bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photocatalytic activity of CaTaO2N nanocrystals obtained from a hydrothermally synthesized oxide precursor
Authors: Köferstein Roberto
Published: January 2019

Highly crystalline CaTaO2N nanoparticles possessing large specific surface areas were investigated as photocatalysts for the decomposition of methyl orange. Two different Ca2Ta2O7 precursors were synthesized by classical solid state synthesis and a hydrothermal soft-chemistry approach, respectively. In both cases, nitridation was carried out by thermal ammonolysis. The obtained CaTaO2N samples were compared with respect to their optical, thermal and morphological properties as well as their photocatalytic activities. In particular, the influence of ammonolysis temperature on the photocatalytic properties was studied. Using hydrothermally synthesized Ca2Ta2O7, phase pure CaTaO2N was obtained already at a relatively low ammonolysis temperature of 860 °C. Morphological investigations show that the CaTaO2N samples from the hydrothermally synthesized precursor consist of single-crystalline particles of 45 to 70 nm diameter with high specific surface areas between 12 and 19 m2 g-1, depending on ammonolysis temperature. A considerable photocatalytic activity for methyl orange degredation was found for the nanoscaled CaTaO2N particles prepared at lower ammonolysis temperatures. Using CoOx as co-catalyst, a further strong enhancement of the methyl orange decomposition by a factor 5-10 was achieved.
BaTiO3–CoFe2O4–BaTiO3trilayer composite thin films prepared bychemical solution deposition
Authors: Köferstein Roberto
Published: January 2019

Multiferroic BaTiO3-CoFe2O4-BaTiO3 thin films were synthesized by spin coating of Co(NO3)2 – Fe(NO3)3 and Ba(OAc)2 – Ti(i-OPr)4 solutions in a solvent mixture of acetic acid and dimethylformamide. Subsequent stepwise thermal treatment at 200, 400 and 800 °C leads to the desired ferroelectric and ferrimagnetic phases. The phase formation process was monitored by thermogravimetric, XRD, IR and Raman measurements. SEM was used to characterize the layered sandwich structure and the thickness of each layer. Two samples with different thicknesses of the perovskite and spinel layers are discussed. Sample 1 consists of a 120 nm layer of CoFe2O4 between two 70 nm thick BaTiO3 layers. For sample 2 the 90 nm thick top and bottom layers of BaTiO3 are enclosing a 220 nm CoFe2O4 layer. The quality of the samples surfaces was determined by AFM leading to root mean square roughness values of about 4 nm. Magnetic investigations reveal a slightly anisotropic behavior for in-plane and out-of-plane magnetizations and coercivities. Polarization measurements show hysteresis loops (maximum PS = 29 μC cm-2; maximum PR = 17 μC cm-2) with pronounced switching peaks at the corresponding coercive fields of 200 and 360 kV cm-1, respectively.
Utilising the flexible generation potential of tidal range power plants to optimise economic value
Authors: Harcourt Freddie , Angeloudis Athanasios , Piggott Matthew
Published: January 2019

Tidal range renewable power plants have the capacity to deliver predictable energy to the electricity grid, subject to the known variability of the tides. Tidal power plants inherently feature advantages that characterise hydro-power more generally, including a lifetime exceeding alternative renewable energy technologies and relatively low Operation & Maintenance costs. Nevertheless, the technology is typically inhibited by the significant upfront investment associated with capital costs. A key aspect that makes the technology stand out relative to other renewable options is the partial flexibility it possesses over the timing of power generation. In this study we provide details on a design methodology targeted at the optimisation of the temporal operation of a tidal range energy structure, specifically the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon that has been proposed within the Bristol Channel, UK. Apart from concentrating on the classical incentive of maximising energy, we formulate an objective functional in a manner that promotes the maximisation of income for the scheme from the Day-Ahead energy market. Simulation results demonstrate that there are opportunities to exploit the predictability of the tides and flexibility over the precise timing of power generation to incur a noticeable reduction in the subsidy costs that are often negotiated with regulators and governments. Additionally, we suggest that this approach should enable tidal range energy to play a more active role in ensuring security of supply in the UK. This is accentuated by the income-based optimisation controls that deliver on average more power over periods when demand is higher. For the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon case study a 23% increase is observed in the income obtained following the optimisation of its operation compared to a non-adaptive operation. Similarly, a 10% increase relative to an energy-maximisation approach over a years operation suggests that simply maximising energy generation in a setting where power prices vary may not be an optimal strategy.
An Investigation of Marine Taxa Referenced in Thesis Titles and Abstracts as a Collection Development Tool
Authors: Timms Geoffrey
Published: January 2019

We evaluated titles and abstracts of 372 marine biology master’s theses to identify the marine taxa researched by graduate students at our institution. Of 191 species investigated since 1976, the 15 most-researched species are regionally important and have each been researched at least five times. Fisher exact tests identified taxa demonstrating statistically-significant recent growth in research. A collection analysis of monographs about these species and taxa compared to four peer institutions highlighted strengths and weaknesses within our marine biology collection. This investigation demonstrates how taxonomic data in titles and abstracts can serve as a tool to guide biology collection development.
Making social neuroscience less WEIRD: Using fNIRS to measure neural signatures of persuasive influence in a Middle East participant sample
Authors: Burns Shannon , Barnes Lianne N. , McCulloh Ian A. , Dagher Munqith M. , Falk Emily B. , Storey J. Douglas , Lieberman Matthew D.
Published: January 2019

