bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies for recovering inhibition caused by phenolic compounds in a short-cut nitrogen removal reactor treating coal gasification wastewater
Authors: Zhao Qian , Han Hongjun , Fang Fang , Zhuang Haifeng , Wang Dexin , Li Kun
Published: December 2015

Different strategies, including extension of hydraulic retention time (HRT), dilution, and addition of powdered activated carbon (PAC) and super-powdered activated carbon (S-PAC), were investigated for the quick recovery of nitrifying bacteria activity from the inhibition of coal gasification wastewater (CGW). A laboratory-scale short-cut biological nitrogen removal (SBNR) reactor treating CGW, achieving high levels (90%) of nitrogen removal, was used. After a shock of phenolic compounds (around 250 mg/L) and a failed performance, the results of the batch recovery tests indicated that the PAC and S-PAC addition were the best recovery strategies. In the SBNR reactor, the addition of 1 g/L PAC and S-PAC shortened the recovery time from the natural recovery of 32 days to 13 days and 10 days, respectively. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay and the adsorption isotherms revealed that activated carbons absorbed phenolic compounds, reducing the toxicity and allowing for the quick recovery of SBNRs treating CGW. S-PAC showed greater adsorption capacity for phenol than PAC.
Effect of irrigation with anaerobic baffled reactor effluent on Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris cicla.) yield, nutrient uptake and leaching
Authors: Musazura W. , Odindo A. O. , Bame I. B. , Tesfamariam E. H.
Published: December 2015

The disposal of treated wastewater from an anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) effluent into water bodies can cause pollution. Treated wastewater management through irrigation of crops has the potential of increasing crop production through nutrient uptake while reducing the risks of environmental pollution. However, this study aimed to investigate the effect of irrigation with ABR effluent on Swiss chard yield, nutrient (N and P) uptake and leaching. Field experiments were done over three seasons at Newlands, Durban, South Africa. The experiments were laid out in a randomised complete block design with three treatments: ABR effluent irrigation (ABR), tap water irrigation with fertiliser (TWF) and rain-fed with fertiliser (RFF). Data were collected on nutrient (N and P) leaching at 30 and 50 cm depths, crop growth, soil chemical properties and nutrient uptake. Effects of irrigation with ABR effluent on soil chemical properties, Swiss chard growth, plant nutrient uptake and leaching were comparable to TWF and RFF treatments. This implies that irrigating crops with ABR effluent is a potential method for wastewater management in a manner that will not cause environmental pollution while benefiting peri-urban farmers.
Removal of aniline from aqueous solutions by activated carbon coated by chitosan
Authors: Liu Qian , Zhang Lujie , Hu Pan , Huang Ruihua
Published: December 2015

In this work, activated carbon (AC) coated by chitosan was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. The removal of aniline from aqueous solutions by AC coated by chitosan was investigated. The factors affecting the adsorption of aniline onto AC coated by chitosan, including the ratio of AC to chitosan, adsorbent dosage, pH value of solution, initial aniline concentration, and contact time were evaluated. These results showed that the optimum operating conditions were: the ratio of AC to chitosan = 0.5, adsorbent dosage = 0.2 g, and the adsorption of aniline from aqueous solutions had better removal in the concentration range of 20–50 mg/L. This adsorbent allowed high removal toward aniline in a wide range of pH. The equilibrium time was 100 minutes. The Freundlich model exhibited better correlation of the equilibrium adsorption data. The pseudo-second-order kinetic equation could better describe the kinetic behavior of aniline adsorption.
Resource recovery from wastewater in Austria: wastewater treatment plants as regional energy cells
Authors: Kretschmer F. , Neugebauer G. , Kollmann R. , Eder M. , Zach F. , Zottl A. , Narodoslawsky M. , Stoeglehner G. , Ertl T.
Published: December 2015

Although the main function of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is to remove various constituents from wastewater it can also serve as a source of energy and other materials. The generated resources can be used either on-site at the WWTP or elsewhere at an adjacent infrastructure. In the course of a current national research project, the possibilities and potentials regarding the integration of WWTPs into local energy supply concepts are being investigated in Austria. Preliminary results show that in particular the amount of thermal energy available exceeds by far the on-site demands of WWTPs. Even on-site electrical energy demands could be self-addressed under certain conditions. This paper describes the estimation of total energy consumption and generation and the related degree of energetic self-sufficiency at certain Austrian WWTPs. Preliminary results regarding the development of a tool for evaluating and optimising on-site and externally supplied use of energy are presented. Finally, the possibilities of energy supply for neighbouring spatial structures are discussed briefly and conclusions drawn about the potential to develop WWTPs as regional energy cells.
Modelling of the impact of future climate changes on salt accumulation in paddocks of different soil types due to recycled water irrigation
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Muhitur , Hagare Dharma , Maheshwari Basant , Dillon Peter , Kibria Golam
Published: December 2015

