bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability Analysis of Double Derrick Based on Stress Analysis
Authors: Zhu Lin , Geng Yi
Published: October 2015

The double derrick as an important part of the drilling rig hoisting system in deep sea oil and gas development, its working environment is much more complex than land rigs working environment. Therefore, in order to ensure the quality of drilling, it is very important to analyze the reliability of the deep double derrick structure and its dynamic load characteristic. Based on the ANSYS software to establish finite element model of double derrick, through the static analyzing to the derrick, get the stress distribution of the derrick structure in static action and the derrick stress deformation trend, provided a reference for evaluation of derrick. Selected the calculation method of double derrick overall reliability index, and according to the results of the finite element calculation of static strength calculated the double derrick overall reliability index, compared with the general standard, know that double derrick with high reliability.
Evaluation of Calcined Clay Lightweight Aggregates Made with Alkali Activators
Authors: de Santis Bruno Carlos , Rossignolo João Adriano , Gavioli Leticia Missiato , Morelli Marcio Raymundo
Published: October 2015

This paper aims the evaluation of water absorption and compressive strength of calcined clay lightweight aggregates produced using alkaline activators. The characterization of ceramic material was made by techniques of liquid and plasticity limits, particle size analysis and chemical analysis. The specimens made from these ceramic materials and alkali activators (potassium silicate, sodium silicate with NaOH (15M), phosphoric acid, sodium silicate, potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide) were burned at temperatures of 600 °C and 900 °C and they were characterized by evaluation of water absorption and compressive strength. Results of this research indicates that the burn temperature has influence on the final properties of calcined clay lightweight aggregates and, when this aggregates were made using some activators, as sodium silicate, they presented lower values of water absorption and higher values of compressive strength, for both burn temperature, which can generate significant energetic gain in the aggregates production process).
Determination of Shear Stress in Pull out Tests in Laminated Bamboo Guadua angustifolia
Authors: Takeuchi Caori Patricia , Estrada Martin , Linero Dorian Luis
Published: October 2015

Specimens of laminated bamboo Guadua angustifolia do not usually fail due to fiber breakage when submitted to shear stresses. The common failure mechanism in that case is slippage in the fiber-matrix interface, accompanied by degradation of the lignin matrix (parenchyma). In this study the shear strength of laminated bamboo Guadua angustifolia specimens was determined by tension tests reducing the cross section area. The perimeter of the slipped area was determined using digital image processing. Shear stresses were calculated taking into account the load and slipped area in specimens of two different groups, depending on the orientation of the laminated boards. It was found that the average value of the shear strength on pull out tests were 2.9 MPa, which is a mechanical property of the material that is useful, for example, in the analysis of the behavior of the joints, and analysis of the fracture process.
Use of Ceramic Sanitaryware as an Alternative for the Development of New Sustainable Binders
Authors: Reig Lucía , Borrachero M.V. , Monzó J.M. , Savastano Holmer , Tashima Mauro M. , Payá J.
Published: October 2015

Large amounts of ceramic sanitary-ware waste are generated in both the production process and construction and demolition practices. This waste contains amorphous phases that may react with the Portlandite that originates during Portland cement hydration or with an alkali solution, leading to a low CO2-binding material. This study investigated the pozzolanic activity of ceramic sanitary-ware waste, together with its potential to form new binders by alkali activation. For this purpose, raw material was characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, particle size distribution, thermogravimetry (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Percentages of ceramic waste of 15 wt.% and 25 wt.%, to replace Portland cement, were used to assess the pozzolanic behavior of this material, and samples were cured at 20oC for different curing times. Alkali-activated samples, in which Ca (OH)2 was used as a source of calcium, and NaOH and sodium silicate solutions were utilized as activators, were cured for 7 days at 65oC. The microstructural evolution of the developed binders was assessed in pastes by SEM and TGA analyses, and mortars were used to evaluate the compressive strength behavior. While some strength gain was observed due to pozzolanic activity, compressive strength values within the 14-36 MPa range were obtained in the alkali-activated mortars in accordance with the activator concentration and the percentage of Ca (OH)2 addition.
Behavior of Cement Pastes and Mortar Containing Phosphogypsum
Authors: El Nouhy Hanan , Khattab Enas , Zeedan Sayieda
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of phosphogypsum on the properties of both cement pastes and mortars. Normal Portland cement CEM Ι 32,5N, Limestone Blended cement CEM ΙΙ B-L32,5N, and Slag cement CEM ΙΙ A-S32,5N were used. These cements were partially substituted by 0,2,4,6,8,10,and 15% of phosphogypsum. The test program was divided to two stages. In the first stage, tests were conducted according to BSEN 196, namely setting times (initial and final), soundness, and compressive strength (at ages 7 and 28 days). In the second stage, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were conducted on selected mixes from first stage. The results show that the three types of cements with the various replacement percentages of phosphogypsum met the limit of initial setting time, as well as, provided soundness of 2 mm. Also, in terms of compressive strength, it was proven, that it is possible to partially replace the three tested types of cements by phosphogypsum by up to 8%and 15% with regard to cement/sand ratio of (1:3) and (1:2) respectively.
Effects of Incorporating Dune Sand as Fine Aggregate Replacement in Self-Compacting Concrete
Authors: Khattab Enas
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of incorporating dune sand as fine aggregates replacement in self-compacting concrete. Twelve mixes were cast and tested for both fresh and hardened properties. The mixes were divided into 2 groups: Each group comprised six mixes. The constituent materials were as follows: Normal Portland cement CEM Ι 42,5N, dolomite as coarse aggregates of maximum size 10 mm, medium-sized sand, silica fume was 10% by weight of cement. Coarse: fine aggregates ratio was 1:1. Admixture which complies with ASTM C494 Types G and F was used in the 12 mixes (3.5% by weight of cement ).Dune sand replaced natural sand by zero %,10%,25%,50%, 75%,and 100% respectively .For , the first group (Group A), the cement content was 350 Kg/m3, while for the second group (Group B), the cement content was 400 Kg/m3.Tests carried out on fresh self-compacting concrete were slump flow,T50cm ,V-funnel, V-funnel t5min ,and GTM screen stability test . Tests conducted on hardened concrete were compressive strength at ages 7 and 28 days, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths were also conducted at age 28 days. The obtained results showed that the fresh properties satisfied the Egyptian Technical Specification limits. Regarding the hardened properties, both 28 days compressive and flexural strengths exhibited improvement till 50% replacement when compared to their respective control mixes.
Performance Evaluation of Human Hair Fiber Reinforcement on Lime or Cement Stabilized Clayey-Sand
Authors: Zerrouk Abdelkader , Lamri Belkacem , Vipulanandan Cumaraswamy , Kenai Said
Published: October 2015

