bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landsat and Local Land Surface Temperatures in a Heterogeneous Terrain Compared to MODIS Values
Authors: Simó Gemma , García-Santos Vicente , Jiménez Maria , Martínez-Villagrasa Daniel , Picos Rodrigo , Caselles Vicente , Cuxart Joan
Published: October 2016

Land Surface Temperature (LST) as provided by remote sensing onboard satellites is a key parameter for a number of applications in Earth System studies, such as numerical modelling or regional estimation of surface energy and water fluxes. In the case of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard Terra or Aqua, pixels have resolutions near 1 km 2 , LST values being an average of the real subpixel variability of LST, which can be significant for heterogeneous terrain. Here, we use Landsat 7 LST decametre-scale fields to evaluate the temporal and spatial variability at the kilometre scale and compare the resulting average values to those provided by MODIS for the same observation time, for the very heterogeneous Campus of the University of the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Western Mediterranean), with an area of about 1 km 2 , for a period between 2014 and 2016. Variations of LST between 10 and 20 K are often found at the sub-kilometre scale. In addition, MODIS values are compared to the ground truth for one point in the Campus, as obtained from a four-component net radiometer, and a bias of 3.2 K was found in addition to a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 4.2 K. An indication of a more elaborated local measurement strategy in the Campus is given, using an array of radiometers distributed in the area.
Estimating Shape and Micro-Motion Parameter of Rotationally Symmetric Space Objects from the Infrared Signature
Authors: Wu Yabei , Lu Huanzhang , Zhao Fei , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: October 2016

Shape serves as an important additional feature for space target classification, which is complementary to those made available. Since different shapes lead to different projection functions, the projection property can be regarded as one kind of shape feature. In this work, the problem of estimating the projection function from the infrared signature of the object is addressed. We show that the projection function of any rotationally symmetric object can be approximately represented as a linear combination of some base functions. Based on this fact, the signal model of the emissivity-area product sequence is constructed, which is a particular mathematical function of the linear coefficients and micro-motion parameters. Then, the least square estimator is proposed to estimate the projection function and micro-motion parameters jointly. Experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
One Destination and Two Events: A Comparative Analysis on Perceived Value, Satisfaction, and Intention to Revisit
Authors: Kim Young Hoon , Kim Dan J. , Jai Tun-Min Catherine
Published: October 2016

Although many previous studies have recognized festivals and special events as an important area in hospitality research, there has been little research attempting to understand attendee's behavior by comparing different themed festivals or events. Traditionally, researchers have focused
on a single event or festival rather than understanding and comparing different themed events together. The purposes of this study are threefold: 1) To examine the relationships among three components: perceived value, satisfaction, and intention to revisit, 2) To compare the results of causal
relationships among three components from two festivals in the same destination, and 3) To provide any managerial implication. A research model is proposed and tested by causal relationships among those factors. The theoretical background is explained in the literature review. All hypotheses
were supported at the significant level (p<0.05) except H7: There are significant differences between the two proposed models of festival (i. e., arts and food). The findings of this study can help stakeholders of destinations better understand attendee's behavior and develop festivals
that can attract more business.
Exploring the Site Selection Decisions of Incentive Travel Planners
Authors: Mair Judith , Jin Xin Cathy , Yoo Joanne Jung-Eun
Published: October 2016

This article examines how incentive travel is conceptualized, planned, and organized in three major markets—Australia, China, and the US. The findings suggest that planners across the three markets share similar perceptions on what characterizes incentive trips but differ slightly
in the planning and operational phase pertinent to varying customer characteristics and requirements. This exploratory study provides a basis for future research in the area of incentive travel and useful information for incentive travel planners.
Effect of tetramethylammonium hydroxide/isopropyl alcohol wet etching on geometry and surface roughness of silicon nanowires fabricated by AFM lithography
Authors: Yusoh Siti Noorhaniah , Yaacob Khatijah Aisha
Published: October 2016

The optimization of etchant parameters in wet etching plays an important role in the fabrication of semiconductor devices. Wet etching of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH)/isopropyl alcohol (IPA) on silicon nanowires fabricated by AFM lithography is studied herein. TMAH (25 wt %) with different IPA concentrations (0, 10, 20, and 30 vol %) and etching time durations (30, 40, and 50 s) were investigated. The relationships between etching depth and width, and etching rate and surface roughness of silicon nanowires were characterized in detail using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The obtained results indicate that increased IPA concentration in TMAH produced greater width of the silicon nanowires with a smooth surface. It was also observed that the use of a longer etching time causes more unmasked silicon layers to be removed. Importantly, throughout this study, wet etching with optimized parameters can be applied in the design of the devices with excellent performance for many applications.
Implant Supported Fixed Restorations versus Implant Supported Removable Overdentures: A Systematic Review
Authors: Selim Khaled , Ali Sherif , Reda Ahmed
Published: October 2016

