bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nosocomial infections and community clusters of pertussis in France, 2000-2005
Authors: Bonmarin I , Poujol I , Lévy-Bruhl D
Published: October 2017

Pertussis is not a notifiable disease in France. In addition to a paediatric hospital sentinel surveillance system, pertussis epidemiological data have, since 1996, been gathered through the voluntary notification of community clusters by general practitioners, and since 2001 by the statutory notification of nosocomial infection to the relevant local health authority. The local health authority forwards the information to the French National Institute for Surveillance (InVS). The objective of this study was to analyse pertussis data outside the routine paediatric hospital sentinel surveillance system. We gathered all the information concerning healthcare-associated infections and community clusters of pertussis (specific forms, investigation reports, emails etc.) reported to the InVS between 2000 and 2005. The InVS received and analysed 67 reports with a total of 595 cases. Almost half of the reports (n=31) came from hospitals, and healthcare workers were usually first affected. Control measures were put in place in 22 healthcare facilities and the average duration of an outbreak episode was 48 days. Outside healthcare facilities, clusters were reported also from 17 daycare facilities or schools and five workplaces. Among the 595 cases, six deaths occurred in children under seven months of age. Pertussis is still occurring in France and affects those who are not or who are no longer protected by the vaccine. Infection of infants within the household could be prevented if their parents and siblings were immunised. The number and size of pertussis clusters in hospitals could be reduced through immunisation of health staff, and timely and adequate outbreak management.
Outbreak of salmonellosis in a restaurant in Stockholm, Sweden, September – October 2006
Authors: de Jong B , Öberg J , Svenungsson B
Published: October 2017

The largest outbreak of salmonellosis in 25 years in Stockholm County occurred during September - October 2006. A total of 115 persons who had a meal at a restaurant in Stockholm were notified as cases of salmonellosis through the Swedish surveillance system. The probable vehicle of the outbreak was mung beans, soaked in lukewarm water for 24 hours before being served at the restaurant. These mung beans had been included in all dishes served in the restaurant and the outbreak was terminated when they were excluded from the menu. Either Salmonella Bareilly or Salmonella Virchow were isolated from affected persons. No person was found to have an infection with both serotypes. The majority of affected persons were females with a median age of 34 years.This and similar outbreaks associated with consumption of vegetables and fruits highlight the increasing importance of fresh produce as vehicle for foodborne outbreaks in Europe.
Early treatment of acute hepatitis C infection may be highly effective
Authors: Harris H
Published: October 2017

A study published online in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that prompt treatment with interferon in those acutely infected with hepatitis C virus prevented chronic infection in almost all (98%) patients (1). In this landmark study, 44 patients with acute hepatitis C were given 5 mU of interferon alfa-2b for four weeks daily, and then three times a week for another 20 weeks.
England’s Chief Medical Officer announces first national strategy against infectious disease
Authors: Twisselmann B
Published: October 2017

The Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Sir Liam Donaldson, has published the first ever national strategy for combating infectious disease, as reported in last week’s Communicable Disease Report (1). Getting ahead of the curve – a strategy for combating infectious disease  outlines a strategy that is radical in including infection control in the wider remit of health protection
Yellow fever epidemic in Senegal
Authors: Gautrais A , Buchow H , Guglielmetti P
Published: October 2017

Preliminary findings based on clinical reports and serological tests have confirmed an ongoing outbreak of Yellow Fever (YF) in Touba (Mbaké Department, Senegal, West Africa, 160 km east of Dakar). Twelve individuals with symptoms consistent with YF tested positive for specific IgM and IgG. The first suspected case was reported on 8 September 2002 in the inner city. Specific actions have been taken by the Senegalese Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the Pasteur Institute in Dakar. These include vector control, a mass vaccination campaign of the population of Touba and surrounding area, and strengthening YF surveillance. The estimated population of Touba is 800 000 inhabitants.
EUROPAP: Promoting the health and wellbeing of sex workers in Europe
Authors: Ward H , Mak R
Published: October 2017

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are an occupational risk for people who sell sex, but most are very keen to keep themselves and their partners safe. Many people believe that sex workers have a high risk of and play an important role in transmission of STIs. Research in Europe over the past two decades has been important in countering this belief (1-3). Studies consistently show a high rate of condom use in commercial sex, and relatively low risks of HIV and other STI for women sex workers (2,3). A survey of 945 women sex workers in nine European cities in 1990-1 found an overall HIV-1 prevalence of 5.3%, associated with sharing injecting equipment, coming from a high prevalence area, and use of incompatible lubricants during sex. Women who did not inject drugs had a prevalence of 1.5% (1). Two cohort studies in Europe have shown a relatively low incidence of HIV infection (0.2 and 0.9 cases per 100 person years respectively in the United Kingdom and Spain) (2,4). Higher risks have been found in more stigmatised sex workers, including men who sell sex, transgenders, and injecting drug users (5,6).
Annual report from the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System
Authors: Schrijnemakers Paul
Published: October 2017

