bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brachial plexus schwannoma in early adolescence. Case report
Authors: Clarós Pedro , Remjasz Agnieszka , Clarós Andrés
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Primary tumors arising from the peripheral nerves are a rare occurrence. In 90% they are benign, although in a small percentage there is a risk of neoplastic transformation. Schwannomas and neurofibromas are the leading etiologies. They are commonly found in the neck and large nerves of limbs and arms, with a preference for regions of the elbow, wrist, and knee. The most vulnerable group of patients are people aged 20 to 50 years. The occurrence of this type of tumors in children is sporadic, especially if the tumor includes the brachial plexus.

Materials and Methods: The clinical case of a neurinoma in a supraclavicular region, affecting a 12-year-old girl. After a detailed diagnosis, the tumor finally came to be a schwannoma of a brachial plexus.

Discussion: Brachial plexus schwannoma is a rare find, although it should be considered in the differential diagnosis. A detailed search for signs of neurofibromatosis (von Recklinghausen's disease) should also be performed. Initial diagnostic imaging of cervical mass includes mainly MRI, thanks to which the surgeon can suspend the tumor of nervous origin, assess the vicinity of important nerves, vessels, and cervical spinal cord, as well as qualify for the surgery. Surgical treatment should be carried out after assessing the benefits and risks associated with the procedure, including irreversible damage to the brachial plexus. To maintain safety during the operation, the use of microsurgical instruments, microscopes or endoscopes should be considered by an experienced surgeon. Preserving nerve continuity is the essential goal of the treatment, especially in young, and active patients. Finally, the long-term observation is necessary for the assessment of potential tumor neoplastic transformation, nerve function of the brachial plexus and possible symptoms of neurofibromatosis.

Keywords: Brachial plexus tumor; Schwannoma in early adolescence; Neurofibromatosis; Supraclavicular swelling
Cerebral venous thrombosis secondary to an occult maxillary sinusitis in a young male from sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: N Temgoua Mazou , Essouma Mickael , N Tangie Larry , Tsinda Cedric , Feze Foko Drusille , Danwang Celestin
Published: November 2019

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) also termed cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), is a special type of cerebrovascular disease characterized by cerebral venous infarction [1]. As from 1825 when the first case was described by Ribes[2], epidemiological descriptions are still restricted to case reports and small retrospective cross-sectional studies yielding low butincreasing incidence: <10 cases per million per year in 1995 to about 13.2 cases per million per year in 2012.CVT mainly occurs in women of child bearing age, probably owing to the use of oral contraceptive pills, and mostly has an acute or subacute course [1]. It can be categorized as primary/idiopathicand secondary. Secondary CVT can further be classified into infective (mainly due to bacterial or fungal infections) and non-infective CVT; the latterbeing due tocoagulation disorders, neoplasms, procoagulant hemodynamic states, vascularitis,homocystinuria, or head trauma [3].With the advent of antibiotics, the epidemiology of CVT has shifted from predominant infective CVT to predominant non-infective CVT, leading to increased risk of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment [3]. We report occult purulent maxillary sinusitis-related CVT in a male Cameroonian patient who presented with headaches, seizures and acute stroke syndrome. The aim of this paper is to reiterate CVT as the main cause of acute stroke syndrome in young adults irrespective of ethnic origin and sex, and suggest systematic screening of infections in those patients, especially in regions with high rates of infections likesub-Saharan Africa.We describe this case with regard to CARE guidelines.
Typhoid ileal perforation in Shisong, Northwestern Cameroon
Authors: Alegbeleye Bamidele Johnson
Published: November 2019

Background: The study aims to provide an overview of the spectrum of perforated typhoid fever cases and their outcome that were managed in resource constrained rural mission hospital, Northwestern of Cameroon.

Methods: This was a retrospective observational study which was conducted in St Elizabeth Catholic General Hospital, Shisong, Northwestern region of Cameroon over a two year period covering January 2016 and December 2018. The patients included were those admitted and diagnosed of typhoid ileal perforation. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS computer software version 22.

Results: During the study period, thirty-eight patients underwent surgery for typhoid ileal perforation. They included 26 (68.43%) males and 12 (31.57%) females with Male to Female ratio of 2.2: 1. Sixty -five percent of cases occurred between the months of July and September. The most common presentations were with abdominal pains (92.11%), and abdominal distention (92.11%). X-ray abdomen revealed pneumo -peritoneum in 26 (68.4%) cases, while ultrasound detected free peritoneal collection in 34 (90%) cases. Perforations were surgically treated depending upon the number of perforations, general health status of patient and degree of fecal contamination. Perforated typhoid still carries dismal prognosis. The mortality was associated with duration of delay in obtaining blood pre - operatively for patients requiring transfusion (p=0.018) and duration of presentation to operation time interval (p=0.026).

