bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Aedes spp. surveillance across jurisdictions in Arizona’s border region
Authors: Casal Mariana G. , Dent Nicolette , Arriola Jose , Dominguez Victor , Lueck Elizabeth , Gentzsch George , Walker Kathleen , Jacobs Shelly , Guerrero Robert
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveThis surveillance project aims to increase and broaden coverage ofAedesspp. ovitrap locations in Arizona’s U.S.-Mexico border regionthrough interagency collaboration.IntroductionAs part of a statewide effort to enhance surveillance forAedesspp.mosquitoes (1,2) the Office of Border Health (OBH) took the lead inproviding technical assistance on surveillance in counties borderingMexico. In 2016, OBH sought ways to enhance surveillance in a widergeographic area. Trap locations closer to the border were establishedas a priority, given high amount of traffic across the internationalline, high borderAedesmosquito activity, and native cases of denguereported at the border in Mexico.MethodsThe Arizona Office of Border Health partnered with U.S. Customsand Border Protection to select possible locations for ovitrappingnear the border. Border Patrol Health and Safety Tucson coordinationaccompanied OBH and preparedness staff on three occasions to scoutareas around pre-selected border patrol facilities. County, and borderpatrol staff contributed to trap maintenance. BIDS provided technicalassistance to identify positive traps, collected data for reporting tothe state, and collaborated with experts at the University of Arizonaentomology department to verify results and identifyAedesspp.ResultsOut of 15 border patrol stations within border lands in SantaCruz County, and Cochise County, OBH epidemiologist considered10 viable trapping sites. Two facilities were eventually eliminatedbecause of logistical challenges. OBH visited eight facilities andselected five locations within five miles of the U.S. –Mexicoborder and two located less than 30 miles from the border. OBHepidemiologists inspected sites for potential mosquito habitat and setovitraps low to the ground in areas protected from rain. Some facilitieshad areas of standing water discovered in unused tires, truck-washingstations, heavy-lifting equipment, and natural washes. Border Patrolstaff complained of mosquito activity around some of the stations.After inspection OBH set an average of three traps at each site. Onesite had evidence of mosquito larvae activity.ConclusionsBorder patrol facilities offer ideal trap locations given theirproximity to the international line. Secure facilities offer extraprotection for traps against tampering. The partnership across local,state, tribal, and federal lines allowed Arizona Office of Border Healthto expand surveillance locations, allowing two jurisdictions to set thefirst Aedes-specific traps since Arizona began the 2016 campaign,“Fight the Bite.”
Houston Health Department’s response to the threat of Zika virus
Authors: Bakota Eric , Short Kirsten , Eckert Amanda
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveThis session will explore the role of the Houston Health Department(HHD) in the City of Houston’s response to the threat of Zika. Thepanelists will provide perspective from the roles of Bureau Chief,informatician, and epidemiologist and provide insight into lessonslearned and strategic successes.IntroductionZika virus spread quickly through South and Central America in2015. The City of Houston saw its first travel-related Zika cases inDecember of 2015. On January 29th, the City held the first planningmeeting with regional partners from healthcare, blood banks,petrochemical companies, mosquito control, and others. Additionallythe City activated Incident Command Structure (ICS) and designatedthe Public Health Authority as the Incident Commander.Initial steps taken by HHD included expanding the capabilityand capacity of the public health laboratory to test for Zika virus;expand surveillance efforts; created an educational campaign aroundthe “3Ds” of Zika defense (Drain, Dress, DEET) which were thendisseminated through several means, including a mass mailing withwater bills; and provided DEET to mothers through the WIC program.The Houston Health Department took the lead in authoringthe City’s Zika Action Plan. In this 3 goals and 6 strategies wereidentified. Goals included 1) Keep Houstonians and visitors aware ofthe threat of Zika; 2) minimize the spread of the virus; and 3) protectpregnant women from the virus. The 6 strategies employed were toA) develop preparedness plans; B) implement ICS within the City;C) ensure situational awareness through surveillance; D) Increasecommunity awareness; E) reduce opportunities for Zika mosquitobreeding grounds; and F) provide direct intervention to reduce thethreat of Zika.HHD was responsible for many of the action items within theplan. We conducted several community outreach events, where wedisseminated educational materials, t-shirts, DEET, and other give-aways. These events allowed frequent engagement with the public forbidrectional communication on how to approach the threat.
Sustaining community event-based surveillance in Sierra Leone
Authors: Higgins Eilidh M. , Polich Erin , Sahu Maitreyi , Mearns Stacey , Ratnayake Ruwan
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo assess whether the change in death swabbing policy in SierraLeon has begun to affect community death reporting, we analyzedtrends in death reporting before and after the policy change.IntroductionStemming from the 2014-6 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak,community event based surveillance (CEBS) was implemented inSierra Leone using community health workers to generate alerts fortrigger events suggestive of EVD transmission. Through September30, 2015 (last month of active EVD transmission), the majority (86%)of alerts reflected community deaths; this was beneficial as Ebola-related deaths were detected with delay during the epidemic’s peak.The Government had implemented a policy of mandatory swabbingand testing of all dead bodies. The policy changed on June 30, 2016wherein only swabbing of deaths deemed to be high-risk for EVD isrequired. To assess whether this policy change has begun to affectcommunity death reporting, we analyzed trends in death reportingbefore and after the policy change.MethodsThis analysis was conducted using data from nine districts duringperiod 1 (January-June 2016) and period 2 (July 2016). Weeklychanges in the reporting of death alerts during the two periods wereassessed. An interrupted time series analysis (ITS) with a segmentedlinear regression was also used to assess the immediate impact of thepolicy change.ResultsDuring period 1, monthly changes in death alerts across districtswere variable (-8% to 16%). Comparison of the weekly averagebetween periods 1 and 2 showed a 33% reduction in death alerts.During period 1 (before the policy change), there was an overallsignificant increase of 3.2 death alerts per week (p=0.00) andno immediate impact or changes in the trend afterwards. At thedistrict level, on average 354 death alerts were generated weekly inJune, compared to 237 in July (33% reduction); Moyamba districtexperienced the largest drop in death alerts from 46 to 16 (65%).ConclusionsCommunity death reporting provides early warning of EVDtransmission by rapidly capturing death alerts where vital registrationis not fully functional. Although we have one month of data post-policy change, this preliminary analysis suggests that the changein swabbing policy may have halted an observed increase in deathreporting. Further community mobilization efforts and training arewarranted to prevent a drop in death reporting.
Epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis in Georgia
Authors: Kokaia Nora , Iashvili Nino , Murusidze Manana , Babuadze Giorgi
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology ofvisceral leishmaniasis in Georgia and to define new control measures.IntroductionVisceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonotic, protozoal infection thatis endemic in Georgia, which commonly affects young children.In recent years, the incidence of VL has increased sharply and thegeographic distribution has increased. Recently, VL moved to highlypopulated areas as new foci appeared from 2010-2015, during which,610 laboratory confirmed cases of VL were registered in Georgia.The majority of cases were found in East Georgia (94.2%) and 5.8%of cases in West Georgia (representing new foci of VL in Georgia).MethodsBlood samples from 2,100 individuals suspected to have VL weretested using the rk39 based VL rapid diagnostic test, an enzyme-linkedimmunosorbent assay (ELISA). Also, 1,575 randomly selected dogs(stray and pet) and 77 wild canids were tested for VL using the sameELISA. Confirmed human cases were followed up for 9-12 months.ResultsThe most affected age group was 0-5 years (72.2%). Of thepatients, 13.9% were HIV positive and lethal outcomes were observedin 2.1%of patients. Mortality was associated with delayed diagnosisand HIV co-infection. Relapse developed in 6.4% of cases. AmongHIV positive patients, secondary prophylaxis was conducted withliposomal amphotericin B, which decreased the number of relapses by76% in 12-24 month follow-ups. A high incidence of VL in humanswas associated with a high prevalence of leishmaniasis in stray anddomestic dogs. Leishmania antibodies were found in 23.7% of strayand domestic dogs and 2.6% of wild animals screened in Tbilisi.ConclusionsOverall, the VL situation in Georgia is concerning and new controlmeasures are needed. Our study revealed a high prevalence of VLin humans and dogs in East Georgia. Early and accurate diagnosis/treatment and effective control measures should be conductedregularly to prevent the spread of VL in Georgia. In addition,secondary prophylaxis in HIV infected patients is also recommended.
First detection of Salmonella spp. in backyard production farms from central Chile
Authors: Alegria-Moran Raul , Lazo Andres , Rivera Dacil , Toledo Viviana , Moreno-Switt Andrea , Hamilton-West Christopher
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to detect the presence of circulatingSalmonellaspp. on backyard production systems (BPS) with poultryor swine breeding in central ChileIntroductionCharacteristics and conditions of backyard production systems(BPS) transform them into potential maintainers of priority zoonoticagents, likeSalmonellaspp., highly important agent because of itsimpact in animal and public health (1).MethodsA stratified and proportional random sampling approach wasperformed (2), based on 15 provinces from the study area (regions ofValparaiso, Metropolitana and LGB O’Higgins). 329 BPS sampled(equivalent to 1,744 samples). Stool content inoculated in test tubeswith peptone water (APT, Difco®) supplemented with Novobiocin(Sigma®), incubated for 18 to 24 hours at 37° C. Subcultured onmodify semisolid Rappaport Vassiliadis (MSRV, Oxoid®) agarsupplemented with Novobiocin, incubated for 24 to 48 hours at 41.5° C.Samples compatible with growth and/or diffusion were sub-culturedby exhaustion on Xylose Lysine Deoxychocolate (XLD, Difco®) agarand then incubated for 24 hours at 37° C (3). Confirmation made byconventional PCR forinvAgenes (4). Serotypes were predicted usinga combination of PCR and sequencing, aimed directly at genes codingfor O, H1 and H2 antigens (5).Results1,744 samples were collected belonging to the 329 BPS. 15 positiveBPS (4.6%) detected. Serotypes detected correspond toSalmonellaTyphimurium (21.7%), followed bySalmonellaEnteritidis (13.0%)andSalmonellaInfantis (13.0%),SalmonellaHadar or Istanbul(8.7%),Salmonella[z42] or Tenessee (4.4%),SalmonellaKentucky(4.4) and unknown (34.8%) (Table 1).ConclusionsThis is the first evidence of serotypes ofSalmonellaspp. circulatingat a regional level in BPS from central Chile. A relevant pathogen forpublic health.
Influenza study of backyard animals in Georgia
Authors: Machablishvili Anna , Ursuhadze Lela , Daraselia Ivane
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to identify zoonotic influenzaviruses in swine and poultry populations in Georgia and to definetheir pandemic potential.IntroductionAquatic birds are the main reservoirs of influenza viruses,however pigs represent an essential host in virus ecology as they aresusceptible to both avian and human influenza viruses. Circulatingzoonotic influenza (A/H7N9, A/H5N1, and A/H3N2v) viruses couldmutate into forms easily transmissible from human-to-human andbecome a public health concern. Georgia is located along routes usedby migrating birds where different species of aquatic birds are found.In 2006, highly pathogenic influenza virus A/H5N1 was detected intwo wild swans in Adjara (western Georgia). Moreover, in the frameof wild bird surveillance, various subtypes of influenza A viruseswere detected in mallard and gulls in Georgia (Lewis, 2013). Thusdomestic animals in Georgia have a potential chance to contractinfluenza viruses from wild birds.MethodsThe Kakheti region, the leading region in cattle breeding andpoultry production in Georgia, was selected for study. Villages wereselected for door-to-door visits to search for ill backyard animalsshowing influenza-like symptoms. In case of identification of a sickanimal, samples were obtained for laboratory investigations; samplecollection forms were filled out to generate epidemiological data.Cloacal and tracheal swabs were taken from poultry; and pharyngealand nasal swabs were collected from pigs. Each specimen wasscreened for influenza A matrix gene by real-time RT-PCR using aprotocol from the Centers for Disease Control Prevention.ResultsEighty four villages in the Kakheti region were surveyed fordomestic