bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retórica e filosofia nas Epístolas de Horácio
Authors: Da Silva Camilla Ferreira Paulino
Published: July 2017

Nesse artigo, discutimos alguns aspectos da retórica e da filosofia presente na obra Epístolas de Horácio. Conforme a educação recebida pelos romanos e o modo de conceber o artefato literário no século I a.C., buscamos demonstrar que nesse livro Horácio se valeu do discurso deliberativo para compor a cenografia dos poemas e que a persona construída por Horácio pode ser vista como a de um poeta-filósofo.
O Elogio de Helena de Isócrates: réplica a Górgias e a unicidade de seu discurso epidítico
Authors: Lacerda Ticiano Curvelo Estrela de
Published: July 2017

Por volta de 390-80 a.C., o ateniense Isócrates compõe um de seus primeiros discursos como educador, o Elogio de Helena. De acordo com boa parte da crítica, esse discurso parece ser uma réplica ao famoso Elogio de Helena de Górgias, que, segundo Isócrates (§14), teria composto não um encômio, mas uma apologia em nome da rainha espartana. No encômio isocrático, percebemos certa dissonância entre o proêmio e o restante da obra. Com efeito, ainda não temos no proêmio o tom encomiástico esperado, mas ele se configura, ao contrário, como uma invectiva a grupos de sofistas contemporâneos de Isócrates, e culmina, ao final, com uma crítica alusiva ao sofista de Leontine. Destarte, o que os sofistas do séc. IV a.C. teriam em comum com a mítica Helena? Em outras palavras, haveria algum fio condutor que assegurasse uma unicidade discursiva nesse exercício epidítico de Isócrates? O presente trabalho tem por finalidade discutir essas questões e rever como elas vêm sendo debatidas por alguns comentadores de Isócrates, partindo de Aristóteles na Retórica até a recepção do problema entre alguns dos estudiosos de Retórica Clássica do séc. XX.
Opportunities for leveraged interventions in high altitude NTFPs in the Karnali Zone
Authors: Regmi Sunil , Bergeron Janie , MacIsaac Norman
Published: July 2017

Abstract on PDF
Leaf growth in pollarded and Populus euramericana (Dode) Guinier
Authors: Panday G.P. , Karmacharya S.B.
Published: July 2017

Abstract on PDF
Inbreeding of tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) in Nepal: a review
Authors: Acharya Tanka P.
Published: July 2017

Abstract on PDF
Indigenous forest management practices in some community forests of Nepal
Authors: Pokharel Ridish K.
Published: July 2017

Abstract on PDF
Nepal's Place: Human Population and the Future of Biological Diversity
Authors: Baral Sushim R.
Published: July 2017

No abstract
Assessment of grant and loan assisted community forestry projects in Nepal
Authors: Chand Padam B.
Published: July 2017

Abstract on the PDF
An overview of participatory forestry in Nepal's Terai
Authors: Pokharel Ridish K.
Published: July 2017

Abstract on PDFParticipatory
Diversity of lichens in Nepal
Authors: Baniya C.B. , Ghimire G.P.S. , Kattel B.
Published: July 2017

Abstracts on PDF
Community forestry at Kathmandu District
Authors: Sharma Damodar
Published: July 2017

No abstract
Nepal's forest: a diminishing resource?
Authors: Baral Sushim Ranjan
Published: July 2017

No abstract
Farmers' new strategy: myth or reality
Authors: Sharma A.R.
Published: July 2017

Abstract on PDF
Biophysical disturbances of elephant safaris in the Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Authors: Subedi Bodh Raj
Published: July 2017

The paper explores peoples' perceptions on the biophysical impacts of elephant safaris which is a perfect way to go wildlife viewing, and is very eco-friendly. It surpasses its alternatives, especially noisy Jeep safaris. However, more people are becoming aware of the biophysical impacts of the safaris in the park. They perceived that the safaris cause negative impacts on wildlife and can destroy habitat through soil compaction and erosion, vegetation damage and disturbances. The study also estimated that the current wildlife observation distance from elephant safaris are less than fifteen metres which is too close and may be harmful to wildlife. This study provides interesting comparisons with previous studies on impacts of tourist activities on wildlife from a biological perspective in that the appropriate distances perceived by park staff to view wildlife was the only one to “fit" their findings. The distances perceived by other groups of people as appropriate would in fact, cause unacceptable levels of disturbance. It is concluded that social (human) perception of disturbance by elephant safaris may not accurately reflect the biological severity of their impacts.
Inadequate supply of fuelwood and timber from forests of Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Raj Bahadur
Published: July 2017

The existing public supply of fuelwood does not meet the demand of growing population. While peoples' need of fuelwood is being met mostly from government forests legally or illegally, and some from community and private lands, the government will soon find it difficult to compensate 69% of fuelwood energy from the depleting forest. Appropriate technologies such as biogass, improved stoves, etc. should be promoted to reduce fuelwood consumption. Also, appropriate harvesting technology could help improve fuelwood and timber supply system of the country.
Prediction models for above-ground wood of some fast growing trees of Nepal's eastern Terai
Authors: Thapa H.B.
Published: July 2017

