bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trithiocyanurate Complexes of Iron, Manganese and Nickel and Their Anticholinesterase Activity
Authors: Kopel Pavel , Dolezal Karel , Langer Vratislav , Jun Daniel , Adam Vojtech , Kuca Kamil , Kizek Rene
Published: April 2014

The complexes of Fe(II), Mn(II) and Ni(II) with a combination of a Schiff base, nitrogen-donor ligand or macrocyclic ligand and trithiocyanuric acid (ttcH3) were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopies. Crystal and molecular structures of the iron complex of composition [Fe(L1)](ttcH2)(ClO4)·EtOH·H2O (1), where L1 is Schiff base derived from tris(2-aminoethyl)amine and 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde, were solved. It was found that the Schiff base is coordinated to the central iron atom by six nitrogens forming deformed octahedral arrangement, whereas trithiocyanurate(1-) anion, perchlorate and solvent molecules are not coordinated. The X-ray structure of the Schiff base sodium salt is also presented and compared with the iron complex. The anticholinesterase activity of the complexes was also studied.
A Magnetic Microrobot with in situ Force Sensing Capabilities
Authors: Jing Wuming , Cappelleri David
Published: April 2014

This paper presents a proof-of-concept prototype of a micro force sensing mobile microrobot. The design consists of a planar, elastic mechanism serving as computer vision-based force sensor module, while the microrobot body is made from a magnetic layer driven by a magnetic field. From observing the deformation of the elastic mechanism, manipulation forces can be determined. The deformation is tracked by a CCD camera attached to an optical microscope. This design is validated through experimental tests with a micromachined prototype. The preliminary results verify this first microrobot prototype is indeed capable of in situ force sensing. This concept can be scaled down further for next generation designs and can be designed for real biomedical applications on microscale.
Topological Symmetry Groups of Small Complete Graphs
Authors: Chambers Dwayne , Flapan Erica
Published: April 2014

Topological symmetry groups were originally introduced to study the symmetries of non-rigid molecules, but have since been used to study the symmetries of any graph embedded in R3. In this paper, we determine for each complete graph Kn with n ≤ 6, what groups can occur as topological symmetry groups or orientation preserving topological symmetry groups of some embedding of the graph in R3.
Mobile phone voting for participation and engagement in a large compulsory law course
Authors: Habel Chad , Stubbs Matthew
Published: April 2014

This article reports on an action-research project designed to investigate the effect of a technological intervention on the complex interactions between student engagement, participation, attendance and preparation in a large lecture delivered as part of a compulsory first-year law course, a discipline which has not been the focus of any previous study. The technology used was VotApedia, a form of mobile phone voting, and it was implemented in tandem with constructivist pedagogies such as explicit pre-reading and a prior context of interactive lecturing. Data were collected through observation, via mobile phone voting in class and by an online survey designed to specifically explore the relationship between attendance at VotApedia lectures and factors such as self-reported engagement, attendance and preparation. The findings indicated that student response systems (SRSs) are just as applicable to more Humanities-style disciplines which require divergent questioning, and supported complex interactions between engagement, attendance and preparation. Preliminary findings indicated that, although more work needs to be done, especially on the types of students who prefer to use these systems, there is a clear potential to increase student engagement in large law lectures through the use of SRSs.Keywords: student response systems; pedagogy; VotApedia; constructivism; action research(Published: 08 April 2014)Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2014, 22: 19537 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v22.19537
Baseline Serum Interleukin-6 Predicts Cardiovascular Events in Incident Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Cho Yeoungjee , Johnson David W. , Vesey David A. , Hawley Carmel M. , Pascoe Elaine M. , Clarke Margaret , Topley Nicholas
Published: April 2014

Background

The utility of local and systemic interleukin 6 (IL-6) as a prognostic marker in incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients remains to be fully defined. The present study aimed to explore the capacity of systemic IL-6 concentrations to predict cardiovascular events (CVEs) and mortality in PD patients, and to evaluate the influence of neutral-pH PD solutions low in glucose degradation products (GDPs) on systemic IL-6.

Methods

The study included 175 incident participants from the balANZ trial with at least one stored serum sample. A composite CVE score was used as the primary clinical outcome measure. Multilevel linear regression and Poisson regression models were fitted to describe, respectively, the trend of serum IL-6 over time and its ability to predict composite CVE.

Results

A significant increase in serum IL-6 from baseline to 24 months was observed in the study population (mean difference: 1.68 pg/mL; p = 0.006). The type of PD solution received by patients exerted no significant effect on serum IL-6 ( p = 0.12). Composite CVE was significantly and independently associated with baseline serum IL-6 (incidence rate ratio per picogram per milliliter: 1.06; 95% confidence interval: 1.02 to 1.10; p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Baseline serum IL-6 was a significant independent predictor of composite CVE. Serum IL-6 concentrations increased with increasing PD duration and were not significantly modified with the use of biocompatible fluid over the study period. The present study is the first to link systemic IL-6 concentrations with CVE outcomes in incident PD patients.
First synthesis of meso-substituted pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalinoporphyrins
Authors: Singh Dileep Kumar , Nath Mahendra
Published: April 2014

