bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uma reflexão sobre o padrão mínimo de moradia digna no meio urbano brasileiro: estudo dos métodos de cálculo da Fundação João Pinheiro e da Fundação Seade
Authors: Barbo André Roriz de Castro , Shimbo Ioshiaqui
Published: January 2017

Captar as várias formas impróprias de morar é fundamental para permitira definição de prioridades pelos órgãos públicos competentes, visto que a construção de novas habitações demanda altos investimentos. Para tanto, o presente artigo busca incentivar um rigoroso debate metodológico sobre o conceito de moradia adequada, já que esse não é um consenso nem entre os especialistas nem entre os moradores. Procura-se aqui discutir o padrão mínimo de moradia digna no meio urbano brasileiro a partir da análise comparativa de dois métodos de cálculo das carências habitacionais no Brasil: o da Fundação João Pinheiro (2004) e o da Fundação Seade (2001). Como resultado foi possível confirmar que os dois métodos identificam carências habitacionais semelhantes, porém utilizando indicadores diferentes, no que diz respeito ao conceito de habitação mínima. Palavras-chave: déficit habitacional; carências habitacionais; padrão mínimo de moradia; Fundação João Pinheiro; Fundação Seade. Abstract: Identifying the several improper forms of dwelling is fundamental to permit the definition of priorities by the public specialized agencies, as building of new residence demands high investments. For this purpose, it is essential to stimulate a rigorous methodological discussion about the minimum standard of dignity housing, considering the fact that it isn’t a consensus neither between specialists, nor between the residents. In this sense, the present article intends to discuss the minimum standard of dignity housing in Brazilian urban areas through the comparative analysis of two methods of calculation of the housing needs in Brazil: Fundação João Pinheiro (2004) and Fundação Seade (2001). As result, it was possible to confirm that the two methods identify similar housing needs, however using different indicators, when referring to the concept of minimum housing. Keywords: housing deficit; housing needs; minimum housing standard; Fundação João Pinheiro; Fundação Seade.
Cidade: impasses e perspectivas
Authors: Somekh Nadia
Published: January 2017

Cidade: impasses e perspectivasMaria Lúcia Caira Gitahy e José Tavares de Lira Correia (Org.), São Paulo: Annablume Editora/FAU-USP/Fupam, 2007 (Coleção Arquiteses, n.2).
Entre o nó e a rede, dialéticas espaciais contemporâneas: o caso da metrópole de Campinas diante da megalópole do Sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Queiroga Eugenio Fernandes , Benfatti Denio Munia
Published: January 2017

Discute-se, diante do meio técnico-científico-informacional, o estabelecimento de novos processos de urbanização, particularmente relacionados à formação de uma nova entidade urbana no país: a Megalópole do Sudeste do Brasil. Destaca-se neste quadro a Metrópole de Campinas, pólo intermediário na rede urbana complexa e expansiva que compõe o território megalopolitano. A Região Metropolitana de Campinas apresenta-se como caso exemplar para o estudo da urbanização dispersa e para a compreensão de dialéticas espaciais que caracterizam, em boa medida, alguns importantes processos de urbanização contemporâneos. Afirma-se a complexidade megalopolitana como elemento fundamental para o entendimento da estruturação da metrópole campineira, indo além de sua classificação como metrópole regional ou incompleta.Palavras-chave: megalópole; metrópole contemporânea; dialéticas espaciais. Abstract:This work discusses, before the technical-scientific-informational environment, the establishment of new urbanization processes, particularly the scattered kind of urbanization that is related to the rising of a new urban entity in Brazil: the Megalopolis of South-Eastern Brazil. The Campinas metropolis stands out in this scene, as it plays the role of an intermediary in the complex and expanding urban net that composes the territory of the megalopolis. The Campinas metropolitan area presents itself as an exemplary case for the study of this scattered urbanization as well as for understanding the spatial dialectic that characterizes, to a great extent, important contemporary processes of urbanization. It is stated that the complexity of the megalopolis is an essential element in order to understand the structure of the Campinas metropolis, which goes beyond its classification as either a regional metropolis or an incomplete one.Keywords: megalopolis; contemporary metropolis; spatial dialectics
A cidade contra a favela: a nova ameaça ambiental
Authors: Compans Rose
Published: January 2017