Biomass study of Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia catechu, Dalbergia sissoo, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eucalyptus tereticornis was conducted on a five and half years old 'Fuelwood Species Trial under Short Rotation' through destructive sampling at Tarahara, Sunsari District of Nepal. The lowest Furnival Index (FI) was the main criteria for selecting a model. Among the six models tested, the transformed model Ln W= a + b Ln DBH from a power equation W = a DBHb (W = weights of stem or branch or above-ground wood in kg, DBH= Diameter at breast height in cm) was selected. Selected prediction models of tree components and above-ground wood (green as well as oven dry), and their coefficient of determination (R2) values, regression constant and coefficient, correction factor, precision and bias percent of five species are presented. With the exclusion of branchwood models, R2 is higher in a range of 88.7% for oven dry stemwood of Acacia catechu to 99.3% for above-ground wood model of Dalbergia sissoo. However, R2 is less than 80% in branchwood (green and oven dry) of Acacia auriculiformis, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, and Eucalyptus tereticornis showing moderate relationship between branchwood and DBH. In the case of E. tereticornis, precision is more than 49% which leads to low reliability in biomass estimation resulting in true biomass deviation in a range of about 49.51% to 56.74%, so biomass model's could not be used for estimation of tree components and above-ground wood. Despite it, generally, precision percent of the selected models has been found less than 15%. Bias percent was found quite large for allometric branchwood model comparatively to stemwood and above-ground wood models. D. sissoo had less than 10 % bias. Bias percent was the highest (23.11%) for green branchwood of Acacia auriculiformis. Others had in a range of 0.5% for green aboveground wood model of D. sissoo to 18.4% for green and oven dry branchwood models of E. tereticornis.
Community forestry in Nepal: a model of common property resource management
Authors: Acharya K.P.
Published: July 2017

The management of common forest land as community forest in Nepal is in practice since 1978. Studies showing the linkages between community forestry and common property resource are scanty in the country. This article discusses characteristics of common property resources and the principles and practices of community forestry in Nepal which is an example of common property resource management between Government agencies and users (co-managers). Forest User Groups (FUGs ) are the institutions responsible to manage the common property.
Introduction to Forestry
Authors: Baral Sushim Ranjan
Published: July 2017

No Abstract
Dual solutions for heat and mass transfer in chemically reacting radiative non-Newtonian fluid with aligned magnetic field
Authors: Reddy J. V. Ramana , Sugunamma V. , Sandeep N.
Published: July 2017

Through this paper we investigated the heat and mass transfer in chemically reacting radiative Casson fluid flow over a slandering/flat stretching sheet in a slip flow regime with aligned magnetic field. This study is carried out under the influence of non uniform heat source/sink. First we converted the governing equations of the flow into ordinary differential equations by making use of suitable similarity transformations. The obtained non-linear differential equations are solved numerically using Runge-Kutta based shooting technique. Further, graphical representation has been given to study the effects of various physical parameters on velocity, temperature and concentration fields. Also numerical computations has been carried out to investigate the influence of the physical parameters involved in the flow on skin friction, rate of heat and mass transfer coefficients. Through this investigation, it is observed that aligned angle, Casson parameter and velocity slip parameter have the tendency to control the velocity field. Also heat transfer rate in flat stretching sheet is higher than that of slendering stretching sheet. A good agreement of the present results with the existed literature has been observed.
Numerical estimation of shallow water effect on multipurpose amphibious vehicle resistance
Authors: Nakisa M. , Maimun A. , Ahmed Y. M. , Behrouzi F. , Tarmizi A.
Published: July 2017

This research paper investigated the hydrodynamic resistance of Multipurpose Amphibious Vehicles (MAV) due to navigate in low water depth numerically. This type of vehicle and other coastal floating vehicles encounter the problem of a small under keel clearance with river bed. The proper estimation of ship resistance and squat is influence largely on the power calculation in the design stage. The present work describes the effect of shallow water on the Multipurpose Amphibious Vehicles (MAV) resistance at different speed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques. A comparison in the drag on the hull is illustrated between depth restriction and infinite depth water. This paper provides a wide introduction into the problems of modelling of the restricted water depth effects on the ship behaviour, specifically hydrodynamic resistance and squat using CFD which is applied by ANSYS-CFX14.0.
Knockdown of Serine Threonine Tyrosine Kinase 1 (STYK1) Inhibits the Migration and Tumorigenesis in Glioma Cells
Authors: Zhou Jianping , Wang Fan , Liu Bingli , Yang Lin , Wang Xueying , Liu Yu
Published: July 2017

Pediatric glioma is a devastating brain tumor. Serine threonine tyrosine kinase 1 (STYK1) is a member of the protein tyrosine kinase family and plays a significant role in the formation of several malignant tumors. However, the expression pattern and role of STYK1 in glioma are not
yet clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role and molecular mechanism of STYK1 in glioma. The results showed that STYK1 was highly expressed in glioma cell lines. We also found that knockdown of STYK1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro as well as
tumorigenesis in vivo. Furthermore, knockdown of STYK1 significantly decreased the expression levels of phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt in glioma cells. Taken together, our data suggest that STYK1 plays an important role in the development and progression of glioma. Therefore, STYK1 may represent
a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma.
Overexpression of Forkhead Box L1 (FOXL1) Inhibits the Proliferation and Invasion of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhong Jiateng , Wang Haijun , Yu Jian , Zhang Jinghang , Wang Hui
Published: July 2017

