bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Working Memory Impairment in Patients with Non-neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Blood-oxygen-level Dependent Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Zhu Chun-Min , Ma Ye , Xie Lei , Huang Jin-Zhuang , Sun Zong-Bo , Duan Shou-Xing , Lin Zhi-Rong , Yin Jing-Jing , Le Hong-Bo , Sun Dan-Miao , Xu Wen-Can , Ma Shu-Hua
Published: January 2017

Objective.

Using ethology and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to explore mild cognitive dysfunction and spatial working memory (WM) impairment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) without overt neuropsychiatric symptoms (non-NPSLE) and to study whether any clinical biomarkers could serve as predictors of brain dysfunction in this disease.

Methods.

Eighteen non-NPSLE patients and 18 matched subjects were all tested using the Montreal cognitive assessment scale test and scanned using blood-oxygen-level dependent fMRI while performing the n-back task to investigate the activation intensity of some cognition-related areas.

Results.

Ethology results showed that non-NPSLE patients had mild cognitive dysfunction and memory dysfunction (p < 0.05). The fMRI scan confirmed a neural network consisting of bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), premotor area, parietal lobe, and supplementary motor area (SMA)/anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) that was activated during the n-back task, with right hemisphere dominance. However, only the right SMA/ACC showed a load effect in the non-NPSLE group; the activation intensity of most WM-related brain areas for the non-NPSLE group was lower than for the control group under 3 memory loads. Further, we found that the activation intensity of some cognition-related areas, including the bilateral caudate nucleus/insula and hippocampus/parahippocampal gyrus were lower than the control group under the memory loads. An inverse correlation existed between individual activation intensity and disease duration.

Conclusion.

Non-NPSLE–related brain damage with right DLPFC-posterior parietal lobe and parahippocampal gyrus default network causes impairment of spatial WM and mild cognitive dysfunction. Patients with longer disease duration would be expected to exhibit increased central nervous system damage.
Sleep Disturbances and Neurobehavioral Performance in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Ward Teresa M. , Beebe Dean W. , Chen Maida Lynn , Landis Carol A. , Ringold Sarah , Pike Ken , Wallace Carol A.
Published: January 2017

Objective.

To examine the extent of polysomnographic (PSG) sleep disturbances [obstructive apnea hypopnea index (OAHI), number of wake bouts, arousals, periodic limb movements] and the effect of OAHI on neurobehavioral performance in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), JIA without OSA, and controls without OSA, adjusting for intelligence quotient (IQ), pain, medications, daytime sleepiness, and wake bouts.

Methods.

Children 6–11 years, 68 with JIA and 67 controls, underwent 1 night of PSG and completed self-reported daytime sleepiness surveys, multiple sleep latency tests for physiological sleepiness, and neurobehavioral performance tests the next day.

Results.

Compared with JIA and controls without OSA, mean OAHI and arousals were significantly higher in JIA with OSA (p < 0.001, respectively). In comparison with JIA and controls without OSA, mean simple reaction time and sustained attention were significantly slower in JIA with OSA, adjusting for IQ, pain, any medication, daytime sleepiness, and wake bouts.

Conclusion.

Elevated OAHI is suggestive of obstructive sleep apnea and a comorbidity in JIA that may predispose children with JIA to daytime sleepiness and impaired neurobehavioral performance.
Fragility Fractures Are Associated with an Increased Risk for Cardiovascular Events in Women and Men with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Population-based Study
Authors: Ni Mhuircheartaigh Orla , Crowson Cynthia S. , Gabriel Sherine E. , Roger Veronique L. , Melton L. Joseph , Amin Shreyasee
Published: January 2017

Objective.

Women and men with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased risk for fragility fractures and cardiovascular disease (CVD), each of which has been reported to contribute to excess morbidity and mortality in these patients. Fragility fractures share similar risk factors for CVD but may occur at relatively younger ages in patients with RA. We aimed to determine whether a fragility fracture predicts the development of CVD in women and men with RA.

Methods.

We studied a population-based cohort with incident RA from 1955 to 2007 and compared it with age- and sex-matched non-RA subjects. We identified fragility fractures and CVD events following the RA incidence/index date, along with relevant risk factors. We used Cox models to examine the association between fractures and the development of CVD, in which fractures and CVD risk factors were modeled as time-dependent covariates.

Results.

There were 1171 subjects (822 women; 349 men) in each of the RA and non-RA cohorts. Over followup, there were 406 and 346 fragility fractures and 286 and 225 CVD events, respectively. The overall CVD risk was increased significantly for RA subjects following a fragility fracture (HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.38–2.37) but not for non-RA subjects (HR 1.18, 95% CI 0.85–1.63). Results were similar for women and men with RA.

Conclusion.

Fragility fractures in both women and men with RA are associated with an increased risk for CVD events and should raise an alert to clinicians to target these individuals for further screening and preventive strategies for CVD.
Antimelanoma Differentiation-associated Gene 5 Antibody: Expanding the Clinical Spectrum in North American Patients with Dermatomyositis
Authors: Moghadam-Kia Siamak , Oddis Chester V. , Sato Shinji , Kuwana Masataka , Aggarwal Rohit
Published: January 2017

Objective.

To determine the clinical features associated with the antimelanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 antibody (anti-MDA5) in US patients with clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM) and classic DM.

Methods.

Patients with CADM were consecutively selected from the University of Pittsburgh Myositis Database from 1985 to 2013. CADM was defined by a typical DM rash without objective muscle weakness and no or minimal abnormalities of muscle enzymes, electromyography, or muscle biopsy. DM was defined by Bohan and Peter criteria and was 1:1 matched (sex and age ± 5 yrs) to patients with CADM. Anti-MDA5 autoAb levels were determined using ELISA. Clinical features were compared between CADM and DM and between MDA5-positive and MDA5-negative subjects, using chi-squared and/or Mann-Whitney U tests as appropriate.

