bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Participação direta em coprodução é democrática? Controle vetorial da dengue em Campo Grande – MS
Authors: Chaebo Gemael , Medeiros Janann Joslin
Published: May 2017

A abordagem de coprodução considera a participação ativa dos usuários essencial para a implementação de políticas, estando essa maior influência direta nos rumos de política pública alinhada a princípios democráticos. Com a intenção de compreender melhor essa relação entre participação dos usuários e democracia em coprodução, o objetivo deste artigo foi caracterizar a participação dos usuários na coprodução do controle vetorial da dengue em Campo Grande – MS, Brasil. Os dados coletados em cinco bairros do município foram analisados por meio de análise de conteúdo. Constatou-se que, nos casos pesquisados, os usuários: (i) são incluídos no relacionamento com os profissionais, (ii) são capazes de produzir resultados de política pública e (iii) se beneficiam desses resultados alcançados. No entanto, para o alcance de uma plena participação democrática em coprodução, ainda falta aos usuários influenciar outros processos de políticas públicas – não limitando sua participação (apenas) à execução de ações  propostas pelo poder público.
Incidence, Predictors, and Outcomes of Hospital‐Acquired Anemia
Authors: Makam Anil N. , Nguyen Oanh K. , Clark Christopher , Halm Ethan A.
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Although hypothesized to be a hazard of hospitalization, it is unclear whether hospital‐acquired anemia (HAA) is associated with increased adverse outcomes following discharge.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the incidence, predictors, and postdischarge outcomes associated with HAA.

DESIGN

Observational cohort study using electronic health record data.

SUBJECTS

Consecutive medicine discharges between November 1, 2009 and October 30, 2010 from 6 Texas hospitals, including safety‐net, teaching, and nonteaching sites. Patients with anemia on admission or missing hematocrit values at admission or discharge were excluded.

MEASURES

HAA was defined using the last hematocrit value prior to discharge and categorized by severity. The primary outcome was a composite of 30‐day mortality and nonelective readmission.

RESULTS

Among 11,309 patients, one‐third developed HAA (21.6% with mild HAA; 10.1% with moderate HAA; and 1.4% with severe HAA). The 2 strongest potentially modifiable predictors of developing moderate or severe HAA were length of stay (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.26 per day; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23‐1.29) and receipt of a major procedure (adjusted OR, 5.09; 95% CI, 3.79‐6.82). Patients without HAA had a 9.7% incidence for the composite outcome versus 16.4% for those with severe HAA. Severe HAA was independently associated with a 39% increase in the odds for 30‐day readmission or death (95% CI, 1.09‐1.78). Most patients with severe HAA (85%) underwent a major procedure, had a discharge diagnosis of hemorrhage, and/or a discharge diagnosis of hemorrhagic disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe HAA is associated with increased odds for 30‐day mortality and readmission after discharge; however, it is uncertain whether severe HAA is preventable.
Association of Inpatient Antimicrobial Utilization Measures with Antimicrobial Stewardship Activities and Facility Characteristics of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers
Authors: Graber Christopher J. , Jones Makoto M. , Chou Ann F. , Zhang Yue , Goetz Matthew Bidwell , Madaras‐Kelly Karl , Samore Matthew H. , Glassman Peter A.
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) have been advocated to improve antimicrobial utilization, but program implementation is variable.

OBJECTIVE

To determine associations between ASPs and facility characteristics, and inpatient antimicrobial utilization measures in the Veterans Affairs (VA) system in 2012.

DESIGN: In 2012, VA administered a survey on antimicrobial stewardship practices to designated ASP contacts at VA acute care hospitals. From the survey, we identified 34 variables across 3 domains (evidence, organizational context, and facilitation) that were assessed using multivariable least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression against 4 antimicrobial utilization measures from 2012: aggregate acute care antimicrobial use, antimicrobial use in patients with non‐infectious primary discharge diagnoses, missed opportunities to convert from parenteral to oral antimicrobial therapy, and double anaerobic coverage.

SETTING

All 130 VA facilities with acute care services.

RESULTS

Variables associated with at least 3 favorable changes in antimicrobial utilization included presence of postgraduate physician/pharmacy training programs, number of antimicrobial‐specific order sets, frequency of systematic de‐escalation review, presence of pharmacists and/or infectious diseases (ID) attendings on acute care ward teams, and formal ID training of the lead ASP pharmacist. Variables associated with 2 unfavorable measures included bed size, the level of engagement with VA Antimicrobial Stewardship Task Force online resources, and utilization of antimicrobial stop orders.

CONCLUSIONS

Formalization of ASP processes and presence of pharmacy and ID expertise are associated with favorable utilization. Systematic de‐escalation review and order set establishment may be high‐yield interventions.
Measuring carer burden in informal carers of patients with long-term conditions
Authors: Kudra Aleksandra , Lees Carolyn , Morrell-Scott Nicola
Published: May 2017

Introduction:

The aim of this literature review is to identify the most common tools used to measure burden in carers of people with Parkinson's disease (PD), heart failure (HF), multiple sclerosis (MS) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Method:

Databases such as Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Academic Search Complete were searched. Studies in which carer burden was measured were included.

