bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐frequency ultrasound and sequential infrared drying on drying kinetics, thermodynamic properties, and quality assessment of sweet potatoes
Authors: Rashid Muhammad T. , Ma Haile , Jatoi Mushtaque A. , Safdar Bushra , El‐Mesery Hany S. , Sarpong Frederick , Ali Zeshan , Wali Asif
Published: June 2019

Different ultrasound frequencies as pretreatments with different infrared drying temperatures were tested for drying of sweet potatoes to study the drying kinetics, mathematical modeling, energy activation, and thermodynamic properties of dried sweet potatoes. The treated samples showed a significant reduction in drying time by 110 to 60 min as compared to the control ones. Hii model, Page model, and Silva models found satisfactorily described the drying kinetics among 13 different tested mathematical models. The effective diffusion varied from 1.01 × 10−06 to 9.21 × 10−06, while the lowest activation energy recorded as 24.69 kJ/mol in samples pretreated with 40 kHz. The enthalpy and Gibbs free energy decreased with the increase in drying temperature while entropy decreased and obtained as negative during drying. In addition, the moderate ultrasound frequency of 40 kHz positively and significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the surface color, enzyme inactivation, enzymatic browning, and microstructure of dried sweet potatoes.

Practical applications

This study investigated the impact of sequential ultrasound (US) frequencies and infrared (IR) temperatures. The study provides significant evidence that the US in combination with IR not only reduces drying time but also improve the quality of the dry product on moderate US frequency. Higher US frequency (60 kHz) at higher temperature did not significantly improve the drying time but also showed big pores in SEM analysis.
Supernumerary scutes verify a segment‐dependent model of the horny shell development in turtles
Authors: Cherepanov Gennady , Malashichev Yegor , Danilov Igor
Published: June 2019

Turtle horny shell has a scute pattern, which is conservative through evolution and across species. The discovery of epidermal placodes as the scute primordia and their strict topographical association to the somites of the turtle embryo suggested a new interpretation of the developmental mechanism of the scute pattern. Here, we tested the hypothesis that horny scutes develop from a mosaic of placodes corresponding exactly to the paths of myoseptae, with vertebral and pleural scutes developing staggered in adjacent segments, and marginal scutes developing in every segment. This scheme predicts little variation in marginals and suggests intercalary supernumerary scutes as potential variations for the vertebral and pleural rows. We examined spatial and numerical variations of the horny shell in 655 newly hatched olive ridley sea turtle, Lepidochelys olivacea, which is known to have a highly variable horny shell. In total, 120 patterns of carapacial scutes and 10 patterns of scutes on plastron, differing in the number and position of scutes were found. The number of vertebral scutes varied from 4 to 10. Variations with five, six and seven vertebrals occurred with the greatest and nearly equally frequency (31.5% on average). Pleural scutes were from 5 to 10 at one or both sides, and the typical symmetric pattern for sea turtles with five pairs of pleurals was only seen in ca. 12% of specimens. In contrast, the majority of the specimens (92.7%) had just 13 pairs of marginals, showing a stable normal pattern. Similarly, on plastron the horny scutes were conservative, too; about 85% of specimens standardly had six pairs of plastral scutes and all specimens had four pairs of inframarginals. Despite a high level of variation of vertebral and pleural scutes in olive ridley turtle, all patterns fall into the theoretical spectrum of possible variants predicted by the segment‐dependent model of development of the turtle horny shell. Therefore, the results of our analysis support the existence of direct morphogenetic correlation between the number and distribution of normal and supernumerary scutes and metamere organization of the turtle embryo.
The effect of high‐fat diet on the morphological properties of the forelimb musculature in hypertrophic myostatin null mice
Authors: Elashry Mohamed I. , Eldaey Asmaa , Glenske Kristina , Matsakas Antonios , Wenisch Sabine , Arnhold Stefan , Patel Ketan
Published: June 2019

Obesity is a worldwide nutritional disorder affecting body performance, including skeletal muscle. Inhibition of myostatin not only increases the muscle mass but also it reduces body fat accumulation. We examined the effect of high‐fat diet on the phenotypic properties of forelimb muscles from myostatin null mice. Male wild‐type and myostatin null mice were fed on either a normal diet or a high‐fat diet (45% fat) for 10 weeks. Musculus triceps brachii Caput longum; M. triceps brachii Caput laterale; M. triceps brachii Caput mediale; M. extensor carpi ulnaris and M. flexor carpi ulnaris were processed for fiber type composition using immunohistochemistry and morphometric analysis. Although the muscle mass revealed no change under a high‐fat diet, there were morphometric alterations in the absence of myostatin. We show that high‐fat diet reduces the cross‐sectional area of the fast (IIB and IIX) fibers in M. triceps brachii Caput longum and M. triceps brachii Caput laterale of both genotypes. In contrast, increases of fast fiber areas were observed in both M. extensor carpi ulnaris of wild‐type and M. flexor carpi ulnaris of myostatin null mice. Meanwhile, a high‐fat diet increased the area of the fast IIA fibers in wild‐type mice; myostatin null mice display a muscle‐dependent alteration in the area of the same fiber type. The combined high‐fat diet and myostatin deletion shows no effect on the area of slow type I fibers. Although a high‐fat diet causes a reduction in the area of the peripheral IIB fibers in both genotypes, only myostatin null mice show an increase in the area of the central IIB fibers. We provide evidence that a high‐fat diet induces a muscle‐dependent fast to slow myofiber shift in the absence of myostatin. The data suggest that the morphological alterations of muscle fibers under a combined high‐fat diet and myostatin deletion reflect a functional adaptation of the muscle to utilize the high energy intake.
Multicenter Volumetric Assessment of Artifactual Hypoperfusion Patterns using Automated CT Perfusion Imaging
Authors: Siegler James E. , Olsen Andrew , Pulst‐Korenberg Johannes , Cristancho Daniel , Rosenberg Jon , Raab Lindsay , Cucchiara Brett , Messé Steven R.
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Automated computed tomography perfusion (CTP) is recommended to inform selection of stroke patients for thrombectomy >6 hours from last known normal (LKN). However, artifacts on automated perfusion output may overestimate the tissue at risk leading to misclassification of thrombectomy eligibility in some patients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective multisite study of consecutive patients with anterior large vessel occlusion (LVO) undergoing CTP (6/2017‐12/2017). The primary outcome was the RAPID automated Tmax > 6 seconds volume that was discordant with clinical symptoms and vessel imaging, manually assessed by two independent readers. The discordant penumbral volume was compared to the automated output and corrected mismatch ratios were generated.