The large majority of social neuroscience research uses WEIRD populations – participants from Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic locations. This makes it difficult to claim whether neuropsychological functions are universal or culture specific. In this study, we demonstrate one approach to addressing the imbalance by using portable neuroscience equipment in a study of persuasion conducted in Jordan with an Arabic-speaking sample. Participants were shown persuasive videos on various health and safety topics while their brain activity was measured using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Self-reported persuasiveness ratings for each video were then recorded. Consistent with previous research conducted with American subjects, this work found that activity in the dorsomedial and ventromedial prefrontal cortex predicted how persuasive participants found the videos and how much they intended to engage in the messages’ endorsed behaviors. Further, activity in the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex was associated with persuasiveness ratings, but only in participants for whom the message was personally relevant. Implications for these results on the understanding of the brain basis of persuasion and on future directions for neuroimaging in diverse populations are discussed.
Aftereffects of self-control: The reward responsivity hypothesis
Authors: Kelley Nicholas J. , Finley Anna J , Schmeichel Brandon
Published: January 2019

Exercising self-control can be phenomenologically aversive. Insofar as individuals strive to maintain a positive emotional state, one consequence of exercising self-control may thus be a temporarily tuning toward or amplification of reward-related impulses (perhaps arising to countermand the aversive feelings that stem from self-control). Reward-relevant aftereffects are relatively underappreciated in self-control research. In the current paper, we review theory and research pertaining to the idea that exercising self-control increases reward responsivity. First, we review theoretical models of self-control focusing on the relationship between control systems and reward systems. Second, we review behavioral studies regarding the effects of exercising self-control on subsequent reactivity to food, money, drugs, and positive emotional images. Third, we review findings from functional neuroimaging and electroencephalographic research pertaining to the reward responsivity hypothesis. We then call for additional research to integrate how, when, and under what circumstances self-control exertion influences reward processing. Such an endeavor will help to advance research and theory on self-control by offering a more precise characterization of the dynamic interactions between control systems and reward systems.
A Review of Thomas W. Lippman, "Hero of the Crossing: How Anwar Sadat and the 1973 War Changed the World"
Authors: Tsourapas Gerasimos
Published: January 2019

Anwar Sadat, Henry Kissinger wrote in his memoirs, initially appeared to him as nothing more than ‘a political clown.’ This was neither the first nor the last time the Egyptian President had been referred to disparagingly. Such opinions accompanied Sadat throughout his political life as one of the Free Officers working in the shadow of Gamal Abdel Nasser and, following Nasser’s death, as Egypt’s second President. They have even endured long after his October 1981 assassination. But how did a man that Egyptians referred to as a nukta, or a joke, manage to succeed Gamal Abdel Nasser after his death in September 1970, to spearhead the 1973 Yom Kippur War against Israel, to move Egypt away from the Soviet sphere of influence, and to re-align the country’s economic and foreign policies with the United States? How did Sadat achieve the unthinkable by negotiating, and concluding, a peace treaty with Israel? The constant tension between expectations and reality, or between moments of apparent triumph and despair, form the basis of Thomas W. Lippman’s recent book on the Hero of the Crossing, the name Anwar Sadat fashioned for himself following the Egyptians’ crossing of the Suez Canal during the 1973 military operations.
Prensa diaria gratuita en España: claves del éxito de un fenómeno mediático
Authors: Parratt Sonia , del Olmo Jesús
Published: January 2019

Con este trabajo sobre la prensa diaria gratuita de información general en España se pretende completar las investigaciones parciales que existen sobre un fenómeno que lleva ya algunos años causando un considerable impacto en el panorama general de la prensa española. Conocer sus orígenes, sistematizar los principales rasgos que lo caracterizan, y analizar los motivos de su buena acogida y los posibles retos que estaría planteando a los periódicos de pago, además de presentar los datos más recientes sobre distribución de cabeceras e índices de lectura, son los objetivos que se persiguen. Se completa este análisis descriptivo con una observación de los últimos acontecimientos que abre una interrogante sobre el si el éxito de este modelo perdurará en el futuro.
Adolescentes y jóvenes en el entorno digital: análisis de su discurso sobre usos, percepción de riesgo y mecanismos de protección
Authors: de Frutos Torres Belinda , Vázquez Barrio Tamara
Published: January 2019

El acceso a Internet de los niños y adolescentes es una realidad. El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer la experiencia de uso de Internet en el colectivo de adolescentes y jóvenes y su percepción de riesgo en la Red. La metodología utilizada han sido seis grupos de discusión y una encuesta realizada a 323 jóvenes. Los resultados describen el amplio abanico de actividades que realizan en el medio interactivo y el tiempo dedicado a las mismas en su vida cotidiana. Internet no solo ocupa una parte importante de su tiempo de ocio, sino que además está definiendo sus formas de entretenimiento y su relación con el entorno. En cierta medida son conscientes de los riesgos asociados a la Red, especialmente los relacionados con el control de su privacidad y tienden hacia un uso más racional del medio a medida que es mayor su experiencia en el mismo o van adquiriendo mayor madurez personal.
La cobertura periodística de la conciliación familiar y laboral en el contexto español
Authors: Martín Llaguno Marta , Herández Ruiz Alejandra , Veléndez Vázquez Marina
Published: January 2019

