bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Between the technological hare and the journalistic tortoise: Minimization of knowledge claims in online news flashes
Authors: Rom Shelly , Reich Zvi
Published: November 2017

A growing series of news platforms such as live blogging, tweeting, and push notifications are struggling with the extreme pressure of immediate reporting. The current study explores which strategies of knowledge acquisition and knowledge presentation journalists who operate immediate channels are using to address the mounting pressures and enhanced risk of error. It focuses on online news flashes that at least in the Israeli case enable systematic comparison of four types of output: routine and crisis news flashes and routine and crisis final items that follow them. Findings show that news flash editors develop special practices to acquire and present knowledge – the most prominent being minimization of knowledge claims. However, significantly higher use of modality, evidentiality, and source responses (measures for minimizing journalists’ knowledge claims) was found only in crisis flashes. This may suggest that journalists find themselves outside their epistemic comfort zone only under the convergence of crisis and immediacy. According to ‘inductive error’ theory, the studied websites act as responsible epistemic actors, who are so concerned about ‘false-positive’ errors (untrue publications) that they do not hesitate to make ‘false-negative’ ones (delaying publication, minimizing knowledge claims, and sharing them with third parties).
Large eddy simulation of a homogeneously charged turbulent jet ignition system
Authors: Gholamisheeri Masumeh , Givler Shawn , Toulson Elisa
Published: November 2017

Transient jet ignition of a homogeneous methane air mixture in a turbulent jet ignition system is studied computationally using a large eddy simulation turbulence model. The jet discharges from a prechamber into a main combustion chamber via one or more orifice(s) and provides a distributed ignition source in turbulent jet ignition. The effect of orifice size and stoichiometry is studied numerically using the Converge computational fluid dynamics code. A reduced kinetic mechanism is used for combustion along with a Smagorinsky sub-model for turbulence modeling. The computed pressure traces are compared with experimental measurements through rapid compression machine tests. Computational fluid dynamics results are in acceptable agreement with the experimental data during compression and the early stage of combustion; however, an over-prediction of peak pressure was reported. Peak pressure error is in the range of 0.1%–4% for Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulation estimation compared to the experimental measurements. This error is a function of mixture stoichiometry and unburned gas temperature. The error calculation showed that with the large eddy simulation model, 1% and 12% improvements in peak pressure and burn rate estimations, respectively, were achieved compared to Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes results. The reduced large eddy simulation error relative to the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations were considered to be in the acceptable range; however, further improvements could be achieved through validation and testing of additional turbulence models. In addition, computational fluid dynamics temperature contours for various nozzle orifices and air–fuel ratios are compared to achieve deeper insight into the turbulent jet ignition combustion process in the rapid compression machine combustion cylinder. The numerical iso-surface temperature contours were obtained which enabled three-dimensional views of the flame propagation, the jet discharge, ignition and extinction events. The heat release process and regeneration of mid-range temperature iso-surfaces (1200 K) were not visible through the experimental images.
The evolving role of targeted biological agents in the management of indolent B-cell lymphomas
Authors: Wang Trent Peng , Scott John Harwood , Barta Stefan Klaus
Published: November 2017

Improved understanding of the mechanisms of lymphomagenesis has resulted in a surge of development for new targeted agents. An impressive number of biological agents targeting different steps in the pathways of tumor proliferation, survival and apoptosis have become available. The management of patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphomas (iNHLs) is rapidly transforming with incorporation of those targeted biological agents into the front-line and relapsed/refractory setting. This review highlights several categories of novel biological agents and will discuss their potential role in the contemporary management of patients with iNHLs.
Impact of physical activity on the risk of cardiovascular disease in middle-aged and older adults: EPIC Norfolk prospective population study
Authors: Lachman Sangeeta , Boekholdt S Matthijs , Luben Robert N , Sharp Stephen J , Brage Soren , Khaw Kay-Tee , Peters Ron JG , Wareham Nicholas J
Published: November 2017

Background

There is broad consensus that regular physical activity yields major health benefits. However, current guidelines on physical activity are mainly aimed at middle-aged adults. It is unclear whether physical activity also translates into cardiovascular health benefits in older adults. Therefore, we aimed to compare the association between different levels of physical activity and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in elderly to middle-aged individuals.

Methods

We analysed data from the EPIC Norfolk prospective population study. Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyse the association between physical activity levels and time to CVD events in three age categories (<55, 55–65 and >65 years). Interaction between age categories and physical activity levels was assessed.

Results

Analyses were based on 24,502 study participants aged 39–79 years. A total of 5240 CVD events occurred during 412,954 person-years follow-up (median follow-up was 18.0 years). Among individuals aged over 65 years, hazard ratios for CVD were 0.86 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78–0.96), 0.87 (95% CI 0.77–0.99) and 0.88 (95% CI 0.77–1.02) in moderately inactive, moderately active and active people, respectively, compared to inactive people. Among people aged 55–65 and less than 55 years, the associations were directionally similar, but not statistically significant. The interaction term between physical activity levels and age categories was not significant ( P = 0.38).

Conclusion

The inverse association between physical activity and the risk of CVD was significant in elderly and comparable with middle-aged individuals. In addition, we observed that modest levels of physical activity confer benefits in terms of CVD risk, compared to being completely inactive.
How do health care workers manage a patient with multiple care needs from both health and social care services? – A vignette study
Authors: Vehko Tuulikki , Jolanki Outi , Aalto Anna-Mari , Sinervo Timo
Published: November 2017

Introduction

To assess how health care professionals outline the management of care and explore which health or social care professionals were involved in the patient's treatment.

