bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FORECASTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF ACUTE TOXIC EFFECTS IN PROFESSIONAL CONTINGENTS AFTER COMBINED PESTICIDES APPLICATION FOR AGRICULTURAL CROPS PROTECTION
Authors: Stavnichenko Pavlo , Novohatska Olesya
Published: November 2017

In the overall structure of occupational diseases the large proportion is acute pesticide poisoning (mainly group cases). In recent decades in the structure of agricultural workers’ occupational diseases chemicals poisoning was 14,7-43,5 %. That is why the purpose of the work was to predict the possibility of acute toxic effects on agricultural workers when working with combined formulations. Methods. In order to assess the effects of the aforementioned substances on the workers’ organism the coefficient of possible inhalation poisoning (CIPP), the coefficient of pesticide effect selectivity at inhalation effect (CPESinhal.) and at dermal application (CPESderm.) were used. Results. According to the "Hygienic Classification of Pesticides by Degree of Danger", all studied compounds, as well as combined preparations based on them, are pertained to 4th hazard according to this criterion (CIPP <0,5). Calculated CPESinhal. (103,4-4701,2) and CPESderm. (237,4-12345,7) values for all investigated a.i. were more than 100, which indicates a rather high selectivity of their action. Discussion. Thus, the obtained results allow to predict the possible negative influence of pesticides of different classes on the initial stages of registration tests of pesticide formulations containing studied active substances Conclusion. The importance of observance of the established regulations for formulations application (norms and rates of application) and the obligatory use of the recommended individual protecting means for the respiratory and skin protection by agricultural workers during the application of studied pesticides are shown
FORMATION OF THE QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AT STATE LABORATORIES FOR A MEDICINES CONTROL
Authors: Lebedynets Viacheslav , Tkachenko Olena
Published: November 2017

The article reviews the regulatory framework in the field of regulating the activities of laboratories for quality control of medicines at the world and national levels. Taking into account the harmonization of the new version of ISO / IEC 17025 "General competence for testing and calibration laboratories" and ISO 9001: 2015 "Quality management systems. Requirements", the necessity of wide implementation of the process approach and implementation of risk-oriented thinking in the activities of laboratories has been substantiated. The general approaches to implementation of quality management systems in the activity of testing pharmaceutical laboratories are offered. In particular, a typical list of processes of the quality management system (QMS) for the laboratory for quality control of medicines has been developed, and the division of such processes into three groups is proposed: management processes, resource management processes, analytical testing processes. It is substantiated that these groups of processes should be described in the Quality Manual with a mandatory graphic representation of the structure of the process model of the QMS and the description of the conditions for the interaction of processes. The use of the PDCA cycle within each of the processes has been proven to promote systematic measurement, analysis of activities and the development of effective corrective and preventive actions. The formation of effective QMS in state and private laboratories for quality control of medicines will help to reduce the number and significance of inconsistencies and errors in analytical work and processes, to provide proper guarantees for obtaining reliable results, to increase the awareness of staff in quality management methods and continuous improvement of activities.
Screening of Oat Accessions for Fusarium Head Blight Resistance Using Spawn‐Inoculated Field Experiments
Authors: Tekle Selamawit , Lillemo Morten , Skinnes Helge , Reitan Lars , Buraas Trond , Bjørnstad Åsmund
Published: November 2017

Use of resistant cultivars is one of the most important measures to reduce the risk of Fusarium head blight (FHB, caused by various Fusarium spp.) and mycotoxins in cereals. Research on resistance to FHB has mainly focused on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and is very limited in oat (Avena sativa L.). In Norway, routine testing of cultivars and breeding lines has been performed in spawn‐inoculated field experiments with Fusarium graminearum Schwabe as part of a concerted research and breeding effort to improve FHB resistance in oat. Data on FHB symptom, days to flowering, and plant height have been collected during the field seasons. Together with the field data, deoxynivalenol (DON) content and germination capacity of harvested kernels are used to score resistance levels of genotypes. In this paper, results are presented from a combined analysis of data from 9 yr of field trials from 2008 to 2016. Consistent and highly significant differences in DON content and germination capacity were documented among the current oat cultivars on the Norwegian market. These two negatively correlated parameters are used as selection criteria in breeding since they are relevant for the different end uses of the grains: DON content for use as food and feed, and germination capacity for seed production. In the paper, we discuss the pros and cons of the various screening methods and parameters used in assessing FHB resistance in oat and present the progress made in resistance breeding based on an established field testing methodology.
More Data or a Better Model? Figuring Out What Matters Most for the Spatial Prediction of Soil Carbon
Authors: Somarathna P.D.S.N. , Minasny Budiman , Malone Brendan P.
Published: November 2017

Core Ideas

Sample size is the major driving factor of prediction accuracy of soil carbon.

The prediction accuracy increases at a decreasing rate with increasing sample sizes.

Larger sample sizes deliver equally good prediction accuracy despite the model type.

Model type affects the reproducibility (precision) of the predictions.

Uncertainty of model predictions decreases with increasing sample sizes.