A synthetic protocol for the construction of new meso-substituted pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalinoporphyrins is described starting from 5-(4-amino-3-nitrophenyl)-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin. The reaction of this porphyrin with 2,5-dimethoxytetrahydrofuran, followed by the reduction of the nitro group in the presence of NiCl2/NaBH4 afforded 5-(3-amino-4-(pyrrol-1-yl)phenyl)-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin. This triphenylporphyrin underwent a Pictet–Spengler cyclization after the reaction with various aromatic aldehydes followed by in situ KMnO4 oxidation to form target porphyrin analogues in good yields. The structures of all synthesized products were established on the basis of spectral data and elemental analyses.
Les traitements d'urgence et de crise des couples et des familles sont-ils efficaces à court et moyen terme ?
Authors: Le Goff-Cubilier Valérie , Sahli Virginie , Castro-Balasch Fanny
Published: April 2014

De 2007 à 2010, le pôle Urgence-Crise de l’Unité de Consultation pour le Couple et la Famille(UCCF) (Secteur Psychiatrique Ouest, Hôpital de Prangins, Département de psychiatrie du CHUV), a mené une étude clinique sur la pertinence et l’utilité des traitements d’urgence-crise, dans une optique systémique, pour les couples et les familles en grave détresse. En sus des données épidémiologiques et structurales sur cette population, nous présentons ici les résultats qui démontrent l’efficacité de ces prises en charge à court terme et à distance d’un an. L’impact global de tels traitements en termes de santé publique, mais aussi d’économicité des soins, nous fait penser qu’ils devraient s’inscrire dans la nouvelle orientation prise par les soins psychiatriques ambulatoires au sein du tissu social, où les prises en charge familiales ont toute leur place.
Comparative effects of fungicides and environmental factors on growth and T-2 + HT-2 toxin production by Fusarium sporotrichioides and Fusarium langsethiae strains on an oat-based matrix
Authors: Kokkonen M. , Magan N. , Medina A.
Published: April 2014

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of the fungicides prochloraz and tebuconazole (0-1 µg/ml) on lag phase, growth rate, and T-2 + HT-2 toxin production by strains of Fusarium sporotrichioides and Fusarium langsethiae on oat-based media under different conditions of water activity (aw; 0.98 and 0.95) × temperature (15 and 25 °C). Relative effective dose values for the fungicides required to inhibit growth by 50% (ED50) and 90% (ED90) and T-2 + HT-2 production were determined. The lag phases prior to growth were prolonged at the marginal aw × temperature conditions tested and by the presence of the fungicides. The growth rates of F. sporotrichioides and F. langsethiae were similarly inhibited by prochloraz compared with the controls. However, in the presence of tebuconazole, F. langsethiae was much more tolerant with very little inhibitory effects of the fungicide. The ED50 values ranged from 0.08 to ≯1.0 µg/ml for prochloraz and from 0.34 to ≯1.0 µg/ml for tebuconazole in the case of F. sporotrichioides. For F. langsethiae, these values were 0.09 to ≯1.0 and 0.31 to ≯1.0 µg/ml at the two temperatures and aw levels tested. Prochloraz (0.2-0.4 µg/ml) effectively inhibited toxin production at 15 °C and the two aw levels examined. However, at 25 °C the fungicide was less effective, regardless of the aw level. For tebuconazole, there were significant differences in efficacy against the F. sporotrichioides and F. langsethiae strains. The latter species produced consistently higher amounts of T-2 + HT-2 toxin at both 15 and 25 °C and 0.98 aw. The differential tolerance to the fungicides between the fungal species is discussed in terms of growth and toxin production.
Gr-1dimCD11b+ Immature Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells but Not Neutrophils Are Markers of Lethal Tuberculosis Infection in Mice
Authors: Tsiganov Evgeny N. , Verbina Elena M. , Radaeva Tatiana V. , Sosunov Vasily V. , Kosmiadi George A. , Nikitina Irina Yu. , Lyadova Irina V.
Published: April 2014

Tuberculosis (TB) disease may progress at different rates and have different outcomes. Neutrophils have been implicated in TB progression; however, data on their role during TB are controversial. In this study, we show that in mice, TB progression is associated with the accumulation of cells that express neutrophilic markers Gr-1 and Ly-6G but do not belong to conventional neutrophils. The cells exhibit unsegmented nuclei, have Gr-1dimLy-6GdimCD11b+ phenotype, and express F4/80, CD49d, Ly-6C, CD117, and CD135 markers characteristic not of neutrophils but of immature myeloid cells. The cells accumulate in the lungs, bone marrow, spleen, and blood at the advanced (prelethal) stage of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and represent a heterogeneous population of myeloid cells at different stages of their differentiation. The accumulation of Gr-1dimCD11b+ cells is accompanied by the disappearance of conventional neutrophils (Gr-1hiLy-6Ghi–expressing cells). The Gr-1dimCD11b+ cells suppress T cell proliferation and IFN-γ production in vitro via NO-dependent mechanisms, that is, they exhibit characteristics of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. These results document the generation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells during TB, suggesting their role in TB pathogenesis, and arguing that neutrophils do not contribute to TB pathology at the advanced disease stage.
Functional Effects of TGF-β1 on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Mobilization in Cockroach Allergen–Induced Asthma
Authors: Gao Peisong , Zhou Yufeng , Xian Lingling , Li Changjun , Xu Ting , Plunkett Beverly , Huang Shau-Ku , Wan Mei , Cao Xu
Published: April 2014

