bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análise da microdureza Vickers de zircônia Y-TZP pré-sinterizada para a usinagem e posterior aplicação como copings
Authors: Kavashima Lieca Hassegawa , Sanches Matheus Gallo , Sousa Edson Antonio Capello , Ramos Carla Müller , Borges Ana Flávia Sanches , Fortulan Carlos Alberto , Foschini Cesar Renato
Published: June 2017

RESUMO A zircônia Y-TZP é muito utilizada na confecção de coping como material estrutural para próteses odontológicas devido à sua cor branca/perolada opaca e resistência mecânica. Estas próteses são confeccionadas por usinagem com apoio de um software de CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing), a partir de blocos prensados e pré-sinterizados. A pré-sinterização consiste em aquecer os blocos compactados a altas temperaturas, com uma taxa lenta de aquecimento até o início da formação dos pescoços entre as partículas, quando proporciona dureza/resistência e usinabilidade. Uma contradição, pois a dureza/resistência mecânica é necessária para proporcionar estabilidade as forças de corte, mas se muito duro, pode dificultar a usinagem então se deve encontrar uma faixa de compromisso de temperatura entre estabilidade e usinabilidade. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi investigar a relação entre a microdureza e temperatura de pré-sinterização da zircônia Y-TZP e seu comportamento ao ser submetido à usinagem. O ensaio de microdureza foi escolhido como representante de resistência mecânica por ser não destrutivo e de resultado imediato. O pó de zircônia experimental foi submetido à prensagem uniaxial seguido de prensagem isostática a frio à 200 MPa e pré-sinterização entre 900°C e 950°C. Os blocos foram cortados e submetidos ao teste de estabilidade na usinagem e ensaio de microdureza Vickers sendo os dados submetidos ao teste de “normalidade” de Anderson-Darlin com p > 0,05. Foi utilizada ANOVA de um fator com o teste de Tukey-Kramer para verificar as diferenças entre as médias dos grupos. A investigação demonstrou que a diferença de 50°C na temperatura de pré-sinterização, acima de 900°C afetou significativamente a microdureza, contudo os tempos de patamar 2 e 4 horas não a influenciou significativamente. A maior temperatura de pré-sinterização dos grupos experimentais testados possibilitou um melhor comportamento na usinagem com o apoio de um software CAM, sendo a microdureza similar ao material comercial ZL.
Avaliação da reologia de concretos autoadensáveis contendo fílers de britagem
Authors: Schankoski Rudiele Aparecida , Pilar Ronaldo , Pileggi Rafael , Prudêncio Jr Luiz Roberto
Published: June 2017

RESUMO Grandes quantidades de materiais finos (na forma de pó) são coletados e armazenados nas pedreiras, constituindo um sério problema ambiental, pela falta de destinação específica para esse resíduo. No entanto, esses materiais poderiam ser utilizados como um fíler em concreto autoadensável (CAA), o qual necessita de um grande volume de finos na sua constituição. Desta forma, neste trabalho, foram investigados os efeitos do fíler calcário (empregado como referência), fíler diabásico e gnáissico, nas propriedades de CAAs. A influência da mineralogia, forma e tamanho das partículas foram avaliadas por meio de ensaios no estado fresco (monopontos e reométricos) e ensaios no estado endurecido de CAAs. Os resultados mostraram que concretos contendo fíler gnáissico ou diabásico podem apresentar propriedades reológicas similares aos concretos contendo fíler calcário, quando apresentam distribuição granulométrica e tamanho de partícula similar ao fíler calcário usualmente utilizado (d50 entre 30 e 40 µm). Além disso, CAAs contendo fíler diabásico apresentaram resistência à compressão superior aos concretos dosados com os demais fílers. Diante dos resultados, pode-se concluir que os fílers de diabásio e gnaisse apresentam potencial para serem utilizados como materiais alternativos ao fíler calcário em CAA, embora possam demandar maior quantidade de aditivo superplastificante para atingir propriedades comparáveis no estado fresco.
First report of scuticociliatosis caused by Uronema sp. in ornamental reef fish imported into Brazil
Authors: Cardoso Pedro Henrique Magalhães , Balian Simone de Carvalho , Matushima Eliana Reiko , Pádua Santiago Benites de , Martins Maurício Laterça
Published: June 2017

Abstract Scuticociliatosis, which is caused by an opportunistic ciliate protozoan, is responsible for significant economic losses in marine ornamental fish. This study reports the occurrence of Uronema sp., which was found to be parasitizing three species of marine reef fish imported into Brazil and maintained in quarantine: Vanderbilt’s Chromis (Chromis vanderbilti), blue-green damselfish (Chromis viridis), and sea goldie (Pseudanthias squamipinnis). During the quarantine period, some fish presented with behavioral disorders and hemorrhages and ulcerative lesions on the body surface. Histopathological analysis showed hemorrhages, inflammation comprising mononuclear and granular cells in the skeletal muscle, and necrosis of the skin and the secondary lamellae of the gills, and parasites were also observed in the renal capsule. The absence of transboundary measures available to prevent the occurrence of ornamental fish diseases is also discussed.
Load testing and settlement of shallow foundation on desert sands
Authors: Tarawneh Bashar , Nusairat Jamal , Hakam Yasser
Published: June 2017

