bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physiochemical and Bacteriological Analysis of Selected Sachet Water in Jere and Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria
Authors: Aji Mohammed Modu , Kyar Shettima Abba , Hussaini Mustapha 
Published: February 2015

The study involved the determination of some physiochemical and bacteriological properties in sachet-water samples taken within selected geopolitical wards in Jere and Maiduguri Metropolis. The purpose was to ascertain the quality of sachet water sold for consumption within the area. Ten samples were drawn, five from each study area. The samples were analysed for temperature, colour, turbidity, pH, conductivity, iron, total alkalinity and total dissolved solid. Bacteriological analysis was also carried out using multiple tube (most probable number) technique for enumeration of both total coli form count and differential Escherichia coli count. Other physical examination like volume, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration number, batch number, production date and expiry date were also examined. The results obtained were compared with World Health Organization (WHO), NAFDAC and Nigeria Standard of Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). Variations were observed among the entire samples in comparison with the standard. Some of the parameters conform to the standard like the Tempreture, pH, colour, odour, iron content and NAFDAC registration number while others like TDS, total alkalinity and volumetric quantity fell below the standard. The bacteriological analysis also showed that 80% of the samples studied revealed the presence of coliforms. Hence, there is need for regulatory agencies like NAFDAC and Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to intensify effort in the routine monitoring of quality of sachet water marketed for consumption.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i1.12177 International Journal of Environment Volume-4, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2014/15, page: 48-57
Hazards of hospital cleaners in a tertiary health facility in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Ilesanmi Olayinka Stephen , Omotoso Bridget , Falana Darlington 
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Hospital cleaning job is outsourced to companies that employ unskilled cleaners. Despite the importance of hospital cleaners little attention is paid to the work place hazards they are exposed to.Objective: This study therefore aimed at determining the prevalence of and factors associated with occurrence of work related hazards among hospital cleaners at Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.Methods: A cross-sectional study of 249 hospital cleaning staff was conducted. A semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaires were used to obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics and work place related hazards. Descriptive statistics were done and associations were explored with the chi square test at 5% level of significance.Result: The mean age of respondent was 34 ± 7 years, (range 20 - 60 years), 142(57.0%) attended secondary school. In all, 67.7% of the cleaners spent less than 8 hours at work daily. Chemical hazards affected 79.1% females compared to 57.9% of the males (p=0.03). Also, 60% of those with primary education had mechanical hazards compared to 39.1% of those with tertiary education. (p=0.02). Mechanical hazards occur in 53.8% cleaners sitting for < 5hours compared to 38.1% sitting ≥ 5hours at work daily (p=0.03). Hazards of greatest concern were dust 13.3%, and insect bite 4.8%. Respondents were exposed to physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological hazards. Low income was a major source of concern to 80% of them.Conclusion: Various forms of hazards were reported by the cleaners studied. Research examining ways to reduce it should be done. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v4i1.10083
Assessment of dental erosion status among battery factory workers in Mandideep, India
Authors: Agrawal Rohit , Tripathi Geeta Mishra , Saxena Vrinda , Singh Neha , Sharva Vijayta , Yadav Kaluram 
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Occupational factors may be considered responsible for dental erosion among battery factory workers since they were exposed to sulfuric acid fumes created by the harmful processes known as forming and charging.Methods: A sample consisted of 138 battery factory workers (85 acid exposed workers and 53 controls) drawn as a convenient sample from 3 different battery factories of Mandideep, India. A pre-tested proforma, completed by interview, was used to collect information on medical and dental histories. Clinical examination of battery factory workers was done to assess dental erosion using tooth wear index given by Smith and Knight. Data related to dental erosion score of acid worker and control group was compared using Mann Whitney U test. Categorical data was analyzed by chi-square test.Results: The battery factory workers showed a propensity for higher erosion scores. The result of present survey showed a total of 74 percent of acid exposed workers had erosion compared to 37.7 percent of the controls. Statistical difference in erosion scores between acid exposed group and control group was found significant (p value<0.05).Conclusion: Present study revealed that long term exposure of sulphuric acid mists in the working environment significantly increased the chances of dental erosion among exposed workers. There is urgent need for surveillance and routine monitoring of acid fumes at workplace coupled with education about occupational hazards, positive worksite oral health promotion and training for standardized behaviors such as use of personal protective equipment to decrease occupational erosion. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v4i1.12165
Surgical Management of Mucocele by Using Diode Laser: Two Case Reports
Authors: Srinivasa T. S , Farista Sana , Agrawal Parul , Jain Priya , Deonani Sushmita , Goswami Varsha 
Published: February 2015