animals with influenza-like illness symptoms. In total,164 specimens were collected from 112 backyard animals in55 households (107 samples were from 55 poultry and 57 sampleswere from 57 pigs). All samples tested negative for Influenza A virusby real time RT-PCR. The questionnaire data revealed that the agerange of both pigs and poultry varied from one month to two years;median and mode were both 1 year. Chickens and ducks primarilyfreely ranged in backyards (67%), while half the number of pigs werekept in closed premises. Equally, 61% of pigs and poultry had contactwith other pigs or poultry within the premises.ConclusionsIn spite of the negative findings, we cannot exclude the circulationof influenza viruses in domestic animals in Georgia. Especially,considering the fact that a domestic duck with influenza A/H10virus was identified during veterinarian training in 2010 in Grigoleti(Black sea cost of Georgia) manifesting no clinical symptoms.Therefore, larger scale studies, including swabbing more backyardanimals without any clinical symptoms are necessary to identify inter-species virus transmission in the country.
Regional study of anthrax foci
Authors: Nikolaishvili Marina , Zakareishvili Marina , Beradze Irma , Donduashvili M. , Vepkhvadze Nino , Kerdzevadze Lela , Kokhreidze Maka
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to describe anthrax foci alongthe Georgia-Azerbaijan border and to describe control measures inidentified areas.IntroductionAnthrax is endemic in the South Caucasus region. There is alack of understanding of the regional epidemiology of the causativepathogen,Bacillus anthracis, and the trans-boundary factors relatedto its persistence.MethodsTo increase the local and regional understanding of anthraxecology, ecological risk factors, and the genetic relationships anddistribution among Georgian and AzerbaijaniB. anthracisstrains, aregional study of the ecology of anthrax foci was conducted in Georgiaand Azerbaijan. Six regions in Georgia (that border Azerbaijan)were selected for environmental sampling based on historical data.Soil samples were collected in Lagodekhi and Sagarejo and testedat the Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture using standardbacteriological and molecular biology methods.ResultsA total of 185 soil samples were collected. Bacteriological testsrevealed four positive samples from Kakheti (two from Lagodekhi,Gelati; two from Dedoplistskaro), from which, cultures were isolatedand confirmed by PCR. Georgian scientists continue collecting andtesting soil samples. After sample collection and bacteriologicaltesting is completed, the molecular characteristics of the pathogenwill be examined.ConclusionsThis study will assist in the formulation of targeted public healthinterventions aimed at increasing knowledge of the disease withinspecific demographics. Public health interventions can focus onlivestock surveillance and control in identified areas.
A practitioner-driven research agenda for syndromic surveillance
Authors: Hopkins Richard , Gunn Julia , Berezowski John , Burkom Howard
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo obtain feedback and seek future directions for an ISDS initiativeto establish and update research questions in Informatics, Analytics,Communications, and Systems Research with the greatest perceivedimpact for improving surveillance practice.IntroductionOver the past fifteen years, syndromic surveillance (SyS) hasevolved from a set ofad hocmethods used mostly in post-disastersettings, then expanded with broad support and development becauseof bioterrorism concerns, and subsequently evolved to a maturetechnology that runs continuously to detect and monitor a widerange of health issues. Continued enhancements needed to meetthe challenges of novel health threats with increasingly complexinformation sources will require technical advances focused onday-to-day public health needs.Since its formation in 2005, the International Society for DiseaseSurveillance (ISDS) has sought to clarify and coordinate globalpriorities in surveillance research. As part of a practitioner-driveninitiative to identify current research priorities in SyS, ISDS polledits members about capabilities needed by SyS practitioners that couldbe improved as a result of research efforts. A taskforce of the ISDSResearch Committee, consisting of national and global subject matterexperts (SMEs) in SyS and ISDS professional staff, carried out theproject. This panel will discuss the results and the preferred means todetermine and communicate priorities in the future.
Detection of brucellosis through active surveillance, Armenia, 2014
Authors: Torosyan Liana , Avetisyan Lilit , Vanyan Artavazd
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveIn the spring of 2014, people from vulnerable households in allmarzes of Armenia were examined with the aim of active surveillance.IntroductionBrucellosis is a serious disease caused by bacteria of the Brucellagenus. It principally affects ruminants but may be transmitted tohumans. Registration of cases in cattle farms causes considerableeconomic losses and creates favorable conditions for mass infectionamong humans. In Armenia the expansion of animal industries andurbanization are the main reasons for occurrence and developmentof brucellosis.MethodsBlood was sampled from people on farms reported as havinginfected animals. Blood samples were tested by the Wright-Huddleston method. The standard case definition of brucellosis wasused for diagnosis. A questionnaire-based interview was carried outamong the population to identify the form of contact with animals andto analyze epidemiological links. During the investigation provisionswere followed in governmental decree RA 19.01.2006 N480-Nand brucellosis prevention, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment,preventive measures.ResultsA total of 11160 people from 1054 households were enrolled in thestudy, of which 3625 (32.5%) underwent a laboratory examination.Nearly 6% (641) refused to be tested. Over 6% of those tested (226)were positive for antibodies to Brucellae. Of these, 129 (3.5%) hadchronic brucellosis. Those testing positive for brucellosis were treatedappropriately. These included 203 (90%) adults and 23 (10%) below14 years old; 147 (65%) were male and 79 (35%) were female.Of those diagnosed with brucellosis, working in animal husbandryaccounted for 46.6% (106), while those who harvested milk accountedfor 37.6% (85) and those using raw milk made up 15.4% (35).ConclusionsCases were most frequently reported among people 20-55 years ofage; the highest percentage of positives were among 41-45 year oldmales who had contact with infected animals. The main risk factor foracquiring brucellosis is animal husbandry.
EpiCore: Crowdsourcing Health Professionals to Verify Disease Outbreaks
Authors: Olsen Jennifer
Published: May 2017

