bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strength, Size, and Muscle Quality in the Upper Arm following Unilateral Training in Younger and Older Males and Females
Authors: Tanton Leah C. , Cappaert Thomas A. , Gordon Paul M. , Zoeller Robert F. , Angelopoulos Theodore J. , Price Thomas B. , Thompson Paul D. , Moyna Niall M. , Seip Richard L. , Pescatello Linda S. , Devaney Joseph M. , Gordish-Dressman Heather , Hoffman Eric P. , Visich Paul S.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To assess strength, size, and muscle quality differences between younger and older males and females in response to training.

Methods

The bicep and tricep of the non-dominant arm were trained for twelve weeks in younger and older males and females (n = 41). The bicep of both arms were assessed pre and post for muscle strength using one-repetition maximum (1 RM) testing, and size using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

Strength (p < 0.05), mCSA (p < 0.05), and 1 RM MQ (p < 0.00) increased in response to training in all subjects regardless of age or gender. Younger and older subjects had similar increases in strength (45.49 ± 15.30% vs. 42.67 ± 26.67% respectively), mCSA (16.22 ± 7.98% vs. 19.17 ± 6.19% respectively), and 1RM MQ (25.73 ± 15.76 vs. 19.67 ± 20.66 respectively). Women increased their strength (55.59 ± 19.45% vs. 32.87 ± 15.66% p < 0.00 respectively), size (20.36 ± 6.29% vs. 14.72 ± 7.28% p < 0.02 respectively), and 1 RM MQ (29.74 ± 18.33% vs. 16.30 ± 15.59% p <.02) more than men. In comparing age and gender, younger females increased their strength more than older males (56.42 ± 12.92% vs. 29.17 ± 21.8% p <.02 respectively). Older females also increased their strength more than older males (54.68 ± 25.73 vs. 29.17 ± 21.80% respectively). Younger females increased their 1 RM MQ more than older males (.18 ± .08 kg/cm vs. .06 ± .08 kg/cm p <.02 respectively).

Conclusion

Strength and mCSA increases similarly in older and younger subjects. However, the overall strength and quality of the muscle seems to improve more in women than in men.
Serum Levels of Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies in Patients with Sjögren Syndrome Accompanied by Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kogure Toshiaki , Ito Tomoyuki , Kishi Daijiro , Tatsumi Takeshi
Published: October 2017

A 47-year-old woman demonstrated bilateral wrist joint pain during 4 weeks. Her status did not fulfill the ACR classification criteria for RA, and her symptoms had almost disappeared 4 weeks later. After about 1 year, she again complained of tenderness and swelling in the bilateral wrist joints. The laboratory data were as follows: ESR:61 mm/hour, CRP: 1.0 mg/dl, RF: 172 IU/ml, MMP-3: 178.7 ng/ml, and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (aCCP): 488 U/ml. Based on these findings, we diagnosed the patient as having RA. She was treated with several anti-rheumatic drugs, and joint symptoms decreased. This case was regarded as undifferentiated arthritis at the first visit. We later found the high titers of aCCP using her frozen sera after she fulfilled with ACR critera for RA, although aCCP was not checked at first time because its analysis was not covered by national health insurance in Japan. Thus, it is possible that this patient should have been treated as having RA from the first visit. In general, aCCP shows excellent specificity for RA diagnosis although sensitivity is lower. In contrast, it has demonstrated that aCCP is positive in about 40% of patients 1 year before the onset of RA. The clinical outcomes of patients with joint symptoms and positive aCCP analysis, but do not fulfill the ACR criteria for RA, should be assessed in plural patients.
Relationship between Lymph Node Volume and Pain following Certolizumab Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rahimi Homaira , Dieudonne Gregory , Kheyfits Valeriy , Bouta Echoe M. , Wood Ronald W. , Barrett Rick , Moorehead Sharon , Schwarz Edward M. , Ritchlin Christopher T.
Published: October 2017

Objectives

The mechanisms that trigger flare in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are unknown. In murine arthritis models, dysfunctional lymph node (LN) drainage is associated with joint flare. To examine if LN alterations are associated with RA flare, we analyzed the change in LN volume via contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) in patients with active joint flare at baseline and 16 weeks after certolizumab pegol (CZP) therapy. We also assessed the changes in popliteal or epitrochlear LN volumes versus the Rheumatoid and Arthritis Outcome Score (RAOS) (knee), or the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ; wrist/hand), and Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28), at baseline and 16 weeks.

Results

Total LN volume in 7 of 10 patients with measurable LN on CE-MRI significantly decreased 16 weeks after CZP therapy (mean decrease 37%; P = 0.0019). Improvement in knee pain measured by the RAOS ( P = 0.03) inversely correlated with a decrease in total popliteal LN volume ( R2 = 0.94). All patients demonstrated significant improvement in DAS28 (mean decrease 1.48; P = 0.0002). For flare in the hand, significant improvement in activities of daily living (ADL) as measured by the MHQ was observed (left hand mean improvement 20%; P = 0.02; right hand mean improvement 37%; P = 0.03).

