bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Hepatorenal Function of Nigerian Solid Waste Scavengers in Osogbo, Nigeria
Authors: Wasiu Niyi ADEBISI , Adebisi Cecilia ADEOYE , Solomon Suleiman OLUDE , Funmilola Bolanle AKINDELE , Ayobola Abolape IYANDA 
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Both hepatic parenchymal and renal cells are rich in enzymes required for the biotransformation of various exogenous substances, a process that sometimes may result in organ damage. Contact with solid waste will undoubtedly result in high degree of exposure to various harmful substances. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of solid waste scavenging on hepato-renal function.
Material and Methods: Twenty-nine solid waste scavengers and 30 subjects who served as control were used for the study. Serum obtained from 5 mL of blood was utilized to assess hepatic (alanine & aspartate aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, total protein, γ-globulins) and renal (urea, creatinine) functions of each participant. Standard photometric methods were used for all estimations. Data were analyzed using Student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.
Results and Discussion: Significant differences were observed for globulins and total proteins in solid waste scavengers compared with control (p<0.05) while other parameters (alanine & aspartate aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, urea) were not significantly different (p>0.05). There was total non-compliance to the use of personal protective equipment. Results of the study revealed that hepatic and renal markers were not significantly different but γ-globulins were significantly higher in solid waste scavengers compared with control group.
Conclusion: Solid waste scavenging in Osogbo is not associated with hepatorenal alteration except that γ-globulin fraction was elevated.
Effect of Varieties and Graded Levels of Fertilizer on Quality of Niger under Rainfed Condition of Assam
Authors: Kaman Nikita , Ojah Nayanjyoti , Dutta Rinjumoni , Basumatary Anjali 
Published: March 2022

During the rabi season of 2019-20, a field experiment entitled “Effect of varieties and graded levels of fertilizer on quality of niger under rainfed condition of Assam” was conducted at Instructional-cum-Research (ICR) Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat to assess the effect of graded levels of NPK and varieties on quality of niger. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (Factorial) with three replications. The treatments consisted of four varieties viz., V1: NG-1, V2: GA-10, V3: JNS-9 and V4: NB-1 and four grades of NPK viz., F1: 10-5-5 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha, F2: 20-10-10 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha, F3: 30-15-15 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha and F4: 40-20-20 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha. Experimental findings revealed that the variety GA-10 produced significantly higher oil content (38.76%) and protein content (16.65%) which was at par with JNS-9. Different variety did not bring any significant change in the iodine value and saponification value of oil. The highest oil content was recorded due to the application of 30-15-15 kg N-P2O5-K2O /ha. Significantly higher seed protein content was registered with 40-20-20 kg N-P2O5-K2O /ha which was at par with 30-15-15 kg N-P2O5-K2O /ha. However, graded levels of NPK did not influence the iodine and saponification value of oil.
Ecophysiology and Vegetative and Productive Behavior of 'Chardonnay' Vines under Protected Cultivation Systems in Serra Catarinense of Brazil
Authors: Dos Santos Keli Cristina , Steffens Cristiano André , Do Amarante Cassandro Vidal Talamini , Leonardo Fenili Cristhian , Lugaresi Adriana , Heinzen Angélica Schmitz 
Published: March 2022

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of protected cultivation, with anti-hail screen or plastic cover, on phenological behavior, water potential, gas exchange, vegetative growth and vine production under protected cultivation systems in an altitude region of Santa Catarina.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out in São Joaquim, SC, in the 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 harvests, with the cultivar Chardonnay on Paulsen 1103 rootstock.
Methodology: The treatments consist of an uncovered environment (control) and crops protected with white screen anti-hail (4 mm x 7 mm) and clear plastic raffia cover (160 µm).
Results: The anti-hail net did not interfere in the phenological stages, photosynthesis and gas exchange of the plants and reduced the RFA, vegetative growth and production, in relation to the plastic cover, and similar development conditions to the control treatment (without cover). The plastic cover accelerated the maturation process, reduced photosynthetically active radiation (RFA), promoted vegetative growth, delayed leaf senescence and increased productivity about to plants without cover. The highest red to far red ratio was observed in an uncovered system. The light saturation point was higher in plants in the cultivation system protected with plastic cover. Plants under plastic cover showed an anticipation of fruit maturation about to the screen and without cover.
