bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eight Hundred Years of Drought and Flood Disasters and Precipitation Sequence Reconstruction in Wuzhou City, Southwest China
Authors: Zhao Yinjun , Yang Nan , Wei Yongping , Hu Bo , Cao Qizhi , Tong Kai , Liang Yulian
Published: January 2019

Natural hazards such as floods and droughts occur frequently in southwestern China and have occurred more frequently in recent years, which has caused and will continue to cause serious damage to ecosystems and human lives and property. A full knowledge of the probability of hydro climatic variables is essential for the prevention and mitigation of natural hazards in return. Based on historical archives, atlases and other documented data, a sequence of graded drought and flood disasters covering the period 1250–2000 in Wuzhou City, southwest China, was reconstructed. Then, a correlation coefficient (−0.79, p < 0.01) was established between the sequence of grades and the measured annual precipitation from 1961 to 2000; using this correlation and the sequence of grades from 1250 to 2000, the annual precipitation record (from 1250 to 2000) was reconstructed and extended. Finally, we compared the reconstructed annual precipitation to the measured values from 1961–2000 to evaluate the efficacy of this method. The results show that the reconstructed precipitation sequence is credible, with a high correlation coefficient (0.84, p < 0.01) and a low relative bias (−1.95%). The reconstructed results indicate that the annual precipitation in Wuzhou City increased continuously during the 13–15th century and the 18–19th century and decreased during the 16–17th century and the 20th century. These results are expected to be useful for the prevention of flood and drought impacts and for understanding climate change.
Strategies for the Controlled Integration of Food SMEs’ Highly Polluted Effluents into Urban Sanitation Systems
Authors: Gutierrez Monica , Etxebarria Susana , Revilla Marta , Ramos Saioa , Ciriza Alberto , Sancho Luis , Zufia Jaime
Published: January 2019

The artisan production of canned tuna is characterized by generating effluents with high organic and saline loads, which complicates their suitable treatment. The main objective of the LIFE VERTALIM project is to demonstrate the efficiency of a holistic solution (including technical, legislative, social, and environmental aspects) for the controlled integration of food industry wastewater from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the urban sanitation system with the compliance of all stakeholders. This work shows the viability of the implementation of low-cost innovative solutions, through the clean and eco-efficient production and wastewater pretreatment for fish canneries. This solution allows on average a reduction of 30% of the wastewater discharges to the environment and a reduction of food losses of up to 0.1%. Moreover, there is a reduction of between 40% and 90% related to high organic load. These results allow the canneries to dispose their pretreated effluents to the urban sanitation system, avoiding the high costs of an industrial wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) to discharge to the river. A better physical-chemical quality in the river waters as a well as the marine water surrounding the urban WWTP have been achieved.
Comparison of Hydrodynamics Simulated by 1D, 2D and 3D Models Focusing on Bed Shear Stresses
Authors: Glock Kurt , Tritthart Michael , Habersack Helmut , Hauer Christoph
Published: January 2019

For centuries, scientists have been attempting to map complex hydraulic processes to empirical formulas using different flow resistance definitions, which are further applied in numerical models. Now questions arise as to how consistent the simulated results are between the model dimensions and what influence different morphologies and flow conditions have. For this reason, 1D, 2D and 3D simulations were performed and compared with each other in three study areas with up to three different discharges. A standardized, relative comparison of the models shows that after successful calibration at measured water levels, the associated 2D/1D and 3D/1D ratios are almost unity, while bed shear stresses in the 3D models are only about 62–86% of the simulated 1D values and 90–100% in the case of 2D/1D. Reasons for this can be found in different roughness definitions, in simplified geometries, in different calculation approaches, as well as in influences of the turbulence closure. Moreover, decreasing 3D/1D ratios of shear stresses were found with increasing discharges and with increasing slopes, while the equivalent 2D/1D ratios remain almost unchanged. The findings of this study should be taken into account, particularly in subsequent sediment transport simulations, as these calculations are often based on shear stresses.
Influence of Personal Attributes and Demographic Diversity on Nzoia Basin Negotiation Outcomes
Authors: Onencan Abby Muricho , Enserink Bert , Van de Walle Bartel
Published: January 2019

The Kenyan government has made significant advances in water resources management at the local authority (county) level with little or no cooperation at the drainage basin level. Research on critical determinants of cooperation amongst transboundary water negotiation teams is limited. In this paper, we assess whether personal attribute diversity (PAD) is a stronger factor than demographic diversity (gender, age, and education play) in determining whether the negotiation team will cooperate or make unilateral actions. We use a negotiation game to study decisions taken by water policymakers. After that, we conduct a multiple discriminant analysis (MDA) to assess the influence of PAD, gender, age, and education on water negotiation outcomes. The findings indicate that PAD plays a significant role in determining whether the group will cooperate or compete. Gender, education, and age barely influence the outcome. Only upon removal of the PAD variable do we see an increase in the discriminant power of gender and education. Age has minimal influence on the negotiation outcomes. We apply the research at a lower level of governance (Nzoia River Basin). However, results might be extrapolated to a bigger basin, like the Nile Basin, through future multiple level analysis which takes account of the complex socio-technical systems.
Light Absorption Budget in a Reservoir Cascade System with Widely Differing Optical Properties
Authors: Bernardo Nariane , Alcântara Enner , Watanabe Fernanda , Rodrigues Thanan , Carmo Alisson do , Gomes Ana Carolina Campos , Andrade Caroline
Published: January 2019