Conclusion

RA patients with the smallest change in LN volume during anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy experienced the greatest pain relief in symptomatic knee joints. Moreover, the remarkably linear inverse correlation between LN volume and joint pain observed in this small clinical pilot provides initial evidence to support the concept that dynamic changes in draining LN volume are a biomarker of clinical response to therapy in RA.
Long Term Results after 3 Courses of ABVD plus Subtotal Nodal Radiotherapy in 188 Adult Patients with Stage I, II and IIIA Hodgin Lymphoma
Authors: Brice Pauline , André Marc , Franchi-Rezgui Patricia , Biasoli Irène , Hennequin C.
Published: October 2017

In patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) a continued improvement in outcome with a high cure rate is observed but with an increased treatment-induced late effects. We report the long-term results from 188 (stage I to IIIA) patients treated during the period 1985-94 with 3 courses of ABVD-like chemotherapy and subtotal nodal radiotherapy. 10 year overall survival is of 88% and no secondary leukaemia was observed. The main long term toxicity was cardiac, mainly related to a mediastinal dose of 45 Grays in patients with partial remission. New strategies are aiming to reduce the mediastinal dose at 30 Grays after chemotherapy-induced complete remission.
Occurrence of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Young Pregnant Women
Authors: Menezes Juliane , Emerenciano Mariana , Pimenta Flávia , Filho Gilson Guedes , Magalhães Isis Q. , Sant'ana Mariana , Vasquez Marina Lipkin , Renault Llana Zalcberg , Pombo-De-Oliveira Maria S.
Published: October 2017

Although acute leukaemia is rare in pregnancy its importance lies in its life-threatening potential, both to the child and the mother. The possibility of vertical transmission of leukemic cells increases the attention devoted to these patients and their offspring. Three cases of pregnant young women (15-17 years of age) with AML are presented. This series of cases is the first report where gene abnormalities such as ITD mutations of the FLT3 gene and AML1/ETO fusion genes were screened in pregnant AML patients and their babies, so far. Unfortunately, very poor outcomes have been associated to similar cases described in literature, and the same was true to the patients described herein. Although very speculative, we think that the timing and possible similar exposures would be involved in all cases.
Racial Disparities on Glycemic Control and Lipid Profiles in Children with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Ashraf Ambika , Li Yufeng , Franklin Frank , McCormick Kenneth , Moreland Elaine
Published: October 2017

Objective

We assessed the racial (Black–White) differences in glycemic control, prevalence of abnormal lipid profiles and factors influencing temporal trends in children with type 1 diabetes (T1DM).

Methods

This retrospective study was done in children with T1DM. The outcome measure was based on glycemic control and all lipid determinations which were stratified according to the published guidelines.

Results

The study included 181 children; 76.2% Whites and 23.8% Blacks. The mean glycated hemoglobin (A1C) was higher in Blacks than in Whites (p < 0.0001). Blacks had elevated total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.0013), lower TC/HDL ratio (p < 0.0001) and higher concentration of HDL (<0.0001) when compared to Whites. The longitudinal analyses over a 5 year period showed changes in A1C significantly associated with changes in the lipid profiles. The lipid profiles in Blacks were more altered by the trend in A1C with changes in the TC (p = 0.0079), non-HDL (p < 0.0001) and HDL (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Black children with T1DM have poorer glycemic control. However they retained excellent levels of HDL when compared to Whites.
Clinical Medicine: Endocrinology and Diabetes: Abnormality of Serum Lipids are Independently Associated with Increased Serum Calcium Level in the Adult Newfoundland Population
Authors: Kennedy Aaron , Vasdev Sudesh , Randell Edward , Xie Ya-Gang , Green Kristian , Zhang Hongwei , Sun Guang
Published: October 2017

Some epidemiological evidence shows a link between abnormality of lipid profiles and variations in serum calcium. However, it is unknown whether this association resulted from confounding factors. The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between serum lipids and calcium. Serum calcium was corrected for albumin. Major confounding factors including age, gender, medications, menopause, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25-OH-vitamin D status were controlled in analyses. A total of 1907 adult subjects from the province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), Canada participated in the study. Significant positive correlations were detected between serum total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) with variations of serum Ca++ in both genders (p < 0.05–0.0001). Significant positive correlations were additionally detected between triglycerides (TG) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) with Ca++ in women only (p < 0.0001) in partial correlation analyses. Similar significant results were detected in both females and males not taking any medication. Analyses were performed based on menopausal status as well. Significant correlations were seen in both pre- and post-menopausal women but higher correlation coefficients were observed in pre-menopausal women as compared to post-menopausal women. Subjects with low calcium levels had the lowest concentration of total cholesterol, TG, HDL-c and LDL-c, while subjects with high calcium levels had the highest concentration of all four markers in women. The significant associations between cholesterol, TG and LDL-c and serum Ca++ remained after calcium was adjusted for 25-OH-vitamin D and PTH. Our results indicate that the abnormality of serum lipid profiles are significantly correlated with altered serum Ca++ levels independent of age, obesity status, medication, phosphorus, magnesium, 25-OH-vitamin D and PTH.
Clinical Medicine: Endocrinology and Diabetes: Gender-associated Differences in Weight Gain, Insulin Requirement and Metabolic control in Newly Insulin-treated Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Secondary Sulfonylurea Failure–-a One-year Observation
Authors: Biesenbach Georg , Bodlaj Gert , Pieringer Herwig
Published: October 2017

Objective

The aim of the present study was to determine differences between male and female type 2 diabetic patients concerning body weight, metabolic control, insulin requirement and prevalence of vascular diseases during the first year insulin therapy.

Patients and Methods

We investigated 102 newly insulin-treated type 2 diabetic patients (60 female) with secondary sulfonylurea failure. Observation period was the first year insulin therapy. We compared BMI, HbA1c, lipids and insulin requirement at the begin and after one year, C-peptide and prevalence of vascular diseases at the start of insulin therapy.