IntroductionEpiCore draws on the knowledge of a global community of human,animal, and environmental health professionals to verify informationon disease outbreaks in their geographic regions. By using innovativesurveillance techniques and crowdsourcing these experts, EpiCoreenables faster global outbreak detection, verification, and reporting.MethodsThrough a secure online platform, members are able to easily andquickly provide local information to expedite outbreak verification.EpiCore volunteer applications are vetted to ensure that they possessthe public health and epidemiologic expertise necessary to contributeto the platform.ResultsEpiCore currently has over 1600 members that span 135 countries.During the first 8 months of EpiCore’s launch, 172 requests forinformation to volunteers have been posted with an average responserate of over 80%.ConclusionsWith its geographical distribution of members and high responserate, EpiCore is poised to enable the world to verify potential outbreaksignals faster. By improving situational awareness, de-escalatingrumors or false information, and corroborating using other existingsources, EpiCore is able to reduce the signal to noise ratio in diseasesurveillance. Hence, by detecting and verifying outbreaks faster,health officials can generate early responses that can curb epidemicsand save lives.
Malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment strategies in Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Babalola Obafemi J.
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveWe aim to assess the implementation of malaria prevention,diagnosis and treatment strategies, to assess implementation trendsfrom 2011 to 2014 and if surveillance targets were met.IntroductionMalaria is a preventable disease but 3.4 billion people at riskglobally with 207 million cases and 627 deaths reported in 2013.Africa accounts for 80% of cases and 90% of all malaria deaths.Nigeria accounts for 25% of malaria burden in Africa. The goal ofmalaria control is to reduce malaria –related transmissions, cases anddeaths to a level where it is no longer a public health concernMethodsKaduna state, north western Nigeria with estimated populationof 7.3 million has 23 districts and 1252 health facilities. Of these461 sent malaria surveillance data to National Health ManagementInformation System monthly. Data from January 2011 to December2014 was analysed. We evaluated variables related to malariainterventions strategies such as malaria diagnosis, malaria treatment,malaria prevention in pregnancy. Frequencies, proportions andtrend analysis were done and odd ratios for associations betweenvariables were calculated with confidence interval set at 95%. Epiinfo statistical software was used for the analysis.ResultsData completeness was 89.8%. Of the 1,008,728 people thatvisited health facilities, 56.6% presented with fever. Among thefever cases, 34.2% was tested with rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and5.5% with microscopy. Artemisinin based combination therapy wasgiven to 361,464 of which 36.4% had confirmed malaria. Those aged< 5 years with suspected fever were 1.28 (95% confidential interval(C.I), 1.27-1.29; p<0.01)) more likely not to be tested with eitherRDT or microscopy and they are 2.62 (95% C.I., 2.63 – 6.67;p<0.01) times more likely to have ACT for confirmed malaria. ACTprescription to presumptive malaria increases from 31.8% in 2013to 200.2% in 2014. There is a progressive increase of long lastinginsecticidal net distribution and access to second dose of IntermittentPreventive Therapy (IPT-2) for pregnant women.ConclusionsGenerally, progress in Malaria control transition to Eliminationin Kaduna State, Nigeria is favorable with malaria prevalence at36.4%. Some targets were met within the period and recommendstrengthening of these malaria control strategies with focus onvulnerable groups and prevent uncontrolled ACT prescription forpresumptive malaria.
Notifiable Disease Reporting among Physicians Practicing in Grenada
Authors: Peters Shantel
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveThe study was carried out to determine physicians’ knowledgeof notifiable reporting and to identify the barriers to reporting inGrenada.IntroductionDespite the significance of disease reporting to any health system,Grenada like most countries struggle with underreporting of notifiablediseases by physicians. In order to improve the national diseasesurveillance system in Grenada, it is critical understand the reasonsfor any underreporting. The study was conducted to determinephysicians’ knowledge of notifiable reporting and to identify thebarriers to reporting.MethodsThe Grenada Medical and Dental Council identified a total of129 registered and practicing physicians. A cross-sectional studydesign was developed to obtain information from all registeredand practicing physician. The survey tool included questions ondemographics; training history and medical practice details, as wellas knowledge, practice and barriers to reporting notifiable diseases.The survey was administered to physicians in both paper-based andelectronic formats.ResultsTo date only 13 surveys have been returned. Preliminary data showthat 61.5% of respondents rated an “average” on their knowledge ofwhich diseases are reportable and of those only 46 % knew where toobtain a list of notifiable diseases (NDs). Fifty three percent (53%)of respondents said that they have reported NDs to the relevantauthorities in the past. Thirty eight percent (38.5%) believed it shouldbe the responsibility of nurses to report NDs and 30.8% stated itshould be the physician. The major barriers to reporting, identifiedby the respondents were being too busy, too much time required, andlack of infrastructure or reporting systems. When asked about waysto improve reporting, 38.5% identified improvements to the reportingform, and 30.8% identified education of physicians on reportingprotocol and importance.ConclusionsWhile this is still preliminary data, the majority of the physicianssurveyed had some knowledge of reporting NDs. The barriers toreporting identified were being too busy and lack of infrastructure.Future improvements to the reporting system in Grenada shouldfocus on making forms electronic and less lengthy, and on educatingphysicians on the importance and protocol of reporting NDs.
Illustrating Conflicts among Project Stakeholders in Sustainable Project Management
Authors: Rahman Md Mashiur , Nasrin Salma , Akter Mosammat Aysha
Published: May 2017