AIM: The aim of this study is to systematically evaluate and compare implant retained fixed restoration versus implant retained over denture.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Search was made in 2 databases including PubMed and PubMed Central. Title and abstract were screened to select studies comparing implant retained fixed restorations versus implant retained removable overdentures. Articles which did not follow the inclusion criteria were excluded. Included papers were then read carefully for a second stage filter, this was followed by manual searching of bibliography of selected articles.RESULTS: The search resulted in 5 included papers. One study evaluated the masticatory function, while the other 4 evaluated the patient satisfaction. Two of them used Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) as a measurement tool, while the other two used VAS and Categorical Scales (CAT). Stability, ability to chew, ability to clean, ability to speak and esthetics were the main outcomes of the 4 included papers.CONCLUSION: Conflicting results was observed between the fixed and removable restorations.
Academic Achievement and Psychosocial Profile of Egyptian Primary School Children in South Sinai
Authors: Monir Zeinab M. , Salah El-Din Ebtissam M. , El-Alameey Inas R. , Yamamah Gamal A. , Megahed Hala S. , Salem Samar M. , Ibrahim Tarek S.
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND: Population of South Sinai has suffered from negligence for many years. Solving educational problems of this population is the main concern nowadays.AIM: To assess academic achievement in primary school children in South Sinai in relation to intelligence and psychosocial profile.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on 407 Bedouin and urban students randomly selected from twelve public primary schools in six cities in South Sinai. Intelligence was assessed using Goodenough-Harris test. The midyear Arabic language and Arithmetic scores were used to assess academic achievement. The teachers completed a Pediatric-Symptom Checklist for evaluation of children behaviour.RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in academic achievement (P < 0.001), total psychosocial scores, (P < 0.05), and externalization (P < 0.05) was found between urban and Bedouin students with significant gender differences (P < 0.05). Highly significant positive correlations were observed between IQ percentile and mid-year Arabic language scores and Arithmetic scores (P < 0.001), and significant negative correlations with the total score of PSCL and its subscale scores (externalising, inattention, and internalising behaviour) (P < 0.001) among the students.CONCLUSION: Comorbid academic and psychosocial dysfunction in primary school children were observed in South Sinai. A national strategy to minimise the educational gap between Bedouin and urban areas should be implemented.
Note éternelle du présent , du sable au cristal
Authors: Nicol Françoise
Published: October 2016

La lecture du corpus d’hommages et de réflexions consacrés à l’art et à quelques artistes admirés, réunis sous le titre Note éternelle du présent , montre un Reverdy déjouant les codes attendus. Le poète s’y affirme pleinement en poète, déconstruisant une à une les formes canoniques de l’écrit sur l’art, s’ingéniant à dérouter le lecteur et à prendre ses distances avec historiens et théoriciens de l’art, refusant l’anecdote et la description, fidèle en cela à ses partis pris anti-mimétiques, au point de proposer là une forme d’art poétique personnel riche en développements métaphoriques.
Du miroir à la toile d’araignée : mise en œuvre d’un regard sur la peinture
Authors: Geinoz Philippe
Published: October 2016

Si la réflexion de Reverdy sur la peinture s’est essentiellement déployée sous la forme d’exposés critiques et théoriques distincts de sa poésie, ses poèmes ne sont pas pour autant dénués d’éléments thématiques indices d’une interrogation sur les transformations de la peinture. Préoccupation lisible dans certains poèmes, et qui n’est pas sans rapport avec la formation d’un regard interprétatif que, de leur côté, les cubistes appellent également dans leurs dispositifs.
Reverdy selon Du Bouchet
Authors: Collot Michel
Published: October 2016

La relation privilégiée unissant Reverdy à Du Bouchet s’affirme à partir d’une reconnaissance mutuelle : le jeune poète prometteur échange, avec ce maître qui lui offre une alternative au surréalisme, des signes d’estime et d’intérêt. Du Bouchet consacre ainsi une étude approfondie à Reverdy en 1951, intitulée « Envergure de Reverdy », dont la réécriture radicale en 1992 dans Matière de l’interlocuteur permet de mesurer le chemin accompli par son auteur dans l’intervalle, d’un hommage initial à un dialogue post-mortem plus équilibré avec l’œuvre du maître ancien, et de l’idéal d’un rapport renoué avec le réel au constat aggravé d’un manque.
Quelques repères historiques pour une analyse de l’énonciation (d’Aristote à Benveniste)
Authors: Coquet Jean-Claude
Published: October 2016

Le thème de l’énonciation est ancien. Il ne date pas du numéro de Langages de 1970 intitulé : « L’énonciation », mais ce numéro allait à contre-courant de l’analyse structurale qui l’avait exclu de son champ d’étude. Or les bases linguistiques de l’énonciation ont été posées très tôt dans notre univers occidental. Aristote est un témoin privilégié. Sa leçon a été suivie au cours des siècles. Port-Royal l’a énoncée dans sa Grammaire . Benveniste et un phénoménologue comme Merleau-Ponty en sont les continuateurs.
Thermodynamic properties of nanotubes: zone-folding approach
Authors: Evarestov Robert A. , Bandura Andrei V. , Porsev Vitaly V.
Published: October 2016

A zone-folding approach is applied for the estimation of phonon contributions to the thermodynamic properties of carbon nanotubes and nanotubes based on transition metal oxides (TiO2, V2O5) and sulfides (TiS2, ZrS2) with different morphology and various chiralities. The results obtained are compared with those from the direct calculation of the thermodynamic properties of nanotubes in the harmonic approximation. All calculations have been made using the PBE0 hybrid exchange–correlation functional. It is found that the zone-folding approach allows a sufficiently accurate estimation of phonon contributions to internal energy and heat capacity and shows worse but acceptable results for Helmholtz free energy and entropy.
La fin de Lost, le paradoxe des séries et l’expérience de la perte
Authors: Clémot Hugo
Published: October 2016

