bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Antimicrobial Activity of Chlorhexidine, Coconut Oil, Probiotics, and Ketoconazole onCandida albicansIsolated in Children with Early Childhood Caries: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Shino Beena , Peedikayil Faizal C. , Jaiprakash Shyamala R. , Ahmed Bijapur Gufran , Kottayi Soni , Jose Deepak
Published: March 2016

Background. Early childhood caries (ECC) is associated with early colonisation and high levels of cariogenic microorganisms. WithC. albicansbeing one of those, there is a need to determine the effectiveness of various chemotherapeutic agents against it. The study is aimed at isolatingCandidaspecies in children with ECC and at studying the antifungal effect of coconut oil, probiotics,Lactobacillus, and 0.2% chlorhexidine onC. albicansin comparison with ketoconazole.Materials and Methods. Samples were collected using sterile cotton swabs, swabbed on the tooth surfaces from children with ECC of 3 to 6 yrs and streaked on Sabouraud dextrose agar (HI Media) plates and incubated in a 5% CO2enriched atmosphere at 37°C for 24 hours.Candidawas isolated and its susceptibility to probiotics, chlorhexidine, ketoconazole, and coconut oil was determined using Disc Diffusion method.Results. The mean zone of inhibition for chlorhexidine was 21.8 mm, whereas for coconut oil it was 16.8 mm, for probiotics it was 13.5 mm, and for ketoconazole it was 22.3 mm. The difference between the groups was not statistically significant (Chi-square value 7.42,Pvalue 0.06).Conclusion. Chlorhexidine and coconut oil have shown significant antifungal activity which is comparable with ketoconazole.
Atypical Presenting Symptoms of Acute Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Enteritis and Cystitis
Authors: Yagita Mayu , Tsujimoto Kohei , Yagita Masato , Fujita Masaaki
Published: March 2016

Lupus enteritis and lupus cystitis are relatively rare manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. Some patients develop severe complications such as bowel perforation, infarction, obstruction, or irreversible bladder dysfunction. Early diagnosis is critical for management of lupus enteritis and cystitis. We report a 48-year-old Japanese man who presented with initial manifestations of abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, and bloody feces. The diagnosis was delayed due to atypical initial symptoms, resulting in clinical worsening. Physicians should be aware of typical computed tomography findings of lupus enteritis and lupus cystitis.
Clinical Features in a Danish Population-Based Cohort of Probable Multiple System Atrophy Patients
Authors: Starhof Charlotte , Korbo Lise , Funch Lassen Christina , Winge Kristian , Friis Søren
Published: March 2016

Background: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare, sporadic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder. We aimed to describe the clinical features of Danish probable MSA patients, evaluate their initial response to dopaminergic therapy and examine mortality. Methods: From the Danish National Patient Registry, we identified 782 patients diagnosed with conditions potentially compatible with probable MSA (International Classification of Diseases, version 10 (ICD-10) codes G23.2, G23.8 and G23.9) during 1994-2009. Through medical record review, we narrowed our sample to 115 patients who fulfilled the criteria for probable MSA. We recorded clinical features, examined differences by MSA subtype and used Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to examine mortality. Results: The mean age at onset of patients with probable MSA was 60.2 years (range 36-75 years) and mean time to wheelchair dependency was 4.7 years (range 0-15 years). One-third of patients experienced a transient improvement in motor symptoms with use of levodopa. Median survival from disease onset was 6.9 years (range 1-16 years, 95% CI 6.3-7.5) with no apparent variation according to gender or subtype. Conclusions: Our nationwide approach corroborated that MSA is associated with diverse and grave symptoms, only limited response to levodopa, and poor prognosis.
Surgical Reconstruction of Ocular Surface Tumors Using Fibrin Sealant Tissue Adhesive
Authors: Queiroz de Paiva Aline Roseane , Abreu de Azevedo Fraga Larissa , Torres Virgínia Laura Lucas
Published: March 2016

Purpose: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of ocular surface reconstruction in corneal-conjunctival tumors using fibrin tissue adhesive. Methods: A prospective noncomparative study was performed between May 2013 and February 2015. Patients were submitted to routine surgical procedure for corneal-conjunctival tumor excision followed by amniotic membrane graft transplantation using fibrin tissue adhesive (Evicel®, Omrix Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., Israel). Results were assessed on the 1st, 7th, 15th and 30th postoperative days to analyze subjective complaints, adhesiveness and positioning of the graft, potential complications and recurrences. Results: Twenty-five eyes were analyzed (male, 14). The diagnosis after the treatment was categorized as squamous cell neoplasia, dysplasia, actinic keratosis, squamous papilloma and compound melanocytic nevus. Few significant symptoms were reported, such as mild hyperemia and ocular dyscomfort. One case developed a conjunctival granuloma which regressed after topical treatment. All grafts were successful with no displacements or retraction postoperatively. There was no clinical recurrence of the tumor in a mean time of follow-up of 11 months. Conclusion: Fibrin tissue adhesive is safe and effective in the surgery of ocular surface tumor. In this series, sutureless amniotic membrane transplantation using fibrin glue has the potential to shorten the surgical time, mitigate inflammation postoperatively and improve patient discomfort.
A Novel ECM1 Splice Site Mutation in Lipoid Proteinosis: Case Report plus Review of the Literature
Authors: Rey Linda K. , Kohlhase Jürgen , Möllenhoff Katrin , Dekomien Gabriele , Epplen Jörg T. , Hoffjan Sabine
Published: March 2016