RESULTS

Of 410 consecutive patients who underwent CTP for suspected stroke, 60 (15%) had acute anterior circulation LVO. Of these, 26 (43%) had Tmax > 6 seconds abnormalities discordant with clinical symptoms and vessel imaging. There was strong interrater agreement on artifact volume (r2 = 0.927). Among patients with discordant Tmax imaging, the median artifactual volume was 12cc (IQR 3‐21cc), accounting for a median of 8% of the automated Tmax > 6 seconds volume (IQR 3‐16%, range 1‐64%). Recalculation of the Tmax > 6 seconds volume resulted in 1 patient being reclassified as having an “unfavorable” mismatch ratio (2.04‐1.40).

CONCLUSION

Nearly half of patients had evidence of artifactual penumbral imaging on automated CTP, which rarely lead to misclassification of thrombectomy eligibility. Although artifactual findings are reliably identified by trained raters, our results emphasize the need to evaluate CTP results with knowledge of the patient's clinical symptoms and vascular imaging.
Pharmacokinetics of transdermal flunixin in sows
Authors: Cramer Mary C. , Pairis‐Garcia Monique D. , Bowman Andrew S. , Moeller Steven J. , Zhang Yuntao , Sidhu Pritam K. , Magnin Geraldine , Coetzee Johann F.
Published: June 2019

The objective of this study was to describe the pharmacokinetics (PK) of flunixin in 12 nonlactating sows following transdermal (TD) flunixin (3.33 mg/kg) and intravenous (IV; 2.20 mg/kg) flunixin meglumine (FM) administration using a crossover design with a 10‐day washout period. Blood samples were collected postadministration from sows receiving IV FM (3, 6, 10, 20, 40 min and 1, 3, 6, 12, 16, 24, 36, and 48 hr) and from sows receiving TD flunixin (10, 20, 40 min and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hr). Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were used to determine plasma flunixin concentrations, and noncompartmental methods were used for PK analysis. The geometric mean ± SDarea under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) following IV injection was 26,820.59 ± 9,033.88 and 511.83 ± 213.98 hr ng/ml for TD route. Mean initial plasma concentration (C0) was 26,279.70 ± 3,610.00 ng/ml, and peak concentration (Cmax) was 14.61 ± 7.85 ng/ml for IV and TD administration, respectively. The percent mean bioavailability of TD flunixin was 1.55 ± 1.00. Our results demonstrate that topical administration is not an efficient route for delivering flunixin in mature sows.
Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of cefquinome and ceftriaxone in premature calves
Authors: Corum Orhan , Yildiz Ramazan , Ider Merve , Altan Feray , Ok Mahmut , Uney Kamil
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of cefquinome (CFQ) and ceftriaxone (CTX) following intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administrations in premature calves. Using a parallel design, 24 premature calves were randomly divided into the two antibiotic groups. Each of the six animals in the first group received CFQ (2 mg/kg) through IV or IM administration. The second group received CTX (20 mg/kg) via the same administration route. Plasma concentrations of the drugs were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography and noncompartmental methods. Mean pharmacokinetic parameters of CFQ and CTX following IV administration were as follows: elimination half‐life (t1/2λz) 1.85 and 3.31 hr, area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC0–∞) 15.74 and 174 hr * μg/ml, volume of distribution at steady‐state 0.37 and 0.45 L/kg, and total body clearance 0.13 and 0.12 L hr−1 kg−1, respectively. Mean pharmacokinetic parameters of CFQ and CTX after IM injection were as follows: peak concentration 4.56 and 25.04 μg/ml, time to reach peak concentration 1 and 1.5 hr, t1/2λz 4.74 and 3.62 hr, and AUC0–∞ 22.75 and 147 hr * μg/ml, respectively. The bioavailability of CFQ and CTX after IM injection was 141% and 79%, respectively. IM administration of CFQ (2 mg/kg) and CTX (20 mg/kg) can be recommended at 12‐hr interval for treating infections caused by susceptible bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentration values of ≤0.5 and ≤4 μg/ml, respectively, in premature calves. However, further research is indicated to assess the pharmacokinetic parameters following multiple doses of the drug in premature calves.
Macrofaunal spatial distribution and community structure in a lagoon without a river discharge (the Oualidia lagoon, NW Morocco)
Authors: Chaouti Abdellatif , Azirar Asmae , Bayed Abdellatif
Published: June 2019