Shallow foundation load tests were performed on desert sands. Previously, cone penetration tests (CPT) and pressuremeter tests (PMT) had been done at each location to determine soil properties. Settlements were calculated from CPT and PMT data using common empirical methods. CPT data were employed to predict settlement behaviours utilising methods proposed by Schmertmann in 1970, Schmertmann and co-workers in 1978, Meyerhof in 1974 and DeBeer in 1965. PMT results were used to predict settlement behaviours using the method offered by Menard in 1975. Standard penetration test N60-values were estimated from CPT results using an artificial neural network model developed by Tarawneh in 2016. It is concluded that the method proposed by Menard in 1975 is reliable, as it over-predicted by an average ratio of 1·27. When using CPT data for settlement estimates, the methods of both Meyerhof and DeBeer over-predicted by an average ratio of 2·84 and 1·96, respectively, and that of Schmertmann by a 2·38 average when using soil modulus Es = 2·5qc (it dropped to 1·19 when using Es = 5qc in the calculations).
Organising Responses to Organised Environmental Crimes: Collaborative Approaches and Building Capacity
Authors: White Rob , Pink Grant , Hubbard David
Published: June 2017

The aim of this paper is to discuss the ways in which collaboration and a coordinated approach to dealing with criminal groups involved in environmental crime can be established and bolstered. The paper begins by examining the challenges associated with organised criminal networks and transnational crimes for environmental law enforcement agencies. Such analyses continually highlight several factors: the importance of collaboration in combatting organised criminal networks; flexibility in dealing with fluid on-the-ground situations; the importance of up-skilling in order to move laterally across different institutional and national contexts; and the lynchpin across all of these areas, capacity building for sustainable practice (that is, putting into place practices and procedures that will ensure continuity over time). Various forms of collaboration are outlined as well as the importance of trust and relationships in maintaining cooperative arrangements. Case studies are used to illustrate contemporary developments that are bolstering the possibilities of enhanced collaboration in regards to environmental law enforcement.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
Authors: Bain Christina
Published: June 2017

There has been much discussed and written on the benefits of entrepreneurship education, as well as the importance of early access to this type of learning. But how can entrepreneurship education train and inspire the next generation of anti-trafficking leaders? How can entrepreneurship also be a driver for prevention and a source of economic stability for those at-risk and survivors of human trafficking? At present, there are entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs-in-training at multiple age levels coming from a variety of backgrounds, incomes, and circumstances who will develop groundbreaking strategies and solutions in the fight against trafficking. These current and future entrepreneurs can also provide fresh perspectives to those in government and business while building more effective tri-sector coalitions and partnerships that address human trafficking. This article explores how and why entrepreneurship can be a key vehicle for social change and innovations in combating human trafficking, along with providing a multi-ingredient recipe of prosperity for those most vulnerable.
New technologies and trends of prenatal diagnostics
Authors: Kascheeva Tatyana K , Kuznetzova Tatyana V , Baranov Vladislav S
Published: June 2017

Advantages and drawbacks of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) of chromosomal anomalies are briefly reviewed. Material supply, employment issues, financial and management problems in European countries and in Russia are discussed. Many problems are rising under implementation of this new method into the clinical practice.
Antibacterial treatment of pregnant women colonized by streptococcus group B
Authors: Ohanyan Kristina A , Arzhanova Olga N , Paykacheva Julia M , Zatsiorsky Svetlana L
Published: June 2017

Relevance. Streptococcus group B (GBS), Streptococcus agalactiae, are the causative agents of severe infections of the fetus and newborn child.

The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of antibacterial therapy with the use of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid and josamycin pregnant women with GBS, as well as the impact of antibiotic therapy on perinatal outcomes.

Materials and methods. For isolation and identification of Streptococcus and Ureaplasma used bacteriological method of research. The article presents the results of a survey of 99 pregnant women, the urogenital tract, which are colonized by streptococcus group B (GBS) and Ureaplasma, during their pregnancy, delivery and perinatal outcomes.

Results. All women were divided into three groups: I group — 29 (29.3%) women, with the presence of GBS in the urogenital tract and treated during pregnancy amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, group II — 24 (24,2%) women with the presence of GBS and Ureaplasma treated during pregnancy josamycin, group III — 46 (46.5%) of women with available GBS, which antibacterial therapy during pregnancy was not conducted. Our results confirmed the data of foreign authors about the high frequency of complications of pregnancy and delivery in women colonized by Streptococcus group B who did not receive antibiotic therapy. Thus it often happened GBS colonization of the skin and mucous membranes of infants, develop in utero infection in children born to these mothers.