Este artigo trata da apropriação do discurso da preservação ambiental para a retomada da discussão sobre remoções de favelas no Rio de Janeiro que haviam sido rechaçadas no processo de redemocratização do país. Depois da favela como foco de epidemias e antro de marginais, a mais nova representação social que vem sendo construída apresenta-a como fator de degradação ambiental. Auxiliada pelo saber técnico-científico que demonstra empiricamente os danos ao meio ambiente causados pelas ocupações irregulares, observa-se a constituição de um movimento conservador que busca pressionar os poderes públicos a reprimi-las, sobretudo nas áreas mais valorizadas da cidade. O presente trabalho se propõe a evidenciar a estratégia discursiva dos principais protagonistas deste movimento, a partir da análise de uma campanha promovida, no ano de 2005, por um importante jornal local, intitulada “Ilegal. E daí?”, e que teve como conseqüência uma ação movida pelo Ministério Público Estadual solicitando à Prefeitura a remoção de 13 áreas favelizadas.Palavras-chave: remoção de favela; ocupação irregular; degradação ambiental.  Abstract: This article deals with the appropriation of the environmental preservation arguments in order to justify slums removal in Rio de Janeiro, proposal that was repelled during re-democratization process of country. After presenting slums as epidemical and marginal focuses, the new social representation is established to present it as a factor of environmental degradation. With the support of technical and scientific knowledge that shows empirically environmental damaging generated for squatter settlements, a conservative movement seeks to pressure government authorities, particularly in more valuable areas of the city. The text identifies the discursive strategy of the main protagonists through the analysis of a campaign diffused by an important local newspaper in 2005, which resulted on a judicial action to force Municipality to remove thirteen squatter settlements. Keywords: slums removal; squatter settlements; environmental degradation.
A cidade COM-FUSA: a mão inoxidável do mercado e a produção da estrutura urbana nas grandes metrópoles latino-americanas
Authors: Abramo Pedro
Published: January 2017

Com a crise do fordismo urbano regulamentar, o mercado imobiliário voltou a ter um papel determinante no processo de coordenação social do uso do solo e de produção da estruturação intra-urbana. A mão inoxidável do mercado de solo está de volta. O trabalho apresenta uma leitura sobre a relação entre a produção da estrutura urbana e as formas de funcionamento dos mercados formais e informais de solo na América Latina. Propomos como hipótese que as cidades latino-americanas apresentam uma estrutura urbana particular quando comparada aos dois modelos tradicionais (cidade mediterrânea compacta e cidade anglo-difusa). O funcionamento do mercado de solo nas metrópoles latino-americanas produz simultaneamente uma estrutura urbana compacta e difusa. Essa estrutura urbana característica das grandes urbes latino-americanas nominamos “cidade COM-FUSA”.Palavras-chave: cidade informal; produção da estrutura urbana; mercado imobiliário informal e formal; mobilidade residencial. Abstract: With the crisis of regulatory urban Fordism, the real estate market has reemerged as a determining force in the social coordination process of land use and in the production of intra-urban structure. The steel hand of the market returned. This paper presents an analysis of the relation between the production of urban structure and the functioning modes of formal and informal land markets in Latin America. It proposes the hypothesis that, compared to the two traditional models: (compact mediterranean cities and the anglo saxon diffused cities), Latin American cities exhibit a particular urban structure. In these cities, the functioning of land markets produces simultaneously a compact and a diffused urban structure. This urban structure, characteristic of large Latin American cities, we designate as the "COM-FUSED" City. Keywords: informal and formal city; urban structure; informal and formal urban real estate; segregation; residential mobility.
Os limites políticos de uma reforma incompleta: a implementação da lei dos recursos hídricos na Bacia do Paraíba do Sul
Authors: Ioris Antônio A. R.
Published: January 2017

Na última década, o uso e a conservação dos recursos hídricos no Brasil têm sido objeto de um amplo processo de reformas e reorganização institucional. A experiência da BaciaHidrográfica do Rio Paraíba do Sul foi selecionada como um exemplo paradigmático das reformas institucionais em andamento no país. Fazendo uso de métodos qualitativos de pesquisa, foram analisados os objetivos e as deficiências da nova decisória. O estudo identificou, como limitante fundamental, a afirmação de uma racionalidade tecnoburocrática, empregada tanto na avaliação de problemas, quanto na formulação de respostas. A expressão mais evidente é a importância estratégica atribuída à cobrança pelo uso da água, uma ferramenta de gestão altamente controvertida e que tem levado a uma polarização de posições políticas. Em larga medida, as reformas institucionais no Paraíba do Sul têm sido limitadas em si mesmas, uma vez que a nova estrutura ainda impede a incorporação das demandas da maioria da população local e a resolução efetiva de questões ambientais historicamente estabelecidas.Palavras-chave: hidropolítica; Ecologia Política; gestão integrada de recursos hídricos; cobrança pelo uso da água; instrumentos econômicos; Paraíba do Sul. Abstract: In the last decade, the use and conservation of water resources in Brazil have been the object of an ample process of reforms and institutional reorganization. The experience of the Paraíba do Sul River Basin was selected as a paradigmatic example of the institutional reforms ongoing in the country. Through qualitative research methods, the aims and the deficiencies of the new decision-making structure were analyzed. The study identified, as the crucial shortcoming, the affirmation of a technobureaucratic rationality, which is applied both to the assessment of problems and the formulation of responses. The most evident expression is the strategic relevance attributed to water use charges, a highly controversial management instrument that is leading to a polarization of political positions. The reforms in the Paraíba do Sul have been largely limited in themselves, given that the new institutional structure still prevents the incorporation of the demands of the majority of the local population and the proper solution to environmental questions historically established.Keywords: hydropolitics; Political Ecology; integrated water resources management; water charges; economic instruments; Paraíba do Sul.
Corporate governance and corporate performance: evidence from Kuwait
Authors: Al-Shammari Bader , Al-Sultan Waleed
Published: January 2017

