bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimally Important Difference in the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score Among Patients Undergoing Hallux Valgus Surgery
Authors: Desai Sameer , Peterson Alexander C. , Wing Kevin , Younger Alastair , Crump Trafford , Liu Guiping , Veljkovic Andrea , Penner Murray , Sutherland Jason M.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Patient-reported outcomes are increasingly used as measures of effectiveness of interventions. To make the tools more useful, therapeutic thresholds known as minimally important differences have been developed. The objective of this study was to calculate minimally important differences for the domains of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score for hallux valgus surgery.

Methods:

The study was based on a retrospective analysis of patients newly scheduled for bunion correction surgery and completing patient-reported outcomes between October 2013 and January 2018. This study used anchor- and distribution-based approaches to calculate the minimally important difference for the instrument’s 5 domains. Confidence intervals were calculated for each approach. There were 91 participants included in the study.

Results:

Using anchor- and distribution-based approaches, the minimally important difference for the pain domain ranged from 5.8 to 10.2, from 0.3 to 6.9 for the symptoms domain, 8.3 to 10.3 for the activities of daily living domain, 7.4 to 11.1 for the quality of life domain, and from 7.0 to 15.7 for the sports and recreation domain. Small differences in the activities of daily living domain may be more clinically important for patients with better function.

Discussion:

The range of minimally important difference values for each domain indicate how the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score corresponded to bunion correction surgery. The sports and recreation domain showed considerable variability in the range of values and may be associated with the domain’s lack of responsiveness. Overall, most minimally important difference values for the domains of FAOS ranged from above 4 to below 16.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Comparing Scores From Full Length, Short Form, and Adaptive Tests of the Social Interaction Anxiety and Social Phobia Scales
Authors: Sunderland Matthew , Afzali Mohammad H. , Batterham Philip J. , Calear Alison L. , Carragher Natacha , Hobbs Megan , Mahoney Alison , Peters Lorna , Slade Tim
Published: March 2019

The current study developed and examined the performance of a computerized adaptive version of the Social Interaction Anxiety and Social Phobia Scales (SIAS/SPS) and compared results with a previously developed static short form (SIAS-6/SPS-6) in terms of measurement precision, concordance with the full forms, and sensitivity to treatment. Among an online sample of Australian adults, there were relatively minor differences in the performance of the adaptive tests and static short forms when compared with the full scales. Moreover, both adaptive and static short forms generated similar effect sizes across treatment in a clinical sample. This provides further evidence for the use of static or adaptive short forms of the SIAS/SPS rather than the lengthier 20-item versions. However, at the individual level, the adaptive tests were able to maintain an acceptable level of precision, using few items as possible, across the severity continua in contrast to the static short forms.
Maternal ABO Blood Type and Factors Associated With Preeclampsia Subtype
Authors: Burgess Adriane , Johnson Teresa S. , Simanek Amanda , Bell Theodore , Founds Sandra
Published: March 2019

Background:

The pathophysiology of preeclampsia remains unclear. The disorder is heterogeneous, and the pathophysiology may vary by subtype. Identification of relevant biomarkers will help to better elucidate the pathophysiologic basis of each preeclampsia subtype. Blood type may be a biomarker that allows risk identification for preeclampsia.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations among maternal ABO blood type and preeclampsia subtype and fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Method:

Medical records of 126 women with early-onset preeclampsia (≤33 6/7 weeks’ gestation), 126 women with late-onset preeclampsia (≥34 0/7 weeks’ gestation), and 259 controls who gave birth between January 2012 and June 2016 were retrospectively abstracted from a large suburban tertiary referral center in South Central Pennsylvania for this hospital-based case–control study.

Results:

Women with AB blood type had >3 times the odds of late-onset preeclampsia (odds ratio [ OR] = 3.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [1.02, 11.05]) compared to those with O blood type. Among women with early-onset preeclampsia, those with B blood type had 5 times the odds of having a growth-restricted fetus than did women with O blood type ( OR = 5.44, 95% CI [1.65, 17.94]).

Discussion:

Our findings suggest that AB blood type may be an important risk factor for late-onset preeclampsia and that among women with early-onset preeclampsia, those with B blood type have increased odds of FGR. These findings warrant further study in women and their offspring to identify the pathophysiologic processes that may link ABO blood type, preeclampsia subtype, and FGR.
Wind tunnel and delayed detached eddy simulation investigation of interference between two tall buildings
Authors: Sharma Ashutosh , Mittal Hemant , Gairola Ajay
Published: March 2019

In urban areas, the wind load on a tall building is significantly influenced by the nearby building. The neighboring buildings change the dynamics of the incident flow, which affects the distribution of load on the principal building. The wind-induced loads under the effect of interference may amplify or shield depending on various factors. The present work first examines the impact of height ratios of the interfering building through wind-tunnel tests. The characteristics of time-mean and fluctuating forces for aerodynamically modified tapered twin buildings (having the same shape and size) are analyzed. Second, in the last section, it adopts a delayed detached eddy simulation–based numerical simulation approach to study the flow field in tandem, parallel, and staggered arrangements of square buildings. The results show that as the height of the interfering building decreases, the shielding effect decreases. It obtains the regression equations of interference factor from the best-fit curve.
Experimental verification of the fractional model for silver ion release from hollow fibers
Authors: Lin Ling , Li Huigai , Yao Shao-Wen
Published: March 2019