Earthen masonry is generally brittle, weak and susceptible to water ingress damage. Several techniques of earthen masonry stabilization and reinforcement are available for improving their overall engineering properties. However, the inclusion of fiber into soils has a unique advantage. This is because friction between fibers and soil particles increases bonding between the particles. The present study attempts to investigate the resultant strength and ductility behavior when 0.5%, 1% and 2% randomly distributed human hair fibers are used to reinforce both cemented and un-cemented clayey-sand (50% sand and 50% bentonite) soils. The composite soils were tested under laboratory conditions and examined for compaction and unconfined compression strength (UCS) tests. The experimental results show that stress-strain behavior, failure, and strength characteristics of clayey-sand improved with inclusion of fibers. However, the effect of fiber reinforcement is more significant with stabilized clayey sand compared with the control soil mixture. Based on the compressive strength , the cement stabilization had better strength with bentonite clayey sand (50% sand and 50% bentonite) compared to the lime treatment. Addition of cement and lime affected dry density , optimum moisture content, and failure strain of the clayey-sand.
Evaluation of Physical Properties of Particleboard Produced from Sugarcane Leaves
Authors: Hoffmamm Martins Evelyn , Guimarães Jr. José Benedito , Protásio Thiago de Paula , Mendes Rafael Farinassi , Guimarães Bárbara Maria Ribeiro
Published: October 2015

The southwest region of the state of Goiás stands out for agriculture, especially the production of grain and sugarcane. This high agricultural production has a result of generation of agroindustrial waste and it has a high potential to be exploited for particleboard manufacturing. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the use of sugarcane leaves in the production of particleboards, compared to eucalyptus panels, through the evaluation of their physical properties. Three panels were made with 100% sugarcane leaves, and three with eucalyptus wood were produced. They were produced with a nominal density of 0.60 g/cm3. 12% urea-formaldehyde adhesives were applied based on their resin solid content. The used pressing cycle was: pressure of 4.00 MPa, temperature of 180°C and time of 15 minutes. After production, the same properties were evaluated on their water absorption and thickness swelling after 2 and 24 hours of immersion. A randomized design was used, and the averages were compared by the Scott-Knott test at 5% significance. Based on these results, it can be seen that panels produced with sugarcane leaves exhibited higher values for physical properties than eucalyptus panels.Keywords: Thickness swelling, waste ,water absorption.
Ternary Blended Cementitious Matrix for Vegetable Fiber Reinforced Composites
Authors: Mármol Gonzalo , Savastano Holmer , Bonilla Mercedes , Borrachero M.V. , Monzó J.M. , Soriano Lourdes , Payá Jordi
Published: October 2015

