bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Precipitation Pre-Processing Methods on Hydrological Model Performance using High-Resolution Gridded Dataset
Authors: Abbas Salam A. , Xuan Yunqing
Published: March 2020

Effective representation of precipitation inputs is one of the essential components in hydrological model structures, especially when gauge measurements for the modelled catchment are sparse. Assessment of the impact of precipitation pre-processing is often nontrivial as precipitation data are very limited in the first place. In this paper, we demonstrate a study using a semi-distributed hydrological model, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to examine the impact of different precipitation pre-processing methods on model calibration and the overall model performance with regards to the operational use. A river catchment in the UK is modelled to test against the three pre-processing methods: the Centroid Point Estimation Method (CPEM), the Grid Area Method (GAM) and the Grid Point Method (GPM). Cross-calibration and validation are then carried out by using the high-resolution Centre for Ecology & Hydrology–Gridded Estimate Areal Rainfall (CEH-GEAR) dataset. The results show that the proposed methods GAM and GPM can improve the model calibration significantly against the one calibrated with the existing CPEM method used by the model; the performance differences in the validation among the calibrated models, however, remain small and become irrelevant. The findings indicate that it is preferable to always make use of high-quality rainfall data, when available, with a better pre-processing method, even with models that are previously calibrated with low-quality rainfall inputs. It is also shown that such improvements are affected by the size of catchment and become less significant for smaller catchments.
Nonlinear Autoregressive Neural Networks to Predict Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid Leakage into Shallow Groundwater
Authors: Taherdangkoo Reza , Tatomir Alexandru , Taherdangkoo Mohammad , Qiu Pengxiang , Sauter Martin
Published: March 2020

Hydraulic fracturing of horizontal wells is an essential technology for the exploitation of unconventional resources, but led to environmental concerns. Fracturing fluid upward migration from deep gas reservoirs along abandoned wells may pose contamination threats to shallow groundwater. This study describes the novel application of a nonlinear autoregressive (NAR) neural network to estimate fracturing fluid flow rate to shallow aquifers in the presence of an abandoned well. The NAR network is trained using the Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) and Bayesian Regularization (BR) algorithms and the results were compared to identify the optimal network architecture. For NAR-LM model, the coefficient of determination (R2) between measured and predicted values is 0.923 and the mean squared error (MSE) is 4.2 × 10−4, and the values of R2 = 0.944 and MSE = 2.4 × 10−4 were obtained for the NAR-BR model. The results indicate the robustness and compatibility of NAR-LM and NAR-BR models in predicting fracturing fluid flow rate to shallow aquifers. This study shows that NAR neural networks can be useful and hold considerable potential for assessing the groundwater impacts of unconventional gas development.
Hydraulic Properties of a Cultivated Soil in Temperate Continental Climate Determined by Mini Disk Infiltrometer
Authors: Báťková Kamila , Miháliková Markéta , Matula Svatopluk
Published: March 2020

Hydraulic conductivity at and near saturation (Ks and K(h)) are among the most important characteristics defining water behavior in soil. Characterization of possibilities, advantages and limitations of the Mini Disk infiltrometer (MDI) for Ks and K(h) determination in comparison with Hood infiltrometer (HI) was the main aim of this study. The MDI device was subjected to testing on a cultivated silty clay loam soil under three different tillage treatments; conventional, reduced and no-tillage plot. The results are based on 72 infiltration experiments carried out during four experimental phases within one year. Steady-state and transient data analysis methods were applied. K(h) values were determined for van Genuchten hydraulic parameters taken from different sources (two versions of User’s manual, Rosetta). The results show suitability of MDI to determine K(h) of tested soil; clear differences have been observed between the K(h) values measured on plots with different tillage treatment. However, these values were significantly lower (ANOVA, α = 0.05) than those measured by HI. MDI based data were reflecting seasonal changes in structure and pore-size distribution with quantification of macropore contribution to the total saturated flux. Application of K(h) MDI data for fine-textured and structural soils evaluated before 2010 should be reconsidered.
Effects of Rainfall Spatial Distribution on the Relationship between Rainfall Spatiotemporal Resolution and Runoff Prediction Accuracy
Authors: Kim Changhwan , Kim Dae-Hong
Published: March 2020

We studied how rainfall spatial distribution affects the relationship between rainfall spatiotemporal resolution and runoff prediction accuracy under real field conditions. We gathered radar rainfall and discharge data for three rainfall events. These rainfall-runoff events were then reproduced using a kinematic wave model. Modeling accuracy was estimated quantitatively using the Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency coefficient and peak discharge ratio. Normalized root-mean-square error ( nRMSE ), skewness ( S k ), and second scaled spatial moment of catchment rainfall ( δ 2 ) were employed to quantify rainfall spatial distribution characteristics. By relating the accuracy of modeling results to the rainfall spatial characteristics using various rainfall spatiotemporal resolutions, we found that the modeling results converged to a value as the nRMSE , | S k | and | 1 − δ 2 | decreased. That is, rainfall spatial distributions affect the relationship between lower limit of rainfall spatiotemporal resolution for runoff models and runoff prediction accuracy.
Evaluation of Dispersed Alkaline Substrate and Diffusive Exchange System Technologies for the Passive Treatment of Copper Mining Acid Drainage
Authors: Schwarz Alex , Nancucheo Iván , Gaete Maria A. , Muñoz Diego , Sanhueza Pamela , Torregrosa Martin , Rötting Tobias , Southam Gordon , Aybar Marcelo
Published: March 2020

