bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflexoterapia como técnica de relaxamento para profissionais em centro de terapia intensiva/ Zone therapy as a relaxing technique for professionals at a center of intensive therapy
Authors: Silva Annela Isabell Santos da , Quinderé Neto Germano Alvez , De Freitas Igor Almeida , Almeida Lucivania Dos Santos , Cruz Marcia Cristina Souza da , Santana Mary Elizabeth de
Published: March 2018

Na área da saúde, os estressores existentes nas rotinas de trabalho constituem um problema para a saúde e produtividade dos profissionais. Nesse contexto, a aplicação da técnica de reflexoterapia é capaz de reduzir o nervosismo e o estresse, atenuando a exaustão física e emocional. Diante disso, objetivou-se relatar a experiência obtida por acadêmicos de enfermagem ao promover procedimentos de reflexoterapia em profissionais de saúde atuantes em duas unidades de terapia intensiva. Este relatório foi desenvolvido durante as aulas práticas no período de 01 a 14 de setembro de 2016, no qual se utilizou a Metodologia da Problematização ao elaborar uma intervenção adequada. O resultado foi satisfatório e atingiu 50% do público-alvo. Entre os indivíduos que não participaram, observou-se relutância e descrédito na técnica de relaxamento, além da falta de tempo para se juntar ao experimento, levantando questionamentos relevantes sobre o excesso de trabalho. O estudo atingiu seu objetivo por meio da concreta aplicação da técnica de reflexoterapia, proporcionando relaxamento e bem-estar. Por fim, verificou-se a necessidade de promover atividades de apoio à saúde dos trabalhadores, instituindo os benefícios do autocuidado e, ao mesmo tempo, motivando estudos mais aprofundados na área.
Fiber Orientation of Composite Materials - Effect on Mechanical Properties
Authors: Racila Mihaela , Crolet Jean Marie
Published: March 2018

Fiber orientation is essential when we want to predict the behavior of a composite material, also for determining the mechanical properties of such materials. Many researches in this field showed that the orientation of fibers has a major role, for example, in increasing some properties, or decreasing others. Some of these studies are experimental, some are made using only the Finite Element Method (FEM).In this work, we present a numerical approach in order to estimate the influence of the collagen fibers orientation on the mechanical properties of the natural composite, which is human cortical bone. Based on the mathematical theory of homogenization, allowing computing all the elastic (but also piezo and dielectric) properties of a composite material, this study quantifies the main influence of the fibers orientation and its effect on the mechanical properties, but also on the influence of the cortical architecture on mechanical properties.
Contributions Regarding the Energy Efficiency Increasing for a Hotel Building in order to Ensure a Healthy Indoor Environment
Authors: Călbureanu Mădălina Xenia , Malciu Raluca , Calbureanu Calin Mihnea
Published: March 2018

This paper purpose is to provide recommendations after a thermal energy analysis and inspection of a hotel building and its related facilities, in order to increase energy efficiency saving primary resources, to ensure a healthy indoor climate for users, and last but not least to ensure a reduction of CO2 emissions in order to ensure an external environment with low pollutant emissions. All the carried out analysis has as main objective to consider a symbiosis between all the parameters involved (energy, indoor/outdoor environment, comfort), when a building (envelope and installations) is renovated, especially when excess in order to save energy tend to endanger the indoor climate. Non-invasive methods were used to inspect the building by using thermo-vision both for the building envelope and for inspection of existing installations. The building utilities bills were analyzed for a period of one year to highlight current energy performance. The given recommendations achieve the proposed goal and highlight the active role of building management, continuous monitoring of energy and utilities to assess and improve energy efficiency, and ultimately to minimize specific energy costs. The results of this study can be used successfully on a wide range of hotel buildings in Romania.
An Overview of Snake like Units
Authors: Ciurezu-Gherghe Leonard , Dumitru Nicolae , Copilusi Petre Cristian
Published: March 2018

In this paper is presented a few models of a robotic snake like unit which can be used in Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS). In particular, this paper focuses on the flexible unit details. It’s rigid links can be fabricated using selective materials that are light-weight and slim. Thus, this flexible unit can be inserted through one small cavity. Finally, we show that the selected flexible unit may be a very good alternative for Single Port Access (SPA) surgery or this can be used in other environments as well.
The Tribological Modeling of the Tensioning Guide - Toothed Chain Contact
Authors: Papuc Radu , Lates Mihai Tiberiu , Velicu Radu
Published: March 2018

This paper addresses the mathematical modeling of the normal force distribution and the contact pressure between the toothed chain links and the tensioning guide. Next, it is highlighted the pressure distribution exercited on the lubricant film on the contact width, using the Reynolds equation. At the end of the paper there are presented the conclusions referring to the transition between the mixed lubrification and hidrodynamic one for the contact between guide and toothed chain links.
Production of energy (biodiesel) and recovery of materials (biochar) from pyrolysis of urban waste sludge
Authors: Callegari Arianna , Hlavinek Petr , Capodaglio Andrea Giuseppe
Published: March 2018

