bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
East Antarctic sea ice in spring: spectral albedo of snow, nilas, frost flowers and slush, and light-absorbing impurities in snow
Authors: Zatko Maria C. , Warren Stephen G.
Published: July 2014

Spectral albedos of open water, nilas, nilas with frost flowers, slush, and first-year ice with both thin and thick snow cover were measured in the East Antarctic sea-ice zone during the Sea Ice Physics and Ecosystems eXperiment II (SIPEX II) from September to November 2012, near 65°S, 120°E. Albedo was measured across the ultraviolet (UV), visible and near-infrared (nIR) wavelengths, augmenting a dataset from prior Antarctic expeditions with spectral coverage extended to longer wavelengths, and with measurement of slush and frost flowers, which had not been encountered on the prior expeditions. At visible and UV wavelengths, the albedo depends on the thickness of snow or ice; in the nIR the albedo is determined by the specific surface area. The growth of frost flowers causes the nilas albedo to increase by 0.2–0.3 in the UV and visible wavelengths. The spectral albedos are integrated over wavelength to obtain broadband albedos for wavelength bands commonly used in climate models. The albedo spectrum for deep snow on first-year sea ice shows no evidence of light-absorbing particulate impurities (LAI), such as black carbon (BC) or organics, which is consistent with the extremely small quantities of LAI found by filtering snow meltwater. Estimated BC mixing ratios were in the range 0.1–0.5 ng of carbon per gram of snow.
Assimilating summer sea-ice concentration into a coupled ice–ocean model using a LSEIK filter
Authors: Yang Qinghua , Losa Svetlana N. , Losch Martin , Liu Jiping , Zhang Zhanhai , Nerger Lars , Yang Hu
Published: July 2014

The decrease in summer sea-ice extent in the Arctic Ocean opens shipping routes and creates potential for many marine operations. For these activities accurate predictions of sea-ice conditions are required to maintain marine safety. In an attempt at Arctic sea-ice prediction, the summer of 2010 is selected to implement an Arctic sea-ice data assimilation (DA) study. The DA system is based on a regional Arctic configuration of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology general circulation model (MITgcm) and a local singular evolutive interpolated Kalman (LSEIK) filter to assimilate Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS) sea-ice concentration operational products from the US National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). Based on comparisons with both the assimilated NSIDC SSMIS concentration and concentration data from the Ocean and Sea Ice Satellite Application Facility, the forecasted sea-ice edge and concentration improve upon simulations without data assimilation. By the nature of the assimilation algorithm with multivariate covariance between ice concentration and thickness, sea-ice thickness fields are also updated, and the evaluation with in situ observation shows some improvement compared to the forecast without data assimilation.
Epidemic Treat of Emerging Respiratory Viruses: Bangladesh Perspective
Authors: Islam Md. Rafiqul , Nahar Khairun
Published: July 2014

No AbstractDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v11i1.19393
Assembly Mechanisms of Specialized Core Particles of the Proteasome
Authors: Bai Minghui , Zhao Xian , Sahara Kazutaka , Ohte Yuki , Hirano Yuko , Kaneko Takeumi , Yashiroda Hideki , Murata Shigeo
Published: July 2014

The 26S proteasome has a highly complicated structure comprising the 20S core particle (CP) and the 19S regulatory particle (RP). Along with the standard CP in all eukaryotes, vertebrates have two more subtypes of CP called the immunoproteasome and the thymoproteasome. The immunoproteasome has catalytic subunits β1i, β2i, and β5i replacing β1, β2, and β5 and enhances production of major histocompatibility complex I ligands. The thymoproteasome contains thymus-specific subunit β5t in place of β5 or β5i and plays a pivotal role in positive selection of CD8+ T cells. Here we investigate the assembly pathways of the specialized CPs and show that β1i and β2i are incorporated ahead of all the other β-subunits and that both β5i and β5t can be incorporated immediately after the assembly of β3 in the absence of β4, distinct from the assembly of the standard CP in which β-subunits are incorporated in the order of β2, β3, β4, β5, β6, β1, and β7. The propeptide of β5t is a key factor for this earlier incorporation, whereas the body sequence seems to be important for the earlier incorporation of β5i. This unique feature of β5t and β5i may account for preferential assembly of the immunoproteasome and the thymoproteasome over the standard type even when both the standard and specialized subunits are co-expressed.
Advances in the Growth and Characterization of Relaxor-PT-Based Ferroelectric Single Crystals
Authors: Luo Jun , Zhang Shujun
Published: July 2014

Compared to Pb(Zr1−xTix)O3 (PZT) polycrystalline ceramics, relaxor-PT single crystals offer significantly improved performance with extremely high electromechanical coupling and piezoelectric coefficients, making them promising materials for piezoelectric transducers, sensors and actuators. The recent advances in crystal growth and characterization of relaxor-PT-based ferroelectric single crystals are reviewed in this paper with emphases on the following topics: (1) the large crystal growth of binary and ternary relaxor-PT-based ferroelectric crystals for commercialization; (2) the composition segregation in the crystals grown from such a solid-solution system and possible solutions to reduce it; (3) the crystal growth from new binary and ternary compositions to expand the operating temperature and electric field; (4) the crystallographic orientation dependence and anisotropic behaviors of relaxor-PT-based ferroelectriccrystals; and (5) the characterization of the dielectric, elastic and piezoelectric properties of the relaxor-PT-based ferroelectriccrystals under small and large electric fields.
A Low Latency Electrocardiographic QRS Activity Recovery Technique for Use on the Upper Left Arm
Authors: Lynn William , Escalona Omar , McEneaney David
Published: July 2014

