bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Itinerários terapêuticos de pessoas com doença renal crônica e suas famílias/ Therapeutical itineraries of people with chronic renal disease and their families
Authors: Sanches Rafaely De Cassia Nogueira , Figueiredo Fernanda Sabini Faix , Rêgo Anderson Da Silva , Decesaro Maria Das Neves , Salci Maria Aparecida , Radovanovic Cremilde Aparecida Trindade
Published: February 2017

O itinerário terapêutico é uma estratégia que permite ao profissional de saúde conhecer como se dá o caminho de busca por cuidados de pessoas adoecidas e suas famílias, contribuindo para compreensão dos contextos que influenciam o comportamento e escolhas frente ao processo de adoecer, tratamento e modos de se cuidar. O objetivo do estudo foi apreender a trajetória terapêutica de pessoas com insuficiência renal crônica e seus familiares. Pesquisa qualitativa do tipo estudo de casos múltiplos, realizado junto a três pessoas adoecidas em tratamento hemodialítico e suas famílias. A coleta de dados se deu por entrevista aberta e os dados compilados por análise de conteúdo, modalidade temática. Para construir o itinerário terapêutico, os resultados foram organizados em três categorias: subsistema familiar, profissional e cultural. A família apareceu como o primeiro e principal local de busca por cuidados. Posteriormente, familiares passam a caminhar juntamente com o membro adoecido em busca de cuidados profissionais, mantendo os conhecimento e crenças adquiridas culturalmente. Conclui-se que a construção do itinerário mostrou-se eficaz, pois oferece importantes informações para o planejamento de um cuidado humanizado e efetivo às reais necessidades de saúde das pessoas adoecidas e suas famílias.
 Experiência do adoecer crônico por Alzheimer e a arborescência do cuidado familiar/ The experience of being chronically sick by Alzheimer and the arborescence of family care
Authors: Souza Ítala Paris de , Araújo Laura Filomena Santos de , Bellato Roseney
Published: February 2017

A doença de Alzheimer integra o rol dos agravos crônico-degenerativos, sobressaindo-se como causa mais comum das demências senis, representando cerca de 60 a 80% destas. Objetivamos compreender a arborescência do cuidado na vivência familiar de adoecimento por Alzheimer que, gerado e mantido ao longo do tempo, precisa atender necessidades diversificadas. Conformou-se como estudo de situação, por meio da abordagem compreensiva, embasado na história de vida de idosa, adoecida há sete anos, sendo operacionalizada pela entrevista em profundidade e observação que compuseram o diário de pesquisa. Desenho alegórico permitiu evidenciar a miríade de cuidados que arboresce na vida em família. Tais cuidados reverberam no tempo, através de um passado amalgamado pela tecitura da relação afetivo-amorosa da idosa para com a família que, por sua vez, vincula, fortalece, impulsiona, mobiliza e nutre a vivência familiar, modelando maneiras de cuidar no presente. Ponderamos ser importante conceber práticas profissionais que abarquem a família em seu modo singular de ser, com destaque ao seu contexto de vida, amparando, ao longo do tempo, o cuidado por ela produzido.
ALLOIMMUNIZATION IN PATIENTS WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE AND THALASSAEMIA: EXPERIENCE OF SINGLE CENTRE FROM OMAN
Authors: Pathare Anil , Alkindi Salam
Published: February 2017

Background: Blood transfusion is an integral part of the supportive care for patients with sickle cell anemia and thalassaemia. The hazard of red cell alloimmunization, however, is one of the main complications of this therapy. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of red cell alloimmunization in Omani patients with sickle cell anemia and thalassaemia. Methods: This study included 262 patients whose historical transfusion records were available. One hundred and twenty-nine patients with thalassaemia who were attending the day care unit for regular transfusions, and 133 sickle cell anemia patients admitted at our hospital were included in this study. The Diamed gel system was used for the screening and identification of atypical antibodies. Results: The rate of alloimmunization in sickle cell anemia patients was 31% (n=41), whereas in thalassaemia patients it was 20% (n=26). Antibodies to E, e, C, c, D, K, S, Fyª, Kpª, Jkª and Cw were observed. Among the two groups, 8 developed nonspecific antibodies, and 12 developed more than one antibody; however, 85% of patients were also immunized to Rh and Kell antigens. Conclusions: Red cell transfusions are associated with a significant risk of alloimmunization. It is, therefore, imperative to perform an initial extended red cell phenotyping for both donors and recipients, and carefully select ABO, Rh and Kell matched donors.
Training Program Guidelines for Deicing/Anti-Icing of Aircraft on Ground
Authors:   G-12T Training and Quality Programs Committee
Published: February 2017

This document establishes the minimum criteria for effective training of air carrier and contractor personnel to deice/anti-ice aircraft to ensure the safe operation of aircraft during ground icing conditions. Appendix D specifies guidelines for particular airplane models.
Product Safety Signs for Ready Mixed Concrete Trucks
Authors:   Ready-Mix Concrete Truck Safety Committee
Published: February 2017