Conclusion: Typhoid intestinal perforation is still endemic in our setting with dismal prognosis. Urgent public health concerted effort is required with emphasis on preventive measures such as safe drinking water, appropriate sewage disposal, and typhoid vaccination. Educating the populace on early and prompt diagnosis, adequate resuscitation as well as early surgery in patients with typhoid ileal perforation to keep the mortality low.
Medical-legal aspects and risk management
Authors: Arrotegui Iñaki
Published: November 2019

Complications of spinal surgery are an important source of professional liability judgments for trauma surgeons and neurosurgeons who develop this subspecialty. The disc pathology leads all the rankings of claims against these professionals. [1,2,3] This situation does not attract attention, given that lumbar and cervical disc hernias are frequent affections and more and more surgeons are turning to this activity. For the current neurosurgeon, the pathology of the spine tends to represent 50% of its benefits [4]. The high cost of agreements and sentences in cases of spinal surgeries is a reflection of the infrequent but severe damage that can occur when working millimeters from the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Spine surgery has all the ingredients that can make a trial a nightmare. In general, patients with pathologies that do not threaten life, where the main symptom (pain) has a strong subjective component and where often the opinions of experts differ between conservative and radical approaches. There are several alternatives that are not always adequately reported to the patient, who may be surprised at evolutions that were not anticipated. On the other hand, in the case of quadriplegic or paraplegic patients, the costs of lost profits and future expenses are usually millionaires [5,6,7,8]. It is an extensive, varied and complex discipline and there are many authors who suggest the need to convert it into a new specialty [4] [9,10]. Spinal surgery is technically difficult and acquiring the necessary skills demands years of learning. The margin of error is minimal and only careful attention to detail in the pre, intra and postoperative ensures consistent good results. When complications arise and judgments for professional responsibility, the rush in the surgical decision (except in cases of clear urgency) and the lack of adequate information to the patient are usually aspects widely debated by all parties.
Slipped cervical disc: Treatment by means of, all in one
Authors: Arrotegui Iñaki
Published: November 2019

Concept

Slipped disc is the exit of the nucleus pulposus material through the broken fibrous annulus.

Epidemiology

Along with lumbar disc, cervical disc is one of the most frequent neurosurgical diseases today, probably due to the new habits of modern, more sedentary civilization. The loss of muscle component weakens the complex structure of the spine. Added to this is the attitude maintained, in our usual work position, of the sitting position, inclined slightly forward and with the head bent, which causes an even greater load to be placed on the intervertebral discs than if we are in an upright position. And, to top it off, in an extemporaneous and irregular way, we submit an unusual effort to the column (exercises or sports not well controlled, efforts at work or at home, etc.).
Nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond for nanoscale magnetic resonance imaging applications
Authors: Boretti Alberto , Rosa Lorenzo , Blackledge Jonathan , Castelletto Stefania
Published: November 2019

The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center is a point defect in diamond with unique properties for use in ultra-sensitive, high-resolution magnetometry. One of the most interesting and challenging applications is nanoscale magnetic resonance imaging (nano-MRI). While many review papers have covered other NV centers in diamond applications, there is no survey targeting the specific development of nano-MRI devices based on NV centers in diamond. Several different nano-MRI methods based on NV centers have been proposed with the goal of improving the spatial and temporal resolution, but without any coordinated effort. After summarizing the main NV magnetic imaging methods, this review presents a survey of the latest advances in NV center nano-MRI.
BergaCare SmartLipids: commercial lipophilic active concentrates for improved performance of dermal products
Authors: Olechowski Florence , Müller Rainer H , Pyo Sung Min
Published: November 2019

SmartLipids are the latest generation of dermal lipid nanoparticles with solid particle matrix. Their characteristic properties resulting from the “chaotic” and disordered particle matrix structure are reviewed. These properties are high loading and firm inclusion of active agents, physical stability of the particle matrix lipid modification (primarily α, β′), and related to these three properties the improved chemical stabilization of labile active agents. Exemplarily data for these effects are shown and underlying mechanisms are discussed. Further, general properties of lipid nanoparticles, which are also exhibited by the SmartLipids, are reviewed. These include the restauration of the protective lipid skin barrier (anti-pollution effect), penetration enhancement by occlusion (invisible patch effect) and the option to control the release of active agents for optimized biological effect and reduction of side effects (e.g., skin irritation through sensitizing active agents), which improves the skin tolerability. Regulatory aspects, such as submicron particle status, excipients, and certifications, are also discussed.
Taxonomic study on the photid amphipods (Senticaudata, Corophiida, Photoidea, Photidae) from Korean waters, with descriptions of a new genus and seven new species
Authors: Jung Tae Won , Coleman Charles Oliver , Yoon Seong Myeong
Published: November 2019

