bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Process Parameters on Structure of Ceramic Coatings Deposited by PS-PVD Method
Authors: Góral Marek , Kubaszek Tadeusz
Published: October 2017

Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBC) is the most advanced system for protection of turbine blades and vanes against high temperature, and oxidation. They are used in most advanced jet engines. In present article the new Plasma Spray Physical Vapour Deposition Technology was used to obtain yttria stabilized zirconia oxide coating with columnar structure. In research the different process parameters were changed. It was observed that powder feed rate had big influence on coating thickness. The large amount of Ar in plasma gasses combined with high powder feed rate resulted in partial evaporation of ceramic powder and splat-type structure. The same effect was observed when the power current was decreased form 2400 to 1600 A as well as pressure was increased to 200 Pa when the powder feed rate was 30 g/min. The obtained results showed that full evaporation of ceramic powder requires very low feed rate of ceramic material (2 g/min), high power current and high He content into plasma.
Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of Modified TiO2 Thin Films Prepared by Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Rozenberga-Voska Laura , Grabis Jānis
Published: October 2017

TiO2 and silver doped TiO2 thin films were prepared by spray pyrolysis technique and their photocatalytic activity were determined. Titanium(IV) isopropoxide solution or its mixture with silver nitrate were used as precursors. As-prepared at 300 °C films were X-ray amorphous. Calcination of the films at 500 °C for 5 – 6 hours allowed to obtain partially crystalline anatase films with uniform grain size in the range of 80 – 150 nm. Degradation degree of MB water solution by using TiO2 and TiO2/Ag photocatalysts under UV irradiation reached 60 and 70 % respectively.
Studying Temperature Variations that Occurred during Cold and Hot Rolling of AA5454-O Alloy
Authors: Sezek Sinan , Aksakal Bunyamin
Published: October 2017

In this study, temperature distribution that occurred during cold and hot rolling of AA5454-O alloy has been investigated. Temperature variation taking place in the aluminium alloy that has undergone plastic deformation between the rollers during hot and cold rolling process is of major importance in terms of determining the positive and negative characteristics or features which such temperature variation adds to the formation of the internal structure of the material concerned. Temperature distribution has been measured by use of the installed laboratory equipment and respective data recorded has been presented in the form of graphic charts. Temperature distribution has varied depending on the application of hot or cold rolling process and it has been noted that variations in terms of temperature reduction took place depending on the number of roll passes. While average temperature variation has occurred as a 16°C increase in the case of cold rolling, it has been observed that such variation appeared as a 100°C decrease on the average in the case of hot rolling.
The Properties of Mesh Reinforced Nonwoven Composites
Authors: Bernava Aina , Reihmane Skaidrite , Bitenieks Juris , Merijs Meri Remo
Published: October 2017

To create the heat-bonded geotextile with desirable properties, the mix of fibres (hemp, recycled polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene fibres) for nonwoven webs formation and additional polypropylene reinforcing mesh are used. The results of the study on the influence of the reinforcing mesh on the properties of nonwoven composites (NWCs) are presented. Mechanical properties, water penetration and air permeability of the thermoplastic mesh reinforced NWCs depend on the hemp fibre pre-treatment time, mass per unit area and thickness of the used web and location of the reinforcing mesh. Obtained results allow concluding that mechanical as well as water penetration characteristics of the produced heat-bonded geotextiles are higher, while air permeability is comparable to the properties of the commercial prototype.
Technological Peculiarities of Chromium Carbide-Based Iron Alloy Bonded Cermet
Authors: Kolnes Märt , Kübarsepp Jakob , Viljus Mart , Traksmaa Rainer
Published: October 2017

Cr3C2-Ni cermets exhibit high hardness and excellent corrosion, oxidation, abrasive and erosion resistance. However, nickel is toxic and carcinogen and because of that great efforts were made to displace or replace nickel in the composition of cermets. Therefore, in the present research chromium carbide-based cermets with FeCr-type ferritic binder was fabricated and investigated. Composites were sintered at different conditions: vacuum and spark plasma sintering. Spark plasma sintered cermets demonstrated acceptable structure and mechanical characteristics. Chemical composition of chromium carbide-based iron alloy bonded cermets was analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and structural analysis was carried out using X-ray diffraction. Sintered cermet consists of two main phases: α-Fe and (Cr,Fe)7C3 complex dicarbide. Mechanical characterizations – hardness and fracture toughness – was performed. Also oxidation rates were determined.
Editing author main entry towards complying standards: study on original catalogue of Jaffna public library
Authors: Ketheeswaren S.
Published: October 2017