Results

At the start of insulin substitution, omen had a higher BMI (27 + 3 versus 25 + 3; p < 0.05). Women also required a higher insulin dose than did men (28 + 6 versus 24 + 6 IU/day) Mean HbA1c and cholesterol levels were similar in both groups whereas triglycerides were higher in women (244 + 88 versus 203 + 76 mg/dl; p < 0.05). Both groups achieved a similar gain in body weight after one year (+2.5% versus +2.6%; NS). HbA1c decreased from 9.2 + 1.1 to 7.4% + 0.9% (–19%) in women and from 9.4 + 1.1 to 7.5% + 1.0% (–20%) in men. The prevalence of vascular diseases was not significantly different in both groups.

Conclusions

At the start of insulin therapy female type 2 diabetic patients showed a significant higher BMI and a higher insulin requirement than male patients. The metabolic control was similar in men and women, only the triglycerides were higher in the female patients. Weight gain and increase of needed insulin as well as prevalence of macroangiopathy were the same in both groups.
Intestinal Obstruction and Pheochromocytoma in a Patient Suffering from von Recklinghausen's Disease
Authors: Bouhanick B. , Berry M. , Hascouet S. , Selves J. , Coindre J.M. , FauveI J. , Amar J. , Chamontin B.
Published: October 2017

GISTs are rare neoplasms, which were recently identified to be a distinct pathologic entity. They can develop in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) or may be sporadic. NF1 is one of the most common inherited diseases and is a complex disease, with patients having an increased prevalence of benign and malignant tumors, including pheochromocytomas. The association of pheochromocytoma(s) and GISTs in NF1 is very rare. We report an additional case of this triple association in a normotensive 60-year-old female with NF1 admitted for intestinal obstruction: a pheochromocytoma of the left adrenal gland was discovered and surgical resection is performed. We provide an overview of the literature. The coexistence of NF1-related pheochromocytoma and GISTs is uncommon, but perhaps not fortuitous, and endocrinologists should be aware of this.
The Impact of Obesity on Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in the General Population and in patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Palmer Jayne , Kalsekar Anupama , Boye Kristina , Goodall Gordon
Published: October 2017

Objectives

There is an established causal link between obesity and cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of this review was to determine whether an independent relationship exists between anthropometric measurements of weight (typically body mass index [BMI]) and cardiovascular outcomes (e.g. angina, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, stroke, and mortality due to cardiovascular disease) in the general population and in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A review of the medical literature published between 1988 and May 2008 was conducted using the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane and Center for Review and Dissemination databases. Studies longer than 12 months, with ≥500 adult subjects and published in English were included.

Results

In studies conducted in general populations there was an overall trend towards increased risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes with increasing BMI. The nature and strength of this relationship varied according to the measurement used (e.g. BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio) and the population studied, with notable differences observed in Asian/Asia-Pacific compared with European or North American-based studies. However, data from diabetes-specific populations are limited.

Conclusions

In general, the degree of being overweight or obese was associated with an elevated risk of adverse cardiovascular events and mortality. Although inextricable links exist between obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the general population, the extent to which findings can be extrapolated to a diabetes-specific population is limited.
Article Commentary: Clinical Medicine: Endocrinology and Diabetes: Insulin Resistance–-a Link between Inflammation and Hepatocarcinogenesis?
Authors: Schattenberg Jörn M.
Published: October 2017

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing world wide. The risk factors for the development of HCC include liver cirrhosis, chronic alcohol intake, and chronic viral hepatitis. These conditions are associated with inflammation, liver cell injury, and oxidative stress. The signaling pathways that contribute to liver cell injury have been shown to also promote insulin resistance in hepatocytes. On the other hand, obesity and diabetes have been suggested as risk factors for the development of chronic liver disease and HCC. The molecular mediators (e.g. stress kinases) and signaling pathways that contribute to cellular injury, proliferation and insulin resistance are also activated in chronic liver disease. At this time it is still unknown whether (1) IR will help to identify patients that are of increased risk for progressive liver disease or (2) if improving IR will be beneficial to patients with chronic liver disease. Future research will have to expand our knowledge on mediators of inflammation and liver cell injury within clinical trials to establish whether IR should be included in every hepatologists work up as a cofactor for chronic liver disease.
Chronic Complications of Diabetes in Iraq: Experience from Southern Iraq
Authors: Mansour Abbas Ali
Published: October 2017

Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of chronic complications in type 2 diabetic patients in Basrah (Southern Iraq).

Methods

This was a longitudinal descriptive study for patients with diabetes registered in Al-Faiha Diabetes and Endocrine Centre in Basrah (Southern Iraq) for the period from April 2003 to end of February 2009.

Results

Out of 4,926 patients enrolled, 51.0% were women, mean age was 55.0 ± 13.1 years and 67.6% were overweight or obese. Those with duration of diabetes more than 5 years constituted 50.6% and only 25.3% were on insulin. Mean Hemoglobin A1C was 9.3 ± 2.0. The prevalence of the 16 complications studied were as follows: Hypertension in 31.0%, peripheral neuropathy in 13.8%, ischemic heart disease in 7.8%, proteinuria in 6.6%, cereberovascular accident in 4.6%, interdigital fungal infection in 4.3%, heart failure in 3.4%, and erectile dysfunction in 6.0%. In this study 2.8% of patients died of cardiovascular causes, 2.7% developed diabetic foot, 2.4% had non-alcoholic fatty liver, 0.7% had amputation, 0.4% developed ophthalmoplegia, 0.2% had peripheral vascular disease, and 0.04% developed mucormycosis. The chronic complications which were more seen in those with diabetes more than 5 years were hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, ischemic heart disease, proteinuria, cereberovascular accident, heart failure, erectile dysfunction, cardiovascular death, diabetic foot, amputation and peripheral vascular disease.