Recycled water contains elevated amounts of salt compared with irrigation water originating from surface water sources. As such, recycled water, if used for irrigation over a long period of time may increase the root zone salinity. However, the phenomenon depends on variability of climatic condition and soil characteristics. In this study, a salt transport model, HYDRUS 1D, was used to predict long-term salt accumulation in two paddocks containing loamy sand and loam soil. The paddocks are located within Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury campus. Impact of rainfall on salt accumulation was studied with the data from the Global Climate Model for the years 2021–2040. The long-term (20 years) salt accumulation showed a cyclical pattern because of variation in rainfall and evapotranspiration. It was found that soil water electrical conductivity (ECSW) was 24% higher in loam soil paddock compared with that of loamy sand. Amount of leachate in the loamy sand paddock was 27% more than the amount leached from that of loam, which may pose a salinity risk to the groundwater if there is a perched aquifer in the field at a depth <1 m. Results from this study indicate that salt accumulation depends on soil type which seems to be more pronounced under low rainfall condition.
A new approach to implementing decentralized wastewater treatment concepts
Authors: van Afferden Manfred , Cardona Jaime A. , Lee Mi-Yong , Subah Ali , Müller Roland A.
Published: December 2015

Planners and decision-makers in the wastewater sector are often confronted with the problem of identifying adequate development strategies and most suitable finance schemes for decentralized wastewater infrastructure. This paper research has focused on providing an approach in support of such decision-making. It is based on basic principles that stand for an integrated perspective towards sustainable wastewater management. We operationalize these principles by means of a geographic information system (GIS)-based approach ‘Assessment of Local Lowest-Cost Wastewater Solutions' – ALLOWS. The main product of ALLOWS is the identification of cost-effective local wastewater management solutions for any given demographic and physical context. By using universally available input data the tool allows decision-makers to compare different wastewater solutions for any given wastewater situation. This paper introduces the ALLOWS-GIS tool. Its application and functionality are illustrated by assessing different wastewater solutions for two neighboring communities in rural Jordan.
Kinetics of organic matter and ammonia removal in horizontal reed beds treating wastewater in Nepal
Authors: Bista Keshav Raj , Khatiwada Nawa Raj , Khyaju Srijana
Published: December 2015

In Nepal, both horizontal bed and vertical bed subsurface flow constructed wetlands have been used for wastewater treatment. However, these units were designed based on the empirical findings from other countries. The rational design criteria developed so far has some limitations as the performance of the units is sensitive to the behaviour of the microorganisms, climatic conditions and other attributes pertaining to the local contexts. Secondly, only limited numbers of studies have been carried out to assess the performance of these systems leading to the development of rationale design criteria. Considering these facts, the major objectives of the study were set to: (1) evaluate the performance of the subsurface flow reed bed system in terms of organic matter and ammonia removal; (2) estimate the reaction rate constant and effective specific surface area; (3) assess the relationship between performance and age of the system; and (4) investigate the dynamic behaviour of the reaction rate constant. The study was carried on three full-scale domestic wastewater treatment units and one pilot-scale ranging the age of horizontal beds from 1 to 5 years.
Start-up of membrane bioreactor and hybrid moving bed biofilm reactor–membrane bioreactor: kinetic study
Authors: Leyva-Díaz J. C. , Poyatos J. M.
Published: December 2015

A hybrid moving bed biofilm reactor–membrane bioreactor (hybrid MBBR-MBR) system was studied as an alternative solution to conventional activated sludge processes and membrane bioreactors. This paper shows the results obtained from three laboratory-scale wastewater treatment plants working in parallel in the start-up and steady states. The first wastewater treatment plant was a MBR, the second one was a hybrid MBBR-MBR system containing carriers both in anoxic and aerobic zones of the bioreactor (hybrid MBBR-MBRa), and the last one was a hybrid MBBR-MBR system which contained carriers only in the aerobic zone (hybrid MBBR-MBRb). The reactors operated with a hydraulic retention time of 30.40 h. A kinetic study for characterizing heterotrophic biomass was carried out and organic matter and nutrients removals were evaluated. The heterotrophic biomass of the hybrid MBBR-MBRb showed the best kinetic performance in the steady state, with yield coefficient for heterotrophic biomass = 0.30246 mg volatile suspended solids per mg chemical oxygen demand, maximum specific growth rate for heterotrophic biomass = 0.00308 h−1 and half-saturation coefficient for organic matter = 3.54908 mg O2 L−1. The removal of organic matter was supported by the kinetic study of heterotrophic biomass.
Investigating the permeability of fractured rock masses and the origin of water in a mine tunnel in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Guo Jie , Zhao Haijun , Ma Fengshan , Li Kepeng , Zhao Chunhu
Published: December 2015

The coastal Sanshandao mine is threatened by the overlying Quaternary water and seawater. Following an introduction to the geology and hydrogeological conditions in the mine area, a detailed hydrogeological survey and sampling were conducted and hydrochemical and stable isotopic (δ2H and δ18O) tests on various waters were carried out to characterize the origin of water in the mine tunnels. Investigation and statistical analysis indicated that the northwest-trending fractures with large dip angles and long trace lengths are well developed in the northeast compared with those in the southwest of the mine. The permeability coefficients of the rock masses are in the range 4.19 × 10−8–2.25 × 10−5 m/s, indicating that the fractured rock masses have generally low permeability. The seepage water had higher values of EC, total dissolved solids, and concentrations of most elements than the seawater and saline groundwater. Besides, the isotope composition of the waters indicated that the seepage water was more isotopically enriched than seawater but less than brine. The proportions of the three different sources were calculated based on hydrochemical and isotopic analyses. Overall, the mine water was composed of 72% seawater, 14.8% brine, and 13.2% atmospheric precipitation, respectively. Therefore, some preventive measures are essential to avoid the probability of seawater inrush.
The effect of material and flushing water type on urine scale formation
Authors: Hashemi Shervin , Han Mooyoung , Kim Tschungil
Published: December 2015