Safe disposal of sewage sludge is one of the most pressing issues in the wastewater treatment cycle: at the European Union level, sludge production is expected to reach 13 Mt by year 2020. Sludge disposal costs may constitute up to, and sometimes above, 50% of the total cost of operation of a WWTP, and contribute to over 40% of its GHGs emissions. The most common disposal options at the moment are landfilling, disposal in agriculture (about 40% EU-wide), incineration or co-incineration, and use in the industrial production of bricks, asphalts and concrete. Sewage sludge, however, still contains beneficial resources such as nutrients, that can be recovered through specific processes (e.g. precipitation as struvite) and energy, recoverable through a variety of approaches. Microwave-assisted pyrolysis of urban waste sludge was applied for the production of oil, (Syn)gas, and biochar that were afterwards characterized and compared to mainstream alternative fuels (biodiesels) and other material recovery options. Sustainability issues related to the production of biodiesel/biochars from urban wastewater treatment sludge are also discussed. The paper shows that waste urban sludge can indeed be a full component of the urban circular economy by allowing, if properly processed, recovery of energy resources at multiple levels: bio-oils (biodiesel), syngas and bio-char, all having definite advantages for final residues use and disposal. Biodiesel, in particular, allowing energy recovery as liquid fuel, offers a much more flexible and efficient utilization.
Dengue Fever as an Emerging Infection in Southeast Iran
Authors: Heydari Mostafa , Metanat Maliheh , Rouzbeh-Far Mohammad-Ali , Tabatabaei Seyed Mehdi , Rakhshani Mohammad , Sepehri-Rad Nahid , Keshtkar-Jahromi Maryam
Published: March 2018

Dengue fever (DF) is a mosquito-borne acute viral disease presenting with hemorrhagic manifestations in severe cases. Southeast Iran is in close proximity to Pakistan, an endemic country for DF. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Sistan and Baluchestan province in the southeast of Iran to investigate possibility of DF (immunoglobulin M [IgM], immunoglobulin G [IgG], and nonstructural protein 1 [NS1] antigen tests) in 60 clinically suspected patients (April 2013 to August 2015). NS1 protein was detected in 5% (N = 3), at least one of the antibodies (IgM and/ or IgG) was detected in 11% (N = 7) of the samples. Five patients identified as of acutely infected. There was a simultaneous presence of NS1 protein and IgG or IgM antibodies in 4% (N = 2) of patients. Previous studies show establishment of potential vectors in this area. These evidences support the hypothesis that DF can be a health concern in Southeast Iran with potential future outbreaks.
Food Insecurity as a Risk Factor for Outcomes Related to Ebola Virus Disease in Kono District, Sierra Leone: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kelly J. Daniel , Richardson Eugene T. , Drasher Michael , Barrie M. Bailor , Karku Sahr , Kamara Mohamed , Hann Katrina , Dierberg Kerry , Hubbard Allan , Lindan Christina P. , Farmer Paul E. , Rutherford George W. , Weiser Sheri D.
Published: March 2018

Studies have shown that people suffering from food insecurity are at higher risk for infectious and noncommunicable diseases and have poorer health outcomes. No study, however, has examined the association between food insecurity and outcomes related to Ebola virus disease (EVD). We conducted a cross-sectional study in two Ebola-affected communities in Kono district, Sierra Leone, from November 2015 to September 2016. We enrolled persons who were determined to have been exposed to Ebola virus. We assessed the association of food insecurity, using an adapted version of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, a nine-item scale well validated across Africa, with having been diagnosed with EVD and having died of EVD, using logistic regression models with cluster-adjusted standard errors. We interviewed 326 persons who were exposed to Ebola virus; 61 (19%) were diagnosed with EVD and 45/61 (74%) died. We found high levels (87%) of food insecurity, but there was no association between food insecurity and having been diagnosed with EVD. Among EVD cases, those who were food insecure had 18.3 times the adjusted odds of death than those who were food secure (P = 0.03). This is the first study to demonstrate a potential relationship between food insecurity and having died of EVD, although larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
International Medical Graduates in the US Physician Workforce and Graduate Medical Education: Current and Historical Trends
Authors: Ahmed Awad A. , Hwang Wei-Ting , Thomas Charles R. , Deville Curtiland
Published: March 2018

Background 

Data show that international medical graduates (IMGs), both US and foreign born, are more likely to enter primary care specialties and practice in underserved areas. Comprehensive assessments of representation trends for IMGs in the US physician workforce are limited.

Objective 

We reported current and historical representation trends for IMGs in the graduate medical education (GME) training pool and US practicing physician workforce.

Methods 

We compared representation for the total GME and active practicing physician pools with the 20 largest residency specialties. A 2-sided test was used for comparison, with P < .001 considered significant. To assess significant increases in IMG GME trainee representation for the total pool and each of the specialties from 1990–2015, the slope was estimated using simple linear regression.

Results 

IMGs showed significantly greater representation among active practicing physicians in 4 specialties: internal medicine (39%), neurology (31%), psychiatry (30%), and pediatrics (25%). IMGs in GME showed significantly greater representation in 5 specialties: pathology (39%), internal medicine (39%), neurology (36%), family medicine (32%), and psychiatry (31%; all P < .001). Over the past quarter century, IMG representation in GME has increased by 0.2% per year in the total GME pool, and 1.1% per year for family medicine, 0.5% for obstetrics and gynecology and general surgery, and 0.3% for internal medicine.