The present work analyses the behaviour of different binder matrices in order to implement the addition of paper pulp as reinforcement for cementitious composites and assesses the composites flexural properties with time. To prevent microfibers degradation in high-alkaline environments, lower alkaline matrices may be developed. In the present study ternary binder matrices containing ordinary Portland cement (OPC), gypsum (G) and fluid catalytic cracking catalyst residue (FC3R) are presented for that purpose. To assess the performance of the alternatives matrices, pH and conductivity evolution with time were monitored. Also flexural tests were carried out with the intention of evaluate the efficiency of the matrix to preserve fibres within the composite. According to pH and conductivity results is proved that this ternary system offers lower values at early stages (at 3 days) when compared to OPC systems. This inferior alkalinity might be associated to the better mechanical performance with time of the composites when the ternary matrix is used. After 10 months ageing, all the mechanical properties were higher when compared to composites using OPC. Particularly remarkable is the preservation after ageing of the specific energy and deflection at the modulus of rupture when the low-alkalinity matrices were employed, on the contrary what occurred with samples containing OPC where specific energy and deflection were nearly disappeared.
Effect of Association of Sugarcane Bagasse with Eucalyptus Wood on the Quality of Particleboard
Authors: Farrapo Camila Láis , Farinassi Mendes Rafael , Wisky Silva Danillo , Mendes Lourival Marin , Soares Scolforo José Roberto , Guimarães Jr. José Benedito
Published: October 2015

Particleboard industries, which are progressively increasing in number, consume a significant amount of wood from planted forests, mainly from the Pinus and Eucalyptus genera. However, these panels can be produced from any lignocellulosic material that provides high mechanical strength and good physical characteristics. Accordingly, the waste generated by the Brazilian agribusiness industry is an alternative resource for manufacturing particleboards. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of the combination of sugarcane bagasse and eucalyptus wood on the physical and mechanical properties of particleboards. The panels were produced with sugarcane bagasse in the proportion of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% supplemented with E. urophylla. The panels were produced with 9% urea-formaldehyde adhesive, nominal density of 0.70 g/cm3, and with the pressing cycle of 160°C temperature, specific pressure of 3.92 MPa, and operation time of 8 min. The significance of the proportion of sugarcane bagasse on all physical and mechanical properties was evaluated. The panels with the combination of wood with sugarcane bagasse showed the lowest values ​​in the physical properties and the highest values ​​in the mechanical properties. Only panels prepared with 25% and 50% sugarcane bagasse met all the requirements of the marketing standards.
Functionally Graded MDP Panels Using Bamboo Particles
Authors: Teodoro Raquel , Raabe Joabel , Wisky Silva Danillo , Farinassi Mendes Rafael , Mendes Lourival Marin , Tonoli Gustavo Henrique Denzin
Published: October 2015

MDP (medium density particleboard) panels are normally graded in composition along their cross-section, using low-size particles and high concentration of adhesive on the particleboard surface (leading to improved physical and mechanical properties), and high-size particles in the particleboard core (interior), which provide higher porosity. Then, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of using different contents of bamboo particles in the particleboard core, on their physical and mechanical properties. The production of the panels was carried out using Pinusoocarpa (P) and Bambusavulgaris var. Vittata (B) particles in different contents (100% P, 100% B, 50% de B e 50% de P, 25% de B e 75% de P, 75% de B e 25% de P) in the core of the particleboards. The face of the particleboards were composed of P particles. The panels were produced with nominal density of 0.70 g/cm3, 40:60 face:core relation, 11% urea-formaldehyde adhesive in the faces and 8% adhesive for the core, specific pressure of 3.92 MPa, 160 °C temperature and pressing time of 8 min. After seasoning, the panels were submitted to evaluation of the thickness swelling (TS) and water absorption (WA) after 2 and 24 h of immersion, apparent density (AD), internal bonding (IB), modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) under static bending. There was no statistical difference between the treatments for AD, IB, MOR and MOE values. Panels produced with high contents of bamboo particles (100% B, 75% B e 50% B) in the core, presented the lower WA and TS values, leading to improved dimensional stability than panels with only pinus particles. The present results show the important impact of using functionally gradation and bamboo particles on the physical properties of the MDP panels produced.
Cementitious Composites Reinforced with Kraft Pulping Waste
Authors: Wisky Silva Danillo , Farinassi Mendes Rafael , Freire Cecília , Vilela Breno Lima , Tonoli Gustavo Henrique Denzin , Teixeira Ronaldo Soares , dos Santos Sergio Francisco , Savastano Holmer
Published: October 2015