The European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (EARSS) annual report 2001 has recently been published and widely distributed among all EARSS participants, public health institutes, ministries of health and other collaborating projects and organisations in Europe and beyond (1). From EARSS data it can be concluded that proportions of antimicrobial resistance vary markedly between European countries (figures 1 and 2). This is most likely to be as a result of differences in hospital infection control activities and the antibiotic prescribing practices. However, many other variables exist, some of which can interact with those mentioned above.
SARS surveillance case definition updated in United States
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The surveillance case definition for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has been updated for the United States to take account of the results of laboratory tests for SARS-coronavirus (SARS-CoV) that are becoming increasingly available (1) (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm52d429a1.htm). Reported cases of SARS in the US will continue to be classified as suspect or probable; however, these cases can be further classified as laboratory-confirmed or -negative if laboratory data are available and complete, or as laboratory-indeterminate if specimens are not available or testing is incomplete. Obtaining convalescent serum samples to make a final determination about infection with SARS-CoV is critical.
Preliminary report of an outbreak of lymphogranuloma venereum in homosexual men in the Netherlands, with implications for other countries in western Europe
Authors: Götz H , Nieuwenhuis R , Ossewaarde Tjaco , Thio B , van der Meijden W , Dees J ,   O de Zwart
Published: October 2017

In mid-December 2003, a cluster of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) cases was reported to the Municipal Health Service in Rotterdam
Oral polio vaccine accidental injection in the north of Portugal
Authors: Gonçalves G , Queirós Laurinda , do Carmo Ferreira M , Pires de Miranda Marta , Rebelo de Andrade H
Published: October 2017

On 3 June 2003, a 58 year old man was accidentally injected (intra-muscularly) with oral polio vaccine (OPV).
Tuberculosis screening of Aussiedler at the Friedland border immigration centre, Germany
Authors: Feil F , Dreesman J , Steffens I
Published: October 2017

The Friedland immigration centre in Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony) is the central primary immigration centre for Aussiedler. The term Aussiedler refers to ethnic Germans who live as ethnic minorities in the former Soviet Union
Public Health Programme 2003-2008: 2005 work plan and call for proposals published
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

The European Commission has published the Work Plan 2005 for the Public Health Programme 2003-2008, and this year’s call for proposals
First case of vCJD reported in a Japanese patient
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

The first case of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in a Japanese patient was announced by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on 4 February 2005
Understanding the socioeconomic burden of human metapneumovirus in childhood: Italian study
Authors: Ciancio B C
Published: October 2017

The authors of a recent Italian study have concluded that human metapneumovirus is a recently identified cause of acute respiratory infection in childhood and may have a significant socioeconomic impact on both children and their families
New legislation to control avian influenza in Europe proposed by Commission
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

To prevent and control outbreaks of avian influenza in Europe, the Commission has proposed legislation that, if approved, will require European Union member states to introduce or reinforce surveillance and control measures against these low pathogenic viruses
Ongoing outbreak of meningococcal disease in India
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

An outbreak of meningococcal disease in Delhi, India, which began in March 2005 is continuing.
Number of cases in Yemen polio outbreak increases dramatically
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

An outbreak of polio in Yemen which started in February, and was first reported to the World Health Organization in April, has grown to 179 cases
Research shows that highly potent vaccine reduces the burden of herpes zoster and the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia in older adults
Authors: Ciancio B  C
Published: October 2017

A live attenuated vaccine reduces the burden of herpes zoster (shingles) in older adults, according to the recently published results of a randomised, double-blind trial
Scientists' report outlines European priorities in tackling infectious diseases
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

The European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC, http://www.easac.org/), whose members represent 22 national science academies across Europe, has this week published a report outlining infectious disease priorities at Europe-wide level identified by an expert panel.
Surveillance of foodborne disease outbreaks associated with consumption of eggs and egg products: Spain, 2002 - 2003
Authors: Soler P , Hernández Pezzi G , Echeíta A , Torres A , Ordóñez Banegas Pilar , Aladueña A
Published: October 2017

Foodborne disease outbreaks are a public health problem for certain population groups in Spain, because of their magnitude and severity. The foods implicated in these outbreaks tend to be prepared with raw shell eggs, and Salmonella serotype Enteritidis tends to be the causative agent. In Spain, foodborne outbreaks due to consumption of eggs and egg products have not declined since 1998, despite the introduction of numerous prevention measures aimed at addressing this problem. Such measures include health education and making it mandatory for food catering facilities that cook and/or serve meals to replace raw shell eggs with pasteurised egg products when food is prepared without heat treatment and for immediate consumption.
First results from the new STI reporting system in Cyprus
Authors: Unit for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases Collective
Published: October 2017