A fractional model for the release oscillation of silver ions from hollow fibers was established recently, this paper gives an experimental verification of the release property, showing the concentration of the released ions increases exponentially at initial stage and it becomes stable when the time tends to a threshold, as predicted by the fractional oscillator.
Exploring the place of arts-based approaches in early childhood education research
Authors: Clough Peter , Nutbrown Cathy
Published: March 2019

Defined broadly as the use of art forms – music, drama, music, painting, storying and so on – to create privileged insight into educational policies and practices, Arts-Based Educational Research [ABER] techniques have started to have some, albeit limited, purchase on the mainstream of educational enquiry; there is less evidence, however, of their use in early childhood research. This article critically outlines some chief characteristics of an ABER approach, its claim to legitimacy in the currency of qualitative research practice and the issues which presently both drive and challenge it. An example from our own work is given, and the essay concludes with a prospectus of critical issues, questions and exhortations.
Late pregnancy analysis with Yunban’s remote fetal monitoring system
Authors: Wang Qiuping , Yang Weihua , Li Lie , Yan Guokai , Wang Huihui , Li Jianqiang
Published: March 2019

With the adoption of the two-child policy, there has been a large increase in women of older maternal and high-risk pregnant women. So, it is necessary to analyze the health status of women in the late pregnancy on time. To analyze the effect on using remote fetal monitoring on women in the late pregnancy, we selected women in the late stage of pregnancy in our hospital as research subjects. They were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group, which engaged in remote fetal monitoring, and the control group, which adopted traditional cardiac monitoring. In order to get more effective data, we used the Kalman filter and audio repair algorithms to preprocess the collected data. During follow-up observation, we compared the two groups using neonatal cardiac monitoring by employing the non-stress test and observed the occurrence of neonatal asphyxia. The incidence of neonatal abnormal non-stress test in the experimental group and the control group was 33.6% and 17.3%, respectively; the difference was statistically significant ( p < 0.05). The incidence of neonatal asphyxia in the experimental group was 12.5%, which was significantly lower than in the control group (30%; p < 0.05). We have found that women in the late stage of pregnancy who adopted remote fetal monitoring could detect abnormal non-stress test earlier and thus increase in the detection of rate of neonatal asphyxia.
Factors, trends, and long-term outcomes for stroke patients returning to work: The South London Stroke Register
Authors: Sen Arup , Bisquera Alessandra , Wang Yanzhong , McKevitt Christopher J , Rudd Anthony G , Wolfe Charles D , Bhalla Ajay
Published: March 2019

Background and purpose

There is limited information on factors, trends, and outcomes in return to work at different time-points post-stroke; this study aims to identify these in a multi-ethnic urban population.

Methods

Patterns of return to work were identified in individuals in paid work prior to first-ever stroke in the population-based South London Stroke Register (SLSR) between 1995 and 2014. Multivariable logistic regression examined associations between patient characteristics and return to work at 1 year (1 y), 5 years (5 y) and 10 years (10 y) post-stroke.

Results

Among 5609 patients, 940 (17%) were working prior to their stroke, of whom 177 (19%) were working 3 months post-stroke, declining to 172 (18%) at 1 y, 113 (12%) at 5 y, and 27 (3%) at 10 y. Factors associated with return to work within 1 y, after logistic regression, included functional independence (BI ≥ 19; p < 0.01) and shorter length of stay ( p < 0.05). Younger age ( p < 0.01) was associated with return to work at 5 y and 10 y post-stroke. Non-manual occupation ( p < 0.05) was associated with return to work at 10 y post-stroke. Return to work within 1 y increased the likelihood of working at 5 y (OR: 13.68; 95% CI 5.03–37.24) and 10 y (9.07; 2.07–39.8). Of those who were independent at follow-up (BI ≥ 19), 48% were working at 1 y, 42% at 5 y, and 28% at 10 y. Lower rates of anxiety and depression and higher self-rated health were associated with return to work at 1 y ( p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Although functionally independent stroke survivors are more likely to return to work long-term, a large proportion do not return to work despite functional independence. Return to work post-stroke is associated with improved long-term psychological outcomes and quality of life.
The effects of incremental ulnar styloid osteotomies on distal radioulnar joint stability: a biomechanical cadaveric study
Authors: Cheema Adnan N. , Dardas Agnes Z. , Hast Michael W. , Gray Benjamin L.
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study was to systematically quantify distal radioulnar joint stability with a cadaveric model, using radiographic and joint contact force measurements. Six fresh-frozen cadavers underwent sequential ulnar styloid osteotomies. Posteroanterior and lateral stress radiographs were obtained and joint contact forces and areas were measured.