Kraft pulping is currently the most widely used technique in the production of cellulose pulp, and the production process generates large amount of lignocellulosic residues. Looking to add value to this residue, the aim of this study was to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of extruded cementitious matrices reinforced with lignocellulosic waste from the kraft pulping of Eucalyptus spp wood. The experimental design were consisted of 3 treatments with 5 samples for each treatment, as follows: 1) 70% Portland cement (by mass) with 30% ground carbonate (by mass) - T1; 2) 66.5% of Portland cement, 28.5% ground carbonate and 5% residual pulp fibers - T2, and 3) 69.5% Portland cement, 25.5% metakaolin and 5% residual pulp fibers - T3. The mass for extrusion was prepared with the addition of hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyether carboxylic (ADVA) as rheology modifiers, with water:cement ratio of around 0.3. After mixing, the mass was taken to an extruder where the specimens were obtained. Apparent porosity (AP), bulk density (BD), water absorption (WA), modulus of rupture (MOR), fracture toughness (KIC) and fracture energy (EF) were evaluated. There was statistical difference between the treatments for AP, BD, WA, KIC and EF values, and the treatment with the metakaolin showed the lowest values for BD and the highest values for AP, WA and FE. The treatment with ground carbonate and residual pulping showed intermediate results when compared to the other treatments. No statistical differences were found between the fiber-cement treatments for MOR values.
Performance of Lime-Metakaolin Pastes and Mortars in Two Curing Conditions Containing Kaolin Wastes
Authors: de Azerêdo Aline Figueirêdo Nóbrega , Azeredo Givanildo , Carneiro Arnaldo Manoel Pereira
Published: October 2015

Many works have shown that metakaolin is very good pozzolanic material for using in lime mortars and Portland cement mortars. Alternatively, many studies also have shown that kaolin wastes, after some treatment, can become a high quality pozzolans. Most of these studies have discussed about the microstructural characteristics and hardened properties of pastes, mortars or concretes mixes containing metakaolin or kaolin wastes cured in moist environment. In this work pastes and mortars made of metakaolin and hydrated lime (L-MK), which the metakaolin was obtained from the kaolin production waste, were assessed in their hardened state. Two curing conditions were considered: dry and moist environment; and three ages of curing (28, 90 and 180 days) were studied. Pastes were assessed by XRD and TG/DTG. In pastes according to the XRD and TG/DTG results, the main hydrated products found were strätlingite, in moist curing, and monocarboaluminate, in dry curing. Properties like flexural and compressive strengths, water absorbed capillarity and loss mass variation were studied in mortars. The results showed that mortars in dry curing presented lower strengths than one in moist curing. In moist curing mortars presented compressive strength values around 12 MPa and in dry curing this value reached 6 MPa. This fact indicate that the strätlingite maybe is responsible for the high strengths in mortars in moist curing when compares with the strengths of mortars cured in dry environment. Further the results showed that mortars in dry curing presented higher water absorbed and mass loss variation than mortars in moist curing.
Magnetic Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Properties
Authors: Rewatkar Kishor G.
Published: October 2015

The discovery of novel materials, processes, and phenomena at the nanoscale and the development of new experimental and theoretical techniques for research provide fresh opportunities for the development of innovative nanosystems and nanostructured materials. Nanomaterials with tailored unique properties have limitless possibilities in materials science. The most widely used synthesis routes for iron oxide nanoparticles are based on precipitation from solution. Most of the nanoparticles available to date have been prepared using chemical route. Physical processes have also been recently developed to produce high quality monodisperse and monocrystalline iron oxide nanoparticles. Magnetite has recently attracted attention because bulk Fe3O4has a high Curie temperature of 850 K and nearly full spin polarization at room temperature, and due to its wide range of applications in almost all branches of science and technology. Clearly, nanoscale magnetite offers potential for creation of novel technology in multiple fields of study. Opportunities for magnetite nanoparticles to be effectively incorporated into environmental contaminant removal and cell separation magnetically guided drug delivery, imaging of tissue and organs, magnetocytolysis, sealing agents (liquid O-rings), dampening and cooling mechanisms in loudspeakers, high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) techniques and contrasting agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Advancement of synthesis and stabilization procedures towards production of uniformly sized, dispersed (potentially embedded) magnetite nanoparticles has clearly inspired creative imagination and application in various fields.
Studies on Internal Friction and Curie Temperature of NiMgCuZn Spinel Ferrites for Micro-Inductor Applications
Authors: Varalaxmi N. , Sivakumar K.V. , Virk Hardev Singh
Published: October 2015

Three series of NiMgCuZn ferrites were prepared by conventional double sintering ceramic process. The formation of single phase in these ferrites was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. A brief review of the important investigations carried out on the internal friction behaviour of NiMgCuZnFe2O4, in the temperature range 40oC to 360oC, has been reported. In the present investigation, the composite piezoelectric resonator method has been used. The effect of compositional changes of ferrites on Curie temperature and internal friction are reported. Results and discussions on the temperature variation of internal friction of the three series of NiMgCuZnFe2O4samples are discussed. In all the series studied, only single stress induced relaxation peaks are observed. These studies were carried out to develop a ferrite composition for their use as core materials for microinductor applications. The results are explained in the light of structural phase transitions.
Gastric Schwannoma: A Benign Tumor Often Misdiagnosed as Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Authors: Shah Apurva S. , Rathi Pravin M. , Somani Vaibhav S. , Mulani Astha M.
Published: October 2015

