387 results on '"Paper"'
Search Results
352. Approach to fabricate rigid substrate for 2.4 GHz inverted-F antenna using a room temperature curable dielectric ink on photo and nanopaper
- Author
-
Sowpati, A. K. (Arun Kumar), Nelo, M. (Mikko), Varghese, J. (Jobin), Liimatainen, H. (Henrikki), Visanko, M. (Miikka), Sebastian, M. T. (Mailadil Thomas), and Jantunen, H. (Heli)
- Subjects
WLAN ,room temperature curable dielectric ink ,printing ,paper ,inverted F antenna (IFA) ,low loss tangent ,nanocellulose - Abstract
The effect of a room temperature curable dielectric ink (ZrSiO₄) printed on commercial photo paper and prepared nanopaper on the dielectric properties at 2.4 GHz are studied. In both cases, the dielectric layer decreased the relative permittivity and dielectric loss and made the flexible substrates rigid. For the nanopaper, the permittivity decreased from 4.7 to 3.57 and the loss value from 0.12 to 0.04. The measured decreases for the photo paper were from 3.12 to 2.61 and from 0.09 to 0.05, respectively. In the performance of the simulated and fabricated inverted-F antennas, the effect of the dielectric layer could be observed in the decrease of its frequency with about 130 MHz mainly due to the thicker substrate. The measured total efficiency and gain were 83% and 3.4 dB. The proposed approach could be in the future used for further development of the antenna by modification of the dielectric ink with different additives.
- Published
- 2018
353. Approximate mathematical modelling of motions.
- Author
-
Novozhilov, I.
- Subjects
- *
RESEARCH , *PAPER , *MATHEMATICAL models , *MOTION , *MATHEMATICAL statistics , *MATHEMATICS - Abstract
This paper discusses different approaches to constructing approximate mathematical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2007
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
354. Author Correction: Inhibition of Porphyromonas gulae and periodontal disease in dogs by a combination of clindamycin and interferon alpha.
- Author
-
Nomura, Ryota, Inaba, Hiroaki, Yasuda, Hidemi, Shirai, Mitsuyuki, Kato, Yukio, Murakami, Masaru, Iwashita, Naoki, Shirahata, So, Yoshida, Sho, Matayoshi, Saaya, Yasuda, Junya, Arai, Nobuaki, Asai, Fumitoshi, Matsumoto-Nakano, Michiyo, and Nakano, Kazuhiko
- Subjects
- *
PORPHYROMONAS , *PAPER , *PUBLICATIONS - Abstract
An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
355. Atom transfer radical polymer-modified paper for improvement in protein fixation in paper-based ELISA.
- Author
-
Qi, Lu, Zhang, Aihong, Wang, Yu, Liu, Long, and Wang, Xinghe
- Subjects
- *
ATOM transfer reactions , *POLYMERIZATION , *GRAPHENE oxide , *GOLD nanoparticles , *IMMUNOGLOBULINS - Abstract
A newly modified paper-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (P-ELISA) was established by immobilizing more proteins on the paper surface through an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) reaction. In addition, introducing graphene oxide (GO) sheets, Au nanoparticles (AuNps) and two primary antibodies (Ab1s) led to signal amplification and cost reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
356. Nano calcium carbonate versus nano calcium hydroxide in alcohols as a deacidification medium for lignocellulosic paper.
- Author
-
Malešič, Jasna, Kadivec, Mariša, Kunaver, Matjaž, Skalar, Tina, and Cigić, Irena Kralj
- Subjects
- *
CALCIUM carbonate , *CALCIUM hydroxide , *PAPER deacidification - Abstract
Deacidification is an established conservation treatment for the prolongation of the acidic paper stability. Several different deacidification systems are in use today, such as the dispersions of alkaline nanoparticles in organic solvents. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of different calcium nanoparticle dispersions in alcohols on lignocellulosic paper. Commercially available nano calcium hydroxide dispersions for paper deacidification, and laboratory prepared nano calcium carbonate dispersions in ethanol and 2-propanol were investigated and compared as to their effectiveness in increasing the stability of paper. The FE-SEM analyses were used to determine the size of Ca(OH)2 and CaCO3 particles in the dispersions. The SEM–EDS analyses were performed both on the paper surface and its cross-section in order to ascertain the distribution of calcium ions following the deacidification treatment. An evaluation of the changes of color, molecular weight, pH and alkaline reserve on different lignocellulosic papers was performed. In comparison to untreated samples, our results indicate all the investigated deacidification treatments decrease the degradation rate constant of cellulose, as determined by accelerated degradation. However, the treatments involving nano calcium hydroxides in both alcohols noticeably affect the color of the treated lignocellulosic papers. According to the obtained results, nano calcium carbonate is therefore the more suitable deacidification agent for the lignin containing papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
357. Microscopic observations of paper and parchment: the archaeology of small objects.
- Author
-
Bicchieri, Marina, Biocca, Paola, Colaizzi, Piero, and Pinzari, Flavia
- Subjects
- *
PARCHMENT , *ARCHAEOLOGY , *SCANNING electron microscopes - Abstract
The study of micro-objects, both inorganic and organic, which can be found associated to parchment or cellulose fibres of books and documents, or in the inks and the dirt, accumulated over the centuries between the pages, can unravel important information on the manufacture of the ancient documents, on their past vicissitudes or on the causes of aging and deterioration of the materials they contain. The results of a critical observation of micrometric objects and structures with a diagnostic or archaeological significance have in some cases been surprising. Apart from the curiosity that certain findings may or may not raise, what needs to be discussed is the fact that some chemical components, usually attributed to the manufacture of materials or the inks may instead have a particular origin and nature, and therefore lead, if not properly highlighted, to some erroneous diagnostics. Examples are given where the information obtained by means of scanning electron microscope imaging and Raman microscopy were coupled with dispersive X-ray microanalysis and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
358. The history of Ixtle in Mexico.
- Author
-
Ticktin, Tamara
- Subjects
PLANT fibers ,PAPER ,AIRPLANE wings ,COTTAGE industries ,EUROPEANS ,WORLD War I - Abstract
The article the history of Ixtle, a perennial plant in Mexico. It states that the ixtle fiber was used in manufacturing paper during the 20th century and the Chinantla Region, Mexico was the center of the prosperous ixtle cottage industry during colonial times until the 20th century. It says that in 1990, the Europeans discovered the potential of ixtle as an industrial hard fiber and during the World War I, it was used in building the wings of German aeroplanes.