The study evaluates the performance of the novel ADES (alkaline diffusive exchange System), SDES (sulfidogenic diffusive exchange system) and DAS (Dispersed Alkaline Substrate) technologies for the passive treatment of high-strength acid mine drainage (AMD) from copper mining (pH~3, 633 mg Cu L−1). The chemical DAS and ADES prototypes showed the best performance in the removal of Cu, Al, and Zn (98–100%), while the biochemical SDES reactors achieved a high sulfate removal rate (average of 0.28 mol m−3 day-1). Notably, the DES technology was effective in protecting the sulfate-reducing communities from the high toxicity of the AMD, and also in maintaining bed permeability, an aspect that was key in the ADES reactor. The DAS reactor showed the highest reactivity, accumulating the metallic precipitates in a lower reactor volume, allowing to conclude that it requires the lowest hydraulic residence time among all the reactors. However, the concentration of precipitates resulted in the formation of a hardpan, which may trigger the need of removing it to avoid compromising the continuity of the treatment process. This study suggests the development of new treatment alternatives by combining the strengths of each technology in combined or serial treatments.
Climatic Variabilities Control the Solute Dynamics of Monsoon Karstic River: Approaches from C-Q Relationship, Isotopes, and Model Analysis in the Liujiang River
Authors: Liu Jing , Ding Hu , Xiao Min , Xu Zhu-Yan , Wei Yuan , Su Zhi-Hua , Zhao Lei , Peng Jiao-Ting , Wang Heng , Wang Xiao-Dan
Published: March 2020

The dynamics of riverine solutes’ contents and sources reflect geological, ecological, and climatic information of the draining basin. This study investigated the influence of climatic variability on solute dynamics by the high-frequency hydrogeochemical monitory in the Liujiang River draining karst terrain of Guangxi Province, SW (Southwestern) China. In the study river, the content-discharge (C-Q) patterns of riverine solutes indicate that the majority of riverine solutes show similar dilution and near chemostatic behaviors responding to increasing discharge, especially geogenic solutes (such as weathering products from carbonate, silicate, and sulfide oxidation), whereas exogenous solutes (such as atmospheric input to riverine sulfate) and biological solutes (such as soil CO2) show higher contents with increasing discharge. Besides, the biological carbon is the main driver of the chemostatic behaviors of total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). The forward model results show that carbonate weathering dominates the water chemistry, and the weathering rates are intensified during high flow period due to additional inputs of weathering agents, i.e., the biologic carbonic acid from dissolution of soil CO2, indicated by δ13CDIC. In addition, there exists the strong capacity of CO2 consumption that is heavily dependent on climatic variables such as precipitation and air temperature in this study river. Our study highlights the impact of climatic variability on solutes dynamics and chemical weathering and thus must be better addressed in C models under future climate change scenarios.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Point-of-Use Water Treatment Systems Using the Water Quality Index in Rural Southwest China
Authors: Zhang Zejin , Zhang Wei , Hu Xi , Li Kexin , Luo Pengfei , Li Xin , Xu Wen , Li Shiyu , Duan Changqun
Published: March 2020

Rural China faces a shortage of safe drinking water. There are significant challenges associated with small centralized water supply systems and decentralized water supply systems. Many rural residents use point-of-use water treatment systems to ensure the safety of their drinking water. The actual water purification effect and applicability of these water treatment systems in small centralized and decentralized water supply systems need to be determined urgently. In this study, the water quality index (WQI) method was applied for the first time in rural areas to evaluate the effectiveness of point-of-use water treatment systems. A total of 67 reverse osmosis water treatment systems were tested. The rate of compliance with drinking water standards of the decentralized water supply was low (37%). Compared with untreated water, the use of a reverse osmosis water treatment system improved the rate of compliance with drinking water standards, but this effect was not satisfactory (8%). Among the factors potentially affecting the purified water quality of point-of-use water treatment systems (e.g., service time of the water treatment system, service time of the filter element, and type of water source), the service time of the filter element had the most significant influence on the water quality. If the filter element had not been replaced for a long period, the removal effect of the water treatment system on the total hardness, sulfide, copper, and ammonia nitrogen was significantly affected, reducing the quality of the purified water. To ensure the safety of drinking water, it is recommended to replace the filter element of a reverse osmosis water treatment system at least once a year.
Amendment of Husk Biochar on Accumulation and Chemical Form of Cadmium in Lettuce and Pak-Choi Grown in Contaminated Soil
Authors: Chen Kuei-San , Pai Chun-Yu , Lai Hung-Yu
Published: March 2020

(1) Background: Cadmium (Cd) accumulated in vegetables not only affects their growth but can also enter the human body via food chains and lead to various illnesses. Plants can decrease the toxicity by changing the chemical forms of Cd, which include inorganic (FE), water-soluble (FW), pectate- and protein-integrated (FNaCl), undissolved phosphate (FHAc), oxalate (FHCl), and residual forms (FR). Among them, FE and FW chemical forms show higher mobility to translocate upward from roots to shoots compared with the others. (2) Methods: Different varieties or cultivars of lettuce and pak-choi were grown in Cd-contaminated soils amended with husk biochar (BC) to replenish nitrogen to the recommended amount and also to raise the soil pH value. (3) Results: More than 73% of the accumulated Cd in the edible organs was compartmentalized in FE chemical form in both leafy vegetables regardless of treatments. In comparison with control, the application of BC decreased the Cd concentrations and bioconcentration factors in the roots and shoots of two leafy vegetables at different growth periods in general. The chemical form and bioaccessible fraction of Cd in the edible blanching tissues were used to calculate the risk of oral intake. The vegetable-induced hazard quotients of lettuce and pak-choi were acceptable, except for pak-choi grown in control without applying BC.
A Comment on Chinese Policies to Avoid Negative Impacts on River Ecosystems by Hydropower Projects
Authors: Wu Miao , Chen Ang , Zhang Xingnan , McClain Michael E.
Published: March 2020

