bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and predictors of initial oral antibiotic treatment failure in adult emergency department patients with cellulitis: a pilot study
Authors: Quirke Michael , Boland Fiona , Fahey Tom , O'Sullivan Ronan , Hill Arnold , Stiell Ian , Wakai Abel
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Assessment of cellulitis severity in the emergency department (ED) setting is problematic. Given the lack of research performed to describe the epidemiology and management of cellulitis, it is unsurprising that heterogeneous antibiotic prescribing and poor adherence to guidelines is common. It has been shown that up to 20.5% of ED patients with cellulitis require either a change in route or dose of the initially prescribed antibiotic regimen. The current treatment failure rate for empirically prescribed oral antibiotic therapy in Irish EDs is unknown. The association of patient risk factors with treatment failure has not been described in our setting. Lower prevalence of community-acquired methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus-associated infection, differing antibiotic prescribing preferences and varying availability of outpatient intravenous therapy programmes may result in different rates of empiric antibiotic treatment failure from those previously described.

Methods and analysis

Consecutive ED patients with cellulitis will be enrolled on a 24/7 basis from 3 Irish EDs. A prespecified set of clinical variables will be measured on each patient discharged on empiric oral antibiotic therapy. A second independent study recruiter will assess at least 10% of cases for each of the predictor variables. Follow-up by telephone call will occur at 14 days for all discharged patients where measurement of the primary outcome will occur. Our primary outcome is treatment failure, defined as a change in route of antibiotic administration from oral to intravenous antibiotic. Our secondary outcome is change in dose or type of prescribed antibiotic. A cohort of approximately 152 patients is required to estimate the proportion of patients failing oral antibiotic treatment with a margin of error of 0.05 around the estimate.

Ethics and dissemination

Full ethics approval has been granted. An integrated dissemination plan, involving diverse clinical specialties and enrolled patients, is described.

Trial registration number

NCT 02230813.
Republished: Transvenous sclerotherapy of a large symptomatic orbital venous varix using a microcatheter balloon and bleomycin
Authors: Vadlamudi Venu , Gemmete Joseph J , Chaudhary Neeraj , Pandey Aditya S , Kahana Alon
Published: June 2015

An orbital venous varix is rare and can present with diplopia, proptosis, or hemorrhage. Treatment can be challenging, especially if the varix is in a posterior location within the orbit, since surgical exposure becomes difficult. A few case reports have been published describing transcatheter embolization of an orbital varix with coils, direct percutaneous injection of n-butyl cyanoacrylate glue, and the percutaneous injection of bleomycin. We present a case of a symptomatic orbital venous varix of the left inferior ophthalmic vein successfully treated with transvenous endovascular sclerotherapy using a microcatheter balloon and bleomycin.
Endectocide activity of a pour‐on formulation containing 1.5 per cent ivermectin +0.5 per cent abamectin in cattle
Authors: Silva Heloisa Cristina , Prette Nancy , Lopes Welber Daniel Zanetti , Sakamoto Cláudio Alessandro M , Buzzulini Carolina , Santos Thais Rabelo dos , Cruz Breno Cayeiro , Teixeira Weslen F Pires , Felippelli Gustavo , Carvalho Rafael Silveira , Maciel Willian Giquelin , Soares Vando Edésio , Costa Alvimar José da
Published: June 2015

The present work aimed to evaluate, through ten different studies, the therapeutic efficacy of a new pour‐on formulation, containing 1.5 per cent ivermectin +0.5 per cent abamectin, against parasites of cattle. Results obtained on trials against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus showed that the pour‐on combination of 1.5 per cent ivermectin +0.5 per cent abamectin obtained superior efficacy indexes against this ectoparasite, when compared with formulations containing 0.5 per cent ivermectin, 1 per cent ivermectin and the combination of 1 per cent abamectin +20 per cent levamisole. The results of efficacy of the ivermectin+abamectin and the 0.5 per cent ivermectin against Haematobia irritans were similar. Against Cochliomyia hominivorax larvae, all pour‐on formulations tested (1.5 per cent ivermectin +0.5 per cent abamectin, 0.5 per cent ivermectin and 0.5 per cent abamectin), as well as 1 per cent doramectin administered subcutaneously, were considered ineffective. Cattle medicated with 1.5 per cent ivermectin +0.5 per cent abamectin, pour‐on, remained free from parasitism by Dermatobia hominis larvae during 42 days (96 per cent efficacy), while values superior to 90 per cent were obtained by 0.5 per cent ivermectin (92 per cent) and 0.5 per cent abamectin (93 per cent) until the 42nd and 35th days post treatment, respectively. Against Haemonchus placei and Oesophagostomum radiatum, the pour‐on of ivermectin+abamectin showed better efficacy than the 0.5 per cent ivermectin and 0.5 per cent abamectin. As to Cooperia punctata, there was no difference regarding efficacy results obtained by the avermectins combination and abamectin. The pour‐on combination of 1.5 per cent ivermectin +0.5 per cent abamectin obtained high efficacy against R. (B.) microplus, D. hominis and some species of cattle gastrointestinal helminths when compared with formulations of 0.5 per cent ivermectin and 0.5 per cent abamectin administered through the same route.
Reactive transport of chemicals in unsaturated soils: numerical model development and verification
Authors: Sedighi Majid , Thomas Hywel R. , Vardon Philip J.
Published: June 2015