Este estudio explora el tratamiento periodístico del conflicto/balance familiar y laboral en España, desde 1996 hasta finales de 2007 (VI, VII y casi la totalidad de la VIII legislatura), a partir de un análisis de contenido de las 312 noticias de El País, ABC y El Mundo. Se identifica un doble ciclo de noticiabilidad impulsado por la Ley de Conciliación, pero especialmente, por la de Igualdad. El día de la Mujer Trabajadora y El País son esenciales en el marcaje de la agenda. Desde una relativa consonancia informativa, y con gran influencia de políticos, el tema se encuadra como una cuestión laboral vinculada al espacio público y a las mujeres.
El declive del negocio de los Servicios de Tarificación Adicional en la televisión en España
Authors: Clemente Mediavilla Jorge , Domínguez Martínez Javier
Published: January 2019

Durante más de una década, las televisiones españolas han venido ofreciendo con intensidad todo tipo de servicios adquiribles a través del teléfono móvil, mediante el envío de SMS Premium o la realización de llamadas de valor añadido. Sin embargo, la comercialización de estos servicios se ha reducido muy intensamente a raíz de importantes novedades legislativas, algunas de las cuales regulan específicamente el sector de los Servicios de Tarificación Adicional (STA). El presente trabajo analiza con detalle los cambios legislativos ocurridos en nuestro país como causa principal del declive del negocio, señalándose también otras razones influyentes, todo ello a través de un profundo análisis de contenido, tanto de programas de televisión como de textos legales relacionados con el objeto de estudio.
关于渝东南绿色农业发展现状的对策与思考
Authors: 董 英
Published: January 2019

我国自古以来就是农业大国,农业在我国社会经济发展中所占的比重非常之大,农业发展成为我国社会各界人士关注的重点。随着近几年绿色农业与环保农业的呼声越来越高,我国的农村绿色农业发展的也开始逐渐起步,但是由于我国地域辽阔,不同地区的农业发展水平不同,因此,在实践中依然存在很多问题。文章通过对农村绿色农业发展的现状进行研究,发现了其中存在的问题,对如何科学生态的发展农村绿色农业提出了对策。
Taxonomic review of the tribe Nymphalini (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Nymphalinae) from western Himalaya, India with special emphasis on external genitalic attributes
Authors: Mehra Deepika , Kirti Jagbir Singh , Sidhu Avtar Kaur
Published: January 2019

Taxonomic review for 11 species referable to six genera under the tribe Nymphalini has been presented. Taxonomic characterization, and elucidation of external genitalic attributes, has been done for five species namely, Nymphalis xanthomelas (Esper), Polygonia c-album (Linnaeus), Kaniska canace (Linnaeus), Symbrenthia lilaea (Hewitson) and Symbrenthia hypselis (Godart) from western Himalaya, India. Along with that, distribution and taxonomic remarks on species Symbrenthia niphanda Moore and Symbrenthia brabira Moore, and species under genera Aglais Dalman and Vanessa Fabricius from the western Himalaya has been discussed from the older literature. Major gaps in the taxonomic history of the tribe Nymphalini has been mentioned in the concluding remarks.
RETRACTED: Plumbagin Ameliorates Collagen-Induced Arthritis by Regulating Treg/Th17 Cell Imbalances and Suppressing Osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Wang Tingyu , Qiao Han , Zhai Zanjing , Zhang Jun , Tu Jinwen , Zheng Xinyi , Qian Niandong , Zhou Hong , Lu Eryi , Tang Tingting
Published: January 2019

Objective: Plumbago zeylanica L. (with plumbagin as its active ingredients) has been used for centuries to treat conditions such as joint swelling, fractures, and bacterial infections, suggesting that it possesses anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. In the present study, we evaluated the potential anti-arthritic activity and related mechanisms of plumbagin.

Methods: Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was initiated in Wistar rats with collagen type II. Plumbagin (2 and 6 mg/kg) was orally administered to rats with CIA from day 12 to day 32 post immunization. The effects of plumbagin on arthritis progression were assessed by paw swelling, clinical scoring, and histologic analysis. The percentage of Treg and Th17 were defined by flow cytometry or immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Bone erosion and resorption were assessed by micro-CT and histomorphometric analysis. Osteoclast differentiation was further determined by in vitro osteoclastogenesis assay. The molecular docking assay was used to determine the potential binding site of plumbagin.

Results: Treatment with plumbagin significantly inhibited arthritis development, as well as suppressed the local and systemic inflammation. Plumbagin reciprocally regulated pro-inflammatory Th17 cell and immunosuppressive Treg cell populations. In addition, plumbagin protected inflammation-induced bone loss by inhibiting osteoclast formation and activity. Plumbagin markedly suppressed RANKL-stimulated osteoclast-specific gene expression by repressing NF-κB signaling activation and MAP kinase phosphorylation. Further study via molecular docking assay demonstrated that plumbagin bound to MET169 of JNK kinase and LYS138 and SER183 of p38 kinase.