Empirical mode decomposition is used as a low latency method of recovering the cardiac ventricular activity QRS biopotential signals recorded from the upper arm. The recovery technique is tested and compared with the industry accepted technique of signal averaging using a database of “normal” rhythm traces from bipolar ECG leads along the left arm, recorded from patient volunteers at a cardiology day procedure clinic. The same partial recomposition technique is applied to recordings taken using an innovative dry electrode technology supplied by Plessey Semiconductors. In each case, signal to noise ratio (SNR) is used as a metric for comparison.
Heavy Metal Contamination Assessment and Partition for Industrial and Mining Gathering Areas
Authors: Guan Yang , Shao Chaofeng , Ju Meiting
Published: July 2014

Industrial and mining activities have been recognized as the major sources of soil heavy metal contamination. This study introduced an improved Nemerow index method based on the Nemerow and geo-accumulation index. Taking a typical industrial and mining gathering area in Tianjin (China) as example, this study then analyzed the contamination sources as well as the ecological and integrated risks. The spatial distribution of the contamination level and ecological risk were determined using Geographic Information Systems. The results are as follows: (1) Zinc showed the highest contaminant level in the study area; the contamination levels of the other seven heavy metals assessed were relatively lower. (2) The combustion of fossil fuels and emissions from industrial and mining activities were the main sources of contamination in the study area. (3) The overall contamination level of heavy metals in the study area ranged from heavily contaminated to extremely contaminated and showed an uneven distribution. (4) The potential ecological risk showed an uneven distribution, and the overall ecological risk level ranged from low to moderate. This study also emphasized the importance of partition in industrial and mining areas, the extensive application of spatial analysis methods, and the consideration of human health risks in future studies.
Determination of Suitable Areas for the Generation of Wind Energy in Germany: Potential Areas of the Present and Future
Authors: Blankenhorn Valerie , Resch Bernd
Published: July 2014

Shortly after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, the Federal Government of Germany decided to change the structure of the country’s energy supply system by ending nuclear energy conversion and strongly promoting the development of renewable energies. In order to politically set the course for sustainable energy supply in this time of transition, it is important to analyze the factors influencing the future development of renewable energies. This work contributes to this purpose in the field of onshore wind electricity generation by displaying the temporal development of areas suitable for wind energy use. The availability of such areas is crucial to the extension of sites for wind energy plants. In our approach, the current potential area is determined by excluding areas unsuitable for this kind of electricity generation. For the determination of potential areas of the future, assumptions are made based on the expansion of settlement and traffic areas, and the occupation of protection areas. According to various scenarios, a decline of potential areas between 3% and 8% between 2011 and 2030 is indicated.
Moving Vehicle Information Extraction from Single-Pass WorldView-2 Imagery Based on ERGAS-SNS Analysis
Authors: Gao Feng , Li Bo , Xu Qizhi , Zhong Chen
Published: July 2014

Due to the fact that WorldView-2 (WV2) has a small time lag while acquiring images from panchromatic (PAN) and two multispectral (MS1 and MS2) sensors, a moving vehicle is located at different positions in three image bands. Consequently, such displacement can be utilized to identify moving vehicles, and vehicle information, such as speed and direction can be estimated. In this paper, we focus on moving vehicle detection according to the displacement information and present a novel processing chain. The vehicle locations are extracted by an improved morphological detector based on the vehicle’s shape properties. To make better use of the time lag between MS1 and MS2, a band selection process is performed by both visual inspection and quantitative analysis. Moreover, three spectral-neighbor band pairs, which have a major contribution to vehicle identification, are selected. In addition, we improve the spatial and spectral analysis method by incorporating local ERGAS index analysis (ERGAS-SNS) to identify moving vehicles. The experimental results on WV2 images showed that the correctness, completeness and quality rates of the proposed method were about 94%, 91% and 86%, respectively. Thus, the proposed method has good performance for moving vehicle detection and information extraction.
Robustness of Acoustic Scattering Cancellation to Parameter Variations
Authors: Guattari Claudia , Gori Paola , De Lieto Vollaro Roberto , Evangelisti Luca , Battista Gabriele , Basilicata Carmine , Toscano Alessandro , Bilotti Filiberto
Published: July 2014

