bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Papillary tumor of the pineal region in a 15-month-old boy
Authors: Li Jessica , Recinos Pablo F. , Orr Brent A. , Burger Peter C. , Jallo George I. , Recinos Violette Renard
Published: December 2016

The papillary tumor of the pineal region (PTPR) is a distinct entity that is particularly rare in the pediatric population. The authors document the youngest reported patient with this clinicopathological entity to date. A case of PTPR in a 15-month-old boy is described. Initially thought to be a tectal glioma, the tumor was later identified as a pineal region tumor after demonstrating growth on routine imaging. Diagnosis of PTPR was established by histopathological evaluation of biopsy samples, which revealed papillary, cystic, and solid tumor components. The patient's postoperative course was complicated by tumor growth despite several debulking procedures and chemotherapy, as well as persistent hydrocephalus requiring 2 endoscopic third ventriculostomies and eventual ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. After a 15-month follow-up period, the patient has received proton-beam therapy and has a stable tumor size. The PTPR is a recently described tumor of the CNS that must be included in the differential diagnosis of pineal region masses. The biological behavior, prognosis, and appropriate treatment of PTPR have yet to be fully defined.
Vagus nerve stimulation for children with treatment-resistant epilepsy: a consecutive series of 141 cases
Authors: Elliott Robert E. , Rodgers Shaun D. , Bassani Luigi , Morsi Amr , Geller Eric B. , Carlson Chad , Devinsky Orrin , Doyle Werner K.
Published: December 2016

Object

The authors undertook this study to analyze the efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in a large consecutive series of children 18 years of age and younger with treatment-resistant epilepsy and compare the safety and efficacy in children under 12 years of age with the outcomes in older children.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed 141 consecutive cases involving children (75 girls and 66 boys) with treatment-resistant epilepsy in whom primary VNS implantation was performed by the senior author between November 1997 and April 2008 and who had at least 1 year of follow-up since implantation. The patients' mean age at vagus nerve stimulator insertion was 11.1 years (range 1–18 years). Eighty-six children (61.0%) were younger than 12 years at time of VNS insertion (which constitutes off-label usage of this device).

Results

Follow-up was complete for 91.8% of patients and the mean duration of VNS therapy in these patients was 5.2 years (range 25 days–11.4 years). Seizure frequency significantly improved with VNS therapy (mean reduction 58.9%, p < 0.0001) without a significant reduction in antiepileptic medication burden (median number of antiepileptic drugs taken 3, unchanged). Reduction in seizure frequency of at least 50% occurred in 64.8% of patients and 41.4% of patients experienced at least a 75% reduction. Major (3) and minor (6) complications occurred in 9 patients (6.4%) and included 1 deep infection requiring device removal, 1 pneumothorax, 2 superficial infections treated with antibiotics, 1 seroma/hematoma treated with aspiration, persistent cough in 1 patient, severe but transient neck pain in 1 patient, and hoarseness in 2 patients. There was no difference in efficacy or complications between children 12 years of age and older (FDA-approved indication) and those younger than 12 years of age (off-label usage). Linear regression analyses did not identify any demographic and clinical variables that predicted response to VNS.

Conclusions

Vagus nerve stimulation is a safe and effective treatment for treatment-resistant epilepsy in young adults and children. Over 50% of patients experienced at least 50% reduction in seizure burden. Children younger than 12 years had a response similar to that of older children with no increase in complications. Given the efficacy of this device and the devastating effects of persistent epilepsy during critical developmental epochs, randomized trials are needed to potentially expand the indications for VNS to include younger children.
Nonneoplastic enlargement of the pituitary gland in children
Authors: Aquilina Kristian , Boop Frederick A.
Published: December 2016

Primary neoplasms of the pituitary gland are uncommon in children. Physiological enlargement of the gland, however, is universal and can sometimes be confused with a tumor. Due to widespread availability of MR imaging, the number of children referred to pediatric neurosurgeons with an enlarged pituitary associated with nonspecific symptoms, most commonly headache, is increasing. In this review, the authors illustrate two common causes of pituitary enlargement in children, namely physiological hypertrophy of puberty, more commonly seen in females, and secondary hyperplasia caused by hypothyroidism. The importance of early and accurate diagnosis, without recourse to extensive endocrine investigations or inappropriate surgery, is underscored.
Constrained Expressions and their Derivatives
Authors: Champarnaud Jean-Marc , Mignot Ludovic , Nicart Florent
Published: December 2016

This paper proposes an extension to classical regular expressions by the addition of two operators allowing the inclusion of boolean formulae from the zeroth order logic. These expressions are called constrained expressions. The associated language is defined thanks to the notion of interpretation and of realization.

We show that the language associated when both interpretation and realization are fixed is stricly regular and can be not regular otherwise.