The assemblage structure and spatial distribution patterns of macrobenthic communities according to environmental conditions were analysed through five samplings carried out at 14 intertidal soft sediment stations in the Oualidia lagoon (NW Morocco). A total of 89 macrobenthic taxa were collected, amounting to 55.188 specimens. Molluscs, polychaetes and arthropods were the most species‐rich groups. The snail Peringia ulvae was the most dominant species, especially abundant in the mid‐ and upper lagoon sections (nearly 64% of the total specimens gathered), followed by the mollusc Scrobicularia plana (10%). Diversity values were generally low (<3 bit) pointing out the high dominance by few species. Multivariate analyses clearly distinguished three distinct macrobenthic assemblages, successively distributed from lagoon inlets towards inner parts. Nevertheless, each assemblage was found in particular habitat types and had a specific species composition in response to different environmental characteristics. (a) The Scolelepis fuliginosa community occupied sandy substrates at the lower section of the lagoon with stronger marine influence and, (b) the P. ulvae community lived in sandy‐muddy substrates, including two sub‐communities dominated, respectively, by Cerastoderma edule, S. plana and Tritia pfeffeiri inhabiting the middle section and S. plana the upper section. The combination of salinity, temperature, pH and silt content was identified as the major environmental variable subset with the highest correlation with the observed macrofaunal patterns and silt fraction as the single best correlated variable. The results demonstrated significant spatial differences in macrobenthic assemblage structure and composition along environmental gradients in spite of the absence of direct freshwater river inflow.
Eating well in care homes: Testing the feasibility of a staff training programme aimed at improving social interaction and choice at mealtimes
Authors: Watkins Ross , Goodwin Victoria A. , Abbott Rebecca A. , Tarrant Mark
Published: June 2019

Background

The health and well‐being of care home residents are influenced by their experience of mealtimes, which provide an opportunity for residents to socialise and exercise control over their lives, as well as providing essential sustenance. Care home staff are pivotal to this experience, responsible for the provision of meals and eating assistance, but also for establishing a positive mealtime culture valued by residents. Despite this, mealtimes can be task‐focussed, as the pressure on staff to perform multiple duties in limited time, or a lack of knowledge and awareness, means that resident needs and preferences risk being neglected.

Methods

A staff‐focussed training programme aimed at improving social interaction, and resident choice was developed and delivered in a workshop. Intervention feasibility was assessed using a qualitative survey and workshop observations. A combination of descriptive and content analyses was conducted on the data.

Results

Thirteen women and one man took part in the workshops, representing multiple roles within two homes in the South West UK. The workshops were found to be deliverable and practicable. Participants responded positively to the workshops, anticipating that improvements to the mealtime experience would result from their workshop outputs.

Conclusion

This study suggests that staff training workshops based on improving the mealtime experience are feasible to deliver within the day‐to‐day running of a care home and are acceptable to staff. Positive changes resulting from these workshops could improve the health and well‐being of residents.

Implications for practice

Mealtimes in care homes may be improved by increasing social interaction and by providing residents with greater choice. Management‐faciltated staff training may be a useful tool to encourage staff to reflect on current practice and develop their own strategies to improve the mealtime experience for residents.
Preoperative Planning for Total Hip Arthroplasty for Neglected Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Authors: Shi Xiao‐tong , Li Chao‐feng , Cheng Cheng‐ming , Feng Chun‐yang , Li Shu‐xuan , Liu Jian‐guo
Published: June 2019

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is accompanied by morphological alterations on both the acetabular and the femoral side. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) provides effective treatment in cases of neglected DDH but requires elaborate preoperative planning. To determine the morphological changes resulting from the dysplasia, the anatomic acetabular position, the height of the femur head dislocation, the height of the femur head dislocation, and the combined anteversion must all be established. In addition, a vital and complicated process of strategizing leg length balance must be conducted in cases of severe DDH. Each type of leg length discrepancy (LLD), including bony and functional and anatomical LLD, should be evaluated in the context of the presence or absence of a fixed pelvic tilt. Moreover, with severe unilateral dislocated hips, a more inferior change in the original rotational center of the hip must be accounted for. Due to these multiple morphological changes, the accurate size of the prosthesis and the cup position are difficult to predict. In comparison with other methods, CT scan‐based 3‐dimensional templating provides the best accuracy. Despite the presence of anatomic alterations, various types of acetabular and femoral prostheses have been developed to treat hip dysplasia. Both cemented and cementless cups are used in DDH cases. In DDH accompanied by insufficient acetabular bone stock, a cemented cup combined with bone graft provides a reliable treatment. Monoblock stems can be used when the combined anteversion is less than 55°, and a modular stem system when this parameter is greater than 55°. Customized stems can be designed for DDH coupled with severe proximal femoral distortion. A ceramic‐on‐ceramic bearing is considered optimal for young DDH patients.
Assessing the safety of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator reuse—A retrospective case‐control study
Authors: Enache Bogdan , Șoșdean Raluca , Macarie Răzvan , Dodinot Bernard , Pescariu Sorin
Published: June 2019

Aims

The safety of pacemaker reuse has been proven by numerous studies in the last two decades. With the exception of one research paper, the safety of reuse of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators has not been properly investigated. Our aim was to establish whether resterilized implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators are as safe as new devices in relation to functionality and infection rates.