This contribution aims at investigating the possibility to cloak a spherical object from an acoustic wave by applying the scattering cancellation approach. In electromagnetism, the scattering problem is treated using the Mie expansion technique, through which the scattered field by a spherical object can be represented as a superposition of TE and TM spherical harmonics. It is possible to extend this concept to the acoustic field by defining an analogous approach; the pressure field, generated by an elastic wave impinging on a spherical object, can be expressed applying the Mie expansion technique, as well. In acoustics, to achieve scattering suppression at a given frequency, the constitutive parameters to control are density and compressibility. By varying these parameter values, it is possible to define an engineered material with anomalous properties, which cannot be found in nature, able to reduce the scattering cross-section (SCS) from a spherical object. We propose a study about the effectiveness of the SCS reduction from an elastic sphere coated with a properly-designed acoustic metamaterial. The sensitivity of the SCS to parameter variations is analyzed for different coating thicknesses and sphere dimensions. Our analysis is supported by both the analytical modelling of the structure and numerical simulations.
Toxicity of Parasporin-4 and Health Effects of Pro-parasporin-4 Diet in Mice
Authors: Okumura Shiro , Koga Hironori , Inouye Kuniyo , Mizuki Eiichi
Published: July 2014

Parasporin-4 (PS4) is an aerolysin-type β-pore-forming toxin produced by Bacillus thuringiensis strain A1470. It exhibits specific cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines; therefore, it is expected to be useful for the diagnosis and treatment of particular types of cancer cells. We examined the acute toxicity of PS4 on ICR mice. The LD50 value was 160 μg/kg by a subcutaneous route. Potassium, ammonium, magnesium ion, creatinine, and urea nitrogen decreased in urine by the injection of PS4. Simultaneously, creatinine and urea nitrogen in mice serum increased. These results imply that PS4 impairs kidney function in mice. PS4 is obtained from Pro-parasporin-4 (ProPS4) by processing, and ProPS4 is produced by recombinant Escherichia coli as the inclusion body. The inclusion body of ProPS4 can be solubilized in a weak acid solution and activated by pepsin, implying that it would be solubilized and activated in the stomach of mammals after oral administration. Thus, the influence of the oral administration of it by C57BL/6J mice was examined. Although ProPS4 was activated to PS4 in the mouse digestive tract, any serious health hazard was not observed and there was no significant difference in body weight change.
Soil Conservation in the arid regions of north-west India. An ecological perspective.
Authors: Gupta Raj Kumar
Published: July 2014

The problem of soil erosion in the arid regions of north west India is of human ecology connected with the socio-economic and ecological conditions of the habitat and the inhabitants, have been suggested in order to check soil erosion in the tract which renders a sizable fertile area into barren wasteland every year. The main causes of erosion in this area are wind, indiscriminate exploitation of natural vegetation by the nomadic population, excessive grazing by relatively larger number of population of animals as compared to the available resources, poor range management practices, increasing demand for agriculture land and destruction of vegetation for fuel and other requirements.
Clinical Immunosuppressants Inhibit Inflammatory, Proliferative, and Reprogramming Potential, But not Angiogenesis of Human Pancreatic Duct Cells
Authors: Ding Lei , Heremans Yves , Pipeleers Daniel , Ling Zhidong , Heimberg Harry , Gysemans Conny , Mathieu Chantal
Published: July 2014

The presence of pancreatic duct cells in clinical islet grafts may affect long-term metabolic success. Human pancreatic duct cells express factors that may exert both protective and damaging effects on islet cells in the graft. Here we studied the potential of commonly used immunosuppressive drugs in islet transplantation—sirolimus, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)—to influence the inflammatory and angiogenic capacity of human pancreatic duct cells in addition to their proliferation and reprogramming abilities. Our data show that the expression of specific proinflammatory cytokines by the human pancreatic duct cells was either unaltered or inhibited by the immunosuppressants studied, especially tacrolimus and MMF, whereas expression of chemotactic and angiogenic factors was unaffected. Although none of the immunosuppressants directly led to duct cell death, MMF prevented duct cell proliferation, and sirolimus inhibited neurogenin 3-mediated duct-to-(neuro)endocrine cell reprogramming. Our data indicate that the immunosuppressant tacrolimus was the least aggressive on the angiogenic, proliferative, and reprogramming potential of human pancreatic duct cells, while it was most powerful in inhibiting inflammatory cytokines, which may influence the outcome of islet transplantation.
Effect of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection on Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Retrospective Study in South Africans
Authors: Tarr Gareth , Makda Mohamed , Musenge Eustasius , Tikly Mohammed
Published: July 2014

Objective.

To determine the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

A retrospective records review of patients who contracted HIV infection subsequent to RA diagnosis (HIV group), compared to an HIV-negative group of patients with RA (control group), for 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) scores at initial presentation (T0) and last clinic visit (TL), and at diagnosis of HIV infection (TH) in the HIV group.

Results.

Of 1712 patients with RA, 85 were HIV-positive (4.9%), 43 of them contracting HIV subsequent to RA diagnosis. The mean (SD) age, RA disease duration, and duration following diagnosis of HIV were 47.1 (10.1), 10.5 (8.4), and 2.9 (2.0) years, respectively, for the HIV group. Both the HIV and control groups showed similar improvement in joint counts and C-reactive protein (CRP) at visit TL, in spite of methotrexate (MTX) being withdrawn in most patients in the HIV group by visit TL (11.6% in the HIV group were still taking MTX vs 83.7% in the control group, p = 0.0002), but a minority (13.9%) had ongoing moderate to high disease activity at visit TL. In the HIV group, the mean DAS28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and DAS28-CRP scores were similar at baseline, but at visits TH and TL the mean DAS28-ESR scores were significantly higher than the mean DAS28-CRP scores (31% and 31.8%, p < 0.0005 and p < 0.004, respectively), mainly resulting from ESR increase following HIV seroconversion.