Gastric schwannomas are rare mesenchymal tumors that arise from the nerve plexus of gut wall. They present with nonspecific symptoms and are often detected incidentally. Preoperative investigation is not pathognomic and many are therefore misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal stromal tumors. We report a rare case of a 37-year old woman who underwent laparotomy for complex bilateral ovarian cyst with resection of gastric-gastrointestinal stromal tumor preoperatively, but confirmed to have a gastric schwannomas postoperatively. This case underscores the differential diagnosis of submucosal, exophytic gastric mass as schwannoma.
Roflumilast is safe and effective in improving symptoms and lung function in severe COPD
Authors: Bonini Matteo , Palange Paolo
Published: October 2015

The case of a 66-year-old man with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is presented. Diagnosis was based on baseline pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and clinical examination. Therapy with tiotropium 18 μg (once daily) and salmeterol/fluticasone 50/500 μg (twice daily) failed to achieve optimal disease control. Roflumilast (Daxas) 500 μg once daily was therefore added and a progressive improvement in the patient’s condition was observed during the 1-year followup. In this patient with severe COPD, roflumilast represented a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for managing clinical symptoms and for significantly improving lung function parameters.
Treatment of very old patients with non valvular atrial fibrillation. The valuable opportunity offered by New Oral Anticoagulants, to be cautiously used
Authors: Orso Francesco , Barucci Riccardo , Fracchia Stefania , Mannarino Giulio , Pratesi Alessandra , Fattirolli Francesco
Published: October 2015

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent cardiac arrhythmia and its incidence increases with age reaching a 10% prevalence in the oldest old. Patients with AF have a five-fold increase in the risk of stroke. Current guidelines on AF management recommend the prescription of oral anticoagulant therapy in patients at medium and high risk of thromboembolic events. Advanced age is a risk factor for stroke in AF, but despite clear evidences a high rate of OAT under prescription is reported and particularly in the oldest old. Among the main causes of this phenomenon an enhanced risk of bleeding is often reported: this due to several factors: risk of falls, the presence of comorbidity and polifarmacy and a reduction in compliance and adherence that are common in the elderly. In recent years the international scenario in the management of OAT has significantly changed since the introduction of the new oral anticoagulants (NOA): Dabigatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor, and two oral factor Xa inhibitors Rivaroxaban and Apixaban, which have all been tested in randomized clinical trial (RELY, ROCKET-AF e ARISTOTLE) which have demonstrated non inferiority compared to warfarin in the prevention of thromboembolic events with an optimal safety profile. NOA could be an important therapeutic opportunity for stroke prevention in elderly patients with AF even if the substantial differences in mean age, anthropometric measures and comorbidity of the patients enrolled in these trials compared with those of the real world setting, oblige some caution and discussion.
Epicardial adipose tissue and insulin resistance in patients with coronary artery disease with or without left ventricular dysfunction
Authors: Baldasseroni Samuele , Pratesi Alessandra , Orso Francesco , Di Serio Claudia , Foschini Alice , Marella Andrea Giosafat , Bartoli Nadia , Di Bari Mauro , Fumagalli Stefano , Marchionni Niccolò , Tarantini Francesca
Published: October 2015

Background. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a visceral fat that fulfills two important functions: lipid-storage and secretion of adipokines with pro-inflammatory and pro-atherogenic properties. It has been suggested that EAT may affect the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the clinical course of coronary artery disease (CAD). In patients with obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, the epicardial adipose tissue is enlarged. Little is known about the role of EAT in left ventricular dysfunction. Aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of insulin resistance to predict EAT thickness in patients with significant CAD and systolic dysfunction. Methods. We enrolled 114 subjects diagnosed with CAD by angiography. The majority underwent revascularization after an acute coronary syndrome. Patients were considered affected by significant left ventricular dysfunction when EF was
I tempi sono maturi
Authors: Greco Cesare
Published: October 2015

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Rivaroxaban in non valvular atrial fibrillation: subgroups analysis
Authors: Greco Cesare
Published: October 2015

After the ROCKET AF study main paper several subgroups analysis were recently published. These studies are useful to better evaluate the rivaroxaban efficacy and safety in different clinical conditions. Here the subgroup analysis of patients with moderate renal failure, heart failure and diabetes are presented. Post hoc data on patients who underwent an electrical or pharmacological cardioversion during ROKET AF follow up were available and here we analyze also the results of the first randomized study on electrical cardioversion in patients treated with new oral anticolagulants: the X-VeRT trial. A metanalysis of all the studies with rivaroxaban (one on stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, two on acute coronary syndromes, four on deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis and two on pulmonary embolism treatment) with respect to the risk of myocardial infarction is examined.
Italian survey on prevalence and disease management of chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease comorbidity in ambulatory patients. SUSPIRIUM study rationale and design
Authors: Griffo Raffaele , Spanevello Antonio , Temporelli Pier Luigi , Faggiano Pompilio , Carone Mauro , Magni Giovanna , Ambrosino Nicolino , Tavazzi Luigi
Published: October 2015