Modeling techniques used in digital soil carbon mapping encompass a variety of algorithms to address spatial prediction problems such as spatial non‐stationarity, nonlinearity and multi‐colinearity. A given study site can inherit one or more such spatial prediction problems, necessitating the use of a combination of statistical learning algorithms to improve the accuracy of predictions. In addition, the training sample size may affect the accuracy of the model predictions. The effect of varying sample size on model accuracy has not been widely studied in pedometrics. To help fill this gap, we examined the behavior of multiple linear regression (MLR), geographically weighted regression (GWR), linear mixed models (LMMs), Cubist regression trees, quantile regression forests (QRFs), and extreme learning machine regression (ELMR) under varying sample sizes. The results showed that for the study site in the Hunter Valley, Australia, the accuracy of spatial prediction of soil carbon is more sensitive to training sample size compared to the model type used. The prediction accuracy initially increases exponentially with increasing sample size, eventually reaching a plateau. Different models reach their maximum predictive potential at different sample sizes. Furthermore, the uncertainty of model predictions decreases with increasing training sample sizes.
Quantifying the Contribution of Sediment Load to Soil Detachment Rate by Sediment‐Laden Rill Flow
Authors: Shen Nan , Wang Zhanli , Zhang Qingwei , Wu Bing , Wang Dongdong , Zhang Qilin , Liu Jun'e
Published: November 2017

Core Ideas

A standardization‐based method was adopted to quantify the contribution rate.

The experiment was specifically designed to isolate the effect of sediment load on detachment rate.

The negative contribution of sediment load on detachment rate was almost one‐third of the total.

This study aimed at rill erosion of loessial soil.

Sediment load changes with downslope distance during rill erosion process, and thus quantifying the potential contribution of sediment load on soil detachment rate is essential to accurately model the rill erosion process. A standardization‐based method was adopted to quantify the contribution for the first time, and the rill flume with a soil‐feeding hopper was specifically designed to insulate the effect of sediment load on detachment rate. Loessial soil was quantitatively fed into rill flow to produce different sediment loads. Seven flow discharges were combined with six slopes. Soil detachment rate was measured for each combination under five sediment loads (10, 25, 50, 75, and 90% of the sediment transport capacity, respectively). The results showed that soil detachment rate by sediment‐laden rill flow decreased linearly with the increase in sediment load. Stream power is the best hydrodynamic parameter in relation to the detachment rate under different sediment loads compared with shear stress and unit stream power. The comprehensive response relationship of soil detachment rate to sediment load and stream power is a binary linear equation (R2 = 0.9482). The contribution rate of sediment load to soil detachment rate is 30.43% and that of stream power is 64.39%. The negative effect of sediment load on soil detachment rate accounts for almost one‐third of the total contribution. It is important to draw sediment load as a negative factor into process‐based rill erosion model. This study can provide a feasible way for researchers to quantify the contribution rate of factors and can help to understand rill erosion process sufficiently.
Development of a Spectrophotometric Method for Determining pH of Soil Extracts and Comparison with Glass Electrode Measurements
Authors: Bargrizan Sima , Smernik Ronald J. , Mosley Luke M.
Published: November 2017

Core Ideas

Soil pH is a critical parameter in soils as it influences many biogeochemical processes.

There are problems in pH measurements in soils using glass electrodes.

A new spectrophotometric method was developed to measure pH in soils.

The method compared well to measurements using glass electrodes in a range of soils.

A reflectance probe technique was also successfully trialed for in situ measurement.

Soil pH measurement using conventional glass electrodes has several limitations. A spectrophotometric method was developed for determining soil pH involving indicator dye (bromocresol purple or phenol red) addition to soil extracts. Results were compared against values determined using a glass electrode for a range of soils (n = 13) with varying properties using different extraction conditions (1:1 w/v soil/water, 1:1 soil/0.01 mol L–1 CaCl2, 1:5 soil/water and 1:5 soil/0.01 mol L–1 CaCl2) and high and low ionic strength buffer calibrations of the electrode. For all extraction conditions, there was a strong relationship (r2 > 0.95, slope ≈ 1) between values of the spectrophotometric (pHspec) and glass electrode (pHelec) methods. The precision of pHspec was similar to pHelec measurements across the different extraction conditions (±0.02–0.08 average standard deviation of triplicate measurements, n = 39). Large and variable differences were observed between pHelec measured following calibration with high (µ = 0.1 mol L–1) and low (µ = 0.005 mol L–1) ionic strength buffers. In contrast, ionic strength effects on the indicator dye and resulting pHspec calculation are implicitly accounted for. A spectrophotometric reflectance probe in situ method was also successfully trialed. The spectrophotometric pH method circumvents many of the problems associated with the use of glass electrodes in soil solutions.
Regression‐Kriged Soil Organic Carbon Stock Changes in Manured Corn Silage–Alfalfa Production Systems
Authors: Gamble Joshua D. , Feyereisen Gary W. , Papiernik Sharon K. , Wente Chris , Baker John
Published: November 2017

Core Ideas

Regression kriging with elevation, topographic wetness index, field (west vs. east), and irrigation (yes vs. no) accurately predicted soil organic C (SOC) in the 0 to 15‐ and 15 to 30‐cm layers.

