bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tofacitinib in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: position statement of experts of the Polish Society for Rheumatology
Authors: J. Kucharz Eugeniusz , Stajszczyk Marcin , Kotulska-Kucharz Anna , Batko Bogdan , Brzosko Marek , Jeka Sławomir , Leszczyński Piotr , Majdan Maria , Olesińska Marzena , Samborski Włodzimierz , Wiland Piotr
Published: September 2018

Tofacitinib is a newly approved small-molecule targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug. The drug was designed as a selective and specific inhibitor of pro-inflammatory receptor signalling. Tofacitinib inhibits the process of intracellular signalling from the receptor to the cellular nucleus and inhibits the inflammation process via a new pathway (inhibition of the Janus kinases), which is unavailable to biological medicines.

Tofacitinib has been approved for use in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe active RA. The drug may be used in combination with methotrexate or another conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug or in monotherapy. The efficacy of tofacitinib has been confirmed in several clinical trials. The drug inhibits radiographic progression of the disease. The innovative mechanism of action of tofacitinib is a noteworthy feature because it offers hope of effective treatment for patients who fail to respond to other drugs. The presented article discusses the mechanism of action and the clinical application of tofacitinib. Tofacitinib represents a new group of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs that can be placed on an equal footing with biological drugs already available.
Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of treatment effectiveness with selected biologic treatment in rheumatoid arthritis therapy
Authors: Kowalik Krzysztof , Węgierska Małgorzata , Barczyńska Tacjana , Jeka Sławomir
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Modern treatment of autoimmune diseases is becoming increasingly widely used. We owe it to the continuous and rapid development of biotechnology, molecular biology, immunology, and biochemistry. The proven effectiveness of biological therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) should result in its widespread use. At present, only about 1% of patients with RA have access to biological therapy in Poland.

Material and methods

The study material was retrospectively collected in the Rheumatology and Systemic Tissue Diseases Clinic and Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic in dr Jan Biziel University Hospital No. 2 in Bydgoszcz 2009–2014. Patients were divided into 3 groups: patient receiving infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab.

Results

The study involved analyses of cost effectiveness. The time horizon of patient documentation analysis ranged from the time a patient was enrolled to infliximab, etanercept or adalimumab therapy until remission of the disease. The majority of patients achieved remission in the case of adalimumab treatment (85.29%), followed by etanercept (74.07%), then infliximab (37.21%). Taking into account the DAS28 parameter, analysis was performed using medical costs of the analyzed treatment regimens. For this purpose, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated. According to the analysis, obtaining one DAS28 unit, replacing infliximab with etanercept, would cost PLN 40 964 67. Higher costs would be required in the case of replacement of infliximab with adalimumab – PLN 43 076 08. Obtaining one additional DAS28 unit (in this case, a decrease in DAS28 by one unit) by introducing adalimumab instead of etanercept would amount to PLN 45 409 74.

Conclusions

Undoubtedly, the pharmacoeconomic analysis makes it easier to decide on the appropriate treatment. Therefore, its implementation should be a widely used solution not only for RA, but also for other diseases. Health care and other entities’ systems should also be improved in such a way that the data needed for pharmacoeconomic analysis are fully available.
Interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis: challenges in early diagnosis and management
Authors: Chowaniec Małgorzata , Skoczyńska Marta , Sokolik Renata , Wiland Piotr
Published: September 2018

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of lung diseases characterized by thickening of the interstitium surrounding pulmonary alveolar walls. It is related to specific radiographic features in lung imaging and/or the presence of restrictive disorders in pulmonary function tests (PFTs). ILD is one of the leading causes of death in systemic sclerosis patients. Major risk factors of ILD associated with SSc (SSc-ILD) include male sex, diffuse type of cutaneous SSc and presence of anti-Scl-70 antibodies.

SSc-ILD is challenging to diagnose at an early stage as the symptoms are non-specific. The greatest risk of its development is during the 4–5 years after the initial diagnosis of systemic sclerosis. Clinical vigilance at the time, including regular pulmonary function tests and/or high-resolution com-puted tomography (HRCT), is needed. The aim of this paper is to summarize the current knowledge on early diagnostic methods and progression risk factors for SSc-ILD.
The role of diet in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Skoczyńska Marta , Świerkot Jerzy
Published: September 2018

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic connective tissue disease which develops in the course of an autoimmune inflammatory process triggered by environmental factors in a genetically predisposed person. One of the environmental factors is the diet. RA patients’ adherence to a healthy diet remains low, despite plentiful data confirming positive effects of some foods, e.g. fish rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), as well as the negative influence of unhealthy eating patterns, such as high consumption of fats and sugars, on RA incidence, activity and treatment response. In this review, we present current knowledge on the role of diet in rheumatoid arthritis, including dietary factors’ preventive/promoting influence on RA development, as well as their impact on RA activity. We hope this article will aid and encourage clinicians to recommend a relevant dietary intervention to their RA patients.
Relationship between Asian monsoon strength and transport of
surface aerosols to the Asian Tropopause Aerosol Layer (ATAL):
Interannual variability and decadal changes
Authors: Yuan Cheng , Lau William K. M. , Li Zhanqing , Cribb Maureen , Wang Tijian
Published: September 2018

