experimental activity values (pIC50). Based on molecular docking receptor-ligand interactions, pharmacophore generation was carried out in order to identify the binding modes of structurally diverse compounds in the receptor active site. Consideration of the permanence and flexibility of DPP-4 inhibitor complexes by means of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation specified that the inhibitors maintained the binding mode observed in the docking study. The present study helps generate new information for further structural optimization and can influence the development of new DPP-4 inhibitors discoveries in the treatment of type-2 diabetes.