- Published
- 2002
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
359. Carbon dynamics of paper, engineered wood products and bamboo in landfills: evidence from reactor studies.
- Author
-
Ximenes, Fabiano A., Kathuria, Amrit, Barlaz, Morton A., and Cowie, Annette L.
- Subjects
- *
CARBON & the environment , *ENGINEERED wood , *PAPER products , *WOOD decay , *METHANE , *GREENHOUSE gases , *LANDFILLS - Abstract
Background: There has been growing interest in the development of waste-specific decay factors for estimation of greenhouse gas emissions from landfills in national greenhouse gas inventories. Although engineered wood products (EWPs) and paper represent a substantial component of the solid waste stream, there is limited information available on their carbon dynamics in landfills. The objective of this study was to determine the extent of carbon loss for EWPs and paper products commonly used in Australia. Experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions designed to simulate optimal anaerobic biodegradation in a landfill.Results: Methane generation rates over incubations of 307-677 days ranged from zero for medium-density fibreboard (MDF) to 326 mL CH4 g−1 for copy paper. Carbon losses for particleboard and MDF ranged from 0.7 to 1.6%, consistent with previous estimates. Carbon loss for the exterior wall panel product (2.8%) was consistent with the expected value for blackbutt, the main wood type used in its manufacture. Carbon loss for bamboo (11.4%) was significantly higher than for EWPs. Carbon losses for the three types of copy paper tested ranged from 72.4 to 82.5%, and were significantly higher than for cardboard (27.3-43.8%). Cardboard that had been buried in landfill for 20 years had a carbon loss of 27.3%—indicating that environmental conditions in the landfill did not support complete decomposition of the available carbon. Thus carbon losses for paper products as measured in bioreactors clearly overestimate those in actual landfills. Carbon losses, as estimated by gas generation, were on average lower than those derived by mass balance. The low carbon loss for particleboard and MDF is consistent with carbon loss for Australian wood types described in previous studies. A factor for carbon loss for combined EWPs and wood in landfills in Australia of 1.3% and for paper of 48% is proposed.Conclusions: The new suggested combined decay factor for wood and EWPs represents a significant reduction from the current factor used in the Australian greenhouse gas inventory; whereas the suggested decay factor for paper is similar to the current decay factor. Our results improve current understanding of the carbon dynamics of harvested wood products, and allow more refined estimates of methane emissions from landfills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
360. Stimuli-responsive, protein hydrogels for potential applications in enzymology and drug delivery§.
- Author
-
Pattammattel, Ajith, Stromer, Bobbi S, Baveghems, Clive, Benson, Kyle, and Kumar, Challa V
- Subjects
- *
HYDROGELS , *ENZYMOLOGY , *DRUG delivery devices , *BIOCATALYSIS , *THERMOGRAVIMETRY - Abstract
Abstract: Enhancing the stability of enzymes for sensing or biocatalysis applications is still an unmet challenge. Ordinary paper is a very attractive support for anchoring enzymes but enzyme attachment to cellulose without surface activation is still another challenge. To make progress toward these goals, we developed a simple method to prepare highly active and stable enzyme-hydrogels within the mesh of the cellulose fibers of paper. A mixture of the desired enzyme, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and arginine were reacted with carbodiimide to form stable hydrogels. A set of critical concentrations (BSA([BSA]0)≥1mM), [carbodiimide]0≥100 mM and [amino acid] ≥100 mM) were required to form transparent hydrogels. The thermal reversibility of gelation proved that the gels are stabilized by non-covalent bonding interactions between the BSA oligomers that were formed via covalent interactions. Both dynamic light scattering and SDS-PAGE studies, under pre-gelation conditions, support idea that one BSA oligomeric unit contained 40-70 protein molecules. Scanning electron micrographs, thermogravimetry and swelling studies suggest that the formation of water cavities inside the cross-linked gel matrix, where the water mass was 7-8 times higher than that of the protein and the free amino acid used as a linker/spacer. Due to the higher water content and benign gelation conditions, active enzymes could be incorporated into the gel structure during the synthesis. Hydrogels, thus, embedded with glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxide (HRP) showed catalytic activity towards glucose, where efficient channeling of hydrogen peroxide from GOx to HRP was observed (70% efficiency in initial rate compared to free enzymes in solution). Moreover, the enzymes retained their activity after pasting the hydrogel onto ordinary paper, which was demonstrated as a glucose sensing platform with a detection limit of 5 mM glucose. Trypsin embedded in the gel showed temperature dependent self-degradation by utilizing optimum protease activity at 37∘C. The temperature-triggered degradation of the gel can be used as a drug delivery vehicle, which was demonstrated using a reporter dye. The hydrogel made of a completely proteinaceous material that releases drugs at body temperature but bound to the matrix at room temperature (25∘C) is useful for noninvasive drug delivery platforms. The biocompatibility and non-thermal synthetic route for the hydrogel makes it a superior material for incorporation of temperature sensitive enzymes, drug molecules or nucleic acids, for a diverse set of applications.Graphical Abstract Synopsis: Synthesis, characterization and applications of multifunctional, biologically benign, protein-derived hydrogels are reported here. Protein hydrogels are formed by both covalent and noncovalent interactions between amino acid residues of the constituents. Active enzymes embedded inside the gel matrix were utilized for biosensing and drug delivery applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
361. The impact of methyl methacrylate hydroxyethyl methacrylate loaded with silver nanoparticles on mechanical properties of paper.
- Author
-
Hassan, Rushdya Rabee Ali and Mohamed, Wael Sabry
- Subjects
- *
SILVER nanoparticles , *CHEMICAL bonds , *TENSILE strength , *SILVER ions , *CELLULOSE , *PAPER , *MECHANICAL behavior of materials - Abstract
Effect of silver nanoparticles on MMA/HEMA behavior in enhancing and restoring the lost chemical bonds of paper was estimated in the current study through the study of mechanical strengths (tensile and elongation), infrared spectrum and environmental microscopic examination. The results of tensile strength and elongation rate showed the effectiveness of nanoparticles in supporting paper properties under the influence of accelerated aging via the bond at 1630 cm−1 that is responsible for the bonds of silver ions and cellulose. Simultaneously, the micrographs showed that the type of fiber walls impacted the effectiveness of the copolymer where the completely pure cellulose cells absorbed the copolymer, while the presence of lignin reduced the absorption which helped create interface cross-links between fibers via the adsorbed copolymer on the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
362. Materials: Ancient art spurs thin batteries.
- Subjects
- *
LITHIUM-air batteries , *PAPER , *CARBON - Abstract
The article summarizes research published in a 2015 issue of "Advanced Materials" concerning the development of a flexible lithium-air battery using paper and lithium foil with a carbon-based ink which was capable of holding a charge even after being bent 1,000 times.