Mucoceles are benign, mucus-containing cystic lesions of the minor salivary glands. They are not true cysts since most of them lack an epithelial lining. These lesion occur most commonly in the lower lip. This case report presents two cases of mucocele on the lower and upper lips. This lesion was diagnosed based on history, clinical finding and histopathological examination. The excision of the lesion was planed using diode laser. After re-evaluation of both the patients healing was satisfactory.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v4i1.12167
Microatmosphere sintering of Fe-3.2Mn-1.5Si-0.5C steel in flowing technical nitrogen
Authors: Cias Andrzej 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The dependence of properties of sintered Fe–Mn steels, produced with commercial ferromanganese and ferrosilicon, on processing parameters are examined. By controlling the local “microclimate”, using a semiclosed container/getter/activator combination, Fe-3.2Mn-1.4Si-0.5C steel was successfully sintered in flowing technical nitrogen or 95 vol.% N2/5 vol.% H2 furnace atmosphere. The getters were naphthalene and ferromanganese. The necessary reducing reactions involving manganese vapour and nascent carbon with water vapour and manganese and silicon oxides took place in the dry “microatmosphere” within and around the specimens. The resultant average values of ultimate tensile strength, 0.2% offset yield stress and elongation were 871 MPa, 561 MPa, and 2.21%, respectively, not significantly different from literature values for steels produced on the basis of Fe–Si–Mn ferroalloys sintered in dry hydrogen.
Effect of Mo/B atomic ratio on the properties of Mo2NiB2-based cermets
Authors: Xie Lang , Li XiaoBo , Zhang Dan , Yi Li , Gao XiaoQing 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Using three elementary substances, Mo, Ni, and amorphous B as raw materials, four series of Mo2NiB2-based cermets with the Mo/B atomic ratio ranging from 0.9 to 1.2 were successfully prepared via reaction sintering. The effect of Mo/B atomic ratio on the microstructure and properties was studied for the cermets. The results indicate that there is a strong correlation between the Mo/B atomic ratio and properties. The transverse rupture strength of the cermets increases with an increase in Mo/B ratio and shows a maximum value of 1 872 MPa at an Mo/B atomic ratio of 1.1 and then decreases with increasing Mo/B atomic ratio. The hardness and the corrosion resistance of the cermets increase monotonically with an increase in Mo/B atomic ratio. In Mo-rich cermets with an atomic ratio of Mo/B above 1.1, a small amount Ni–Mo intermetallic compound is found precipitated at the interface of Mo2NiB2 grains.
Mechanical performance in axial compression of a titanium polyaxial locking plate system in a fracture gap model
Authors: Comerford E. J. , Birch R. S. , Innes J. F. , Walton M. B. , Tomlinson A. W. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryObjective: To evaluate the bending strength of the VetLOX® polyaxial locking plate system.Materials and methods: Thirty-five 3.5 mm 12-hole titanium VetLOX® plates were used to stabilize seven different construct designs in a 1 cm fracture gap simulation model. Each construct was subjected to axial compression. Mean bending stiffness (BS) and yield load (YL) of each construct design were analysed using a one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc analysis. Screw angulation was measured on reconstructed computed tomography (CT) images.Results: Reducing plate working length for fixed-angle constructs significantly increased BS (p <0.01) and YL (p <0.01). For a constant plate working length, increasing screw number did not significantly affect BS (p = 1.0) or YL (p = 0.86). Screw angulation measurement technique was validated by intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) (ICC >0.9 for inter- and intra-observer measurements). An average screw angle of 13.2° did not significantly affect mechanical performance although incomplete screw head-plate engagement was noted on some reconstructed CT images when angulation exceeded 10°. Prefabricated screw-head inserts did not significantly increase mechanical performance. A 4 mm bone-plate stand-off distance significantly reduced BS and YL by 63% and 69% respectively.Clinical relevance: The VetLOX® system allows the benefits of polyaxial screw insertion whilst maintaining comparable bending properties to fixed angle insertion. The authors recommend accurate plate contouring to reduce the risk of plate bending.
An exhaustive inventory of coniferous trees in an agricultural landscape
Authors: Rousselet Jérôme , Roques Alain , Garcia Jacques , Rossi Jean-Pierre 
Published: February 2015