Conclusion. Upon detection of GBS in the urogenital tract of pregnant women is necessary to carry out antibacterial therapy for the prevention of complications of pregnancy, delivery and intrauterine infection of the fetus. Moreover, in the simultaneous detection of Streptococcus group B and Ureaplasma effective to schedule josamycin (wilprafen), which acts on both of the microorganism.
Retinal astrocytic hamartoma in tuberous sclerosis
Authors: Astakhov Yury S. , Nechiporenko Pavel A. , Atlasova Liya K. , Titarenko Aleksandra I. , Monakhov Konstantin N. , Romanova Oksana L. , Molodykh Kristina Y.
Published: June 2017

The article describes a clinical case of long-term undiagnosed tuberous sclerosis with retinal astrocytic hamartoma. Etiology, pathogenesis, clinical and pathomorphological diagnostic criteria of tuberous sclerosis are also described.
Prevalence of obesity, hypertension and metabolic abnormalities in patients receiving long term cART: a case control study from South India
Authors: Acharya Vasudeva , Gangadharan Govind
Published: June 2017

Background: Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has improved the quality of life and survival of HIV-infected individuals. However, the long term intake of these drugs is associated with multiple metabolic abnormalities eventually leading to increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.Methods: Forty five HIV-infected individuals who are on cART having CD4+ cell count of >200 cells/mm3 for at least 2 years were recruited as cases. Age and gender matched, otherwise healthy individuals were taken as controls. Both cases and controls were compared for the prevalence of obesity, abdominal obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and lipid abnormalities.Results: We found higher prevalence of obesity (33.3% vs 26.7%), abdominal obesity (33.3% vs 17.8%), hypertension (33.3% vs 20%), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) (37.7% vs 8.9%), diabetes mellitus (26.7% vs 24.4%), high total cholesterol (33.3% vs 22.2%) and low HDL cholesterol (60% vs 46.7%) among cases compared to controls. The statistically significant difference was noted only for IFG (cases = 17, 37.7%, controls = 4, 8.9%, p value = 0.002). Low HDL cholesterol was the most common metabolic abnormality found in 27 (60%) cases and 21 (46.7%) controls.Conclusions: HIV-infected individuals receiving long term cART have higher prevalence of obesity, hypertension and dysregulations in glucose and lipid metabolism compared to general population and hence, the diagnosis and management of these abnormalities is very important to prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Cost variation analysis of oral anti-diabetic agents available in drug store of the tertiary care hospital and in Indian market
Authors: Chincholkar Aparna , Pentewar Ganesh
Published: June 2017

Background: Diabetes, a chronic disorder and requires life-long treatment. Cost of drug treatment is a major hurdle related to medication compliance in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The objective of the study was to find out the cost of antidiabetic drugs available in the drug store of a tertiary care hospital and compare it with the different brands of the same drugs available in Indian market. To evaluate the difference in cost of different brands of same active drug by calculating percentage variation of cost.Methods: Cost of single compound and combination compound oral antidiabetic drugs available in drug store and those same drugs in Indian market manufactured by different companies, in the same strength, number and dosage form. The percentage price variation between minimum and maximum cost of drugs were calculated. The percentage difference in cost of antidiabetic drugs available in drug store and in the Indian market was calculated.Results: The percentage price variation of oral antidiabetic drugs available in drug store was found to be as follows. In sulfonylureas, it was highest in Glimepiride (2mg) 1962, 96%, among biguindes, Metformin (500mg) 3012.5%, among alpha glucosidase inhibitors Voglibose (0.2mg) 387.17%. Voglibose (0.3mg) 361.30%. Among combination therapy Voglibose (0.3mg) + Metformin (500mg) 2809% showed maximum price variation.Conclusions: The average percentage price variation of different brands of the same drug is very wide and hence the physician must keep this in mind while prescribing since the drug treatment of type II diabetes mellitus is usually lifelong. Hence, manufacturing companies should aim to decrease the price variation while maintaining the therapeutic efficacy. Drug store of tertiary care hospital should try to provide the oral antidiabetic drug with least cost and sell the generic drugs.
Study of incidence and different aspects of cervical malignancy in tertiary centre of Jharkhand, India
Authors: Singh Bijeta , Nalini Neelam
Published: June 2017

ackground: Among the various killers of women of developing world, cervical cancer remains high in the list. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide and the most common cancer in developing nations. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of cervical cancer in post-menopausal women in Jharkhand and to determine various risk factors.Methods: The study was conducted on post-menopausal females presenting in outpatient department, emergency and indoor patients admitted in the department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi from March 2015 to September 2016. All post-menopausal women patients with suspected or proved cervical malignancy were included in the study.Results: The incidence of cervical cancer in this study was 16%. Maximum number of cases with cervical malignancy was in the age of 51-60 (45.83%). 45.83% of cases belonged to Hindu community. Maximum number of cases belonged to low socio-economic group (66.66%).  45.83% of cases were para 5 or more Most of the patient had more than one complains. Post-menopausal bleeding was commonest complain present in 66.66%, 77.08% came in advance stage (stage IIb+ III+ IV).Conclusions: This study showed UA-S/D ratio and UA-RI>2SD are significant predictors of perinatal deaths and immediate neonatal resuscitation in preeclampsia. Acute fetal distress in labour or neonatal nursery admission could not be predicted.
Role of transvaginal sonography in various gynecological disorders
Authors: J. Mise Pooja , Mise Sangamesh J. , Mise Aditya , Siddappa Margol
Published: June 2017