In this paper, seven new species of the family Photidae from Korean waters are described and illustrated in detail. Among them, Exiliphotis petilasp. nov. is a monotype of the newly reported Exiliphotisgen. nov., which is characterized by slenderer and more elongate pereopods 5–7 than those of other genera of the family Photidae. The genus Latigammaropsis is reported for the first time from Korean waters based on the description of Latigammaropsis careocavatasp. nov., which is differentiated from other Gammaropsis group by having weakly sexual dimorphic gnathopods 2, those have simple palmar margins in both sexes. Three new species of Photis are also described: Photis broncasp. nov., Photis posterolobussp. nov., and Photis longicarpussp. nov. The formerly misidentified Photis longicaudata from Japan and China as well as the Korean material could be classified as a new species, P. broncasp. nov. For that, the syntypes of P. longicaudata were re-examined, and lectotype and paralectotypes were newly designated in this study. Photis broncasp. nov. is characterized by quadrate tooth on the palmar margin medially on gnathopod 2 in both sexes. Photis posterolobussp. nov. shows a pointed posterior lobe on the ischium and a well-developed process of the propodus on male gnathopod 2. Photis longicarpussp. nov. can be distinguished from other species of the genus by very elongate carpus of male gnathopod 1. Two new species belonging to the genus Podoceropsis are also reported: Podoceropsis insinuomanussp. nov. has a strongly bisinuous palmar margin on male gnathopod 2, and Podoceropsis pseudoclavapessp. nov. differs from the closely related species of Podoceropsis clavapes by different shape of the palmar margin and shorter dactylus of male gnathopod 2. Additionally, a key to the Korean species of Photidae is provided.
Binocularity in Accommodative Esotropia
Authors: Wilson M Edward , Bluestein Ettaleah C , Parks Marshall M
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACT

One hundred twenty-seven medical records of patients with accommodative esotropia met our inclusion criteria and were analyzed. All included patients were within 10 prism diopters of orthophoria and had stereopsis and other binocular sensory test results recorded at their latest visit. Bifixation, defined as stereopsis of 50 arc seconds or better, was present in 31 patients (24%) with an average follow up of 89 months. Monofixation (peripheral fusion) was present in the remaining 96 patients (76%) with an average follow up of 84 months. Patients with bifixation were less likely to have presented with constant esotropia (19% vs 39% [P = .04]) and were more likely to be aligned within 8 ? of orthophoria In their first glasses (84% vs 21% [P < .0001]). No patient with bifixation had constant esotropia longer than 4 months. In addition, patients with bifixation were less likely to have worn bifocals (39% vs 59% [P = .09]), or undergone esotropia surgery (23% vs 62% [P < .0001]) or patching for amblyopia (16% vs 52% [P < .0001]). These data suggest that maintenance of bifixation is possible in accommodative esotropia If the eyes are straightened before or shortly after the esodeviation becomes constant. With this early therapy, amblyopia and deterioration of ocular alignment are also less likely.
Why SQL Injection Attacks Are Still Plaguing Databases
Authors: Kiskis Akvile
Published: November 2019

This article describes how SQL injection has been a long-standing problem in database security. It is understandable why injection is considered number one because of the sheer number of web applications that exist currently. An injection attack can allow an attacker to gain complete access of a database which oftentimes contains sensitive information. This results in a loss of confidential information which places consumers at a huge risk.
Certifications in Cybersecurity Workforce Development
Authors: Wang Ping , D'Cruze Hubert
Published: November 2019

The workforce demand for cybersecurity professionals has been substantial and fast growing. Qualified cybersecurity professionals with appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities for various tasks and job roles are needed to perform the challenging work of defending the cyber space. The certified information systems security professional (CISSP) certification is a globally recognized premier cybersecurity credential and validation of qualifications. This case study analyzes the CISSP certification requirements, domains and objectives and attempts to map them to the cybersecurity industry competencies and the US national cybersecurity workforce framework (NCWF). This research is an extended study with full mapping of all CISSP domain areas to the knowledge, skills, and abilities in NCWF. The extended study aims to discover the in-depth value and role of reputable certifications such as CISSP in competency development for cybersecurity workforce. This article also discusses the value and implications of the CISSP certification on cybersecurity education and training.
A Novel Method to Dynamically Fix Threshold for Node Neighbourhood Based Link Prediction Techniques
Authors: Gupta Anand Kumar , Sardana Neetu
Published: November 2019

The objective of an online social network is to amplify the stream of information among the users. This goal can be accomplished by maximizing interconnectivity among users using link prediction techniques. Existing link prediction techniques uses varied heuristics such as similarity score to predict possible connections. Link prediction can be considered a binary classification problem where probable class outcomes are presence and absence of connections. One of the challenges in classification is to decide threshold value. Since the social network is exceptionally dynamic in nature and each user possess different features, it is difficult to choose a static, common threshold which decides whether two non-connected users will form interconnectivity. This article proposes a novel technique, FIXT, that dynamically decides the threshold value for predicting the possibility of new link formation. The article evaluates the performance of FIXT with six baseline techniques. The comparative results depict that FIXT achieves accuracy up to 93% and outperforms baseline techniques.
Impact of Method Noise on SAR Image Despeckling
Authors: Singh Prabhishek , Shree Raj
Published: November 2019

This article introduces the concept, use and implementation of method noise in the field of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image despeckling. Method noise has the capability to enhance the efficiency and performance of any despeckling algorithm. It is easy, efficient and enhanced way of improving the results. The difference between speckled image and despeckled image contains some residual image information which is due to the inefficiency of the denoising algorithm. This article will compare the results of some standard methods with and without the use of method noise and prove its efficiency and validity. It also shows its best use in different ways of denoising. The results will be compared on the basis of performance metrics like PSNR and SSIM. The concept of method noise is not restricted to only SAR images. It has vast usage and application. It can be used in any denoising procedure such as medical images, optical image etc. but this paper shows the experimental results only on the SAR images.
An Intelligent System for Predicting a User Access to a Web Based E-Learning System Using Web Mining
Authors: Sathiyamoorthi V.
Published: November 2019