Furthermore, we use an extension of Antimirov’s partial derivatives in order to solve the membership test in the general case. Finally, we show that once the interpretation is fixed, the membership test of a word in the language denoted by a constrained expression can be undecidable whereas it is always decidable when the interpretation is not fixed.
True Concurrent Equivalences in Time Petri Nets
Authors: Virbitskaite Irina , Bushin Dmitry , Best Eike
Published: December 2016

The intention of the paper is towards a framework for developing, studying and comparing observational equivalences in the setting of a real-time true concurrent model. In particular, we introduce a family of trace and bisimulation equivalences in interleaving, step, partial order and causal net semantics in the setting of time Petri nets (elementary net systems whose transitions are labeled with time firing intervals, can fire only if their lower time bounds are attained, and are forced to fire when their upper time bounds are reached) [3]. We deal with the relationships between the equivalences showing the discriminating power of the approaches of the linear-time – branching-time and interleaving – partial order spectra and construct a hierarchy of equivalent classes of time Petri nets. This allows studying in complete detail the timing behaviour in addition to the degrees of relative concurrency and nondeterminism of processes.
Rule Quality Measures Settings in Classification, Regression and Survival Rule Induction — an Empirical Approach
Authors: Wróbel Łukasz , Sikora Marek , Michalak Marcin
Published: December 2016

The paper presents the results of research related to the efficiency of the so-called rule quality measures which are used to evaluate the quality of rules at each stage of the rule induction. The stages of rule growing and pruning were considered along with the issue of conflict resolution which may occur during the classification. The work is the continuation of research on the efficiency of quality measures employed in sequential covering rule induction algorithm. In this paper we analyse only these quality measures (8 measures) which had been recognized as effective based on previous conducted research. The study was conducted on approximately 70 benchmark datasets related to classification, regression and survival analysis problems. In the comparisons we analyzed prognostic abilities of the induced rules as well as the complexity of the resulting rule-based data models.
Higher-order multiobjective design of MEMS
Authors: Di Barba Paolo , Savini Antonio , Wiak Sƚawomir
Published: December 2016

An evolution strategy, approximating a single Pareto-optimal solution in an objective space exhibiting more than two objectives, is proposed as a cost-effective method (individual-based approach). Moreover, a standard NSGA-II code is modified in order to control the spread-out of unfeasible solutions in a three-dimensional objective space (population-based approach). Both methods are validated by means of a case study, i.e. the optimal design of a magnetic micro-switch.
Synthesis of acylhydrazino-peptomers, a new class of peptidomimetics, by consecutive Ugi and hydrazino-Ugi reactions
Authors: Barreto Angélica de Fátima S , Santos Veronica Alves dos , Andrade Carlos Kleber Z
Published: December 2016

Herein we describe a versatile approach for the synthesis of acylhydrazino-peptomers, a new class of peptidomimetics. The key idea in this approach is based on a simple route using a one-pot hydrazino-Ugi four-component reaction followed by a hydrazinolysis or hydrolysis reaction and subsequent hydrazino-Ugi reaction or classical Ugi reaction for the construction of acyclic acylhydrazino-peptomers. The consecutive multicomponent reactions produced a variety of acylhydrazino-peptomers in moderate to excellent yields (47–90%). These compounds are multifunctional intermediates that can be further functionalized to obtain new peptidomimetics with potential biological activity.
TYPE IA SUPERNOVAE: COLORS, RATES, AND PROGENITORS
Authors: Heringer Epson , Pritchet Chris , Kezwer Jason , Graham Melissa L. , Sand David , Bildfell Chris
Published: December 2016

The rate of type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) in a galaxy depends not only on stellar mass, but also on star formation history (SFH). Here we show that two simple observational quantities (g − r or u − r host galaxy color, and r-band luminosity), coupled with an assumed delay time distribution (DTD) (the rate of SNe Ia as a function of time for an instantaneous burst of star formation), are sufficient to accurately determine a galaxy’s SN Ia rate, with very little sensitivity to the precise details of the SFH. Using this result, we compare observed and predicted color distributions of SN Ia hosts for the MENeaCS cluster supernova survey, and for the SDSS Stripe 82 supernova survey. The observations are consistent with a continuous DTD, without any cutoff. For old progenitor systems, the power-law slope for the DTD is found to be

. This result favors the double degenerate scenario for SN Ia, though other interpretations are possible. We find that the late-time slopes of the DTD are different at the 1σ level for low and high stretch supernova, which suggest a single degenerate (SD) scenario for the latter. However, due to ambiguity in the current models’ DTD predictions, SD progenitors can neither be confirmed as causing high stretch supernovae nor ruled out from contributing to the overall sample.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF RADIOACTIVE 44Ti IN CASSIOPEIA A
Authors: Grefenstette Brian W. , Fryer Chris L. , Harrison Fiona A. , Boggs Steven E. , DeLaney Tracey , Laming J. Martin , Reynolds Stephen P. , Alexander David M. , Barret Didier , Christensen Finn E. , Craig William W. , Forster Karl , Giommi Paolo , Hailey Charles J. , Hornstrup Alan , Kitaguchi Takao , Koglin J. E. , Lopez Laura , Mao Peter H. , Madsen Kristin K. , Miyasaka Hiromasa , Mori Kaya , Perri Matteo , Pivovaroff Michael J. , Puccetti Simonetta , Rana Vikram , Stern Daniel , Westergaard Niels J. , Wik Daniel R. , Zhang William W. , Zoglauer Andreas
Published: December 2016