One of the important challenges with current sanitation practices is pipe blockage in urinals caused by urine scale formation. Urinal material and flushing water type are the two most important factors affecting scale formation. This paper examines the scale formation process on different materials which are commonly used in urinal manufacturing and exposed to different urine-based aqua cultures. This study shows that urine scale formation is the greatest for carbon steel material, and the least for PVC. Additionally, material exposure to the urine-rainwater mixture resulted in the smallest amount of scale formation. Based on these results, two new methods for improving sanitation practices are proposed: (1) using PVC as production material for urinals and pipelines; and (2) using rainwater for flushing systems.
Cellular automata-based modelling and simulation of biofilm structure on multi-core computers
Authors: Skoneczny Szymon
Published: December 2015

The article presents a mathematical model of biofilm growth for aerobic biodegradation of a toxic carbonaceous substrate. Modelling of biofilm growth has fundamental significance in numerous processes of biotechnology and mathematical modelling of bioreactors. The process following double-substrate kinetics with substrate inhibition proceeding in a biofilm has not been modelled so far by means of cellular automata. Each process in the model proposed, i.e. diffusion of substrates, uptake of substrates, growth and decay of microorganisms and biofilm detachment, is simulated in a discrete manner. It was shown that for flat biofilm of constant thickness, the results of the presented model agree with those of a continuous model. The primary outcome of the study was to propose a mathematical model of biofilm growth; however a considerable amount of focus was also placed on the development of efficient algorithms for its solution. Two parallel algorithms were created, differing in the way computations are distributed. Computer programs were created using OpenMP Application Programming Interface for C ++ programming language. Simulations of biofilm growth were performed on three high-performance computers. Speed-up coefficients of computer programs were compared. Both algorithms enabled a significant reduction of computation time. It is important, inter alia, in modelling and simulation of bioreactor dynamics.
Influence of the gray gases number in the weighted sum of gray gases model on the radiative heat exchange calculation inside pulverized coal-fired furnaces
Authors: Crnomarkovic Nenad , Belosevic Srdjan , Tomanovic Ivan , Milicevic Aleksandar
Published: December 2015

The influence of the number of gray gases in the weighted sum in the gray
gases model on the calculation of the radiative heat transfer is discussed in
the paper. A computer code which solved the set of equations of the
mathematical model describing the reactive two-phase turbulent flow with
radiative heat exchange and with thermal equilibrium between phases inside
the pulverized coal-fired furnace was used. Gas-phase radiative properties
were determined by the simple gray gas model and two combinations of the
weighted sum of the gray gases models: one gray gas plus a clear gas and two
gray gases plus a clear gas. Investigation was carried out for two values of
the total extinction coefficient of the dispersed phase, for the clean
furnace walls and furnace walls covered by an ash layer deposit, and for
three levels of the approximation accuracy of the weighting coefficients. The
influence of the number of gray gases was analyzed through the relative
differences of the wall fluxes, wall temperatures, medium temperatures, and
heat transfer rate through all furnace walls. The investigation showed that
there were conditions of the numerical investigations for which the relative
differences of the variables describing the radiative heat exchange decrease
with the increase in the number of gray gases. The results of this
investigation show that if the weighted sum of the gray gases model is used,
the complexity of the computer code and calculation time can be reduced by
optimizing the number of gray gases.
Numerical solution for thermophoresis effects on heat and mass transfer over an accelerating surface with heat source/sink
Authors: Rashidi Mohammad , Sivaraj Ramachandran , Mythili Durairaj , Yang Zhigang
Published: December 2015

A study has been carried out to analyze the thermophoretic particle deposition and heat generation/absorption effects on unsteady, free convective, viscous fluid flow over a moving flat plate. The thermal conductivity of the fluid is assumed to vary as a linear function of temperature. The governing partial differential equations are solved numerically by using an implicit finite difference method of Crank Nicolson type. Numerical results for the velocity, temperature and concentration profiles as well as for the skin-friction coefficient, Nusselt number and Sherwood number distributions are obtained and presented graphically for various parametric conditions to show interesting aspects of the solution. Results indicate that the heat source/sink plays a vital role in predicting the heat transfer characteristics of moving fluids and the thermophoretic particle deposition has notable influence on the mass transfer characteristics.
Glass packing materials used for intensification of heat transfer at boiling on tubular surfaces
Authors: Popa Simona , Boran Sorina
Published: December 2015

The paper presents the results obtained in determining the partial heat transfer coefficient at boiling on vertical and horizontal tubular surfaces surrounded by different types of glass packing material. In both cases, an intensification of heat transfer can be noticed as compared to the boiling on the same installation performed without glass packing materials. During the experiments pseudo-critical values of thermal flux appear on the vertical and horizontal heating tube with glass packing materials, and the boiling heat transfer coefficient, ?, has lower critical values than that on nucleate ordinary boiling. This denotes a differential heating mechanism, determined by the presence of the glass package around the heating tube. The heat transfer intensification is greater with the horizontal tube than with the vertical one.
Experimental and numerical study on combustion of baled biomass in cigar burners and effects of flue gas re-circulation
Authors: Eric Aleksandar , Nemoda Stevan , Dakic Dragoljub , Repic Branislav , Djurovic Dejan
Published: December 2015