Abstract. In this study, we have investigated the interannual variability and the decadal trend of carbon monoxide (CO), carbonaceous aerosols (CA), and mineral dust in the Asian Tropopause Aerosol Layer (ATAL) in relation to varying strengths of the South Asian summer monsoon (SASM) using MERRA2 reanalysis data (2001–2015). Results show that during this period, the aforementioned ATAL constituents exhibit strong interannual variability and rising trends connected to the variations of the strength of SASM. During strong monsoon years, the Asian Monsoon Anticyclone (AMA) is more expansive and shifted northward compared to weak years. In spite of effect of quenching of biomass burning emissions of CO and CA by increased precipitation, as well as the removal of CA and dust by increased washout from the surface to mid-troposphere in monsoon regions, all three constituents are found to be more abundant in an elongated accumulation zone at ATAL, on the southern flank of the expanded AMA. Enhanced transport to the ATAL by overshooting deep convection is found over preferred pathways along the foothills of the Himalayan-Gangetic Plain (HGP), and the Sichuan Basin (SB). The long-term positive trends of ATAL CO and CA are robust, while ATAL dust trend is weak due to its large interannual variability. The ATAL trends are associated with increasing strength of the AMA, with earlier and enhanced vertical transport of ATAT constituents by enhanced overshooting convection over the HGP and SB regions, out-weighing the strong reduction of CA and dust from surface to the mid-troposphere.
Enhancing the consistency of spaceborne and ground-based radar comparisons by using beam blockage fraction as a quality filter
Authors: Crisologo Irene , Warren Robert A. , Mühlbauer Kai , Heistermann Maik
Published: September 2018