This document presents a catalog of safety sign text and artwork that can be used by any ready mixed concrete truck manufacturer to warn of common hazards.
Evaluating a Modular Decision Support Application For Colorectal Cancer Screening
Authors: Militello Laura , Diiulio Julie , Borders Morgan , Sushereba Christen , Saleem Jason , Haverkamp Donald , Imperiale Thomas
Published: February 2017

Background: There is a need for health information technology evaluation that goes beyond randomized controlled trials to include consideration of usability, cognition, feedback from representative users, and impact on efficiency, data quality, and clinical workflow. This article presents an evaluation illustrating one approach to this need using the Decision-Centered Design framework. Objective: To evaluate, through a Decision-Centered Design framework, the ability of the Screening and Surveillance App to support primary care clinicians in tracking and managing colorectal cancer testing.

Methods: We leveraged two evaluation formats, online and in-person, to obtain feedback from a range primary care clinicians and obtain comparative data. Both the online and in-person evaluations used mock patient data to simulate challenging patient scenarios. Primary care clinicians responded to a series of colorectal cancer-related questions about each patient and made recommendations for screening. We collected data on performance, perceived workload, and usability. Key elements of Decision-Centered Design include evaluation in the context of realistic, challenging scenarios and measures designed to explore impact on cognitive performance.

Results: Comparison of means revealed increases in accuracy, efficiency, and usability and decreases in perceived mental effort and workload when using the Screening and Surveillance App. Conclusion: The results speak to the benefits of using the Decision-Centered Design approach in the analysis, design, and evaluation of Health Information Technology. Furthermore, the Screening and Surveillance App shows promise for filling decision support gaps in current electronic health records.
Intraocular Pressure Spikes following Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser Capsulotomy: Current Prevalence and Management in Israel
Authors: Achiron Asaf
Published: February 2017

Aim

The current treatment for posterior capsular opacification (PCO), neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy, may lead to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Our aim was to survey routines in the management of IOP spikes and to identify the rate of IOP spikes following prophylactic apraclonidine treatment.

Materials and methods

A survey questionnaire among ophthalmologists and a retrospective registry review was used. Patients were administered apraclonidine 0.5% prior to capsulotomy. The IOP was measured before and 1 hour postprocedure.

Results

A total of 71% of responders (n = 45) routinely prescribe topical IOP-lowering medication and 82% routinely measure IOP before or after capsulotomy. The registry analysis included 87 eyes of 75 patients. Mean IOP decreased by 0.9 ± 3.3 mm Hg (p = 0.01, range: −6 to 10) following capsulotomy. No patient reached IOP values above 21 mm Hg following the procedure, with 3.4 and 1.1% of patients demonstrating an IOP elevation of more than 3 and 5 mm Hg respectively. No association was found between number of laser shots, mean laser power, or comorbid conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or glaucoma status with posttreatment IOP.

Conclusion

Most ophthalmologists surveyed routinely prescribe prophylactic IOP-lowering medication and measure IOP before or after capsulotomy. Mean IOP remained clinically stable following capsulotomy with prophylactic apraclonidine instillation, and no patient reached IOP values above 21 mm Hg. Differences in laser delivery or comorbid conditions were not associated with posttreatment IOP. Considering that no patient demonstrated a clinically significant IOP spike following prophylactic apraclonidine instillation, perhaps routine measurement of IOP following primary Nd:YAG laser may be reserved for high-risk patients only.

Clinical significance

In this work, we showed the prophylactic effect of apraclonidine 0.5% and suggest that measuring IOP after the procedure is necessary only in certain high-risk cases, possibly helping to reduce workload and patient waiting time and improving quality of service.

How to cite this article

Achiron A. Intraocular Pressure Spikes following Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser Capsulotomy: Current Prevalence and Management in Israel. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2017;11(2):63-66.
Long-term Follow-up of Patients receiving Intraocular Pressure-lowering Medications as Cataract Surgery Candidates: A Case—control Study
Authors: Bontzos Georgios , Agiorgiotakis Michail , Detorakis Efstathios T
Published: February 2017

Aim

In this study, we reviewed demographics and biometric characteristics among patients receiving chronic β-blockers and prostaglandins (PGs) for primary open-angle glaucoma. We compared the age at the time of cataract surgery in different patient groups and in a control group which was not under any medication.

Materials and methods

Retrospective chart review of glaucomatous patients who underwent cataract extraction at the Department of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece, between January 1998 and December 2016 was done. Age at cataract surgery, axial length (AL), and preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuities (BCVAs) were recorded. A cohort of patients without glaucoma who were operated for cataract extraction was also evaluated.

Results

In all, 320 patients were reviewed. There were significant results in mean age difference between the beta-antagonist and the PG group [3.05 years, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54-4.57] and between the beta-antagonist group with the patients receiving a combined therapy (3.02 years, 95% CI 1.14-4.91). No significant difference was found between the PG and the combination group. All the three treated groups had a significant lower mean age than the control group at the time of cataract surgery.

