bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wavefront Aberrations in Eyes With Acrysof Monofocal Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Padmanabhan Prema , Yoon Geunyoung , Porter Jason , Rao Srinivas K , Choudhury Mitalee
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To characterize and measure the ocular aberrations in eyes implanted with monofocal intraocular lenses (I OLs) and to study any correlation between postoperative aberrations and surgical factors.

METHODS: A Tscherning aberroscope was used to measure the wavefront aberrations of 62 eyes that had undergone phacoemulsification with the implantation of foldable monofocal Acrysof MA60BM 10Ls (Alcon Laboratories Ine, Ft Worth, Tex). The Zernike coefficients, measured with a pupil diameter of 6 mm, were compared with those of a normal dataset of 82 eyes of healthy young myopes.

RESULTS: Spherical aberration (Z
p 0
4) was the most predominant higher order aberration, with a mean value of 0.37 ±0.16 µm. A statistically significant linear relationship was noted between the magnitude of postoperative spherical aberration and the dioptric power of the IOL. The mean spherical aberration was 33 times more in the Pseudophakie group than in normal young myopic eyes. The other major higher order aberrations were trefoil (Z^sup -3^
3
) with a mean of -0.13 ±0.22 µm and vertical coma (Z^sup -1^
3
with a mean value of -0.11 ±0.23 ¿im. On average, the root-mean-square of higher order aberrations in Pseudophakie eyes was 2.1 times that in a normal population of young myopic eyes.

CONCLUSIONS: Eyes that undergo cataract surgery with monofocal IOL implantation suffer from significant higher order aberrations. The optical design of the IOL is most likely responsible for the increase in spherical aberration, the magnitude of which is a function of the dioptric power of the IOL [J Refract Surg. 2006;22:237242.]
Scheimpflug Biometry of the Anterior Segment After Implantation of Foldable Iris-fixated Lenses
Authors: Tehrani Mana , Dick H Burkhard
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate intraocular dimensions of the anterior segment of myopic phakic eyes after implantation of foldable iris-fixated lenses.

METHODS: Seventeen myopic eyes that received a foldable iris-fixated phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) were assessed. Distances between the cornea and the IOLoptic edge and between the IOL optic and the crystalline lens were evaluated using Scheimpf lug photography 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS: The average postoperative distance between the central corneal endothelium and the anterior surface of the IOL was 2.01±0.26 mm. The distance between the corneal endothelium and the peripheral edge of the IOL averaged 1.32±0.18 mm at the 12 o'clock position and 1.34±0.21 mm at the 6 o'clock position. The distance between the crystalline lens and the posterior surface of the IOL averaged 0.73±0.09 mm.

CONCLUSIONS: The high quality of the three-dimensional Scheimpf lug images allowed measurements of intraocular distances in PIOL implanted eyes. Distances between the foldable iris-fixated IOL and crucial surrounding tissues could be determined 3 months postoperatively. [J Refract Surg. 2006;22:243-246.]
Intracorneal Asymmetrical Rings for Keratoconus: Where Should the Thicker Segment Be Implanted?
Authors: Alió Jorge L , Shabayek Mohamed H
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report a 20-year-old man who presented with monocular diplopia in the right eye with uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 0.3 and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) of 1.0 with -0.50 -3.00 × 45°.

METHODS: Clinical examination and corneal topography revealed grade I keratoconus in the right eye. Intracorneal ring segments (INTACS; Addition Technology, Des Plaines, III) were implanted in May 2004 without surgical complications at 415 µm (70% of the corneal thickness), with the 450-µm segment implanted superiorly and the 250-µm segment inferiorly.

RESULTS: For 2 months postoperatively, BSCVA remained at 0.4 with +1.50 -4.50 × 25°. The segments were reversed, implanting the 450-µm (thick) segment inferiorly and the 250-µ?? (thin) segment superiorly. One week later, UCVA was 1.0 and remained stable for 3 months after reimplantation.

CONCLUSIONS: This report shows that implanting the thicker segment inferiorly provides better visual results. [J Refract Surg. 2006;22:307-309.]
Bacillus megaterium Delayed Onset Lamellar Keratitis After LASIK
Authors: Ramos-Esteban Jerome C , Servat Juan Javier , Tauber Shachar , Bia Frank
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report the history and clinical presentation of a 23year-old man who developed delayed onset lamellar keratitis in his right eye 2 weeks after uneventful LASIK for correction of myopia.

METHODS: Initial clinical presentation suggested an infectious etiology, which led to therapeutic elevation of the LASIK flap and further microbiologic investigation with bacterial cultures.

RESULTS: Bacterial cultures revealed Bacillus megateri urn, which was sensitive to all antibiotics against which it was tested. Twenty-four hours after initiating aggressive topical and oral antibiotic therapy, symptomatic relief occurred in the affected eye. The patient's uncorrected final visual acuity at 1-year follow-up was 20/15 in the right eye, and the stromal bed developed a faint peripheral non-visually significant scar.