This paper presents the development of a numerical model for reactive transport of multicomponent chemicals in unsaturated soils. The model has been developed based on a coupled thermal, hydraulic, chemical, and mechanical (THCM) formulation, and extended by the inclusion of geochemical processes under mixed equilibrium and kinetically controlled reactions in–between the solid, aqueous, and gas phases in soil. This has been achieved by coupling the transport model, COMPASS, with the geochemical model, PHREEQC. Key coupling between the geochemical modelling and the flow of chemicals has been established via the inclusion of porosity modification from mineral precipitation–dissolution reactions and the consequential effects on flow processes. Verification of the developed model is addressed via a series of benchmark simulations with a focus on testing the coupling between the transport model and geochemical model. Good results have been achieved for the verification of the theoretical and numerical implementation of the new developments in the model. A simulation is presented to demonstrate the effects of mineral reactions on porosity evolution and chemical diffusion in a low porosity soil. The model developed is an advanced tool for studying the hydrogeochemical processes in unsaturated soils under variable THCM conditions.
Acute inhibition of monoamine oxidase and ischemic preconditioning in isolated rat hearts: interference with postischemic functional recovery but no effect on infarct size reduction
Authors: Dănilă Maria D. , Privistirescu Andreea I. , Mirica Silvia N. , Sturza Adrian , Ordodi Valentin , Noveanu Lavinia , Duicu Oana M. , Muntean Danina M.
Published: June 2015

Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) have recently emerged as important mitochondrial sources of oxidative stress in the cardiovascular system. Generation of reactive oxygen species during the brief episodes of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is responsible for the cardioprotection at reperfusion. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of two MAO inhibitors (clorgyline and pargyline) on the IPC-related protection in isolated rat hearts. Animals subjected to 30 min global ischemia and 120 min reperfusion were assigned to the following groups: (i) Control, no additional intervention; (ii) IPC, 3 cycles of 5 min ischemia and 5 min reperfusion before the index ischemia; (iii) IPC-clorgyline, IPC protocol bracketed for 5 min with clorgyline (50 μmol/L); (iv) IPC-pargyline, IPC protocol bracketed for 5 min with pargyline (0.5 mmol/L). The postischemic functional recovery was assessed by the left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and the indices of contractility (+dLVP/dt max) and relaxation (–dLVP/dt max). Infarct size (IS) was quantified by TTC staining. In both genders, IPC significantly improved functional recovery that was further enhanced in the presence of either clorgyline or pargyline. IS reduction was comparable among all the preconditioned groups, regardless of the presence of MAO inhibitors. In isolated rat hearts, acute inhibition of MAOs potentiates the IPC-induced postischemic functional recovery without interfering with the anti-necrotic protection.
BioLEGO — a web-based application for biorefinery design and evaluation of serial biomass fermentation
Authors: Vitkin Edward , Golberg Alexander , Yakhini Zohar
Published: June 2015

The composition of feedstock biomass and the selection of fermenting microorganisms are critical factors in biorefinery design. Feedstock biomass composition is constrained by local supply materials, but microorganism selection affords considerable flexibility. Once biomass feedstock is identified, biorefinery designers need to select optimal fermenting organisms. While fermentation by microorganism communities can increase the range of digested biomass compounds and can be more resistant to infections, it has intrinsic problems in the context of species competition, process design and modeling — issues related to insufficient process control. Using a serial fermentation approach, we offset some of these issues to allow maximal process control, while benefiting from organism diversity to maximize feedstock conversion rates. Here, we describe BioLEGO, a freely available web-based application that enables computer-assisted a single and two-step multiorganism fermentation process design. BioLEGO is based on a modular modeling approach, enabling the generation of different fermentation configurations consisting of independent organism modules. BioLEGO supports the evaluation of possible biomass-to-product yields for biomass mixes or general media and recommends media changes to increase the process efficacy.
Toward the zero-emission coal-to-liquids plant
Authors: Schobert Harold H.
Published: June 2015

A novel near-zero-emission process for obtaining clean middle-distillate fuels, primarily from coal and with some algal input, has been developed. This process involves the solvent extraction of coal, followed by two stages of hydrotreating and hydrogenation, and finally distillation, to produce fuels of very low sulfur and low aromatics content. Prototype fuels have been shown to provide performance comparable to petroleum-derived jet and diesel fuels in gas turbine and small diesel engines, as well as in the solid oxide fuel cell. Approaches for reducing plant emissions nearly to zero would begin with obtaining the hydrogen needed for hydrotreating the primary coal liquid extract by water electrolysis with non-carbon electricity. The process heat necessary for the extraction, hydrotreating and distillation steps could be obtained from concentrated solar power or non-carbon electricity. Hydrotreating of the primary coal extract will produce hydrogen sulfide. Use of solar splitting of hydrogen sulfide would prevent any emissions of this pollutant, and at the same time provide the opportunity to recycle hydrogen back into the process and obtain an additional revenue stream from the sale of by-product sulfur. Some carbon dioxide production is likely, and would be inevitable if natural-gas-fired process heaters were used. Carbon dioxide capture in algal photobioreactors is proposed; oils recovered from the algae could be blended with the coal-derived liquids, and spent algae could be gasified to produce additional hydrogen for hydrotreating and hydrogenation.
Factors Influencing Efficacy of Peripheral Corneal Relaxing Incisions during Cataract Surgery
Authors: Hirnschall Nino , Wiesinger Jörg , Draschl Petra , Findl Oliver
Published: June 2015