Conclusion

This study provided the baseline for chronic complications of diabetes in Iraq. Screening for early complications is recommended.
Chronic Haemolytic Anemia and Splenomegaly in a Patient with an Isolated Adrenocorticotropin Deficiency
Authors: Ahmed Rania Abdel-Muneem , Murao Koji , Imachi Hitomi , Kitanaka Noriko , Muraoka Tomie , Matsumoto Kensuke , Nishiuchi Takamasa , Nishiuchi Yukiko , Ishida Toshihiko
Published: October 2017

Herein we describe a case of a 56-years old patient presented with general malaise, anorexia and progressive weight loss for about 5years associated recently with diarrhoea and repeated syncopal attacks for 1month. On admission, he had splenomegaly and his laboratory studies showed macrocytic hyperchromic haemolytic anemia [Hb = 9.4g/dl] and a significant hyponatremia [Na+ = 111mmol/l]. Endocrinological evaluation revealed an isolated adrenocorticotropin deficiency (IAD) with a manifest hypoaldosteronism. On treatment with cortisone, both anemia and hyponatremia (but not splenomegaly) were markedly improved. Our case may represent an evidence for the pathogenesis of erythropoietic dysfunction in patients of adrenocortical insufficiency.
HbA1c is an Independent Determinant of Renal Vascular Resistance Estimated by Doppler Sonography in Non-Diabetic Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Miyoshi Ken-ichi , Okura Takafumi , Nagao Tomoaki , Jotoku Masanori , Enomoto Daijiro , Irita Jun , Kurata Mie , Higaki Jitsuo
Published: October 2017

Background

Diabetic nephropathy is a progressive disease that leads to renal failure and end stage renal disease. A frequent and early manifestation of diabetic nephropathy is hyaline arteriolosclerosis. The noninvasive method for estimating the severity of arteriolosclerosis is measurement of the renal resistive index (RI). In this study, we determined whether or not normal blood glucose control, classified as an HbA1c < 5.8%, was a sufficiently low level to prevent arteriolosclerosis in patients with essential hypertension.

Methods

The study subjects were 93 patients with essential hypertension with HbA1c levels <5.8%. Patients with a history of medication for diabetes mellitus were excluded. Blood flow velocity of the renal interlobar arteries was assessed by a Doppler ultrasonography and the RI calculated.

Results

RI correlated positively with age, body mass index, pulse pressure, pulse rate and HbA1c, and negatively with diastolic blood pressure. A multivariate analysis identified age, pulse pressure and HbA1c as significant independent determinants of RI. Our data show that RI correlates with HbA1c independent of other variables, even in normoglycemic patients with HbA1c levels <5.8%.

Conclusions

The results of this cross-sectional study suggest that blood glucose levels should be kept as low as possible in order to prevent arteriolosclerosis in the kidney in hypertensive patients.
The Switch Study: Switching from BHI 30 Novolet® to BIAsp 30 Flexpen®: Clinical Observations from the Netherlands. Treatment Satisfaction when Switching from BHI 30 NovoLet® to BIAsp 30 FlexPen®
Authors: Appelman-Dijkstra Natasha M. , Sonneveld Marjolein , Tom Beril , Geelhoed-Duijvestijn Petronella H.L.M.
Published: October 2017

Aim

An open label non-randomized observational study was performed to observe and investigate the process of switching from premixed human insulin 30/70 (BHI 30) in NovoLet® to biphasic insulin aspart 30/70 (BIAsp 30) in FlexPen® in an outpatient setting; in terms of insulin dose, efficacy, hypoglycemic episodes, quality of life (WHO-5) and treatment satisfaction (ITSQ; Insulin Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire).

Methods

Type 2 diabetic patients (aged ≥ 18 yrs) treated with BHI30 in NovoLet® who were switched to BIAsp 30 in FlexPen® were included in an open-labeled, multicenter, non-randomized, observational study. At baseline and 8 ± 2 weeks after switching to BIAsp 30 FlexPen® HbA1c, insulin dose, number of hypoglycemic events and quality of life were measured.

Results

A total of 196 patients (54.3% female, aged 64.8 ± 12 years) with type 2 diabetes completed the study. Total insulin dose remained stable 52.8 ± 24.9 units at baseline vs. 52.0 ± 25.6 units after 8 weeks of treatment, as did HbA1c, 7.7 ± 1.4% at baseline vs. 7.7% ± 1.4%. No weight change was reported (81.6 ± 16.6 kg vs. 81.5 ± 16.7 kg). With BIAsp 30, a significantly lower number of total hypoglycemic episodes were reported (127 compared to 188 with BHI 30, p < 0.001). Significance remained for the subclasses separately (daytime 142 vs. 98, p = 0.005; and nocturnal 46 vs. 29, p = 0.05). ITSQ results confirmed these findings: total score on ‘hypoglycemic’ subscale improved significantly from 78 ± 16.8 to 83 ± 16.0 (p = 0.009). The overall score improved significantly from 82.2 ± 14.6 to 85.5 ± 13.9 (p = 0.036). 85% percent of the patients were satisfied with the FlexPen® device and 89.1% wanted to continue treatment with FlexPen®. The WHO-5 scores after the final visit showed no general quality of life problems with average scores between 2.7 and 3.3.

Conclusion

The results of this study provided evidence that switching from BHI 30 NovoLet® to BIAsp 30 FlexPen® can be done easily on a unit by unit basis in daily practice in type 2 diabetic patients. After 8 weeks of treatment with BIAsp 30 there was a significant decrease in hypoglycemic episodes accompanied by a significant increase in treatment satisfaction.
Role of Surgery in Isolated Concha Bullosa
Authors: Badran Hatem Soliman
Published: October 2017

Objective

To study the benefit of surgery in different types of isolated concha bullosa.