Methods

A survey with a patient vignette for general practitioners (n = 31) and registered nurses (n = 31) working daily in Finnish health centres located in four cities. Respondents answered structural questions and explained in detail the care process that they tailored for the patient. The care process was examined using content analysis.

Results

A physician–nurse working pair was declared to be in charge of the care process by 27% of respondents, a registered nurse by 9% and a general practitioner by 11%. However, 53% reported that no single person or working pair was in charge of the care process (response rate 72%). The concluding result of the analyses of the presented process was that both treatment practices and the professionals participating in the patient's treatment varied. Collaboration with social services was occasional, and few care processes included referrals to social services.

Conclusion

For the patient who needs both health and social care services, the management of care is a challenge. To improve the chances of patients being actively involved in making treatment plans at least three factors need to be addressed. Firstly, a written treatment plan should explicate the care process. Second, collaboration and interaction between health and social care services should be strengthened, and third, a contact person should be named to avoid care gaps in primary health care. Next-step data from patients need to be collected to get their views on care management and compare these with those from general practitioners and registered nurses.
Serum Neurofilament Light Chain in NMOSD and Related Disorders: Comparison According to Aquaporin-4 and Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibodies Status
Authors: S Mariotto , A Farinazzo , S Monaco , A Gajofatto , G Zanusso , K Schanda , R Capra , C Mancinelli , A Bonora , R Bombardi , M Reindl , S Ferrari
Published: November 2017

Background

Neurofilament light chain (NF-L) levels reflect axonal damage in different conditions, including demyelinating disorders.

Objectives

We aimed to compare serum NF-L levels in patients with aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-Ab), myelin oligodendrocyte antibodies (MOG-Ab) and seronegative cases with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and related disorders.

Methods

We analysed AQP4-Ab and MOG-Ab with cell-based assay and NF-L with ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.

Results

Median NF-L levels were increased in 25 AQP4-Ab-positive patients (59 pg/ml) as compared with 22 MOG-Ab-positive cases (25 pg/ml), 52 seronegative patients (18 pg/ml), 25 multiple sclerosis patients (12 pg/ml) and 14 healthy controls (12 pg/ml).

Conclusions

Increased serum levels of NF-L in patients with AQP4-Ab or MOG-Ab might reflect an ongoing axonal damage and a more malignant disease course.
Social media, political information cycle, and the evolution of news: The 2017 Chief Executive election in Hong Kong
Authors: Lee Francis LF
Published: November 2017

Social media have become the main channel of news and public affairs information for the public. They have also become the platform on which new actors in public communication emerge. As the institutions of public communication are reconfigured, the way news flows and evolves also changes. This article draws upon and revises Chadwick’s conception of political information cycle and argues that news should be understood as circulating and evolving in the political information cycles embedded in an integrated media system. Within a political information cycle, various actors other than mainstream media outlets can serve as intermediaries and engage in agenda-steering and frame generation. The arguments are illustrated with a case study of the 2017 Chief Executive election in Hong Kong. An examination of the overall prominence of different types of actors in social media and analyses of a number of incidents during the election illustrate the multifarious ways the political information cycle can operate.
“Hidden” Preoperative Blood Loss With Extracapsular Versus Intracapsular Hip Fractures: What Is the Difference?
Authors: Harper Katharine D. , Navo Paul , Ramsey Frederick , Jallow Sainabou , Rehman Saqib
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

Excessive blood loss with hip fracture management has been shown to result in increased rates of complications. Our goal is to compare blood loss and transfusion rates between patients with intracapsular and extracapsular (both intertrochanteric (IT) and subtrochanteric (ST)) hip fractures.

Methods:

472 patients were evaluated over a five-year period. Those who presented to the hospital with a proximal femur fracture (femoral neck, IT or ST) were considered for the study. Exclusion criteria included polytrauma, gunshot injuries, periprosthetic fractures, and non-operative management. Primary endpoint was hemoglobin (Hgb) drop from admission to day of surgery (DOS); secondary endpoint was need for pre-op transfusion and discharge location.

Results:

304 patients were analyzed who sustained a proximal femur fracture. Median IC Hgb drop was 0.6g/dL; median EC Hgb drop was 1.1g/dL from admission to DOS ( p = 0.0272). Rate of pre-operative transfusions was higher in EC (36/194 = 18.6%) than IC fractures (5/105 = 4.5%) ( p = 0.0006), and overall transfusion rates remained higher throughout hospital stay (55.7% EC vs. 32.7% IC; p = 0.0001). Breakdown of bleeding rate and tranfusion rates between IT and ST fractures were not significant ( p = 0.07; p = 0.4483). Extracapsular hip fractures were more likely to be discharged to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) (84.4% EC vs. 73.8% IC; p = 0.027).