Aquatic systems are complex systems due to the environmental pressures that lead to water quality parameter changes, and consequently, variations in optically active compounds (OAC). In cascading reservoir systems, such as the Tietê Cascade Reservoir System (TCSR), which has a length of 1100 km, the horizontal gradients are expressive due to the filtration process that is caused by the sequence of dams affecting the light absorption throughout the cascade. Our new observations showed that colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) dominate two reservoirs; non-algae particles (NAP) dominate one, and phytoplankton dominates the other. The variability of light absorption along the cascade indicates the influence of watershed dynamics in the reservoirs as much as the flow driven by previous reservoirs. Despite the effect of the variability of light absorption, light absorption by phytoplankton strongly affects the total absorption in the four reservoirs in TCSR. The results obtained in this work may enable a better understanding of how the gradient pattern changes primary production and indicates a challenge in retrieving OAC concentrations using a bio-optical model for an entire cascade composed of different optical environments.
Heating ability of magnetic nanoparticles with cubic and combined anisotropy
Authors: Usov Nikolai A , Nesmeyanov Mikhail S , Gubanova Elizaveta M , Epshtein Natalia B
Published: January 2019

The low frequency hysteresis loops and specific absorption rate (SAR) of assemblies of magnetite nanoparticles with cubic anisotropy are calculated in the diameter range of D = 20–60 nm taking into account both thermal fluctuations of the particle magnetic moments and strong magneto–dipole interaction in assemblies of fractal-like clusters of nanoparticles. Similar calculations are also performed for assemblies of slightly elongated magnetite nanoparticles having combined magnetic anisotropy. A substantial dependence of the SAR on the nanoparticle diameter is obtained for all cases investigated. Due to the influence of the magneto–dipole interaction, the SAR of fractal clusters of nanoparticles decreases considerably in comparison with that for weakly interacting nanoparticles. However, the ability of magnetic nanoparticle assemblies to generate heat can be improved if the nanoparticles are covered by nonmagnetic shells of appreciable thickness.
NATIONAL CULTURE DIMENSION OF POWER DISTANCE IN THE BALTIC STATES
Authors: Luptáková Stanislava , Vargic Branislav , Kincel Ivan
Published: February 2019

The paper presents a calculation for the values of power distance index in the countries of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia using a mathematical model that is based on the correlations between power distance index values of the original research conducted by Geert Hofstede and macroeconomic indicators. Following, the paper presents implications of the found power distance indexes on managerial practices in the local organizations as well as on transferability of the managerial practices of multinationals presented in the region onto the local workforce.
DAMAGE TO LANDSCAPE AND ITS EVALUATION IN GAIŽIŪNAI MILITARY TRAINING GROUND
Authors: Leopoldas Raimondas , Survilaite Oksana , Vaitiekūnas Petras
Published: January 2019

The military activity carried out by the occupation army in Lithuania inflicted an extensive damage to the environment. Upon retreating the Soviet Army left enormous devastated areas, damaged soil, destroyed forests and degraded flora. In Gaižiūnai Military Training Ground it is possible to distinguish various military training territories: firing grounds, tank fields, demolition territories and tracked vehicle routes. The Ground has an artificially created terrain, devastated forms of natural landscape, compressed soil and mixed upper soil layer. Sand erosion occurs in some places.

There exist strongly damaged territories in Gaižiūnai Military Training Ground (tracked vehicle route, mortar firing ground); these territories cover even 8 % of the Ground. Strongly damaged territories account for 5 % of the Ground (ruins in training areas 4 and 13, the former workers’ township), averagely damaged territories constitute only 1 % of the Ground.

Laboratory investigation shows that the soil porosity rate in the tracked vehicle route, small tank field and a drifted sand desert “Sahara” is distributed unevenly. An approximate soil porosity rate is lower by 10 % than in the background territories. An evident effect of military facilities on the Ground soil is observed.

When selecting measures for the soil protection against deflation, simulation of the situation was performed, building of enclosures across the prevailing wind direction of is recommended.
IONIZING RADIATION IN BUILDINGS: SITUATION AND DEALING WITH PROBLEMS
Authors: Butkus Donatas , Morkūnas Gendrutis , Pilkyte Laima
Published: January 2019

Among many artificial and natural sources of exposure the exposure which is received indoors is very important both from the point of view of its magnitude and necessity of optimization. Such sources as indoor radon and natural radionuclides in construction materials are the most significant ones. The survey results of national indoor radon show that its concentrations might be rather high in some regions. Construction materials can be a significant source of indoor radon, however, in Lithuania external exposure due to radionuclides in these materials is much more important. Very often natural exposure is neglected from the point of view of radiation protection. Such measures as raising of public awareness, application of radiation protection and construction‐related regulations, remedial measures for radon indoors should be taken in solving the problem. Necessity of optimization of protection from radiation indoors is emphasized.
STUDIES OF 137CS TRANSFER IN SOIL‐FERN SYSTEM
Authors: Butkus Donatas , Konstantinova Marina
Published: January 2019