Lack of spatial structure and a lack of relationships between SOC and auxiliary variables precluded the use of regression kriging for the 30 to 60‐ and 60 to 90‐cm layers.

From 0 to 15 cm, SOC in the west field increased by 7% because of gains in irrigated portions of the field, but no changes were found in the east field or from 15 to 30 cm in either field.

Simple means indicated SOC gains of 13% in the 30 to 60‐cm layer and 24% in the 60 to 90‐cm layer across both fields.

Typical field management practices associated with large, modern dairies can sequester SOC.

Accurate measurement of soil organic C (SOC) stock changes over time is essential to verify management effects on C sequestration. This study quantified spatial and temporal changes in SOC stocks on adjacent 65‐ha corn (Zea maysL.) silage–alfalfa (Medicago sativaL.) fields receiving liquid dairy manure in west central Minnesota. We used regression kriging to interpolate SOC in four soil layers in 2006 and 2015, and calculated stock changes over time. Regression kriging with elevation, topographic wetness index, field (west vs. east), and irrigation (yes vs. no) accurately predicted SOC in the 0 to 15‐cm (R2= 0.89) and 15 to 30‐cm layers (R2= 0.51–0.95), where variogram analysis indicated moderate to strong spatial correlation. From 0 to 15 cm, SOC in the west field increased by 7% (+4.5 Mg C ha–1) over the study period caused by gains in irrigated portions of the field. No changes were found in the east field or from 15 to 30 cm in either field. Below 30 cm, a lack of spatial structure and a lack of relationships between SOC and auxiliary variables was found, but simple means indicated SOC gains of 13% (+4.7 Mg C ha–1) in the 30 to 60‐cm layer and 24% (+3.9 Mg C ha–1) in the 60 to 90‐cm layer across both fields. Regression kriging with easily acquired auxiliary variables offers a highly accurate method of monitoring SOC stock changes over time to 30 cm depth. Current management practices maintain or increase SOC in these fields.
A second chance to serve South African private banking consumers: the role of post-transgression forgiveness
Authors: Dlodlo Nobukhosi
Published: November 2017

While service failure is inevitable in the banking sector, the manner in which service recovery efforts are expedited poses vital implications for organizations vested in profitable relationships with their clients. In this vein, this study investigates the significance of post-transgression forgiveness in defining the resultant satisfaction levels of customers. A structured questionnaire was self-administered among 371 premium banking customers. The findings point to the salience of selected service recovery efforts towards the forgiveness inclinations and ultimate satisfaction levels of banking customers. In particular, both bank reciprocity norms (ß=0.459; p<0.000) and extra-role behavior (ß=0.348; p<0.000) positively influence post-transgression forgiveness by customers. On the other hand, extra-role behavior (ß=0.407; p<0.000) and forgiveness (ß=0.373; p<0.000) positively influence bank service satisfaction. Nevertheless, bank reciprocity was found to have a positive influence on extra-role behavior (ß=0.548; p<0.000) in this study. The findings suggest the need for the development of a prescribed set of guidelines and bank procedures to support personalized service recovery efforts in the wake of service failures.
Deposit money banks’ efficiency in three years after, during and before the 2004–2005 consolidation in Nigeria: the puzzle on size
Authors: Mautin Oke David , A. Ogbuji Isaac , Gerry Bokana Koye
Published: November 2017

In this paper, the authors examined the efficiency of deposit money banks (DMBs) in Nigeria in three years after, during and before the 2004–2005 capital consolidation in Nigeria. This consolidation period was the last period the Central Bank of Nigeria implemented an official recapitalization policy of the deposit money banks in the country. The authors predicated the study on a modified intermediation and efficiency measurement frameworks. It utilizes deposits, fixed assets and employees as inputs, whose costs are interest payments, depreciation and staff expenses. Performing loans and advances, investments and liquid assets constituted the output variables. The authors computed the efficiency scores, using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach. The data used were obtained from the DMBs that retained their identities and controlled over 75% of the banking industry’s total assets. They were purposively selected to maintain data consistency, and were size-classified by total assets. The findings show that small banks tend to be more cost efficient than medium and big banks. More so, medium sized banks tend to be more cost efficient than big banks, while big banks take the lead in cost efficiency score in post consolidation period. Cost efficiency of the banks was the highest during consolidation, followed by pre-consolidation and least in three years after consolidation.
Corporate risk disclosure of Islamic and сonventional banks
Authors: Ould Daoud Ellili Nejla , Nobanee Haitham
Published: November 2017