Background. Chronic heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Through shared risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms, CHF and COPD frequently coexist. The concurrent disease has important therapeutic implications and independently predicts worsened mortality, impaired functional status, and health service use. However, assessment of the comorbidity varies widely according to the population studied, diagnostic criteria and measurement tools applied. Both syndromes have been studied extensively but largely separately, mostly in the domain of the pulmonologist for COPD and in the domain of the cardiologist for CHF. Study objectives and design. The aim of the study is to evaluate in an Italian outpatients setting (10 cardiology and 10 pulmonology centers from the same institution) the prevalence, clinical profile and the routine diagnostic, functional and therapeutic work-up applied by cardiologists and pulmonologists in the presence/suspicion of concurrent disease in patients in a stable phase of their disease. For this purpose, CHF and COPD outpatients will be enrolled in a multicenter, nationwide, prospective observational study. Risk estimation of comorbidity will be based on suspected, documented or patient-reported diagnosis of COPD/CHF. In the absence of documented concurrent diagnosis, each specialist will describe the diagnostic, functional and therapeutic work-up applied. Conclusion. The design of the study focused on the diagnostic validation of the CHF-COPD comorbidity aims to provide relevant new information on the assessment of the coexistent condition in the cardiac and pulmonary outpatients setting and on specialty-related different diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of comorbidity utilized in real life clinical practice. The symptomatic and prognostic benefits resulting from a combined approach to CHF/COPD could outweigh those attainable by treating either condition alone.
Aneurysmatic aortic root in bicuspid aortic valve stenosis: mini-invasive approach with sutureless prosthesis
Authors: Pollari Francesco , Santarpino Giuseppe , Pfeiffer Steffen , Fischlein Theodor
Published: October 2015

The implantation of sutureless bioprosthesis is currently not recommended in patients affected by bicuspid aortic valve because lacking data and follow up. We report the first case of a patient affected by bicuspid aortic valve stenosis and aneurysm of non coronary sinus of Valsalva that underwent a successful substitution of aneurysmatic sinus and minimal invasive sutureless implantation.
Considerations on Cardiac Rehabilitation: the paradigm of complexity
Authors: Fattirolli Francesco
Published: October 2015

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Response to the Ebola epidemics in Guinea: Public Health Organisational issues and possible solutions
Authors: Baldé Thierno
Published: October 2015

Because of its magnitude and changing dynamics, the Ebola epidemics currently affecting some West African countries constitutes one of the most serious public health problems in recent decades. Conceptualised as a case study with two levels of analysis, this article aims at analysing the response to the Ebola epidemics in Guinea in order to ultimately highlight the public health organisational issues related to this response and to propose some possible solutions to improve the efficiency of this response. This article is based on documentary analysis, observation and a three month participating immersion conducted in Guinea from June 2014 to August 2014. Using certain elements of Parsons’ social action theory, this study has shown the existence of 4 systems of social intervention in the organisation and management of the response to the Ebola epidemics in Guinea. They are the WHO, MSF, the Red Cross and the Ministry of Health. Each of these systems of social intervention has specific characteristics and specificities and interacts actively at several levels of the healthsystem of Guinea. Having completed the analysis of the interventions undertaken by these 4 systems of social action, and using the conceptual basis of the complexity theory, we propose some avenues for reflection and action for improving the quality of the response to the Ebola epidemics in Guinea, in order to finally restrain and stop its propagation in other African countries and other continents.
Evaluation de la disponibilité des personnels qualifiés en santé maternelle et néonatale à Madagascar
Authors: Andriantsimietry Sandrine , Rakotovao JeanPierre , Ramiandrison Eliane R. , Andriamiharisoa Haja , Razakariasy Eric M.R. , Favero Rachel , Bazant Eva , Gomez Patricia , Dao Blami
Published: October 2015

A Madagascar, la situation de la santé maternelle et néonatale demeure inquiétante avec un ratio de mortalité maternelle de 478 pour 100 000 naissances vivantes et des taux de mortalité néonatale et infantile de 26 pour 1000 naissances vivantes et de 42 pour 1000 naissances vivantes, pour les enfants âgés de moins d’un mois et les enfants âgés de moins d’un an respectivement. Plusieurs facteurs pourraient expliquer cet alarmant état de santé maternelle et néonatale, y compris la pénurie de personnel de santé qualifié. Etant donné que plusieurs interventions ont été réalisées pour l’atteinte des objectifs 4 et 5 de l’OMD et qu’elles n’ont pas été fructueuses, il est pertinent d’évaluer la disponibilité des agents de santé qualifiés pour offrir les services de santé maternelle et néonatale dans les établissements sanitaires publics. L’enquête transversale a utilisé et adapté l’outil SARA (Service Availability and Readiness Assessment) de l’Organisation Mondiale de la Santé dans les 52 établissements sanitaires publics, dans 15 des 22 régions de Madagascar. Les données ont été collectées sur tablette avec le logiciel CommCare ODK© et analysées par niveau des établissements sanitaires avec le SPSS20.0. Le médecin généraliste est absent dans 14%des hôpitaux de référence et 22% des centres de santé primaire. Le nombre médian de gynécologue obstétricien dans les hôpitaux pour pratiquer les opérations césariennes est de 1. Seulement 20% des 15 régions enquêtées ont une proportion élevée (> 80%) de personnels qualifiés en santé maternelle et néonatale dans les établissements sanitaires publics. Dans l’optique d’une réduction tangible des mortalités maternelles et néonatales, l’on devrait renforcer la capacité de de ressources humaines et leur disponibilité pour offrir les services de santé maternelle et néonatale dans les établissements sanitaires publics.
Evaluation of selected aspects of the Nutrition Therapeutic Programme offered to HIV-positive women of child-bearing age in Western Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Hansen Tine T. , Herselman Marietjie , Du Plessis Lisanne , Daniels Luzette , Bezuidenhout Tirsa , Van Niekerk Cora , Truter Laura , Iversen Per O.
Published: October 2015