The paper presents results of experimental and numerical investigation
addressing combustion of baled agricultural biomass in a 50 kW experimental
furnace equipped with cigar burners. Experiments performed included
measurements of all parameters deemed important for mass and energy balance,
as well as parameters defining quality of the combustion process.
Experimental results were compared with results of numerical simulations
performed with previously developed CFD model. The model takes into account
complex thermo mechanical combustion processes occurring in a porous layer of
biomass bales and the surrounding fluid. The combustion process and the
corresponding model were deemed stationary. Comparison of experimental and
numerical results obtained through research presented in this paper showed
satisfactory correspondence, leading to the conclusion that the model
developed could be used for analysis of different effects associated with
variations in process parameters and/or structural modifications in
industrial biomass facilities. Mathematical model developed was also utilized
to examine the impact of flue gas recirculation on maximum temperatures in
the combustion chamber. Gas recirculation was found to have positive effect
on the reduction of maximum temperature in the combustion chamber, as well as
on the reduction of maximum temperature zone in the chamber. The conclusions
made provided valuable inputs towards prevention of biomass ash sintering,
which occurs at higher temperatures and negatively affects biomass combustion
process.
Influence of Restoration Type on the Cytotoxicity of a 35% Hydrogen Peroxide Bleaching Gel
Authors: Soares DG , Marcomini N , Basso FG , Pansani TN , Hebling J , de Souza Costa CA
Published: December 2015

Objectives: The tooth/restoration interface may act as a pathway for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) diffusion into the pulp chamber. Therefore, the influence of resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) and resin composite simulated restorations on the cytotoxicity of an in-office bleaching gel was assessed in vitro.

Materials and Methods: Cavities in enamel/dentin discs restored with RMGIC Vitremer (3M ESPE) or Single Bond/Filtek Z350 (3M ESPE) resin composite (RC) were subjected or not subjected to hydrolytic degradation (HD). A 35%-H2O2 bleaching gel was applied to simulated restored and nonrestored enamel surfaces, and culture medium in contact with the dentin substrate (extract) was collected and applied to MDPC-23 cells. Nonrestored discs subjected or not subjected to bleaching were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Cell viability, oxidative stress, interleukin (IL)-1β expression, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and mineralized nodule deposition were evaluated. The H2O2 in the extracts was quantified. Data were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results: Higher oxidative stress associated with reduced cell viability, ALP activity, and mineralized nodule deposition was observed for all bleached groups compared with the negative control group. The RMGIC/HD group, which presented the highest H2O2 diffusion, had the lowest values of cell viability, ALP activity, and mineralized nodule deposition, as well as significantly increased IL-1β expression.

Conclusions: Dental cavities restored with the RMGIC subjected to hydrolytic degradation allowed for more intense diffusion of H2O2 into the pulp chamber, intensifying the toxicity of a 35%-H2O2 bleaching gel to pulp cells.
Chinese transnational students and the global education hierarchy
Authors: Hansen Anders Sybrandt , Thøgersen Stig
Published: December 2015

Recent years have seen a tremendous increase in transnational education mobility. The two trends of international integration and marketisation of higher education have made for a situation in which increasing numbers of aspiring young people worldwide seize the opportunity to study abroad as part of their higher education. No other nation sends more students abroad than China. In 2014, 459,800 students left the country to study abroad (Ministry of Education 2015); and 22 per cent of all international students enrolled in tertiary education in OECD countries in 2012 came from China (OECD 2014: 350). To explore the many dimensions of this huge wave of educational migration we hosted a conference at Aarhus University with the title Chinese Students Abroad: Reflections, Strategies and Impacts of a Global Generation in March 2014. The initial versions of the first three articles in this issue by Heidi Ross and Yajing Chen, Kirsten Jæger and Malene Gram, and Qing Gu were presented at this conference.2 The fourth article, by Naomi Yamada, examines the education of ethnic minorities inside China and thereby throws light on another, but related, effect of the marketisation of Chinese education.
Computed tomography morphometric analysis of anterior instrumentation in the pediatric thoracic spine
Authors: Li Yao , Shen Zhonghai , Wang Xiangyang , Wang Yongli , Xu Hongming , Zhou Feng , Zhu Shaoyu , Xu Huazi
Published: December 2015

OBJECT

The authors' goal in this paper was to quantify reference data on the dimensions and relationships of the maximum posterior screw angle and the thoracic spinal canal in different pediatric age groups.

METHODS

One hundred twelve pediatric patients were divided into 4 age groups, and their thoracic vertebrae were studied on CT scans. The width, depth, and maximum posterior screw angles with different screw entrance points were measured on a Philips Brilliance 16 CT. The statistical analysis was performed using the Student t-test and Pearson's correlation analysis.