CONCLUSIONS: This case is an unusual presentation and course for microbial keratitis following LASIK, which occurred despite aseptic technique and fluoroquinolone antibiotic prophylaxis. Following refractive surgery one should be prepared to culture the lamellar interface in cases of suspected microbial keratitis and begin aggressive antibiotic therapy. [J Refract Surg. 2006;22:309312.]
Dry Eye After LASIK Enhancement by Flap Lifting
Authors: Toda Ikuko , Kato-Asano Naoko , Hori-Komai Yoshiko , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine whether dry eye after LASIK recurs after LASIK enhancement.

METHODS: A total of 63 eyes of 42 patients who underwent LASIK enhancement were included in this study. Subjective dry eye symptoms, tear break-up time (BUT), Schirmer test with anesthesia, fluorescein staining of the cornea, and corneal sensitivity were evaluated before and at 1, 3, and 6 months after enhancement.

RESULTS: The subjective dry eye symptoms remained unchanged before and after LASIK enhancement. Similarly, Schirmer values and tear BUT did not exhibit statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-enhancement values. Compared with the pre-enhancement values, the fluorescein score was higher at 1 month after surgery and further improved at 3 months. In comparison with the pre-enhancement values, the corneal sensitivity was decreased at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients did not complain of dry eye symptoms and tear functions were not compromised after LASIK enhancement. These results suggest that factors other than the neurotrophic effect may contribute to dry eye after LASIK. [J Refract Surg. 2006;22:358-362.]
La censura inquisitorial en las Centurias de Amatus Lusitanus
Authors: Rodrigues Isilda , Fiolhais Carlos
Published: December 2018

En este artículo analizamos la censura inquisitorial expresada en expurgaciones de algunos extractos de Centurias de Curas Medicinales, escrito por el médico portugués João Rodrigues de Castelo Branco (1511-1568), más conocido como Amatus Lusitanus. Nuestras fuentes han sido las Centurias II, III y IV (atadas juntas, Florencia, 1551) y Centuria VII (Venecia, 1566), ambas conservadas en la Biblioteca General de la Universidad de Coimbra, Portugal. Para la reconstitución de los textos recurrimos a otras ediciones disponibles online y a la nueva traducción portuguesa, preparada a partir de la edición de Burdeos de 1620. Concluimos que la mayoría de los extractos censurados se refieren a afecciones de sexualidad, ginecología y obstetricia, el resto se relacionan con asuntos de naturaleza estrictamente religiosa.
Estrategias de legitimación para un espacio disputado. La inserción del Instituto de Psiquiatría de Rosario en las redes y agenda científica disciplinares (Argentina, 1929-1944)
Authors: Allevi José Ignacio
Published: December 2018

El trabajo se ocupa del proceso de profesionalización y autonomización disciplinar de la Psiquiatría en la Argentina de entreguerras estudiando una de sus ángulos, referida a la legitimación académica, inserción y posicionamiento en un campo internacional de debates. Para ello toma el caso de la ciudad de Rosario, con la creación del Instituto de Psiquiatría de la Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Éste emergió como resultado de una disputa disciplinar entre neurología y psiquiatría –en su vertiente de higiene mental-, suscitada con la creación de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas local en 1920. Partiendo de los estudios sociales de la ciencia y la historia psi, se reconstruyen y analizan las estrategias desplegadas por los miembros del Instituto para legitimar y consolidar su disciplina tanto al interior del campo médico rosarino como del campo psiquiátrico en conformación a nivel nacional, regional e internacional, que oscilaron entre la participación en distintos eventos científicos, el sostenimiento de sociabilidades científicas de alcance nacional y latinoamericano y la generación de redes a partir del canje de revistas con distintas latitudes.
El Manicomio Provincial de Málaga en el primer tercio del siglo XX: la utopía que (no) pudo ser
Authors: Garcia-Diaz Celia
Published: December 2018

Durante el primer tercio del siglo XX en España acontecieron cambios importantes en la asistencia a la locura. Varios factores influyeron en el desarrollo de las modificaciones en torno al discurso y práctica de una nueva disciplina psiquiátrica: una generación de médicos interesados en la locura y relacionados con la Junta de Ampliación de Estudios, organizaciones científicas como los Archivos de Neurobiología y el clima político progresista de la Segunda República, entre otros. El objetivo de este trabajo es visibilizar estrategias de cambio en el tratamiento de la locura en el psiquiátrico provincial de Málaga. Para ello, señalaré, por un lado, las diferentes reformas que el edificio necesitó y la relación de éstas con las prácticas asistenciales; y por otro, los intentos de reforma que llevaron a cabo Miguel Prados Such y Pedro Ortiz Ramos como profesionales de la neuropsiquiatría. Analizaré, finalmente, las relaciones entre el personal subalterno, los psiquiatras y la institución, mostrando las dinámicas de asimilación y/o rechazo de medidas concretas que pretendían mejorar las condiciones de los pacientes ingresados.
El prólogo a la Nueva traslación y interpretación española de los cuatro sacrosantos Evangelios de Jesu Christo de fray Juan de Robles: edición y estudio
Authors: Rabaey Hélène
Published: December 2018

A mediados del siglo XVI, Juan de Robles realizó una traducción comentada de los cuatro Evangelios. Su proyecto es excepcional por la calidad de su traducción y, sobre todo, porque se propone comentar integralmente en castellano los Evangelios. Ofrecemos aquí una transcripción del prólogo, así como, una breve introducción que señala las principales características del proyecto de Robles y los problemas que plantea tal obra cuyos comentarios permanecieron inéditos.
«El error de los ateystas». Posesión diabólica, discernimiento e incredulidad en el Patrocinio de ángeles y combate de demonios (1652) de Francisco Blasco Lanuza
Authors: Olmo Ismael del
Published: December 2018