Methods

All the patients (n = 271) implanted with a new or a donated, used implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) at the Institute of Cardiovascular Disease Timisoara Romania between January 2001 and December 2012 were included in the study. The patients had class I indication for ICD implantation. One hundred fifty‐seven patients received reused ICDs and 114 patients received new ICDs. Complications were defined as infections that required reintervention, device malfunction, and replacements due to untimely or unexpected battery depletion.

Results

Complications occurred in 4.38% of the patients in the new ICD group and in 1.91% of the reused ICD group. The difference was not considered statistically significant (odds ratio 0.28, 95% confidence interval 0.04‐1.82, P = .18).

Conclusion

According to our data, properly verified and resterilized ICDs are as safe as new devices, when risk of infection or malfunction rates are assessed. Due to the high costs of new ICDs, their safe reuse has profound humanitarian and financial implications.
Multiplex restriction amplicon sequencing: a novel next‐generation sequencing‐based marker platform for high‐throughput genotyping
Authors: Bernardo Amy , St. Amand Paul , Le Ha Quang , Su Zhenqi , Bai Guihua
Published: June 2019

To enable rapid selection of traits in marker‐assisted breeding, markers must be technically simple, low‐cost, high‐throughput and randomly distributed in a genome. We developed such a technology, designated as Multiplex Restriction Amplicon Sequencing (MRASeq), which reduces genome complexity by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of amplicons flanked by restriction sites. The first PCR primers contain restriction site sequences at 3’‐ends, preceded by 6‐10 bases of specific or degenerate nucleotide sequences and then by a unique M13‐tail sequence which serves as a binding site for a second PCR that adds sequencing primers and barcodes to allow sample multiplexing for sequencing. The sequences of restriction sites and adjacent nucleotides can be altered to suit different species. Physical mapping of MRASeq SNPs from a biparental population of allohexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) showed a random distribution of SNPs across the genome. MRASeq generated thousands of SNPs from a wheat biparental population and natural populations of wheat and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). This novel, next‐generation sequencing‐based genotyping platform can be used for linkage mapping to screen quantitative trait loci (QTL), background selection in breeding and many other genetics and breeding applications of various species.
Therapy for anogenital verrucae in preadolescent children with topical and systemic treatment
Authors: Chamseddin Bahir H. , Agim Nnenna G. , Jarin Jason , Wilson Ellen E. , Mir Adnan
Published: June 2019

Background/Objectives

Anogenital verrucae (AV) are benign, human papillomavirus (HPV)–induced tumors of the anogenital skin and mucosa. Medical therapy for AV in preadolescents has not been well studied. We explore the efficacy and safety profile of sinecatechins 15% ointment and imiquimod 5% cream in the treatment of AV, alone and in combination therapy with other commonly used medications.

Methods

A single‐institution, retrospective review of children under 12 years of age with AV treated with imiquimod 5% cream and sinecatechins 15% ointment was performed. Demographic data, side effects, and outcomes of therapy were recorded for each patient, and overall efficacy was determined.

Results

A total of 37 patients met inclusion criteria. Responses were seen in 8 out of 9 patients treated with sinecatechins 15% ointment (5 full, 3 partial, and 1 no response) and 9 out of 17 patients treated with imiquimod 5% cream (4 full, 5 partial, and 8 no response). Combination therapy with one or more of the following treatments (podophyllin, cimetidine, candida antigen injection, and HPV vaccine) were evaluated, but no combination was objectively superior to the others. No significant difference was found in overall efficacy between sinecatechins and imiquimod. Side effects were mild and limited to irritation and erythema.

Conclusions

Both imiquimod 5% cream and sinecatechins 15% ointment are moderately effective in the treatment of AV in preadolescent children, with a trend toward greater effectiveness of sinecatechins. Combination therapy with other treatments did not significantly increase the effectiveness of topical therapies. Each modality has a tolerable side effect profile with a low risk of serious complications.
Long‐term outcome after stifle arthroscopy in 82 Western performance horses (2003–2010)
Authors: McCoy Annette M. , Smith Rebecca L. , Herrera Stephanie , Kawcak Christopher E. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Goodrich Laurie R.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To report the outcome of horses engaged in Western performance disciplines after stifle arthroscopy and identify prognostic factors for return to performance.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Sample population

Eighty‐two Western performance horses undergoing stifle arthroscopy.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed for horses involved in athletic performance/training for various Western performance disciplines and undergoing arthroscopy for lameness localized to the stifle. Follow‐up was obtained ≥2 years postoperatively by telephone interviews with the owners. Preoperative and intraoperative findings as well as postoperative treatment were analyzed for their association with return to athletic performance as the primary outcome of interest.