Fern accumulates radionuclides in abundance, including 137Cs. Tranfer of 137Cs and 40K in plants which have different root systems (fern or grass), or have no roots at all (moss) was compared. Samplings were performed in regions contaminated with 137Cs after Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (ChNPP) accident in 1994 and 1997–2000. The male fern (Dryopteris filix‐mas) most prevailing in Lithuania was studied. Fern accumulates 137Cs more effectively than grass or moss. The average 137Cs activity concentration in fern is 180±60 Bq kg−1 and the transfer factor is 0,074 m2kg−1. The fern stipe accumulates 137Cs most of all (200±90 Bqkg‐1), the transfer factor is 0,087 m2 kg−1. Accumulation of 137Cs is influenced by the content of K in the soil. 137Cs and 40K activity concentrations in fern are higher than those in the soil what shows that fern accumulates 137Cs better than 40K. Fern can clean the soil because this plant accumulates radionuclides in its stipe rather than roots.
INVESTIGATION AND EVALUATION OF LANDFILL LEACHATE PERMEABILITY IN THE SOIL
Authors: Vasarevičius Saulius , Čegariova Jelena , Sližyte Danute
Published: January 2019

Today waste management is one of the most important environmental problems, danger that used landfills and their collected leachate can cause. This paper analyses the filtration coefficient of soils typical of landfill assessment by air conditions and different density of soils. Heavy metal concentrations were determined by using the flame absorption spectrometric method. Besides, the results of modeling heavy metal permeability are presented here. Dependence of heavy metal permeability characteristics on soil density are described. Experimental investigation and modeling of heavy metal permeability in the soil allowed us to determine that the least permeable soil is dusty sandy grit.
INFLUENCE OF UNFAVOURABLE ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS UPON HEALTH OF WORKERS AND CORRECTION OF RESULTANT ALTERATIONS
Authors: Stasytyte-Bunevičiene Dalia , Juozulynas Algirdas , Jurgelenas Antanas
Published: January 2019

Intensified formation of free radicals is one of the most important unfavourable consequences of factors of industry acting upon human organism. Under physiological conditions, antioxidative system preserves from harmful influence of free radicals. To avoid a disturbing influence of oxidative stress upon the processes of human homeosthasis, additional quantities of antioxidants are indispensable. Dynamics of alterations of markers of oxidative stress caused by unfavourable industrial factors of metal processing (chemical agents, vibration, noise) under impact of native biomodulators were studied using native pollen. The programme was performed on 50 workers of metal processing, 9 males and 41 female, who used pollen during a period of 1 month. Control group consisted of 57 persons, 10 males and 47 females living and working under the same conditions. Blood tests (diene conjugates, malonic dialdehyde and katalase) using spectrophotometric methodology were studied before and after the course of treatment. After the treatment, contents of metabolites of lipid peroxidation, diene conjugates and malonic dialdehyde in blood serum essentially reduced. Activity of catalase decreased significantly in blood serum of males and regularly smoking females. In conclusion, presented data demonstrate antioxidative efficiency of native pollen and suggest more often applying of native biomodulators in cases with alterated processes of homeosthasis under impact of unfavourable environmental factors.
INVESTIGATION AND EVALUATION OF SOIL POLLUTION WITH OIL PRODUCTS IN THE MOST INTENSIVELY USED TERRITORIES OF GAIŽIŪNAI MILITARY TRAINING GROUND
Authors: Vasarevičius Saulius , Greičiūte Kristina , Šiaulyte Edita
Published: January 2019

Recently environmental pollution became a problem of a special significance. Removal of pollutants from territories suffering from intensive use in the past and at present attracts major concern. Extensive pollution of the soil with materials of organic origin (oil and its products) was detected in the areas of the former military bases of different operation types. The surface soil is the first natural system to be directly affected by any level of pollution and it accumulates pollutants. Water dissolves and washes out materials from the soil saturated with oil hydrocarbons and it is also polluted with oil products.

The present paper describes the evaluation of environmental pollution caused by military activity in the operating Rukla‐Gaižiūnai Military Training Ground. After investigation of soil pollution with oil products was performed, it was possible to analyse particularly the present soil condition and assess the most contravened places referring to the obtained results.
The Impact of Stripped Nuclei on the Supermassive Black Hole Number Density in the Local Universe
Authors: Voggel Karina T. , Seth Anil C. , Baumgardt Holger , Mieske Steffen , Pfeffer Joel , Rasskazov Alexander
Published: January 2019

The recent discovery of supermassive black holes (SMBHs) in high mass ultra-compact dwarf galaxies (UCDs) suggests that at least some UCDs are the nuclear star clusters of stripped galaxies. In this paper we present a new method to estimate how many UCDs host an SMBH and thus are stripped galaxy nuclei. We revisit the dynamical mass measurements that suggest many UCDs have more mass than expected from stellar population estimates, which observations have shown is due to the presence of an SMBH. We revise the stellar population mass estimates using a new empirical relation between the mass-to-light ratio (M/L) and metallicity to predict which UCDs most likely host an SMBH. We calculate the fraction of UCDs that host SMBHs across their entire luminosity range for the first time. We then apply the SMBH occupation fraction to the observed luminosity function of UCDs and estimate that in the Fornax and Virgo clusters alone there should be

stripped nuclei with SMBHs. This analysis shows that stripped nuclei are almost as common in clusters as present-day galaxy nuclei. We estimate the SMBH number density caused by stripped nuclei to be (2–8) × 10−3 Mpc−3, which represents a significant fraction (8%–32%) of the SMBH density in the local universe. These SMBHs hidden in stripped nuclei increase expected event rates for tidal disruption events and SMBH–SMBH and SMBH–BH mergers. The existence of numerous stripped nuclei with SMBHs are a direct consequence of hierarchical galaxy formation, but until now their impact on the SMBH density had not been quantified.
Magnetic Fields and the Supply of Low-frequency Acoustic Wave Energy to the Solar Chromosphere
Authors: Rajaguru S. P. , Sangeetha C. R. , Tripathi Durgesh
Published: January 2019