In this Internet era, with ever-increasing interactions among participants, the size of the data is increasing so rapidly such that the information available to us in the near future is going to be unpredictable. Modeling and visualizing such data are one of the challenging tasks in the data analytics field. Therefore, business intelligence is the way in which a company can use data to improve business and operational efficiency whereas data analytics involves improving ways of making intelligence out of that data before acting on it. Thus, the proposed work focuses on prevailing challenges in data analytics and its application on social media like Facebook, Twitter, blogs, e-commerce, e-service and so on. Among all of the possible interactions, e-commerce, e-education, and e-services have been identified as important domains for analytics techniques. So, it focuses on machine learning technique in improving practice and research in such e-X domains. Empirical analysis is done to show the performance of proposed system using real-time datasets.
Information Flow Control Based on the CapBAC (Capability-Based Access Control) Model in the IoT
Authors: Nakamura Shigenari , Enokido Tomoya , Takizawa Makoto
Published: November 2019

In the Internet of Things (IoT), not only computers like servers but also devices with sensor and actuator devices are interconnected. It is critical to make the IoT secure, especially devices. In the capability-based access control (CapBAC) model proposed to make IoT devices secure, an owner of each device issues a capability token, i.e. a set of access rights, to a subject. Only a subject holding the capability token is allowed to manipulate the device. However, a subject may get data in a device d1 via another device d2 although the subject holds no capability token to get data from the device d1. Here, the data in the device d1 illegally flow to the subject. In this article, the authors propose the operation interruption (OI) protocol where illegal get operations are interrupted. In the evaluation, the ratio of the number of get operations interrupted to the total number of get operations is kept constant even if the numbers of subjects and access rights granted to each subject increase in the OI protocol.
A Pricing Model for Effective Radio Spectrum Utilization
Authors: Singh Sunil Kumar , Vidyarthi Deo Prakash
Published: November 2019

Mobile users expect uninterrupted radio services whether operating in a host network or a foreign network. To support this, the cooperation of various mobile service providers becomes very important as they can share their available but unused resources among the mobile users. It has become possible for the mobile users to churn and leave the current service provider, if not happy with the offered services. This, eventually, may affect the revenue severely of the individual service provider besides defaming it. This work proposes a model on service pricing based on service providers' cooperation that utilizes the channels effectively and minimizes the call block and call drop. A penalty, on the service provider, is incorporated in the pricing which encourages a service provider to give utmost care to its users. A simulation experiment was carried out to study the performance of the proposed model, indicating the effectiveness of the model.
An annotated key to the species of Gastridium (Poaceae) with distributional novelties to the Italian territory
Authors: Scoppola Anna
Published: November 2019

Gastridium is a Mediterranean-paleotropical genus of the Poaceae family, native to Italy. Species number and diversity were imperfectly known until recent taxonomic updates on morphological and molecular basis that enhanced our knowledge of this taxon. The present contribution provides a complete key of the genus, encompassing the four currently known closely related species, G. lainzii, G. phleoides, G. scabrum, and G. ventricosum. The essential features of panicle, spikelets, and florets are specified and briefly discussed. Revisions of ancient and recent herbarium specimens provided three Italian distributional novelties for G. phleoides concerning Liguria, Campania, and Puglia and two for G. scabrum concerning Liguria and Basilicata. In contrast, the distributional ranges of G. scabrum and G. lainzii in the W Mediterranean region remain poorly known and await further investigations.
Smash products of Calabi–Yau algebras by Hopf algebras
Authors: Le Meur Patrick
Published: November 2019

Let

H

be a Hopf algebra and

A

be an

H

-module algebra. This article investigates when the smash product

A\sharp H

is (skew) Calabi–Yau, has Van den Bergh duality or is Artin–Schelter regular or Gorenstein. In particular, if

A

and

H

are skew Calabi–Yau, then so is

A\sharp H

and its Nakayama automorphism is expressed using the ones of

A

and

H

. This is based on a description of the inverse dualising complex of

A\sharp H

when

A

is a homologically smooth dg algebra and

H

is homologically smooth and with invertible antipode. This description is also used to explain the compatibility of standard constructions of Calabi–Yau dg algebras with taking smash products.
Generalised noncommutative geometry on finite groups and Hopf quivers
Authors: Majid Shahn , Tao Wen-Qing
Published: November 2019

We explore the differential geometry of finite sets where the differential structure is given by a quiver rather than as more usual by a graph. In the finite group case we show that the data for such a differential calculus is described by certain Hopf quiver data as familiar in the context of path algebras. We explore a duality between geometry on the function algebra vs geometry on the group algebra, i.e. on the dual Hopf algebra, illustrated by the noncommutative Riemannian geometry of the group algebra of