An increasing number of recent corporate scandals and failures worldwide give rise to interest in the corporate governance structure in the performance of companies. This study investigates the relationship between corporate governance characteristics and performance of 66 non-financial companies listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) during the years 2004-2007. The findings of this study show that corporate governance characteristics such as board size, role duality, and less concentrated share ownership were positively associated with market performance, whereas only board size and role duality were positively related to accounting performance. The result is robust with respect to controls for company size, leverage, and industry.
Pendidikan Ramah Anak Studi Kasus SDIT Nur Hidayah Surakarta
Authors: Yulianto Agus
Published: January 2017

Child-friendly education model will create students who not only intellectually intelligent but also spiritually intelligent. Unfortunately, theschool has not been a child-friendly environment. Students often experience bully from their friends or abuse from their teachers or another party in school. The objective of this research is to describe the implementation of child-friendly education on students of Class VB SDIT Nur Hidayah Surakarta. This research was conducted by aqualitative descriptive method with a case study approach. The subject of the study were teachers and students of that class. While other teachers, staffs, securities, and headmaster were the informant. Data was collected by observation, interview, and documentation; applying data and method triangulation. Data was analyzed using interactive analysis model. In achild-friendy education environment, students are treated as the object of education but as the subject instead. They are free to learn and to create under conducive environment. Child-friendly education in SDIT Nur Hidayah Surakarta includes: physically friendly, nonphysically-friendly, in-class learning, and out-class learning.Keywords: Education, child-friendlyeducation, child-friendly environment.
PROLOGUE AND EPILOGUE NARRATIONS OF 'MATA NAJWA: PARA PEMBURU RENTE'
Authors: Pratama Ikke Dewi
Published: January 2017

The study of stylistics has grown wider in literatures and in linguistics. Stylistics provides linguistic features that support the interpretation of certain text so that the investigation becomes comprehensive. This research aims at finding stylistic features of the narrations of the prologue and epilogue of Mata Najwa talk show in an episode entitled Pejabat Pemburu Rente. Using ear-catching word arrangements, the prologue and epilogue successfully attract the audiencesâ€™ attention and, thus, the talk show becomes one of the most popular TV show in Indonesia. The stylistic features observed in this research are based on deviation and parallelism. This is a descriptive qualitative research. The data source is Mata Najwa show with the sub-title Pejabat Pemburu Rente, while the data are the prologue and the epilogue of the show. The analysis shows three features in the prologue as well as in the epilogue: figurative language, sound repetition and word repetition.
Political Connections, Audit Opinions, and Auditor Choice: Evidence from the Ouster of Government Officers
Authors: He Ku , Pan Xiaofei , Tian Gary Gang
Published: January 2017

In this study, we examine changes in audit opinions and auditor choice decisions in politically connected firms before and after the exogenous termination of their political connections. We use 84 anti-corruption cases involving high-level Chinese bureaucrats between 2004 and 2014 to construct a nature experiment, and identify a set of listed firms whose executives bribe or have connections through family affiliation with these corrupt bureaucrats. We find that within the event years of the ouster of corrupt bureaucrats, connected state-owned enterprises (SOEs) receive more favorable audit opinions than their non-connected counterparts, whereas connected non-SOEs obtain less favorable opinions. Moreover, after the termination of political connections, connected SOEs are more likely, while connected non-SOEs are less likely, to hire local small auditors. Additional analyses show that termination of political ties has more pronounced effects after the recent anti-corruption campaign. Furthermore, the levels of earnings management and audit fees in SOEs decrease when political connections are terminated, but they increase in non-SOEs. In summary, our study suggests that the termination of corporate political connections has a significant influence on auditors' assessments of audit risk and firms' auditor choice patterns, and this influence is subject to corporate ownership structures.
Effects of Low-dose Clarithromycin Added to Fluticasone on Inflammatory Markers and Pulmonary Function among Children with Asthma: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Wan Kong-Sang , Liu Yu-Cheng , Huang Che-Sheng , Su Yu-Mao
Published: January 2017

Background

Macrolides exert anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects beyond their purely antibacterial action, as demonstrated by several bronchial inflammatory disorders, including asthma.

Methods

Fifty-eight children with newly diagnosed mild persistent asthma were selected by using the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines and were randomly divided into the study (group I) (n = 36) and control (group II) (n = 22) groups. Mycoplasma pneumonia-specific immunoglobulin G and -specific immunoglobulin M antibody levels of each participant were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Clarithromycin 5 mg/kg daily and placebo were given to groups I and II, respectively, for 4 weeks. All of the children had maintenance inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone propionate, one puff twice [50 fig/puff] daily). Forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of the pulmonary volume, exhaled nitric oxide value, total IgE level, absolute eosinophil count, and eosinophilic cation protein value were measured at baseline and at the end of the treatment.

Results

There are significantly increased forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of the pulmonary volume levels and decreased exhaled nitric oxide values after the 4-week clarithromycin treatment. The study group also had a decreased peripheral blood absolute eosinophil count and eosinophilic cation protein level, but not for the total IgE level, after the treatment.