This study examines the degree of the corporate risk disclosure and its impact on the banking performance using annual data of banks listed on the UAE financial markets: Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM) during the period 2003–2013. The authors conduct the content analysis of the annual reports to measure the degree of the corporate risk disclosure. In addition, they use the panel data regressions to analyze the impact of the corporate risk disclosure on the performance of the banks. The results show low degree of the overall corporate risk disclosure index, strategic risk disclosure index, operational risk disclosure index, damage risk disclosure index, and risk management disclosure index for UAE listed banks. In addition, the results reveal significant differences in the overall corporate risk disclosure, strategic risk disclosure, financial risk disclosure, and risk management disclosure between conventional and Islamic banks. However, the effect of the degree of the overall corporate risk disclosure on the performance of UAE bank has been found insignificant. The findings of this paper contribute by providing a better understanding of risk disclosure practices in UAE and help the banks to optimally disclose their risk, improve the quality of their disclosure practices and enhance the quality of their financial reports. The impact of the corporate risk disclosure on the performance of the banks has not been examined by any of the prior researches. In addition, this paper examines the potential difference between Islamic and conventional banks in their corporate risk disclosure practices.
Deficit irrigation and irrigation methods as on-farm strategies to maximize crop water productivity in dry areas
Authors: Al-Ghobari Hussein M. , Dewidar Ahmed Z.
Published: November 2017

An in-situ field study on two types of irrigation methods and three irrigation regimes was conducted in a sandy loam soil located at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2015 and 2016. The study was to assess the effects of different irrigation methods on physiological and yield responses of tomato crops under water shortage conditions. The tested irrigation methods were surface drip irrigation (SDI) and subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI) systems. Irrigation treatments consisted of three strategies: (1) plants were irrigated with a water depth of 100% of the full irrigation supply; (2) plants were irrigated with a water depth of 80% of the full irrigation supply; and (3) plants were irrigated with a water depth of 60% of the full irrigation supply. Results indicated that water shortage significantly affected yield and quality response for each season. Over a 2-year average, yield increase was greatest in T1-SSDI followed by T2-SSDI and then T1-SDI. The yield response factor was 0.95 and 1.05 for SSDI and SDI, respectively. The highest water use efficiency values were obtained in T2-SSDI (16.3 kg m−3) and T1-SSDI (15.6 kg m−3), and the lowest ones, those estimated in T1-SDI (10.9 kg m−3) and T3-SDI (9.5 kg m−3).
Antibiotic Resistance Patterns and Virulence Determinants of Different SCCmec and Pulsotypes of Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated from a Major Hospital in Ilam, Iran
Authors: Abbasi Mehdi , BaseriSalehi Majid , Bahador Nima , Taherikalani Morovat
Published: November 2017

Aims & Objectives:

The aim of this studyisto evaluate genetic relatedness, antibiotic resistance pattern, and virulence characteristics of different types ofS. aureusisolated from air, surfaces, staff, and patients in a Public hospital in Ilam.

Methods & Materials:

A total of 88 of 140 staphylococci identified asS. aureusby conventional and molecular methods were used in this study. Isolate samples were obtained from surfaces, staff, patients, and hospital indoor air. The sampling from staff and surfaces was done through using swab and air by standard pump. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and presence different resistant and virulence determinants was assessed. Isolates were then typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and SCCmectyping methods.

Results:

Out of 88isolates, 36 of them (40.9%) were MRSA. Among MRSA isolates, the range of resistance to antibiotic was 0% in vancomycin to 83.3% in gentamycin. The most prevalent resistant genes among gentamicin resistantS. aureuswereacc (6')/aph (2”)Iaandaph(3”)IIIa. The most common erythromycin resistant gene wasermC. Surprisingly, SCCmectypes I (30.5%), II (25%)were highly distributed. PFGE analysis showed 33 different pulsotypes.

Conclusion:

This study confirms that different isolates of MSSA and MRSA circulate in Ilam which differ in antimicrobial susceptibility, content of resistance, and virulence determinants.
Bacteriology and Antibiogram of Urinary Tract Infection Among Female Patients in a Tertiary Health Facility in South Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Oli Angus N. , Akabueze Vivian B. , Ezeudu Chijioke E. , Eleje George U. , Ejiofor Obiora S. , Ezebialu Ifeanyichukwu U. , Oguejiofor Charlotte B. , Ekejindu Ifeoma M. , Emechebe George O. , Okeke Kenneth N.
Published: November 2017

Background:

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common contagion among men and women with the incidence relatively higher among women due to their differing anatomy. An understanding of the kind of pathogens implicated in urinary tract infections as well as antibiotic susceptibility profiling may help the clinician make rationally correct empirical choice in their treatment.

Objective:

This study is aimed at determining the type and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacterial uropathogens isolated from female patients attending Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka, Nigeria.

Method:

Two hundred and forty patients with clinically diagnosed UTI and who were on at least 5 days’ antibiotic holiday were recruited into the study. Their demographic characteristics were captured using pre-tested questionnaire. Their clean catch mid-stream urine samples were collected using sterile universal container and sent to the Microbiology Department for processing. Within 30 minutes of samples collection, the specimens were cultured and the isolates were identified, after 24 h of incubation, using standard microbiological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were done with standard antibiotic discs using the Kirby–bauer disc diffusion method.

