bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Electrocoagulation Technique for Paper Mill Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Yuliani Galuh , Mitasari Kinia , Setiabudi Agus
Published: July 2017

Electrocoagulation technique has been widely used in wastewater treatment because it is considered as safe, efficient and environmentally friendly. In this research, electrocoagulation cell was constructed using aluminum and iron electrodes. These metal plates were cut into three parts and were arranged in parallel modes. The constructed electrocoagulation cells were then utilized for the treatment of wastewater obtained from local paper industry. Some operational parameters namely electrolysis time, pH, applied voltage, and electrode distance were analyzed. It was found that the optimum conditions were electrolysis time of 60 minute, pH of 7, applied voltage of 14 V and electrode distance of 1.5 cm. For iron electrode, percentage removals of conductivity, turbidity, COD and BOD were 62%, 97%, 37% and 30%, respectively. For aluminum electrode, the percentage removals of conductivity, turbidity, COD and BOD were 42%, 98%, 37% and 50%, respectively.
Effect of Chemical Reduction Temperature on Optical Properties of Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) and its Potentials Supercapacitor Device
Authors: Suhendar Haris , Kusumaatmaja Ahmad , Triyana Kuwat , Santoso Iman
Published: July 2017

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has been successfully synthesized from graphite powder using Hummer’s Method. The epoxy group in GO structure was reduced by hydrazine 80 wt% at a temperature of 70o, 80o, and 90°C. The optical properties of produced rGO were characterized by using Uv-Vis and FTIR spectrometer. From Uv-Vis spectroscopy we observe that the absorbance of rGO decreased as increasing the reduction temperature. This is because the higher reduction temperature yields a high degree of rGO defect. The rGO produced at a reduction temperature of 70oC has very close similiraties absorbance spectrum with rGO produced by Sigma Aldrich Company. The Uv-Vis absorbance of rGO was used to calculated optical constant, and by using Kramers-Kronig relation we got refractive index values of rGO. The decreasing of absorbance may also stem out from the reducing of C=C bonding with sp2 hybridization due to the presence of energetic Hydrazine as indicated by the decrease of FTIR spectrum at ~1600 cm-1. Our produced rGO then used to fabricated the supercapacitor device with a mass of 0,03 gram using Polivinyl Alcohol (PVA) as a binder. From cyclic voltammetry measurement, we obtain the specific capacitance of our rGO-based supercapacitor is 2.45 F which is still in the category of supercapacitive although the optimization of rGO and PVA composition is still required. Our result shows the exciting potential of rGO based supercapacitor as electrical energy storage.
Hepatitis B Virus Vaccine–Induced Cell-Mediated Immunity Correlates with Humoral Immune Response following Primary Vaccination during Infancy
Authors: Gelinas Laura , Abu-Raya Bahaa , Ruck Candice , Cai Bing , Kollmann Tobias R
Published: July 2017

Data on hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine–induced cell-mediated immunity (CMI) and humoral immune response during infancy is scarce. We assessed HBV vaccine–induced CMI among infants stratified as nonresponders (Ab against HBV surface Ag [anti-HBs] levels <10 IU/l), low-responders (anti-HBs levels 10–100 IU/l), and high-responders (anti-HBs levels ≥100 IU/l) following their primary vaccination against HBV. Moreover, we assessed the association between HBV vaccine–induced CMI and anti-HBs levels. Infants were immunized with HBV vaccine at ages 2, 4, and 6 mo. Hepatitis B surface Ag (HBsAg)-specific proliferation, intracellular cytokine production, and bulk cytokine secretion were assessed on PBMCs collected at 1 y and anti-HBs levels were measured at 1 and 2 y of age. Infants classified at 2 y of age as low-responders (n = 28) had lower median levels of secreted IFN-γ than high-responders (n = 29), 17.15 pg/ml versus 33.16 pg/ml, respectively, p = 0.009. Infants classified at 2 y of age as nonresponders (n = 15) had lower median levels of secreted TNF-α than high-responders (n = 29), 116.11 pg/ml versus 162.27 pg/ml, respectively, p = 0.032. There was a positive correlation between HBsAg-specific secreted IFN-γ levels at 1 y and anti-HBs levels at 1 and 2 y of age, rho = 0.269 and 0.302, respectively, (p = 0.019 and p = 0.01, respectively). There was a positive correlation between anti-HBs levels at age 1 y and the levels of secreted IL-10, rho = 0.297, p = 0.009. HBsAg-specific IFN-γ, IL-10, and TNF-α secretion correlated with HBV vaccine–induced humoral immune response. Assessment of CMI is a useful adjunct in demonstrating the persistence of HBV vaccine–induced memory immune response.
Glucose homeostasis during ramadan fasting: First case series illustrated by flash glucose monitoring and ambulatory glucose profiling
Authors: Beshyah Salem , Haddad Marcil , Kahwatiah Marwa
Published: July 2017