Posteroanterior radiographs showed a significant increase in the distal radioulnar joint gap after osteotomy of the base of the ulnar styloid. Contact force and contact area measurements were not significantly different. We conclude that fractures that involve the ulnar styloid base should be considered for operative fixation when carrying out open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the distal radius.
Direct transfer of C7 pectoral fascicles to the suprascapular nerve in C5/C6 brachial plexus palsies: an anatomical study
Authors: Le Hanneur Malo , Masmejean Emmanuel H. , Lafosse Thibault
Published: March 2019

We investigated a technique to reconstruct the suprascapular nerve in patients with C5/C6 brachial plexus palsies, using pectoral fascicles from the ipsilateral C7 root. Using a supraclavicular approach in eight cadavers, the suprascapular nerve was placed side by side with an anterior quadrant fascicle from the C7 root. Several criteria were assessed, including the fascicle length, the overlap between the two nerves and their respective diameters. The mean length of the C7 fascicles was 19.3 mm, with a mean overlap of 4.7 mm. The suprascapular nerve and the C7 fascicles had mean diameters of 2.2 mm and 2.1 mm, respectively. Pectoral fascicles from C7 seem to be an option for reconstruction of the suprascapular nerve in C5/C6 palsies. Clinical studies will be required to establish the potential limitations of this transfer, especially in cases with complex lesions of the suprascapular nerve.
Storying un/belonging in early childhood
Authors: David Naomi Nirupa , Kilderry Anna
Published: March 2019

Children’s agency and capabilities are often overlooked in the research literature, in particular, when it comes to young children’s reflections on their transnational childhoods and migration experiences. Nestled within an intergenerational family migration story, this article reports on a study that investigated childhood identity, home and belonging. The catalyst for the study came from N.D.’s (then) 6-year-old daughter who asked ‘ Mummy, am I Australian?’ and ‘ Am I more Australian than you?’ Embedded in these seemingly simple questions are complex layers of hegemonic ideology located within broader intergenerational family migration stories. Thus, to gain insight into these questions posed by N.D.’s daughter, a small-scale study was developed taking a postcolonial perspective and using narrative analysis to make sense of the ‘ordinary’ within family narratives. The study found that common themes arose for the participants, these being, nationhood and all the contradictions and challenges that can occur when an ‘outsider’ is ‘othered’ and distinct discourses of un/belonging. The findings of the study add to the growing literature on transnational childhoods. It reiterates the complexities that the child as social actor in their environment mediates and the identity making that young children undertake as agentic citizens in their own right.
Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi among febrile patients at Karamara Hospital, Jigjiga, eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Admassu Dawit , Egata Gudina , Teklemariam Zelalem
Published: March 2019

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi among febrile patients at Karamara Hospital, Jigjiga, eastern Ethiopia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 203 febrile patients presumptive of enteric fever ( Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi) at Karamara Hospital from 15 February to 20 March 2016. Venous blood was collected, cultured, and biochemical tests were performed. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for each isolate using modified Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion technique.

Results:

The overall prevalence of enteric fever ( Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi) was 11%. The prevalence of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (7%) was higher than Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi (4%). The odds of having enteric fever were higher among the study participants aged 31–45 years and with previous history of enteric fever. Most of the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi isolates were sensitive to tetracycline (78.6%), gentamycin (64.3%), and ceftriaxone (64%), while most of the isolates of Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi were sensitive to tetracycline (100%), gentamycin (100%), and ciprofloxacin (62.5%). All the isolates were resistant to ampicillin and chloramphenicol. Multidrug resistances were found among most of the isolates.

Conclusion:

A high prevalence of enteric fever and drug resistance to most commonly prescribed antimicrobials were observed in this study. Those of old age with previous history of enteric infection were more affected by enteric fever. Health information should be given about the transmission, prevention of enteric fever, and antimicrobial use. The treatment of enteric fever should be supported by antimicrobial susceptibility tests in the study areas.
Study Protocol and Baseline Comparisons for a Pan-Canadian Initiative to Reduce Inappropriate Use of Antipsychotics in Long-Term Care Homes
Authors: Hirdes John P. , Major Jennifer , Didic Selma , Quinn Christine , Sinclair Cynthia , Bucek Jennifer , Samis Stephen , Jantzi Micaela , Chen Jonathan , Curtin-Telegdi Nancy , Phillips Kaye
Published: March 2019

Antipsychotic use in the absence of symptoms or diagnoses related to psychosis is generally regarded as an inappropriate approach to care of older adults in nursing homes. The Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement (CFHI) launched a pan-Canadian intervention study to reduce antipsychotic use in long-term care based on promising pilot study results from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA). Data from the Continuing Care Report System (CCRS) managed by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) were used to compare the characteristics of residents in intervention homes with control homes not in the study. The sample was comprised of 5,434 residents in 49 intervention homes compared with 123,781 residents in 1,193 control homes. Resident-level comparisons included demographic, diagnostic, and clinical indicators. Facility-level comparisons included nine risk-adjusted quality indicators. The main differences of note were in geographic representation (Ontario homes were underrepresented), access to rehabilitation, and discharge patterns (both of which were related to Ontario practice patterns). There were few substantial differences in quality indicator performance between homes by study participation prior to the onset of the intervention. The study protocol used in this pan-Canadian intervention was based on a successful, small-scale pilot undertaken in one province. Sites that participated in the intervention did not differ in substantively meaningful ways from control homes. Therefore, subsequent study findings after the intervention are unlikely to be attributable to differences between homes that existed prior to the study onset.
Residential Segregation Across Metro St. Louis School Districts: Examining the Intersection of Two Spatial Dimensions
Authors: Hogrebe Mark C. , Tate William F.
Published: March 2019

