bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advanced prediction to facilitate biocontrol of the mealybug Rastrococcus iceryoides (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in organic mango (Anacardiaceae) orchards
Authors: Gujjar Nagalakshmi R , Verghese Abraham , Suresh Devi Thangam , Mouly Rakshitha , Joshi Sunil 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPredicting mango mealybug, Rastrococcus iceryoides (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), populations in an organic mango (Mangiferaindica Linnaeus; Anacardiaceae) ecosystem well in advance with reasonable accuracy, will facilitate biological control. In this study, an attempt was made to predict the population of mango mealybug using abiotic weather parameters as independent variables. The study was conducted at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, India (12°8'N; 77°35'E). Among the abiotic variables, maximum temperature was found relevant for predicting the population of the mealybug based on significant correlations. It was found that a prediction model using maximum temperature as independent variable with R2 is most ideal. This prediction model, when considered three to four weeks in advance of an infestation, could help farmers to gear up with biological control.
A Study on the Prevalence of Risk Factors for Diabetes and Hypertension among School Children in Majmaah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Syed Meraj Ahmed , Mohammed Al Mansour 
Published: September 2017

Background The prevalence of risk factors for diabetes and hypertension in Saudi school children has achieved epidemic proportions because of enriched lifestyles. The aim of this study is to conduct a baseline study of such risk factors in a young population at the cusp of high-end technology and material comfort. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was done among school children using parental assisted self-questionnaires and anthropometric assessment of their vital statistics. This study, including planning, data collection and analysis, and the writing of the first draft, was conducted from March 2015 to October 2016 after ethical approval was obtained. Cluster sampling was done for the schools, and stratified randomized sampling was performed to choose a total of 794 male and female school children. SPSS software was used for data analysis. Results It was found that 11.6% of the children had a body mass index (BMI) above the normal range. The waist-to-height ratio was elevated in 16.8% of the children. Other risk factors of note were a high prevalence of sedentary habits (43%), daily consumption of carbonated sugary drinks (36.4%), and eating at fast food restaurants most days of the week (17%). Conclusions This gradual buildup of risk factors for diabetes and hypertension at an early age is a morbid indicator of an epidemic whose outcome has been determined. Most of these modifiable risk factors are amenable to change through concentrated efforts to educate, train and inculcate healthy habits among children and their families.
Breast Cancer Surgical Treatment Choices in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Patient and Surgeon Perspectives
Authors: Holly Etchegary , Elizabeth Dicks , Farah McCrate , Erin Powell , Joanne Chafe , Rebecca Roome , Charlene Simmonds 
Published: September 2017

Background Breast cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer death among Canadian women. Treatment for breast cancer often includes surgery. Many women have a choice between mastectomy (MT; removal of the entire breast) or breast conserving surgery (BCS; removal of the tumour and some noncancerous breast tissue) followed by radiation. However, Newfoundland and Labrador consistently has a higher rate of mastectomies than the rest of Canada. In this project, we aim to better understand that trend. Design and methods A multi-method design was chosen. Surgical treatment data kept by the province will be examined to describe the number and types of breast cancer surgeries over time. Second, we will hold focus groups with women around the province who have made surgical treatment choices to explore influences on their decisions. Finally, semi-structured interviews with breast cancer surgeons and surgical residents will explore their opinions on surgical treatment choices. Expected impact for public health Cancer treatment choices are complex decisions, affected by clinical, demographic and social variables. Understanding why women from Newfoundland and Labrador have the highest rate of mastectomy in Canada is critical to ensure they are receiving appropriate screening and care. Greater understanding of the influences on women's surgical choices may encourage informed decisions amongst women and physicians and promote active communication about treatment, benefits relevant to all jurisdictions and health authorities. Further, if factors such as geographic proximity to treatment facilities are associated with treatment decisions, this information is important for public health screening and service planners.
Accuracy of the Who's Body Mass Index Cut-Off Points to Measure Gender- and Age-Specific Obesity in Middle-Aged Adults Living in the City of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Wollner Materko , Paulo Roberto Benchimol-Barbosa , Alysson Roncally Silva Carvalho , Jurandir Nadal , Edil Luis Santos 
Published: September 2017

