bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deficit irrigation and irrigation methods as on-farm strategies to maximize crop water productivity in dry areas
Authors: Al-Ghobari Hussein M. , Dewidar Ahmed Z. 
Published: November 2017

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

Aims & Objectives:The aim of this studyisto evaluate genetic relatedness, antibiotic resistance pattern, and virulence characteristics of different types ofS. aureusisolated from air, surfaces, staff, and patients in a Public hospital in Ilam.Methods & Materials:A total of 88 of 140 staphylococci identified asS. aureusby conventional and molecular methods were used in this study. Isolate samples were obtained from surfaces, staff, patients, and hospital indoor air. The sampling from staff and surfaces was done through using swab and air by standard pump. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and presence different resistant and virulence determinants was assessed. Isolates were then typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and SCCmectyping methods.Results:Out of 88isolates, 36 of them (40.9%) were MRSA. Among MRSA isolates, the range of resistance to antibiotic was 0% in vancomycin to 83.3% in gentamycin. The most prevalent resistant genes among gentamicin resistantS. aureuswereacc (6')/aph (2”)Iaandaph(3”)IIIa. The most common erythromycin resistant gene wasermC. Surprisingly, SCCmectypes I (30.5%), II (25%)were highly distributed. PFGE analysis showed 33 different pulsotypes.Conclusion:This study confirms that different isolates of MSSA and MRSA circulate in Ilam which differ in antimicrobial susceptibility, content of resistance, and virulence determinants.
Bacteriology and Antibiogram of Urinary Tract Infection Among Female Patients in a Tertiary Health Facility in South Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Oli Angus N. , Akabueze Vivian B. , Ezeudu Chijioke E. , Eleje George U. , Ejiofor Obiora S. , Ezebialu Ifeanyichukwu U. , Oguejiofor Charlotte B. , Ekejindu Ifeoma M. , Emechebe George O. , Okeke Kenneth N. 
Published: November 2017

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

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

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

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

Conclusion:

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

Background:After total knee arthroplasty (TKA), most patients have an improvement; however, a few continue to have residual pain. We reported a case series of painful knee after TKA with unreported reason.Material and Methods:Forty-six arthroscopic surgeries were performed for painful knee after TKA. Of these, 16 were excluded due to infection, patellar clunk syndrome, patellofemoral synovial hyperplasia, aseptic loosening, or short follow up less than 6 months. Remaining 30 cases had marked tenderness at the medial and/or lateral tibiofemoral joint space, and they had pain during walking with pain or without pain at rest. The mean period from initial TKA to arthroscopy was 29 months, and the mean follow-up after arthroscopy was 36 months. All arthroscopic debridement was performed through 3 portals. Scar tissue impingements graded moderate or severe were found only in 30% of the cases in both the medial and lateral tibiofemoral joint spaces. The infrapatellar fat pad was covered with whitish scar tissue in all cases, and the tissue was connected with the scar tissue at the medial or lateral tibiofemoral joint spaces. All scar tissue was removed with a motorized shaver or punches.Results:At the final follow-up, 63% were pain free, 3% had marked improvement, 20% had half improvement, 3% had slight improvement, and 11% had no change. We hypothesized that the lesser mobility of the scar tissue due to the continuity of the tissue between the infrapatellar fat pad and the tibiofemoral joint space could cause easy impingement at the tibiofemoral joint, even with the small volume of scar tissue.Conclusion:If infection and aseptic loosening could be ruled out in a painful knee after TKA, arthroscopic debridement appeared to be a good option to resolve the pain.
Anatomic Outside-In Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Using Femoral Fixation with Metallic Interference Screw and Surgical Staples (Agrafe) in the Tibia: An Effective Low-Cost Technique
Authors: Diego Ariel de Lima , Stemberg Martins de Vasconcelos, , Dias Leite, José Alberto , Moreira Pinto, Dilamar , Beltrão Teixeira, Rogério , Coelho de Léo, Álvaro , de Lima Silveira, Leonardo , Krause Gonçalves, Romeu , Carvalho Krause Gonçalves, Marcelo , Carolina Leite de Vasconcelos, Ana , Dias Costa Filho, Carlos Frederico , Lana Lacerda de Lima, 
Published: November 2017

Background:An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a frequent injury, with short and long-term consequences if left untreated. With a view to benefitting as many patients as possible and preventing future complications, we created a low-cost ligament reconstruction technique.Method:The present article describes an anatomic ACL reconstruction technique.Results:The technique involves single-band reconstruction, using flexors tendon graft, outside-in tunnel perforation, femoral fixation with metal interference screw and surgical staples (Agrafe) in the longitudinal position.Conclusion:We present a simple, easy-to-reproduce technique that, when executed on patients with good bone quality, primarily in the tibia, is effective and inexpensive, favoring its large scale application.
Midterm Results of Cementless and Cemented Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty with Mobile Meniscal Bearing: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Stempin Radosław , Kaczmarek Wiesław , Stempin Kacper , Dutka Julian 
Published: November 2017