Conclusion.

Disease activity improved in most patients in the HIV group in spite of stopping the MTX as the “anchor drug.” The DAS28-ESR overestimates disease activity compared to the DAS28-CRP in the setting of HIV infection.
Are Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Discernible from Other Early Arthritis Patients Using 1.5T Extremity Magnetic Resonance Imaging? A Large Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Stomp Wouter , Krabben Annemarie , van der Heijde Désirée , Huizinga Tom W.J. , Bloem Johan L. , van der Helm-van Mil Annette H.M. , Reijnierse Monique
Published: July 2014

Objective.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) research. A European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) task force recently suggested that MRI can improve the certainty of RA diagnosis. Because this recommendation may reflect a tendency to use MRI in daily practice, thorough studies on the value of MRI are required. Thus far no large studies have evaluated the accuracy of MRI to differentiate early RA from other patients with early arthritis. We performed a large cross-sectional study to determine whether patients who are clinically classified with RA differ in MRI features compared to patients with other diagnoses.

Methods.

In our study, 179 patients presenting with early arthritis (median symptom duration 15.4 weeks) underwent 1.5T extremity MRI of unilateral wrist, metacarpophalangeal, and metatarsophalangeal joints according to our arthritis protocol, the foot without contrast. Images were scored according to OMERACT Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring (RAMRIS) by 2 independent readers. Tenosynovitis was also assessed. The main outcome was fulfilling the 1987 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for RA. Test characteristics and areas under the receiver-operator-characteristic curves (AUC) were evaluated. In subanalyses, the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria were used as outcome, and analyses were stratified for anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA).

Results.

The ACR 1987 criteria were fulfilled in 43 patients (24.0%). Patients with RA had higher scores for synovitis, tenosynovitis, and bone marrow edema (BME) than patients without RA (p < 0.05). ACPA-positive patients had more BME (median scores 6.5 vs. 4.25, p = 0.016) than ACPA-negative patients. For all MRI features, the predictive value for the presence of RA was low (< 50%). For all MRI features the AUC were < 0.70. Patients who fulfilled ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria but not ACR87 criteria for RA had less synovitis than patients who were positive for RA according to both sets of criteria (p = 0.029).

Conclusion.

Although patients with RA had higher scores of MRI inflammation and ACPA-positive patients had more BME, the severity of MRI inflammation assessed according to RAMRIS does not accurately differentiate patients with RA from other early arthritis patients.
Rilonacept for Gout Flare Prevention in Patients Receiving Uric Acid-lowering Therapy: Results of RESURGE, a Phase III, International Safety Study
Authors: Sundy John S. , Schumacher H. Ralph , Kivitz Alan , Weinstein Steven P. , Wu Richard , King-Davis Shirletta , Evans Robert R.
Published: July 2014

Objective.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of once-weekly subcutaneous rilonacept 160 mg for prevention of gout flares in patients initiating or continuing urate-lowering therapy (ULT).

Methods.

This phase III study was conducted in the United States, South Africa, Europe, and Asia. Adults (n = 1315, 18–80 yrs) with gout, who were initiating or continuing ULT, were randomized to treatment with weekly subcutaneous injections of rilonacept 160 mg or placebo for 16 weeks followed by a 4-week safety followup. The primary endpoint was safety, assessed by adverse events (AE) and laboratory values. Efficacy was a secondary endpoint.

Results.

Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between treatments; predominantly male (87.8%), mean age 52.7 ± 11.3 years. Patients with ≥ 1 AE were 66.6% with rilonacept versus 59.1% placebo, with slightly more AE-related withdrawals with rilonacept (4.7% vs 3.0%) because of the greater incidence of injection site reactions (15.2% rilonacept, 3.3% placebo). Serious AE were similar in both groups, as were serious infections (0.9% placebo, 0.5% rilonacept); no tuberculosis or opportunistic infections occurred. Most common AE were headache, arthralgia, injection site erythema, accidental overdose, and pain in extremity. Of the 6 deaths, only 1 in the placebo group was considered treatment-related. At Week 16, rilonacept resulted in 70.3% fewer gout flares per patient (p < 0.0001), fewer patients with ≥ 1 and ≥ 2 gout flares (p < 0.0001), and 64.9% fewer gout flare days (p < 0.0001) relative to placebo.

Conclusion.

Weekly subcutaneous administration of rilonacept 160 mg showed no new safety signals. The safety profile was consistent with previous studies. Rilonacept also significantly reduced the risk of gout flares.Clinicaltrials.govidentifierNCT00856206; EudraCT No. 2008-007784-16.
Effect of Remission Definition on Healthcare Cost Savings Estimates for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Biologic Therapies
Authors: Barnabe Cheryl , Thanh Nguyen Xuan , Ohinmaa Arto , Homik Joanne , Barr Susan G. , Martin Liam , Maksymowych Walter P.
Published: July 2014

Objective.