The catalogues of the libraries should follow a common standard. While maintaining accepted cataloging standards by libraries, method of searching and retrievals for a book would be uniform, meaningful and responsive. Libraries need to make studies on their catalogue entries to ensure that they are providing such uniform, meaningful and responsive searching and retrievals from the library catalogue. In this scenario, the study is made on the purpose of understanding the deviations of standards that occurs in the original catalogue of Jaffna Public Library. The deviation is measured by using a sample of randomly selected titles of the original catalogue of the Jaffna Public Library for complying with cataloguing standards. The necessary comparison is made against the same title in the library of congress to identify the deviation types and measure the corresponding numbers of edits. The study identifies three major types and eight sub types of deviations (edits) that are required to be rectified to comply with cataloguing standards on author main entry (MARC Tag 100$a). Among the sub-types of edit, the editing of “correctly selecting author entries” (whether personal-name, corporate-name, meeting-name or uniform-title?) is found as predominant edit in the author main entries. Full-stop mistake is found as common mistake for all author main entries. Moreover, the paper extends through discussion on all major and sub types of deviations of cataloguing standards by putting the normalized values of editing percentage in tables and figures, while providing necessary recommendation to systematically rectify all types of deviations that are currently left in the catalogues and maintain accepted cataloging standards during future data entering.
Taxonomic review ofAngarotipulaSavchenko, (Diptera: Tipulidae) in North America
Authors: Brodo Fenja
Published: October 2017

In this paper,AngarotipulaSavchenko, 1961 (Diptera: Tipulidae) is redescribed and differentiated from other genera in Tipulidae and subgenera ofTipulaLinnaeus, 1758, where this taxon was previously placed.Angarotipula tumidicornis(Lundström, 1907) is synonymised withAngarotipula parrioides(Alexander, 1919) (new synonym), the latter is a junior synonym. A lectotype is designated forA.tumidicornis. The female and first instar ofAngarotipula illustris(Doane, 1901) and the pupa ofA. tumidicornisare described and illustrated for the first time. Keys to adults, larvae, and pupae of the two North American species are presented. A close relationship betweenAngarotipulaandPrionoceraLoew, 1844 is suggested based on shared character states.
Research synthesis and meta‐analysis of Monte Carlo studies: the best of two worlds
Authors: LeBeau Brandon
Published: October 2017

Research syntheses and meta‐analyses have been widely used to combine primary applied research studies. To date, there has been little work applying these methods to combine Monte Carlo studies, however narrative reviews are common to evaluate the Monte Carlo literature. This manuscript briefly describes the benefits and challenges of combining outcomes from Monte Carlo studies using research synthesis and meta‐analysis methods. The particular focus is to discuss and extend ideas first described by Harwell (1992).
Systematic Yersinia enterocolitica in an iron overloaded and immunocompromised thalassemic patient
Authors: Delicou Sophia , Petrocheilou Aikaterini , Pougiouka Myria , Maragkos Konstantinos
Published: October 2017

We report the case of a 43-year-old woman who presented with lower abdominal pain, maculopapular rash, arthritis of the left knee and left ankle joints, with a history of thalassemia and heavy iron overload. She was also on haemodialysis therapy three times a week for end stage renal therapy. Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis cause yersiniosis, a diarrhoeal illness. Members of the genus Yersinia are gram-negative coccobacilli; they are facultative anaerobes in the family Enterobacteriaceae. Serological examinations revealed positive IgA and IgG antibodies against Yersinia enterocolitica outer membrane proteins (Yops) for YopD(4a) and Yop M(2a) and IgG for LorV (V antigen). Enteritis an reactive arthritis presented as the primary manifestation of Y. enterocolitica infection. Important risk factors include iron overload, cirrhosis, and immune suppression. The patient was successfully treated with oral ciprofloxacin.
Global epidemiology of Zika and Chikungunya virus human infections
Authors: Zannoli Silvia , Morotti Manuela , Denicolò Agnese , Tassinari Martina , Chiesa Claudia , Pierro Anna , Sambri Vittorio
Published: October 2017

Zika virus was discovered in 1947. The first reported case of Zika fever was in a sentinel rhesus monkey in Uganda in 1947, while the first human cases were reported in Nigeria in 1954. Since the first evidence of human infection, Zika was active in several countries in Africa and Asia, as sporadic cases and serological evidence of Zika human infections have been demonstrated in several reports. The outbreak of Zika in Yap Island in 2007 is considered the first emergency of this infection. Since then Zika has spread worldwide with a large ongoing epidemic in South and Central America. A huge concern nowadays is about the relationship between Zika infection and microcephaly and about the sexual transmission of the virus. The first identified outbreak of Chikungunya human infection, with an incidence estimated at 23%, was reported from July 1952 to March 1953 in the Southern Province of the current Tanzania. Since then Chikungunya circulated mainly in continental Africa with limited outbreaks. The virus started to spread east bound involving most of the areas surroundings the Indian Ocean. In 2004/2005 a large outbreak developed in La Reunion a French territory in the Indian Ocean: from this point Chikungunya spread to India and from there, due a viraemic traveller returning from Kerala, to Italy where in the summer of 2007 the first outbreak with local viral transmission in a temperate climate zone occurred. In the following years Chikungunya moved to the Caribbean and South America. Recently also the USA experienced the spread of this virus and a limited outbreak based again on local spreading occurred in the French Department of Var, in August 2017.
Clinical microbiologists, could we forget the history?
Authors: Migliavacca Roberta , Sambri Vittorio
Published: October 2017

Not available
Atypical Clinical Presentation and Successful Treatment With Oral Cholic Acid of a Child with Defective Bile Acid Synthesis due to a Novel Mutation in the HSD3B7 Gene
Authors: Bossi Grazia , Giordano Giuseppe , Rispoli Gaetana Anna , Maggiore Giuseppe , Naturale Mauro , Marchetti Daniela , Iascone Maria
Published: October 2017