Conclusion

Four weeks of sub-antimicrobial doses of clarithromycin may improve pulmonary function and decrease eosinophilic inflammation in children with asthma.
Nasal Mucosal Melanosis may act as a Harbinger of Melanoma: A Case Report
Authors: Yao William C. , Emerick Kevin S. , Kraft Stefan , Holbrook Eric H.
Published: January 2017

Background

The progression from a benign pigmented lesion on the skin to cutaneous melanoma is better understood, and it could be presumed that a similar progression occurs with mucosal lesions. However, to our knowledge, there has never been documentation of melanosis transforming into melanoma over time.

Objective

To describe a transformation of a mucosal melanosis into melanoma.

Methods

A 53-year-old man with diffuse melanosis of the nasal cavity underwent surgical resection.

Results

Pathology revealed melanocytic hyperplasia without evidence of melanoma. The patient was serially examined, with excisions for new areas of melanosis. The pathology progressed to severely atypical melanocytic proliferation and melanoma in situ over a 4-year period.

Conclusion

Nasal melanosis may be a precancerous lesion and may transform into melanoma. All melanosis should be biopsied with close endoscopic observation. Lesions with dysplasia or atypia should be excised due to potential transformation to melanoma.
Reliability Assessment of the Endoscopic Examination in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Ziade Georges K. , Karami Reem A. , Fakhri Ghina B. , Alam Elie S. , Hamdan Abdul Latif , Mourad Marc M. , Hadi Usama M.
Published: January 2017

Objective

To study if nasal endoscope can be a reliable tool in assessing patients with allergic rhinitis.

Materials and Methods

A prospective study. Patients who were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis underwent a nasal endoscopic examination performed by two physicians blinded to the scoring of each other. A correlation was made among symptom severity, endoscopic findings, and interrater variability.

Results

Ninety patients were included in the study: 34 patients had mild disease and 56 had moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis according to the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma guidelines. Increases in mucosal edema and bluish discoloration were predictive of the severity of allergic rhinitis disease (p < 0.05). The presence of nasal secretions was not predictive of allergic rhinitis. Interrater reliability was fair for mucosal edema, moderate-to-almost perfect for the rest of the endoscopic findings.

Conclusion

Nasal endoscopy may reveal signs that are predictive of the severity of allergic rhinitis. A detailed checklist is needed for the nasal endoscopic examination to decrease interrater variability.
Long-term follow-up of superior gluteal artery perforator flap closure of large myelomeningoceles
Authors: Whittemore Brett A. , Swift Dale M. , Weprin Bradley E. , Duffy Frederick J.
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE

Large myelomeningocele defects and poor surrounding tissue quality make some defects particularly difficult to close primarily. This paper describes the superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap technique for defect closure and long-term clinical outcomes.

METHODS

The technique for closing a myelomeningocele with an SGAP flap is described. A retrospective chart review was performed on a cohort of 11 patients who underwent closure in this manner.

RESULTS

Between 1999 and 2015, 271 myelomeningoceles were closed, 11 of which were SGAP flap closures. The mean defect size was 5.5 × 7.2 cm. All patients underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting. There were no cases of CSF infection. Five patients had minor wound issues (small dehiscence or eschar formation) that healed satisfactorily. Two patients had soft-tissue wound infections and required multiple revisions; one patient had multiple severe developmental abnormalities, and the other patient's flap had healed with a thick underlying fat pad 4 months postoperatively. No patients had significant surgical site pain on long-term follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The SGAP flap technique achieves tension-free closure with vascularized, fat-bearing full-thickness skin. It is useful for closure of large, complex defects, is not associated with chronic pain, and carries a morbidity risk that is comparable to other complex myelomeningocele closure techniques.
Endonasal management of pediatric congenital transsphenoidal encephaloceles: nuances of a modified reconstruction technique. Technical note and report of 3 cases
Authors: Zeinalizadeh Mehdi , Sadrehosseini Seyed Mousa , Habibi Zohreh , Nejat Farideh , Silva Harley Brito da , Singh Harminder
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE

Congenital transsphenoidal encephaloceles are rare malformations, and their surgical treatment remains challenging. This paper reports 3 cases of transsphenoidal encephalocele in 8- to 24-month-old infants, who presented mainly with airway obstruction, respiratory distress, and failure to thrive.

METHODS

The authors discuss the surgical management of these lesions via a minimally invasive endoscopic endonasal approach, as compared with the traditional transcranial and transpalatal approaches. A unique endonasal management algorithm for these lesions is outlined. The lesions were repaired with no resection of the encephalocele sac, and the cranial base defects were reconstructed with titanium mesh plates and vascular nasoseptal flaps.

RESULTS

Reduction of the encephalocele and reconstruction of the skull base was successfully accomplished in all 3 cases, with favorable results.