Results:

Out of the 240 urine samples, 89.17% yielded significant bacteriuria. The pathogens implicated were Escherichia coli (28.5%), Staphylococcus aureus (28.0%), Salmonella spp (22.8%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20.5%). HIV status, patients age, pregnancy status and marital status all significantly affected bacteriuria rate (p value < 0.05), while patients’ location (sub-urban/rural dwelling), and level of education did not (p value > 0.05). The pattern of microbial resistance to antibiotics suggests that ceftazidime, fosfomycin and cefoxitin may not be used as first-line agents in the empirical treatment of UTIs rather; levofloxacin, meropenem or aztreonam should be considered. Levofloxacin was significantly effective against all the isolates and may be administered empirically while waiting for the culture result (Mean % susceptibility was 79.85).

Conclusion:

E. coli and S. aureus were the predominant pathogens in the study and many were resistant to the commonly prescribed antibiotics and so leave the clinicians with only few alternative drugs for UTIs treatment. Routine surveillance and monitoring studies need to be constantly conducted to update clinicians on the prevalent pathogens and the rational and empirical treatment of UTIs. Aggressive and consistent health education using every possible media is also recommended to combat the menace of drug resistance occasioned by inappropriate antibiotic use.
Painful Knee is not Uncommon after total Knee Arthroplasty and can be Treated by Arthroscopic Debridement
Authors: Sekiya Hitoshi
Published: November 2017

Background:

After total knee arthroplasty (TKA), most patients have an improvement; however, a few continue to have residual pain. We reported a case series of painful knee after TKA with unreported reason.

Material and Methods:

Forty-six arthroscopic surgeries were performed for painful knee after TKA. Of these, 16 were excluded due to infection, patellar clunk syndrome, patellofemoral synovial hyperplasia, aseptic loosening, or short follow up less than 6 months. Remaining 30 cases had marked tenderness at the medial and/or lateral tibiofemoral joint space, and they had pain during walking with pain or without pain at rest. The mean period from initial TKA to arthroscopy was 29 months, and the mean follow-up after arthroscopy was 36 months. All arthroscopic debridement was performed through 3 portals. Scar tissue impingements graded moderate or severe were found only in 30% of the cases in both the medial and lateral tibiofemoral joint spaces. The infrapatellar fat pad was covered with whitish scar tissue in all cases, and the tissue was connected with the scar tissue at the medial or lateral tibiofemoral joint spaces. All scar tissue was removed with a motorized shaver or punches.

Results:

At the final follow-up, 63% were pain free, 3% had marked improvement, 20% had half improvement, 3% had slight improvement, and 11% had no change. We hypothesized that the lesser mobility of the scar tissue due to the continuity of the tissue between the infrapatellar fat pad and the tibiofemoral joint space could cause easy impingement at the tibiofemoral joint, even with the small volume of scar tissue.

Conclusion:

If infection and aseptic loosening could be ruled out in a painful knee after TKA, arthroscopic debridement appeared to be a good option to resolve the pain.
Anatomic Outside-In Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Using Femoral Fixation with Metallic Interference Screw and Surgical Staples (Agrafe) in the Tibia: An Effective Low-Cost Technique
Authors: Diego Ariel de Lima , Stemberg Martins de Vasconcelos, , Dias Leite, José Alberto , Moreira Pinto, Dilamar , Beltrão Teixeira, Rogério , Coelho de Léo, Álvaro , de Lima Silveira, Leonardo , Krause Gonçalves, Romeu , Carvalho Krause Gonçalves, Marcelo , Carolina Leite de Vasconcelos, Ana , Dias Costa Filho, Carlos Frederico , Lana Lacerda de Lima,
Published: November 2017

Background:

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a frequent injury, with short and long-term consequences if left untreated. With a view to benefitting as many patients as possible and preventing future complications, we created a low-cost ligament reconstruction technique.

Method:

The present article describes an anatomic ACL reconstruction technique.

Results:

The technique involves single-band reconstruction, using flexors tendon graft, outside-in tunnel perforation, femoral fixation with metal interference screw and surgical staples (Agrafe) in the longitudinal position.

Conclusion:

We present a simple, easy-to-reproduce technique that, when executed on patients with good bone quality, primarily in the tibia, is effective and inexpensive, favoring its large scale application.
Midterm Results of Cementless and Cemented Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty with Mobile Meniscal Bearing: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Stempin Radosław , Kaczmarek Wiesław , Stempin Kacper , Dutka Julian
Published: November 2017

Background:

Cemented unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) yields good clinical outcome but common revision reasons are loosening and pain. Cementless UKA may reduce the revision rate.

Objective:

The current study was designed to assess clinical and radiographic outcome of cemented and cementless UKA, using bone quality as determined by the Bone Hardness Test (BHT) as selection criterion for cementless implantation.

Methods:

In this prospective comparative cohort study we analyzed 50 cementless and 29 Oxford consecutive UKA cases. Patients with sufficient bone quality were eligible for cementless UKA. Bone quality was assessed with the BHT, which consisted of exercising pressure with the thumb on the bone surface created after resection of the tibia.