Purpose. To evaluate influencing factors on the residual astigmatism after performing peripheral corneal relaxing incisions (PCRIs) during cataract surgery.Methods. This prospective study included patients who were scheduled for cataract surgery with PCRIs. Optical biometry (IOLMaster 500, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Germany) was taken preoperatively, 1 week, 4 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Additionally, corneal topography (Atlas model 9000, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Germany), ORA (Ocular Response Analyzer, Reichert Ophthalmic Instruments, USA), and autorefraction (Autorefractometer RM 8800 Topcon) were performed postoperatively.Results. Mean age of the study populationn=74was 73.5 years (±9.3; range: 53 to 90) and mean corneal astigmatism preoperatively was −1.82 D (±0.59; 1.00 to 4.50). Mean corneal astigmatism was reduced to 1.14 D (±0.67; 0.11 to 3.89) 4 months postoperatively. A partial least squares regression showed that a high eccentricity of the cornea, a large deviation between keratometry and topography, and a high preoperative astigmatism resulted in a larger postoperative error concerning astigmatism.Conclusions. PCRI causes a reduction of preoperative astigmatism, though the prediction is difficult but several factors were found to be a relevant source of error.
Radiosynthesis,In VivoBiological Evaluation, and Imaging of Brain Lesions with [123I]-CLINME, a New SPECT Tracer for the Translocator Protein
Authors: Mattner F. , Quinlivan M. , Greguric I. , Pham T. , Liu X. , Jackson T. , Berghofer P. , Fookes C. J. R. , Dikic B. , Gregoire M.-C. , Dolle F. , Katsifis A.
Published: June 2015

The high affinity translocator protein (TSPO) ligand 6-chloro-2-(4′-iodophenyl)-3-(N,N-methylethyl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-acetamide (CLINME) was radiolabelled with iodine-123 and assessed for its sensitivity for the TSPO in rodents. Moreover neuroinflammatory changes on a unilateral excitotoxic lesion rat model were detected using SPECT imaging. [123I]-CLINME was prepared in 70–80% radiochemical yield. The uptake of [123I]-CLINME was evaluated in rats by biodistribution, competition, and metabolite studies. The unilateral excitotoxic lesion was performed by injection ofα-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid unilaterally into the striatum. The striatum lesion was confirmed and correlated with TSPO expression in astrocytes and activated microglia by immunohistochemistry and autoradiography.In vivostudies with [123I]-CLINME indicated a biodistribution pattern consistent with TPSO distribution and the competition studies with PK11195 and Ro 5-4864 showed that [123I]-CLINME is selective for this site. The metabolite study showed that the extractable radioactivity was unchanged [123I]-CLINME in organs which expresses TSPO. SPECT/CT imaging on the unilateral excitotoxic lesion indicated that the mean ratio uptake in striatum (lesion : nonlesion) was 2.2. Moreover, TSPO changes observed by SPECT imaging were confirmed by immunofluorescence, immunochemistry, and autoradiography. These results indicated that [123I]-CLINME is a promising candidate for the quantification and visualization of TPSO expression in activated astroglia using SPECT.
Measuring PI3K Activation: Clinicopathologic, Immunohistochemical, and RNA Expression Analysis in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Martin Neil E. , Gerke Travis , Sinnott Jennifer A. , Stack Edward C. , Andrén Ove , Andersson Swen-Olof , Johansson Jan-Erik , Fiorentino Michelangelo , Finn Stephen , Fedele Giuseppe , Stampfer Meir , Kantoff Philip W. , Mucci Lorelei A. , Loda Massimo
Published: June 2015

Assessing the extent of PI3K pathway activity in cancer is vital to predicting sensitivity to PI3K-targeting drugs, but the best biomarker of PI3K pathway activity in archival tumor specimens is unclear. Here, PI3K pathway activation was assessed, in clinical tissue from 1,021 men with prostate cancers, using multiple pathway nodes that include PTEN, phosphorylated AKT (pAKT), phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 (pS6), and stathmin. Based on these markers, a 9-point score of PI3K activation was created using the combined intensity of the 4-markers and analyzed its association with proliferation (Ki67), apoptosis (TUNEL), and androgen receptor (AR) status, as well as pathologic features and cancer-specific outcomes. In addition, the PI3K activation score was compared with mRNA expression profiling data for a large subset of men. Interestingly, those tumors with higher PI3K activation scores also had higher Gleason grade (P = 0.006), increased AR (r = 0.37; P < 0.001) and Ki67 (r = 0.24; P < 0.001), and decreased TUNEL (r = −0.12; P = 0.003). Although the PI3K activation score was not associated with an increased risk of lethal outcome, a significant interaction between lethal outcome, Gleason and high PI3K score (P = 0.03) was observed. Finally, enrichment of PI3K-specific pathways was found in the mRNA expression patterns differentiating the low and high PI3K activation scores; thus, the 4-marker IHC score of PI3K pathway activity correlates with features of PI3K activation.

Implications: The relationship of this activation score to sensitivity to anti-PI3K agents remains to be tested but may provide more precision guidance when selecting patients for these therapies. Mol Cancer Res; 13(10); 1431–40. ©2015 AACR.
Structure, Dynamics, and Functionality of Tankyrase Inhibitor-Induced Degradasomes
Authors: Thorvaldsen Tor Espen , Pedersen Nina Marie , Wenzel Eva M. , Schultz Sebastian W. , Brech Andreas , Liestøl Knut , Waaler Jo , Krauss Stefan , Stenmark Harald
Published: June 2015

Tankyrase (TNKS) enzymes, due to their poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity, have emerged as potential targets in experimental cancer therapy. However, the functional consequences of TNKS inhibition remain incompletely resolved because of the binding promiscuity of TNKS. One of the hallmarks of small-molecule TNKS inhibitors (TNKSi) is the stabilization of AXIN, which plays a pivotal role in the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. The present study focused on the known ability of TNKSi to induce cytoplasmic puncta (degradasomes) consisting of components of the signal-limiting WNT/β-catenin destruction complex. Using the colorectal cancer cell line SW480 stably transfected with GFP-TNKS1, it was demonstrated that a TNKS-specific inhibitor (G007-LK) induces highly dynamic and mobile degradasomes that contain phosphorylated β-catenin, ubiquitin, and β-TrCP. Likewise, G007-LK was found to induce similar degradasomes in other colorectal cancer cell lines expressing wild-type or truncated versions of the degradasome component APC. Super-resolution and electron microscopy revealed that the induced degradasomes in SW480 cells are membrane-free structures that consist of a filamentous assembly of high electron densities and discrete subdomains of various destruction complex components. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments further demonstrated that β-catenin–mCherry was rapidly turned over in the G007-LK-induced degradasomes, whereas GFP-TNKS1 remained stable. In conclusion, TNKS inhibition attenuates WNT/β-catenin signaling by promoting dynamic assemblies of functional active destruction complexes into a TNKS-containing scaffold even in the presence of an APC truncation.