Genital warts was the most frequently diagnosed sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Cyprus in 2004, according to the first year’s results from the STI Sentinel Network of Clinicians surveillance. This accounted for 242 (32%) of the 757 new cases of diagnosed STIs, with genital herpes (167, 22%) and gonorrhoea (136, 18%) being the second and third most frequent diagnoses. Cases of syphilis made up 3% of the total number of reported STIs.
World Health Organization finds no evidence that human influenza (H5N1) infections are spreading readily among humans in Vietnam
Authors: Nicoll A , Van-Tam J
Published: October 2017

The current level of pandemic alert, in effect since January 2004, remains unchanged at pandemic alert phase 3: ‘human infections with a new sub-type but no human-to-human spread or at most, rare instances of spread to a close contact’
Recommendation for annual HIV and STI testing in MSM introduced in Norway
Authors: Blystad H , Klouman E
Published: October 2017

Recommendations for annual testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in men who have sex with men (MSM) have been produced by the Norwegian Folkehelseinstituttet in cooperation with Gay and Lesbian Health Norway and Olafiaklinikken in Oslo
Modelling study suggests pandemic influenza could be controlled at source
Authors: Cooke M , Van-Tam J
Published: October 2017

The highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus which is causing influenza outbreaks in South East Asia represents the most plausible candidate for a pandemic human influenza strain since the last influenza pandemic in 1968
Changes to legislation designed to control TSEs discussed
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

A ‘TSE roadmap’ outlining possible future amendments to the controls designed to prevent transmissable spongiform encephalopathies entering the food chain has been published by the European Commission
Legionnaires’ disease in southeast London
Authors: Joseph C , Lock K , Heathcock R , Millett C , Surman Susanne , Lee J. V. , Harrison T G , Maguire H
Published: October 2017

Twelve cases of community acquired legionnaires’ disease have been associated with south east London in July and August 2005
Outbreak update: Salmonella Goldcoast infections in tourists returning from Majorca
Authors: Outbreak control team Collective
Published: October 2017

A total of 178 cases of Salmonella goldcoast infections have been reported
Recent trends in new diagnoses of HIV infections in Switzerland: probable increase in MSM despite an overall decrease
Authors: Gebhardt M
Published: October 2017

In Switzerland, it is mandatory that testing laboratories send anonymous notifications of confirmed positive HIV test results to the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health
International outbreak of Salmonella Goldcoast infection in tourists returning from Majorca, September-October 2005: final summary
Authors: Lewis H. C. , Outbreak control team Collective
Published: October 2017

An international outbreak control team (OCT) led by Health Protection Scotland investigated an outbreak of Salmonella Goldcoast
Outbreak of legionnaires’ disease in Torrevieja, Spain, November-December 2005
Authors: Vanaclocha Luna H , Marco Aledón R , González Morán F , Guiral Rodrigo S
Published: October 2017

In early December 2005, the Comunidad Valenciana public health authorities detected an outbreak of legionnaires’ Disease in Torrevieja on the east coast of Spain
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) serotype L2 in Switzerland, 2003-2005
Authors: Gebhardt M , Goldenberger D
Published: October 2017

A retrospective study carried out in 2005 has shown that Switzerland has been affected by the Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) outbreaks
European Food Safety Authority seeks members for scientific committee and panels: application deadline extended to 17 February
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

European Food Safety Authority seeks members for scientific committee and panels: application deadline extended to 17 Februaryrom within and outside the European Union to apply for three year membership of its scientific committee and panels from May 2006.
No new human infections with A/H5N1 in Turkey but national measures and international support continue
Authors: Influenza team (ECDC) Collective , the international outbreak response team in Turkey Collective
Published: October 2017

There have been no new human cases of A/H5N1 diagnosed in Turkey since mid-January, and only three patients were still receiving care in hospital at 27 January
Introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine into the Norwegian childhood vaccination programme
Authors: Bergsaker M  A R , Feiring B
Published: October 2017

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is being added to the routine childhood vaccination programme in Norway, after a decision by the Norwegian government.
Avian influenza detected in swans in central Europe, and continues spread in Nigeria
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

In the past two days, swans infected with avian influenza H5 have been detected in southern Hungary, Austria
EPIET programme seeking a scientific programme coordinator
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

The European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET, http://www.epiet.org) is looking for a third scientific coordinator
Erratum for: Euro Surveill 2006;11(2):E060209.2
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

In the 9 February article New case of transfusion-associated vCJD in the United Kingdom
Mumps outbreak affecting adolescents and young adults in Austria, 2006: update
Authors: Schmid D , Pichler A  M , Wallenko H , Holzmann H , Popow-Kraupp T , Allerberger F
Published: October 2017