Abstract. We explore the potential of spaceborne radar (SR) observations
from the Ku-band precipitation radars onboard the Tropical Rainfall Measuring
Mission (TRMM) and Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM)
satellites as a reference to quantify the ground radar (GR) reflectivity
bias. To this end, the 3-D volume-matching algorithm proposed by
Schwaller and Morris (2011) is implemented and applied to 5 years
(2012–2016) of observations. We further extend the procedure by a framework
to take into account the data quality of each ground radar bin. Through these
methods, we are able to assign a quality index to each matching SR–GR
volume, and thus compute the GR calibration bias as a quality-weighted
average of reflectivity differences in any sample of matching GR–SR volumes.
We exemplify the idea of quality-weighted averaging by using the beam
blockage fraction as the basis of a quality index. As a result, we can
increase the consistency of SR and GR observations, and thus the precision of
calibration bias estimates. The remaining scatter between GR and SR
reflectivity as well as the variability of bias estimates between overpass
events indicate, however, that other error sources are not yet fully
addressed. Still, our study provides a framework to introduce any other
quality variables that are considered relevant in a specific context. The
code that implements our analysis is based on the wradlib open-source
software library, and is, together with the data, publicly available to
monitor radar calibration or to scrutinize long series of archived radar data
back to December 1997, when TRMM became operational.
Management matters: testing a mitigation strategy for nitrous oxide emissions using legumes on intensively managed grassland
Authors: Fuchs Kathrin , Hörtnagl Lukas , Buchmann Nina , Eugster Werner , Snow Val , Merbold Lutz
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Replacing fertiliser nitrogen with biologically fixed
nitrogen (BFN) through legumes has been suggested as a strategy for nitrous
oxide (N2O) mitigation from intensively managed grasslands. While
current literature provides evidence for an N2O emission reduction
effect due to reduced fertiliser input, little is known about the effect of
increased legume proportions potentially offsetting these reductions, i.e.
by increased N2O emissions from plant residues and root exudates. In
order to assess the overall effect of this mitigation strategy on permanent
grassland, we performed an in situ experiment and quantified net N2O fluxes
and biomass yields in two differently managed grass–clover mixtures. We
measured N2O fluxes in an unfertilised parcel with high clover
proportions vs. an organically fertilised control parcel with low clover
proportions using the eddy covariance (EC) technique over 2 years.
Furthermore, we related the measured N2O fluxes to management and
environmental drivers. To assess the effect of the mitigation strategy, we
measured biomass yields and quantified biologically fixed nitrogen using the
15N natural abundance method. The amount of BFN was similar in both parcels in 2015 (control: 55±5 kg N ha−1 yr−1; clover parcel: 72±5 kg N ha−1 yr−1) due to similar clover proportions (control:
15 % and clover parcel: 21 %), whereas in 2016 BFN was substantially
higher in the clover parcel compared to the much lower control (control: 14±2 kg N ha−1 yr−1 with 4 % clover in DM; clover
parcel: 130±8 kg N ha−1 yr−1 and 44 % clover). The
mitigation management effectively reduced N2O emissions by 54 %
and 39 % in 2015 and 2016, respectively, corresponding to 1.0 and
1.6 t ha−1 yr−1 CO2 equivalents. These reductions in
N2O emissions can be attributed to the absence of fertilisation on
the clover parcel. Differences in clover proportions during periods with no
recent management showed no measurable effect on N2O emissions,
indicating that the decomposition of plant residues and rhizodeposition did not
compensate for the effect of fertiliser reduction on N2O emissions.
Annual biomass yields were similar under mitigation management, resulting in
a reduction of N2O emission intensities from
0.42 g N2O-N kg−1 DM (control) to
0.28 g N2O-N kg−1 DM (clover parcel) over the 2-year
observation period. We conclude that N2O emissions from fertilised
grasslands can be effectively reduced without losses in yield by increasing
the clover proportion and reducing fertilisation.
A benchmark for testing the accuracy and computational cost of
shortwave top-of-atmosphere reflectance calculations in clear-sky
aerosol-laden atmospheres
Authors: Escribano Jeronimo , Bozzo Alessio , Dubuisson Philippe , Flemming Johannes , Hogan Robin J. , C.-Labonnote Laurent , Boucher Olivier
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Accurate calculations of shortwave reflectances in clear-sky aerosol-laden atmospheres are necessary for various applications in atmospheric sciences. However computational cost becomes increasingly important for some applications such as data assimilation of top-of-atmosphere reflectances in models of atmospheric composition. This study aims to provide a benchmark that can help in assessing these two requirements in combination. We describe a protocol and input data for 44,080 cases involving various solar and viewing geometries, four different surfaces (one oceanic bidirectional reflectance function and three albedo values for a Lambertian surface), eight aerosol optical depths, five wavelengths, and four aerosol types. We first consider two models relying on the discrete ordinate method: VLIDORT (in vector and scalar configurations) and DISORT (scalar configuration only). We use VLIDORT in its vector configuration as a reference model and quantify the loss of accuracy due to (i) neglecting the effect of polarisation in the DISORT and VLIDORT (scalar) models and (ii) decreasing the number of streams in DISORT. We further test two other models: the 6SV2 model relying on the successive orders of scattering method and FLOTSAM, a new model under development by two of the authors. Typical mean fractional errors of 2.8 and 2.4 % for 6SV2 and FLOTSAM are found, respectively. Computational cost depends on the input parameters but also on the code implementation and application as some models solve the radiative transfer equations for a range of geometries while others do not. All necessary input and output data are provided as Supplementary Material as a potential resource for interested developers and users of radiative transfer models.
New profiling and mooring records help to assess variability of
Lake Issyk-Kul and reveal unknown features of its thermohaline
structure
Authors: Zavialov Peter O. , Izhitskiy Alexander S. , Kirillin Georgiy B. , Khan Valentina M. , Konovalov Boris V. , Makkaveev Peter N. , Pelevin Vadim V. , Rimskiy-Korsakov Nikolay A. , Alymkulov Salmor A. , Zhumaliev Kubanychbek M.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. This article reports the results of 3 field campaigns conducted in Lake Issyk-Kul in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Vertical CTD profiles were obtained and water samples collected at the total of 75 stations. Some biogeochemical and thermohaline parameters at the lake surface were also mapped at high horizontal resolution along the ship’s track. In addition, thermistor chains were deployed at 3 mooring stations in the eastern littoral region of the lake, yielding 147 days long records of temperature data. The measurements revealed that while the thermal state of the active layer, as well as some biogeochemical characteristics, were subject to significant interannual variability mediated by atmospheric forcing, the haline structure of the entire lake was remarkably stable at the interannual scale. Our data do not confirm the reports of progressive warming of the deep Issyk-Kul waters as suggested in some previous publications. However, they do indicate positive trend of salinity in the lake’s interior over the last 3 decades. A noteworthy newly found feature is a weak but persistent salinity maximum below the thermocline at the depth of 70–120 m, from where salinity slightly decreased downwards. The data from the moored thermistor chains support previously published hypothesis about significant role of the submerged ancient riverbeds on the eastern shelf in advecting littoral waters into the deep portion of the lake during differential cooling period. We hypothesize that the less saline littoral water penetrating into the deep layers due to this mechanism is responsible for the abovementioned features of salinity profile, and substantiate this hypothesis by estimates based on simple model assumptions.
Building Healthy Communities: Creating Policy to Sustain Health-Related School Change
Authors: Centeio Erin Elizabeth , Barcelona Jeanne M. , Kaszeta Kristen , McCaughtry Nate
Published: September 2018

Many organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Academies of Science have called on schools to address childhood obesity and provide more opportunities for children to be active and eat healthier. This study discusses the impact that one comprehensive school program, Building Healthy Communities (BHC), had on school policy across 40 Midwest elementary schools. The study aim was to assess elementary schools that participated in the BHC whole-of-school intervention and examine the policy changes that took place during the year-long intervention, as well as proposed changes made as part of a sustainability plan. Findings indicated that evidenced-based tools can spur awareness of the need for health-based school change among administration, which in turn can prompt the adoption of school-level adherence policies. The intersection between school-based health policy and community-based youth programs is explored as an important part of comprehensive youth health promotion.
Disability Inclusion in 4-H: Aligned with the Mission, Stopped Short by Methods
Authors: Taylor-Winney Jennifer J. , Giordono Leanne S. , Lesmeister Marilyn K. , Fenn Meghann L. , Krahn Gloria
Published: September 2018