Indirect Vector Control of Squirrel-Cage Induction Generator
Authors: I. Alkafrawi Hussam M. , Al Aga Tarek R. S. , A. Shaheen Yaser S. , Elkafrawi Ismail M. , Ben Abdelmula Haitham Saleh Ali 
Published: March 2022

Aims: This paper presents the control of the output torque of SCIG using indirect vector control (IVC) technique.
Study Design: IVC is very popular in industrial applications, which doesn’t rely on the measurement of the airgap flux because the devices that used to measure the air-gap flux is inaccurate in low speed. The IVC technique has been presented to control the torque of the generator and maintain the flux unchanged.
Methodology: The performance of the proposed system is tested using MATLAB/SIMULINK.
Results and Conclusion: Simulation results are introduced showing improvement control system performance.
Incidence of Traumatic Ulcer among the Patients Visiting Private Dental Hospital- Retrospective Study
Authors: Selvi V. T. Thamarai , Ramani Pratibha 
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Oral mucosal ulcers are one of the most common types of ulcer of which Traumatic ulcers are common and acute in nature, caused by some form of trauma to the mucous membrane in the oral cavity. It is most commonly seen in the Buccal Mucosa, Lips, and occasionally in the Palate and Lateral border of tongue. It is caused by physical, chemical or thermal trauma resulting in damage and ulcer formation.
Materials and Methods: The data for the present study n = 345 patients was collected by analysing case sheets of patients who visited Saveetha Dental College from June 2019- February 2021. The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis using the SPSS software by IBM of version 23.
Results: From the results of the study, Traumatic Ulcer has Male predilection with incidence rate of 62.2% compared to females with incidence of 37.7%. Most of them were in the age group of 21-30 years age group (34.5%) and least in the 71-85 years age group (2.9%). Traumatic ulcer was most common in the Alveolar mucosa (32.2% )
Conclusion: From the present study it can be concluded that Traumatic ulcer is more common in Males. However, Gender, Age, Oral Hygiene, Usage of Tobacco products were not significantly influencing the rate of incidence of Traumatic Ulcer.
A Study Protocol for Assessing the Effect of Pre-Emptive Oral Clonidine on Intraoperative Hemodynamics and Surgical Field Quality during Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) under General Anesthesia
Authors: Khandelwal Kapil K. , Sen Jayashree 
Published: March 2022

Background: Typically, endoscopic sinus surgery is reserved for patients with documented rhinosinusitis. The nasal mucosa is impregnated with supply of highly rich blood vessels, so excessive occurrence of bleeding during the procedure may obscure the visibility of the surgical area which might lead into complications. So to control the intraoperative blood loss, controlled hypotension during the surgery can be adopted. Clonidine, a centrally acting α2 agonist has antihypertensive property with decreasing sympathetic outflow. Clonidine given orally judiciously prior to surgery would potentiate the inhalation agents for hypotensive action during the anaesthetic procedure without having the disadvantages of vasodilators given intravenously. This study to assess the effects of clonidine as an oral premedicant in patients who are undergoing Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.
Methodology: This prospective randomized double blinded placebo controlled study will be conducted in the department of Anaesthesia, Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, (DMIMS) Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Sawangi Wardha, within the period of time of December 2020 to November 2022. Total 60 patients will be enrolled and randomized in two groups: Group C (n= 30): Patients will be given Clonidine (200 μgm); Group P (n= 30) will be Placebo group. To shrink nasal mucosal vessels, all patients will receive nasal packing of 2% xylocaine with 1:200000 adrenaline. Then, 60 minutes after study drugs are given, patients will be shifted for procedure. Using Six-point Average Category Scale, the grading of surgical field in terms of bleeding, will be done by the operating surgeon. Qualitative data will be documented with the help of percentage table, quantitative data will be presented as mean and standard deviation, student t-test will be taken for comparison among the study groups, Chi-square test will be utilized for comparison of categorical data. SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) 20.0 version will be the Software used in the analysis and p < 0.05 will be considered significant statistically.