We report definitive diagnosis and effective treatment with oral cholic acid in one Italian male child affected by 3β- hydroxy-Δ5-C27-steroid dehydrogenase (3β- HSD) deficiency. He presented with failure to thrive, hepatomegaly and multiple cystic images in kidneys; no biochemical evidence of cholestasis. Large amounts of bile acid metabolites was detected in urine by fast atom bombardment ionization mass spectrometry (FAB-MS). HSDH3B7 gene analysis identified one mutation in intron 4, at nucleotide 432, G>A substitution that has never been reported before.The replacement therapy with oral cholic acid started early after the diagnosis and is still ongoing. Three years later hepatomegaly is no longer evident, liver function is normal and the child is growing regularly. In our experience, clinical features of 3β-HSD deficiency can be very poor and even cholestasis can lack at diagnosis. Early replacement therapy with cholic acid is safe and leads to clinical and biochemical control of the disease.
Background Level of Pops in Ground Water Assessed on Chemical and Toxicity Analysis of Exposed Semipermeable Membrane Devices
Authors: Kočí Vladimír , Ocelka Tomáš , Grabic Roman
Published: October 2017

Persistent compounds are present around almost the entire world. The level of contamination in very old groundwater sources (Cennoman bedrock Mesozoic, approximately 100 millions year old) was assessed. This offers an information about realistic natural background. Together with chemical analysis a toxicity evaluation of sampled sites was performed. Semipermeable membrane devices were applied as a sampling system. Exposed SPMDs were analyzed both for chemical contain of POPs and toxicity properties. The chemical analyses of PAHs were made by HPLC-FLD, PCBs and OCPs were analysed by GC/MS/MS on GCQ or PolarisQ (Thermoquest). Toxicity bioassays on alga Desmodesmus subspicatus, bacteria Vibrio fischeri and crustacean Daphnia magna was performed. The results show very low contamination of groundwater with POPs with concentrations close to detection limits of applied analytical tools. Even this low contamination was possible to rank based on the obtained toxicity data. Toxicity proved to be a good parameter for determination of relative POPs contamination where concentration is near to detection limits and thus correct determination of all POPs cannot be undertaken. Although contamination levels were found to be very low, a secondary contamination of PCBs through the bedrock was observed. Organochlorine pesticides were found at a sampling site near a mouth of the ground watershed. Applied toxicity tests confirmed the presence of toxic substances and marked sites of higher contamination. Application of toxicological parameter Vtox allowed the ranking of assessed sites by their contamination level even in cases where concentrations of pollutants were near or under detection limits and it was not therefore possible to rank the sites on the basis of chemical parameters. Toxicity response of bioassays obtained on SPMDs exposed in clean groundwater can be used as a background toxicity values for further SPMD applications. Secondary contamination with PCBs and pesticides was detected in Cennoman groundwater. Toxicity evaluation of SPMD extract can be used as an effective tool for ranking of general level of water contamination.
Fuzzy Logic Water Quality Index and Importance of Water Quality Parameters
Authors: Raman Bai V , Bouwmeester Reinier , Mohan S
Published: October 2017

Determination of status of water quality of a river or any other water sources is highly indeterminate. It is necessary to have a competent model to predict the status of water quality and to advice for type of water treatment for meeting different demands. One such model (UNIQ2007) is developed as an application software in water quality engineering. The unit operates in a fuzzy logic mode including a fuzzification engine receiving a plurality of input variables on its input and being adapted to compute membership function parameters. A processor engine connected downstream of the fuzzification unit will produce fuzzy set, based on fuzzy variable viz. DO, BOD, COD, AN, SS and pH. It has a defuzzification unit operative to translate the inference results into a discrete crisp value of WQI. The UNIQ2007 contains a first memory device connected to the fuzzification unit and containing the set of membership functions, a secondary memory device connected to the defuzzification unit and containing the set of crisp value which appear in the THEN part of the fuzzy rules and an additional memory device connected to the defuzzification unit. More advantageously, UINQ2007 is constructed with control elements having dynamic fuzzy logic properties wherein target non-linearity can be input to result in a perfect evaluation of water quality. The development of the fuzzy model with one river system is explained in this paper. Further the model has been evaluated with the data from few rivers in Malaysia, India and Thailand. This water quality assessor probe can provide better quality index or identify the status of river with 90% perfection. Presently, WQI in most of the countries is referring to physic-chemical parameters only due to great efforts needed to quantify the biological parameters. This study ensures a better method to include pathogens into WQI due to superior capabilities of fuzzy logic in dealing with non-linear, complex and uncertain systems.
Effects of Temperature Increase on Pea Production in a Semiarid Region of China
Authors: Xiao Guoju , Zhang Qiang , Wang Runyuan , Yao Yubi , Zhao Hong , Bai Huzhi , Xiong Youcai
Published: October 2017