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been suggested to participate in immune regulation and airway repair/remodeling. TGF-β1 is critical in the recruitment of stem/progenitor cells for tissue repair, remodeling, and cell differentiation. In this study, we sought to investigate the role of TGF-β1 in MSC migration in allergic asthma. We examined nestin expression (a marker for MSCs) and TGF-β1 signaling activation in airways in cockroach allergen extract (CRE)–induced mouse models. Compared with control mice, there were increased nestin+ cells in airways and higher levels of active TGF-β1 in serum and p-Smad2/3 expression in lungs of CRE-treated mice. Increased activation of TGF-β1 signaling was also found in CRE-treated MSCs. We then assessed MSC migration induced by conditioned medium from CRE-challenged human epithelium in air/liquid interface culture in Transwell assays. MSC migration was stimulated by epithelial-conditioned medium, but was significantly inhibited by either TGF-β1–neutralizing Ab or TβR1 inhibitor. Intriguingly, increased migration of MSCs from blood and bone marrow to the airway was also observed after systemic injection of GFP+ MSCs and from bone marrow of Nes-GFP mice following CRE challenge. Furthermore, TGF-β1–neutralizing Ab inhibited the CRE-induced MSC recruitment, but promoted airway inflammation. Finally, we investigated the role of MSCs in modulating CRE-induced T cell response and found that MSCs significantly inhibited CRE-induced inflammatory cytokine secretion (IL-4, IL-13, IL-17, and IFN-γ) by CD4+ T cells. These results suggest that TGF-β1 may be a key promigratory factor in recruiting MSCs to the airways in mouse models of asthma.
Evaluating the Potentiating Effect of Amethocaine on Tropicamide-Induced Mydriasis in Darkly Pigmented Irides, Using Infrared Pupillometry
Authors: Ogun Olufunmilola A. , Oliver Jeffrey W. , Ashaye Adeyinka O. , Ajayi Benedictus G. K.
Published: April 2014

Purpose

To determine whether prior instillation of amethocaine would increase the rate and magnitude of tropicamide-induced pupillary dilatation in darkly pigmented irides.

Method

A total of 50 healthy Africans aged 18–40 years, with darkly pigmented irides, received a drop of amethocaine in one eye and a drop of placebo in the contralateral eye, followed by two drops of tropicamide in both eyes. Serial pupil diameters were measured using a monocular infrared video pupillometer. Rate of pupillary dilatation was compared in both eyes. Survival statistics were calculated for the time taken to reach a clinically effective dilatation, clinically effective diameter (CED) of 6.0 mm.

Results

Mean difference in pupil diameters between amethocaine- and placebo-treated eyes was 0.30 ± 0.09 mm ( P < 0.002). In all, 62% of amethocaine-treated eyes and only 46% of placebo-treated eyes reached the CED.

Conclusion

We observed a small but statistically significant potentiating effect of a drop of amethocaine on tropicamide-induced dilatation within 20 minutes.
A Common Caatinga Cactus, Pilosocereus gounellei, is an Important Ecotope of Wild Triatoma brasiliensis Populations in the Jaguaribe Valley of Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Valença-Barbosa Carolina , Lima Marli M. , Sarquis Otília , Bezerra Claudia M. , Abad-Franch Fernando
Published: April 2014

Triatoma brasiliensis is the most important vector of Chagas disease in the Caatinga eco-region of northeastern Brazil. Wild T. brasiliensis populations have been reported only from rocky outcrops. However, this species frequently infests/re-infests houses in rock-free sedimentary lowlands. We therefore hypothesized that it should also occupy other natural ecotopes. We show that a common Caatinga cactus, Pilosocereus gounellei, locally known as xiquexique, often harbors T. brasiliensis breeding colonies apparently associated with rodents (n = 44 cacti, infestation rate = 47.7%, 157 bugs captured). Our findings suggest that infested cacti might be involved in house re-infestation by T. brasiliensis in the Caatinga region.
Sustained Clearance of Mansonella ozzardi Infection after Treatment with Ivermectin in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Basano Sergio de Almeida , Fontes Gilberto , Medeiros Jansen Fernandes , Camargo Juliana Souza de Almeida Aranha , Vera Luana Janaína Souza , Araújo Marcos Paulo Parente , Parente Maira Santiago Pires , Ferreira Ricardo de Godoi Mattos , Crispim Pedro di Tárique Barreto , Camargo Luís Marcelo Aranha
Published: April 2014

Therapy for mansonelliasis is challenging because there is no standard drug recommended for its treatment. This non-randomized study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a single dose of 0.15 mg/kg of ivermectin to reduce Mansonella ozzardi microfilaraemia in infected persons. A total of 74 patients were studied within the municipality of Lábrea, which is located in Amazonas State, Brazil. The patients were treated with ivermectin after detection of the parasite by blood examination. Significant microfilaraemia reduction was observed and its residual effect was maintained for at least 12 months. There was no significant change in the laboratory blood count, hepatic metabolites, and nitrogen-bounding compound excreta dosage values that could compromise the use of this drug, demonstrating that ivermectin has a low toxicity level.
Individual predispositions and positive adaptation of children of alcoholics
Authors: Grzegorzewska Iwona
Published: April 2014

Background

Children of alcoholics have been the focus of both clinicians and scientists for years. Recent research undertaken from the perspective of developmental psychopathology has shown considerable variation of the investigated population, with clear emphasis on positive adaptation as the target developmental result. The aim of this study was to determine whether children of alcoholics showing positive adaptation are characterized by a specific system of individual predispositions.