Conclusion

Based on our study, we concluded that there might be a possible association between chronic treatment with beta-antagonist agents and earlier cataract surgical time in the treated eye.

Clinical significance

Intraocular pressure control is often usually achieved using ophthalmic agents. Their topical and systemic effects should be monitored precisely. Earlier cataract formation might be an important side effect which the physician has to keep in mind before choosing the suitable medication.

How to cite this article

Bontzos G, Agiorgiotakis M, Detorakis ET. Long-term Follow-up of Patients receiving Intraocular Pressure-lowering Medications as Cataract Surgery Candidates: A Case—control Study. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2017;11(3):107-112.
Self-exploration accounts for delusional-like experiences in non-clinical adults
Authors: Niemyjska Aleksandra , Dąbska Marta
Published: February 2017

Background

Previous research on non-clinical samples found that younger age may predispose to delusional-like experiences (DLEs). We propose to seek its explanation within the process of identity formation and personality factors (i.e., fantasy proneness and need for cognitive closure).

Participants and procedure

The study involved 201 individuals (131 women) ranging in age from 18 to 99 years (M = 29, SD = 13). The participants were recruited through social media sites in which we distributed a link to the online survey.

Results

The results confirmed that DLEs were predicted in individuals with a younger age, identity exploration, fantasy proneness and decreased need for closure. Additionally, we found that identity exploration mediated the link between younger age and DLEs.

Conclusions

This preliminary study supports the view that DLEs may accompany the “continuously emergent” self represents the status of the matured identity of our time. Further investigations are needed to replicate our findings.
Improving mental health in families with autistic children: benefits of using video feedback in parent counselling sessions offered alongside music therapy
Authors: K. Blauth Laura
Published: February 2017

Background

This paper explores benefits of parent counselling offered alongside music therapy with children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Research studies have shown that the stress levels of primary caregivers of children with ASD are not only higher than in the general population but also higher than in parents of children with other developmental disabilities. It is therefore recommended that music therapists working with children with ASD also engage and support their parents.

Participants and procedure

In the international randomised controlled trial TIME-A, which investigates the effects of music therapy on the social communicative skills of autistic children, participating families are offered three parent counselling sessions. For this paper, 68 counselling sessions with 25 families were evaluated; 14 sessions were transcribed and subjected to a content analysis. Case examples illustrate the impact of concomitant parent counselling sessions on the families.

Results

The analysis generated emerging themes that were grouped into two categories: 1) Non-music therapy specific themes, and 2) Music therapy specific themes. The first category comprised four sub-groups: Exchange of information, Experiences with professionals/friends/society, Worries about the future, Personal/matrimonial problems. Music therapy specific themes were subdivided into the following groups: Working in a partnership, Empowering parents, Celebrating strengths, Rejoicing in child’s enjoyment. Challenges caused by the dual roles of music therapist and parent counsellor were outweighed by the benefits. In addition to the therapeutic effect of counselling, video material from the music therapy sessions helped carers to see their children’s strengths, to gain new ideas, and to develop a more positive outlook.

Conclusions

The findings support the provision of parent counselling sessions alongside music therapy for children with ASD. This study highlights that extending the role of the music therapist and using video feedback offers encouraging possibilities to further support the wellbeing of the whole family.
KAMUTHE video microanalysis system for use in Brazil: translation, cross-cultural adaptation and evidence of validity and reliability
Authors: Gattino Gustavo Schulz , Silva Alexandre Mauat da , Figueiredo Felipe Grahl , Schüler-Faccini Lavinia
Published: February 2017

Background

KAMUTHE is a video microanalysis system which observes preverbal communication within the music therapy setting. This system is indicated for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or multiple disabilities. The purpose of this study was to translate, adapt to Brazilian Portuguese language and analyze some psychometric properties (reliability and validity evidence) of KAMUTHE administration in Brazil for individuals with ASD.

Participants and procedure

Translation, back translation, analysis by judges, and pilot application were performed to obtain evidence of content and face validity. The second part of this study was to administer KAMUTHE in 39 consecutive children with ASD. An individual session of improvisational music therapy was applied to assess the different behaviors included in KAMUTHE. The intra-rater reliability, concurrent validity and convergent validity were analyzed.

Results

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation were followed and some cultural adaptations were needed. Inter-rater reliability was very good (ICCs 0.95-0.99) for the three child’s behaviors analyzed. Criteria validity with a moderate negative association was found (r = –.38, p = .017) comparing the behavior “Gazes at therapist” and the level of ASD along with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Convergent validity was established between the behavior “Gazes at therapist” and the two nonlinguistic communication scales (social interaction and interests) of the Children’s Communication Checklist (CCC) with a moderate correlation (r = –.43, p = .005).