Background: The impact of fasting during the month of Ramadan, practiced by adult Muslims, on glucose homeostasis has attracted much attention recently with view to understanding the metabolic price of fasting and to help plan rational management. The flash glucose monitoring (FGM) expressed as ambulatory glucose profiles (AGP) provides a minimally invasive yet comprehensive insight into blood glucose (BG) changes in relationship to various physiological and behavioral factors. Objectives: To investigate the BG homeostasis during Ramadan fasting in a group of individuals with different states of glucose tolerance. Methods: Eight individuals who were fasting during Ramadan were studied by FGM using the Abbott's FreeStyle® Libre™ system. They included individuals with normal glucose tolerance during pregnancy (1), prediabetes (2), postbariatric hypoglycemia (1) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (4). Results: In the normal pregnancy AGP's fluctuated minimally around meals with some asymptomatic low BG readings on prolonged fasting. In those with prediabetes, most of the daytime BG were within normal but there was a minimal post-prandial rises and some asymptomatic lower readings on prolonged fasting too. In the case of the patient with history of post-bariatric hypoglycemia, daytime fasting periods had perfectly stable normal BG. However, marked early postprandial hyperglycemia occurred in the evening followed by a short-lived symptomatic hypoglycemia. In the 4 patients with diabetes, AGP showed high glucose exposure, wide variation and marked instability after both traditional meals of dawn time (Suhor) and sunset (Iftar) particularly in the later. A variably slow downward trend throughout the day was observed. The differences in the AGP's reflected both biological and behavioral differences between patients within the general picture. AGP's before, during and after Ramadan in 3 patients revealed distinctly-different profiles reflecting the Middle Eastern meal pattern, Ramadan meal pattern and Eid feasting respectively. For patients these findings were discussed with them and used to plan glycemic management. Conclusions: This is the first comprehensive demonstration of glucose changes during Ramadan fasting using AGP. The visually illustrated data give insights into glucoses homeostasis in diabetes and related disorders throughout whole day of Ramadan. This may help inform therapeutic decisions on individual basis and help plan future studies.
Narrow band UVB monotherapy versus topical calcipotriol ointment combined with narrow band UVB phototherapy for treatment of psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: Elsherif Nadia , Elmangush Ibtisam , El-Dibany Salwa
Published: July 2017

Introduction: Calcipotriol and narrow-band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy are widely used to effectively treat psoriasis. To reduce the cumulative NBUVB doses and to enhance clearance of psoriatic plaques, combination therapies have been established. Objectives: To compare the clinical efficacy of NBUVB alone and in combination with topical calcipotriol ointment in psoriasis. Patients and Methods: Fifty five patients with psoriasis vulgaris were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two treatment groups. Group I consisted of 30 patients who received NBUVB phototherapy as monotherapy and group II consisted of 25 patients who were treated with topical calcipotriol ointment combined with NBUVB. The treatment was continued till the patients achieved PASI-75. Results: Twenty patients, in each group, completed the study. At baseline, the mean PASI scores were 15±4 and 16.4±3 in group I and group II respectively, and at the end of treatment, the mean PASI scores were 6.5±3 in group I and 3.4±2 in group II (P=0.000). The total cumulative NBUVB dose and the number of sessions were significantly higher in group I compare to group II. Conclusion: Topical calcipotriol combined with NBUVB reduces the cumulative dose of NBUVB and improves the response of psoriasis vulgaris to phototherapy.
Incidentally discovered colpocephaly and corpus callosum agenesis in asymptomatic elderly patient
Authors: Nasrat Taofik , Seraji-Bozoergzad Navid
Published: July 2017

Colpocephaly is very rare anatomic finding in the brain manifested by occipital horns that are disproportionately enlarged in comparison with other parts of the lateral ventricles. It is usually diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound or in early childhood when the patient presents with delayed mile stones, seizures, mental retardation, motor and sensory deficit. We present a case of colpocephaly and corpus callosum agenesis that diagnosed in a sixty six years old African American woman that did not suffer from any seizures, cognitive, motor or sensory disability prior to her current admission.
Prediction of dermatophyte culture by clinical features: Saving time and cost in resource-poor settings
Authors: Akinboro Adeolu , Olasode Olayinka , Onayemi Olaniyi , Oguntola Adebanke , Ajibola Aderibigbe
Published: July 2017

Background: Tinea capitis is common among children worldwide. Confirmation of diagnosis for early commencement of therapy and control has continued to be a major challenge in resource-poor settings. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 185 children in the rural community of Osogbo, Nigeria. Two thirds of the study population were children aged 5 to 8 years. Clinical history was documented and scalp scrapping of scales and hairs was obtained for microscopy and culture. Two sided fisher exact test was employed in the bivariate analysis. Results: The mean ± SD age for the culture positive and the negative children were 7.2 ± 2.2 years and 7.8 ± 2.7 years respectively. Dermatophyte culture positivity was found in 123 (66.5%) of the children. For the culture-positive children, the positive predictive values were high at 95%, 91%, 88%, and 87% and negative predictive values were low at 16%, 24%, 18% and 0% respectively for adenopathy, alopecia, pruritus, and scalp scaling as single symptom and sign respectively. For various combinations of any two symptoms, positive predictive values ranged from 73-82%, for three symptoms 81% and for four symptoms 77%. The combinations also demonstrated higher negative predictive values 67 – 86% for two, 64% for three and 78% for four symptoms, the absence of which diagnosis could be held in doubt. Similarly, positive likelihood ratios were 2.7, 1.5,1.1, and 1.0 for adenopathy, alopecia, pruritus, and scalp scaling respectively. The positive likelihood ratios ranges from 1.6 – 2.8 for various combinations of two cardinal symptoms; highest for adenopathy and alopecia, and 2.0 for three symptoms and 1.8 for all the four symptoms. Conclusions: Among pre adolescent children, culture positivity is well predicted when adenopathy and alopecia are present or in combination with scalp scaling. Consequently, control of infection may be further enhanced with omission of culture and early commencement of treatment.
The behavior of muslim type 2 diabetic patients towards the fasting of ramadan
Authors: Adarmouch Latifa , Elansari Nawal , Ouhdouch Fatima , Amine Mohamed
Published: July 2017