The problem of solar chromospheric heating remains a challenging one with wider implications for stellar physics. Several studies in the recent past have shown that small-scale inclined magnetic field elements channel copious energetic low-frequency acoustic waves, which are normally trapped below the photosphere. These magnetoacoustic waves are expected to shock at chromospheric heights, contributing to chromospheric heating. In this work, exploiting simultaneous observations of photospheric vector magnetic field, Doppler, continuum, and line-core intensity (of Fe i 6173 Å) from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager and lower-atmospheric UV emission maps in the 1700 and 1600 Å channels of the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly, both on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory of NASA, we revisit the relationships between magnetic field properties (inclination and strength) and the propagation of acoustic waves (phase travel time). We find that the flux of acoustic energy, in the 2–5 mHz frequency range, between the upper photosphere and lower chromosphere is in the range of 2.25–2.6 kW m−2, which is about twice the previous estimates. We identify that the relatively less inclined magnetic field elements in the quiet Sun channel a significant amount of waves of frequency lower than the theoretical minimum acoustic cutoff frequency due to magnetic inclination. We also derive indications that these waves steepen and start to dissipate within the height ranges probed, while those let out due to inclined magnetic fields pass through. We explore connections with existing theoretical and numerical results that could explain the origin of these waves.
The Evolution toward Electron Capture Supernovae: The Flame Propagation and the Pre-bounce Electron–Neutrino Radiation
Authors: Takahashi Koh , Sumiyoshi Kohsuke , Yamada Shoichi , Umeda Hideyuki , Yoshida Takashi
Published: January 2019

A critical-mass ONe core with a high ignition density is considered to end in gravitational collapse leading to neutron star formation. Being distinct from an Fe core collapse, the final evolution involves combustion flame propagation, in which complex phase transition from ONe elements into the nuclear statistical equilibrium (NSE) state takes place. We simulate the core evolution from the O+Ne ignition until the bounce shock penetrates the whole core, using a state-of-the-art 1D Lagrangian neutrino radiation hydrodynamic code, in which important nuclear burning, electron capture, and neutrino reactions are taken into account. Special care is also taken in making a stable initial condition by importing the stellar equation of state, which is used for the progenitor evolution calculation, and by improving the remapping process. We find that the central ignition leads to intense ν

e
radiation with

erg s−1 powered by fast electron captures onto NSE isotopes. This pre-bounce ν

e
radiation heats the surroundings by the neutrino–electron scattering, which acts as a new driving mechanism of the flame propagation together with the adiabatic contraction. The resulting flame velocity of ∼108 cm s−1 will be more than one order of magnitude faster than that of a laminar flame driven by heat conduction. We also find that the duration of the pre-bounce ν

e
radiation phase depends on the degree of the core hydrostatic/dynamical stability. Therefore, the future detection of the pre-bounce neutrino is important not only to discriminate the ONe core collapse from the Fe core collapse but also to constrain the progenitor hydrodynamical stability.
Formation of Extremely Low-mass White Dwarfs in Double Degenerates
Authors: Li Zhenwei , Chen Xuefei , Chen Hai-Liang , Han Zhanwen
Published: January 2019