Results:

Zarit Burden Inventory and Caregiver Reaction Assessment were most commonly used to measure carer burden, regardless of the chronic condition. A wide range of other instruments were also used.

Conclusions:

Even though a range of tools are available, further improvements are necessary in order to enable healthcare professionals to identify carers experiencing high burden.
Improving patient concordance in lymphoedema management with SoftFit technology
Authors: Heal Dawn
Published: May 2017

Lymphoedema and chronic oedema patients are cared for by all members of the community nursing team. Without knowledge and understanding of how to improve the condition, nurses feel under immense pressure in caring for their patients. Compression garments are the mainstay of treatment in the ‘maintenance phase’ (long-term management phase) of lymphoedema and chronic oedema ( Lymphoedema Framework, 2006 ). Choosing the most appropriate garment for the patient, providing adequate compression and controlling the oedema, is challenging. Patient concordance and wear time will be improved if a comfortable fit is provided and the oedema is well controlled. This article includes four case studies in which lymphoedema patients were prescribed custom-fit, flat-knit graduated compression garments with the addition of SoftFit from BSN medical, which proved to provide greater comfort to the patient. SoftFit technology is a unique system of silicone yarns, knitted into the inner welt (knitted top-band area of a compression garment) of selected JOBST® Elvarex® and JOBST® Elvarex® Soft custom-fit, flat-knit compression garments. All four case studies indicate that wear time and concordance is improved by the addition of this technology.
Audit of skin changes present in referrals to a specialist lymphoedema service
Authors: Todd Marie , Key Margaret , Rice Margaret , Salmon Michelle
Published: May 2017

An audit of 100 new patients attending a specialist lymphoedema clinic revealed 52% presented with chronic oedema. More than half (58%) of the chronic oedema group presented with skin changes whereas 14% of those with lipoedema, 4% with lymphoedema of the arm, and 8% with lymphoedema of the leg developed skin changes. None of the primary lymphoedema group developed skin changes. Chronic venous disease (CVD) was significantly more prevalent in the chronic oedema group. More patients with bilateral chronic oedema suffered from cellulitis (41%) compared to unilateral (27%). Skin changes, CVD and red leg syndrome (RLS) also occur more often in bilateral leg swelling. Incidence of cellulitis is highest in the chronic oedema group (36.5%), closely followed by the primary lymphoedema group (33.3%). 85% of the patients who were weighed (n=93) were overweight, 39% obese, and 29% morbidly obese. The findings from this audit highlight the importance of skin care training for community nurses managing chronic oedema patients.
Trace display Doppler monitors
Authors: Sholapurkar Shashikant L
Published: May 2017

The new Doppler monitors that display fetal heart rate trace and provide archive record are set to be widely adopted. This article debates the benefits of these additional functions in midwifery practice
Interview with Alice Gautreau
Authors: Gautreau Alice , Froggatt Hannah
Published: May 2017

Alice Gautreau was deployed to the Democratic Republic of the Congo by Doctors Without Borders, where she worked as Midwife Activity Manager. She agreed to be interviewed by BJM
Periodontal health and pregnancy
Authors: Moore Jatinder , Blair Fiona
Published: May 2017

Women are more likely to suffer from gingivitis and periodontitis (gum disease) when pregnant, due to hormonal changes. Women considering pregnancy and those who are pregnant should be advised to visit their dentists to help maintain good oral health throughout their pregnancy. Appropriate dental treatment may be necessary to improve periodontal health. Research has suggested possible adverse complications to pregnancy for women with poor periodontal health. This article serves to highlight the importance of being aware of the association between pregnancy and periodontal disease, and the appropriate treatment for improving and maintaining periodontal health as necessary.
A clinical assessment tool for midwives undertaking the Newborn Infant Physical Examination
Authors: Lanlehin Rosemary M
Published: May 2017

The role of midwives has evolved over the last two decades, and in the United Kingdom midwives and advanced neonatal nurse practitioners undertake roles that traditionally were undertaken by junior doctors. The Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) is performed within the first 72 hours of birth ( Lanlehin, 2011 ), and enables midwives to provide a holistic assessment of neonates and their mothers, as well as confirming normality, identifying abnormalities, and providing early intervention for at risk neonates.

The aim of this paper is to discuss the usefulness of the Newborn and Infant Assessment Tool (NIAT) which was originally used as an oral assessment tool for a health professional undertaking the NIPE course. However, it became clear over the course of 10 years that not only is this a framework for assessing students' application of theoretical knowledge to practice scenarios, it is also an assessment tool that can be used by trained midwives, medical staff, and student nurses to enhance clinical decision-making when faced with an unwell baby.
Postnatal smoking cessation advice: A reflective case study
Authors: Lead Natasha
Published: May 2017

In the antenatal period, smoking cessation is a key health promotion topic for midwives due to the recognised adverse outcomes. Carbon monoxide screening and locally available referral pathways demonstrate the wide availability of support for women who smoke when pregnant. However, there is arguably less health promotion provided to women in the postnatal period, due to minimal research. Reflecting on a case study throughout, this article analyses the health promotion provided by midwives to women about postpartum smoking and its effects, exploring the risks to the newborn, particularly highlighting the relationship between smoking and breastfeeding. There will be reference made to what is implemented in the local area of Hertfordshire to assist in smoking cessation, comparing both national and local policies. There is a great emphasis on the fundamental role of the midwife in providing health promotion, assessing the suitable environment and communication skills to ensure effectiveness.
Community midwives' work time includes travel to and from home
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: May 2017