RESULTS

The width and depth of the thoracic vertebrae increased from T-5 to T-12. The width ranged from 18.5 to 37.1 mm, while the depth ranged from 16.1 to 28.2 mm. The maximum posterior screw angle decreased from T-5 to T-12 in all groups. The ranges and mean angles at the entrance points were as follows: initial entrance point, 6.9° to 12.3° with a mean angle of 9.1°; second entrance point, 20.6° to 27.0° with a mean angle of 24.2°; and third entrance point, 29.2° to 37.5° with a mean angle of 33.7°. There were no significant age-related differences noted for the maximum posterior screw angles.

CONCLUSIONS

The angle decreased from T-5 to T-12. No significant age-related differences were noted in the maximum posterior screw angles. Screws should be placed between the initial and second points and parallel to the coronal section or at a slight anterior orientation.
The rise and fall of the craniocervical junction relative to the hard palate: a lifetime story
Authors: Mallory Grant W. , Arutyunyan Grigoriy , Murphy Meghan E. , Van Abel Kathryn M. , Francois Elvis , Wetjen Nicholas M. , Fogelson Jeremy L. , O'Brien Erin K. , Clarke Michelle J. , Eckel Laurence J. , Van Gompel Jamie J.
Published: December 2015

OBJECT

Endoscopic approaches to the anterior craniocervical junction are increasing in frequency. Choice of oral versus endoscopic endonasal approach to the odontoid often depends on the relationship of the C1–2 complex to the hard palate. However, it is not known how this relevant anatomy changes with age. We hypothesize that there is a dynamic relationship of C-2 and the hard palate, which changes with age, and potentially affects the choice of surgical approach. The aim of this study was to characterize the relationship of C-2 relative to the hard palate with respect to age and sex.

METHODS

Emergency department billing and trauma records from 2008 to 2014 were reviewed for patients of all ages who underwent cervical or maxillofacial CT as part of a trauma evaluation for closed head injury. Patients who had a CT scan that allowed adequate visualization of the hard palate, opisthion, and upper cervical spine (C-1 and C-2) were included. Patients who had cervical or displaced facial/skull base fractures, a history of rheumatoid arthritis, or craniofacial anomalies were excluded. The distance from McGregor's palatooccipital line to the midpoint of the inferior endplate of C-2 (McL–C2) was measured on midsagittal CT scans. Patients were grouped by decile of age and by sex. A 1-way ANOVA was performed with each respective grouping.

RESULTS

Ultimately, 483 patients (29% female) were included. The mean age was 46 ± 24 years. The majority of patients studied were in the 2nd through 8th decades of life (85%). Significant variation was found between McL–C2 and decile of age (p < 0.001) and sex (p < 0.001). The mean McL–C2 was 27 mm in the 1st decade of life compared with the population mean of 37 mm. The mean McL–C2 was also noted to be smaller in females (mean difference 4.8 mm, p < 0.0001). Both decile of age (p = 0.0009) and sex (p < 0.0001) were independently correlated with McL–C2 on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship of C-2 and the hard palate significantly varies with respect to age and sex, descending relative to the hard palate a full centimeter on average in adulthood. These findings may have relevance in determining optimal surgical approaches for addressing pathology involving the anterior craniocervical junction.
The use of intraoperative triggered electromyography to detect misplaced pedicle screws: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mikula Anthony L. , Williams Seth K. , Anderson Paul A.
Published: December 2015

OBJECT

Insertion of instruments or implants into the spine carries a risk for injury to neural tissue. Triggered electromyography (tEMG) is an intraoperative neuromonitoring technique that involves electrical stimulation of a tool or screw and subsequent measurement of muscle action potentials from myotomes innervated by nerve roots near the stimulated instrument. The authors of this study sought to determine the ability of tEMG to detect misplaced pedicle screws (PSs).

METHODS

The authors searched the US National Library of Medicine, the Web of Science Core Collection database, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for PS studies. A meta-analysis of these studies was performed on a per-screw basis to determine the ability of tEMG to detect misplaced PSs. Sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) were calculated overall and in subgroups.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies were included in the systematic review. The authors analyzed 18 studies in which tEMG was used during PS placement in the meta-analysis, representing data from 2932 patients and 15,065 screws. The overall sensitivity of tEMG for detecting misplaced PSs was 0.78, and the specificity was 0.94. The overall ROC AUC was 0.96. A tEMG current threshold of 10–12 mA (ROC AUC 0.99) and a pulse duration of 300 µsec (ROC AUC 0.97) provided the most accurate testing parameters for detecting misplaced screws. Screws most accurately conducted EMG signals (ROC AUC 0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

Triggered electromyography has very high specificity but only fair sensitivity for detecting malpositioned PSs.
HIV/HBV Co-infection - A Global Challenge
Authors: Tumpa Shanjida Islam , Mamun Abdullah Al
Published: December 2015