Quality out-of-school programs can significantly improve youth development outcomes. Youth with disabilities and special health care needs, who represent 19% of all youth, are less likely than their typically developing peers to participate in out-of-school activities. This qualitative study explored factors that influence the inclusion of youth with disabilities in one state’s 4-H program. Factors that facilitated inclusion were personal attitudes and subjective norms, but lack of knowledge and limited resources led to reactive problem solving rather than proactive, organizational planning. By identifying both the factors that facilitate inclusion and those that prevent it or are perceived as barriers, youth development professionals can target areas of focus to improve inclusion of youth with disabilities in 4-H and potentially other youth development programs.
Assessing Multicultural Parenting Values and Practices in Prevention Programs for Latino Youth
Authors: Hurtado Ghaffar Ali , Fife Julie M. , Svetaz Maria V. , Allen Michele L.
Published: September 2018

As communities become increasingly diverse, it is important to consider how cultural navigation interacts with adolescent development. We examined immigrant parenting values and practices to promote healthy development when developing Padres Informados/Jóvenes Preparados (Padres). Three focus groups were conducted with Latino immigrant parents (n = 27). Parents strove to foster a strong Latino identity to protect their children from detrimental preconceived notions about Latinos in the broader American culture. They conveyed a Latino identity by speaking Spanish and teaching the values of respect and familism. Parents expressed tremendous stress in parenting while navigating difficult policies, socioeconomic conditions, and unfamiliar systems. They actively sought practices to protect their children. Parents also held misconceptions about cultural influences and normative development. These findings provided cultural grounding for Padres, which demonstrated success in improving youth–parent relationships. Family-focused programs serving Latino youth need to consider strengthening cultural identity to improve youth–parent relationships and promote optimal development.
County Health Rankings & Roadmaps
Authors: Kingery Kate L.
Published: September 2018

County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, provides data, evidence, guidance, and examples that youth development professionals can use in their work to improve community health and well-being. The Rankings use a population health model to describe the multiple factors that contribute to health and equity. The information and resources available at the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps website is useful to youth development organization leaders, as it provides guidance for taking action to improve the well-being of youth and communities. Key resources available at www.countyealthrankings.org are discussed.
YA4-H! Youth Advocates for Health: Youth Participatory Action Research
Authors: Ferrari Theresa M.
Published: September 2018

Youth participatory action research is a process that is particularly relevant for health-related topics. YA4‑H! Youth Advocates for Health: Youth Participatory Action Research is a resource that youth development professionals can use to guide a group through such a project. The 124-page curriculum is based on key principles of youth development and youth participatory action research. It has 7 sections, each with activities built on the same template that includes the time needed, materials, and facilitator tips, which contributes to ease of use. Youth development professionals can feel confident knowing that the curriculum is research based and addresses adolescents’ developmental needs.
WAVE Project: Sport Nutrition Education Resources
Authors: Wong Siew Sun , Manore Melinda M. , Pilolla Kari , Skoog Ingrid , Hill Darcie , Hand Taryn
Published: September 2018

The WAVE~Ripples for Change: Obesity Prevention in Active Youth (WAVE) project’s primary objective is to prevent unhealthy weight gain among high school athletes through healthy eating and reduced sedentary time. Educators are familiar with the myriad of challenges in presenting nutrition, diet, and physical activity information to high school students. WAVE uses adolescent athletes’ interest in sport to draw them into the topic of sport nutrition and healthy eating; helping them apply the knowledge and skills they learned in class, on the field, and in their lives. WAVE developed and field-tested an after-school program for high school athletes that includes 7 sport nutrition lessons (30 to 45 minutes each) and 3 team-building, family and consumer sciences life-skill workshops. WAVE also developed a cloud-based data management system to support the tracking of learner profiles, survey administration, big data visualization, and automated health report generation.
Closing Thoughts: On the Power of Youth and System Change
Authors: Rodgers Michelle Skiles , Vinluan Monica Hobbs
Published: September 2018

Change is happening in the Cooperative Extension System as the organization focuses its efforts on the overall goal of creating a culture of health in the United States. Well Connected Communities is a Cooperative Extension and National 4-H Council initiative supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that involves modeling a systems-level approach to community efforts versus an individual prevention model. The initiative also engages the power of youth to catalyze progress for communities to achieve their best health and well-being.
COMPARISON BETWEEN RICE HUSK SILICA-FILLED EPOXIDIZED NR CROSS-LINKED WITH FUMARIC ACID AND VULCANIZED WITH SULFUR
Authors: Bakar Rohani Abu , Yahya Rosiyah , Gan Seng Neon
Published: September 2018