Lipoid proteinosis (LP) is an autosomal recessive genodermatosis known to be caused by mutations in ECM1. Nonsense and missense mutations are the most common variations in LP. Up to date, only 6 splice site mutations have been observed. We report on a 26-year-old female LP patient from a Turkish consanguineous family carrying a novel homozygous splice site mutation in intron 8 of the ECM1 gene and summarize the current knowledge on ECM1 mutations and possible genotype-phenotype correlations.
Prevalence of Common Types of Compression Neuropathies in Qena Governorate/Egypt: A Population-Based Survey
Authors: Khedr Eman M. , Fawi Gharib , Allah Abbas Mohammed Abd , El-Fetoh Noha Abo , Zaki Ahmed F. , Gamea Ayman
Published: March 2016

Background: No epidemiological studies on the prevalence of compressive neuropathy have been undertaken in Arab countries. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of the most common types of compressive neuropathies in Qena governorate/Egypt. Methods: The study was part of a community-based survey carried out to assess the prevalence of neuromuscular disorders among the Qena population. A random sampling of 10 districts, 5,039 inhabitants aged ≥20. There were 3,050 urban residents (60.5%) and 1,989 (39.5%) from the rural community. Patients were diagnosed using a screening questionnaire for diagnosis of entrapment neuropathies. Positive cases were referred to the Qena University Hospital. They were given full clinical, electrophysiological and laboratory investigations. Results: Compressive neuropathy was recorded in 165 cases giving a CPR = 3.3% of population at risk (≥20 years). Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was diagnosed in 155 cases giving a CPR = 3.1% with a significantly higher prevalence among females than males (5.3 vs. 0.9%) and in rural compared with urban populations (4.6 vs. 2.1%). Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow was the second common type of entrapment with a CPR = 0.1% followed by radial nerve palsy, tarsal tunnel syndrome and common peroneal nerve palsy. Conclusion: The overall crude prevalence rate of CTS is comparable with that in other countries.
Prevalence of Familial Hypercholesterolemia in the 1999 to 2012 United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES)
Authors: de Ferranti Sarah D. , Rodday Angie Mae , Mendelson Michael M. , Wong John B. , Leslie Laurel K. , Sheldrick R. Christopher
Published: March 2016

Background—

The prevalence of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is commonly reported as 1 in 500. European reports suggest a higher prevalence; the US FH prevalence is unknown.

Methods and Results—

The 1999 to 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants ≥20 years of age (n=36 949) were analyzed to estimate the prevalence of FH with available Dutch Lipid Clinic criteria, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and personal and family history of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Prevalence and confidence intervals of probable/definite FH were calculated for the overall population and by age, sex, obesity status (body mass index ≥30 kg/m
2
), and race/ethnicity. Results were extrapolated to the 210 million US adults ≥20 years of age. The estimated overall US prevalence of probable/definite FH was 0.40% (95% confidence interval, 0.32–0.48) or 1 in 250 (95% confidence interval, 1 in 311 to 209), suggesting that 834 500 US adults have FH. Prevalence varied by age, being least common in 20 to 29 year olds (0.06%, 1 in 1557) and most common in 60 to 69 year olds (0.85%, 1 in 118). FH prevalence was similar in men and women (0.40%, 1 in 250) but varied by race/ethnicity (whites: 0.40%, 1 in 249; blacks: 0.47%, 1 in 211; Mexican Americans: 0.24%, 1 in 414; other races: 0.29%, 1 in 343). More obese participants qualified as probable/definite FH (0.58%, 1 in 172) than nonobese (0.31%, 1 in 325).

Conclusions—

FH, defined with Dutch Lipid Clinic criteria available in NHANES, affects 1 in 250 US adults. Variations in prevalence by age and obesity status suggest that clinical criteria may not be sufficient to estimate FH prevalence.
A new smut fungus on a new grass: Sporisorium capillipedii-alpini (Ustilaginales) sp. nov. infecting Capillipedium alpinum (Poaceae) sp. nov., from Sichuan, China
Authors: DENCHEV TEODOR T. , SUN HANG , DENCHEV CVETOMIR M. , BOUFFORD DAVID E.
Published: March 2016

