bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resting Arterial Diameter and Blood Flow Changes With Resistance Training and Detraining in Healthy Young Individuals
Authors: Stebbings Georgina K. , Morse Christopher I. , McMahon Gerard E. , Onambele Gladys L.
Published: March 2013

Context:

Disruptions to habitual training routines are commonly due to injury or illness and can often lead to detraining adaptations. The implications of such adaptations to the human vasculature in a trained, asymptomatic population are not fully understood.

Objective:

To determine the extent of local and systemic changes in arterial diameter and blood flow to resistance training and subsequent detraining in young adults.

Design:

Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Setting:

University physiology laboratory and fitness suite.

Patients or Other Participants:

Twenty-one healthy volunteers (aged 20.0 ± 2.8 years, 11 men and 10 women).

Intervention(s):

Eight-week lower limb resistance training period and subsequent 4-week detraining period.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Quadriceps and hamstrings concentric torque (strength), resting heart rate, arterial diameter, and blood flow velocity in the superficial femoral and carotid arteries were measured at 0, 8, 10, and 12 weeks.

Results:

Resistance training increased quadriceps and hamstring strength (32% and 35%, respectively, P < .001), whereas strength decreased during detraining (24% and 27%, respectively, P < .05). Resting heart rate decreased after resistance training (16%, P < .01) and increased during detraining (19%, P < .001). Additionally, resistance training significantly increased superficial femoral and carotid resting arterial diameters (27% and 13%, respectively, P < .001) and mean blood flow (53% and 55%, respectively, P < .001). Detraining resulted in a significant decrease in superficial femoral and carotid resting diameter (46% and 10%, respectively, P < .001) and mean blood flow (61% and 38%, respectively, P < .05).

Conclusions:

Resistance training initiated both local and systemic changes to arterial diameter and blood flow; these changes appeared to reverse after detraining. The local changes in response to detraining showed a worsening (beyond pretraining values) of the vascular dimensional and blood flow characteristics.
Lower Limb Kinematics and Dynamic Postural Stability in Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Reconstructed Female Athletes
Authors: Delahunt Eamonn , Chawke Mark , Kelleher Judy , Murphy Katie , Prendiville Anna , Sweeny Lauren , Patterson Matt
Published: March 2013

Context:

Deficits in lower limb kinematics and postural stability are predisposing factors to the development of knee ligamentous injury. The extent to which these deficits are present after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is still largely unknown.

The primary hypothesis of the present study was that female athletes who have undergone ACL reconstruction and who have returned to sport participation would exhibit deficits in dynamic postural stability as well as deficiencies in hip- and knee-joint kinematics when compared with an age-, activity-, and sex-matched uninjured control group.

Objective:

To investigate dynamic postural stability as quantified by the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and simultaneous hip- and knee-joint kinematic profiles in female athletes who have undergone ACL reconstruction.

Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Setting:

University motion-analysis laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Fourteen female athletes who had previously undergone ACL reconstruction (ACL-R) and 17 age- and sex-matched uninjured controls.

Intervention(s):

Each participant performed 3 trials of the anterior, posterior-medial, and posterior-lateral directional components of the SEBT.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Reach distances for each directional component were quantified and expressed as a percentage of leg length. Simultaneous hip- and knee-joint kinematic profiles were recorded using a motion-analysis system.

Results:

The ACL-R group had decreased reach distances on the posterior-medial (P < .01) and posterior-lateral (P < .01) directional components of the SEBT. During performance of the directional components of the SEBT, ACL-R participants demonstrated altered hip-joint frontal-, sagittal-, and transverse-plane kinematic profiles (P < .05), as well as altered knee-joint sagittal-plane kinematic profiles (P < .05).

Conclusions:

Deficits in dynamic postural stability and concomitant altered hip- and knee-joint kinematics are present after ACL reconstruction and return to competitive activity. The extent to which these deficits influence potential future injury is worthy of investigation.
Various Methods for Assessing Static Lower Extremity Alignment: Implications for Prospective Risk-Factor Screenings
Authors: Nguyen Anh-Dung , Boling Michelle C. , Slye Carrie A. , Hartley Emily M. , Parisi Gina L.
Published: March 2013

Context:

Accurate, efficient, and reliable measurement methods are essential to prospectively identify risk factors for knee injuries in large cohorts.

Objective:

To determine tester reliability using digital photographs for the measurement of static lower extremity alignment (LEA) and whether values quantified with an electromagnetic motion-tracking system are in agreement with those quantified with clinical methods and digital photographs.

Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Setting:

Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Thirty-three individuals participated and included 17 (10 women, 7 men; age = 21.7 ± 2.7 years, height = 163.4 ± 6.4 cm, mass = 59.7 ± 7.8 kg, body mass index = 23.7 ± 2.6 kg/m2) in study 1, in which we examined the reliability between clinical measures and digital photographs in 1 trained and 1 novice investigator, and 16 (11 women, 5 men; age = 22.3 ± 1.6 years, height = 170.3 ± 6.9 cm, mass = 72.9 ± 16.4 kg, body mass index = 25.2 ± 5.4 kg/m2) in study 2, in which we examined the agreement among clinical measures, digital photographs, and an electromagnetic tracking system.