Introduction Obesity is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a disease characterized by the excessive accumulation of body fat. Obesity is considered a public health problem, leading to serious social, psychological and physical problems. However, the appropriate cut-off point of body mass index (BMI) based on body fat percentage (BF%) for classifying an individual as obese in middle-aged adults living in Rio de Janeiro remains unclear. Materials and methods This was a prospective cross-sectional study comprising of 856 adults (413 men and 443 women) living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ranging from 30-59 years of age. The data were collected over a two year period (2010-2011), and all participants were underwent anthropometric evaluation. The gold standard was the percentage of body fat estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The optimal sensitivity and specificity were attained by adjusting BMI cut-off values to predict obesity based on the WHO criteria: BF% >25% in men and >35% in women, according to the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis adjusted for age and for the whole group. Results The BMI cut-offs for predicting BF% were 29.9 kg/m2 in men and 24.9 kg/m2 in women. Conclusions The BMI that corresponded to a BF% previously defining obesity was similar to that of other Western populations for men but not for women. Furthermore, gender and age specific cut-off values are recommended in this population.
Spectrum of Colonic Polyps in a South Indian Urban Cohort
Authors: Jain Mayank , Vij Mukul , Srinivas M. , Michael Tom , Venkataraman Jayanthi 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT
Background: The histological nature of polyps by site prevalence and size is unclear. Aim: To determine the prevalence of polyps in patients undergoing routine lower gastrointestinal (LGI) endoscopy and identify the histological types and their characteristics by age, location and size. Materials and Methods: For this retrospective study, patients undergoing ileocolonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy between 2014 and 2016 were included. Data on age, gender, test indication, site and size of polyps and histology type were collected. Results: Two hundred and ninety (12.7%) of 2303 patients who underwent LGI endoscopy had colonic polyps (n= 317; single in 272 patients). The median age was 61.1 years (range 5-99 years) and 223 (76.4%) were men. Polyps were rare <40 years age (7.3%). By site, the polyp frequency in right colon was 6.9%, 3.9% in left colon and 4.6% in the rectum. Two thirds of polyps (64%) were <1cm size. The 3 common polyp types were adenomatous (48.9%), hyperplastic (23.7%), and inflammatory (22.4%). Adenomatous polyps were common above 60 years (p <0.0002), located often in right (35.5%) or left colon (42.6%), large in size (54.2%) and showed low grade dysplasia (89.7%). Hyperplastic polyps were most common in the middle aged and in the rectum (p <0.00001). Inflammatory polyps were the most common type below 40 years age. Almost all hyperplastic and inflammatory polyps were <1cm size (93.3% and 87.3%). Conclusions: Adenomatous polyps were the commonest type; especially >60 years age. High grade dysplasia and carcinoma were rare (10.3%). While two-thirds of polyps <1cm size were inflammatory or hyperplastic, 86% of large polyps were adenomatous.
Is it Worth to Repeat Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreaticography after Failed Precut? Short Report from a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India
Authors: Narayan Kumar Shwetanshu , Gupta Gaurav Kumar , Nijhawan Sandeep , Pandey Sudhakar , Dhandhu Bhanwar Singh , Puri Shekhar , Kumar Awanish , Sharma Deepak 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the success rate of biliary cannulation in cases where endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is repeated after failed precut sphincterotomy. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, consecutive ERCPs performed between August 2013 and June 2017 were included. Data was analyzed for indication of ERCP, success rate at initial cannulation attempt, use of precut sphincterotomy, biliary access rate after precut, repeat ERCP rate, and associated complications. Results: A total of 1872 ERCPs were included in the study. Of these, 55% were done for common bile duct stones, 37% for malignant biliary obstruction, and 8% for biliary leak. During the initial ERCP, 84.9% cases had successful biliary cannulation. Nearly 86.8% cases undergoing precut sphincterotomy achieved biliary access. Repeat ERCP was done in 28 cases after a median interval of 3 days and biliary cannulation was achieved in 78.5% cases. Conclusion: Repeat ERCP after 3 days in cases of failed initial precut sphincterotomy should be practiced and recommended as this allows definitive biliary therapy in majority of such patients and prevents morbidity and mortality from other invasive alternative therapies.
Combined Spinal–epidural with Levobupivacaine or Ropivacaine with Fentanyl for Labor Analgesia: A Comparative Study
Authors: Agrawal Malti , Sharma Yogesh K 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT
Introduction
Combined spinal–epidural analgesia to provide pain relief in labor has become the technique of choice. It provides benefits of both spinal analgesia and flexibility of an epidural catheter. In this study, we compared levobupivacaine with fetanyl and ropivacaine with fentanyl in terms of onset and duration of sensory blockade.