A new smut fungus, Sporisorium capillipedii-alpini (Ustilaginales), and a new species of grass, Capillipedium alpinum (Poaceae), on which it is growing, are described and illustrated. The collections were made in western Sichuan, China. Capillipedium alpinum differs from other species of Capillipedium by its diminutive size and short, slender inflorescence. Sporisorium capillipedii-alpini is compared with the species of Sporisorium with similar symptoms (destroying all spikelets of an inflorescence) that infect Capillipedium, Botriochloa, and Dichanthium. The new smut fungus differs from these species as follows: from Sporisorium taianum by having larger spores with minutely echinulate spore walls, from S. dichanthicola by having larger spores, from S. sahayae by having lower spore wall ornamentation and thinner spore walls, from S. andropogonis-annulati by having larger spores, and smaller sterile cells with thinner walls, and from S. mysorense by possessing minutely echinulate spore walls and differently colored spores and sterile cells. The types of S. andropogonis-annulati, S. mysorense, and S. sahayae were re-examined and detailed descriptions of these species are given. A key to the smut fungi of Sporisorium, that infect Capillipedium, Botriochloa, and Dichanthium and destroy all spikelets of the inflorescence of an infected plant, is also provided.
Mycetia griffithii, a new name for Mycetia angustifolia (Hook.f.) Razafim. & B.Bremer (Rubiaceae)
Authors: XU DONG-XIAN , RAZAFIMANDIMBISON SYLVAIN G. , SONG ZHU-QIU
Published: March 2016

Myrioneuron R. Brown ex J. D. Hooker in Bentham & Hooker (1873: 69) comprises about eight species of the family Rubiaceae and it is distributed in East Himalaya to South China (Govaerts et al. 2011). Although it was occasionally treated as a synonym of Mycetia Reinwardt (1825: 9) (Bakhuizen 1975) or Keenania J. D. Hooker (1880: 101) (Van Steenis 1987, Robbrecht 1988), most botanists accepted it as a distinct genus (Kurz 1877, Hooker 1880, Schumann 1891, Pitard 1923, Merrill 1942, Bremekamp 1952, Deb 1996, Lo 1999, Wright 1999, Kress et al. 2003; Chen & Taylor 2011, Govaerts et al. 2011). Most recently, however, a molecular phylogenetic study revealed that Myrioneuron and Mycetia are non-monophyletic and intermixed, and therefore both taxa were combined to represent a monophyletic genus and Mycetia was accepted as its generic name (Ginter et al. 2015). In the study, they published nine new combinations, including Mycetia angustifolia (J. D. Hooker 1880: 97) Razafim. & B. Bremer in Ginter et al. (2015: 293). However, this name is illegitimate because it is a later homonym of Mycetia angustifolia Ridley (1923: 68), in accordance with Article 53.1 of the ICN (McNeil et al. 2012).
Pollen morphology of Scorzonera (Asteraceae) in Turkey
Authors: PINAR NUR MÜNEVVER , COŞKUNÇELEBİ KAMİL , ŞİMŞEK DERYA , OKUR SEDA , MAKBUL SERDAR , ACAR AYDAN
Published: March 2016

The pollen morphology of 45 taxa belonging to 15 sections of the genus Scorzonera distributed in Turkey were studied with light and electron microscopies. The pollen is generally 3-zonocolporate. Pollen grains are oblate-spheroidal with the polar axes 23.2–59.2 µm and the equatorial axes 27–62.5 µm. The outline is more or less circular to slightly elliptic in equatorial view and triangular or obtuse-hexagonal in polar view; amb semiangular to intersemiangular. Sculpturing is echinolophate. The spines are commonly concave-conical with a broad basis, sides are straight or slightly convex with a subacute tapered apical portion. Numerical analysis showed that polar axes, equatorial axes and exine thickness are valuable variables for seperating the examined taxa.
Extreme Convection and Tropical Climate Variability: Scaling of Cold Brightness Temperatures to Sea Surface Temperature
Authors: Wong Sun , Teixeira João
Published: March 2016

Changes in tropical convective events provide a test bed for understanding changes of extreme convection in a warming climate. Because convective cloud top in deep convection is associated with cold brightness temperatures (BTs) in infrared window channels, variability in global convective events can be studied by spaceborne measurements of BTs. The sensitivity of BTs, directly measured by an Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) window channel, to natural changes (the seasonal cycle and El Niño–Southern Oscillation) in tropical sea surface temperature (SST) is examined. It is found that tropical average BTs (over the ocean) at the low percentiles of their probability distributions scale with tropical average SSTs (higher SST leading to colder BTs), with the lower percentiles being significantly more sensitive to changes in SST. The sensitivity is reduced for high percentiles of BT and is insignificant for the median BT, and has similar magnitudes for the two natural changes used in the study. The regions where the lower-percentile BTs are most sensitive to SST are near the edges of the convection active areas (intertropical convergence zone and South Pacific convergence zone), including areas with active tropical cyclone activity. Since cold BTs of lower percentiles represent stronger convective events, this study provides, for the first time, global observational evidence of higher sensitivity of changes in stronger convective activity to a changing SST. This result has important potential implications in answering the key climate question of how severe tropical convection will change in a warming world.
Seasonal and Interannual Variability of Wet and Dry Spells over Two Urban Regions in the Western Maritime Continent
Authors: Mandapaka Pradeep V. , Qin Xiaosheng , Yat-Man Lo Edmond
Published: March 2016