Conclusion:

Intracapsular hip fractures have significantly less pre-operative blood loss and fewer pre-operative transfusions than their extracapsular counterparts. These findings can be used to establish appropriate pre-operative resuscitative efforts, ensuring that hip fracture protocols account for the increased likelihood of blood loss in extracapsular fractures.
Spindle Cell Hemangioendothelioma
Authors: Flood Meghan , Mckee Daniel , Lalonde Donald
Published: November 2017

In this case study, a 33-year-old male presented initially to our clinic in 1989 with a soft tissue mass on his left posterior chest wall that had previously been debulked 3 times beginning in 1973. Pathology from these previous excisions confirmed a spindle cell hemangioendothelioma. Following the previous excisions, the mass recurred and slowly increased in size but did not cause any serious functional effects. At the patient’s first clinical visit with our plastic surgery team in 1989, we offered radical surgical resection of the mass, which was the standard of practice at the time. He declined radical resection. We have followed the patient clinically for over 26 years. Since presentation, the mass has not metastasized or caused any local functional problems.
Safety of transtympanic application of probiotics in a chinchilla animal model
Authors: Nhan Carol , Bezdjian Aren , Saha Shyamali , Prakash Satya , Nguyen Lily H. P. , Daniel Sam J.
Published: November 2017

Background

Chronic suppurative otitis media can be recalcitrant and difficult to treat, particularly with the increasing occurrence of antibiotic resistance. Lactobacillus plantarum is a probiotic that has been shown to decrease S. aureus and P. aeruginosa growth in wounds, making it a good candidate for the treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media. However, before it can be applied in the ear, its ototoxicity potential must be evaluated.

Methods

A prospective controlled trial was conducted in a chinchilla animal model at the Animal care research facilities of the Montreal Children's Hospital Research Institute to determine whether Lactobacillus plantarum is ototoxic when applied transtympanically. Ten chinchillas each had one ear randomly assigned to receive 109 CFU/mL of Lactobacillus plantarum solution, while the contralateral ear received saline. Auditory brainstem responses were measured bilaterally at 8, 20, 25 kHz before, at 7–10 days after application, and at 28 days after application of probiotic or saline. Facial nerve and vestibular function were assessed clinically.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in hearing thresholds between control and experimental ears at 28 days after application. A difference of 11 dB was noted in the 25 kHz range at day 7–10, but resolved by day 28. No animals receiving probiotics developed vestibular nerve dysfunction. There was no histologic evidence of auditory hair cell damaged evidenced by scanning electron microscopy.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that a single application of Lactobacillus plantarum at 109 CFU/mL does not cause ototoxicity in a chinchilla animal model. These preliminary safety evaluations and the pathogen inhibitory effects of L. plantarum demonstrated by previous studies present this probiotic as a candidate of interest for further investigation.
Global optimization of generalized nonhyperbolic moveout approximation for long-offset normal moveout
Authors: Song Hanjie , Zhang Jinhai , Yao Zhenxing
Published: November 2017

The approximation of normal moveout is essential for estimating the anisotropy parameters of anisotropic media. The generalized nonhyperbolic moveout approximation (GMA) brings considerable improvement in accuracy compared with known analytical approximations. However, this is still prone to relatively large errors in the presence of relatively long offsets and large anisotropic parameters, which would degrade the inversion accuracy due to error accumulation in velocity analysis. We optimize the constant coefficients for all possible groupings of the anellipticity parameter and the offset-to-depth ratio (O/D) within practical ranges. Theoretical analyses and numerical experiments indicate that the traditional optimization scheme, using the two-norm objective function solved by the least-squares method, could not provide an error-constrained result; in addition, a direct optimization without constant-coefficient extension would not lead to a satisfactory accuracy improvement. We construct the objective function using the maximum norm and solve it by using a simulated annealing algorithm; in addition, we extend the total number of constant coefficients in the GMA to achieve additional significant improvements in the accuracy. We use a normalized traveltime and offset so that the optimized constant coefficients are independent of the model. The optimized constant coefficients are obtained over a fine grid of the anellipticity parameter (0–0.5) and the O/D (0–4) that covers most practical ranges. Our optimization scheme does not increase the computational complexity but can significantly improve the accuracy. The relative error after optimization is always below a given tolerable error threshold 0.01%, which is better than the original error 0.21% of GMA. Scanning of the velocity and anellipticity parameter indicates that the original GMA has relatively large errors; in contrast, the optimized GMA can obtain more accurate results, which are essential for flattening the moveout and helpful for reducing error accumulations.
Highly Accurate Identification of Cystic Precursor Lesions of Pancreatic Cancer Through Targeted Mass Spectrometry: A Phase IIc Diagnostic Study
Authors: Jabbar Karolina S. , Arike Liisa , Verbeke Caroline S. , Sadik Riadh , Hansson Gunnar C.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Pancreatic cystic lesions are common incidental findings on imaging, but up to half may be forerunners of pancreatic cancer. Therefore, accurate differential diagnosis is crucial for correct patient management. Unfortunately, currently available diagnostic methods cannot robustly identify premalignant and malignant pancreatic cystic lesions.

Methods

Cyst fluid samples obtained by routine endoscopic ultrasound-guided aspiration were used for the analyses. In a cohort of 24 patients, eight biomarker candidates for malignant potential and high-grade dysplasia/cancer were identified by an explorative proteomic approach. Subsequently, a quantitative analysis, using 30 heavy-labeled peptides from the biomarkers and parallel reaction monitoring mass spectrometry, was devised, tested in a training cohort of 80, and prospectively evaluated in a validation cohort of 68 patients. End points were surgical pathology diagnosis/clinical follow-up. Diagnostic assessments were blinded to mass spectrometry results.

