The state of local content children's television programs: A comparative study of the past and present state of children's television in Ghana

Thesis submitted to the Department of Business Administration, Ashesi University College, in partial fulfillment of Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems, April 2013The central focus of this dissertation is to examine the state of local content children television in Ghana with regards to quantity and type and the importance of having more of it in the children’s television in Ghana. In order to place the situation in context, Cultivation Theory and Social Theory were adopted as theoretical frameworks. This dissertation employed three research tools - content analysis, in-depth interviews and questionnaires - in gathering data to answer research questions and achieve objectives. Within the two-year period studied, the three television stations aired a total of 15 unique title children’s programs, as compared to the 89 unique title children’s programs identified by Osei-Hwere within the four year period from 2001 to 2004. Furthermore, locally-produced children television programs were observed to be in a declining state both in Osei-Hwere’s research and in this dissertation. Views from parents and children confirmed that there is the need for more local content children’s programs in order to preserve our culture which is modest and decent and also, give children a reality that they can identify with. Factors identified for contributing to the declining state include unavailability of sponsorship, high cost of production, inadequate support from the government and managerial influence.Ashesi University Colleg

Association between the rs6950982 polymorphism near the SERPINE1 gene and blood pressure and lipid parameters in a high-cardiovascular-risk population: interaction with Mediterranean diet

The SERPINE1 (serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade E, member 1) gene, better known by its previous symbol PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor 1), has been associated with cardiovascular phenotypes with differing results. Our aim was to examine the association between the rs6950982 (G > A) near the SERPINE1 gene, blood pressure (BP) and plasma lipid concentrations as well as the modulation of the polymorphism effects by adherence to Mediterranean diet (AMD). We studied 945 high-cardiovascular-risk subjects. Biochemical, clinical, dietary and genetic data (rs6950982) were obtained. We also determined the common rs1799768 (4G/5G), for checking independent effects. AMD was measured by a validated questionnaire, and four groups were considered. rs6950982 (A > G) and rs1799768 (4G/5G) were only in moderate–low linkage disequilibrium (D′ = 0.719; r2 = 0.167). The most significant associations we obtained were with rs6950982 (A > G). In males, the G allele was nominally associated with higher diastolic BP (AA: 81.5 ± 10.9, AG: 82.1 ± 11.4, GG: 85.7 ± 10.5 mmHg; Padditive = 0.030) and systolic BP (AA + AG: 141.4 ± 6.9 mmHg vs. GG: 149.8 ± 8.0 mmHg; Precessive = 0.036). In the whole population, the rs6950982 was also associated with plasma lipids. Subject with the G allele presented higher total cholesterol (Padditive = 0.016, Precessive = 0.011), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Padditive = 0.032, Precessive = 0.031) and triglycerides (Padditive = 0.040, Precessive = 0.029). AMD modulated the effect of rs6950982 on triglyceride concentrations (P for interaction = 0.036). Greater AMD reduced the higher triglyceride concentrations in GG subjects. No significant interactions were found for the other parameters. The rs6950982 was associated with higher BP in men and higher triglycerides in the whole population, this association being modulated by AMD

British Society for Sexual Medicine Guidelines on Adult Testosterone Deficiency, With Statements for UK Practice