Participants and procedure

The study involved 540 individuals in three age groups and two comparison groups: children of alcoholics and children from the control group. The research model assumed risk assessment, assessment of positive adaptation and estimating individual predispositions that are important from the point of view of the problem.

Results

The results confirmed the hypothesis that children of alcoholics cope well with the developmental requirements, and – despite the number of adverse life circumstances – are featured by a more favourable combination of individual predispositions.

Conclusions

The population of children of alcoholics is varied. Accordance with the multifinality, in addition to clear susceptibility to psychopathology, characterized by a positive adaptation, dependent on personality factors.
Temperamental traits as predictors of effectiveness of psychotherapy (prolonged exposure) for PTSD in a group of motor vehicle accident survivors
Authors: Popiel Agnieszka , Zawadzki Bogdan
Published: April 2014

Background

The aim of the study was to analyze demographic (age, gender and education), temperamental (briskness and emotional reactivity) and psychopathological (severity of the disorder, comorbid symptoms of personality disorders) predictors of effectiveness of psychotherapy (Prolonged Exposure; PE) of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It was expected that temperamental traits – briskness (BR) and emotional reactivity (ER) (involved in arousing and change of PTSD symptoms) – would predict the post-treatment

diagnosis of PTSD, regardless of severity of PTSD and symptoms of personality disorders.

Participants and procedure

The logistic regression done on findings obtained in the com­bined sample of 123 motor vehicle accident (MVA) survivors, participating in PE within randomized and non-randomized trials.

Results

A significant effect of severity of pre-treatment PTSD (lower rate of remission in subjects with more severe PTSD), briskness (higher rate of remission in high BR subjects) and interaction between ER and time after MVA (lower rate of remission in high ER subjects treated in a longer period after MVA) were observed. The effect of personality disorders was not significant due to the remarkable correlations with other predictors.

Conclusions

In the discussion the possible mechanisms of the impact

of temperamental traits on recovery from PTSD under psychotherapy are suggested, including behavioral plasticity (briskness) and the relationship between subjects’ moti­vation for treatment and the opportunity of successful recovery (determined by comorbid personality disorders), explaining the interactional effect of emotional reactivity.
Polish version of Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D): results of a preliminary study on the psychometric properties of the scale
Authors: Ziarko Michał , Kaczmarek Łukasz D. , Haładziński Piotr
Published: April 2014

Background

The Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) is one of the most popular diagnostic tools used to assess depression symptoms, both in epidemiological studies and other types of research projects. The aim of the presented study was the assessment of the psychometric qualities of the Polish version of the scale.

Participants and procedure

The study was conducted on a group of patients suffering from a somatic illness and at risk of developing depression (n = 826) and among healthy individuals from the general population (n = 1160).

Results

The results confirmed the factorial structure of the questionnaire. Convergent validity was confirmed by correlations with other measures of affect and resources consistent with the theory.

Conclusions

The results of our analyses confirmed that the Polish version of the questionnaire is satisfactory in terms of construct and criterion validity and provides a reliable psychometric tool.
Initial part of longitudinal research on psychological and social adaptation including personality problems with Polish immigrants in Canada
Authors: Pietrulewicz Bogdan , Skeris Peter , Winter Aleksandra
Published: April 2014

Background

The psychology of personality is cognitively one of the most interesting fields. In its full extent it tries to correspond to questions concerning the individual and his or her psychological life. Different personality variables manifest themselves in human everyday actions, and affect decision making and, along with intelligence, the way of adaptation to new environmental conditions.

Participants and procedure

The presented work is a result of the initial longitudinal examination conducted in the second half of the 1980s on a group of 44 Polish immigrants to Canada. The second part of this study is continued on the same sample of respondents after 25 years.

Results

The emigration waves caused by economic transformations in the eighties, just as is happening currently, in the

country of origin grew to huge numbers. It shows the interactive process of changes taking place not only in society but also in the notion of the individual. Adaptive problems show themselves in all aspects of emigrants’ lives. Motivation, discrimination, employment, frustration and mental health become the resultant of personality factors manifested in the ways of adaptation to new, extremely different conditions of everyday life.

Conclusions

This examination, in spite of the time in which it was conducted, is gaining in value, particularly at present. In our times we have also observed mass emigration of young, educated citizens who, similarly to the emigration of the 1980s, are coming across the same adaptive problems.
The role of social support in posttraumatic growth in people struggling with cancer
Authors: Ogińska-Bulik Nina
Published: April 2014

The experience of cancer, in addition to a number of adverse effects that manifest themselves in different spheres of functioning, may also serve human development. This was confirmed by recent studies on posttraumatic growth. This phenomenon requires the presence of positive changes in self-perception, interpersonal relationships, and philosophy of life, which appear as a result of attempts to cope with the aftermath of traumatic events.