A través del análisis del Patrocinio de ángeles y combate de demonios (1652), estudiaremos cómo el clérigo español Francisco Blasco Lanuza intentó defender la realidad de la posesión diabólica frente a interpretaciones de corte naturalista. Se afirma que su estrategia es una respuesta al desafío de la incredulidad en la existencia de sustancias espirituales y que los endemoniados son presentados como evidencia física de verdades metafísicas centrales del cristianismo.
La ACNdeP y su papel político en el primer franquismo
Authors: Barreiro Cristina
Published: December 2018

Análisis de las posiciones adoptadas por la Asociación Católica Nacional de Propagandistas (ACNdeP) y sus miembros, desde el final de la Guerra Civil hasta 1945, momento en el que concluye el conflicto mundial y Franco forma un Gobierno con destacada participación de los católicos. Se trata de comprobar cómo pese a la elevada influencia de las personalidades vinculadas a Falange en la nueva estructura del Estado, los propagandistas van cimentando posiciones en los diferentes organismos oficiales lo que les permitirá, una vez terminado el conflicto europeo, consolidarse como una de las familias políticas más relevantes del franquismo. Durante este tiempo en el que la ACNdeP estuvo presidida por Fernando Martín-Sánchez, los propagandistas resultan especialmente relevantes en los Ministerios de Justicia y Educación y se convierten en actores protagonistas de cara a la elaboración de la legislación del Estado y muy especialmente, como artífices del nuevo entramado jurídico destinado a regular las relaciones con la Iglesia. En este sentido, la labor de José Ibáñez Martín, Luis Ortíz Muñoz, Juan de Contreras, José Pemartín, Máximo Cuervo o Joaquín Ruiz-Giménez, resulta especialmente significativa.
Promoting Historical Thinking in Schools through Low Fidelity, Low-Cost, Easily Reproduceable, Tangible and Embodied Interactions
Authors: Kalpakis Stergios , Palaigeorgiou George , Kasvikis Kostas
Published: December 2018

Many ubiquitous technologies, such as augmented and virtual reality, virtual field trips, tangible environments and interactive installations are continuously being examined for learning about history. All these approaches strive to offer an inter-active, explorative, authentic, and exact regeneration of the past and, they are demanding both in regards to their cost and to their development requirements; hence, they are far from accessible in school contexts. In this study, we will ex-amine, whether interactive low-fidelity low-cost approximations of the real objects, and conditions of the past, together with whole-body interactions may enable historical understanding in a playful manner. To evaluate this claim, sixty-six (66) students of 6th grade played with an interactive environment with the characteristics mentioned, in twenty (20) groups. Afterwards, students were asked to complete a questionnaire assessing their historical understanding and their experience. Additionally, all groups participated in brief group interviews. Students were very positive towards the environment and considered it as enjoyable, intriguing and effective. They claimed that it is preferable to both traditional ways of classroom learning and learning devices like tablets and mobiles. According to our results, the requirements for seamless authenticity may not apply for primary school students and this conclusion opens up a lot of opportunities for moving away from traditional means of learning about history.
Professionnalisation des enseignants et démocratisation scolaire : une formation initiale pensée à l’aune de la réduction des inégalités scolaires ?
Authors: Benveniste Claire
Published: December 2018

Nous cherchons dans cet article à confronter l’« offre de professionnalisation » en formation initiale aux dynamiques de socialisation et de développement professionnel des enseignants débutants du premier degré. Nous adoptons pour cela l’angle particulier de leurs difficultés à faire apprendre une partie de leurs élèves, majoritairement de milieux populaires. Notre étude repose sur des entretiens menés avec des enseignants-stagiaires en fin de formation, les textes officiels nationaux cadrant la formation des maîtres, les maquettes et descriptifs des enseignements de master MEEF, des supports et des notes de cours recueillis dans plusieurs ÉSPÉ. Les données montrent que la formation initiale occulte majoritairement ou isole les apports des recherches qui appréhendent les pratiques enseignantes et les difficultés des élèves comme socialement construites et situées. Malgré des injonctions à mettre en place de « bonnes pratiques », considérées comme « efficaces », ou même démocratisantes, les enseignants du primaire ont finalement peu de ressources en formation initiale pour agir sur les conditions d’un accès égal pour tous aux savoirs scolaires.
Transactions identitaires des formateurs d’agents de prévention et de sécurité et enjeux de professionnalisation
Authors: Hartata Kananny Ag , Perez-Roux Thérèse
Published: December 2018