Background: Transvaginal sonography (TVS) is a new diagnostic technique used for the evaluation of the female pelvis. The objective of the present study was to study the role of TVS and to assess the diagnostic accuracy in gynecological disorders.Methods: Total number of 100 patients attending OPDs with various complaints was selected by random technique of the study.  All the patients have informed consent and thorough clinical examination including general, systemic and pelvic examination was conducted after taking a detailed history then the patients underwent TVS followed by one of the procedures like fractional curettage, dilatation and curettage and abdominal hysterectomy (with or without conservation of ovaries) or conservative management with regular follow up.Results: The sensitivity of TVS in diagnosing dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) and pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) was 100% and specificity was 85.1% and 95% respectively. For fibroids and ovarian mass diagnosis, sensitivity was 68.9% and 80.9% respectively and specificity was 100%. Diagnostic accuracy of clinical diagnosis was 70.0% whereas TVS had 94.0% of diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing various gynecological disorders.Conclusions: The final outcome is that TVS examination is an important non-invasive investigation, can be used as important diagnostic method in various gynecological disorders as it has got a high diagnostic accuracy.
Study of maternal and foetal outcome in post-term pregnancies
Authors: Shankar Priya , KR Hemalatha
Published: June 2017

Background: Post-term pregnancies are associated with significant foetal morbidity and increase in interventions which jeopardise the health of the fetus as well as the mother. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence, risk factors, maternal and foetal outcomes of such pregnancies.Methods: A retrospective study of 117 post-term pregnancies was studied over a period of one year, January to December 2016. Age, parity, amniotic fluid index, color of liquor, mode of delivery, maternal and foetal outcomes were studied in detail and analysed.Results: There were 10390 deliveries during our study period. 130 among them were post-term, 117 were included in the study, amounting to an incidence of 1.12%. Post-term pregnancy was noted to be higher in women of age group 21-25years (68.5%) and among primigravidae (51.2%). 66 women experienced vaginal delivery (56.4%) and 49 women underwent caesarean delivery (41.8%). Most common indications for caesarean section were foetal distress, oligohydramnios, and foetal growth restriction. NICU admissions were 16 babies and 2 early neonatal deaths were noted.Conclusions: Post-term pregnancy requires early detection, proper planning of pregnancy termination. These women should be offered induction of labour prior to 42 weeks of gestation age to avoid adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Conservative management in a case of retained adherent placenta in a primigravida patient
Authors: Vaidya Annal Abhay , Panchbudhe Shruti , Satia Meena
Published: June 2017

Morbidly adherent placenta is a serious and a catastrophic pregnancy complication. In this condition, the placenta penetrates deeply inside the uterine walls and is not separated after delivery of the baby. Reporting herewith a case of a primigravida who had undergone Emergency lower segment Caesarean section at a private hospital for severe pregnancy induced hypertension with IUGR and then was referred to Tertiary Care hospital with placenta left in-situ due to non-separation of the placenta at the time of caesarean section. Conservative management was given using Methotrexate which is an anti-metabolite alternatively with Leucovorin (Folinic acid) and followed up with serial ultrasonography with Doppler for placental size and volume and beta-HCG levels which showed a decreasing trend respectively.
Death due to sickle cell anemia: autopsy diagnosis
Authors: Dhawle Manjusha Shripad , Tangde Ashwini Radhakrishan , Rathod Santosh Govind , Bindu Rajan S.
Published: June 2017

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is well known and is the commonest hereditary hematological disorder which is associated with increased mortality and morbidity.  They are group of inherited haemoglobinopathies caused by the occurrence of hemoglobin S (Hbs) in homozygous or heterozygous form or in combinations of Hbs with another hemoglobin such as Hbsc or beta thalassaemia (Hbs-thal). Sickle cell syndromes are remarkable for their clinical heterogenecity including their presentations as sudden and unexpected death due to sickle cell crises. While doing autopsy in cases of deaths with no apparent cause and physical over activity medical officer must keep in mind the possibility of death due to vasoocclusive crisis in sickle cell disease. Aim of the study was to create awareness among the physicians and relatives / public and to minimize future unexpected death from complications or crisis from SCD.Methods: This is a retrospective study of 10 cases carried in the department of pathology, in tertiary care hospital and covers a period from January 2009 to December 2016. These cases were brought dead to the casualty with a history of sudden death. After post mortem examination, the specimens were sent for histopathological examination.Results: The record of 10 cases was reviewed. Out of our ten cases 7 were male and 3 were females. The youngest person was 17-year female and oldest was 65 years male. In clinical history 3 cases had complains of chest pain (30%), 3 others had complained of breathlessness (30%), 2 had history of unconsciousness (20%), one case had complained of abdominal pain (10%) and one case had a history of fall and injury (10%). Microscopic examination of each organ was carried out.  Organs like lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, heart and brain showed wide spread congested vessels which were stuffed with RBC.Conclusions: We present this study to emphasize that sickle cell crisis is one of the cause of sudden unexplained death and highlight the importance of considering sickle cell disease as a cause of death in cases with no apparent cause.
Neurodevelopmental outcome of babies with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: Nazeer Sirajuddin , K. Senthilkumar , A. Thangavel , M. Uma Maheswari
Published: June 2017