Results

The most common disciplines represented were cutting (n = 38), Western pleasure (n = 13), and reining (n = 13). Approximately 40% (32/82) of horses returned to intended use after surgery. Increased age, higher degree of lameness, longer duration of lameness, and the presence of partial‐thickness cartilage lesions decreased the odds of returning to athletic performance. Postoperative therapies (intra‐articular: stem cells, corticosteroids, interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist protein, hyaluronic acid/polysulfated glycosaminoglycans; systemic: nonsteroid anti‐inflammatory drugs, hyaluronic acid/polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, oral joint supplements) did not affect the odds of returning to intended use.

Conclusion

Less than half of the Western performance horses that underwent stifle arthroscopy returned to intended use. Older age, longer duration of lameness, and presence of partial‐thickness cartilage lesions affected the odds of a horse returning to intended use. Postoperative therapies did not affect the outcome in this population.

Clinical significance

The prognosis of Western performance horses undergoing stifle arthroscopy is as guarded as that previously reported in horses of other disciplines.
Microorganisms and spatial distribution of the sinkholes of the Yucatan Peninsula, underestimated biotechnological potential?
Authors: Moreno‐Pérez Pablo Antonio , Hernández‐Téllez Marivel , Ramirez‐Durán Ninfa , Gamboa‐Angulo Marcela , Isaac‐Olivé Keila
Published: June 2019

Objective:To detect the spatial distribution of the sinkholes of the Peninsula of Yucatan (SPY) and identify those cenotes where microorganisms have been registered.Methods:The geographic coordinates of the SPYs were obtained from various databases, as well as from scientific publications relating to the terminology ‘sinkholes’, ‘karst systems’ and ‘cenotes’. All coordinates were transformed into the Universal Transverse Mercator reference system (UTM) with datum WGS84. An infrared composite image was created with 432 RGB bands from the Landsat 8 satellite. The points with the location of the cenotes were imported into the Software TerrSet.Results:Total 1026 coordinates of sinkholes were recorded in the Yucatan Peninsula. In 18 sinkholes (<2%), microorganisms have been recovered and identified in various taxonomic levels, and only 6 sinkholes (<0.6%) has their biotechnological potential been evaluated.Conclusions:The microorganisms that inhabit the sinkholes of the Yucatan Peninsula are a reservoir with practically unexplored biotechnological potential.
Affine cluster monomials are generalized minors
Authors: Rupel Dylan , Stella Salvatore , Williams Harold
Published: June 2019

We study the realization of acyclic cluster algebras as coordinate rings of Coxeter double Bruhat cells in Kac–Moody groups. We prove that all cluster monomials with$\mathbf{g}$-vector lying in the doubled Cambrian fan are restrictions of principal generalized minors. As a corollary, cluster algebras of finite and affine type admit a complete and non-recursive description via (ind-)algebraic group representations, in a way similar in spirit to the Caldero–Chapoton description via quiver representations. In type$A_{1}^{(1)}$, we further show that elements of several canonical bases (generic, triangular, and theta) which complete the partial basis of cluster monomials are composed entirely of restrictions of minors. The discrepancy among these bases is accounted for by continuous parameters appearing in the classification of irreducible level-zero representations of affine Lie groups. We discuss how our results illuminate certain parallels between the classification of representations of finite-dimensional algebras and of integrable weight representations of Kac–Moody algebras.
Kidney Procurement System in Colombia: A System Dynamics Approach
Authors: Cruz Joan Paola , Guerrero Rueda William J. , Pérez Edna Rocío , Lizarazo Walteros David Leonardo , Rico Ardila Paula Carolina , Castillo Ana María , Torres Tinjacá Laura Natalia
Published: June 2019

Objective: This paper presents an analysis of two regulatory proposals in response to the growing demand for kidney transplants in Colombia. The results can be useful in evaluating these possible policy interventions once they have been implemented. Methods: The proposed model uses System Dynamics as a tool to understand the behavior of this complex social system if two intervention projects are executed. The first is a bill of law seeking to expand the legal presumption of organ donation. The second one is to implement a Kidney Exchange Program. The analysis is made in two parts. Firstly, a causal loop diagram is proposed. Secondly, the simulation of the system using a stock and flow diagram is analyzed. Results: Results show that the projects can balance the system and encourage donations. Conclusion: The implementation of a KEP is recommended since it achieves stability of the system earlier than the amendment to the law, with a reduction in the waiting list size.
Distribución geográfica de los casos por síndrome de dificultad respiratoria del recién nacido en México: oportunidades para el diseño de estrategias de prevención
Authors: Manzanares Rivera José Luis
Published: June 2019

El objetivo de este escrito es documentar la distribución geográfica de casos de síndrome de dificultad respiratoria del recién nacido, así como su evolución temporal durante la última década en México. El problema estudiado se conceptualiza desde la perspectiva de los determinantes sociales de salud, un abordaje que permite incorporar el vínculo hacia el diseño de políticas públicas. El trabajo se basa en análisis exploratorio de datos (EDA) a partir de los registros de nacimientos recopilados por el Subsistema de Información sobre Nacimientos (SINAC), una fuente oficial con una cobertura nacional que permite lograr estimados comparables en el contexto internacional ya que utiliza la clasificación internacional de enfermedades CIE-10. Los resultados del análisis permiten identificar regiones específicas para la implementación de estrategias preventivas, aspecto útil desde la perspectiva de la aplicación eficiente de los recursos con los que dispone el sistema de salud. Concretamente se ubica la región de la frontera sur como un área de atención prioritaria.
Evaluaciones subnacionales de la cobertura de las estadísticas vitales. Estudios recientes en América Latina
Authors: Ribotta Bruno Sebastián , Salazar Acosta Luisa María , Leticia Bertone Carola
Published: June 2019

