bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccine in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Authors: Mohanty Thitta , Patro Mahismita , Sahoo Jyotirmaya , Meher Bijaya Kumar , Pattnaik Manoranjan , Patra Jeetendra Kumar
Published: October 2018

Background: Pneumococcal infections are frequent cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations and though various guidelines recommend the use of pneumococcal vaccines routinely to COPD patients to prevent exacerbations, the data regarding the effectiveness of this vaccine is limited and contradictory. Aims and objectives was to compare the frequency of exacerbations in patients of COPD before and after administration of pneumococcal vaccine and to find out the frequency of exacerbations in patients of COPD who are vaccinated against those who are not vaccinated as well as to study the effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccine will be analysed in respect to age, sex, Body mass index (BMI), severity of disease and other co-morbidity.Methods: This was a randomized non-placebo controlled trial, conducted from September 2013 to August 2015 including total of 150 patients divided into two groups: cases and controls. The cases were administered PPV23 along with specific medication and were followed up at intervals of 3months. Exacerbations were identified based on ANTHONISEN’S criteria. Number of exacerbations in each follow-up was recorded. The data from both the groups were analysed statistically.Results: After 1 year of follow up, there was significant reduction in mean number of exacerbations (p value <0.0001) in patients with COPD in vaccinated group. PPV23 was more effective in patients with COPD of less than 65 years of age and with severe and/or very severe airflow obstruction and also in patients with lower BMI (≤21kg/m2), females and with co-morbidities.Conclusions: This is an important strategy to prevent the repeated exacerbations in COPD patients particularly in severe and very severe disease groups and we support the recommendation that pneumococcal vaccine should be administered to these patients.
Correlation of fine needle aspiration cytology with histopathological diagnosis in assessing breast lumps at a tertiary care hospital
Authors: George Greeshma Ann , Antony Philips
Published: October 2018

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women worldwide (22%) and India ranks the second after cervical cancer. The diagnostic accuracy of FNAC increases to 99% when it is combined with clinical and radiological examination. In this study, authors plan to correlate the cytological findings with histopathological examinations for breast lesions and determine the accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of breast lesions.Methods: It is a retrospective study carried out in the Department of Pathology at a Tertiary Care Hospital. All the FNAC results of breast lesions during the one year period were collected. Gauge needle maximum of 3 passes were made and the slides were fixed in 70-80% alcohol and stained with routine haematoxylin and eosin stain.Results: Among 200 patients, 197 were females and 3 were males. Benign breast lesions were found in 158 cases; among which fibroadenoma was the commonest lesion. Malignancy was observed in 25 cases. Two cases of phyllodes tumour were incorrectly reported as fibroadenoma on cytology. Of 12 cases which were diagnosed to have atypical lesions, 4 cases were papillary neoplasm, and 8 cases were atypical ductal hyperplasia.Conclusions: This study concludes that breast FNAC is a reliable, easy, cheap and effective procedure for the diagnosis. It reduces the need of core needle biopsies and very well correlated with histopathological examination. FNAC differentiates non neoplastic from the neoplastic by which it reduces the patient’s anxiety and helps the surgeons in planning the mode of treatment.
Prevalence of hearing loss due to ossicular chain involvement in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: S. Ramesh , D. Gurumoorthy A.
Published: October 2018

Background: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic multisystem disease commonly affecting the synovial joints. Involvement of middle ear ossicular chain in RA may lead to hearing loss. The effects of hearing loss are profound, with consequences in the social, functional, and psychological well-being of the persons affected. Both conductive and sensorineural types of hearing impairments have been found in these patients in various studies. This study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of hearing impairment in our patients.Methods: Pure tone and impedance audiograms were taken for 100 RA patients who came to the outpatient department. They were divided into three groups based on their disease activity (DAS28). The hearing thresholds were compared among these groups. Tympanographic features and acoustic reflexes were recorded. Disease duration was also taken into account for asessing the severity of hearing impairment.Results: Out of 100 patients, 52 patients had significant hearing impairment audiometrically, of which 44 had sensorineural, 1 conductive and 7 mixed impairments. No significant difference was found between the hearing thresholds and the disease activity but those with high disease activity had higher incidence of abnormal tympanograms (72.2%) and absence of acoustic reflex (55.5%). Prevalence of hearing impairment was found to be increased with increasing disease duration, with steep rise between 5 and 10 years of disease duration.Conclusions: Hearing impairment affects the quality of life adversely. Severity of hearing impairment is significantly associated with having a hearing-related handicap and with self-reported communication difficulties. Thus, hearing assessment if done routinely can improve the outcome in these patients.
Spectrum and review of MRI findings in hypophysitis
Authors: Kadiyala Niharika , Murali Arunan , Sai Venkata
Published: October 2018