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
363. Radiation-chemical degradation of the paper insulation of power transformers.
- Author
-
Bondareva, V., Komarov, V., Seliverstov, A., Ershov, B., L’vov, M., and Trifonova, S.
- Subjects
- *
PAPER , *THERMAL insulation , *IRRADIATION , *CELLULOSE , *NOBLE gases , *NONMETALS - Abstract
This article studies the radiation chemical degradation of paper insulation in transformer oil and to monitor changes in the strength characteristics of this insulation. The immersion of the test paper in transformer oil, as well as the presence of impurities (primarily, lignin) in the paper, had almost no effect on the degradation process. Special experiments with the irradiation of plasticized paper in an argon atmosphere did not reveal differences in the radiation-chemical degradation of paper, as compared with irradiation in air, as it was the case with pure cellulose.
- Published
- 2005
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
364. Editorial Appreciation.
- Author
-
Engvold, Oddbørn, Harvey, Jack, and Švestka, Zdeněk
- Subjects
- *
SCHOLARLY peer review , *PAPER , *PERIODICALS , *PHYSICS , *PHYSICAL sciences - Abstract
The article appreciates and acknowledge, with sincere thanks, the following referees who worked on papers for the journal "Solar Physics" during the calendar year 2004. Referees of three or more papers were R.C. Altrock, M.J. Aschwanden, T. Bai and R.M. Wilson. Some of the referees of two papers were V. Andretta, H. Aurass, T. Berger, E.W. Cliver, C. DeForest and M.F. Woodard. Referees of one paper were S. Akasofu, D. Alexander, C.E. Alissandrakis,T. Amari, J.L. Ballester, H. Balthasar, D. Banerjee, T. Baranyi, G.A. Bazilevskaja, J. Beer, L. Bellot, A. Benz, S. Berdyugina, P.N. Bernasconi, L. Bertello, D. Bewsher, A. Bhattacharjee, T.J. Bogdan and others.
- Published
- 2005
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
365. New analysis of peeling data from paper.
- Author
-
Boxin Zhao and Pelton, R.
- Subjects
CHEMICAL peel ,PAPER ,NEWSPRINT ,ADHESION ,ADHESIVE tape ,ADHESIVES industry - Abstract
Introduces a method of analysis of peeling data from paper. Peeling behavior for a pressure sensitive adhesive tape on newsprint; Link between paper properties and peeling behavior; Comparison between the peak peel force and the steady-state peel force. Comparison between the interfacial adhesion for newsprint and for filter paper.
- Published
- 2003
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
366. Optical materials: Nanostructured paper.
- Author
-
Horiuchi, Noriaki
- Subjects
- *
PAPER , *NANOSTRUCTURED materials , *PHOTOVOLTAIC effect - Abstract
The article presents information on a wood-fibre-based nanostructured paper developed by Zhiqiang Fang and colleagues from the U.S. and China, which provides 96 percent transparency, and can be used in photovoltaics, to reduce the angular dependence of light harvesting for solar cells.
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
367. Terahertz waveplates: Paper option.
- Author
-
Graydon, Oliver
- Subjects
- *
TERAHERTZ technology research , *PAPER , *OPTICAL polarization - Abstract
The article presents a research in which researchers in Germany and the U.S. have revealed that a simple stack of ordinary white paper can be used as a high-quality polarization waveplate for the terahertz spectral region.
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
368. Editorial.
- Author
-
Ratledge, Cohn
- Subjects
BIOTECHNOLOGY ,PERIODICALS ,PUBLISHING ,HIGH technology ,PAPER ,TECHNOLOGISTS - Abstract
This article focuses on the merger of "Biotechnology Letters," with its companion journal "Biotechnology Techniques." The aim of this merger is to offer biotechnologists an even more rapid service than before. Papers will be handled with our usual alacrity (approximately 95% of papers published during 1999 were reviewed and authors notified of the decision within one calendar month of their receipt) but can now be published with the minimum delay after acceptance. Papers on current techniques and procedures in all aspects of biotechnology will therefore be equally welcome to the new Journal.
- Published
- 2000
369. Interventional strategy worth it in ischaemic stroke.
- Subjects
- *
PAPER , *WRITING materials & instruments - Abstract
This article discusses a study on the cost effectiveness of strategies such as adjunctive mechanical thrombectomy and intra-arterial thrombolysis for treating large-vessel stroke.
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
370. Rofecoxib: increased risk of renal and cardiovascular effects.
- Subjects
- *
NONSTEROIDAL anti-inflammatory agents , *ARRHYTHMIA , *PAPER , *ART materials , *PAPER arts - Abstract
The article discusses the findings of several studies in relation to rofexocib. The studies concluded that rofexocib appears to be associated with increased risks of adverse cardiovascular events, renal events and arrhythmia. In one paper, several researchers compared the risks of serious CV eventswith COX-2 inhibitors and individual nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. In another paper, researchers aimed to quantify the risks for renal events and arrhythmia events associated with COX-2 inhibitors.
- Published
- 2006
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
371. Method of administration affects adolescent post-immunization survey response rate: phone, paper, internet.
- Author
-
Pielak KL, Buxton J, McIntyre C, Tu A, and Botnick M
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Canada, Child, Female, Humans, Internet, Male, Paper, Papillomavirus Vaccines adverse effects, Schools statistics & numerical data, Telephone, Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems statistics & numerical data, Data Collection methods, Papillomavirus Vaccines administration & dosage
- Abstract
The recent introduction of new vaccines into the school-based immunization program in British Columbia (BC) included monitoring of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) for these new vaccines. This commentary discusses different methods used to collect AEFIs in school immunization campaigns and the effects on response rate. The results of a study using an internet-based tool inspired this paper. The study examined adverse events following human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine given to grades 6 and 9 students. The low response rate of the internet survey resulted in insufficient findings regarding adverse events. Consequent to the analysis of the study's data, a literature review was conducted to examine survey methodologies used to collect adverse event data following school-based immunization of adolescents. A PubMed search used various combinations of the following terms: vaccine, immunization, immunization programs, reactogenicity, adverse reactions, safety, adolescent, schoolchildren, and survey. Potentially relevant papers were identified based upon the titles and abstracts and subsequently reviewed. Only four studies were deemed appropriate for comparison purposes: all were done in Canada.