In this study, a field experiment was used to evaluate a pea crop ( Pisum sativum L.) at Tongwei Experimental Station (35°13'N, 105°14'E), which is in a semiarid region of China. In this experiment, the mean daily temperature was designed to increase by 0.6-2.2 °C throughout the complete growth stage of the pea crop. When the mean daily temperature increased by approximately 2.2 °C, the water use efficiency (WUE) of the pea crop decreased by 30.4%, the duration of the growth stage was shortened by approximately 17 days, the yields were decreased by 17.5%, the number of stems with root-rot sickness were increased by 50.6%, and the input-output ratio (In/Ou) of the pea crop was 1.20. When the mean daily temperature was increased by approximately 1.4 °C, the WUE decreased by 26.1%, the growth stage duration decreased by 10 days, the yields decreased by 11.1%, the number of stems with root-rot sickness increased by 23.3%, and the input-output ratio (In/Ou) was 1.11. In addition, supplementary irrigation was found to be beneficial to the pea yields when the temperature increased. Indeed, application of 60 mm of supplementary irrigation during the complete growth stages of crops that were subjected to an increase in mean daily temperature of 0.6-2.2 °C resulted in crop yields improving by 8.3%-12.8%. Consequently, in this region, supplementary irrigation may play an important role in maintaining pea yields that would otherwise be affected by climate warming. However, the results also show that application of 60 mm of supplementary irrigation does not decrease the number of stems with root-rot sickness and that the In/Ou ratio of pea crops subjected to the same temperature conditions will increase.
Article Commentary: Evaluation of the In Vitro Bioactivity of Bioceramics
Authors: Wu Chengtie , Xiao Yin
Published: October 2017

Two common methods have been used to evaluate the in vitro bioactivity of bioceramics for the application of bone repair. One is to evaluate the ability of apatite formation by soaking ceramics in simulated body fluids (SBF); the other method is to evaluate the effect of ceramics on osteogenic differentiation using cell experiments. Both methods have their own drawbacks in evaluating the in vitro bioactivity of bioceramics. In this commentary paper we review the application of both methods in bioactivity of bioceramics and conclude that (i) SBF method is an efficient method to investigate the in vitro bioactivity of silicate-based bioceramics, (ii) cellular bioactivity of bioceramics should be investigated by evaluating their stimulatory ability using standard bioceramics as controls; and (iii) the combination of these two methods to evaluate the in vitro bioactivity of bioceramics can improve the screening efficiency for the selection of bioactive ceramics for bone regeneration.
The Influence of Traditional Herbal Medicine (Kampo) on Anti-cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody Levels
Authors: Kogure Toshiaki , Oku Yuko , Kishi Daijiro , Ito Tomoyuki , Tatsumi Takeshi
Published: October 2017

We present three rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients successfully treated with traditional herbal medicine (THM: Kampo). The treatment with THM resulted in a decrease in RA disease activity such as DAS28, as well as in the serum levels of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) in 3 cases.

These observations suggest that disease progression may be retarded in patients who respond to THM since anti-CCP is important for the prediction of disease severity and radiographic joint damage. Additionally, serial mesurements of anti-CCP titers may be a useful indicator in assessing this kind of treatment efficacy.
Value of Entheseal Ultrasonography and Serum Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein in the Preclinical Diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Farouk Hanan Mohamed , Mostafa Afaf Abdel Alim , Youssef Sahar S. , Elbeblawy Moataz Mohammed Samy , Assaf Naglaa Youssef , Elokda El Sayed E.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To evaluate the utility of entheseal ultrasonography and serum COMP in the preclinical diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis.

Methods

60 psoriatic patients were divided into: 30 patients with psoriasis (group I) and 30 patients with psoriatic arthritis as control (group II). They underwent independent clinical and ultrasonographic examination of both lower limbs at the calcaneal insertions of Achilles tendons. Psoriatic arthritis disease activity and severity was assessed by modified DAS28 and Steinbrockers scores. Serum levels of COMP were measured for all patients by ELISA.

Results

On clinical examination, no entheseal abnormalities were detected in group I while they were present in 23.3% of group II with statistically significant difference between them ( P < 0.001). Ultrasonographic entheseal abnormalities were detected in 33.3% of group I and in 46.7% of group II with no significant difference between them ( P > 0.05). Serum COMP were significantly elevated in group I and II with no statistically significant difference between them (mean ± SD 5.9 ± 3 and 6.8 ± 12 respectively, P > 0.05). Entheseal ultrasound was more specific (67%) while serum COMP was more sensitive (87%) in the preclinical diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. Serum COMP levels were significantly correlated with CRP in both groups and with DAS28 and Steinbrockers scores in group II ( P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Entheseal ultrasonography and serum COMP levels may be used complementary to each other for preclinical diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. Serum COMP seems to be promising prognostic marker for psoriatic arthritis patients.
Critical Involvement of Cytokines and Chemokines in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Vasculitis
Authors: Kasama Tsuyoshi , Isozaki Takeo , Wakabayashi Kuninobu , Odai Tsuyoshi , Matsunawa Mizuho
Published: October 2017