Forkhead box L1 (FOXL1) is a member of the Forkhead box (FOX) superfamily and was reported to be dysregulated in various types of cancers. However, its expression pattern and underlying cellular function in breast cancer remain largely unexplored. Thus, the aim of this study was to
detect FOXL1 expression in breast cancer and to analyze its role in the progression of breast cancer. Our results demonstrated that FOXL1 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels was downregulated in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Ectopic FOXL1 suppressed breast cancer cell proliferation,
migration, and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, overexpression of FOXL1 significantly attenuated tumor growth in breast xenograft models in vivo. Finally, overexpression of FOXL1 significantly downregulated the protein expression levels of β-catenin, c-Myc, and cyclin D1 in MDA-MB-231
cells. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that FOXL1 inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of breast cancer in vitro and breast tumor growth in vivo through deactivating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Thus, these findings suggest that FOXL1 may be a potential
novel target for breast cancer therapy.
Histone Acetyltransferase 1 Promotes Cell Proliferation and Induces Cisplatin Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Jin Xin , Tian Shenghua , Li Pingping
Published: July 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant diseases in the world. Mutations, overexpression, and improper recruitment of HATs can lead to tumorigenesis. HAT1 is the first histone acetyltransferase identified and is related with developing HCC, but the mechanism
is still unclear. Interestingly, we found that HAT1 was upregulated in HCC patient specimens and showed that its upregulation facilitates HCC cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we demonstrated that HAT1 promoted glycolysis in HCC cells and knockdown of HAT1 sensitized HCC cells to
apoptotic death induced by cisplatin. Our results suggest that HAT1 might act as an oncogenic protein promoting cell proliferation and inducing cisplatin resistance in HCC, and targeting HAT1 represents a viable strategy for effective treatment of advanced HCC.
Morphological Study Of Palmaris Longus Muscle
Authors: Ferreira Arquez Humberto
Published: July 2017

Background: The palmaris longus is one of the most variable muscle in the human body, this variations are important not only for the anatomist but also radiologist, orthopaedic, plastic surgeons, clinicians, therapists. In view of this significance is performed this study with the purpose to determine the morphological variations of palmaris longus muscle.

Methods and Findings: A total of 17 cadavers with different age groups were used for this study. The upper limbs region (34 sides) were dissected carefully and photographed in the Morphology Laboratory at the University of Pamplona. Of the 34 limbs studied, 30 showed normal morphology of the Palmaris longus muscle (PL) (88,2%); PL was absent in 3 subjects (8,85% of all examined forearm). Unilateral absence was found in 1 male subject (2,95% of all examined forearm); bilateral agenesis was found in 2 female subjects (5,9% of all examined forearm). Duplicated PL muscle was found in 1 male subject (2,95 % of all examined forearm). The palmaris longus muscle was innervated by branches of the median nerve .The accessory palmaris longus muscle was supplied by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve.  Palmaris longus muscle is a muscle located in the superficial layer of the anterior compartment of the forearm. It has a small belly arising from the medial epicondyle of the humerus, and its long thin tendon inserts into the palmar aponeurosis in the hand, the muscle has importance in medical clinic, surgery, radiological analysis, in studies about high-performance athletes, in genetics and anthropologic studies.

Conclusions: The anatomical variations of the palmaris longus muscle must be documented of their clinical significance and their potential use in orthopaedic and reconstructive surgery.
Preditive Models And Health Sciences: A Brief Analysis
Authors: Paulino Jair Sales , Gomes Crístenes Sanches Lucena , Gonçalves Júnior Jucier , Rodrigues Micaelle Nayara Dias , Souza Ana Leice Silva , Pimentel João Vitor Cândido , Brito Kelvin Alexandre de Oliveira , Saboia Samuel Flavio Lima , Firmino Paulo Renato Alves
Published: July 2017

Background: Predictive Models are an important tool in event predicting and health planning. Despite this, there are few works focusing this area. Thus, the analysis of the real benefits of these models in Health Sciences is necessary to be performed.

Results: Predictive techniques largely evolved in second half of XX century. The development of AR, MA, ARMA, ARIMA and SARIMA models, through Box-Jenkins methodology, constitute a robust conjunct of mechanisms able to help in solution of epidemiological modeling problems, mainly in Health Sciences, once it allows to evaluate individual characteristics of living beings and its correlation with pathologies in the same space-time. Nevertheless, AR, MA and ARMA does not have tendency in seasonality, which weakens the analysis.

Conclusions: To predict the natural history of endemic/epidemic and its health-disease processes in a determined population is a sine que non condition to its adequate management in Public Health context and in adoption of affirmative measures concerning health promotion. Thus, the predictive models, with emphasis in ARIMA, SARIMA, Artificial Neural Networks and Formalism of Copulas are alternatives that can be feasible.
Bacteremia in female Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case-control study
Authors: Chen Fangru , Hao Fei , Chen Qiquan , Qian Tian , Chen Yan , Wang Huan , Zhai Zhifang
Published: July 2017

Introduction: Bacteremia is a common complication in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, causing high morbidity and mortality. We investigated characteristics, pathogens, and sites of infection using a cohort of 64 female adults from a single university hospital in China.