- Published
- 2011
372. Towards Quantification of the Water Footprint of Paper: A First Estimate of its Consumptive Component
- Author
-
P.R. van Oel, Arjen Ysbert Hoekstra, Faculty of Engineering Technology, and Water Management
- Subjects
Paper ,Engineering ,Hydrogeology ,Green water ,business.industry ,Blue water ,Virtual water ,Environmental engineering ,Evapotranspiration ,Production (economics) ,Recycling ,Stage (hydrology) ,business ,Water footprint ,Surface water ,Water use ,Groundwater ,Civil and Structural Engineering ,Water Science and Technology - Abstract
For a hardcopy of this article, printed in the Netherlands, an estimated 100 l of water have been used. Most of the water is required in the forestry stage, due to evapotranspiration (green and blue water). In addition, the water footprint during the industrial stage, as accounted for in this study, consists of evaporation from water obtained from ground water and surface water (blue water). In this study estimates are made of water requirements for producing paper using different types of wood and in different parts of the world. The water footprint of printing and writing paper is estimated to be between 300 and 2600 m3/t (~2-13 l for an A4 sheet). These estimates account for paper recovery rates in different countries. This study indicates that by using recovered paper for the production of paper the global average water footprint of paper is only 60% of what it would be if no recovered paper would be used at all. Further savings may be achieved by increasing the recovery percentages worldwide. In addition, the global water footprint of paper can be reduced by choosing production sites and wood types that are more water-efficient. The results of this study suggest that the use of recovered paper may be particularly effective in reducing water footprints. This study is a first step towards a better understanding of the significance of the water footprint of paper and the effect of using recovered paper.
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
373. Present-day oxidative subsidence of organic soils and mitigation in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California, USA
- Author
-
Timothy Ingrum, Steven J. Deverel, and David A. Leighton
- Subjects
Delta ,Hydrology ,Paper ,010504 meteorology & atmospheric sciences ,Soil organic matter ,Elevation ,Subsidence (atmosphere) ,Soil processes ,010501 environmental sciences ,01 natural sciences ,Subsidence ,Soil water ,Land use ,Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous) ,Environmental science ,Paddy field ,Geohazard ,San Joaquin ,Groundwater ,USA ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,Water Science and Technology - Abstract
Subsidence of organic soils in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta threatens sustainability of the California (USA) water supply system and agriculture. Land-surface elevation data were collected to assess present-day subsidence rates and evaluate rice as a land use for subsidence mitigation. To depict Delta-wide present-day rates of subsidence, the previously developed SUBCALC model was refined and calibrated using recent data for COL’affaissement des sols organiques dans le Delta de Sacramento-San Joaquin menace la durabilité du système d’approvisionnement en eau et de l’agriculture de la Californie (Etats-Unis d’Amérique). Des données d’altitude de la surface topographique ont été collectées dans le but d’estimer le taux d’affaissement actuel des sols et d’évaluer l’occupation des sols par des rizières en tant que moyen d’atténuation de l’affaissement des sols. Pour décrire les taux actuels d’affaissement des sols à l’échelle du Delta, le modèle SUBCALC développé précédemment a été affiné et calé grâce à l’utilisation des données récentes sur les émissions de COLa subsidencia de los suelos orgánicos en el Delta de Sacramento-San Joaquín amenaza la sostenibilidad del sistema de suministro de agua y la agricultura en California (EE.UU.). Se recolectaron datos de elevación de la superficie del terreno para evaluar las tasas de subsidencia actuales y evaluar el cultivo de arroz como un uso de la tierra para la mitigación de la subsidencia. Se refinó y calibró el modelo SUBCALC desarrollado previamente para describir las tasas de la subsidencia en el ancho actual del Delta, usando los datos más recientes de las emisiones de CO沙加缅度河—圣华金河三角洲有机土壤的下沉威胁着(美国)加利佛尼亚州供水系统和农业的可持续性。收集了地面高程资料以评价目前的下沉速率并且评估了土地种植水稻减缓下沉的作用。为了描述三角洲范围内目前的下沉速度,采用目前的COA subsidência dos organossolos no Delta dos rios Sacramento-San Joaquin põe em risco a sustentabilidade do sistema de abastecimento de água e da agricultura do estado da Califórnia (EUA). Foram coletados dados de elevação da superfície do solo para estimar as taxas atuais de subsidência e avaliar o uso de cultivo de arroz para mitigar a subsidência. Para simular as taxas atuais de subsidência da região do Delta, o modelo SUBCALC, desenvolvido anteriormente, foi refinado e calibrado utilizando dados recentes de emissões de CO
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
374. Effect of paper quality on the response rate to a postal survey: A randomised controlled trial. [ISRCTN32032031]
- Author
-
Janesh K. Gupta, Khalid S. Khan, and T Justin Clark
- Subjects
Paper ,Quality Control ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Epidemiology ,Alternative medicine ,Health Informatics ,law.invention ,Postal questionnaire ,Randomized controlled trial ,law ,medicine ,Postal service ,Humans ,Postal Service ,Societies, Medical ,Response rate (survey) ,lcsh:R5-920 ,Data collection ,business.industry ,Data Collection ,Paper quality ,Postal survey ,Gynecology ,Family medicine ,business ,lcsh:Medicine (General) ,Research Article - Abstract
Background Response rates to surveys are declining and this threatens the validity and generalisability of their findings. We wanted to determine whether paper quality influences the response rate to postal surveys Methods A postal questionnaire was sent to all members of the British Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE). Recipients were randomised to receiving the questionnaire printed on standard quality paper or high quality paper. Results The response rate for the recipients of high quality paper was 43/195 (22%) and 57/194 (29%) for standard quality paper (relative rate of response 0.75, 95% CI 0.33–1.05, p = 0.1 Conclusion The use of high quality paper did not increase response rates to a questionnaire survey of gynaecologists affiliated to an endoscopic society.