Design

Prospective case series.

Setting

Academic Medical Center.

Patients

Forty seven symptomatic patients complaining of nasal congestion and block, headache and facial pain having concha bullosa without any other sinonasal finding. Their conchae bullosa were classified as lamellar, bulbous and extensive concha bullosa. They were subjected to endoscopic operation.

Main outcome measures

Subjective evaluation of postoperative improvement of sinonasal symptoms and objective pre- and postoperative measurement of total nasal resistance by rhinomanometry.

Results

Two patients (25%) of lamellar type showed complete improvement, 5 patients (62.5%) showed partial improvement and 1 patient (12.5%) showed no improvement. Regarding bulbous type, 16 patients (72.72%) showed complete improvement, 6 patients (27.28%) showed partial improvement and no patient (0%) showed no improvement. Regarding extensive type, 15 (88.24%) patients showed complete improvement, 2 patients (11.76%) showed partial improvement and no patient (0%) showed no improvement. The total nasal resistance was 0.25 Pa/cm3 per second postoperatively compared with 0.37 Pa/cm3 per second preoperatively in patients having lamellar type; 0.28 Pa/cm3 per second postoperatively compared with 0.71 Pa/cm3 per second preoperatively in patients having bulbous type; and 0.27 Pa/cm3 per second postoperatively compared with 0.67 Pa/cm3 per second preoperatively in patients having extensive type.

Conclusions

With proper patient selection, the operative management is of great value in relieving the sinonasal symptoms in patients having isolated Concha bullosa. This will be more obvious in certain types as bulbous and extensive types especially of large sizes.
Pyolaryngocoele: Management of an Unusual Cause of Odynophagia and Neck Swelling
Authors: Khan NA , Watson G , Sivayoham E , Willatt DJ
Published: October 2017

We present a case of 82 years old female with two-week history of neck swelling, odynophagia, hoarseness and cough. There was a tender, fluctuant swelling below the mandible on right side. An urgent C.T scan showed it to be a pyolaryngocele. High dose intra venous antibiotic, analgesia and nasogastric feeding resolved the acute infective episode. The residual laryngocele was treated by an excision via an external approach.

A pyolaryngocele is a rare complication of laryngocele that becomes secondarily infected. It can cause feeding and respiratory compromise because of its compression symptoms. A CT is helpful for prompt diagnosis and for planning definitive surgical management.

The aim of this paper is to highlight the need to recognise and then treat these cases aggressively. The best treatment option is to remove the laryngocele in-toto to prevent recurrence.
A free boundary problem with log–term singularity
Authors: de Queiroz Olivaine S. , Shahgholian Henrik
Published: October 2017

We study a minimum problem for a non-differentiable functional whose reaction term does not have scaling properties. Specifically we consider the functional

\mathcal J(v)=\int_\Omega\left(\frac{|\nabla v|^2}{2} -v^+(\mathrm {log}\: v-1)\right)dx\to \mathrm {min}

which should be minimized in some natural admissible class of non-negative functions. Here,

v^+=\max\{0,v\}.

The Euler–Lagrange equation associated with

\mathcal J

is

-\Delta u= \chi_{\{u>0\}}\mathrm {log}\: u,

which becomes singular along the free boundary

\partial\{u>0\}.

Therefore, the regularity results do not follow from classical methods. Besides, the logarithmic forcing term does not have scaling properties, which are very important in the study of free boundary theory. Despite these difficulties, we obtain optimal regularity of a minimizer and show that, close to every free boundary point, they exhibit a super-characteristic growth like

r^2|\mathrm {log}\: r|.

This estimate is crucial in the study of analytic and geometric properties of the free boundary.
Hysteresis in porous media: Modelling and analysis
Authors: Schweizer Ben
Published: October 2017

Unsaturated flow through porous media can be modelled by a partial differential equation using saturation

s

and pressure

p

as unknowns. Experimental data as well as elementary physical arguments show that the coupling of the two variables must take into account hysteresis. In this survey, we describe the physical origins of porous media hysteresis, present the ideas of its mathematical description, and review the analysis of the resulting hysteresis models.
On the propagation of a periodic flame front by an Arrhenius kinetic
Authors: Alibaud Nathaël , Namah Gawtum
Published: October 2017

We consider the propagation of a flame front in a solid periodic medium. The model is governed by a free boundary system in which the front’s velocity depends on the temperature via an Arrhenius kinetic. We show the existence of travelling wave solutions and consider their homogenization as the period tends to zero. The main difficulty lies in the degeneracy of the Arrhenius function which requires an a priori lower bound of the propagation’s speed. We next analyze the curvature effects on the homogenization and obtain a continuum of limiting waves parametrized by the ratio “curvature coefficient/period.” Remarkable features are the monotonicity of the speed with respect to the “curvature regime,” together with the explicit computations of the minimal and maximal speeds. We finally identify the asymptotic expansion of the heterogeneous front’s profile with respect to the period.
La espectacularización de la información política. El caso de El País en las elecciones estadounidenses de 2016
Authors: Miguel-Sáez de Urabain Ainara , Fernández de Arroyabe-Olaortua Ainhoa , Lazkano-Arrillaga Iñaki
Published: October 2017