CONCLUSIONS

The described endonasal management algorithm for congenital transsphenoidal encephaloceles is a safe, viable alternative to traditional transcranial and transpalatal approaches, and avoids much of the morbidity associated with these open techniques.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Antitumour Activity Evaluation of 1H-thieno[2,3-c]chromen-4(2H)-one Derivatives
Authors: Yu Huchang , Li Yan , Feng Zhiyuan , Jiang Hongwu , Zhao Yinglan , Luo Youfu , Huang Wencai , Li Zicheng
Published: January 2017

A series of 1 H-thieno[2,3-c]chromen-4(2 H)-one derivatives were synthesised through Knoevenagel condensation of substituted flavanones with thiazolidine-2,4-dione in ethanol in the presence of piperidine. The mechanism of the reaction was proposed. All synthesised compounds were characterised by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HRMS, and elemental analysis. The structure of 2-(3-chlorophenyl)-1 H-thieno[2,3- c]chromen-4(2 H)-one was confirmed by a single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. A preliminary antitumour screening showed that 2-(2-fluorophenyl)-1 H-thieno [2,3- c]chromen-4(2 H)-one had moderate to good activity against A549, BGC-823, HCT116 and MDA-MB-453 cancer cell lines, and 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-1 H-thieno[2,3- c]chromen-4(2 H)-one displayed similar activity against these four kinds of cancer cells compared with the reference drug.
Vollenweider Model for Temporal Eutrophication Characteristics of Nagdaha Lake, Nepal
Authors: Rana Magar M.S. , Khatry S.B.
Published: January 2017

The study was carried out in Nagdaha (about five kilometres away from Lagankhel), Dhapakhel VDC, Lalitpur (between 27°37′53″ N and 85°20′2.8″ E at an altitude of 1340 m), Nepal. The status of trophic characteristics of the Nagdaha was calculated on the basis of normalized average phosphorus [P]λ and chlorophyll [Chl]λ through verified Vollenweider Model. The water quality parameters like pH; nitrate, total phosphate and alkalinity; temperature and dissolved oxygen were tested for the assessment purpose. The measurement of lake depth was done through depth sounding method where GPS co-ordinates were recorded, then analysed, managed and presented using GIS for bathymetric map. The area of lake as given by aerial photograph was determined to be 3.07 hectares; while various litreatures enlisted the area as 2.65-5 hectares. The bathymetric map area calculation entailed that the area was 2.51 hectares (decreased by 500 square metres). The depth of the lake varied from 0.30 metre to 4.70 metres. The residence time, in which mean depth of water body act as vital role in resulting various trophic level. The lake was hypereutrophic and eutrophic at average phosphorus loading up to first 2.5 metre and onward depth respectively. The normalized phosphorous and chlorophyll concentrations during winter were found greater than in summer seasons.
Heavy Metal Contents in Sediments of an Urban Industrialized Area—A Case Study of Tongi Canal, Bangladesh
Authors: Zakir Hossen Md. , Mahidul Islam Md. , Sohrab Hossain Md.
Published: January 2017

A study was conducted to investigate heavy metal content in sediments collected from the whole area of Tongi canal, close to Dhaka city of Bangladesh. Total concentration of metals in aquous extract of sediments was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and the range of Cu, Zn, Pb and Fe varied from 18.34 to 101.27, 92.80 to 1111.15, 18.42 to 38.11 and 12327.5 to 47112.5 μg g-1, respectively while there was trace amounts of Cd. The study results showed that the mean concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb in sediments of Tongi canal were higher compared to geochemical standard and other Bangladeshi rivers. The average concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb in the carbonate fraction were 7.07, 40.13 and 2.06 μg g-1, respectively which can be released to the sediment pore water in acidic conditions. The calculated geoaccumulation index ( Igeo) for Zn in 85% sampling sites exhibited Igeo class 1-3, indicating moderately to strongly polluted sediment quality. But in most cases, Igeo values for Cu and Pb exhibited Igeo class 1, indicating moderately polluted sediment quality. Similarly, the calculated enrichment factors (EFc) for 100 and 88% sampling sites had values >5.0 for Zn and Pb, respectively indicating anthropogenic pollution load for these metals. As regards to risk assessment code (RAC), Zn and Cu come under the medium risk category, while Pb comes under low risk category. The study concluded that the degree of contamination due to Zn, Pb and Cu in the study area was comparatively high, so it is desirable to take necessary initiative to minimize the pollution level as well as to monitor their concentrations in water and sediments routinely in future.
The Modified Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBI-mod) for Patients with Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Suhonen Noora-Maria , Hallikainen Ilona , Hänninen Tuomo , Jokelainen Jari , Krüger Johanna , Hall Anette , Pikkarainen Maria , Soininen Hilkka , Remes Anne M.
Published: January 2017

While behavioral symptoms are both early and prevalent features of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), they can be present in other types of dementia as well, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and even mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBI) was specifically developed to capture the behavioral and personality changes in bvFTD; it has also been modified into a self-administered caregiver questionnaire (FBI-mod). We examined the utility of the FBI-mod in differentiating bvFTD ( n = 26), primary progressive aphasia (PPA) ( n = 7), AD ( n = 53), and MCI ( n = 50) patients, and investigated how the FBI-mod may be associated with neuropsychological measures. The bvFTD patients scored significantly higher as compared to all other patient groups on the FBI-mod Total ( p < 0.005), Negative ( p < 0.005), and Positive ( p < 0.01) scores. The cut-off point for the FBI-mod Total score that best discriminated the bvFTD and AD patients in our sample was 16, thus substantially lower than reported for the original FBI. For the bvFTD group, only mild correlations emerged between the FBI-mod and the cognitive measures. However, significant correlations between the FBI-mod and depressive symptoms as measured by the BDI-II were found for bvFTD. This suggests that while behavioral symptoms appear independent from cognitive deficits in bvFTD, they may nevertheless be interrelated with depressive symptoms. We conclude that the FBI-mod is an easily administered behavioral scale that can aid in differential diagnosis of bvFTD and should be used in clinical practice. The FBI-mod may further be considered as an outcome measure in clinical trials.
Cerebral Amyloid Burden and Hoehn and Yahr Stage 3 Scoring in Parkinson Disease
Authors: Kotagal Vikas , Bohnen Nicolaas I. , Müller Martijn L.T.M. , Frey Kirk A. , Albin Roger L.
Published: January 2017