BACKGROUND: Testosterone deficiency (TD) is an increasingly common problem with significant health implications, but its diagnosis and management can be challenging. AIM: To review the available literature on TD and provide evidence-based statements for UK clinical practice. METHODS: Evidence was derived from Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane searches on hypogonadism, testosterone (T) therapy, and cardiovascular safety from May 2005 to May 2015. Further searches continued until May 2017. OUTCOMES: To provide a guideline on diagnosing and managing TD, with levels of evidence and grades of recommendation, based on a critical review of the literature and consensus of the British Society of Sexual Medicine panel. RESULTS: 25 statements are provided, relating to 5 key areas: screening, diagnosis, initiating T therapy, benefits and risks of T therapy, and follow-up. 7 statements are supported by level 1, 8 by level 2, 5 by level 3, and 5 by level 4 evidence. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: To help guide UK practitioners on effectively diagnosing and managing primary and age-related TD. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: A large amount of literature was carefully sourced and reviewed, presenting the best evidence available at the time. However, some statements provided are based on poor-quality evidence. This is a rapidly evolving area of research and recommendations are subject to change. Guidelines can never replace clinical expertise when making treatment decisions for individual patients, but rather help to focus decisions and take personal values and preferences and individual circumstances into account. Many issues remain controversial, but in the meantime, clinicians need to manage patient needs and clinical expectations armed with the best clinical evidence and the multidisciplinary expert opinion available. CONCLUSION: Improving the diagnosis and management of TD in adult men should provide somatic, sexual, and psychological benefits and subsequent improvements in quality of life. Hackett G, Kirby M, Edwards D, et al. British Society for Sexual Medicine Guidelines on Adult Testosterone Deficiency, With Statements for UK Practice. J Sex Med 2017;14:1504-1523

权重连接神经网络的光电实现

在Ｈｏｐｆｉｅｌｄ模型基础上，对具有权重连接的Ｈｏｐｆｉｅｌｄ模型引入连接权重矩阵，这样只要在Ｈｏｐｆｉｅｌｄ内容寻址记忆光电阵列前多加一个连接权重矩阵阵列，则得具有权重连接的神经网络模型的光电实现

Dietary nitrate supplementation reduces circulating platelet-derived extracellular vesicles in coronary artery disease patients on clopidogrel therapy: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Specifically, platelet-derived EVs are highly pro-coagulant, promoting thrombin generation and fibrin clot formation. Nitrate supplementation exerts beneficial effects in CVD, via an increase in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Clopidogrel is capable of producing NO-donating compounds, such as S-nitrosothiols (RSNO) in the presence of nitrite and low pH. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of nitrate supplementation with versus without clopidogrel therapy on circulating EVs in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, CAD patients with (n = 10) or without (n = 10) clopidogrel therapy received a dietary nitrate supplement (SiS nitrate gel) or identical placebo. NO metabolites and platelet activation were measured using ozone-based chemiluminescence and multiple electrode aggregometry. EV concentration and origin were determined using nanoparticle tracking analysis and time-resolved fluorescence. Following nitrate supplementation, plasma RSNO was elevated (4.7 ± 0.8 vs 0.2 ± 0.5 nM) and thrombin-receptor mediated platelet aggregation was reduced (−19.9 ± 6.0 vs 4.0 ± 6.4 U) only in the clopidogrel group compared with placebo. Circulating EVs were significantly reduced in this group (−1.183e11 ± 3.15e10 vs −9.93e9 ± 1.84e10 EVs/mL), specifically the proportion of CD41+ EVs (−2,120 ± 728 vs 235 ± 436 RFU [relative fluorescence unit]) compared with placebo. In vitro experiments demonstrated clopidogrel–SNO can reduce platelet-EV directly (6.209e10 ± 4.074e9 vs 3.94e11 ±  1.91e10 EVs/mL). In conclusion, nitrate supplementation reduces platelet-derived EVs in CAD patients on clopidogrel therapy, increasing patient responsiveness to clopidogrel. Nitrate supplementation may represent a novel approach to moderating the risk of thrombus formation in CAD patients

Low HDL Cholesterol, Smoking and IL-13 R130Q Polymorphism are Associated with Myocardial Infarction in Greek Cypriot Males. A Pilot Study

This study was carried out in Greek Cypriot males to identify risk factors that predispose to myocardial infarction (MI). Genetic and lipid risk factors were investigated for the first time in a Greek Cypriot male case-control study.Contrary to other studies, mean low density lipoprotein cholesterol did not differ between cases and controls. High density lipoprotein cholesterol on the other hand, although within normal range in cases and controls, was significantly higher in the control population. In agreement with many other studies, smoking was significantly more prevalent in cases compared with controls. In pooled cases and controls, smokers had a significantly lower HDL-C level compared with non-smokers. The frequency of the IL-13 R130Q homozygotes for the mutation (QQ), as well as the mutant allele were significantly higher in cases compared with controls. The IL-13 R130Q variant, or another locus, linked to it, may increase the risk of MI