Background:Cemented unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) yields good clinical outcome but common revision reasons are loosening and pain. Cementless UKA may reduce the revision rate.Objective:The current study was designed to assess clinical and radiographic outcome of cemented and cementless UKA, using bone quality as determined by the Bone Hardness Test (BHT) as selection criterion for cementless implantation.Methods:In this prospective comparative cohort study we analyzed 50 cementless and 29 Oxford consecutive UKA cases. Patients with sufficient bone quality were eligible for cementless UKA. Bone quality was assessed with the BHT, which consisted of exercising pressure with the thumb on the bone surface created after resection of the tibia.Results:The average surgical times were 62.5 ± 12.6 and 78 ± 16 minutes in the cementless and the cemented group, respectively (p < 0.01). The average thickness of the polyethylene insert was 4.3 ± 1.2 (range, 3 – 9) and 3.7 ± 0.8 (range, 3 – 6) mm, respectively (p = 0.02). Both types of implants yielded excellent clinical and functional results. At an average follow-up time of seven years, we found non-significant differences between clinical results of cementless versus cemented implants.Conclusion:Shorter surgical time makes cementless implantation more attractive to surgeons when considering UKA options for their patients. The average thickness of the polyethylene insert in cementless group was 0.6 mm thinner than in the cemented group. The BHT is a simple and useful test to assess whether patients are eligible for cementless UKA.
Techniques for the Management of Failed Surgery for Fractures of the Neck of Femur
Authors: Stott Philip M , Parikh Sunny 
Published: November 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABSTRACT: This research reports the efficacy of Tinospora cordifolia as a biosorbent for removing cadmium ions from industrial effluents. The biosorption capacity was found to be 38.91 mg Cd/g and 43.06 mg Cd/g, in batch and column mode experiments, respectively. The work included uptake capacity, an equilibrium study, and a column study at varying pH (1–9), contact time (5–240 min), biosorbent dosages (1–8 g), and initial metal concentration (10–1000 mg/L). Both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to study the dose–response behavior, and it was observed that the Freundlich model provided the highest R2 value. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated the involvement of hydroxyl, alkane, anhydride, halide, and amine functional groups. Multilayer adsorption as indicated by the Freundlich adsorption model, and multifunctional group interaction as identified in the FTIR analysis, explains the high adsorptive capacity. The biomass was successfully applied for the removal of cadmium from industrial effluents. Biosorbent also gave a higher removal percentage at a low pH value (pH 2). The feasibility and viability of the biomass for technocommercial utilization in effluent treatment appears high.
HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY FROM ETHANOL EXTRACT OF PUGUN TANO’S LEAVE (Curanga fel-terrae (Lour.) Merr.)
Authors: Harahap Urip , Bastian Marianne , Yuliasmi Sri , Husori Dadang Irfan , Patilaya Popi , Laila Lia 
Published: November 2017

Objective: The aim of this study is to observe the activity of ethanol extract of Curanga fel-terrae leave in preventing the damaged of liver which is induced by high dose of paracetamol. Methods: This research was conducted by using Wistar rat divided into 6 groups. Group 1 was the normal group. Group 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 received CMC-Na 0.5% (negative control), C. fel-terrae ethanolic extract (CFEE) at the doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg, catechin 2 mg/kg (positive control),respectively during 7 days continued and followed by given paracetamol dose of 2.5g/kg 8 hours after that. Hepatoprotective activity was carried out toward parameter of AST, ALT as well as histopathology of the liver. Results: The results showed that high-dose paracetamol dose of 2.5g/kg bw can cause liver damaged which can be seen by the increasing of the level of AST and ALT compared to the normal group (p<0.05). The usage of three doses of CFEEfor 7 days showed the prevention of the increasing of the level of AST and ALT compared to negative control group (p<0.05). Furthermore, the histopathology study revealed that the three doses of extract could protect the liver. Conclusion: The C. fel-terrae ethanolic extract (CFEE) at the doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg bw which was given for 7 days can prevent the liver from the damage caused by high-dose of paracetamol. Keyword: Curanga fel-terrae (Lour.) Merr., paracetamol, liver, hepatoprotective
THE BENEFITS OF ACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN KALANCHOE PINNATA (LMK) PERS ETHYL ACETATE FRACTION ON LUPUS ARTHRITIS MICE
Authors: Indriyanti Niken , Soeroso Joewono , Khotib Junaidi 
Published: November 2017