A wide variety of fillers are used in the rubber industry to modify the properties of rubber compounds and reduce the cost of products in different applications. Silica produced from rice husk could be an alternative filler to commercial precipitated silica widely used in sulfur-vulcanized rubber formulations. High purity amorphous silica (>99% SiO2) was produced after pretreatment of rice husk with dilute sulfuric acid before combustion at 600 °C. Epoxidized NR (ENR) with 50 mol% epoxide groups (ENR50) containing various silica loadings was cured with fumaric acid via reactions of the epoxide group with –COOH, whereas sulfur vulcanization used the carbon–carbon double bonds, as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Increasing silica loading in both of types of samples led to an increase in rheometer torque and a decrease in percentage of solvent swelling due to the stiffening effect of silica, with no change in glass-transition temperature, which presumably was due to no chemical reaction between silica and ENR. The tensile strength of fumaric acid–cured ENR50 slightly increased with increasing silica loading and remained unchanged upon aging. The sulfur-vulcanized ENR50 containing 30 phr silica exhibited higher tensile strength, but further increase of silica weakened these properties. After aging, the tensile strength reduced by 5–7 MPa. Fumaric acid–cured rubbers have shown superior aging properties.
Talent Management for Organisational Performance Development in Bangladesh Private Industry Context
Authors: Islam Md Asadul , Jantan Amer Hamzah , Rahman Md Adnan , Hamid Abu Bakar Abdul , Mahmud Fariha Binte , Hoque Ashikul
Published: September 2018

The primary objective of this study is to identify the challenges of talent management (TM) practices within private organisations in Bangladesh. This explorative study used unstructured interview methods for the data collection. This study conducted only ten interviews including seven experts from the private sector of Bangladesh and three scholars from reputed universities of the country. After a sequential analysis of all the transcripts of the interviews, four main areas have been identified as the main challenges for talent management practices and performance development in Bangladeshi private organisations: (1) high expenditure; (2) lack of government support; (3) poor awareness; and (4) very few skilled trainers. This study includes a discussion on how TM can be applied in Bangladesh for the development of organisational performance.
Un nuevo inicio: sistemas agroforestales con cacao, un legado biocultural para construir el futuro
Authors: Vega-Jarquín Carolina
Published: September 2018

A la relevancia agroalimentaria e industrial del cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) se suma la perspectiva sociocultural que este cultivo posee, elementos que han dado origen a este documento como una reflexión acerca de la vigencia de fortalecer la capacidad de los agricultores que durante siglos ha preservado este sistema de producción ancestral localmente adaptado. La etnobotánica del cacao muestra la herencia cultural trasmitida por la costumbre, gráficos, símbolos, representaciones fitomórficas relacionadas al uso, expansión, domesticación, labores agrícolas y manejo agronómico que gradualmente se han realizado alrededor de este cultivo mesoamericano. Los antiguos Mayas y Aztecas iniciaron el cultivo, diseñaron sistemas agroforestales, crearon rutas de comercialización del producto entre Mesoamérica y posiblemente América del Sur, y procesaron cacao desde hace casi dos mil años. Si la producción de cacao en Nicaragua fue en aquel tiempo un atractivo para las migraciones étnicas del norte y el sur, es altamente posible que la etnohistoria de este sistema productivo en el país haya tenido sus peculiaridades. La calidad del cacao nicaragüense podría estar asociada a esta herencia biocultural, lo cual actualmente fundamenta la oportunidad de rediseñar un agroecosistema biodiverso, amigable con el ambiente y con alto potencial para generar productos de exportación. Es urgente establecer la vinculación entre quienes producen, identifican, adaptan y aplican el conocimiento en este sistema productivo, y simultáneamente dirigir políticas e incentivos que fortalezcan a los productores para responder con incrementada eficiencia a los retos del mundo moderno, diversificando sus fincas, abriendo nuevos nichos de mercado e identificándose con la capacidad de respuesta adaptativa de la agricultura tradicional frente a futuras necesidades.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the breast: A rare diagnosis requiring aggressive initial surgical therapy
Authors: Sookar Navin , Bisnath Jacinta , Ali Jameel
Published: September 2018

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is an extremely rare cutaneous neoplasm of the dermal layer of the skin and is histologically classified as a sarcoma. DFSP itself has an incidence of 0.8 cases per million annually. It accounts for 1% of all soft tissue sarcomas and less than 0.1% of all malignancies. DFSP has a high rate of local recurrence especially if there are positive margins on excision, but only up to 4% develop metastasis. Most reported cases are located in the trunk, extremities and head especially scalp. However, DFSP of the breast is very rare with very few reported in the literature. We report a case of a 33-year-old woman who presented with a histological diagnosis of DFSP of the breast, based on incisional biopsy. We report this case which highlights the important aspects in evaluating DFSP in the breast as well as its treatment.
Efficient Urbanization for Mexican Development
Authors: Mayer-Foulkes David
Published: September 2018

By applying Data Science techniques we find strong evidence that urbanization plays a key role in the process of development in Mexico, This process necessarily involves government action and therefore must be the subject of policy. We suggest that there are ways of streamlining the government’s role in providing the public goods of urbanization that can combine with and stimulate the competitive economic context.