Inflammation of the pituitary infundibulum and pituitary gland (hypophysis) is called hypophysitis. The causes may be primary (lymphocytic hypophysitis, granulomatous hypophysitis, xanthomatous hypophysitis, necrotizing hypophysitis) or secondary due to spread of disease from elsewhere in the body. Authors report three cases of primary hypophysitis with radiological findings ranging from simple thickening of the infundibulum, posterior pituitary (infundibuloneurohypophysitis), thickening of the entire gland and infundibulum (panhypophysitis) and mass forming lesion in the anterior pituitary gland (adenohypophysitis). Diagnosis is arrived based on combined findings of clinical features, endocrinological assessment, Immunological markers, imaging studies and histopathology (if necessary). Conservative, supportive treatment is usually the treatment of choice with surgical decompression reserved for cases with extensive mass effect. Authors conclude that hypophysitis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for lesions of the pituitary.
Assessment of undernutrition using composite index of anthropometric failure among children less than 5 years in an urban slum, Visakhapatnam
Authors: Namburi Naga Sowjanya , Seepana Madhavi
Published: October 2018

Background: Under nutrition continues to be a major public health problem in India despite years of incessant preventive measures. Composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF) provides the burden of under nutrition as a single measure and helps in detection of children with multiple anthropometric failures. The objectives of this study are to assess the prevalence of under nutrition using CIAF as compared to conventional indicators and to identify the risk factors associated with Anthropometric Failure.Methods: This was a community based, cross sectional descriptive study on Under 5 children done in the urban slum area under Allipuram Urban Health Centre, Visakhapatnam, A.P. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight and mid upper arm circumference) were taken and mothers of the study children were interviewed to obtain relevant information. WHO Z-score system and the CIAF were used to estimate the magnitude of under-nutrition.Results: Out of 100 children, 56 children were suffering from under nutrition according to CIAF. Analysis of various factors showed that low birth weight, lesser duration of breast feeding, low education level of mother, over crowding and low socio economic status were significantly associated with under nutrition assessed by CIAF.Conclusions: CIAF provides the actual prevalence or proportion of undernourished children in a community. So CIAF must be included in regular recordings of health status of children. The study also reinforces the importance of appropriate maternal care, proper infant and child feeding practices and family planning services in prevention of under nutrition.
Attitude of couples towards family planning practices in the field practice area of Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar
Authors: Gayathry Dasari , Moluguri Anil , Sachin G. , Sekhar Chandra
Published: October 2018

Background: Uncontrolled population growth has been a problematic issue all over the world. Knowing the women’s and their husband’s awareness and attitude towards family planning may help us to intervene so that the practice can be increased. This might ensure the right of women to have child as they wish and later reduce unwanted pregnancies and abortions. Hence the present study is concerned with evaluation of attitude of couples towards family planning.Methods: A cross - sectional study was conducted during February 2013 - January 2014 among the couples residing in the field practice study areas. A semi-structured questionnaire consisting attitude of respondents regarding various aspects of family planning was administered to 406 couples of the study area.Results: It has been observed that the females had higher positive attitude scores (16.04±3.641) than males (13.85±4.605) and was statistically significant (p=0.000). Urban residents showed higher positive attitude scores (17.75±2.873) compared with rural (12.14±3.582) and difference was statistically significant (p=0.000).Conclusions: One of the promising findings of the study is, the majority of respondents showed a positive attitude towards contraceptive use. Female respondents and urban population showed more favorable attitude as compared to males and rural population respectively. There is need to target these population for health education interventions in order to achieve the desirable practices.
Contributory factors leading to fall among elderly staying in rural area
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Kaur Jasbir , Devgun Priyanka , Sharma Sarit
Published: October 2018

Background: Falls are one of the major problems in the elderly and are considered to be one of the “geriatric giants”, result from a complex interplay of predisposing and precipitating factors in a person’s environment.Methods: The study was undertaken in the rural field practice areas of Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Amritsar. A pretested semi-structured interview schedule was administered to 500 elderly each from the each area.Results: The elderly, who had fall in last one year (25.4%), reported varied intrinsic factors and extrinsic factors. On multivariate analysis, among intrinsic factors, tremors, vertigo, decline in visual acuity, blurred vision, myocardial infarction, arthritis, muscle weakness, sedative hypnotic, major tranquilisers, antihypertensive, cardiac medications and NSAIDs were significantly contribution to fall. While extrinsic factors like improper design of furniture, presence of rapid closing doors, high located shelves, lack of step ladder, absence of grab bars in bathroom and around toilet, low seated toilet seat, slippery floor of the bathroom, inadequate light from bedside to bathroom, improper height of bed and presence of outdated medication were leading to fall among rural elderly.Conclusions: Factors contributing to fall are modifiable and treatable, hence early screening and remedial measures are required to prevent the fall among elderly.
Cardiovascular disease risk factors among auto rickshaw drivers of Mangaluru
Authors: Gupta Animesh , Adhikari Shubhankar
Published: October 2018

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are considered as one of the leading causes of death in developed countries as well as in developing country. Auto rikshaw drivers are at more risk of developing cardiovascular disease because of harmful lifestyle like irregular eating habits, addictions, insufficient sleep, stressful occupational conditions and sedentary lifestyle.Methods: Cross sectional descriptive study was conducted among auto rickshaw drivers working in Mangaluru. Data was collected regarding risk factors and general physical examination, anthropometric examination, systemic examination was done. Laboratory investigation was done for diabetes and dyslipidemia.Results: The mean age of study participants was 42.75±10.26. The prevalence of physical inactivity, hypertension and diabetes were 70%, 29.6% and 14.2% respectively.Conclusions: Physical inactivity, obesity, tobacco consumption and dyslipidemia were the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Fine needle aspiration cytology of laryngeal lesions: an experience from tertiary cancer care center
Authors: Mukundapai Malathi , Patil Akkamahadevi , Nargund Ashwini , Biswas Siddhartha , Sethumadhavan T. , Kapali Anuradha , Chavan Purushottam
Published: October 2018

Background: Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) comprises about 95% of laryngeal malignancies. Translaryngeal Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (TLFNAC) of endolaryngeal and hypopharyngeal malignancies helps in early diagnosis. Although the diagnosis of a malignancy is often self-evident to a clinician, a tissue diagnosis is a must for starting treatment. TLFNAC helps the clinicians to plan the management at the earliest. Hence this study is to evaluate the utility of percutaneous translaryngeal FNAC in diagnosis of laryngeal lesions.