Conclusion: Plumbagin not only attenuates the immune-induced arthritis by inhibiting inflammation, but also protects bone erosion by directly inhibiting osteoclast formation and activity. These data suggest plumbagin is a promising new candidate drug for treating inflammatory joint diseases.
New species of Caromiobenella Jeon, Lee & Soh, 2018 (Crustacea, Copepoda, Monstrilloida) from Chuja Island, Korea
Authors: Jeon Donggu , Lee Wonchoel , Soh Ho Young
Published: January 2019

Male monstrilloid copepods belonging to the genusCaromiobenellaJeon, Lee & Soh, 2018 were collected from Chuja Island, Jeju, Korea, using a light trap. This paper describes a new species,Caromiobenellaohtsukaisp. n., based on the display of reduced, knob-like fifth legs on the ventral side of the first urosomal somite. A unique combination of male genitalia features and number of caudal setae further confirms its specificity. Molecular analysis based on two partial gene sequences of mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase subunit I (mtCOI) and 28S ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA) also supports the designation of this species by showing a relevant divergence from known congeners.Caromiobenellaohtsukaisp. n.is the ninth member of this genus and also the ninth monstrilloid reported from Korea.
Tel-Aviv, ville blanche : la construction d’un objet patrimonial et ses effets sur le développement de la ville
Authors: Rozenholc Caroline , Tufano Antonella
Published: January 2019

En 2003, Tel-Aviv est inscrite au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO pour son architecture et son urbanisme modernes. Cette date est décisive pour l’histoire de la ville et pour sa mise en récit, comme pour les pratiques relativement libres de transformation des immeubles dits Bauhaus et de la surélévation de certains logements. Ces modifications sont alors interdites par les règles d’urbanisme, alors que, dans le même temps, certains bâtiments inscrits sont surélevés de plusieurs étages et de très nombreuses tours construites. L’étude de Tel-Aviv permet, de ce point de vue, de répondre à une question d’ordre général sur le classement au titre du patrimoine et sur les effets paradoxaux de la patrimonialisation en milieu urbain, dans un tissu qui se densifie et se transforme très rapidement, alors que des mesures conservatoires sont prises à son endroit.
« Déserts médicaux » en France : état des lieux et perspectives de recherches
Authors: Chevillard Guillaume , Lucas-Gabrielli Véronique , Mousques Julien
Published: January 2019

L’expression de « déserts médicaux » est abondamment utilisée pour décrire des territoires où les habitants rencontrent des difficultés d’accès aux soins. Cette expression n’apparaît pas assez précise, ni pour décrire la pluralité des difficultés rencontrées, ni pour réfléchir aux mesures permettant de les résoudre. L’objectif de cet article est d’abord d’analyser l’évolution de la mesure d’un faible niveau d’accessibilité aux médecins généralistes à travers le temps. Nous analysons ensuite les réponses des pouvoirs publics aux « déserts médicaux » par deux éléments : la définition de zones prioritaires et le déploiement de mesures pour y attirer et maintenir des médecins généralistes. À partir des constats établis et du cadre conceptuel usité, nous proposons des perspectives de recherches pour améliorer la description de l’accessibilité aux médecins généralistes ainsi que l’évaluation de la politique menée contre les « déserts médicaux ».
Réflexions sur la notion de donnée publique
Authors: Boul Maxime
Published: January 2019

Résumé Dans une société et une économie numérisées, les données sont au centre de problématiques majeures. Données publiques et données personnelles se répondent avec des encadrements juridiques croisés : la loi pour une République numérique du 7 octobre 2016 et le règlement général pour la protection des données « RGPD ». Pourtant la notion de donnée publique est difficilement saisie par le droit. Elle ne fait l’objet d’aucune définition. Information du service public, elle est concurrencée par de nouvelles notions. Bien au service du public, elle ne répond pas totalement aux définitions des biens publics et des facilités essentielles. Ainsi, ni le discours du droit ni le discours sur le droit n’ont réussi à appréhender cette notion.
Données publiques et protection des données personnelles : le cadre européen
Authors: Lanna Maximilien
Published: January 2019

Résumé Les mouvements d’ouverture des données publiques et de protection des données personnelles sont aujourd’hui à une période charnière de leurs développements respectifs. Initiés dès la fin des années 1970 au niveau national, ils ont depuis chacun fait l’objet d’influences juridiques communautaires variées. Dès lors, le mouvement de transparence administrative, raison d’être initiale de l’ open data , se trouve confronté aujourd’hui au renforcement des règles relatives à la protection des données personnelles. Si les deux domaines n’avaient à l’origine pas vocation à se croiser, les outils numériques aujourd’hui à disposition des administrations ont nécessité la prise en compte de telles problématiques.
Vers l’État-plateforme ?
Authors: Chevallier Jacques
Published: January 2019

Résumé L’État-plateforme est le produit d’une politique volontariste visant à adapter l’État aux défis de l’ère numérique : passant par la diffusion des données publiques et la production de services numériques, cette politique est appelée à connaître de nouveaux développements, à la faveur de la mise en œuvre du « Plan d’action pour un gouvernement ouvert ». La conception d’un État souple, agile, flexible qui le sous-tend ne saurait manquer d’avoir un impact plus large, en travaillant en profondeur l’architecture étatique.
Un jeu de chaises musicales biaisé – Les effets de la RéATE sur les carrières des cadres du Ministère de l’écologie
Authors: Alber Alex
Published: January 2019