Daily rainfall data from two urban regions in Southeast Asia are analyzed to study seasonal and interannual variability of wet and dry spells. The analysis is carried out using 35 years of data from Singapore and 23 years of data from Jakarta. The frequency distribution of wet (dry) spells and their relative contribution to the total number of wet (dry) days and to the total rainfall are studied using 15 statistical indicators. At the annual scale, Singapore has a greater number of wet spells and a larger mean wet spell length compared to Jakarta. However, both cities have equal probability of extreme wet spells. Seasonal-scale analysis shows that Singapore is drier (wetter) than Jakarta during boreal winter (summer). The probability of extreme wet spells is lower (higher) for Singapore than Jakarta during boreal winter (summer). The results show a stronger contrast between Singapore and Jakarta during boreal summer. The study also examined the time series of Singapore wet and dry spell indicators for the presence of interannual trends. The results indicate statistically significant upward trends for a majority of wet spell indicators. The wet day percentage and mean wet spell length are increasing at 2.0% decade−1 and 0.18 days decade−1, respectively. Analysis of dynamic and thermodynamic variables from ERA-Interim during the study period indicates a strengthening of low-level convergence and vertical motion and an increase in specific humidity and atmospheric instability (convective available potential energy), which explain the increasing trends observed in Singapore wet spell indicators.
A Prototype Precipitation Retrieval Algorithm over Land for ATMS
Authors: You Yalei , Wang Nai-Yu , Ferraro Ralph , Meyers Patrick
Published: March 2016

A prototype precipitation algorithm for the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) was developed by using 3-yr coincident ground radar and ATMS observations over the continental United States (CONUS). Several major improvements to a previously published algorithm for the Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS) include 1) considering the different footprint size of ATMS pixels, 2) calculating the uncertainty associated with the precipitation estimation, and 3) extending the algorithm to the 60°S–60°N region using only CONUS observations to construct the database. It is found that the retrieved and radar-observed rain rates agree well (e.g., correlation 0.66) and the one-standard-deviation error bar provides valuable retrieval uncertainty information. The geospatial pattern from the retrieved rain rate is largely consistent with that from radar observations. For the snowfall performance, the ATMS-retrieved results clearly capture the snowfall events over the Rocky Mountain region, while radar observations almost entirely miss the snowfall events over this region. Further, this algorithm is applied to the 60°S–60°N land region. The representative nature of rainfall over CONUS permitted the application of this algorithm to 60°S–60°N for rainfall retrieval, evidenced by the progress and retreat of the major rainbands. However, an artificially large snowfall rate is observed in several regions (e.g., Tibetan Plateau and Siberia) because of frequent false detection and overestimation caused by much colder brightness temperatures.
Challenges and opportunities in an urbanising India
Authors: Hoelscher Kristian , Aijaz Rumi
Published: March 2016

India is in the midst of a transformative urban awakening. The country’s 380 million urban population as of 2011 is projected to swell to over 600 million by 2030 and almost 900 million by 2050. These processes of urbanization and urban growth are embedded in and shape complex political, social, demographic, environmental and ethno-religious contexts; and while the developmental advantages to urban modes of living are clear, urbanization in India comes with its own set of challenges. This introduction outlines the current special issue, which collects six articles that reflect on three key themes in contemporary urban India: urban governance and planning; social, economic and political exclusion and the conflicts this may engender; and climate change in Indian cities. Here we briefly contextualise some of these issues, and reflect on some of the cross-cutting themes that individual articles in this issue address. Our hope is that this volume contributes to debates on the dynamics of governance, inclusiveness, security and prosperity in today’s urban India.
Efficient angle-domain common-image gathers using Cauchy-condition-based polarization vectors
Authors: Wang Xiongwen , Qian Jianliang , Wang Huazhong
Published: March 2016

Because angle-domain common-image gathers (ADCIGs) from reverse time migration (RTM) are capable of obtaining the correct illumination of a subsurface geologic structure, they provide more reliable information for velocity model building, amplitude-variation versus angle analysis, and attribute interpretation. The approaches for generating ADCIGs mainly consist of two types: (1) indirect approaches that convert extended image gathers into ADCIGs and (2) direct approaches that first obtain propagating angles of wavefronts and then map the imaging result to the angle domain. In practice, however, generation of ADCIGs usually incurs high computational cost, poor resolution, and other drawbacks. To generate efficient ADCIGs using RTM methods, we have introduced a novel approach to obtain polarization vectors — directions of particle motion — from the Cauchy wavefield (CWF) and an efficient localized plane-wave decomposition algorithm to implement the angle-domain imaging condition. The CWF is a wavefield constructed from the Cauchy condition of the wave equation at any given time, and it only contains negative frequencies of the original wavefield so that the polarization vector is obtained from the local CWF in the wavenumber domain. With polarization vectors at our disposal, we have further developed an efficient localized plane-wave decomposition algorithm to implement the angle-domain imaging condition. Numerical examples have indicated that the new approach is able to handle complex wave phenomenon and has advantages in illuminating subsurface structure.
An interview with Melissa Little
Authors: Vicente Catarina
Published: March 2016