Conclusions

The administration of the KAMUTHE video microanalysis system showed positive results in children with ASD. Further studies are needed to improve the reliability and validity of the instrument in Brazil.
The influence of music therapy on quality of life after a stroke
Authors: Poćwierz-Marciniak Ilona , Bidzan Mariola
Published: February 2017

Background

A stroke is an interruption in the course of one’s life. It often results in physical disability, cognitive or executive disorders, emotional problems and, as a consequence, the decrease of one’s quality of life. The goal of this research was to determine whether music therapy during neurorehabilitation can positively influence the assessment of one’s quality of life after a stroke.

Participants and procedure

Sixty-one people who had had strokes and were in the early stages of neurorehabilitation in a hospital took part in the research (n = 31 in the control group and n = 30 in the experimental group). All of them were physically disabled and had either minor cognitive and executive disabilities or none at all. People were randomly assigned to groups. Those in the experimental group participated in a one-on-one music therapy programme divided into 10 sessions based on guided imagery music therapy and cognitive music therapy. The first measurement of quality of life took place at the beginning of the hospital stay at the department of neurorehabilitation (about 1 month after the stroke) and the second took place about 1.5 months later.

Results

Analysis of the results showed that participation in the music therapy programme was associated with a higher assessment of quality of life in the following aspects: general health, vitality, mental health, communication, emotional condition, and alertness. However, taking part in the music therapy had no influence on the assessment of quality of life in the areas of pain, limitation of social roles, relationships, self-care, mobility, and taking care of the house.

Conclusions

Stroke survivors who took part in music therapy assess their quality of life as higher compared to patients who did not take part in music therapy.

Music therapy could constitute a supplementary method of treatment for patients during neurorehabilitation after a stroke, thus improving their quality of life.
Migrant women’s knowledge and perceived sociocultural barriers to cervical cancer screening programme: a qualitative study of African women in Poland
Authors: Akhagba Omoye Mary
Published: February 2017

This article explores both the knowledge and perception of African women about the importance of screening as a recommended health action to counter the growing rate of cervical cancer in women. The theoretical framework is influenced by the postulations of behavioural theories, sociology of health and the health belief model (HBM) on how people perceive health issues such as cervical cancer and its screening measures. In addition, this study tries to explore the acculturation challenges involved in migration, which adversely affects health knowledge and behaviour of African women. To achieve this, one focus group discussion was conducted with twelve women between the ages of 25 and 54 years old from Egypt, Eritrea, Kenya and Nigeria to share their knowledge of cervical cancer screening programmes in Poland. They constituted a mixture of women from different parts of Africa with cultural differences and different belief systems. Little or no in-depth understanding of Polish language, lack of information about the disease and its screening methods, lack of understanding of the Polish health care systems and social economic factors were issues discussed by these women as socio-cultural barriers to their non-participation in the organised cervical cancer screening programme in Poland. Based on this study, migrant women lack adequate information about cervical cancer, its causes, risk factors and its screening methods. Therefore, this study proposes that good understanding of health care systems, language translation support in the health care system, health awareness campaigns and social relationships are important motivating factors that could encourage migrant women to participate in the cancer screening programmes in Poland.
Widespread headache as the first clinical manifestation of giant cell arteritis in patients affected by polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: Manzo Ciro
Published: February 2017

Introduction:  In giant cell arteritis (GCA) headache of new onset due to inflammatory involvement of the temporal artery (TA) represents a diagnostic criterion. A widespread headache (WH) with scalp tenderness due to cranial arteritis can represent another manifestation of GCA.

Material and methods:  In 225 elderly patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) followed in our rheumatologic outpatient clinic from 2004 until June 2016, the frequency of WH as the first clinical manifestation of GCA was evaluated.

Results: Among 26 patients with GCA+PMR (11.6% of total) , 5 (23.07%) had WH as first clinical manifestation of GCA without TA. In all these patients TA colour duplex sonography (CDS) and 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) with total body contrast-enhanced CT was consistent with the diagnosis of arteritis. TA biopsy was not performed. High doses of prednisone (1 mg/kg/day) led to the immediate and total disappearance of the headache.

Conclusions: The widespread headache should be considered as the first symptom GCA and in cases of suspicion of vasculitis patients should have a full diagnostics examination. Colour duplex sonography and FDG-PET with total body contrast-enhanced CT are useful tools for non-invasive diagnosis of GCA.
In memoriam Professor Ugo Efisio Francesco Carcassi
Authors: J. Kucharz Eugeniusz
Published: February 2017

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Prevalence of psoriatic arthritis and costs generated by treatment of psoriatic arthritis patients in the public health system – the case of Poland
Authors: Raciborski Filip , Śliwczyński Andrzej , Kłak Anna , Kwiatkowska Brygida , Brzozowska Melania , Tłustochowicz Małgorzata
Published: February 2017

Objective: The objective of the study was to analyse the prevalence of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in Poland and to assess the costs generated by treatment of PsA patients in the system of public healthcare.

Material and methods: The analysis was based on the database of the public payer, the National Health Fund (NFZ). PsA was defined by the diagnostic ICD-10 codes M07 (Enteropathic arthropathies) and L40.5 (Psoriatic arthropathies). The estimate of the costs was based on the reports submitted to the NFZ by health service providers. The prevalence rates were calculated using the NFZ data and the population estimates from the Central Statistical Office of Poland (GUS).