The desire and feasibility of fasting during Ramadan are sensitive issues for diabetic Muslims. The aim of this study was to describe the behavior of patients with type 2 diabetes towards fasting. A prospective longitudinal study was conducted including 100 patients with type 2 diabetes. Data collection was carried out using an anonymous questionnaire administrated by the attending physician during two visits before and after Ramadan. A total of seventy-nine of the hundred enrolled patients fasted, and 62% of uncontrolled patients fasted against medical advice. The reasons given by patients to justify their behavior referred to socio-cultural imperatives. Most of our patients practice Ramadan fasting under the pressure of socio- cultural habits, despite their doctors' disapproval. This fact highlights the difficulties to manage these patients.
The last glacial termination on the eastern flank of the central Patagonian Andes (47 ° S)
Authors: Henríquez William I. , Villa-Martínez Rodrigo , Vilanova Isabel , De Pol-Holz Ricardo , Moreno Patricio I.
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Few studies have examined in detail the sequence of events during the last glacial termination (T1) in the core sector of the Patagonian Ice Sheet (PIS), the largest ice mass in the Southern Hemisphere outside of Antarctica. Here we report results from Lago Edita (47°8′ S, 72°25′ W, 570 m a.s.l.), a small closed-basin lake located in a valley overridden by eastward-flowing Andean glaciers during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The Lago Edita record shows glaciolacustrine sedimentation until 19 400 yr BP, followed by organic sedimentation in a closed-basin lake and a mosaic of cold-resistant hygrophilous conifers and rainforest trees, along with alpine herbs between 19 400 and 11 000 yr BP. Our data suggest that the PIS retreated at least  ∼  90 km from its LGM limit between  ∼  21 000 and 19 400 yr BP and that scattered, low-density populations of cold-resistant hygrophilous conifers, rainforest trees, high-Andean and steppe herbs thrived east of the Andes during the LGM and T1, implying high precipitation levels and southern westerly wind (SWW) influence at 47° S. The conifer Podocarpus nubigena increased between 14 500 and 13 000 yr BP, suggesting even stronger SWW influence during the Antarctic Cold Reversal, after which it declined and persisted until 11 000 yr BP. Large increases in arboreal pollen at  ∼  13 000 and  ∼  11 000 yr BP led to the establishment of forests near Lago Edita between 10 000 and 9000 yr BP, suggesting a rise in the regional tree line along the eastern Andean slopes driven by warming pulses at  ∼  13 000 and  ∼  11 000 yr BP and a subsequent decline in SWW influence at  ∼  11 000 yr BP. We propose that the PIS imposed a regional cooling signal along its eastern, downwind margin through T1 that lasted until the separation of the northern and southern Patagonian ice fields along the Andes during the Younger Dryas period. We posit that the withdrawal of glacial and associated glaciolacustrine environments through T1 provided a route for the dispersal of hygrophilous trees and herbs from the eastern flank of the central Patagonian Andes, contributing to the afforestation of the western Andean slopes and pacific coasts of central Patagonia during T1.
Flexible parameter-sparse global temperature time profiles that stabilise at 1.5 and 2.0  °C
Authors: Huntingford Chris , Yang Hui , Harper Anna , Cox Peter M. , Gedney Nicola , Burke Eleanor J. , Lowe Jason A. , Hayman Garry , Collins William J. , Smith Stephen M. , Comyn-Platt Edward
Published: July 2017

Abstract. The meeting of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in December 2015 committed parties at the convention to hold the rise in global average temperature to well below 2.0 °C above pre-industrial levels. It also committed the parties to pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5 °C. This leads to two key questions. First, what extent of emissions reduction will achieve either target? Second, what is the benefit of the reduced climate impacts from keeping warming at or below 1.5 °C? To provide answers, climate model simulations need to follow trajectories consistent with these global temperature limits. It is useful to operate models in an inverse mode to make model-specific estimates of greenhouse gas (GHG) concentration pathways consistent with the prescribed temperature profiles. Further inversion derives related emissions pathways for these concentrations. For this to happen, and to enable climate research centres to compare GHG concentrations and emissions estimates, common temperature trajectory scenarios are required. Here we define algebraic curves that asymptote to a stabilised limit, while also matching the magnitude and gradient of recent warming levels. The curves are deliberately parameter-sparse, needing the prescription of just two parameters plus the final temperature. Yet despite this simplicity, they can allow for temperature overshoot and for generational changes, for which more effort to decelerate warming change needs to be made by future generations. The curves capture temperature profiles from the existing Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP2.6) scenario projections by a range of different Earth system models (ESMs), which have warming amounts towards the lower levels of those that society is discussing.
A parameterisation for the co-condensation of
semi-volatile organics into multiple aerosol particle
modes
Authors: Crooks Matthew , Connolly Paul , McFiggans Gordon
Published: July 2017