A 2015 ruling by the European Court of Justice redefined ‘working time’ to include time spent travelling between work and home. Richard Griffith explores the implications of this for midwives
The murder of Chris Hani: The neo-liberalization of South African news narratives
Authors: Ginsberg Raphael
Published: May 2017

The African National Congress-led South African government has implemented numerous neo-liberal economic reforms, reforms grounded in the idea that the individual is a more effective unit around which to orient economic policy than the collective. During this implementation, a similar neo-liberalization occurred in news narratives, which came to focus on individuals rather than collectives. This article illustrates the neo-liberalization of news narratives through the narrative of the 1993 murder of Chris Hani, an important leader of the anti-apartheid struggle. His murder was initially framed in news narratives as having collective and not individual importance. As his killers’ legal cases progressed over the next sixteen years, news narratives came to centre on his family’s interests and desires, bracketing out the collective’s. This article’s analysis of the structure of news narratives contributes to the analysis of the broader struggle over neo-liberalism, one that demands examining all moments of neo-liberal logic.
The Zambian press freedom conundrum: Reluctance rather than resilience
Authors: Kasoma Twange , Pitts Greg
Published: May 2017

As different governments have assumed power in Zambia since the democratic tide that swept across Africa in the early 1990s, the conundrum of a free press continues to complicate governance and journalistic practices. This study investigated how members of Parliament (MPs) felt about press freedom. A survey administered to current MPs, which had a response rate of 52%, revealed that almost 95% (94.6%, n=70) agreed or strongly agreed that press freedom in Zambia should be increased. A parallel measure of questionnaire reliability asked Parliamentarians to respond to the statement, Press freedom in Zambia should be decreased. The majority 81.1% (n=60) disagreed or strongly disagreed. The study’s overall results indicate that there is an awareness of the importance of press freedom among the MPs, but there appears to be a reluctance – rather than resilience – to implement changes that would provide for a freer press system.
Controversies and restrictions of visual representation of prophets in northern Nigerian popular culture
Authors: Adamu Abdalla Uba
Published: May 2017

Generally, images in art forms occupy a controversial position in the Islamic world. The Sunni branch of Islam, considered more conservative and strict does not approve or condone representational art of the human form for fear that it would eventually turn into an object of worship. The Shi’ite branch of Islam, however, has a radically opposing perspective and consequently allows figurative representation in its art forms. The situation becomes more complicated when it comes to depicting prophets, who, starting from the Prophet Muhammad, are prohibited in Sunni Islam from being figuratively represented in any form. This article discusses the representation of spirituality in religious media in Nigeria, especially the reception of the representation of Biblical and Islamic prophets in dubbed Iranian films targeted at popular culture consumption. I situate my discussion within the matrix of social control and censorship in northern Nigerian Muslim cultures.
Stylistic features of rural print media in Ghana
Authors: Anyidoho Paul
Published: May 2017

Rural print media journalists in Africa tap into perceptions about their readers to produce newspapers. The evolving aesthetic perceptions of the rural print media in Ghana have in turn produced social domains of consumption and affiliation with the newspapers and print media. The style of Ewe-language newspapers produced in Ghana has generated different newspaper-reader affiliations and discursive spheres. This article examines some of the stylistic features of Ewe newspapers, investigating the way in which rural print media consumers and producers use these to articulate perceptions of the language domain of Ghanaian rural newspapers and print media.
Mamas in the newsroom: Women’s journalism against sexual violence in Eastern Congo
Authors: García-Mingo Elisa
Published: May 2017

This article analyses the performance and professional culture of journalists in situations of armed conflict, based on the results of research using qualitative techniques and conducted in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (2008–09) and Europe (2010–14), focusing on the case of the Congolese media women. It investigates the case of the Association of Media Women of South Kivu (AFEM-SK) in order to create greater awareness of the new African mediascapes and the emerging roles of women in journalism. The local Congolese organization has been fighting for women’s rights and against sexual violence through radio for more than a decade and is becoming a paradigmatic case of media activism and women’s rights on the African continent.
Film Review
Authors: Ojoniyi Bode
Published: May 2017

MYTH, POPULAR CULTURE AND CONSCIOUSNESS IN MAAMI BY TUNDE KELANI Director: Tunde Kelani, Writer: Femi Osofisan, Stars: Funke Akindele, Wole Ojo, 1h 33min, Drama, released 3 February 2012 (Nigeria)
Intermediality of images: A semiotic analysis of the ‘Occupy Nigeria Protest’ images on social media
Authors: Ibrahim Nura
Published: May 2017

The protests that took place in Nigeria due to removal of fuel subsidy by the Jonathan administration in January 2012, tagged ‘Occupy Nigeria Protest’, have been labelled the social media revolution by the conventional media commentators in the country. For the first time in the history of the country, ethnic, regional and religious differences were set aside to confront the State in an arena without any State control: the Internet and its social communities, unrestricted, uncontrolled, uninhibited; the images, imageries and imaginations of the protestors deconstructed State authority and control − often in the face of brutal State attempts at offline suppression − and spread messages of solidarity and ‘anti-State’ forces. Using semiotic analysis and grounded within the theories of intermedialities, the findings suggest that the images on social media had played a significant role in mobilizing the protesters to come out and keep them on the street for the period of the protest.
Silences and the mediation of identities in South African radio talk shows
Authors: Hungbo Jendele
Published: May 2017