Methods: 189 Cases of Translaryngeal FNACs done during the period of Jan 2014 to Dec. 2015 were retrieved from the cytology register. FNAC was always done after Head and Neck radiology image studies. Usual FNA procedure was followed. FNA done with or without guidance and at times with clinician’s assistance. Smears stained with MGG and Pap stain, and cytomorphological diagnosis was made.  

Results: Out of 189 cases, aspirates were satisfactory in 146 cases and unsatisfactory in 43 cases. Of the 146 cases, 122 were SCC, pleomorphic adenoma one case, adenoid cystic carcinoma one case, 8 were uncategorized neoplasms and one case was granulomatous inflammation and remaining 14 cases had nonspecific findings.

Conclusions: TLFNA is simple, cost effective, less invasive and safe as compared to DL biopsy with less turnaround time for laryngo-pharyngeal lesions. This reduces the number of visits to OT and helps the clinicians in planning the treatment early like RT/CT or surgery. This avoids tracheostomy in borderline airway obstruction cases.
Anatomical site-wise distribution of upper aerodigestive tract malignancies in a rural population
Authors: Shariff Mudassar A.
Published: October 2018

Background: Upper aerodigestive tract malignancies constitute approximately 4% of all malignancies. These include cancers of the various sites of the upper aerodigestive tract where malignant lesions can be found such as the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, oral cavity and it’s sub-sites, oropharynx, larynx and hypopharynx. Malignancies of these sites are found to be common in people from lower socio-economic strata. Tobacco and alcohol are considered as risk factors for it’s development.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient section of Department of ENT, at Chamarajanagar Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Chamarajanagar, India, for a period of 1 years 10 months from October 2014 to July 2016. During the study period, 100 cases that were diagnosed as having upper aerodigestive tract malignancy by histopathology were included in the study group. The aim of this study is to determine the epidemiology, clinical features and anatomical site-wise distribution of malignancy in the study group.  

Results: Oral cavity was the commonest site where malignancy developed in the upper aerodigestive tract followed by the larynx. Malignant disease was more common in males and in the elderly. Majority of the patients who developed malignancy had history of tobacco and alcohol consumption.

Conclusions: Oral cavity malignancy is common in rural population, is associated with tobacco chewing and is more common in elderly male. 
Trans-nasal endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Singh Amardeep , Kumar Navneet , Grewal Sarvpreet Singh
Published: October 2018

Background: The purpose of present study was to assess the management and surgical outcomes of trans-nasal endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhoea.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on the basis of medical records of 8 patients (6 males and 2 females) who had undergone trans-nasal endoscopic reconstructive surgery for CSF leak in a tertiary care hospital. Data so collected was analyzed to determine the demographic and diagnostic factors with surgical outcomes. Rate of success achieved was also assessed.  

Results: Majority of patients were in the age group of 21-40 years with mean age of 28.50 years. Main cause of leak was trauma (75%) and most common site of defect was found to be the cribriform plate of ethmoid bone (75%). 38% patients suffered from recurrent episodes of meningitis. Repair of dehiscence was done by variety of graft material like fat, fascia, middle turbinate mucosa, septal bone, cartilage or mucosa and fibrin glue. Success rate of 100% was observed. No post-surgical complications were encountered in this series.

Conclusions: Trans-nasal endoscopic surgical technique is an effective and atraumatic procedure for repair of CSF rhinorrhoea with minimum morbidity and low post-operative complications. 
A clinical, epidemiological and histopathological study of leprosy reactions
Authors: Nataraj Perumalla , Komeravelli Haritha
Published: October 2018

Background: Leprosy reactions are acute emergencies in the otherwise generally indolent course of leprosy. The present study was done to know the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and its histopathological findings..

Methods: A total of 50 patients attending out patient, in the department of Dermatology, venereology and Leprosy at Chigateri Hospital and Bapuji Hospital were included. Detailed history, thorough physical examination and relevant investigations were done.

Results: Out of all leprosy outpatients, reactions constituted 16.8%. 66% patients belonged to age group of 21-50 years, with a male to female ratio of 1.94:1. The disease was more common among the illiterates (80%), coolies (52%) and low socio-economic status (76%). Type I (RR) reaction (66%) and Type II (ENL) reaction (34%) which, commonly presented during 1st year of MDT and 2 years of MDT respectively. Borderline spectrum (74%), Anti-leprosy drugs (46%) were major risk factors associated. Erythematous, edematous skin lesions (50.6%); erythematous tender nodules (100%) along with neuritis were most common clinical features in Type I (RR) and Type II (ENL) reactions respectively. Edema (63.6%), lymphocytes (60.6%) and epitheloid cells (54.5%) were major histopathological findings in Type I (RR) reaction where as vasculitis (100%), increased vascularity (82.3%) and PMNL cells (88.2%) in Type II (ENL) reaction.