We apply Data Science techniques including visualization of the full universe of the object of study, and application of the Random Forest Classifier and Regressor machine learning algorithms, to municipal firm number growth obtained from Mexico’s full Directory of Economic Units for 2012 and 2016. These are aggregated at the municipal level by employment scales and one-digit production sectors, and combined with municipal demographic census data. Our visualization exercises also show that the dynamics of firm and population numbers is complex, such as in a changing fractal.
Climate Smart Agriculture Practices in Semi-arid Northern Ghana: Implications for Sustainable Livelihoods
Authors: Alare Rahinatu Sidiki , Owusu Erasmus Henaku , Owusu Kwadwo
Published: September 2018

Achieving food security and livelihood development among vulnerable households in the semi-arid regions is challenged by water scarcity and climate change. To alleviate the challenges of water scarcity and climate change impacts, farmers are adopting different climate smart agriculture (CSA) practices. However, there is limited knowledge on the contribution of CSA practices to livelihoods of farmers in semi-arid northern Ghana. Therefore, this paper explored CSA practices adopted by smallholder farmers and assessed the contribution of dry season farming to livelihoods in rural semi-arid Ghana. Using data from 100 households, farm income, household food security and subjective wellbeing (SWB) were compared between dry season farmers and non-dry season ones. The findings showed that socio-economic factors hindered the utilisation of practices with high start-up cost such as rain water harvesting. Farmers also adopted other practices based on the benefits, ease of use and geographical context. Comparing dry season farmers and non-dry season ones, the results showed that dry season farming had great potentials of improving income, food security (66%) and wellbeing (P>0.01) of rural households in semi-arid Ghana. However, adopting CSA practices only without instituting programmes to address other socio-economic challenges faced by smallholder farmers will yield minimal impacts. Complementing CSA initiatives with poverty alleviation programmes will effectively contribute to improved livelihoods in resource poor communities.
A Proposed Framework to Analyze the Impact Investing Ecosystem in a Cross-Country Perspective
Authors: Acevedo Juan David Rivera , Wu Min-ni
Published: September 2018

This study developed an impact investing ecosystem framework to present a comprehensive overview of the impact investing sector, identifying key challenges and possibilities. Two Asian countries, Japan and Singapore, were used as case studies. The proposed framework revealed that the market scales in Japan and Singapore were small and each country faces unique challenges for developing impact investing. For Japan, the low level of philanthropic activities and the small social sector were the key challenges to overcome for impact investing growth. For Singapore, the government’s low social expending strategy may limit the development. However, both countries have supportive environments for impact investing due to high-quality human resources, well-developed financial markets and political interest. In particular, the high total wealth of high network individuals (HNWI) in Japan and large donations to charities in Singapore (% GDP) offer rich potential.
Extraction of Dyes from Petrocarpus santalinus and Dyeing of Natural Fibres Using Different Mordants
Authors: Mariselvam Ramaiah , Athinarayanan Ganesan , Ranjitsingh Amirtham J. A. , Usha Raja Nanthini Ayyakannu , Krishnamoorthy Rajapandiyan , Alshatwi Ali A.
Published: September 2018

Aqueous extraction of natural dyes from Petrocarpus santalinus tree wood and dyeing of the following natural fibres: banana fibre, screw fine fibre, pineapple fibre, sisal fibre, korai and palm leaf using various mordants to fix the colour in the fibre materials were performed. Salt, sodium bicarbonate, oxalic acid, tannic acid, ferrous ammonium sulphate, stannous chloride (tin metal powder), alum and tamarind (Tamarindus indica) were used as a mordant for the dying of the natural fibres. Petrocarpus santalinus dye was effectively dyed on natural fibres using different mordants, producing different colours like tomato, maroon, orange red, chocolate, brown, quarry red, black, brick red, tile red, terra colla, sunbaked clay, gray, brick red, victorian red, firebrick, brown, crimson and orange, using these mordants.
Influence of Rib Structure and Elastic Yarn Type Variations on Textile Piezoresistive Strain Sensor Characteristics
Authors: Raji Rafiu King , Miao Xuhong , Zhang Shu , Li Yutian , Wan Ailan
Published: September 2018