The profile of radio talk shows seems to be rising in recent times. In both research and industry spaces radio talk shows continue to hold a lot of attraction, making discourses about them not just prevalent but almost pervasive in a way. This article seeks to identify silences in radio talk shows as well as understand the role of silences in the setting up of these shows. Using two radio talk shows in contemporary South Africa as an entry point, it seeks to bring to the fore how such silences may impact on the identities of participants and perhaps by extension the culture of the larger society. The article concludes that silences are critical communicative practices that are just as significant as the verbalized utterances we encounter in the performance of self-identity which characterize the transmission of radio talk shows. In doing this, the article will contribute to the understanding of the radio talk show space as one of immense possibilities as a participatory interactive cultural performance genre while pointing at the different shades of meaning that may emerge through non-verbal communication embedded in talk itself.
Serum Level of Antibodies (IgG, IgM) Against Benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide-DNA Adducts in Children Dermatologically Exposed to Coal Tar
Authors: Borský Pavel , Andrýs Ctirad , Krejsek Jan , Hamáková Květoslava , Kremláček Jan , Málková Andrea , Bartošová Lenka , Fiala Zdeněk , Palička Vladimír , Borská Lenka
Published: May 2017

Crude coal tar (CCT) contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is metabolized into a highly reactive metabolite benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE) that is able to bind to DNA and creates BPDE-DNA adducts. Adducted DNA becomes immunogenic and induces immune response by production of antibodies against BPDE-DNA adducts (Ab-BPDE-DNA). Circulating Ab-BPDE-DNA was proposed as potential biomarker of genotoxic exposure to BaP (PAHs). Goeckerman therapy (GT) of psoriasis uses dermal application of CCT ointment (PAHs). In presented study (children with psoriasis treated by GT; n = 19) the therapy significantly increased the level of Ab-BPDE-DNA (EI = 0.29/0.19–0.34 vs. 0.31/0.25–0.40; median/lower–upper quartile; p < 0.01). The results support the idea of Ab-BPDE-DNA level as a possible tentative indicator of exposure, effects and susceptibility of the organism to the exposure of BaP (PAHs).
Speciation forms of phosphorus in bottom sediments of three selected anthropogenic reservoirs with different trophy degree
Authors: Kostecki Maciej , Janta-Koszuta Krystyna , Stahl Katarzyna , Łozowski Bartosz
Published: May 2017

The study presents the results of the research into different phosphorus forms in the bottom sediments of anthropogenic limnic ecosystems i.e. the reservoirs of Pławniowice, Rybnik and Goczałkowice (SP). The bottom sediments of dam reservoirs were investigated by chemical extraction procedure for phosphorus forms. The lowest value of the mean AAP form percentage in the Pławniowice bottom sediments reflected the effect of reclamation with the hypolimnetic removal that had been conducted in the reservoir since 2003. The highest percentage of the RDP form (2%) was found in the Goczałkowice bottom sediments. The order of the specific speciation forms in the bottom sediments of the examined reservoirs was:

Rybnik: AAP > EP > WDP > RDP; 4,630> 3,740 > 117 > 65 > 3.5 mgP/kg

Pławniowice: AAP > EP > WDP > RDP; 916 > 783 > 107 > 15 > 1.4 mgP/kg

Goczałkowice: AAP > WDP > EP > RDP; 686 > 628 > 51 > 7 > 0.14 mgP/kg

The mutual correlations between the phosphorus speciation forms (AAP : EP : WDP : RDP) were as follows:

Rybnik: 1,323 : 1,068 : 33 : 18 : 1;

Pławniowice: 654 : 559 : 76 : 11 : 1;

Goczałkowice: 4,900 : 4,485 : 364 : 50 : 1.

The comparison of the mean concentration values for specific phosphorus forms in the bottom sediments of the three investigated reservoirs demonstrated that the Rybnik sediments had the highest contents of phosphorus. The contents in Pławniowice and Goczałkowice were 5-7 times lower
Energiebasierte Regelung von verteilt-parametrischen Hamiltonschen Systemen mit Hamiltonschen Dichten zweiter Ordnung
Authors: Rams Hubert , Schöberl Markus
Published: May 2017

Dieser Beitrag behandelt die Modellierung und Regelung von räumlich eindimensionalen, verteilt-parametrischen Tor-basierten Hamiltonschen Systemen mit Hamiltonschen Dichten zweiter Ordnung. Dabei beschränkt sich die Systembeschreibung auf den evolutionären Zugang. Zur Regelung dieser Systemklasse wird die bekannte Methode ,,Regelung basierend auf strukturellen Invarianten” auf diese Klasse erweitert. Die Leistungsfähigkeit dieser Methode wird anhand der energiebasierten Regelung eines Euler–Bernoulli Balkens mit Randeingriff illustriert. Abschließend werden aktuelle Forschungsfragen, bezüglich einer Erweiterung auf Systeme mit zweidimensionalen Ortsgebiet, erörtert.
POD basis updates for nonlinear PDE control
Authors: Gräßle Carmen , Gubisch Martin , Metzdorf Simone , Rogg Sabrina , Volkwein Stefan
Published: May 2017