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
375. Equivalence of electronic and paper administration of patient-reported outcome measures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies conducted between 2007 and 2013
- Author
-
Nijda Dogar, Helen Doll, Willie Muehlhausen, Bethany Fordham, Diane Wild, Nuz Quadri, and Paul O’Donohoe
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,Paper ,Correlation coefficient ,Statistics as Topic ,Equivalence ,Standard deviation ,Correlation ,Cohen's kappa ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,Statistics ,Outcome Assessment, Health Care ,Medicine ,Humans ,IVRS platform ,Equivalence (measure theory) ,business.industry ,Research ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Reproducibility of Results ,Web/computer platform ,General Medicine ,PDA/smartphone platform ,Tablet/touchscreen platform ,Patient Outcome Assessment ,Meta-analysis ,Systematic review ,Quality of Life ,Pen and paper ,Patient-reported outcome ,Female ,business - Abstract
Objective To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the equivalence between electronic and paper administration of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) in studies conducted subsequent to those included in Gwaltney et al’s 2008 review. Methods A systematic literature review of PROM equivalence studies conducted between 2007 and 2013 identified 1,997 records from which 72 studies met pre-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. PRO data from each study were extracted, in terms of both correlation coefficients (ICCs, Spearman and Pearson correlations, Kappa statistics) and mean differences (standardized by the standard deviation, SD, and the response scale range). Pooled estimates of correlation and mean difference were estimated. The modifying effects of mode of administration, year of publication, study design, time interval between administrations, mean age of participants and publication type were examined. Results Four hundred thirty-five individual correlations were extracted, these correlations being highly variable (I2 = 93.8) but showing generally good equivalence, with ICCs ranging from 0.65 to 0.99 and the pooled correlation coefficient being 0.88 (95 % CI 0.87 to 0.88). Standardised mean differences for 307 studies were small and less variable (I2 = 33.5) with a pooled standardised mean difference of 0.037 (95 % CI 0.031 to 0.042). Average administration mode/platform-specific correlations from 56 studies (61 estimates) had a pooled estimate of 0.88 (95 % CI 0.86 to 0.90) and were still highly variable (I2 = 92.1). Similarly, average platform-specific ICCs from 39 studies (42 estimates) had a pooled estimate of 0.90 (95 % CI 0.88 to 0.92) with an I2 of 91.5. After excluding 20 studies with outlying correlation coefficients (≥3SD from the mean), the I2 was 54.4, with the equivalence still high, the overall pooled correlation coefficient being 0.88 (95 % CI 0.87 to 0.88). Agreement was found to be greater in more recent studies (p p p p p Conclusion The present study supports the conclusion of Gwaltney’s previous meta-analysis showing that PROMs administered on paper are quantitatively comparable with measures administered on an electronic device. It also confirms the ISPOR Taskforce´s conclusion that quantitative equivalence studies are not required for migrations with minor change only. This finding should be reassuring to investigators, regulators and sponsors using questionnaires on electronic devicesafter migration using best practices. Although there is data indicating that migrations with moderate changes produce equivalent instrument versions, hence do not require quantitative equivalence studies, additional work is necessary to establish this. Furthermore, there is the need to standardize migration practices and reporting practices (i.e. include copies of tested instrument versions and screenshots) so that clear recommendations regarding equivalence testing can be made in the future.raising questions about the necessity of conducting equivalence testing moving forward.
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
376. To test or not to test: A cross-sectional survey of the psychosocial determinants of self-testing for cholesterol, glucose, and HIV
- Author
-
Nanne K. de Vries, Trudy van der Weijden, Janaica E J Grispen, Geert-Jan Dinant, Gaby Ronda, Family Medicine, Health promotion, RS: CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, and RS: NUTRIM - R1 - Metabolic Syndrome
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Adolescent ,PLANNED BEHAVIOR ,Cross-sectional study ,Implementation Science [NCEBP 3] ,Disease ,Young Adult ,Environmental health ,HIV Seropositivity ,Epidemiology ,medicine ,Humans ,Health belief model ,Young adult ,Risk factor ,Child ,INTERNET ,PENCIL ,Aged ,Aged, 80 and over ,RISK ,ROLES ,business.industry ,lcsh:Public aspects of medicine ,Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,lcsh:RA1-1270 ,Middle Aged ,CARE ,EFFICACY ,Self Care ,Cholesterol ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,PAPER ,Female ,Biostatistics ,business ,Attitude to Health ,Psychosocial ,Research Article - Abstract
Background Although self-tests are increasingly available and widely used, it is not clear whether their use is beneficial to the users, and little is known concerning the determinants of self-test use. The aim of this study was to identify the determinants of self-test use for cholesterol, glucose, and HIV, and to examine whether these are similar across these tests. Self-testing was defined as using in-vitro tests on body materials, initiated by consumers with the aim of diagnosing a particular disorder, condition, or risk factor for disease. Methods A cross-sectional Internet survey was conducted among 513 self-testers and 600 non-testers, assessing possible determinants of self-test use. The structured questionnaire was based on the Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, and Protection Motivation Theory. Data were analyzed by means of logistic regression. Results The results revealed that perceived benefits and self-efficacy were significantly associated with self-testing for all three conditions. Other psychosocial determinants, e.g. gender, cues to action, perceived barriers, subjective norm, and moral obligation, seemed to be more test-specific. Conclusions Psychosocial determinants of self-testing are not identical for all tests and therefore information about self-testing needs to be tailored to a specific test. The general public should not only be informed about advantages of self-test use but also about the disadvantages. Designers of information about self-testing should address all aspects related to self-testing to stimulate informed decision making which, in turn, will result in more effective self-test use.
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
377. Smell of heritage: a framework for the identification, analysis and archival of historic odours
- Author
-
Cecilia Bembibre and Matija Strlič
- Subjects
Paper ,Library ,lcsh:QD71-142 ,lcsh:Fine Arts ,SPME ,lcsh:Analytical chemistry ,VOCs ,GC–MS ,lcsh:N ,Olfaction - Abstract
We don’t know much about the smells of the past. Yet, odours play an important role in our daily lives: they affect us emotionally, psychologically and physically, and influence the way we engage with history. Can this lead us to consider certain smells as cultural heritage? And if so, what would be the processes for the identification, protection and conservation of those heritage smells? In order to answer these questions, the connection between olfaction and heritage was approached in three ways: (1) through theoretical analysis of the concept and role of olfaction in heritage guidelines, leading to identification of places and practices where smell is fundamental to their identity, (2) through exploration of the evidence for use of smells in heritage as a tool to communicate with audiences; and (3) through experimental evaluation of the techniques and methods for analysing and archiving the smells, therefore enabling their documentation and preservation. We present this through the framework of Significance Assessment—Chemical Analysis—Sensory Analysis—Archiving. The smell of historic paper was chosen as the case study, based on its well-recognized cultural significance and available research. Odour characterization was achieved by collecting visitor descriptions of a historic book extract through a survey, and by conducting a sensory evaluation at a historic library. These were combined with the chemical information on the VOCs sampled from both a historic book and a historic library, to create the Historic Book Odour Wheel, a novel documentation tool representing the first step towards documenting and archiving historic smells.
