bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Atuação do profissional farmacêutico no controle das infecções hospitalares
Authors: Guimaraes Jheniffer Nayara Angelo , Horácio Bianca Oliveira , Terra Júnior André Tomaz
Published: April 2018

Uma infecção hospitalar (IH) pode ser contraída após a admissão do paciente ao hospital que é comprovada no correr da internação do indivíduo ou após a alta. As IH podem ser contraídas por duas fontes, endógenas que tem origem da própria flora do paciente, e as exógenas que ocorre a transmissão através de outras fontes, como procedimentos invasivos e falhas técnicas. Nos últimos anos o índice das IH tem aumentado consideravelmente, resultando em um sério problema no âmbito hospitalar. O objetivo dessa revisão bibliográfica é mostrar a significância das IH pelo uso indiscriminado de antimicrobianos e por falhas nas medidas de prevenção dos profissionais da saúde, que tem sido fatores agravantes para proliferação de bactérias resistentes. A Comissão de Controle de Infecção Hospitalar (CCIH) atua com medidas de controle dos agentes responsáveis pela multiplicação de microrganismos. O presente estudo destacou dados importantes sobre as atividades que o profissional farmacêutico vem se instruindo para agir diretamente no autocontrole das IH, possibilizando o uso racional de antimicrobianos, vigilância nas receitas prescritas de antimicrobianos, a dispensação desses fármacos e elaboração de novas medidas de conscientização dos profissionais da saúde.

ABSTRACT: A hospital infection (IH) can be contracted after the admission of the patient to the hospital that is proven in the course of the hospitalization of the individual or after discharge. The IH can be contracted by two sources, endogenous that originate from the patient's own flora, and the exogenous ones that transmit through others sources, such as technical failures and invasive procedures. In recent years the IH index has increased considerably, resulting in a serious hospital problem. The objective of this literature review is to show the relevance of IH for the indiscriminate use of antimicrobials and errors in the prevention measures of health professionals, which have been aggravating factors for the proliferation of resistant bacteria. The Hospital Infection Control Commission (CCIH) is an agency responsible for the control of hospital infections and acts with control measures of the agents responsible for the multiplication of microorganisms. The present study highlighted important data about the activities that the pharmaceutical professional has been instructing to act directly in the HI's self-control, providing the rational use of antimicrobials, monitoring the prescribed antimicrobial prescriptions, dispensing these drugs and developing new awareness measures for health professionals.
A importância da atenção farmacêutica ao idoso
Authors: Moura Allan Gabriel , Moura Lorena Gabriel , Geron Vera Lúcia Matias , Terra Júnior André Tomaz , Lima Regiane Rossi Oliveira
Published: April 2018

O trabalho se apresenta com a temática relacionada a importância do farmacêutico na assistência ao idoso na dispensação. O objetivo do presente trabalho é abordar de maneira enfática e precisa acerca do processo de envelhecimento, abordando um pequeno histórico da pessoa idosa, bem como fragilidades, o conceito de dispensação medicamentosa, e a importância do farmacêutico nesta seara, haja vista que o mesmo possui a obrigação de acompanhar e fornecer atenção farmacêutica e dispor a medicação para a comunidade. Quando se tratando do idoso é muito mais importante, pois os mesmos possuem suas dificuldades e limitações que podem acarretar diversos problemas no ato da medicação, na leitura do medicamento, na bula dentre outros fatores que devem ser considerados pelo profissional farmacêutico ao fazer este atendimento ao idoso. O idoso necessita de uma atenção especial e cautelosa, haja vista que os mesmos geralmente se medicam por conta própria, devendo o profissional farmacêutico estar preparado também para lidar com questões que vão além de sua ciência, como bom atendimento, respeito e paciência com o atendimento.

ABSTRACT: The present paper deals with the importance of the pharmacist's assistance to the elderly in dispensing. The aim of this work is to emphatically address the aging of the elderly, as well as their fragilities, the concept of dispensing medication, and the importance of the pharmacist in this area, considering that it has the duty to monitor and provide pharmaceutical assistance  and medication to the community. When it comes to the elderly, it is much more important, since they have their difficulties and limitations that can lead to several problems in the medication, reading the medication, the package insert among other factors that should be considered by the pharmacist when doing this care old man. The elderly need special and cautious attention, since they usually medicate themselves, and the pharmacist should also be prepared to deal with issues that go beyond their science, such as good care, respect and patience with the attendance.
Padronização no processo de compra
Authors: Oliveira Marcela Macedo de , Pandolfi Edgar De Souza , Chiarato Thays Dutra
Published: April 2018

O presente estudo aborda através de uma revisão de literatura, de caráter descritivo, a importância do método de padronização no processo de compra, considerando as perceptíveis dificuldades encontradas neste setor, como falta de embasamento técnico quanto aos modelos de compra utilizados, na aquisição de artigos médico-hospitalares, culminando em desperdícios por baixa qualidade, ou ainda por utilização equivocada aliada à falta de  treinamento,  devido  trocas  constantes de  materiais. Nesse contexto, acrescenta-se o papel do enfermeiro como executor, ressaltando a importância do mesmo na unidade hospitalar. Desta forma, este estudo apresenta ferramentas para contribuir dentro desse cenário, agregando conhecimento teórico, científico e legal, que possa ser utilizado durante o desenvolvimento da atividade em instituições de saúde, visando racionalizar os gastos e aperfeiçoar os  recursos e serviços.  A realização deste estudo permite compreender a importância da padronização no processo de compra e seus benefícios juntamente com a participação do enfermeiro na aquisição dos materiais para a inserção de qualidade no âmbito hospitalar.