Conclusions 

IMGs make up nearly a quarter of the total GME pool and practicing physician workforce, with a disproportionate share, and larger increases over our study period in certain specialties.
3-D-printed smart screw: functionalization during additive fabrication
Authors: Gräbner Daniel , Dödtmann Simon , Dumstorff Gerrit , Lucklum Frieder
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Integrating sensors into machine parts is a necessary step for the development of smart or intelligent components. Sensors integrated into materials such as concrete, fiber compounds, or metals are already used to measure strain, temperature, or corrosion. The integration is mostly done during fabrication, where the sensor is recast in the material during processing. However, approaches to integrate sensors into parts fabricated by additive manufacturing are still rarely found. Especially in the case of rapid prototyping, additive techniques are already substituting the machining of parts using classical technologies like cutting, drilling and milling. To characterize such 3-D-printed machine parts the direct integration of sensing elements is the next logical step. This can be done in multi-material printing by using insulating, magnetic, and conductive materials. In the case of single material printing, our idea is to integrate a sensing element during the printing process itself. As proof-of-concept, we present the functionalization of 3-D-printed screws. Strain gauges screen-printed on a 6 µm thick foil are interposed into the 3-D part during microstereolithography printing. We measure the torsional strain in the screw head to calculate the prestressing force in screws made from different plastic materials. We also analyze the defect effect by comparing it to screws without integrated elements.
Effect of additives to microbiological quality of yogurts
Authors: Pytel Roman , Cwiková Olga , Ondruší­ková Sylvie , Nedomová Šárka , Kumbár Vojtěch
Published: March 2018

The objective of this work was to study the effect of addition chia flour, quinoa flour, nopal powder, apple fibre and bamboo fibre BAF 40 in yogurt to microbiological quality. Yogurts were made with 1, 3 and 5% of addition of these additives. The milk used for manufacturing was heated up to 85 °C for 5 min and flour, powder and fiber were irradiated for 20 min in three replicates. It was monitored: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) - 72 hours at 30 °C (ISO 13721:1998) and yeasts and moulds - 5 days at 25 °C (ISO 21527-1:2009). During storage, the number of LAB was increased to match the initial concentration of yogurt with addition chia flour (concentration 1, 3, 5%) and quinoa flour (1%). The addition of nopal powder, apple or bamboo fiber to yogurt showed a tendency to decrease the number of LAB compared with its initial concentration. All samples were compared with the control yogurt without addition whatever flour, powder or fiber. The amount of yeasts and moulds was increased with the increasing addition of fiber in yogurts. The lowest amount of yeasts and moulds was in yogurt with the bamboo fiber. On the other hand the highest amount was in yogurt with chia flour.
Thermo-mechanical properties of dough enriched with wheat bran from different wheat variety
Authors: Lauková Michaela , Karovičová Jolana , Kohajdová Zlatica , Minarovičová Lucia
Published: March 2018

Wheat bran is the by-product derived from the wheat milling and represents a good source of dietary fiber. Consumption of wheat bran is associated with many health benefits. The hydration properties (water holding, water retention and swelling capacity) and oil binding capacity of bran from various wheat variety were investigated. It was showed that the water holding capacity of bran ranged from 2.27 to 2.98 g.g-1, which were approximately four times higher compared to wheat flour. Also, it was observed that commercial wheat bran was characterised with the highest swelling capacity (5.21 mL.g-1) and the lowest water retention and oil binding capacities (1.38 and 1.35 g.g-1, respectively). Mixing and pasting properties of wheat dough with addition of bran at different level (5, 10 and 15%) were studied using Mixolab. From the results it was concluded that water absorption and dough development time increased with addition of different bran, while dough stability decreased. Moreover, with increasing addition level of different bran significantly affected the thermo-mechanical properties of wheat dough. The lowest effect on protein weakening was found after addition of spelt bran. The higher starch pasting ability of enriched dough was recorded after incorporation of bran from crossbreed Lubica. Furthermore, it was found that dough enriched with the commercial wheat bran was characterized by the lowest values of C3 (lower starch pasting ability), C4 (lower stability of hot formed gel) and C5 (lower starch retrogradation) parameters.
Effect of different reverse transcription aproaches in Pru p 3 transcripts semiquantitative amplification
Authors: Žiarovská Jana , Kyseľ Matúš , Zeleňáková Lucia
Published: March 2018

Reverse transcriptase transcribes the cDNA based on its previous extraction and standardization. Reverse transcription step is considered to be critical in the workflow of quantification of transcribed genes. The aim of the study was to extract total RNA by different methods and to analyse the results of the subsequent reverse transcription reaction when different commercial RT kits were used to process RNA extracted from pulp of matured peach fruit. Mature peach pulp was used in the study. The fruit of variety Vistarich was collected in summer 2017 in the orchard of Dvory nad Žitavou. Two RNA extraction methods, TRIzol® Reagent and GeneJET Plant RNA Purification Kit, were tested in to determine the suitable method for peach fruit RNA extraction. Three different cDNA reagent sets were used to transcribe 115 ng/500 ng total RNA or 11 ng/115 ng, respectively. Both variants of the primers, random hexamers as well as oligo (dT) 18, were used to anneal the target mRNA of Pru p 3 allergen following the manufacturer instructions. No specific effect was obtained in the case of peach fruit when using ethanol-extracted tissue treatment and the effect of the used extraction method was more significant. The A260/230 ratios were similar for three from four tested methods. In the case of these three methods, the A260/A230 ratios for all the extracted samples were higher than 1.9 which indicates high purity without contamination by polyphenols and polysaccharides. The specificity of obtained amplicons was proved by restriction cleavage using Tse I restriction endonuclease. This provided the cleavage of the 179 bp long product in all amplicons. Working with mature fruit meet a specific situation in the field of RNA extraction and subsequently all the downstream applications. That is, why choosing the most fitting methods and kits is a crucial step. Here, the method for the semi-quantitative analysis of the Pru p 3 allergen expressions was set up in the way that will be directly applicable for Pru p 3 expression analyses.
Characteristics of Paprika samples of different geographical origin
Authors: Štursa Václav , Diviš Pavel , Poří­zka Jaromí­r
Published: March 2018