S_3

.We show how quiver geometries arise naturally in the context of quantum principal bundles.We provide a formulation of bimodule Riemannian geometry for quantum metrics on a quiver, with a fully worked example on 2 points; in the quiver case, metric data assigns matrices not real numbers to the edges of a graph. The paper builds on the general theory in our previous work [19].
Gerbes over posets and twisted C*-dynamical systems
Authors: Vasselli Ezio
Published: November 2019

A base

\Delta

generating the topology of a space

M

becomes a partially ordered set (poset), when ordered under inclusion of open subsets. Given a precosheaf over

\Delta

of fixed-point spaces (typically

C^*

-algebras) under the action of a group

G

, in general one cannot find a precosheaf of

G

-spaces having it as fixed-point precosheaf. Rather one gets a gerbe over

\Delta

, that is, a "twisted precosheaf" whose twisting is encoded by a cocycle with coefficients in a suitable 2-group. We give a notion of holonomy for a gerbe, in terms of a non-abelian cocycle over the fundamental group

\pi_1(M)

. At the

C^*

-algebraic level, holonomy leads to a general notion of twisted

C^*

-dynamical system, based on a generic 2-group instead of the usual adjoint action on the underlying

C^*

-algebra. As an application of these notions, we study presheaves of group duals (DR-presheaves) and prove that the dual object of a DR-presheaf is a group gerbe over

\Delta

. It is also shown that any section of a DR-presheaf defines a twisted action of

\pi_1(M)

on a Cuntz algebra.
Dengue Incidence and Sociodemographic Conditions in Pucallpa, Peruvian Amazon: What Role for Modification of the Dengue–Temperature Relationship?
Authors: Charette Margot , Berrang-Ford Lea , Coomes Oliver , Llanos-Cuentas Elmer Alejandro , Cárcamo César , Kulkarni Manisha , Harper Sherilee L.
Published: November 2019

Dengue is a climate-sensitive disease with an increasing global burden. Although the relationship between meteorological conditions and dengue incidence is well established, less is known about the modifying nature of sociodemographic variables on that relationship. We assess the strength and direction of sociodemographic effect modification of the temperature–dengue relationship in the second largest city of the Peruvian Amazon to identify populations that may have heightened vulnerability to dengue under varying climate conditions. We used weekly dengue counts and averaged meteorological variables to evaluate the association between disease incidence, meteorological exposures, and sociodemographic effect modifiers (gender, age, and district) in negative binomial regression models. District was included to consider geographical effect modification. We found that being a young child or elderly, being female, and living in the district of Manantay increased dengue’s incidence rate ratio (IRR) as a result of 1°C increase in weekly mean temperature (IRR = 2.99, 95% CI: 1.99–4.50 for women less than 5 years old and IRR = 2.86, 95% CI: = 1.93–4.22 for women older than 65 years, both estimates valid for the rainy season). The effect of temperature on dengue depended on season, with stronger effects during rainy seasons. Sociodemographic variables can provide options for intervention to mitigate health impacts with a changing climate. Our results indicate that patterns of baseline risk between regions and sociodemographic conditions can differ substantially from trends in climate sensitivity. These results challenge the assumption that the distribution of climate change impacts will be patterned similarly to existing social gradients in health.
Clinical Management of Patients with Dengue Infection in Japan: Results from National Database of Health Insurance Claims
Authors: Kajimoto Yusuke , Kitajima Tsutomu
Published: November 2019

Dengue guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control (WHO, 2011) recommend acetaminophen and isotonic fluid for patients with dengue infection but do not recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hypotonic fluid. Other research showed no evidence of efficacy of platelet infusion in prophylactic. This research aims to clarify to what extent dengue patients were managed in accordance with the guidelines in Japan. We extracted claim data of patients with either dengue fever (DF) or dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) from the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan between 2011 and 2015. The total number of patients was 1,370, which consisted of 1,306 DF patients and 64 DHF patients; 185 patients were younger than (<) 20 years and 1,185 patients were aged 20 years or older (≥). Among them, 24.5% of DF patients and 48.4% of DHF patients received hypotonic intravenous fluid, 12.9% and 18.8% NSAIDs, and 1.3% and 17.2% platelet transfusion, respectively. Comparing patients aged < 20 years with patients aged ≥ 20 years, 57.8% and 54.5% received acetaminophen, 6.5% and 14.3% received NSAIDs, 40.0% and 38.3% received isotonic fluid, and 37.8% and 23.7% received hypotonic fluid, respectively. Platelet transfusion was used for 1.3% of DH and 17.2% of DHF patients. The study indicated that dengue patients in Japan might have increased risks of developing adverse events because of receiving the treatment that the guidelines do not recommend. More effort is needed to facilitate medical practitioners to follow the guidelines.
Infection Dynamics of Opisthorchis viverrini Metacercariae in Cyprinid Fishes from Two Endemic Areas in Thailand and Lao PDR
Authors: Namsanor Jutamas , Kiatsopit Nadda , Laha Thewarach , Andrews Ross H. , Petney Trevor N. , Sithithaworn Paiboon
Published: November 2019