The distribution of elements produced in the innermost layers of a supernova explosion is a key diagnostic for studying the collapse of massive stars. Here we present the results of a 2.4 Ms NuSTAR observing campaign aimed at studying the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A (Cas A). We perform spatially resolved spectroscopic analyses of the 44Ti ejecta, which we use to determine the Doppler shift and thus the three-dimensional (3D) velocities of the 44Ti ejecta. We find an initial 44Ti mass of (1.54 ± 0.21) × 10−4
M
⊙, which has a present-day average momentum direction of 340° ± 15° projected onto the plane of the sky (measured clockwise from celestial north) and is tilted by 58° ± 20° into the plane of the sky away from the observer, roughly opposite to the inferred direction of motion of the central compact object. We find some 44Ti ejecta that are clearly interior to the reverse shock and some that are clearly exterior to it. Where we observe 44Ti ejecta exterior to the reverse shock we also see shock-heated iron; however, there are regions where we see iron but do not observe 44Ti. This suggests that the local conditions of the supernova shock during explosive nucleosynthesis varied enough to suppress the production of 44Ti by at least a factor of two in some regions, even in regions that are assumed to be the result of processes like α-rich freezeout that should produce both iron and titanium.
SPECTRAL ENERGY DISTRIBUTION MAPPING OF TWO ELLIPTICAL GALAXIES ON SUB-kpc SCALES
Authors: Amblard A. , Temi P. , Gaspari M. , Brighenti F.
Published: December 2016

We use high-resolution Herschel-PACS data of two nearby elliptical galaxies, IC 1459 and NGC 2768, to characterize their dust and stellar content. IC 1459 and NGC 2768 have an unusually large amount of dust for elliptical galaxies ((1–3) × 105

); this dust is also not distributed along the stellar content. Using data from GALEX (ultra-violet) to PACS (far-infrared, FIR), we analyze the spectral energy distribution (SED) of these galaxies with CIGALEMC as a function of the projected position, binning images in 7.″2 pixels. From this analysis, we derive maps of SED parameters, such as the metallicity, the stellar mass, the fraction of young stars, and the dust mass. The larger amount of dust in FIR maps seems related in our model to a larger fraction of young stars which can reach up to 4% in the dustier area. The young stellar population is fitted as a recent (∼0.5 Gyr) short burst of star formation for both galaxies. The metallicities, which are fairly large at the center of both galaxies, decrease with the radial distance with a fairly steep gradient for elliptical galaxies.
THE OBSERVABLE SIGNATURES OF GRB COCOONS
Authors: Nakar Ehud , Piran Tsvi
Published: December 2016

As a long gamma-ray burst (GRB) jet propagates within the stellar atmosphere it creates a cocoon composed of an outer Newtonian shocked stellar material and an inner (possibly relativistic) shocked jet. The jet deposits

erg into this cocoon. This is comparable to the energies of the GRB and of the accompanying supernova, yet the cocoon’s signature has been largely ignored. The cocoon radiates a fraction of this energy as it expands, following the breakout from the star, and later as it interacts with the surrounding matter. We explore the possible signatures of this emission and outline a framework to calculate them from the conditions of the cocoon at the time of the jet breakout. The cocoon signature depends strongly on the, currently unknown, mixing between the shocked jet and shocked stellar material. With no mixing the γ-ray emission from the cocoon is so bright that it should have been already detected. The lack of such detections indicates that some mixing must take place. For partial and full mixing the expected signals are weaker than regular GRB afterglows. However, the latter are highly beamed while the former are wider. Future optical, UV, and X-ray transient searches, like LSST, ZTF, ULTRASAT, ISS-Lobster, and others, will most likely detect such signals, providing a wealth of information on the progenitors and jets of GRBs. While we focus on long GRBs, analogous (but weaker) cocoons may arise in short GRBs. Their signatures might be the most promising electromagnetic counterparts for gravitational wave signals from compact binary mergers.
POST-OUTBURST RADIO OBSERVATIONS OF THE HIGH MAGNETIC FIELD PULSAR PSR J1119-6127
Authors: Majid Walid A. , Pearlman Aaron B. , Dobreva Tatyana , Horiuchi Shinji , Kocz Jonathon , Lippuner Jonas , Prince Thomas A.
Published: December 2016

We have carried out high-frequency radio observations of the high magnetic field pulsar PSR J1119-6127 following its recent X-ray outburst. While initial observations showed no evidence of significant radio emission, subsequent observations detected pulsed emission across a large frequency band. In this Letter, we report on the initial disappearance of the pulsed emission and its prompt reactivation and dramatic evolution over several months of observation. The periodic pulse profile at S-band (2.3 GHz) after reactivation exhibits a multi-component emission structure, while the simultaneous X-band (8.4 GHz) profile shows a single emission peak. Single pulses were also detected at S-band near the main emission peaks. We present measurements of the spectral index across a wide frequency bandwidth, which captures the underlying changes in the radio emission profile of the neutron star. The high-frequency radio detection, unusual emission profile, and observed variability suggest similarities with magnetars, which may independently link the high-energy outbursts to magnetar-like behavior.
Mobilités, stratégies familiales et transformations du marché matrimonial au Vietnam
Authors: Bélanger Danièle , Nguyen Thi-Van
Published: December 2016