Sustained remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) results in healthcare utilization cost savings. We evaluated the variation in estimates of savings when different definitions of remission [2011 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism Boolean Definition, Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) ≤ 3.3, Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) ≤ 2.8, and Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28) ≤ 2.6] are applied.

Methods.

The annual mean healthcare service utilization costs were estimated from provincial physician billing claims, outpatient visits, and hospitalizations, with linkage to clinical data from the Alberta Biologics Pharmacosurveillance Program (ABioPharm). Cost savings in patients who had a 1-year continuous period of remission were compared to those who did not, using 4 definitions of remission.

Results.

In 1086 patients, sustained remission rates were 16.1% for DAS28, 8.8% for Boolean, 5.5% for CDAI, and 4.2% for SDAI. The estimated mean annual healthcare cost savings per patient achieving remission (relative to not) were SDAI $1928 (95% CI 592, 3264), DAS28 $1676 (95% CI 987, 2365), and Boolean $1259 (95% CI 417, 2100). The annual savings by CDAI remission per patient were not significant at $423 (95% CI −1757, 2602). For patients in DAS28, Boolean, and SDAI remission, savings were seen both in costs directly related to RA and its comorbidities, and in costs for non-RA-related conditions.

Conclusion.

The magnitude of the healthcare cost savings varies according to the remission definition used in classifying patient disease status. The highest point estimate for cost savings was observed in patients attaining SDAI remission and the least with the CDAI; confidence intervals for these estimates do overlap. Future pharmacoeconomic analyses should employ all response definitions in assessing the influence of treatment.
The Effect of Different Remission Definitions on Identification of Predictors of Both Point and Sustained Remission in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Anti-TNF Therapy
Authors: Barnabe Cheryl , Homik Joanne , Barr Susan G. , Martin Liam , Maksymowych Walter P.
Published: July 2014

Objective.

Predictors of remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been defined in cross-sectional analyses using the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28), but not with newer composite disease activity measures or using the more clinically relevant state of sustained remission. We have evaluated predictors of remission using cross-sectional and longitudinal durations of disease state, and by applying additional definitions of remission [American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism Boolean, Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI)].

Methods.

Individuals in the Alberta Biologics Pharmacosurveillance Program were classified for the presence of remission (point and/or sustained > 1 yr) by each of the 4 definitions. Multivariate models were constructed including all available variables in the dataset and refined to optimize model fit and predictive ability to calculate OR for remission.

Results.

Nonsmoking status independently predicted point remission by all definitions (OR range 1.20–2.71). Minority ethnicity decreased odds of remission by DAS28 (OR 0.13) and CDAI (OR 0.09) definitions. Male sex was associated with DAS28 remission (OR 2.85), whereas higher baseline physician global (OR 0.67) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate values (OR 0.98) decreased odds of DAS28 remission. Higher baseline patient global score (OR 0.77) and swollen joint counts (OR 0.93) were negative predictors for CDAI remission. Higher baseline Health Assessment Questionnaire (OR 0.62) reduced odds for remission by the SDAI definition, and educational attainment increased these odds (OR 2.13). Sustained remission was negatively predicted by baseline physician global for the DAS28 (OR 0.80), and higher tender joint count (OR 0.96) for the CDAI.

Conclusion.

We demonstrate the influence of duration of remission state and remission definition on defining independent predictors for remission in RA requiring anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy. These predictors offer improved applicability for modern rheumatology practice.
Function of N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Takayasu Arteritis Disease Monitoring
Authors: Liu Qing , Dang Aimin , Chen Bingwei , Lv Naqiang , Wang Xu , Zheng Deyu
Published: July 2014

Objective.

Increased levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Inflammation may also affect levels of NT-proBNP. We investigated the relationship of NT-proBNP with inflammation, disease activity, disease severity, and progression of Takayasu arteritis (TA).

Methods.

Plasma levels of NT-proBNP were determined in 68 patients with TA and in 90 control subjects. Disease activity and disease severity in patients with TA were defined according to the National Institutes of Health and Ishikawa’s criteria, respectively.

Results.

NT-proBNP levels were higher in patients with active disease (915.0 ± 328.0 pmol/l) and patients in remission (618.2 ± 243.4 pmol/l) than in controls (427.2 ± 81.4 pmol/l) (p < 0.001). Patients with severe TA showed significantly higher NT-proBNP levels than those with mild-moderate TA (924.0 ± 332.4 pmol/l vs 653.8 ± 269.1 pmol/l; p = 0.001). In patients with longitudinal data, NT-proBNP levels at the active phase were significantly higher than those at the stable phase (944.1 ± 216.7 pmol/l vs 552.1 ± 178.2 pmol/l; p = 0.001). Inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and white blood cell count, were independently associated with NT-proBNP levels after adjustment for other confounding factors (R2adjusted = 0.307, p = 0.001).

Conclusion.