Various species of forest trees are commonly used for ornamental purposes and are therefore frequently found in non-forest ecosystems. These trees constitute a significant component of the trees outside forests (TOF). Although increasingly recognized as prominent feature of agricultural lands and built-up areas, not much is known, however, about TOF since they are generally absent from forest inventories.
In the present study, we focus on the coniferous tree species that constitute potential hosts for a forest defoliator, the pine processionary moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa Den. & Schiff. (Lepidoptera, Notodontidae). We carried out an exhaustive inventory of all pines (Pinus spp.), cedars (Cedrus spp.) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) in a 22 × 22 km study window located in the open-field region of Beauce in the centre of France. We recorded a total of 3834 individuals or small groups host trees corresponding a density of 7.9 occurrences per 100 ha. We provide the spatial coordinates of the points without differentiation between tree species.
Ce que gérer la faune implique : une approche par la théorie de l'acteur-réseau – le cas de la conservation de l'ours brun dans les Pyrénées françaises
Authors: Denayer Dorothée , Collard Damien 
Published: February 2015

La conservation de la faune sauvage suscite des projets et mobilise des compétences jusqu’ici peu étudiés. Les dimensions humaines de la gestion de la nature sont en effet le plus souvent envisagées en termes de gouvernance, d’intérêts divergents et de conflits. Cet article propose de revenir sur le cas emblématique de la conservation de l’ours brun dans les Pyrénées françaises non pas pour souligner les antagonismes qui ont marqué ce dossier, mais pour faire le point sur le travail et les compétences des agents de la conservation qui prennent part à ce projet. La théorie de l’acteur-réseau sert ici de guide dans l’exploration pragmatique de « ce dont ces acteurs doivent se montrer capables » pour mener à bien leur projet. Nous identifions quatre domaines de compétences clés à la fois spécifiques et en relation, qui représentent autant de défis que ces acteurs doivent relever sur le terrain. Au final, nous montrons que la gestion de la nature n’est pas faite que de directives, de mesures et de dispositifs à mettre en place. Elle repose très largement sur l’engagement d’une pluralité d’acteurs et sur leur capacité à travailler ensemble. Ce sont donc très précisément des « manières de faire ensemble » que nous nous proposons d’explorer ici.
Sustained-Release Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant for Persistent Macular Edema After Vitrectomy for Epiretinal Membrane
Authors: Taney Lauren S. , Baumal Caroline R. , Duker Jay S. 
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Persistent macular edema (ME) after surgical removal of epiretinal membrane (ERM) may impair postoperative visual recovery. Sustained-release dexamethasone intravitreal implant (DEX) was used to treat recalcitrant ME after vitrectomy for ERM.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Retrospective chart review of eyes treated with DEX for ME after ERM removal. Visual and anatomic outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS:
Five eyes with refractory ME on optical coherence tomography (OCT) after ERM surgery were treated with DEX. Four of five eyes demonstrated reduction in macular thickness on OCT (mean: 106 μm), with mean percentage reduction in central foveal thickness of 25%. Visual acuity improved by one or more Snellen lines in four of five eyes. DEX effect duration was 3 to 9 months. Two eyes with OCT and visual improvement after initial DEX received multiple DEX implants for maintenance therapy.