Melissa Little is a Senior Principal Research Fellow at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia. Her lab has studied kidney development and regeneration for over 20 years, recently making notable advances in the generation of kidney organoids from human iPSCs. We chatted with Melissa about her career, her thoughts on the potential of the organoid and stem cell fields, and what she hopes to achieve during her guest editorship with Development.
Engineering Analysis of the Design Documentation of Technical Object
Authors: Лепаров  , Leparov M.
Published: March 2016

An engineering analysis of the technical documentation means the activity by which the information is set in the documentation is extracted to verify the correctness of a given point of view of implementation, further development of the documentation (technical object) or accumulation of engineering experience. The current paper provides a summary of the types of engineering analysis, which can be carried out based on the design documentation. The following types of analysis are discussed in the paper: structural (the definition of the components of the object and connections between them); constructive (realization of major constructive activities); conceptual (search for other conceptual versions of the product); functional (determination of the object functions); geometrical (determination of other variants of the components shape, their placement and the connections between them); for calculation (determination of the necessary calculations); research (identification of the necessary tests); of safety (analysis of the product from the point of view of human safety); functional value (technical and economic improvement); dimensional (determination of fits and deviations of dimensions); technological control (inspection of the parts from the viewpoint of manufacturability); metrological (the same, but from the viewpoint of measurement); heuristic (search of ideas for improving of the object); of modification (search for modifications of the object); for regulatory control (check for complying with all regulatory requirements); ergonomic (analysis of the product from an ergonomic point of view); aesthetic (arrangement of aesthetic point of view); of transport (analysis of the object from the point of view of its transport); technological (analysis of the product from the point of view of its manufacture); operational (analysis of the product from the point of view of its operation); of repair (analysis of the product from the point of view of its repair); of utilization (analysis from the viewpoint of utilization); environmental (analysis from the viewpoint of environmental pollution); correctional (correction of the documentation). These analyzes can be used in the engineering training of students — a part of them in the course "Technical Documentation" or disciplines with similar names, while the other parts in the other design disciplines.
Heritage Stone 1. Repair and Maintenance of Natural Stone in Historical Structures: The Potential Role of the IUGS Global Heritage Stone Initiative
Authors: Pereira Dolores , Marker Brian R.
Published: March 2016

Natural stone has been used for millennia in many historically and culturally important structures. It inevitably undergoes weathering from natural processes and damage from human activities. Deterioration affects both ornamental features and main structural members of constructions, ultimately requiring repair and maintenance, or causing loss of the structure altogether. Stone similar to the original should generally be used for repairs, but if that is impossible a closely similar material is required. Use of inappropriate stone or treatment with incompatible mortars can be aesthetically unsightly or have structurally and financially damaging consequences. Such use typically arises because of a lack of information and awareness among commissioners and specifiers of works, along with budget constraints leading to selection of cheaper alternatives. Even some World Heritage Sites have suffered. Selected examples from Western Europe illustrate these problems. The Global Heritage Stone initiative has been launched to improve recognition of the internationally most important heritage stones, promote their proper use in construction, maintenance and repair, and to stress the need to safeguard important stone resources for future use.RÉSUMÉLa pierre naturelle a été utilisée depuis des millénaires dans de nombreuses structures importantes historiquement et culturellement. Inévitablement cette pierre s’altère sous l’effet de processus naturels et de dommages causés par les activités humaines. Cette détérioration affecte aussi bien les éléments ornementaux que les principaux éléments structuraux des constructions, ce qui, éventuellement nécessite réparation et entretien, ou alors peut entraîner la perte de la structure. Une pierre semblable à l'originale doit généralement être utilisée pour des réparations, ou alors un matériau très similaire est requis. L’utilisation d’une pierre inappropriée ou un traitement avec des mortiers incompatibles peut être esthétiquement disgracieux ou avoir des conséquences structurellement et financièrement préjudiciables. Cette utilisation erronée est typiquement le résultat d’un manque d'information et de sensibilisation des commissaires et des rédacteurs du cahier des charges, ainsi que de contraintes budgétaires conduisant au choix d’options moins coûteuses. Et même, certains sites du patrimoine mondial en ont souffert. Des exemples choisis de l'Europe de l’ouest illustrent ces problèmes. L'initiative du patrimoine mondial de la pierre de taille lancée pour améliorer la conscience à l'échelle internationale des principales pierres du patrimoine, promouvoir leur utilisation correcte dans la construction, leur entretien et leur réparation, et souligner la nécessité de préserver les ressources importantes en pierre pour les besoins à venir.                                                Traduit par le Traducteur
Heritage Stone 3. Degradation Patterns of Stone Used in Historic Buildings in Brazil
Authors: Costa Antônio Gilberto
Published: March 2016