ABSTRACT: The present study addresses, through a literature review of a descriptive character, the importance of the standardization method in the purchase process of nursing materials and equipment, considering the perceived difficulties in this sector, such as the lack of technical purchase for medical and hospital articles, causing waste due to poor quality, misuse due to constant change of models and lack of training to handle them. In this context, it is verified the fundamental role of the nurse as an executor in emphasizing its importance in the hospital unit with tools and theoretical, scientific and legal knowledge for the development of its activities in health institutions, with the objective of rationalizing the expenditures and resources and improve services. Therefore, this study aims to highlight the importance of nurses' standardization and performance in the purchasing process, focusing on the insertion of quality in the hospital context. With the survey carried out, it can be concluded that the participation of the nursing professional in the standardization of the purchasing process, makes the management of medical and hospital resources more efficient by identifying the quantity and quality of materials needed for health professionals to perform their Risk-free activities for you and your patients. As a suggestion for future research, new research on the subject is indicated for the mapping of critical factors of quality success in medical-hospital procedures based on the use of materials and equipment to support the nursing service.
Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil in Jita and Taksar Area of Lamjung District, Nepal
Authors: Dahal Jitan , Chidi Chhabi Lal , Mandal Umesh Kumar , Karki Jyoti , Khanal Narendra Raj , Pantha Ram Hari
Published: April 2018

Physicochemical property of top layer of soil is very important for plant growth having life supporting agriculture production, forestry and environmental sustainability. Soil texture and its chemical properties are determined by various factors inversely soil property determines productivity for them. This study was conducted in Jita and Taksar area of Lamjung district of Nepal. Soil samples were collected from the field. Coarse fragments, soil texture and pH were measured from soil samples. Properties of soil were analyzed by mechanical and chemical methods such as sieve, hydrometer and digital pH meter. Dominant soil textural class is loam followed by silt loam. Higher proportion of sand is found in higher elevation and steeper slope. Inverse relationship is found of silt. Dominant soil is found to be slightly to moderately acidic. Soil pH level decreases with increasing altitude and slope gradient. Cultivated land is less acidic than other land cover category. It is found that lower elevation and lower slope gradient have more proportion of coarse fragments. Chi-square test proves the significant difference of pH, soil texture class, soil particle size and coarse fragment at different elevation, slope gradient and land use. However, variation of sand at different slope gradient and land use is not explained well.The Geographical Journal of NepalVol. 11: 45-62, 2018
Land Use Land Cover Change and its Pathways in Sidin VDC, Panchthar District, Nepal
Authors: Chapagain Prem Sagar , Rai Mohan Kumar , Paudel Basanta
Published: April 2018

Land use/land cover situation is an important indicator of human interaction with environment. It reflects both environmental situation and the livelihood strategies of the people in space over time. This paper has attempted to study the land use/ land cover change of Sidin VDC, in the Koshi River basin in Nepal, based on maps and Remote sensing imageries (RS) data and household survey using structured questionnaires, focus group discussion and key informant interview. The study has focused on analysis the trend and pathways of land use change by dividing the study area into three elevation zones – upper, middle and lower. The time series data analysis from 1994-2004-2014 show major changes in forest and agricultural land. The dominant pathways of change is from forest to agriculture and forest to shrub during 1994-2004 and agriculture to forest during 2004-2014. The development of community forest, labor migration and labor shortage are found the major causes of land use change.The Geographical Journal of NepalVol. 11: 77-94, 2018
Polycentric Settlement as A Sustainable Development Strategy: A Case of Baglung District, Nepal
Authors: Pokhrel Kabi Prasad , Ale Gagan , Raut Ashok
Published: April 2018

This paper is an analysis of potential settlement locations for polycentric centers and their expected role in socio-cultural, economic, environment and transport network as well as spatial development in the Baglung district. Using multi criteria evaluation analysis approach and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) numbers of polycentric settlement centers were identified as the potential centers for socio-economic development at the district level. The empirical findings indicate the polycentric settlement centers not only promote economies and facilitate social integration but also generate a disproportionate number of trips and promote transit ridership. It also helps to strengthen forward and backward linkages between hinterland and service providing center. A balanced and sustainable polycentric development model has been proposed for overall sustainable development through development of polycentric settlement.The Geographical Journal of NepalVol. 11: 137-155, 2018
Diagnostic utility of trophoblastic cell surface antigen 2 immunohistochemical expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Nesreen Hafez H , Manal Shalaby Z , Mohamed Ahmed M
Published: April 2018