The present study employs a geospatial analytical approach to studying the evenness-clustering and isolation-exposure dimensions of segregation in the context of the St. Louis, Missouri, metropolitan region. In contrast to global indicators of segregation, this approach focuses on the evenness and isolation dimensions at the local level to visualize how they interact across neighborhoods. While not traditionally thought of as a method for theory testing, geographic information systems (GIS) can contribute to the validation process by displaying how constructs interact when applied in an actual geographic context. We examined separately the segregation dimension of racial evenness-exposure and its intersection with Black isolation and poverty isolation. The study used data from 446 census tracts that represent 65 St. Louis area school districts. When visualizing segregation dimensions through spatial mapping, it becomes apparent that communities that appear diverse may have neighborhoods where individuals or groups remain isolated.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and incident end-stage renal disease in Chinese patients with chronic kidney disease: results from the Chinese Cohort Study of Chronic Kidney Disease (C-STRIDE)
Authors: Yuan Qiongjing , Wang Jinwei , Peng Zhangzhe , Zhou Qiaoling , Xiao Xiangcheng , Xie Yanyun , Wang Wei , Huang Ling , Tang Wenbin , Sun Danni , Zhang Luxia , Wang Fang , Zhao Ming-Hui , Tao Lijian , He Kevin , Xu Hui ,   C-STRIDE study group
Published: March 2019

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) leads to end-stage renal failure and cardiovascular events. An attribute to these progressions is abnormalities in inflammation, which can be evaluated using the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). We aimed to investigate the association of NLR with the progression of end stage of renal disease (ESRD), cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in Chinese patients with stages 1–4 CKD.

Methods

Patients with stages 1–4 CKD (18–74 years of age) were recruited at 39 centers in 28 cities across 22 provinces in China since 2011. A total of 938 patients with complete NLR and other relevant clinical variables were included in the current analysis. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the association between NLR and the outcomes including ESRD, CVD events or all-cause mortality.

Results

Baseline NLR was related to age, hypertension, serum triglycerides, total serum cholesterol, CVD history, urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR), chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD), hyperlipidemia rate, diabetes, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The study duration was 4.55 years (IQR 3.52–5.28). Cox regression analysis revealed an association of NLR and the risk of ESRD only in patients with stage 4 CKD. We did not observe any significant associations between abnormal NLR and the risk of either CVD or all-cause mortality in CKD patients in general and CKD patients grouped according to the disease stages in particular.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that NLR is associated with the risk of ESRD in Chinese patients with stage 4 CKD. NLR can be used in risk assessment for ESRD among patients with advanced CKD; this application is appealing considering NLR being a routine test.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03041987. Registered January 1, 2012. (retrospectively registered) (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03041987?term=Chinese+Cohort+Study+of+Chronic+Kidney+Disease+%28C-STRIDE%29&rank=1)
Organizing rural-urban migration of young workers: roles of labor market institutions in postwar Japan
Authors: Sugayama Shinji
Published: March 2019

The Japanese economy’s industrial and occupational structure changed drastically during the high growth period. These structural changes were strongly influenced by the flow of junior high school graduates from rural to urban areas. Between 1955 and 1964, six million fifteen-year-old boys and girls entered the labor market immediately on completing compulsory education, with 30–40% of that total leaving their home prefectures to find jobs nationwide. What made it possible for masses of young workers to find employment on graduation from junior high school? This paper addresses that issue, and sheds light on the critical roles of graduate work placement by public institutions, in particular the nationwide network of Public Employment Security Offices (PESOs) working in cooperation with junior high schools. After looking at the history of graduate work placement from 1925 to 1950, the paper outlines the postwar development of the job placement system and explains the mechanisms used by the employment security administration to organize the rural-urban migration of young workers. Success was, however, achieved at the cost of freedom of occupational choice to which young workers should be entitled by rights. It is argued that an appraisal of the roles of the labor market institutions is no easy matter, since the advantages are intimately interwoven with the disadvantages.
Extremism and common mental illness: cross-sectional community survey of White British and Pakistani men and women living in England
Authors: Bhui Kamaldeep , Otis Michaela , Silva Maria Joao , Halvorsrud Kristoffer , Freestone Mark , Jones Edgar
Published: March 2019

Background

Mental illnesses may explain vulnerability to develop extremist beliefs that can lead to violent protest and terrorism. Yet there is little evidence.

Aims

To investigate the relationship between mental illnesses and extremist beliefs.

Method

Population survey of 618 White British and Pakistani people in England. Extremism was assessed by an established measure of sympathies for violent protest and terrorism (SVPT). Respondents with any positive scores (showing sympathies) were compared with those with all negative scores. We calculated associations between extremist sympathies and ICD-10 diagnoses of depression and dysthymia, and symptoms of anxiety, personality difficulties, autism and post-traumatic stress. Also considered were demographics, life events, social assets, political engagement and criminal convictions.