Results.

We identified 61 patients with CADM who were matched to 61 DM controls (female 62% vs 64%; mean age 44.8 yrs vs 48.2, p < 0.5). Anti-MDA5 frequency was the same in both cohorts (13.1%), and anti-MDA5 was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of cutaneous ulcers, digital tip ulcerations, and puffy fingers as well as interstitial lung disease (ILD). Most patients with ILD had rapidly progressive ILD (RPILD) leading to early death. Patients with CADM were more likely to have dysphagia, but there were no other clinical differences seen associated with CADM as compared to classic DM.

Conclusion.

Anti-MDA5 positivity had a similar frequency in US patients with CADM and DM and is associated with ILD, RPILD, cutaneous ulcers, digital tip ulceration, and poor survival.
Sex-specific Relationship of Serum Uric Acid with All-cause Mortality in Adults with Normal Kidney Function: An Observational Study
Authors: Kang Eunjeong , Hwang Seung-sik , Kim Dong Ki , Oh Kook-Hwan , Joo Kwon Wook , Kim Yon Su , Lee Hajeong
Published: January 2017

Objective.

To explain the clinical effect of serum uric acid (SUA) levels as a risk factor for mortality, considering exclusion of kidney function.

Methods.

Participants aged over 40 years who underwent health checkups were recruited. Individuals with estimated glomerular filtrations rates < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2and who received laboratory study and colonoscopy on the same day were excluded.

Results.

SUA levels were higher in men than in women (5.7 ± 1.2 mg/dl for men and 4.2 ± 0.9 mg/dl for women, p < 0.001). During 12.3 ± 3.6 years of followup, 1402 deaths occurred among 27,490 participants. About 6.9% of men and 3.1% of women died. The overall mortality rate had a U-shaped association with SUA levels, a U-shaped association in men, and no association in women. There was a significant interaction of sex for the SUA-mortality association (p for interaction = 0.049); therefore, survival analysis was conducted by sex. In men, the lower SUA group had a higher mortality rate after adjustment (SUA ≤ 4.0 mg/dl, adjusted HR 1.413, 95% CI 1.158–1.724, p = 0.001) compared with the reference group (SUA 4.1–6.0 mg/dl). A higher SUA contributed to an insignificant increased mortality in men (> 8.0 mg/dl, adjusted HR 1.140, 95% CI 0.794–1.636, p = 0.479). Women failed to show any significant association between SUA and mortality.

Conclusion.

This study provided novel evidence that SUA-mortality association differed by sex. We demonstrated that a lower SUA was an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in men with normal kidney function.
Malignancies in Patients with Anti-RNA Polymerase III Antibodies and Systemic Sclerosis: Analysis of the EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research Cohort and Possible Recommendations for Screening
Authors: Lazzaroni Maria-Grazia , Cavazzana Ilaria , Colombo Enrico , Dobrota Rucsandra , Hernandez Jasmin , Hesselstrand Roger , Varju Cecilia , Nagy Gabriella , Smith Vanessa , Caramaschi Paola , Riccieri Valeria , Hachulla Eric , Balbir-Gurman Alexandra , Chatelus Emmanuel , Romanowska-Próchnicka Katarzyna , Araújo Ana Carolina , Distler Oliver , Allanore Yannick , Airò Paolo ,   EUSTAR co-authors
Published: January 2017

Objective.

To analyze the characteristics of anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies (anti-RNAP3)− positive patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) in the European League Against Rheumatism Scleroderma Trials and Research group (EUSTAR) registry with a focus on the risk of cancer and the characteristics of malignancies, and the aim to provide guidelines about potential cancer screening in these patients.

Methods.

(1) Analysis of the EUSTAR database: 4986 patients with information on their anti-RNAP3 status were included. (2) Case-control study: additional retrospective data, including malignancy history, were queried in 13 participating EUSTAR centers; 158 anti-RNAP3+ cases were compared with 199 local anti-RNAP3− controls, matched for sex, cutaneous subset, disease duration, and age at SSc onset. (3) A Delphi exercise was performed by 82 experts to reach consensus for cancer screening in anti-RNAP3+ patients.

Results.

In the EUSTAR registry, anti-RNAP3 were associated in multivariable analysis with renal crisis and diffuse cutaneous involvement. In the case-control study, anti-RNAP3 were associated with gastric antral vascular ectasia, rapid progression of skin involvement, and malignancies concomitant to SSc onset (OR 7.38, 95% CI 1.61–33.8). When compared with other anti-RNAP3+ patients, those with concomitant malignancies had older age (p < 0.001) and more frequent diffuse cutaneous involvement (p = 0.008). The Delphi exercise highlighted the need for malignancy screening at the time of diagnosis for anti-RNAP3+ patients and tight followup in the following years.

Conclusion.

Anti-RNAP3+ patients with SSc have a high risk of concomitant malignancy. These results have implications for clinical practice and suggest regular screening for cancer in anti-RNAP3+ patients.
Achieving Consensus on Total Joint Replacement Trial Outcome Reporting Using the OMERACT Filter: Endorsement of the Final Core Domain Set for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement Trials for Endstage Arthritis
Authors: Singh Jasvinder A. , Dowsey Michelle M. , Dohm Michael , Goodman Susan M. , Leong Amye L. , Scholte Voshaar Marieke M.J.H. , Choong Peter F.
Published: January 2017

Objective.