In the present paper a semilinear boundary control problem is considered. For its numerical solution proper orthogonal
decomposition (POD) is applied. POD is based on a Galerkin type discretization with basis elements created from the
evolution problem itself. In the context of optimal control this approach may suffer from the fact that the basis elements
are computed from a reference trajectory containing features which are quite different from those of the optimally
controlled trajectory. Therefore, different POD basis update strategies which avoid this problem of unmodelled dynamics
are compared numerically.
In-service characterization of a polymer wick-based quasi-dry electrode for rapid pasteless electroencephalography
Authors: Pedrosa Paulo , Fiedler Patrique , Pestana Vanessa , Vasconcelos Beatriz , Gaspar Hugo , Amaral Maria H. , Freitas Diamantino , Haueisen Jens , Nóbrega João M. , Fonseca Carlos
Published: May 2017

A novel quasi-dry electrode prototype, based on a polymer wick structure filled with a specially designed hydrating solution is proposed for electroencephalography (EEG) applications. The new electrode does not require the use of a conventional electrolyte paste to achieve a wet, low-impedance scalp contact. When compared to standard commercial Ag/AgCl sensors, the proposed wick electrodes exhibit similar electrochemical noise and potential drift values. Lower impedances are observed when tested in human volunteers due to more effective electrode/skin contact. Furthermore, the electrodes exhibit an excellent autonomy, displaying an average interfacial impedance of 37±11 kΩ cm2 for 7 h of skin contact. After performing bipolar EEG trials in human volunteers, no substantial differences are evident in terms of shape, amplitude and spectral characteristics between signals of wick and commercial wet electrodes. Thus, the wick electrodes can be considered suitable to be used for rapid EEG applications (electrodes can be prepared without the presence of the patient) without the traditional electrolyte paste. The main advantages of these novel electrodes over the Ag/AgCl system are their low and stable impedance (obtained without conventional paste), long autonomy, comfort, lack of dirtying or damaging of the hair and because only a minimal cleaning procedure is required after the exam.
Urban spatial policy and its impact on open areas – Płock case study
Authors: Feltynowski Marcin
Published: May 2017

Spatial planning has to be carried out in accordance with the sustainable development principle. When compiling every document indicated in the Spatial Planning and Development Act, local authorities have to take into account the conditions that are valid in a gmina. They should rely on available materials which are a support for the decisions that are made. An element that constitutes support for local authorities is spatial data available in international sources, e.g. the European Environmental Agency or individual sources, e.g. vector versions of the documents in the scope of spatial planning.

The purpose of the article is to present which materials used by local governments can allow for an appropriate assessment of the need for new areas of housing development and the limitation of decisions concerning the liquidation of open areas in cities. The article presents tools and data which constitute a basis for an evidence-based spatial planning policy and have to be used by local authorities. The procedure presented in the article can be a tool supporting the spatial policy and an element of evaluation whether the decisions made by local authorities are correct.
Marxism in the built environment in Poland: its contribution and legacy
Authors: Gorzym-Wilkowski Waldemar A.
Published: May 2017

Due to its tangible character, the built environment constitutes a lasting evidence of past and present socio-economic phenomena. In Poland, these phenomena were developing for several decades according to the principles of Marxist ideology and its consequences. As a result, the built environment in Polish urban and rural areas was shaped by Marxist concepts and the resulting realities of centrally planned economy. Multi-family housing projects, vast and neglected post-industrial areas and monotonous, styleless buildings in rural areas are the main remnants of the period of what was known as “real socialism”. The effects of Marxism on the built environment in Poland are mostly negative in economic and social terms, and the efforts to eliminate these effects often fail to improve the situation. Therefore, the legacy of Marxism in Polish space will still be visible for many years to come.
Thyroglobulin autoantibodies before radioiodine ablation predict differentiated thyroid cancer outcome
Authors: Trimboli Pierpaolo , Zilioli Valentina , Imperiali Mauro , Giovanella Luca
Published: May 2017

Background:

Serum thyroglobulin (Tg) is essential to manage differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). However, Tg determination is affected by circulating Tg antibodies (TgAb), and a role of TgAb as surrogate biomarker has been proposed. Here we evaluated the role of TgAb measured before and after radioiodine ablation (RRA) as potential predictors of prognosis.

Methods:

Patients treated since 2006 were screened. Cancers with structural relapse were defined as recurrent. Both Tg and TgAb were measured by immunoassays on the fully automated Kryptor

Results:

A series of 215 DTC patients was enrolled, of whom 28.8% had positive preablation TgAb. Overall, 2.8% patients died by DTC and 11% recurred. High-risk class (p=0.004) and cancer relapse (p=0.007) occurred more frequently in positive TgAb, whereas better disease-free survival was observed in negative group (hazard ratio 2.59, p=0.01). Having positive preablation TgAb was significantly associated with risk to develop recurrence (odds ratio 3.57, p=0.004). Among positive TgAb subgroup, higher levels were recorded in recurrent cases (p=0.0001), and the most accurate preablation TgAb threshold was 107.5 IU/mL. When TgAb were measured at first follow-up, recurrence rate was significantly (p<0.0001) higher in persistently TgAb-positive patients (75%) than normalized ones (2.4%). At that time, the highest negative predictive value could be obtained when considering TgAb normalization (<33 IU/mL) or reduction by ≥36.4%.