Results

The optimal set of markers for detecting malignant potential was a panel of peptides from mucin-5AC and mucin-2, which could discriminate premalignant/malignant lesions from benign with an accuracy of 97% (95% CI, 89% to 99%) in the validation cohort. This result compared favorably with the accuracy of standard analyses: cyst fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (61%; 95% CI, 46% to 74%; P < .001) and cytology (84%; 95% CI, 71% to 92%; P = .02). A combination of proteins mucin-5AC and prostate stem-cell antigen could identify high-grade dysplasia/cancer with an accuracy of 96% (95% CI, 90% to 99%), and detected 95% of malignant/severely dysplastic lesions, compared with 35% and 50% for carcinoembryonic antigen and cytology ( P < .001 and P = .003, respectively).

Conclusion

Targeted mass spectrometry analysis of just three cyst fluid biomarkers provides highly accurate identification and assessment of cystic precursors to pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Additional studies should determine whether the method can facilitate timely cancer diagnosis, successful intervention, and prevention.
Imaging of iatrogenic oesophageal injuries using optimized CT oesophageal leak protocol: pearls and pitfalls
Authors: Madan Rachna , Laur Olga , Crudup Breland , Peavy Latia , Carter Brett W
Published: November 2017

Iatrogenic injury to the oesophagus is a serious complication which is increasingly seen in clinical practice secondary to expansion and greater acceptability of surgical and endoscopic oesophageal procedures. Morbidity and mortality following such injury is high. This is mostly due to an inflammatory response to gastric contents in the mediastinum, and the negative intrathoracic pressures that may further draw out oesophageal contents into the mediastinum leading to mediastinitis. Subsequently, pulmonary complications such as pneumonia or abscess may ensue leading to rapid clinical deterioration. Optimized and timely cross-sectional imaging evaluation is necessary for early and aggressive management of these complications. The goal of this review is to make the radiologist aware of the importance of early and accurate identification of postoperative oesophageal injury using optimized CT imaging protocols and use of oral contrast. Specifically, it is critical to differentiate benign post-operative findings, such as herniated viscus or redundant anastomosis, from clinically significant postoperative complications as this helps guide appropriate management. Advantages and drawbacks of other diagnostic methods, such as contrast oesophagogram, are also discussed.
P53 at the start of the 21st century: lessons from elephants
Authors: Haupt Sue , Haupt Ygal
Published: November 2017

Crucial, natural protection against tumour onset in humans is orchestrated by the dynamic protein p53. The best-characterised functions of p53 relate to its cellular stress responses. In this review, we explore emerging insights into p53 activities and their functional consequences. We compare p53 in humans and elephants, in search of salient features of cancer protection.
Opowieści ormiańskie z miasteczka Kuty w tłumaczeniu na język polski wraz z komentarzami
Authors: Pisowicz Andrzej
Published: November 2017

Armenian Tales from the Town of Kuty Translated into Polish and Annotated

The small town of Kuty on Cheremosh river was the last place in Poland where the local west Armenian dialect was spoken until World War II. Rev. Kazimierz Roszko in the 1950’s met some persons living in various places of central and western Poland who were last native speakers of the dialect. He recorded their tales in Latin transcription and published them in the annual “Folia Orientalia” (Cracow 1959, 1961) with French translation and glossaries. Now prof. Andrzej Pisowicz, a specialist in Armenian linguistics, is presenting his translation into Polish of the texts gathered and published by Rev. K. Roszko. A. Pisowicz is also commenting on  some difficult words of the extinct dialect of Polish Armenians.
It's quiz time
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: November 2017

Our series on how students learn continues. Matt Bromley looks at how quizzing techniques can be used by students at home and by teachers in class to help improve memory and recall
Pakistan-China Relations: CPEC and Beyond
Authors: Sun Weidong
Published: November 2017

This contribution is based on the proceedings of a session on the same title organized by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad on August 10, 2017. The highlight of the event, as is recorded in this article, was the exclusive talk of H.E. Sun Weidong, Chinese ambassador to Pakistan while the opening and concluding remarks by Khalid Rahman, Executive President of IPS and Senator Raja Zafar-ul-Haq, Leader of the House in the Senate of Pakistan, respectively, are also part of the article. Pleasantries have been edited for the purpose of brevity and consistency.
The Breakdown of Socialization and Political Re-assertiveness of European Far-Right
Authors: Bakare Najimdeen
Published: November 2017

Among other compelling factors, the ramifications of the Eurozone crisis and a contentious refugee crisis at the European shores and borders gave incentive to the re-assertion of European populism. Across continental Europe, populist politics is undoubtedly gaining political spotlight; though they remain peripheral within the large political sphere. Arguably, these parties often exhibit certain traits, which lead to their monolithic description, yet there is incongruity amongst them. In as much as democracy allows the freedom of expression and liberal political participation, it is nevertheless embedded with degree of contradictions. The narratives and actions of European populist parties and their constituents embody those contradictions. These contradictions by extension contrive radical effects on the European political theatre. Radical populist politics that now inundates European political landscape is actually spirited by the existence of hibernated but political radical germs. Populism and anti-Europeanism is trendy because of socialization breakdown, a political rupture that paves way for oppositional values based on radical ideology with the intent to cause radical replacement of the dominant ideology. Radical populism has reengineered political discourse, a shift from politically incorrect to acceptable political narratives. With the market theory of supply and demand, this paper considers political ideology as commodity and the electorates as rational actors (buyers), capable and at liberty to make rational choices on what sort of political commodity best suits their interest. The implication is the propensity of the electorates to switch loyalty from one (political) product to another. Lastly, the paper explores how impactful radical populism could be on the European political theatre and whether or not radical populism endangers democracy, breaches minority right, contribute to anti-egalitarian and anti-humanitarian policy.
O cinema e a História: compreensão da dinâmica cronotópica das migrações contemporâneas a partir do filme “The Immigrant”, de Charlie Chaplin (1917)
Authors: Castro Fátima Velez de
Published: November 2017