Vasculitis in rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatoid vasculitis) has a heterogeneous clinical presentation that includes skin disorders, neuropathy, eye symptoms and systemic inflammation. The molecular mechanisms underlying rheumatoid vasculitis are not fully understood; however, the importance of a chronic imbalance of the cytokines and chemokines involved in orchestrating inflammatory responses is well established in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and similar dysregulation of these mediators has been suggested to occur in patients with rheumatoid vasculitis. In the present review, we discuss the involvement of cytokines and chemokines in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid vasculitis and evaluate their utility as laboratory parameters of active vasculitic disease. Also the involvement of adhesion molecules is discussed.
Cartilage-Specific Matrix and Integrin Expression in Three-Dimensional Articular Chondrocyte Cultures Overexpressing Human Interleukin-10
Authors: Müller Riccarda D. , John Thilo , Kohl Benjamin , Feldner Anja , Zreiqat Hala , Ertel Wolfgang , LaFace Drake , Hutchins Beth , Oberholzer Andreas , Schulze-Tanzil Gundula
Published: October 2017

Interleukin (IL)-10 overexpression inhibits joint inflammation, however the effect of high local concentrations of IL-10 on chondrocyte homeostasis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of IL-10 overexpression on cartilage matrix production in three-dimensional (3D) chondrocyte cultures.

Human articular chondrocytes were transduced with adenoviral vectors alone (adv/empty) or by vectors either overexpressing enhanced green fluorescence protein (adv/EGFP) or human IL-10 (adv/hIL-10) before their transfer to a 3D culture system. Non-transduced chondrocytes were used as controls. The expression of IL-10 or EGFP was confirmed using ELISA or flow cytometry. Chondrocytes synthesis of collagen types II and I, aggrecan, fibronectin and β1-integrin was determined over a period of 14 days post transduction using flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry.

adv/EGFP or adv/IL-10 transduced chondrocytes expressed EGFP or secreted IL-10 detectable over the 2 weeks culture period. No suppression of collagen type II, aggrecan or β1-integrin synthesis by IL-10 overexpression was found and the deposition of collagen type I and fibronectin remained unaffected compared to the controls.

IL-10 overexpression does not impair key features of chondrocytes differentiated phenotype (e.g. collagen type II and aggrecan expression) suggesting the potential use of IL-10 for gene therapeutic approaches in the joint.
Skin Infection by Coagulase Negative Staphylococci as a Potential Triggering Factor for Cutaneous Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis
Authors: Thonhofer Rene , Trummer Markus , Siegel Cornelia , Uitz Elisabeth
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LV) is a necrotising vasculitis of the small dermal blood vessels, clinically presented as palpable purpura. It is a heterogeneous disorder often limited to the skin but which may involve other organs. LV might be a serious drug reaction, caused by bacterial and viral infections, or less commonly a manifestation of systemic vasculitic syndromes.

Case Reports

Three patients were admitted to our institution with petechiae and palpable purpura. The cutanous lesions were affecting the lower limbs and in one patient also the upper extremities and the trunk. The diagnosis of leukocytoclastic vasculitis was made based on clinical and histopathological findings. Systemic involvement was excluded, as was connective tissue disease. Clinical examination revealed ulcers on the legs of each patient. Smears from those ulcers were taken and investigated for micro organisms. Culture results showed infection with coagulase negative staphylococci. Systemic signs of sepsis were absent; therefore the infections were treated locally. Two patients developed necrotic blisters during the first week of hospitalisation. To avoid further vasculitic complications steroids were administered parenterally and LV lesions diminished in all patients within ten days.

Conclusion

Drugs and connective tissue disease were ruled out as triggering factors of LV in the patients reported on. Therefore, it was concluded that superantigens produced by the coagulase negative staphylococci were responsible for LV.
Radiological and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in the Sacroiliac Joints in Patients with early Spondylarthropathy
Authors: Luukkainen Reijo , Virtanen Kimmo O.J. , Luukkainen Pekka
Published: October 2017

Objective

To compare the radiological (X-ray) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the sacroiliac (SI) joints in patients with early spondylarthropathy (SpA).

Methods

Forty consecutive HLA B27 antigen positive patients with early SpA and inflammatory low back pain (LBP) were studied. Their SI joints were investigated by posterior anterior plain X-ray and MRI.

Results

The X-ray and MRI examinations gave similar results in the SI joints in 24 patients, whereas they differed in 16, this difference being significant (p = 0.007). In those 16 patients, in whom the findings differed, the X-ray findings were normal but MRI showed sacroiliitis which was bilateral in 13 and unilateral in 3 patients. The kappa coefficient between these investigations was 0.346, showing poor agreement.

Conclusion

These results indicate that MRI may considerably improve the diagnosis of sacroiliitis in HLA B27 antigen positive patients with early SpA and inflammatory LBP.
The Impact of Planned Visits on Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Nuovo Jim
Published: October 2017

Objectives

To investigate whether planned visits improve glycemic, blood pressure and lipid control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

The study was conducted from July 2007 to February 2008 at a primary care clinic in Rancho Cordova, California. One hundred eighty-three patients were invited to come to a planned visit. On the day of the visit, they were provided a copy of their most recent test results and information on American Diabetes Association recommendations for A1C, lipid, and blood pressure control. Afterwards, they met with their physician for a 15-minute focused appointment. Finally, they met with a diabetic nurse educator. There was no subsequent contact with the nurse educator after the planned visit. We compared the baseline measurements to those from a follow-up visit with the primary care provider at a follow-up over a 6 month period. The comparison group in this study were those who did not accept the invitation for a planned visit. Their outcomes were monitored over the same time horizon.