Le texte porte sur la construction de l’identité professionnelle chez les formateurs en sécurité privée, dans un secteur en fort développement mais encore faiblement structuré. Il s’intéresse à la fois aux transactions identitaires et aux dynamiques de professionnalisation de ces formateurs, à partir d’une étude des représentations, des valeurs et des pratiques professionnelles « déclarées ». Les données recueillies dans le cadre de la recherche proviennent d’entretiens semi-directifs menés avec des formateurs en sécurité sur deux terrains différents (centre de formation professionnelle en sécurité privée et lycée professionnel). Les résultats soulignent l’importance du parcours professionnel dans la manière de se positionner en tant que formateur et vis-à-vis des acteurs du terrain. Ils éclairent les modes de relations au sein du groupe des formateurs et avec les formés. Ils permettent de comprendre un rapport à l’activité de formation, organisé autour de valeurs partagées et de représentations de la fonction, plus contrastées selon les secteurs d’intervention. Enfin, l’étude met en avant des enjeux de reconnaissance professionnelle, repérables à différents niveaux.
« La nature ne fait rien en vain »
Authors: Morel Pierre-Marie
Published: December 2018

La formule célèbre d’Aristote « la nature ne fait rien en vain », telle qu’elle est utilisée dans le traité sur la Locomotion des animaux, invite à reformuler le problème général du finalisme en zoologie et de la conformité à la nature. Bien que cette formule, en première approche, semble aller dans le sens d’une téléologie cosmique ou globale, elle conduit en fait à privilégier une téléologie relative, c’est-à-dire locale, qui opère à l’échelle des êtres vivants. Elle s’applique en effet, non pas de manière absolue, mais relativement aux possibilités définies par la nature de l’espèce (propriétés spécifiques et génériques). Toutefois, elle n’exprime pas seulement le rapport à la finalité organique stricto sensu, mais aussi les conditions nécessaires externes du mouvement animal, conditions qui définissent, pour les espèces et les genres, un régime commun d’organisation.
Le plaisir des femmes selon Aristote
Authors: Cerami Cristina
Published: December 2018

Cet article se propose d’étudier le phénomène biologique du plaisir sexuel féminin, dans le but d’en déterminer la place dans le cadastre étiologique d’Aristote. En s’appuyant sur une série de textes tirés du De Generatione Animalium, l’auteur suggère que le plaisir sexuel féminin fait partie des phénomènes qu’Aristote définit comme « en vue du meilleur ». L’étude de ce phénomène donne ainsi l’occasion de s’interroger à nouveaux frais sur la place de la téléologie dans le système causal d’Aristote et la nature de la finalité dite « dérivée ». Dans une seconde partie de l’étude, l’auteur propose un aperçu de la réception gréco-arabe de la question. L’étude du débat engagé par Averroès contre Galien au xiie siècle de notre ère montre l’importance de la question du plaisir sexuel féminin dans le péripatétisme gréco-arabe et permet d’éclairer en retour la doctrine du Stagirite.
La théorie cognitive des passions chez Chrysippe
Authors: Hoyos Sanchez Inmaculada
Published: December 2018

Cet article propose une analyse de l’un des principaux problèmes de la théorie cognitive des passions chez Chrysippe, à savoir, comment expliquer que le jugement faux et faible, qui définit une passion, se traduise par une horme forte et violente. Le cas de Médée, paradigme de cette difficulté, est particulièrement intéressant. La solution de Posidonius affirme que les mouvements affectifs (pathetikai kineseis), qui impliquent, d’après Galien, une partie irrationnelle de l’âme, sont la cause de l’impulsion débridée. Néanmoins, mon intention est de développer la thèse de la prépondérance des croyances (Nussbaum, Graver) afin de montrer que la théorie cognitive de Chrysippe est suffisamment flexible pour expliquer le cas de Médée en termes de croyances, et qu’il n’est pas nécessaire de faire appel à une autre partie irrationnelle de l’âme pour résoudre le problème posé. L’idée principale est qu’une croyance peut être faible et fausse mais qu’elle peut acquérir une place prépondérante sur d’autres (y compris celles qui sont vraies) et, par conséquent, avoir un pouvoir causal plus important.
La bioéthique de demain : Un CCNE plus fort et des lois moins bloquantes
Authors: Bourdaire-Mignot Camille , Gründler Tatiana
Published: December 2018

A la suite des États généraux de la bioéthique qui se sont déroulés au cours du premier semestre 2018, le Comité consultatif national d’éthique a rendu un avis relatif à la future révision de la loi bioéthique. Cet avis, nourri des nombreux échanges et réflexions ayant eu cours ces six derniers mois, est éclairant à un double titre. Il l’est évidemment par les propositions que fait le Comité sur tous les sujets inscrits dans le périmètre des États généraux, propositions qui constitueront un guide précieux pour le législateur. Mais, peut-être avant même cela, il l’est par la vision que livre le CCNE de ce que devrait être la réflexion bioéthique demain.
Conserved and Differential Features of TNF Superfamily Ligand Expression on APC Subsets over the Course of a Chronic Viral Infection in Mice
Authors: Wang Kuan C , Chu Kuan-Lun , Batista Nathalia V , Watts Tania H
Published: December 2018