NT-proBNP levels were significantly increased in patients with active TA exhibiting complications. NT-proBNP levels were independently associated with inflammation. These results indicate that NT-proBNP may be a useful marker to assess the status, severity, and progression of TA.
Work Productivity Loss and Fatigue in Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Walsh Jessica A. , McFadden Molly L. , Morgan Michael D. , Sawitzke Allen D. , Duffin Kristina Callis , Krueger Gerald G. , Clegg Daniel O.
Published: July 2014

Objective.

To explore the relationship between fatigue and work productivity loss (WPL) in people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods.

Data were collected from participants in the Utah Psoriasis Initiative Arthritis registry between January 2010 and May 2013. WPL was measured with the 8-item Work Limitations Questionnaire. Fatigue was assessed with question 1 from the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI#1), “How would you describe the overall level of fatigue/tiredness you have experienced?” and with question 1 from the Psoriatic Arthritis Quality of Life Questionnaire (PsAQOL#1) “I feel tired whatever I do.” Psoriatic activity was evaluated with tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), dactylitis count, enthesitis count, inflammatory back pain (IBP), physician global assessment, body surface area, and psoriasis pain and itch.

Results.

Among 107 participants, work productivity was reduced by 6.7%, compared to benchmark employees without limitations. Fatigue was reported by 54 patients (50.5%) on PsAQOL#1, and 64 (60.0%) were classified as high fatigue by BASDAI#1. TJC, SJC, enthesitis count, IBP, and depressed mood were highest or most frequent in participants reporting fatigue. After adjustments for psoriatic activity and depressed mood, WPL was associated with fatigue, as measured by PsAQOL#1 (p = 0.01) and BASDAI#1 (p = 0.002).

Conclusion.

WPL was associated with fatigue, and the association was not entirely explained by the evaluated musculoskeletal, cutaneous, or psychiatric manifestations of PsA.
La pensée « Maginot »
Authors: Boublil Alain
Published: July 2014

La France a peur de la mondialisation alors qu’elle dispose de tous les atouts pour en bénéficier. Pire, certains imaginent que la solution serait l’isolement, le protectionnisme, la dévaluation ou la sortie de l’euro. Ils voient dans les Français qui s’expatrient, quelque en soit le motif, une atteinte aux « forces vives » de la France. C’est le retour de la « pensée Maginot », comme cette « ligne » qui devait nous protéger contre une invasion allemande, qui se révéla inefficace et qui fut la cause de la pire défaite de l’armée française. Le protectionnisme aboutirait à un résultat désastreux : perte d’emplois dans les secteurs exportateurs, hausse des coûts et baisse de la qualité nos propres productions. La sortie de l’euro, provoquerait une remontée des taux d’intérêt et nous obligerait à rembourser notre dette extérieure au prix fort. Quant à nos ingénieurs qui sont présents sur des chantiers de par le monde ou à nos cadres qui exercent des responsabilités dans les plus grandes entreprises mondiales, leur présence à l’étranger ne constitue pas une perte pour notre pays, comme le pensent les nostalgiques de la ligne Maginot, mais une contribution essentielle au rayonnement international de la France.
Inégalités sociales de santé
Authors: Lang Thierry
Published: July 2014

Les inégalités sociales de santé sont fortes et persistent ou s’accroissent. Les dépenses sociales semblent plus liées à la mortalité que les dépenses de santé. Ce résultat souligne le rôle des déterminants sociaux de la santé. Développer l’intersectorialité et agir sur les politiques en dehors du champ de la santé sont des enjeux majeurs. Réduire le gradient des ISS invite à mettre en œuvre un universalisme proportionné, promouvoir les expérimentations, mobiliser l’expertise disponible et co-construire les interventions locales et nationales.
Les inégalités sociales dans le champ des addictions
Authors: Jauffret-Roustide Marie
Published: July 2014

Les enquêtes en population générale montrent que la position sociale, la profession et le niveau d’éducation modèlent les rapports aux produits psychoactifs ; mais, chez les adultes, le genre joue également un rôle majeur, et chez les adolescents la confiance dans l’avenir et l’importance accordée à la réussite scolaire peuvent influer sur les conduites addictives tout autant que les variables sociodémographiques. Les représentations sociales des addictions sont fortement marquées par une imagerie liée à la précarité sociale. Le lien entre inégalités sociales et conduites addictives est complexe et doit être réintégré dans un contexte social et politique plus large afin d’en saisir toutes les significations.
La complémentaire santé : une source d'inégalités face à la santé ?
Authors: Jusot Florence
Published: July 2014

La généralisation de l’accès à la complémentaire santé est vue aujourd’hui comme une condition nécessaire pour accéder aux soins et réduire les inégalités de santé. Le système français a en effet la particularité de laisser une partie du coût de tous les soins à la charge des patients, ce qui rend nécessaire la possession d’un contrat d’assurance complémentaire pour s’assurer contre le risque financier lié à la maladie. De nombreuses inégalités existent pourtant face à l’assurance complémentaire santé en France. Cet article propose un état des lieux des connaissances sur les inégalités face à l’accès à la complémentaire santé et les inégalités dans la qualité des couvertures et dans le coût des contrats, avant de discuter des politiques envisageables pour les réduire.
Les inégalités de santé dans le discours politique (1848-1902)
Authors: Cavé Isabelle
Published: July 2014