The infection dynamics of Opisthorchis viverrini metacercariae was analyzed in cyprinid fish from endemic areas in Mukdahan Province, Thailand, and Khammouane Province, Lao PDR. The fish were collected during the cool-dry (November–February), hot-dry (March–May), and rainy (June–October) seasons in 2017. They were examined by the digestion method, and the infection status was statistically analyzed by study area, season, and fish size. The prevalence (no. of fish positive/no. of fish examined × 100) and metacercarial intensities (no. of metacercariae detected/no. of fish positive) of O. viverrini in both study areas depended on season, being high in the cool-dry season and varying in the hot-dry and rainy seasons. In Mukdahan Province, the average prevalence was 18.3% (range 11.0–46.7%, n = 420) and the intensity was 4.07 ± 5.86 cysts/fish (mean ± SD), whereas in Khammouane Province, the prevalence was 51.9% (range 9.1–70.6%, n = 673) and the intensity was 6.67 ± 12.88 cysts/fish. Among the cyprinid fish species examined, the infection was associated with fish body size and predominantly found in Hampala dispar (86.5%), Cyclocheilichthys armatus (73.2%), and Puntius brevis (42.7%). The distribution of O. viverrini metacercariae in fish was skewed, with most of the fish having a low worm burden with an average of four to six cysts/fish. The findings that seasonality, sampling locality, fish size, and species of fish play roles in the risk of O. viverrini infection imply that these host and environmental factors are important for the transmission dynamics and control of O. viverrini.
Haiti Poliovirus Environmental Surveillance
Authors: Coulliette-Salmond Angela D. , Alleman Mary M. , Wilnique Pierre , Rey-Benito Gloria , Wright Hanen Belgasmi , Hecker Jessica Wielgus , Miles Stacey , Peñaranda Silvia , Lafontant Donald , Corvil Salomon , Francois Jeannot , Rossignol Emmanuel , Stanislas Magalie , Gue Edmond , Faye Papa C. , Castro Christina J. , Schmidt Alexander , Ng Terry Fei Fan , Burns Cara C. , Vega Everardo
Published: November 2019

Poliovirus (PV) environmental surveillance was established in Haiti in three sites each in Port-au-Prince and Gonaïves, where sewage and fecal-influenced environmental open water channel samples were collected monthly from March 2016 to February 2017. The primary objective was to monitor for the emergence of vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPVs) and the importation and transmission of wild polioviruses (WPVs). A secondary objective was to compare two environmental sample processing methods, the gold standard two-phase separation method and a filter method (bag-mediated filtration system [BMFS]). In addition, non-polio enteroviruses (NPEVs) were characterized by next-generation sequencing using Illumina MiSeq to provide insight on surrogates for PVs. No WPVs or VDPVs were detected at any site with either concentration method. Sabin (vaccine) strain PV type 2 and Sabin strain PV type 1 were found in Port-au-Prince, in March and April samples, respectively. Non-polio enteroviruses were isolated in 75–100% and 0–58% of samples, by either processing method during the reporting period in Port-au-Prince and Gonaïves, respectively. Further analysis of 24 paired Port-au-Prince samples confirmed the detection of a human NPEV and echovirus types E-3, E-6, E-7, E-11, E-19, E-20, and E-29. The comparison of the BMFS filtration method to the two-phase separation method found no significant difference in sensitivity between the two methods (mid-P-value = 0.55). The experience of one calendar year of sampling has informed the appropriateness of the initially chosen sampling sites, importance of an adequate PV surrogate, and robustness of two processing methods.
Problems Associated with the Diagnosis of Imported Malaria in Anhui Province, China
Authors: Li Weidong , Zhang Tao , Xu Xian , Jiang Jingjing , Yu Chen , Tian Cuicui , Wang Shuqi , Lyu Xiaofeng , Liu Zhirong
Published: November 2019

Imported malaria in Anhui Province, China, remains a significant public health issue with frequent reporting of severe and fatal cases, partly because of globalization and increased international communication. A retrospective evaluation using surveillance data from 2012 to 2018 was conducted to draw lessons on diagnosis of imported malaria. Epidemiological characteristics, together with diagnostic information, were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics. Simultaneously, blinded rechecking of malaria blood slides was performed at general hospitals in Anhui Province in 2018. The results showed that, in their first medical visits, 238 (28.2%) of 844 imported cases were not correctly diagnosed. Notably, the proportion of patients who were misdiagnosed at the first clinic visit was 104/120 (86.7%) at private and village clinics, and 41/81 (50.6%) at primary hospitals. The species identification rates for Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae were 85.2%, 66.7%, 23.2%, and 32.3% (χ2 = 224, P < 0.001), respectively. Nearly 7% of cases lacked laboratory evidence and were classified as presumed cases. Our findings suggest that physicians and health care providers, especially those at the primary level, lacked the awareness of diagnosing imported malaria. The training of physicians in malaria diagnosis needs to be enhanced. In addition, polymerase chain reactions (previously only carried out at the provincial level) should be performed at municipal CDC for rapid species identification, thereby guiding clinical treatment.
Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms and Associated Factors among Internal Migrants with Tuberculosis: A Cross-Sectional Study in China
Authors: Dong Xiaoxin , Zhao Lingbo , Sun Tongda , Yun Fei , Qiu Lei
Published: November 2019