There is currently much interest in how different APC subsets shape the immune response. We recently described a division of labor between classical dendritic cells (cDC) and inflammatory monocyte-derived APC in provision of costimulatory ligands to T cells early during chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis clone 13 (LCMV 13) infection in mice. At day 2 of LCMV 13 infection, cDC preferentially express CD80 and CD86, whereas TNF superfamily ligands GITRL, 4-1BBL, CD70, and OX40L are preferentially induced by type I IFN on inflammatory monocyte-derived APC, with minimal expression on cDC. In this study, we further investigate the expression of TNF and B7 family ligands on APC over the course of LCMV 13 infection. OX40L and 4-1BBL remain above baseline through the chronic stage of infection, with predominant expression on inflammatory APC compared with cDC in the spleen, partially blocked by anti–IFN-γR Ab pretreatment. Conversely, CD70, like GITRL, returns to baseline on the APC within a few days postinfection. In the lung, TNF family ligands were also preferentially expressed on inflammatory monocyte-derived APC. CD86 was generally higher on cDC than inflammatory APC in the spleen, but in the lung CD86 was highest on inflammatory APC. Moreover, in the spleen, CD80 levels on different APC subsets fluctuated over the course of the infection. We also show that LPS induction of TNF superfamily ligands is largely mediated through type I IFN. This study highlights the importance of IFNs and monocyte-derived APC in TNF superfamily ligand expression in both secondary lymphoid organs and tissues during chronic viral infection.
Unreasonable Obstinacy: Ethical, Deontological and Forensic Medical Problems
Authors: Casella Claudia , Graziano Vincenzo , Lorenzo Pierpaolo Di , Capasso Emanuele , Niola Massimo
Published: December 2018

Especially in oncology and in critical care, the provision of medical care can require therapeutic choices that could go beyond the patient's will or intentions of the protection of his health, with the possible adoption of medical behaviors interpreted as unreasonable obstinacy or, at the opposite extreme, as euthanasia. In some cases, the demand for obstinate therapeutic services could come from the patient or from his relatives, in which case the dilemma arises for the health professional between rejecting such a request, in respect of their professional autonomy, or abiding by it for fear of a professional care responsibility for therapeutic abandonment. We analyzed and commented on emblematic clinical cases brought to court for alleged wrong medical conduct due to breach of the prohibition of unreasonable obstinacy. In healthcare it is impossible to fix a general rule defining any therapeutic act as appropriate, because on one hand there are technical assessments of medical competence, and on the other the perception of the patient and of his family members of the usefulness of the health care provided, which may be in contrast. The medical act cannot make treatments that are inappropriate for the needs of care or even be unreasonable; conversely, before the request by the patient or by his family members for disproportionate health services in relation to the results they may give in practice, in compliance with the legislative and deontological provisions, the doctor can refuse them, thus safeguarding both his decision-making autonomy and, therefore, his professional dignity.
Impact of Asbestos on Public Health: A Retrospective Study on a Series of Subjects with Occupational and Non-Occupational Exposure to Asbestos during the Activity of Fibronit Plant (Broni, Italy)
Authors: Visonà Silvia D. , Villani Simona , Manzoni Federica , Chen Yao , Ardissino Giorgio , Russo Francesca , Moretti Matteo , Javan Gulnaz T. , Osculati Antonio
Published: December 2018

The goal of this study is to understand more about the role of asbestos in causing human diseases, first of all mesothelioma, by investigating a large series of deaths due to asbestos-related diseases (ARDs). The main aim is to clarify if even very low amounts of asbestos can cause mesothelioma and other ARDs, as well as to find out if a different individual vulnerability can be important. This retrospective study included 188 subjects who died from asbestos related diseases in 2000-2017 in the area around Broni, Italy, where an important asbestos cement factory had been active from 1932 until 1993. In each case, a forensic autopsy has been performed. In order to perform the present study, the records were retrieved, including the clinical files, the autopsy, and the histological report. The statistical analysis performed showed that there was a significant relation between the cause of death (mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis) and the kind of exposure (occupational, neighborhood or household), showing that all the subjects not exposed occupationally (and, therefore, exposed to lower amounts of asbestos) died from mesothelioma, whereas the individuals who used to work at the plant died also from other caused (asbestosis, lung cancer). Significant differences were highlighted examining the distribution of the causes of death according to the smoking habits. Moreover, among the mesothelioma patients, the survival time was shorter in the subjects with a neighborhood or household exposure than in the occupationally exposed individuals. The study provided meaningful data about the role of asbestos in causing human pathologies. In particular, the present data appear to support the hypothesis that even an exposure to a very little amount of asbestos can cause mesothelioma in hypersusceptible subjects (probably, on a genetic basis).
Accuracy of B-natriuretic peptide for the diagnosis of decompensated heart failure in muscular dystrophies patients with chronic respiratory failure
Authors: Meng Paris , Nguyen Lee S. , Jabbour Firas , Ogna Adam , Clair Bernard , Orlikowski David , Annane Djillali , Lofaso Frederic , Fayssoil Abdallah
Published: December 2018