Results:

The average surgical times were 62.5 ± 12.6 and 78 ± 16 minutes in the cementless and the cemented group, respectively (p < 0.01). The average thickness of the polyethylene insert was 4.3 ± 1.2 (range, 3 – 9) and 3.7 ± 0.8 (range, 3 – 6) mm, respectively (p = 0.02). Both types of implants yielded excellent clinical and functional results. At an average follow-up time of seven years, we found non-significant differences between clinical results of cementless versus cemented implants.

Conclusion:

Shorter surgical time makes cementless implantation more attractive to surgeons when considering UKA options for their patients. The average thickness of the polyethylene insert in cementless group was 0.6 mm thinner than in the cemented group. The BHT is a simple and useful test to assess whether patients are eligible for cementless UKA.
Tips and Tricks in Extracapsular Hip Fracture Fixation
Authors: Desai Ankit , Jacob Josh , Trompeter Alex
Published: November 2017

Aside from the decision-making in how to fix an extracapsular hip fracture, surgeons must be conversant with systems, implants and how to maximize their potential in the shortest operative time. We present a series of steps used in our unit when performing both DHS and intramedullary nail surgery to avoid the commonest problems and maximize our patients’ recovery potential.
Techniques for the Management of Failed Surgery for Fractures of the Neck of Femur
Authors: Stott Philip M , Parikh Sunny
Published: November 2017

Background:

The majority of modern surgical treatments for managing hip fracture in the elderly are successful and result in a very low rate of revision surgery. Subsequent operations are however occasionally necessary. Optimal management of complications such as infection, dislocation or failed fixation is critical in ensuring that this frail patient group is able to survive their treatment and return to near normal function.

Methods:

This paper is a discussion of techniques, tips and tricks from a high volume hip fracture unit

Conclusion:

This article is a technique-based guide to approaching the surgical management of failed hip fracture treatment and includes sections on revising both failed fixation and failed arthroplasty.
Cytotoxic Activity of Two Cembranoid Diterpenes from Nicotiana Sylvestris Against Three Human Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Jassbi Amir Reza , Vafapour Marzieh , Shokrollahi Ardeshir , Firuzi Omidreza , Zare Mehdi , Chandran Jima N. , Schneider Bernd , Baldwin Ian T.
Published: November 2017

Background:

Two cembranoid diterpenes, [(1S, 2E, 4R, 6R, 7E, 11E)-2, 7, 11-cembratriene-4, 6-diol] (1) and its epimer [(1S, 2E, 4S, 6R,7E,11E)-2, 7, 11-cembratriene-4, 6-diol] (2) were isolated from surface dichloromethane washings and chloroform extract of Nicotiana sylvestris leaves.

Methods:

The compounds were purified using silica gel column- thin layer- and flash column chromatography methods. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic analysis and their 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic data were compared with those of authentic samples reported in the literature. The cytotoxic activity of 1 and 2 against three human cancer cell lines, including LS180 (human colon adenocarcinoma), MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) and MOLT-4 (human lymphoblastic leukemia) were evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric bioassay.

Results:

The IC50 values of compounds 1 and 2 were calculated to be between (28.4±3.7 up to 44.0±6.4 µM) (mean±S.E.M.) for the above mentioned cell lines.
Response of Epiphytic Algae to Heavy Pollution of Water Bodies
Authors: Shevchenko Tatyana F. , Klochenko Peter D. , Bilous Olena P.
Published: November 2017

The objective of the present work was to study the structure of epiphyton in water bodies significantly differing in the degree of their contamination. In the studied water bodies, the concentration of ammonia () accounted for 0.04–74.00 mg/L; nitrite (), 0.002–1.750 mg/L; nitrate (), 0.13–58.00 mg/L; inorganic compounds of phosphorus (Pinorg), 0.041–0.272 mg/L; chloride (Cl−), 34.5–560.5 mg/L; whereas the content of organic matter (DO) was 18.0–81.0 mg O/L. The numbers of algae were determined by a direct count. Biomass was calculated by the count cell volume method. The Generic Diatom Index, the Pantle‐Buck saprobic index, and the Shannon index of species diversity were used to analyze algal community structure. This study found that epiphyton responded to heavy pollution with changes in its species richness, taxonomic structure, species composition, quantitative indices, numbers and biomass structure, dominant complex, and ecological spectrum.
Biosorptive Removal of Cadmium by Tinospora cordifolia (Wild Giloy)
Authors: Sahu Chandraprabha , Pandey Piyush Kant , Khan Fahmida , Pandey Madhurima
Published: November 2017