Neste artigo pretende‑se refletir sobre a relação entre o cinema e a história, considerando‑ se o filme como objeto de análise e instrumento de investigação, assim como construtor de ambientes históricos e de paisagens. Será por isso discutido o papel do cinema como produtor/reprodutor de momentos e de espaços, sendo invocadas e discutidas as posições de autores como Smith (1976), Ferro (1998), Kaes (1990), Morettin (2004), Protat (2009), Reigada (2013), entre outros. Tendo como base esta linha de ideias, assim como tomando em conta a dinâmica das migrações contemporâneas, será apresentado um estudo de caso que contribuirá para a compreensão dos sistemas migratórios transoceânicos do séc. XX. Para isso será realizada a análise de conteúdo do filme “The Immigrant” (1917), de Charlie Chaplin, tendo como foco a relação entre tempo, espaço e imagem fílmica.
[Recensão a] Francisco Carlos Palomanes Martinho, Marcello Caetano: uma biografia (1906‑1980)
Authors: Nunes João Paulo Avelãs
Published: November 2017

https://doi.org/10.14195/0870-4147_48_16
[Recensão a] Fernando Cortés Cortés, La escuela en la extremadura meridional del siglo XIX
Authors: Trindade Sara Marisa da Graça Dias do Carmo
Published: November 2017

https://doi.org/10.14195/0870-4147_48_18
Descobrindo fortunas, contando histórias: panorama patrimonial de portugueses no Brasil (Belém, 1870-1909)
Authors: Tavares Anndrea Caroliny da Costa
Published: November 2017

O presente artigo analisa a composição das fortunas de imigrantes portugueses em Belém, capital da então província do Grão Pará, entre os anos de 1870 a 1909, caracterizado pela historiografia como o período de boom da economia extrativa da borracha, reconhecida como atrativo aos diferentes grupos de (i) migrantes que se aventuravam para usufruto dos rendimentos por ela alcançados. Fortunas sustentadas sobre novas demandas sociais e econômicas que a borracha haveria de trazer às terras amazônicas, e que evidenciam novas tendências de investimentos, em grande medida, às estruturas modernas do capitalismo, que permaneceram mesmo nos períodos de crise da economia extrativa da borracha, demonstrando a sólida consolidação de novos símbolos de poder e riqueza. O estudo esteia‑se na análise serial de 328 autos cíveis de inventários post mortem e insere‑se num período marcado por um crescimento demográfico acentuado, pela reorganização do espaço urbano de Belém e pelo recrudescimento econômico do mesmo espaço.
[Recensão a] José Augusto dos Santos Alves, A opinião pública em Portugal: da praça pública à revolução (1780‑1829)
Authors: Costa Joana
Published: November 2017

https://doi.org/10.14195/0870-4147_48_22
A colonização portuguesa na região de Cabo Frio (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil) e o desenvolvimento da atividade piscatória
Authors: Pereira Olegário Nelson Azevedo , Castro Elza Maria Neffa Vieira de , Bastos Maria Rosário , Dias João Alveirinho , Rodrigues Maria Antonieta da Conceição , Fonseca Luís Cancela da
Published: November 2017

A região de Cabo Frio, área objeto deste estudo, está localizada na baixada litorânea do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. As suas condições naturais, nomeadamente a existência do sistema lagunar de Araruama e a ocorrência do fenómeno da ressurgência no seu litoral, proporcionaram uma zona favorável à exploração de recursos marinhos, fomentando a fixação humana e o posterior desenvolvimento da pesca lagunar e costeira. Nesse sentido, a atividade apesar de ser praticada pelos povos indígenas estabelecidos na região, no século dezassete, com a efetivação da colonização portuguesa em Cabo Frio observou-se a sua intensificação e desenvolvimento. Tendo em conta as caraterísticas do meio no propiciar de recursos piscícolas, pretende-se analisar diacronicamente a evolução da prática piscatória na região, por meio da investigação de documentação histórica.
Colombia desde fuera : una década crucial de la historia colombiana en el relato diplomático italiano.
Authors: Palamara Graziano
Published: November 2017