Heart failure and restrictive respiratory insufficiency are complications in muscular dystrophies. We aimed to assess the accuracy of the B-natriuretic peptide (BNP) for the diagnosis of decompensated heart failure in muscular dystrophy. We included patients with muscular dystrophy and chronic respiratory insufficiency admitted in the Intensive Care Unit of the Raymond Poincare hospital (Garches, France) for suspected decompensated heart failure. Thirtyseven patients were included, among them, 23 Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) (62%), 10 myotonic dystrophy type 1(DM1) (27%). Median age was 35 years [27.5; 48.5]. 86.5% of patients were on home mechanical ventilation (HMV). Median left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 47% [35.0; 59.5]. Median BNP blood level was 104 pg/mL [50; 399]. The BNP level was significantly inversely associated with LVEF (r= –0.37, p 0.03) and positively associated with the LVEDD (left ventricular end diastolic diameter) (r=0.59, P<0.001). The discriminative value of the BNP level for the diagnosis of decompensated heart failure was high with an AUROC=0.94 (P<0.001). The best discriminating BNP threshold was 307 pg/mL (Youden index 0.85). The BNP level measurement may add a supplemental key for the final diagnosis of decompensated heart failure.
Compression to reduce leg edema in patients with arterial occlusive disease - double focal compression bandaging
Authors: Sanchez Carlos
Published: December 2018

Not available
Vegetation, floristic composition and structure of a tropical montane forest in Cameroon
Authors: Sainge Moses N. , Lyonga Ngoh M. , Mbatchou Gildas P.T. , Kenfack David , Nchu Felix , Peterson Andrew T.
Published: December 2018

Background: The Rumpi Hills Forest Reserve (RHFR) is a montane forest area in south-western Cameroon. Although RHFR is presumed to be rich in biodiversity and vegetation types, little information exists regarding its floristic composition and vegetation patterns.Objectives: Our goal was to characterise vegetation patterns in the reserve and to understand how elevation influences distributions and diversity of species. We aimed to provide a first detailed plant species inventory for this important forest area, as well as basic information on forest structure.Method: We characterised floristic composition and vegetation patterns of the reserve in 25 1-ha plots along an elevational gradient from 50 m to 1778 m. In each plot, trees and lianas of diameter at breast height (dbh) ≥ 10 cm were measured; shrubs 10 cm were measured in nested plots of 0.01 ha.Results: In all, 16 761 trees, shrubs and lianas with dbh ≥ 1 cm were censused, representing 71 families, 279 genera and 617 morphospecies. Floristic composition ranged from 94 to 132 species, with a mean of 117.5 species per hectare in lowland forest (50 m – 200 m) and 36–41 species, with a mean of 38.5 species per hectare in montane cloud forest (1600 m – 1778 m) near the summit of Mount Rata. Two-way indicator species analysis classified the 25 plots into six vegetation types corresponding to lowland evergreen rainforest, lowland evergreen rainforest on basalt rocks, middle-elevation evergreen forest, submontane forest, transitional submontane forest and montane cloud forest. In all, 0.006% of the reserve was included in our sample plots. Detrended correspondence analysis highlighted the importance of elevation in shaping vegetation patterns.Conclusion: The RHFR is composed of different vegetation types, which show impressive variation in terms of structure, species composition and diversity. The detailed, fine-scale inventory data obtained in this study could be useful in planning efficient management of this and other montane tropical forests.
Distribution of invasive alien Tithonia (Asteraceae) species in eastern and southern Africa and the socio-ecological impacts of T. diversifolia in Zambia
Authors: Witt Arne B.R. , Shackleton Ross T. , Beale Tim , Nunda Winnie , Van Wilgen Brian W.
Published: December 2018

Background: Many alien plant species, such as Tithonia diversifolia, T. rotundifolia and T. tubaeformis, have been introduced to areas outside of their natural distribution range to provide benefits, but have subsequently become invasive, threatening biodiversity and agricultural productivity.Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the current distribution and dates of introduction of invasive Tithonia species in eastern and southern Africa and to document the effects of T. diversifolia on rural livelihoods in Zambia.Method: Roadside surveys, and other sources of information, were used to determine the distribution of invasive Tithonia species in eastern and southern Africa. Household interviews were conducted to gauge perceptions and understand the impacts of T. diversifolia on local livelihoods in Zambia’s Copperbelt province.Results: Tithonia diversifolia is widespread in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Malawi and parts of Zambia but less so in Zimbabwe. Tithonia rotundifolia was comparatively uncommon in eastern Africa but common in some southern African countries, while T. tubaeformis was invasive in Swaziland, South Africa, Zambia and possibly also Zimbabwe. According to the majority of respondents in Zambia, T. diversifolia has negative impacts on native vegetation, mobility or access, water availability, crop yields and animal health.Conclusion: Invasive Tithonia species are widespread and spreading throughout much of Africa. Livelihood and biodiversity costs have not been considered by those actively promoting the use and further dissemination of T. diversifolia. We therefore recommend that detailed cost–benefit studies should be undertaken to support informed decisions on the future management of these species.
Hitchhikers’ guide to the legal context of protected area management plans in South Africa
Authors: Goosen Magda , Blackmore Andrew C.
Published: December 2018