Conclusions: This study emphasizes the need for detailed history, clinical examination and investigations including biopsy for timely recognition of reactions, in order to halt the progress and prevent the permanent damage it causes. 
INTEGRATION OF ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS AND KNOWLEDGE BASES
Authors:   Brest State Technical University, Golovko V. , Golenkov V. ,   Belarussian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics, Ivashenko V. ,   Belarussian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics, Taberko V. ,   JSC «Savushkin product», Ivniuk D. ,   JSC «Savushkin product», Kroshchanka A. ,   Brest State Technical University, Kovalev M. ,   Belarussian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics
Published: October 2018

This article reviews the questions and directions of integration of artificial neural networks with knowledge bases. Two main directions of integration are considered: the inputs and outputs of artificial neural network to use integration of knowledge bases and artificial neural networks for solutions of application problems; by artificial neural network representation on the basis of ontological structures and its interpretation by means of knowledge processing in the knowledge base providing an intelligent environment for the development, training and integration of different artificial neural networks compatible with knowledge bases. The knowledge bases that are integrated with artificial neural networks are built on the basis of homogeneous semantic networks and multiagent approach to represent and process knowledge. An ontological model for representing artificial neural networks and their specifications within the framework of the model of unified semantic representation of knowledge is proposed. It is distinguished by the ability to represent artificial neural networks, its dynamics and other types of knowledge, including the specifications of artificial neural networks, as the common language for the representation of knowledge with a common theoreticalmodel semantics. A multiagent model for solving problems using artificial neural networks and other types of knowledge is proposed. It is distinguished by the interaction of agents in accordance with a given temporal model through a common memory that stores knowledge integrated into a single knowledge base.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SHELL AND KNOWLEDGE PORTAL FOR MATHEMATICAL PROOFS VERIFICATION ON THE IACPaaS PLATFORM
Authors:   Institute of Automation and Control Processes of the FEB RAS, Kleschev A. , Timchenko V. ,   Institute of Automation and Control Processes of the FEB RAS
Published: October 2018

The paper presents a conceptual architecture of the shell for interactive systems for mathematical proofs verification and an evolutionary thematic knowledge portal created with its help. The process of implementation of all software and information components of the shell on the IACPaaS cloud platform with the use of its technologies and tools of their support is described. The process of development of the initial state of the knowledge portal for mathematical proofs verification using shell tools is considered. The way to use the knowledge portal by members of the mathematical community as well as mechanisms for changing the state of the portal by its administrator is discussed. The initial state of the knowledge portal includes: the ontology model of the mathematical knowledge base, including the specification of the initial state of the language for mathematical knowledge representation, the editor for the ontology model of the mathematical knowledge base, the mathematical knowledge base editor, the base of methods of reasoning editor, and the problem solver of the shell that implements the process of constructing proofs in terms of ontology model of proofs. The initial state of the knowledge portal also includes the initial state of the mathematical knowledge base and the initial state of the base of the methods of reasoning. The evolvement of the knowledge portal consists in the development of the three listed information components. All interested members of the mathematical community can participate in this process. It is implemented with the use of personal cabinets of the IACPaaS platform, where each user can independently develop his personal copy of the current state of the common knowledge portal. The transfer of new results to the common knowledge portal is controlled by its administrator.
Gaps-in-noise test performance in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Pirasteh Ebrahim , Esmailzadeh Negin , Absalan Aghil , Nahrani Morteza Hamidi , Nosratzehi Mahin , Nosratzehi Shahin
Published: October 2018

Background and Aim: Hearing loss is one of the complications of the type 2 diabetes mellitus, which commonly affects the central auditory processing. Gap in noise (GIN) test is an appropriate clinical tool for evaluating temporal auditory processing. The purpose of the present research was to compare the results of the GIN test in the diabetic patients with non-diabetic participants.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 30 subjects with type 2 diabetes (mean age=43.33, SD=4.7 years) and 30 normal hearing subjects (mean age=41.26, SD=6.2 years) were examined by the GIN test. The approximate GIN threshold and the percentage of correct answers were measured in all individuals.Results: The findings showed an increase in the approximate GIN threshold and a decrease in the percentage of correct answers in the diabetic group in comparison with the non-diabetic group (p<0.05). In addition, the GIN threshold in the right ear was lower than the left one in the case group (p<0.05).Conclusion: According to the derived results, the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus appear to have defects in the temporal resolution domain the auditory stimuli and this disorder affects left ear more than right ear.
Socio-economic burden of cardiovascular diseases in Poland and Central Europe
Authors: Choręza Piotr , Owczarek Aleksander , Babińska Magdalena
Published: October 2018

Wstęp

Każdego roku choroby układu krążenia powodują ponad 4 mln zgonów w społeczeństwach 53 krajów europejskiego regionu WHO, z czego 1,9 mln przypada na kraje zrzeszone w Unii Europejskiej. Organizacja Współpracy Gospodarczej i Rozwoju (OECD) podaje, że w 2010 r. 13% zgonów w krajach Unii Europejskiej było następstwem choroby wieńcowej.
Celem pracy jest analiza czynników społeczno-ekonomicznych ponoszonych w związku z chorobami układu krążenia oraz zasobów i nakładów przeznaczanych na finansowanie systemu ochrony zdrowia w Polsce i wybranych krajach Europy Środkowej.