This study investigated 11 different kinds of ground paprika of different geographical origin and tried to find some correlations between their measured chemical composition and country of origin. The parameters examined in ground paprika were as follows: sample moisture, total content of ash, total content of lipids, total content of nitrogen, content of saccharides (glucose, fructose, sucrose), elemental analysis (selected elements were Ca, K, Mg, Na, Cu, Fe, P a Zn), ASTA color value and pH value of water extract. Average content of moisture in paprika was 10.7 ±1.7 %. Average content of ash in the paprika samples was 5.8 ±0.6. Average total lipid content in paprika was 10.6 ±3.3 %. Total content of nitrogen in paprika was 1.93 ±0.17 % in average. Content of fructose (316 ±92 mg·g-1 ), glucose (215 ±119 mg·g-1 ) and sucrose (92 ±41 mg·g-1 ) in ground paprika was measured by HPLC-ELSD. Elemental analysis has been performed by ICP-OES. Average content of individual elements was: Ca 27 ±7 mg·g-1 , K 198 ±23 mg·g-1 , Mg 23 ±4 mg·g-1 , Na 20 ±4 mg·g-1 , Cu 0.155 ±0.015 mg·g-1 , Fe 1.2 ±0.4 mg·g-1 , P 33 ±6 mg·g-1 and Zn 0.17 ±0.04 mg·g-1 . Average ASTA color value of paprika samples was 119 ±31 ASTA. The pH value of paprika water extract was 5.13 ±0.12 in average. Obtained data were statistically processed with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) on p <0.05 and with Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Statistical analysis of the data confirmed, that samples from more distant regions (Hungary, Spain, Turkey, Bulgaria) can be differentiated according to their different chemical composition, while samples from similar regions (Hungary, Slovakia, Romania) is more difficult to differentiate
Investigating Health Promotion in the Light of Theories of the Policy Process: The Perceptions of Finnish Practitioners
Authors: Rizzo Fulvio
Published: March 2018

As a new form of health governance, health promotion still lacks a distinctive institutional structure. Thus, it is important to engage it more with social science in order to explain goals, perceptions, and events among a variety of stakeholders. This manuscript investigates health promotion approaches, structures, and implementations by a qualitative study undertaken in the region of South Savo, Finland, with practitioners from the public, private and third sectors. The analysis reveals that health promotion appears to be a random result of the conflicting interests, motives and struggles of different people and institutions in different areas of policy making. The effectiveness of health promotion could be improved both by increasing the skills of practitioners involved with such policy field, and by further developing the comprehensiveness and inclusiveness of accessible services. A better integration of the health information of private individuals and specific population groups is also desirable.
Alterations in Range of Motion and Clinical Outcomes After Femoroplasty in Asians
Authors: Choi Seung Min , Park Myung Sik , Ju Bareun Chan , Yoon Sun Jung
Published: March 2018

Introduction:

The restoration of range of motion after surgery in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome is considered an important factor that improves clinical outcomes and determines the quality of life of patients, especially in the Asian population.

Methods:

Arthroscopic femoroplasty was done in 109 Asian patients with cam impingement. The patients were retrospectively evaluated using range of motion and clinical outcomes (Harris Hip Score [HHS], visual analog scale score, Hip Outcome Score–Activity of Daily Living, and Hip Outcome Score–Sports subscales) between preoperative and postoperative conditions, with a follow-up period of >2 years.

Results:

The increments of hip motion were an internal rotation of 10.1° (P < 0.05) at 3 postoperative months and an external rotation of 11.8° (P < 0.05) at approximately 6 postoperative months; both were maintained at 2 postoperative years. Mean clinical outcomes improved from 69.1 to 82.1 for HHS, from 6.0 to 2.1 for the visual analog scale score, and from 40.1 to 68.7 for the Hip Outcome Score–Sports Subscale at 6 postoperative months (P < 0.05) and were maintained at 2 years. Younger subjects (<45 years of age) displayed even greater improvements in the HHS and Hip Outcome Score–Activity of Daily Living/Sports Subscale than the other group (≥45 years of age) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Patients who underwent arthroscopic femoroplasty showed improvements in internal rotation at 3 months postoperatively and external rotation at approximately 6 months postoperatively. In addition, younger age (<45 years and the restoration of rotational hip motion resulted in better clinical outcomes.