The rapid economic development of river basins depends on the excessive use of water resources. China experienced a rapid development of hydropower projects in the last two decades and thus faces many ecological and environmental issues, especially in ecologically sensitive areas. Environmental flow is an important management tool that requires attention in the environmental impact assessment of hydropower projects. Environmental flows are of great significance for maintaining river structures and protecting the health of both aquatic ecosystems and human sustainable livelihoods. Although the government authorities have done much work in this area and attempted to consider technical requirements to address the negative externalities of hydropower projects, there are still defects in the basic procedures, calculation methods, and ultimately implementation process from policy to operationalization in terms of environmental flows. The official standards for environmental flows assessment mainly appear in two documents: 1. specification for calculation of environmental flow in rivers and lakes; and 2. code for calculation ecological flow of hydropower projects. This paper reviewed the overarching framework of the two documents and then summarized their fitness in terms of environmental flows implementation in hydropower projects. The research status of environmental flows and future directions for China were also proposed in this paper.
Evaluation of Flood Prediction Capability of the WRF-Hydro Model Based on Multiple Forcing Scenarios
Authors: Sun Mingkun , Li Zhijia , Yao Cheng , Liu Zhiyu , Wang Jingfeng , Hou Aizhong , Zhang Ke , Huo Wenbo , Liu Moyang
Published: March 2020

The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF)-Hydro model as a physical-based, fully-distributed, multi-parameterization modeling system easy to couple with numerical weather prediction model, has potential for operational flood forecasting in the small and medium catchments (SMCs). However, this model requires many input forcings, which makes it difficult to use it for the SMCs without adequate observed forcings. The Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS), the WRF outputs and the ideal forcings generated by the WRF-Hydro model can provide all forcings required in the model for these SMCs. In this study, seven forcing scenarios were designed based on the products of GLDAS, WRF and ideal forcings, as well as the observed and merged rainfalls to assess the performance of the WRF-Hydro model for flood simulation. The model was applied to the Chenhe catchment, a typical SMC located in the Midwestern China. The flood prediction capability of the WRF-Hydro model was also compared to that of widely used Xinanjiang model. The results show that the three forcing scenarios, including the GLDAS forcings with observed rainfall, the WRF forcings with observed rainfall and GLDAS forcings with GLDAS-merged rainfall, are optimal input forcings for the WRF-Hydro model. Their mean root mean square errors (RMSE) are 0.18, 0.18 and 0.17 mm/h, respectively. The performance of the WRF-Hydro model driven by these three scenarios is generally comparable to that of the Xinanjiang model (RMSE = 0.17 mm/h).
Vegetated Ditch Habitats Provide Net Nitrogen Sink and Phosphorus Storage Capacity in Agricultural Drainage Networks Despite Senescent Plant Leaching
Authors: Taylor Jason , Moore Matthew , Speir Shannon L. , Testa Sam
Published: March 2020

The utility of vegetated ditch environments as nutrient sinks in agricultural watersheds is dependent in part on biogeochemical transformations that control plant uptake and release during decomposition. We investigated nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) uptake and release across four P enrichment treatments in ditch mesocosms planted with rice cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides) during the summer growing and winter decomposition seasons. Measured N retention and modeled denitrification rates did not vary, but P retention significantly increased with P enrichment. At the end of the growing season, root biomass stored significantly more N and P than aboveground stem and leaf biomass. Decomposition rates were low (<10% organic matter loss) and not affected by P enrichment. Nitrogen and P export during winter did not vary across the P enrichment gradient. Export accounted for <10% of observed summer N uptake (1363 mg m−2), with denitrification potentially accounting for at least 40% of retained N. In contrast, net P retention was dependent on enrichment; in unenriched mesocosms, P uptake and release were balanced (only 25% net retention), whereas net retention increased from 77% to 88% with increasing P enrichment. Our results indicate that vegetated ditch environments have significant potential to serve as denitrification sinks, while also storing excess P in agricultural watersheds.
Simulating the Hydrological Processes of a Meso-Scale Watershed on the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Leng Manman , Yu Yang , Wang Shengping , Zhang Zhiqiang
Published: March 2020