Cet article étudie les transformations du marché matrimonial au Vietnam depuis le milieu des années 1990 dans le contexte d’une forte mobilité interne et internationale chez les jeunes femmes de certaines régions du pays. L’analyse met en évidence les processus d’élargissement de l’aire géographique matrimoniale qui ébranlent la valeur de l’endogamie sociale et villageoise. Ces tendances sont analysées en termes de stratégies familiales et individuelles, reconfigurant les rapports entre genres et générations. Le célibat forcé chez certains hommes, quant à lui, témoigne de l’émergence d’une classe de « laissés pour compte » représentant un monde rural devenu peu désirable. Le cadre d’analyse fait appel ici à des concepts proposés par Pierre Bourdieu. L’article repose sur un travail ethnographique effectué entre 2007 et 2012 dans deux provinces du Vietnam particulièrement affectées par l’émigration féminine due au mariage avec des étrangers d’Asie de l’Est. Des données quantitatives sur les districts et les communes étudiés sont aussi analysées.
L’agriculture uruguayenne face aux investisseurs sud-américains
Authors: Saravia Alejandro , Guibert Martine , Arbeletche Pedro , Gédouin Maëlle , Capdevila Luc , Morales Hermes , Tourrand Jean-François
Published: December 2016

Depuis le début du troisième millénaire, l’Uruguay connaît un développement soutenu des investissements sud-américains aussi bien dans la production agricole que dans la transformation agroalimentaire. Les facteurs de l’installation de ces acteurs venus, principalement, d’Argentine et du Brésil sont analysés ainsi que les impacts, marquants, sur l’utilisation du sol, l’organisation des filières, les structures de production, la gouvernance de l’agriculture et la société rurale dans son ensemble.
L’Argentine à la croisée des investissements énergétiques et miniers Sud-Sud
Authors: Forget Marie , Carrizo Silvina
Published: December 2016

À partir des années 1990, des entreprises originaires d’Amérique du Sud – Argentine, Brésil et Chili en particulier – ont multiplié et diversifié leurs investissements et leurs alliances dans la région. Les réformes politico-économiques ont ouvert les frontières de pays jusque là plus rivaux que complémentaires, générant de nouvelles possibilités de développement des marchés régionaux. Parmi les principales entreprises internationalisées figurent celles qui exploitent les ressources naturelles nombreuses, principalement les énergies et les minéraux. Certaines de ces entreprises sont publiques, d’autres mixtes ou privées, d’autres encore sont d’anciennes entreprises publiques privatisées. Leurs investissements s’appuient sur les institutions régionales et sur les gouvernements. Dans un rapport de dépendance mutuelle, les entreprises et les États développent le secteur de l’énergie et les grandes infrastructures, facteurs clés d’une cohésion socio-économique et territoriale qui se dessine progressivement à l’échelle régionale.
Les acteurs touristiques mauriciens à la conquête de nouveaux Suds
Authors: Pébarthe-Désiré Hélène
Published: December 2016

Des pays émergents de dimension modeste peuvent appuyer leur développement sur le tourisme en se tournant vers les autres Suds, tout en restant fortement liés à un Nord. C’est ce que montre l’exemple du secteur touristique mauricien. L’île Maurice, indépendante depuis 1968, a évolué par l’extraversion tout en garantissant aux acteurs mauriciens une place importante dans la diversification économique, notamment dans le tourisme, qui est devenu l’élément clé d’une économie qui développe de manière croissante les activités tertiaires. Reposant sur les acteurs locaux, le développement de l’île est endogène grâce à la coopération dans la durée entre État et opérateurs privés. L’île a su aussi accueillir les investisseurs touristiques étrangers – européens et de la région d’abord, puis asiatiques et américains – et exporter, par ses groupes hôteliers, des capitaux et du savoir-faire dans les îles de sa région. Il apparaît que l’ouverture associée à un développement endogène constitue une solution probante pour un petit pays du sud dans le contexte actuel. La mondialisation du tourisme s’accompagne d’une concentration des acteurs du secteur et d’un déplacement du centre de gravité touristique mondial vers l’Asie. C’est un défi à relever pour le modèle mauricien.
Jésus ressuscité, le prophète plus grand que Moïse. Lecture de Jn 21,1-14
Authors: Monnier Patrick
Published: December 2016

Jn 21 ne manque pas de surprendre. Considéré comme un ajout tardif de l’Évangile, son apport à la révélation christologique johannique est décisif. Ses 14 premiers versets se présentent comme une scène de reconnaissance, reconnaissance intradiégétique qui en appelle une autre, extradiégétique, de la part du lecteur. En regard de la promesse d’un prophète semblable à Moïse en Dt 18,18, dans une lecture globale de l’ensemble du 4e évangile, Jn 21,1-14 invite à reconnaître en Jésus le prophète plus grand que Moïse.
Les quatre sens de l’Écriture sainte et les quatre semaines des Exercices spirituels . Leur correspondance et ses implications théologiques
Authors: Piret Pierre
Published: December 2016

Recueillant les fruits de séminaires de l’I.E.T. (Bruxelles), l’A. discerne la correspondance entre la tradition des quatre sens de l’Écriture sainte et le déroulement des quatre semaines des Exercices . Il en montre les implications dans l’articulation des disciplines théologiques : exégèse, dogmatique, morale, fondamentale. Du symbole scripturaire s’animent les dialogues entre Dieu et les hommes.
La famille, indispensable à la civilisation de l’amour. L’enseignement de Jean-Paul ii dans la Lettre aux familles
Authors: Gay-Crosier Véronique
Published: December 2016

La Lettre aux familles écrite par Jean-Paul  ii en 1994 mérite d’être étudiée aujourd’hui. Six clés de lecture sont ici fournies : la notion de personne et la communion de personnes ; la vie divine en l’homme et le don ; l’amour et l’éducation. Inspirées de la philosophie et de la théologie du saint pape polonais, elles montrent en quoi la civilisation de l’amour et la famille sont étroitement intriquées.
Paresis of the Peroneal Nerve: A Rare But Severe Long-term Complication of Polyethylene Wear in Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Aurich Matthias , Lenz Mark , Best Norman
Published: December 2016