Expected Results: Oral clonidine when used as premedicant will be effective in reducing bleeding during the procedure of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.
Oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis of cochlear sensory cells: otoprotective strategies
Authors: Huang Tina , Cheng Alan G. , Stupak Howard , Liu Wei , Kim Ana , Staecker Hinrich , Lefebvre Philippe P. , Malgrange Brigitte , Kopke Richard , Moonen Gustave , Van De Water Thomas R. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractApoptosis is an important process, both for normal development of the inner ear and for removal of oxidative‐stress damaged sensory cells from the cochlea. Oxidative‐stressors of auditory sensory cells include: loss of trophic factor support, ischemia‐reperfusion, and ototoxins. Loss of trophic factor support and cisplatin ototoxicity, both initiate the intracellular production of reactive oxygen species and free radicals. The interaction of reactive oxygen species and free radicals with membrane phospholipids of auditory sensory cells creates aldehydic lipid peroxidation products. One of these aldehydes, 4‐hydroxynonenal, functions as a mediator of apoptosis for both auditory neurons and hair cells. We present several approaches for the prevention of auditory sensory loss from reactive oxygen species‐induced apoptosis: 1) preventing the formation of reactive oxygen species; (2) neutralizing the toxic products of membrane lipid peroxidation; and 3) blocking the damaged sensory cells’ apoptotic pathway.
Regional pre‐ and postsynaptic sympathetic system in the failing human heart — regulation of βARK‐1
Authors: Ungerer Martin , Weig Hans‐Jörg , Kübert Susanne , Overbeck Matthias , Bengel Frank , Schömig Albert , Schwaiger Markus 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjectives:Regional presynaptic sympathetic innervation varies considerably in the cardiomyopathic human heart, as shown in previous studies in vivo and in vitro. The goal of the present study was to correlate markers of presynaptic sympathetic innervation with local measurement of the postsynaptic β‐adrenergic system in failing human hearts.Methods and results:In nine left ventricular regions of hearts explanted from patients suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy, we measured the density of uptake1 carriers ([3H]mazindol binding) as a marker of presynaptic function as well as β‐receptor density ([3H]CGP 12177 binding) and βARK‐1 levels as the pivotal compounds of postsynaptic adrenergic signal transduction. Additionally, a subgroup of the patients was examined in vivo by HED‐PET prior to heart transplantation. The density of uptake1 was related to local hydroxyephedrine (HED) retention (as determined by pre‐operative PET, r=0.65), whereas it was inversely correlated to regional βARK‐1 levels (r=−0.61, P=0.04). In contrast, β‐adrenergic receptor density was not significantly correlated either to uptake1 density or to local HED retention (r=0.15 and r=0.21).Conclusions:Regional βARK‐1 levels rather than β‐adrenergic receptor density were correlated with presynaptic alterations in cardiomyopathic human left ventricles. It can be assumed that in the cardiomyopathic human heart, regional β‐adrenergic desensitization might be determined by differences in local βARK levels rather than by changes in β‐receptor density.
Process Design and Costing of Bioethanol Technology: A Tool for Determining the Status and Direction of Research and Development
Authors: Wooley Robert , Ruth Mark , Glassner David , Sheehan John 
Published: July 2002

AbstractBioethanol is a fuel‐grade ethanol made from trees, grasses, and waste materials. It represents a sustainable substitute for gasoline in today's passenger cars. Modeling and design of processes for making bioethanol are critical tools used in the U.S. Department of Energy's bioethanol research and development program. We use such analysis to guide new directions for research and to help us understand the level at which and the time when bioethanol will achieve commercial success. This paper provides an update on our latest estimates for current and projected costs of bioethanol. These estimates are the result of very sophisticated modeling and costing efforts undertaken in the program over the past few years. Bioethanol could cost anywhere from $1.16 to $1.44 per gallon, depending on the technology and the availability of low cost feedstocks for conversion to ethanol. While this cost range opens the door to fuel blending opportunities, in which ethanol can be used, for example, to improve the octane rating of gasoline, it is not currently competitive with gasoline as a bulk fuel. Research strategies and goals described in this paper have been translated into cost savings for ethanol. Our analysis of these goals shows that the cost of ethanol could drop by 40 cents per gallon over the next ten years by taking advantage of exciting new tools in biotechnology that will improve yield and performance in the conversion process.