Results

One hundred eighty-three patients attended one of a total of five planned visit sessions. There were 212 patients in the comparison group. There were no significant differences for the measured baseline characteristics. There were significant improvements in A1C, LDL-C, and diastolic blood pressure control in the planned visit group. The mean A1C change was –0.61% (95% confidence interval, –0.28, –0.70); P < 0.001). The mean LDL-C change was -8.8 mg/dL (95% confidence interval, –12.2, 6.1); P < 0.05. The mean diastolic blood pressure change was -2.0 mmHg (95% confidence interval, –4.7, 6.7); P < 0.05. Patients who participated in a planned visit also reported a significantly higher frequency of self-care behaviors and greater understanding about diabetes care.

Discussion

Planned visits led to improvements in glycemic, lipid and blood pressure control over a 6 month observation period. Patients attending planned visits also reported improvements in self-care behaviors and a greater understanding about diabetes care.
Insulin Resistance and Hyperinsulinemia in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Donadon Valter , Balbi Massimiliano , Perciaccante Antonio , Casarin Pietro , Zanette Giorgio
Published: October 2017

Objectives

To investigate the role of insulin resistance (IR) and insulin plasma levels (IRI) in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

We recruited the following patients: 125 with HCC, 128 with liver cirrhosis (LC) and 133 with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). IR was assessed by the HOMA-IR method. To define IR and hyperinsulinemia we selected as a cut-off level, the value of the 80th percentile for HOMA-IR (2.72) and IRI (11.18) in 113 healthy subjects.

Results

The mean levels of HOMA-IR and IRI increase progressively among CHC (2.7 ± 2.9 and 11.5 ± 10.5, respectively), LC (5.4 ± 4.5 and 17.6 ± 11.2) and HCC (6.4 ± 9.8 and 18.2 ± 18.8). In the upper quintiles for HOMA-IR and IRI, the frequency of patients in the LC and HCC groups was twice as much in CHC cases. HCC with DM2 have the greatest percentage above the 80th percentile of HOMA-IR, their quintiles distribution is inverted and HOMA-IR mean values are significantly higher in comparison with HCC without DM2 cases.

Discussion

Our study shows that the association between IR and CLD begins in the early stages of liver fibrosis. DM2 increases HOMA-IR and IRI mean levels in HCC patients and these metabolic factors could play a major role in the link between diabetes mellitus and hepatocarcinoma.
The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Brice Kira R. , Tzefos Maria K.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To review the efficacy and safety of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists to determine their role in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Data Sources

A Medline search was conducted using the keywords exenatide, liraglutide, glucagon-like peptide-1, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology and safety.

Study Selection

All identified articles written in English were evaluated with priority given to controlled, randomized trials including human data. References of identified published trials were reviewed for additional trials to be included in the review.

Data Synthesis

Exenatide and liraglutide are GLP-1 agonists approved for the treatment of T2DM. Several randomized, active and placebo controlled trials examining the efficacy and safety of exenatide and liraglutide both as monotherapy and in combination therapy have been conducted. Both agents have demonstrated improved glycemic control in addition to weight loss and increased beta-cell function. The most common adverse effects are gastrointestinal in nature and appear to be transient.

Conclusion

It appears exenatide and liraglutide are safe and effective in the treatment of T2DM and may exhibit effects that make them preferred over other anti-diabetic medications.
Adipocytokines as Influenced by Family History of Type 2 Diabetes and Smoking in Non-Diabetic Subjects
Authors: Al-Daghri Nasser M. , Al-Attas Omar S. , Al-Onazi Mohammad , Al-Rubeaan Khalid , Al-Najjar Hussein
Published: October 2017

Background

The controversial roles played by major adipocytokines such as resistin, leptin and adiponectin in obesity and insulin resistance were extensively studied. This study aims to explore for the first time the possible effect of a family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and smoking on non-diabetic individuals and associations to other metabolic parameters.

Results

In females there were significantly lower adiponectin levels among those with family history compared to those without (p 0.045); BMI and family history of type 2 diabetes contributed significantly to adiponectin levels with 43.7% variance (r 2 19.1; p 0.018). In males there was a significant decrease in resistin levels of those with smoking history (p 0.05). Linear regression showed a correlation between log resistin and LDL, and ApoA1 in all subjects (p-values 007, 0.0009 and R 2 0.12, 0.08 respectively).