Discussion and endorsement of the OMERACT total joint replacement (TJR) core domain set for total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) for endstage arthritis; and next steps for selection of instruments.

Methods.

The OMERACT TJR working group met at the 2016 meeting at Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. We summarized the previous systematic reviews, the preliminary OMERACT TJR core domain set and results from previous surveys. We discussed preliminary core domains for TJR clinical trials, made modifications, and identified challenges with domain measurement.

Results.

Working group participants (n = 26) reviewed, clarified, and endorsed each of the inner and middle circle domains and added a range of motion domain to the research agenda. TJR were limited to THR and TKR but included all endstage hip and knee arthritis refractory to medical treatment. Participants overwhelmingly endorsed identification and evaluation of top instruments mapping to the core domains (100%) and use of subscales of validated multidimensional instruments to measure core domains for the TJR clinical trial core measurement set (92%).

Conclusion.

An OMERACT core domain set for hip/knee TJR trials has been defined and we are selecting instruments to develop the TJR clinical trial core measurement set to serve as a common foundation for harmonizing measures in TJR clinical trials.
Agreement Between Three Optical Coherence Tomography Devices to Assess the Insertion Distance and Thickness of Horizontal Rectus Muscles
Authors: De-Pablo-Gómez-de-Liaño Lucía , Fernández-Vigo José Ignacio , Ventura-Abreu Néstor , García-Feijóo Julián , Fernández-Vigo José Ángel , Gómez-de-Liaño Rosario
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To assess the agreement between two different spectral domain (SD-OCT) and one swept source (SS-OCT) optical coherence tomography device to measure the insertion distance and the thickness of the horizontal rectus muscles.

Methods:

Seventy eyes from 35 healthy patients were studied. Three OCT instruments—Spectralis (Heidelberg Engineering Inc., Heidelberg, Germany), Cirrus 5000 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA), and Triton (Topcon, Inc., Tokyo, Japan)—were used to measure the limbus insertion distance and the thickness of the lateral rectus and medial rectus muscles. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to determine the reproducibility and the agreement between the three methods.

Results:

Measurement of the limbus insertion distance was possible in 100% of cases with the three OCT devices. The thickness could be measured in 75% or more patients with Spectralis, 74% or more with Cirrus, and 78% or more with Triton. The agreement of the insertion distance measurements between the three devices ranged from an ICC of 0.629 or greater to 0.887; for the muscle thickness, the ICC ranged from 0.495 or greater to 0.854. The best agreement existed between the Spectralis and Topcon devices for insertion distance (ICC = 0.715 to 0.887) and for muscle thickness (ICC = 0.641 to 0.854). The reproducibility of each device was good and was higher for insertion distance (ICC = 0.880) than for muscle thickness (ICC = 0.736). The highest reproducibility values were obtained with Triton.

Conclusions:

The three OCT devices permitted accurate and reproducible measurements of the limbus insertion distance and the thickness of the horizontal rectus muscles, showing moderate to good agreement between the SS-OCT and the two SD-OCT instruments.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2017;54(3):168–176.]
Update on Orthokeratology in Managing Progressive Myopia in Children: Efficacy, Mechanisms, and Concerns
Authors: Li Xintong , Friedman Ilana B. , Medow Norman B. , Zhang Cheng
Published: January 2017

Myopia is an important public health issue, and high myopia may lead to severe complications if left untreated. Orthokeratology lenses, worn overnight to reshape the cornea, are one of many recent modalities used to slow down the progression of myopia in children. This treatment has been proven successful, as evidenced by decreased spherical refractive error and axial length relative to the control at interval follow-up ranging from 6 months to 5 years. In this systematic review, the authors collected published controlled studies that analyzed the efficacy of orthokeratology lens wear and calculated longitudinal relative changes in axial length, revealing a weighted average of −45.1% change in axial length at the 2-year follow-up. The exact mechanism by which orthokeratology lenses reduce myopia progression is unknown, but research shows that the corneal reshaping decreases peripheral hyperopic defocus and therefore increases peripheral myopic defocus to likely reduce stimuli for axial elongation and subsequent development of myopia. Use of orthokeratology lenses is generally safe, but cases of associated infectious keratitis may have a higher incidence of virulent organisms such as
Pseudomonas
,
Acanthamoeba
, and antibacterial-resistant strains of
Staphylococcus
, partially due to the required overnight use of these lenses. Orthokeratology is regarded as one of the most effective non-pharmacologic measures to slow progression of myopia in children and, with regular follow-up to ensure safety, continues to be one of the most effective treatments for myopia management around the world.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2017;54(3):142–148.]
Caracterización textural con análisis de imagen: aplicación en cerámicas prehistóricas de Mallorca (1750-50 a.C.)
Authors: Albero Santacreu Daniel
Published: January 2017

La caracterización de la textura de las pastas cerámicas resulta esencial para poder estudiar ciertas elecciones tecnológicas de los alfareros en el pasado. Este artículo aborda la importancia que tienen los análisis texturales en el estudio de la cerámica así como algunas de las técnicas y metodologías utilizadas para caracterizar la textura de las vasijas. Como estudio de caso se aporta la caracterización textural con análisis de imagen de 132 cerámicas de diversos yacimientos la Edad del Bronce y del Hierro de Mallorca. Gracias a la combinación de los resultados con diversos análisis estadísticos ha sido posible dividir el registro en grupos texturales relacionados con diversas elecciones tecnológicas. Un análisis diacrónico de estos grupos ha permitido conectarlos con cambios en las recetas y tradiciones tecnológicas a lo largo de la prehistoria balear.
Nueva contribución a la cronología absoluta del foso-trinchera monumental de Stretto- Partanna (Trapani, Sicilia)
Authors: Martínez Sánchez Rafael M. , Martín de la Cruz José Clemente , Tusa Sebastiano , Ubera Jiménez José Luis , Kysnu Ingoglia Assia
Published: January 2017