Résumé Cet article, qui synthétise les résultats d’une recherche sur les blocages de carrière chez les cadres expérimentés du Ministère de l’écologie, vise à présenter les enjeux d’une transition inaboutie entre un modèle historique de « gestion administrée » et un modèle de « marché » censément plus attentif aux compétences, notamment managériales. Nous montrons, d’une part, comment certains agents se sont trouvés désavantagés par les nouvelles règles du jeu et, d’autre part, comment une minorité a su se saisir de ces nouvelles opportunités pour progresser en marge des circuits conventionnels. Finalement, nous montrons comment la situation étudiée questionne une possible dualisation de l’emploi public.
Voix de femmes, cruauté maritale et histoires de fantômes dans l’Angleterre du xviii e siècle
Authors: Handley Sasha
Published: January 2019

Cet article montre que les histoires de fantômes sont l’une des stratégies narratives extra-judiciaires les plus efficaces que les femmes aient pu employer pour protester contre les violences conjugales dans l’Angleterre moderne. L’histoire du fantôme de Mary Veal, apparu à son amie Margaret Bargrave à Canterbury en 1705, est l’un des récits les mieux documentés de cette période. Cette affaire a suscité de nombreuses réponses des habitants de Canterbury, retenu l’intérêt de membres de la Royal Society de Londres, et ses détails ont été diffusés dans des articles de presse et des opuscules imprimés qui ont connu de multiples éditions. La vie de la principale narratrice, Margaret Bargrave, a jusqu’ici été négligée, contrairement à la figure de Mary Veal. Cet article reconstitue la longue histoire des violences maritales subies par Margaret et s’interroge sur les motifs qui ont pu l’inciter à exprimer ses malheurs dans le cadre d’une histoire d’apparition de fantôme. Cette étude de cas ouvre sur des réflexions plus larges concernant la fonction des histoires de fantômes, véhicule efficace de protestation contre les violences de tous ordres, physiques, sexuelles et psychologiques. Ces récits sont comparés avec les stratégies, plus courantes, de plaintes judiciaires, afin de voir dans quelles circonstances il était plus efficace de présenter les histoires de violences conjugales sous la forme d’un récit d’apparition de fantôme. Centré sur une documentation extra-judiciaire, l’article s’intéresse à l’éventail des ressources dont les femmes disposaient pour se défendre, et aux aspects des violences conjugales qui échappaient à l’institution judiciaire.
Working Smart: Turning Everyday Commitments Into Scholarly Outcomes
Authors: Witt Barbara S , Heinrich Kathleen T
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT

Background: This article offers a model for transforming routine professional responsibilities into scholarly products.

Method: Using Boyer's model of scholarship as a guide, the authors were able to transform a professional commitment into the scholarship of teaching and learning, practice and engagement, and discovery.

Results: The authors were able to conduct a research study, educate graduate students, and provide important data about nursing to a statewide project.

Conclusion: Working smart requires transforming existing commitments and resources into opportunities for creating scholarly products that are shared with the broader nursing community.
Influenza Pathogenesis: The Effect of Host Factors on Severity of Disease
Authors: Gounder Anshu P. , Boon Adrianus C. M.
Published: January 2019

Influenza viruses continue to be a major global health threat. Severity and clinical outcome of influenza disease is determined by both viral and host factors. Viral factors have long been the subject of intense research and many molecular determinants have been identified. However, research into the host factors that protect or predispose to severe and fatal influenza A virus infections is lagging. The goal of this review is to highlight the recent insights into host determinants of influenza pathogenesis.
The Multifaceted B Cell Response to Influenza Virus
Authors: Lam Jonathan H. , Baumgarth Nicole
Published: January 2019

Protection from yearly recurring, highly acute infections with a pathogen that rapidly and continuously evades previously induced protective neutralizing Abs, as seen during seasonal influenza virus infections, can be expected to require a B cell response that is too highly variable, able to adapt rapidly, and able to reduce morbidity and death when sterile immunity cannot be garnered quickly enough. As we outline in this Brief Review, the influenza-specific B cell response is exactly that: it is multifaceted, involves both innate-like and conventional B cells, provides early and later immune protection, employs B cells with distinct BCR repertoires and distinct modes of activation, and continuously adapts to the ever-changing virus while enhancing overall protection. A formidable response to a formidable pathogen.
Effect of health education intervention conducted by Primary Health Care workers on oral health knowledge and practices of nursing mothers in Lagos State
Authors: Adeniyi Abiola Adetokunbo , Oyapero Afolabi , Ajieroh Victor , Sofola Oyinkansola , Asiyanbi Oladapo
Published: January 2019

Educational interventions on oral health care is traditionally carried out mainly by oral health workers in Nigeria. Despite the introduction of the National Oral Health Policy, oral health services/education is virtually non-existent in PHC centres in Nigeria. This study sought to determine the effect of a health education intervention delivered by Community Health Officers (CHO) on the oral health knowledge and practices of mothers attending a PHC centre in Lagos State. A pre-experimental, Before- After study design was employed. An interviewer- administered questionnaire was administered at baseline to assess the oral health care knowledge and practices of 267 mothers who enrolled in the programme. After enrolling the participants, CHO’s previously trained commenced a health education intervention on oral health. The intervention, which consisted of 2 lecture sessions, a demonstration session and a return demonstration session, utilising flipcharts and health information leaflets spanned a six-month period. Oral health knowledge and practices of participating mothers was evaluated 3 and 6 months after the intervention commenced using a standardised checklist. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS version 20, P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. The mean oral health knowledge score at baseline was 4.58 (±1.37) while at 3-month and 6-month postintervention the mean scores were 4.68 (±0.97) and 4.96 (±0.49), respectively. There was a statistically significant increase (P=0.000) in the mean knowledge scores at 6 months post-intervention. Mothers who were 36 years or older and those with more than 12 years education displayed significantly better knowledge scores (P<0.05). Most (78.3%) reported using cotton wool or foam with water for their infants’ oral hygiene. By the second post-intervention visit, there was a significant change in the perception of the mothers on correct oral hygiene tool for infants (52.3%; P=0.000). Furthermore the percentage of mothers actually using toothbrush to clean their child’s mouth (98.1%; P=0.000) had increased. The oral health knowledge of the participants increased significantly following the intervention especially at the 6-month evaluation. PHC workers can successfully carry out oral health educational interventions at PHC level. The greatest value will occur with reinforced repetition of the messages.
A Longitudinal Study of the 28 Joints of Disease Activity Score by Ultrasonographical Examination in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Ali Rabab Hussin , Daifallah Osama Sayed , Abozaid Hanan Sayed M. , Alfadl Esam Mohmad. Abu , Elsayed Sahar Abdel-Rahman
Published: January 2019