La question de savoir pourquoi tant de spectateurs furent si déçus par la fin de Lost pose le problème de la clôture narrative. Pour le résoudre, Noël Carroll a proposé un modèle « érotétique », qui soutient que l’impression de finalité que l’on ressent à la fin de la plupart des films et des épisodes est provoquée par le fait que les questions que se pose le spectateur trouvent finalement une réponse. Cette théorie expliquerait l’enthousiasme suscité par une série qui accumule les mystères, mais aussi la déception finale de ne pas avoir reçu toutes les clés pour les comprendre. Si ce modèle érotétique présente incontestablement un intérêt au moins formel, on peut montrer, à partir de Lost, qu’il est néanmoins préférable de penser les choses selon un modèle téléologique où la subordination de certaines questions et réponses à d’autres renvoie en fait à un rapport entre moyens et fins. Cependant, on présuppose alors qu’il doit être possible de connaître les fins des personnages et du récit, sans quoi rien n’aurait de sens, alors que nous ne pouvons que reconnaître le caractère séparé des personnages et du monde projeté, et admettre que nous sommes condamnés à comprendre sans jamais être certains que nous ne fassions pas que projeter des fins qui ne s’y trouvent pas. Or, les séries télévisées permettent de vivre une expérience sceptique, créée par ce que l’on peut appeler le « paradoxe des séries », c’est-à-dire l’idée qu’il est toujours possible de poursuivre une série autrement et de modifier ainsi rétrospectivement le sens des nombres ou des événements passés qui la constituent, une vérité sceptique qui menace aussi l’histoire personnelle du spectateur, tout en lui offrant la possibilité de changer et d’atteindre un meilleur état du moi. Pour surmonter cette épreuve sceptique, la série nous apprend à contempler la forme d’une finalité qui semble se dessiner dans toute vie, sans qu’on puisse se former une représentation de sa fin, une leçon qui justifie que l’on puisse trouver la fin de Lost réussie.
Fuzzy Dynamic Programming Problem for Single Additive Constraint with Additively Separable Return by Means of Trapezoidal Membership Functions
Authors: Kaliyaperumal Palanivel
Published: October 2016

Dynamic Programming Problem (DPP) is a multivariable optimization problem is decomposed into a series of stages, optimization being done at each stage with respect to one variable only. DP stands a suitable quantitative study procedure that can be used to explain various optimization problems. It deals through reasonably large as well as complex problems; in addition, it involves creating a sequence of interconnected decisions. The technique offers an efficient procedure for defining optimal arrangement of decisions. Throughout this chapter, solving procedure completely deliberate about as Fuzzy Dynamic Programming Problem for single additive constraint with additively separable return with the support of trapezoidal membership functions and its arithmetic operations. Solving procedure has been applied from the approach of Fuzzy Dynamic Programming Problem (FDPP). The fuzzified version of the problem has been stated with the support of a numerical example for both linear and nonlinear fuzzy optimal solutions and it is associated to showing that the proposed procedure offers an efficient tool for handling the dynamic programming problem instead of classical procedures. As a final point the optimal solution with in the form of fuzzy numbers and justified its solution with in the description of trapezoidal fuzzy membership functions.
Fuzzy-Based Matrix Converter Drive for Induction Motor
Authors: Venugopal Chitra
Published: October 2016

In industrial applications, approximately, 60% of world's consumption of electrical energy passes through the windings of squirrel-cage induction motors. Hence it is necessary to select an efficient drive circuit for induction motor to save energy. The MC are preferred to replace VSC in industrial applications. To control the performance of the MC, fuzzy logic technique is proposed and simulated using Matlab/Simulink. In this chapter, the basic concepts of MCs are discussed. The implementation of fuzzy logic technique to improve the performance of MC in driving induction motor is discussed in detail. The design of fuzzy controllers and the closed loop control of induction motor is shown. It seen that the introduction of fuzzy controllers in the closed loop helped to reduce the overshoot at starting and maintain the reference speed when running with load torque. Also the input and output voltage of the MC is maintained sinusoidal.
Bio-Inspired Computing through Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Dash Nilamadhab , Priyadarshini Rojalina , Mishra Brojo Kishore , Misra Rachita
Published: October 2016

Developing suitable mathematical or algorithmic model to solve real life complex problems is one of the major challenges faced by the researchers especially those involved in the computer science field. To a large extent Computational intelligence has been found to be effective in designing such models. Bio inspired computing is the technique which makes the machines intelligent by adapting the behavior and methods exhibited by the human beings and other living organisms while forming intelligent systems. These intelligent models include the intelligent techniques such as Artificial Neural Network (ANN), evolutionary computation, swarm intelligence, fuzzy system, artificial immune system accompanied by fuzzy logic, expert system, deductive reasoning. All these together form the area of Bio inspired computing. The chapter deals with various bio inspired technique, giving emphasis on issues, development, advances and practical implementations of ANN.
Investment Climate Factors with Reference to Firm Performance in Bangladesh
Authors: Ferdousi Farhana , Sangaiah Arun Kumar
Published: October 2016

A productive investment climate is key to the growth of any developing country. Given the limited literature and importance of economic zone in attracting FDI, this paper conducts a study on the Export Processing Zone to provide an insight into the investment climate factors and its association with firms' performance. A total of 30 firms were chosen from the garment industry, in particular from the EPZ of Bangladesh. Findings reveal that all six factors were considered as important indicators affecting investment climate of EPZ firms. Moreover, five factors were found to be significantly associated with the firm performance. An important implication of the findings is that government and garment associations can get an important insights into the factors that are critical to the investment climate and accordingly take necessary steps to arrange better utilities provide sound governance, improve credit facilities, ensure a favorable trade union together with other infrastructural facilities that require for creating better investment climate for both the EPZ and non-EPZ firms.
Local Linguists Mastering Academic Writing in English
Authors: Khoutyz Irina
Published: October 2016