Extremely low-mass white dwarfs (ELM WDs) are helium WDs with a mass less than ∼0.3 M
⊙. Most ELM WDs are found in double degenerates (DDs) in the ELM Survey led by Brown and Kilic. These systems are supposed to be significant gravitational-wave sources in the mHz frequency. In this paper, we first analyzed the observational characteristics of ELM WDs and found that there are two distinct groups in the ELM WD mass and orbital period plane, indicating two different formation scenarios of such objects, i.e., a stable Roche lobe overflow channel (RL channel) and common envelope ejection channel (CE channel). We then systematically investigated the formation of ELM WDs in DDs by a combination of detailed binary evolution calculation and binary population synthesis. Our study shows that the majority of ELM WDs with mass less than 0.22 M
⊙ are formed from the RL channel. The most common progenitor mass in this way is in the range of 1.15–1.45 M
⊙, and the resulting ELM WDs have a peak around 0.18 M
⊙ when selection effects are taken into account, consistent with observations. The ELM WDs with a mass larger than 0.22 M
⊙ are more likely to be from the CE channel and have a peak of ELM WD mass around 0.25 M
⊙, which needs to be confirmed by future observations. By assuming a constant star formation rate of 2 M
⊙ yr−1 for a Milky Way–like galaxy, the birth rate and local density are 5 × 10−4 yr−1 and 1500 kpc−3, respectively, for DDs with an ELM WD mass less than 0.25 M
⊙.
Improving Treatment Outcome of Pemphigus Vulgaris on Vietnamese Patients by Using Desmoglein Elisa Test
Authors: Thi Van Anh Tran , Van Nguyen Thuong , Nguyen Huu Sau , Pham Thi Lan , Thi Minh Phuong Pham , Dinh Huu Nghi , Cam Van Tran , Le Huyen My , Vu Nguyet Minh , Tran Hau Khang , Gandolfi Marco , Satolli Francesca , Feliciani Claudio , Tirant Michael , Vojvodic Aleksandra , Lotti Torello
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND: Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV) is a chronic disease, is characterized by the presence of flacid bullous in skin and mucosa. There are 2 main autoantibodies against desmoglein3 (Dsg3) and desmoglein1 (Dsg1).
AIM: The aims of this study were to evaluate the before and after treatment outcome with corticosteroid, using Desmoglein ELISA test.
METHOD: Forty patients with Pemphigus include 36 PV and 4 PF (28 women, 12 women) were enrolled. The titers of Dsg in pemphigus patients by using ELISA test were done before and 1-month treatment
RESULTS: Both anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 levels were significantly reduced after treatment (P < 0.05). The severity of skin lesions was correlated with anti-Dsg1 antibody level and the severity of oral lesions was significantly correlated with anti-Dsg 3 antibody levels (p < 0.05)
CONCLUSION: It is recommended that we can predict and improve the outcome of treatment by using Desmoglein ELISA test.
Clinical Aspects and Treatment of Pityriasis Lichenoides Et Varioliformis Acuta: A Retrospective Vietnamese Study
Authors: Nguyen Van Thuong , Nguyen Thi Tuyen , Le Huu Doanh , Dinh Huu Nghi , Le Thi Mai , Nguyen Minh Thu , Le Huyen My , Gandolfi Marco , Satolli Francesca , Feliciani Claudio , Tirant Michael , Vojvodic Aleksandra , Lotti Torello
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND: Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA) is an uncommon condition which presents acutely with papulo-vesicles that may develop necrotic, ulcerative, or hemorrhagic changes.
AIM: We studied clinical, and treatment characteristics of PLEVA hospitalised patients at our hospital from September 2009 to December 2014.
METHODS: The records of 15 PLEVA patients were retrospectively reviewed.
RESULTS: The median age of onset was 21.8 Â± 18.81 (from 1 to 68), male to female ratio was 2/1. The common area of onset was trunk (60.0%) and extremities (33.3%). Clinical features were purpuric papules (100%), hemorrhagic crusted papules (46.7%), pustular purpuric papules (40%), and necrotic ulcerating lesions (13.3%).
CONCLUSION: All patients were received systemic antibiotics (macrolides: 53.3%, others: 46.7%), 2 patients were added immunosuppressive drugs. A 1-year-old patient died, others had a good response.
Systematic Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture Treatment for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Fei Yu , Fei Rui , Zhang Jing , Sun Yaoyao , Yu Qiong
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common types of arrhythmia diagnosed in clinical practice. Due to its negative effects on people's physical and mental health, it is necessary to prevent and treat AF. Recently, scholars have found that acupuncture can be used to treat AF, but some scholars have questioned its therapeutic efficacy.
AIM: Therefore, this study was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment for AF patients.
METHODS: Previously published research articles were retrieved from six databases, and the data was analysed using RevMan5.3 software with a statistically significant difference defined as P < 0.05.
RESULTS: A total of 8 relevant kinds of literature were retrieved containing 633 AF patients (323 in the treatment group and 310 in the control group). Acupuncture treatment increased the total efficacy and the rate of AF cardioversion to sinus rhythm (RR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.25 to 1.53 vs RR: 1.40;95% CI: 1.16 to 1.69; each P < 0.05), and decreased the time of AF cardioversion to sinus rhythm, the heart rate and incidence of adverse effects (RR: -3.95; 95% CI: -4.98 to -2.91 vs RR: -14.54; 95% CI: -24.09 to -5.00 vs RR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.21 to 1.11, each P < 0.05). There was difference between retention time more and less than 30 minutes (I2 = 74.9%, P = 0.05). The funnel plot displayed a symmetrical and funnel-form shape, indicating low bias.
CONCLUSION: Acupuncture has a good therapeutic effect and safety profile on patients with AF, and its application in clinical practice should be considered.
Antifungal Susceptibility of Dermatophytes Isolated From Cutaneous Fungal Infections: The Vietnamese Experience
Authors: Van Tro Chau , Ho Thi Ngoc Khuong , Nguyen Van Thuong , Tran Hau Khang , Gandolfi Marco , Satolli Francesca , Feliciani Claudio , Tirant Michael , Vojvodic Aleksandra , Lotti Torello
Published: January 2019