Este trabajo constituye una contribución decisiva a la cronología absoluta del foso-trinchera de Contrada Stretto, en Partanna (Trapani, Sicilia), una de las más espectaculares construcciones realizadas por sociedades neolíticas del Mediterráneo Central. Esta estructura, excavada en el banco natural calcáreo hasta alcanzar una profundidad de 13 m, a juicio de algunos autores, formó parte de un complejo sistema hidráulico en el cual pudieron desempeñar un papel importante ciertos aspectos simbólicos o cultuales. Las cinco dataciones radiocarbónicas presentadas en este trabajo corresponden a los últimos 2 m de estratificación. Éstas apuntan a un inicio del proceso de colmatación a comienzos del V milenio cal AC, entre el 4950 y el 4800 cal AC. Defendemos como probable su construcción en un momento inmediatamente anterior, considerando el periodo de uso previo a su condena definitiva.
Resultados de las prospecciones geomagnéticas desarrolladas en el oppidum de Monte Bernorio (Pomar de Valdivia, Palencia)
Authors: Torres-Martínez Jesús F. , Teichner Felix , Fernández-Götz Manuel , Vallés Iriso Javier
Published: January 2017

Los trabajos de prospección geomagnética desarrollados en el oppidum de Monte Bernorio en los años 2007 y 2008 han ofrecido importante información sobre la estructura del asentamiento, sus sistemas de fortificación y las necrópolis asociadas. Además, los resultados han permitido mejorar la planificación de las campañas de intervención, ejecutando las excavaciones de un modo más eficiente y optimizando los recursos empleados. Este artículo presenta, por primera vez, un resumen de los resultados de estas prospecciones geomagnéticas realizadas en el marco de una colaboración internacional entre equipos científicos de España y Alemania.
APORTES DA CIDADE SUSTENTÁVEL PARA MARINGÁ/PR
Authors: Teodoro Pacelli Henrique Martins
Published: January 2017

Em Maringá, a sustentabilidade é representada como um artifício econômico e, por isto, este artigo possui o objetivo de fundamentar e adequar, teórica e empiricamente, a proposta de cidade sustentável a partir da produção do espaço maringaense. Em sua história, o planejamento e a gestão favoreceram alguns espaços em detrimento de muitos, uma expansão seletiva do tecido urbano, e, portanto, a proposta “Maringá sustentável” deve ser a legitimação política e democrática da pluralidade de tempos e sujeitos na apropriação dos recursos naturais, devido a sua diversidade de ritmos sociais. Já na prática, o vínculo quantitativo-qualitativo deve estar presente na avaliação temporo-espacial da sustentabilidade, em consideração a sua realidade complexa. Com cruzamentos de dados científicos (censos, trabalhos acadêmicos) e populares (documentos públicos, jornais), os indicadores e a modelização gráfica comprovaram o típico padrão capitalista de produção-consumo dos recursos naturais, bem demarcado e diferenciado entre espaços da cidade.
ANÁLISE DA EVOLUÇÃO DA OCUPAÇÃO DO SOLO NO CONTEXTO AGRÍCOLA DA AGRICULTURA FAMILIAR
Authors: Monguilhott Michele , Guasselli Laurindo Antonio , Sebem Elódio
Published: January 2017

Este estudo trata da aplicação da técnica de Rotação Controlada por Eixo de Não-mudança – RCEN, utilizada com o objetivo de gerar, através de transformações radiométricas, imagens de detecção de mudanças do uso do solo e sua comparação com estatísticas fundiárias. O algoritmo RCEN foi utilizado para imagens do sensor Thematic Mapper (Landsat 5), no período entre 1996 ae 2010, sendo três imagens de verão e três de inverno. As imagens de detecção foram segmentadas em três classes: recuperação, não-mudança e degradação e comparadas com o total de área plantada no contexto agrícola da agricultura familiar. A área de estudo compreende oito municípios no bioma Pampa, fisionomia esta que ocupa 63% do Rio Grande do Sul e que converteu aproximadamente 59% das áreas de cobertura vegetal nativa em explorações agrícolas e florestais. Os resultados mostram um aumento significativo da área plantada com lavouras temporárias, num período de 14 anos representando um incremento de 49,8% da superfície agrícola. A maior degradação ocorreu no período mais recente e pode ter relação com o aumento do crédito agrícola nos últimos anos, o que possibilitou aos agricultores familiares a partir da aquisição de máquinas e equipamentos aumentar suas áreas de cultivo agrícola. As áreas de Recuperação apresentaram ganho de vegetação, indicando no contexto agrícola mudanças de uso da terra. O modelo teve um coeficiente de determinação com 95% de confiabilidade. Os resultados com a técnica RCEN estão dentro de parâmetros de qualidade aceitáveis (eixos de Não Mudança com ajuste entre 72,7% e 95%).
CLIMATOLOGIA DE DIAS COM NUVENS DE TROVOADAS EM MINAS GERAIS
Authors: Dos Reis Ruibran Januário , Alves Melina Amoni Silveira
Published: January 2017