Intervention(s):

We evaluated measures of pelvic angle, quadriceps angle, tibiofemoral angle, genu recurvatum, femur length, and tibia length. Clinical measures were assessed using clinically accepted methods. Frontal- and sagittal-plane digital images were captured and imported into a computer software program. Anatomic landmarks were digitized using an electromagnetic tracking system to calculate static LEA.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Intraclass correlation coefficients and standard errors of measurement were calculated to examine tester reliability. We calculated 95% limits of agreement and used Bland-Altman plots to examine agreement among clinical measures, digital photographs, and an electromagnetic tracking system.

Results:

Using digital photographs, fair to excellent intratester (intraclass correlation coefficient range = 0.70–0.99) and intertester (intraclass correlation coefficient range = 0.75–0.97) reliability were observed for static knee alignment and limb-length measures. An acceptable level of agreement was observed between clinical measures and digital pictures for limb-length measures. When comparing clinical measures and digital photographs with the electromagnetic tracking system, an acceptable level of agreement was observed in measures of static knee angles and limb-length measures.

Conclusions:

The use of digital photographs and an electromagnetic tracking system appears to be an efficient and reliable method to assess static knee alignment and limb-length measurements.
A Unique Patient Population? Health-Related Quality of Life in Adolescent Athletes Versus General, Healthy Adolescent Individuals
Authors: Lam Kenneth C. , Valier Alison R. Snyder , Bay R. Curtis , McLeod Tamara C. Valovich
Published: March 2013

Context:

Normative scores for patient-rated outcome (PRO) instruments are important for providing patient-centered, whole-person care and making informed clinical decisions. Although normative values for the Pediatric Quality of Life Generic Core Scale (PedsQL) have been established in the general, healthy adolescent population, whether adolescent athletes demonstrate similar values is unclear.

Objective:

To compare PedsQL scores between adolescent athletes and general, healthy adolescent individuals.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Secondary schools.

Patients or Other Participants:

A convenience sample of 2659 interscholastic athletes (males = 2059, females = 600, age = 15.7 ± 1.1 years) represented the athlete group (ATH), and a previously published normative dataset represented the general, healthy adolescent group (GEN).

Intervention(s):

All participants completed the PedsQL during 1 testing session.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

The PedsQL consists of 2 summary scores (total, psychosocial) and 4 subscale scores (physical, emotional, social, school), with higher scores indicating better health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Groups were stratified by age (14, 15, or 16 years old). Independent-samples t tests were conducted to compare between-groups and sex differences.

Results:

The ATH group scored higher than the GEN group across all ages for total and psychosocial summary scores and for emotional and social functioning subscale scores (P ≤ .005). For physical functioning, scores of the 15-year-old ATH were higher than for their GEN counterparts (P = .001). Both 14- and 15-year-old ATH scored higher than their GEN counterparts for the school functioning subscale (P ≤ .013), but differences between 16-year olds were not significant (P = .228). Male adolescent athletes reported higher scores than female adolescent athletes across all scores (P ≤ .001) except for social functioning (P = .229).

Conclusions:

Adolescent athletes reported better HRQOL than GEN, particularly in emotional functioning. These findings further support the notion that ATH constitutes a unique population that requires its own set of normative values for self-reported, patient-rated outcome instruments.
National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Lightning Safety for Athletics and Recreation
Authors: Walsh Katie M. , Cooper Mary Ann , Holle Ron , Rakov Vladimir A. , Roeder William P. , Ryan Michael
Published: March 2013

Objective:

To present recommendations for the education, prevention, and management of lightning injuries for those involved in athletics or recreation.

Background:

Lightning is the most common severe-storm activity encountered annually in the United States. The majority of lightning injuries can be prevented through an aggressive educational campaign, vacating outdoor activities before the lightning threat, and an understanding of the attributes of a safe place from the hazard.

Recommendations:

This position statement is focused on supplying information specific to lightning safety and prevention and treatment of lightning injury and providing lightning-safety recommendations for the certified athletic trainer and those who are involved in athletics and recreation.
Managing the clinical approach in neurological presentations
Authors: Pazzi Paolo
Published: March 2013

How to cite this book review: Pazzi, P., 2013, ‘Managing the clinical approach in neurological presentations’, Journal of the South African Veterinary Association 84(1), Art. #960, 1 page. http:// dx.doi.org/10.4102/jsava. v84i1.960
Evaluation of management information systems: A study at a further education and training college
Authors: Visser Mariette , Van Biljon Judy , Herselman Marlien
Published: March 2013