Background: Although nuclear criteria are considered to be characteristic for papillary thyroid carcinoma, some cases do raise controversy as being papillary thyroid carcinoma or non-papillary thyroid carcinoma due to unclear diagnostic nuclear features. Immunohistochemical markers can help in identifying PTC. Trophoblastic cell surface antigen 2 (TROP-2) is a novel marker that is recently applied on thyroid. The aim of this study was to evaluate TROP-2 expression and diagnostic utility in PTC compared to other thyroid nodules with follicular pattern on tissue specimens and cell block sections. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was carried out at National Cancer Institute, Cairo University between January 2010 and January 2015. Immunohistochemical evaluation of TROP-2 was applied on archival 110 surgically excised and 66 cytological cell blocks of PTC and other follicular thyroid nodules. Membranous staining, with or without cytoplasm, was considered positive.Results: Among excised specimens, 85.1% of PTC demonstrated TROP-2 staining. The majority revealed diffuse staining. No significant staining difference was reported between studied classic and non classic variants. TROP-2 sensitivity and were 85.1% and 94.4%. Among cytological materials, all PTC were positive except two (false negative) and only two follicular adenomas were positive (false positive). TROP-2 sensitivity and specificity were 93.8% and 94.1%. None of nodular hyperplasia or adjacent normal thyroid tissues showed TROP-2 immunoreactivity either on histopathological or cytological sections.Conclusion: TROP-2 positivity was significantly higher in PTC compared to all other studied non PTC lesion in both surgical pathology specimens and cytological materials. No reported significant staining difference among studied PTC variant.
Histopathological audit of renal biopsy in Nepalese children: two center experience
Authors: Shrestha Devendra , Dhakal Ajaya Kumar , Basnet Nabin Bahadur , KC Shiva Raj , Kafle Rishi Kumar
Published: April 2018

Background: Renal biopsy is an invaluable tool which provides histopathological description of renal disease in terms of severity of lesion and helps in formulating the long term plan. However such studies with histopathological description of renal biopsy among Nepalese children are scarce.Material and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted among all children aged less than 18 years who underwent renal biopsy at two tertiary centers in Nepal between July 2015 and December 2017.Results: All 72 renal biopsies were done with Bard 18G spring loaded gun. Nephrotic syndrome and mixed nephritic-nephrotic features were the commonest indications for renal biopsy. IgA nephropathy was the most frequent histopathological diagnosis (20.8%) which was mainly observed in children of age group 11-18 years followed by minimal change disease (16.7%) and diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (16.7%). Majority of children with recurrent gross hematuria (6/7) or mixed nephritic-nephrotic features (6/8) had IgA nephropathy. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (6/8) was commonest in children with steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome and nephrotic syndrome with atypical features. Majority of children (10/12) with diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis had features of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis and 6/12 had crescents in glomeruli. Lupus nephritis (13.9%) was the commonest secondary cause of glomerular pathology and was observed predominantly in 11-18 years age.Conclusion: Renal biopsy is safe and not associated with clinically significant complications. Nephrotic syndrome was the commonest indication for renal biopsy and minimal change disease predominated. IgA nephropathy was the commonest histological diagnosis overall, as well as in children who presented with recurrent gross hematuria or mixed nephritic-nephrotic features.
Aspiration and non-aspiration technique in the study of thyroid gland lesion cytology
Authors: Mainali Nirajan , Nepal Niraj , Choudhary Prabesh Kumar , Homagai Neha , Khanal Bibek
Published: April 2018

Background: Fine needle aspiration cytology is used as a primary diagnostic tool in thyroid lesions. But the bloody smears caused by negative pressure during aspiration compromise cellular concentration and cell morphology which may lead to its improper interpretation. FNNAC avoids active aspiration and depends on capillary tension to collect tissue sample in the needle bore, thus reducing bleeding and tissue trauma to the highly vascular thyroid. Material and Methods: This is a one year prospective study where FNNAC and FNAC were done on 87 patients. Cytopathologist was blind folded regarding the technique used and was asked to score the quality of slide base of Mair scoring system.Results: FNAC yielded significantly better material on the basis of hemorrhage and cellularity. Fifty six (64.37%) cases showed adequate diagnostic material in FNNAC technique while 54/87 (62.05%) cases showed adequate diagnostic material in FNAC technique. Twelve (13.79%) cases showed unsuitable diagnostic material in FNNAC technique and 26/ 87 (29.89%) cases unsuitable diagnostic material in FNAC technique. Among the individual criteria used in Mair scoring system, background clot/ blood was significantly low in FNNAC than FNAC with the p value less than 0.001. Amount of cellular material was significantly more in FNNAC with p value less than 0.001.Conclusion: FNNAC yielded more cellular and less hemorrhagic material and more diagnostic superior material than FNAC. Since thyroid is a highly vascular gland, FNNAC should be used instead of FNAC for less hemorrhagic and more cellular material.
Correlation between histopathological and endoscopic findings of non-malignant gastrointestinal lesions: an experience of a tertiary care teaching hospital from Northern India
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Bhasin Tejinder Singh , Manjari Mridu , Mannan Rahul , Sharma Sonam , Anand Gurupriya
Published: April 2018