Materiał i metody

Analizie poddano dane statystyczne publikowane przez Europejski Urząd Statystyczny oraz Główny Urząd Statystyczny w Polsce. Dane literaturowe pochodzą z czasopism indeksowanych w bazie Medline.

Wyniki

W 2015 r. koszt ponoszony przez gospodarkę Unii Europejskiej z tytułu chorób układu krążenia szacowany był na ponad 210 mld €, z czego największą część – 52% – pochłaniały nakłady na opiekę zdrowotną, 25% obejmowały koszty utraconej produktywności, a 21% wydatki na opiekę pozasystemową.
Udział środków dedykowanych na terapię chorób układu krążenia w budżetach systemów opieki zdrowotnej krajów Unii Europejskiej jest silnie zróżnicowany. Podczas gdy w Polsce schorzenia sercowo-naczyniowe absorbują aż 16% środków trafiających do systemu, w Danii i Szwecji odsetek ten stanowi jedynie 3% środków, we Francji i Niemczech odpowiednio 7% i 8%, w krajach Europy Środkowej – np. w Czechach i na Słowacji – 12%, na Węgrzech zaś 19%.
Konsekwencją przystąpienia Polski do Unii Europejskiej było zwiększenie nakładów budżetu państwa przeznaczanych na utrzymanie systemu opieki zdrowotnej. Według danych Europejskiego Urzędu Statystycznego Polska przeznaczyła na finansowanie systemu ochrony zdrowia w 2014 r. ponad 18,45 mld €, co stanowi 4,49% PKB.
Usefulness of Apfel score to predict postoperative nausea and vomiting –
single-center experiences
Authors: Pluta Michał , Krzych Łukasz
Published: October 2018

Wstęp

Pooperacyjne nudności i wymioty (postoperative nausea and vomiting – PONV) wpływają na pogorszenie komfortu pacjenta, przedłużają hospitalizację i mogą prowadzić do poważnych powikłań. Przewidywanie, u którego pacjenta ryzyko wystąpienia PONV jest duże, może pomóc lekarzowi w podjęciu decyzji o zastosowaniu profilaktyki przeciwwymiotnej.

Materiał i metody

Przeprowadzono prospektywną obserwację w grupie 101 pacjentów (w tym 54 kobiet; mediana wieku 64 lata; 51 ASA3+), poddanych zabiegom operacyjnym w okresie od 01.2017 r. do 03.2017 r. w Uniwersyteckim Centrum Klinicznym. Zebrano niezbędne dane demograficzne i kliniczne, oszacowano ryzyko w skali Apfel. Za ostateczny wynik przyjęto wystąpienie PONV w pierwszej dobie po zabiegu.

Wyniki

Średni czas znieczulenia wynosił 216 ± 121 min. Większość pacjentów (n = 86) była hospitalizowana na oddziale chirurgii przewodu pokarmowego. Profilaktykę antyemetyczną zastosowano u 68 osób. Mediana skali Apfel wynosiła 2 pkt (IQR 2–3). Wynik maksymalny w skali Apfel uzyskało 14 pacjentów, natomiast PONV wystąpiły u 9. Chociaż żaden z pojedynczych czynników ryzyka nie był w stanie przewidzieć z dobrą skutecznością wystąpienia PONV, to całkowity wynik skali Apfel był przydatny w ¾ przypadków (AUC = 0,734; 95% CI 0,636–0,817;
p < 0,01). Zastosowanie leków przeciwwymiotnych spowodowało 65% redukcję występowania PONV (OR = 0,35; 95% CI 0,08–1,4; p = 0,1).

Wnioski

Skala Apfel z dość dobrą skutecznością pozwoliła przewidzieć, u kogo wystąpią PONV, jednak potrzebne są dalsze badania nad identyfikacją pacjentów, u których powinno się zastosować profilaktykę przeciwwymiotną.
Rejoinder (Response to article by Christopher Maylea and Christopher Ryan)
Authors: Carroll Matthew
Published: October 2018

The President of the Victorian Mental Health Tribunal responds to the opinions expressed by two contributors to the journal in their 2017 article, ‘Decision-Making Capacity and the Victorian Mental Health Tribunal’.
Dynamique des populations de tiques infestant les ovins dans les steppes arides de Tunisie
Authors: Elati Khawla , Ayadi Ayet Allah , Khamassi Khbou Médiha , Jdidi Mohamed , Rekik Mourad , Gharbi Mohamed
Published: October 2018