The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model is widely used to simulate watershed streamflow by integrating complex interactions between climate, geography, soil, vegetation, land use/land cover and other human activities. Although there have been many studies involving sensitivity analysis, uncertainty fitting, and performance evaluation of SWAT model all over the world, identifying dominant parameters and confirming actual hydrological processes still remain essential for studying the effect of climate and land use change on the hydrological regime in some water-limited regions. We used hydro-climate and spatial geographical data of a watershed with an area of 3919 km2, located on the Loess Plateau of China, to explore the suitable criterion to select parameters for running the model, and to elucidate the dominant ones that govern the hydrological processes for achieving the sound streamflow simulation. Our sensitivity analysis results showed that parameters not passing the sensitive check (p-value < 0.05) could play a significant role in hydrological simulation rather than only the parameters with p-value lower than 0.05, indicating that the common protocol is not appropriate for selecting parameters by sensitivity screening only. Superior performance of the rarely used parameter SOL_BD was likely caused by a combination of lateral and vertical movement of water in the loess soils due to the run-on infiltration process that occurred for meso-scale watershed monthly streamflow modeling, contrasting with traditionally held infiltration excessive overland flow dominated runoff generation mechanisms that prevail on the Loess Plateau. Overall, the hydrological processes of meso-scale watershed in the region could be well simulated by the model though underestimates of monthly streamflow could occur. Simulated water balance results indicated that the evapotranspiration in the region was the main component leaving the watershed, accounting for 88.9% of annual precipitation. Surface runoff contributed to 63.2% of the streamflow, followed by lateral flow (36.6%) and groundwater (0.2%). Our research highlights the importance for selecting more appropriate parameters for distributed hydrological models, which could help modelers to better comprehend the meso-scale watershed runoff generation mechanism of the Loess Plateau and provide policy makers robust tool for developing sustainable watershed management planning in water-limited regions.
A Regression-Based Prediction Model of Suspended Sediment Yield in the Cuyahoga River in Ohio Using Historical Satellite Images and Precipitation Data
Authors: Ampomah Richard , Hosseiny Hossein , Zhang Lan , Smith Virginia , Sample-Lord Kristin
Published: March 2020

Urbanization typically results in increased imperviousness which alters suspended sediment yield and impacts geomorphic and ecological processes within urban streams. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in the ability to predict suspended sediment yield. This study assesses the combined impact of urban development and increased precipitation on suspended sediment yield in the Cuyahoga River using statistical modeling. Historical satellite-based land-cover data was combined with precipitation and suspended sediment yield data to create a Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) model for the Cuyahoga watershed. An R2 value of 0.71 was obtained for the comparison between the observed and predicted results based on limited land-use and land-cover data. The model also shows that every 1 mm increase in the mean annual precipitation has the potential to increase the mean annual suspended sediment yield by 860 tons/day. Further, a 1 km2 increase in developed land area has the potential to increase mean annual suspended sediment yield by 0.9 tons/day. The framework proposed in this study provides decision makers with a measure for assessing the potential impacts of future development and climate alteration on water quality in the watershed and implications for stream stability, dam and flood management, and in-stream and near-stream infrastructure life.
ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ БЫКОВ-ПРОИЗВОДИТЕЛЕЙ РАЗЛИЧНОЙ СЕЛЕКЦИИ ПРИ РАЗВЕДЕНИИ СКОТА КОСТРОМСКОЙ ПОРОДЫ
Authors: BARANOV А.V. , BARANOVA N.S. , KOROLEV А.А.
Published: March 2020

Представлен материал по эффективности использования быков-производителей различной селекции при разведении скота костромской породы. В племенных организациях удой коров по данным бонитировки в 2018 году составил 6623 кг, содержание жира 4,23, белка 3,32, живая масса 548 кг. Наряду с быками отечественной селекции, при совершенствовании породы используют бурый швицкий скот из США, Канады и Австрии. Изучены методы получения быков-производителей различной селекции и их оценка по качеству потомства. Большинство быков были получены при использовании кроссов линий (74,1), из которых быки-улучшатели составили 55,0. На основании родительского индекса определена реализация генетического потенциала коров костромской породы. Проанализирована молочная продуктивность коров-первотелок в зависимости от разной кровности по улучшающей породе и селекции. Рассчитана рентабельность производства молока коров-первотелок разного происхождения.

The article deals with the research results of use efficiency of stud bulls where multiple selection in the Kostroma cattle breed is used. In the year 2018 milk yield was 6623 kg on breed livestock farms, fat content 4,23, protein content 3,32, body weight 548 kg. Domestic stud bulls as well as Brown Swiss from the USA, Canada and Austria are used in the selective breeding. The methods of stud bull production in the multiple selection and progeny records are studied. Most of the bulls were produced by means of line-crossing (74,1), 55,0 of them were bull-improvers. The genetic potential of the Kostroma breed at stud breeding is determined. Milk production of first-calf cows depending on pedigree and selection is analyzed. Milk production efficiency of first-calf cows received in the multiple selection is calculated.
LAPAROSCOPIC DISTAL GASTRECTOMY WITH LYMPH NODES DISSECTION FOR THE TREATMENT OF GASTRIC CANCER
Authors: Phan Hai Thanh , Pham Nhu Hiep , Le Loc , Nguyen Van Lieu , Pham Anh Vu , Ho Huu Thien , Nguyen Thanh Xuan , Nguyen Đoan Van Phu
Published: March 2020