Background: Progression to Hoehn and Yahr (HY) stage 3 marks the transition to advanced disease staging and disability in Parkinson disease (PD).

Objective/Methods: We conducted a case-control study of 36 PD subjects at HY stage 2.5 or 3, with groups matched for gender, age, and disease duration. Positron Emission tomography (PET) imaging included dihydrotetrabenazine [11C]DTBZ and Pittsburgh Compound B [11C]PiB.

Results: Subjects with HY 2.5 differed from HY 3.0 in mean cortical PiB distribution volume ratio (1.14 vs. 1.23; Wilcoxon two-sample Z = 2.36, p = 0.024) but not striatal DTBZ PET.

Conclusion: Cortical amyloid burden differentiates subjects below and at HY stage 3. These results suggest that cortical amyloid accumulation influences the transition from HY2.5 to HY3 and that cortical amyloidopathy may be a therapeutic target in PD.
Fractional Anisotropy and Mean Diffusion as Measures of Dopaminergic Function in Parkinson’s Disease: Challenging Results
Authors: Lenfeldt Niklas , Eriksson Johan , Åström Björn , Forsgren Lars , Mo Susanna Jakobson
Published: January 2017

Background: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been purported as an imaging technique to assess dopaminergic degeneration in Parkinson’s disease.

Objective: To test if fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusion (MD) in the basal ganglia as measured by DTI correlates with dopaminergic function as measured by dopamine transporter (DAT) and dopamine D2-receptor (D2R) SPECT.

Methods: One-hundred and eleven patients with Parkinson’s disease (71±10 years) and thirty-one controls (68±7 years) performed DTI, DAT and D2R SPECT at baseline and four follow-ups (1-year: 89 patients/zero controls; 3-year: 72/11; 5-year: 48/17; and 8-year: 13/13). Four equipment combinations of MRI scanners/SPECT gamma cameras were used during the study. Data from each combination were analyzed separately. Regions-of-interest were outlined in the substantia nigra (three subareas, DTI only) and in the striatum (putamen and caudate). Side differences and bilateral averages were correlated using linear regression. The significance threshold was set at P < 0.001 and 0.001 < P< 0.05 was defined as a trend towards significance.

Results: For side differences, no significant correlations were observed, but in patients, there was a trend towards a negative correlation between MD in the middle nigra and putaminal DAT uptake in two combinations ( P = 0.04 and P = 0.03). For averages, in patients, striatal MD correlated negatively with striatal DAT uptake in one combination ( P = 0.0005) and trended towards negative correlations with striatal D2R uptake (one combination, P = 0.03) and with the sum of striatal DAT and D2R uptake (two combinations P = 0.002 and P = 0.03). FA showed no correlations in patients, and no correlations were found in controls.

Conclusions: The poor correlations between MD and dopamine activity –and absent correlations for FA – imply that additional diffusion measures must be developed to reliably assess the dopaminergic degeneration in Parkinson’s disease.
Canagliflozin, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin monotherapy for treating type 2 diabetes: systematic review and economic evaluation
Authors: Johnston Rhona , Uthman Olalekan , Cummins Ewen , Clar Christine , Royle Pamela , Colquitt Jill , Tan Bee Kang , Clegg Andrew , Shantikumar Saran , Court Rachel , O’Hare J Paul , McGrane David , Holt Tim , Waugh Norman
Published: January 2017

Background

Most people with type 2 diabetes are overweight, so initial treatment is aimed at reducing weight and increasing physical activity. Even modest weight loss can improve control of blood glucose. If drug treatment is necessary, the drug of first choice is metformin. However, some people cannot tolerate metformin, which causes diarrhoea in about 10%, and it cannot be used in people with renal impairment. This review appraises three of the newest class of drugs for monotherapy when metformin cannot be used, the sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.

Objective

To review the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of dapagliflozin (Farxiga, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Luton, UK), canagliflozin (Invokana, Janssen, High Wycombe, UK) and empagliflozin (Jardiance, Boehringer Ingelheim, Ingelheim, Germany/Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA), in monotherapy in people who cannot take metformin.

Sources

MEDLINE (1946 to February 2015) and EMBASE (1974 to February 2015) for randomised controlled trials lasting 24 weeks or more. For adverse events, a wider range of studies was used. Three manufacturers provided submissions.