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
378. Maintenance of host DNA integrity in field-preserved mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) blood meals for identification by DNA barcoding
- Author
-
Phillip E. Kaufman, Akito Y. Kawahara, Jennifer L. Gillett-Kaufman, Lawrence E. Reeves, and Chris J. Holderman
- Subjects
Degraded DNA ,0301 basic medicine ,Blood meal analysis ,Polymerase Chain Reaction ,DNA barcoding ,law.invention ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Aedes aegypti ,0302 clinical medicine ,Aedes ,law ,Food science ,Polymerase chain reaction ,Cold Temperature ,Blood ,Infectious Diseases ,Host preference ,Vector ecology ,Blood meal identification ,Paper ,DNA preservation ,Preservation, Biological ,030231 tropical medicine ,Cold storage ,Mosquito Vectors ,Biology ,Specimen Handling ,Blood meal preservation ,03 medical and health sciences ,COI barcoding ,Animals ,DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ,Desiccation ,Ethanol ,business.industry ,Host (biology) ,Research ,DNA ,Feeding Behavior ,Blood meal ,Biotechnology ,030104 developmental biology ,Parasitology ,chemistry ,Vector ,business ,Filtration - Abstract
Background Determination of the interactions between hematophagous arthropods and their hosts is a necessary component to understanding the transmission dynamics of arthropod-vectored pathogens. Current molecular methods to identify hosts of blood-fed arthropods require the preservation of host DNA to serve as an amplification template. During transportation to the laboratory and storage prior to molecular analysis, genetic samples need to be protected from nucleases, and the degradation effects of hydrolysis, oxidation and radiation. Preservation of host DNA contained in field-collected blood-fed specimens has an additional caveat: suspension of the degradative effects of arthropod digestion on host DNA. Unless effective preservation methods are implemented promptly after blood-fed specimens are collected, host DNA will continue to degrade. Preservation methods vary in their efficacy, and need to be selected based on the logistical constraints of the research program. Methods We compared four preservation methods (cold storage at -20 °C, desiccation, ethanol storage of intact mosquito specimens and crushed specimens on filter paper) for field storage of host DNA from blood-fed mosquitoes across a range of storage and post-feeding time periods. The efficacy of these techniques in maintaining host DNA integrity was evaluated using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the presence of a sufficient concentration of intact host DNA templates for blood meal analysis. We applied a logistic regression model to assess the effects of preservation method, storage time and post-feeding time on the binomial response variable, amplification success. Results Preservation method, storage time and post-feeding time all significantly impacted PCR amplification success. Filter papers and, to a lesser extent, 95 % ethanol, were the most effective methods for the maintenance of host DNA templates. Amplification success of host DNA preserved in cold storage at -20 °C and desiccation was poor. Conclusions Our data suggest that, of the methods tested, host DNA template integrity was most stable when blood meals were preserved using filter papers. Filter paper preservation is effective over short- and long-term storage, while ethanol preservation is only suitable for short-term storage. Cold storage at -20 °C, and desiccation of blood meal specimens, even for short time periods, should be avoided.
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
379. Decision support in psychiatry – a comparison between the diagnostic outcomes using a computerized decision support system versus manual diagnosis
- Author
-
Uno Fors and Lars G Bergman
- Subjects
Paper ,Decision support system ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Diagnostic methods ,Time Factors ,Writing ,education ,Computer support ,Expert Systems ,Health Informatics ,computer.software_genre ,lcsh:Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics ,Clinical decision support system ,Health informatics ,medicine ,Humans ,Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted ,Medical diagnosis ,Diagnostic Errors ,Psychiatry ,Pencil (mathematics) ,business.industry ,Mental Disorders ,Health Policy ,Decision Support Systems, Clinical ,Expert system ,Computer Science Applications ,Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ,lcsh:R858-859.7 ,Feasibility Studies ,Clinical Competence ,business ,computer ,Research Article - Abstract
Background Correct diagnosis in psychiatry may be improved by novel diagnostic procedures. Computerized Decision Support Systems (CDSS) are suggested to be able to improve diagnostic procedures, but some studies indicate possible problems. Therefore, it could be important to investigate CDSS systems with regard to their feasibility to improve diagnostic procedures as well as to save time. Methods This study was undertaken to compare the traditional 'paper and pencil' diagnostic method SCID1 with the computer-aided diagnostic system CB-SCID1 to ascertain processing time and accuracy of diagnoses suggested. 63 clinicians volunteered to participate in the study and to solve two paper-based cases using either a CDSS or manually. Results No major difference between paper and pencil and computer-supported diagnosis was found. Where a difference was found it was in favour of paper and pencil. For example, a significantly shorter time was found for paper and pencil for the difficult case, as compared to computer support. A significantly higher number of correct diagnoses were found in the diffilt case for the diagnosis 'Depression' using the paper and pencil method. Although a majority of the clinicians found the computer method supportive and easy to use, it took a longer time and yielded fewer correct diagnoses than with paper and pencil. Conclusion This study could not detect any major difference in diagnostic outcome between traditional paper and pencil methods and computer support for psychiatric diagnosis. Where there were significant differences, traditional paper and pencil methods were better than the tested CDSS and thus we conclude that CDSS for diagnostic procedures may interfere with diagnosis accuracy. A limitation was that most clinicians had not previously used the CDSS system under study. The results of this study, however, confirm that CDSS development for diagnostic purposes in psychiatry has much to deal with before it can be used for routine clinical purposes.
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
380. Detection of Plasmodium using filter paper and nested PCR for patients with malaria in Sanliurfa, in Turkey
- Author
-
Adnan Seyrek, Nebiye Yentur Doni, and Fadile Yildiz Zeyrek
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,Paper ,0301 basic medicine ,Plasmodium ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Turkey ,Adolescent ,030106 microbiology ,030231 tropical medicine ,Plasmodium vivax ,Biology ,DNA, Ribosomal ,Polymerase Chain Reaction ,Sensitivity and Specificity ,Specimen Handling ,Young Adult ,03 medical and health sciences ,Dried blood spot testing ,0302 clinical medicine ,parasitic diseases ,RNA, Ribosomal, 18S ,medicine ,Humans ,Child ,Aged ,Microscopy ,Diagnostic Tests, Routine ,Research ,Infant ,DNA, Protozoan ,Middle Aged ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease ,Virology ,Malaria ,Diagnosis of malaria ,Blood ,Infectious Diseases ,Parasitology ,Child, Preschool ,Tropical medicine ,Female ,Nested polymerase chain reaction ,Nested PCR - Abstract
Background The objective of this study to detect Plasmodium and a subspecies of Plasmodium using filter paper in malaria endemic province, Sanliurfa, in Turkey, compare the results of nested PCR (nPCR) with microscopy for the diagnosis of malaria and present the epidemiological data of malaria. Methods This study was carried out in malaria-endemic Sanliurfa between 2008 and 2011. Finger prick blood samples, thick and thin Giemsa-stained blood smears, were collected from 153 malaria-suspected farmworkers. The Giemsa-stained blood smears were examined microscopically. The obtained DNA products, extracted from blood-spotted filter papers or from the thick blood smears, were analysed by nPCR to amplify the 18S ssrRNA Plasmodium gene with genus and specific primers. The results of the microscopy were compared to the nPCR results. Results Of the specimens, 7.2 % were determined as Plasmodium-positive by microscopy, whereas 9.8 % were determined as Plasmodium-positive by nPCR. Of the positive Plasmodium specimens, 93.33 % were identified as P. vivax. Four out of the 15 specimens that were microscopically diagnosed as negative were Plasmodium-positive with nPCR. When compared to the microscopy, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values of the nPCR were determined as 100, 97.2 and 73.3 %, respectively. nPCR was determined to be more sensitive and specific than microscopy. Conclusions This study revealed that the accurate diagnosis of malaria by nPCR was compulsory in malaria-endemic Sanliurfa and nPCR should be applied routinely in laboratory studies.