This chapter describes the differences in how scholars present their findings in Research Articles (RA) in international journals in English and in local journals in Russian. It also attempts to present the reasons for these differences, seeking explanations in the sociocultural contexts in which these RAs were written. To achieve this aim, six RAs in English and six RAs in Russian, published in peer reviewed international and local journals, were examined. The analysis draws upon the theory of contrastive rhetoric, which stresses the necessity of studying texts in the contexts of society. The methodology used to unveil discursive conventions of RAs relies on a contrastive approach, which identified the structural differences and linguistic features of RAs in both English and Russian. The conclusion is made that the RAs differ in terms of writer / reader responsibility, form / content orientation, and reader engagement level. These differences are a result of sociocultural environments that affect the process of identity construction in academic discourse.
GM-CSF Induces Inflammatory Macrophages by Regulating Glycolysis and Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Na Yi Rang , Gu Gyo Jung , Jung Daun , Kim Young Won , Na Juri , Woo Jin Sun , Cho Joo Youn , Youn Hyewon , Seok Seung Hyeok
Published: October 2016

GM-CSF induces proinflammatory macrophages, but the underlying mechanisms have not been studied thus far. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of how GM-CSF induces inflammatory macrophages. First, we observed that GM-CSF increased the extent of LPS-induced acute glycolysis in murine bone marrow–derived macrophages. This directly correlates with an inflammatory phenotype because glycolysis inhibition by 2-deoxyglucose abolished GM-CSF–mediated increase of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12p70 synthesis upon LPS stimulation. Increased glycolytic capacity is due to de novo synthesis of glucose transporter (GLUT)-1, -3, and -4, as well as c-myc. Meanwhile, GM-CSF increased 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase, which is the rate-limiting enzyme of the mevalonate pathway. Inhibition of acute glycolysis or 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase abrogated the inflammatory effects of GM-CSF priming in macrophages. Finally, mice with inflamed colons exposed to dextran sodium sulfate containing GLUT-1high macrophages led to massive uptake of [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose, but GM-CSF neutralization reduced the positron-emission tomography signal in the intestine and also decreased GLUT-1 expression in colonic macrophages. Collectively, our results reveal glycolysis and lipid metabolism created by GM-CSF as the underlying metabolic constructs for the function of inflammatory macrophages.
Cytokine-Induced Glucocorticoid Resistance from Eosinophil Activation: Protein Phosphatase 5 Modulation of Glucocorticoid Receptor Phosphorylation and Signaling
Authors: Pazdrak Konrad , Straub Christof , Maroto Rosario , Stafford Susan , White Wendy I. , Calhoun William J. , Kurosky Alexander
Published: October 2016

The mechanisms contributing to persistent eosinophil activation and poor eosinopenic response to glucocorticoids in severe asthma are poorly defined. We examined the effect of cytokines typically overexpressed in the asthmatic airways on glucocorticoid signaling in in vitro activated eosinophils. An annexin V assay used to measure eosinophil apoptosis showed that cytokine combinations of IL-2 plus IL-4 as well as TNF-α plus IFN-γ, or IL-3, GM-CSF, and IL-5 alone significantly diminished the proapoptotic response to dexamethasone. We found that IL-2 plus IL-4 resulted in impaired phosphorylation and function of the nuclear glucocorticoid receptor (GCR). Proteomic analysis of steroid sensitive and resistant eosinophils identified several differentially expressed proteins, namely protein phosphatase 5 (PP5), formyl peptide receptor 2, and annexin 1. Furthermore, increased phosphatase activity of PP5 correlated with impaired phosphorylation of the GCR. Importantly, suppression of PP5 expression with small interfering RNA restored proper phosphorylation and the proapoptotic function of the GCR. We also examined the effect of lipoxin A4 on PP5 activation by IL-2 plus IL-4. Similar to PP5 small interfering RNA inhibition, pretreatment of eosinophils with lipoxin A4 restored GCR phosphorylation and the proaptoptotic function of GCs. Taken together, our results showed 1) a critical role for PP5 in cytokine-induced resistance to GC-mediated eosinophil death, 2) supported the dependence of GCR phosphorylation on PP5 activity, and 3) revealed that PP5 is a target of the lipoxin A4-induced pathway countering cytokine-induced resistance to GCs in eosinophils.
Indicatori bibliometrici ed efficienza ospedaliera, a Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Maconi Antonio , Ippoliti Roberto
Published: October 2016

Obiettivi: Questo lavoro si propone di valutare la performance di strutture operative di un’Azienda Ospedaliera Nazionale nella produzione scientifica. Metodologia: Dopo un’accurata presentazione dell’attività scientifica aziendale, è stata applicata la metodologia Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in modo da poter ottenere un ranking delle strutture operative aziendali tenuto conto dell’attività clinica eseguita. Risultati: Il ranking delle strutture operative non solo è condizionato dagli indicatori bibliometrici adottati, ma anche dalla normalizzazione del dato. Conclusioni: Al fine di eseguire una valutazione comparata delle strutture su più obiettivi, l’utilizzo della DEA risulta uno strumento appropriato per la Direzione Generale dell’Azienda Ospedaliera.
Prevenzione dell’eventuale cardiotossicità della terapia antipsicotica tramite l’esecuzione di procedure preliminari alla sua impostazione utilizzando la metodica FMEA
Authors: Barbera V. , Cavarra S. , Podestà P. , Sartore F. , Piantato E.
Published: October 2016