The editorial board announced this article has been retracted on October 15, 2018.If you have any further question, please contact us at: bmh@macrothink.org
A Qualitative Perspective of Enterprise Success Factors for SMEs: A case study in the UK Chemical Distribution Industry
Authors: Lampadarios Evripidis
Published: May 2017

The UK chemical distribution industry is a significant and well-established, yet fragmented and subject to strong consolidation, part of the chemical industry and a major contributor to the UK economy and employment. However, it remains largely unexplored, with limited research in the factors contributing to SMEs success. This paper, which is part of a larger-scale study, addresses a well-established gap in the UK chemical distribution industry and provides a qualitative perspective of the enterprise (relating to the firm) factors critical to the success of small and medium-sized distributors. The original study follows a positivistic philosophy, is deductive in its approach, uses a concurrent embedded mixed methodology and utilises a survey strategy involving the use of self-administered questionnaires to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. No sampling techniques are utilised but instead a census is conducted as it has been possible to collect and analyse data from every possible group member. This research is based on the opinions of owners and very senior managers (Managing Directors, Directors, CEOs and CFO’s), an approach extensively used by other researchers. A total of 180 SMEs fulfilling the criteria of this study are identified with 118 owners/managers participating, generating a very satisfactory response rate of 65.5%. The paper informs key stakeholders and policy makers with a view to improve strategy formulation and decision-making process in supporting chemical distribution SMEs.
Medial Hip Arthroscopy Portals: A Novel Approach for Hip Pathologies. is it Feasible?
Authors: Polesello Giancarlo C. , Queiroz Marcelo C. , de Figueiredo Marina J.P.S.S. , Braga Susana R. , Ricioli Walter , Akkari Miguel
Published: May 2017