O presente estudo realiza uma climatologia de dias com nuvens de trovoadas de Minas Gerais com base em dados de descargas atmosféricas do Sistema de Detecção de Localização de Descargas Atmosféricas (LLS – Lightning Location System) da Cemig coletados entre 1999 e 2010. Com base em ferramentas de geoprocessamento, a elaboração de mapas mensais e anual dos dias com trovoadas em Minas Gerais permitiu a análise do impacto da altimetria nos processos de formação e distribuição das nuvens de trovoadas no estado, assim como a comparação dos resultados obtidos com estudos anteriores. De maneira geral, a incidência de nuvens de trovoadas se concentra em áreas com elevada altimetria. No período analisado, o número médio de dias com trovoadas em Minas Gerais foi de 143; isto é, aproximadamente em 40% dos dias do ano ocorrem nuvens de trovoadas em algum local do estado. A região do Triângulo é a que apresenta o maior número de dias com nuvens de trovoadas no ano, abrigando municípios que registraram em torno de 80 dias de nuvens de trovoada ao longo do ano. Ademais, os resultados deste estudo apresentam diversas similaridades em relação ao cartograma elaborado por Carvalho et al. (1992), com base em dados coletados por 565 observadores entre 1971 e 1992.
TERRITÓRIOS URBANOS: A INTERFACE SOCIOECONÔMICA NAS CIDADES DE CHAPECÓ, ERECHIM E PASSO FUNDO
Authors: Von Dentz Eduardo
Published: January 2017

As diferentes formas de interpretar o espaço urbano proporcionaram ao presente estudo análises realizadas acerca das cidades de Chapecó, Erechim e Passo Fundo. Tais cidades permitem explorações analíticas coerentes o suficiente para afirmarmos que o modelo urbanizador, sobre o qual nós vivemos, compreende uma formação diversificada e complexa das cidades. As análises do urbano realizadas a partir das realidades das cidades de Chapecó, Erechim e Passo Fundo, neste artigo, levaram em conta, principalmente, os aspectos socioeconômicos que denotam a presença de classes sociais diferentes nas três cidades, muito embora essas tenham sido colonizadas por imigrantes europeus, suas características socioespaciais são distintas. Em Passo Fundo e Erechim, o marcante contato com as populações denominadas de beira-trilhos dão uma ideia da dimensão da pobreza nas referidas cidades, ao passo que em Chapecó as áreas localizadas em encostas e locais distantes do centro da cidade são os lugares onde residem as pessoas de baixa renda. O comum entre as três cidades é que o centro é local mais organizado e mais elitizado. Todavia, nota-se em Chapecó um desenvolvimento econômico mais acelerado se comparado a Passo Fundo e a Erechim, tendo em conta que Chapecó é uma cidade mais jovem que as outras duas e, no entanto, alcança níveis econômicos e populacionais superiores.
A INFLUÊNCIA DO CÂMBIO NA COMPETITIVIDADE DA CADEIA TERMOPLÁSTICA NACIONAL
Authors: Schlickmann Paulo Henrique
Published: January 2017

O complexo petroquímico termoplástico nacional tem como essência a heterogeneidade estrutural, juntamente com uma diversificada e múltipla articulação com diversas cadeias produtivas nacionais e internacionais. As empresas produtoras de plásticos estão distribuídas de forma desigual no território brasileiro; assim sendo, a conjuntura econômica afeta de forma bastante diferenciada os distintos elos e territórios que compõem o conjunto termoplástico. Geograficamente, as empresas localizadas no Paraná, Santa Catarina e Rio Grande do Sul estão entre as mais competitivas do ramo e exercem grande pressão em nível nacional por políticas setoriais. Tendo isso em vista, o objetivo central deste artigo é verificar a influência da sobrevalorização cambial na competitividade da cadeia termoplástica nacional. Observa-se, de uma forma geral, que é praticamente impossível associar a sobrevalorização cambial com perda de competitividade, uma vez que, para os produtores de plástico, outros fatores influenciam mais diretamente nas suas dinâmicas, sobretudo a política de impostos, a burocracia e a infraestrutura.
TOPOCLIMAS URBANOS EM CHAPECÓ/SC: AS INTERAÇÕES ENTRE A URBANIZAÇÃO E O SÍTIO URBANO
Authors: Binda Andrey Luis , Mendes Jonathan , Kochemborger Matheus
Published: January 2017

Diversos autores têm afirmado que as áreas urbanas correspondem às maiores formas de intervenção humana sobre a superfície terrestre, trazendo significativa perda da qualidade ambiental. O aumento populacional e a urbanização são os principais fatores que têm promovido essa deterioração, inclusive produzindo alterações sobre o próprio clima local. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho visa identificar as variações termo-higrométricas ao longo da cidade de Chapecó/SC. Para isso, optou-se pela realização de um transecto móvel, onde um termo-higrômetro digital teve sua sonda instalada externamente na parte superior do veículo. Os pontos de coleta dos dados foram definidos considerando a distância percorrida de 200 m, acompanhada visualmente por meio do hodômetro do automóvel, num percurso de 14 km (sentido S-N-E), totalizando 71 medições. Os resultados permitiram identificar, ao menos a priori, a constituição de um clima urbano específico na cidade de Chapecó/SC, cuja diferenciação se apresenta nitidamente a partir dos diferentes usos do solo e de sua associação com a topografia do sítio urbano. Os sistemas atmosféricos também afetaram significativamente as diferenças termo-higrométricas ao longo do transecto.
RELAÇÕES SOCIAIS DOS IMIGRANTES POR MEIO DE REDES SOCIAIS
Authors: Brumes Karla Rosário
Published: January 2017