Background: Management information systems (MIS) are pivotal in the efficient and effective running of Further Education and Training (FET) colleges. Therefore, the evaluation of MIS success is an essential spoke in the wheel of FET college success. Based on an extensive literature review it was concluded that no MIS success evaluation model for FET colleges in South Africa exists.Objectives: The main objective was to propose a MIS evaluation model and evaluation tool(questionnaire), and verify the model empirically by evaluating the MIS at a selected FET college. The supporting objectives were firstly, to identify the most appropriate MIS evaluation models from literature. Secondly, to propose a MIS evaluation model for FET colleges based on the literature. Thirdly, to develop the evaluation tool (questionnaire) based on these models. Fourthly, to capture and analyse data from one FET college, in order to evaluate the performance of the MIS at the college. The final supporting objective was to evaluate the proposed model by triangulating the findings from the survey with the findings from the interviews.Method: The proposed MIS evaluation model is based on the integration of three existing MIS evaluation models. The evaluation tool was developed by combining four empirically tested questionnaires that capture the constructs in the underlying models. A survey and semi-structured interviews were used as data collection methods. The statistical tests for consistency, scale reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) and unidimensionality (Principal Component Analysis) were applied to explore the constructs in the model.Results: Results from the empirical testing of the newly designed evaluation tool were used to refine the initial model. The qualitative data capturing and analysis added value in explaining and contextualising the quantitative findings.Conclusion: The main contribution is the SA-FETMIS success model and evaluation tool which managers can use to evaluate the MIS at an educational institution. The novelty of the research lies in using a mixed methods approach where previous MIS success evaluation studies mainly used quantitative methods.
Review: Breeding spring canola (Brassica napusL.) by the use of exotic germplasm
Authors: Rahman Habibur
Published: March 2013

Rahman, H. 2013. Review: Breeding spring canola ( Brassica napus L.) by the use of exotic germplasm. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 363–373. The need of broadening genetic diversity in spring canola (Brassica napus) breeding programs seems to be the general consensus among canola breeders and researchers. Diversity analysis by the use of molecular markers has identified several B. napus gene pools as well as allied Brassica species that are genetically distinct from spring canola B. napus; and these gene pools can be used for the improvement of this crop. Use of genetically diverse and un-adapted B. napus germplasm in the breeding of spring canola can be challenging, as introduction of several unwanted traits/alleles from exotic germplasm into spring canola occurs, and this would require repeated cycles of breeding for improvement. Similarly, use of allied species can be even more challenging due to the difficulties associated with interspecific hybrid production, sterility of hybrids, linkage drag, and the introduction of unwanted alleles. However, this can be compensated in the long-term perspective for the improvement of this crop. Some research efforts have been made in recent years to broaden allelic diversity in spring canola for the improvement of seed yield and other traits in open-pollinated and hybrid cultivars with promising results. Seed yield is a complex trait which is controlled by several gene loci with multiple alleles at these loci as well as interactions between loci and different alleles. This makes the identification of right allelic combinations an extremely challenging task. However, canola breeders have been able to make steady improvements in this crop in past decades based on the amount of allelic diversity present in existing breeding material. Introduction of favourable new alleles in breeding programs would allow breeders to create superior allelic combinations, enhancing the diversity in current breeding materials to further improve the crop. With the availability of the Brassica genome sequence, knowledge of sequence variation in specific genes and cost-effective high-throughput genotyping, it is expected that molecular plant breeding will play an important role in the breeding of canola cultivars. Discovery of favourable allele combinations in a short span of time is likely to be facilitated through the application of modern breeding tools.
Review: Annual crop adaptation to abiotic stress on the Canadian prairies: Six case studies
Authors: Bueckert Rosalind A. , Clarke John M.
Published: March 2013

Bueckert, R. A. and Clarke, J. M. 2013. Review: Annual crop adaptation to abiotic stress on the Canadian prairies: Six case studies. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 375–385. More than half of Canada's grain crop production comes from the Canadian prairies, a region that experiences short growing seasons characterized by temperature and moisture stress. Historically, the region was dominated by temperate cereal production, but in recent decades crops have included canola (Brassica species) and pulses (chickpea, Cicer arietinum L.; dry bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L.; pea, Pisum sativum L.; lentil, Lens culinaris L.). Here we describe climatic conditions and the resulting abiotic stresses that are common in prairie crop production. We also showcase how specific cultivars have been successfully adapted to fit a short growing season of 95 to 120 d, and examine current strategies to improve crop performance on the Canadian prairies. Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) production has been increased by incorporating stress escape through early flowering, and stress avoidance through increased seasonal water extraction, water use efficiency and reduced loss from leaves. Dry bean, a warm-season crop, has been improved by selecting for rapid emergence in cool soils. The indeterminate crops chickpea, lentil, and canola (Brassica juncea L.) have been improved through breeding for early flowering, double podding (chickpea), high harvest index, and a longer reproductive duration (lentil and canola). Enhanced drought tolerance in chickpea is in progress using early flowering for drought escape, and rooting traits that improve water extraction and canopy transpiration to avoid water and heat stress. Crops grown on the Canadian prairies have superior quality profiles and two crops, durum and lentil, have become dominant in global exports.
Evaluation of manure-derived struvite as a phosphorus source for canola
Authors: Ackerman Joe N. , Zvomuya Francis , Cicek Nazim , Flaten Don
Published: March 2013