Results

SVPT were more common in those with major depression with dysthymia (risk ratio 4.07, 95% CI 1.37–12.05, P = 0.01), symptoms of anxiety (risk ratio 1.09, 95% CI 1.03–1.15, P = 0.002) or post-traumatic stress (risk ratio 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.05, P = 0.003). At greater risk of SVPT were: young adults (<21 versus ≥21: risk ratio 3.05, 95% CI 1.31–7.06, P = 0.01), White British people (versus Pakistani people: risk ratio 2.24, 95% CI 1.25–4.02, P = 0.007) and those with criminal convictions (risk ratio 2.23, 95% CI 1.01–4.95, P = 0.048). No associations were found with life events, social assets and political engagement.

Conclusion

Depression, dysthymia and symptoms of anxiety and post-traumatic stress are associated with extremist sympathies.
Nonclassical GH Insensitivity: Characterization of Mild Abnormalities of GH Action
Authors: Storr Helen L , Chatterjee Sumana , Metherell Louise A , Foley Corinne , Rosenfeld Ron G , Backeljauw Philippe F , Dauber Andrew , Savage Martin O , Hwa Vivian
Published: March 2019

GH insensitivity (GHI) presents in childhood with growth failure and in its severe form is associated with extreme short stature and dysmorphic and metabolic abnormalities. In recent years, the clinical, biochemical, and genetic characteristics of GHI and other overlapping short stature syndromes have rapidly expanded. This can be attributed to advancing genetic techniques and a greater awareness of this group of disorders. We review this important spectrum of defects, which present with phenotypes at the milder end of the GHI continuum. We discuss their clinical, biochemical, and genetic characteristics. The objective of this review is to clarify the definition, identification, and investigation of this clinically relevant group of growth defects. We also review the therapeutic challenges of mild GHI.
Risk Stratification in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: From Detection to Final Follow-Up
Authors: Tuttle R Michael , Alzahrani Ali S
Published: March 2019

Context

Modern management of differentiated thyroid cancer requires individualized care plans that tailor the intensity of therapy and follow-up to the estimated risks of recurrence and disease-specific mortality.

Design

This summary is based on the authors’ knowledge and extensive clinical experience, supplemented by review of published review articles, thyroid cancer management guidelines, published staging systems, and original articles identified through a PubMed search, which included terms such as risk stratification, staging, clinical outcomes, and differentiated thyroid cancer.

Main Outcome Measures

In the past, risk stratification in differentiated thyroid cancer usually referred to a static estimate of disease-specific mortality that was based on a small set of clinicopathological features available within a few weeks of completing initial therapy (thyroidectomy, with or without radioactive iodine). Today, risk stratification is a dynamic, active process used to predict the appropriateness for minimalistic initial therapy, disease-specific mortality, risk of recurrence, and the most likely response to initial therapy. Rather than being a static prediction available only after initial therapy, modern risk stratification is a dynamic, iterative process that begins as soon as a suspicious nodule is detected and continues through final follow-up.

Conclusions

Dynamic risk assessment should be used to guide all aspects of thyroid cancer management, beginning before a definitive diagnosis is made and continuing through the final follow-up visit.
Testing the resource tradeoff hypothesis for carotenoid-based signal honesty using genetic variants of the domestic canary
Authors: Koch Rebecca E. , Staley Molly , Kavazis Andreas N. , Hasselquist Dennis , Toomey Matthew B. , Hill Geofsfrey E.
Published: March 2019

Carotenoid-based coloration in birds is widely considered an honest signal of individual condition, but the mechanisms responsible for condition dependency in such ornaments remain debated. Currently, the most common explanation for how carotenoid coloration serves as a reliable signal of condition is the resource tradeoff hypothesis, which proposes that use of carotenoids for ornaments reduces their availability for use by the immune system or for protection from oxidative damage. However, two main assumptions of the hypothesis remain in question: whether carotenoids boost the performance of internal processes like immune and antioxidant defenses, and whether allocating carotenoids to ornaments imposes a trade-off with such benefits. In this study, we tested these two fundamental assumptions using types of domestic canary (Serinus canaria) that enable experiments in which carotenoid availability and allocation can be tightly controlled. Specifically, we assessed metrics of immune and antioxidant performance in three genetic variants of the color-bred canary that differ only in carotenoid phenotype: ornamented, carotenoid-rich yellow canaries; unornamented, carotenoid-rich “white dominant” canaries; and unornamented, carotenoid-deficient “white recessive” canaries. The resource tradeoff hypothesis predicts that carotenoid-rich individuals should outperform carotenoid-deficient individuals and that birds that allocate carotenoids to feathers should pay a cost in the form of reduced immune function or greater oxidative stress compared to unornamented birds. We found no evidence to support either prediction; all three canary types performed equally across measures. We suggest that testing alternate mechanisms for the honesty of carotenoid-based coloration should be a key focus of future studies of carotenoid-based signaling in birds.
Stiffness of prostate gland measured by transrectal real-time shear wave elastography for detection of prostate cancer: a feasibility study
Authors: Ji Yonghao , Ruan Litao , Ren Wei , Dun Guoliang , Liu Jianxue , Zhang Yaoren , Wan Qinyun
Published: March 2019

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the value of the Young’s modulus obtained by transrectal real-time shear wave elastography (SWE) for detection of prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods:

215 patients underwent SWE in six identical planes before biopsy guided with transrectal ultrasonography. The Young’s modulus of the entire prostate gland was defined as the mean of the results in these planes. The measurements were compared with the pathological results, the prostate specific antigen (PSA), and the Gleason score (GS) after biopsy.