Objective: The goal of this study was to investigate the feasibility, safety, and associated survival outcomes of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) with lymph nodes dissection for gastric cancer. Methods: we analyzed the clinical data from 64 consecutive patients with gastric cancer who received LADG at our department of abdominal emergency surgery-Hue central hospital from January of 2007 to January of 2013. Results: LADG was successfully carried out in 62 patients; 2 cases were converted to open surgery. The mean operation time was 210 minutes (150-300 minutes), and mean number of dissected lymph nodes was 13 (5-25). The average length of hospital stay were 9,1 days (7-16 days). The morbididity and mortality was 15% and 1,5%. A total of 62 patients were followed for a subsequent 6-71 months (median, 24 months). The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 71,3% and 83,2%, respectively. When divided by stage, the 3-year DFS for stage I, II, and III were 88%, 84,9%, and 41%, respectively; and the 3-year OS for stage I, II, and III were 100%, 86%, and 45%, respectively. Conclusion: In this preliminary report, LADG was found to be a safe, feasible, and efficacious procedure for the treatment of gastric cancer with encouraging 3-year overall and stage-by-stage survival rates
SCREENING OF CERVICAL PRE-INVASIVE LESIONS AND INVASIVE CANCER BY VISUAL INSPECTION AFTER APPLICATION OF ACETIC ACID (VIA) AND PAP’S SMEAR AT COMMUNITY HEALTH FACILITIES
Authors: Vo Van Khoa , Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy
Published: March 2020

Objectives: This study aims to determine the abnormal rate and the diagnostic validity of VIA and Pap-smear in screening of cervical pre-invasive lesions and invasive cancer in community health facilities. Subjects and Methods: Cross-sectional description on 977 women aged of 21 – 70 years in 5 communes in two districts Huong Tra, Huong Thuy of Thua Thien Hue province during the time from December 2011 to October 2012. Women were concurrently examined by gynecologic examination, screened for cervical lesions with Pap’s smear and VIA. Cervical smears were processed by using Papanicolaou staining, and classified according to Bethesda 2001 nomenclature. VIA was carried out and results classified according to 2011Guidelines of the Ministry of Health. Women whose VIA or papsmears appeared abnormal will be invited for re-examination at the Hospital for colposcopy and biopsy if indicated. The study parameters include the abnormal rate of pap-smear and VIA and the diagnostic value of VIA and cytology. Results: The mean age of screened women was 38.9±9.5. Rate of positive Pap’s smear increased with age and number of pregnancies. Abnormal VIA results were recorded in 20 cases (2.0%). Detection rate of cervical pre-cancerous lesions by Pap-smear was 7.6%, in which the diagnosis of ASCUS/ H was 3.0%, AGUS 2.9%, LSIL 1.6% and HSIL 0.1%. Concordancerate of VIA and Pap’s smear was 92.2%. Diagnostic value of VIA had a sensitivity of 75%; specificity of 99.16%; Diagnostic value of cervical pap-smear had a sensitivity of 81.25%; specificity of 93.65%. Conclusion: Detection rate of cervical pre-cancerous lesions by Pap’s smear was 7.6%. The concordance rate of VIA and Pap’s smear was quitehigh, at 92.2%, Diagnostic value of VIA had a sensitivity of 75%; specificity of 99.16%; Diagnostic value of cervical pap-smear had a sensitivity of 81.25%; specificity of 93.65%. However, if possible performing a biopsy all patients were screened, the research results will be more accurate. Key words: Cervical pre-invasive lesions and invasive cancer
BLATCHFORD SCORE IN PROGNOSIS OF GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING PATIENTS CAUSED BY PEPTIC ULCER
Authors: Hoang Trong Thang , Hoang Phuong Thuy
Published: March 2020

Background: Gastrointestinal bleeding in general and gastrointestinal bleeding from peptic ulcer is the most common internal medical emergency especially in digestive diseases. The evaluation of rebleeding is important problems in treatment and prognosis. Thereby improving the quality of treatment and reduce the dead rate for patients, the Blatchford score is a screening tool to evaluate patients gastrointestinal bleeding that help for the medical intervention such as blood transfusion, endoscopic therapy or surgical hemostasis or not. Objectives: 1. Investigating the mean value of Blatchford score according to the location, the causes and the severity of bleeding and the type of lesions by the Forrest’s classification. 2 Comparising the value of Blatchford score with Rockall score in prognosis of the upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to. Subjects and Methods: Prospective cohort study of 101 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding due to gastroduodenal disease treated at Hue Central Hospital from 12/ 2011 to April 2013. The data were processed by SPSS ver 19.0. Results: The average Blatchford patient group 7.91 ± 3.81 research, medical interventions accounted for 60.40 %. Lesions in the stomach Blatchford average 7.37 ± 4.12, duodenum 9.13 ± 4.16, lesions both gastroduodenal 8.52 ± 2.23. Blatchford point average of group causes ulcers 8.48 ± 3.74, ulcerative colitis with a 8.46 ± 3.13, inflammation 5.83 ± 4.20. Blatchford point average of group severe hemorrhagic 10.20 ± 2.10 points, just 8.04 ± 3.67 hemorrhage, minor hemorrhage 3.37 ± 2.48, Blatchford point average of at risk groups Forrest high point of 10.08 ± 3.57, 7.59 ± Forrest low risk of 3.76 points, - Percentage of patients Blatchford score > 6 / patient Blatchford score ≤ 6, in both gastric lesions and duodenal lesions is higher than a position or in the stomach or duodenum) and in duodenum were higher in the stomach (10.49/1 from 3/1 and 1.82/1); Blatchford score of ulcerative lesions was higher than that of purely inflammatory lesions; Level Blatchford bleeding score as high as heavy. The difference is statistically significant with p < 0.01; Forrest high risk group Blatchford score higher than low risk - Blatchford scoring higher sensitivity Rockall score (91.80% against 77.05%). The positive predictive value of Blatchford score higher than Rockall score (76.71% compared with 73.44%). Conclusion: The average Blatchford's research group patients 7.91±3.81; Ulcerative lesions with higher points Blatchford merely inflammatory lesions; Level Blatchford bleeding score higher the more severe; Forrest high risk group Blatchford score higher than low risk; Rockall and Blatchford scoring system is valuable in prognostic evaluation requires medical intervention. Blatchford scoring higher sensitivity Rockall score. Keywords: Gastroduodenal disease, Blatchford score, gastrointestinal bleeding
EFFECT OF AROMATASE INIBITOR IN OVULATION INDUCTION IN FETILE WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME
Authors: Le Minh Tam
Published: March 2020