Ackerman, J. N., Zvomuya, F., Cicek, N. and Flaten, D. 2013. Evaluation of manure-derived struvite as a phosphorus source for canola. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 419–424. There is growing interest in the treatment of swine manure to mitigate water quality issues related to phosphorus (P) from livestock operations. Precipitation of P as struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O) is a potential strategy to achieve this. The overall objective of this growth room study was to evaluate the effect of manure-derived struvite (MDS) on canola growth and P recovery efficiency. Pure struvite (PS), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), and polymer-coated monoammonium phosphate (PCMAP) were applied to canola plants in plastic pots containing 2 kg of a sandy loam soil. Biomass yields for MDS and PS were similar at all P rates (mean = 7.6 g pot−1) and significantly smaller than those for MAP and PCMAP (mean = 9.3 g pot−1). Differences in P uptake among P sources were detected at the highest P rate where P uptake was significantly greater for MAP and PCMAP (mean = 22.7 mg P pot−1) than for the struvite forms (mean = 16.4 mg P pot−1). Our results show that although P uptake was similar for the struvites and commercial fertilizers at P2O5 rates of 38 mg pot−1 or lower, biomass yield per unit of P taken up was smaller for the struvites. This may be due to lower initial solubility of the struvites in the alkaline (pH 7.7) soil used in this experiment, which gave an early stage growth advantage to canola fertilized with MAP and PCMAP. These results suggest that it may be necessary to supplement struvite with soluble P fertilizers, such as MAP, if applied on soils such as that tested in this study.
Devenir “Bioéthicien(ne)” ?
Authors: Guessous Nouzha
Published: March 2013

Il n’y a au jour d’aujourd’hui toujours pas d’unanimité concernant la définition de la bioéthique. Issue d’une réflexion par essence pluridisciplinaire, cette « spécialité » se cherche encore. Son enseignement reste non généralisé et loin d’être standardisé. C’est ainsi que selon les pays et les institutions qui le dispensent, on note des variations parfois majeures de son contenu et de ses modalités, des qualifications requises pour ses enseignants, et du statut des formations délivrées et des personnes formées. Et bien que les diplômés en bioéthique soient de plus en plus nombreux, le titre de « bioéthicien(ne) » n’est ni clairement défini et encadré, ni consacré par un cursus validé, ni réservé à un statut d’emploi. C’est dans ce cadre général qu’il conviendrait de réfléchir sur le besoin ou même l’intérêt de professionnaliser la bioéthique. Serait-il pertinent et comment formaliser une réflexion et une approche pluridisciplinaires de délibération en une « spécialité » dont les titulaires trouveraient leur place sur le marché du travail ? Quels seraient le domaine de qualification généraliste et les domaines de spécialité ? Peut-on concevoir un statut de « spécialiste » en bioéthique « universelle » et d’autres spécialistes de domaines particuliers à l’instar des formations en sciences juridiques ? Le débat est ouvert.
Une cause rare de cholestase : la papillomatose maligne des voies biliaires - À propos d’un cas
Authors: Rouibaa Fedoua , Amrani Laïla , Mahi M , Amrani Naïma , Aourarh A
Published: March 2013

La papillomatose des voies biliaires est une adénomatose d’architecture papillaire de la muqueuse biliaire affectant l’ensemble de l’arbre biliaire extra et/ou intra-hépatique. C’est une maladie rare dont le caractère extensif et le fort potentiel de transformation maligne rendent difficile sa prise en charge. Les auteurs rapportent un nouveau cas de papillomatose maligne de la voie biliaire principale avec atteinte des voies biliaires intra-hépatiques, chez une femme âgée de 67 ans, révélée par des crises d’angiocholite et une cholestase importante. Le diagnostic de papillomatose a été affirmé sur la cytologie par brossage réalisé au cours de la cholangiographie rétrograde par voie endoscopique dont l’opacification de la voie biliaire principale a montré de multiples images lacunaires fixes avec une paroi très irrégulière. Etant donné la présence de métastases hépatiques, un traitement palliatif par la mise en place d’une endoprothèse a été réalisé. Mais, la patiente est décédée avant de pouvoir instaurer une chimiothérapie.
Cleaning methods for the isotopic determination of diatombound nitrogen in non‐fossil diatom frustules
Authors: Morales Laura V. , Sigman Daniel M. , Horn Matthew G. , Robinson Rebecca S.
Published: March 2013

Ground‐truthing the stable isotope ratio of diatom frustule‐bound organic nitrogen (N) as a paleoceanographic proxy of phytoplankton nutrient consumption calls for studies of modern diatoms from cultures and the field. This work has been hindered by the lack of a method to prepare fresh diatom material, which has significant geochemical differences from sedimentary fossil diatom, for analysis. We tested and compared the performance of five oxidative treatment protocols in cleaning fresh diatom frustules of external organic material for isotopic analysis of diatom frustule‐bound N. We applied each treatment to diatom material from a T. weiss‐flogii culture and measured the diatom‐bound N content and isotopic composition (δ15N) of samples. A favored treatment is described that includes a multi‐step, progressive, oxidative cleaning. The results suggest that the application of H2O2 to fresh biogenic opal for more than 20 min increased the accessibility of the N within the opal matrix to subsequent chemical treatment, an effect not observed for diatom frustules from deep ocean sediments. We attribute this effect to structural alteration and dissolution of the diatom opal by the H2O2, consistent with previous observations regarding the high reactivity of fresh diatom opal and its subsequent chemical hardening in the sedimentary environment. In addition, the presence of high levels of organic matter upon treatment with H2O2 may exacerbate the chemical alteration of frustules. We find that the δ15N of diatom‐bound N is ~3 ‰ higher than that of the bulk culture biomass, consistent with expectations from surface sediment and down‐core measurements.
Methods for the sampling and analysis of marine aerosols: results from the 2008 GEOTRACES aerosol intercalibration experiment
Authors: Morton Peter L. , Landing William M. , Hsu Shih‐Chieh , Milne Angela , Aguilar‐Islas Ana M. , Baker Alex R. , Bowie Andrew R. , Buck Clifton S. , Gao Yuan , Gichuki Susan , Hastings Meredith G. , Hatta Mariko , Johansen Anne M. , Losno Rémi , Mead Chris , Patey Matthew D. , Swarr Gretchen , Vandermark Amanda , Zamora Lauren M.
Published: March 2013