Methods

Systematic review and economic evaluation. A network meta-analysis was carried out involving the three SGLT2 inhibitors and key comparators. Critical appraisal of submissions from three manufacturers.

Results

We included three trials of dapagliflozin and two each for canagliflozin and empagliflozin. The trials were of good quality. The canagliflozin and dapagliflozin trials compared them with placebo, but the two empagliflozin trials included active comparators. All three drugs were shown to be effective in improving glycaemic control, promoting weight loss and lowering blood pressure (BP).

Limitations

There were no head-to-head trials of the different flozins, and no long-term data on cardiovascular outcomes in this group of patients. Most trials were against placebo. The trials were done in patient groups that were not always comparable, for example in baseline glycated haemoglobin or body mass index. Data on elderly patients were lacking.

Conclusions

Dapagliflozin, canagliflozin and empagliflozin are effective in improving glycaemic control, with added benefits of some reductions in BP and weight. Adverse effects are urinary and genital tract infections in a small proportion of users. In monotherapy, the three drugs do not appear cost-effective compared with gliclazide or pioglitazone, but may be competitive against sitagliptin (Januvia, Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited, Kenilworth, NJ, USA).

Funding

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
Body Weight Status and Dietary Intakes of Urban Malay Primary School Children: Evidence from the Family Diet Study
Authors: Yang Wai , Burrows Tracy , MacDonald-Wicks Lesley , Williams Lauren , Collins Clare , Chee Winnie , Colyvas Kim
Published: January 2017

Malaysia is experiencing a rise in the prevalence of childhood obesity. Evidence for the relationship between dietary intake and body weight among Malaysian children is limited, with the impact of energy intake misreporting rarely being considered. This paper describes the dietary intakes of urban Malay children in comparison to national recommendations and by weight status. This cross-sectional Family Diet Study (n = 236) was conducted in five national primary schools in Malaysia (August 2013–October 2014). Data on socio-demographics, anthropometrics, 24-h dietary recalls, and food habits were collected from Malay families, consisting of a child aged 8 to 12 years and their main caregiver(s). Multivariable analyses were used to assess dietary intake-body weight relationships. The plausibility of energy intake was determined using the Black and Cole method. Approximately three in 10 Malay children were found to be overweight or obese. The majority reported dietary intakes less than national recommendations. Children with obesity had the lowest energy intakes relative to body weight (kcal/kg) compared to children in other weight categories (F = 36.21, p < 0.001). A positive moderate correlation between energy intake and weight status was identified (r = 0.53, p < 0.001) after excluding energy intake mis-reporters (n = 95), highlighting the need for the validation of dietary assessment in obesity-related dietary research in Malaysia.
Static Human Detection and Scenario Recognition via Wearable Thermal Sensing System
Authors: Sun Qingquan , Shen Ju , Qiao Haiyan , Huang Xinlin , Chen Chen , Hu Fei
Published: January 2017

Conventional wearable sensors are mainly used to detect the physiological and activity information of individuals who wear them, but fail to perceive the information of the surrounding environment. This paper presents a wearable thermal sensing system to detect and perceive the information of surrounding human subjects. The proposed system is developed based on a pyroelectric infrared sensor. Such a sensor system aims to provide surrounding information to blind people and people with weak visual capability to help them adapt to the environment and avoid collision. In order to achieve this goal, a low-cost, low-data-throughput binary sampling and analyzing scheme is proposed. We also developed a conditioning sensing circuit with a low-noise signal amplifier and programmable system on chip (PSoC) to adjust the amplification gain. Three statistical features in information space are extracted to recognize static humans and human scenarios in indoor environments. The results demonstrate that the proposed wearable thermal sensing system and binary statistical analysis method are efficient in static human detection and human scenario perception.
Ionic Liquid Crystals Modifier for Selective Determination of Terazosin Antihypertensive Drug in Presence of Common Interference Compounds
Authors: Atta Nada , BinSabt Mohammad , Hassan Samar , Galal Ahmed
Published: January 2017

Electrochemical sensor was fabricated based on carbon paste electrode modified with an ionic liquid crystal ILC (2-chloro-1,3-dimethyl-imidazolidinium hexafluorophosphate) in presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate for the selective electrochemical determination of Terazosin (TZ) in presence of common interference compounds. The electrode performance was compared in presence of other ionic liquids ILs (1-Butyl-4-methyl pyridinium tetrafluoroborate) and (1-n-Hexyl-3-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate). Ultrasensitive determination of Terazosin HCl at the ILC modified electrode in the linear dynamic ranges of 0.002 to 0.09 μmol·L−1 and 0.2 to 30 μmol·L−1 with correlation coefficients 0.996 and 0.995 and LODs 1.69 × 10−11 mol·L−1 and 6.43 × 10−9 mol·L−1, respectively, were obtained. Selective determination of TZ in presence of uric acid and ascorbic acid and simultaneous determination of binary mixtures of TZ/dopamine, TZ/paracetamol and TZ/Morphine were also determined successfully using the modified sensor.
Health-Promoting Compounds in Pigmented Thai and Wild Rice
Authors: Melini Valentina , Acquistucci Rita
Published: January 2017