Methodology: SLE patients who had at least one episode of bacteremia (n = 16) were compared with non-bacteremia SLE patients (n = 48) in a case-control fashion, matching for age at SLE diagnosis and time of admission. Demographic characteristics, clinical and laboratory data, and bacteriologic examinations were collected and reviewed.

Results: A series of parameters were found to be significantly different between controls and cases at bacteremia diagnosis, including an SLE disease activity index, multiple major organ involvement (> 2), active renal disease, leukocytes, neutrophils, 24-hour urine protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, hemoglobin, lymphocyte, platelets, and albumin. Eighteen episodes of bacteremia were analyzed, with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus being the most frequent isolates. Additionally, Listeria monocytogenes, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and Salmonella choleraesuis, which were very rare in the general population, were isolated from the bloodstreams of the cases. Apart from bacteremia without focus, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, skin, and soft tissue were the major origins of infection.

Conclusions: The present study depicts the nature of a cohort of female Chinese SLE patients with bacteremia, revealing that bacteremia is a critical factor contributing to the aggravation of SLE. Our findings provide useful information regarding the control and prevention of bacteremia in female SLE patients in China.
Using the knowledge translation framework to change practical care of central catheters in a Brazilian neonatal unit
Authors: Ramos Ferreira Curan Gabriela , Giovanini Rossetto Edilaine , Corrêa Castral Thaíla
Published: July 2017

Introduction: The use of central catheters in intensive care is essential, but exposes the patient to the risk of a bloodstream infection. Although there is evidence to improve the care for these patients, there is a gap between knowledge and healthcare practices. This study was designed to describe the bundle implementation for central catheters in light of the knowledge translation (KT) conceptual framework in a neonatal unit and assess its impact on care practices with catheters.

Methodology: A time-series quasi-experimental study design was conducted in a Brazilian neonatal unit, through 289 non-participant observations of professional practices before and after the implementation of the bundles.

Results: The deployment of two bundles was guided through the steps of a careful selection of adopting KT evidence and context-related and investment factors in the facilitation process. The implementation of the bundles was planned by a group manager, mediated by a facilitator, and guided by targets established by professionals. The biggest impact was on the maintenance of catheters; seven of eleven practices improved significantly (p < 0.01). The insertion of catheters showed lesser impact of change, with high adequacy ratios before implementation, but also presented satisfactory adherence to recommendations.

Conclusions: This is the first Brazilian study using the KT conceptual framework to develop, implement, and evaluate the impact of central line bundles in a neonatal care environment, detailing the implementation process. It highlights the importance of accountability and staff involvement in all stages of the study.
Immune response to hepatitis B vaccine among north Iranian healthcare workers and its related factors
Authors: Joukar Farahnaz , Mansour-Ghanaei Fariborz , Naghipour Mohammad Reza , Asgharnezhad Mehrnaz
Published: July 2017

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important occupational risk among healthcare workers (HCWs). Vaccination is the most cost-effective method of preventing and controlling HBV infection. Several factors have been suggested to effect response to the vaccine. The present study aimed to evaluate vaccine response among north Iranian HCWs and to determine the factors influencing vaccine response.

Methodology: Response to the standard three-dose vaccination regimen was evaluated in term of anti-hepatitis B surface antigen level among 1,010 HCWs using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Logistic regression was applied to predict antibody response, with related factors including sex, age, years of working experience, marital status, history of transfusion, smoking, history of needle stick injury, rheumatic disease, steroid use, and elapsed time from vaccination measurement.

Results: Of the 1,010 HCWs, 898 (88.9%) acquired protective levels of antibody (> 10 IU/mL). Compared with those < 30 years of age, HCWs older than 50 years and between 40 and 50 years of age were more likely to have non-protective anti-HBs levels (odds ratio = 4.48; p = 0.001 and odds ratio = 1.85; p = 0.03, respectively).

Conclusions: HBV vaccine efficacy and immune response were satisfactory among north Iranian HCWs. Since it is predicted that anti-HBs levels decrease with aging, testing for anti-HBs titer is desirable for HCWs older than 50 years of age.
HCV related severe cryoglobulinemic vasculitis treated with plasma exchange and rituximab: case report and literature review
Authors: Arandjelovic Snezana , Bonaci-Nikolic Branka , Peric-Popadic Aleksandra , Tomic-Spiric Vesna , Bolpacic Jasna , Raskovic Sanvila , Andrejevic Sladjana
Published: July 2017