El objetivo principal de esta investigación es estudiar la tendencia a la espectacularización de la información política en el modo en que El País representa a Donald Trump, el candidato republicano a la presidencia de Estados Unidos, durante toda la campaña electoral: desde el anuncio de su precandidatura el 17 de junio de 2015 hasta una semana después de su victoria el 15 de noviembre de 2016. Metodología: Para lograrlo, se realiza un análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo de las 462 noticias sobre Donald Trump y Hillary Clinton publicadas en el diario entre estas fechas, y un análisis textual de las 320 noticias de enfoque estratégico sobre Trump. Resultados y conclusiones: Los resultados revelan la preeminencia del framing estratégico, la mayor relevancia otorgada a Trump y la construcción de dos personajes antagónicos (la heroína Clinton y el antihéroe Trump) insertados en un relato mítico sin final feliz.
Avaliação não destrutiva de painéis de partículas de média densidade pelo método Stress Wave Timer
Authors: Oliveira Stefânia Lima , Mendes Rafael Farinassi , Mendes Lourival Marin , Narciso Carolina Rezende Pinto , Ribeiro Débora Pereira
Published: October 2017

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a eficiência da avaliação não destrutiva de propriedades mecânicas de painéis de madeira, pelo método de emissão de ondas de tensão (stress wave timer). Foram avaliados painéis MDP industriais, sendo cinco de eucalipto e cinco de pinus, ambos provindos de empresas nacionais, e outros cinco painéis de bagaço de cana importados da China. Para a avaliação não destrutiva dos painéis, foi utilizado o equipamento Metriguard, que utiliza o método de emissão de ondas de tensão Stress Wave Timer. O módulo de elasticidade (MOEd) obtido pelo método de stress wave timer foi confrontado com os valores determinados por meio de ensaios convencionais destrutivos de MOE e módulo de ruptura (MOR) à flexão estática. Em cada painel foram realizadas leituras nas direções longitudinal e transversal dos painéis. O método não destrutivo stress wave timer apresentou eficiência apenas para a utilização em painéis de bagaço de cana, podendo ser utilizado para predição do MOE e MOR desse tipo de painel.
Invasão de palmeira australiana no sub-bosque de uma floresta plantada, Viçosa, MG
Authors: Cardinelli Lucas Siqueira , Fonseca Rúbia Santos , Martins Sebastião Venâncio
Published: October 2017

O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a regeneração natural e a abundância de espécies exóticas no sub-bosque de um plantio experimental de Araucaria angustifolia, em Viçosa, MG. A amostra correspondeu a 40 parcelas de 2 m x 2 m, onde mediu-se o diâmetro ao nível do solo (DNS) de todos os indivíduos arbustivo-arbóreos com diâmetro ≤ a 5,0 cm e altura ≥ a 0,5 m. Foram calculados os parâmetros fitossociológicos e os índices de diversidade e equabilidade. As espécies foram classificadas quanto à forma de vida, classe sucessional e síndrome de dispersão. Foram amostrados 980 indivíduos, sendo observada maior proporção de espécies arbustivas, típicas de sub-bosque e zoocóricas. A espécie exótica Archontophoenix cunninghamiana, conhecida como palmeira australiana, obteve o terceiro maior valor de importância, a maior dominância e 19,25% da área basal total, valor consideravelmente maior que o das demais espécies. A. cunninghamiana foi caracterizada como uma espécie exótica invasora que domina o estrato de regeneração natural. A inibição da sucessão natural pela presença de espécies exóticas, como A. cunninghamiana, precisa ser monitorada, visando eliminar as espécies-problema, para garantir a continuidade do processo de sucessão.
Influência da variabilidade edafoclimática no crescimento de clones de eucalipto no Nordeste baiano
Authors: Santos Ana Carolina Albuquerque , Silva Simone , Leite Helio Garcia , Cruz Jeovane Pereira da
Published: October 2017

Objetivou-se estudar o crescimento de três clones de eucalipto em diferentes tipos de solos e de histórico de precipitação pluviométrica (PP) na região nordeste da Bahia. Para isso, utilizaram-se dados de parcelas permanentes medidas em povoamentos clonais de eucalipto em Argilosso Amarelo, Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo, Latossolo Amarelo e Neossolo Quartzarênico, com e precipitação média anual variando de 700 mm a 1700 mm. Foram ajustados modelos de crescimento em função da idade para altura dominante, diâmetro quadrático, área basal e volume por ha para cada combinação de clone e solo. Para analisar o efeito da PP na predição do volume, foi incluído um modificador associado à precipitação no modelo de Gompertz. O maior crescimento no Argissolo Amarelo foi obtido pelo clone 1. O modelo ajustado, com a inclusão da PP, reduziu os erros em torno de 62,9%. em comparação com o modelo biológico tradicional. Concluiu-se que a consideração da variabilidade dos solos e da PP na modelagem de crescimento em regiões com ampla variabilidade da PP, afetou a exatidão das estimativas. E, ainda, a análise das curvas de crescimento em diferentes solos e PP auxilia na definição do clone adequado para locais onde não há informações de inventário.
The renaissance of National Forest Inventories (NFIs) in the context of the international conventions – a discussion paper on context, background and justification of NFIs
Authors: Kleinn Christoph
Published: October 2017