Level of Evidence:

III a.
A rare case of unprovoked venous thromboembolism manifestation in a young patient with antithrombin Type IIB deficiency combined with inferior vena cava anomaly from Lithuania
Authors: Saulytė-Trakymienė Sonata , Adomaitienė Irina , Unkrig Susanne , Oldenburg Johannes , Ivaškevičius Vytautas
Published: March 2018

Hereditary antithrombin (AT) deficiency is an autosomal-dominant disorder predisposing to venous and arterial thrombosis. Homozygosity resulting in severe AT deficiency is not compatible with life, apart from homozygous mutations affecting the heparin-binding site representing the most severe thrombophilia. Patients and methods: A 12-year-old previously healthy boy of Romani origin presented with a swollen, painful left leg and fever. Imaging revealed signs of inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis, the presence of interrupted intrahepatic IVC with azygos continuation and bilateral iliofemoral thrombosis with enlargement of the azygous and hemiazygos venous system. In addition, right pleural effusion and signs of bilateral renal pericortical cysts, possibly caused by retroperitoneal lymphangiectasia, were disclosed. Thrombophilia screening involving protein C, Protein S, Antithrombin (chromogenic assays based on the inhibition of FIIa and FXa, antigen concentration), APC resistance, prothrombin mutation and Lupus anticoagulants was performed using standard laboratory methods. Genetic analysis of the SERPINC1 gene was done by direct sequencing. Results: Thrombophilia screening showed isolated decreased AT activity at 21% (RR 80–120%). AT levels were retested and remained decreased (33–36%) on two consecutive occasions. SERPINC1 gene analysis revealed a previously described homozygous mutation (Budapest III) causing type IIB deficiency (c.391C>T; p.Leu131Phe). A family study confirmed the same mutation in both parents and three siblings. The patient improved significantly following warfarin therapy and over the past 2.5 years did not experience new thromboembolism. Conclusions: This case represents a rare combination of two risk factors provoking manifestation of spontaneous venous thromboembolism at a young age requiring permanent anticoagulant therapy.
What Does Marketing Mean to Japanese NPO Managers?
Authors: Ito Hiroshi
Published: March 2018

For the past two decades, the number of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) in Japan has notably increased. As competition for funding is tougher than ever before, marketing plays a crucial role for NPOs to seek financial and human resources and deliver social services. Previous research regarding Japanese nonprofit marketing identifies that NPOs that are oriented more toward marketing face fewer issues and perform better than those who do not invest in marketing activities. As the existing literature suggests, however, many nonprofit managers do not understand the rationale of marketing and are often biased in believing that it is a business activity for making profit that is irrelevant to NPOs. The situation may be similar or even worse in Japan as some Japanese nonprofit managers appear biased against business and may regard marketing as a means of manipulating customers and selling products. In this context, the present study examines how nonprofit managers in Japan view marketing, as their views on marketing may affect their organizations’ marketing activities.
The Response of G7 Real Exchange Rates to Oil Price Shocks
Authors: Al Rasasi Moayad H.
Published: March 2018

This paper evaluates the response of G7 real exchange rates to oil supply and demand shocks developed by Kilian (2009). We find evidence suggesting that oil shocks are associated with the appreciation (depreciation) of real exchange rates for oil exporting (importing) countries. Further evidence, based on the analysis of forecast error variance decomposition, indicates that oil-specific demand shocks are the main contributor to variation in real exchange rates, whereas oil supply shocks contribute the least. Finally, regarding the role of monetary policy in responding to oil and exchange rate shocks, we find evidence showing monetary policy reacts only to oil-specific demand and aggregate demand shocks in three countries, whereas monetary policy responds to real exchange rate fluctuations in four countries.
Antibiotic therapy of acute upper respiratory tract infections and otitis media in adults
Authors: Paź Aleksandra , Arimowicz Magdalena
Published: March 2018

An estimated 50% of antibiotic prescriptions may be unjustified in the outpatient setting. Viruses are responsible for most
acute respiratory tract infections. The viral infections are often self-limiting and only symptomatic treatment remains effective.
Bacteria are involved in a small percentage of infections etiology in this area. In the case of a justified or documented
suspicion of a bacterial infection, antibiotic therapy may be indicated. Based on the Polish „Recommendations for the management
of non-hospital respiratory infections 2016”, the indications, the rules of choice, the appropriate dosing schedules
and the therapy duration, in the most frequent upper respiratory tract infections in adults, have been presented. Implementation
of the presented recommendations regarding our Polish epidemiological situation, will significantly reduce the tendency
to abuse antibiotics, and thus will limit the spread of drug-resistant microorganisms.
Le développement économique de l’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick, de 1986 à 2011
Authors: Desjardins Pierre-Marcel
Published: March 2018

Il y a quelques décennies, la plupart des régions acadiennes du Nouveau-Brunswick comptaient parmi les plus pauvres au Canada. L’objectif principal de cet article est de voir si ces disparités existent toujours. Nous partons du constat que l’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick est essentiellement rurale. Notre analyse s’inscrit donc dans une perspective urbaine-rurale. Quatre groupes de variables (démographie, revenus, éducation et marché du travail) sont utilisés pour évaluer la performance économique des régions acadiennes entre 1986 à 2011. Nous observons que les comtés du sud-est de la province, Kent et surtout Westmorland, ont connu une performance généralement supérieure aux régions de référence. C’est moins le cas pour les comtés du nord de la province, qu’on les compare à la moyenne nationale ou à la moyenne des régions de référence. La seule variable où il y a eu une amélioration dans tous les comtés acadiens est la dépendance envers les transferts gouvernementaux. Or ce fait ne reflète pas nécessairement une amélioration des conditions économiques, mais résulte peut-être autant, sinon plus, des modifications apportées à certains programmes gouvernementaux, comme l’assurance-emploi. Notons également d’importants défis au chapitre de la démographie, autant au niveau du taux de croissance de la population que du taux d’immigration.
L’Acadie à la frontière : réflexion à partir de la gouvernance forestière
Authors: Chiasson Guy , Mévellec Anne , Audet Étienne
Published: March 2018