Conclusions:

Positive TgAb before RRA indicates higher risk of poor prognosis, but their significant drop 6–12 months later could be considered a favorable factor.
Static-kinematic duality in beams, plates, shells and its central role in the finite element method
Authors: Carpinteri Alberto
Published: May 2017

Static and kinematic matrix operator equations are revisited for one-, two-, and three-dimensional deformable bodies. In particular, the elastic problem is formulated in the details in the case of arches, cylinders, circular plates, thin domes, and, through an induction process, shells of revolution. It is emphasized how the static and kinematic matrix operators are one the adjoint of the other, and then demonstrated through the definition of stiffness matrix and the application of virtual work principle. From the matrix operator formulation it clearly emerges the identity of the usual Finite Element Method definition of elastic stiffness matrix and the classical definition of Ritz-Galerkin matrix.
Age-related fecundity of free-ranging mule deer Odocoileus hemionus Cervidae in south-central, New Mexico, USA
Authors: Bender Louis C. , Hoenes Brock D.
Published: May 2017

Mule deer Odocoileus hemionus (Rafinesque 1817) populations in southern New Mexico have declined significantly since the 1980s, similar to trends across the arid Southwestern USA. Because production of fawns is critical to population growth, we evaluated factors influencing fecundity in two mule deer populations in southern New Mexico. Conception, litter size and survival of ≥1 fawn to weaning were all affected by maternal age, with older (age 8 and older) females exhibiting reproductive senescence as compared to prime-aged (age 2–7) females for the latter two traits despite achieving similar condition as did prime-aged females. Litter size and survival to weaning were also positively affected by increasing spring precipitation and survival to weaning was also positively affected by increased maternal condition, and size during late gestation. Unlike most previous work, reproductive senescence was evident in mule deer in our study populations, possibly because deer in both populations were in poor condition and older females produced on average 0.24 (95% CI=0.10–0.42) fawns through weaning compared to 0.76 (95% CI=0.60–0.94) for prime-aged females. The positive effect of precipitation during gestation on litter size and fawn survival also indicated that both income (i.e. nutritional intake) and capital (i.e. body reserves) were important determinants of fecundity in our arid Southwestern populations. The relatively early onset of senescence compared to the lifespan of female mule deer indicates that more intensive management of female age structure may be necessary to enhance population-level productivity.
Comparative Assessment of Nonlocal Continuum Solvent Models Exhibiting Overscreening
Authors: Ren Baihua , Bardhan Jaydeep P.
Published: May 2017

Nonlocal continua have been proposed to offer a more realistic model for the electrostatic response of solutions such as the electrolyte solvents prominent in biology and electrochemistry. In this work, we review three nonlocal models based on the Landau-Ginzburg framework which have been proposed but not directly compared previously, due to different expressions of the nonlocal constitutive relationship. To understand the relationships between these models and the underlying physical insights from which they are derive, we situate these models into a single, unified Landau-Ginzburg framework. One of the models offers the capacity to interpret how temperature changes affect dielectric response, and we note that the variations with temperature are qualitatively reasonable even though predictions at ambient temperatures are not quantitatively in agreement with experiment. Two of these models correctly reproduce overscreening (oscillations between positive and negative polarization charge densities), and we observe small differences between them when we simulate the potential between parallel plates held at constant potential. These computations require reformulating the two models as coupled systems of local partial differential equations (PDEs), and we use spectral methods to discretize both problems. We propose further assessments to discriminate between the models, particularly in regards to establishing boundary conditions and comparing to explicit-solvent molecular dynamics simulations.
The impact of phase state of guest histidine on properties and practical applications of nanohybrids on InSe and GaSe basis
Authors: Ivashchyshyn F.O. , Grygorchak I.I. , Balaban O.V. , Seredyuk B.O.
Published: May 2017

A new technological approach to the synthesis of multilayer nanostructures which allows their use in high-performance storage of electrical energy at the nanoscale level is discussed in this paper. In particular, the effect of co-intercalation of histidine (his), water and a solution of KOH into layered semiconductors of GaSe and InSe on the charge accumulation are studied. Based on the data of the cyclic current-voltage characteristics (CVC) a power storage mechanism (capacitive/pseudocapacitive) in each of these structures is described. This mechanism is in a good accord with the results of galvanostatic studies. The simulation of the parameters of the impedance equivalent circuit has been carried out, proving the possibility of using the described structures for nanoelectronics and nanoenergy devices. The observed values of tangent of electrical losses tgδ (<1) in coherence with a high dielectric constant ε are promising for the creation of quantum batteries and capacitors.
Selective acid-functionalized mesoporous silica catalyst for conversion of glycerol to monoglycerides: state of the art and future prospects
Authors: Hermida Lilis , Amani Hadis , Saeidi Samrand , Zuhairi Abdullah Ahmad , Rahman Mohamed Abdul
Published: May 2017