AIM: Evaluate the resistance of dermatophytes to systemic antifungal drugs in the Vietnamese population.
METHODS: We enrolled 101 patients with cutaneous dermatophytosis at the Dermato-Venereology hospital in HCMC from August 2016 to March 2017. All the specimens were subjected to direct examination (10% KOH mount) and culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar. In vitro antifungal sensitivity testing was done on species isolated from a culture with broth microdilution method.
RESULTS: Direct microscopy was positive for dermatophytes in all patients. However this pathogen was found in fungal cultures in only 61.38% of patients. The main causative agent isolated was Trichophyton spp. (90.3%), followed by Microsporum spp. (8%) and Epidermophyton spp. (1.7%). Trichophyton spp. Has shown resistance to fluconazole, griseofulvin, ketoconazole, and itraconazole in 92.9%, 46.4%, 5.4% and 1.8% of strains, respectively. All Microsporum spp. Strains were found resistant to fluconazole and griseofulvin while resistance to ketoconazole was demonstrated in only 20% of strains and none of them was resistant to itraconazole. Epidermophyton spp strains were all resistant to fluconazole, griseofulvin, ketoconazole while none of them was resistant to itraconazole.
CONCLUSION: Based upon our results, Itraconazole shows the greatest probability of efficacy in the treatment of cutaneous dermatophytosis in Vietnamese patients.
In Vitro Antibiotic Resistance in Bacterial Infected Eczema at Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermatology
Authors: Le Ngoc Diep , Nguyen Thi Vu Ly , Chau Van Tro , Ngo Minh Vinh , Nguyen Trong Hao , Nguyen Van Thuong , Tran Hau Khang , Gandolfi Marco , Satolli Francesca , Feliciani Claudio , Tirant Michael , Vojvodic Aleksandra , Thi Bich Na Pham , Lotti Torello
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND: Infected eczema is one of the most common complications of eczema. The progression and treatment of infected eczema have become more complex and difficulty due to the antibiotic resistance of bacteria and the abuse of antibiotics in treatment.
AIM: Our research was conducted with the aim of investigating the severity of in vitro antibiotic resistance in patients with bacterially infected eczema at Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermatology.
METHODS: We studied 40 cases of patients, suffering from atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, vesicular palmoplantar eczema, with positive results of infected eczema.
RESULTS: S. aureus accounted for 82.5%, followed by S. epidermidis (15%), P. aeruginosa (12.5%), S. pyogenes (5%) accounted for a small percentage. E. coli (2.5%) and M. morganii (2.5%) accounted for the lowest percentage. Both MSSA and MRSA were completely resistant to penicillin. MRSA is completely resistant to penicillin, erythromycin, and cefuroxime, highly resistant to clindamycin (82.35%). Our research showed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa was not resistant to a variety of antibiotics. It was completely resistant to tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (100%). Most bacteria are highly sensitive to linezolid, vancomycin as other studies in the world shown. There are also rifampicins, pristinamycin. Hence, it`s prioritised to be used for only patients with eczema infected with multidrug-resistant bacteria.
CONCLUSION: Penicillin is not recommended for the treatment for infected eczema. Linezolid, vancomycin has a high sensitivity to bacteria including multidrug-resistant bacteria like MRSA.
Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Bulgaria: A Brief Analysis of the Situation in the Country
Authors: Baymakova Magdalena , Popov Georgi T. , Pepovich Roman , Tsachev Ilia
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND: Over the past two decades, more thorough investigations for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection have been done in the world. Reports from Southeast European countries have increased.
AIM: The current article presents a critical analysis of all studies for HEV in Bulgaria.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was done using available medical databases. We analysed the literature in PubMed databases and Bulgarian medical databases for English and Bulgarian languages sources. Preference was given to the sources published within the past 24 years (January 1995 â€“ September 2018).
RESULTS: Two thousand two hundred and fifty-seven blood serums were tested for the analysed period (1995 â€“ 2018), and 13.1% of them were positive for acute HEV (Mean Â± SD: 20.38 Â± 25.77%; 95% CI: 1.29 â€“ 39.47%). The following subtypes were established in the country â€“ HEV Subtype 3e, HEV Subtype 3f, HEV Subtype 3c, HEV Subtype 3i, HEV Subtype 3hi and HEV Subtype 1.
CONCLUSION: We hope that the National Health Organizations will take adequate and timely measures to increase the knowledge and research for HEV among Bulgarian citizens.
Distribution of Malassezia Species from Scales of Patient with Pityriasis Versicolor by Culture in Vietnam
Authors: Cam Van Tran , Nguyen Van Thuong , Tran Hau Khang , Le Huu Doanh , Thi Minh Phuong Pham , Nguyen Huu Sau , Nguyen Minh Thu , Gandolfi Marco , Satolli Francesca , Feliciani Claudio , Tirant Micheal , Vojvodic Aleksandra , Lotti Torello
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND: The detection of pathogenic fungus is an important step and key to assessing the sensitivity of the antifungal drugs, and therefore choosing an effective treatment method.
AIM: To identify Malassezia species from scales of a patient with pityriasis versicolor.
METHODS: Three hundred patients with pityriasis versicolor who were positive with direct examination, were isolated by culture.
RESULTS: Identification of Malassezia species by culture: the growth rate was 90.3%; the detection rate was 97.0%, including 11 species: M. globosa (42.4%), M. dermatitis (17.3%), M. furfur (14.4%). M. globosa was the most prevalent species in the 20-29 group 36.5%, in hyphae and yeast cells (42.2%).
CONCLUSION: M. globosa is the main cause of pityriasis versicolor in Vietnam.
Successful Treatment of Freckles by Alex Trivantage Laser Wavelight 755 nm in Vietnamese Patients
Authors: Nguyen Huu Sau , Lam Van Cap , Nguyen Van Thuong , Manh Tan Nguyen , Thi Minh Phuong Pham , Nguyen Hong Son , Dinh Huu Nghi , Cam Van Tran , Pham Cao Kiem , Tran Hau Khang , Gandolfi Marco , Satolli Francesca , Feliciani Claudio , Tirant Micheal , Vojvodic Aleksandra , Lotti Torello
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Alex Trivantage laser wavelength 755 nm (ATL) in the treatment of freckles at Hanoi Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology, Vietnam.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: A group of 30 patients with freckles were treated by ATL (Alex Trivantage-Candela Co America) with spots size 3 mm, wavelength 755 mm, and energy 5-6 j/cm2. All the patients were treated 2 times with 4-weeks interval. The results were evaluated at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment. The colour of the lesions was evaluated by using Von-Luchanâ€™s chromatic scale and VisiaÂ® complex analysis system. Brown spot index (BSI) was calculated by the VISA complexion analysis system devices. The data was analysed by SPSS 16.0.
RESULTS: After 2 times of treatment, the lesion colour of all of the patients had been improved. The good and very good levels of improvement were noted in 63.3% of patients; there was 26.7% of them had partial improvement. Brown spots index was significantly improved (39.13 Â± 20.66 before and 54.23 Â± 16.78 after treatment; p < 0.001). Hyperpigmentation was noted in 6.7% of patients.
CONCLUSION: freckles have been improved by treatment with Alex trivantage laser wavelength 755 nm with safety.
The Effectiveness of Oral Mini-Pulse Methylprednisolonein - the Treatment of Alopecia Areata in Vietnam
Authors: Trinh Thi Phuong , Cam Van Tran , Tran Lan Anh , Thu Ha Phuong Tran , Nguyen Van Thuong , Thi Minh Phuong Pham , Nguyen Trong Hao , Chau Van Tro , Dinh Huu Nghi , Cam Van Tran , Le Huyen My , Tran Hau Khang , Gandolfi Marco , Satolli Francesca , Feliciani Claudio , Tirant Michael , Vojvodic Aleksandra , Lotti Torello
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND: Systemic corticosteroid is used to treat alopecia areata, but it is associated with side effects. Mini-pulse therapy is thought to be effective but able to reduce side effects.
AIM: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of oral mini-pulse methylprednisolone in the treatment of alopecia areata.
METHODS: Patients received methylprednisolone 16 mg orally for 2 consecutive days every week.
RESULTS: After 3 months, among patients, 40% recovered well, and 55.6% recovered fairly. After 6 months, 82.2% recovered well, 17.8% recovered fairly. No adverse events were detected, and the recurrence rate was low (2.2%).
CONCLUSION: Oral mini-pulse methylprednisolone therapy is an effective and safe therapeutic option for alopecia areata without side effects, and the time of the treatment is short.
New species and records of Pyxine (Caliciaceae) in China
Authors: Yang Mei-Xia , Wang Xin-Yu , Liu Dong , Zhang Yan-Yun , Li Li-Juan , Yin An-Cheng , Scheidegger Christoph , Wang Li-Song
Published: January 2019