Studies indicate that the incidence of positive changes as a result of the experience of cancer is quite high and occurs in 30-90% of patients. They relate mainly to the relationships with other people and an appreciation of life and are characteristic especially for the early stages of diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Among the factors determining posttraumatic growth, a key role is attributed to social support. This paper presents the role of social support in the process of developing positive changes after the trauma associated with the experience of cancer, including the types and sources of support.
Perspectives regarding disproportionate representation of culturally and linguistically diverse students in high-incidence special education programs in the United States
Authors: Jonak Jolanta
Published: April 2014

Background

The number of culturally and linguistically diverse students in the U.S. is growing, and research shows they are often underassessed, misdiagnosed, and placed into special education unnecessarily. This problem mainly concerns high-incidence, or judgmental, disabilities such as learning disability, emotional disturbance, or mental retardation.

Participants and procedure

In this study, the author examines how some educators perceive and address culturally and linguistically diverse students in the U.S. A survey developed by the author was used to examine how educators perceive culturally and linguistically diverse student populations and how one Midwestern school system in the United States dealt with culturally and linguistically diverse students’ needs versus expected ideal practices.

Results

Results indicated that most participants recognized that the issue of disproportionate representation is nationwide, but did not believe that their district shared that problem.

Conclusions

Participants indicated that best practices were not being followed maximally to reduce and avoid the problem of disproportionate representation of culturally and linguistically diverse students in special education programs. Difficulties in meeting students’ needs may be related to cultural differences that school personnel are unable to assess or address. Recommendations include suggestions for further studies and for applying the survey in other school systems to increase the understanding and improve their practice in working with culturally and linguistically diverse students.
planning, and treatment during the pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding period in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Ostanek Lidia , Majdan Maria , Olesińska Marzena , Kosowicz Mariola , Teliga-Czajkowska Justyna , Wiland Piotr
Published: April 2014

Zespół antyfosfolipidowy (antiphospholipid syndrome – APS) jest jednostką chorobową o charakterze interdyscyplinarnym, w której obrazie klinicznym największe znaczenie mają powikłania zakrzepowe i niepowodzenia położnicze. Na podstawie wieloośrodkowych obserwacji klinicznych wykazano, że do najczęściej występujących powikłań ciąży w przebiegu APS należą: nawracające poronienia w I trymestrze ciąży, utraty ciąż w II i III trymestrze ciąży, wcześnie występujący stan przedrzucawkowy i wcześniactwo. Pacjentkę z APS planującą ciążę należy poinformować o ryzyku wystąpienia powikłań w przebiegu ciąży. Ciężarne pacjentki z APS powinny być leczone przez zespół wielodyscyplinarny: reumatologa, położnika, a w uzasadnionych przypadkach również przez hematologa. Najważniejszym elementem leczenia ciężarnych pacjentek z APS jest wtórna profilaktyka przeciwzakrzepowa małymi dawkami kwasu acetylosalicylowego i heparyn. Zastosowanie hydroksychlorochiny jest zalecane u chorych na toczeń rumieniowaty układowy. Wizyty powinny się odbywać co 4 tygodnie, a od 26.–28. Hbd co 1–2 tygodnie. Pacjentki muszą być ściśle monitorowane pod kątem występowania objawów stanu przedrzucawkowego i/lub zakrzepicy.
Carbohydrate metabolism disorders in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis – impact of the severity of the inflammatory process and disease activity
Authors: Dąbrowski Piotr , Majdan Maria
Published: April 2014

Zaburzenia gospodarki węglowodanowej występują częściej u chorych na reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów (RZS) oraz zesztywniające zapalenie stawów kręgosłupa (ZZSK) w porównaniu z ogólną populacją. U podstaw patogenetycznych chorób reumatycznych oraz cukrzycy leży przewlekły proces zapalny związany ze zjawiskiem insulinooporności. W rozwoju insulinooporności kluczową rolę ogrywają interleukina 6 (IL-6) i czynnik martwicy nowotworu α (tumor necrosis factor α – TNF-α, a ponadto wydzielane przez tkankę tłuszczową wolne kwasy tłuszczowe oraz adipocytokiny: leptyna, rezystyna, wisfatyna i adiponektyna. Wykazano występowanie zależności między podwyższeniem wykładników stanu zapalnego a insulinoopornością i zwiększonym ryzykiem rozwoju cukrzycy. Poszukuje się markerów aktywności choroby, które pomogłyby zidentyfikować chorych z grupy najwyższego ryzyka wystąpienia zaburzeń tolerancji glukozy. W pracy dokonano przeglądu piśmiennictwa dotyczącego oceny ryzyka wystąpienia zaburzeń węglowodanowych u chorych na RZS i ZZSK oraz ich związku z nasileniem nieswoistego procesu zapalnego i aktywnością choroby.
The variety of clinical symptoms as a cause of difficulty in correct diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Przetacznik Paweł Łukasz , Lewińska Małgorzata , Lipska Edyta , Słotwiński Maciej , Zyśko Grzegorz , Baranowicz-Gąszczyk Iwona
Published: April 2014

Istotą ziarniniakowatości z zapaleniem naczyń (granulomatosis with polyangiitis – GPA) jest występowanie martwiczego ziarniniakowatego zapalenia średnich i małych naczyń krwionośnych. Szczególnie narażone na rozwój choroby są drogi oddechowe oraz nerki.