The quest for efficient and selective catalysts for conversion of glycerol monoglyceride is critical for the development of reliable methods for its synthesis. Thus, various types of catalyst and methods of catalyst manufacturing for conversion of glycerol to monoglycerides have been investigated. Acid-functionalized mesoporous catalysts are emerging as highly efficient catalysts for conversion of glycerol into monoglyceride. The incorporation of acid components into different mesoporous silicas for this application is reviewed in this work. The superiority of mesostructure catalysts in comparison to microporous catalysts has been elucidated in terms of accessibility to active sites, pore diffusion, thermal stability of the catalyst and catalyst reusability. Recent direction of novel acid-functionalized mesoporous catalysts development for this application is also critically reviewed.
Original study. Effectiveness of endoscopic posterior nasal neurectomy for the treatment of intractable rhinitis
Authors: Arun Govindan Nair , Sanu Moideen P. , Mohan Mogarnad , Aparna Thampy S. , Afroze Khizer Hussain M.
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND. Chronic rhinitis is a clinical condition affecting more than 20% of the world population. The standard treatment strategy is medical. Surgical management can be considered in patients with intractable rhinitis. Various surgical techniques have been documented with varying success rates, but none of them is considered as a gold standard. Hence, we are studying the effectiveness of posterior nasal neurectomy (PNN) in patients who have intractable rhinitis, refractory to maximum medical therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS. A prospective study was conducted in the ENT Department, Padmavathy Medical Foundation, Kollam, Kerala, India, from January 2015 to February 2016. Adult patients, in the age group of 20 to 60 years, diagnosed with chronic rhinitis, presenting two or more symptoms of rhinitis, refractory to maximum medical therapy for a period of at least 3 or more years and whose quality of life was significantly affected were enrolled and PNN was done for them.

RESULTS. We observed a statistically significant improvement in subjective symptoms and patient quality of life at the end of 6 months post-operatively.

CONCLUSION. PNN is a safe and less invasive procedure, which can provide a significant relief in symptoms of intractable rhinitis. Fewer complications and better results make it superior over vidian neurectomy.
Case report. A rare case of triple-hit diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the parotid gland in a patient with Sjogren’s syndrome
Authors: Birceanu Adelina , Evsei Anca , Dumitru Adrian , Sajin Maria , Sarafoleanu Codrut
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND. Primary malignant lymphomas of the salivary gland are rare, accounting for 2% of salivary gland tumors and 5% of all extranodal lymphomas. The clinical presentation is not particularly characteristic, a feature that usually leads to diagnostic and treatment delays.

CASE REPORT. We report a case of a parotid gland triple-hit diffuse large B-cell (DLBCL) lymphoma associated with follicular lymphoma in a 76-year-old female patient with a unique personal history, which included a diagnosis of Sjogren Syndrome and exposure to a toxic working environment with pesticides. Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas are uncommon given the fact that most lymphoid malignancies are low-grade lymphomas, with MALT (mucosa associated lymphoid tissue) lymphomas being the most common. Triple-hit DLBCL are extremely rare and the diagnosis can be challenging. Parotidectomy, as the first step, must be followed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry for final diagnosis and treatment.

CONCLUSION. This case highlights the fact that B-cell lymphoma in the salivary gland can be unrecognized due to unspecific symptoms and requires immunohistochemistry studies for confirmation. It is important to recognize triple-hit lymphoma due to its worse prognosis and differentiated treatment. Patients with Sjogren syndrome have additional risk factors for progression to lymphoma.
The Investigation of the Cavitation Phenomenon in the Laval Nozzle with Full and Partial Surface Wetting
Authors: Jablonská Jana , Kozubková Milada , Zavadilová Barbora , Zavadil Lukáš , Fialová Simona
Published: May 2017

The article deals with the cavitation phenomenon affected by full and partial wetting of the wall. For the numerical computation of flow in the Laval nozzle the Schnerr-Sauer cavitation model was tested and was used for cavitation research of flow within the nozzle considering partial surface wetting. The coefficient of wetting for various materials was determined using experimental, theoretical and numerical methods of fluid flow due to partial surface wetting.
Mechanical and Wear Properties of Friction Stir Welded 0–6Wt% nAl2O3 Reinforced Al-13Wt%Si Composites
Authors: Patel Vinay Kumar , Rani Komal
Published: May 2017

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) of an Al-13%Si alloy matrix reinforced with 0, 3 and 6 wt% Al2O3 nanoparticles (nAl2O3) is performed and the optical microstructures, tensile strength, hardness and sliding wear properties of friction stir welded joints are investigated and compared to those of base materials. Four different zones of distinct appearances were observed during FSW, which exhibited altered microstructures in the nugget zone (NZ), thermo mechanically affected zone (TMAZ), heat affected zone (HAZ), and base material zone (BMZ). The ultimate tensile strength of the base materials and their welded joints were found to be increasing with increased wt% of nano-alumina reinforcements. High joint efficiency of 89-97% was achieved in FSW. Hardness and wear resistance of friction stir welded joints were found to be better than those of the base materials.
Process Parameters Optimization for Producing AA6061/TiB2 Composites by Friction Stir Processing
Authors: Rao Santha Dakarapu , Ramanaiah Nallu
Published: May 2017