Brazil’s heritage buildings were built using different types of natural stone, including sandstone, limestone, quartzite, granite, gneiss, steatite (soapstone) and schist. Historic buildings are located in cities such as Recife, Olinda, Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, Congonhas and Ouro Preto; some are over 300 years old. They show evidence of different alteration and decay processes, with the latter leading to a loss of value because of physical and chemical modifications in intrinsic properties of the natural stones used. Consequently, these buildings function as open-air laboratories, and contribute to the study of deterioration in such monuments. On going investigation of alteration and decay reveals that they are affected by a diverse group of processes that are, in part, influenced by lithological factors. This understanding will contribute to the choice of preservation methods that will be applied in order to arrest degradation.RÉSUMÉLes édifices classés brésiliens ont été batis en roches variées. On a employé des grès, des calcaires, quartzites, granites, gneiss, ainsi que la stéatite et des schistes. Les bâtiments historiques, dont certains ont plus de 300 ans, se trouvent dans des villes comme Recife, Olinda, Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, Congonhas et Ouro Preto. Ils présentent les marques de différents processus d'altération et de deterioration, ce dernier conduisant à une perte de valeur, en raison de modifications physiques et chimiques dans les propriétés intrinsèques des pierres naturelles utilisées. De la sorte, ces bâtiments fonctionnent comme des laboratoires à ciel ouvert et contribuent à l’étude des modalités de dégradation des monuments. L’étude en cours des phénomènes d’altération et de décomposition révèle la diversité des processus en cours et leur relation avec la lithologie. La reconnaissance de ces phénomènes aidera à choisir les méthodes de conservation destinées à bloquer la dégradation.
The Vehicle Scheduling Problem for Fleets with Alternative-Fuel Vehicles
Authors: Adler Jonathan D. , Mirchandani Pitu B.
Published: March 2016

Alternative-fuel vehicles are gaining popularity as a mode of transit, and research is being done into how current infrastructure can accommodate them. The problem of vehicle scheduling consists of assigning a fleet of vehicles to service a given set of trips with start and end times. Vehicle scheduling changes when alternative-fuel vehicles are used since the vehicles can carry only a limited amount of fuel and can refuel only at fixed locations. This paper presents the alternative-fuel multiple depot vehicle scheduling problem, a modification of the standard multiple depot vehicle scheduling problem where there is a given set of fueling stations and a fuel capacity for the vehicles. The problem is formally defined and formulated as an integer program, and a branch-and-price algorithm is proposed to solve the problem. A heuristic solution is also presented, and both are tested on randomly generated data and data on the Valley Metro bus network in the Phoenix, Arizona, metropolitan area.
Neck stoma patients: is vital information displayed at the bedside?
Authors: Darr Adnan , Siddiq Somiah , Jolly Karan , Spinou Catherine
Published: March 2016

Tracheostomies are common procedures in head and neck and critical care practice, with 50% of airway-related deaths attributable to complications such as occlusion or displacement. The National Tracheostomy Safety Project (NTSP) published guidance regarding emergency management of neck stoma patients. A prospective multicentre regional audit of all neck stoma inpatients (ward and intensive care unit (ICU) settings) was conducted. Bed spaces were assessed for tracheostomy care bundles and essential stoma information, as recommended by the NTSP guidelines. The results demonstrate inadequate ward compliance across all three trusts, with ICU compliance greater in comparison to a ward environment. Of note, crucial information regarding the nature of stoma and whom to contact in the event of an emergency, was not displayed in the majority of cases. A greater awareness of the NTSP guidance and implementation of vital information is a necessity across all disciplines in order to reduce stoma complication-related morbidity and mortality.
Depriving a person of liberty in their own home
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: March 2016

Richard Griffith, Senior Lecturer in Health Law at Swansea University, discusses the combination of elements required to confirm that a person is being deprived of their liberty at in their own home
From staff nurse to nurse consultant
Authors: Fowler John
Published: March 2016

John Fowler Independent education consultant, continues his series for clinical nurses hoping to share their experiences with a wider audience, with advice on developing a potential article for a professional journal
The use of flange extenders to support patient care
Authors: Black Pat
Published: March 2016

Pat Black, Senior Lecturer, St Mark's Institute of GI Nursing, St Mark's Hospital, explores one option for stoma care nurses to consider that could help improve patient confidence and comfort
Complexities of management of a urostomy in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a reflective account
Authors: Oxenham Julie
Published: March 2016

Mary (pseudonym) is a 30-year-old woman who underwent a urinary diversion and formation of an ileal conduit/urostomy (urinary stoma) due to the formation of multiple bladder diverticula, which caused micturition difficulties and recurrent urinary tract infections with associated pain and discomfort. The bladder diverticula were caused by Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a hereditary disorder of the connective tissue or, particulary, defective collagen. Surgical intervention in patients with EDS is prone to complications due to poor wound healing, including issues of dehiscence, postoperative bleeding and poor uptake of anaesthesia and analgesia. After an initial presentation of the syndrome of EDS and Mary's history, this article offers a reflective account (informed by Gibbs' Reflective Cycle) and illustrates the complexities of caring for an individual with EDS who undergoes stoma formation. The author, a stoma care nurse, demonstrates how using purposeful reflection resulted in better understanding and awareness of caring for an individual with a rare syndrome and the nursing challenges this presented.
Bariatric surgery and implications for stoma care
Authors: Swash Carolyn
Published: March 2016