Recently, we reported on a mumps outbreak in Austria [1]. By 3 July 2006, the outbreak is estimated to include at least 150 cases
Outbreak of Salmonella Kedougou in Norway associated with salami, April-June 2006
Authors: Emberland K  E , Nygård K , Heier B  T , Aavitsland P , Lassen J , Stavnes T  L , Gondrosen B
Published: October 2017

Nasjonalt folkehelseinstituttet (the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, NIPH) has recently completed the investigation of a nationwide outbreak
Outbreak of measles in Belarus, January-June 2006
Authors: Samoilovich E  O , Yermalovich M  A , Semeiko G  V , Svirchevskaya E  I , Rimzha M  I , Titov L  P
Published: October 2017

Between January and June 2006, 87 measles cases were notified in Belarus. Measles cases were reported in five of the seven regions.
Diversity of needle exchange provision in the UK: findings from a national survey
Authors: Huntington S , Hope V , Hutchinson S , Goldberg D , Ncube F
Published: October 2017

Needle exchanges are key to reducing transmission of bloodborne viruses (BBVs) in injecting drug users (IDUs) through the provision of sterile
First isolation of Clostridium difficile PCR ribotype 027 in Austria
Authors: Indra A , Huhulescu S , Hasenberger P , Schmid D , Alfery C , Wuerzner R , Fille M , Gattringer K , Kuijper E  J , Allerberger F
Published: October 2017

We report the first isolate of C. difficile 027 documented in Austria. On 9 March 2006, in a local hospital in Tyrol, west Austria, a 69 year old British woman was admitted to hospital
Surveillance methods and case definition for extensively drug resistant TB (XDR-TB) and relevance to Europe: summary update
Authors: Manissero D , Fernandez de la Hoz K
Published: October 2017

Following the urgent call for a response to the extensively drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) outbreak in Kwazulu-Natal
Potential rabies exposure after a bat bite, Denmark, June 2006
Authors: Bohr L , Christensen L  S , Christiansen A  H
Published: October 2017

In June 2006, an 18 month old girl living in southern Denmark was admitted to hospital following a bat bite. The girl had
Modelling scenarios of diffusion and control of pandemic influenza, Italy
Authors: Epico working group Collective
Published: October 2017

The updated Italian national plan for preparedness and response to an influenza pandemic was published in February 2006 [1], in response to recommendations
Airline traveller with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis: low risk for passengers
Authors: Tuberculosis Team (ECDC) Collective , Preparedness and Response Unit (ECDC) Collective
Published: October 2017

A case of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) in a United States citizen travelling in Europe was notified to the EU Early Warning and Response System (EWRS) on 25 May by the Italian authorities.
Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenzas and human health
Authors: Influenza team (ECDC) Collective
Published: October 2017

Influenza A/H7N2 virus, as seen in the poultry outbreak described above, is one of many Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenzas (LPAIs) [1]. These have a genotype associated with causing milder symptoms in birds than the rarer high pathogenicity viruses and are negative on in vivo test [2,3].
Outbreak of measles among Irish Travellers in Norway: an update
Authors: Løvoll Ø , Vonen L , Nordbø S A , Vevatne T , Sagvik E , Vainio K , Sandbu S , Aavitsland P
Published: October 2017

This is an update on the preliminary report [1] of an outbreak of measles in Norway among a travelling community from England.
Measuring the impact of PCV7 in the European Union: why it is a priority
Authors: Lopalco P L
Published: October 2017

Diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) are a major public health problem worldwide. Infections can often lead to serious invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) that include pneumonia, meningitis and febrile bacteraemia.
A case of tetanus in a child whose parents refused immunisation – Piedmont Region, Italy, 2006
Authors: Giovanetti F , Pellegrino A
Published: October 2017

We describe a case of tetanus in a previously healthy 34-month old child living in Piedmont Region, in north-west Italy. His parents refused to continue immunisation after the first dose of vaccine: their decision was influenced by misconceptions about the risks and benefits of immunisation.
Chikungunya in Italy: actions in and implications for the European Union
Authors: Diseases of Environmental and Zoonotic Origin Team, ECDC Collective
Published: October 2017

The current outbreak of chikungunya fever in north-eastern Italy described above marks the first recorded occasion that this virus has been transmitted by mosquitoes within Europe. Aedes albopictus (often referred to as the “tiger mosquito”) is thought to be the main vector for the current outbreak in Italy.
First World Rabies Day, 8 September 2007
Authors: De Martin S
Published: October 2017

World Rabies Day will be inaugurated on 8 September 2007. This initiative involves human and animal health partners from local to international level with the goal of supporting human rabies prevention and animal rabies control through awareness and resources.
Erratum for: Euro Surveill 2007;12(1)
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