In this study, the diversity of Pyxine Fr. in China was assessed based on morphological and chemical traits and molecular data are inferred from ITS and mtSSU sequences. Nineteen species were recognised, including three that are new to science (i.e. P.flavicans M. X. Yang & Li S. Wang, P.hengduanensis M. X. Yang & Li S. Wang and P.yunnanensis M. X. Yang & Li S. Wang) and three records new to China were found (i.e. P.cognata Stirt., P.himalayensis Awas. and P.minuta Vain.). Pyxineyunnanensis is diagnosed by the small size of the apothecia, a white medulla of the stipe and the presence of lichexanthone. Pyxineflavicans is characterised by broad lobes, a pale yellow medulla of the stipe and the presence of atranorin. Pyxinehengduanensis can be distinguished by its pale yellow medulla, marginal labriform soralia and the absence of atranorin. Detailed descriptions of each new species are presented, along with a key to the known species of Pyxine in China.
Calls of Boana latistriata (Caramaschi & Cruz, 2004) (Amphibia, Anura, Hylidae), an endemic tree frog from the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: de Luna-Dias Cyro , de Carvalho-e-Silva Sergio P.
Published: January 2019

Bioacoustical data are useful for studying amphibians, especially their conservation, taxonomy, and evolution, among others. Of the 12 species of theBoanapolytaeniaclade, onlyB.buritiandB.latistriatahave no published information about their advertisement calls. We recorded four males ofB.latistriatain its type locality at Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, south-eastern Brazil. We used a Roland R26 digital recorder with a Sennheiser ME-67 microphone and analysed the recordings using the Raven Pro 1.5 software. We recorded two different types of calls (call A and call B). Both were composed of one pulsed note and presented a slightly ascending-descending frequency modulation. Call A was more frequent, having durations between 0.042 and 0.093 s with the dominant frequency ranging from 3375.0 to 3937.5 Hz, and was composed of 11 to 21 pulses separated by intervals that were not fully silent. Call B had durations between 0.711 and 1.610 s, with dominant frequency from 3281.2 to 3750.0 Hz, and was composed of 11 to 29 pulses separated by fully silent intervals. Among theB.polytaeniaclade, the calls ofB.latistriataare more similar to those ofB.bandeirantes,B.beckeri,B.polytaenia, and B.aff.beckeri. The calls ofB.latistriatadiffer from these species in its lower dominant frequency.Boanalatistriatapresent a short, single-note call with a lower pulse period (call A) and a long call with higher pulse period (call B), which differ from the other species of the clade. The coefficients of variation for the various bioacoustical attributes were calculated within- and between-males and these have been discussed. We also report a fight event between two males ofB.latistriata. This is the first report of a fight in members of theB.polytaeniaclade.
Allodia Winnertz from the Himalayas, with nine species new to science (Diptera, Mycetophilidae)
Authors: Magnussen Trude , Søli Geir E. E. , Kjærandsen Jostein
Published: January 2019