With prevalence worldwide approximately 10% of the HIV-infected population is infected with hepatitis B. In persons with HBV and HIV co-infection, HBV-related liver disease progresses more rapidly than in those with HBV mono-infection leading to increased rates of persistent infection, higher HBV DNA levels, increased cirrhosis and liver-related mortality, increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, and decreased efficacy of anti-HBV therapy. Furthermore, HIV-infected patients co-infected with HBV have an increased risk for antiretroviral therapy-related hepatotoxicity. The management of hepatitis B in co-infected patients is complicated because HIV substantially impacts the outcome of HBV. For all of these reasons, effective treatment of HBV in persons co-infected with HIV is clearly high priority. If treatment is indicated in an HBV/HIV co-infected patient, the severity of liver disease, probability of various reactions and potential adverse events should be taken into account. Combination therapy should be used to avoid development of antiviral resistance. Continuous monitoring of HBV patients, the choice of antiviral therapy or history of seroconversion, is vital to recognize reactivation and subsequent need for treatment, to identify drug resistance and viral breakthrough early. Further work is also needed on how to optimize anti-HBV therapy in HIV/HBV co-infected persons and to determine which combinations are most effective and least toxic together with anti-HIV regimens. Little data, however, are available on HIV/HBV co-infection from regions with high chronic hepatitis B prevalence. The authors aim to bring to light the overall status of HIV/HBV co-infection.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.14(4) 2015 p.316-322
Serum bone markers in pregnant women at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Chitungwiza Central Hospital
Authors: Machingura Pasipanodya Ian , Muringai Kudakwashe , Chikwasha Vasco
Published: December 2015

Background: Pregnancy induces a number of physiological changes in the body including changes in bone profile. As the gestational period progresses and the foetus grows, its demand for mineral micronutrients increases inducing changes in the maternal body. Serum bone profile varies according to trimester as gestational period progresses. The study on which this article is based sought to determine changes in bone profile with trimester in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (PGH) and Chitungwiza Central Hospital, Zimbabwe. Method: An analytical cross sectional study was conducted on pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Chitungwiza Central Hospital. A questionnaire was administered and blood samples were collected for analysis of albumin, corrected calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase. Results: A total of 171 pregnant women were recruited into the study. The albumin level showed a significant fall from trimester 1 to 2 (P<0.05) and an insignificant rise from trimester 2 to 3 (P>0.05). Conclusion: This study confirms the previously reported constant serum inorganic phosphate level throughout the gestational period and an increase in alkaline phosphatase with gestational age. Corrected calcium level had a statistically significant increase from the second to the third trimester (P<0.05). This study provided exploratory data on serum bone markers. Further research on more specific bone markers such as DEXA and bone specific alkaline phosphatase is required. A continual check of at risk women is needed to be able to advice on dietary supplementation to prevent premature osteoporosis.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.14(4) 2015 p.363-366
Human Placenta-Derived Multipotent Cells (hPDMCs) Modulate Cardiac Injury: From Bench to Small and Large Animal Myocardial Ischemia Studies
Authors: Liu Yuan-Hung , Peng Kai-Yen , Chiu Yu-Wei , Ho Yi-Lwun , Wang Yao-Horng , Shun Chia-Tung , Huang Shih-Yun , Lin Yi-Shuan , De Vries Antoine A. F. , Pijnappels Daniël A. , Lee Nan-Ting , Yen B. Linju , Yen Men-Luh
Published: December 2015

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, and stem cell therapy remains one of the most promising strategies for regeneration or repair of the damaged heart. We report that human placenta-derived multipotent cells (hPDMCs) can modulate cardiac injury in small and large animal models of myocardial ischemia (MI) and elucidate the mechanisms involved. We found that hPDMCs can undergo in vitro cardiomyogenic differentiation when cocultured with mouse neonatal cardiomyocytes. Moreover, hPDMCs exert strong proangiogenic responses in vitro toward human endothelial cells mediated by secretion of hepatocyte growth factor, growth-regulated oncogene-α, and interleukin-8. To test the in vivo relevance of these results, small and large animal models of acute MI were induced in mice and minipigs, respectively, by permanent left anterior descending (LAD) artery ligation, followed by hPDMC or culture medium-only implantation with follow-up for up to 8 weeks. Transplantation of hPDMCs into mouse heart post-acute MI induction improved left ventricular function, with significantly enhanced vascularity in the cell-treated group. Furthermore, in minipigs post-acute MI induction, hPDMC transplantation significantly improved myocardial contractility compared to the control group ( p=0.016) at 8 weeks postinjury. In addition, tissue analysis confirmed that hPDMC transplantation induced increased vascularity, cardiomyogenic differentiation, and antiapoptotic effects. Our findings offer evidence that hPDMCs can modulate cardiac injury in both small and large animal models, possibly through proangiogenesis, cardiomyogenesis, and suppression of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Our study offers mechanistic insights and preclinical evidence on using hPDMCs as a therapeutic strategy to treat severe cardiovascular diseases.
Les matérialismes et la chimie
Authors: Joly Bernard
Published: December 2015

L’alchimie est souvent représentée comme une doctrine privilégiant une approche symbolique, spirituelle ou ésotérique du monde, bien éloignée d’une doctrine matérialiste. Mais il s’agit là d’une conception tardive de l’alchimie, déformée par des doctrines occultistes du XIX e siècle et relayée par des interprétations psychologiques ou littéraires au XX e siècle. L’examen attentif des textes alchimiques du XVII e siècle chez un auteur comme Pierre Jean Fabre montre en effet que, même dans l’usage de concepts tels que « esprit du monde », c’est bien à une doctrine matérialiste que se réfèrent les alchimistes de l’époque. Le travail au laboratoire et les interprétations théoriques qui l’accompagnent ne concernent pas le psychisme humain mais la matière considérée sous toutes ses formes, dont il s’agit d’expliquer les propriétés dans le cadre d’une philosophie naturelle, en invoquant des processus matériels et non pas des forces spirituelles ou surnaturelles.
Les matérialismes et la chimie
Authors: Pépin François , Henn François , Boiteau Laurent
Published: December 2015