Background: Although formal protected areas in South Africa date back to the turn of the 19th century, requirements for protected area management plans only became mandatory a century later. Prior to the promulgation of the World Heritage Convention Act 49 in 1999, and subsequently the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act 57 in 2003, requirements for management plans were voluntary, and guidance to the plan’s content was fragmented across an array of international, national and provincial policy instruments.Objectives: As there has been little academic debate on the relevance and content of protected area management plans, an improved understanding of these plans, and the role they play in biodiversity conservation, is required.Method: This article explores the evolution of the management plan, revisiting its historical and current legal context at international and national scales.Results: Despite being the principal legislative framework for management plans, the World Heritage Convention Act and the National Environmental Management Protected Area Act did not consolidate the plethora of management plan requirements, and hence did not bring clarity when these conflicted or were ambiguous.Conclusion: Legal provisions for management plans are highly fragmented. This risks plans not being complete, falling short of the requirement to ensure that protected areas fulfil the purpose for which they were established. A consolidation of relevant provisions, as well as emerging best practices is recommended. This may require the revision of South Africa’s environmental law, to provide greater clarity on the contemporary understanding of the contribution of protected areas to conservation and the well-being of people (viz. the ‘purpose’).
Cost analysis of violence-related medical imaging in a Free State tertiary trauma unit
Authors: Steyn Tiaan P. , Gebremariam Fekade A.
Published: December 2018

Background: Violence is a leading public health problem worldwide. Beyond the pain and suffering, violence has a significant economic impact on a country’s health, policing and judicial services. Because of the lack of current and comprehensive data in South Africa, local violence-related economic impact studies are largely estimations. Violence-related imaging expenditure, as a component of a public hospital’s expenditure, is yet to be determined.Objectives: The goals of this study were to measure the violence-related patient burden on Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital’s (PTH) trauma and radiology services, determine the imaging-component cost of violence-related injuries and calculate the financial burden violence has on the hospital’s expenditures.Method: From the PTH’s trauma unit patient registry, 1380 patients with violence-related injuries were consecutively sampled for 6 months ending 31 December 2017. Imaging investigations were documented and categorised according to the South African National Department of Health’s 2017 Uniform Patient Fee Schedule (UPFS). Descriptive analysis and cost calculations were performed using the 2017 UPFS tariff schedule and hospital-specific health efficiency indicators – patient-day equivalent and expenditure per patient-day equivalent.Results: Violence-related injuries accounted for 50.64% of all trauma department visits and received a total of 5475 imaging investigations. Violence-related imaging investigations represented 14.81% of all investigations performed by the radiology department in the study period. Overall violence-related admission costs amounted to R35 410 241.85 (8.33% of the hospital’s total expenditure), of which 20.08% (R7 108 845.00) was attributed to imaging investigations.Conclusion: Violence-related admissions had a high patient and financial burden on PTH. The pinnacle of healthcare cost saving is violence prevention; however, the cost-conscious radiologist could assist with cost saving if responsible and ethical imaging practices are followed.
Role of 3D SPACE sequence and susceptibility weighted imaging in the evaluation of hydrocephalus and treatment-oriented refined classification of hydrocephalus
Authors: Chellathurai Amarnath , Subbiah Komalavalli , Ajis Barakath Nisha Abdul , Balasubramaniam Suhasini , Gnanasigamani Sathyan
Published: December 2018

Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of three-dimensional sampling perfection with application optimized contrast using different flip angle evolution (3D SPACE) sequence and Susceptibility Weighted Imaging (SWI) in hydrocephalus and to propose a refined definition and classification of hydrocephalus with relevance to the selection of treatment option. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 109 patients with hydrocephalus was performed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain using standardized institutional sequences along with additional sequences 3D SPACE and SWI. The images were independently read by two senior neuroradiologists and the etiopathogenesis of hydrocephalus was arrived by consensus. Results: With conventional sequences, 46 out of 109 patients of hydrocephalus were diagnosed as obstructive of which 21 patients showed direct signs of obstruction and 25 showed indirect signs. In the remaining 63 patients of communicating hydrocephalus, cause could not be found out in 41 patients. Whereas with 3D SPACE sequence, 88 patients were diagnosed as obstructive hydrocephalus in which all of them showed direct signs of obstruction and 21 patients were diagnosed as communicating hydrocephalus. By including SWI, we found out hemorrhage causing intraventricular obstruction in three patients and hemorrhage at various sites in 24 other patients. With these findings, we have classified the hydrocephalus into communicating and noncommunicating, with latter divided into intraventricular and extraventricular obstruction, which is very well pertaining to the selection of surgical option. Conclusion: We strongly suggest to include 3D SPACE and SWI sequences in the set of routine MRI sequences, as they are powerful diagnostic tools and offer complementary information regarding the precise evaluation of the etiopathogenesis of hydrocephalus and have an effective impact in selecting the mode of management.
A case series of metastases to the breast from extramammary malignancies
Authors: Vaidya Tanvi , Ramani Subhash , Rastogi Ashita
Published: December 2018

Metastases to the breast from extra-mammary malignancies are extremely uncommon. The discovery of a breast mass in a patient with a known primary tumor elsewhere poses a diagnostic challenge to the clinician. An awareness of the various malignancies that can metastasize to the breast and accurate diagnosis of the same is essential to avoid an unnecessary mastectomy and to guide further therapy. In this case series, we describe such clinical scenarios with an emphasis on the imaging features of metastases to the breast, which will enable radiologists to recognize this entity with greater ease.
A Review on Cloud and Fog Computing Integration for IoT: Platforms Perspective
Authors: A. Baktyan Asrar , T. Zahary Ammar
Published: December 2018