Cette étude a cherché à déterminer la dynamique des populations de tiques infestant les ovins dans la région de Gafsa (centre de la Tunisie). Les tiques ont été prélevées sur 57‒64 moutons de race Barbarine choisis au hasard chaque mois pendant un an, d’octobre 2013 à septembre 2014. Au total, 560 tiques ont été collectées et identifiées. Elles appartenaient à deux espèces : Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (98,6 %) et Hyalomma excavatum (1,4 %). Les ovins n’ont été infestés que d’avril à octobre avec une prévalence maximale (nombre d’animaux infestés / nombre d’animaux examinés) en août pour R. sanguineus s.l. (83 %) et en mai pour H. excavatum (7 %). L’intensité d’infestation maximale (nombre de tiques / nombre d’animaux infestés) a été de 3,7 tiques par animal en août. Ces données seront très utiles pour les éleveurs d’ovins et les vétérinaires pour mettre en place des mesures de lutte efficaces contre les tiques et les pathogènes qu’elles transmettent.
Characterization of bacterium types isolated from commercial laying hen farms in Ogun State Nigeria
Authors: Adebowale Oluwawemimo , Adeyemo Olanike
Published: October 2018

This study investigated the distribution of bacterium categories isolated from poultry feces and litters on commercial laying hen farms in Remo and Egba local government areas, Ogun State, Nigeria. In total 29 species of lactose and non-lactose fermenters were recovered. Bacteria isolated from feces included Aeromonas hydrophila (27.5%), Providencia stuartii (15.5%), Actinobacillus sp. (9.1%), Burkholderia cepacia (7.7%), Serratia marcescens (4.9%), Citrobacter diversus (4.9%), Klebsiella oxytoca (4.2%), and Enterobacter gergoviae (4.2%). Others were Escherichia coli (2.1%), Plesiomonas shigelloides (2.1%), Vibrio alginolyticus (2.1%), Morganella morganii (2.1%), Pantoea agglomerans (1.4%), Vibrio mimicus (1.4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.4%), Burkholderia pseudomallei (1.4%), Salmonella arizonae (0.7%), Klebsiella pneumonia (0.7%), Acinetobacter iwoffii (0.7%), Vibrio vulnificus (0.7%), Shewanella putrefaciens (0.7%), Proteus mirabilis (0.7%) and Proteus vulgaris (0.7%). There was 66.7% similarity between the bacterium profile of litters and that of feces; some additional strains were identified in the litters. No variation (p = 0.64) was observed in the number of isolated bacterium types from feces and litter samples. However, the number of bacterium types isolated from fecal samples differed (p = 0.002) between the two studied areas. Results suggest that there is a potential risk of wide-range bacterial transmission within poultry populations, and to humans in close contact with them.
Risque épidémiologique de la peste équine africaine chez les ânes au Burkina Faso
Authors: Savadogo Madi , Sow Adama , Dahourou Laibané Dieudonné , Cailleau Aurélie , Kalandi Miguiri , Sawadogo Germain Jérôme
Published: October 2018

Le virus de la peste équine africaine (PEA) provoque des épizooties sévères lorsqu’il est transmis aux chevaux par ses vecteurs, les culicoïdes. Une étude transversale a été réalisée dans cinq régions du Burkina Faso afin de déterminer la séroprévalence du virus chez les ânes et d’identifier les facteurs de risque potentiel. Au total, 460 sérums ont été prélevés dans 15 villages. Une analyse par dosage immunoenzymatique (ELISA) de compétition a été réalisée pour détecter les anticorps antivirus PEA. La séroprévalence apparente globale était de 72,6 %, témoignant du fait que les ânes étaient infectés par le virus de la PEA. Une analyse multivariée par régression logistique a été effectuée en vue de déterminer les facteurs affectant le niveau de séroprévalence. Celle-ci est apparue significativement différente entre les sites d’étude, confirmant le rôle de la zone agroécologique dans la survenue de la maladie. L’âge et le poids des animaux ont également eu un effet significatif sur la séroprévalence, contrairement au sexe, à la couleur de la robe et à la taille du troupeau. Cette étude a mis en évidence la circulation active du virus de la peste équine chez les ânes au Burkina Faso.
Considerações sobre a fotografia Fine Art
Authors: Salles Filipe Mattos de
Published: October 2018

O termo Fine Art é uma designação relativamente recente no Brasil, para abarcar especificamente a produção de imagens fotográficas com intenções puramente estéticas, não-comerciais, em diferentes estilos, mercados e nomenclaturas. Com isso, o termo começou a ser amplamente utilizado até em ambientes comerciais, causando certa confusão com a definição de seus limites, sobrepondo o conceito do que era antes considerado, genericamente, fotografia artística. Por este motivo, cabe uma análise mais profunda sobre os termos em questão, no objetivo de conceituar corretamente o papel da fotografia enquanto manifestação artística e suas possibilidades de veiculação.
Trabalhos selecionados de VIII GeoSciEd 2018 / VIII EnsinoGEO-2018
Authors: Carneiro Celso Dal Ré , Gonçalves Pedro Wagner , Imbernon Rosely Aparecida Liguori , Machado Fabio Braz , Cerri Cassio Angelo Dalcin
Published: October 2018

A Sociedade Brasileira de Geologia apoiou a comunidade brasileira de Educação em Geociências ao promover, em paralelo, duas conferênciasna cidade de Campinas SP, em julho de 2018. Terræ Didatica reune trabalhos selecionados de ambos os eventos, que são publicados a partir da página 256 deste número e ocuparão grande parte do próxima número. O tema geral “Geociências para todos” orientou os trabalhos da 8th Quadrennial Conference of the International Geoscience Education Organisation (IGEO) / VIII GeoSciEd 2018 – e do VIII Simpósio Nacional de Ensino e História de Ciências da Terra / EnsinoGEO-2018.
School education for disaster risk reduction in Japan after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (GEJET)
Authors: Fujioka Tatsuya , Sakakibara Yasushi
Published: October 2018