W pracy przedstawiono przypadek 65-letniej pacjentki, u której rozpoznano GPA. Występowanie niecharakterystycznych objawów klinicznych przyczyniło się do tego, że choroba pozostawała nierozpoznana przez długi czas. Objawem dominującym było oporne na leczenie, długo utrzymujące się owrzodzenie skóry prawego podudzia.

Brak efektu terapeutycznego długotrwałego leczenia owrzodzenia powinien skłonić do poszerzenia diagnostyki i poszukiwania innych przyczyn dolegliwości. Rozwojowi powikłań w GPA zapobiega wdrożenie skutecznego leczenia, co jest możliwe dzięki szybkiemu ustaleniu rozpoznania.
Does early treatment of macrophage activation syndrome prevent fatal outcome in patients with severe systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis?
Authors: Janczewska Marzena , Kołcun-Penkowska Teresa
Published: April 2014

Zespół aktywnego makrofaga (macrophage activation syndrome – MAS) jest rzadkim, jednak coraz częściej rozpoznawanym powikłaniem różnych chorób, głównie układowych chorób tkanki łącznej. Zespół aktywnego makrofaga najczęściej występuje w przebiegu młodzieńczego idiopatycznego zapalenia stawów (systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis – sJIA), ale opisanie charakterystycznych objawów wciąż stanowi wyzwanie. Rokowanie w przypadku tego zespołu jest poważne, a szybkie rozpoznanie i odpowiednie leczenie decydują o przeżyciu chorego. W artykule przedstawiono przypadek MAS u 7-letniego chłopca z ciężką uogólnioną postacią sJIA oraz trudności związane z ustaleniem rozpoznania. Zespół aktywnego makrofaga rozpoznano na podstawie obowiązujących wówczas kryteriów Ravellego i wsp. Postawienie diagnozy MAS było trudne, zwłaszcza że niektóre objawy kliniczne są charakterystyczne zarówno dla MAS, jak i dla sJIA. Z powodu pogorszenia się stanu ogólnego dziecka podjęto ryzyko zastosowania cyklosporyny. Leczenie to znacznie poprawiło stan chorego i w opinii autorów zapobiegło niepomyślnemu zejściu choroby.
Trends of road dust emissions contributions on ambient air particulate levels at rural, urban and industrial sites in southern Spain
Authors: Amato F. , Alastuey A. , de la Rosa J. , Gonzalez Castanedo Y. , Sánchez de la Campa A. M. , Pandolfi M. , Lozano A. , Contreras González J. , Querol X.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. The impact of road dust emissions on PM10 and PM2.5 (atmospheric particulate matter with diameteer < 10 μm and 2.5 μm mass concentrations recorded from 2003 to 2010 at 11 locations (rural, urban and industrial) in southern Spain was estimated based on the chemical characterization of PM and the use of a constrained Positive Matrix Factorization, where the chemical profile of local road dust samples is used as a priori knowledge. Results indicate that road dust increased PM10 levels on average by 21–35% at traffic sites, 29–34% at urban background sites heavily affected by road traffic emissions, 17–22% at urban-industrial sites and 9–22% at rural sites. Road dust contributions to ambient PM levels show a marked seasonality with maxima in summer and minima in winter, likely due to the rainfall frequency. Decreasing concentration trends over the sampling years were found at some traffic and urban sites but in most cases the decreases were less significant than for vehicle exhaust emissions, while concentrations increased at industrial sites, probably due to local peculiarities. Concerning PM2.5, road dust contributions were lower than in PM10, as expected but still important (21–31%, 11–31%, 6–16% and 7% for traffic, urban background, urban-industrial and rural sites, respectively). In addition the three main sources of road dust (carbonaceous particles, brake wear and road wear/mineral) were identified and their contributions to road dust mass loadings estimated, supporting the idea that air quality managers should drive measures aimed at preventing the build-up of road dust particles on roads.
The chemistry of daytime sprite streamers – a model study
Authors: Winkler H. , Notholt J.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. The chemical processes in daytime sprite streamers in the altitude range of 30–54 km are investigated by means of a detailed ion–neutral chemistry model (without consideration of transport). The focus lies on nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen species, and in particular on ozone perturbations. Initial effects of the breakdown electric fields at the tip of sprite streamers include a short-term loss of ozone due to ion–chemical reactions, a production of nitrogen radicals, and a liberation of atomic oxygen. The latter leads to a formation of ozone. In terms of relative ozone change, this effect decreases with altitude. The model results indicate that the subsequent ozone perturbations due to daytime sprites streamers differ considerably from the ones of night-time events. For night-time conditions, reactive nitrogen produced at the streamer heads is rapidly converted into significantly less reactive NO2, and there is basically no ozone depletion. The situation is different for daytime conditions where NOx causes catalytic ozone destruction. As a consequence, there is significant ozone loss in sprite streamers in the daytime atmosphere, in particular at higher altitudes. At an altitude of 54 km, ozone in the streamer column has decreased by about 15% fifteen minutes after the sprite event.
Photochemical roles of rapid economic growth and potential abatement strategies on tropospheric ozone over South and East Asia in 2030