Background:

The damaging effect of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on cartilage, bone, ligaments, and tendons has raised the importance of the disease activity and severity assessment to enable therapeutic decisions and to evaluate disease outcome.

Aim:

The aim is to compare the clinical examination of the Disease Activity Score (DAS)-28 with the musculoskeletal ultrasonography (US) examination in RA patients. Moreover, finding if we can use ultrasonographical results as a tool for predicting subsequent radiological damage.

Patients and Methods:

It is a longitudinal study included 60 adult RA patients. Patients were under assessment at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months from the recruitment time. Twenty-eight joints of DAS were assessed for tenderness and swelling. US gray scale (GS) and US power Doppler (PD) score also was done at each visit.

Results:

DAS-28, with its parameters, is positively and highly significantly correlated to synovitis severity both by US GS and US-PD score along the study follow-up visits. There was highly significant difference between the number of 28 swollen and tender joints by clinical examination with both US GS and US-PD. Linear regression analysis to predict the number of swollen and tender joints after 12 months showed significance between US PD with swollen and tender joints’ numbers. The correlation was positive and significant between Larsen score at 12 months with GS US and PD US assessment, but linear regression analysis was only significant for Larsen score with only GS US.

Conclusion:

GS US and PD is a sensitive and reliable noninvasive method complementary to standard clinical assessment and could be a tool for predicting subsequent joints’ damage.
Migraine and Mood Disorders: Prevalence, Clinical Correlations and Disability
Authors: Rammohan K. , Mundayadan Shyma Manikkoth , Das Soumitra , Shaji C. Velayudhan
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Both migraine and mood disorders are prevalent disorders with many studies demonstrating that they are comorbid with each other with increased migraine-related disability in such patients. Aim: The aim of the study is to test the hypothesis that mood disorders are comorbid with migraine with increased disability and to identify any clinical features in migraineurs which may be associated with mood disorders. Materials and Methods: Patients presenting with complaints of headache to the Neurology Outpatient Department of a Tertiary CARE Hospital from August 01, 2016 to February 28, 2017, were subjected to International Classification of Headache Disorder 3 beta criteria to satisfy a diagnosis of migraine and were assessed in detail as to headache characteristics. Mood disorders were assessed by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and migraine-related disability was assessed by Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire. Patients with serious medical complaints, known previous psychiatric disease, other types of headaches and recent prophylactic drug intake were carefully excluded. Results: A total of 133 patients were studied. The duration and frequency of migraine headaches were found to correlate with the presence of mood disorders and the migraine-related disability in patients with comorbid mood disorders was significantly higher. Factors such as total duration of migraine, aura, vomiting, phono, and photophobia were not found to be statistically correlated with mood disorders. Conclusions: Rates of depression and anxiety in migraine vary widely in various studies due to variations in study criteria, population characteristics and various scales used. We found a prevalence of 16.54% of anxiety and 9.02% of depression in migraineurs, a rate comparable to or less than many studies in international literature and a significantly increased disability in individuals with comorbid mood disorders and migraine. Routinely including questionnaires such as HAD in screening patients with migraine to rule out comorbid mood disorders may be warranted. Because we have carefully excluded all other primary (especially tension and medication overuse headaches) and secondary headaches and selected prophylactic drug naïve patients, we contend that this study provides a clear clinical profile of migraineurs with mood disorders.
Etiologies of Acute Undifferentiated Febrile Illness in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Luvira Viravarn , Silachamroon Udomsak , Piyaphanee Watcharapong , Lawpoolsri Saranath , Chierakul Wirongrong , Leaungwutiwong Pornsawan , Thawornkuno Charin , Wattanagoon Yupaporn
Published: January 2019