The fourth industrial revolution can connect ecosystems of more than 20 billion devices with an unpredictable gross of the local consumption. Connected devices will produce approximately 44 ZB of raw data by 2020, which provides interesting challenges relatively to privacy, connectivity, and scalability. The Internet of Things (IoT) is earning growing attention that provides the interconnection between the physical and the digital world. Consequently, the physical world needs to be measured and converted into expressible statistics. Cloud for IoT introduces precious application and unique services in several domains. However, fog computing helps in efficient utilization and better performance in case of bandwidth utilization, and low power consumption. This review focuses on the IoT platforms used for fog and cloud computing to serve IoT end-to-end services. In addition, the application of the cloud of thing and fog roles to improve the challenges of the cloud of things are also provided.
Human rights as indicator for the differentiation of centre, semiperiphery and periphery in the world society. A Contribution to World Society Studies.
Authors: Morikawa Takemitsu
Published: December 2018

Neste artigo, as categorias de “centro”, “periferia” e “semiperiferia” são revisadas por meio dos estudos da sociedade mundial. O centro da sociedade mundial tem como diferenciação primária a funcional, enquanto outras formas de diferenciação, como diferenciação segmentar e estratificação, permanecem dominantes na periferia. A semiperiferia pode ser definida como uma arena na qual a diferenciação funcional luta pela hegemonia contra outras formas de diferenciação. Em primeiro lugar, o centro é definido por sua proximidade cognitiva assim como por seu poder de definição e interpretação contra a periferia, ao passo que a periferia só pode aceitar as interpretações, definições e decisões realizadas no centro. O surgimento da identidade nacional como uma identidade cultural fora do centro não pode ser entendida sem relação com o centro. No entanto, identidades culturais semiperiféricas e periféricas impedem algumas nações de se modernizarem em direção à diferenciação funcional. Em segundo lugar, o centro da sociedade mundial moderna é definido pela implementação de diferenciação funcional, enquanto um importante indicador da fronteira entre o centro e a periferia é o status dos direitos humanos. Assim, podemos dizer que todas as regiões estão expostas aos efeitos estruturais da sociedade mundial, especialmente aquele da economia mundial, mas todos os sistemas funcionais não foram implementados igualmente em todo o mundo. À medida em que, no centro, o acesso aos recursos sociais é garantido pelos direitos humanos individuais (direitos fundamentais), a população, na semiperiferia e periferia, necessita participar de organizações particulares ou de laços sociais para obter benefícios do mundo moderno e da economia mundial. Em terceiro lugar, enquanto a periferia da sociedade mundial é vista em “estados falidos”, este artigo propõe que os regimes autoritários são semiperiféricos. Sociedades na semiperiferia são caracterizadas pela dominação dos sistemas político e econômico sobre outros sistemas funcionais. A moderna teoria dos sistemas chama esta sociedade de sociedade organizacional.
Neomarxismos e Teoria do Discurso: diálogos e embates entre Ernesto Laclau e Slavoj Žižek
Authors: Araújo George Zeidan
Published: December 2018

O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar os principais elementos que compõem as teorizações sobre o discurso político presentes no pensamento de Ernesto Laclau e Slavoj Žižek para, a partir disso, delinear alguns dos diálogos e embates que suas posições suscitaram no que diz respeito ao discurso político e à prática política.
(Co)variance components and genetics parameter estimation for linear traits in Holstein cattle in Indonesia: traits related to foot/leg and udder
Authors: Susanto Agus ,   Suyadi, Nurgiartiningsih Veronica Margareta Ani , Hakim Luqman
Published: December 2018

Abstract. The availability of (co)variance components and genetics parameter estimates for traits included in a selection program is crucial since the estimated breeding values of the selected traits are computed based on the available (co)variance components and genetics parameters. The present study aimed to estimate (co)variance components and genetics parameters for linear traits related to foot/leg and udder (i.e. rear legs set, foot angle, udder depth, and teat length) in Holstein cattle in Indonesia. Linear traits were measured (instead of scored) on 310 lactating Holstein cows raised in the National Breeding Centre for Dairy Cattle and Forage of Indonesia (BBPTUHPT Baturraden). These were nearly all cows in lactation owned by the centre at the time of study. Lactating cows which were not measured during study were those which are technically difficult to handle. The Average Information Restricted Maximum Likelihood (AI-REML) method of the DMU program was used to estimate the (co)variances and genetics parameters of the considered linear traits. A four-multivariate animal model was employed by including farm (fixed), animal (random), and age (covariate) effects in the model of analysis. The phenotypic means (standard deviation) for rear legs set, foot angle, udder depth, and teat length were 139.70 (6.03), 50.65 (5.04), 10.67 (6.19), and 5.27 (0.96), respectively. The results showed that the estimated heritability (h2) was 0.334, 0.236, 0.147, and 0.213 for rear legs set, foot angle, udder depth, and teat length, respectively. The genetic (phenotypic) correlations between linear traits rear legs set–foot angle, rear legs set–udder depth, rear legs set–teat length, foot angle–udder depth, foot angle–teat length, and udder depth–teat length were −0.08 (−0.043), −0.6 (0.002), 0.101 (0.036), 0.002 (−0.017), −0.186 (−0.146), and −0.834 (0.019), respectively. The present study concluded that the linear traits could be used in the selection program, though the traits should be properly weighted to avoid deteriorating selection response.