Results: In 2015, the prevalence of PsA (ICD-10: L40.5 and M07) in Poland was 3.2 per 10 000 population (3.7 in women and 2.6 in men). In 2015, nearly 7.3 thousand patients with the diagnosis of M07 and 6.3 thousand patients with the diagnosis of L40.5 received healthcare benefits. Women accounted for 60.6% of those patients. Nearly three fourths of PsA patients were aged 40 to 69 years with the median age of 54 years (56 years in women and 50 years in men). Between 2008 and 2015 the NFZ expenditure on the treatment of PsA increased from 6.6 million Polish zloty (PLN) (1.9 million EUR) to PLN 50.8 million (12.1 million EUR). In the same period, the number of PsA patients increased from 3.4 thousand to 11.9 thousand. In 2015, the mean cost of treatment per PsA patient was PLN 3.8 thousand.

Conclusions: The PsA prevalence rates estimated by the authors from the NFZ database are clearly lower than those derived from studies in other European countries, which may suggest that the actual number of PsA patients in Poland may be underestimated. Still the number of patients treated for PsA increased nearly 3.5-fold during 2008–2015, when the cost of PsA treatment rose more than 7 times.
The beneficial effects of rehabilitation on hand function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Księżopolska-Orłowska Krystyna , Sadura-Sieklucka Teresa , Kasprzak Katarzyna , Gaszewska Ewa , Rodkiewicz-Bogusławska Agnieszka , Sokołowska Beata
Published: February 2017

Objectives:  The hand is one of the main elements of the rehabilitation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) due to deformities, which occur in approximately 90% of patients. It is a serious problem, both in the psychological and functional aspect, connected with muscle strength reduction, a limited range of motion and non-acceptance of the changes in the shape of the limb. The study aimed to assess the effect of rehabilitation on the function of the hand in rheumatoid arthritis.
 Material and methods:  The study group consisted of 40 women with RA. The patients had been previously treated at the Rehabilitation Department of the National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation in Warsaw. The study group underwent 3 weeks of rehabilitation involving individual therapy, exercises with equipment, patient education and physical therapy. The control group included women without a diagnosis of RA, hands pain-free and fully mobile. In both groups the hand was assessed for grip value, grip quality and manipulative ability. In the study group the basis of pain intensity was noted. The measurements were performed twice – prior to the rehabilitation and after 3 weeks of rehabilitation in women with RA and once in women without hand problems.
 Results: The results obtained revealed marked limitation of hand function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment resulted in an improvement of all assessed parameters except cylindrical grip, in which only a part of the findings was statistically significant.
 Conclusions: The analysis of the study material showed that appropriately adjusted and conducted hand physiotherapy in women with rheumatoid arthritis contributed to the improvement of its function by pain reduction, improved value and quality of grip, and also increased manipulative ability.
Selected issues in diagnostic imaging of spondyloarthritides: psoriatic arthritis and juvenile spondyloarthritis
Authors: Sudoł-Szopińska Iwona , Płaza Mateusz , Pracoń Grzegorz
Published: February 2017

Spondyloarthritides (also known as spondyloarthropathies) are a group of rheumatic diseases that consists of diversified entities, i.e. ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, arthritis in the course of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and juvenile spondyloarthropathies. In the diagnostics of spondyloarthritides, plain radiography has played a crucial role for years due to its undisputed ability to show distinctive bony changes. Yet as those diseases often manifest themselves by soft tissue pathology and bone marrow inflammation, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are currently a subject of numerous studies in the quest for setting up diagnostic criteria, especially at early stages of inflammatory processes. In our review, we present an up-to-date insight into classifications, etiopathogenesis and imaging of psoriatic arthritis and juvenile spondyloarthritis.
Improvement of overlapping hidradenitis suppurativa and ankylosing spondylitis after the introduction of adalimumab
Authors: Bosnić Dubravka , Žarković Branimir , Barešić Marko , Zarkovic Maja , Anić Branimir
Published: February 2017

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by occlusion of the follicular pilosebaceous units of the skin. The treatment options are sometimes very limited and unpleasant odor and abundant drainage complicate the disease. Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of seronegative spondyloarthritis with predominantly axial but also peripheral joint involvement. Both of the conditions lower the patient’s quality of life and affect everyday activities.