Atmospheric deposition of trace elements and isotopes (TEI) is an important source of trace metals to the open ocean, impacting TEI budgets and distributions, stimulating oceanic primary productivity, and influencing biological community structure and function. Thus, accurate sampling of aerosol TEIs is a vital component of ongoing GEOTRACES cruises, and standardized aerosol TEI sampling and analysis procedures allow the comparison of data from different sites and investigators. Here, we report the results of an aerosol analysis intercalibration study by seventeen laboratories for select GEOTRACES‐relevant aerosol species (Al, Fe, Ti, V, Zn, Pb, Hg, NO3−, and SO42−) for samples collected in September 2008. The collection equipment and filter substrates are appropriate for the GEOTRACES program, as evidenced by low blanks and detection limits relative to analyte concentrations. Analysis of bulk aerosol sample replicates were in better agreement when the processing protocol was constrained (± 9% RSD or better on replicate analyses by a single lab, n = 7) than when it was not (generally 20% RSD or worse among laboratories using different methodologies), suggesting that the observed variability was mainly due to methodological differences rather than sample heterogeneity. Much greater variability was observed for fractional solubility of aerosol trace elements and major anions, due to differing extraction methods. Accuracy is difficult to establish without an SRM representative of aerosols, and we are developing an SRM for this purpose. Based on these findings, we provide recommendations for the GEOTRACES program to establish consistent and reliable procedures for the collection and analysis of aerosol samples.
Neuroborreliosis
Authors: Dworzańska Ewa , Bartosik-Psujek Halina
Published: March 2013

Borelioza jest w Europie najczęstszą chorobą zakaźną przenoszoną przez kleszcze. Odkrycie krętków Borrelia burgdorferi umożliwiło szersze spojrzenie na tę chorobę wieloukładową. Objawy boreliozy mogą być bardzo zróżnicowane, niejednoznaczne, mogą się rozwinąć w kompleks zaburzeń wieloukładowych charakteryzujących się objawami skórnymi, reumatologicznymi, kardiologicznymi oraz neurologicznymi. Neuroborelioza to postać boreliozy z Lyme, której objawy dotyczą układu nerwowego. Najbardziej charakterystyczne dla tej choroby są zapalenie opon mózgowo-rdzeniowych oraz uszkodzenia nerwów czaszkowych z towarzyszącymi radikulopatiami. Obraz choroby często jest mylony z innymi jednostkami chorobowymi, takimi jak stwardnienie rozsiane, stwardnienie zanikowe boczne, choroba Alzheimera, choroba Parkinsona. Trudności w ustaleniu właściwego rozpoznania mogą wynikać z długiego odstępu czasowego pomiędzy ukłuciem kleszcza a wystąpieniem objawów. W leczeniu najważniejszą rolę odgrywa antybiotykoterapia.
Remission in lupus nephritis – report of three cases
Authors: Suszek Dorota , Wójcik Anna , Majdan Maria
Published: March 2013

W pracy przedstawiono przebieg toczniowego zapalenia nerek (TZN) u trzech chorych leczonych agresywnie od początku choroby glikokor­ty­kosteroidami (GKS), cyklofosfamidem (CYC), a następnie mykofeno­lanem mofetylu (MMF). U dwóch chorych potwierdzono IV klasę TZN oraz rozpoznano wtórny zespół antyfosfolipidowy (an­tiphospholipid syndrome – APS). Zastosowanie CYC w terapii in­dukującej remisję oraz MMF w leczeniu podtrzymującym doprowadziło do remisji objawów nerkowych, ale łączyło się z wystąpieniem powikłań infekcyjnych zarówno w czasie leczenia CYC, jak i MMF.

Zastosowanie agresywnego leczenia od początku TZN przy uwzględnieniu ryzyka możliwych powikłań daje szansę na osiągnięcie całkowitej remisji choroby.
Selected problems of biologic therapy in rheumatoid arthritis patients – pregnancy during therapy. Case reports
Authors: Jeleniewicz Radosław , Targońska-Stępniak Bożena , Wielosz Ewa , Majdan Maria
Published: March 2013

Przygotowanie do zajścia w ciążę i jej prowadzenie u pacjentek chorych na reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów (RZS) stanowi istotny problem kliniczny. Niekorzystny wpływ na przebieg ciąży może mieć sam proces zapalny i powikłania narządowe RZS, ale również stosowane leczenie. Niewiele jest informacji dotyczących przebiegu ciąży u chorych na RZS leczonych lekami biologicznymi. W pracy opisano dwie chore na RZS, które w trakcie terapii lekami biologicznymi zaszły w ciążę.
Rheumatic manifestations in hepatitis C virus infection. Case reports
Authors: Wielosz Ewa , Cabanek Agnieszka , Majdan Maria
Published: March 2013