Obiettivi: il progetto si propone di elaborare una procedura da implementarsi obbligatoriamente prima della impostazione di qualsiasi terapia antipsicotica alla luce della potenziale cardiotossicità dei farmaci antipsicotici di 1° e 2° generazione; Metodologia: gruppo di lavoro formato dall’equipe medica e infermieristica, avvalendosi della metodologia FMEA; Risultati: l’elaborazione di una scheda FMEA; Conclusioni: il documento prodotto ha suscitato nel gruppo di lavoro notevoli discussioni e riflessioni sulla metodologia adottata.
Riflessioni e frammenti sulla narrazione autobiografica nel processo di nursing
Authors: Bossarelli A.
Published: October 2016

Obiettivi: proporre la narrazione autobiografica nel processo di nursing, sia dai pazienti sia dagli infermieri, quale strumento d’aiuto; Metodologia: racconto autobiografico; Conclusioni: con il metodo autobiografico il paziente ha uno strumento per narrare della sua malattia, dei suoi bisogni che non compaiono nelle cartelle infermieristiche, dei suoi timori per “cosa succederà dopo”.
Carbapenem non-susceptible Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Rocchetti A.
Published: October 2016

Purpose: This work aims at studying Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, which has recently been reported as a new, multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen in several hospitals from various Italian regions. Methods: Through Micronet, a new Italian sentinel laboratory-based surveillance network, researchers studied the trend of non-susceptibility of K. pneumoniae to selected carbapenems (imipenem and/or meropenem) in 14 of the 15 hospitals participating in the network. Results: Analysis of data from 1 January 2009 to 30 April 2012 revealed a statistically significant increasing trend (p<0.01) in the proportion of carbapenem non-susceptible K. pneumoniae isolates from clinical specimens (from 2.2 % in 2009 to 19.4% in 2012). The increase in the proportion of non-susceptibility was very large for isolates from the respiratory tract (from 5.3% in 2009 to 38.5% in 2012) and blood (from 5.4% in 2009 to 29.2% in 2012). Conclusions: The results demonstrate the urgent need in Italy for infection control, guidelines, antibiotic stewardship programmes and utilisation of surveillance systems, such as Micronet, which are capable of receiving data from hospitals in real time for many pathogens and types of clinical specimens.
Breast cancer metastatic in colonic mucosa: report of a case
Authors: Ortoleva A. , Erra S.
Published: October 2016

Ductal breast carcinoma can metastasize in many organs, above all in lungs, bone and liver. In rare cases, gastroenterical secondary localizations have been described. We report a case of metastases from undifferentiated carcinoma in bowel mucosa with breast primitivity in an asymptomatic woman operated on for breast cancer 14 years before
Esperienza in medicina narrativa nell’ospedale di Alessandria con il personale dell’Ematologia e della Neuroncologia
Authors: Barbierato A. , Baretto E. , Pepoli A.
Published: October 2016

Obiettivi: chiunque di noi sia andato incontro, come operatore sanitario, come familiareamico o come paziente ad una malattia, in particolare una malattia grave, una malattia cronica, sa bene che, al di là dell’imprescindibile ricorso al pensiero logicoparadigmatico, che impone il giusto confronto con prove inconfutabili di efficacia dei trattamenti (evidence based medicine tr. medicina basata sulle prove), medico e paziente attraversano, spesso per lunghi tragitti, delle zone d’ombra in cui le scelte sono difficili, a volte subite passivamente dal malato, a volte vissute persecutoriamente, lasciando ampi margini di incertezza mai chiariti. La medicina basata sulle narrazioni si impone come metalinguaggio per la gestione dei limiti di condivisone diagnostico-terapeutica che il modello logicoparadigmatico, anziché ridurre, sta sempre più amplificando nella relazione operatore sanitario-malato. Metodologia: in questo articolo presentiamo la teoria della tecnica a cui gli autori hanno fatto riferimento nella conduzione di un gruppo in medicina narrativa, nel corso del 2013, con il personale di due realtà operative del Nostro Ospedale, centrati su elaborazioni di esperienze personali di malattia e di esperienze a fianco del malato. I formati si basano prevalentemente sulle scritture narrative e la rilettura-elaborazione in gruppo. Risultati: il gruppo in medicina narrativa favorisce l’espressione simbolica della personale e intima relazione con la malattia, attraverso l’attivazione di memorie episodico narrative (E.Tulving,1972 – J.Bowlby, 1980), l’autenticità, anche emotiva, dell’esperienza vissuta, e operando sulla decostruzione dei livelli semantici impersonali (l’inautenticità del linguaggio tecnico-paradigmatico e la conseguente dissociazione con i livelli personali e umani di consapevolezza di malattia).
Il trattamento con interferone leucocitario + ribavirina in un paziente di 80 anni con HCV cronica genotipo 2, in fase di cirrosi compensata
Authors: Carbone R.
Published: October 2016

-
Novità sul trattamento del mesotelioma pleurico maligno
Authors: Grosso F. , Libener R. , Roveta A. , Randi L. , Ugo F. , Bertolotti M. , D’Angelo M. , Degiovanni D. , Ferretti G.
Published: October 2016

-
Monitoraggio terapeutico del levetiracetam (Keppra®): confronto tra un nuovo metodo immunologico e il metodo di riferimento in cromatografia liquida ad alta prestazione
Authors: Bianchi V. , Martino F. , Piccinini S. , Pinca A. , Sida G. , Riva F.
Published: October 2016