The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (GEJET), reminded us Japanese of the harsh realities of the natural envi-ronment in the Japanese Archipelago and the importance of crisis management systems. However, the treatment of disasters has not been neglected in Japan, where natural disasters have historically occurred. In Japan, here are two separate approaches to handling natural disasters in formal education. The first is learning within specific subject areas, particularly social studies and science. The second is educational activities that take place outside subject teaching hours. Although natural disasters are common in the Japanese Archipelago, this arc-shaped string of islands, surrounded by the ocean and possessing a rich natural landscape, has greatly influenced Japanese culture, science and technology, and education. The Pacific Ocean coastline of the Tohoku region has been frequently hit in recent years by large killer waves (Tsunami) that have repeatedly resulted in serious damage. The main difference between the 2011 GEJET, and the previous tsunamis that hit the region is the accident that oc-curred at the Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant. Because the perspective of understanding science and technology from a social context is closely related to issues in education today.
Geoparks: from conception to the teaching of geosciences
Authors: Fornaro Alexandre , Fernandes Alexandre M.
Published: October 2018

The society of the 21st century is permeated by advances and diffusion of technologies that generate a way of life highly de-pendent on natural resources. This dependence requires a deep awareness of the importance of geodiversity and the education of the new generations and this is the way by which it will be possible to guarantee sustainable development. Geoparks are a new form of territorial management, whose characteristics are economic and social development based on the preservation and enhancement of geological and cultural heritage. This paper presents a discussion that involves this aspect in the relationship between geoparks and Geosciences teaching, divided into three parts: a discussion about the meaning of geoparks, followed by an analysis of the relationship between field work and geoscience teaching, and finally , it should be highlighted that geoparks can be excellent areas for field activities, which are essential to strengthen the understanding of geodiversity components and processes, without which the sensitization and perception of geoscientific concepts are limited. Geoparks can meet the demands of these areas for the teaching of geosciences in basic education.
The Effects of Intravenous Lipid Emulsion Therapy in the Prevention of Depressive Effects of Propofol on Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems: An Experimental Animal Study
Authors: Doğanay Fatih , Ak Rohat , Alışkan Halil , Abut Serdar , Sümer Engin , Onur Özge
Published: October 2018

Abstract: Background and objective: Propofol is an anesthetic agent that is frequently used in anesthesia induction, maintenance and sedation. Propofol has severe side effects such as hypotension, bradycardia and respiratory depression. Although propofol is commonly used, there is no known antidote for its toxic effects. An approach to prevent toxic effects of propofol would be beneficial. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) therapy in the prevention of depressive effects of propofol on cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Materials and methods: Twenty-eight Sprague-Dawley adult rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. The saline-administered group was determined as the Control group. The second group was administered propofol (PP group); the third group was administered ILE (ILE group), and the fourth was administered propofol with ILE therapy (ILE+PP group). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), Diastolic blood pressure (DBP), Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), Respiratory rate (RR), Heart rate (HR) and mortality were recorded at 10 points during 60 minutes. A repeated measures linear mixed-effect model with unstructured covariance was used to compare the groups. Results: In the PP group, SBP, DBP, MAP, RR and HR levels were declining steadily; all rats in this group died after 60 minutes. In the ILE+PP group, after a while, the decreased SBP, DBP, MAP, RR and HR levels increased SBP, DBP, MAP, RR and HR levels of the Propofol group were found to be significantly lower than those of the other groups (p<0.01). The mortality rate was 100% (surviving period, 60 min) for the PP group, whereas 0% for the ILE, ILE+PP and Control groups. Conclusion: Our results suggest that undesirable side effects that can be seen after propofol application such as hypotension, bradycardia and respiratory depression might be prevented by using ILE therapy.
Chitosan Decorated Copper Nanoparticles as Efficient Catalyst for One-Pot Multicomponent Synthesis of Novel Quinoline Derivatives: Sustainable Perspectives
Authors: Alghamdi Kahdijah S. , Ahmed Nesreen S.I. , Bakhotmah D. , Mokhtar Mohamed
Published: October 2018

Chitosan decorated copper nanoparticles catalysts (CSCuNPs) were synthesized via reduction methods utilizing green protocol. The CSCuNPs catalysts were tested for the synthesis of quinoline derivatives utilizing one-pot multicomponent reaction (MCR) under ultrasonic irradiation. The best catalyst (Cu-CS-NPs) that provided good conversion reaction yield and high turnover frequency (TOF) was characterized using FTIR, TGA, XRD, TEM and XPS techniques. Generalization of the scope of the proposed catalytic process was studied using different aldehydes. Excellent products yield and high TOF in even shorter reaction time (~5 min) was attained. Recyclability performance of the catalyst over five times re-use without detectable loss in product yield was recorded. The current method is green process utilizing environmentally benign catalyst and considered to be promising sustainable protocol for the synthesis of fine chemicals.
The Nature of Low Temperature Carburized Layer
Authors: Baniasadi Fazel , Sovizi Saeed , Todoroff Peter , Amini Pupak , Asgari Sirous
Published: October 2018