There are hundreds of millions of internal migrants in China, and tuberculosis (TB) is an important health threat to them. However, the mental health problems of internal migrants with TB in China have been ignored. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and its associated risk factors among internal migrants with TB in China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between June 2018 and March 2019 in Shenzhen, southern China. Data were collected from 1,057 internal migrants with TB using a structured questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for depressive symptoms. Of the 1,057 participants included in this study, 53.8% had depressive symptoms. Of these, 38.9% had mild, whereas 14.9% had moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms. Multinomial logistic regression analysis suggested that higher likelihoods of depressive symptoms were associated with female gender, lower education, family dysfunction, poor doctor–patient communication, and TB-related stigma. This study shows that the prevalence of depressive symptoms among internal migrants with TB is high in China. Targeting interventions and treatment of depressive symptoms among internal migrants with TB are needed.
Serum IL-10 Levels and Its Relationship with Parasitemia in Chronic Chagas Disease Patients
Authors: Salvador Fernando , Sánchez-Montalvá Adrián , Martínez-Gallo Mónica , Sulleiro Elena , Franco-Jarava Clara , Sao Avilés Augusto , Bosch-Nicolau Pau , Moure Zaira , Silgado Aroa , Molina Israel
Published: November 2019

It is known that the immunoregulatory networks in human Chagas disease play a key role in parasitemia control during the acute phase. However, little is known regarding the control of parasitemia during the chronic phase. The aim of the study was to describe the serum cytokine profile of Trypanosoma cruzi chronically infected patients and to evaluate its relationship with the presence or absence of parasitemia in peripheral blood. This is a prospective observational study where adult Chagas disease patients were included. Patients previously treated for Chagas disease, pregnant women, and immunosuppressed patients were excluded. Demographic and clinical information was collected, and T. cruzi real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and serum cytokine profile were determined in peripheral blood. Forty-five patients were included. Trypanosoma cruzi RT-PCR in peripheral blood resulted positive in 19 (42.2%) patients. No differences in the serum cytokine profile were found depending on cardiac or digestive involvement. However, patients with positive T. cruzi RT-PCR had a higher median concentration of IL-10 and IL-1beta and a lower median concentration of IL-8 than those with negative T. cruzi PCR. These results reinforce the key role that this anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) plays in parasitemia control.
Case Report: First Molecular Diagnosis of Liver Abscesses Due to Fasciola hepatica Acute Infection Imported from Vietnam
Authors: L’Ollivier Coralie , Eldin Carole , Lambourg Emilie , Brouqui Philippe , Lagier Jean Christophe
Published: November 2019

We report a case of Fasciola hepatica liver abscesses in a 67-year-old female returning from a trip to Vietnam. She has been suffering from a fever, right abdominal pain for 4 days, and major eosinophilia. Radiologic investigations showed multiple hypodense confluent abscesses in the right lobe of the liver, complicated by occlusive thrombosis of the right branch of the portal vein. The serological investigation of helminth-elicited eosinophilia showed only a positive serology for F. hepatica. Despite repeated negative stool examinations for any intestinal pathogen, the diagnosis was established by the detection of F. hepatica DNA in stool and pus aspirate samples.
Educação Física brasileira no governo militar nas décadas de 1960 e 1970
Authors: De Araújo Silvano Ferreira , Furtado Alessandra Cristina
Published: November 2019

Este estudo apresenta ações realizadas pelo governo militar nas décadas de 1960/1970 para a Educação Física, tornando-a disciplina escolar obrigatória em todos os níveis de ensino, a partir da Reforma Universitária de 1968 e da Lei de Diretrizes e Bases de 1971. Para compreender como ocorreu esse processo, analisamos as políticas implementadas pelo governo no período descrito, dentre essas destacamos a Campanha Nacional para o Esclarecimento Desportivo, criada para divulgar a Educação Física e fomentar a prática esportiva pela população e o Diagnóstico de Educação Física/Desportos no Brasil, elaborado para verificar as condições da Educação Física para implementar ações que pudessem contribuir para o aperfeiçoamento dos aspectos físicos e a melhoria da qualidade de vida da população, principalmente no contexto escolar, possibilitando um desempenho mais eficiente as atividades relacionadas ao mundo do trabalho.
Retrieval of aerosol components directly from satellite and ground-based measurements
Authors: Li Lei , Dubovik Oleg , Derimian Yevgeny , Schuster Gregory L. , Lapyonok Tatyana , Litvinov Pavel , Ducos Fabrice , Fuertes David , Chen Cheng , Li Zhengqiang , Lopatin Anton , Torres Benjamin , Che Huizheng
Published: November 2019