Materials and methods
This was a double-blind randomized study on 60 parturients of American Society of Anesthesiologists status 1 and 2, all primipara with singleton pregnancy in active labor, were allocated randomly into two groups of 30 each. Group L received 3 mg of levobupivacaine intrathecally with 25 µg fentanyl followed by epidural top-ups of 14 mL levobupivacaine 0.125% with fentanyl 30 µg, whereas group R received 4 mg of ropivacaine intrathecally with 25 µg of fentanyl followed by epidural top-ups of 14 mL ropivacaine 0.2% with fentanyl 30 µg. Sensory and motor characteristics, hemodynamics, maternal and fetal outcomes, side effects, and complications were observed and analyzed statistically using Student's unpaired t-test and chi-squared test.

Results
A rapid onset of analgesia in group L (4.67 ± 0.35) as compared with group R (5.57 ± 0.27) was observed. Duration of analgesia was also prolonged in group B (116.83 ± 6.91) as compared with group R (88.87 ± 5.10). Patients remained hemodynamically stable, and side effects and complications were comparable in both groups.

Conclusion
Levobupivacaine with fentanyl combination was found to be more promising in terms of onset and duration of labor analgesia as compared with ropivacaine and fentanyl combination.

How to cite this article
Sharma YK, Agrawal M. Combined Spinal–epidural with Levobupivacaine or Ropivacaine with Fentanyl for Labor Analgesia: A Comparative Study. Int J Adv Integ Med Sci 2017;2(2):73-77.
Long-term Effectiveness and Tolerability Profile of Iloperidone in Patients of Psychosis
Authors: Kuchhal Abhinav , Singh Shivangna , Singh Hari OK , Yadav Alka , Zaheer Imran 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT
Aim
To evaluate the long-term efficacy, tolerability, and safety profile of iloperidone.

Materials and methods
A 12 month, prospective, interventional, open label, flexible dose study was conducted on 50 drug naïve, first-episode patients aged 18 to 65 years, fulfilling the International Classification of Diseases-10 criteria for psychosis, for assessing long-term efficacy and adverse events, including biochemical parameters of iloperidone. Detailed clinical examination was carried out. Sociodemographic data and baseline parameters were recorded.

Results
Two patients dropped out during the course of therapy. M/F ratio was 1.77:1. Mean age of patients was 28.76 ± 10.28 [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] years. Rural/urban ratio was 2.84:1.25. Patients were illiterate, 18 belonged to low socioeconomic class. It was observed that iloperidone was fairly efficacious not only in preventing relapse or aggravation of symptoms but also well restored the patient to almost near-normal till the end point. After 3 months, 20/48 (41.66%) patients showed significant weight gain that was evident. Mean total weight gain from baseline to end point was 2.89 kg and was statistically significant. There was significant rise in body mass index (BMI) but no patient crossed the upper normal limit. Iloperidone did not cause significant rise (p < 0.6955) in fasting blood sugar (FBS), and no significant alterations in total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were recorded. Dizziness was one of the earliest adverse events appearing within 2 to 3 days; others were insomnia, weight gain, increased appetite, anxiety, headache, sedation, etc.

Conclusion
On long-term basis, iloperidone is fairly efficacious and has favorable tolerability profile with modest weight gain and practically no alteration in FBS, and lipid profile as well as absence of extrapyramidal side effects.