Background: Gastrointestinal tract endoscopy along with biopsy is an established procedure for investigating a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions especially inflammatory and malignant diseases. The aim was to study and categorizing the morphological lesions of non-malignant origin at various sites of gastrointestinal tract and to compare with its endoscopic findings.Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 280 benign GI biopsies received in the Department of Pathology of Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Amritsar, Punjab, India.Results: Maximum cases (39%) were observed in the age group of 41-60 years. Male patients outnumbered the females (male to female ratio was 1.4:1). There were total 33 esophageal biopsies amongst which the most common lesion was non-specific esophagitis with least common being Barrett’s esophagus. Correlating the results of endoscopic and histopathological features of acute and chronic gastritis a positive predictive value of 80% with sensitivity of 44.4% was seen. Total 83 duodenal biopsies were analyzed with non-specific duodenitis being the most commonly diagnosed lesion followed by celiac disease. Correlation of endoscopic and histopathological findings in celiac disease revealed a sensitivity of 50% and positive predictive value of 42.86%. In both sigmoid colon and rectum, non-specific colitis was the commonest diagnosis followed by ulcerative colitis. Endoscopic findings were correlated with the histopathological features in ulcerative colitis, revealing a sensitivity of 57.14% along with the positive predictive value of 80%.  Conclusion: Histopathology remains the gold standard for diagnosing a case along with endoscopic findings and endoscopic findings alone cannot make the final diagnosis.
Atypical glandular cells: Help or hindrance
Authors: Narang Sanjeev , Dargar Parul , Singh Anjali , Malhotra Apurva
Published: April 2018

Background: Atypical glandular cell is still a rare diagnosis despite refinement of the cytomorphologic criteria. This study aims to evaluate the follow up biopsies of cases diagnosed as atypical glandular cells on pap smears and to correlate with histological findings.Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study over a period of 7 years based on cyto-histopathological correlation of AGC diagnosed cases.Results: Cytodiagnosis of atypical glandular cells was given in 212(0.05%), and 140 (0.66%) patients underwent biopsy. Among these 74(52%) were benign and 66(47%) neoplastic. Of the 39 cases reported as AGC favor neoplastic, 24(61%)  showed malignancy with a positive predictive value of 61.5% and of the101 cases classified as AGC-NOS on cytology, 59 (58%) cases showed benign features with a negative predictive value of 58.4 percent.  Conclusion: Our study highlights the immediate need of histological follow up of patients diagnosed with AGC. It is important because the range of diseases associated is very variable and includes benign as well as malignant conditions.
Filariasis presenting as an upper arm swelling – an unusual presentation
Authors: Adhikari Purbesh , Upadhyaya Paricha , Dhakal Sushil , Dahal Mona , Bhattarai Soorya
Published: April 2018

Filariasis is a chronic disabling parasitic disease causing a major public health problem in tropical areas of Southeast Asia. It is endemic in India, China, Nepal, Indonesia, parts of Asia and Africa. In Southeast Asia it is caused mainly by W. bancrofti and Brugia species. Microfilaria is known to be present in cytology smears prepared from swelling at various sites and also in different body fluids. However, upper arm swelling as a clinical presentation of filariasis is a very rare event. If cytology smears are screened with high index of suspicion in this group of otherwise asymptomatic patients, early institution of proper treatment can both prevent the complication of the disease as well as break the chain of transmission from healthy carriers.
A Kriging surrogate model of an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) generating omnidirectional Lamb waves
Authors: Wang Shen , Huang Songling , Wang Zhe , Zhao Wei
Published: April 2018

Electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs) are non-contact ultrasonic transducers used to generate ultrasonic waves directly in the tested metal samples, suitable for special situations like testing moving or hot metal solids. EMATs rely on electromagnetic coupling, and the transduction efficiency of EMATs is relatively low, so it’s crucial to improve their performance through building accurate models and implementing structural optimisations. Modern evolutionary optimization algorithms involve a number of evaluations of the objective function of the optimization problem, so it’s necessary to explore surrogate models to reduce the time consumption during evaluation of the computationally expensive objective function, especially when the function corresponds to complex numerical models, like the EMAT model. We focused on the application of Kriging surrogate model (DACE) in EMAT modeling in this work. The formulations of the DACE model were reviewed, then the model of an omnidirectional EMAT was introduced. Three methods to calculate the amplitudes of the displacement components were discussed and compared, including the time-domain method, the multifrequency method (with FFT/IFFT processing), and the single frequency method applying directly the phasors. The DACE model of the EMAT was then built to predict outputs on a discrete grid of the design variables. Finally the obtained DACE model was used as the surrogate model in the optimization of the EMAT driven by the simulated annealing algorithm. With the DACE model, the total time consumption of optimization of the EMAT was reduced greatly.
Analysis of twisted pair coupling lightning electromagnetic impulse
Authors: Li Xiangchao , Xu Xiaopei , Cai Lujin
Published: April 2018