Abstract. A new parameterisation for cloud droplet activation of multiple aerosol modes is presented that includes the effects of co-condensation of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). The novel work comes from the dynamic condensation parameterisation that approximates the partitioning of the SVOCs into the condensed phase at cloud base. The dynamic condensation parameterisation differs from equilibrium absorptive partitioning theory by calculating time dependent condensed masses that depend on the updraft velocity. Additionally, more mass is placed on smaller particles than at equilibrium, which is in better agreement with parcel model simulations. All of the SVOCs with saturation concentrations below 1 × 10−3 μg−3 are assumed to partition into the condensed phase at cloud base, defined as 100 % relative humidity, and the dynamic condensation parameterisation is used to distribute this mass between the different aerosol modes. An existing cloud droplet activation scheme is then applied to the aerosol particles at cloud base with modified size distributions and chemical composition to account for the additional mass of the SVOCs. Parcel model simulations have been performed to test the parameterisation with a range of aerosol size distributions, composition and updrafts. The results show excellent agreement between the parameterisation and the parcel model and the inclusion of the SVOCs does not degrade the performance of the underlying cloud droplet activation scheme.
Incorporating remote sensing-based ET estimates into the Community Land Model version 4.5
Authors: Wang Dagang , Wang Guiling , Parr Dana T. , Liao Weilin , Xia Youlong , Fu Congsheng
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Land surface models bear substantial biases in simulating surface water and energy budgets despite the continuous development and improvement of model parameterizations. To reduce model biases, Parr et al. (2015) proposed a method incorporating satellite-based evapotranspiration (ET) products into land surface models. Here we apply this bias correction method to the Community Land Model version 4.5 (CLM4.5) and test its performance over the conterminous US (CONUS). We first calibrate a relationship between the observational ET from the Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model (GLEAM) product and the model ET from CLM4.5, and assume that this relationship holds beyond the calibration period. During the validation or application period, a simulation using the default CLM4.5 (CLM) is conducted first, and its output is combined with the calibrated observational-vs.-model ET relationship to derive a corrected ET; an experiment (CLMET) is then conducted in which the model-generated ET is overwritten with the corrected ET. Using the observations of ET, runoff, and soil moisture content as benchmarks, we demonstrate that CLMET greatly improves the hydrological simulations over most of the CONUS, and the improvement is stronger in the eastern CONUS than the western CONUS and is strongest over the Southeast CONUS. For any specific region, the degree of the improvement depends on whether the relationship between observational and model ET remains time-invariant (a fundamental hypothesis of the Parr et al. (2015) method) and whether water is the limiting factor in places where ET is underestimated. While the bias correction method improves hydrological estimates without improving the physical parameterization of land surface models, results from this study do provide guidance for physically based model development effort.
Increasing frequencies and changing characteristics of heavy precipitation events threatening infrastructure in Europe under climate change
Authors: Nissen Katrin M. , Ulbrich Uwe
Published: July 2017

Abstract. The effect of climate change on potentially infrastructure-damaging heavy precipitation events in Europe is investigated in an ensemble of regional climate simulations conducted at a horizontal resolution of 12 km. Based on legislation and stakeholder interviews the 10-year return period is used as a threshold for the detection of relevant events. A novel technique for the identification of heavy precipitation events is introduced. It records not only event frequency but also event size, duration and severity (a measure taking duration, size and rain amount into account) as these parameters determine the potential consequences of the event. Over most of Europe the frequency of relevant heavy precipitation events is predicted to increase with increasing greenhouse gas concentrations. The number of daily and multi-day events increases at a lower rate than the number of sub-daily events. The event size is predicted to increase in the future over many European regions, especially for sub-daily events. Moreover, the most severe events were detected in the projection period. The predicted changes in frequency, size and intensity of events may increase the risk for infrastructure damages. The climate change simulations do not show changes in event duration.
Resolution analysis of joint inversion of seismic receiver function
and surface wave dispersion curves in the 13 BB Star experiment
Authors: Chrapkiewicz Kajetan , Wilde-Piórko Monika , Polkowski Marcin , Grad Marek
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Joint inversion of Rayleigh wave phase velocity dispersion and P receiver function has been applied to study the structure of the upper mantle beneath the south-western margin of the East European Craton. The data were gathered in the passive seismic experiment 13 BB Star (2013–2016) in the area of the crust recognized from previous borehole and refraction surveys. Several fundamental issues inherent in the linearised inversion were addressed in this work, including exploitation of a priori knowledge, choice of model's depth, trapping by local minima associated with non-uniqueness of the misfit-function optimization problem, proper weighting of data sets characterized by different uncertainties, and credibility of the final models. The last was investigated with novel 1D checkerboard tests juxtaposed with resolution matrix analysis. We advocate the usefulness of linearised approach when handled with proper care, and show that the resolution analysis is an indispensable step when choosing the inversion parameters. It allowed us to obtain reliable S-wave velocity models down to 200 km depth beneath the 13 BB Star array, indicating the presence of a Paleozoic asthenosphere and the ceiling of the deeper, Precambrian, lithosphere-asthenosphere transition zone.
Multimodal Imaging in a Patient with Traumatic Choroidal Ruptures
Authors: Pierro Luisa , Giuffrè Chiara , Rabiolo Alessandro , Gagliardi Marco , Arrigo Alessandro , Bandello Francesco
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To describe the case and the follow-up of a traumatic choroidal rupture characterized by means of multimodal imaging including color fundus photographs, infrared reflectance, blue autofluorescence, swept-source optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A).