Mixed cryoglobulinemia is the most prevalent extrahepatic manifestation of chronic HCV infection. It is usually a benign lymphoproliferative disorder which presents as vasculitis affecting different organs. Although life-threatening cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CryoVas) is rare, it is sometimes the first and possibly lethal complication. Its treatment depends on the severity of vasculitis and can be challenging. High dose of corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents and plasma exchange represent the first-line treatment, which should be followed by antiviral therapy. Rituximab is an effective and safe treatment option. However, the data about its use in life-threatening conditions are scarce. We report the case of a patient with severe, relapsing and life-threatening HCV-related CryoVas  resistant to standard therapy who had had an initial beneficial response to rituximab added to plasma exchange that was later compromised by the development of sepsis. We also review the literature and discuss manifestations and therapy of life-threatening Cryovas with focus on rituximab use.
Occurrence and multilocus genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in pets and zoo animals in Shanghai, China
Authors: Liu Hua , Shen Yujuan , Liu Aiqin , Yin Jianhai , Yuan Zhongying , Jiang Yanyan , Pan Wei , Zhang Yumei , Zhao Wei , Cao Jianping
Published: July 2017

Introduction: High prevalence of Giardia infections occurs in humans and animals, partly because of the increasing numbers of pets. We determined the presence and genotypes of G. duodenalis in pets and zoo animals.

Methodology: A total of 84 specimens were collected from dogs and cats from a pet hospital, and 54 specimens from a zoo, which included deer, tigers, yaks, and others. All the specimens were examined by microscopy and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and subsequent sequencing of glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), beta-giardin (bg), and triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) genes.

Results: Giardia infection was confirmed in 5.95% and 15.48% of animals by microscopy and by PCR, respectively; the detection levels were 13.33% and 26.67% for pets, and 1.85% and 9.26% for zoo animals. Four assemblages were identified: assemblage C in dogs, cats, and a sheep; D in dogs, a wolf, a yak, and a leopard; E in a sheep; and F in a cat and a leopard. PCR gave the highest amplification rate at the gdh locus. Eight, five, and four sequences were novel at the gdh, bg, and tpi loci, respectively. Two tpi sequences of dog-derived assemblage C had 100% homology with amino acid sequences from human-derived isolates.

Conclusions: The molecular characterization of G. duodenalis in pets and zoo animals in China is described. Assemblage D was identified in a yak and a leopard for the first time. Multilocus genotyping analysis identified the same tpi gene sequences of assemblage C in dogs and humans, indicating potential zoonotic transmission.
Clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes of scrub typhus in a rural health care facility on the Thailand-Myanmar border
Authors: Brummaier Tobias , Kittitrakul Chatporn , Choovichian Vorada , Lawpoolsri Saranath , Namaik-larp Chayadol , Wattanagoon Yupaporn
Published: July 2017

Introduction: Scrub typhus is endemic in rural Southeast Asia. The district of Umphang in northwestern Thailand is a prototype environment for this disease. We report the clinical manifestations and outcomes of patients diagnosed with scrub typhus in this area.

Methodology: Patients diagnosed with scrub typhus between 2011 and 2014 were analyzed. Diagnosis was based on clinical symptoms in conjunction with a positive rapid test or a pathognomonic eschar lesion.

Results: A total of 857 patients were included, of which 488 were adults and 369 were children. Most patients (728; 84.9%) were included via a positive serology on rapid test, 86 patients (10.0%) had eschar only, and 43 patients (5.0%) had both sero-confirmation and presence of eschar. The most common symptom was fever (93.8%), followed by headache (48.1%) and cough (33.1%). Eschars were reported in 129 patients, with a significantly higher percentage in children (p < 0.001), and a different anatomical distribution was found when adults and children were compared. Common complications were elevated transaminases, acute kidney injury, and pneumonia. Most patients recovered from the disease.

Conclusions: Scrub typhus in Umphang district is common. Patients can present with a variety of clinical symptoms, regardless of the presence of fever. Standard treatment led to a favorable outcome in most patients.
Characterization of a CC1153 PVL-producing community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from a dog bite wound
Authors: Udo Edet Ekpenyong , Boswihi Samar Saed , Dimitrov Tsonyu Ivanov , Noronha Bobby , Mathew Bindu , Verghese Tina
Published: July 2017

The isolation of a rare community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) strain from an infected dog bite wound is here reported. A 27–year old man presented with a deep open wound on his right hand caused by his dog’s bite at the outpatient clinic of Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Kuwait. A wound swab was obtained for bacteriological culture and susceptibility testing. The wound culture yielded pure heavy growth of an MRSA isolate, designated IDH70, which was susceptible to vancomycin, teicoplanin, erythromycin, clindamycin, trimethoprim, fusidic acid and rifampicin. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of rifampicin and cotrimoxazole twice daily for 10 days. Molecular characterization revealed that IDH70 was positive for genes encoding Panton-Valentine leucocidin. IDH70 also carried the SCCmec V genetic element, belonged to coagulase type XIIIa, spa type t903, and was assigned to clonal complex 1153 and sequence type ST1153 (ST1153-V-t903). The report highlights the increasing burden of CA-MRSA in the community and the risk of its acquisition from bites of companion animals.
Prevalence, resistance, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases among Salmonella from patients in northeast China
Authors: Zhang Zhijie , Wang Xingning , Li Ruihua , Xue Wencheng , Zhai Rubo , Liu Liwen , Liu Yong , Jin Hong
Published: July 2017

Introduction: Salmonella is an important infection in Liaoning Province. Serotype and resistance levels are poorly studied. Knowledge of cephalosporin-resistant genes is needed to provide information to support the clinical diagnosis and to guide therapy.