Cord blood leptin concentrations in relation to intrauterine growth
Authors: Varvarigou Anastasia , Mantzoros Christos S. , Beratis Nicholas G. 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVELeptin, a hormone that signals the amount of energy stores to the brain, has recently been shown to play a role in the regulation of several hypothalamic pituitary axes, including the growth hormone axis. To investigate a potential association between cord blood leptin concentrations and intrauterine growth we measured leptin concentrations in the cord blood of small for gestational age (SGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) healthy newborns.PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTSCord blood leptin concentrations were evaluated in 25 SGA,100 AGA, and 45 LGA, neonates.RESULTSLeptin was detectable in all newborns in concentrations comparable with those found in adults. Moreover, SGA newborns had lower leptin concentrations (3.70 ± 1.81 μg/l) than AGA (5.65 ± 4.98 μg/l) and LGA newborns (11.99 ± 7.06 μg/l)(P < 0.01). Cord blood leptin concentrations were significantly associated with ponderal index, cord blood insulin concentrations, placental weight and maternal serum leptin concentrations. Importantly, the association between cord blood leptin concentrations and intrauterine growth status persisted after adjusting for adiposity, placental weight, maternal serum leptin concentrations and cord blood insulin concentrations.CONCLUSIONSCord blood leptin concentrations are independently associated with intrauterine growth. Future studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanism and clarify the role of leptin in regulating growth and controlling appetite in newborns.
Functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea: a partial and reversible gonadotrophin deficiency of nutritional origin
Authors: Couzinet Beatrice , Young Jacques , Brailly Sylvie , Le Bouc Yves , Chanson Philippe , Schaison Gilbert 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVEFunctional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) is a consequence of low dietary intake as observed in two major pathophysiological conditions, anorexia nervosa and/or intensive physical exercise. The aim of the present study was to assess in women with FHA and normal body mass index (BMI) and apparently normal daily activities, the degree of impairment of GnRH secretion, its nutritional origin and its reversibility.PATIENTSTwelve women (22–35 years) with FHA not related with exercise and 12 age and BMI matched menstruating controls (NC) were studied. Six women with congenital hypothalamic hypogonadism (CHH), representative of complete gonadotrophin deficiency, were also enrolled for comparison.DESIGNPlasma oestradiol (E2) and androstenedione (A) levels were measured and the pulsatile profile of LH was studied. A GnRH agonist test, using 100 μg S/C of DTrp6 GnRH (Triptorelin) was performed (sampling every 2 h for 24 h). Dietary intake, body composition and nutritional markers (FT3, ferritin, retinol binding protein (RBP), SHBG, IGF‐I and leptin) were measured. All the women with FHA were advised to normalize their diet during four months. The same studies were performed if nutritional markers and body composition were normalized.RESULTSIn FHA, mean plasma E2 and A levels were low. LH pulse frequency and amplitude were significantly reduced compared to NC (P < 0.005). FSH/LH ratio increased rapidly after triptorelin with a significant increase in plasma E2 levels between 18 and 24 h. In contrast, no response to triptorelin was observed in women with CHH.The fat body mass was lower and the lean body mass higher in FHA than in NC. Marked differences in nutritional intake were identified, with altered dietary composition. FHA consumed significantly less fat (P < 0.001) and less carbohydrate (P = NS) than the BMI‐matched controls. Mean plasma levels of SHBG were increased whereas mean plasma levels of FT3, ferritin, RBP, IGF‐I, and leptin were significantly decreased. Only three patients with FHA kept a balanced diet and improved their body composition after 4 months. LH pulsatile profile and response to triptorelin challenge were normalized in these patients.CONCLUSIONMild dieting, close to normal but prolonged and characterized by an important fat restriction, is able to interfere with gonadotrophin secretion. Assessment of nutritional markers allows recognition of mild nutritional insufficiency as a common cause of FHAs. The gonadotrophin deficiency is partial and may be reversible after improvement of nutritional intake and body composition.