Backgrounds: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of female infertility due to ovulation disorders. Clomiphene citrate (CC) is a first choice to restore ovulation but it has some side effects by estrogen receptor down-regulation. Aromatase inhibitor (AI) is a newer class of drugs which increases the production of endogenous FSH to stimulate ovulation. Subjects and methods: randomized control trial to compare 64 cases of infertile women with PCOS examined at the Hue University Hospital, alternately used AI (group I) or CC (group II) for ovulation induction from day 2 cycle. Follow-up follicle growth, endometrium and ovulation via ultrasound. Evaluation were done on 10th day cycle, day of hCG trigger and after administration of hCG. Results: Total of 64 PCOS cases distributed into 2 groups using alternatively AI and CC had similar characteristics with average age of 28.8 ± 4.6, the majority were primary infertility (84.4%), infertility duration was 2.6 ± 2.4 years, 85.9% had oligomenorrhrea or amenorrhea, normal body mass index accounts for 60.9% and 21.9% was lean. Evaluation of both groups on day 10 revealed no differences in the dominant follicle and endometrial thickness. Number of days until the follicle mature appears to be shorter in AI group (15.1 ± 2.9) compared to the CC group (16.5 ± 2.8) with statistical significance. The number of mature follicles in 2 groups were not different at a rate of 81.3% (AI) and 84.4% (CC) but a higher proportion of single mature follicle in the AI ​​group (71.9%) compared with the CC group (65.7%) and There is no case with 3-4 mature follicles in the AI group. The rate of thin endometrium (<8 mm) in the AI group (25%) was lower than the CC group (53.1%) with statistically significance and higher ovulation rate (68.8%) compared with the CC group (56.3%) but have not found statistically significant. Conclusion: Two drugs AI and CC potentially induce follicle development and ovulation similarly, but AI has the potential to be more effective than CC on factors such as the shorter stimulation duration, increasing rate of single follicle, limiting multiple pregnancies, improve endometrial thickness and higher ovulation rate. More researches are needed with a larger sample size to clarify the statistical significance of differences.
HYBRID N.O.T.E.S LAPAROSCOPIC FOR MANAGEMENT COLORECTAL CANCER
Authors: Duong Xuan Loc , Hoang Trong Nhat Phuong , Ho Huu Thien , Phan Hai Thanh , Pham Nhu Hiep , Ho Van Linh , Tran Ngoc Thong , Tran Nghiem Trung , Nguyen Thi Lan , Nguyen Thanh Xuan , Pham Anh Vu , Le Manh Ha , Nguyen Truong An
Published: March 2020

Aim: To evaluated the feasibility and initial outcomes application of laparoscopic rectocolectomy with specimen retrieval through natural orifices specimen extraction (N.O.S.E). Material and Method: Prospective, retrospective study in 20 patients were diagnosted sigmoid and rectal cancer and underwent laparoscopic anterior resection, low anterior resection with specimen retrieval through natural orifices specimen extraction (N.O.S.E) at Hue Central Hospital from 2011 to 2013. Results: All cases were successfully performed by laparoscopy. There was no complications during and after operation. Patients felt less pain, had early bowel movement and early discharge from hospital. Conclusions:Our initial experiences showed that laparoscopic surgery with specimen retrieval through natural orifices is feasible. It has full advantages of laparoscopic colectomy otherwise, it prevents an abdominal incision for specimen retrieval. Patient has less pain and short hospitalization. There will be a need for a larger cases study with longer follow-up time to further evaluate the outcome of this method, espencially in oncology. Keywords: colorectal laparoscopic surgery, specimen retrieval transanal.
DETERMINATION OF CHARANTIN CONTENT, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY IN-VITRO OF THE BITTER MELON (MOMORDICA CHARANTIA ) IN THUA THIEN HUE
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hong Yen , Nguyen Viet Khan
Published: March 2020

Background: To determine the charantin content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in-vitro of the bitter melon (Momordica charantia) in Thua Thien Hue.); Materials and Methods: bitter melon fruit was collected in Thua Thien Hue province, then taken to the laboratory for extraction, quantitation and activity test. Results: charantin content of bitter melon in Thua Thien Hue extracted with a solvent mixture of MeOH - CHCl3 (1:1 v/v) was found to be 0.204 %; antioxidant activity of FRAP content of fresh bitter melon extracted with solvent methanol was found to be 972.16 μmol Fe2+/L; the samples exhibited the antibacterial activity for four strains of bacterial pathogens with antimicrobial diameters from 14-17 mm. Conclusion: the charantin content of bitter melon fruit in Thua Thien Hue is high, the antioxidant and antibacterial activity are medium levels. Key words: bitter melon, charantin, antioxidants, FRAP, antibacterial.
MEDICAL SERVICE&NBSP;UTILIZATION IN PHU LOC DISTRICT, THUA THIEN HUE PROVINCE
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Thuy , Nguyen Thi Hoa , Nguyen Minh Tam
Published: March 2020