Results:

The Young’s modulus of elasticity, including the maximum Young’s modulus (Emax), the mean Young’s modulus (Emean), and the minimum Young’s modulus (Emin), were significantly higher in malignant lesions than those in benign lesions (all p < 0.05). The optimal cut-off values for PCa were 128.48 kPa, 62.27 kPa, and 20.03 kPa, respectively. The sensitivities were 77.88%, 81.42%, and 60.18%, respectively, and the specificities were 85.33%, 74.51 and 63.73 %, respectively. PSA positively correlated with Emax and Emean (r = 0.686 and 0.678, respectively), as did the GS (r = 0.410 and 0.382, respectively).

Conclusion:

The Young’s modulus of entire prostate gland can be used to differentiate benign from malignant prostatic lesions. There were higher Young’s modulus of elasticity and higher risk of malignant lesions. Meanwhile, higher Young’s modulus correlated with higher PSA and GS.

Advances in knowledge:

This study indicates SWE can detect PCa by quantified the stiffness of entire prostate gland whether the lesions have been visible or not on gray-scale and Doppler ultrasound.
Body composition, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and obesity: the paradigm of fat (re)distribution
Authors: Ponti Federico , Plazzi Andrea , Guglielmi Giuseppe , Marchesini Giulio , Bazzocchi Alberto
Published: March 2019

Objective:

The amount of lean and fat tissues in different body compartments is likely to drive the cardiovascular risk. The longitudinal effects of changes of lean and fat mass, particularly following weight loss programs, cannot be reliably identified by the sole measurement of anthropometry. We discuss this problem on the basis of data collected in obese females with the use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), anthropometry and laboratory.

Methods:

We present longitudinal data in six obese females (three pairs—weight stable, weight loss, weight increase) assigned to a medical treatment. All patients underwent whole-body scan (Lunar iDXA, GE Healthcare, WI) and laboratory analysis (blood fasting glucose, total low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides) before treatment and after 12 months. Fat mass and non-bone lean mass were assessed at whole-body and regional levels. Android visceral adipose tissue was estimated by a recently validated software.

Results:

The most common anthropometric measures (body mass index, waist circumference) were totally ineffective in documenting the changes in body composition in 12 month follow-up, whereas DXA could detect regional changes, which were paralleled in part by changes in biochemical indices.

Conclusion:

Serial DXA measurements could provide a comprehensive assessment of body compartments, independent of changes in classic anthropometry (body mass index and waist circumference), identifying a significant redistribution of lean and fat mass and providing clues to explain changes in cardiovascular risk profile.
Relationship between symptomatic lower limb peripheral artery disease and calcified carotid artery plaque detected on panoramic images of neurologically asymptomatic males
Authors: Tran Hoang-Anh , O'Connell Jessica B , Lee Urie K , Polanco John C , Chang Tina I , Friedlander Arthur H
Published: March 2019

Objective:

Males with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are at high risk of ischaemic stroke given that atherogenic risk factors for both diseases are similar. We hypothesized that neurologically asymptomatic males diagnosed with PAD would demonstrate calcified carotid artery plaques (CCAP) on panoramic images (PI) significantly more often than similarly aged males not having PAD.

Methods:

Investigators implemented a retrospective cross-sectional study. Subjects were male patients over age 50 diagnosed with PAD by ankle-brachial systolic pressure index results of [Formula: see text]0.9. Controls negative for PAD had an ankle-brachial systolic pressure index > 0.9. Predictor variable was a diagnosis of PAD and outcome variable was presence of CCAP. Prevalence of CCAP amongst the PAD+ patients was compared to prevalence of CCAP among PAD- patients. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed and p-value was set at 0.05.

Results:

Final sample size consisted of 234 males (mean age 72.68 ± 9.09); 116 subjects and 118 controls. Among the PAD+ cohort, CCAP+ prevalence rate (57.76%) was significantly (p = 0.001) greater than the CCAP+ rate (36.44%) of the PAD- (control). There was no significant difference in atherogenic “risk factors” in the PAD+ cohort between CCAP+ and CCAP– subjects.