W przebiegu wirusowego zapalenia wątroby typu C (WZW C) poza objawami wątrobowymi stwierdza się często objawy chorób autoimmunizacyjnych, takich jak zapalenie naczyń z obecnością krioglobulin, zespół Sjögrena (ZS), toczeń układowy rumieniowaty (TRU) czy reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów (RZS). Celem pracy była analiza przebiegu choroby u 3 chorych z objawami chorób reumatycznych w prze­biegu zakażenia HCV. Przypadek 1. 59-letnia chora z przewlekłym WZW C, u której początkowo rozpoznawano RZS, następnie zmieniono rozpoznanie na TRU, u chorej stwierdzano również objawy ZS oraz zapalenia naczyń z obecnością krioglobulin. Przypadek 2. 46-letnia chora z przewlekłym WZW C i ZS. Przypadek 3. 33-letnia chora z przewlekłym zakażeniem HCV i TRU.
Heated submicron particle fluxes using an optical particle counter in urban environment
Authors: Vogt M. , Johansson C. , Mårtensson M. , Struthers H. , Ahlm L. , Nilsson D.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. From May 2008 to March 2009 aerosol emissions were measured using the eddy covariance method covering the size range 0.25 to 2.5 μm diameter (Dp) from a 105 m tower, in central Stockholm, Sweden. Supporting chemical aerosol data were collected at roof and street level. Results show that the inorganic fraction of sulfate, nitrate, ammonium and sea salt accounts for approximately 15% of the total aerosol mass < 1 μm Dp (PM1) with water soluble soil contributing 11% and water insoluble soil 47%. Carbonaceous compounds were at the most 27% of PM1 mass. It was found that heating the air from the tower to 200 °C resulted in the loss of approximately 60% of the aerosol volume at 0.25 μm Dp whereas only 40% of the aerosol volume was removed at 0.6 μm Dp. Further heating to 300 °C caused very little additional losses <0.6 μm Dp. The chemical analysis did not include carbonaceous compounds, but based on the difference between the total mass concentration and the sum of the analyzed non-carbonaceous materials, it can be assumed that the non-volatile particulate material (heated to 300 °C) consists mainly of carbonaceous compounds, including elemental carbon. Furthermore, it was found that the non-volatile particle fraction <0.6 μm Dp correlated (r2 = 0.4) with the BC concentration at roof level in the city, supporting the assumption that the non-volatile material consists of carbonaceous compounds. The average diurnal cycles of the BC emissions from road traffic (as inferred from the ratio of the incremental concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and BC measured on a densely trafficked street) and the fluxes of non-volatile material at tower level are in close agreement, suggesting a traffic source of BC. We have estimated the emission factors (EFs) for non-volatile particles <0.6 μm Dp to be 2.4 ± 1.4 mg veh−1 km−1 based on either CO2 fluxes or traffic activity data. Light (LDV) and heavy duty vehicle (HDV) EFs were estimated using multiple linear regression and reveal that for non-volatile particulate matter in the 0.25 to 0.6 μm Dp range, the EFHDV is approximately twice as high as the EFLDV, the difference not being statistically significant.
Study of the kinetics and equilibria of the oligomerization reactions of 2-methylglyceric acid
Authors: Birdsall A. W. , Zentner C. A. , Elrod M. J.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. The presence of a variety of chemical species related to the gaseous precursor isoprene in ambient secondary organic aerosol (SOA) has stimulated investigations of the nature of SOA-phase chemical processing. Recent work has demonstrated that 2-methylglyceric acid (2-MG) is an important isoprene-derived ambient SOA component and atmospheric chamber experiments have suggested that 2-MG may exist in oligomeric form (as oligoesters) under conditions of low SOA water content. In order to better understand the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of such oligomerization reactions, nuclear magnetic resonance techniques were used to study the bulk phase acid-catalyzed aqueous reactions (Fischer esterification) of 2-MG. While the present results indicate that 2-MG oligoesters are formed in the bulk phase with similar water content equilibrium dependences as observed in atmospheric chamber SOA experiments, the acid-catalyzed rate of the Fischer esterification mechanism may be too slow to rationalize the 2-MG oligoester production timescales observed in the atmospheric chamber experiments. Furthermore, it appears that unrealistically high ambient SOA acidities would also be required for significant 2-MG oligoester content to arise via Fischer esterification. Therefore, the present results suggest that other, more kinetically facile, esterification mechanisms may be necessary to rationalize the existence of 2-MG oligomers in atmospheric chamber-generated and ambient SOA.
The impact of bark beetle infestations on monoterpene emissions and secondary organic aerosol formation in western North America
Authors: Berg A. R. , Heald C. L. , Huff Hartz K. E. , Hallar A. G. , Meddens A. J. H. , Hicke J. A. , Lamarque J.-F. , Tilmes S.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. Over the last decade, extensive beetle outbreaks in western North America have destroyed over 100 000 km2 of forest throughout British Columbia and the western United States. Beetle infestations impact monoterpene emissions through both decreased emissions as trees are killed (mortality effect) and increased emissions in trees under attack (attack effect). We use 14 yr of beetle-induced tree mortality data together with beetle-induced monoterpene emission data in the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Earth System Model (CESM) to investigate the impact of beetle-induced tree mortality and attack on monoterpene emissions and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation in western North America. Regionally, beetle infestations may have a significant impact on monoterpene emissions and SOA concentrations, with up to a 4-fold increase in monoterpene emissions and up to a 40% increase in SOA concentrations in some years (in a scenario where the attack effect is based on observed lodgepole pine response). Responses to beetle attack depend on the extent of previous mortality and the number of trees under attack in a given year, which can vary greatly over space and time. Simulated enhancements peak in 2004 (British Columbia) and 2008 (US). Responses to beetle attack are shown to be substantially larger (up to a 3-fold localized increase in summertime SOA concentrations) in a scenario based on bark-beetle attack in spruce trees. Placed in the context of observations from the IMPROVE network, the changes in SOA concentrations due to beetle attack are in most cases small compared to the large annual and interannual variability in total organic aerosol which is driven by wildfire activity in western North America. This indicates that most beetle-induced SOA changes are not likely detectable in current observation networks; however, these changes may impede efforts to achieve natural visibility conditions in the national parks and wilderness areas of the western United States.
Catchment classification based on characterisation of streamflow and precipitation time series
Authors: Toth E.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. The formulation of objective procedures for the delineation of homogeneous groups of catchments is a fundamental issue in both operational and research hydrology. For assessing catchment similarity, a variety of hydrological information may be considered; in this paper, gauged sites are characterised by a set of streamflow signatures that include a representation, albeit simplified, of the properties of fine time-scale flow series and in particular of the dynamic components of the data, in order to keep into account the sequential order and the stochastic nature of the streamflow process. The streamflow signatures are provided in input to a clustering algorithm based on unsupervised SOM neural networks, obtaining groups of catchments with a clear hydrological distinctiveness, as highlighted by the identification of the main patterns of the input variables in the different classes and the interpretation of their interrelations. In addition, even if no geographical, morphological nor climatological information is provided in input to the SOM network, the clusters exhibit an overall consistency as far as location, altitude and precipitation regime are concerned. In order to assign ungauged sites to such groups, the catchments are represented through a parsimonious set of morphometric and pluviometric variables, including also indexes that attempt to synthesise the variability and correlation properties of the precipitation time series, thus providing information on the type of weather forcing that is specific to each basin. Following a principal components analysis, needed for synthesizing and better understanding the morpho-pluviometric catchment properties, a discriminant analysis finally assigns the ungauged catchments, through a leave-one-out cross validation, to one of the above identified hydrologic response classes. The approach delivers a quite satisfactory identification of the membership of ungauged catchments to the streamflow-based classes, since the comparison of the two cluster sets shows a misclassification rate of around 20%. Overall results indicate that the inclusion of information on the properties of the fine time-scale streamflow and rainfall time series may be a promising way for better representing the hydrologic and climatic character of the study catchments.
On an improved sub-regional water resources management representation for integration into earth system models
Authors: Voisin N. , Li H. , Ward D. , Huang M. , Wigmosta M. , Leung L. R.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. Human influence on the hydrologic cycle includes regulation and storage, consumptive use and overall redistribution of water resources in space and time. Representing these processes is essential for applications of earth system models in hydrologic and climate predictions, as well as impact studies at regional to global scales. Emerging large-scale research reservoir models use generic operating rules that are flexible for coupling with earth system models. Those generic operating rules have been successful in reproducing the overall regulated flow at large basin scales. This study investigates the uncertainties of the reservoir models from different implementations of the generic operating rules using the complex multi-objective Columbia River Regulation System in northwestern United States as an example to understand their effects on not only regulated flow but also reservoir storage and fraction of the demand that is met. Numerical experiments are designed to test new generic operating rules that combine storage and releases targets for multi-purpose reservoirs and to compare the use of reservoir usage priorities, withdrawals vs. consumptive demand, as well as natural vs. regulated mean flow for calibrating operating rules. Overall the best performing implementation is the use of the combined priorities (flood control storage targets and irrigation release targets) operating rules calibrated with mean annual natural flow and mean monthly withdrawals. The options of not accounting for groundwater withdrawals, or on the contrary, of assuming that all remaining demand is met through groundwater extractions, are discussed.
Trichomonas vaginalis Infection among Pregnant Women in Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Eshete Abdurehman , Mekonnen Zeleke , Zeynudin Ahmed
Published: March 2013