Background: The Nutrition Therapeutic Programme (NTP) involves the provision of food supplements at primary health clinics (PHCs) to correct nutritional deficiencies in vulnerable groups. Although previous studies have identified problems with implementing the programme at PHCs, assessments of its efficiency have been scarce.Objective: To evaluate implementation of the NTP at PHCs that provide antiretroviral therapy.Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted at 17 PHCs located within 3 districts of Western Cape Province. Two target groups were chosen: 32 staff members working at the sites and 21 women of child-bearing age enrolled in the NTP. Questionnaires were used to obtain data.Results: Only 2 women (10%) lived in food-secure households; the rest were either at risk of hunger (29%) or classified as hungry (61%). Most of the women knew they had to take the supplements to improve their nutritional status, but the majority only recalled receiving basic nutritional advice, and the information was mainly given verbally. Ten of the women had shared their supplements with others, mostly with their children. The study identified lack of clearly defined NTP responsibilities at the PHCs, causing confusion amongst the staff. Although many staff members expressed problems with the NTP, only 38% of them reported having routine evaluations regarding the programme.Conclusion: Several aspects compromised the effectiveness of the NTP, including socio- economic factors leading to clients’ non-compliance. The strategic organisation and implementation of the NTP varied between different PHCs offering antiretroviral therapy, and staff experienced difficulties with the logistics of the programme.
Disseminated Mycobacterium Simiae with Pelvic Malakoplakia in an AIDS Patient
Authors: Chitasombat Maria Nina , Wattanatranon Duangkamon
Published: October 2015

Malakoplakia in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient with disseminated Mycobacterium simiae infection presented with a large pelvic mass that caused organ dysfunction from mimicking a tumor. Malakoplakia is a rare, chronic granulomatous abnormal host response toward infectious agents, presenting as a tumor-like lesion. This is the first report of pelvic malakoplakia after disseminated M. simiae infection in an AIDS patient.
FXYD5 is a Marker for Poor Prognosis and a Potential Driver for Metastasis in Ovarian Carcinomas
Authors: Raman Pichai , Purwin Timothy , Pestell Richard , Tozeren Aydin
Published: October 2015

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality, but aside from a few well-studied mutations, very little is known about its underlying causes. As such, we performed survival analysis on ovarian copy number amplifications and gene expression datasets presented by The Cancer Genome Atlas in order to identify potential drivers and markers of aggressive OC. Additionally, two independent datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus web platform were used to validate the identified markers. Based on our analysis, we identified FXYD5, a glycoprotein known to reduce cell adhesion, as a potential driver of metastasis and a significant predictor of mortality in OC. As a marker of poor outcome, the protein has effective antibodies against it for use in tissue arrays. FXYD5 bridges together a wide variety of cancers, including ovarian, breast cancer stage II, thyroid, colorectal, pancreatic, and head and neck cancers for metastasis studies.
To Cause Harm and to be Harmed by Others: New Perspectives on Alcohol's Harms to Others
Authors: Seid Abdu K. , Grittner Ulrike , Greenfield Thomas K. , Bloomfield Kim
Published: October 2015

Objective

To examine how sociodemographic factors and alcohol consumption are related to a four-way typology of causing harm to others and/or being harmed by othersș and one's own drinking.

Data and Methods

Data from the 2011 Danish national survey ( n = 2,569) were analyzed with multinomial logistic regression.

Results

Younger age and heavy drinking were significant correlates of both causing harm and being harmed. Women and better educated respondents were more likely to report negative effects on relationship and family from another's drinking. Better educated respondents had higher risks for work, financial, or injury harms from another's drinking. Mean alcohol consumption and risky single occasion drinking were related to both causing harm and being harmed from one's own drinking.