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
381. Lung cancer mortality in towns near paper, pulp and board industries in Spain: a point source pollution study
- Author
-
Susana Monge-Corella, Javier García-Pérez, Beatriz Pérez-Gómez, Marina Pollán, Gonzalo López-Abente, Nuria Aragonés, and Instituto de Salud Carlos III
- Subjects
Pollution ,Male ,Paper ,Risk ,Lung Neoplasms ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Population ,Air pollution ,Industrial Waste ,medicine.disease_cause ,symbols.namesake ,Point source pollution ,Residence Characteristics ,Environmental health ,Air Pollution ,medicine ,Humans ,Industry ,Poisson regression ,education ,media_common ,Pollutant ,education.field_of_study ,business.industry ,lcsh:Public aspects of medicine ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Ecological study ,lcsh:RA1-1270 ,Standardized mortality ratio ,Spain ,Epidemiological Monitoring ,symbols ,Female ,business ,Research Article ,Environmental Monitoring - Abstract
Background This study sought to ascertain whether there might be excess lung cancer mortality among the population residing in the vicinity of Spanish paper and board industries which report their emissions to the European Pollutant Emission Register (EPER). Methods This was an ecological study that modelled the Standardised Mortality Ratio (SMR) for lung cancer in 8073 Spanish towns over the period 1994–2003. Population exposure to industrial pollution was estimated on the basis of distance from town of residence to pollution source. An exploratory, near-versus-far analysis was conducted, using mixed Poisson regression models and an analysis of the effect of municipal proximity within a 50-kilometre radius of each of the 18 installations. Results Results varied for the different facilities. In two instances there was an increasing mortality gradient with proximity to the installation, though this was exclusively observed among men. Conclusion The study of cancer mortality in areas surrounding pollutant foci is a useful tool for environmental surveillance, and serves to highlight areas of interest susceptible to being investigated by ad hoc studies. Despite present limitations, recognition is therefore due to the advance represented by publication of the EPER and the study of pollutant foci.
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
382. Perceptions of frontline staff regarding data collection methodologies used during the 2009 A H1N1 influenza immunization campaign in Canada
- Author
-
Christine L. Heidebrecht, Shelley L. Deeks, Julie A. Bettinger, Stephanie Brien, Julie Foisy, Jeffrey C. Kwong, Susan Quach, Jennifer A. Pereira, Sherman D Quan, and Maryse Guay
- Subjects
Paper ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Canada ,Emerging technologies ,Attitude of Health Personnel ,Health Personnel ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype ,Nursing ,Epidemiology ,Influenza, Human ,medicine ,Electronic Health Records ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,030505 public health ,Data collection ,business.industry ,Immunization Programs ,Public health ,lcsh:Public aspects of medicine ,Data Collection ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Usability ,lcsh:RA1-1270 ,Immunization (finance) ,3. Good health ,Influenza Vaccines ,Scale (social sciences) ,Perception ,Biostatistics ,0305 other medical science ,business ,Research Article - Abstract
Background During the 2009 H1N1 immunization campaign, electronic and hybrid (comprising both electronic and paper components) systems were employed to collect client-level vaccination data in clinics across Canada. Because different systems were used across the country, the 2009 immunization campaign offered an opportunity to study the usability of the various data collection methods. Methods A convenience sample of clinic staff working in public health agencies and hospitals in 9 provinces/territories across Canada completed a questionnaire in which they indicated their level of agreement with seven statements regarding the usability of the data collection system employed at their vaccination clinic. Questions included overall ease of use, effectiveness of the method utilized, efficiency at completing tasks, comfort using the method, ability to recover from mistakes, ease of learning the method and overall satisfaction with the method. A 5-point Likert-type scale was used to measure responses. Results Most respondents (96%) were employed in sites run by public health. Respondents included 186 nurses and 114 administrative staff, among whom 90% and 47%, respectively, used a paper-based method for data collection. Approximately half the respondents had a year or less of experience with immunization-related tasks during seasonal influenza campaigns. Over 90% of all frontline staff found their data collection method easy to use, perceived it to be effective in helping them complete their tasks, felt quick and comfortable using the method, and found the method easy to learn, regardless of whether a hybrid or electronic system was used. Conclusions This study demonstrates that there may be a greater willingness of frontline immunization staff to adapt to new technologies than previously perceived by decision-makers. The public health community should recognize that usability may not be a barrier to implementing electronic methods for collecting individual-level immunization data.