Methods

Case report.

Results

A 17-year-old boy was referred to our clinic complaining of reduction in visual acuity in the right eye (RE) after a blunt ocular trauma during a soccer match. Dilated fundus examination of RE showed 2 peripapillary choroidal ruptures located temporally and inferiorly to the optic disc. Among different imaging tools useful in the diagnosis and study of choroidal ruptures, particular attention must be paid to OCT-A, which showed the lesions as breaks in the choriocapillaris plexus with a hypointense appearance due to the lack of substance. Moreover, along the break it was possible to see the projection of the underlying choroidal vasculature, which appeared hyperintense. The retinal vascular plexa were spared.

Conclusions

All patients presenting with blunt ocular trauma should undergo fundus examination to exclude damage to the optic nerve, retina, and choroid, and need close follow-up to avoid the development of secondary complications such as choroidal neovascularization. Optical coherence tomography angiography might add relevant information in the global evaluation and follow-up of choroidal ruptures in a noninvasive fashion, and could replace other invasive modalities such as FA or ICGA.
The Impact of Trabecular Metal on Hip Centre of Rotation in Revision and Complex Primary Hip Arthroplasty, a Radiological Review
Authors: O'Brien Carl , Keogh Cillian J. , Hannigan Ailish , Brennan Stephen , Kennedy Cian , Gul Rehan , Harty James A.
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a very successful procedure. Revision THA is becoming increasingly common. Recent developments to improve outcomes include the development of large trabecular metal (TM) acetabular cups and augments. There is a paucity of data on the benefit of these new techniques.

Methods

A single-centre retrospective review consisting of a radiological review of post-op revision THA anteroposterior pelvis. Data collection was performed using the Irish National Orthopaedic Register (INOR) and from a previous project. We used a technique developed by Fessy et al in 1999 to measure the centre of rotation (COR) of the hip. We then compared our study to that of a study measuring the COR of healthy native hips.

Results

127 revision THA analysed. Native COR calculated by Fessy et al showed a mean horizontal (x) axis 33.6 mm (standard deviation [SD] 5.74) and a vertical (y) axis 16.4 mm (SD 4.67). Non-TM revisions showed a mean x axis of 29 mm (SD 3.9) and y axis 17.9 (SD 5.9). TM Augments had a mean x axis 29.2 mm (SD 7.9) and y axis of 21.5 (SD 8.4). TM Cups alone had a mean x axis 27 mm (SD 6.9) and y axis 22 mm (SD 10.18).

Conclusions

COR of TM implants showed considerable deviation from the norm. Non-TM implants showed a COR within acceptable physiological range. TM components consistently failed to restore a natural COR in our cohort. The implications of this remain uncertain but must be considered in any decision to use TM.
Direct-acting Antivirals for Hepatitis C Virus in Patients on Maintenance Dialysis
Authors: Fabrizi Fabrizio , Donato Francesca M. , Messa Piergiorgio
Published: July 2017

The frequency of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains high in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and plays a detrimental role in mortality in this population. According to the latest survey, the adjusted hazard ratio for HCV-positive versus HCV-negative patients on long-term dialysis was 1.12 (95% CI, 1.05 to 1.20) and 1.10 (95% CI, 0.98 to 1.22) for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively. An impairment on quality of life has also been documented in HCV-infected patients undergoing regular dialysis. Most clinicians have been so far reluctant to treat hepatitis C in patients with advanced CKD, due to concerns regarding low efficacy and safety of interferon-based regimens. The advent of all-oral, direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has revolutionized treatment paradigms for HCV, including patients with other comorbidities such as CKD. Two combinations of DAAs have been recently approved for the treatment of HCV in advanced CKD: elbasvir/grazoprevir (evaluated in 1 randomized controlled trial) and ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir with or without ribavirin (examined in some observational, single-arm studies). These antiviral combinations have provided high safety and efficacy (SVR12 rates >90%) in HCV-infected patients with stage 4–5 CKD. Sofosbuvir, a nucleotide analogue inhibitor of the HCV NS5B polymerase, is the cornerstone of most anti-HCV current regimens but is not currently recommended for patients with severe renal insufficiency (eGFR <30 mL/min per 1.73 m2). However, several small-sized studies have been published on the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir-based regimens for patients with hepatitis C on maintenance dialysis>; overall, the viral response was satisfactory (SVR12 rates ranging between 58% and 100%) with a few drug-related drop-outs. Studies are in progress to assess whether ribavirin-free antiviral combinations with novel DAAs are a viable option for patients with severe renal impairment and chronic HCV infection.
Changes of Peritoneal Transport Parameters with Time on Dialysis: Assessment with Sequential Peritoneal Equilibration Test
Authors: Waniewski Jacek , Antosiewicz Stefan , Baczynski Daniel , Poleszczuk Jan , Pietribiasi Mauro , Lindholm Bengt , Wankowicz Zofia
Published: July 2017

Background

Sequential peritoneal equilibration test (sPET) is based on the consecutive performance of the peritoneal equilibration test (PET, 4-hour, glucose 2.27%) and the mini-PET (1-hour, glucose 3.86%), and the estimation of peritoneal transport parameters with the 2-pore model. It enables the assessment of the functional transport barrier for fluid and small solutes. The objective of this study was to check whether the estimated model parameters can serve as better and earlier indicators of the changes in the peritoneal transport characteristics than directly measured transport indices that depend on several transport processes.