Acute undifferentiated febrile illness (AUFI) has been a diagnostic dilemma in the tropics. Without accurate point-of-care tests, information on local pathogens and clinical parameters is essential for presumptive diagnosis. A prospective hospital-based study was conducted at the Bangkok Hospital for Tropical Diseases from 2013 to 2015 to determine common etiologies of AUFI. A total of 397 adult AUFI cases, excluding malaria by blood smear, were enrolled. Rapid diagnostic tests for tropical infections were performed on admission, and acute and convalescent samples were tested to confirm the diagnosis. Etiologies could be identified in 271 (68.3%) cases. Dengue was the most common cause, with 157 cases (39.6%), followed by murine typhus (20 cases; 5.0%), leptospirosis (16 cases; 4.0%), influenza (14 cases; 3.5%), and bacteremia (six cases; 1.5%). Concurrent infection by at least two pathogens was reported in 37 cases (9.3%). Furthermore, characteristics of dengue and bacterial infections (including leptospirosis and rickettsioses) were compared to facilitate dengue triage, initiate early antibiotic treatment, and minimize unnecessary use of antibiotics. In conclusion, dengue was the most common pathogen for AUFI in urban Thailand. However, murine typhus and leptospirosis were not uncommon. Empirical antibiotic treatment using doxycycline or azithromycin might be more appropriate, but cost–benefit studies are required. Physicians should recognize common causes of AUFI in their localities and use clinical and laboratory clues for provisional diagnosis to provide appropriate treatment while awaiting laboratory confirmation.
The Effect of Text Message Reminders to Health Workers on Quality of Care for Malaria, Pneumonia, and Diarrhea in Malawi: A Cluster-Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Steinhardt Laura C. , Mathanga Don P. , Mwandama Dyson , Nsona Humphreys , Moyo Dubulao , Gumbo Austin , Kobayashi Miwako , Namuyinga Ruth , Shah Monica P. , Bauleni Andy , Troell Peter , Zurovac Dejan , Rowe Alexander K.
Published: January 2019

The use of mobile technologies in medicine, or mHealth, holds promise to improve health worker (HW) performance, but evidence is mixed. We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of text message reminders to HWs in outpatient health facilities (HFs) on quality of care for malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea in Malawi. After a baseline HF survey (2,360 patients) in January 2015, 105 HFs were randomized to three arms: 1) text messages to HWs on malaria case management; 2) text messages to HWs on malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea case management (latter two for children < 5 years); and 3) control arm (no messages). Messages were sent beginning April 2015 twice daily for 6 months, followed by an endline HF survey (2,536 patients) in November 2015. An intention-to-treat analysis with difference-in-differences binomial regression modeling was performed. The proportion of patients with uncomplicated malaria managed correctly increased from 42.8% to 59.6% in the control arm, from 43.7% to 55.8% in arm 1 (effect size −4.7%-points, 95% confidence interval (CI): −18.2, 8.9, P = 0.50) and from 30.2% to 50.9% in arm 2 (effect size 3.9%-points, 95% CI: −14.1, 22.0, P = 0.67). Prescription of first-line antibiotics to children < 5 years with clinically defined pneumonia increased in all arms, but decreased in arm 2 (effect size −4.1%-points, 95% CI: −42.0, 33.8, P = 0.83). Prescription of oral rehydration solution to children with diarrhea declined slightly in all arms. We found no significant improvements in malaria, pneumonia, or diarrhea treatment after HW reminders, illustrating the importance of rigorously testing new interventions before adoption.
Case Report: Hepatic Fascioliasis in a Young Afghani Woman with Severe Wheezing, High-Grade Peripheral Eosinophilia, and Liver Lesions: A Brief Literature Review
Authors: Krsak Martin , Patel Nayana U. , Poeschla Eric M.
Published: January 2019

A 23-year-old recent emigrant from Afghanistan presented in August 2017 with severe wheezing and dyspnea that required hospital admission. Her illness was associated with marked peripheral blood eosinophilia (9,900–15,600/µL; 45.2–68%), as well as mild nausea, epigastric pain, and decreased appetite. She had lived until 3 months earlier in close proximity to cattle in her home in Kabul and did not recall eating watercress or other leafy plants associated with Fasciola hepatica transmission. Computerized tomography scanning showed bilateral ground-glass lung consolidations and multiple distinctive hypo-attenuating linear, tubuliform, and nodular liver lesions, including a large subcapsular hematoma. Numerous tests for rheumatological and malignant disorders were negative. Fasciola hepatica infestation was suspected on epidemiological, clinical, and radiographic grounds, and was confirmed by immunoblotting at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Multiple stool ova and parasite examinations were negative and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography did not identify trematodes. Her acute respiratory illness resolved with asthma-targeted therapies and her eosinophilia resolved with triclabendazole, which was obtained from CDC via an FDA Investigational New Drug application. Fascioliasis is uncommon in the United States, but the prolonged warfare and civil strife in Afghanistan and adjacent areas may lead to increased incidence outside the endemic region. Her case also demonstrates how hepatic imaging features of fascioliasis can be pathognomonic in clinical scenarios with eosinophilia and appropriate epidemiology and clinical features. We also highlight her relatively unusual presentation with symptoms of Loeffler-like syndrome alone.
Eligibility for Local Therapies in Adolescents and Adults with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis from Southwestern Colombia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Uribe-Restrepo Andrés Felipe , Prieto Miguel Dario , Cossio Alexandra , Desai Mayur M. , Castro María del Mar
Published: January 2019