Objectives: 1. To explore the utilization of medical services in Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Province; 2. To examine some related factors to medical services utilization in Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Province. Methods: A cross sectional study using questionnaire interview of 3258 residents in 800 households. Results: There were 352 people got sick during the one month period before interview of whom 95,3% respondents were sick one time and most cases were mild illness (60,5%). Respiratory problems accounted for the largest proportion. Among sick people, 33,8% of them used medical services at Commune Health Center (CHC), 20,2% treated at hospital, 12,8% used private clinic; and self treatment was still high (33,2%). Age group, the perceived serious level of illness, and having health insurance are significantly associated with the medical services utilization. The main reasons for using CHC are having health insurance (83,2%) and that CHC is near their home (75,6%). The major reason for not using CHC is the low quality of medical service at CHC (45,9%). Waiting time, the trust to medical staff, and satisfaction with consultation time are associated with the choice of health facilities. When assessing the quality of primary care of health facilities using the Primary Care Assessment Tools (PCAT), CHC had the highest score in the Comprehensiveness domain and the private clinics achieved the highest score in the Ongoing Care domain.
METABOLIC SYNDROME IN PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE
Authors: Nguyen Trong Nghia , Le Thi Bich Thuan
Published: March 2020

Objectives: To study on characteristíc of the metabolic syndrome (MS) in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) using consensus criteria of IDF, AHA/NHLBI, WHF and IASO (2009); to the relationship and correlation between the stenosis level of coronary artery disease and components of the MS in patients with IHD. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was done in 123 patients with IHD at Cardiovascular Center, Hue Central Hospital. Coronary artery disease’s lesions were determined through coronary angiography. The stenosis degree of coronary artery was evaluated according to Pujadas G, the lesions of coronary artery were categorized according to AHA/ACC and were classified by using Gensini index. MS was diagnosed by the consensus criteria of IDF, AHA/NHLBI, WHF and IASO (published in 2009). Results: The MS prevalence was 56.9%, the age ≥ 60 years accounted for 84.29%, of which the group of 60 – 69 undertook the highest prevalence of this syndrome, with 73.33%. (i) The MS prevalence elevated in proportion to BMI, of which the group with BMI ≥ 25 expressed the highest prevalence (85.29%), (ii) Hypertriglyceridemia (accounted for 84.29%) and elevated fasting glucose (Go) (81.83%) were two most popular components, (iii) The most common pattern of MS consisted of 3 components (21.95%): Hypertension (HT) – hypertriglyceridemia- low HDL–c (23.08%), hypertriglyceridemia - low HDL-c- elevated Go (19.23%), (iv) The most common pattern which consists of 4 component was: HT-hypertriglyceridemia-low HDL-c- elevated Go (accounted for 30.44%), then increased waist circumference- HT- hypertriglyceridemia- elevated Go (21.74%), (v) Patients with MS had more frequent number of injured branches of coronary artery and higher degree of stenosis than those without MS (p<0.01), (vi) There was a moderately positive correlation between Gensini index and waist circumference (r=0.423; p<0.01), systolic blood pressure (r=0,448, p <0.05), serum triglycerid (r=0.383; p<0.05) and fasting glucose (r=0.531; p<0.01). There was an inverse correlation between Gensini index and serum HDL-c level (r=-0.301; p<0,01). Conclusion: The MS was a risk factor of cardiovascular disease and associated with the risk of coronary morbidity, the likelihood of more severe, more frequent number of coronary artery’s injured branches. Keyword: Metabolic syndrome, ischemic heart disease, risk factor
STUDY OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII INFECTION IN EPILEPTIC CHILDREN
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hong Duc , Ton Nu Van Anh
Published: March 2020

Objective: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects many people of all ages. Some recent studies showed that cerebral toxoplasmosis is one of the causes’ acquired epilepsy in developing countries. In this study, we investigated the frequency of Toxoplasma gondii infection in epileptic children and some clinical characteristics difference with between seropositive and seronegative of T.gondii. Material and methods: We selected 62 pediatric patients with epilepsies that were treatment at Pediatric center (Hue Center Hospital) and tested them for evidence of T. gondii IgM, IgG antibodies by the enzyme-linked immunesorbent assay (ELISA). We studied some clinical characteristics differences between T.gondii seropositive and seronegative groups. Results: The seropositive proportion of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in epileptic children was 25.8% (25% IgM(+)IgG(-), 56,25% IgG(+)IgM(-) and 18.75% IgM(+)IgG(+)) and the over 10 age group accounted for the highest percentage of T.gondii positive (43.8%). The seropositive group had a significant different than seronegative group about ages, frequency of seizures and period of disease. There had no significant different between two groups about sex, residency and the type of seizures. Conclusion: Toxoplasma gondii had a high proportion in epileptic children. Key words: Epilepsy, Toxoplasma gondii
STUDY ON ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SERUM ELEVATED LIPOPROTEIN-ASSOCIATED PHOSPHOLIPASE A2 LEVELS AND CEREBRAL INFARCTION
Authors: Le Van Tam , Hoang Khanh , Nguyen Duy Thang
Published: March 2020