Methods

17 patients were examined using sPET twice with the interval of about 8 months (230 ± 60 days).

Results

There was no difference between the observational parameters measured in the 2 examinations. The indices for solute transport, but not net UF, were well correlated between the examinations. Among the estimated parameters, a significant decrease between the 2 examinations was found only for hydraulic permeability LpS, and osmotic conductance for glucose, whereas the other parameters remained unchanged. These fluid transport parameters did not correlate with D/P for creatinine, although the decrease in LpS values between the examinations was observed mostly for patients with low D/P for creatinine.

Conclusions

We conclude that changes in fluid transport parameters, hydraulic permeability and osmotic conductance for glucose, as assessed by the pore model, may precede the changes in small solute transport. The systematic assessment of fluid transport status needs specific clinical and mathematical tools beside the standard PET tests.
Relationship between clinical toxicities and ERCC1 rs3212986 and XRCC3 rs861539 polymorphisms in cervical cancer patients
Authors: Soares Sílvia , Nogueira Augusto , Coelho Ana , Assis Joana , Pereira Deolinda , Bravo Isabel , Medeiros Rui
Published: July 2017

Background:

Several studies have suggested that there are single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that can be considered potential biomarkers in the prognosis and therapeutic response of cancer patients. The present study investigated the association between ERCC1 rs3212986 and XRCC3 rs861539 polymorphisms and clinical toxicities induced by chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in cervical cancer.

Methods:

This hospital-based retrospective cohort study included 260 patients with cervical cancer, FIGO stages Ib2-IVa, who underwent CRT (cisplatin). Genetic polymorphisms analysis was performed by allelic discrimination with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results:

Our results indicated a link between ERCC1 rs3212986 and the onset of late gastrointestinal toxicity (p = 0.038). Furthermore, using a recessive model (AA vs. CC/CA), we found that patients carrying AA homozygous genotype presented a fourfold increased risk of developing late gastrointestinal toxicity when compared with patients with the C allele (odds ratio = 3.727, 95% confidence interval, 1.199-11.588; p = 0.017). No association was found regarding the XRCC3 rs861539 polymorphism and any clinical toxicity event.

Conclusions:

This is the first study evaluating the relationship between these polymorphisms and clinical toxicities in cervical cancer patients submitted to CRT with cisplatin. These results may contribute toward a better understanding of the influence of genetic polymorphisms in genes associated with DNA repair in the clinical response to CRT of patients with cervical cancer.
IQGAP1 silencing suppresses the malignant characteristics of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Wang Xiaoxia , He Chun , Li Chaohui , Ren Benhong , Deng Qing , Gao Wei , Wang Binquan
Published: July 2017

Background:

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) has a poor prognosis due to recurrence and metastasis. IQ-domain GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1), a scaffold protein, plays an important role in tumorigenesis and malignant development. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of IQGAP1 in LSCC.

Methods:

Expression of IQGAP1 in human LSCC specimens was assessed by immunohistochemistry. We also evaluated the roles of IQGAP1 in cell proliferation, migration and invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in Hep-2 cells.

Results:

The expression of IQGAP1 protein was significantly up-regulated in LSCC tissues compared with normal laryngeal tissues (p = 0.002). Furthermore, the knockdown of IQGAP1 in Hep-2 cells inhibited cell growth, migration and invasion. Moreover, we found that IQGAP1 silencing reversed EMT.

Conclusions:

These results show for the first time that IQGAP1 is up-regulated in LSCC tissues and plays an important role in LSCC cell proliferation and invasiveness, which indicates that IQGAP1 could work as an oncogene and may serve as a promising molecular target for treatment of LSCC.
Clinical Outcomes of Salvage Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Recurrent Biliary Tract Cancer
Authors: Yu Jeong Il , Park Hee Chul , Lim Do Hoon , Park Joon Oh , Park Young Suk , Kim Seung Tae , Choi Seong Ho , Choi Dong Wook , Han In Woong , Heo Jin Seok
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for locally recurrent biliary tract cancer (BTC) after curative surgical resection.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with locally recurrent BTC treated with CCRT between October 2004 and December 2013. The study included and analyzed 42 patients with a history of curative-intent surgical resection of confirmed adenocarcinoma originating from the biliary tract.

Results

The median time to recurrence after surgery was 16.1 months (range, 4.5-77.8 months). Median follow-up after CCRT was 26.9 months (range, 5.2-81.9) with no grade 3 or higher gastrointestinal toxicities. Analysis of the first site of failure showed local progression (LP) developed in 20 patients (47.6%); among these, 16 (38.1%) had isolated LP. The median values were 15.8 months (range, 1.7-81.7) for LP-free survival (LPFS), 10.6 months (range, 1.7 - 81.7) for progression-free survival (PFS) and 41.2 months (range, 5.2-81.9) for overall survival (OS). Multivariate analysis showed that the level of pre-CCRT carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 and the chemotherapy regimen were significant prognostic factors for LPFS and PFS; pT stage was the only significant prognostic factor for OS.