Background: The aim of the study was to find out the neurodevelopmental outcome of babies with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy at 6 months of age and to predict early markers of abnormal neurological outcome in those babies.Methods: 50 babies admitted with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy were enrolled in this prospective study and followed up at 3 and 6 months of age at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital, Trichy. The neurological outcome of the babies was assessed by CDC grading of motor milestones, Trivandrum development screening chart, Amiel Tison angles head circumference and weight measured. USG cranium was done for all the babies and MRI brain was done in babies with abnormal neuro sonogram and abnormal outcome. Vision and hearing were tested clinically.Results: The incidence of abnormal neurological outcome was 14%. The early markers predicting abnormal neurological sequele are identified.Conclusions: Early identification of abnormal neuro behaviour helps in starting early intervention to improve the long term outcome.
Mixed phenotype acute leukaemia: a case report of an unusual presentation
Authors: Gurusamy Veeraraghavan , Panneerselvam Ramya , Jayanthi Bharathi Vidhya
Published: June 2017

Mixed phenotype acute leukaemias (MPALs), a varied group of disorders pose a diagnostic challenge to the physicians and pathologists alike. This rare subset of acute leukaemias are characterised by the presence of blasts which express markers of more than one lineage (B-lymphoid / T-lymphoid / Myeloid lineage), making the essentiality of immunophenotyping more pertinent. MPALs are included in the acute leukaemias of ambiguous lineage under the World health organization (WHO) classification of tumours of haematopoietic and lymphoid tissues. We describe here a case report of mixed phenotype acute leukaemia (T-Lymphoid/Myeloid).
Lichen simplex chronicus
Authors: Sagar Vadla Vidya , Chaitanya Borra , Surakasula Aruna
Published: June 2017

Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) is a chronic inflammation of the skin characterized by lichenification of the skin because of excessive scratching. This case report depicts a 58-year-old male with the chief complaints of pain in left hemiplegia upper and lower limbs and slurring of speech for 10 days. The patient also had complaints of itching and skin lesion over the upper and lower limbs for 1 year. The associations of LSC with depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and personality disorders are well established in the literature. LSC is an irritating itchy dermatosis in which anxiety is common and affects the quality of life (QOL) of the patients.
Job retention among healthcare workers in Tabora province, Tanzania
Authors: Mfaume Rashid S. , Kamba Gunini P. , Morikawa Masahiro J.
Published: June 2017

Background: Manpower shortage is a serious problem in healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa. We tried to characterize the health manpower retention and attrition pattern in Tabora province, Tanzania comparing the types of health facilities and different job levels through a review of provincial health manpower registration ledger retrospectively for 3 years, from 2012-2015.Methods: The job retention audit was planned through provincial human resources registration in 6 districts within the Tabora province and at the Kietete provincial referral hospital. The audit was conducted from August and September 2015 by notifying by email to obtain job retention from the human resource registration ledger for 3 years from 2012 to 2015. We compared retention patterns among different types of facilities and among different levels of healthcare personnel.Results: The overall job attrition rate for 3 years in Tabora was 5.7%. Among different level of healthcare facilities, compared with hospitals, lower-tier facilities (dispensaries) had a better job retention but the was not statistically significant. Among job levels, highest job level, medial officers had significantly higher rate of attrition compared with nurses. Lower-level job category (clinical officers) seems to have better retention rate but again it was not statistically significant.Conclusions: Our study will incur the need for bigger and longer follow-up study to examine the trend we observed here; lower-tier facilities (dispensaries) and lower-level levels (clinical officers) seem to have better job retention. The further study is expected to contribute how we allocate our budget and human resources in the provincial healthcare structure in the future.
Risk factors of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in urban Allahabad, India
Authors: Raazi Jamil , Prakash Shiv , Parveen Khurshid , Shaikh Shama
Published: June 2017