Mais do que nunca as migrações estão inseridas em um contexto social no qual as relações entre os indivíduos e suas comunidades determinam o sucesso, a legitimidade e a probabilidade do migrar. Nesse sentido, está convencido de que a análise das migrações deve se utilizar de instrumentais/conceitos como os apresentados nos estudos de redes sociais. Isso porque ao relacionar redes sociais e imigrações, tem-se a oportunidade de observar a vida social e as estratégias de sobrevivência dos imigrantes. Analisar redes sociais, em um contexto de migração, permite a compreensão das várias dimensões das relações sociais dos imigrantes. Tal relação facilita a compreensão da mobilidade populacional, aperfeiçoando-se a visão dos desdobramentos espaciais causados por fenômenos sociais. Assim, o trabalho ora apresentado analisou redes sociais e imigrantes na cidade de Uberlândia-MG. Ao final, pôde-se compreender o migrante e suas interações, bem como compreendê-lo ante ao tipo de identificação e pertencimento aos seus espaços de inserção.
ARAÚJO, GILVAN CHARLES CERQUEIRA; OLIVEIRA, NATHAN BELCAVELLO; KUNZ, SIDELMAR ALVES DA SILVA (ORG.). ELEMENTOS DE TEORIA DO ESPAÇO GEOGRÁFICO. BRASÍLIA: ACLUG, 2013.
Authors: Oliveira Rafael Fabricio
Published: January 2017

Esta resenha crítica procura sintetizar o livro "Elementos de teoria do espaço geográfico", avaliando suas caraterísticas fundamentais. Espera-se que o texto ofereça algumas informações e opiniões que acreditamos importantes no bojo do desenvolvimento da ciência geográfica.
VARIABILIDADE ESPACIAL E TEMPORAL DOS PARÂMETROS FÍSICO-QUÍMICO EM AMBIENTE LÊNTICO
Authors: Casale Dalla Villa Maria Estela , Sampaio Tony Vinicius Moreira
Published: January 2017

Este trabalho destaca a importância do conhecimento da variabilidade espaço-temporal dos parâmetros físico-químicos, no ambiente lêntico, em reservatório.  Para compreender a variabilidade dos parâmetros físico-químicos é necessário entender a evolução do sistema e como ele reage a diferentes intervenções internas e externas do corpo d’água. Foram selecionados os parâmetros: temperatura da água, oxigênio dissolvido, turbidez e pH, devido a importância deles em qualquer estudo sobre qualidade de um recurso hídrico e também devido a vulnerabilidade a influências internas e externas. O estudo demonstra que não basta apenas a análise dos teores desses parâmetros, é necessário o conhecimento do funcionamento interno do corpo d'água, para poder inter-relacionar com os aspectos externos e assim conhecer a dinâmica da variabilidade espaço temporal dos parâmetros físico-químicos. Com esse conhecimento é possível compartimentar o ambiente aquático e identificar áreas mais impactadas.
ANÁLISE AMBIENTAL DOS RIACHOS PAULO LOPES E CUIABÁ, MUNICÍPIO DE PAULO LOPES/SC
Authors: Port Dagoberto , Marchito Eduardo Mendes , Fisch Fabiane , Ribeiro Modro Neilson Luiz , Fiedler Fernando Niemeyer
Published: January 2017

Cursos d’água são ecossistemas com valioso papel no ciclo da água e no fluxo contínuo de minerais e nutrientes. Porém, estes ambientes vêm sofrendo intervenções em sua paisagem decorrentes de ações antropogênicas, principalmente por processos de urbanização e atividade agrícola. Em Paulo Lopes/SC, as ações mais evidentes estão relacionadas ao uso inadequado do solo para agricultura e pecuária, retirada indevida da mata ciliar, erosão das margens, alteração da dinâmica hidrológica, retificação dos canais dos riachos, eutrofização dos riachos devido ao escoamento de esgoto doméstico não tratado, fertilizantes utilizados na rizicultura e fezes de animais. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as condições ambientais dos riachos Paulo Lopes e Cuiabá, pertencentes a bacia hidrográfica do Rio da Madre, no município de Paulo Lopes, região centro-sul do estado de Santa Catarina. Para esta análise foi utilizado um “Protocolo de Avaliação Rápida” considerando os seguintes parâmetros: substrato de fundo; complexidade do habitat submerso; variação de velocidade e profundidade; sinuosidade do canal; flutuações de nível do canal; alterações no canal; estabilidade dos barrancos; proteção vegetal das margens; e estado de conservação da vegetação de entorno. Dos 15 pontos amostrais, sete foram considerados com condição de conservação “Boa”; seis “Regulares”; um “Péssimo”; e um “Ótimo”. Estas informações podem auxiliar na tomada de decisões sobre a gestão dos recursos hídricos do município, melhorando a qualidade ambiental local.
QUÍMICA E MINERALOGIA DE UM SOLO DESENVOLVIDO DE BASALTO, COLETADO ATRAVÉS DE SONDAGEM SPT
Authors: Teixeira Raquel Souza , Vendrame Pedro R. S. , Christoni Amanda R. F. , SILVA PAULO R. C.
Published: January 2017

Os solos desenvolvidos nas regiões tropicais úmidas, formados em ambientes de intensa intemperização química, apresentam atributos devido ao efeito integrado de perda de sílica e concentração de óxidos de Fe e Al, dessilicação e ferralitização, respectivamente.  Com o objetivo de contribuir para o entendimento da evolução de um perfil de solo desenvolvido de basalto, foram feitas análises físicas, químicas e mineralógicas de um perfil localizado no Campo Experimental de Engenharia Geotécnica (CEEG), Campus da Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL). Para isso, foi realizada uma sondagem profunda do tipo SPT até a profundidade de 15,45 metros. Os resultados permitiram verificar que a granulometria é crescente com a profundidade e o conteúdo de areia é menor nas camadas intermediárias do solo. O conteúdo de C orgânico, pH, cálcio e magnésio trocáveis foram superiores na camada superficial, já para potássio trocável e fósforo disponível, foram verificados valores semelhantes na base e no topo do perfil. A composição mineralógica mostrou-se relativamente homogênea com a profundidade, com presença de quartzo, magnetita, caolinita, gibbsita e hematita.
EVOLUÇÃO PEDOLÓGICA DE UMA SEQUÊNCIA DE SOLOS EM LONDRINA - PR
Authors: Pavelhão Tulio Roberto , Peccinini Pinese José Paulo , Mainardes da Silva Francisco Carlos , Sachs Luís Guilherme
Published: January 2017