Background. Trichomonas vaginalis is a sexually transmitted parasitic protozoan known to be responsible for an estimated 180 million new infections per year, making it the most prevalent nonviral sexually transmitted pathogen worldwide. Method. A cross-sectional study design was conducted on vaginal swabs by wet mount and Modified Columbia Agar culture technique in Jimma University Specialized Hospital (JUSH), ANC clinic, Jimma, Ethiopia. The study was done to assess the magnitude and associated risk factors of T. vaginalis infection from December to May, 2011/2012.
Result. A total of 361 pregnant women were involved in this study. From these, 18 (4.98%) of the pregnant women were positive for T. vaginalis infection by Modified Columbian Agar culture technique. Education status (AOR = 0.186, 95% CI: 0.059–0.585, P<0.05), patients with dysuria (AOR = 0.180; 95% CI: 0.046–0.704, P<0.05) and dyspareunia (AOR = 0.152; 95% CI: 0.035–0.667, P<0.05) were significantly associated with T. vaginalis infection. Conclusion. The prevalence of T. vaginalis infection at 4.89% is relatively high among young reproductive aged women. Because this infection increases the risk of HIV transmission and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, there is a need for increased provision of health information concerning T. vaginalis to the community, educating women, screening, and treatment of T. vaginalis infection in Ethiopia.
Human Herpesvirus 6 and Neuroinflammation
Authors: Reynaud Joséphine M. , Horvat Branka
Published: March 2013