This research reports the efficacy of Tinospora cordifolia as a biosorbent for removing cadmium ions from industrial effluents. The biosorption capacity was found to be 38.91 mg Cd/g and 43.06 mg Cd/g, in batch and column mode experiments, respectively. The work included uptake capacity, an equilibrium study, and a column study at varying pH (1–9), contact time (5–240 min), biosorbent dosages (1–8 g), and initial metal concentration (10–1000 mg/L). Both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to study the dose–response behavior, and it was observed that the Freundlich model provided the highest R2 value. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated the involvement of hydroxyl, alkane, anhydride, halide, and amine functional groups. Multilayer adsorption as indicated by the Freundlich adsorption model, and multifunctional group interaction as identified in the FTIR analysis, explains the high adsorptive capacity. The biomass was successfully applied for the removal of cadmium from industrial effluents. Biosorbent also gave a higher removal percentage at a low pH value (pH 2). The feasibility and viability of the biomass for technocommercial utilization in effluent treatment appears high.
“You Get Beautiful Teeth Down There”: Racial/Ethnic Minority Older Adults’ Perspectives on Care at Dental School Clinics
Authors: Northridge Mary E. , Schenkel Andrew B. , Birenz Shirley , Estrada Ivette , Metcalf Sara S. , Wolff Mark S.
Published: November 2017

To help eliminate reported racial/ethnic and socioeconomic inequities in oral health care, listening to the perspectives of racial/ethnic minority older adults on their experiences with dental school clinics is needed. The aim of this study was to examine the experiences of African American, Puerto Rican, and Dominican older adults who attend senior centers in upper Manhattan, New York City, regarding the care received at dental school clinics. Focus groups were conducted from 2013 to 2015 with 194 racial/ethnic minority men and women aged 50 years and older living in upper Manhattan. All of the 24 focus group sessions were digitally audiorecorded and transcribed for analysis. Groups conducted in Spanish were transcribed first in Spanish and then translated into English. Analysis of the transcripts was conducted using thematic content analysis. Seven subthemes were manifest in the data related to these adults’ positive experiences with dental school clinics: excellent outcomes and dentists, painless and safe treatment, affordable care, honest and reputable, benefits of student training, accepting and helpful, and recommended by family and friends. Negative experiences centered around four subthemes: multiple visits required for treatment, loss of interpersonal communication due to use of technology, inconvenient location, and perceived stigma with Medicaid. This study provided novel evidence of the largely positive experiences with dental schools of racial/ethnic minority senior center attendees. Interventions targeted at the organization and provider level, including organizational motivation, resources, staff attributes, climate, and teamwork plus payment programs and services, insurance and affordability, and provider‐ and system‐level supports, may improve health care processes and patient experiences of care.
Observed Altruism in Dental Students: An Experiment Using the Ultimatum Game
Authors: Crutchfield Parker A.S. , Jarvis Justin S. , Olson Terry L. , Wilson Matthew S.
Published: November 2017

The conventional wisdom in dental and medical education is that dental and medical students experience “ethical erosion” over the duration of dental and medical school. There is some evidence for this claim, but in the case of dental education the evidence consists entirely of survey research, which does not measure behavior. The aim of this study was to measure the altruistic behavior of dental students in order to fill the significant gap in knowledge of how students are disposed to behave, rather than how they are disposed to think. To test the altruistic behavior of dental students, the authors conducted a field experiment using the Ultimatum Game, a two‐player game used in economics to observe social behavior. In the game, the “proposer” is given a pot of resources, typically money, to split with the “responder.” The proposer proposes a split of the pot to the responder. If the responder accepts the proposed split, both participants keep the amounts offered. If the proposal is rejected, then neither participant receives anything. In this study, the students played the proposer, and the responder was a fictional individual although the students believed they were playing the computerized game with a real person. In fall 2015, dental students from each of the four years at one university played the game. All 160 students were invited to participate, and 136 did so, for a response rate of 85%. The results showed that the students exhibited greater levels of altruism than the general population typically does. The students’ altruism was at its highest in year four and was associated with the socioeconomic status of responder. This result raises the possibility that if a decreasing ability to behave altruistically is observed during dental school, it may not be due to a general disposition of students, but rather some factor specific to the educational environment.
Educating Dental Students About Eating Disorders: Perceptions and Practice of Interprofessional Care
Authors: Frimenko Katherine M. , Murdoch-Kinch Carol Anne , Inglehart Marita R.
Published: November 2017