How to cite this article
Singh S, Singh HOK, Kuchhal A, Yadav A, Zaheer I. Long-term Effectiveness and Tolerability Profile of Iloperidone in Patients of Psychosis. Int J Adv Integ Med Sci 2017;2(2):78-84.
Biogeochemical cycling at the aquatic–terrestrial interface is linked to parafluvial hyporheic zone inundation history
Authors: Goldman Amy E. , Graham Emily B. , Crump Alex R. , Kennedy David W. , Romero Elvira B. , Anderson Carolyn G. , Dana Karl L. , Resch Charles T. , Fredrickson Jim K. , Stegen James C. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The parafluvial hyporheic zone combines the heightened biogeochemical and microbial interactions indicative of a hyporheic region with direct atmospheric/terrestrial inputs and the effects of wet–dry cycles. Therefore, understanding biogeochemical cycling and microbial interactions in this ecotone is fundamental to understanding biogeochemical cycling at the aquatic–terrestrial interface and to creating robust hydrobiogeochemical models of dynamic river corridors. We aimed to (i) characterize biogeochemical and microbial differences in the parafluvial hyporheic zone across a small spatial domain (6 lateral meters) that spans a breadth of inundation histories and (ii) examine how parafluvial hyporheic sediments respond to laboratory-simulated re-inundation. Surface sediment was collected at four elevations along transects perpendicular to flow of the Columbia River, eastern WA, USA. The sediments were inundated by the river 0, 13, 127, and 398 days prior to sampling. Spatial variation in environmental variables (organic matter, moisture, nitrate, glucose,  % C,  % N) and microbial communities (16S and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rRNA gene sequencing, qPCR) were driven by differences in inundation history. Microbial respiration did not differ significantly across inundation histories prior to forced inundation in laboratory incubations. Forced inundation suppressed microbial respiration across all histories, but the degree of suppression was dramatically different between the sediments saturated and unsaturated at the time of sample collection, indicating a binary threshold response to re-inundation. We present a conceptual model in which irregular hydrologic fluctuations facilitate microbial communities adapted to local conditions and a relatively high flux of CO2. Upon rewetting, microbial communities are initially suppressed metabolically, which results in lower CO2 flux rates primarily due to suppression of fungal respiration. Following prolonged inundation, the microbial community adapts to saturation by shifting composition, and the CO2 flux rebounds to prior levels due to the subsequent change in respiration. Our results indicate that the time between inundation events can push the system into alternate states: we suggest (i) that, above some threshold of inundation interval, re-inundation suppresses respiration to a consistent, low rate and (ii) that, below some inundation interval, re-inundation has a minor effect on respiration. Extending reactive transport models to capture processes that govern such dynamics will provide more robust predictions of river corridor biogeochemical function under altered surface water flow regimes in both managed and natural watersheds.
Evaluation of model-based seasonal streamflow and water allocation forecasts for the Elqui Valley, Chile
Authors: Delorit Justin , Gonzalez Ortuya Edmundo Cristian , Block Paul 
Published: September 2017

Abstract. In many semi-arid regions, multisectoral demands often stress available water supplies. Such is the case in the Elqui River valley of northern Chile, which draws on a limited-capacity reservoir to allocate 25 000 water rights. Delayed infrastructure investment forces water managers to address demand-based allocation strategies, particularly in dry years, which are realized through reductions in the volume associated with each water right. Skillful season-ahead streamflow forecasts have the potential to inform managers with an indication of future conditions to guide reservoir allocations. This work evaluates season-ahead statistical prediction models of October–January (growing season) streamflow at multiple lead times associated with manager and user decision points, and links predictions with a reservoir allocation tool. Skillful results (streamflow forecasts outperform climatology) are produced for short lead times (1 September: ranked probability skill score (RPSS) of 0.31, categorical hit skill score of 61 %). At longer lead times, climatological skill exceeds forecast skill due to fewer observations of precipitation. However, coupling the 1 September statistical forecast model with a sea surface temperature phase and strength statistical model allows for equally skillful categorical streamflow forecasts to be produced for a 1 May lead, triggered for 60 % of years (1950–2015), suggesting forecasts need not be strictly deterministic to be useful for water rights holders. An early (1 May) categorical indication of expected conditions is reinforced with a deterministic forecast (1 September) as more observations of local variables become available. The reservoir allocation model is skillful at the 1 September lead (categorical hit skill score of 53 %); skill improves to 79 % when categorical allocation prediction certainty exceeds 80 %. This result implies that allocation efficiency may improve when forecasts are integrated into reservoir decision frameworks. The methods applied here advance the understanding of the mechanisms and timing responsible for moisture transport to the Elqui Valley and provide a unique application of streamflow forecasting in the prediction of water right allocations.
Experimental Challenges when Measuring Partial Discharges under Combined DC and High Frequency AC Voltage
Authors: Olsen Pål Keim , Velo Ingrid Roen , Mauseth Frank 
Published: September 2017