Background: India has the highest burden of tuberculosis globally while second highest in estimated MDR-TB cases after China. The prevalence of MDR-TB is estimated to be 3% among new cases and 14-17% amongst the re-treatment cases. The Objective of the study was to identify the risk factors of MDR-TB in patients registered at tuberculosis units of urban Allahabad.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on TB patients registered at the urban tuberculosis units of Allahabad district in the year 2015. A total of 54 MDR-TB and 1016 non-MDR TB patients were included in the study. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect the data on the various factors. The chi-square test was used to study the association of various risk factors for MDR-TB patients.Results: MDR-TB was more common in 26-45 year age group (59.26%), males (62.96%), previously treated TB case (83.34%), positive history of contact with MDR-TB patient (5.55%), patients previously on non-DOTS treatment (37.78%), patients with associated co-morbidities (37.03%) and in substance abuse (74.07%) while Non-MDR is more common in >45 years (46.75%) age group, females (56.69%), new cases (87.20%), patients on DOTS therapy (85.16%), without any co-morbidities (83.46%) and in patients having positive history of substance abuse (60.04%).Conclusions: The younger age, male gender previous TB treatment, patients previously on Non-DOTS treatment, incomplete previous TB treatment, positive contact history of MDR-TB cases, presence of associated co-morbidities and substance abuse was significantly associated with MDR-TB patients than Non-MDR-TB patients (p<0.05).
An evaluation study of mass drug administration of DEC tablet in a North-Eastern district of Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Dash Satyanarayan , Samantaray Aurobindo
Published: June 2017

Background: The programme of mass drug administration for elimination of lymphatic filariasis is unique in its strategy that one dose of DEC with or without albendazole has been found to be capable enough to eliminate the load of filariasis worms which might have been built up over a period of one year in the people. So all attempts are really made in filarial endemic areas to administer DEC and albendazole to eligible population for the above purpose. The objective of the study were to review the progress of activities of single dose DEC mass administration in the selected district, make assessment of program implementation and recommend further course of actionMethods: A cross – sectional study was done in Vizianagaram district of AP State from 15th March to 15th June 2016. All the PHCs were stratified into 3 groups depending on MDA 2015 coverage. The three categories of the PHCs are identified according to high coverage, very high coverage and very high coverage of DEC consumption. Thus three PHCs and an urban area were selected. Clusters of 30 houses from one village of each PHC and one ward of urban area with a total of 120 households were selected. One respondent from each house was interviewed for the purpose.Results: The age and sex wise distribution of study population for evaluation of MDA in urban area is 55.2% males and 44.8% whereas in rural area it was 54.4% males and 45.6% females. The age and sex distribution of respondents of MDA 2015 DEC evaluation study in urban area was 6.7% males and 93.3% females whereas in rural area it was 14.4% males and 85.6% females.Conclusions: The evaluation study of MDA on DEC clearly shows that there has been overwhelming success in administration and consumption of the drug DEC during MDA activity of 2015.
Health care needs of persons affected by leprosy in Kurnool division of Kurnool district
Authors: Guthi Visweswara Rao , Sreedevi A.
Published: June 2017

Background: One of the challenges in NLEP-3 is need assessment as well as establishment of well-coordinated services with capacity building for prevention and care of disabilities due to leprosy at primary, secondary and tertiary levels in the country. There is very little data on the types of problems faced by people with leprosy-related disabilities (PLD) and the resulting needs. Aim of the study is to assess the health care needs of study subjects.Methodology: This is a community based cross–sectional study conducted in Kurnool district. There were 296 registered persons affected by leprosy between May 2012 to October 2013 out of which 276 registered persons affected by leprosy were available for the study. Information collected was place of registration for availing MDT, treatment status, mode of detection, health care provider consulted first etc.Results: 48.55% of all the registered cases reported voluntarily. (36/276) 13.05% of cases were detected during consultation for other general ailments and 8.69% were detected by health worker during routine field visit. Health worker provided MDT to the persons affected by leprosy at their houses in 14.49% of the cases, 85.51% of the persons obtained MDT from the treatment centre themselves.Conclusions: This study concluded that there was encouraging to note that public health system was the predominant health system for seeking health care. Most of the cases reported voluntarily to the health care facility. Majority was aware that leprosy causes deformities but did not know that deformities can be prevented.
Health status of primary school children: study from a rural health block of Lucknow
Authors: Abid Asghar Syed , Gupta Pratibha , Srivastava Mrinal R. , Srivastava J. P. , Zaidi Zeashan H.
Published: June 2017

Background: School health is an important branch of community health. School health services is an economical and powerful means of raising community health. In school child is vulnerable to stress, tension and endangerment of group life because all children are not the same and comes from different socioeconomic and cultural background and with different immunity status. Child is quite vulnerable at this growing age and hence become easy victims of many non-communicable diseases such as dental caries, anaemia, visual and hearing defects. The objective of the study was to assess health status of primary school children in rural areas of Lucknow.Methods: The present school-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural area of Lucknow from February to July 2015. Purposive sampling technique was adopted to select primary schools from 1st to 5th standard. All students who were present at the time of survey were included in the study. A pre-structured performa for each student was used to record information regarding anthropometric measurements, physical examination/ personal hygiene, clinical findings.Results: A total of 170 children were examined, among these 82 (48.23%) were boys and 88 (51.77%) were girls. Dental caries was the most common infirmity observed in 63 (37.05%) children with 95% CI (33.35- 40.75) and was statistically significant (p<0.05) with boys 29.27% and girls 44.31%. Anaemia were found in 65 (38.23%), boys were 32.92% and girls 43.18%. Ear discharge was seen in 17 (10%) children, boys were 6.10% and girls 13.63%.Conclusions: The common infirmity found were dental caries, anaemia and ear discharge. Effective strategy with good monitoring and evaluation is imperative in ensuring adequate and optimal implementation of school health services in primary schools in rural Lucknow.
An association of knowledge and misconceptions with health seeking behaviour for dog bite: a cross-sectional study in Ahmedabad
Authors: Jakasania Arjunkumar Hardas , Mansuri Farzana Mustufabhai , Dixit Grishma Trambaklal
Published: June 2017