Implications: This study demonstrates that β-catenin is rapidly turned over in highly dynamic assemblies of WNT destruction complexes (degradasomes) upon tankyrase inhibition and provides a direct mechanistic link between degradasome formation and reduced WNT signaling in colorectal cancer cells. Mol Cancer Res; 13(11); 1487–501. ©2015 AACR.
The Effect of Riding as an Alternative Treatment for Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Guoqin , Ma Ruiqin , Qiao Guangwei , Wada Koji , Aizawa Yoshiharu , Satoh Toshihiko
Published: June 2015

Background and Objectives: There is a substantial body of evidence assessing the effects of equine-assisted therapy on physiological and psychological aspects of individuals with disabilities. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological benefits of this alternative therapy for children with cerebral palsy (CP) by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: This systematic review included all randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials of hippotherapy (HT), therapeutic horse riding (THR), and artificial saddle (AS) for the treatment of children with CP by a systematic search in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and other databases up to November 2012. Articles were assessed for inclusion eligibility and quality by two independent reviewers. Any discordant case was re-reviewed and consensus was obtained after sufficient discussion. A random effects model of meta-analysis was applied to provide summary statistics for each outcome. Results: Seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 4 non-RCTs, and 7 self-controlled studies were included for quality assessment. Ten studies assessed the effect of HT, 5 evaluated THR, and 3 evaluated AS. The sample size differed from 3 to 72, and the quality ranged from low to moderate. Six studies were included in the meta-analysis, and there was a significant improvement in the 66-item Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66), the GMFM-66/88 total score, and the dimension E of the GMFM. Although the asymmetry score tended to be reduced, it failed to reach statistical significance. Conclusions: HT, THR, and AS seem to improve the total score of the gross motor function via improvement of the walking, running, and jumping dimension. However, they are not likely to be of benefit to the symmetry of postural muscle activity. Studies included in this review lack high-quality RCTs with a sufficient number of subjects, which thus warrants further evaluations of these modalities using large-scale well-designed RCTs.
Proviral DNA as a Target for HIV-1 Resistance Analysis
Authors: Lübke Nadine , Di Cristanziano Veronica , Sierra Saleta , Knops Elena , Schülter Eugen , Jensen Björn , Oette Mark , Lengauer Thomas , Kaiser Rolf ,   on behalf of the Resina Study Group
Published: June 2015

Background: Resistance analysis from viral RNA is restricted to detectable viral load. Therefore, analysis from proviral DNA could help in cases with low-level or suppressed viremia. Methods: Viral plasma RNA and the corresponding cellular proviral DNA of 78 EDTA samples from 48 therapy-naïve (TN) and 30 therapy-experienced (TE) HIV-1-infected patients were isolated and analyzed for their resistance profiles in the protease and reverse transcriptase genes. Results: Overall, 175 drug-resistance mutations (DRMs) were detected in 25/30 TE (83.3%) and 5/48 TN (10.4%) samples. The TE patients displayed a mean number of 6.68 DRMs in RNA and 5.20 in DNA. In the TN patients, a mean of 0.8 DRMs was found in RNA and 1.0 in DNA; 75% of the DRMs were detected in RNA and DNA simultaneously. In the TE samples, 76% of the DRMs were detected simultaneously in RNA and DNA, 23% exclusively in RNA and 1% in DNA only. The TN samples revealed a significantly higher frequency of DRMs in DNA than in RNA. Conclusions: Proviral DNA resistance testing provides additional resistance information for TN patients. It is also a reliable alternative for TE patients with unsuccessful RNA testing and can provide valuable information when no records are available.
Comparison of Left Ventricular Myocardial Structure and Function in Patients with Aortic Stenosis and Those with Pure Aortic Regurgitation
Authors: Mannacio Vito , Guadagno Elia , Mannacio Luigi , Cervasio Mariarosaria , Antignano Anita , Mottola Michele , Gagliardi Cesare , Vosa Carlo
Published: June 2015

Objective: We aimed to support the structural and functional distinction between aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic regurgitation (AR). Methods: Biopsy specimens taken from 70 selected patients (35 with AS and 35 with AR) undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) were analyzed for their cardiomyocyte dimensions and structure, interstitial fibrosis and contractile function. To determine normal values of contractile function, 10 donor hearts were analyzed. Results: Cardiomyocyte diameter was higher in AS than in AR (22.7 ± 2.2 vs. 13.2 ± 0.7 µm, p < 0.001). Length was higher in AR (121.2 ± 9.4 vs. 95.6 ± 3.7 µm, p < 0.001). Collagen volume fraction was increased in both AS and AR, but was lower in the AS specimens (7.7 ± 2.3 vs. 8.9 ± 2.3, p = 0.01). Myofibril density was reduced in AR (38 ± 4 vs. 48 ± 5%, p < 0.001). Cardiomyocyte diameter and length were closely linked to the relative left ventricular (LV) wall thickness (R2 = 0.85, p < 0.001 and R2 = 0.68, p = 0.003). The cardiomyocytes of AS patients had higher Fpassive (6.6 ± 0.3 vs. 4.6 ± 0.2 kN/m2, p < 0.001), but their total force was comparable. Fpassive was also significantly higher in AS patients with restrictive rather than pseudo-normal LV filling (7.3 ± 0.5 vs. 6.7 ± 0.6, p = 0.004). In AS patients, but not in AR patients, Fpassive showed a significant association with the cardiomyocyte diameter (R2 = 0.88, p < 0.001 vs. R2 = 0.31, p = 0.6). Conclusions: LV myocardial structure and function differ in AS and AR, allowing for compensative adjustment of the diastolic/systolic properties of the myocardium.
Adverse Effects of Conventional Thrice-Weekly Hemodialysis: Is It Time to Avoid 3-Day Interdialytic Intervals?
Authors: Georgianos Panagiotis I. , Sarafidis Pantelis A. , Sinha Arjun D. , Agarwal Rajiv
Published: June 2015