The present paper reviews some of the challenges involved in designing and building an experimental setup for measurement of partial discharge under combined AC and DC voltage. A design of a modular test cell is discussed, as well as all parameters relevant to proper control of the experiment conditions. The described experimental setup is capable of producing sinusoidal AC voltage at a variable frequency up to 5 kHz superimposed a high DC voltage. The challenges related to intermittent noise reduction was remedied by placing the setup in a Faraday cage and controlling the setup from the outside by optical cables. All equipment in the test setup was connected to the power grid through low-pass filters.
Kraft-Pulp Based Material for Electrical Insulation
Authors: Hollertz Rebecca , Wågberg Lars , Pitois Claire 
Published: September 2017

The dielectric properties of the electrical insulation material have a significant influence on the performance and reliability of components in electrical equipment. The influence of the chemistry and electronic structure of the different constituents of the kraft pulp (used in electrical insulation) on some dielectric properties is discussed in this paper. The studies and mechanisms discussed indicate that the presence of different wood polymers (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin), have different effects on dielectric properties (static electrification and high frequency response). Our results show that the dielectric response of lignin is different compared with the response of hemicellulose and cellulose and this is also expected from the chemical structure of the different components. The lignin molecule has a higher polarizability at frequencies of significance for streamer inception and propagation. With spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements it has also been shown that the energy for electronic transitions in this spectral region is lower for lignin. The results also clearly indicate that the role of cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose should be further investigated for improving electrical breakdown strength of paper based insulation materials.
La computation des délais prévus par le Code du travail
Authors: Desjardins Marie-Claude , Makela Finn 
Published: September 2017

L’objectivation du temps est importante pour plusieurs domaines de droit, et cela est particulièrement vrai pour le droit du travail. Dans le domaine du droit des rapports collectifs du travail notamment, la question précise des délais et de leur computation joue un rôle crucial, à tout le moins en Amérique du Nord, où la législation, inspirée de la Wagner Act, impose des limites importantes, du point de vue du temps, à l’exercice des droits qu’elle confère. Ces restrictions temporelles ne sont pas que de mécanismes procéduraux nécessaires à la mise en oeuvre du système : elles en sont plutôt des éléments substantiels.
Les acteurs du monde du travail sont aux prises quotidiennement avec les délais prévus dans le Code du travail du Québec. En effet, ce dernier prévoit des moments précis pour l’acquisition, l’exercice et l’extinction des droits des employeurs, des syndicats et des salariés. Les règles relatives à la computation des délais sont complexes et font fréquemment l’objet de controverses jurisprudentielles. Or, jusqu’à présent, la doctrine s’est peu intéressée à la computation des délais en droit du travail québécois, malgré son importance. L’article qui suit constitue une étude exhaustive des fondements des règles de computation des délais et de leur mise en oeuvre dans le contexte du Code du travail. La première partie permet d’exposer les sources des règles applicables à la computation des délais et les concepts clés qui facilitent leur mise en oeuvre. La seconde partie s’intéresse à l’application de ces règles à des situations concrètes, en particulier dans le contexte de l’accréditation, de l’acquisition du droit de grève ou de lock-out et de recours fondés sur le Code du travail ou sur une convention collective.