El logro de una buena cobertura de las estadísticas vitales (especialmente de los nacimientos y las defunciones), aún constituye un desafío muy importante en los países de América Latina. De ello depende el estudio de numerosas temáticas relacionadas con la salud de la población, como la situación y evolución de la natalidad, la fecundidad y la mortalidad. Al hacer un seguimiento de los avances en este aspecto, desde la demografía se ha notado que las técnicas de estimación más corrientes no funcionan adecuadamente al ser utilizadas en unidades geográficas o político-administrativas subnacionales. Para enfrentar el inconveniente, se están aplicando procedimientos poco frecuentes de estimación o incluso, desarrollando otras técnicas que permiten avanzar en el estudio de la cobertura de nacimientos y defunciones en diferentes niveles geográficos. En este trabajo se propone una revisión bibliográfica sobre las evaluaciones realizadas en América Latina desde el año 2000. Se recorta el análisis a estudios promovidos en el ámbito de los institutos nacionales de estadística y de los ministerios de salud, y considerando procedimientos principalmente de tipo directo.
Modelos de gestión en instituciones hospitalarias
Authors: Perea Vásquez Luis Enrique , Rojas Torres Indiana Luz
Published: June 2019

El presente trabajo explora los modelos de gestión en instituciones hospitalarias. Es una investigación exploratoria con un diseño de investigación documental, dado que se realizó la revisión de los distintos modelos a través de la historia, haciendo una revisión exhaustiva del modelo de la nueva gestión pública del Centro Latinoamericano de Desarrollo (CLAD). Se concluye que en las instituciones hospitalarias pertenecientes al Estado, este modelo se puede llevar a cabo con éxito, si hay una profesionalización de la alta burocracia como un punto estatal estratégico y, además, si se cuenta con el apoyo y la movilización en el proceso de reforma gerencial del Estado, lo cual permitirá transformar la actual estructura de la administración pública.
Análisis de tareas para las funciones espaciales en niños escolares con diagnóstico de TDAH
Authors: Maravilla Rojas Liliana , Solovieva Yulia , Pelayo González Héctor Juan , Quintanar Rojas Luis
Published: June 2019

Objetivo. Identificar y precisar las dificultades en funciones espaciales que presentan los niños con TDAH en edad escolar. Método. Se evaluaron 24 niños, entre los 6 y los 12 años de edad, con diagnóstico de TDAH. Todos los niños fueron evaluados con tareas gráficas, tareas verbales y tareas constructivas, incluidas en las pruebas Evaluación Neuropsicológica Infantil, Evaluación Neuropsicológica de la Integración Espacial y Evaluación Neuropsicológica del Éxito Escolar. Resultados. El análisis clínico realizado al desempeño de los niños mostró dificultades no solo en el manejo de la proporción, la integración y al dibujar ángulos, sino en el uso adecuado del espacio e inversión. Las dificultades espaciales estuvieron acompañadas de otras de índole regulatorio, tono de activación, motoras y cinestésicas. Los participantes con mayor número de errores fueron aquellos de menor edad. Conclusión. Los niños con diagnóstico de TDAH pueden presentar dificultades en el desarrollo de las funciones espaciales, por lo cual se hace necesario que la evaluación neuropsicológica incluya un análisis profundo de esta dimensión cognitiva, que permita indagar la naturaleza de estas dificultades y su posible relación con el desarrollo de otras funciones.
Differences on Utilitarian and Moral Decision Between Male and Female
Authors: Acevedo-Triana César A. , Muñoz Olano Juan Francisco , Reyes Pablo
Published: June 2019

Objective. Moral judgments are based on decisions that take into account the representation of norms and law, values, functionality and situations themselves. Morality has been studied with “hypothetic moral dilemmas”, in order to identify the type of outcome and the process behind moral reasoning. But judgments by themselves are not enough to establish differences in the type of resolution or the relationship with other cognitive processes. The present paper aimed to compare performance in tasks of utility maximization, cognitive control, and moral judgments, taking into account sex and other sociodemographic variables. Method. Seventy-three university students participated (50 women, 20 men and 3 with unreported gender, the average age was 19.53 years (SD = 1.68 years). The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) was used to identify behaviors of utility maximization. In addition, we used the switch costs and the web application of moral machine tasks. Results. A difference between variables of the IGT, but no differences in the switch costs task were found. Conclusion. Regarding moral judgment, males gave more value to respect norms than females. Some variables of the IGT task support outcomes related to differences between sexes. Results are congruent with differences shown in existing literature.
Estructura interna de la Escala de Desesperanza para Adultos Mayores de México
Authors: González Tovar José , Martín Favela Azeneth Guadalupe , Garza Sánchez Rosa Isabel
Published: June 2019