Conclusion

This study showed for the first time that among the three adipocytokines, adiponectin was the only one to exhibit variations in females alone with regard to a family history of type 2 diabetes; the rest were independent of smoking. This study supports the view that adiponectin is a potential risk marker for type 2 diabetes.
Numerical investigation of the free boundary regularity for a degenerate advection-diffusion problem
Authors: Monsaingeon Léonard
Published: October 2017

We study the free boundary regularity of the traveling wave solutions to a degenerate advection-diffusion problem of Porous Medium type, whose existence was proved in [24]. We set up a finite difference scheme allowing to compute approximate solutions and capture the free boundaries, and we carry out a numerical investigation of their regularity. Based on some nondegeneracy assumptions supported by solid numerical evidence, we prove the Lipschitz regularity of the free boundaries. Our simulations indicate that this regularity is optimal, and the free boundaries seem to develop Lipschitz corners at least for some values of the nonlinear diffusion exponent. We discuss analytically the existence of corners in the framework of viscosity solutions to certain periodic Hamilton–Jacobi equations, whose validity is again supported by numerical evidence.
Case Report: Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Suleiman Maria , Jelip Jenarun , Rundi Christina , Chua Tock H.
Published: October 2017

During the months of January–February and May–June 2013 coinciding with the red tide occurrence in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, six episodes involving 58 cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) or saxitoxin (STX) poisoning and resulting in four deaths were reported. Many of them were intoxicated from consuming shellfish purchased from the markets, whereas others were intoxicated from eating shellfish collected from the beach. Levels of STX in shellfish collected from the affected areas were high (mean 2,920 ± 780 and 360 ± 140 µg STX equivalents/100 g shellfish meat respectively for the two periods). The count of toxic dinoflagellates (Pyrodinium bahamense var compressum) of the sea water sampled around the coast was also high (mean 34,200 ± 10,300 cells/L). Species of shellfish containing high levels of STX were Atrina fragilis, Perna viridis, and Crassostrea belcheri. The age of victims varied from 9 to 67 years. Symptoms presented were typical of PSP, such as dizziness, numbness, vomiting, and difficulty in breathing. Recommended steps to prevent or reduce PSP in future red tide season include better monitoring of red tide occurrence, regular sampling of shellfish for determination of STX level, wider dissemination of information on the danger of eating contaminated shellfish among the communities, fishermen, and fishmongers.
FAO -voluntary guidelines on national forest monitoring and its possible effect on measuring, reporting and verification for REDD+
Authors: Ramirez-Zea Carla , Morales-Hidalgo David
Published: October 2017

Durante a 23ª Sessão do Comitê Florestal da FAO (COFO 23) ocorrida em julho de 2016, foram aprovadas as diretrizes voluntárias para monitoramento florestal nacional. Essas diretrizes foram desenvolvidas para dar suporte aos países membros da FAO no andamento e implementação de seu sistema nacional de monitoramento florestal (SNMF). No contexto da Convenção do Clima da ONU (UNFCCC), a decisão 1/CP.16 encorajou os países em desenvolvimento a implementarem ações visando REDD+, e requereu, inter alia: i) o desenvolvimento de um nível de referência para emissões florestais e/ou um nível de referência florestal (FREL/REL), como linha de base para os relatórios de redução de emissões, e ii) um SNMF transparente e robusto. Esse trabalho examina a análise técnica da Convenção do Clima dos FREL/REL submetidos por seis países em relação às necessidades técnicas para a implementação do SNMF. A análise sugere a conveniência do aprimoramento da obtenção dos dados básicos de campo para estabelecer a qualidade das estimativas das mudanças das emissões florestais, visando complementar as estimativas de estoque de carbono e para estimar as incertezas associadas. O planejamento estratégico e técnico do SNMF também é fundamental para se atingir os níveis de preparação aceitáveis para a mensuração, relato e verificação do sistema de REDD+ e as diretrizes voluntárias da FAO
Grupos funcionais em áreas com histórico de queimadas em Cerrado sentido restrito no Distrito Federal
Authors: Rios Mary Naves da Silva , Sousa-Silva José Carlos
Published: October 2017

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a formação de grupos funcionais em duas áreas de Cerrado sentido restrito com diferentes históricos de fogo, em Planaltina, DF, em 1994 e em 2012. Na Área 1, foram aplicadas queimadas bienais, em agosto de 1988, 1990 e 1992; na Área 2, houve proteção do fogo até julho de 1994. Em agosto de 1994 um fogo acidental atingiu as duas áreas, mas de setembro de 1994 até 2012 estas áreas foram protegidas. Nas análises, foram incluídos os indivíduos com abundância ≥ 5 utilizando-se o método de agrupamento de ligação média não ponderada (UPGMA). Os grupos foram definidos de acordo com os atributos: síndromes de dispersão e de polinização, fenologia foliar, forma de vida, tipo de casca e capacidade de rebrotar após queimadas. Houve diferenças na formação dos grupos funcionais nas duas áreas e nas duas épocas. A maior frequência de queimadas bienais, na Área 1 em 1994, reuniu espécies funcionalmente semelhantes, com menor diversidade de atributos. A exclusão do fogo favoreceu a entrada de espécies e a maior diversidade de atributos funcionais em 2012.
Distribuição natural e habitat da araucária frente às mudanças climáticas globais
Authors: Wrege Marcos Silveira , Fritzsons Elenice , Soares Márcia Toffani Simão , Bognola Itamar Antônio , Sousa Valderês Aparecida de , Sousa Letícia Penno de , Gomes João Bosco Vasconcellos , Aguiar Ananda Virgínia de , Gomes Gustavo Crizel , Matos Maria de Fátima Silva , Scarante Andressa Godinho , Ferrer Rogério Soares
Published: October 2017