Purpose

To report 3 patients operated on using medial hip arthroscopic portals, describe the surgical technique and clinical outcomes.

Methods

Three medial portals were made, the first one at the posterior edge of the adductor longus muscle (posterior medial portal), the second one at the anterior (anterior medial portal) and the third at the posterior border of the adductor longus, 5 cm distal to the inguinal crease (distal posterior medial portal). The first case was an 8-year-old boy with a lytic lesion at the posteromedial region of the femoral neck suggestive of sub-acute osteomyelitis. The second patient was a 21-year-old male with a posteromedial femoral neck nidus. The third patient was a 42-year-old male with a posteromedial femoral neck cystic lesion.

Conclusions

The described portals allowed successful access to posteromedial femoral neck. There were no neurovascular lesions, infection, femoral head osteonecrosis, skin retraction or functional limitation related to the portals.
Concordance analysis between HER2 immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ko Young San , Kim Nae Yu , Pyo Jung-Soo
Published: May 2017

Purpose:

This study aimed to elucidate the concordance between human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) and the diagnostic accuracy of HER2 IHC in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through a meta-analysis and diagnostic test accuracy review.

Methods:

Seven eligible studies and 1,217 patients with NSCLC were included in the review. The concordance between HER2 IHC and ISH was analyzed. To confirm the diagnostic accuracy of HER2 IHC, the sensitivity and specificity were analyzed and the area under the curve (AUC) in the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was calculated.

Results:

The concordance rate between HER2 IHC and ISH was 0.795 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.534-0.929). In the HER2 IHC-negative (score 0/1+) subgroup, the concordance rate was 0.975 (95% CI 0.854-0.996). The concordance rates of the HER2 IHC score 2+ and 3+ subgroups were 0.091 (95% CI 0.039-0.197) and 0.665 (95% CI 0.446-0.830), respectively. In diagnostic test accuracy review, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.67 (95% CI 0.54-0.78) and 0.89 (95% CI 0.87-0.91), respectively. The AUC in the SROC curve was 0.891 and the diagnostic odds ratio was 16.99 (95% CI 5.08-56.76).

Conclusions:

HER2 IHC was largely in agreement with ISH in cases of HER2 IHC score 0/1+. Because the concordance rates of HER2 IHC score 2/3+ cases were lower than that of HER2 IHC score 0/1+ cases, further studies for detailed analysis criteria for HER2 IHC score 2+ or 3+ are required.
Effect of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Osteogenic Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Commitment in a New Bone Scaffold
Authors: Carina Valeria , Costa Viviana , Raimondi Lavinia , Pagani Stefania , Sartori Maria , Figallo Elisa , Setti Stefania , Alessandro Riccardo , Fini Milena , Giavaresi Gianluca
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Bone tissue engineering is helpful in finding alternatives to overcome surgery limitations. Bone growth and repair are under the control of biochemical and mechanical signals; therefore, in recent years several approaches to improve bone regeneration have been evaluated. Osteo-inductive biomaterials, stem cells, specific growth factors and biophysical stimuli are among those. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation (LIPUS) treatment would improve the colonization of an MgHA/Coll hybrid composite scaffold by human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and their osteogenic differentiation. LIPUS stimulation was applied to hMSCs cultured on MgHA/Coll hybrid composite scaffold in osteogenic medium, mimicking the microenvironment of a bone fracture.

Methods

hMSCs were seeded on MgHA/Coll hybrid composite scaffold in an osteo-inductive medium and exposed to LIPUS treatment for 20 min/day for different experimental times (7 days, 14 days). The investigation was focused on (i) the improvement of hMSCs to colonize the MgHA/Coll hybrid composite scaffold by LIPUS, in terms of cell viability and ultrastructural analysis; (ii) the activation of MAPK/ERK, osteogenic ( ALPL, COL1A1, BGLAP, SPP1) and angiogenetic ( VEGF, IL8) pathways, through gene expression and protein release analysis, after LIPUS stimuli.

Results

LIPUS exposure improved MgHA/Coll hybrid composite scaffold colonization and induced in vitro osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs seeded on the scaffold.

Conclusions

This work shows that the combined use of new biomimetic osteo-inductive composite and LIPUS treatment could be a useful therapeutic approach in order to accelerate bone regeneration pathways.
Shielding Evaluation of Diagnostic X-Ray Rooms in Khartoum State
Authors: Alameen Suhaib Mohamedsalih , Khalid Siddig , Ali Wadah , Osman Mamdouh Y.
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the shielding of some conventional x-ray rooms in Khartoum state. This study is based on the shielding calculations stated in the NCRP report number 49. This is the first time in Sudan to evaluate the shielding of diagnostic x-ray rooms based on this report.The total number of conventional x- ray rooms included in this study is 9 and the main parameters recorded during the evaluation are the KVp, mAs, and distance from the x-ray source to the measuring points. The dose rate at some selected points both inside and outside each x-ray room have been recorded using two dosimeters.The result of the evaluation revealed that 75% of the tested controlled area and 71.4% of the uncontrolled areas passed the test and do comply with the recommended limiting doses. However, only one room was found to be well shielded for both controlled and uncontrolled areas. The maximum allowed dose rate in controlled and uncontrolled areas was taken equal to 5 mSv/year & 1 mSv/year respectively and as recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Calculations of the required shielding have been made for those areas which have not passed the tests and for lead and concrete.
Crafting, Constructing and Developing a Nurses’ Professional Identity Scale (NPIS)
Authors: Moola Shehnaaz
Published: May 2017