An extensive collection of fungus gnats from Nepal and Bhutan, deposited at Kyushu University Museum in Japan, has been examined and revealed nine species ofAllodiaWinnertz, 1864 new to science:AllodiacaligataMagnussen,sp. n.,A.diboliaMagnussen,sp. n.,A.shimaiMagnussen,sp. n.,A.spathulataMagnussen,sp. n.,A.horologiaMagnussen,sp. n.,A.himalayensisMagnussen,sp. n.,A.nepalensisMagnussen,sp. n.,A.thudamensisMagnussen,sp. n., andA.scalprataMagnussen,sp. n.All specimens were collected at high altitudes in the central and eastern Himalayas. The species all belong to the subgenusAllodia s. str. and constitute the first records of the genusAllodiain Nepal and Bhutan.Brevicornunigrofasciatum(Brunetti, 1912)comb. n., originally described from northern India, is transferred fromAllodiabased on the original description. A key for the identification of the new species is provided.
Lactobacillus plantarum IS-10506 supplementation increases faecal sIgA and immune response in children younger than two years
Authors: Kusumo P.D. , Bela B. , Wibowo H. , Munasir Z. , Surono I.S.
Published: January 2019

The immature intestinal immune system in young children develops as it comes into contact with dietary and microbial antigens in the gut. Intestinal microbiota plays a significant role in host defence mechanisms as shown by inflammatory responses towards potential pathogens. We investigated the probiotic function of Lactobacillus plantarum IS-10506 of ‘dadih’ origin in modulating immune response in young children. We aimed to assess its effect on their immune response by assessing transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) responses and faecal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) titre in a randomised, double-blinded placebo-controlled trial in 12-24-month-old children (n=38). We used four treatment groups for a 90-day supplementation period: placebo (n=11), probiotic (n=9), zinc (n=8) and probiotic and zinc (n=10). Faecal sIgA, plasma TGF-β1 and TNF-α titre were evaluated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay standard technique. Statistical analysis divided the results (pre/post treatment) into high (>1) and low (<1) ratios. The results showed that faecal sIgA titre increased in all treatment groups compared with the control (placebo) and significantly increased in the probiotic group (P=0.05). In addition, the TGF-β1 ratio in the zinc group was significantly higher (P=0.05) than that in the placebo group. We observed a significant positive correlation between TGF-β1/TNF-α and faecal sIgA (r=0.27, P=0.04). Post hoc test results revealed that zinc supplementation has a significant effect on body-weight gain. Taken together, probiotic L. plantarum IS-10506 supplementation stimulates TGF-β1, which in turn increases the production of sIgA, in line with the significant correlation between TGF-β1/TNF-α and faecal sIgA.
Dysbiosis in early sepsis can be modulated by a multispecies probiotic: a randomised controlled pilot trial
Authors: Stadlbauer V. , Horvath A. , Komarova I. , Schmerboeck B. , Feldbacher N. , Klymiuk I. , Durdevic M. , Rainer F. , Blesl A. , Stiegler P. , Leber B.
Published: January 2019

The gut is hypothesised to play an important role in the development and progression of sepsis. It is however unknown whether the gut microbiome and the gut barrier function is already altered early in sepsis development and whether it is possible to modulate the microbiome in early sepsis. Therefore, a randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled pilot study to examine the alterations of the microbiome and the gut barrier in early sepsis and the influence of a concomitant probiotic intervention on dysbiosis at this early stage of the disease was conducted. Patients with early sepsis, defined as fulfilling the sepsis definition from the 2012 Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines but without signs of organ failure, received multispecies probiotic (Winclove 607 based on Omnibiotic® 10 AAD) for 28 days. Gut microbiome composition, function, gut barrier and bacterial translocation were studied. Patients with early sepsis had a significantly lower structural and functional alpha diversity, clustered differently and showed structural alterations on all taxonomic levels. Gut permeability was unaltered but endotoxin, endotoxin binding proteins and peptidoglycans were elevated in early sepsis patients compared to controls. Probiotic intervention successfully increased probiotic strains in stool and led to an improvement of functional diversity. Microbiome composition and function are altered in early sepsis. Probiotic intervention successfully modulates the microbiome and is therefore a promising tool for early intervention in sepsis.
Preceptors' Subjective Competency Ratings in Acute Care Hospitals in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Su-Ru , Chiu Hsiao-Ting , Lin Li-Min , Lin Pi-Chu
Published: January 2019

Background:

This study focused on developing a Subjective Competency Scale (SCS) in acute care hospitals and identified factors that affect preceptors' competency to precept new graduate nurses (NGNs).

Method:

This study was conducted in two stages that included collecting information on preceptor training courses and conducting a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. A total of 350 preceptors completed the survey in 2011. The validity and reliability of the SCS were determined.

Results:

An SCS was developed using 22 items and five factors: teaching/assessment skills, interpersonal/communication skills, confidence/self-assurance, problem-solving/stress-coping skills, and self-reflection. These explained 69.73% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha for these five factors of scale ranged from .715 to .889. Preceptors' subjective competency was correlated positively with age, years as a nurse, years as a preceptor, willingness to be a preceptor, and self-rated relationship with NGNs (
p
< .001).

Conclusion:

The SCS exhibited high validity and reliability; therefore, it can be used for future preceptors' subjective competency assessment and evaluation.

[
J Contin Educ Nurs.
2019;50(2):69–78.]