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
383. Electronic and paper versions of a faces pain intensity scale: concordance and preference in hospitalized children
- Author
-
Sylvain Falinower, Daniel Annequin, Dominique Moyse, Carl L. von Baeyer, Chantal Wood, and Valérie Legout
- Subjects
Male ,Paper ,Pediatrics ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Concordance ,Population ,MEDLINE ,law.invention ,Randomized controlled trial ,law ,medicine ,Humans ,Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health ,Child ,education ,Pain Measurement ,education.field_of_study ,Cross-Over Studies ,business.industry ,lcsh:RJ1-570 ,lcsh:Pediatrics ,Patient Preference ,Observational methods in psychology ,Crossover study ,Clinical trial ,Child, Preschool ,Computers, Handheld ,Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health ,Physical therapy ,Female ,Observational study ,business ,Child, Hospitalized ,Research Article - Abstract
Background Assessment of pain in children is an important aspect of pain management and can be performed by observational methods or by self-assessment. The Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R) is a self-report tool which has strong positive correlations with other well established self-report pain intensity measures. It has been recommended for measuring pain intensity in school-aged children (4 years and older). The objective of this study is to compare the concordance and the preference for two versions, electronic and paper, of the FPS-R, and to determine whether an electronic version of the FPS-R can be used by children aged 4 and older. Methods The study is an observational, multicenter, randomized, cross-over, controlled, open trial. Medical and surgical patients in two pediatric hospitals (N = 202, age 4-12 years, mean age 8.3 years, 58% male) provided self-reports of their present pain using the FPS-R on a personal digital assistant (PDA) and on a paper version. Paper and electronic versions of the FPS-R were administered by a nurse in a randomized order: half the patients were given the PDA version first and the other half the paper version first. The time between the administrations was planned to be less than 30 minutes but not simultaneous. Two hundred and thirty-seven patients were enrolled; 35 were excluded from analysis because of misunderstanding of instructions or abnormal time between the two assessments. Results Final population for analysis comprised 202 children. The overall weighted Kappa was 0.846 (95%CI: 0.795; 0.896) and the Spearman correlation between scores on the two versions was rs = 0.911 (p < 0.0001). The mean difference of pain scores was less than 0.1 out of 10, which was neither statistically nor clinically significant; 83.2% of children chose the same face on both versions of the FPS-R. Preference was not modified by order, sex, age, hospitalization unit (medical or surgical units), or previous analgesics. The PDA was preferred by 87.4% of the children who expressed a preference. Conclusion The electronic version of the FPS-R can be recommended for use with children aged 4 to 12, either in clinical trials or in hospitals to monitor pain intensity.
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
384. First ISNS Reference Preparation for Neonatal Screening for thyrotropin, phenylalanine and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone in blood spots
- Author
-
W. H. Hannon, Dianne Webster, M. Fukushi, J. G. Loeber, Toni Torresani, L. H. Elvers, and J.-L. Dhondt
- Subjects
Paper ,Quality Control ,endocrine system ,congenital, hereditary, and neonatal diseases and abnormalities ,medicine.medical_specialty ,endocrine system diseases ,Phenylalanine ,Thyrotropin ,Neonatal Screening ,Thyroid-stimulating hormone ,Phenylketonurias ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Genetics ,Humans ,Congenital adrenal hyperplasia ,Genetics(clinical) ,Dried blood ,Genetics (clinical) ,Blood Specimen Collection ,Reference preparation ,business.industry ,17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone ,Infant, Newborn ,Reproducibility of Results ,nutritional and metabolic diseases ,17α-Hydroxyprogesterone ,Equipment Design ,medicine.disease ,Congenital hypothyroidism ,Endocrinology ,Calibration ,Regression Analysis ,Hydroxyprogesterone ,business ,Blood Chemical Analysis ,medicine.drug - Abstract
Neonatal screening for congenital disorders like phenylketonuria (PKU), congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is generally performed in dried blood spots on filter paper. The analytes of interest for testing for PKU, CH and CAH are phenylalanine, thyrotropin (TSH) and 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), respectively. The International Society for Neonatal Screening (ISNS) decided to prepare a combined reference preparation for the three analytes on filter paper SchleicherSchuell #903, Whatman BFC180 and Toyo Roshi 545. This 'First ISNS Reference Preparation for Neonatal Screening for TSH, phenylalanine and 17OHP in blood spots' (1st ISNS-RPNS) has been prepared by the RIVM (Bilthoven).The number of filter paper cards prepared, each with two sets of six blood spot calibrators, was 480, 42 and 69 for SchleicherSchuell #903, Whatman BFC180 and Toyo Roshi 545, respectively. The volume of blood dispensed was 50 microl. The range of concentrations for TSH was 1-121 mIU/L blood, for phenylalanine 65-865 micromol/L blood and for 17OHP 2.2-302 nmol/L blood.The linearity of the blood spot calibrators and the homogeneity of the batch (only tested for SchleicherSchuell) were good. The differences between the three filter papers were small: i.e. the potency of the ISNS-RPNS on Whatman and Toyo Roshi in terms of SchleicherSchuell was between 0.98 and 1.09 for the three analytes.The 1st ISNS-RPNS for TSH, phenylalanine and 17OHP can be said to be suitable as formal reference preparation and as a source for (re)calibrating kit calibrators.
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
385. Microbial load and safety of paper currencies from some food vendors in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia
- Author
-
Gosa Girma, Ketema Bacha, and Tsige Ketema
- Subjects
Paper ,Salmonella ,Veterinary medicine ,Staphylococcus ,Microorganism ,Micrococcus ,Bacillus ,Food Contamination ,Paper currency ,Microbial load ,medicine.disease_cause ,Endospore ,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology ,Enterobacteriaceae ,Personal hygiene ,medicine ,Humans ,Microbial safety ,Food microbiology ,Hand Hygiene ,Medicine(all) ,biology ,business.industry ,Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all) ,Commerce ,Streptococcus ,Pathogenic bacteria ,General Medicine ,Jimma ,Food vendors ,biology.organism_classification ,Isolation (microbiology) ,Bacterial Load ,Food Microbiology ,Ethiopia ,business ,Research Article - Abstract
Background Paper currency is used for every type of commerce and plays an important role in the life of human beings. However, the combination of its widespread use and constant exchange make paper currency a likely agent for disease transmission. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial load and safety of Ethiopian paper currencies collected from some food vendors in Jimma town. Methods Standard microbiological methods were used for the enumeration of various microbial groups, isolation and characterization of pathogenic bacteria and their growth potential in selected weaning foods. A total of 100 samples of Ethiopian paper currencies, consisting of five denominations, from street food venders, hotels and cafeterias in Jimma town were collected aseptically. Sterile cotton swabs moistened with buffered peptone water solution were used for swabbing and the swabs were separately soaked into 10 ml sterile buffered peptone water solution. Results Mean microbial counts of Aerobic mesophilic bacteria, Staphylococci, Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms and Aerobic bacterial spores were (log CFU/cm2) 6.32, 4.43, 3.14, 2.98 and 3.78, respectively. However, mean counts of Yeasts and Moulds were below detectable levels. There was statistically significant variation (p
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
386. [Hand hygiene in general practice].
- Author
-
Lamitschka H
- Subjects
- Gossypium, Hand, Humans, Paper, Soaps, Family Practice, Hygiene
- Published
- 1977
387. ABSTRACTS of papers presented at the twentieth annual Christmas meeting of the Laboratory Section, Canadian Public Health Association, Chateau Frontenac, Quebec December 15 and 16, 1952.
- Subjects
- Canada, Humans, Quebec, Laboratories, Paper, Public Health
- Published
- 1953
Catalog
Discovery Service for Jio Institute Digital Library
For full access to our library's resources, please sign in.