Cet article aborde la question des inégalités de santé rencontrées dans les discours législatifs au XIX e siècle. Il est possible d’affirmer que le soulagement de la misère est assuré en premier lieu par la bienfaisance religieuse ou privée. Quand bien même l’État tend à évincer un sujet encombrant, les malheurs sociaux se règlent par la bienfaisance publique dès que la Révolution française organise l’assistance par décret du 11 juillet 1794 relatif à la nationalisation des hôpitaux. Cependant, les secours aux malades indigents sont garantis par l’État à partir de 1849 avec une politique ferme de réorganisation de l’assistance publique, notamment à Paris, pour une prise en charge exemplaire des nécessiteux à l’échelon national. Au-delà d’une action commune sur le terrain, le mouvement hygiéniste permet à plus long terme l’essor d’une véritable politique de santé publique, complémentaire, en appui à la juridiction sanitaire florissante sous la III e  République.
Social Media for Political Change
Authors: Alkhouja Mohamad
Published: July 2014

This chapter discusses the role of social media in the uprisings of the Arab world. It argues that the seemingly democratizing impact of online activism is not due to the inherent nature of social media as a tool for democracy but rather an outcome of the equilibrium of forces that shaped the use of social media platforms by all three main players. Activists, governments, and social media firms formed a triangle of powers that influenced the use of social media during the Arab movements. In a different context, the outcome of such power balance can arguably inhibit citizens' rights and empower governments. To this end, the chapter first explores the use of social media platforms from the perspective of activists, governments, and social media firms, then presents a framework to understand the impact of all three in shaping the use of social media during the uprisings. The chapter then concludes that the projections of the role of social media on other movements in the world must not be made without understanding the underlying complexities and dynamics of these movements.
The Wisconsin Spring
Authors: Jorstad James , Arney Jo , Kuenzi Kerry , Manrique Cecilia G.
Published: July 2014

As a relatively new form of communication and information dissemination, the effect of social media on public awareness and public participation in political events is relatively unknown. Using the events that unfolded surrounding the election of Governor Scott Walker in Wisconsin and the removal of collective bargaining rights of public employees as its main example, this chapter explores the relationship between social media, information dissemination, and collective action.
The India against Corruption Movement
Authors: Gowda M. V. Rajeev , Prakash Purnima
Published: July 2014

Activists demanding the establishment of an anti-corruption watchdog or “Lok Pal,” launched the India Against Corruption (IAC) movement. This chapter documents how IAC's leaders made astute use of mass media and social media to draw India's urban middle classes out onto the streets to protest against corruption in government. IAC succeeded in pressurising the Indian government to involve its activists in an effort to formulate an anti-corruption bill. A section of IAC has since launched the Aam Aadmi (Common Man) party, which has met with initial electoral success.
Stewige skelet van poësie
Authors: Botes Nina
Published: July 2014

No abstract available.
Combination of oral vinorelbine and capecitabine in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer patients previously exposed to anthracyclines
Authors: Hassan Mohammad , Osman Mahmoud M.
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Vinorelbine and capecitabine are both active in breast cancer with moderate toxicity.

DESIGN AND SETTING:

A pilot study conducted from December 2007 to January 2010 in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) to the evaluate efficacy and safety of combination therapy with vinorelbine and capecitabine.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

The study included patients with MBC who were previously treated by anthracyclines either during the adjuvant phase or the metastatic phase. Patients were treated with oral vinorelbine (60 mg/m2) on day 1+8 and capecitabine (1000 mg/m2) twice daily (VC) from day 1 to day 14 with both repeated every 3 weeks until progression, refusal or for a maximum of 8 cycles. A dose reduction was made in case of grade 3 and 4 toxicities.

RESULTS:

Of 31 women (median age, 51 years), 12 cases were first-line therapy and 19 cases were second-line therapy or greater, and 30 were evaluable for response. Two patients (6.4%) achieved complete response and 15 patients (48.4%) had a partial response giving an overall response rate of 54.8% (95% CI, 42%-68%). Time-todisease progression was 7.8 months for patients receiving VC as first-line therapy versus 6 months for patients receiving VC as second-line therapy or more, while median survival time was 22 months and 10 months for the two groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

The oral VC regimen is effective and safe in patients with MBC previously exposed to anthracycclines, and offers a promising alternative to the intravenous route. Its role as a salvage therapy following anthracyccline failure or as first-line chemotherapy requires further study.
Idiopathic hyperammonemia after chemotherapy with vinorelbine, topotecan, and cisplatin in a patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Chen Yu-Hsien , Chiou Tzeon-Jye , Hsu Yen-Ning , Liu Chun-Yu
Published: July 2014