We describe a 39-year-old male patient with both diseases treated with different medications with only a modest result. After the initiation of a tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) inhibitor (adalimumab) the patient experienced first the musculoskeletal and later on the skin improvement. The introduction of TNF- inhibitors should be considered early in the treatment of overlapping hidradenitis suppurativa and the spondyloarthritis spectrum of conditions. Available medical data confirm the positive results and beneficial effect on disease course, activity and, most importantly, quality of life.
Cytological quality of milk of primiparous cows kept in cubicles bedded with separated manure
Authors: Winnicki Stanisław , Sobek Zbigniew , Kujawiak Ryszard , Jugowar Jerzy , Nienartowicz-Zdrojewska Anna , Różańska-Zawieja Jolanta
Published: February 2017

Abstract. A study was conducted on the effect of separated manure as bedding material on milk quality as manifested in the somatic cell count. Cows were maintained in a loose barn in cubicles bedded with fresh separated cattle manure (SCM) with 40 % solids content. Analyses were conducted on 242 primiparous Polish Black and White Holstein-Friesian cows in the course of a 305-day lactation. Mean milk yield in that period amounted to over 9000 kg per cow. Somatic cell counts, daily milk yields and chemical composition of milk were analysed. Data were obtained from analyses of 2324 milk samples. It was found that 93.3 % of samples contained less than 400 000 somatic cells per 1 mL milk. Approximately 4.3 % of milk samples contained the number of somatic cells indicating subclinical mastitis (200 000 cells mL−1), while in 2.4 % it was clinical mastitis (> 800 000 cells mL−1). The incidence rate for both forms of mastitis was similar in the beginning and at the end of lactation. Mean daily milk yield of cows producing milk classified according to quality (SCC) grades 1 (< 25 000 cells mL−1) and 2 (< 25 000; 50 000 > cells mL−1) was statistically significantly greater than the yields of other cows. For analysed milk constituents a relationship was found between SCC classes and contents of milk fat and solids. Conducted analyses showed that SCM as bedding in cow cubicles had no effect on somatic cell counts in milk of primiparous cows. The study was conducted in a single holding, in one lactation, on cows calving in 2014.
An overview of meso-scale aerosol processes, comparison and validation studies from DRAGON networks
Authors: Holben Brent N. , Kim Jhoon , Sano Itaru , Mukai Sony , Eck Thomas F. , Giles David M. , Schafer Joel S. , Sinyuk Aliaksandr , Slutsker Ilya , Smirnov Alexander , Sorokin Mikhail , Anderson Bruce E. , Che Huizheng , Choi Myungje , Crawford James E. , Ferrare Richard A. , Garay Michael J. , Jeong Ukkyo , Kim Mijin , Kim Woogyung , Knox Nichola , Li Zhengqiang , Lim Hwee S. , Liu Yang , Maring Hal , Nakata Makiko , Pickering Kenneth E. , Piketh Stuart , Redemenn Jens , Reid Jeffrey S. , Salinas Santo , Seo Sora , Tan Fuyi , Tripathi Sachchida N. , Toon Owen B. , Xiao Qingyang
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) program over the past 24 years has provided highly accurate remote sensing characterization of aerosol optical and physical properties for an increasingly extensive geographic distribution that includes all continents and many island sites. The measurements and retrievals from the AERONET global network have addressed satellite and model validation needs very well, but there have been challenges in making comparisons to similar parameters from in situ surface and airborne measurements. Additionally, with improved spatial and temporal satellite remote sensing of aerosols, there is a need for higher spatial resolution ground-based remote sensing networks. An effort to address this need resulted in a number of field campaign networks called Distributed Regional Aerosol Gridded Observation Networks (DRAGONs) that were designed to provide a database for in situ and remote sensing comparison and analysis of local to meso-scale variability of aerosol properties. This paper describes the networks that that have contributed and will continue to contribute to that body of research. The research presented in this special issue illustrates the diversity of topics that has resulted from the application of data from these networks.
Measurement-based modeling of daytime and nighttime oxidation of atmospheric mercury
Authors: Gabay Maor , Peleg Mordechai , Fredj Erick , Tas Eran
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Accurate characterization of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) chemical oxidation pathways and their kinetics is critically important for assessing the transfer of atmospheric mercury to bioaquatic systems. Recent comprehensive field measurements have suggested that the nitrate radical (NO3) plays a role in efficient nighttime oxidation of GEM, and that the role of the hydroxyl radical (OH) as a GEM oxidant has been underestimated. We used the CAABA/MECCA chemical box model and additional kinetic calculations to analyze these measurement results, in order to investigate the nighttime and daytime oxidation of GEM. We assumed a second-order reaction for the NO3 induced nighttime oxidation of GEM. Our analysis demonstrated that nighttime oxidation of GEM has to be included in the model to account for the measured variations in nighttime reactive gaseous mercury (RGM) concentration. A lower limit and best-fit rate constant for GEM nighttime oxidation are provided. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a rate for nighttime oxidation of GEM has been determined based on field measurements. Our analysis further indicates that OH has a much more important role in GEM oxidation than commonly considered. A lower-limit rate constant for the OH–RGM reaction is provided.
Validation of 10-year SAO OMI Ozone Profile (PROFOZ) Product Using Ozonesonde Observations
Authors: Huang Guanyu , Liu Xiong , Chance Kelly , Yang Kai , Bhartia Pawan K. , Cai Zhaonan , Allaart Marc , Calpini Bertrand , Coetzee Gerrie J. R. , Cuevas-Agulló Emilio , Cupeiro Manuel , De Backer Hugo , Dubey Manvendra K. , Fuelberg Henry E. , Fujiwara Masatomo , Godin-Beekmann Sophie , Hall Tristan J. , Johnson Bryan , Joseph Everette , Kivi Rigel , Kois Bogumil , Komala Ninong , König-Langlo Gert , Laneve Giovanni , Leblanc Thierry , Marchand Marion , Minschwaner Kenneth R. , Morris Gary , Newchurch Mike J. , Ogino Shin-Ya , Ohkawara Nozomu , Piters Ankie J. M. , Posny Françoise , Querel Richard , Scheele Rinus , Schmidlin Frank J. , Schnell Russell C. , Schrems Otto , Selkirk Henry , Shiotani Masato , Skrivánková Pavla , Stübi René , Taha Ghassan , Tarasick David W. , Thompson Anne M. , Thouret Valérie , Tully Matt , van Malderen Roeland , Vaughan Geraint , Vömel Holger , von der Gathen Peter , Witte Jacquelyn C. , Yela Margarita
Published: February 2017