Cet article explore l’impact des frontières sur le développement des territoires en Acadie. Plus précisément, l’analyse porte sur l’influence des frontières américaine et québécoise sur le secteur forestier dans les comtés de Restigouche et Madawaska. L’analyse montre que des effets contradictoires de la position frontalière de ces comtés. D’une part, la porosité de la frontière entre le Madawaska et le Maine semble consolider la dynamique de staples d’une industrie régionale longtemps rythmée par l’accès au marché américain. D’autre part, la proximité du Québec a permis la circulation de nouvelles pratiques de gouvernance forestière inspirées de ce qui se fait de l’autre côté de la rivière Restigouche. On peut donc voir un rapport paradoxal avec la frontière qui favorise à la fois un renforcement du modèle centralisé de développement forestier et des pratiques de gouvernance alternatives.
Bottom trawling effects on marine macrobenthos: Changes in ecological functioning interpreted by a biological multiple traits approach
Authors: Dinesen Grete E. , Gislason Henrik , McLaverty Ciaran , Bastardie Francois , Eigaard Ole R.
Published: March 2018

Bottom trawling may adversely affect the ecological functioning of marine habitats and associated macrobenthos communities. While several studies have assessed the variability and sensitivity of invertebrate taxa and biodiversity indices to human impacts, few ecological indicators have proven sensitive to bottom trawling. In a recent study, trawling intensity explained more of the variation in total macrobenthos density than in species density and derived biodiversity indices; however, changes in ecological functioning were not tested. The aim of this study was to investigate whether trawling induced variation in total macrobenthos density translates into changes in ecological functioning by using 35 modalities across 8 response and effects traits. Quantitative macrobenthos time series data (2006-2015) from a complex, northern European sea (the Kattegat connecting the North Sea and Baltic Sea) were analysed to decipher ecosystem responsiveness to trawling intensity and 6 key environmental variables. Linear mixed effects models were used to identify potential indicators sensitive to bottom trawling while accounting for spatial and temporal random effects as well as for individual-species density correlations. We compare these results with those of multivariate statistical analyses (DistLM, dbDA) and discuss the fundamental implications of our findings and their application for fisheries management and seafloor integrity assessments.
Dengue viruses cleave STING in humans but not in nonhuman primates, their presumed natural reservoir
Authors: Stabell Alex C , Meyerson Nicholas R , Gullberg Rebekah C , Gilchrist Alison R , Webb Kristofor J , Old William M , Perera Rushika , Sawyer Sara L
Published: March 2018

Human dengue viruses emerged from primate reservoirs, yet paradoxically dengue does not reach high titers in primate models. This presents a unique opportunity to examine the genetics of spillover versus reservoir hosts. The dengue virus 2 (DENV2) - encoded protease cleaves human STING, reducing type I interferon production and boosting viral titers in humans. We find that both human and sylvatic (reservoir) dengue viruses universally cleave human STING, but not the STING of primates implicated as reservoir species. The special ability of dengue to cleave STING is thus specific to humans and a few closely related ape species. Conversion of residues 78/79 to the human-encoded ‘RG’ renders all primate (and mouse) STINGs sensitive to viral cleavage. Dengue viruses may have evolved to increase viral titers in the dense and vast human population, while maintaining decreased titers and pathogenicity in the more rare animals that serve as their sustaining reservoir in nature.
The systematic position of the enigmatic thyreophoran dinosaurParanthodon africanus, and the use of basal exemplifiers in phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Raven Thomas J. , Maidment Susannah C.R.
Published: March 2018

The first African dinosaur to be discovered,Paranthodon africanuswas found in 1845 in the Lower Cretaceous of South Africa. Taxonomically assigned to numerous groups since discovery, in 1981 it was described as a stegosaur, a group of armoured ornithischian dinosaurs characterised by bizarre plates and spines extending from the neck to the tail. This assignment has been subsequently accepted. The type material consists of a premaxilla, maxilla, a nasal, and a vertebra, and contains no synapomorphies of Stegosauria. Several features of the maxilla and dentition are reminiscent of Ankylosauria, the sister-taxon to Stegosauria, and the premaxilla appears superficially similar to that of some ornithopods. The vertebral material has never been described, and since the last description of the specimen, there have been numerous discoveries of thyreophoran material potentially pertinent to establishing the taxonomic assignment of the specimen. An investigation of the taxonomic and systematic position ofParanthodonis therefore warranted. This study provides a detailed re-description, including the first description of the vertebra. Numerous phylogenetic analyses demonstrate that the systematic position ofParanthodonis highly labile and subject to change depending on which exemplifier for the clade Stegosauria is used. The results indicate that the use of a basal exemplifier may not result in the correct phylogenetic position of a taxon being recovered if the taxon displays character states more derived than those of the basal exemplifier, and we recommend the use, minimally, of one basal and one derived exemplifier per clade.Paranthodonis most robustly recovered as a stegosaur in our analyses, meaning it is one of the youngest and southernmost stegosaurs.
Rediscovering Ducos du Hauron's Color Photography through a Review of His Three‐Color Printing Processes and Synchrotron Microanalysis of His Prints
Authors: Cotte Marine , Fabris Tiphaine , Langlois Juliette , Bellot‐Gurlet Ludovic , Ploye Françoise , Coural Natalie , Boust Clotilde , Gandolfo Jean‐Paul , Galifot Thomas , Susini Jean
Published: March 2018