In Table 2 of the article “Travel-associated legionnaires’ disease in Europe: 2005”, published in the January issue of Eurosurveillance monthly release, the part of Cyprus where the cluster was identified was mistakenly labelled as a non-EU country. A correction was made on 3 September 2007.
Author’s correction for: Euro Surveill 2007;12(6)
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

Upon request of the authors, corrections were made in the article "Seroprevalence of antibodies to poliovirus in individuals living in Portugal, 2002", published in the June 2007 issue of Eurosurveillance monthly.
Outbreak of norovirus gastroenteritis among staff at a hospital in Barcelona, Spain, September 2007
Authors: Costas L , Vilella A , Llupia A , Bosch J , Jimenez de Anta M T , Trilla A
Published: October 2017

On 14 September 2007, an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis was reported among health care workers (HCW) employed at a hospital in Barcelona, Spain.
A cluster of measles cases in northern Italy: a preliminary report
Authors: Filia A , Barale A , Malaspina S , Montu D , Zito S , Muscat M , Ciofi Degli Atti M L
Published: October 2017

From 19 September to 19 November 2007, 46 measles cases related to a single outbreak were reported in the Piemonte region of northern Italy.
Preparing the European Union for the next pandemic – half way there
Authors: Nicoll A , Kreidl P ,   Influenza Project Team
Published: October 2017

In early 2005, the institutions and member states of the European Union (EU), together with the other European Economic Area (EEA) member states of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, started preparing in a concerted manner for the next influenza pandemic.
Bacteriological Profile of Neonatal Sepsis and Antibiogram of the Isolates
Authors: Parajuli Roshan , Pant Narayan Dutt , Bhandari Raju , Giri Anil , Rai Suman , Acharya Ganesh Prasad , Shah Pradeep Kumar
Published: October 2017

Introduction: Neonatal sepsis is a serious problem in developing countries like Nepal. The main objectives of this study were to determine the bacteriological profile of neonatal sepsis, to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the causative agents and to evaluate the association between the neonatal sepsis and the different characteristics of the neonates.Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted among a total of 450 neonates suspected of suffering from sepsis. Blood culture was performed using statdard microbiological techniques. The colonies grown were identified on the basis of colony morphology, Gram’s stain and biochemical tests. The antimicrobial susceptiblility testing was performed by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: Out of total 450 blood samples, 92 (20.4%) were culture positive. Of which,  16 (17.4%) samples contained  gram negative bacteria and 76 (82.6%) samples contained gram positive cocci. The most common bacterial pathogens isolated were Staphylococcus epidermidis (67.4%) followed by Escherichia coli (13%). All gram positive cocci were susceptible to vancomycin, while all gram negative bacilli were sensitive to amikacin. There was statistically significant relationship between neonatal sepsis and gestation age of neonates.Conclusions: Neonatal sepsis is still present as a serious problem in Nepal. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common cause of the neonatal sepsis. Prematurely delivered neonates should be given more care, as they are more prone to suffering from neonatal sepsis. Vancomycin and amikacin can be used as the drugs of choice for preliminary treatment of neonatal sepsis in our settings.
Pancreatic-Biliary Ascariasis in an Infant
Authors: Roy Kakali , Das Joydeep , Mukherjee Devdeep , Kundu Ritabrata
Published: October 2017

Ascaris infestation that too causing biliary obstruction is very rare in infancy even in endemic area. Adult Ascaris diameter (3-6 mm) is more than the average diameter of CBD in paediatric population, which is 1.27 +/- 0.67 mm. We are reporting a baby of seven months who presented with conjugated hypebilirubinemia and pancreatitis due to Round Worm in CBD.
A Rare Abdominal Tumour in a Paediatric Age Group: Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Sah Rajesh Prasad , Sah R.G. , Mahmood Shaukat
Published: October 2017

A 10 year boy presented with history of abdominal pain and palpitation. Abdominal ultrasound and CT oriented towards the diagnosis. After preoperative optimization, laparotomy with complete excision of an unusual pheochromocytoma tumour of about 8×10 cm adherent to liver and IVC performed. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis without evidence of malignancy.
Methotrexate as a Suspected Trigger of Macrophage Activation Syndrome in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Roy Soumya , Chakrabartty Subroto
Published: October 2017

A four year old girl with systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SOJIA) developed macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) shortly after starting methotrexate. We observed methotrexate is a likely trigger of MAS in SOJIA. Possibly, there are only two case reports suggesting methotrexate triggered MAS. We reviewed the literature for possible mechanisms.
Hypoglycemic effect of Camellia chrysantha extract on type 2 diabetic mice model
Authors: Wang Lai , Roy Debmalya , Lin Sen Sen , Yuan Sheng Tao , Sun Li
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of Camellia chrysantha using type 2 diabetic mice model. The ethyl acetate/dichloromethane extract exhibited the most effective hypoglycemic effect. Compared to model group, all the three groups of C. chrysantha extracts significantly improved the mices behavioral performance, weight, reduced water and food intake. The ethyl acetate/dichloromethane extract of C. chrysantha significantly reduced the blood glucose level in the first week after administration and the crude extract also showed a significant effect after longer time administration. All the three extracts reduced the fasting blood glucose level to a certain extent and ethyl acetate/dichloromethane extract exhibited most significant effect among all the three extracts.