Obiettivi: Il monitoraggio terapeutico levetiracetam, nuovo farmaco anti-convulsivante può essere indicato in pazienti le cui condizioni potrebbero alterare le caratteristiche farmacocinetiche, nella personalizzazione della singola posologia e nella valutazione della compliance del paziente. In questo studio, per il dosaggio del levetiracetam viene confrontato il metodo validato Bio-Rad HPLC attualmente in uso con il metodo ARKTM immunologico con strumenti statistici avanzati. Metodi: Le concentrazioni di levetiracetam di 63 campioni sono stati determinati utilizzando: 1) "Levetiracetam mediante HPLC" kit da Bio-Rad (Hercules, CA) sul sistema HPLC Agilent 1100 e 2) immunologico "ARKTM Levetiracetam" di ARK Diagnostics Inc. (Fremont, CA) sulla piattaforma CDx90 da Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Risultati: L’imprecisione e il bias intra-laboratorio del nuovo metodo, valutati su un periodo di 20 giorni, sono stati rispettivamente 7,4% e 0,5% a 7,5 μg/mL, 4,5% e 1,9% a 30 μg/mL, 3,1% e 2,0% a 75 μg /mL. Analisi di regressione Passign-Bablok (X: Bio- Rad, Y: Ark) ha mostrato una intercetta non significativo di 0,16 (95% CI -0.55- 0.72) e una pendenza marginalmente significativa di 0,95 (95% CI ,90-0,99) che suggerisce un minimo errore sistematico proporzionale. Anche l’analisi Bland- Altman ha mostrato un minimo bias sistematico di 1,0 mg/mL (95% CI 0,32-1,69) con il 95% delle differenze HPLC-Ark vanno da -4.3 (95% CI -5,52 - (-) 3.16) e 6,3 (95% CI 5,16-7,52). I dati hanno mostrato che i valori ottenuti dai due metodi sono da considerarsi identici sia entro l’imprecisione intrinseca così come per le specifiche di qualità analitiche (errore massimo ammissibile il 15%). Conclusioni: Il nuovo metodo ARKTM sulla piattaforma CDx è accettabile e può essere utilizzato per misurare la concentrazione di routine levetiracetam. In particolare, poiché il metodo immunologico abbassa drasticamente il TAT è più facile ed immediato l’aggiustamento della posologia nei pazienti critici.
Tumore a cellule giganti dell’osso: report di un caso clinico
Authors: Grosso F. , Crivellari S. , Trincheri N.F. , Ugo F. , Candeo M.G. , Pertino A. , Zai S. , Aurelio A. , Mariani N. , Mancuso M.
Published: October 2016

Obiettivi/Metodologia: Si presenta la storia di una paziente che all'epoca dell'esordio della malattia aveva 47 anni, con diagnosi istologica di tumore a cellule giganti dell'osso (radio distale) e con riscontro di lesioni parenchimali polmonari. La situazione clinica della paziente era tale da arrivare a considerare l'ipotesi dell'amputazione dell'arto interessato. La paziente invece ha subito resezione chirurgica con asportazione del radio distale, ricostruzione e, dopo insorgenza di recidiva del tumore, trattamento prolungato con denosumab (per un totale di 44 somministrazioni, ancora in corso). Risultati/Conclusioni: Il trattamento della recidiva con denosumab ha portato ad un'ottima risposta di malattia con beneficio clinico, recupero funzionale di notevole rilevanza, e con stabilità di malattia a livello delle lesioni polmonari.
Mesotelioma pleurico sarcomatoide: analisi clinico-patologica e di sopravvivenza di una serie di 80 casi, studio retrospettivo multicentrico
Authors: Gallizzi G. , Crivellari S. , Roveta A. , Muzio A. , Zai S. , Taverna G. , Aurelio A. , Libener R. , Mariani N. , D’Angelo M. , Degiovanni D. , Grosso F.
Published: October 2016

Introduzione: Il mesotelioma pleurico maligno è una patologia rara, ma con incidenza non trascurabile nelle aree inquinate da amianto. L’istotipo sarcomatoide (SMPM) è caratterizzato da una prognosi particolarmente infausta. Metodologia: Sono state analizzate le caratteristiche e gli outcome clinici di 80 pazienti affetti da SMPM seguiti presso gli Ospedali di Alessandria, Casale Monferrato, Rozzano, Padova. Risultati: Dopo la prima linea chemioterapica è stata osservata risposta parziale (PR) in 2 pazienti (2,5%), stabilità di malattia (SD) in 32 pazienti (40%), progressione di malattia (PD) in 25 pazienti (31%), malattia non valutabile per 21 pazienti (26%). Il time to progression (TTP) è risultato 3.5 mesi; l’overall survival (OS) è stata 7.8 mesi. L’OS dei pazienti che avevano ricevuto pemetrexed è risultata 7.5 mesi vs 8.9 mesi dei pazienti sottoposti a chemioterapia senza pemetrexed (p>0,05). Conclusione: I dati confermano come l’istotipo sarcomatoide abbia una prognosi peggiore rispetto all’epitelioide, con una minor sopravvivenza e una scarsa risposta ai trattamenti. In particolare la chemioterapia standard non ha mostrato efficacia, sottolineando la necessità di altre prospettive terapeutiche nell’ambito di studi clinici incentrati sui nuovi target biomolecolari.
La formazione interprofessionale: sinergie per il controllo degli outcome sulla sicurezza del paziente
Authors: Lazzarino L.
Published: October 2016