For the problem of twisted pair coupling lightning electromagnetic impulse, using a combination of test and theory, established a experimental model of twisted pair coupled lightning electromagnetic impulse, get the twisted pair coupling lightning electromagnetic impulse voltage and spectrum characteristics, test results: (1) The situation of twisted pair link matching resistance (100 [Formula: see text]): the coupling voltage increases with the addition of the impulse current; Meanwhile, there is not much impact when increase the height of the coupling voltage. (2) The situation of twisted pair link ground electric resistance: the coupling voltage was positively correlated with the ground electric resistance value in the same height; The coupling voltage increases with increasing height when the resistance value remains the same. (3) Spectral characteristics of the coupling voltage: The frequencies are mainly concentrated around the two frequencies of 8 kHz and 2.3 MHz and the magnitude of the coupling voltage is proportional to the ground electric resistance and the impulse current. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical analysis. The results have some guiding significance.
Soft drink consumption: Do we know what we drink and its implication on health?
Authors: Martín Ismael San Mauro , Vilar Elena Garicano , Barrado Mario Rincón , Barato Víctor Paredes
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND: Intake of sugar sweetened beverages has been consistently linked to increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, among other diseases. Putative underlying mechanisms include incomplete compensation for liquid calories, adverse glycemic effects, and increased hepatic metabolism of fructose leading to de novo lipogenesis, production of uric acid, and accumulation of visceral and ectopic fat. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to elucidate any existing link between energy-containing liquids, as consumed in various forms within the diet, and the effect they may have on body weight or other diseases; and whether soft drink consumption displaces water consumption. METHODS: A self-administered online survey was conducted in 2496 participants from different countries, in six languages (Spanish, English, Chinese, French, German and Portuguese). Questions referred to their soft drink and water consumption habits, physical exercise performed, presence or absence of certain diseases and medication. RESULTS: There is statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) in BMI and consumption of cola per week: those who consumed 0–3 cans a week have a lower BMI than those who consume >7 cans of cola a week. Statistically significant difference (p = 0.02) was found when consuming soft drinks different from cola. There is greater presence of obesity (p < 0.001), gastritis (p < 0.001), constipation (p < 0.001) and mental illness (p = 0.003) among people who drink cola soft drinks. CONCLUSION: Removal of energy-containing beverages from our diet may be an appropriate public health message to support those interested in preventing weight gain as well as other diseases.
Prevalence and complications of obesity and overweight among Algerian adolescents
Authors: Benmohammed Karima , Valensi Paul , Nguyen Minh Tuan , Benmohammed Farah , Lezzar Alkassem
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Algerian adolescents and investigate the associated cardiometabolic complications. METHODS: The study was conducted in the city of Constantine (Algeria). The population included 1100 schooled adolescent, aged 12–18 years, randomly selected. All had anthropometric measurements, and 989 had blood tests. The BMI was calculated and the prevalence of overweight and obesity was determined using the International Obesity Task Force reference values. RESULTS: 179 (16.3%) adolescents were overweight including 74 boys (13.8%) and 105 girls (18.6%), 51 (4.6%) adolescents were obese including 25 (4.6%) boys vs 26 (4.6%) girls (p = 0.09). Overweight and obese adolescents had higher systolic blood pressure/diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.001/p < 0.0001) and abnormal blood lipid levels. Furthermore, the HOMA index was higher in overweight and obese adolescents (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: These findings show a high prevalence of overweight and obesity in a population of Algerian adolescents leading to significant cardiometabolic abnormalities.
Gut microbiota and Crohn’s disease
Authors: Testa Anna , Rispo Antonio , Imperatore Nicola , Nardone Olga Maria , Trinchese Giovanna , Cavaliere Gina , Castiglione Fabiana , Mollica Maria Pina
Published: April 2018

INTRODUCTION: Crohn’s disease (CD) is characterized by a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and systemic symptoms. Although the etiology of this disease is unknown, current knowledge suggests a multifactorial genesis involving genetic, environmental and immunological factors. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We focused our attention on critical analysis of the recent literature on the role of gut microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), by evaluating the differences of composition, functions and role of intestinal flora. In particular, we focused on evidences about the interaction between gut microbiota and pathogenesis of IBD. In this setting, we conducted a PUBMED search for guidelines, systematic reviews (SR) and primary studies. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Some data suggest that, in a significant percentage of patients, the microbiota plays an important role in the genesis and maintenance of CD. Probiotic supplementation and antibiotic treatment appear to be a valid therapeutic approach, although the clinical data remain controversial. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the exciting and growing research on the role of gut microbiota in IBD, our knowledge remains fairly limited. Further studies are needed to measure the diversity, function and resistance to antibiotics of the intestinal microbiota in CD.
The Miracles and Cult of St Margaret of Scotland
Authors: Lee SangDong
Published: April 2018