Conclusion:

We demonstrated that CCAP, a “risk factor” for future stroke and “risk indicator” of future myocardial infarction is seen significantly more often detected on the PIs of older male patients with PAD than among those without. Dentists treating patients with PAD must be uniquely vigilant for the presence of CCAPs on their patients’ PI.
Behavior models of concrete. General theory of degradation
Authors: Варламов Андрей , Varlamov Andrey , Римшин Владимир , Rimshin Vladimir
Published: March 2019

Is it possible eternal existence, and there will inevitably destruction? The monograph for the first time describes the General theory of degradation. The theory is described in its practical application to multifunctional composite concrete and reinforced concrete structures. As you know, the basis of these structures is concrete. The monograph is composed of two parts. The first part of the monograph deals with various modern approaches to modeling the behavior of concrete. Concrete is considered as the most important industrial building material. A comprehensive analysis of the behavior of concrete as a composite material is performed. Structural, technological, statistical and phenomenological models of its behavior are reviewed and considered. Describes the modern theoretical model of structural concrete, including model structural mechanics and fracture mechanics, theory of similarity and theory of loose bodies. Reviewed various proposals for how to transform the graphs of the behavior of concrete under various conditions. The results of our own experimental studies are presented. The information base of concrete behavior is obtained and described. Examples of the processed results in the database. On the basis of factor, canonical and regression analyses statistical models of concrete behavior are proposed. Structural analysis of concrete as a composite material allowed to develop models of its elastic behavior. The influence of concrete composite structure on its deformation and strength is revealed. The effect of cracks on the relative deformation of concrete is shown. In the second part of the monograph describes the main provisions of the theory of degradation as a General theory of destruction of the object. The relative independence of energy and time in the destruction of objects is revealed. A new characteristic of the object – the energy potential-is proposed. The connection of the theory of degradation with durability of various objects is shown. For concrete, two main forms of constructing a model of its behavior are identified. On the basis of the developed models of concrete behavior, diagrams of standard tests of concrete and transformed diagrams of its behavior in time are constructed. The possibility of using the developed models in relation to other materials and structures: steel, pipe concrete, wood, structures made of polymeric materials.
ESTIMATIVA DE VIABILIDADE ECONÔMICA DO USO DE ENERGIA FOTOVOLTAICA EM PIVÔ CENTRAL NO ESTADO DE GOIÁS
Authors: Sousa Marco Antonio , Alves Júnior José , Evangelista Adão Wagner Pego , Casaroli Derblai , Mesquita Marcio
Published: March 2019

O sistema de irrigação por Pivô central é o mais utilizado em Goiás, especialmente pelas características de produção da região, que contam com grandes áreas cultivadas, principalmente por culturas anuais, declividade suave e uniforme, alto grau de tecnificação e mecanização das propriedades e disponibilidade de água. Apesar do potencial de expansão da área irrigada em até 10 vezes, alguns são os entraves que dificultam esse crescimento, um deles é a baixa disponibilidade de energia elétrica. Uma das formas de solucionar esse problema é a utilização de energia fotovoltaica, já que a insolação média total anual no estado ultrapassa duas mil horas. Assim, o objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade econômica do uso de energia fotovoltaica em pivô central no estado de Goiás. Para isso, realizou-se uma simulação considerando uma área irrigada de 76,20 ha por pivô central (área média no Estado), em cultivo sucessivo de soja, milho e tomate industrial. Os custos de produção foram calculados utilizando a planilha Amazonsaf para um projeto de 25 anos (vida útil do sistema fotovoltaico) e taxa mínima de atratividade de 7,0%. Foram inseridos os coeficientes técnicos de produção, obtidos na FAEG, e calculados os indicadores financeiros: valor presente líquido (VPL); lucro médio (LMd); taxa interna de retorno (TIR); relação benefício custo (B/C) e payback. Os resultados mostraram que há viabilidade econômica do empreendimento independente da fonte de energia utilizada, elétrica tradicional ou solar fotovoltaica. O VPL foi de R$2.339,66ha-1.ano-1 e R$1.644,50ha-1.ano-1, LMd de R$5.925,47ha-1.ano-1 e R$5.743,61ha-1.ano-1, TIR de 60,31% e 33,85%, B/C de 1,37 e 1,24, e payback de 4,7 e 7,4 anos para energia elétrica tradicional e fotovoltaica, respectivamente. Observa-se que, para o sistema operado com energia fotovoltaica, há um aumento no custo de produção de 9,98%, em relação ao sistema operado por energia elétrica tradicional, e a lucratividade reduz na ordem de 3,07%.
UM SISTEMA PARA REGULAR A PRODUÇÃO FLORESTAL POR MEIO DA FORMAÇÃO OTIMIZADA DE UNIDADES DE PRODUÇÃO
Authors: Aguiar Marcelo Otone , Silva Rodrigo Freitas , Silva Mayra Luiza Marques da , Mauri Geraldo Regis , Silva Gilson Fernandes da
Published: March 2019

Um dos principais desafios atribuído ao planejamento da exploração de florestas nativas é a regulação da produção florestal, muitas vezes realizada por meio da divisão da Área de Manejo Florestal (AMF) em Unidades de Produção (UP). Levando em consideração a existência de um mercado cada vez mais competitivo e as dificuldades em alocar manualmente as UPs de maneira ótima, os manejadores vêm utilizando progressivamente sistemas computacionais para regular a produção florestal de maneira otimizada. Dentre as diversas formas de obter as soluções desse problema, destacam-se o uso dos métodos heurísticos. Sua utilização é justificada por serem métodos de solução reconhecidamente eficientes e devido à inviabilidade do uso de métodos exatos. Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo o desenvolvimento de um sistema de apoio a decisão capaz de regular a floresta otimizando a alocação das UPs em uma área a ser manejada. O aplicativo foi implementado na linguagem de programação Java utilizando uma heurística construtiva gulosa e as meta-heurísticas GRASP e Simulatted Annealing como métodos de solução. Após a execução do sistema, o usuário pode visualizar graficamente as UPs formadas e analisar os dados das soluções obtidas por meio dos arquivos de texto gerados.
Punto en boca, de Quevedo, según la versión del Ms. Corsini 625
Authors: Botta Patrizia
Published: March 2019