Obiettivi: . Obiettivo dello studio è valutare l'efficacia dell'apprendimento nei partecipanti alle iniziative di formazione sul campo, rispetto alle capacità di pensiero critico e riflessivo, al fine di verificare se risultino più efficaci i gruppi mono professionali o composti da professionalità diverse per lo sviluppo di progetti volti alla prevenzione di eventi avversi per il paziente. Metodologia: Revisione della letteratura, analisi quantitativa retrospettiva e analisi qualitativa mediante la conduzione di focus group. Risultati: E’ emersa una correlazione positiva tra le competenze di tipo critico-riflessivo e la formazione interprofessionale e tra quest'ultima ed il controllo degli esiti avversi per il paziente. Conclusioni: L'indagine quantitativa ha messo in luce alcuni rischi connessi alla formazione interprofessionale, analizzati successivamente con matrice SWOT, che inducono a porre particolare attenzione alla progettazione, da effettuarsi anche attraverso metodologie che prevedano lo stakeholder engagement. Lo sviluppo della formazione interprofessionale aumenta la collaborazione tra i membri delle équipe e tra i servizi; essa contribuisce ad uniformare i comportamenti e a migliorare la comunicazione con l'utenza; tutto ciò porta a decisioni rapide, appropriate e condivise.
Bacteriological warfare and bioterrorism: still a public health challenge
Authors: Troiano Gianmarco
Published: October 2016

Introduction: According to the American CDC, bioterrorism is defined as "release of viruses, bacteria and other agents with the aim of causing disease or death in the population, as well as animals and plants". Since ancient times, the potential of biological agents as a weapon was recognized, but it was not until the discoveries of Kock and Pasteur in the 19th century that it became possible to speak more properly of "bacteriological warfare". The purpose of this work was to study and compare all the most modern scientific evidence on bioterrorism, to assess the state of the art in the field and provide a useful tool for the prevention and management of a possible biological threat. Methodology: The study was conducted by searching the scientific literature through the PUBMED database. It was based on the use of different search strings using keywords that could well center the topic of interest. This was also supplemented by consulting Centers For Disease Control and Prevention databases that focused on the topic. Results: The case of the "anthrax letters" demonstrated how bioterrorism still remains a danger to the entire community, and must be taken seriously at the individual and policy level. The basic requirement for a biological attack is first of all the availability of the pathogen or toxin in sufficient quantity to affect the human organism and cause disease. Terrorists, however, do not need agents of mass destruction for their purposes and this opens up a wider range of possibilities, preferring readily available agents, first of all castor bean toxin. Adequate preparation for clinical microbiologists and health care personnel to identify and treat implicated biological agents in a timely manner, and maintenance of emergency stockpiles of drugs, is therefore necessary. Conclusions: Although bioterrorism represents a marginal form when compared with traditional forms of terrorism involving weapons and explosives, it is critical that Public Health respond appropriately to this potential threat: prompt recognition of the event is the key step in ensuring that the number of casualties is contained.
Sleep in the ICU. Factors influencing sleep quality. Qualitative-quantitative survey conducted at the A.O.N. "SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo" of Alessandria, Italy.
Authors: Carlino G.G. , Bottino G.
Published: October 2016

The sleep/wake rhythm is one of the most important biological processes for the human organism.The alternation between these two states is regulated by a number of mechanisms including a homeostatic process that takes into account the need for sleep based on the duration of the state. Homeostatic process that takes into account the need for sleep based on the duration of the previous state of previous waking state, and a circadian process that oversees the temporal distribution of the two states, determining at various times of the day a propensity for one or the other. In specialized intensive care unit (ICU) services, an increasing focus on the care of the organ can lead the operators involved to neglect, in some cases the care of the person. In particular, considering specifically the sleep/wake relationship, it is noted that a limited attention to the nocturnal comfort of the patient and to the restoration of the correct circadian rhythm, which can lead to various problems.
Biosafety level-2 laboratory diagnosis of Zaire Ebola virus disease imported from Liberia to Nigeria
Authors: Salu Olumuyiwa B. , James Ayorinde B. , Oke Bamidele O. , Orenolu Mercy R. , Anyanwu Roosevelt A. , Abdullah Maryam A. , Happi Christian , Idris Jide , Abdus-Salam Ismail A. , Nasidi Abdul-Salam , Ogunsola Folashade T. , Tomori Oyewale , Omilabu Sunday A.
Published: October 2016

Introduction: Global travel is an efficient route of transmission for highly infectious pathogens and increases the chances of such pathogens moving from high disease-endemic areas to new regions. We describe the rapid and safe identification of the first imported case of Ebola virus disease in a traveler to Lagos, Nigeria, using conventional reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in a biosafety level (BSL)-2 facility.Case presentation: On 20 July 2014, a traveler arrived from Liberia at Lagos International Airport and was admitted to a private hospital in Lagos, with clinical suspicion of Ebola virus disease.Methodology and Outcome: Blood and urine specimens were collected, transported to the Virology Unit Laboratory at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, and processed under stringent biosafety conditions for viral RNA extraction. RT-PCR was set-up to query the Ebola, Lassa and Dengue fever viruses. Amplicons for pan-filoviruses were detected as 300 bp bands on a 1.5% agarose gel image; there were no detectable bands for Lassa and Dengue viral RNA. Nucleotide BLAST and phylogenetic analysis of sequence data of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L) gene confirmed the sequence to be Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV/Hsap/ NGA/2014/LIB-NIG 01072014; Genbank: KM251803.1).Conclusion: Our BSL-2 facility in Lagos, Nigeria, was able to safely detect Ebola virus disease using molecular techniques, supporting the reliability of molecular detection of highly infectious viral pathogens under stringent safety guidelines in BSL-2 laboratories. This is a significant lesson for the many under-facilitated laboratories in resource-limited settings, as is predominantly found in sub-Saharan Africa.
Quality assurance for point-of-care testing in Mozambique’s National Health Service
Authors: Chongo Patrina , Sitoe Nádia , Viegasa Sofia , Pinto Isabel , Macave Admiro , Sitoe Fernando , Vubila Adolfo , Mabunda Nédio , Gudoa Eduardo S. , Jani Ilesh V.
Published: October 2016