In the UK, 62% of the population are now described as being either overweight or obese. People with weight-management issues are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as having an increased risk of cancer, including bowel cancer. Following the initial National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance in 2006, revised in 2014, health professionals have a more proactive role in identifying people with weight-management issues and supporting them to achieve a weight that helps reduce their health risks. This includes referrals to bariatric surgeons for consideration for surgery if appropriate. One particular surgical procedure, the Roux-en-Y, is not reversible and alters the capacity of the stomach and function of the small bowel in order to achieve weight loss. Using a case study, this article will highlight the role of the stoma nurse in managing a patient, who previously had a Roux-en-Y procedure for weight loss and subsequently needed formation of a loop ileostomy after surgery for bowel cancer.
A whole word of children's stories
Authors: Neville Sarah
Published: March 2016

The government has asked early years settings to promote British values; these lend themselves to various activities based on April's International Children's Book Day.
Soaring skyscraping sunflowers
Authors: Francis-Pester Dawn
Published: March 2016

These wonderfully bright flowers can lift the spirits of, and brighten, any setting. Learn how to grow them, protect them, and find inspiration for a range of natural activities.
Gaining inspiration for stories
Authors: Garner Lynne
Published: March 2016

The third in a series that will explore puppets and puppet play. During the course of the series we will make puppets, create a stage/scene, and write and put on a play.
Combining NICE guidelines with exclusion criteria to identify patients with Crohn's disease for treatment withdrawal: 12-month prospective cohort study
Authors: Squires Seth , Naismith Graham , Boal Allan
Published: March 2016

Anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy is recognised as an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, when to withdraw patients from treatment remains a matter of debate. This observational study, carried out in 2013, assessed the impact of applying National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines relating to this therapy to a local IBD service. Data was captured on 45 patients receiving infliximab or adalimumab. After applying the hospital's exclusion criteria, the data were matched with the NICE guidelines in place. Ten patients were deemed to be in remission and were withdrawn, two had dosing of adalimumab reduced from weekly to fortnightly, and investigations were ordered for the remaining patients. The audit provided up-to-date information on the demographics of patients receiving anti-TNF and a platform for clinical assessment. This article will discuss the NICE guidelines within the context of therapy withdrawal, their use in clinical practice and the unanswered questions they raise.
Technological and organisational innovation in endoscopy
Authors: Westwood Clare , McConnell Susan
Published: March 2016

Innovation is important to the NHS, as it seeks to provide an efficient high-quality service to an ageing population. Endoscopy is one area that can demonstrate a number of examples of innovative ideas, both on a large and small scale. This article aims to give an introduction to innovation in relation to endoscopy. The article includes examples of innovation across the technological aspects of diagnostics and therapeutics, while also looking at some of the nontechnical improvements within the speciality, including nurse training and education. Difficulties with the implementation of innovative concepts and technologies will be addressed, together with ideas for promoting innovation in the future.
Updates to the UK child and adolescent vaccination schedule
Authors: Bedford Helen
Published: March 2016

After clean water, immunisation is the most effective public health intervention for the prevention of disease and an important component of the Healthy Child Programme (HCP) ( Department of Health (DH), 2009 ). Nurses working in primary care should be trusted and key sources of advice for parents on the childhood immunisation programme, but keeping up to date can prove challenging in view of frequent changes to the schedule. This article describes the most recent changes, including the introduction of meningococcal B and ACWY vaccines to the schedule and the extension of the influenza vaccine to some older children. The success of the rotavirus programme is described and continuing issues for the maternal pertussis and influenza vaccine programmes are discussed. In addition, possible future changes to the human papillomavirus and hepatitis B programmes are outlined.
Prescribing ticagrelor to treat acute coronary syndromes
Authors: O'Donovan Kate
Published: March 2016

Acute coronary syndromes are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the UK. The underlying pathology is rupture or fissure of a coronary atherosclerotic plaque, which leads to thrombus formation. This results in a restriction or occlusion of coronary blood flow and the resultant presentation of an acute coronary syndrome. Platelets play a pivotal role in this pathophysiological process and are the focus of pharmacological therapy. Ticagrelor is an anti-platelet agent that inhibits the activation of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors on the platelet and therefore prevents platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. The PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes Trial ( Wallentin et al, 2009 ) demonstrated superiority over clopidogrel in the reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events, including mortality. Common adverse effects include bleeding, dyspnoea and ventricular pauses. Maintenance dosing involves twice-daily administration, which poses a risk of noncompliance. Patient education is essential to promoting an effective treatment regimen and reducing the risk of adverse events.
Pharmacological management of post-herpetic neuralgia
Authors: Middleton Carolyn
Published: March 2016