Background: Maintenance hemodialysis is typically scheduled thrice weekly due to simple logistic reasons; thus, the vast majority of hemodialysis patients receive renal replacement therapy for two shorter 2-day intervals and a longer 3-day interval. As compared to the 2-day interval, we review the ill effects of the longer 3-day interdialytic interval in this report. Summary: Large-scale observational studies show that both cardiovascular-related hospital admissions and mortality occur more frequently on the day following the long interdialytic interval than on any other day of the week. Although the reasons for excess mortality are obscure, several pathophysiologic mechanisms may be involved, such as a greater magnitude of change during the long interdialytic interval in the following parameters: volume status, electrolyte and acid-base status, arterial wall and left ventricle mechanics. These data raise the need for re-examining the issue of timing and frequency of prescribed dialysis regimens in an attempt to improve patient outcomes. Although enhanced-frequency and/or extended-time dialysis schedules may mitigate the risks of the long interdialytic interval, the benefit of such dialytic modalities on survival is not yet proven. Key Message: This article summarizes currently available epidemiologic and pathophysiologic evidence on the adverse effects related to the long interdialytic interval of thrice-weekly hemodialysis and discusses the need to research further alternative dialysis practices that could mitigate these risks.
Roland Barthes em Maître de Jeu de Go
Authors: Marinho Alexandre Ferreira
Published: June 2015

Cet exercice de style prétend vérifier la pertinence d'une analogie entre la pensée théorico-critique de Roland Barthes avec celle d'un maître de jeu de Go.
Tecnologias da informação e comunicação como suporte à aprendizagem ativa de língua portuguesa no ensino superior
Authors: Marquesi Sueli Cristina , Silveira Ismar Frango
Published: June 2015

O presente artigo tem por objetivo principal discutir o ensino de Língua Portuguesa, em uma abordagem que relaciona princípios teóricos das Metodologias Ativas de Aprendizagem e da Análise Textual dos Discursos, tendo como suporte as Tecnologias da Informação e da Comunicação. Tomando por base, principalmente, estudos desenvolvidos por Bransford et al. (2000), Greus (2008) e por Adam (2011), será discutida uma unidade de conteúdo da disciplina Língua Portuguesa, em que sequências expositivas e descritivas constroem-se de forma a proporcionar a aprendizagem ativa em ambiente virtual de aprendizagem. Para tanto, trar-se-á para a discussão uma unidade temática destinada a estudantes de primeiro ano de Graduação de uma universidade da cidade de São Paulo, componente de uma disciplina trabalhada a distância.
Língua portuguesa e matemática em cursos tecnológicos: estudos sobre lógica da linguagem e linguagem da lógica
Authors: Guaranha Manoel Francisco , Bortolete Juliano Cavalcante
Published: June 2015

O ensino tecnológico visa ao atendimento das demandas sociais e do mundo do trabalho. Por isso, seus processos didáticos são voltados à aplicação das novas tecnologias da informação e demandam uma abordagem de conceitos da Lógica como base para práticas de leitura, produção de textos e compreensão de conceitos matemáticos. Este trabalho apresenta estratégias de aproximação entre dois domínios, da Linguística e da Matemática, com base nos estudos de Oswald Ducrot (1981) sobre a concepção argumentativa da linguagem, especialmente quando descreve uma lógica da linguagem. Assim, a pesquisa visa desenvolver, a partir de reflexões sobre lógica e linguagem, métodos interdisciplinares de abordagem das disciplinas de Comunicação e Matemática que possam propiciar aos alunos do ensino tecnológico superior um maior domínio da lógica, tanto argumentativa quanto matemática, e estimulá-los a aplicar conhecimentos matemáticos na resolução de problemas práticos, entendendo a Matemática também como um instrumento formal de expressão e comunicação, que procura dar conta de aspectos do real para várias ciências. Apresentamos um método de leitura de um texto verbal decompondo-o em proposições e encadeando-as em expressões lógicas. Mais do que traduzir uma linguagem para outra, buscamos aproximar os dois domínios como estratégia para conscientizar o aluno sobre a estrutura lógico-matemática da língua.
Aprender a argumentar, argumentando: o gênero Tweet no ensino de língua materna
Authors: Aquino Zilda , Dioguardi Gabriela
Published: June 2015

Os gêneros discursivos são motivo de discussão constante entre os estudiosos que se dedicam ao ensino de língua portuguesa, por várias razões. Dentre elas, podem ser destacadas: a questão precípua de que todas as atividades humanas se relacionam à utilização da língua por meio de gêneros, conforme indica Bakhtin (1997), o fato de que os Parâmetros curriculares nacionais (1998) salientam a importância de que os gêneros sejam trabalhados em sala de aula, além da preocupação de pesquisadores, voltados, em sua maioria, à Linguística Aplicada, com a descrição de ações que podem, muito bem, orientar os professores no trabalho em sala de aula com os gêneros discursivos. Nessa direção, este artigo tem por objetivo tratar de um gênero, ainda pouco estudado em nosso meio e em sala de aula, o tweet, para descrever sua aplicabilidade na apreensão dos “gêneros da ordem do argumentar”. O referencial teórico corresponde aos preceitos da Linguística Textual, a partir de Marcuschi (2002 a 2010), tendo em vista a sociocognição, além de analistas do discurso que direcionam seus trabalhos à argumentação, como Amossy (2007), entre outros.
OS NOVOS ENFOQUES DA GEOGRAFIA COM O APOIO DAS TECNOLOGIAS DA INFORMAÇÃO GEOGRÁFICA
Authors: Machado Reinaldo Paul Pérez
Published: June 2015