Production parameters have been established to play a fundamental role in dictating the physical characteristics and sensing properties of knitted sensors. This research studied the influence of yarn type and rib fabric structure variation on the physical, tensile and conductive properties and sensitivity performance of knitted underwear strain sensors to be used for breathing mensuration. Four different structures in 1×1, 1×2, 1×3 and 2×2 mock ribs were knitted using covered elastic (CY) and bare strand elastic yarn (BS) combinations. These two parameters proffered unique physical, conductive and tensile characteristics to the samples. Wear and machine tests were conducted to ascertain the sensor’s piezoresistive responses. The machine test showed a higher piezoresistive response, with an average peak value (APV) from 1.70Ω to 0.24Ω, while those for the wear test recorded were around 0.0110Ω to 1.867Ω for all sample categories. However, sensors knitted with covered elastic yarns produced the best breathing test results (APV of 1.089Ω – 1.86Ω) compared to bare strand elastic yarns (APV 0.0027Ω - 0.0790Ω) when used in a wearable environment. Fabric structure variation had influences on both conductive and tensile characteristics; however, the effects on the piezoresistive response were negligible. The influences of the unique characteristics provided by these core parameters on sensor resistance values, piezoresistance, aging, ease of deformation and dimensional stability have also been discussed.
Seersucker Woven Fabrics with Therapeutic Propertiesc
Authors: Matusiak Małgorzata , Wilk Edward , Zieliński Janusz
Published: September 2018

Cellulite is a serious aesthetic and health skin problem. The term cellulite refers to the dimpled appearance of the skin on hips, thighs and buttocks. Most of the existing methods of reduction or prevention of cellulite require not only significant expense but, above all, time and regularity of use. Therapeutic clothing with anti-cellulite properties seems to be an optimal solution which could be applied during women’s daily activity, simultaneously with business or housework. Such clothing, in addition to anti-cellulite properties, should have appropriate biophysical properties to ensure the wearers hygiene and physiological comfort. Within the framework of the research presented, an assortment of seersucker woven fabrics for anti-cellulite clothing was developed. Anti-cellulite properties of the fabrics developed were achieved through a three-dimensional structure of fabrics providing a massaging effect during the usage of clothing made thereof, the use of innovative yarns made of polymer fibres with antibacterial properties, and yarns providing moisture transport. In addition, thanks to the three-dimensional structure, the fabrics developed are characterised by an increased thermal resistance that provides a thermal effect, which is also an important element in the fight against cellulite.
Development of Coating for Incorporation of Beneficial Spores on Hospital Textiles
Authors: Dural-Erem Aysin , Nierstrasz Vincent
Published: September 2018

Hospital-acquired infections are a growing problem in hospitalized patient safety. and hospital textiles are reported as a significant source of these nosocomial pathogen. Contact with these textiles leads most often to the contamination and cross-contamination of the hospitalized patient and hospital staff. However, the common antimicrobial agents used in the production of antimicrobial textiles are proving to be a concern in terms of toxicity and antimicrobial resistance. Bacillus spores can be a good solution to combat pathogenic bacteria. In the present study, Bacillus spores were used in the coating of polyester fabrics. Afterwards the growth and viability of the beneficial bacteria applied on fabrics were monitored using the agar plate method. Besides this, the applicability to the fabric was evaluated on the basis of contact angle measurements, abrasion resistance and tensile tests. Major findings included that it is possible to incorporate Bacillus spores in coated fabrics and these can behave like q reservoir for beneficial bacteria.
Proposal for the Selection of Materials for Footwear to Improve Thermal Insulation Properties Based on Laboratory Research
Authors: Serweta Wioleta , Matusiak Małgorzata , Olejniczak Zbigniew , Jagiełło Jolanta , Wójcik Justyna
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was the analysis of the thermal resistance of upper textile materials combined with leather or textile linings. Following a comparative analysis of the combinations of materials tested, the best insulators werre recommended. Footwear material packages were created on the basis of the analysis of hygienic properties of textile and leather materials, which were available on the market. Hygienic properties like water vapour permeability and water vapour absorption gave information about the possibility to apply these materials from a microclimate point of view.
Qualitative Evaluation of the Possible Application of Collagen Fibres: Composite Materials with Mineral Fillers as Insoles for Healthy Footwear
Authors: Ławińska Katarzyna , Serweta Wioleta , Modrzewski Remigiusz
Published: September 2018

The research presented in this paper focuses on determination of the physical and mechanical properties of composites made on the basis of natural polymer, i.e., crushed collagen fibres which are waste from the leather industry. Mineral supplements such as dolomite, bentonite and kaolin were the filling of the composite produced. Their application was dictated by increasing the application range, and we strove to optimise the composition of the composite in terms of physical and mechanical properties determined in static tensile tests. An analysis of the water absorption capacity was also carried out in order to select optimal compositions which have the best properties. The test results indicate extensive application possibilities of the composites produced, one of which is in footwear insoles, whose quality is an important element determining the hygienic qualities of shoes due to the high density of sweat glands in the plantar part of the foot. This research indicates the possibility of individual development of the composite properties of collagen fibres and mineral supplements in terms of their application, taking into account the medical aspect.
Applications of Bamboo Textiles in Individualised Children’s Footwear
Authors: Ławińska Katarzyna , Serweta Wioleta , Gendaszewska Dorota
Published: September 2018