Cet article-entretien expose les points de vue de deux chercheurs physico-chimistes, l’un spécialiste des matériaux, l’autre de chimie prébiotique (émergence du vivant), interrogés par un philosophe sur leurs représentations actuelles de la matière et du matérialisme. Les notions d’élément chimique, de composé moléculaire, de matière, etc., y sont abordés par le biais des approches duales : micro vs macroscopique, comportements individuels vs collectifs, réductionnisme vs empirisme, et inanimé vs vivant. Après une brève présentation des intervenants, l’entretien aborde quatre thèmes principaux : 1) qu’est-ce que la matière pour un chimiste contemporain ; 2) quelles relations le chimiste entretient-il avec la philosophie, notamment matérialiste ; 3) comment le chimiste envisage-t-il le vivant ; et 4) la chimie et les questions d’origines (du vivant, de la terre). Les réponses proposées suggèrent que, malgré plusieurs évolutions conceptuelles fondamentales aux XIX e et XX e siècles (atomisme, mécanique quantique, biochimie, etc.), la chimie reste une science autonome (avec sa propre épistémologie, voire sa propre ontologie), et que le chimiste du XXI e siècle ressemble encore beaucoup à ceux des siècles précédents.
Des sujets au cœur du Capital
Authors: Hetzel Ludovic
Published: December 2015

Les débats d’interprétation de Marx conduisent classiquement à se demander comment articuler l’idée d’une domination des êtres humains par les structures sociales et celle selon laquelle ils font activement leur propre histoire. Il s’agit de montrer ici que l’activité humaine, loin d’être réduite à l’événement historique, est bien au cœur du système lui-même, comme on le voit dans Le Capital . Les hommes sont sujets, au sens actif du terme philosophique traditionnel, parce qu’ils travaillent, aussi exploités soient-ils, et qu’ils portent activement les rapports sociaux qui les déterminent, quel que soit le poids de ceux-ci et des aliénations. Et la puissance des déterminations socio-historiques s’imbrique toujours avec la prégnance de constantes anthropologiques. L’enjeu est décisif : il s’agit de fonder non seulement le fait de la résistance à l’exploitation, mais aussi le rôle primordial de l’activité des travailleurs et travailleuses sous le joug des rapports sociaux – et par là même la possibilité de leur action émancipatrice.
Logique modale temporelle : Arthur Prior, Jules Vuillemin et l’aporie de Diodore
Authors: Ferre Julien
Published: December 2015

L’argument dominateur de Diodore Kronos, mêlant nécessité, contingence et temps, a fait couler beaucoup d’encre de l’antiquité à nos jours, mais suite aux démonstrations logiques d’incompatibilité publiées par Arthur Prior en 1967 et par Jules Vuillemin en 1984 et 1997, la polémique quant à sa validité semblait définitivement tranchée. Dans un premier temps, nous répondons au souhait de Jules Vuillemin en créant une logique modale temporelle adaptée à la formalisation des principes de l’aporie et correspondant à la perception humaine du monde. Cette logique, basée sur une double indexation temporelle, une règle d’inférence et trois axiomes liés au temps et aux modalités aléthiques, nous permet dans un second temps d’interroger l’exactitude des démonstrations d’incompatibilité et de constater qu’aucune d’entre elles ne parvient réellement à prouver que l’aporie en est bien une. Dans le cas d’Arthur Prior, le problème ne vient pas des opérateurs temporels eux-mêmes, mais d’une confusion temporelle induite par l’imprécision du formalisme utilisé ; dans le cas de Jules Vuillemin, le problème vient de l’utilisation du principe de l’expansion diachronique de la nécessité qui, malgré son évidence intuitive, est fautif dans un contexte contingent. Diverses considérations nous amènent enfin à conclure que toute recherche d’incompatibilité est vaine parce que l’aporie n’en a jamais été une.
Les artisans de la politique de l’artisanat
Authors: Fournier Claude
Published: December 2015

En partant, dans un premier temps de la présentation des principaux acteurs politiques en lien avec l’artisanat, et dans un deuxième temps, des pratiques de ces acteurs au travers de quelques exemples, l’article proposé se voudrait source de réflexions, afin de remédier au fait que ce secteur de l’économie et de l’économie sociale soit si mal ou si peu pris en compte, en dehors des périodes de crise et des périodes électorales.
La gouvernance des politiques publiques en faveur de l’artisanat en Algérie, essai d’analyse sur la longue période
Authors: Adel Fatima Zohra , Guendouz Abdelkader
Published: December 2015

Dans le souci de développer le secteur de l’artisanat, L’Etat en Algérie a tenté de mettre en place un ensemble de politiques visant à le soutenir. Toutefois, depuis l’indépendance, il a très souvent changé d’autorité de tutelle et une telle situation d’instabilité a contribué à le fragiliser. Ce constat mène à s’interroger sur l’efficience des politiques publiques en faveur de ce secteur. Le présent article a pour objectif d’analyser les différentes politiques publiques, qui auraient contribué à la dynamisation du secteur de l’artisanat, sans cependant ignorer leurs effets négatifs éventuels.
L’innovation dans le secteur de l’artisanat africain : l’émergence et le développement de l’artisanat des cornes de bœufs à Maroua dans l’extrême nord du Cameroun
Authors: Wassouni François
Published: December 2015