One of the most important limiting factors in the long-term success of total knee arthroplasty is polyethylene wear. Particles of the polyethylene inserts have been shown to elicit a foreign body response, which produces bone resorption and osteolysis, ultimately leading to loosening and component failure. The authors report on a case of an elderly patient who underwent a total knee arthroplasty almost 2 decades ago. Clinical and radiological checkups of the knee had not been performed recently. He now presented with a painful and swollen knee, recurrent joint effusion and swelling of the lower leg, and paresis of the peroneal nerve. Radiological examination showed asymmetric wear of the polyethylene insert and pronounced periprosthetic osteolysis of the proximal tibia and the distal femur. Furthermore, a large ganglion on the anterolateral aspect of the lower leg, resulting in pressure on the peroneal nerve, was detected on ultrasound examination. Open excision of the ganglion was performed initially, followed by 1-stage revision knee arthroplasty using a modular system a few weeks later. This case shows a rare but severe long-term complication of total knee arthroplasty and highlights the importance of regular clinical and radiological checkups after total joint replacements, even for asymptomatic patients and especially in the long term (ie, beyond 10 years after implantation). The current case shows that wear of the polyethylene insert may also lead to ganglion formation that causes paresis of the peroneal nerve. [
Orthopedics.
2017; 40(3):e538–e540.]
REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON MANAGEMENT OF ADULT FEMALE THALASSEMIA PATIEΝTS WITH HYPOGONADISM BASED ON LITERATURE REVIEW AND EXPERIENCE OF ICET-A NETWORK SPECIALISTS
Authors: De Sanctis Vincenzo
Published: December 2016

Background: Multi-transfused thalassemia major (TM) patients frequently develop severe endocrine complications, mainly due to iron overload, anemia and chronic liver disease, which require prompt diagnosis, treatment and follow-up by specialists.The most common endocrine complication documented is hypogonadotropic hypogonadism which increases with age and associated comorbidities. It is thus important for physicians to have a clear understanding of the pathophysiology and management of this disorder. Also to be aware of the side effects, contraindications and monitoring of sex steroid therapy. In this paper practical ICET-A recommendations for the management of hypogonadism in adult females with TM are addressed.Methods: In March 2015, the Coordinator of the International Network of Clinicians for Endocrinopathies in Thalassemia and Adolescent Medicine (ICET-A) conducted a two-step survey to assess the attitudes and practices of doctors in the ICET-A network taking care of adult female TM patients with hypogonadism. They were  clinically characterized  by the absence of pubertal development, or discontinuation or regression of the maturation of secondary sex characteristics, and biochemically  by persistent low FSH, LH and estradiol levels. Recently a supplementary survey on adult female hypogonadism in TM was undertaken within  the ICET-A network.Results: The completed questionnaires were returned by 16 of 27 specialists (59.2%) following 590 female TM patients over the age of 18 years; 315 patients (53.3%) had hypogonadism and only 245 (74.6%) were on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Contraceptive oral pills (COC) were the first treatment choice in 11 centres (68.7%). A wide range of COCs were used with different progestin contents. In general, the patients’ compliance to treatment was reported as good in 81.2 % of centres. The frequency of required tests for follow-up HRT, in addition to the regular check-up for thalassemia, was variable in the participating centres.Conclusions: Doctors taking care of TM patients should have sound knowledge of the pathophysiology of hypogonadism in adult females with TM. They should know the potential effects of HRT including advantages and disadvantages of estrogen and progestins. Moreover, they should keep in consideration  the emotional needs of these patients dreaming to attain a full pubertal development.Key words: Thalassemia, hypogonadism, hormone replacement therapy, benefits and disadvantages
ANTIBACTERIAL RESISTANCE IN PATIENTS WITH HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION
Authors: Akova Murat
Published: December 2016

Recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are at substantial risk of bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections depending on the time elapsed since transplantation, presence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and the degree of immunosuppression. Infectious complications in HSCT recipients are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Bacterial infections constitute the major cause of infectious complications, especially in the early post-transplant period. The emergence of antibacterial resistance complicates the management of bacterial infections in this patient group. Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in this group of patients have attracted considerable interest and may lead significant morbidity and mortality. Empirical antibacterial therapy in patients with HSCT and febrile neutropenia has a critical role in survival and should be based on local epidemiology. This review attempts to provide an overview of resistant bacterial infections in HSCT recipients. Keywords: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, antibacterial resistance, resistant bacterial infection.
Effectiveness and Safety of Sitagliptin in Patients with Beta-thalassaemia Major and Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Series
Authors: Zonoozi Shahrzad
Published: December 2016