Resumo: Tratou-se neste artigo de relevar o papel da Cartografia e das formas de analisar e representar o espaço, utilizando métodos qualitativos e quantitativos. Foram consideradas, em especial, as novas tendências e desafios das Tecnologias da Informação Geográfica, diante dos principais paradigmas que estão em foco no debate atual na Geografia. A partir do trabalho de Kuhn, em 1970, muitos geógrafos e estudiosos da evolução do pensamento geográfico aplicaram o modelo da mudança de paradigmas ao desenvolvimento conceitual desta ciência. No entanto, analisando a evolução da Geografia do século XX e início do XXI, tem-se observado certa regularidade de mudanças paradigmáticas entre os chamados “períodos de desenvolvimento da ciência normal”, com ciclos de duração entre 20 e 25 anos (Buzai, 1999). Mas também verificou-se que em nenhum momento um paradigma eliminava por completo o anterior, mas o deslocava no tempo. Assim vemos o atual ressurgimento da Geografia Quantitativa, com uma quantidade expressiva de trabalhos e novas propostas de cálculo, análise e modelagem temática complexa, derivadas do impacto que têm exercido as tecnologias da informação neste campo, o que tem dado lugar às denominadas Tecnologias da Informação Geográfica, ou Geotecnologias. No entanto, percebe-se também a presença ativa do chamado Paradigma Humanista, mediante o qual se tem construído uma visão espacial alternativa e independente, seguindo certos fundamentos iniciais, a partir dos estudos culturais de vertentes geográfico-antropológicas (Sauer, 1925, 1927, 1963), e daqueles outros relacionados com os mapas mentais urbanos (Cauvin, 2002; Strauss, 1987; Lynch, 1960). Aqui, a Geografia Humana centra seu foco na relação do mundo interior com o mundo exterior do ser humano, tais como a percepção, as atitudes e a valoração do meio geográfico. Neste sentido, foram analisados diferentes exemplos de aplicações dos SIG diante de uma série de problemáticas territoriais cujos propósitos, estratégias de investigação e conhecimento obtidos se agrupam dentro do reforço do paradigma quantitativo e também na construção de modelos qualitativos, mapas mentais, participativos e colaborativos, dentro do Paradigma Humanista. Estas aplicações mostraram, em geral, opções de soluções aplicadas, com base no desenvolvimento tecnológico e na Geografia atual, como disciplina central. Embora os Sistemas de Informação Geográfica, isoladamente, não sejam considerados como parte da Ciência da Informação Geográfica (Capel, 2005), o desenvolvimento recente (e crescente) das Tecnologias da Informação Geográfica indica que sim, está acontecendo uma mudança paradigmática, que levará, mediante o estabelecimento de fundamentos teóricos, conceituais e ontológicos profundos, à consolidação da Ciência da Informação Geográfica. O desenvolvimento deste processo beneficiará incontestavelmente, todas as expressões do conhecimento geográfico, independentemente de ter ênfase maior nos aspectos físicos ou humanos.
ANÁLISE MICROCLIMÁTICA NO INTERIOR E FORA DAS FLORESTAS ESTACIONAIS SEMIDECIDUAIS NA ÁREA DA BACIA DA USINA HIDRELÉTRICA DE CAÇU-GO
Authors: Lima Andreia Madeiros de , Mariano Zilda De Fátima
Published: June 2015

O presente artigo analisou o microclima em pontos no interior das florestas estacionais semideciduais (FES) e em pontos fora das FES, em áreas de pastagens, na bacia da Usina Hidrelétrica de Caçu (UHE-Caçu), situada nos municípios de Caçu e Cachoeira Alta-GO. Os dados de temperatura e umidade relativa do ar foram obtidos dos termohigrômetros, na escala diária, no período de setembro de 2011 a setembro 2012. A metodologia utilizada foi a escala microclimática baseada em Geiger (1961) e Serafini Júnior et al (2011) considerando um ponto no interior da FES com melhor estado de conservação em relação aos aspectos: a) variabilidade estrutural, ou seja, o tamanho das espécies e os estágios de idade (mudas até os senescentes) e b) preservação pela não infestação de lianas, sinais de cortes de espécies e pisoteio do gado, a altura dos indivíduos e maior diâmetro a altura do peito (DAP). Os pontos no interior das FES em melhor estado de preservação apresentaram as menores temperaturas máximas absolutas 36,7 ºC no P1 e 37,6 ºC no P2, já os pontos fora das FES, nas áreas de pastagens apresentaram as maiores temperaturas máximas absolutas 42,8 ºC no P7 e 42,6 ºC no P5, esta diferença no microclima ocorreu principalmente devido a estrutura da vegetação nas FES e ao uso e ocupação do solo.
ANÁLISE DA ATUAÇÃO DO PROGRAMA ESTADUAL DE MICROBACIAS EM SÃO PAULO EM SUAS DUAS FASES (I E II)
Authors: Neves Neto Carlos De Castro , Clemente Evandro César
Published: June 2015