Carburizing of stainless steels at low temperatures (below 500°C) develops a high content carbon layer, known for its high hardness. X-ray Diffraction investigation indicates that carburization treatment does not impact the structure of substrate; however, introduced carbon causes expansion in the carburized layer through the increase in d-spacing. Characterization of carbon concentration and hardness profiles indicate that carbon content gradually decreases while moving further into the substrate; and the origin of the increased hardness of the expanded layer arises from the super-saturated carbon content, following the solid solution strengthening theory. An area that is not well understood is in regard to the carburized layer’s relation to the substrate and the significance in their differences. Using two grades of stainless steel, AISI 316L and PH 17-4, it was observed that the carburized layer is not a separate layer, but a higher carbon content version of the substrate,
Determination of Nugget Size in Resistance Projection Welding: Numerical Method with Experimental Measurements
Authors: Rezaei Danial Mohammad , Heidarshenas Behzad , Baniasadi Fazel
Published: October 2018

The aim of this paper is to at first evaluate the influence of three key parameters including weld current, weld time and electrode force on nugget diameter and tensile strength in resistance projection welding. Then, a 2-D axis-symmetric finite element model is developed to simulate the projection welding and predict the nugget diameter. Finally, the FEM results are compared to experimental data to verify the simulation model and simulated results. In the finite element model, the temperature-dependent material properties were taken into account.  
Investigation of Disintegration and Dissolution Behavior of Mefenamic Acid Drug Formulation Using Numeric Solution of Noyes-Whitney Equation with Cellular Automata Model on Microtomographic Surfaces and Rational Arrangements of Tablet Components
Authors: Yokoyama Reiji , Kimura Go , Schlepütz Christian , Huwyler Jörg , Puchkov Maxim
Published: October 2018

There are numerous approaches to model an influence of manufacturing parameters on the dissolution and disintegration of solid dosage forms. A modern approach for modelling and simulating complex and heterogeneous systems such as pharmaceutical tablets focuses on computationally-intensive finite-element or discreet element methods. Industrial challenges such as Process Analytical Technology (PAT) and Quality by Design are stimulating computer-based technologies to design, control and improve the quality of pharmaceutical compacts and their performance. In this study the disintegration and dissolution model based on the numerical solutions of the Noyes-Whitney equation and cellular automata supported disintegration model are proposed and evaluated. The results from in vitro release studies of the mefenamic acid formulations were compared to the calculated release patterns from the tablet structures obtained from microtomography experiments and the purely algorithmically created virtual tablets.
CMV-Specific Immune Reconstitution after Allogenic Stem Cell Transplantation: Central Role of Specific IgG in Immunodefense Against CMV Reactivation as a Leading Parameter during Profound and Long-Lasting Immune Deficiency
Authors: Zdziarski Przemyslaw
Published: October 2018

Although the existing paradigm states that CMV reactivation is under control of cellular immune response, the role of humoral counterpart is underestimated. Anti-CMV positive woman after conditioning with Bu-Flu-ATG underwent stem cell transplantation from fully matched, seronegative sibling donor. In immunodeficient recipient fast and significant decrease of specific immune response was observed but reconstitution of marrow-derived B and NK cells was prior thymic origin T cells. The lowest CMV-IgG(89 U/ml) was observed just before CMV viremia. Noteworthy, the sole and exclusive factor of CMV-specific immune response is a residual recipient antibody class IgG. The CMV-quantiferon increase was observed later, but in the first phase immune reconstitution of the PHA-induced IFNγ release was significantly lower than that CMV-induced. It corresponds with NK cells increase at the top of lymphocyte reconstitution and undetected CMV-specific CD8 cells by pentamer technique. Most of NK cells are CD16+, thus are stimulated by residual IgG. In immunocompetent donor the cellular and humoral immune response increases in parallel manner but symptoms of CMV mononucleosis were observed till the increase of specific IgG. Our observations shed light on a unique host-CMV interaction: indicate that significant decrease of CMV-IgG is a good predictor for CMV reactivation during secondary immunodeficiency.
The Impact of Economic Crisis in Areas of Sprawl in Spanish Cities
Authors: García-Coll Arlinda , López-Villanueva Cristina
Published: October 2018

The development of dispersed urbanism in Spain ran parallel to the real estate boom and consolidated a new model of city sprawl based on the expansion of suburban areas. This process, which started in the mid 1980s, came to a halt with the onset of the economic crisis in 2007. With it, construction stopped, mobility fell and urban growth came to a standstill. The purpose of this article is to carry out an analysis of the recent evolution and chronology of the expansion of dispersed urbanism in the Barcelona Metropolitan Region (BMR) in order to gain an insight into some of the explanatory factors of such expansion and to deal with the future prospects of middle-term development of dispersed urbanism in the BMR and in Spain. To do this, we examine the trends in the housing market, in residential mobility and we take stock of the impact of business cycles. The conclusion is that dispersed areas retain their appeal in the stages of creation and expansion of households. For this reason, an effective economic recovery and a renewed rise in the price of housing in denser cities may contribute to an upturn in the popularity of the dispersed residential model, which nowadays could be considered to be in a ‘lethargic’ stage, waiting for certain factors to coincide and re-activate its expansion.