Abstract. This study presents a novel methodology for the remote monitoring of aerosol
components over large spatial and temporal domains. The concept is realized
within the GRASP (Generalized Retrieval of Aerosol and Surface Properties)
algorithm to directly infer aerosol components from the measured radiances.
The observed aerosols are assumed to be mixtures of hydrated soluble
particles embedded with black carbon, brown carbon, iron oxide, and other
(non-absorbing) insoluble inclusions. The complex refractive indices of the
dry components are fixed a priori (although the refractive index of the
soluble host is allowed to vary with hydration), and the complex refractive
indices of the mixture are computed using mixing rules. The volume fractions
of these components are derived along with the size distribution and the
fraction of spherical particles, as well as the spectral surface reflectance in
cases when the satellite data are inverted. The retrieval is implemented as a
statistically optimized fit in a continuous space of solutions. This
contrasts with most conventional approaches in which the type of aerosol is
either associated with a pre-assumed aerosol model that is included in a set
of look-up tables, or determined from the analysis of the retrieved aerosol
optical parameters (e.g., single scattering albedo, refractive index, among others, provided by the AERONET retrieval algorithm); here, we retrieve the aerosol
components explicitly. The approach also bridges directly to the quantities
used in global chemical transport models. We first tested the approach with
synthetic data to estimate the uncertainty, and then applied it to real
ground-based AERONET and spaceborne POLDER/PARASOL observations; thus, the
study presents a first attempt to derive aerosol components from satellite observations specifically tied to global chemical transport model quantities. Our results
indicate aerosol optical characteristics that are highly consistent with
standard products (e.g., R of ∼0.9 for aerosol optical
thickness) and demonstrate an ability to separate intrinsic optical
properties of fine- and coarse-sized aerosols. We applied our method to
POLDER/PARASOL radiances on the global scale and obtained spatial and
temporal patterns of the aerosol components that agree well with existing
knowledge on aerosol sources and transport features. Finally, we discuss
limitations and perspectives of this new technique.
Tracer-based investigation of organic aerosols in marine atmospheres from marginal seas of China to the northwest Pacific Ocean
Authors: Guo Tianfeng , Guo Zhigang , Wang Juntao , Feng Jialiang , Gao Huiwang , Yao Xiaohong
Published: November 2019

Abstract. We investigated the geographic distributions of organic tracers in total suspended particles over marginal seas of China, including the Yellow and Bohai seas (YBS) and the South China Sea (SCS), and the northwest Pacific Ocean (NWPO) in spring, when Asian outflows strongly affect downwind marine atmospheres. The comparison of levoglucosan observed in this study with values from the literature implied that the contribution from biomass burning emissions to marine aerosols over the NWPO may have increased largely over the last decades. The increase led to the mean value of levoglucosan (8.2 ± 14 ng m−3) observed over the NWPO closer to that over the SCS and almost half of that over the YBS. Small geographic differences in monoterpene-derived and sesquiterpene-derived secondary organic tracer concentrations were obtained among the three atmospheres, although the causes may differ. By contrast, a large difference in isoprene-derived secondary organic tracer concentrations was observed among the three atmospheres, with the sum of tracer concentrations over the SCS (45 ± 54 ng m−3) several times and approximately one order of magnitude greater than that over the YBS (15 ± 16 ng m−3) and the NWPO (2.3 ± 1.6 ng m−3), respectively. The geographic distribution of aromatic-derived secondary organic tracers was similar to that of isoprene-derived secondary organic tracers, with a slightly narrower difference, i.e., 1.8 ± 1.7 ng m−3, 1.1 ± 1.4 ng m−3 and 0.3 ± 0.5 ng m−3 over the SCS, the YBS and the NWPO, respectively. We discuss the causes of the distinctive geographic distributions of these tracers and present the tracer-based estimation of organic carbon.
Evaluation of nitrogen oxides sources and sinks and ozone production in Colombia and surrounding areas
Authors: Barten Johannes G. M. , Ganzeveld Laurens N. , Visser Auke J. , Jiménez Rodrigo , Krol Maarten C.
Published: November 2019

Abstract. In Colombia, industrialization and a shift towards intensified agriculture have led to increased emissions of air pollutants. However, the baseline state of air quality in Colombia is relatively unknown. In this study we aim to assess the baseline state of air quality in Colombia with a focus on the spatial and temporal variability in emissions and atmospheric burden of nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) and evaluate surface NOx, ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO) mixing ratios. We quantify the magnitude and spatial distribution of the four major NOx sources (lightning, anthropogenic activities, soil biogenic emissions and biomass burning), by integrating global NOx emission inventories into the mesoscale meteorology and atmospheric chemistry model WRF-Chem. The comparison with in situ measurements is bound to urban areas whereas the use of remote sensing data allows to also evaluate air quality in remote regions. WRF-Chem was set up for a domain centered over Colombia with a similar resolution as OMI observed NO2 vertical columns as well as the EDGAR anthropogenic emission inventory, both providing information on a ~20 km resolution. However, this apparently poses a challenge regarding comparison with these urban observations. Air mass factors were recalculated based on the vertical distribution of NO2 within WRF-Chem, with respect to the coarse (1° x 1°) a priori profiles. The main reason for recalculation is a more consistent satellite-model comparison but it also reduced the mean bias. WRF-Chem was, on average, able to provide good estimates for tropospheric NO2 columns with an averaged difference of 0.02 x 1015 molecules cm-2, which is