O artigo tem como foco principal a análise das duas fases de implementação do Programa de Microbacias no Estado de São Paulo. O referido programa em sua primeira fase (2000-2008) ofereceu mudas para o plantio de mata ciliar, cercas para o isolamento das áreas de preservação permanentes, máquina de plantio direto, contratação de horas-máquina para a implantação de terraceamento e de curvas de nível. Somado aos benefícios individuais, o PEMH também teve como objetivo fortalecer as organizações rurais, com a doação de kit de informática, roçadeira, distribuidor de calcário etc. Com o fim do Programa de Microbacias em 2008, foi lançada a sua segunda fase, configurando uma nova política pública estadual, o Projeto de Desenvolvimento Rural Sustentável – Microbacias II – Acesso ao Mercado (2010-2015). O principal objetivo deste projeto é fortalecer as cadeias produtivas e os produtores rurais que estão inseridos numa organização coletiva. No artigo discutiremos as mudanças que ocorreram nesse novo projeto, que tem como foco principal a competitividade dos produtos da agricultura familiar, e não mais o meio ambiente, como era na edição anterior.
Randomized Controlled Intervention of the Effects of Alcohol on Blood Pressure in Premenopausal Women
Authors: Mori Trevor A. , Burke Valerie , Beilin Lawrence J. , Puddey Ian B.
Published: June 2015

Alcohol has been consistently demonstrated to elevate blood pressure (BP) in intervention studies in men. There are uncertainties, however, as to the nature of the relationship in women. We, therefore, determined in healthy premenopausal women the dose-dependent effects of alcohol on ambulatory BP. Twenty-four participants aged 25 to 49 years, with a mean alcohol intake of 202±94 g alcohol/wk and mean 24-hour systolic and diastolic BP of 110.2±8.9/68.9±5.7 mm Hg, were randomized to a 3-period cross-over study. Each evening they consumed higher volume red wine (lower level drinkers, 146 g alcohol/wk; higher level drinkers, 218 g alcohol/wk), lower volume red wine (lower level drinkers, 42 g alcohol/wk; higher level drinkers, 73 g alcohol/wk), or dealcoholized red wine, each for a period of 4 weeks. Higher volume red wine significantly increased 24 hours systolic and diastolic BP relative to dealcoholized red wine (by 2.0±0.6/1.2±0.4 mm Hg;
P
=0.001 and
P
=0.028, respectively). There were similar changes for higher volume red wine relative to lower volume red wine (by 1.6±0.6/1.4±0.4 mm Hg;
P
=0.014 and
P
=0.005, respectively). These effects were predominantly on awake rather than asleep BP. There was no significant difference in BP between lower volume red wine and dealcoholized red wine. We conclude that in healthy premenopausal women regular consumption of alcohol as 200 to 300 mL red wine/d (146–218 g alcohol/wk) elevates 24 hours systolic and diastolic BP. The magnitude of the increase in BP is similar to that previously reported in intervention studies in men.
Persistent Aortic Arch Hypoplasia After Coarctation Treatment Is Associated With Late Systemic Hypertension
Authors: Quennelle Sophie , Powell Andrew J. , Geva Tal , Prakash Ashwin
Published: June 2015

Background

Mild transverse aortic arch (
TAA
) hypoplasia is common after coarctation treatment, but is considered benign in the absence of an arm‐leg systolic blood pressure (
SBP
) difference. Hypertension (HTN) is a common long‐term morbidity after successful coarctation treatment. We examined whether mild
TAA
hypoplasia after coarctation treatment is associated with late systemic HTN.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively reviewed 92 patients (median age, 19.9 years; range, 4.9 to 57.8; 60% male) 14.1±10.3 years after successful coarctation treatment (surgery in 63, stent in 16, and balloon dilation in 13), excluding those with resting right arm‐leg blood pressure gradient >20 mm Hg, atypical coarctation, and major associated heart defects. Minimum body‐surface area (
BSA
)‐adjusted
TAA
cross‐sectional area (
CSA
) was calculated from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) images. On follow‐up, 38 of 92 (41%) patients had systemic HTN using standard criteria. Systemic HTN was independently associated with smaller
TAA CSA
/
BSA
(
P
=0.006; odds ratio [OR], 6.41 per 0.5 cm
2
/m
2
decrease), higher age at
CMR
(
P
=0.03; OR, 1.57 per 5‐year increase), and in a subset (n=61), higher arm‐leg
SBP
difference during exercise (
P
=0.05; OR, 1.03 per 1‐mm‐Hg increase). Lower ratio of
TAA
diameter/descending aorta diameter was associated with a larger increase in right arm
SBP
during peak exercise (
P
=0.006;
r
2
=0.11).

Conclusions

Persistent mild aortic arch hypoplasia, even in the absence of an arm‐leg
SBP
difference at rest, is associated with late systemic HTN. Further studies should be undertaken to determine whether more‐aggressive arch reconstruction at initial repair can reduce the incidence of systemic HTN.
Methods of Implementation of Evidence-Based Stroke Care in Europe
Authors: Di Carlo Antonio , Pezzella Francesca Romana , Fraser Alec , Bovis Francesca , Baeza Juan , McKevitt Chris , Boaz Annette , Heuschmann Peter , Wolfe Charles D.A. , Inzitari Domenico ,   The European Implementation Score Collaboration Study Group Coinvestigators, Thijs Vincent , Rudd Anthony , Boaz Annette , Giroud Maurice , Bejot Yannick , Wiedmann Silke , Hermanek Peter , Wagner Markus , Baldereschi Marzia , Lamassa Maria , Romani Ilaria , Nencini Patrizia , Rastenyte Daiva , Ryglewicz Danuta , Czlonkowska Anna , Niewada Maciej , Dennis Martin , Gallofré Miquel , Abilleira Sonia , Masjuan Jaime , Norrving Bo , Asplund Kjell
Published: June 2015

Background and Purpose—

Differences in stroke care and outcomes reported in Europe may reflect different degrees of implementation of evidence-based interventions. We evaluated strategies for implementing research evidence into stroke care in 10 European countries.