Background: Rabies is a deadly zoonotic disease and most often transmitted to humans through a dog bite. It is 100% fatal yet 100% preventable with timely and appropriate Post Exposure treatment. There are myths associated with a dog bite and rabies and which might affect the health seeking behaviour. The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge and misconceptions regarding dog-bite and rabies in primary school teachers and to know the association of misconceptions with health seeking behaviour for dog-bite in the study group.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 196 teachers of municipality and self-finance primary schools in Ahmedabad city. A pre-tested and pre-designed questionnaire was used to collect data of knowledge & attitude regarding dog-bite/rabies.Results: Out of 196 teachers, 118 teachers will not take ARV injection after bite of a normal looking dog. Many of them have a misconception about ARV injection. 128 teachers will discontinue ARV after a dog bite if any symptoms of Rabies will not develop within 10 days after starting ARV. There is an association found between knowledge regarding rabies and treatment seeking behaviour which was found statistically significant.Conclusions: There is a serious gap in knowledge regarding Rabies in primary school teachers and misconceptions regarding rabies are rampant in most of them. The misconceptions regarding rabies and dog bite found to be affecting the treatment seeking behaviour after dog bite which leads to low compliance to ARV.
Management and functional outcome of Galeazzi fracture dislocation: a single centre retrospective study
Authors: Varma Rohit , Wani S. S. , Rai S. K.
Published: June 2017

Background:Galeazzi fracture dislocation is an unstable fracture dislocation of forearm that includes fracture of distal third or fourth shaft of radius with dislocation of distal radioulnar joint. The aim of the study was to analyse the management and functional outcome of Galeazzi fracture dislocation managed with fixation of radius fracture and distal radioulnar joint stabilisation with two Kirschner wires.

Methods:Thirty one patients with Galeazzi fracture dislocation were managed with plate fixation for radius fracture and distal radioulnar joint stabilisation with 2 Kirschner wires. They were clinically and radiographically assessed for functional outcome as well as union, distal radioulnar joint stability and any arthrosis of the wrist joint.

Results:Functional outcome was assessed based on disability of shoulder, arm, and hand index. 94% of the patients in our series had good to fair outcome with 6% having poor outcome.

Conclusions:All Galeazzi fracture dislocation should be managed with plate fixation for radius fracture and Kirschner wire stabilisation of distal radioulnar joint followed by splinting for 6 weeks for best functional outcome.
A comparative study of proximal femoral fracture fixation with proximal femoral nail and dynamic hip screw and plating
Authors: K. Sridhar D. , D. Veeranna H. , H. Madhusudan
Published: June 2017

Background: Trochanteric fractures are one of the commonest injuries sustained predominantly in patients over sixty years of age. They are three to four times more common in women. These usually occur through bone affected by osteoporosis; trivial fall being most common mechanism of injury Approximately 10-30% of patients die within one year of an intertrochanteric fracture.

Methods: A prospective study comprising of patients identified for surgical treatment of fracture in the intertrochanteric region of femur admitted to Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumkur from 2016 to 2017 where 30 patients with 30 intertrochanteric fractures of femur were selected with equal distribution of 15 dynamic hip screw devices and 15 intramedullary devices.

Results: The purpose of the present study is to verify theoretical advantages of intramedullary device over the dynamic hip screw devices and also whether it actually alters the eventual functional outcome of the patient. Excellent results were seen in 2 patients (13.3%) in the DHS group and in 6 patients (40%) in the PFN group. The overall functional outcome of patients treated with the PFN was significantly better than those treated with DHS (p=0.037). However when we compared the stable and unstable fractures separately, we found that there was no significant difference in the outcomes of the stable fractures in the two groups (p=0.198).

Conclusions: We conclude that in stable intertrochanteric fractures, both the PFN and DHS have similar outcomes. However, in unstable intertrochanteric fractures the PFN has significantly better outcomes in terms of earlier restoration of walking ability as it is an intramedullary implant which can tolerate higher cylindrical loading when compared to DHS type of implants. In addition, as the PFN requires shorter operative time and smaller incision, it has distinct advantages over DHS even in stable intertrochanteric fractures. Hence, in our opinion, PFN may be the better fixation device for most intertrochanteric fractures.
The Impact of Credit Risk on the Financial Performance of Chinese Banks
Authors: Stanley Isanzu Juliana
Published: June 2017