Abstract. We validate the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) ozone-profile (PROFOZ) product from October 2004 through December 2014 retrieved by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) algorithm against ozonesonde observations. We also evaluate the effects of OMI Row anomaly (RA) on the retrieval by dividing the data set into before and after the occurrence of serious OMI RA, i.e., pre-RA (2004–2008) and post-RA (2009–2014). The retrieval shows good agreement with ozonesondes in the tropics and mid-latitudes and for pressure
Perdigão 2015: methodology for atmospheric multi-Doppler lidar experiments
Authors: Vasiljević Nikola , Palma José M. L. M. , Angelou Nikolas , Matos José Carlos , Menke Robert , Lea Guillaume , Mann Jakob , Courtney Michael , Ribeiro Luis Frölen , Gomes Vitor M. M. G. C.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The long-range and short-range WindScanner systems, multi-Doppler lidar instruments, can map the turbulent flow around a wind turbine and at the same time measure mean flow conditions over an entire region such as a wind farm. As the WindScanner technology is novel, performing field campaigns with the WindScanner systems requires a methodology that will maximize the benefits of conducting WindScanner-based experiments. Such a methodology is presented and discussed through its application in a pilot experiment that took place in a complex and forested site in Portugal where for the first time the two WindScanner systems operated simultaneously. The methodology consists of 10 steps. The steps are presented and the implementation of each step is demonstrated. Overall, the demonstration of the methodology in the pilot experiment resulted in a detailed site selection criteria, well-thought-out experiment layout, novel flow mapping methods and high quality flow observations, all of which are presented in this paper.
A variational technique to estimate snowfall rate from coincident radar, snowflake, and fallspeed observations
Authors: Cooper Steven J. , Wood Norman B. , L'Ecuyer Tristan S.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Estimates of snowfall rate as derived from radar reflectivities alone are non-unique. Different combinations of snowflake microphysical properties and particle fallspeeds can conspire to produce nearly identical snowfall rates for given radar reflectivity signatures. Such ambiguities can result in retrieval uncertainties on the order of 100–200 % for individual events. Here, we use observations of particle size distribution (PSD), fallspeed, and snowflake habit from the Multi-Angle Snow Camera (MASC) to constrain estimates of snowfall derived from Ka-band Zenith Radar (KAZR) measurements at the ARM NSA Barrow Climate Facility site. MASC measurements of microphysical properties with uncertainties are introduced into a modified form of the optimal-estimation CloudSat snowfall algorithm (2C-SNOW-PROFILE) via the a priori guess and variance terms. Use of MASC fallspeed, MASC PSD, and CloudSat snow particle model as base assumptions resulted in retrieved total accumulations with a −18 % difference relative to nearby National Weather Service observations over five snow events. Use of different but reasonable combinations of retrieval assumptions resulted in estimated snowfall accumulations with differences ranging from −64 % to +94 % for the same storm events. Retrieved snowfall rates were particularly sensitive to assumed fallspeed and habit, suggesting that in-situ measurements can help to constrain key snowfall retrieval uncertainties. More accurate knowledge of these properties dependent upon location and meteorological conditions should help refine and improve ground and space-based radar estimates of snowfall.
Hydrological connectivity from glaciers to rivers in the Qinghai-Tibet
Plateau: roles of suprapermafrost and subpermafrost groundwater
Authors: Ma Rui , Sun Ziyong , Hu Yalu , Chang Qixing , Wang Shuo , Xin Wenle , Ge Mengyan
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The roles of subsurface groundwater flow in the hydrological cycle within the alpine area characterized by permafrost and/or seasonal frost are poorly known. We studied the role of permafrost in controlling groundwater flow and the hydrological connections between glaciers in high mountain and river in the low plain with hydraulic head, temperature, geochemical, and isotopic data. The study area was a catchment in the headwater region of the Heihe River in the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The groundwater in the high mountains mainly occurs as suprapermafrost groundwater, and in the moraine and fluvio-glacial deposits on the planation surfaces of higher hills suprapermafrost, intrapermafrost, and subpermafrost groundwater co-occur. Glacier and snow-meltwater are transported from the high mountains to the plain through stream channels, slope surfaces, and supra- and subpermafrost aquifers. Groundwater in the Quaternary aquifer under the piedmont plain is recharged by the lateral inflow from permafrost groundwaters and the infiltration of streams, and is discharged as baseflow to the stream in the north. Groundwater maintained stream flow over the cold season and significantly contributed to the stream flow during the rainy season. 3H and 14C data indicated that the age of supra- and sub-permafrost groundwater, and groundwater in Quaternary aquifer of seasonal frost zone, ranges from 30–60 years. Two proposed mechanisms contribute to seasonal variation of the aquifer water-conduction capacity: (1) surface drainage through the stream channel during the high-flow period, and (2) subsurface drainage to an artesian aquifer confined by stream icing and seasonal frost during the cold season.
A new theoretical interpretation of Archie’s saturation exponent
Authors: Glover Paul W. J.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. This paper describes the extension of the concepts of connectedness and conservation of connectedness that underlie the generalised Archie`s law for n phases to the interpretation of the saturation exponent. It is shown that the saturation exponent as defined originally by Archie arises naturally from the generalised Archie’s law. In the generalised Archie`s law the saturation exponent of any given phase can be thought of as formally the same as the phase (i.e., cementation) exponent, but with respect to a reference subset of phases in a larger n-phase medium. Furthermore, the connectedness of each of the phases occupying a reference subset of an n-phase medium can be related to the connectedness of the subset itself by Gi=Gref Sini. This leads naturally to the idea of the term Sini. for each phase i being a fractional connectedness, where the fractional connectednesses of any given reference subset sum to unity in the same way that the connectednesses sum to unity for the whole medium. One of the implications of this theory is that the saturation exponent of any phase can be now be interpreted as the rate of change of the fractional connectedness with saturation and connectivity within the reference subset.
An International Comparison of Official Educational Research Institutes: Research Roles and Types
Authors: Huang Bo-Ruey
Published: February 2017