Queen Margaret (1070–93) has been the subject of much historical research. Previous studies of the queen and later saint have been undertaken from several different perspectives, including the biographical, institutional and hagiographical. In addition, some scholars have focused on her piety and later cult. Although a saint's miracles were one of the significant elements affecting the development of a cult, far less interest has been shown in the geopolitical importance of the miracles attributed to St Margaret and the relationship between the miracles and the saint's cult. The intention of this paper is to examine the miracles attributed to St Margaret and to identify their characteristics within the context of their contribution to, and influence in, the development of her cult.
Objecthood, Agency and Mutualism in Valenced Farm Animal Environments
Authors: Colditz Ian
Published: April 2018

Genetic selection of farm animals for productivity, and intensification of farming practices have yielded substantial improvements in efficiency; however, the capacity of animals to cope with environmental challenges has diminished. Understanding how the animal and environment interact is central to efforts to improve the health, fitness, and welfare of animals through breeding and management strategies. The review examines aspects of the environment that are sensed by the animal. The predictive brain model of sensory perception and motor action (the Bayesian brain model) and its recent extension to account for anticipatory, predictive control of physiological activities is described. Afferent sensory input from the immune system, and induction of predictive immune functions by the efferent nervous system are also in accord with the Bayesian brain model. In this model, expected sensory input (from external, physiological and immunological environments) is reconciled with actual sensory input through behavioural, physiological and immune actions, and through updating future expectations. Sustained discrepancy between expected and actual sensory inputs occurs when environmental encounters cannot be predicted and controlled resulting in stress and negative affective states. Through these processes, from the animal’s perspective, aspects of the environment acquire a negative or positive character: that is the environment becomes valenced. In a homeostatic manner, affective experience guides the animal towards synchronisation and a greater degree of mutualism with its environment. A better understanding of the dynamic among environmental valence, animal affect and mutualism may provide a better understanding of genetic and phenotypic links between temperament, immune function, metabolic performance, affective state, and resilience in farm animals, and provide further opportunities to improve their welfare.
Pigment Dyeing of Atmospheric Pressure Plasma-Treated Cotton Fabric
Authors: Kan Chi-Wai , Man Wai-Shan
Published: April 2018

In this work, the effect of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment on improving the application of pigment dyeing in cotton was investigated. The colour-related properties such as (i) colour yield; (ii) colour levelness; (iii) crocking fastness; and (iv) dry-cleaning fastness of the pigment-dyed cotton fabric were determined and evaluated. Atmospheric pressure plasma under different combinations of operational parameters was used for treating 100% ready-for-dyeing cotton fabric. The atmospheric pressure plasma-treated cotton fabric was dyed with yellow pigment by the pad-dyeing method, and the pigment-dyeing solution concentrations were 1 g/L and 5 g/L. Experimental results revealed that colour yield of the yellow pigment-dyed cotton sample improved. The crocking and dry-cleaning fastness properties also improved. In addition, prediction model equations were developed for 1 g/L and 5 g/L pigment dyeing based on multiple linear regression, and the measured colour yield was close to the predicted colour yield.
Paleolithic Rock Art: A Worldwide Literature Survey Extracted from the Rock Art Studies Bibliographic Database for the Years 1864–2017
Authors: Marymor Leigh
Published: April 2018

The Rock Art Studies Bibliographic Database is an open access; online resource that fulfills the need for a searchable portal into the world’s rock art literature. Geared to the broadest interests of rock art researchers; students; cultural resource managers; and the general public; the RAS database makes rock art literature accessible through a simple search interface that facilitates inquiries into multiple data fields; including authors’ names; title and publication; place-name keyword; subject keyword; ISBN/ISSN number and abstract. The results of a data search can further be sorted by any of the data fields; including: authors’ names; date; title; and so forth. An ever increasing number of citations within the database include web links to online versions of the reference cited; and many citations include full author’s abstracts. The data compilation has been undertaken by Leigh Marymor with the year 2018 marking the 25th year of continuous revision and expansion of the data. Over 37,000 citations are currently contained in the database. The RAS database first launched online as a joint project of the Bay Area Rock Art Research Association and University of California’s Bancroft Library. After thirteen years of collaboration; the project found a new home and collaborator at the Anthropology Department at the Museum of Northern Arizona. The Paleolithic Rock Art bibliography results from an export of data from the RAS database and captures a freeze-frame in the state of the rock art literature for the world’s Paleolithic rock art as compiled here in the year 2018. The online version of the RAS Bibliographic Database at the Museum of Northern Arizona is updated annually; and we refer the reader to that resource for up-to-date bibliographic data revisions and additions. Researchers who consult the online database in concert with their reference to the Paleolithic Rock Art bibliography will discover a powerful ally in further refining geographic and thematic inquiries.
Land-Use Regression Modelling of Intra-Urban Air Pollution Variation in China: Current Status and Future Needs
Authors: He Baihuiqian , Heal Mathew , Reis Stefan
Published: April 2018