Methods—

A questionnaire was developed and administered through face-to-face interviews with key informants. Implementation strategies were investigated considering 3 levels (macro, meso, and micro, eg, policy, organization, patients/professionals) identified by the framing analysis, and different settings (primary, hospital, and specialist) of stroke care. Similarities and differences among countries were evaluated using the categorical principal components analysis.

Results—

Implementation methods reported by ≥7 countries included nonmandatory policies, public financial incentives, continuing professional education, distribution of educational material, educational meetings and campaigns, guidelines, opinion leaders’, and stroke patients associations’ activities. Audits were present in 6 countries at national level; national and regional regulations in 4 countries. Private financial incentives, reminders, and educational outreach visits were reported only in 2 countries. At national level, the first principal component of categorical principal components analysis separated England, France, Scotland, and Sweden, all with positive object scores, from the other countries. Belgium and Lithuania obtained the lowest scores. At regional level, England, France, Germany, Italy, and Sweden had positive scores in the first principal component, whereas Belgium, Lithuania, Poland, and Scotland showed negative scores. Spain was in an intermediate position.

Conclusions—

We developed a novel method to assess different domains of implementation in stroke care. Clear variations were observed among European countries. The new tool may be used elsewhere for future contributions.
Calligraphy and Klee’s Abstract Painting: A Study on Categorical Ambiguity
Authors: Albertazzi Liliana , Canal Luisa , Micciolo Rocco , Vescovi Massimo
Published: June 2015

This study analyses the categorical ambiguity between visual appearances that belong in different categories, such as Oriental Calligraphy and certain Abstract Paintings selected from the works of Klee. In particular, the aim of our research was to identify whether there exist abstract features at the basis of purely visual configurations that determine the way in which they are categorized. Specifically, the intention was to determine whether, and to what extent, two artistic forms that display documented shared graphic and conceptual characteristics differ, or do not differ, visually, and whether certain features exist that identify them as a specific type of graphic work. The assumption that both categories had shared characteristics that made them graphically and conceptually similar and that resulted in categorical ambiguity, was confirmed. Moreover, the presence of some constituent features specific to one or the other was also confirmed. The results show that a Calligraphic Image and an Abstract Painting by Klee can be ‘exchanged’, but the tendency to confuse Calligraphy with an Abstract Painting is greater than that of confusing an Abstract Painting with Calligraphy.
A new species of Collodiscula (Xylariaceae) from China
Authors: Li Qirui , WEN TING-CHI , KANG JI-CHUAN , HYDE KEVIN D.
Published: June 2015

A Collodiscula isolate, found on a bamboo stalk in China, differs from C. japonica by having smaller ascospores. On the basis of morphology and molecular phylogeny it is described as a new species, Collodiscula bambusae sp. nov.
A new species in the lichen genus Caloplaca from the Canary Islands, including a key to all brown-black Caloplaca sensu lato species in Macaronesia

Authors: Pérez-Vargas Israel , González-Montelongo Cristina , Padrón Consuelo Hernández , De Paz Pedro Luis Pérez
Published: June 2015

Caloplaca nigrocarpa sp. nov. found on bark of canary willow from the Canary Islands is described as new to science. A description of the species is given together with notes on its chemistry, distribution, ecology and taxonomy. Related lichen taxa are discussed briefly and a key to the Macaronesian species of the genus Caloplaca s.l. with brown-black apothecia is also provided.
Pombalia barbata, a new species of Violaceae endemic to the Brazilian Caatinga
Authors: De Paula-Souza Juliana , Souza Vinicius Castro
Published: June 2015

A new species of Pombalia Vand. (Violaceae) is described and illustrated. Pombalia barbata Paula-Souza is endemic to caatingas from Ceará to northern Minas Gerais states in Brazil, and is distinguished from other species of the genus by its bearded style. Further distinctive features and comments about its relationships with morphologically related species P. attenuata and P. communis are provided, as well as discussions on geographical distribution.
The Lasioseius phytoseioides species group (Acari: Blattisociidae): new characterisation, description of a new species, complementary notes on seven described species and a taxonomic key for the group
Authors: DE MORAES GILBERTO J. , ABO-SHNAF REHAM I.A. , PÉREZ-MADRUGA YANEBIS , SÁNCHEZ LEOCADIA , KARMAKAR KRISHNA , HO CHYI-CHEN
Published: June 2015

The Lasioseius phytoseioides species group was first characterised over 50 years ago. Two species of this group, Lasioseius chaudhrii (Wu & Wang) and Lasioseius parberlesei Bhattacharyya, have been considered potentially effective as biological control agents of pest mites of the family Tarsonemidae on rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Asia. A new characterisation of the species group is presented, taking into account a new species here described, Lasioseius piracicabensis Moraes & Pérez-Madruga n. sp., as well as other species mostly described since the first characterisation of the group. The main characteristics of the included species are the reduced number of dorsal idiosomal setae, including the absence of j1 and z1; antiaxial surface of fixed cheliceral digit with a subterminal pointed process; and males with broad lateral expansion of the peritrematic shield in the region between coxae II–III, bearing a pore and a lyrifissure. Complementary notes are presented for Lasioseius annandalei Bhattacharyya & Bhattacharyya, Lasioseius chaudhrii (Wu & Wang), Lasioseius parberlesei Bhattacharyya, L. phytoseioides Chant, Lasioseius punjabensis Bhattacharyya & Sanyal, Lasioseius terrestris Menon & Ghai and Lasioseius youcefi Athias-Henriot. New synonymies are proposed and possible misidentifications in the literature are discussed. A dichotomous key is presented to help the identification of the species of the group, and the distribution of the species is summarised.