CONCLUSION:
Inflammatory factors may contribute to persistent ME after vitrectomy for ERM. DEX may be a treatment option in such cases.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2015;46:224–228.]
Anti-VEGF Intravitreal Bevacizumab for Radiation-Associated Neovascular Glaucoma
Authors: Nagendran Sonali T. , Finger Paul T. 
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To report outcomes of intravitreal bevacizumab therapy in radiation-associated neovascular glaucoma (NVG).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
In this retrospective interventional case series, 12 eyes with NVG after radiation therapy for ocular malignancy were treated with periodic intravitreal injections of 1.25 mg bevacizumab. Outcome measures included changes in iris neovascularization, intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, and pain.

RESULTS:
One month after the first injection, iris neovascularization regressed in nine of 12 eyes (75%), and IOP decreased in eight of 12 eyes (67%) by a mean of 10.1 mm Hg. Patients were monitored for a mean of 26.5 months after their first injection. Six eyes subsequently underwent enucleation for pain control (four eyes; 66%), chronic uveitis (one eye; 17%), and tumor recurrence (one eye; 17%). All remaining patients experienced deterioration in visual acuity (range: 20/160 to no light perception), but pain control was good and IOP normalized in four patients.

CONCLUSION:
Intravitreal bevacizumab therapy should be considered for patients with radiation-associated NVG who wish to avoid enucleation.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2015;46:201–207.]
Whole Eye Segment Imaging and Measurement With Dual-Channel Spectral-Domain OCT
Authors: Fan Shanhui , Sun Yong , Yang Xuan , Dai Cuixia , Ren Qiushi , Zheng Haihua , Zhou Chuanqing 
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
To image and measure whole eye segments using dual-channel spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and to compare the results with those from the IOLMaster (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Twenty eyes of 20 volunteers were recruited. Ocular dimensions, including cornea thickness, anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness, anterior lens surface curvature, and axial length (AL), were calculated. The reproducibility of SD-OCT measurements, statistical significance of inter-instrument difference, correlation, and agreement were evaluated.

RESULTS:

No significant differences were found between independent SD-OCT measurements (
P
> .05). The ACD and AL measured with IOLMaster were significantly shorter than those from SD-OCT (
P
< .001). There were high correlations and agreements in ACD (r = 0.994; 95% limits of agreement [LOA], 0.131–0.223 mm) and AL (r = 0.998; 95% LOA, 0.678–0.853 mm) between the two methods.

CONCLUSION:
Dual-channel SD-OCT was demonstrated to have good repeatability in imaging and measuring whole eye segments. The results had high correlations and agreements with those from the IOLMaster.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:186–194.]
Validation of Annulus Formation in Spotted Sucker Otoliths
Authors: Strickland P. Andrew , Middaugh Christopher R. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Spotted suckers Minytrema melanops are found in many river systems from the Midwest to the Southeast United States. Though they are a relatively abundant species, otolith age validation methods have not been reported. The objective of this study was to validate annulus formation on the lapillar otolith for spotted suckers. We collected spotted suckers monthly from December 2005 to November 2006 in the Apalachicola River, Florida. Using marginal incremental analysis on whole browned lapillar otoliths, we validated that spotted suckers form one annulus per year between May and June. We also report population characteristics including a length–weight regression. This study validates otolith aging to provide an avenue for accurately assessing the age composition of spotted sucker populations, which will facilitate a better understanding of growth, recruitment, and mortality of the species.
Moving from Discovery to Validation in Circulating microRNA Research
Authors: Verderio Paolo , Bottelli Stefano , Ciniselli Chiara M , Pierotti Marco A , Zanutto Susanna , Gariboldi Manuela , Pizzamiglio Sara 
Published: February 2015