Human herpesvirus (HHV-) 6A and HHV-6B are two distinctβ-herpesviruses which have been associated with various neurological diseases, including encephalitis, meningitis, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. Although the reactivation of both viruses is recognized as the cause of some neurological complications in conditions of immunosuppression, their involvement in neuroinflammatory diseases in immunocompetent people is still unclear, and the mechanisms involved have not been completely elucidated. Here, we review the available data providing evidence for the capacity of HHV-6A and -6B to infect the central nervous system and to induce proinflammatory responses by infected cells. We discuss the potential role of both viruses in neuroinflammatory pathologies and the mechanisms which could explain virus-induced neuropathogenesis.
Patient safety on weekends and weekdays: A comparative study of two hospitals in California
Authors: Pedroja Alberta T , Blegen Mary A , Abravanel Rebecca , Stromberg Arnold J , Spurlock Bruce
Published: March 2013

Background: Most clinicians believe that hospitals are less safe on the weekends, but the research findings have been mixed. In addition, the investigations have largely examined the outcomes of patients admitted on weekends versus weekdays and not patient harm that occurred on weekends against patient harm that occurred during the week. Objective: To compare the extent of patient harm that occurred on weekend days with the harm that occurred on weekdays. Methods: Using daily incident report data for an entire year from two hospitals in California we measured the number of incidents each day, the average harm per incident, and the total daily harm from all incidents. Analyses were done separately for the two different hospitals and controlled for daily patient census. Harm per incident was assessed to determine whether reporting patterns on weekdays differed from weekends. Results: There were fewer incidents per day and less total daily harm on weekend days than days during the workweek in both hospitals (p < .05). Patient to nurse ratios are held at the same level across all days and shifts. There did not appear to be a systematic tendency to under-report incidents on the weekends. Conclusion: The data strongly suggest that there is less harm to patients due to healthcare error on the weekends than during the week. Further work is needed to determine whether these findings would apply in hospitals with varying staffing levels.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Fluorescence Behavior of 2,6- Di(thiophen-2-yl)-benzo[1,2-d:4,5-d´]bisoxazole
Authors: Chai Lan-Qin , Zhang Yu-Li , Tong Jun-Feng , Liu Gang
Published: March 2013

An effective and clean new aerobic approach for the synthesis of 2,6-disubstituted benzobisoxazole by using a one-pot reaction of an organic aminoxyl radical as the catalyst is reported. 2,6- Di(thiophen-2-yl)-benzo[1,2-d : 4,5-d´]bisoxazole was synthesized with catalysis by the free radical 4-methoxy-TEMPO and characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, HRMS, as well as by elemental analysis, UV/Vis and emission spectroscopy. The crystal structure of the title compound has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a=12.531(1), b=3.8960(2), c = 28.733(2) Å, b = 100:760(1)°, Z = 4. Through intermolecular weak C-H· · ·O hydrogen bonding and p-p stacking interactions, a supramolecular 3D structure is formed.
Synthesis, Crystal Structures and Fluorescence Properties of Two d10 Metal Coordination Polymers with Flexible Bis(benzimidazolyl)alkane Ligands
Authors: Wang Jun-Wen , Cui Guang-Hua , Qin Li , Xiao Shu-Lin
Published: March 2013

Two d10 metal coordination polymers with bis-benzimidazole ligands, [(Ag(L1))·NO3·4H2O]n (1) and [Cu2(L2)(CN)2]n (2) [L1 =1,4-bis(benzimidazol-1-yl)butane, L2 =1,4-bis(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazol- 1-yl)butane] have been synthesized hydrothermally and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 features a ribbon-like chain structure bridged by L1 ligands, and is ultimately extended into a 2D supramolecular network through two kinds of π-π stacking interactions. Compound 2 displays a (6,3) wave-like layer in which [Cu6(μ-CN)6(L2)2]n double chains are interconnected by pairs of L2 bridges. The fluorescence properties of the compounds in the solid state at room temperature were investigated.
Synthesis and Structural Characterisation of New Bifunctional o-Hydroxyacetophenones – Potential Linker Molecules for Coordinative Framework Construction
Authors: Hübscher Jörg , Günthel Michael , Rosin Robert , Seichter Wilhelm , Mertens Florian , Weber Edwin
Published: March 2013

Two new linker-type molecules 1a and 1b composed of o-hydroxyacetophenone coordinative groups attached to linear ethynylene or 1,4-phenylenediethynylene spacer units have been synthesised and structurally characterised. An X-ray crystallographic study for both compounds has shown structures with strong intramolecular hydrogen bonds fitting in the model of ‘Intramolecular Resonance Assisted Hydrogen Bond (IRHAB)’. Initial coordination experiments with Cu(II) were performed and the resulting materials characterised by PXRD. The similarity of the copper coordination between these compounds and copper(II) acetylacetonate complexes was demonstrated by XPS measurements. Based on the evidence of these studies, and on elemental analysis, the formation of the corresponding coordination polymers comprising Cu(II) and the linkers has been proposed