Os Inventários Florestais Nacionais (IFN) cobrem o país todo e são desenhados para análise dos recursos e ecossistemas florestais sob uma ótica quantitativa. Enquanto que para os inventários florestais direcionados ao manejo florestal é óbvio que os mesmos devem dar suporte a decisões relacionadas ao manejo, ao planejamento florestal, às intervenções silviculturais, ao manejo visando à conservação e à venda de madeira mais eficientes, o propósito dos IFNs não é imediatamente visível ou mensurável: eles são desenhados para dar suporte a processos de decisão em nível nacional (e subnacional), envolvendo as florestas. Os IFNs tem uma longa trajetória e estão passando por um processo de aumento de interesse em função da possibilidade de quantificação dos recursos florestais com base científica; tais mudanças estão entre os pré-requisitos para pagamentos a países em desenvolvimento baseados em resultados, quando da implementação de medidas eficientes – e evidenciadas por resultados verificáveis – na redução da emissão dos gases de efeito estufa pelas florestas. Enquanto a ciência do monitoramento florestal atualmente enfoca com destaque o aumento de precisão e a acuracidade do monitoramento florestal, integrando técnicas de sensoriamento remoto e métodos de modelagem cada vez mais eficientes, surpreendentemente poucos resultados de pesquisa tem sido publicados sobre antecedentes, justificativa estratégica e impactos dos IFNs.
Adaptação do teste de condutividade elétrica para sementes de Moringa oleifera
Authors: Medeiros Maria Luiza de Souza , De Pádua Guilherme Vinícius Gonçalves , Pereira Márcio Dias
Published: October 2017

O objetivo desse trabalho foi adaptar e testar a eficiência da metodologia para teste de condutividade elétrica na avaliação da qualidade de sementes de Moringa oleifera Lam. Para a caracterização fisiológica das sementes, quatro lotes de sementes foram avaliados pelos testes de germinação, emergência de plântula, índice de velocidade de emergência, primeira contagem de emergência, comprimento e massa seca de plântulas e teste de frio. O teste de condutividade elétrica foi avaliado a 25 °C, em 4, 8, 12, 16 e 24 h de imersão em 75 mL e 125 mL de água destilada, utilizando-se 25 e 50 sementes. Empregou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Os melhores resultados foram obtidos quando utilizou-se 50 sementes imersas em 75 mL ou 125 mL de água destilada por 4 h. O teste de condutividade elétrica adaptado para moringa mostrou-se eficiente em ranquear os lotes de sementes em diferentes níveis de vigor, podendo ser usado com eficiência na avaliação da sua qualidade fisiológica.
Compósito madeira-plástico a partir de resíduos de três espécies florestais
Authors: Talgatti Maiara , Baldin Talita , Silveira Aamanda Grassmann da , Santini Elio José , Vidrano Bibiana Regina Argenta
Published: October 2017

O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar as propriedades físicas e mecânicas de compósitos madeira-plástico, utilizando materiais de baixo nível de processamento. Para tal, utilizou-se madeira proveniente de resíduos de marcenaria, na forma de maravalha, de três espécies florestais (Pinus elliottii, Hovenia dulcis e Maclura tinctoria), e termoplástico do tipo poliestireno. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste de Duncan a 95% de confiabilidade. Para os ensaios mecânicos de módulo de ruptura (MOR) e módulo de elasticidade (MOE) todos os tratamentos apresentaram bons resultados, não se diferenciando entre si. Os ensaios de ligação interna e arrancamento do parafuso não apresentaram resultados satisfatórios, sendo que para este último o melhor resultado foi verificado para Hovenia dulcis. Quanto ao inchamento em 2 h e 24 h, todos os tratamentos mostram resultados positivos. De maneira geral, os resultados não foram influenciados pelas espécies utilizadas.
Crescimento diamétrico e tempo de passagem de Minquartia guianensis após manejo na Floresta Nacional do Tapajós
Authors: Andrade Cinthia Grazielle Carvalho , Da Silva Márcio Lopes , Torres Carlos Moreira Miquelino Eleto , Ruschel Ademir Roberto , Da Silva Liniker Fernandes , De Andrade Dárlison Fernandes Carvalho , Reis Leonardo Pequeno
Published: October 2017

Minquartia guianensis Aubl. (acariquara) ocorre nos estados do Acre, Amazonas, Roraima, Pará e Amapá, com grande procura de mercado e utilidade na região Amazônica. Seu principal uso é na construção civil, por apresentar alta durabilidade e reentrâncias em seu tronco, que a tornam de beleza singular e muito valorizada. A maioria das árvores utilizadas apresenta pequenos diâmetros, sendo este um fator crítico para seu manejo e comercialização. Portanto, objetivou-se avaliar o crescimento diamétrico e o ciclo de corte de M. guianensis, por meio da análise do tempo de passagem entre como classes diamétricas, no período de 31 anos, após uma exploração florestal, na Floresta Nacional do Tapajós, estado do Pará. Foram estabelecidos cinco tratamentos, e em cada um foram instaladas 12 parcelas permanentes de 0,25 ha, nas quais foram medidas todas as árvores com diâmetro a 1,30 m do solo (DAP) ≥ 5 cm, de 1981 a 2012. Como árvores com DAP ≤ 50 cm tem potencial para ser manejadas, em razão da diminuição do crescimento diamétrico a partir do DAP ≥ 50 cm. Esses resultados máfia de base para subsidiarhadas silviculturais sem manejo sustentável da espécie.
Fauna edáfica em plantio inicial de Eucalyptus sob diferentes alternativas de controle de plantas daninhas
Authors: Garlet Juliana , Costa Ervandil Corrêa , Boscardin Jardel , Machado Dayanna Nascimento , Pedron Leandra , Machado Leonardo Mortari
Published: October 2017