Conclusions

CCRT for locally recurrent BTC showed promising outcomes as a salvage modality, but LP was still frequent. The pre-CCRT CA 19-9 level and the chemotherapy regimen were prognostic factors for LPFS and PFS.
Clinical and Subclinical Cardiac Late Effects in Pediatric Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivors
Authors: Materazzo Carlo , Massimino Maura , Schiavello Elisabetta , Podda Marta , Gandola Lorenza , Cefalo Graziella , Catania Serena , Meazza Cristina , Moschetti Ivan , Terenziani Monica
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Cardiac late effects are responsible for a significant burden of mortality and morbidity among pediatric Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) survivors (HLS). The aim of our study was to assess clinical and subclinical cardiac sequelae in a cohort of childhood HLS treated in the 1980s with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (the ABVD regimen) and limited-field radiotherapy (RT).

Methods

We retrospectively examined a series of HLS treated from 1979 to 1989. We searched for subtle cardiac abnormalities in a subgroup of asymptomatic individuals, who underwent rest and exercise echocardiography at least 20 years after completing their therapies. Their cardiac assessment included physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG), and resting and postexercise echocardiograms.

Results

On thorough cardiac assessment a mean of 21 years after their diagnosis, none of the 53 unselected asymptomatic HLS showed physical signs or significant ECG abnormalities during or after the stress echo test. Twenty-two (41%) of the 53 patients revealed valvular abnormalities, with mitral regurgitation in 28%, aortic regurgitation in 9%, and both in 4%. No significant myocardial dysfunction as a result of previous combined doxorubicin treatment and chest RT was identified. Only 2 individuals had mild pericardial alterations.

Conclusions

The present study shows that long-term cardiac effects are common in HLS treated with the ABVD regimen and RT. The most frequent complications observed in this sample were essentially coronary artery disease and valvular abnormalities. None of the survivors in this sample showed overt congestive heart failure, a finding in contrast with larger studies.
Short Course Radiotherapy Concomitant with Temozolomide in GBM Patients: A Phase II Study
Authors: Fariselli Laura , Cuppini Lucia , Gaviani Paola , Marchetti Marcello , Pinzi Valentina , Milanesi Ida , Simonetti Giorgia , Tramacere Irene , DiMeco Francesco , Salmaggi Andrea , Silvani Antonio
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Despite recent advances, the prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) remains poor. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of multiple daily fraction radiotherapy performed with multiple temozolomide (TMZ) administrations in newly diagnosed patients with GBM.

Methods

This trial was a prospective, open-label, monocentric, nonrandomized, single arm, phase II study. The primary endpoint was the proportion of progression-free patients at 12 months, and the secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and toxicity. Thirty-five patients underwent two radiotherapy courses concomitant with TMZ after surgery. At each course, radiation was delivered 3 times daily, 2 Gy/fraction, for 5 consecutive days, and the total dose was 60 Gy; concurrent TMZ was administered in a total dose of 150-200 mg/m2/day.

Results

The primary endpoint failed to be applied; Macdonald criteria could be used in 16 (46%) patients with local or intracerebral recurrence (group A). In 12 patients, due to suspicion of radiation necrosis vs recurrence, Macdonald criteria were not applied (group B). The OS was 22 months, and OS probabilities at 12, 18, and 24 months were 82%, 59%, and 44%, respectively. Hematologic toxicities generally did not exceed grade 2. The quality of life and cognitive functioning did not significantly change between baseline and the first follow-up. In the multivariate analysis, necrosis and pseudoprogression were significant prognostic factors of OS.

Conclusions

To improve local control and OS, a more aggressive treatment schedule should be explored. The related higher necrosis risk and its implications regarding local control deserve further investigation.
Experience after 12 Cases with the Adjustable Transobturator Male Sling for Postprostatectomy Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Vismara Fugini Andrea , Giovanessi Luca , Tosana Michelangelo
Published: July 2017

Objectives

The aim of the study was the prospective evaluation of the efficacy of the adjustable transobturator male system (ArgusT®) for the treatment of postprostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (PPI).

Methods

Twelve consecutive patients were treated with ArgusT system for PPI. All patients were comprehensively evaluated preoperatively and after 3 and 6 months regarding daily pad use, residual urine, Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (I-QoL) score and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF) score. Cure rate was defined as no pad use or one pad (used for security reasons).

Results

At 3 and 6 months, we achieved a cure rate of 91%. The mean number of pads per day decreased from 4 ± 1.3 to 0.7 ± 0.9 and 0.5 ± 0.9 after 3 and 6 months, respectively (p<0.001). Only one patient showed no significant improvement. Compared with baseline, the mean ICIQ-SF score dropped from 17.3 ± 2.8 to 2.7 ± 3.8 and 2.4 ± 3.8, at 3 and 6 months, respectively (p<0.001). The mean I-QoL score also improved significantly from 53.1 ± 20.3 to 99.5 ± 11 and 96.8 ± 12.5 after 3 and 6 months, respectively (p<0.001). Postoperative acute urinary retention was seen in one patient.