En la entrega se estudia un poema satírico de Quevedo según la versión de un Cancionero Español copilado en Roma, el Ms. Corsini 625. Se trata de la letrilla Las cuerdas de mi instrumento (estribillo Punto en boca) que en los primeros impresos (Flores 1605 y Parnaso 1648) se publicó censurada, con la omisión de tres estrofas consideradas atrevidas. El Ms. Corsini 625 salvaguarda dos de esas tres estrofas junto con otras, tampoco publicadas (como ocurre en unos pocos manuscritos más), pero añadiendo lectiones singulares que le colocan como un testimonio «italiano» aislado de la tradición, y no aprovechado por los quevedistas.
Textos de difusión italiana en el Ms. Corsini 625
Authors: Garribba Aviva
Published: March 2019

El Ms. Corsini 625 es un Cancionero musical español formado por treinta y tres poemas, en su mayoría de carácter tradicional, y fue compuesto a comienzos del XVII en la corte de un príncipe romano. Es uno de los frutos de la moda de la guitarra española que contribuyó a difundir la poesía española por las cortes de Italia. Este Manuscrito es, por un lado, portador de muchos unica (alguno de los cuales compuestos sin duda en la corte misma) y, por el otro, de varios poemas que están difundidos también en otras fuentes conservadas en Italia. Se analizan en particular aquellos poemas que están atestiguados solamente en Italia.
Sobre la Epístola proemial y las obras poéticas de Onofre Almudéver
Authors: Mahiques Climent Joan
Published: March 2019

La producción poética de Onofre Almudéver se contextualiza en Valencia hacia 1550-1570. En este artículo establecemos un elenco de los manuscritos e impresos antiguos conocidos que transmiten sus poesías, tanto en castellano como en catalán, y las editamos de manera conjunta por primera vez. Este análisis nos permite entender cabalmente lo que ya fue apuntado en algunos estudios referentes a la labor de Almudéver como autor de varios textos proemiales estampados por Joan de Arcos (Valencia, 1561) en tres libros diferentes pero unitarios, donde se incluían el Espill de Jaume Roig y otras piezas de autores valencianos. Esta compilación constituye el núcleo originario y la inspiración de lo que Ramon Miquel i Planas llamó el Cançoner satíric valencià, reincidiendo de este modo en la etiqueta historiográfica «Escuela Valenciana», que por primera vez acuñó Manuel Milà i Fontanals. Miquel i Planas daba una gran relevancia cultural al carácter unitario de los tres impresos de Joan de Arcos, pero también desarrolló una particular interpretación del pasado literario que podría haberse inspirado en algunas de las ideas que Almudéver esbozó en su Epístola proemial. Pero esta epístola, más que un intento de sistematizar un período cultural, debe entenderse como una manera de justificar una determinada estrategia editorial, ya que Almudéver fue un hombre ligado al mercado del libro más que un historiador de la literatura; y su espíritu creador se encauzó sobre todo en la devoción y la pedagogía, así como la escritura de poemas proemiales en alabanza de algunos autores y obras publicados en su tiempo.
El Romancero del Cid, recopilado por Juan de Escobar
Authors: Mangas Navarro Natalia Anaís
Published: March 2019

Romancero e historia del muy valeroso cavallero, el Cid Rui Diaz de Bivar, en lenguaje antiguo, recopilado por Juan de Escobar, estudio de Alejandro Higashi, México, Frente de Afirmación Hispanista A. C., 2017, 424 pp.
Effects of Cognitive and Aerobic training on Working Memory and Executive Function in Aging, a Pseudo-Randomized Trial: Pilot Study
Authors: Joubert Clemence , Chainay Hanna
Published: March 2019

Introduction
Cognitive and physical (especially aerobic) training have been reported to enhance cognition in the elderly. The goal of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two types of training, namely combined cognitive-and-physical training and cognitive training alone, for cognition and in particular for executive function and working memory.

Material and Method
Healthy older adults (aged 65–86 years) were included in cognitive-and-physical - CAP (n=16) - or cognitive - COG (n=16) - training groups or in a passive control group – CONT (n=16). The training took place in 60-minute sessions conducted twice a week for 8 weeks. Cognitive functions were assessed before and immediately after the interventions and at a 1-month follow-up.

Results
In the short-term, the CAP and COG groups showed a transfer on updating, unlike the CONT group. In the long-term, although the gains achieved by both CAP and COG persisted, the benefit observed in the COG group was greater than that in the CAP group.

Conclusion
Our data suggest that there may be a complementarity between cognitive and physical training effects at the level of short-term transfer, given that physical training was able to boost cognitive training. Moreover, regarding transfer, physical training may help improve performance on untrained tasks. However, as far as the long-term persistence of the benefits of training is concerned, the results tend to indicate the superiority of cognitive training.