Methodology: A total of 172 isolates were collected from January 2009 to March 2014. Resistance to cephalosporin, fluoroquinolones, and other conventional first-line antibiotics was detected using the disk diffusion and agar dilution methods. The relatedness of isolates with the same serotype was analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Genes encoding extended-spectrum β-lactamase enzymes (blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaOXA) were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing in cephalosporin-resistant strains.

Results: S. Enteritidis, 1,4,[5],12:i:-, and S .Typhimurium were the most common serotypes. The resistance rate of Salmonella to conventional first-line antibiotics sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and ampicillin was 21%,33%,37%, and 55%,respectively. To fluoroquinolones (gatixacin, levofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin), the resistance rates were 7%,18%, and 23%, respectively, whereas for extended-spectrum cephalosporins(ceftazidime, cefepime, and ceftriaxone), there sistance rates were 4%,8%, and 9%. In total, 14blaCTX-M, 14 blaTEM-1, and 1blaOXA-1 were found in 15 Salmonella isolates resistant to cephalosporin. No blaSHVwas detected. The blaCTX-M-55 gene was the most frequently encountered gene. The blaCTX-M-65 gene from S. Enteritidis is described for first time in Salmonella from humans. Results of PFGE indicated strong similarity among Salmonella isolates in Liaoning Province.

Conclusions: Extended-spectrum cephalosporins are the first choice for the treatment of infection with Salmonella, but blaCTX-M-encoded resistance, including blaCTX-M-65, is present.
“Rheum to Improve”: Quality Improvement in Outpatient Rheumatology
Authors: Chow Shirley L. , Shojania Kaveh G.
Published: July 2017

The commitment to improve care processes and patient outcomes is a professional mandate for clinicians and is also seen as an operational priority for institutions. Quality improvement now figures in the accreditation of training programs, specialty examinations, and hospital scorecards. Rheumatologists have traditionally focused primarily on quality problems such as guideline adherence; however, improvement goals should also include other aspects of care that are helpful to patients and are professionally rewarding for practitioners. This review makes use of improvement projects in outlining tangible tools rheumatologists can use to resolve quality concerns in their practices.
Sex and Gender Interactions in the Lives of Patients with Spondyloarthritis in Spain: A Quantitative-qualitative Study
Authors: Blasco-Blasco Mar , Ruiz-Cantero María Teresa , Juárez-Herrera y Cairo Lucero Aida , Jovaní Vega , Pascual Eliseo
Published: July 2017

Objective.

To illustrate the experiences and contextual support perceived by men and women with spondyloarthritis (SpA) in relation to their demanding productive and reproductive roles.

Methods.

A quantitative-qualitative study of 96 men and 54 women with SpA was conducted at the Alicante University General Hospital, in a Spanish Mediterranean city, from March 2013 to February 2014. Descriptive and qualitative content analyses compared working lives and family/partner relationships of male and female patients.

Results.

Working life: both women (55.6%) and men (51.04%) were similarly affected, but women had worse disease activity (5.4 vs 4.0, p = 0.01) and less antitumor necrosis factor-α therapy (56.7% vs 77.6%, p < 0.05). Different patterns were found by gender: women mostly practiced presenteeism whereas men practiced absenteeism, women took antiinflammatories prior to work and men after work, employers suggested more frequently the beneficial actions for men, and some women withdrew permanently from the labor market. Family/partner relationships: women were more affected (57.4%) than men (41.7%), with worse results for diagnostic delay (11.2 vs 6.4 yrs, p = 0.02), disease activity (5.8 vs 3.6, p < 0.001), and physical function (5.2 vs 3.8, p = 0.02). Gender role conflicts emerged, with women developing strategies to face compulsory housework whereas men avoided them; women regretted neglecting their children and men not sharing leisure activities with them.

Conclusion.

Our study highlights the vital complexity in which patients with SpA are immersed, especially for women in a country where a mix of new and traditional gender roles coexist. Awareness of its existence is crucial when professionals strive to provide healthcare focused on their well-being in addition to medical therapy.
Finite Element Analysis on the Overload and Short Circuit Ampacities of Kevlar Armored Subsea Power Cable
Authors: Vedachalam Narayanaswamy , Umapathy Arunachalam , Ramadass Gidugu Ananda
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis paper presents the finite element electrothermal analysis done on an industry standard Kevlar armored subsea power cable to determine the cable overload and short circuit ampacities up to 256 times the continuous current rating. It is identified that the subsea
cable could withstand 1.5 times and 256 times the rated current for a period of 17 min and 4.8 ms, respectively. The ampacity correction factors for operation in the water medium for a range of temperature and water flow velocities are also identified. The results presented in the form of
equations shall serve as a guideline for determining the overload and short circuit protection settings of subsea power cables of similar construction.
Analysis of Ammonium in Seawater by Ion Chromatography With Single-Pump Column Switching
Authors: Chen Meilan , Yu Jiasheng , Ye Mingli , Guo Weiqiang
Published: July 2017