As part of the work, preliminary tests were made of textile materials with bamboo fibres for elements of children’s footwear. The need to expand the range of materials which can be used in children’s footwear is dictated by the specific anatomic structure of the child’s foot during the first years of life. The research was focused on the area related to the mechanical and hygienic properties of the bamboo materials used. In order to make a qualitative analysis of the possibility of using bamboo materials in footwear elements, commonly used material like cotton was examined. The studies performed clearly indicate that the application of bamboo textiles as footwear materials is possible and show that they can be better than cotton materials as control samples. It is important to creating appropriate conditions conducive to the proper development of the foot.
The Basis of Liver Regeneration: A Systems Biology Approach
Authors: Bhat Mamatha , Pasini Elisa , Baciu Cristina , Angeli Marc , Humar Atul , Macparland Sonya , Feld Jordan , McGilvray Ian
Published: September 2018

Introduction and aim. Liver regeneration is a normal response to liver injury. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular basis of liver regeneration, through an integrative analysis of high-throughput gene expression datasets. Material and methods. We identified and curated datasets pertaining to liver regeneration from the Gene Expression Omnibus, where regenerating liver tissue was compared to healthy liver samples. The key dysregulated genes and pathways were identified using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. There were three eligible datasets in total. Results. In the early phase after hepatectomy, inflammatory pathways such as Nrf2 oxidative stress-mediated response and cytokine signaling were significantly upregulated. At peak regeneration, we discovered that cell cycle genes were predominantly expressed to promote cell proliferation. Using the Betweenness centrality algorithm, we discovered that Jun is the key central gene in liver regeneration. Calcineurin inhibitors may inhibit liver regeneration, based on predictive modeling. Conclusion. There is a paucity of human literature in defining the molecular mechanisms of liver regeneration along a time continuum. Nonetheless, using an integrative computational analysis approach to the available high-throughput data, we determine that the oxidative stress response and cytokine signaling are key early after hepatectomy, whereas cell cycle control is important at peak regeneration. The transcription factor Jun is central to liver regeneration and a potential therapeutic target. Future studies of regeneration in humans along a time continuum are needed to better define the underlying mechanisms, and ultimately enhance care of patients with acute and chronic liver failure while awaiting transplant.
Plasma Transfusion Combined with Chelating Therapy Alleviates Fulminant Wilson’s Disease with a Single Arg778Leu Heterozygote Mutation
Authors: Liu Longgen , Gong Qing , Liu Juan , Shen Hongyu , Zhang Hongyu , Xue Yuan
Published: September 2018

Wilson’s disease (WD), resulting from homozygote and compound heterozygote mutations in ATB7B, is an autosomal recessive disease. WD associated acute liver failure (ALF) is fatal, and a revised Wilson’s disease prognostic index (RWPI) > 11 is a reliable indication of liver transplantation (LT) or artificial liver support (ALS). We described a WD patient who initially presented with ALF and severe hemolytic anemia. A single heterozygote c.2333G > T mutation (p. Arg778Leu, R778L) in ATP7B was screened by whole exome sequencing and validated by Sanger sequencing. Rapid diagnostic criteria (ALP/TBIL < 4 and AST/ALT > 2.2) are suitable for early diagnosis. Although the RWPI amounted to 15, the patient recovered after intermittent plasma transfusion and subsequent chelating therapy without LT or ALS. In conclusion, WD patients with a single R778L heterozygote mutation can present with ALF as the initial clinical manifestation, and intermittent plasma transfusion combined with chelating therapy may alleviate fulminant WD without LT or ALS.
A Validated Risk Model for Prediction of Early Readmission in Patients with Hepatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Kruger Andrew J. , Aberra Fasika , Black Sylvester M. , Hinton Alice , Hanje James , Conteh Lanla F. , Michaels Anthony J. , Krishna Somashekar G. , Mumtaz Khalid
Published: September 2018

Introduction and aim. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication in cirrhotics and is associated with an increased healthcare burden. Our aim was to study independent predictors of 30-day readmission and develop a readmission risk model in patients with HE. Secondary aims included studying readmission rates, cost, and the impact of readmission on mortality. Material and methods. We utilized the 2013 Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) for hospitalized patients with HE. A risk assessment model based on index hospitalization variables for predicting 30-day readmission was developed using multivariate logistic regression and validated with the 2014 NRD. Patients were stratified into Low Risk and High Risk groups. Cox regression models were fit to identify predictors of calendar-year mortality. Results. Of 24,473 cirrhosis patients hospitalized with HE, 32.4% were readmitted within 30-days. Predictors of readmission included presence of ascites (OR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.06-1.33), receiving paracentesis (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.26-1.62) and acute kidney injury (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.00-1.22). Our validated model stratified patients into Low Risk and High Risk of 30-day readmissions (29% and 40%, respectively). The cost of the first readmission was higher than index admission in the 30-day readmission cohort ($14,198 vs. $10,386; p-value < 0.001). Thirty-day readmission was the strongest predictor of calendar-year mortality (HR: 4.03; 95% CI: 3.49-4.65). Conclusions. Nearly one-third of patients with HE were readmitted within 30-days, and early readmission adversely impacted healthcare utilization and calendar-year mortality. With our proposed simple risk assessment model, patients at high risk for early readmissions can be identified to potentially avert poor outcomes.