El presente artículo de investigación recorre la historia colombiana del Bogotazo a los exordios del Frente Nacional a través de la perspectiva diplomática italiana. La investigación, de tipo cualitativo y fundada en la documentación del Archivo Diplomático del Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores Italiano, rescata la visión que los representantes de Roma dieron de una década crucial para la república latinoamericana y sus conexiones con el entorno regional e internacional. Los juicios de la misión italiana se presentan como una muestra de la atención que la diplomacia europea brindó a procesos y acontecimientos colombianos. Como tales, ellos pueden contribuir a una comprensión más exhaustiva de la historia de Colombia por ofrecer una lectura desde fuera que tenga en cuenta la mirada de observadores externos.
Subtype‐specific effects of dopaminergic D2 receptor activation on synaptic trains in layer V pyramidal neurons in the mouse prefrontal cortex
Authors: Leyrer‐Jackson Jonna M. , Thomas Mark P.
Published: November 2017

In humans, prefrontal cortical areas are known to support executive functions. In mice, these functions are mediated by homologous regions in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Executive processes are critically dependent on optimal levels of dopamine (DA), but the cellular mechanisms ofDAmodulation are incompletely understood. Stable patterns of neuronal activity may be sensitive to frequency‐dependent changes in synaptic transmission. We characterized the effects of D2 receptor (D2R) activation on short‐term excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) dynamics evoked at varying frequencies in the two subtypes of layer V pyramidal neurons in mousemPFC. We isolatedNMDAreceptor and non‐NMDAreceptor‐mediated components ofEPSPtrains evoked by stimulating fibers within layer V or layer I. All significant effects of D2 receptor activation were confined to type I (corticopontine) cells. First, we found that with layer I stimulation, D2R activation reduces the amplitude ofNMDAR‐mediatedEPSPs, with no effect on facilitation or depression of these responses at lower frequencies, but leading to facilitation with high frequency stimulation. Further, the non‐NMDAcomponent also underwent synaptic depression at low frequencies. Second, with layer V stimulation, D2R activation had no effect onNMDAor non‐NMDAreceptor‐mediatedEPSPcomponents. Overall, our results suggest that D2R activation may modulate memory functions by inhibiting ‘top‐down’ influences from apical tuft inputs activated at low frequencies, while promoting ‘top‐down’ influences from inputs activated at higher frequencies. These data provide further insight into mechanisms of dopamine's modulation of executive functions.
Hydrodynamics in Indo-Pacific seagrasses with a focus on short canopies
Authors: Lanuru Mahatma , Ambo-Rappe Rohani , Amri Khairul , Williams Susan L.
Published: November 2017

Seagrass hydrodynamic regimes are important to understand and also to guide seagrass restoration, which is of great interest in Indonesia because of environmental threats to the exceptionally high seagrass species richness. Hydrodynamic regimes influence the physical stability of seagrass beds, sedimentation rates, and the advection of nutrients and food to seagrasses and associated organisms. In a flume, we determined the effect of canopies of Cymodocea rotundata, Enhalus acoroides, Halodule uninervis, Syringodium isoetifolium and Thalassia hemprichii on water velocity, turbulence, turbulence intensity and shear velocity. The taller canopies of Enhalus and Cymodocea slowed water flow, but the shorter canopies (<5 cm) had little effect. Seagrasses did not influence turbulence and turbulence intensity (turbulence normalized to mean velocity) but they reduced shear velocity U*. Our results indicate that Enhalus is a good candidate for transplantation in terms of reducing mean water flow and shear velocities, but that Halodule should also be considered as it also reduced shear velocities and it spreads quickly after transplantation. Our results extend the understanding of seagrass-hydrodynamic relationships to include very short canopies, unlike the taller canopies studied to date.
Antiphosphatidylserine/prothrombin antibodies (aPS/PT) as potential diagnostic markers and risk predictors of venous thrombosis and obstetric complications in antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Shi Hui , Zheng Hui , Yin Yu-Feng , Hu Qiong-Yi , Teng Jia-Lin , Sun Yue , Liu Hong-Lei , Cheng Xiao-Bing , Ye Jun-Na , Su Yu-Tong , Wu Xin-Yao , Zhou Jin-Feng , Norman Gary L. , Gong Hui-Yun , Shi Xin-Ming , Peng Yi-Bing , Wang Xue-Feng , Yang Cheng-De
Published: November 2017

Background:

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and clinical associations of antiphosphatidylserine/prothrombin antibodies (aPS/PT) with thrombosis and pregnancy loss in Chinese patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and seronegative APS (SNAPS).

Methods:

One hundred and eighty six Chinese patients with APS (67 primary, 119 secondary), 48 with SNAPS, 176 disease controls (79 systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], 29 Sjogren’s syndrome [SS], 30 ankylosing spondylitis [AS], 38 rheumatoid arthritis [RA]) and 90 healthy donors were examined. IgG and IgM aPS/PT, IgG/IgM/IgA anticardiolipin (aCL) and IgG/IgM/IgA anti-β2-glycoprotein I (anti-β2GPI) antibodies were tested by ELISA.

Results:

One hundred and sixty (86.0%) of APS patients were positive for at least one aPS/PT isotype. One hundred and thirty five (72.6%) were positive for IgG aPS/PT, 124/186 (66.7%) positive for IgM aPS/PT and 99 (53.2%) positive for both. Approximately half of the SNAPS patients were positive for IgG and/or IgM aPS/PT. Highly significant associations between IgG aPS/PT and venous thrombotic events (odds ratio [OR]=6.72) and IgG/IgM aPS/PT and pregnancy loss (OR=9.44) were found. Levels of IgM aPS/PT were significantly different in APS patients with thrombotic manifestations and those with fetal loss (p=0.014). The association between IgG/IgM aPS/PT and lupus anticoagulant (LAC) was highly significant (p<0.001). When both were positive, the OR for APS was 101.6. Notably, 91.95% (80/87) of LAC-positive specimens were positive for IgG and/or IgM aPS/PT, suggesting aPS/PT is an effective option when LAC testing is not available.