Louis Ducos du Huron (1837–1920) dedicated his entire life to the elaboration of physical–chemical processes for color photography. This study aimed at highlighting his unique contribution to three‐color printing through 1) an in‐depth review of the many protocols he published and 2) the synchrotron‐based IR and X‐ray microanalysis of fragments sampled in three artworks. Ducos du Hauron's method relied on the preparation and assembly of three monochromes (red, blue, yellow). This study brings to light complex multistep recipes based on photochemistry (carbon print), organic, and inorganic chemistry. The various ingredients involved (e.g., pigments, dichromate gelatin, collodion, resin) were identified and localized through their spectroscopic signature, confirming the relevance of synchrotron spectromicroscopy for the characterization of historical photographs. The impressive correlation between texts and chemical analyses calls for a wider application to the history of photography.
Precision calculations for h → WW/ZZ → 4 fermions in the Two-Higgs-Doublet Model with Prophecy4f
Authors: Altenkamp Lukas , Dittmaier Stefan , Rzehak Heidi
Published: March 2018

Abstract

We have calculated the next-to-leading-order electroweak and QCD corrections to the decay processes h → WW/ZZ → 4 fermions of the light CP-even Higgs boson h of various types of Two-Higgs-Doublet Models (Types I and II, “lepton-specific” and “flipped” models). The input parameters are defined in four different renormalization schemes, where parameters that are not directly accessible by experiments are defined in the

$$ \overline{\mathrm{MS}} $$

M
S

¯

scheme. Numerical results are presented for the corrections to partial decay widths for various benchmark scenarios previously motivated in the literature, where we investigate the dependence on the

$$ \overline{\mathrm{MS}} $$

M
S

¯

renormalization scale and on the choice of the renormalization scheme in detail. We find that it is crucial to be precise with these issues in parameter analyses, since parameter conversions between different schemes can involve sizeable or large corrections, especially in scenarios that are close to experimental exclusion limits or theoretical bounds. It even turns out that some renormalization schemes are not applicable in specific regions of parameter space. Our investigation of differential distributions shows that corrections beyond the Standard Model are mostly constant offsets induced by the mixing between the light and heavy CP-even Higgs bosons, so that differential analyses of h→4f decay observables do not help to identify Two-Higgs-Doublet Models. Moreover, the decay widths do not significantly depend on the specific type of those models. The calculations are implemented in the public Monte Carlo generator Prophecy4f and ready for application.
A family segregating lethal neonatal coenzyme Q10 deficiency caused by mutations in COQ9
Authors: Smith Amanda C. , Ito Yoko , Ahmed Afsana , Schwartzentruber Jeremy A. , Beaulieu Chandree L. , Aberg Erika , Majewski Jacek , Bulman Dennis E. , Horsting‐Wethly Karina , Koning Diana Vermunt‐de ,   Care4Rare Canada Consortium, Rodenburg Richard J. , Boycott Kym M. , Penney Lynette S.
Published: March 2018

Primary CoQ10 deficiency is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous, autosomal recessive disorder resulting from mutations in genes involved in the synthesis of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). To date, mutations in nine proteins required for the biosynthesis of CoQ10 cause CoQ10 deficiency with varying clinical presentations. In 2009 the first patient with mutations in COQ9 was reported in an infant with a neonatal‐onset, primary CoQ10 deficiency with multi‐system disease. Here we describe four siblings with a previously undiagnosed lethal disorder characterized by oligohydramnios and intrauterine growth restriction, variable cardiomyopathy, anemia, and renal anomalies. The first and third pregnancy resulted in live born babies with abnormal tone who developed severe, treatment unresponsive lactic acidosis after birth and died hours later. Autopsy on one of the siblings demonstrated brain changes suggestive of the subacute necrotizing encephalopathy of Leigh disease. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) revealed the siblings shared compound heterozygous mutations in the COQ9 gene with both variants predicted to affect splicing. RT‐PCR on RNA from patient fibroblasts revealed that the c.521 + 2 T > C variant resulted in splicing out of exons 4–5 and the c.711 + 3G > C variant spliced out exon 6, resulting in undetectable levels of COQ9 protein in patient fibroblasts. The biochemical profile of patient fibroblasts demonstrated a drastic reduction in CoQ10 levels. An additional peak on the chromatogram may represent accumulation of demethoxy coenzyme Q (DMQ), which was shown previously to accumulate as a result of a defect in COQ9. This family expands our understanding of this rare metabolic disease and highlights the prenatal onset, clinical variability, severity, and biochemical profile associated with COQ9‐related CoQ10 deficiencies.
Treatment with chenodeoxycholic acid in cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis: clinical, neurophysiological, and quantitative brain structural outcomes
Authors: Amador Maria del Mar , Masingue Marion , Debs Rabab , Lamari Foudil , Perlbarg Vincent , Roze Emmanuel , Degos Bertrand , Mochel Fanny
Published: March 2018

Background

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare neurodegenerative disease related to sterols metabolism. It affects both central and peripheral nervous systems but treatment with chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) has been reported to stabilize clinical scores and improve nerve conduction parameters. Few quantitative brain structural studies have been conducted to assess the effect of CDCA in CTX.