Idiopathic hyperammonemia (IHA) had been reported in some patients with hematological malignancy after receiving intensive chemotherapy, following bone marrow transplantation, or after using 5-fluorouuracil for some solid tumors. The chemotherapeutic agents involved include cytarabine, daunomycin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, amsacrine, etoposide, asparaginase, busulfan, and methotraxate, all used for treating hematological malignancies. No previous reports have described the association between idiopathic hyperammonemia and combined chemotherapy with vinorelbine, topotecan, and cisplatin. We describe a 20-year-old girl with normal liver function and relapsed precursor B-lymphoblastic leukemmia receiving the modified TVTG (topotecan, vinorelbine, thiotepa, dexamethasone, and gemcitabine) protocol to control her disease. We used cisplatin (30 mg/m2/day) to replace thiotepa on day 3 because thiotepa was not available in Taiwan. The patient developed acute idiopathic hyperammonemia after 5 days of chemotherapy and died 9 days after chemotherapy. To our knowledge, this patient is the first repport of the association of hyperammonemia and chemotherapy with vinorelbine, topotecan, and cisplatin in the English literature.
Role of reduced intensity conditioning in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Nishihori Taiga , Kharfan-Dabaja Mohamed A. , Ochoa-Bayona Jose L. , Bazarbachi Ali , Pasquini Marcelo , Alsina Melissa
Published: July 2014

High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation continues to play an integral role in the treatment strategy in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Incorporation of newer potent anti-myeloma agents has further improved outcomes. However, disease relapse or proggression remains a challenge after autologous transplantation. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantattion remains the only potentially curative modality for some patients due in part to graft-versus-myeloma effect. High transplant-related mortality, in the range of 30% to 40%, previously seen with myeloablative conditioning regimens including total body irradiation plus cyclophosphamide has been significantly reduced by introducing less ablative preparative regimens, so called reduced-intensity conditioning. Cumulative evidence suggests encouraging prospects for allogeneic transplantation through improved outcomes of myeloma patients (overall survival exceeding 70% at 2 years in some studies); however, which patient population would benefit most from this treatment remains to be defined. Newer strategies to augment graft-versus-myeloma effect and minimize post transplant toxicities are in need of further improvement in patients with myeloma.
Retinoblastoma in Jordan
Authors: Alnawaiseh Ibrahim , Jaradat Imad , Yousef Yacoub A. , Mehyar Mustafa , Sultan Iyad , Khurma Samer , Al-Rawashded Khalil , Wilson Matt , Qaddoumi Ibrahim , Salem Ahmed
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

The epidemiological characteristics of retinoblastoma have been extensively studied in developed countries, however epidemiological data is scarce in the Middle East. We present a detailed epidemiological analysis of retinoblastoma in Jordan in an attempt to aid national and regional strategies for improved cancer surveillance and control.

DESIGN AND SETTING:

Retrospective review of retinoblastoma cases presenting to the sole and exclusive ocular oncology referral center in Jordan.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Forty children (59 eyes) presenting with clinically and/or histologically confirmed retinoblastomas were treated at King Hussein Cancer Center (Amman, Jordan) between January 2006 and December 2010. This case series included 28 boys and 12 girls. Data relating to age at diagnosis, laterality, gender, treatment modality and survival were recorded.

RESULTS:

The mean age-adjusted incidence of retinoblastoma in Jordan was 9.32 cases per million children per year for children aged 0-5 years. The male: female ratio was 2.3:1. Bilateral cases were encountered in 19 patients (47.5%) while 21 patients (52.5%) harbored unilateral retinoblastoma. At the time of follow-up, 38 patients (95%) were alive. overall, 40 eyes (67.8%) were successfully preserved without the need for enucleation.

CONCLUSIONS:

The national epidemiological data gathered in this study indicates that the incidence of retinoblastoma in Jordan is similar to that reported in various countries of the world. Jordanian boys, however, are at significantly higher risk for developing retinoblastoma than age-matched girls. Furthermore, Jordanian patients are more likely to harbor bilateral retinoblastoma.
Small lymphocytic lymphoma in a patient with CREST syndrome
Authors: William Basem M. , Harbert Tracey , Ganti Apar K. , Bierman Philip J.
Published: July 2014

We report a case of a 61-year-old man with a history of CREST syndrome (calcinosis cutis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia) who presented for evaluation of thrombocytopenia. He had evident cervical adenopathy and lymph node biopsy showed small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) with evident systemic adenopathy and bone marrow involvement. The patient achieved a complete remission with FCR (fludarabine/cyclophosphamide/rituximab) chemotherapy. About 30 cases of lymphomas are reported in the literature in association with systemic sclerosis. To our knowledge, there are no reports of a small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) in association with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis with classic features of the CREST syndrome.
Association of hyperplastic polyposis syndrome, colorectal cancer and meningioma
Authors: Muzaffar Mahvish , Irlam John , Mohamed Iman
Published: July 2014

Recent research has provided compelling evidence that a subset of hyperplastic polyps may be associated with a risk of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer with extracolonic manifestation is usually seen in a hereditary syndrome setting, but some association with meningioma has been reported. The association of colorectal cancer with hyperplastic polyposis and meningioma is extremely rare. This report in a 57-year-old female with no family history of colon cancer or polyps, could be the first case of hyperplastic polyposis syndrome, colorectal cancer and meningioma. Hyperplastic polyposis syndrome was diagnosed as per WHO criteria at the time of colon cancer diagnosis. Within 4 months of colon cancer diagnosis she developed seizures. Imaging of the brain revealed meningioma of the left cerebellopontine angle. The patient underwent surgery followed by chemotherapy.