Hepatitis C virus testing of plasma pools by nucleic acid amplification technology: external quality assessment
Authors: Gentili G. , Pisani G. , Bisso G. , Cristiano K. , Wirz M. , Mele C. ,   the EQA Participants
Published: July 2002

Background and ObjectivesSince 1 July 1999, in accordance with European regulations, only batches of blood products obtained from plasma pools tested and found to be non‐reactive for hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA are being released. As monitoring the performance of manufacturers involved in plasma pool testing is important to ensure reliable amplification techniques, the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, as the Italian regulatory authority, organized an external quality assessment study.Materials and MethodsA reference HCV RNA panel calibrated in international units (IU) was sent to each participant to be tested according to the validated procedure they routinely used in plasma pool testing. The panel consisted of 20 coded samples, four of which were obtained from a negative plasma pool. The remaining 16 samples, prepared by diluting the national reference preparation (ISS HCV RNA 0498), represented four half‐log dilution series, each consisting of four samples containing 100, 32, 10 and 3·2 IU/ml of HCV RNA.ResultsThe overall performance of the laboratories was very satisfactory. All laboratories correctly identified the negative samples. The 100‐ and 32‐IU/ml samples were both detected in 98·4% of the assays, while the 10‐ and 3·2‐IU/ml samples were detected in 73·4 and 50·0% of the assays, respectively. No substantial differences were observed between in‐house procedures and commercial kits.ConclusionThis external quality assessment study showed that manufacturers of blood products have reached a high level of proficiency that fully complies with the European Pharmacopoeia requirements. This finding is reassuring in the context of the safety of blood products.
Refractive error changes in mixed astigmatism
Authors: Goss David A. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryThe purpose of this note is to examine refractive error changes in children who change from mixed astigmatism to myopic astigmatism. Data were collected for 16 children who changed from mixed astigmatism to simple myopic or compound myopic astigmatism. Children with mixed astigmatism showed minimal refractive changes until they converted to myopic astigmatism, at which time refractive changes increased.
Physician‐Patient Congruence Regarding Medication Regimens
Authors: Bikowski Richard M. , Ripsin Cynthia M. , Lorraine Viki L. 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVES:To characterize the degree of disparity between physicians' perceptions of older patients' medication regimen and patients' perceptions of their regimen.DESIGN:Prospective observational. Physicians and patients were blinded at index visit; after, trained medical students made home visits, collecting information about medications that was compared with physician questionnaires.SETTING:Community family medicine residency program.PARTICIPANTS:Patients age 65 and older presenting for routine visit, taking at least four prescription medications, and seen by index physician three or more times in the past year. Physicians were family medicine faculty and second‐ and third‐year residents.MEASUREMENTS:Fifty physician‐patient pairs were analyzed. Average age was 75 (standard deviation (SD) ±5.5); patients averaged 7.0 prescription medications (range 3–17, SD ±2.89). Three hundred seventy‐five prescription medications were identified; the most commonly prescribed were antihypertensives (134/375; 36%).RESULTS:Congruence, defined as agreement between physician and patient regarding all prescription medications, dosages, and frequency, averaged 70% for faculty (range 53–89%) and 58% for residents (range 41–81%) (P = .08). Fourteen percent (7/50) demonstrated complete congruence; 74% (37/50) had at least one medication that either the physician was unaware the patient was taking or the physician thought the patient was taking but that was not part of the patient's regimen; 12% (6/50) had dose and/or frequency discrepancies.CONCLUSIONS:This study demonstrates significant disparity in a population where it is crucial for healthcare providers and patients to be in close agreement about intended medication regimens. J Am Geriatr Soc 49:1353–1357, 2001.