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Stark-Zeeman Line Shape Modeling for Magnetic White Dwarf and Tokamak Edge Plasmas: Common Challenges
Authors: Rosato Joël , Kieu Ny , Hannachi Ibtissem , Koubiti Mohammed , Marandet Yannick , Stamm Roland , Dimitrijević Milan S. , Simić Zoran
Published: October 2017

The shape of atomic spectral lines in plasmas contains information on the plasma parameters, and can be used as a diagnostic tool. Under specific conditions, the plasma located at the edge of tokamaks has parameters similar to those in magnetic white dwarf stellar atmospheres, which suggests that the same line shape models can be used. A problem common to tokamak and magnetic white dwarfs concerns the modeling of Stark broadening of hydrogen lines in the presence of an external magnetic field and the related Zeeman effect. In this work, we focus on a selection of issues relevant to Stark broadening in magnetized hydrogen plasmas. Various line shape models are presented and discussed through applications to ideal cases.
Data-Driven Optimization of Incentive-based Demand Response System with Uncertain Responses of Customers
Authors: Kang Jimyung , Lee Jee-Hyong
Published: October 2017

Demand response is nowadays considered as another type of generator, beyond just a simple peak reduction mechanism. A demand response service provider (DRSP) can, through its subcontracts with many energy customers, virtually generate electricity with actual load reduction. However, in this type of virtual generator, the amount of load reduction includes inevitable uncertainty, because it consists of a very large number of independent energy customers. While they may reduce energy today, they might not tomorrow. In this circumstance, a DSRP must choose a proper set of these uncertain customers to achieve the exact preferred amount of load curtailment. In this paper, the customer selection problem for a service provider that consists of uncertain responses of customers is defined and solved. The uncertainty of energy reduction is fully considered in the formulation with data-driven probability distribution modeling and stochastic programming technique. The proposed optimization method that utilizes only the observed load data provides a realistic and applicable solution to a demand response system. The performance of the proposed optimization is verified with real demand response event data in Korea, and the results show increased and stabilized performance from the service provider’s perspective.
Challenges for Uneven-Aged Silviculture in Restoration of Post-Disturbance Forests in Central Europe: A Synthesis
Authors: Diaci Jurij , Rozenbergar Dusan , Fidej Gal , Nagel Thomas A.
Published: October 2017

Forest managers are often required to restore forest stands following natural disturbances, a situation that may become more common and more challenging under global change. In parts of Central Europe, particularly in mountain regions dominated by mixed temperate forests, the use of relatively low intensity, uneven-aged silviculture is a common management approach. Because this type of management is based on mimicking less intense disturbances, the restoration of more severe disturbance patches within forested landscapes has received little attention. The goal of this paper is to synthesize research on the restoration of forests damaged by disturbances in temperate forests of Slovenia and neighbouring regions of Central Europe, where uneven-aged silviculture is practiced. Research indicates that active management aimed at favouring mixed uneven-aged forest reduces the risk of disturbance and improves the resilience of stands. Salvage logging may have positive or negative effects on regeneration, much of which is due to the method applied and the quality of work. The most prominent factors that negatively affect restoration are: lack of advanced regeneration and decomposed woody debris, high altitude, steep slopes, dense ground vegetation, and overbrowsing. Planting or sowing should be applied in post-disturbance forests where many negative factors interact and where a high demand for sustainability of forest ecosystem services is present.
Acoustic-Based Non-Destructive Estimation of Wood Quality Attributes within Standing Red Pine Trees
Authors: Newton Peter
Published: October 2017

The relationship between acoustic velocity (vd) and the dynamic modulus of elasticity (me), wood density (wd), microfibril angle, tracheid wall thickness (wt,), radial and tangential diameters, fibre coarseness (co) and specific surface area (sa), within standing red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) trees, was investigated. The data acquisition phase involved 3 basic steps: (1) random selection of 54 sample trees from 2 intensively-managed 80-year-old plantations in central Canada; (2) attainment of cardinal-based vd measurements transecting the breast-height position on each sample tree; and (3) felling, sectioning and obtaining cross-sectional samples from the first 5.3 m sawlog from which Silviscan-based area-weighted mean attribute estimates were determined. The data analysis phase consisted of applying graphical and correlation analyses to specify regression models for each of the 8 attribute-acoustic velocity relationships. Results indicated that viable relationships were obtained for me, wd, wt, co and sa based on a set of statistical measures: goodness-of-fit (42%, 14%, 45%, 27% and 43% of the variability explained, respectively), lack-of-fit (unbiasedness) and predictive precision (±12%, ±8%, ±7%, ±8% and ±6% error tolerance intervals, respectively). Non-destructive approaches for estimating the prerequisite wd value when deploying the analytical framework were also empirically evaluated. Collectively, the proposed approach and associated results provide the foundation for the development of a comprehensive and precise end-product segregation strategy for use in red pine management.
Prebiotics Mediate Microbial Interactions in a Consortium of the Infant Gut Microbiome
Authors: Medina Daniel , Pinto Francisco , Ovalle Aline , Thomson Pamela , Garrido Daniel
Published: October 2017