Desde outubro do ano 2000, 42 famílias de trabalhadores rurais “sem terra” encontram-se assentados numa área de 465,84 ha denominada “Fazenda Akolá”, localizada no município de Londrina-PR. O presente estudo objetivou caracterizar a evolução pedológica numa topossequência para possibilitar inferências utilizáveis no seu manejo racional. Assim, foram escolhidos quatro perfis pedológicos, posicionados no topo do morro e nos terços superior, médio e inferior da vertente, respectivamente identificados por P1, P2, P3 e P4. Os óxidos de Si, Fe e Al foram determinados por ataque sulfúrico, os argilominerais foram identificados por difratometria de raios X e a os minerais da fração areia fina por microscopia óptica. A mineralogia da fração argila dos solos estudados revelou-se bastante similar, com predomínio de caulinita, seguido de gibbsita e raros cristais de clorita e/ou vermiculita dioctaedral (aluminosa), além de quartzo. As fotomicrografias da fração areia muito fina, por sua vez, mostraram no geral, um predomínio de minerais opacos (magnetita, ilmenita, hematita/maghemita e goethita), raros grãos de quartzo detrítico, anatásio, zircão, turmalina e argilominerais, com ou sem impregnação de óxidos/hidróxidos de ferro. Os índices de intemperismo (Ki e Kr) e o teor de ferro extraído pelo ditionito de sódio revelaram que a evolução pedogenética dos solos é crescente no sentido jusante a montante (P4→P3→P2→P1) e decrescente em profundidade. Também evidenciaram que os índices de intemperismo estão mais correlacionados com a quantidade do que com a variabilidade dos minerais encontrados na fração argila, e que os solos estudados estão sofrendo predominantemente o processo de dessilicatização em relação ao da ressilicatização. A presença de quartzo na fração argila e quartzo detrítico na fração areia sugere que o material de origem dos solos teve contribuições de outras formações geológicas.
Editorial v.34, n.2 (2016)
Authors: - UEM Boletim de Geografia
Published: January 2017

Editorial do volume 34, número 2, do ano de 2016.
Recommendations for Best Disinfectant Practices to Reduce the Spread of Infection via Wrestling Mats
Authors: Young Linda Mull , Motz Vicki Abram , Markey Emily R. , Young Suzanne C. , Beaschler Ronald E.
Published: January 2017

Context:

At the request of the National Wrestling Coaches Association and the head wrestling coach at our university, we conducted a study of infection transmission in collegiate wrestlers.

Objective:

To examine disinfectant effectiveness and develop best-practice guidelines for minimizing the spread of skin infections via wrestling mats.

Design:

Controlled laboratory study and crossover study.

Setting:

Laboratory and two 15-college wrestling invitational meets.

Patients or Other Participants:

A total of 231 collegiate wrestlers and 8 officials.

Intervention(s):

In the laboratory-based part of the study, we measured the bacterial load of mats disinfected with 10% bleach, OxiTitan, Benefect, eWater, and KenClean and inoculated with Staphylococcus epidermidis (strain ATCC 12228) at a concentration of 6.5 × 104 bacteria/cm2. In the empirical part of the study, we used these disinfectants during 2 invitational meets and measured mat and participant bacterial load during competition. Participants were swabbed at weigh-in and after their last bout. Mat bacterial load was monitored hourly.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

We determined total colony counts and species.

Results:

With controlled testing, we observed that products claiming to have residual activity reduced bacterial load by 63% over the course of competition compared with nonresidual agents. Only 4 of 182 participating wrestlers tested positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is the normal population occurrence. The predominant species on mats were skin bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis) and substantial levels of respiratory bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae), as well as several soil species and a surprisingly low incidence of fecal bacteria (Escherichia coli). Disinfectant effectiveness during the meets was consistent with controlled study findings. Cleaning mats with residual disinfectants reduced the average bacterial load by 76% compared with nonresidual cleaners. Using a footbath did not reduce the bacterial load compared with a bleach-cleaned mat, but using alcohol-based hand gel reduced it by 78%.

Conclusions:

Best practices based on these data include backward mopping of the mats with a residual disinfectant pulled behind the cleaner, allowing mats to dry before walking on them, having wrestlers use hand gel before each bout, and strongly recommending that all wrestlers receive annual influenza vaccinations.
Customer perceptions on Internet banking information protection
Authors: Redlinghuis André , Rensleigh Chris
Published: January 2017