Objetivo. Obtener y analizar la estructura interna de una propuesta de la Escala de Desesperanza para Adultos Mayores del noreste de Coahuila, México. Método. La muestra del estudio estuvo conformada por 106 adultos mayores de 60 años, 57.5% mujeres y el 42.5% hombres. La estrategia de muestreo fue no probabilístico, incidental. La desesperanza se midió con un instrumento de 20 reactivos para población de adultos mayores, de respuesta con escala Likert, agrupados en tres dimensiones. Resultados. Con el análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio se obtuvo una solución de dos componentes: motivación y sentido de vida y catastrofización del presente y del futuro, los cuales explican el 48.8% de la varianza. Además, presentaron una validez convergente apropiada, al mostrar una correlación positiva, que va de media a alta con la Escala de Desesperanza de Beck (EDE) y con la Escala de Depresión CESD-20. La fiabilidad fue de 0.91. Conclusión. La confiabilidad de la escala propuesta presentó valores adecuados que reflejan consistencia interna y una estructura coherente, similar a lo reportado en otros estudios con otras herramientas.
High temperature plasma immersion ion implantation using hollow cathode discharges in small diameter metal tubes
Authors: Ueda Mario , Silva Carla , de Souza Gelson B. , Pichon Luc , Reuther Helfried
Published: June 2019

High temperature nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation (HT-NPIII) method was used to treat the internal walls of small diameter metal tubes made of SS304 and of Ti6-Al4-V (TAV). Using a lid in one side of the tubes was essential to reach high temperatures of 700–900 °C, necessary for high thermal diffusion of nitrogen in Ti alloy samples placed inside the metal tubes for monitoring the HT-NPIII process. The used metal tubes also reached such high temperatures. New phases of TiN and Ti2N were successfully attained in the TAV samples with the treated layer thickness of more than 1.3 μm for all the tested cases. For tubes made of SS304, HT-NPIII treatments resulted in redeposition of FeN thick layers with high hardness on the surfaces of the internal walls of the tubes and on the monitoring samples. Obtaining such HT-NPIII conditions in these small metallic tubes was possible by achieving high plasma density through hollow cathode discharges inside those tubes. These results were compared to the ones obtained on the nitrogen implantation treatments of TAV samples in moderate to high temperatures carried out previously in the laboratory which indicated the superior performance of the presently reported method of surface modification.
Parental Perception of Barriers to Children’s Participation in Sports: Biological, Social, and Geographic Correlates of Portuguese Children
Authors: Rodrigues Daniela , Padez Cristina , Machado-Rodrigues Aristides M.
Published: June 2019

Background: Identifying parental perceived barriers might contribute to strategies to promote physical activity in children. This study aimed to observe parental perceived barriers for 6- to 10-year-old children’s participation in organized sports and understand to what extent the socioeconomic status, the place of residence, and children’s sex, age, and sport participation affect those perceived barriers. Methods: Data were collected from 834 parents of 6- to 10-year-old children living in the Portuguese Midlands, using a multiple-choice questionnaire. Parents reported the perceived barriers to children’s sport activities, such as time, health, transportation, costs, safety, facilities, weather, tiredness, and lack of interest. Children’s and sociodemographic characteristics were also collected. Results: Time and costs were the most reported barriers by parents. Barriers to access were mostly reported by parents of girls and younger children, parents of inactive children, and families living in an urban setting and in socioeconomic disadvantage. Perceived barriers differed according to both children’s and sociodemographic characteristics, highlighting the need to reduce costs and increase the variety of sports/facilities, particularly in families with girls, younger children, and those with lower incomes from more urbanized areas. Conclusions: The present findings should be considered in future planning and interventions to effectively promote physical activity in children.
Molecular Properties and Evolutionary Origins of a Parvovirus-Derived Myosin Fusion Gene in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Valencia-Herrera Ignacio , Faunes Fernando , Cena-Ahumada Eduardo , Ibarra-Karmy Rodrigo , Gifford Robert J. , Arriagada Gloria
Published: June 2019

DNA from viruses has been “horizontally transferred” to mammalian genomes during evolution, but the impact of this process on mammalian biology remains poorly understood. The findings of our study indicate that a novel gene has evolved in guinea pigs through fusion of host and virus genes.
Human Cytomegalovirus Disruption of Calcium Signaling in Neural Progenitor Cells and Organoids
Authors: Sison Samantha L. , O’Brien Benjamin S. , Johnson Amanda J. , Seminary Emily R. , Terhune Scott S. , Ebert Allison D.
Published: June 2019

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replicates in several cell types throughout the body, causing disease in the absence of an effective immune response. Studies on HCMV require cultured human cells and tissues due to species specificity. In these studies, we investigated the impact of infection on developing three-dimensional cortical organoid tissues, with specific emphasis on cell-type-dependent calcium signaling. Calcium signaling is an essential function during neural differentiation and cortical development. We observed that HCMV infects and spreads within these tissues, ultimately disrupting cortical structure. Infected cells exhibited depleted calcium stores and loss of ATP- and KCl-stimulated calcium signaling while uninfected cells in the population maintained nearly normal responses. Some protection was provided by the viral inhibitor maribavir. Overall, our studies provide new insights into the impact of HCMV on cortical tissue development and function.
Human Cytomegalovirus Compromises Development of Cerebral Organoids
Authors: Brown Rebecca M. , Rana Pranav S. J. B. , Jaeger Hannah K. , O’Dowd John M. , Balemba Onesmo B. , Fortunato Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2019