The study aim was to empirically examine the impact of credit risk on the financial performance of Chinese banks. Secondary data was collected from five largest commercial banks in the country for the period of 7 years from 2008 to 2014. The study used nonperforming loans, capital adequacy ratio, impaired loan reserve, and loan impairment charges as measures of credit risk and for a measure of financial performance return on asset was used. Data analysis was done using a balanced panel data regression model, and the study findings reveal nonperforming loan and Capital adequacy have a significant impact of on financial performance of Chinese commercial banks; therefore, the need to control credit risk is crucial for bank financial performance.
Evaluation of the potentialities of the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum Linn. towards environmental and industrial perspectives through microbial exploitation.
Authors: Giri Pranab
Published: June 2017

Nature has its own machinery to regulate spontaneous interaction between biotic and abiotic factors of its own to provide back up for self stability and sustainability. The plant microbe interaction is a biotic interaction the resultant of which has immense role to resolve different environmental issues. It also has some fruitful effect for welfare of human beings. The present article deals with at what extent the biotic interaction between the essential oil from Ocimum gratissimum and microbial resources from the natural environment could be exploited in respect of environmental as well as industrial perspectives.
China’s economy growth prospects and its potential drivers of future
Authors: BEKA BE NGUEMA Jean-Noël
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this paper is to apply China’s economy growth prospects and its potential drivers of future. China's fast rise and its growth model have accelerated important existing structural trends in the global economy and made them decisive characteristics of the world economy. China's role in the world economy over the coming decades, an exercise which would not be possible without an investigation of the prospects for China's continued economic rise. On the one hand, China is a large export market for the United States. A lot of U.S. firms use China as the final destination of assembly in their global supply chain networks. China’s huge holdings of U.S. Treasury securities support the federal government finance its budget failures. However, some analysts contend that China consolidates a number of distortive economic policies such as protectionist industrial policies and an undervalued currency that undermine U.S. economic interests. They warn that efforts by the Chinese government to promote indigenous innovation, often through the use of subsidies and other distortive measures, could negatively affect many leading U.S. industries
Failure assessment of steel/CFRP double strap joints
Authors: Majidi Hamid Reza , Razavi Seyed Mohammad Javad , Berto Filippo
Published: June 2017

In the current study, the failure behavior of retrofitted steel structures was studied experimentally and theoretically with steel/CFRP double strap joints (DSJs) under quasi-static tensile loading. A series of DSJs with different bonding lengths are also considered and examined to experimentally assess the effective bond length. To predict the failure load values of the tested specimens, a new stress-based criterion, namely the point stress (PS) criterion is proposed. Although some theoretical predictive modelling for the strength between steel/CFRP joints under various loading conditions has been presented, in this work by using the new proposed approach, one can calculate rapidly and conveniently the failure loads of the steel/CFRP specimens. Furthermore, to assess the validity of the new proposed criterion, further experimental data on steel/CFRP DSJs available in the open literature are predicted using the PS criterion. Finally, it was found that a good agreement exists between the experimental results and the theoretical predictions based on the PS criterion.
The Regulatory Framework for Investment in India
Authors: Shekhawat Anamika
Published: June 2017

The economic reforms initiated in the late eighties and early nineties in India have improved the overall investment environment through market oriented policies. India’s regulatory framework has gradually become more enabling than restricting for investors. The once formidable administrative burden has been substantially reduced since the announcement of the New Industrial Policy in 1991.  With the implementation of various reforms, India has certainly emerged as an attractive destination for private investment, both foreign as well as domestic.  However, investment remains insufficient to meet India’s massive needs. Certain factors as bureaucratic delays in business approvals, multiplicity of procedures, policy and legal constraints, structural constraints, etc. still exist which  prevent it from realizing its true potential. An investor still has to undergo a lot of time consuming and complex procedures that act as a disincentive for him.

The paper will make a comprehensive review of the regulations and procedures required for an investment in India and draw out the lacuna of the present system. It will also suggest steps for improving its performance in problematic areas such that the ease of doing business in India can be enhanced.
The Relationship among Pre-Service EFL Teachers’ Beliefs about Language Learning, Pedagogical Beliefs, and Beliefs about ICT Integration
Authors: Inayati Dian , Emaliana Ive
Published: June 2017

This paper elucidates the relationship among pre-service teachers’ beliefs about language learning, pedagogical beliefs, and beliefs about ICT Integration through survey methodology. This study employed a quantitative approach, particularly a correlational relationship to investigate the relationships among beliefs about language learning, pedagogical beliefs, and beliefs about ICT integration by utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM). SEM was applied to model the relationships in a set of three domains: beliefs about language learning, pedagogical beliefs, and beliefs about ICT integration. A questionnaire was administered to 103 pre-service EFL teachers who have accomplished their teaching practice in secondary schools. The results of the three types of beliefs obtained from the questionnaire were then analyzed through Structural Equation Model (SEM). It was revealed that there was a significant positive relationship between beliefs about language learning and pedagogical beliefs, and that between the former and beliefs about ICT integration, while a positive correlation between pedagogical beliefs and beliefs about ICT integration was not found. Insightful implications to EFL teaching and learning were discussed.