Conclusions

Drinking variables were the strongest correlates of causing harm and being harmed. Efforts to reduce risky drinking may also help reduce exposures to collateral harm.
Seroepidemiological Study of Interepidemic Rift Valley Fever Virus Infection Among Persons with Intense Ruminant Exposure in Madagascar and Kenya
Authors: Gray Gregory C. , Anderson Benjamin D. , LaBeaud A. Desirée , Heraud Jean-Michel , Fèvre Eric M. , Andriamandimby Soa Fy , Cook Elizabeth A. J. , Dahir Saidi , de Glanville William A. , Heil Gary L. , Khan Salah U. , Muiruri Samuel , Olive Marie-Marie , Thomas Lian F. , Merrill Hunter R. , Merrill Mary L. M. , Richt Juergen A.
Published: October 2015

In this cross-sectional seroepidemiological study we sought to examine the evidence for circulation of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) among herders in Madagascar and Kenya. From July 2010 to June 2012, we enrolled 459 herders and 98 controls (without ruminant exposures) and studied their sera (immunoglobulin G [IgG] and IgM through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] and plaque reduction neutralization test [PRNT] assays) for evidence of previous RVFV infection. Overall, 59 (12.9%) of 459 herders and 7 (7.1%) of the 98 controls were positive by the IgG ELISA assay. Of the 59 ELISA-positive herders, 23 (38.9%) were confirmed by the PRNT assay (21 from eastern Kenya). Two of the 21 PRNT-positive study subjects also had elevated IgM antibodies against RVFV suggesting recent infection. Multivariate modeling in this study revealed that being seminomadic (odds ratio [OR] = 6.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.1–15.4) was most strongly associated with antibodies against RVFV. Although we cannot know when these infections occurred, it seems likely that some interepidemic RVFV infections are occurring among herders. As there are disincentives regarding reporting RVFV outbreaks in livestock or wildlife, it may be prudent to conduct periodic, limited, active seroepidemiological surveillance for RVFV infections in herders, especially in eastern Kenya.
Aerosol–radiation–cloud interactions in a regional coupled model: the effects of convective parameterisation and resolution
Authors: Archer-Nicholls S. , Lowe D. , Schultz D. M. , McFiggans G.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. The Weather Research and Forecasting model with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) has been used to simulate a region of Brazil heavily influenced by biomass burning. Nested simulations were run at 5 km and 1 km horizontal grid spacing for three case studies in September 2012. Simulations were run with and without fire emissions, convective parameterisation on the 5 km domain and aerosol–radiation interactions in order to explore the differences attributable to the parameterisations and to better understand the aerosol direct effects and cloud responses. Direct aerosol–radiation interactions due to biomass burning aerosol resulted in a net cooling, with an average reduction of downwelling shortwave radiation at the surface of −24.7 W m−2 over the three case studies. However, around 21.7 W m−2 is absorbed by aerosol in the atmospheric column, warming the atmosphere at the aerosol layer height, stabilising the column, inhibiting convection and reducing cloud cover and precipitation. The changes to clouds due to radiatively interacting aerosol (traditionally known as the semi-direct effects) increase net shortwave radiation reaching the surface by reducing cloud cover, producing a secondary warming that largely counters the direct cooling. However, the magnitude of the semi-direct effect was difficult to quantify, being extremely sensitive to the model resolution and use of convective parameterisation. The 1 km domain simulated clouds less horizontally spread, reducing the proportion of the domain covered by cloud in all scenarios and producing a smaller semi-direct effect. Not having a convective parameterisation on the 5 km domain reduced total cloud cover, but also total precipitation. BB aerosol particles acted as CCN, increasing the droplet number concentration of clouds. However, the changes to cloud properties had negligible impact on net radiative balance on either domain, with or without convective parameterisation. Sensitivity to the uncertainties relating to the semi-direct effect was greater than any other observable cloud adjustments. Although WRF-Chem currently lacks aerosol–cloud interactions in parameterised clouds, the results of this study suggest a greater priority for development is to improve the modelling of semi-direct effects by reducing the uncertainties relating to use of convective parameterisation and resolution before WRF-Chem can reliably quantify the regional impacts of aerosols.
Error estimation for localized signal properties: application to atmospheric mixing height retrievals
Authors: Biavati G. , Feist D. G. , Gerbig C. , Kretschmer R.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. The mixing height is a key parameter for many applications that relate surface–atmosphere exchange fluxes to atmospheric mixing ratios, e.g., in atmospheric transport modeling of pollutants. The mixing height can be estimated with various methods: profile measurements from radiosondes as well as remote sensing (e.g., optical backscatter measurements). For quantitative applications, it is important to estimate not only the mixing height itself but also the uncertainty associated with this estimate. However, classical error propagation typically fails on mixing height estimates that use thresholds in vertical profiles of some measured or measurement-derived quantity. Therefore, we propose a method to estimate the uncertainty of an estimation of the mixing height. The uncertainty we calculate is related not to the physics of the boundary layer (e.g., entrainment zone thickness) but to the quality of the analyzed signals. The method relies on the concept of statistical confidence and on the knowledge of the measurement errors. It can also be applied to problems outside atmospheric mixing height retrievals where properties have to be assigned to a specific position, e.g., the location of a local extreme.