Ethyl acetate fraction of Kalanchoe pinnata (Lmk) Pers leaves (EF-KP) is a potential material to be developed for lupus treatment. The aim of this research was to measure the effects of the EF-KP on lupus arthritis mice. The research was performed by testing of CD123+IFN-α+ dendritic cells and CD68+IL-6+ macrophages as the main biomarkers by using flow cytometry methods, and then the outcomes were directly observed in the joint’s tissue structure. The results of the research were analyzed by using statistics. The EF-KP reduces the relative percentages of CD123+IFN-α+ dendritic cells significantly (p<0.05) with the percentage of 32.95±8.25% (negative control); 23.28±9.31%* (EF-KP); 22.98±10.39%* (positive control). It also reduces the relative percentages of CD68+IL-6+ macrophages but not significantly (p>0.05). Finally, the outcome to the grade of joint damage was scored by using Pritzker method. The treated groups have one grade lower, and the joint spaces were narrower than the untreated group. The results show the ability of the active compounds in EF-KP, which are comparable to 0.042 mg/Kg quercetin, to inhibit the progress of lupus arthritis pathogenesis in mice. It reveals the effectiveness of the EF-KP in human with lupus arthritis. However, the further clinical research is necessary.
EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL AND SYNERGISTIC ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF PTEROCARPUS SANTALINUS
Authors: Donga Savan , Moteriya Pooja , Chanda Sumitra 
Published: November 2017

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate antibacterial and synergistic antimicrobial properties of leaf, stem and bark of Pterocarpus santalinus. Methods: The extraction was done by decoction method. The antimicrobial activity was done by agar well diffusion assay and the synergistic antimicrobial activity was done by agar disc diffusion assay. Results: The synergistic activity was studied with plant extracts plus antibiotics viz. Ampicillin , Polymyxin-B, Clotrimazole and Fluconazole. Conclusions: Amongst the three parts, the best antimicrobial activity was shown by bark extract. All the three parts showed synergistic antimicrobial activity with antibiotics but their level varied. The results suggest that all the three parts phytochemicals that enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of the antibiotics against some microorganisms and hence can be developed as a new therapeutic weapon against infectious diseases.
Ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in East-Asian patients with acute coronary syndromes: a meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Wu Bin , Lin Houwen , Tobe Ruoyan Gai , Zhang Le , He Ben 
Published: November 2017

Aim:
To determine whether ticagrelor or clopidogrel provides the best outcomes for East-Asian patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Materials & methods:
Identification and interrogation of electronic databases through 26 July 2016 revealed fully randomized and controlled trials wherein primary efficacy end points were major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause death among East-Asian patients with ACS. Major bleeding and noncoronary artery bypass grafts major bleeding were primary safety end points.
Results:
Two studies met the inclusion criteria. Compared with clopidogrel, ticagrelor has no statistical difference in the end points of major adverse cardiovascular events (risk ratio [RR]: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.62–1.91; p = 0.7260), myocardial infarction (RR: 1.200; 95% CI: 0.64–2.24; p = 0.5669), stroke (RR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.46–2.66; p = 0.8165), cardiovascular death (RR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.48–1.65; p = 0.7150), or all-cause mortality (RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.43–1.96; p = 0.8252). When compared with clopidogrel, it was found that ticagrelor provoked marked increases in major bleeding (RR: 1.48; p = 0.0430) and noncoronary artery bypass grafts-associated major bleeding (RR: 1.62; p = 0.0454).
Conclusion:
Ticagrelor and clopidogrel displayed similar efficacies in ACS presenting patients from East Asia. Administration of ticagrelor also displays some side effects including an increased risk of major bleeding.
Competing Information Sources
Authors: Einhorn Eti 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT
This study analyzes corporate voluntary disclosures to the capital market in the presence of competing information sources, from which traders can subsequently obtain additional public and private information. The analysis demonstrates that the anticipated access of traders to additional information sources may significantly alter the voluntary disclosure strategy of firms. It may explain a deviation from the conventional full disclosure equilibrium to equilibrium with partial and selective disclosure. It may also lead to an untypical equilibrium shape, where any information content can be disclosed and can be withheld with a positive probability, and where the stock price reflects a pricing discount upon disclosure rather than in its absence.
JEL Classifications: D82; G10; M41.
Locked-In: The Effect of CEOs' Capital Gains Taxes on Corporate Risk-Taking
Authors: Yost Benjamin P. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT
I study the effects of CEOs' unrealized capital gains tax liabilities (tax burdens) on corporate risk-taking. Recent work suggests that high tax burdens discourage CEOs from selling stock. I hypothesize that this causes the executives to become overexposed to firm-specific risk, thereby reducing their willingness to make risky corporate decisions. In a series of tests, I find that corporate risk-taking decreases as CEOs' personal tax burdens increase. Further, firms with CEOs who are more locked-in to their stock positions (i.e., CEOs with higher tax burdens) experience larger increases in risk-taking following federal and state tax cuts. When I investigate the mechanism behind this relation, I find that tax cuts trigger stock sales by the locked-in executives, allowing for improved diversification. Overall, my findings indicate that the personal tax burdens of CEOs affect the firm by reducing executives' preferences for risk at the corporate level.
JEL Classifications: G32; H24; J33; M52.