The incidence, determinants and outcomes of coronary perforation during percutaneous coronary intervention in the United Kingdom between 2006–2013: an analysis of 527,121 cases from the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society database

Background: As coronary perforation (CP) is a rare but serious complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) the current evidence base is limited to small series. Using a national PCI database the incidence, predictors and outcomes of CP as a complication of PCI were defined. Methods and Results: Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analysed from the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society dataset on all PCI procedures performed in England and Wales between 2006 and 2013. Multivariable logistic regressions and propensity scores were used to identify predictors of CP and its association with outcomes. In total 1,762 coronary perforations were recorded from 527,121 PCI procedures (incidence of 0.33%). Patients with CP were more often female or older, with a greater burden of co-morbidity and underwent more complex PCI procedures. Factors predictive of CP included age per year (odds ratio (OR) 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.03, p<0.001), previous CABG (OR 1.44, 1.17-1.77, p<0.001), left main (OR 1.54, 1.21-1.96, p<0.001) use of rotational atherectomy (OR 2.37, 1.80-3.11, p<0.001) and CTO intervention (OR 3.96, 3.28-4.78, p<0.001). Adjusted odds of adverse outcomes were higher for all major adverse coronary events including stroke, bleeding and mortality. Emergency surgery was required in 3% of cases. Predictors of mortality in patients with CP included age, diabetes, previous myocardial infarction, renal disease, ventilatory support, use of circulatory support, glycoprotein inhibitor use and stent type. Conclusions: Using a national PCI database for the first time the incidence, predictors and outcomes of coronary perforation were defined. Although CP as a complication of PCI occurred rarely, it was strongly associated with poor outcomes

Genetic polymorphisms and the risk of coronary artery disease

Background: Myocardial infarction involves the three processes of atheroma development, plaque rupture and formation of a thrombus. Proliferation of smooth muscle cells and vasoconstriction are important aspects of atheroma formation and are influenced by the renin-angiotensin system. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) pivotal to this system has recently been shown to be influenced by an insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the ACE gene. Patients homozygous for the D allele have the highest circulating levels. Inhibition of fibrinolysis through raised levels of plasminogen activator Inhibitor (PAI- 1) has also been shown to be under the control of a PAI-1 promoter single nucleotide insertion/deletion (4G/5G) polymorphism. Patients homozygous for the 4G allele have the highest levels of circulating PAI-1. Aims: The aim of this thesis, was to investigate the role of both polymorphisms in relation to atherothrombosis in subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD). Results: 609 Caucasian patients (420 males 189 females) admitted for angiography for known or suspected coronary artery disease were recruited from two centres. Patients were classified as having no significant coronary artery disease (20%), single (21%), double (21%) and triple vessel disease (38%) on the basis of 50% stenosis. Both the ACE genotype and the PAI-1 genotype were associated with their respective circulating levels (P= 0.0008) and (P = 0.0001) respectively. There was no relationship between the ACE genotype or levels with either the degree of coronary stenosis or a history of MI. In contrast, the 4G/4G genotype was significantly related to a history of myocardial infarction, an association which was stronger in the group with pre-existing significant atheroma. Conclusions: These data suggests that the ACE genotype-activity does not influence the atherothrombotic process, whereas the PAI-1 promoter polymorphism influences the development of myocardial infarction through its effects on thrombus formation in patients with pre-existing atheroma. Conclusions These data suggests that the ACE genotype-activity does not influence the atherothrombotic process, whereas the PAI-1 promoter polymorphism influences the development of myocardial infarction through its effects on thrombus formation in patients with pre-existing atheroma