The main objective was to measure the professional identity of nurses and to evaluate the ways to measure and develop the Nurse’s Professional Identity Scale (NPIS) as perceived by Saudi student nurses. The study employed a quantitative research design to assess the measurement scale of Nurse’s Professional Identity. Data collection was done through a questionnaire from 442 student nurses, who have been recruited through a randomized sampling approach. A factor analysis identified five-factor dimensions within a multi-dimensional structure of 45 items. Factor 1 has been identified as the most important factor on self-presentation as most significant and important to the technique of constructing and forming a professional identity. Factor 2 has accounted for 5.62; Factor 3 has accounted for 5.14; Factor 4 has accounted for 4.29; and Factor 5 has accounted for 4.25. Factor 1 consisted of 16 variables and all items with loadings greater than (>0.3), which deals with self-esteem. It has been evaluated that the nursing professional identity scale can be used to adapt and assess the developing/forming stages of student nurses and the variables needed for constituting a professional identity. Self-presentation, self-image, self-esteem, self-categorization and self-concept are directly associated with certain activities, interventions, and approaches required to be developed.
What If All Patients with Breast Cancer in Malaysia Have Access to the Best Available Care: How Many Deaths Are Avoidable?
Authors: Ho G. F. , Taib N. A. , Pritam Singh R. K. , Yip C. H. , Abdullah M. M. , Lim T. O.
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a leading cause of death in the world and the fourth leading cause in Malaysia. A widening disparity in cancer burden has emerged between high and low-middle income countries. A similar disparity due to differential access to cancer care between affluent and deprived groups is likely to exist within developing country too. We assess this inequality by estimating the number of deaths due to cancer that would be avoidable if all patients had access to the best available care in Malaysia, a high middle income country.METHODS: The number of avoidable deaths is the difference between the number of deaths estimated by GLOBOCAN12 for Malaysia (which is consistent with published estimates on cancer survival), and the expected number of deaths if all patients with Breast Cancer (BC) had experienced the age-ethnic-stage specific survival outcomes observed in a leading private cancer centre in Malaysia. Data on age-ethnic-stage composition of the general BC population were from local cancer registry and public hospitals providing safety net cancer services.FINDINGS: Of the 2312 excess deaths due to BC, 2048 (88%) were avoidable. Of these avoidable deaths, 1167 (57%) were attributable to late stage presentation while 881 (43%) were due to lack of access to optimal treatment. Sensitivity analyses however show that the 88% avoidable deaths may be as low as 50%, taking into account differences in socio-economic status, over-diagnosis and lack of very long term survival data.INTERPRETATION: The huge number of avoidable deaths highlights the high cancer mortality rate among the deprived and the vast disparity in access to cancer care between the rich and poor within Malaysia, which mirrors the global cancer divide between rich and poor countries.Cancer care system that deliver such disastrous and inequitable outcomes is clearly under-performing. It is in urgent need of reform.
Processing Capability of Maize Varieties Through Free Sorting and CATA Methodologies and Physicochemical Characteristics
Authors: Monteiro Nelly M.F , Akissoe Noel H , Adinsi Laurent , Houssou Paul , Kayode Polycarpe , Soumanou Mohamed M. , Hounhouigan Joseph D.
Published: May 2017

Maize varieties have specific food processing abilities, with reference to the production of gambari-lifin, lifin, mawe and ogi, four major intermediate products in Benin. Except for the gambari-lifin, these products are widely known in the most of African countries. The recent development of gambari-lifin in relation with the maize grains quality suggests the screening of appropriate maize cultivars for minimizing failure during processing. Panelists comprising 77 maize food processors sorted fifteen maize varieties of which fourteen improved and one local ecotype, and then described each group with their own words. Additionally, 70 maize food processors performed the CATA (Check All That Apply) questions test with a list of sensory terms on the maize varieties. Furthermore, selected physicochemical and rheological parameters were determined on seven representative maize varieties. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) and hierarchical cluster analysis and multiple factorial analyses (MFA) were performed on sensory descriptors and instrumental data. Based on MDS, four groups of maize varieties were identified being specifically appropriate for one or more of these intermediate products. Grains size and weight, endosperm texture and in a lesser extent colour were the major group descriptors of maize varieties. Vitreous character or average size were positively correlated to processing yield as far as gambari-lifin is concerned while floury character was associated to “ability for pasting”. This study confirms that food processors perception is very helpful and useful tools for maize breeders since it early provides consistent information for the end-uses products.
A Direct Assay for Measuring Free 25-Hydroxyvitamin D
Authors: Heureux Nicolas , Lindhout Ernst , Swinkels Leon
Published: May 2017

Recent studies suggest that the concentration andgenotype of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) are important factors that determine the bioavailability of25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in blood. Accumulatingdata indicate that, e.g., in pregnant women, hemodialysis patients, chronic kidney disease, liver failure, and bladder and pancreatic cancers, the measurement of free 25(OH)D in serum provides more relevant diagnostic information than measurement of total 25(OH)D. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an ELISA for direct measurement of free 25(OH)D in serum. A simple and direct ELISA was developed, based on a two-step immunoassay procedure performed ina microtiter plate. The assay has been characterizedin terms of precision (4–10% CV, according toconcentration), sensitivity (limits of blank = 0.5–1.0 pg/mL and LODs = 1.3–1.8 pg/mL), accuracy (correlation to dialysis, ELISA = 0.99xdialysis-0.5 pg/mL, r2 = 0.74), cross-reactivity of the antibody for the D2 form (77%),and addition of both VDBP and albumin (35–38%recovery upon addition of VDBP, 53–58% upon addition of albumin). The assay has already been usedin multiple studies, including its comparison with calculation methods and in studies of patients with liver failure, different ethnic groups, supplemented mice, respiratory diseases, and obesity. The free 25(OH)D ELISA can be used in studies as a valuable toolto establish the clinical relevance of free 25(OH)D.
ENTRE SABERES, IDENTIDADES E JOGOS DE PODER NA REESTRUTURAÇÃO DA EDUCAÇÃO ESCOLAR INDÍGENA NO PARANÁ
Authors: Goulart Ana Caroline
Published: May 2017