Composition of the gut microbiome is influenced by diet. Milk or formula oligosaccharides act as prebiotics, bioactives that promote the growth of beneficial gut microbes. The influence of prebiotics on microbial interactions is not well understood. Here we investigated the transformation of prebiotics by a consortium of four representative species of the infant gut microbiome, and how their interactions changed with dietary substrates. First, we optimized a culture medium resembling certain infant gut parameters. A consortium containing Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis, Bacteroides vulgatus, Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus acidophilus was grown on fructooligosaccharides (FOS) or 2′-fucosyllactose (2FL) in mono- or co-culture. While Bi. infantis and Ba. vulgatus dominated growth on 2FL, their combined growth was reduced. Besides, interaction coefficients indicated strong competition, especially on FOS. While FOS was rapidly consumed by the consortium, B. infantis was the only microbe displaying significant consumption of 2FL. Acid production by the consortium resembled the metabolism of microorganisms dominating growth in each substrate. Finally, the consortium was tested in a bioreactor, observing similar predominance but more pronounced acid production and substrate consumption. This study indicates that the chemical nature of prebiotics modulate microbial interactions in a consortium of infant gut species.
How Does Energy Storage Increase the Efficiency of an Electricity Market with Integrated Wind and Solar Power Generation?—A Case Study of Korea
Authors: Mo Jung , Jeon Wooyoung
Published: October 2017

In recent years, increasing requests to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have led to renewable resources rapidly replacing conventional power sources. However, the inherent variability of renewable sources reduces the reliability of power systems. Energy storage has been proposed as a viable alternative, as it can mitigate the variability of renewable energy sources and increase the efficiency of power systems by lowering peak electricity demand. In this study, we evaluate the benefits of integrating energy storage with combined wind and solar power generation in the Korean power system through using the dynamic optimization method. Realistic wind and photovoltaic solar power generation scenarios were estimated for actual sites. The results show that the wind power-based system benefitted more from energy storage than the combined wind and solar photovoltaic power-based system. This is because the high variability of wind power was reduced when it was combined with solar power. Co-optimization for energy and reserve costs was more beneficial than optimization for energy costs alone, which suggests that the reliability offered by storage is an important cost-saving factor, in addition to the reduction of energy costs by price arbitrage. Finally, the analysis was conducted under various scenarios to determine the validity of energy storage cost effectiveness.
Comfort Study of Office Buildings with Large Glazed Areas
Authors: Motuzienė Violeta , Misevičiūtė Violeta
Published: October 2017

In the buildings with large glazed areas the biggest problem is the space overheating during the warm season. This causes increased energy demand for cooling. The survey was carried out during the warm and cold seasons in two office buildings with large glazed areas. The methodology was prepared for evaluating indoor climate parameters using objective and subjective evaluation. The measurements have shown that there are problems with lighting in workplaces of both buildings during both the warm and cold seasons. The biggest problem is too dry air during the cold period, an acceptable temperature is also not always in the building No. 2. The survey has shown that some employees are dissatisfied with the indoor climate in the workplace, the bigger dissatisfaction is in building No. 2. Assessing according to the O. Fanger methodology was obtained that the number of PPD is in the normal range during the cold period, whereas close to the limit when the building can not be operated in the warm period.
Investigation of Activated Sludge Process
Authors: Mažeikienė Aušra , Starenko Julita
Published: October 2017

It is important to control not only the large wastewater treatment plants work, but also the work of individual small wastewater treatment plants for the protection of environment. Individual small wastewater treatment plants can become the local sources of pollution, when they are not functioning properly. Sewage purification indicators are not always the same as declared at wastewater treatment plants documentation in real conditions, so it is important to control the properly work of individual small wastewater treatment plants. The work of the small wastewater treatment plant AT-6 was analyzed by the treated sewage results (BDS7, SM, NH4-N, NO3-N, NO2-N, PO4-P), the quality of activated sludge, biological indicators and enzymatic activity in this article. The nitrification process was not going very well by the results of research, because there was the 72 mg/l concentration of ammonium nitrogen remaining in the cleaned wastewater. The morphological study of the activated sludge has confirmed the hypothesis that the necessary conditions for nitrification process were not established. The oxygen supply was increased and the small wastewater treatment plant functioning become more efficient, because nitrification process started working properly – there was less than 1 mg/l of ammonium nitrogen remaining in the cleaned wastewater.
Biogas Production Experimental Research by Using Sewage Sludge Loading with Biochar Additive
Authors: Kolodynskij Vitalij , Baltrėnas Pranas
Published: October 2017