O objetivo deste estudo foi averiguar o efeito de diferentes alternativas de  controle químico de plantas daninhas na fauna de solo, em plantio de Eucalyptus grandis. Os tratamentos avaliados consistiram de controles parciais e total da vegetação infestante, e as coletas foram realizadas por meio  de armadilha de solo (pitfall). Foram coletados 26.136 espécimes, distribuídos em 13 grupos taxonômicos (Araneae, Blattodea, Chilopoda, Collembola, Coleoptera, Diplopoda, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Termitoidea, Orthoptera, Opilione e formas jovens). Os tratamentos onde houve permanência de vegetação infestante apresentaram valores mais elevados com relação aos índices avaliados.
Nucleation of nitric acid hydrates in Polar Stratospheric Clouds by meteoric material
Authors: James Alexander D. , Brooke James S. A. , Mangan Thomas P. , Whale Thomas F. , Plane John M. C. , Murray Benjamin J.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Heterogeneous nucleation of crystalline nitric acid hydrates in Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs) enhances ozone depletion. However, the identity and mode of action of the particles responsible for nucleation remains unknown. It has been suggested that meteoric material may trigger nucleation of nitric acid trihydrate (NAT), but this has never been directly demonstrated in the laboratory. Meteoric material is present in two forms in the stratosphere, smoke which results from the ablation and re-condensation of vapours, and fragments which result from the disruption of meteoroids entering the atmosphere. Here we show that analogues of both materials have a capacity to nucleate nitric acid hydrates. In combination with estimates from a global model of the amount of meteoric smoke and fragments in the polar stratosphere we show that meteoric material probably accounts for NAT observations in early season polar stratospheric clouds in the absence of water ice.
Continuous decline in lower stratospheric ozone offsets ozone layer recovery
Authors: Ball William T. , Alsing Justin , Mortlock Daniel J. , Staehelin Johannes , Haigh Joanna D. , Peter Thomas , Tummon Fiona , Stübi Rene , Stenke Andrea , Anderson John , Bourassa Adam , Davis Sean M. , Degenstein Doug , Frith Stacey , Froidevaux Lucien , Roth Chris , Sofieva Viktoria , Wang Ray , Wild Jeannette , Yu Pengfei , Ziemke Jerald R. , Rozanov Eugene V.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Ozone forms in the Earth's atmosphere from the photodissociation of molecular oxygen, primarily in the tropical stratosphere. It is then transported to the extratropics by the Brewer-Dobson circulation (BDC), forming a protective ozone layer around the globe. Human emissions of halogen-containing ozone-depleting substances (hODSs) led to a decline in stratospheric ozone until they were banned by the Montreal Protocol (MP), and since 1998 ozone in the upper stratosphere shows a likely recovery. Total column ozone (TCO) measurements of ozone between the Earth's surface and the top of the atmosphere, indicate that the ozone layer has stopped declining across the globe, but no clear increase has been observed at latitudes outside the polar regions (60–90). Here we report evidence from multiple satellite measurements that ozone in the lower stratosphere between 60° S and 60° N has declined continuously since 1985. We find that, even though upper stratospheric ozone is recovering in response to the MP, the lower stratospheric changes more than compensate for this, resulting in the conclusion that, globally (60°&tinsp;S–60° N), stratospheric column ozone (StCO) continues to deplete. We find that globally, TCO appears to not have decreased because tropospheric column ozone (TrCO) increases, likely the result of human activity and harmful to respiratory health, are compensating for the stratospheric decreases. The reason for the continued reduction of lower stratospheric ozone is not clear, models do not reproduce these trends, and so the causes now urgently need to be established. Reductions in lower stratospheric ozone trends may partly lead to a small reduction in the warming of the climate, but a reduced ozone layer may also permit an increase in harmful ultra-violet (UV) radiation at the surface and would impact human and ecosystem health.
Overview of NASA's MODIS and Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) snow-cover Earth System Data Records
Authors: Riggs George A. , Hall Dorothy K. , Román Miguel O.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Knowledge of the distribution, extent, duration and timing of snowmelt is critical for characterizing the Earth's climate system and its changes. As a result, snow cover is one of the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) essential climate variables (ECVs). Consistent, long-term datasets of snow cover are needed to study interannual variability and snow climatology. The NASA snow-cover datasets generated from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the Terra and Aqua spacecraft and the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) are NASA Earth System Data Records (ESDR). The objective of the snow-cover detection algorithms is to optimize the accuracy of mapping snow-cover extent (SCE) and to minimize snow-cover detection errors of omission and commission using automated, globally applied algorithms to produce SCE data products. Advancements in snow-cover mapping have been made with each of the four major reprocessings of the MODIS data record, which extends from 2000 to the present. MODIS Collection 6 (C6; https://nsidc.org/data/modis/data_summaries) and VIIRS Collection 1 (C1; https://doi.org/10.5067/VIIRS/VNP10.001) represent the state-of-the-art global snow-cover mapping algorithms and products for NASA Earth science. There were many revisions made in the C6 algorithms which improved snow-cover detection accuracy and information content of the data products. These improvements have also been incorporated into the NASA VIIRS snow-cover algorithms for C1. Both information content and usability were improved by including the Normalized Snow Difference Index (NDSI) and a quality assurance (QA) data array of algorithm processing flags in the data product, along with the SCE map. The increased data content allows flexibility in using the datasets for specific regions and end-user applications. Though there are important differences between the MODIS and VIIRS instruments (e.g., the VIIRS 375 m native resolution compared to MODIS 500 m), the snow detection algorithms and data products are designed to be as similar as possible so that the 16+ year MODIS ESDR of global SCE can be extended into the future with the S-NPP VIIRS snow products and with products from future Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) platforms. These NASA datasets are archived and accessible through the NASA Distributed Active Archive Center at the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Boulder, Colorado.