Refazer os sentidos e a organização da educação escolarizada tem sido uma intensa preocupação de profissionais indígenas que atuam nas escolas dentro de suas terras. Saberes e memórias que enfrentam tentativas históricas de controle e formatação nos colocam frente a um cenário de disputa e distribuição desigual de poder quando pensamos, por exemplo, na (re)formulação curricular e formação de professores. É a partir desse cenário, que se apresenta entre os povos indígenas no Paraná, que desenvolvo uma reflexão acerca das transformações identitárias, políticas e escolares, entendendo-os como indissociáveis. Concomitante a isso, proponho um olhar para as relações entre professores indígenas e não indígenas a partir de suas perspectivas sobre educação escolar, currículo e interculturalidade, ressaltando o caráter político que é atribuído às escolas indígenas e a protagonismo de profissionais indígenas na gestão das escolas e na progressiva substituição de professores não indígenas.
Welfare assessment in traditional mountain dairy farms: above and beyond resource-based measures
Authors: Zuliani A , Romanzin A , Corazzin M , Salvador S , Abrahantes JC , Bovolenta S
Published: May 2017

The Welfare Quality® project was one of the largest research undertakings into animal welfare. Despite animal-based measures (ABMs) being increasingly preferred over resource-based measures (non-ABMs), the Welfare Quality® protocol (WQ) for dairy cattle has a non-ABM, Ease of Movement that classifies housing systems using a threshold of 100 days of access to pasture or, inversely, of 265 days tethered. Since traditional transhumance to alpine pastures lasts for approximately 90 days most farms tend to be classified as having a year-round tie-stall system by the WQ. The aim of this study was two-fold: to discuss the appropriateness of using non-ABMs and related thresholds in welfare scoring and to classify mountain dairy farms using ABM records. Initially, a comparison was made with scores obtained using the WQ protocol in farms where cows were: i) tethered all year; and ii) tethered but having regular exercise or reared in loose-housing systems. No difference in terms of welfare was detected between groups of farms regarding their housing systems, thus we investigated welfare focusing on ABMs. Therefore, farms were grouped into four clusters, according to their ABMs. The results indicated that good ABM scores can be obtained in most traditional mountain farms where cows are tethered for around 275 days a year and have access to highland pasture for the remaining 90 days. In this study, ABMs were effective tools for classifying mountain farms according to their welfare status and for informing targeted action to improve dairy cow welfare.
Public attitudes toward animals and the influential factors in contemporary China
Authors: Su B , Martens P
Published: May 2017

The relationship between public attitudes toward animals and human demographics has been well documented during the last few decades, but the influence of human ethical ideologies on public attitudes toward animals and animal welfare has been rarely investigated, especially in developing countries, such as China. The present study introduced two scales (Animal Issue Scale [AIS] and Animal Attitude Scale [AAS]) to investigate the Chinese people's attitudes toward animals and the manner in which their outlook related to ethical ideologies (idealism and relativism), which classified people into four ethical positions: situationists, subjectivists, absolutists and exceptionists. Moreover, it also showed how ethical ideologies and their interaction with human demographics influence respondents’ attitudes toward animals. The results of an online questionnaire (n = 504) distributed throughout China suggest that compared with middle-aged and old respondents, the young demonstrated significantly more positive attitudes toward animals. Absolutists showed the most positive attitudes toward animals, while subjectivists showed the least. People's attitudes toward animals were positively affected by idealism, which confirms previous findings in developed countries. However, people's attitudes toward animals were negatively affected by relativism, which is inconsistent with findings in developed countries, showing that ethical relativism failed to influence attitudes toward animals. Our results indicate that the same mechanisms underlying the effect of ethical idealism on attitudes toward animals might work in different countries to increase awareness on animal welfare. However, the manner in which ethical relativism influences attitudes toward animals may differ between developed and developing countries.
La production poétique en milieu minoritaire sous le signe de la concomitance : le cas de J. R. Léveillé
Authors: Hains Julia
Published: May 2017

Au tournant des années 1970, on observe chez plusieurs écrivains francophones de l’Ouest du Canada une poésie tournée vers sa propre spécificité, engagée dans des problématiques d’ordre formel et qui a tendance à se dégager des questions sociales et politiques. C’est notamment le cas de l’oeuvre poétique de J. R. Léveillé, qui demande a priori à être lue pour sa valeur intrinsèque, refusant d’emblée les lectures référentielles. Dans le présent article, nous verrons toutefois que le recours à certaines stratégies déployées dans les textes poétiques de cet auteur est symptomatique d’une tension observable dans les littératures francophones du Canada entre les prétentions universalistes de l’oeuvre et la condition de minoritaire qui lui est inféodée et qui se négocie ici par l’entremise de l’exercice que nous appelons « concomitance ».