Authors: Chatani S. , Amann M. , Goel A. , Hao J. , Klimont Z. , Kumar A. , Mishra A. , Sharma S. , Wang S. X. , Wang Y. X. , Zhao B.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. A regional air quality simulation framework including the Weather Research and Forecasting modelling system (WRF), the Community Multi-scale Air Quality modeling system (CMAQ), and precursor emissions to simulate tropospheric ozone over South and East Asia is introduced. Concentrations of tropospheric ozone and related species simulated by the framework are validated by comparing with observation data of surface monitorings, ozone zondes, and satellites obtained in 2010. The simulation demonstrates acceptable performance on tropospheric ozone over South and East Asia at regional scale. Future energy consumption, carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in 2030 under three future scenarios are estimated. One of the scenarios assumes a business-as-usual (BAU) pathway, and other two scenarios consider implementation of additional energy and environmental strategies to reduce energy consumption, CO2, NOx, and VOC emissions in China and India. Future surface ozone under these three scenarios is predicted by the simulation. The simulation indicates future surface ozone significantly increases around India for a whole year and around north eastern China in summer. NOx is a main driver on significant seasonal increase of surface ozone, whereas VOC as well as increasing background ozone and methane is also an important factor on annual average of surface ozone in East Asia. Warmer weather around India is also preferable for significant increase of surface ozone. Additional energy and environmental strategies assumed in future scenarios are expected to be effective to reduce future surface ozone over South and East Asia.
Global Pc5 pulsations during strong magnetic storms: excitation mechanisms and equatorward expansion
Authors: Marin J. , Pilipenko V. , Kozyreva O. , Stepanova M. , Engebretson M. , Vega P. , Zesta E.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. The dynamics of global Pc5 waves during the magnetic storms on 29–31 October 2003 are considered using data from the trans-American and trans-Scandinavian networks of magnetometers in the morning and post-noon magnetic local time (MLT) sectors. We study the latitudinal distribution of Pc5 wave spectral characteristics to determine how deep into the magnetosphere these Pc5 waves can extend at different flanks of the magnetosphere. The wave energy transmission mechanisms are different during 29–30 October and 31 October wave events. Further, we examine whether the self-excited Kelvin–Helmholtz instability is sufficient as an excitation mechanism for the global Pc5 waves. We suggest that on 31 October a magnetospheric magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waveguide was excited, and the rigid regime of its excitation was triggered by enhancements of the solar wind density. The described features of Pc5 wave activity during recovery phase of strong magnetic storm are to be taken into account during the modeling of the relativistic electron energization by ultra-low-frequency (ULF) waves.
Seasonal and spatial patterns of picophytoplankton growth, grazing and distribution in the East China Sea
Authors: Guo C. , Liu H. , Zheng L. , Song S. , Chen B. , Huang B.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Dynamics of picophytoplankton population distribution in the East China Sea (ECS), a marginal sea in the western North Pacific Ocean, were studied during two cruises in August 2009 (summer) and January 2010 (winter). Dilution experiments were conducted during the two cruises to investigate the growth and grazing among picophytoplantkon populations. Comparisons of phytoplankton growth (μ0) and microzooplankton grazing rates (m) on seasonal (summer and winter), spatial (plume, transitional and Kuroshio regions) and vertical (surface and depth of chlorophyll maximum) scales were made. The three picophytoplankton populations occupied different ecological niches and showed different distribution patterns (especially in summer), which is, however, not coincident with their maximum growth rate. The distribution and population transition of picophytoplankton is therefore a result of the balance between growth and grazing mortality. Average growth rates (μ0) for Prochlorococcus (Pro), Synechococcus (Syn) and picoeukaryotes (Peuk) were 0.36, 0.81 and 0.90 d−1 in summer, and 0.46, 0.58 and 0.56 d−1 in winter, respectively. Average grazing mortality rates (m) were 0.46, 0.63 and 0.68 d−1 in summer, and 0.25, 0.22 and 0.23 d−1 in winter for Pro, Syn and Peuk, respectively. The spatial pattern of both growth and grazing mortality rates showed decreasing trends from the inshore to offshore region, indicating a strong influence of the nutrient gradient induced by Yangtze River input. In summer, Pro, Syn and Peuk were dominant in Kuroshio, transitional and plume regions, respectively, while in winter all the three populations tended to thrive in the offshore regions, particularly for Pro and Syn. Vertically, picophytoplankton exhibited the highest abundance at ~ 20 m in summer and at the surface in winter. Both growth rate and grazing mortality were higher at the surface than in the deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM) layer. On average, protist grazing consumed 84, 79 and 74% and 45, 47 and 57% of production for Pro, Syn and Peuk in summer and winter, respectively.
Do we (need to) care about canopy radiation schemes in DGVMs? Caveats and potential impacts
Authors: Loew A. , van Bodegom P. M. , Widlowski J.-L. , Otto J. , Quaife T. , Pinty B. , Raddatz T.