No abstract available.
An analysis of print sizes of South African newspapers in relation to prescription of reading devices for low vision patients
Authors: Oduntan A.O.
Published: October 2016

One  of  the  aspirations  of  many  low  vision patients is to read newspapers. Many low vision practitioners  use  1M  print  (Snellen  equivalent 6/15 at 40 cm or 6/24 at 25 cm) as the bench-mark for prescribing low vision optical devices for patients who wish to read newspapers. There are certain sections of the newspapers, however, with print sizes that are smaller than 1M, there-fore prescriptions based on 1M print size may present difficulties to the patient. The purpose of this study was to measure the smallest print sizes of  selected  sections  of  South African  newspa-pers. Based on the print size values, advice could be provided for effective prescription of reading devices for low vision patients whose desire is to read all or specific sections of newspapers.  Print  sizes  in  eight  sections  of  38  South African newspapers were measured using a 7x measuring magnifier with graticle. The smallest print sizes in the various sections of the newspa-pers ranged from 0.6 mm or 0.4M  (6/9.5 at 25 cm or 6/6 at 40 cm) to 1.9 mm or 1.3M (6/30 at 25cm or 6/20 at 40 cm). The mean sizes of the various sections of the newspapers ranged from 0.7  ±  0.18M  for  the  advert  section  to  1.12  ± 0.07M in the news section.  Reading device magnification established by using 1M print size as benchmark for prescrib-ing reading aids for low vision patients may not afford  the  visual  capability  needed  to  read  all sections of a newspaper. Such patients, thus may experience difficulty when reading certain sec-tions of newspapers. There is therefore, a need for  low  vision  practitioners  to  have  a  specific knowledge of the print sizes of the section of newspapers  that  the  patient  wants  to  read  and prescribe for them accordingly.
Eigenvalues of the Transferences of Gaussian Optical Systems
Authors: Harris W.F.
Published: October 2016

The  problem  of  how  to  define  an  average eye leads to the question of what eigenvalues are  possible  for  ray  transferences.  This  paper examines the set of possible eigenvalues in the simplest possible case, that of optical systems consisting  of  elements  that  are  stigmatic  and centred on a common axis.
Ocular dynamics of Garcinia cola (Heckel) on healthy volunteers following bolus ingestion
Authors: Igwe S. A. , Akunyili D. N.
Published: October 2016

Garcinia cola Heckel, an angiospermae belonging to the  family Guttiferae, is known in commerce as bitter cola. It is a plant found in the West African subregion, mostly in moist conditions, and often in association with Cola acuminata. The seeds are highly valued ingredients in African ethonomedicine. The seeds have several social uses and applications in folk medicine. These seeds are ordinarily chewed by the local people without prescription or restriction. In an in vivo case control study, the effects of Garcinia cola on some visual functions: pupil diameter, near point of convergence (NPC), amplitude of accommodation (AA), intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity (VA) and habitual phoria; following bolus ingestion of 20 g was undertaken using healthy visually active volunteers. Results showed that bolus ingestion of Garcinia cola constricted the pupil by 68%, reduced the NPC by 28%, increased the AA by 17.8% at peak effect and decreased the intraocular pressure by 31% without affecting the distance and near VA. The lateral phoria at far and near tended towards esophoria. Possibly the miotic effect and reduction in IOP could be of benefit to patients with raised IOP where conventional drugs may not be effective. Also it is possible that the effects on phoria could be exploited in oculomotor function in combination with visual training.
Professor Oduntan rated by NRF
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: October 2016

No abstract available
Surfaces of tilted powera in symmetric dioptric power space
Authors: Rubin Alan , Harris W. F.
Published: October 2016

No abstract available
Definition, classification and visual aspects of diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema: A review of literature
Authors: Sukha A. Y. , Rubin A.
Published: October 2016

No abstract available
From the Editor’s Desk
Authors: Rubin Alan
Published: October 2016

No abstract available
Pediculosis palpebrarum initially diagnosed as blepharitis
Authors: Ebeigbe J. A. , Osaiyuwu A. B.
Published: October 2016

Pediculosis is an infestation of lice. Eyelid involvement is uncommon, but can be caused by pediculus humanus capitis (head louse), rarely by  pediculus humanus corporis (body louse) and commonly by phthirus pubis (pubic louse). Signs and symptoms are similar to those of blepharitis. A diagnosis of any type of pediculosis requires the finding of live specimen of lice and/or a viable nit.The immediate and effective treatment of pediculosis palpebrarum is removal of the lice and nits manually with forceps and treating the patient withvaseline, twice daily for seven to ten days. Also, fomites such as pillow cases, bedsheets, towels and hats  need to be washed in hot water and dried. This is to avoid further spread of lice or reinfestation.