Background: South Africa has a well-developed and established banking system which compares favourably with those in many developed countries (e.g. USA), but also sets South Africa apart from many other emerging market countries like Egypt and Brazil. Four dominant banks, namely the Amalgamated Banks of South Africa (ABSA), Standard Bank, Nedcor and First National Bank (FNB) influence the South African banking environment. Internet banking has slowly been taking off in South Africa since 1996 as consumers are attracted to the convenience, safety and lower costs of doing banking online. Trust is a significant component of Internet banking and online services and products.Objectives: This article has reported on the results of a survey (a close-ended questionnaire) that was conducted by alumni of the University of Johannesburg (UJ). The research problem for this study has been formulated as ‘what are Internet banking customers’ perception on information protection when using Internet banking services and products?’Method: The methodology for this study falls on quantitative research. The research study consisted of a detailed literature review, followed by an empirical component which consisted of a quantitative questionnaire. The questionnaire used in this study consisted of eight sections covering biographical information, financial institution and Internet banking, Internet banking service quality and delivery, Internet banking functionality, Internet banking costs, Internet banking convenience and relationships, Internet banking trust and Internet banking security and information technology (IT).Results: It was established that the findings of this research could assist financial institutions with fostering and building greater value adding relationships with their customers. These value-adding endeavours will ensure that customers experience and perceive their Internet banking experience to be enriching. Education and awareness campaigns are key focus areas financial institutions should continuously invest in. Information should be easily retrievable and communicated in a manner that makes sense to the diverse customer base, especially within South Africa with its diverse cultures and languages.Conclusion: The final conclusion that could be reached is that Internet banking products and services will continue to grow across various divides and platforms as the Internet costs decrease in future, the growth of Internet related products and services such as Internet banking will increase.
Solid renal masses in adults
Authors: Mittal Mahesh Kumar , Sureka Binit
Published: January 2017

With the ever increasing trend of using cross-section imaging in today's era, incidental detection of small solid renal masses has dramatically multiplied. Coincidentally, the number of asymptomatic benign lesions being detected has also increased. The role of radiologists is not only to identify these lesions, but also go a one step further and accurately characterize various renal masses. Earlier detection of small renal cell carcinomas means identifying at the initial stage which has an impact on prognosis, patient management and healthcare costs. In this review article we share our experience with the typical and atypical solid renal masses encountered in adults in routine daily practice.
Discontinuous splenogonadal fusion diagnosed on computed tomography
Authors: Jakkani Ravikanth , Alhajri Fayzah A , Alteriki Abdullattif , Almuteri Meshari F , Athyal Reji P , Hashem Khaled Z
Published: January 2017

Splenogonadal fusion is a very rare congenital anomaly which often manifests as a scrotal mass and rarely as cryptorchidism. It can be of continuous and discontinuous type based on the presence of a band of connecting splenic tissue. We report a rare case of discontinuous type of splenogonadal fusion in an adolescent male presenting as cryptorchidism. We emphasize the computed tomographic findings, which helped us in preoperative diagnosis and aided in appropriate management.
External carotid artery pseudoaneurysm with arteriovenous fistula: A rare complication of glass shrapnel injury
Authors: Saraf Rashmi , Sharma Rajaram , Jaini Lodha V , Mhashal Shashikant
Published: January 2017

Posttraumatic external carotid artery pseudoaneurysm with arteriovenous fistula is a rare condition. An 8-year-old child presented with painful pulsatile swelling in the preauricular region following a penetrating glass shrapnel injury. Detailed evaluation showed distal external carotid artery pseudoaneurysm with fistula, which was draining into the retromandibular vein. Endovascular treatment was performed. This case highlights the role of endovascular intervention for such rare complicated vascular pathologies.
Aortic atresia with normal sized left ventricle
Authors: Jagia Priya , Sharma Arun , Gupta Saurabh K , Guleria Munish
Published: January 2017

Aortic atresia with an associated ventricular septal defect and adequate sized left ventricle is extremely rare. We present two cases in which an alternate diagnosis was suggested on echocardiography because the hypoplastic aortic trunk was missed due to its small caliber. The final diagnosis was, however, clinched on dual source computed tomography, which not only showed the thin aortic trunk but also clearly depicted the coronary artery origins from the hypoplastic aortic root. To the best of our knowledge, use of multi-detector computed tomography in aortic atresia with well developed left ventricle has not been reported in literature till date.
Congenital facial nerve aplasia: MR depiction of a rare anomaly
Authors: Kumar Ishan , Verma Ashish , Ojha Ritu , Aggarwal Priyanka
Published: January 2017

We report two infants presenting with unilateral congenital facial palsy since birth. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in both the cases revealed complete unilateral aplasia of facial nerve. To our knowledge, this is the first reported MR depiction of nonsyndromic isolated facial nerve aplasia. Imaging features and the pertinent anatomy is discussed along with a brief review of literature.
Pitfalls in interpretation of FDG PET/CT: Septic pulmonary emboli mimicking metastases in a case of gastric carcinoma
Authors: Singh Harkirat , Alam Aftab , Tilak T V S V G K , Kinra Prateek , Soni Brijesh K
Published: January 2017

Inflammatory lesions may sometimes show intense tracer uptake and mimic neoplastic lesions on (18) F-fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). We report one such false positive case on FDG PET/CT, where septic pulmonary emboli (SPE) mimicked pulmonary metastases. A 45-year-old man with stomach cancer had an indwelling central venous catheter (CVC) in situ while on neoadjuvant chemotherapy. He underwent FDG PET/CT scan for response assessment and the images revealed multiple, intensely FDG avid, peripheral, lung nodules with feeding vessels, which were suspicious for pulmonary metastases. A day later, the patient developed fever with chills and his blood culture showed bacterial growth (Enterobacter cloacae). A provisional diagnosis of SPE from an infected CVC was made. Chemotherapy was withheld, CVC removed, and the catheter tip was sent for bacterial culture. Following a 4-week course of antibiotic treatment, the patient became afebrile. Culture from the CVC tip grew the same organism, as was seen earlier in the patient's blood culture, thus pin-pointing the source of infection in our case. Diagnosis of SPE was clinched when follow-up CT chest done after completion of antibiotic course showed complete resolution of the lung lesions.