L’artisanat des cornes de bœufs, d’origine récente à Maroua, constitue l’une des innovations majeures dans le secteur de l’artisanat traditionnel au Cameroun. La diversité et la nouveauté des produits fabriqués, l’outillage et les procédés de fabrication constituent des innovations qui reposent sur une recombinaison des savoirs existants avec l’utilisation de moyens financiers, matériels et humains modestes. Cet artisanat peut être classé dans la catégorie de l’innovation frugale, dite « jugaad » et il a une influence positive sur l’environnement, étant donné que le recyclage des cornes contribue à lutter contre la pollution. Par ailleurs, cette activité repose sur la revalorisation par des artisans de savoirs et de techniques plus anciennes déjà maîtrisées.
Le devenir de l’artisanat au XIXème siècle, évolution des métiers dans le développement du capitalisme
Authors: Boutillier Sophie
Published: December 2015

La première révolution industrielle (expression toujours en débat) est généralement analysée comme le résultat d’une progression rapide et soudaine du nombre des grandes entreprises industrielles. Pourtant, une étude plus affinée montre que ce processus a été très progressif et qu’il s’est surtout traduit par l’augmentation du nombre des petites et moyennes entreprises industrielles. L’objectif de cet article est de revenir sur ce processus à partir de travaux d’économistes du XIXème siècle.
La quête d’excitation
Authors: Heinich Nathalie
Published: December 2015

En parlant, à propos du sport, de « quête de l’excitation », Norbert Elias ouvrait une nouvelle perspective à la question de la catharsis, en mettant l’accent non sur la neutralisation des émotions mais, au contraire, sur leur activation, considérée comme un besoin humain fondamental. Quoique peu congruente avec les approches classiques du spectacle, plutôt rationalistes et puritaines, cette proposition permet de reconsidérer une grande variété de pratiques ludiques et de donner sens à leur place immense dans notre société.
« Y croire. » Retour sur l’« efficacité symbolique »
Authors: Caillé Alain , Prades Pierre
Published: December 2015

Plus de soixante ans après l’article de Claude Lévi-Strauss, la notion d’« efficacité symbolique » a-t-elle fait son temps ? On préfère aujourd’hui chercher le mystérieux pouvoir des mots et des images dans le « cognitif » ou dans le « virtuel » plutôt que dans le « symbolique », ce dernier terme n’étant plus guère employé par les anthropologues. Pourtant, ce que Marcel Mauss appelait le symbolisme est bien présent dans des expériences aussi diverses que la psychothérapie, la conversion religieuse, le don et le jeu : pour guérir d’un mal psychique comme pour sauver son âme, pour nouer un pacte d’alliance comme pour entrer dans un jeu, il faut y croire. Et l’on peut chercher un ressort commun de ces « faits totaux », à la fois biologiques, psychologiques et sociaux, dans cet y croire qui n’est pas seulement un penser mais aussi un ressentir et un vouloir.
Predictors of Surgery Types after Neoadjuvant Therapy for Advanced Stage Breast Cancer: Analysis from Florida Population-Based Cancer Registry (1996–2009)
Authors: Al-Azhri Jamila , Koru-Sengul Tulay , Miao Feng , Saclarides Constantine , Byrne Margaret M. , Avisar Eli
Published: December 2015

Purpose

Despite the established guidelines for breast cancer treatment, there is still variability in surgical treatment after neoadjuvant therapy (NT) for women with large breast tumors. Our objective was to identify predictors of the type of surgical treatment: mastectomy versus breast-conserving surgery (BCS) in women with T3/T4 breast cancer who received NT.

Methods

Population-based Florida Cancer Data System Registry, Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration, and US census from 1996 to 2009 were linked for women diagnosed with T3/T4 breast cancer and received NT followed by either BCS or mastectomy. Analysis of multiple variables, such as sociodemographic characteristics (race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, marital status, and urban/rural residency), tumor's characteristics (estrogen/progesterone receptor status, histology, grade, SEER stage, and regional nodes positivity), treatment facilities (hospital volume and teaching status), patients’ comorbidities, and type of NT, was performed.

Results

Of 1,056 patients treated with NT for T3/T4 breast cancer, 107 (10%) had BCS and 949 (90%) had mastectomy. After adjusting with extensive covariables, Hispanic patients (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = [3.50], 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38–8.84, P = 0.008) were more likely to have mastectomy than BCS. Compared to localized SEER stage, regional stage with direct extension (aOR = [3.24], 95% CI: 1.60–6.54, P = 0.001), regional stage with direct extension and nodes (aOR = [4.35], 95% CI: 1.72–11.03, P = 0.002), and distant stage (aOR = [4.44], 95% CI: 1.81–10.88, P = 0.001) were significantly more likely to have mastectomy than BCS. Compared to patients who received both chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, patients who received hormonal NT only (aOR = [0.29], 95% CI: 0.12–0.68, P = 0.004) were less likely to receive mastectomy.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that Hispanic ethnicity, advanced SEER stage, and type of NT are significant predictors of receiving mastectomy after NT.