Conclusions:

Anti-PS/PT antibody assays demonstrated high diagnostic performance for Chinese patients with APS, detected some APS patients negative for criteria markers and may serve as potential risk predictors for venous thrombosis and obstetric complications.
Hybrid Bridge Structures Made of Frp Composite and Concrete
Authors: Rajchel Mateusz , Siwowski Tomasz
Published: November 2017

Despite many advantages over the conventional construction materials, the contemporary development of FRP composites in bridge engineering is limited due to high initial cost, low stiffness (in case of glass fibers) and sudden composite failure mode. In order to reduce the given limitations, mixed (hybrid) solutions connecting the FRP composites and conventional construction materials, including concrete, have been tested in many countries for 20 years. Shaping the hybrid structures based on the attributes of particular materials, aims to increase stiffness and reduce cost without losing the carrying capacity, lightness and easiness of bridges that includes such hybrid girders, and to avoid the sudden dangerous failure mode. In the following article, the authors described examples of hybrid road bridges made of FRP composite and concrete within the time of 20 years and presented the first Polish hybrid FRP-concrete road bridge. Also, the directions of further research, necessary to spread these innovative, advanced and sustainable bridge structures were indicated.
Homogeneous precipitation synthesis of BaCO3 powders with a needle-like morphology
Authors: Chen Guo , Chen Jin , Peng Jinhui
Published: November 2017

Barium chloride dihydrate, sodium hydroxide and carbamide were used to prepare barium carbonate (BaCO3) powders using the homogeneous precipitation method. The effects of Ba2+ concentration, (NH2)2CO concentration, NaOH concentration, reaction temperature and reaction time on the particle size and yield of product were mainly researched. The structure and the thermal stability of BaCO3 powders prepared were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), respectively. The particle size distribution of BaCO3 powders was also characterized using a laser particle size analyzer. The results showed that the BaCO3 powder prepared has high purity with a needle-like morphology. Based on the results mentioned, this method can be applied in an effective and efficient way for BaCO3 powder preparation.
Synthesis and insecticidal activities of novel 1H-pyrazole-5-carboxylic acid derivatives
Authors: Huang Danling , Liu Aiping , Liu Weidong , Liu Xingping , Ren Yeguo , Zheng Xi , Pei Hui , Xiang Jun , Huang Mingzhi , Wang Xiaoguang
Published: November 2017

Fourteen 1H-pyrazole-5-carboxylic acid derivatives containing oxazole and thiazole rings were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. Most target compounds were obtained in overall yields in the range of 30–50%. The insecticidal activities of these new compounds against Aphis fabae were evaluated. The bioassays’ results indicate that some of these compounds exhibit good activities, especially compound 7h which shows 85.7% mortality against A. fabae at a concentration of 12.5 mg/L. This activity is comparable to that of the commercial insecticide imidacloprid.
Kleine Geschichte filmischer Zwischentitel
Authors: Stenzer Christine
Published: November 2017

In a great many examples from the early pioneering days through to contemporary digital (video-/Internet-) productions – in the most diverse genres and countries, and in both independent and commercial contexts – intertitles and writing in the tradition of intertitles are integrated into film in such a way that the effect is by no means rigid and un-filmic, but rather, constitutes a medium that reaches far beyond what is commonly expected from writing, and writing in film.
Prevalence of dry eye disease and its association with dyslipidemia
Authors: Rathnakumar Krishnamoorthy , Ramachandran Kaliaperumal , Baba Durairaj , Ramesh Venkatachalam , Anebaracy Velusamy , Vidhya Ramachandran , Vinothkumar Rajamanickam , Poovitha Ramamurthy , Geetha Rajagopalan
Published: November 2017

Background:

Dry eye disease (DED) is a common ocular surface disease significantly affecting the quality of life of patients. The aim of our study is to focus on the prevalence of DED and to determine the relationship between dyslipidemia and DED.

Methods:

The study was performed with the age group of 25–70 years, who attended the ophthalmology outpatient department at Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences with complaints of dry eye. A standard questionnaire was taken, and tear film tests were performed to diagnose dry eye. Further eyelid margin was examined to detect meibomian gland dysfunction. Based on the tests and examination, patients were grouped as men with and without DED and women with and without DED. Fasting lipid profile was investigated for these groups.

Results:

The study showed the prevalence of DED mainly in women and found significant association between DED and dyslipidemia. There is a significant relationship between total cholesterol and DED groups especially in women (p<0.001). We also found the association between triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and DED particularly in women as compared to men.

Conclusions:

Based on the findings, we emphasize that there is a strong relationship between dyslipidemia and the progression of DED particularly in women. Ophthalmologists may increase their role to educate themselves to diagnose dyslipidemia and ensure comprehensive eye care to prevent blindness and cardiovascular disease. Recent treatment modalities could be aimed to improve the quality of life of women and elderly patients suffering from DED.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism and clinical importance in epilepsy patients using valproic acid, carbamazepine and levetiracetam
Authors: Aydin Adem , Varoglu Asuman Orhan
Published: November 2017

Background:

We aim to determine the relationships among vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine (Hcy), and methylenetetrahydrofolatereductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism, as well as the clinical importance of these relationships, in patients using valproic acid (VPA), carbamazepine (CBZ), and levetiracetam (LEV) as monotherapy and polytherapy.