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNAs, are involved in tumorigenesis and in the development of various cancers. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is the most commonly used tool to investigate miRNA expression, and qPCR low-density arrays are increasingly being used as an experimental technique for both the identification of potentially relevant miRNAs and their subsequent validation. Due to the reduced number of microRNAs to be validated, this phase is generally performed on ad hoc customized cards for which a technical robustness is assumed similar to that of the high-throughput cards used during the identification phase. Methods With the aim of investigating the degree of reproducibility between the 2 types of cards, we analyzed plasma-circulating miRNAs evaluated in 60 subjects enrolled in a colorectal cancer screening program. Results Our results showed a reproducibility between the 2 methods that was not fully satisfactory, with a concordance correlation coefficient equal to 0.69 (95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.92). Conclusions This report highlights the need to add a technical validation step to the high-throughput-based miRNA identification workflow, after their discovery and before the validation step in an independent series.
SOX2 Expression in Gastrointestinal Cancers of Iranian Patients
Authors: Rassouli Fatemeh B , Matin Maryam M , Bahrami Ahmad Reza , Ghaffarzadegan Kamran , Sisakhtnezhad Sajjad , Cheshomi Hamid , Abbasi Fatemeh 
Published: February 2015

Purpose Gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies are among the 5 most common cancers in Iran, and their high associated mortality rates are attributable to late diagnosis and poor treatment options. SOX2, a transcription factor necessary for maintenance and induction of pluripotency and self-renewal, has been identified as a lineage-survival oncogene in several cancers. In the present study, we examined SOX2 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), gastric adenocarcinoma and colon squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), as well as normal GI tissues, in Iranian patients. Methods To elucidate the role of SOX2 in GI carcinogenesis, formalin-fixed tissues were analyzed using immunohistochemistry (IHC), while frozen ESCC samples were studied by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results IHC studies indicated presence of SOX2+ cells in a subset of cancerous and normal tissues of stomach and colon, while no significant difference was observed between groups, and no correlation was found between SOX2 expression and tumors grades. Nevertheless, studying ESCC samples with IHC and qRT-PCR revealed overexpression of SOX2 in comparison with normal adjacent tissues. Conclusions The present results are in line with other studies and indicate SOX2 up-regulation in ESCC; however, due to our small sample size and contradictory reports, more research is needed to determine the importance of SOX2 in GI cancers.
CA 19-9 in Evaluation of adnexal mass: retrospective cohort analysis and review of the literature
Authors: Sagi-Dain Lena , Lavie Ofer , Auslander Ron , Sagi Shlomi 
Published: February 2015

Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of serum marker CA 19-9 levels in the triage of adnexal masses. Methods This retrospective cohort study was carried out in patients referred to the Gynecology Department at Carmel Medical Center due to adnexal masses. All patients underwent preoperative measurements of serum CA 125 and CA 19-9 and surgery with histopathologically confirmed diagnosis. Results Between January 2005 and December 2012, 503 patients with adnexal masses were evaluated with serum tumor markers. Combination of CA 19-9 with CA 125, compared with CA 125 levels alone, suggested a nonsignificant effect on sensitivity (86.9% vs. 88.9%, respectively, p = 0.54) or specificity (79.5% vs. 73.5%, p = 0.1) in differentiating malignant from benign adnexal masses. CA 19-9 was not helpful in detecting mucinous histological types or borderline tumors. Mean CA 19-9 levels were higher in metastatic cases compared with primary ovarian malignancy (488.7 ± 1,457 vs. 46.3 ± 149.8 U/mL, respectively, p = 0.001). In mature cystic teratomas, mean CA 19-9 levels were higher and CA 125 levels were lower than in ovarian carcinoma (p = 0.049 and p = 0.0012, respectively). Conclusions The combination of the tumor markers CA 19-9 and CA 125 did not contribute significantly to the detection of malignant adnexal masses compared with CA 125 alone. As our results suggest that higher CA 19-9 levels could be helpful in differentiating metastatic tumors from primary ovarian malignancy; this issue should be investigated in large well-designed prospective cohort trials.