Rapid urbanization in China is leading to substantial adverse air quality issues, particularly for NO2 and particulate matter (PM). Land-use regression (LUR) models are now being applied to simulate pollutant concentrations with high spatial resolution in Chinese urban areas. However, Chinese urban areas differ from those in Europe and North America, for example in respect of population density, urban morphology and pollutant emissions densities, so it is timely to assess current LUR studies in China to highlight current challenges and identify future needs. Details of twenty-four recent LUR models for NO2 and PM2.5/PM10 (particles with aerodynamic diameters <2.5 µm and <10 µm) are tabulated and reviewed as the basis for discussion in this paper. We highlight that LUR modelling in China is currently constrained by a scarcity of input data, especially air pollution monitoring data. There is an urgent need for accessible archives of quality-assured measurement data and for higher spatial resolution proxy data for urban emissions, particularly in respect of traffic-related variables. The rapidly evolving nature of the Chinese urban landscape makes maintaining up-to-date land-use and urban morphology datasets a challenge. We also highlight the importance for Chinese LUR models to be subject to appropriate validation statistics. Integration of LUR with portable monitor data, remote sensing, and dispersion modelling has the potential to enhance derivation of urban pollution maps.
The Critical Role of Inflammation in the Pathogenesis and Progression of Myeloid Malignancies
Authors: Craver Brianna , El Alaoui Kenza , Scherber Robyn , Fleischman Angela
Published: April 2018

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) maintain an organism’s immune system for a lifetime, and derangements in HSC proliferation and differentiation result in hematologic malignancies. Chronic inflammation plays a contributory if not causal role in HSC dysfunction. Inflammation induces HSC exhaustion, which promotes the emergence of mutant clones that may be resistant to an inflammatory microenvironment; this likely promotes the onset of a myeloid hematologic malignancy. Inflammatory cytokines are characteristically high in patients with myeloid malignancies and are linked to disease initiation, symptom burden, disease progression, and worsened prognostic survival. This review will cover our current understanding of the role of inflammation in the initiation, progression, and complications of myeloid hematologic malignancies, drawing from clinical studies as well as murine models. We will also highlight inflammation as a therapeutic target in hematologic malignancies.
Controlled Synthesis of Heterostructured SnO2-CuO Composite Hollow Microspheres as Efficient Cu-Based Catalysts for the Rochow Reaction
Authors: Liu Hezhi , Ji Yongjun , Zou Xiujing , Li Jing , Zhang Yu , Wang Xueguang , Zhong Ziyi , Su Fabing
Published: April 2018

In this work, we report the design and synthesis of a series of heterostructured SnO2-CuO hollow microspherical catalysts (H-SnO2(x)-CuO, x is the weight ratio of Sn/Cu) for the Rochow reaction. The microspherical catalysts with nanosheets and nanoparticles as building blocks were prepared by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method coupled with calcination. When tested for the Rochow reaction, the prepared H-SnO2(0.2)-CuO composite exhibited higher dimethyldichlorosilane selectivity (88.2%) and Si conversion (36.7%) than the solid CuO, hollow CuO and other H-SnO2(x)-CuO microspherical samples, because in the former there is a stronger synergistic interaction between CuO and SnO2.
Simultaneous Analysis of Sensor Data for Breath Control in Respiratory Air
Authors: Seifert Rolf , Conrad Thorsten , Peter Jens , Keller Hubert
Published: April 2018

There is a broad field of applications of breath monitoring in human health care, medical applications and alcohol control. In this report, an innovative mobile sensor system for breath control in respiratory air called AGaMon will be introduced. The sensor system is able to recognize a multitude of different gases like ethanol (which is the leading component of alcoholic drinks), H2S (which is the leading component for halitosis), H2 (which is the leading component for dyspepsia and food intolerance), NO (which is the leading component for asthma) or acetone (which is the leading component for diabetes), thus ,covering almost all significant aspects. An innovative calibration and evaluation procedure called SimPlus was developed which is able to evaluate the sensor data simultaneously. That means, SimPlus is able to identify the samples simultaneously; for example, whether the measured sample is ethanol or another substance under consideration. Furthermore, SimPlus is able to determine the concentration of the identified sample. This will be demonstrated in this report for the application of ethanol, H2, acetone and the binary mixture ethanol-H2. It has been shown that SimPlus could identify the investigated gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) very well and that the relative analysis errors were smaller than 10% in all considered applications.
Resolution Dependence of an Ab Initio Phasing Method in Protein X-ray Crystallography
Authors: Jiang Mengchao , He Hongxing , Cheng Yunpeng , Su Wu-Pei
Published: April 2018