AbstractAn ion chromatograph single-pump column-switching system was developed for the determination of ammonium in high salt matrices. The simple system included a pump, a suppressor, two valves, two columns, a single eluent, and a conductivity detector. Using this method,
both online collection and matrix elimination were achieved. Ammonium was eluted from the acceptor loop to the analytical column circularly. Under the optimized separation conditions, the method showed good linearity (r = 0.9997) in the range of 0.05‐2.0 mg/L and satisfactory
repeatability (RSD < 4%, n = 6). The limit of detection was 4 μg/L (S/N = 3) with 25 μl injection. The utilization of the method was demonstrated by the analysis of seawater, with satisfactory spiked recoveries of ammonium between 98.8% and 108.7%. The result showed that the
single-pump column-switching system was convenient and practical for the determination of low-level ammonium in high-salinity samples.
An Active Node Switching Method Based on Discrete-Voltage Intervention for Seafloor Observation Network
Authors: Zhang Zhifeng , Chen Yanhu , Li Dejun , Jin Bo , Yan Canjun , Xu Feifei
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe cabled seafloor observation network, which provides abundant power and broad bandwidth to seafloor scientific packages, has become one of the most efficient ocean exploration methods because of its long-term, real-time, and sustained presence. However, node failure
or maintenance may shut down the system until the situation is cleared. An active node switching method based on discrete-voltage intervention is proposed to establish a reliable and robust underwater electrical network that allows the system to operate partially amid node failure or maintenance.
This method switches a specific node on/off from the network whenever necessary. The main structure and operating mechanism of this switching method are presented in this paper. A prototype was established, and several tests were performed in a laboratory to validate its feasibility and reliability.
The prototype was then integrated into a pool-testing underwater network that included a 50-km electrical/optical submarine cable between the base station and the junction box. The test results demonstrated that the active node-switching method can efficiently and reliably fix node failure
emergency situations for cabled ocean networks.
Intensively Stacked Placement Models of Artificial Reef Sets Characterized by Wake and Upwelling Regions
Authors: Kim Dongha , Woo Jinho , Na Won-Bae
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe wake and upwelling regions of artificial reefs (ARs), and sets, groups, and complexes thereof, are critical factors in engineering AR design and estimating fishing grounds, which are often facilitated by ARs. This study proposes six AR set placement models, constructed
based on previous field observations, to characterize their wake and upwelling regions quantitatively through an element-based finite-volume method. These AR sets are hexahedral (Hexa), rectangular (Rect), pyramidal (Pyra), trigonal (Tri), tetragonal (Tetra), and pentagonal (Pent) sets, and
their usable volumes are all fixed at 800 m3 (the minimum requirement of South Korean AR provision) in the flow analysis models. The analyses showed that Rect and Hexa provide the largest wake volumes of 496 and 352 m3, respectively, while Rect and Tetra provide the largest
upwelling volumes of 13,106 and 6,116 m3, respectively. Finally, the maximum reductions in the wake and upwelling regions due to uniform settlement of 20%, which is equivalent to a usable volume loss of 160 m3, were 67% and 35%, respectively. Thus, wake regions are more
sensitive to usable volume loss than upwelling regions.
Mundo desencantado: o ethos pós-religioso do homem contemporâneo à luz do pensamento de Marcel Gauchet
Authors: Campos Fabiano Victor
Published: July 2017

Este artigo analisa o sentido da expressão “desencantamento do mundo” no pensamento do filósofo francês Marcel Gauchet. Para tal, busca mostrar que, por meio da tese de uma saída da religião, Gauchet apresenta o desenvolvimento histórico da religião em três etapas distintas, porém sucessivas e interligadas entre si, a saber: a religião do passado enquanto configuradora da experiência originária da heteronomia na sua forma mais absoluta, própria das sociedades ditas primitivas ou sem escrita; o momento histórico de saída da religião enquanto evento de absoluta transição da hegemonia heteronômica à hegemonia da autonomia; e, enfim, a etapa atual enquanto momento “pós-religião”, no qual se assiste a uma metamorfose da religião em crença pessoal e, assim, a uma transformação da figura do Além ou suprassensível, o que acarreta, por sua vez, diferentes concepções e figuras da transcendência no mundo contemporâneo. Ao percorrer o pensamento gauchetiano em seu arco histórico-analítico, o artigo mostra de que maneira o pensador francês reflete sobre as condições de possibilidade do religioso e da religiosidade nos tempos atuais.
Um huguenote e um católico e a questão da (in)dissolubilidade do matrimônio em Luanda, no século XVII (A Gloriosa Família, de Pepetela (1997)).
Authors: Rocha Denise
Published: July 2017

O objetivo do estudo é evocar no romance A Gloriosa Família, do angolano Pepetela (1997), a dimensão internacional de um confronto religioso entre a nobreza católica, liderada pelos Guise, e a burguesia calvinista, apoiada pelos Bourbon, que culminou no massacre dos huguenotes, protestantes franceses, na noite de São Bartolomeu (1572), em Paris, e desencadeou a fuga dos sobreviventes para a Holanda e outros países. No “novo romance histórico”, que mostra a trajetória da família mestiça Van Dum, nos anos da ocupação de Luanda pelos holandeses (1641 a 1648), em acirrada competição com os portugueses pelos escravos para as plantações de cana-de-açúcar do Brasil, desenrola-se um conflito de fé e dogma entre um huguenote e um católico sobre o casamento: Jean Du Plessis e seu sogro Baltazar Van Dum. O oficial de ascendência francesa, nascido na Niederlande, aportou em Luanda (1641), como membro do exército conquistador e se casou com Matilde que cometeu adultério. Diante dessa tragédia familiar, o marido optou pela ruptura do casamento, que não tem caráter sacramental, segundo a tradição calvinista, e abalou o alicerce católico da ideologia da não dissolução matrimonial.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer e a teologia pública no Brasil
Authors: Leal Jair Souza
Published: July 2017