Methods:

We enrolled 37 patients on VPA, 30 on CBZ, 31 on LEV, 30 on multidrug therapy, and 60 control subjects. We compared the levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, Hcy and polymorphism.

Results:

Vitamin B12 was low in patients on CBZ (p=0.02) and in combined CBZ and VPA (p=0.02). B12 was low in combined CBZ and VPA (p=0.05). In patients without polymorphism, Hcy was high on VPA (p=0.02), and folic acid was the low on CBZ (0.005). In patients with polymorphism, vitamin B12 was low on CBZ (p=0.02), and folic acid was low on VPA (p=0.04). Vitamin B12 was low in combined CBZ and VPA (p=0.05).

Conclusions:

Vitamin B12 therapy is necessary on CBZ and on combined CBZ and VPA. VPA should not be used in the presence of other thrombophilic risk factors because of hyperhomocysteinemia. Polytherapy does not increase hyperhomocysteinemia risk in comparison to monotherapy. Vitamin B12, folic acid, Hcy do not effect on seizure frequency.
Investigation of the relation of maternal serum endocan levels to preeclampsia presence and severity
Authors: Gülşen Serdar , Çekmez Yasemin , Ulu İpek , Garip Şebnem , Aksoy Fatma Tutku , Türkmen Simge Bagcı , Gök Gülden , Kıran Gürkan
Published: November 2017

Background:

Endocan was shown to be a possible predictor of vascular endothelium related diseases. Due to this fact we aimed to investigate the role of maternal serum endocan levels in preeclampsia presence and severity.

Methods:

A total of 70 patients, including 25 normal pregnant women and 45 patients with preeclampsia (consists of 25 mild and 20 severe preeclamptic women), were included in this study. Maternal serum endocan concentrations were measured and compared among groups and subgroups.

Results:

Levels of endocan were detected statistically higher in the preeclamptic group than the control group. Endocan levels were lower in the severe preclampsia group than the mild preeclampsia group but this was not detected statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Maternal serum endocan levels can be used as a biomarker for preeclampsia presence.
Infektionen nach Nierentransplantation
Authors: Dasdelen Süha , Grebe Scott-Oliver
Published: November 2017

Die Nierentransplantation stellt die Therapie der Wahl für eine bedeutende Zahl an Patienten mit terminaler Niereninsuffizienz dar. Dabei kommt der Prophylaxe, Diagnostik und Therapie von Infektionen eine besondere Bedeutung zu. Neben den bekannten nosokomial und ambulant erworbenen Infektionen bei hospitalisierten Patienten finden sich darüber hinaus im Kollektiv der Immunsupprimierten eine ganze Reihe opportunistischer und seltener Erreger, deren Kenntnis für eine optimierte und gezielte Behandlung erforderlich ist. Da das immunsuppressive Regime entsprechend der Phasen nach der Transplantation angepasst und reduziert wird und darüber hinaus erst mit einer gewissen Verzögerung latente Erkrankungen reaktiviert werden, kann in definierten Zeitintervallen nach der Transplantation mit dem Vorkommen bestimmter Infektionen gerechnet werden. Der vorliegende Übersichtsartikel soll dabei helfen, die häufigen und einige der seltenen Erkrankungen in dem breiten mikrobiologischen Spektrum der infektiologischen Transplantationsnachsorge zu erkennen und die Diagnostik und Therapie zu strukturieren.
Optimized short digestion protocol for free fetal DNA detection using methylation-dependent markers
Authors: Rodríguez-Martínez Ana B. , Sarasola-Díez Esther , Achalandabaso Estíbaliz , García-Barcina María J.
Published: November 2017

Background:

Circulating free DNA (cfDNA) digestion with methylation sensitive restriction enzymes constitutes an important diagnostic tool for differentiating methylated from non-methylated DNA sequences. In the context of pregnancy, this is used to differentiate fetal from maternal DNA. Current protocols are of long duration and use multiple enzymes with different incubation and inactivating temperatures. We describe a short protocol for the digestion of circulating free DNA focused on its future adaptation to miniaturized microfluidic devices based on lab-on-a-chip technology.

Methods:

cfDNA was extracted from plasma samples of pregnant and non-pregnant women with chemagic Viral NA/gDNA and QIAamp circulating nucleic acids kits. For digestion protocol optimization, different methylation sensitive and insensitive restriction enzymes were used. Detection of RASSF1A, SRY and (β-actin) ACTB sequences was performed by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results:

The digestion protocol is optimized to a 3.5 h one-step protocol using the enzymes BstUI, BstY1 and HhaI resulting in a complete digestion of the hypomethylated maternal RASSF1A with a limit of digestion of 3.65E10 gene copies.

Conclusions:

This work provides a digestion protocol for cfDNA samples with a combination of temperatures (37 °C and 60 °C) and a protocol length (<4 h) which facilitates its adaptation to miniaturized microfluidic devices based on lab-on-a-chip technology. In this technology, the shorter the duration of the protocol, the greater the rate of success and the less sample evaporation.