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a leading cause of central nervous system birth defects, ranging from microcephaly to hearing impairment. Recent literature has provided descriptions of delayed and abnormal maturation of developing cortical tissue in infected clinical specimens. We have found that infected induced pluripotent stem cells can be differentiated into three-dimensional, viral protein-expressing cerebral organoids. Virus-infected organoids displayed dramatic alterations in development compared to those of mock-infected controls. Development in these organoids closely paralleled observations in HCMV-infected clinical samples. Infection induced regions of necrosis, the presence of larger vacuoles and cysts, changes in the architectural organization of cortical structures, aberrant expression of the neural marker β-tubulin III, and an overall reduction in numbers of cortical structure sites. We found clear parallels between the pathologies of clinical specimens and virus-infected organoids, demonstrating the utility of this highly tractable system for future investigations of HCMV-induced birth defects.
Fifteen-minute consultation: How to be the paediatrician at a trauma call
Authors: Begley Roisin , Martin Philip Aidan , Morgan Jeff , Roberts Zoe , Mullen Stephen
Published: June 2019

The management of paediatric trauma patients can be complex, involving a coordinated multidisciplinary approach. Paediatricians form an integral part of the trauma team and are often tasked with managing circulation. In this article, we will discuss the assessment of catastrophic haemorrhage and ‘circulation’ through the viewpoint of a paediatrician via a case discussion. This will include initial investigations and management, noting the time critical nature in identifying and stopping catastrophic haemorrhage. The discussion will comment on how to address hypovolaemic shock and touch on the role of imaging.
Improving incidence trends of severe intraventricular haemorrhages in preterm infants <32 weeks gestation: a cohort study
Authors: Yeo Kee Thai , Thomas Reji , Chow Sharon SW , Bolisetty Srinivas , Haslam Ross , Tarnow-Mordi William , Lui Kei
Published: June 2019

Objective

To describe the trend and risk factors for severe intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) among infants <32 weeks gestation.

Design

Population-based cohort study.

Setting

Australia and New Zealand.

Patients

All preterm infants <32 weeks gestation in the Australian and New Zealand Neonatal Network (ANZNN) from 1995 to 2012.

Interventions

Comparison of IVH incidence between 6-year epochs.

Main outcome measures

Overall IVH and severe IVH incidence.

Results

A total of 60 068 infants were included, and overall survival to discharge increased from 89% to 93% over the three epochs. As the percentage of infants with IVH decreased from 23.6% to 21.3% and 21.4% (p<0.001) from epoch 1 to 3, respectively, fewer survivors had severe IVH (4.0%, 3.3% and 2.8%, respectively, p<0.001). Over time, there were fewer antenatal complications, higher antenatal steroid usage and more caesarean-section births. Fewer infants were intubated at birth, had low 5 min Apgar score, had sepsis or pneumothorax needing drainage. Adjusted for perinatal confounders, there was significant reduction in odds of severe IVH from epoch 1 to 3 (adjusted OR (AOR) 0.8, 95% CI 0.7 to 0.9). Factors associated with development of severe IVH include no antenatal steroids (AOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.5 to 1.9), male (AOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.4), 5 min Apgar score <7 (AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.9 to 2.2), intubated at birth (AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.8 to 2.2), extremely low gestational age (AOR 4.0, 95% CI 3.7 to 4.4), outborn (AOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.5 to 1.8) and vaginal delivery (AOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.3 to 1.6).

Conclusions

Along with increased survival among infants born <32 weeks gestation, the incidence of severe IVH has decreased over the 18 years, especially in the most recent period. This coincided with reduction in rates of risk factors for severe IVH development.
Resuscitation of preterm infants in the Philippines: a national survey of resources and practice
Authors: Hayden Dean , Villanueva-Uy Maria Esterlita , Mendoza Maria Katrina , Wilkinson Dominic
Published: June 2019

Objective

There is a high incidence of preterm birth in low-income and middle-income countries where healthcare resources are often limited and may influence decision making. We aimed to explore the interplay between resource limitations and resuscitation practices for extremely preterm infants (EPIs) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) across the Philippines.

Methods

We conducted a national survey of NICUs in the Philippines. Institutions were classified according to sector (private/public), region and level. Respondents were asked about unit capacity, availability of ventilators and surfactant, resuscitation practices and estimated survival rates for EPIs of different gestational ages.

Results

Respondents from 103/228 hospitals completed the survey (response rate 45%). Public hospitals reported more commonly experiencing shortages of ventilators than private hospitals (85%vs23%, p<0.001). Surfactant was more likely to be available in city hospitals than regional/district hospitals (p<0.05) and in hospitals classified as Level III/IV than I/II (p<0.05). The financial capacity of parents was a major factor influencing treatment options. Survival rates for EPIs were estimated to be higher in private than public institutions. Resuscitation practice varied; active treatment was generally considered optional for EPIs from 25 weeks’ gestation and usually provided after 27–28 weeks’ gestation.

Conclusion

Our survey revealed considerable disparities in NICU resource availability between different types of hospitals in the Philippines. Variation was observed between hospitals as to when resuscitation would be provided for EPIs. National guidelines may generate greater consistency of care yet would need to reflect the variable context for decisions in the Philippines.