Sitagliptin, a modern antidiabetic agent which is weight neutral and associated with low rate of hypoglycaemias, is being increasingly used in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). However there is paucity of data about its efficacy and safety in beta-thalassaemia major (β-TM).This retrospective case series of five patients (mean age of 45 years) is the first study evaluating the use of sitagliptin in patients with β-TM and DM.Four patients responded well to sitagliptin, as evidenced by decrease in fructosamine by 77 and 96µmol/L (equivalent reduction in HbA1c of 1.5% and 1.9%) observed in two patients and reduction in the frequency of hypoglycaemia without worsening glycaemic control in two others. One patient did not respond to sitagliptin. No patients reported significant side effects.This study provides evidence that sitagliptin may be considered, with caution, for use in patients with β-TM and DM, under the close monitoring of a Diabetologist.
A HOSPITAL-BASED RETROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY OF COMPLICATIONS, OUTCOMES, CLINICAL AND LABORATORY PARAMETERS OF MALARIA WITH AND WITHOUT NEUROLOGICAL INVOLVEMENT
Authors: Ahmad Sohaib , Shirazi Nadia , Bhat Nowneet Kumar , Dhar Minakshi , Mittal Garima , Mittal Manish , Kaeley Nidhi , Kumar Manoj
Published: December 2016

Background & Objectives: Classically associated with Plasmodium falciparum, neurological complications in severe malaria is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, reports implicate the long considered benign Plasmodium vivax for causing severe malaria as well. We aimed to analyze the cerebral complications in malaria, and study if there is a specie-related difference in the presentation and outcomes.Methods: We retrospectively compared patients of malaria hospitalised from 2009-15, with (n=105) and without (n=1155) neurological involvement in terms of outcomes, complications, demographic attributes, clinical features, and laboratory parameters. Subsequently, the same parameters were studied in those with cerebral malaria due to mono-infections of vivax or falciparum and their co-infection.Results: Cerebral malaria was observed in 8.3% (58/696), 7.4% (38/513) and 17.6% (6/51) of vivax, falciparum and combined plasmodial infections respectively. Those with cerebral malaria had significantly (p<0.05) longer hospitalization, delayed defervescence, required mechanical ventilatory support and dialysis despite comparable levels of azotemia and renal insufficiency, and adverse outcomes compared to non-cerebral malaria. Severe thrombocytopenia, respiratory distress and mechanical ventilation were significantly (p<0.05) associated with P. vivax cerebral malaria.Conclusions:The plasmodial species were comparable in clinical and laboratory parameters and outcomes in cerebral malaria in isolation and in combination (p>0.05). P. vivax emerged as the predominant cause of cerebral malaria and its virulence was comparable to P. falciparum.
CRYOGLOBULIN TEST AND CRYOGLOBULINEMIA HEPATITIS C-VIRUS RELATED
Authors: Basile Umberto
Published: December 2016

Cryoglobulins are immunoglobulins that precipitate in serum at temperatures below 37°C and resolubilize upon warming. The clinical syndrome of cryoglobulinemia usually includes purpura, weakness, and arthralgia, but the underlying disease may also contribute other symptoms. Blood samples for cryoglobulin are collected, transported, clotted and spun at 37°C, before the precipitate is allowed to form when serum is stored at 4°C in a Wintrobe tube for at least seven days. The most critical and confounding factor affecting the cryoglobulin test is when the preanalytical phase is not fully completed at 37°C. The easiest way to quantify cryoglobulins is the cryocrit estimate. However, this approach has low accuracy and sensitivity. Furthermore, the precipitate should be resolubilized by warming to confirm that it is truly formed of cryoglobulins. The characterization of cryoglobulins requires the precipitate is several times washed, before performing immunofixation, a technique by which cryoglobulins can be classified depending on the characteristics of the detected immunoglobulins. These features imply a pathogenic role of these molecules which are consequently associated with a wide range of symptoms and manifestations. According to the Brouet classification, Cryoglobulins are grouped into three types by the immunochemical properties of immunoglobulins in the cryoprecipitate. The aim of this paper is to review the major aspects of cryoglobulinemia and the laboratory techniques used to detect and characterize cryoglobulins, taking into consideration the presence and consequences of cryoglobulinemia in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection.
FOLLICULAR LYMPHOMA: THE MANAGEMENT OF ELDERLY PATIENT
Authors: Castellino Alessia , Vitolo Umberto
Published: December 2016

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma, typically affected mature adults and elderly, with a median age at diagnosis of 65 years. The natural history of FL appears to have been favorably impacted by the introduction of Rituximab. Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that the addition of rituximab to standard chemotherapy induction has improved the overall survival and new strategies of chemo-immunotherapy, such as Bendamustine combined with Rituximab, showed optimal results on response and lower hematological toxicity, becoming one of the standard treatments, particularly in elderly. Moreover maintenance therapy with Rituximab demonstrated improvement of progression-free survival. Despite these exciting results, FL is still an incurable disease. It remains a critical unmet clinical need finding new prognostic factors to better identify poor outcome patients, to reduce the risk of transformation and to explore new treatment strategies, especially for patients not candidate to intensive chemotherapy regimens, such as elderly patients. Some progresses were already done with novel agents, but larger and more validated studies are needed. Elderly patients are the larger portion of patients with FL and represent a subgroup with higher treatment difficulties, because of comorbidities and smaller spectrum for treatment choice. Further studies, focused on elderly follicular lymphoma patients, with their peculiar characteristics, are needed in order to define the best tailored treatment at diagnosis and at the time of relapse in this setting.
VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 serum levels as markers of relapse in visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Makis Alexandros , Tsabouri Sophia , Karagouni Paraskevi , Rogalidou Maria , Sionti Irene , Chaliasos Nikolaos
Published: December 2016