Approximately 20% of people who are diagnosed with herpes zoster develop post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a debilitating state of chronic pain that affects a patient's physical function and quality of life. PHN can be difficult to manage, and it often requires a multi-modal pharmacological approach. Systemic preparations, including tricyclic anti-depressants, anti-convulsants and opioids, along with topical agents, such as lidocaine plasters, capsaicin cream and patches, are some of the treatment options. When considering a treatment plan, the prescriber must give attention to the pharmacodynamic effects of a drug, its efficacy, drug dosing regimens, drug–drug interactions, cautions, contraindications and adverse drug reactions. It is also important to consider the patient's views to maximise the treatment benefits while mitigating risk to the patient.
Ethical, legal and professional implications of student veterinary nurses working lone shifts
Authors: Rowlinson Carlie V
Published: March 2016

The aim of this article is to examine the ethical dilemma of student veterinary nurses (SNVs) working lone shifts. The article outlines the implications of SVNs undertaking duties outside the realms of the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966) Schedule 3. Criminal, civil and professional consequences of such actions are explored with the aid of theoretical explanations. Finally the article recognises that SVNs are not substitutes for registered veterinary nurses and that using them as substitutes will bring about a series of ethical implications.
Concept Maps: An Instructional Tool to Facilitate Meaningful Learning
Authors: Safdar Muhammad , Hussain Azhar , Shah Iqbal , Rifat Qudsia
Published: March 2016

This paper describes the procedure of developing an instructional tool, ‘concept mapping’ and its effectiveness in making the material meaningful to the students. In Pakistan, the traditional way of teaching science subjects at all levels at school relies heavily on memorization. The up-to-date data obtained from qualitative and quantitative research strongly supports the value of concept mapping as an instructional tool both for cognitive and affective gains. This study seeks to contribute to this development by considering how the insights of Ausubel can be converted into an effective and efficient instructional method. It was found that concept maps help improving achievement of the students and make learning more meaningful so that retrieval is possible.
Learning to Teach for Social Justice as a Cross Cultural Concept: Findings from Three Countries
Authors: Cochran-Smith Marilyn , Ludlow Larry , Ell Fiona , O'Leary Michael , Enterline Sarah
Published: March 2016

All over the world, countries are paying close attention to how teachers are recruited, selected, and prepared for the nation’s schools. Increasingly, teachers are expected to teach all students to high standards at the same time that they play a major role in meeting rising expectations regarding social equity. Preparing teachers for these challenges is among the most pressing and complex tasks in teacher education. In response to these and other challenges, some initial teacher education programs now include among their major goals preparing teachers to teach for social justice, work toward equity and access for all students, and/or challenge inequities in existing educational systems and policies. This article focuses on three initial teacher education programs—one each in the United States, New Zealand, and Ireland. Although these programs differ from one another in many ways, they also share some goals related to teaching for social justice and equity. The article examines longitudinal survey data regarding teacher candidates’ scores on the “Learning to Teach for Social Justice-Beliefs” scale, which was designed to measure candidates’ endorsement of beliefs consistent with the concept of teaching for social justice. For each of the three research sites, the article analyzes: (a) demographic and teacher quality contexts, (b) initial teacher education program goals related to social justice/social equity, and (c) the results of surveys administered to teacher candidates at entry to and exit from the programs. The article concludes with discussion of learning to teach for social justice as a cross-cultural concept.
The effects of analogy on students' understanding of direct current circuits and attitudes towards physics lessons
Authors: Ugur Gokhan , Dilber* Refik , Senpolat Yasemin , Duzgun Bahattin
Published: March 2016

This study investigated the effects of analogy on the elimination of students’ misconceptions about direct current circuits, students’ achievement and the attitudes towards physics lessons. The sample of this study consisted of 51 11th grade students from two different classes. While one of the classes was the experimental group where analogy was used in the lessons, the other class was the control group where the traditional methods are employed in lessons and this selection was made randomly. When the obtained results were examined, it was seen that teaching with analogy has a significantly positive effect on the elimination of misconception and achievement although it has almost no effect on the attitudes of towards physics.
University Childcare Teachers Perceptions, Beliefs, and Thoughts About Their Profession and Jobs: A Turkish Case
Authors: Dağlı Ümmühan Yeşil , Ceylan Remziye
Published: March 2016

This research investigated perceptions, feelings and thoughts of early childhood teachers, working at university campus childcare centers in Turkey, regarding their profession and job. Understanding how they make the meaning of challenges, issues, difficulties, and enjoyment, and then connecting those to their job satisfaction, burnout, and stress were the goals. A total of nine early childhood teachers participated in the study. Using a phenomenological research design, two semi-structured focus group interviews, lasting about two hours, were conducted. Results showed that, overall, campus childcare teachers in this study enjoyed working with children despite their challenges of working with parents, low pay, and long and uncompensated work hours. The quality of the relationship with parents seems to have a very powerful effect on teachers’ job satisfaction and on their motivation. On the other hand, their love for children and passion about their work as well as having positive work environment help them re-build their motivation. Their personal and collective efficacy helps maintainıng their dedication and commitment to the profession.