Friction stir processing (FSP) is solid state novel technique developed to refine microstructure and to improve the mechanical properties and be used to fabricate the aluminium alloy matrix composites. An attempt is made to fabricate AA6061/TiB2 aluminium alloy composite (AMCs) and the influence of process parameters like rotational speed, transverse feed, axial load and percentage reinforcement on microstructure and mechanical properties were studied. The microstructural observations are carried out and revealed that the reinforcement particles (TiB2) were uniformly dispersed in the nugget zone. The Tensile strength and Hardness of composites were evaluated. It was observed that tensile strength, and hardness were increased with increased the rotational speed and percentage reinforcement of particles. The process parameters were optimized using Taguchi analysis (Single Variable) and Grey analysis (Multi Variable). The most influential parameter was rotational speed in single variable method and multi variable optimization method. The ANOVA also done to know the percentage contribution of each parameter.
Einkommensunterschiede in der Mortalität in Deutschland – Ein empirischer Erklärungsversuch
Authors: Kröger Hannes , Kroh Martin , Kroll Lars Eric , Lampert Thomas
Published: May 2017

In dieser Studie gehen wir der Frage nach, welche Faktoren die einkommensbedingten Unterschiede in der Mortalität erklären können. Auf der Basis des Sozio-oekonomischen Panels (SOEP) werden ereignisanalytische Modelle der Mortalität ab dem Alter 65 geschätzt, die Auskunft über den Mediatoreffekt von acht Faktorenbündeln geben. Als Mediatoren zwischen Einkommen zum Alter 65 und Mortalität werden Bildung, Demographie, soziale Herkunft, berufliche Belastung, subjektive Bewertung der ökonomischen Situation, soziale Aktivitäten und Netzwerke, Sport sowie der Gesundheitszustand herangezogen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Berücksichtigung von Sport, Bildung, sozialen Netzwerken und Gesundheit den Zusammenhang zwischen Einkommen und Mortalität bei Männern reduzieren. Bei Frauen haben soziale Netzwerke die entscheidende Bedeutung für einkommensbedingte Unterschiede der Mortalität.
Towards the Estimation of an Efficient Benchmark Portfolio: The Case of Croatian Emerging Market
Authors: Dolinar Denis , Zoričić Davor , Kožul Antonija
Published: May 2017

The fact that cap-weighted indices provide an inefficient risk-return trade-off is well known today. Various research approaches evolved suggesting alternative to cap-weighting in an effort to come up with a more efficient market index benchmark. In this paper we aim to use such an approach and focus on the Croatian capital market. We apply statistical shrinkage method suggested by Ledoit and Wolf (2004) to estimate the covariance matrix and follow the work of Amenc et al. (2011) to obtain estimates of expected returns that rely on risk-return trade-off. Empirical findings for the proposed portfolio optimization include out-of-sample and robustness testing. This way we compare the performance of the capital-weighted benchmark to the alternative and ensure that consistency is achieved in different volatility environments. Research findings do not seem to support relevant research results for the developed markets but rather complement earlier research (Zoričić et al., 2014).
Purification and Characterization of Schwann Cells from Adult Human Skin and Nerve
Authors: Stratton Jo Anne , Kumar Ranjan , Sinha Sarthak , Shah Prajay , Stykel Morgan , Shapira Yuval , Midha Rajiv , Biernaskie Jeff
Published: May 2017

Despite its modest capacity for regeneration, peripheral nervous system injury often results in significant long-term disability. Supplementing peripheral nervous system injury with autologous Schwann cells (SCs) may serve to rejuvenate the postinjury environment to enhance regeneration and ultimately improve functional outcomes. However, human nerve-derived SC (hN-SC) collection procedures require invasive surgical resection. Here, we describe the characterization of SCs from adult human skin (hSk-SCs) of four male donors ranging between 27 and 46 years old. Within five weeks of isolating and culturing adherent mixed skin cells, we were able to obtain 3–5 million purified SCs. We found that hSk-SCs appeared transcriptionally indistinguishable from hN-SCs with both populations exhibiting expression of SC genes including:SOX10,SOX9,AP2A1,CDH19,EGR1,ETV5,PAX3,SOX2,CX32,DHH,NECL4,NFATC4,POU3F1,S100B, andYY1. Phenotypic analysis of hSk-SCs and hN-SCs cultures revealed highly enriched populations of SCs indicated by the high percentage of NES+ve, SOX10+ve, s100+veand p75+vecells, as well as the expression of a battery of other SC-associated proteins (PAX3, CDH19, ETV5, SOX2, POU3F1, S100B, EGR2, and YY1). We further show that both hSk-SCs and hN-SCs are capable of promoting axonal growth to similar degrees and that a subset of both associate with regenerating axons and form myelin following transplantation into the injured mouse sciatic nerve. Interestingly, although the majority of both hSk-SCs and hN-SCs maintained SOX10 immunoreactivity following transplant, only a subset of each activated the promyelinating factor, POU3F1, and were able to myelinate. Taken together, we demonstrate that adult hSk-SCs are genetically and phenotypically indistinguishable to hN-SCs.