Organic pigmented Thai rice and wild rice are commonly available in specialized Italian markets and food shops, and they are gaining popularity among consumers demanding healthy foods. Indeed, the typical colour of kernels, which is the unique characteristic of pigmented cereals, is due to the accumulation of pigments that are also responsible for a number of healthy effects. The aim of this study was to provide a portrait of two organic pigmented Thai rice varieties from Thailand and one wild rice variety from Canada, imported into Italy and at Italian consumers’ disposal. To this end, the proximate composition and the content of health-promoting compounds, such as carotenoids, anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, were determined in Thai and wild rice. Moreover, the effect of cooking on phytochemicals was assessed, in order to provide reliable data on the dietary intake of bioactive compounds by samples under investigation. Results show that studied samples have a content of phytochemicals higher than white rice and comparable to other cereals. The cooking process determined a decrease of bioactive compounds in all varieties under investigation. However, some samples were found more resistant to cooking stress, and some phytochemicals were little affected by this process. Therefore, pigmented Thai and wild rice may represent a valuable source of healthy compounds and an alternative to other wholesome foods required by consumers.
Optical and Gamma-Ray Variability of the vRL NLSy1 Galaxy, 1H 0323+342
Authors: Miller Hugh , Turner Clay. , Maune Jeremy , Eggen Joseph
Published: January 2017

1H 0323+342 was one of the first vRLNLSy1 galaxies detected at gamma-rays with the Fermi-LAT and is one of the brightest of this class observed at optical wavelengths. We report the results of monitoring the optical flux, polarization and the gamma-ray flux of 1H 0323+342 during the past ~5 years. In some cases, the optical flux has been monitored on timescales as short as ~minutes simultaneously with two telescopes, demonstrating, for the first time, the reality of microvariability events with durations as short as ~15 min for this object.
The Potential of Targeting Ribosome Biogenesis in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Yan Shunfei , Frank Daniel , Son Jinbae , Hannan Katherine , Hannan Ross , Chan Keefe , Pearson Richard , Sanij Elaine
Published: January 2017

Overall survival for patients with ovarian cancer (OC) has shown little improvement for decades meaning new therapeutic options are critical. OC comprises multiple histological subtypes, of which the most common and aggressive subtype is high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). HGSOC is characterized by genomic structural variations with relatively few recurrent somatic mutations or dominantly acting oncogenes that can be targeted for the development of novel therapies. However, deregulation of pathways controlling homologous recombination (HR) and ribosome biogenesis has been observed in a high proportion of HGSOC, raising the possibility that targeting these basic cellular processes may provide improved patient outcomes. The poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor olaparib has been approved to treat women with defects in HR due to germline BRCA mutations. Recent evidence demonstrated the efficacy of targeting ribosome biogenesis with the specific inhibitor of ribosomal RNA synthesis, CX-5461 in v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (MYC)-driven haematological and prostate cancers. CX-5461 has now progressed to a phase I clinical trial in patients with haematological malignancies and phase I/II trial in breast cancer. Here we review the currently available targeted therapies for HGSOC and discuss the potential of targeting ribosome biogenesis as a novel therapeutic approach against HGSOC.
Bioactive Glass Fiber-Reinforced PGS Matrix Composites for Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Souza Marina , Tansaz Samira , Zanotto Edgar , Boccaccini Aldo
Published: January 2017

Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) is an elastomeric polymer which is attracting increasing interest for biomedical applications, including cartilage regeneration. However, its limited mechanical properties and possible negative effects of its degradation byproducts restrict PGS for in vivo application. In this study, a novel PGS–bioactive glass fiber (F18)-reinforced composite was developed and characterized. PGS-based reinforced scaffolds were fabricated via salt leaching and characterized regarding their mechanical properties, degradation, and bioactivity in contact with simulated body fluid. Results indicated that the incorporation of silicate-based bioactive glass fibers could double the composite tensile strength, tailor the polymer degradability, and improve the scaffold bioactivity.
Electropolishing Behaviour of 73 Brass in a 70 vol % H3PO4 Solution by Using a Rotating Cylinder Electrode (RCE)
Authors: Huang Ching , Chen Jhih , Sun Ming
Published: January 2017

The electropolishing behaviour of 73 brass was studied by means of a rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) in a 70 vol % H3PO4 solution at 27 °C. Owing to the formation of a blue Cu2+-rich layer on the brass-RCE, an obvious transition peak was detected from kinetic- to diffusion-controlled dissolution in the anodic polarisation curve. Electropolishing was conducted at the potentials located at the transition peak, the start, the middle, and the end positions in the limiting-current plateau corresponding to the anodic polarisation curve of the brass-RCE. A well-polished surface can be obtained after potentiostatic electropolishing at the middle position in the limiting-current plateau. During potentiostatic etching in the limiting-current plateau, a blue Cu2+-rich layer was formed on the brass-RCE, reducing its anodic dissolution rate and obtaining a levelled and brightened brass-RCE. Moreover, a rod climbing phenomenon of the blue Cu2+-rich layer was observed on the rotating brass-RCE. This enhances the coverage of the Cu2+-rich layer on the brass-RCE and improves its electropolishing effect obviously.