In this paper, the research roles, research types, and effectiveness evaluations of official educational research institutes were investigated to understand the positioning of official educational research institutes in the academic community by employing documentary analysis and comparative method. Official education research institutes established with government resources conduct educational research with roles that emphasize the investigation and resolving of various educational problems in response to social change in the academic community. The types of research conducted by official education research institutes indicate specific bases for action in education policy, provide solutions to educational problems, or compile and disseminate information on education throughout their countries by conducting applied research. Assessments of the effectiveness of the research conducted by official educational research institutes should be considered rigorous, relevant, and utility.
De mi for you. Proyecto artístico de colaboración internacional entre personas afectadas por trastorno mental grave
Authors: Figueroa Sebastián Laura , Pérez Pastor Virginia
Published: February 2017

El trabajo artístico colaborativo internacional consistió en generar un canal de comunicación y de creación entre dos grupos de participantes afectados por trastorno mental grave y usuarios de servicios de atención a la salud mental ubicados en países diferentes: un grupo situado en Calatayud, Zaragoza (España) y otro en Londres (Inglaterra). El marco de trabajo estuvo basado en la libertad de creación y la flexibilidad partiendo de una sencilla sugerencia apoyada en la "Teoría de las cinco pieles" del artista austriaco F. Hundertwasser.
Theory in a Relational World
Authors: Shih Shu-mei
Published: February 2017

In the 2014 book Latin American Philosophy from Identity to Radical Exteriority, Alejandro Arturo Vallega claims that the question “Is there Latin American philosophy?” has outlived its rhetorical usefulness, because, by all objective measure and practical purposes, there exists a long and rich tradition of Latin American philosophy. Following Vallega, we may ask whether “Is there Taiwan theory?” has outlived its rhetorical usefulness. On the one hand, this article is an invitation to think about theory and theorizing from the perspective of a small, peripheral, minor nation, and what it might mean for theory, its nature, production, and circulation, not just as we know it (what exists) or do not know it (what exists but is not recognized or known), but also as we search for the potentialities and limits of our capacity to imagine it (what does not yet exist). On the other hand, my proposal here is to think about theory in terms of world history, using a method that I have been calling relational comparison (2013; 2015).
Comparison and Correspondence: Revisiting an Old Idea for the Present Time
Authors: Longxi Zhang
Published: February 2017

Analogical thinking that relates everything to everything else in a complicated system of correspondences was common in ancient Mesopotamia, ancient Greece, early modern Europe, as well as ancient China. Such premodern theories of knowledge about correspondences between the cosmos and the human world are discredited in modern scientific thinking, but by revisiting some of the old ideas, of which the value has not been sufficiently recognized in modern scholarship, we may find them helpful in rethinking the disciplinary compartmentalization of knowledge and the possibilities of dialogues between different disciplines in comparative studies.