Objective: We studied the relationship between ischemic stroke and the known risk factors for atherosclerosis including serum lipoprotein- associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2). Methods: Cross-sectional studies with 50 in-patient cerebral infarctions (36 male and 14 female, mean 67.80± 10.91 years) in Department of Cardiology - Hue Central Hospital and 50 controls. Results: The mean serum level Lp-PLA2 was higher in cases than in controls (23.31± 17.90 versus 9.60± 4.23, p< 0.001). The proportion of subjects with moderate serum elevated lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 was significantly higher in cases than in controls (70% versus 10% p<0.001). Based on the logistic regression model, the odds ratio Lp-PLA2 > 14,7 IU/ml was 21 (95% CI 6.96-63.36 p<0.001) compare with ≤ 14.7 IU/ml. After additional adjustment risk factors for atherosclerosis and sex, age, the odds ratio was 22.33 (95%CI 6.64-75.13 p<0.001). Conclusion: These findings suggest that moderate serum elevated lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 levels is an independent risk factor for cerebral infarction. Keywords: cerebrovascular accident, atherosclerosis, inflammation.
RESULTS OF THE SUTURE OF THE PERFORATION BY SINGLE-PORT LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY (SPLS) FOR THE PERFORATED DUODENAL ULCER TREATEMENT
Authors: Nguyen Huu Tri , Nguyen Van Lieu
Published: March 2020

Background Single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) was increasingly used on several surgical diseases. The aim of this study is evaluation of the results of the suture of the perforation by SPLS for the perforated duodenal ulcer treatement. Methods From January 2012 to July 2014, 35 patients with perforated duodenal ulcers underwent simple suture of the perforations by SPLS at Hue University Hospital and Hue Central Hospital. Results The mean age was 45.9 ± 14.4 years. The sex ratio (male/female) was 16.5 and the mean of BMI was 19.2 ± 2.3. There was one patient (2.9%) with previous history of laparoscopic repair of perforated duodenal ulcer. The duration of the symptoms was 9.9 ± 12.3 hours. 97.1% of patients had the perforations of the anterior wall of the duodenum. The mean size of the perforation was 4.7 ± 3.4 mm (2 – 22mm). 2.9% of patients had the perforations of the posterior wall of the duodenum. The rate of the conversion to the open surgery was 2.9%. The mean operative time was 75.8 ± 33.7min, and the mean hospital stay was 5.8 ± 1.4 days. The mean of the analgesic requirement time was 2.9 ± 0.8 days. The wound length was 1.9 ± 0.1 cm. There was 5.9% of the patients had wound infection. There was no operation-related mortality. Conclusions Simple suture of the perforation by single-port laparoscopic surgery is a feasible and safe procedure, and it may be a scarless surgical technique for perforated duodenal ulcers treatement. Key words: single-port laparoscopic surgery, perforated duodenal ulcer
STUDY ON EFFECTS OF ESTROGEN THERAPY IN MINIMUM MAINTENANCE VAGINAL IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Authors: Nguyen Dinh Phuong Thao , Cao Ngoc Thanh , Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy
Published: March 2020

Objectives: Surveying Minimum maintenance vaginal level and rate and to preliminary assessment effects of estrogen therapy in minimum maintenance vaginal in post-menopausal women. Materials & methods: A cross-sectional study and community intervention of 273 posstmenopausal women, not using hormone replacement therapy, seen at hospital of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy from May to September, 2014. Data collection was implemented by conducting questionnaires with respondents and gynecological examination, EKG, breast ultrasound, endometrium ultrasound and Mammography. Participants without cardiovascular diseases and gynecological tumors having symptoms of vaginal minimum maintenance will treated by estrogen. Results: Minimum maintenance vaginal level and rate in postmenopausal women: Vaginal irritation is the highest rate: 55,7%, painful in intercourse activity 41,8%, vaginal dryness 33%, vaginal very pale 15,4%, vaginal bleeding 15%, thin endometrium 11%, vaginal discharge 5,9% and vaginal becomes short and narrow 1,8%. With two weeks of estrogen therapy, symptoms of minimum maintenance was significant improve: There are 47 cases still remaining vaginal dryness in comparison with 90 cases at the beginning, 50 cases still remaining Vaginal irritation in comparision with 92 cases at the beginning. There are 101 cases vagina secrete mucus and 51 cases want to sexual activity. Conclusion: Minimum maintenance vaginal level and rate in postmenopausal women is the highest and this situation has been improved significantly. Key words: Minimum maintenance vaginal, post-menopausal
STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION AGANIST PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS IN KHANH HOA PROVINCE IN 2013
Authors: Le Xuan Huy , Doan Phuoc Thuoc , Nguyen Dinh Son
Published: March 2020

Introduction: The objectives of the study are to describe the status and influence, and the harms of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS in Khanh Hoa. Methodology: Cross-sectional study using the combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, with 200 people living with HIV/AIDS, aged 16 and older. Results: 4.5% of people living with HIV/AIDS reported their rights have been violated, 3% of people living with HIV/AIDS outcasts, shunned and 8% were refused to participate in community activities. The harmful effect of stigma and discrimination are both of physical and spiritual: the HIV-infected people intend to suicidal accounted for 10% and 72.5% of people did not accessing Voluntary Counselling and Testing room (VCT) for fear of being stigmatized; 16.7% people did not access Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) due to fear of stigma. Conclusion: Status of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS in Khanh Hoa has declined through effective intervention strategies in the long term, however, this situation still exists. Keywords: Stigma and Discrimination, HIV/AIDS, Khanh Hoa.