Objectives-Methods. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is characterized by chronicity and relapses despite efficacious treatment. Acute and chronic inflammatory processes and concomitant disturbances in cell adhesion characterize the pathogenesis of the disease. To investigate these processes further we measured adhesion molecules (L-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) serum levels in 16 children with VL, as well as in 20 healthy controls. All children were treated with liposomal amphotericin B (3 mg/kg) on days 1 to 5, 14, and 21. Measurements were performed at days 0, 15 and 30. Results. All children responded well to treatment in both clinical and laboratory terms. In three cases relapse occurred at 3, 5 and 6 months after treatment had ended. Serum L-selectin levels, both pre-treatment and post-treatment, did not significantly differ between patients and controls. VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 median levels were similar in patients and controls (P>0.05) at day 0 and significantly increased at day 15 (P<0.05). Interestingly, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 dropped at day 30, with median levels comparable to those before treatment in the 13 children who subsequently had a good outcome without relapses (P>0.05), but not in the 3 patients who relapsed (P<0.05). Conclusions. Despite the small number of the patients, the changes in VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 levels indicate the anti-parasite activation of the immune system during the course of VL and the effect of treatment. Decline in post-treatment serum VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 levels might be used as a marker of treatment efficacy in childhood VL.
Prevajanje lastnih imen v publicističnih besedilih: prevodi poimenovanj francoskih političnih institucij v slovenščino
Authors: Turk Urška
Published: December 2016

Pričujoči članek se ukvarja s prevajanjem lastnih imen iz francoščine v slovenščino; natančneje, s prevodi publicističnih poimenovanj francoskih političnih institucij v slovenščino. Najprej predstavimo lastna imena v slovenščini in francoščini ter relevantne razlike pri njihovem zapisovanju v obeh jezikih; nato pa omenimo še nekatere prevajalske strategije. Sledi korpusna analiza v dveh delih. Najprej smo analizirali publicistični podkorpus vzporednega korpusa FraSloK in nato še slovenski korpus Gigafida, kjer smo analizirali članke dveh slovenskih časopisov Delo in Dnevnik. Pri analizi smo se osredotočili na strategije, ki so jih pri prevajanju uporabili prevajalci. Poimenovanja v obeh slovenskih časopisih se med seboj razlikujejo in so odvisna od pričakovanega ciljnega občinstva. Pri poimenovanjih v prevedenih člankih smo pričakovali pogosto uporabo transference, vendar so ta pogosto prevedena v slovenščino ali pa opremljena z razlago, ki je v pomoč bralcem. Rezultati analize potrjujejo, da prav ciljno občinstvo in kontekst odločata o izbiri prevajalske strategije ter kažejo na prevajalčevo težnjo po dodatni razlagi pojmov.
Miti o učenju drugega/tujega jezika
Authors: Nagode Gabrijela Petra , Pižorn Karmen
Published: December 2016

O učenju tujih jezikov obstajajo določeni miti, nepreverjene »resnice«, ki so se ponekod »fosilizirali« in morda sploh več ne vzbujajo nobenih dvomov med običajnimi uporabniki jezikov. V članku osvetlimo izbor štirih mitov o učenju drugega/tujega jezika. V prvem mitu se sprašujemo, kakšno vlogo ima starost pri učenju drugega/tujega jezika. V drugem mitu se sprašujemo, če večina napak v drugem/tujem jeziku res nastane zaradi prenosa (ne)znanja iz prvega jezika v drugi/ tuji jezik oziroma transferja. S tretjim mitom preverjamo, ali naj res učitelj vsako napako popravi takoj z namenom, da si je učenec ne bo zapomnil. V četrtem mitu pa nas zanima, ali ima branje res največji vpliv na širjenje besedišča tako v prvem kot drugem/tujem jeziku. Miti o učenju tujega jezika so pogosto kompleksni, kar velja tudi za mite, predstavljene v tem članku. Glede njihove resničnosti ugotavljamo, da najverjetneje najmanj drži mit o nujnosti  takojšnjega popravljanja napak, precej bolj pa prvi, drugi in četrti mit.
Sprechkompetenz im DaF-Unterricht an Slowenischen Gymnasien: von der Theorie zur Praxis
Authors: Retelj Andreja
Published: December 2016

Es liegt auf der Hand, dass Fremdsprachenkenntnisse aufgrund der wachsenden Globalisierung stets an Bedeutung gewinnen. Über eine hochentwickelte Fremdsprachenkompetenz zu verfügen, ist in der heutigen Gesellschaft fast zur Selbstverständlichkeit geworden. Durch die wachsenden wirtschaftlichen Kontakte gewinnt vor allem die mündliche Kommunikation immer mehr an Bedeutung und die Erwartungen an Fremdsprachenlernende, in verschiedenen Sprachsituationen mündlich schnell und angemessen kommunizieren zu können, nehmen aus diesem Grund ständig zu.
Učinki transferja pri absolutni in relativni rabi pridevnikov med slovenskimi študenti angleščine
Authors: Kavalir Monika
Published: December 2016

Prispevek analizira učinke transferja med slovenščino in angleščino na področju malo raziskanih absolutnih in relativnih rab pridevnikov. Teoretična osnova, ki loči podsistema standarda (notranji, zunanji) in stopnje (osnovna, srednja, visoka), je nadgrajena s praktičnim preizkusom, v kolikšni meri slovenski študenti anglistike, katerih znanje je na ravni C1 in C2, na tem področju (neustrezno) prenašajo jezikovne strategije iz enega jezika v drugega. Rezultati kažejo, da študenti, vključeni v preizkus, ob prevajanju iz slovenščine v angleščino v veliki večini ohranjajo absolutne primernike, čeprav so ti v angleščini veliko redkejši. Po drugi strani tudi ob prevajanju v materni jezik znaten del študentov ohranja absolutne presežnike, ki so produktivna strategija v angleščini, v slovenščini pa se pojavljajo le redko.
Ko vsak uporablja svoj lastni jezik in razume svojega sogovorca
Authors: Pirih Svetina Nataša , Schlamberger Brezar Mojca , Perko Gregor , Pognan Patrice
Published: December 2016