Book Review: 

CALDAS, Carlos. Dietrich Bonhoeffer e a teologia pública no Brasil. São Paulo: Garimpo Editorial, 2016. 221 p.

ISBN 978-85-62877-76-6 
Macroalgal fouling communities as indicators of environmental change: potential applications for water quality monitoring
Authors: Farrugia Drakard Veronica , Lanfranco Sandro , Schembri Patrick J.
Published: July 2017

Macroalgal fouling communities are potentially useful as bioindicators in environmental monitoring as they are considered to be sensitive to changes in environmental conditions and the use of artificial substrata facilitates the implementation of standardized sampling strategies. The response of macroalgal fouling communities on buoys to changes in water quality was investigated with a view to the possible utilization of these assemblages in environmental monitoring programmes. Seven study sites were selected based on previously collected environmental data and Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was used to order sites according to beam attenuation coefficient (BAC) and concentration of dissolved nitrates and phosphates, relative to a minimally impacted reference site. At each site, all fouling macroalgae were collected from 10 buoys of standard shape and size, and were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Species composition and species dominance were highly variable among impacted sites, indicating that qualitative aspects of community structure may not be useful as indicators of changes in water quality. However, higher levels of nutrient enrichment and turbidity were associated with lower macroalgal species richness, lower overall abundances, and decreased diversities, and therefore these quantitative aspects of community structure are potentially useful as indicators of environmental change. Intermediate levels of turbidity and nutrient enrichment were associated with lower evenness, but did not influence species richness, suggesting that macroalgal abundances respond to changes in environmental conditions before species replacement occurs.
A systematic review and meta-analysis on the incubation period of Campylobacteriosis
Authors: AWOFISAYO-OKUYELU A. , HALL I. , ADAK G. , HAWKER J.I. , ABBOTT S. , McCARTHY N.
Published: July 2017

Accurate knowledge of pathogen incubation period is essential to inform public health policies and implement interventions that contribute to the reduction of burden of disease. The incubation period distribution of campylobacteriosis is currently unknown with several sources reporting different times. Variation in the distribution could be expected due to host, transmission vehicle, and organism characteristics, however, the extent of this variation and influencing factors are unclear. The authors have undertaken a systematic review of published literature of outbreak studies with well-defined point source exposures and human experimental studies to estimate the distribution of incubation period and also identify and explain the variation in the distribution between studies. We tested for heterogeneity using I2 and Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests, regressed incubation period against possible explanatory factors, and used hierarchical clustering analysis to define subgroups of studies without evidence of heterogeneity. The mean incubation period of subgroups ranged from 2·5 to 4·3 days. We observed variation in the distribution of incubation period between studies that was not due to chance. A significant association between the mean incubation period and age distribution was observed with outbreaks involving only children reporting an incubation of 1·29 days longer when compared with outbreaks involving other age groups.
Attitudes of palliative care clinical staff toward prolonged grief disorder diagnosis and grief interventions
Authors: Davis Esther L. , Deane Frank P. , Barclay Gregory D. , Bourne Joan , Connolly Vivienne
Published: July 2017

Objective:

The provision of psychological support to caregivers is an important part of the role of the clinical staff working in palliative care. Staff knowledge and attitudes may determine their openness to referring caregivers to a psychological intervention. We recently developed a self-help intervention for grief and psychological distress among caregivers and were interested in exploring the extent to which staff knowledge and attitudes might affect future implementation. The aims of our study were to: (1) examine the acceptability of self-help psychological intervention for caregivers among palliative care clinical staff; (2) examine potential attitudinal barriers toward prolonged grief disorder (PGD) as a diagnosis and interventions for grief; and (3) bolster staff confidence in skills and knowledge in identifying and managing caregiver psychological distress.

Method:

An anonymous survey was distributed among clinical staff at two inpatient units and two community health services that assessed the acceptability of self-help interventions for caregivers, attitudes about PGD diagnosis and grief intervention, and staff confidence in skills and knowledge in assessing caregiver psychological distress.

Results:

Overall, clinical staff were positively oriented toward self-help for caregivers and intervention for grief. They were also basically confident in their skills and knowledge. While it was positive PGD attitudes that were associated with acceptability of self-help for caregivers, it was both positive and negative PGD attitudes that were associated more specifically with a willingness to refer caregivers to such an intervention.

Significance of results:

Our findings are useful in highlighting the issues to be considered in the implementation of a self-help intervention within the healthcare service. Clinical staff seemed positively oriented toward engaging with a psychological intervention for caregivers and likely to act as key allies in implementation.