Conclusions

In our early experience, the ArgusT system offers effective, safe and minimally invasive treatment option for PPI.
Reading Like a Jew: Chaucer's Physician's Tale and the Letter of the Law
Authors: Seal Samantha Katz
Published: July 2017

Drawing from medieval Christian depictions of Jewish literalism and materialist reading, this article offers a reevaluation of Chaucer's Physician and his tale's protagonist Virginius, as men who read like Jews, even though they remain distinct from the racialized characterization of the Prioress's Tale. This article argues that Chaucer depicts “reading Jewishly” as an intellectual flaw, one into which Christian and pagan men might fall, with tragic results for themselves, but potentially edifying ones for those who witness their failures of perception. The Physician's Tale is thus to be read as a narrative of conversion, and it concerns the conflict between a literalist “Jewish” hermeneutic and a figural Christian epistemology premised on faith.
How Access Transport Mode to a World Heritage City Affects Visitors' Experienced Quality
Authors: Martin Juan Carlos , Marrero-Rodríguez J. Rosa , Moreira Pedro , Román Concepción , Santana Agustín
Published: July 2017

The aim of this paper is to determine how visitors' experienced quality (VEQ) is affected by the transport mode used by tourists when visiting the city of San Cristobal de La Laguna (a World Heritage City since 1999). San Cristobal de La Laguna is located in Tenerife, one of the seven islands in the archipelago of the Canary Islands, which is recognized as an outstanding mass tourist destination in the European Union. Tenerife is a world-known destination whose main product is based on sun and sand; however, other diversified products, like cultural visits to La Laguna, have been gaining more importance in recent decades. Analysing the complex linkages between transport and VEQ is paramount to city policy makers, as a good understanding of the performance for different dimensions of the product is crucial. Fuzzy logic has been demonstrated to be an effective way to deal with the subjective information provided by questionnaire responses addressing satisfaction and VEQ information. In this paper, the authors apply triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs) to a survey of tourists who visited La Laguna in 2010. The results show that VEQ is highly affected by the transport mode used in the visit and, therefore, city policymakers may extract important implications for future visitors.
Treinamento de habilidades sociais: Avaliação de um programa de desenvolvimento interpessoal profissional para universitários de ciências exatas.
Authors: Lopes Daniele Carolina , Dascanio Denise , Ferreira Bárbara Carvalho , Del Prette Zilda Aparecida Pereira , Del Prette Almir
Published: July 2017

A valorização das relações interpessoais no trabalho tem trazido novas demandas para a formaçãoprofissional universitária, especificamente, em relação ao ensino e desenvolvimentode habilidades interpessoais aliadas às habilidades acadêmicas e técnicas. Este estudo avaliouum programa de treinamento de habilidades sociais com universitários de cursos de CiênciasExatas. Participaram 35 estudantes, sendo 23 homens e 12 mulheres, distribuídos emtrês diferentes grupos consecutivos de intervenção. A avaliação do repertório de habilidadessociais foi realizada com o Inventário de Habilidades sociais (IHS), antes, em uma sessão intermediária,imediatamente após o programa e três meses ao término da intervenção. Tantonas análises de grupo como nas individuais foi possível observar aquisições em habilidadessociais e manutenção delas, especialmente no Escore Total e nas subescalas F1 - Enfrentamentocom risco e F4 - Autoexposição a desconhecidos ou situações novas. Os resultados indicarameficácia e efetividade de um programa de desenvolvimento profissional interpessoalpara universitários em transição para o mercado de trabalho e sugere novas questões de pesquisa.
Classes de comportamentos profissionais de pais sociais identificadas em literatura por meio de análise comportamental.
Authors: Do Nascimento Aline Rosa , Gusso Hélder Lima
Published: July 2017

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar classes de comportamentos de pais sociais em instituiçõesde acolhimento na modalidade casa lar. Foi realizado procedimento de identificaçãode classes de comportamentos a partir de análise documental. O procedimento envolveutranscrever trechos de obras que fizessem referência a informações relativas a componentesde comportamentos de pais sociais, completar ou aperfeiçoar a descrição dos componentesidentificados, derivar componentes não identificados nas fontes de informação, nomear asclasses de comportamento, listar e categorizar as classes de comportamentos. Foram identificados123 classes de comportamentos, organizadas em 26 classes gerais, as quais foramagrupadas em cinco classes mais gerais: (a) promover o desenvolvimento afetivo e social dascrianças e adolescentes; (b) administrar o ambiente doméstico e institucional; (c) promover asaúde e o desenvolvimento físico das crianças e adolescentes; (d) promover a aprendizagemdas crianças e adolescentes e; (e) inserir crianças e adolescentes no ambiente institucional. Aidentificação desses comportamentos possibilitará melhor qualificar e avaliar o trabalho realizadoem casas lares.
Desenvolvimento de crianças sob influência dos contextos sociais e da religiosidade.
Authors: Oliveira Lesly Vicenzi , Pedroso Janari Da Silva
Published: July 2017

O artigo analisa a partir da psicologia psicodinâmica e da antropologia social o desenvolvimentode crianças sob influência dos contextos sociais e da religiosidade para compreendercomo o contexto ambiental e o apoio emocional influenciam no desenvolvimento. Trata-se deum estudo qualitativo que utiliza entrevistas semiestruturadas, observações e diário de campo.Participaram cinco crianças, com idades de cinco a seis anos, pais, cuidadores e professores.Os resultados foram sistematizados pela análise de conteúdo e apontaram umacirculação atravessada pela violência do bairro e influência religiosa das famílias na sociabilidadedas crianças. Conclui-se que a circunstância do contexto social, que gerou medo e insegurançanos pais das crianças, e a prática religiosa dos cuidadores incidiram de modosignificante no desenvolvimento emocional.