Local therapies have been proposed as safe and effective alternatives to systemic drugs in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), especially among less severe cases. However, they are not widely available and used in endemic places, including Colombia, which has a high burden of disease. Further complicating the uptake of local therapies is that different treatment guidelines have been established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Using data from a large referral center in Colombia, we determined the proportion of patients who would be eligible for and potentially benefit from local therapies according to both international guidelines. The sample included 1,891 confirmed cases of CL aged ≥ 12 years, mostly infected with Leishmania Viannia panamensis (91%, n = 601/660), between 2004 and 2014. Overall, 57% of the sample had one lesion, whereas another 31% had two to three lesions. For 74% of patients, all lesions were in an area other than head or neck. The maximum lesion size was ≤ 3 cm for 58% and < 5 cm for 88% of the sample. Based on our data, up to 56% of patients could have been eligible for local therapies according to the WHO criteria. By contrast, only 23% were eligible according to the more restrictive PAHO criteria. Regardless, these data suggest that a substantial proportion of CL patients in Colombia may benefit from local therapies given their relatively mild presentation of disease and low risk of complications. Individualized risk–benefit assessment and guideline adjustments may increase local therapy eligibility and benefit a large number of patients.
Characterizing the 2015 Indonesia fire event using modified MODIS aerosol retrievals
Authors: Shi Yingxi R. , Levy Robert C. , Eck Thomas F. , Fisher Brad , Mattoo Shana , Remer Lorraine A. , Slutsker Ilya , Zhang Jianglong
Published: January 2019

Abstract. The Indonesian fire and smoke event of 2015 was an extreme episode that
affected public health and caused severe economic and environmental damage.
The MODIS Dark Target (DT) aerosol algorithm, developed for global
applications, significantly underestimated regional aerosol optical depth
(AOD) during this episode. The larger-than-global-averaged uncertainties in
the DT product over this event were due to both an overly zealous set of masks
that mistook heavy smoke plumes for clouds and/or inland water, and also an
aerosol model developed for generic global aerosol conditions. Using Aerosol
Robotic Network (AERONET) Version 3 sky inversions of local AERONET stations,
we created a specific aerosol model for the extreme event. Thus, using this
new less-absorbing aerosol model, cloud masking based on results of the MODIS
cloud optical properties algorithm, and relaxed thresholds on both inland
water tests and upper limits of the AOD retrieval, we created a research
algorithm and applied it to 80 appropriate MODIS granules during the event.
Collocating and comparing with AERONET AOD shows that the research algorithm
doubles the number of MODIS retrievals greater than 1.0, while also
significantly improving agreement with AERONET. The final results show that
the operational DT algorithm had missed approximately 0.22 of the regional
mean AOD, but as much as AOD = 3.0 for individual 0.5∘ grid
boxes. This amount of missing AOD can skew the perception of the severity of
the event, affect estimates of regional aerosol forcing, and alter aerosol
modeling and forecasting that assimilate MODIS aerosol data products. These
results will influence the future development of the global DT aerosol
algorithm.
The onset of neoglaciation in Iceland and the 4.2 ka event
Authors: Geirsdóttir Áslaug , Miller Gifford H. , Andrews John T. , Harning David J. , Anderson Leif S. , Florian Christopher , Larsen Darren J. , Thordarson Thor
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Strong similarities in Holocene climate reconstructions derived from multiple
proxies (BSi, TOC – total organic carbon, δ13C, C∕N, MS – magnetic susceptibility, δ15N)
preserved in sediments from both glacial and non-glacial lakes across Iceland
indicate a relatively warm early to mid Holocene from 10 to 6 ka,
overprinted with cold excursions presumably related to meltwater impact on
North Atlantic circulation until 7.9 ka. Sediment in lakes from glacial
catchments indicates their catchments were ice-free during this interval.
Statistical treatment of the high-resolution multi-proxy paleoclimate lake
records shows that despite great variability in catchment characteristics,
the sediment records document more or less synchronous abrupt, cold
departures as opposed to the smoothly decreasing trend in Northern Hemisphere
summer insolation. Although all lake records document a decline in summer
temperature through the Holocene consistent with the regular decline in
summer insolation, the onset of significant summer cooling occurs ∼5 ka at high-elevation interior sites but is variably later at sites
closer to the coast, suggesting that proximity to the sea may modulate the impact
from decreasing summer insolation. The timing of glacier inception during the
mid Holocene is determined by the descent of the equilibrium line altitude
(ELA), which is dominated by the evolution of summer temperature as summer
insolation declined as well as changes in sea surface temperature for coastal
glacial systems. The glacial response to the ELA decline is also highly
dependent on the local topography. The initial ∼5 ka nucleation of
Langjökull in the highlands of Iceland defines the onset of neoglaciation
in Iceland. Subsequently, a stepwise expansion of both Langjökull and
northeast Vatnajökull occurred between 4.5 and 4.0 ka, with a second
abrupt expansion ∼3 ka. Due to its coastal setting and lower
topographic threshold, the initial appearance of Drangajökull in the NW
of Iceland was delayed until ∼2.3 ka. All lake records reflect abrupt
summer temperature and catchment disturbance at ∼4.5 ka, statistically
indistinguishable from the global 4.2 ka event, and a second widespread
abrupt disturbance at 3.0 ka, similar to the stepwise expansion of
Langjökull and northeast Vatnajökull. Both are intervals
characterized by large explosive volcanism and tephra distribution in Iceland
resulting in intensified local soil erosion. The most widespread increase in glacier advance, landscape
instability, and soil erosion occurred shortly after 2 ka, likely due to a
complex combination of increased impact from volcanic tephra deposition,
cooling climate, and increased sea ice off the coast of Iceland. All lake
records indicate a strong decline in temperature ∼1.5 ka, which
culminated during the Little Ice Age (1250–1850 CE) when the glaciers
reached their maximum Holocene dimensions.