For direct phasing of protein crystals, a method based on the hybrid-input-output (HIO) algorithm has been proposed and tested on a variety of structures. So far, however, the diffraction data have been limited to high-resolution ones, i.e., higher than 2 Å. In principle, the methodology can be applied to data of lower resolutions, which might be particularly useful for phasing membrane protein crystals. For resolutions higher than 3.5 Å, it seems the atomic structure is solvable. For data of lower resolutions, information of the secondary structures and the protein boundary can still be obtained. Examples are given to support the conclusions. Real experimental data are used. Two aspects of the observed data have been discussed: removal of the measured low-resolution reflections and involvement of the unmeasured high-resolution reflections. The ab initio phasing employs histogram matching for density modification. A question arises whether the reference histogram used should match the resolution of the diffraction data or not. It seems that there is an optimal histogram which is good to use for data at various resolutions.
The Basic, the Solid, the Site-Specific and the Full or Total Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare (ISEW) for Turkey
Authors: Menegaki Angeliki
Published: April 2018

The Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare (ISEW) has been calculated in various ways for various countries and for various time spans. Based on the degree of objectivity, the Basic, Solid, and Site-specific ISEW are separated, whose sum constitutes the Total or Full ISEW. The paper proposes some guidelines for countries and smaller forms of state organizations, to apply and re-state their sustainable GDP, thus rendering it a useful figure as reported vis-à-vis the long established GDP. To demonstrate this theoretical advancement, the Turkish economy is used for an application. Turkey is a dynamic emerging economy, given its rapid GDP increase over the past two decades and the population increase on the one hand. On the other hand, it is afflicted by social inequalities and environmental problems, which if they were to be abated, they would certainly deduct from the increased income achieved so far.
Effect of Scour on the Natural Frequency Responses of the Meteorological Mast in the Taiwan Strait
Authors: Tseng Wei-Chen , Kuo Yu-Shu , Lu Kung-Chun , Chen Jing-Wen , Chung Chiou-Fong , Chen Ruey-Chyi
Published: April 2018

The meteorological mast (met mast) for the Taiwan Power Company’s offshore wind farm is located in Taiwan Strait near Changhua County. The p–y curve method recommended in the current offshore foundation design codes does not account for the local scour around the pile foundation; it overestimates the lateral pile deformation and underestimates the foundation stiffness. This paper presents a method to correct the initial modulus of subgrade reaction and modify the ultimate lateral resistance caused by the local scour. The natural frequency of the met mast structure is also determined by a numerical model and verified with the measured data in situ. A comprehensive parameter study is performed to analyze the effect of scour on the dynamic responses of the met mast. Two types of foundation model, a coupled-springs foundation model and a distributed-springs foundation model, are considered in the dynamic analysis of the met mast. The results demonstrate that using a distributed-springs foundation model provides a relatively accurate estimate of the natural frequencies of the met mast structure. Furthermore, the scour exerted significant effects on certain modes of the vibration responses. The natural frequencies of the met mast structure can be reduced by approximately 14% due to scour, particularly in the horizontal bending modes. This paper also provides a preliminary strategy for structural monitoring and analysis to detect scour damage on offshore wind turbines with monopile foundations.
Space Plasma Distribution Effect of Short-Circuit Arc on Generation of Secondary Arc
Authors: Cong Haoxi , Li Qingmin , Du Shiyue , Lu Yangfei , Li Jinsong
Published: April 2018

Secondary arc is more severe in the ultra-high voltage (UHV) power grid. However, the mechanism for the generation process of secondary arc at the extinction moment of a short-circuit arc is not yet clear. It is of great theoretical significance and technological application value to study the generation mechanism and dynamic physical characteristics of secondary arc, and further to develop effective suppression technology. In this article, an arc numerical simulation model based on the coefficient partial differential equations combining with classical drift-diffusion model was established, and the implementation method based on the finite element software COMSOL (COMSOL Multiphysics 5.2a, COMSOL Inc., Stockholm, Sweden) was given. Then, the transient analysis method was applied to simulate the generation, diffusion and dissipation phenomena of the short-circuit arc strike, and further to explore the electric field, microscopic particle spatial distribution and reaction process during the arc discharge process. The simulation results show that the development of short-circuit arc mainly includes two processes: corona discharge and arc discharge, of which the former has a very short duration and the latter is caused by short-circuit. During the discharge process, the electron density first increases and then decreases, which is different from the general characteristics of streamer discharge. Although the concentration distribution curve of the positive ions and negative ions has the same trend, there are subtle differences. The diffusion effect of space ions in the initial discharge stage is almost zero, while radial diffusion direction in the peak discharge stage and axial direction in the late discharge stage. The electric field intensity in space has an S-shaped upward trend during discharge. The time relationship of the ion source generated by the neutralization reaction and by the short-circuit arc discharge are basically the same, and the rate of neutralization reaction is lowest near the electrode. When the ionic reaction is approaching the end of the simulation, the ionic concentration is higher than the initial level, which proves that the space ionic concentration is increased due to the short-circuit discharge, and providing the necessary environmental conditions for the subsequent generation of the secondary arc.
Does Drying Affect Gel Networks?
Authors: Adams Dave
Published: April 2018

The properties of low molecular weight gels are determined by the underlying, self-assembled network. To access information on the network, it is common for techniques to be used that require the gel to be dried, such as transmission electron microscopy or scanning electron microscopy. The implicit assumption is that this drying has no bearing on the data collected. Here, we discuss the validity of this assumption.