Medjezikovno sporazumevanje je sporazumevalna praksa, pri kateri dve osebi govorita vsaka svoj jezik in se med seboj sporazumeta, ne da bi se prej (na)učili jezika svojega sogovorca. Običajno je to mogoče pri jezikih, ki pripadajo isti jezikovni družini, na primer med slovanskimi, romanskimi ali germanskimi jeziki. V članku predstavljamo pojem medjezikovnega razumevanja kot alternativo sporazumevanju v angleščini kot lingui franci. Tako sporazumevanje je od nekdaj obstajalo med Skandinavci, prvo metodo pa so razvili za romanske jezike (EuRomCom) v začetku 21. stoletja. Danes obstaja več metod tudi za germanske in slovanske jezike. V članku predstavimo nekatere od njih, pa tudi možne prakse za utrjevanje medjezikovnega sporazumevanja.
Caracterización de la fenología de la vegetación a escala global mediante series temporales SPOT VEGETATION
Authors: Verger A. , Filella I. , Baret F. , Peñuelas J.
Published: December 2016

Land surface phenology from time series of satellite data are expected to contribute to improve the representation of vegetation phenology in earth system models. We characterized the baseline phenology of the vegetation at the global scale from GEOCLIM-LAI, a global climatology of leaf area index (LAI) derived from 1-km SPOT VEGETATION time series for 1999-2010. The calibration with ground measurements showed that the start and end of season were best identified using respectively 30% and 40% threshold of LAI amplitude values. The satellite-derived phenology was spatially consistent with the global distributions of climatic drivers and biome land cover. The accuracy of the derived phenological metrics, evaluated using available ground observations for birch forests in Europe, cherry in Asia and lilac shrubs in North America showed an overall root mean square error lower than 19 days for the start, end and length of season, and good agreement between the latitudinal gradients of VEGETATION LAI phenology and ground data.
Desarrollo de productos avanzados para la misión SEOSAT/Ingenio
Authors: Sabater N. , Ruiz-Verdú A. , Delegido J. , Fernández-Beltrán R. , Latorre-Carmona P. , Pla F. , González-Audícana M. , Álvarez-Mozos J. , Sola I. , Villa G. , Tejeiro J. A. , De Miguel E. , Jimenez M. , Molina S. , Moreno J.
Published: December 2016

SEOSAT/Ingenio is the future Spanish Earth Observation high spatial resolution mission in the optical domain. While Level 1 products, at-sensor geo-referenced radiances, are in an advanced phase of development under the framework of an industrial contractor, Level 2 products must be developed by the users. This fact limits the use of the satellite images only to the scientific community, restricting their use in other applications. The need to alleviate this limitation motivated this work, developed under the framework of a coordinate project, which aimed at offering a list of Level2 products to the Ingenio/SEOSAT user community. In this paper, we present the different methodologies developed to produce the proposed Level2 products, from surface reflectance at nominal sensor spatial resolution to images with higher spatial resolution or the possibility to create spatial and temporal mosaics. On the one side, for the surface reflectance product, we proposed an atmospheric correction algorithm based on using the spatial information, linked to a cloud screening algorithm and including morphological and topographic shadow corrections. On the other side, to enhance the image spatial resolution, we applied different fusion techniques using the multispectral and the panchromatic band, as well as some of the so-called “super-resolution” techniques. Finally, we provided different tools to develop spatial mosaics and temporal composites, directed to users interested on the exploitation of the Ingenio/ SEOSAT images.
Análisis de series temporales de precipitación y vegetación para la detección de anomalías en la producción de alimentos en el Cuerno de África. El caso de Lower Shabelle (Somalia)
Authors: Belenguer-Plomer M. A.
Published: December 2016

The Horn of Africa is one of the most food-insecure locations around the world due to the continuous increase of its population and the practice of the subsistence agriculture. This causes that much of the population cannot take the minimum nutritional needs for a healthy life. Moreover, this situation of food vulnerability may be seriously affected in the coming years due to the effects of climate change. The aim of this work is combine the information about the state of the vegetation that offers the NDVI with rainfall data to detect negative anomalies in food production. This work has been used the monthly products of NDVI MOD13A3 of MODIS and the rainfall estimation product TAMSAT, both during the period 2001-2015. With these products we have calculated the average of the entire time period selected and we have detected the years whose NDVI values were further away from the average, being these 2010, 2011 and 2014. Once detected the years with major anomalies in NDVI, there has been an exclusive monthly analysis of those years, where we have analysed the relationships between the value of NDVI and monthly rainfall, obtaining a direct relationship between the two values. It also has been used crop calendar to focus the analysis in the months of agricultural production and finding that the main cause of anomalies in vegetation is a decrease in the registration of rainfall during the months of agricultural production. This reason explains the origin of the food shortages that occurred in 2010 and 2011 that generated an enormous humanitarian crisis in this area.