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) are an essential part of current state-of-the-art Earth system models. In recent years, the complexity of DGVMs has increased by incorporating new important processes like, e.g., nutrient cycling and land cover dynamics, while biogeophysical processes like surface radiation have not been developed much further. Canopy radiation models are however very important for the estimation of absorption and reflected fluxes and are essential for a proper estimation of surface carbon, energy and water fluxes. The present study provides an overview of current implementations of canopy radiation schemes in a couple of state-of-the-art DGVMs and assesses their accuracy in simulating canopy absorption and reflection for a variety of different surface conditions. Systematic deviations in surface albedo and fractions of absorbed photosynthetic active radiation (faPAR) are identified and potential impacts are assessed. The results show clear deviations for both, absorbed and reflected, surface solar radiation fluxes. FaPAR is typically underestimated, which results in an underestimation of gross primary productivity (GPP) for the investigated cases. The deviation can be as large as 25% in extreme cases. Deviations in surface albedo range between −0.15 ≤ Δα ≤ 0.36, with a slight positive bias on the order of Δα ≈ 0.04. Potential radiative forcing caused by albedo deviations is estimated at −1.25 ≤ RF ≤ −0.8 (W m−2), caused by neglect of the diurnal cycle of surface albedo. The present study is the first one that provides an assessment of canopy RT schemes in different currently used DGVMs together with an assessment of the potential impact of the identified deviations. The paper illustrates that there is a general need to improve the canopy radiation schemes in DGVMs and provides different perspectives for their improvement.
Transformation and fate of microphytobenthos carbon in subtropical, intertidal sediments: potential for long-term carbon retention revealed by 13C-labeling
Authors: Oakes J. M. , Eyre B. D.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Microphytobenthos (MPB) are ubiquitous in coastal sediments, but the fate of their production (carbon biomass) is poorly defined. The processing and fate of MPB-derived carbon in subtropical intertidal sediments was investigated through in situ labeling with 13C-bicarbonate. Of the added 13C, 100% was fixed within ~ 4 h, suggesting that MPB productivity was limited by inorganic carbon availability. Although there was rapid transfer of 13C to bacteria (within 12 h), a relatively small fraction of 13C was transferred to heterotrophs (up to 12.5% of total fixed 13C into bacteria and 0.01% into foraminifera). MPB was the major reservoir for 13C throughout the study, suggesting that production of extracellular polymeric substances was limited and/or MPB recycled 13C. This retention of 13C was reflected in remarkably slow estimated turnover times for the MPB community (66–100 d). Over 31 d, ~ 70% of the 13C was lost from sediments. This was primarily via resuspension (~ 55%), enhanced by elevated freshwater flow following rainfall. A further ~ 13% was lost via fluxes of dissolved inorganic carbon during inundation. However, 13C losses via dissolved organic carbon fluxes from inundated sediments (0.5%) and carbon dioxide fluxes from exposed sediments (<0.1%) were minimal. The retention of ~ 30% of the carbon fixed by MPB within one tidal exposure after > 30 d, despite high resuspension, demonstrates the potentially substantial longer term retention of MPB-derived carbon in unvegetated sediments and suggests that MPB may contribute to carbon burial ("blue carbon").
Reconstruction of recent climate change in Alaska from the Aurora Peak ice core, central Alaska
Authors: Tsushima A. , Matoba S. , Shiraiwa T. , Okamoto S. , Sasaki H. , Solie D. J. , Yoshikawa K.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. A 180.17 m ice core was drilled at Aurora Peak in the central part of the Alaska Range, Alaska, in 2008 to allow reconstruction of centennial-scale climate change in the northern North Pacific. The 10 m-depth temperature in the borehole was −2.2 °C, which corresponded to annual mean air temperature at the drilling site. In this ice core, there were many melt-refrozen layers due to high temperature and/or strong insolation during summer seasons. We analyzed stable hydrogen isotopes (δD) and chemical species in the ice core. The ice core age was determined by annual counts of δD and seasonal cycles of Na+, and we used reference horizons of tritium peaks in 1963 and 1964, major volcanic eruptions of Mount Spurr in 1992 and Mount Katmai in 1912, and a large forest fire in 2004 as age controls. Here, we show that the chronology of the Aurora Peak ice core from 95.61 m w.eq. to the top corresponds to the period from 1900 to the summer season of 2008, with a dating error of ±3 years. We estimated that the mean accumulation rate from 1997 to 2007 (except for 2004) was 1.88 m w.eq per year. Our results suggest that temporal variation in δD and annual accumulation rates are strongly related to shifts in the Pacific Decadal Oscillation index (PDOI). The remarkable increase in annual precipitation since the 1970s has likely been the result of enhanced storm activity associated with shifts in the PDOI during winter in the Gulf of Alaska.
An integrated approach for the evaluation of technological hazard impacts on air quality: the case of the Val d'Agri oil/gas plant
Authors: Calvello M. , Esposito F. , Trippetta S.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. The Val d'Agri area (southern Italy) hosts the biggest on-shore European reservoir and the largest oil/gas pre-treatment plant, named Centro Olio Val d'Agri (COVA), located in a rural/anthropized context. Several hazards are associated to this plant. These are mainly represented by possible impacts of the COVA atmospheric emissions on the local air quality and human health. This work uses a novel approach based on the integration of air quality measurements from the regional monitoring network, additional experimental measurements (i.e., sub-micrometric particulate matter – PM1 and Black Carbon – BC) and advanced statistical analyses to provide a preliminary evaluation of the Val d'Agri air quality state and give some indications of specific areas potentially affected by COVA hazards. Results show that the COVA plant emissions exert an impact especially on the air quality of the area closest to it. In this area several pollutants specifically related to the COVA combustion processes (i.e., nitrogen oxides, benzene and toluene) show the highest concentration values and significant correlations. The proposed approach represents a first step in the assessment of the risks associated to oil/gas exploration and pre-treatment activities and a starting point for the development of effective and exportable air quality monitoring strategies.