Methods and results

We collected retrospectively clinical, neurophysiological, and quantitative brain structural data in a cohort of 14 patients with CTX treated by CDCA over a mean period of 5 years. Plasma cholestanol levels normalized under treatment with CDCA within a few months. We observed a significant clinical improvement in patients up to 25 years old, whose treatment was initiated less than 15 years after the onset of neurological symptoms. Conversely, patients whose treatment was initiated more than 25 years after neurological disease onset continued their clinical deterioration. Eleven patients presented with a length‐dependent peripheral neuropathy, whose electrophysiological parameters improved significantly under CDCA. Volumetric analyses in a subset of patients showed no overt volume loss under CDCA. Moreover, diffusion weighted imaging showed improved fiber integrity of the ponto‐cerebellar and the internal capsule with CDCA. CDCA was well tolerated in all patients with CTX.

Conclusion

CDCA may reverse the pathophysiological process in patients with CTX, especially if treatment is initiated early in the disease process. Besides tendon xanthoma, this study stresses the need to consider plasma cholestanol measurement in any patient with infantile chronic diarrhea and/or jaundice, juvenile cataract, learning disability and/or autism spectrum disorder, pyramidal signs, cerebellar syndrome or peripheral neuropathy.
Asymptotic shape and the speed of propagation of continuous-time continuous-space birth processes
Authors: Bezborodov Viktor , Di Persio Luca , Krueger Tyll , Lebid Mykola , Ożański Tomasz
Published: March 2018

We formulate and prove a shape theorem for a continuous-time continuous-space stochastic growth model under certain general conditions. Similar to the classical lattice growth models, the proof makes use of the subadditive ergodic theorem. A precise expression for the speed of propagation is given in the case of a truncated free-branching birth rate.
Establishing the Incidence and Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis in Saskatchewan
Authors: Al-Sakran Lina H. , Marrie Ruth Ann , Blackburn David F. , Knox Katherine B. , Evans Charity D.
Published: March 2018

Objective: To validate a case definition of multiple sclerosis (MS) using health administrative data and to provide the first province-wide estimates of MS incidence and prevalence for Saskatchewan, Canada. Methods: We used population-based health administrative data between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2015 to identify individuals with MS using two potential case definitions: (1) ≥3 hospital, physician, or prescription claims (Marrie definition); (2) ≥1 hospitalization or ≥5 physician claims within 2 years (Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System [CCDSS] definition). We validated the case definitions using diagnoses from medical records (n=400) as the gold standard. Results: The Marrie definition had a sensitivity of 99.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 92.3-99.2), specificity of 98.5% (95% CI 97.3-100.0), positive predictive value (PPV) of 99.5% (95% CI 97.2-100.0), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.5% (95% CI 94.4-99.2). The CCDSS definition had a sensitivity of 91.0% (95% CI 81.2-94.6), specificity of 99.0% (95% CI 96.4-99.9), PPV of 98.9% (95% CI 96.1-99.9), and NPV of 91.7% (95% CI 87.2-95.0). Using the more sensitive Marrie definition, the average annual adjusted incidence per 100,000 between 2001 and 2013 was 16.5 (95% CI 15.8-17.2), and the age- and sex-standardized prevalence of MS in Saskatchewan in 2013 was 313.6 per 100,000 (95% CI 303.0-324.3). Over the study period, incidence remained stable while prevalence increased slightly. Conclusion: We confirm Saskatchewan has one of the highest rates of MS in the world. Similar to other regions in Canada, incidence has remained stable while prevalence has gradually increased.
Calibration of EFOSC2 Broadband Linear Imaging Polarimetry
Authors: Wiersema K. , Higgins A. B. , Covino S. , Starling R. L. C.
Published: March 2018

The European Southern Observatory Faint Object Spectrograph and Camera v2 is one of the workhorse instruments on ESO’s New Technology Telescope, and is one of the most popular instruments at La Silla observatory. It is mounted at a Nasmyth focus, and therefore exhibits strong, wavelength and pointing-direction-dependent instrumental polarisation. In this document, we describe our efforts to calibrate the broadband imaging polarimetry mode, and provide a calibration for broadband B, V, and R filters to a level that satisfies most use cases (i.e. polarimetric calibration uncertainty ~0.1%). We make our calibration codes public. This calibration effort can be used to enhance the yield of future polarimetric programmes with the European Southern Observatory Faint Object Spectrograph and Camera v2, by allowing good calibration with a greatly reduced number of standard star observations. Similarly, our calibration model can be combined with archival calibration observations to post-process data taken in past years, to form the European Southern Observatory Faint Object Spectrograph and Camera v2 legacy archive with substantial scientific potential.