Providing care for patients with eating disorders (EDs) requires an interprofessional care (IPC) approach. The aims of this study were to assess dental students’ ED‐ and IPC‐related educational experiences, perceptions of preparedness for ED‐related communication with patients and providers, and attitudes related to an IPC approach to ED. Relationships among perceptions of education, preparedness, attitudes, and characteristics (e.g., year in program and family members in other health care fields) were also explored. Of the 440 University of Michigan students invited to participate, 339 completed the survey (77% response rate). A total of 257 students from another 21 dental schools completed the web‐based survey, but their response rates could not be computed because it is unknown how many academic deans at the other 65 schools forwarded the recruitment email to their students. In the combined results, the students did not evaluate their ED‐ and IPC‐related clinical education positively (mean=1.33 on scale from 1=least to 3=most education), with first‐year students (D1) reporting the least and fourth‐year students (D4) the most educational experiences (D1: 1.08, D2: 1.16, D3: 1.42, D4: 1.59; p<0.001). While the students did not perceive themselves well prepared to talk with patients about mental health/ED, they reported feeling better prepared for IPC‐related communication: on scale from 1=least to 5=most prepared, mean (patient)=2.94 vs. mean (IPC/provider)=3.61; p<0.001. All the students had mean positive attitudes towards dental professionals’ ED‐related responsibilities and related IPC considerations. The more education these students reported, the more prepared they perceived being and the more positive their attitudes. The more family members in health professions the students had, the better prepared they reported feeling to communicate with patients and providers from other disciplines about EDs. However, the finding that even the fourth‐year students did not evaluate their ED‐ and IPC‐related clinical education positively deserves attention. Educating students about EDs with an IPC approach could ensure better professional preparedness in this context.
Dental, Dental Hygiene, and Advanced Dental Students’ Use, Knowledge, and Beliefs Regarding Tobacco Products
Authors: Shearston Jenni A. , Shah Krina , Cheng Eric , Moosvi Rizvan , Park Su Hyun , Patel Naiya , Spielman Andrew I. , Weitzman Michael L.
Published: November 2017

Using cigarettes and alternative tobacco products (ATPs) is associated with negative oral health outcomes, and dental health professionals are poised to help patients quit. The aim of this study was to determine dental, dental hygiene, and advanced dental students’ use, knowledge, and beliefs about cigarettes and ATPs, including perceptions about their education in tobacco dependence treatment and counseling experience. All 1,783 students enrolled in the dental, dental hygiene, and postdoctoral dental programs at the New York University College of Dentistry were invited to participate in the survey in 2016. A total of 708 students at least partially completed the survey, for a response rate of 39.7%. In the results, 146 of the students (20.1%) reported ever using cigarettes, while 253 (35.7%) reported ever using any ATP. Regarding tobacco use intervention, the students reported they had not received enough training on ATPs, were neutral about cigarettes, and were somewhat confident and not so confident counseling a cigarette smoker or ATP user, respectively. By their fourth year, 77.8% of the dental students reported they had counseled someone to stop smoking cigarettes, but only 40.7% had counseled someone to stop using ATPs. Overall, all groups of students reported feeling more confident and had received more education on interventions for cigarettes than for ATPs (p<0.001). These students reported low confidence in helping people quit tobacco and did not perceive they had received enough training on intervening with patients on use of cigarettes and ATPs. These findings call for a revised tobacco education curriculum for dental, dental hygiene, and advanced dental students, focused on building knowledge and confidence for promoting tobacco dependence treatment.
U.S. Dental School Applicants and Enrollees, 2016 Entering Class
Authors: Wanchek Tanya , Cook Bryan J. , Valachovic Richard W.
Published: November 2017

The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) collects information on dental school applicants and first‐time, first‐year enrollees as part of the administration of dental school applications. This report analyzes the data on the characteristics and academic qualifications of the 12,058 applicants who applied during the 2015–16 application cycle and of the 6,100 first‐time, first‐year enrollees who began dental school during fall 2016. Among the key findings are that the number of applications increased for the second year in a row, while enrollment continued its steady 12‐year rise. The number of women applicants exceeded the number of men by a larger margin than the previous year, reversing the long‐term trend of having more men apply to dental school. However, men continued to have slightly higher levels of enrollment. When race/ethnicity is viewed alone or in combination, the number of applicants and first‐time enrollees from most race/ethnic groups increased. The exceptions were Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander applicants and enrollees and American Indian or Alaska Native enrollees, which fell slightly. The Northwest had the highest share of its population applying for and enrolling in dental school. Applicants overwhelmingly had a biological or biomedical science background. The data and analysis presented in this report offer a unique picture of dental school applicants and enrollees. It provides school administrators with a national view of the qualifications of applicants, and it provides prospective students with a better understanding of the qualifications they likely need to enroll. The analysis also gives policymakers a preliminary view of future trends in the dental workforce.
What Predicts Patients� Adoption Intention Toward mHealth Services in China: Empirical Study (Preprint)
Authors: Deng Zhaohua , Hong Ziying , Ren Cong , Zhang Wei , Xiang Fei
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

With the increasing concerns about the health of individuals in China and the development of information technology, mHealth enables patients to access health information and interact with doctors anytime and anywhere. Examining patients’ willingness to use mHealth is considered critical because its success depends on the adoption of patients.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to explore the determinants of mHealth service adoption among Chinese patients using an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) with trust and perceived risks.

METHODS

We conducted a questionnaire-based survey in 3 large hospitals in China and analyzed the data using structural equation modeling.

RESULTS

The results corroborated that the proposed model fits well. Trust, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use positively correlated with mHealth service adoption. Privacy and performance risks negatively correlated with the patients’ trust and adoption intention toward mHealth services. In addition, patients’ age and chronic diseases can help predict their trust level and adoption intention toward mHealth, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that the TAM generally works in the context of mHealth adoption, although its significance has declined. In addition to technical factors, trust and perceived risks are critical for explaining mHealth service adoption among Chinese patients.