A araucária (Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) O. Kuntze.), conhecida como pinheiro-do-paraná, é uma espécie florestal nativa do Brasil, adaptada às regiões serranas frias e úmidas do sul e do sudeste do país e torna-se vulnerável diante das mudanças climáticas globais. Apresenta grande valor econômico, social e ambiental, pois é uma das espécies nativas com maior incremento e potencial de ganho genético, apresenta excelente qualidade de madeira e ainda produz sementes que podem ser usadas na alimentação humana e animal. Com o objetivo de conhecer a distribuição natural atual e o habitat das populações, percorremos parte das bordas da região de ocorrência da araucária, marcando a posição geográfica e altitude. Com as informações de campo, juntamente com dados secundários do Centro de Informações Ambientais (CRIA), mapeamos a distribuição da araucária no presente e simulamos para as próximas décadas, considerando a projeção de cenários climáticos futuros. Estes estudos são essenciais para a melhor compreensão dos riscos de extinção e das medidas mitigadoras que poderiam ser adotadas para reduzir os impactos das mudanças climáticas globais sobre a espécie, contribuindo, dessa maneira, para a sua conservação.
Qualidade de mudas de espécies arbóreas procedentes do Bioma Pantanal e inoculadas com fungos micorrízicos
Authors: Simão Soares Márcia Toffani , Gaiad Sérgio , Resende Alexander Silva de , Menezes Gustavo Ibarreche de , Fernandes Fernando Antônio , Bergamin Marozzi Fernandes Ana Helena
Published: October 2017

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi comparar a infecção micorrízica e indicadores de qualidade das mudas de Calophyllum brasiliense e Anandenanthera colubrina var. cebil procedentes do Bioma Pantanal, desenvolvidas em substrato não fumigado e sob inoculação combinada com Glomus clarum (Gc) + Gigaspora margarita (Gm). Mudas das duas espécies produzidas em condições de viveiro foram aleatoriamente selecionadas e avaliadas quanto a parâmetros de qualidade morfológica, percentual, intensidade e morfologia da colonização micorrízica de raízes finas. Concluiu-se que, sob as condições de estudo, a inoculação com Gc + Gm promove mudanças no percentual, na intensidade (A. colubrina var. cebil) ou na morfologia (C. brasiliense) da infecção radicular, quando comparadas com mudas não-inoculadas. Incremento em parâmetros de qualidade das mudas foi observado em C. brasiliense sob inoculação combinada (Gc + Gm), apontando o potencial de uso de fungos micorrízicos na produção desta espécie.
Efeito da salinidade na germinação e crescimento inicial de plântulas de três espécies arbóreas florestais
Authors: Dutra Tiago Reis , Massad Marília Dutra , Moreira Priscila Ribeiro , Ribeiro Érika Susan Matos
Published: October 2017

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do estresse salino na germinação e crescimento inicial de canafístula (Peltophorum dubium (Sprengel) Taubert), tamboril (Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong.) e pau-formiga (Triplaris americana L.), além de determinar a máxima tolerância das três espécies arbóreas florestais à presença de NaCl na solução de embebição. Foi adotado delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições de 50 sementes, no esquema fatorial 3 x 5, sendo estudada a resposta das três espécies a cinco níveis de potencial osmótico (0; -0,3; -0,6; -1,2 e -1,8 MPa), por simulação de estresse salino com NaCl. Aos 28 dias após semeadura foram avaliados: percentagem de germinação; índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG); tempo médio de germinação; comprimento da maior raiz; massa seca da parte aérea, raízes e total. A germinação e o crescimento inicial de plântulas de tamboril e canafístula foram afetados negativamente pelo aumento da concentração salina do meio. Pau-formiga mostrou-se mais tolerante ao estresse salino, apresentando elevação dos valores médios de percentagem de germinação, IVG, comprimento da maior raiz e produção de massa seca total em potenciais osmóticos variando de -0,81 a -1,15 Mpa. Os maiores valores médios de produção de massa seca da parte aérea, raízes e total foram observados em plântulas de tamboril.
The Sustainable Development Goals and the systems approach to sustainability
Authors: Barbier Edward B. , Burgess Joanne C.
Published: October 2017

The authors explore the link between the systems approach to sustainability and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were formally adopted by the UN in 2015. The systems approach depicts sustainable development as the intersection of the goals attributed to three interlinked systems: environmental (or ecological), economic and social. The authors illustrate how each of the 17 SDGs can be characterized as a goal primarily attributed either to the environmental, economic or social system, and as suggested by the systems approach, there may be important tradeoffs in attempting to attain all these goals simultaneously. By adopting standard methods of the theory of choice and welfare under imposed quantities, the authors show that is possible to measure the welfare effects of an increase in the indicator level for one SDG by identifying the tradeoffs that occur with achieving another goal. They present a quantitative assessment of current progress and tradeoffs among the 17 SDGs, using a representative indicator for each goal. They then conduct a preliminary welfare analysis of these tradeoffs through employing the approach developed in this paper. Although this analysis focuses on the potential tradeoffs among SDGs, the approach could also be applied to show complementarities, or “winwins”, in simultaneous progress among two or more SDGs. Such an analysis can help in the design of appropriate policy interventions to achieve specific SDGs, minimizing the potentially negative knock-on effects on some goals whilst capitalizing on the positive win-win impacts on other SDGs.