Biogas – ecological fuel, which is assigned to alternative energy sources. It should be noted, that biogas – renewable energy source, which does not require any specific climatic conditions or geographical position of a country. This power source is available and can be successfully produced and used in all countries of the world. The main components of biogas – methane CH4 and carbon monoxide CO2. This gas is formed under anaerobic conditions, when microorganisms decompose biodegradable biomass. In biological sciences biomass means a living matter content, expressed in grams per unit area. Meanwhile, in the energy sector, the definition of biomass is limited and biomass is characterized as fuel source, produced from plant materials and organic waste (food waste, wood, sludge, manure, vegetables, etc.). Currently, to produce biogas from biomass, bioreactors are used worldwide. However, in order to increase the quality and yield of biogas, in the world practice various bioload additives are used: vegetable waste, clay minerals, and a large amount of the protein-containing waste. The goal – to evaluate the impact of biochar on biogas quality and yield using sewage sludge load. It was found, that 10% biochar additive increased average CH4 concentration of 7.9%, reduced the CO2 concentration of 3–4% and totally removed H2S from biogas.
Fresh Bottom Ash Characteristics Dependence on Fractional Composition
Authors: Seniūnaitė Jurgita , Vasarevičius Saulius
Published: October 2017

Waste incineration process generates two main by-products streams: fly ash and bottom ash. Bottom ash is composed of a variety of oxides, heavy metals and salts. Chemical materials distributed unevenly in different fractions of bottom ash. This study investigates the heavy metals (Pb, Cd) content dependence of bottom ash and fraction composition. Studies were performed with five different fractions (0–2 mm; 2–5.6 mm; 5.6–11.2 mm; 11.2–22,4 mm; 22.4–40 mm) of fresh bottom ash. After a one-step leaching test (distilled water was used as a solvent), was determinate, that highest concentrations of the lead (Pb) (from 0.141 to 0.146 mg/l) are leached from the smallest (0–2 mm 2–5.6 mm) bottom ash fractions particles. Heavy metals concentration in these fractions eluates respectively was 2.83 and 2.91 times higher than the limit value of leaching. The highest concentration of cadmium (4.214 mg/l) was determinate in 0–2 mm fraction bottom ash eluate. concentration of cadmium was 1.40 times higher than the limit value of leaching. It can be concluded that 0–2 mm; 2–5.6 mm fraction bottom ash can’t be used in civil engineering, without pre-treatment (eg. washing or aging).
Research of Biogas Purification Using Microalgae Monoraphidium Griffithii Suspension
Authors: Bingelytė Živilė , Zagorskis Alvydas
Published: October 2017

Using biogas instead of fossil fuels decreases pollutants such as solid particles, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides concentrations in the environment. Green energy and development of relevant infrastructure improves air quality considerably. Chemical, physical, biological methods are used for biogas purification. The main difficulties using biological methods are selection of suitable microorganisms’ suspensions and making optimal conditions in photobioreactor. Different origin and structure microalgae suspensions are used applying biological treatment methods. Monoraphidium griffithi, which is widespread in fresh water, has relatively high potential. Microalgae’ cultures absorb the main components of biogas – carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S). Absorbtion processes are based on photosynthesis. Microalgae absorb specific components of biogas when there are suitable light source and nutrient solvent. The main purposes of the research are to asses emission of biogas using different substrates (chicken manure and wastewater sludge). Also, it was measured main physical and chemical characteristics of both substrates: acidicy, temperature, redox potential, conductivity, biohemical oxygen demand. According results of the research, emission from wastewater sludge is greater than from chicken manure so sludge was chosen in teh next stage of the research. The next stage – asssessment of purification efficienty using Monoraphidium grifftihii suspension. Raw biogas was supplied to photobioreacor (with microalgae suspension). Alterations of methane, carbon dioxide, oxygen, hydrogen sulphide concentrations were measured precisely. According to results concentration of methane in the beginning of the researc was 62%, after 35 days – 69%. Meanwhile carbon dioxide – 37% and 31% by analogy. Experimental research alows to assess Monoraphidium griffithi absorption capacity of ballast components. Results were compared to different scientists’ results which were present in scientific journals and publications. Comparative analysis alows to assess practical possibilities to use Monoraphidium griffithi as biological treatment of raw biogas.