bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prioridade perceptiva e critérios de satisfação de atributos ambientais em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva
Authors: Vieira Elamara Marama de Araujo , Silva Luiz Bueno da , Nascimento João Agnaldo do , Silva Jonhatan Magno Norte da , Leite Wilza Karla dos Santos
Published: November 2018

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo é identificar a prioridade perceptiva e de satisfação quanto aos atributos de conforto ambiental de profissionais adaptados ao clima tropical atuantes em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (UTIs). Para tanto, avaliou-se, por meio de questionários de percepção e satisfação, profissionais de nove UTIs pertencentes à rede pública de saúde e localizados em cidade de clima tropical, além de medidas experimentais do ambiente. Os dados foram tratados por meio do método PROMETHEE e de testes inferenciais de Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney para identificação da sobreclassificação dos atributos de prioridade. Os resultados indicam que a temperatura do ar é o atributo de maior prioridade entre os profissionais intensivistas adaptados ao clima tropical, sendo a tolerância particularmente ao ruído distinta para diferentes valores de predicted mean vote (PMV). Conclui-se que uma avaliação de conforto ambiental deve considerar os atributos prioritários para os ocupantes, a fim de que a percepção e satisfação do ambiente global seja otimizada.
Estudo hipotético para avaliação preliminar da resiliência na mobilidade urbana
Authors: Martins Marcel Carlos , Silva Antônio Nélson Rodrigues da
Published: November 2018

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo é desenvolver uma estratégia de avaliação da resiliência da mobilidade urbana. A abordagem é baseada em um cenário hipotético em que transportes motorizados estariam impossibilitados de ocorrer por restrições diversas. Portanto, apenas os modos a pé e bicicleta foram considerados para este exercício teórico. As viagens foram inicialmente classificadas em dois grupos, de acordo com sua adaptabilidade ou transformabilidade, sendo as do primeiro grupo consideradas resilientes. Uma terceira categoria teve que ser introduzida, no entanto, para representar outro conjunto de viagens resilientes. Estas são as viagens excepcionais, isto é, viagens a pé ou de bicicleta que são mais longas do que as Distâncias Máximas Possíveis (DMP) definidas para a avaliação da resiliência. Em uma aplicação do método realizado na cidade de São Carlos, SP, com DMP de 3 km e 8 km para viagens a pé e de bicicleta respectivamente, 97,7% das viagens foram classificadas como resilientes, o que é um resultado positivo.
Occurrence of Dioctophyme renale larvae (Goeze, 1782) (Nematoda: Enoplida) in a new host from southern Brazil
Authors: Mascarenhas Carolina Silveira , Pereira Julia Veiga , Müller Gertrud
Published: November 2018

Abstract Dioctophymatosis is caused by the giant kidney worm Dioctophyme renale which occurs in dogs, cats, and wild mammals. In Brazil, the disease has been diagnosed in dogs from several states around the country. In the present study, the occurrence of D. renale larvae in snakes from southern of Brazil is reported. Three specimens of Philodryas patagoniensis (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) (common names in Brazil: “parelheira”, “papa-pinto”) roadkill in the county of Capão do Leão, State of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, were necropsied. Two third-stage larvae of D. renale were found in the coelomic cavity of P. patagoniensis. This study reveals a new host for D. renale larvae in the southern region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This particular geographic area of the country has stood out as several cases of D. renale infection have been reported in a number of vertebrates from this region including domestic dogs and cats and wild animals such as carnivores, fish, and freshwater turtles.
Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) of marsupials (Mammalia: Didelphimorphia) in southern Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Fehlberg Hllytchaikra Ferraz , Brito Junior Pedro de Alcântara , Alvarez Martín Roberto del Valle , Berto Bruno Pereira , Albuquerque George Rêgo
Published: November 2018

Abstract The occurrence of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 in mammals of the order Didelphimorphia indicates the infection-predisposition of these animals, which in turn is mainly determined for their eating habits. The objective of this work was to evaluate the parasitism of Eimeria spp. in marsupials of the Atlantic Forest of the southern region of Bahia. Fecal samples were collected from marsupials captured in the regions of Ilhéus, Una, Belmonte and Mascote, with traps of the Sherman model (23 × 8 × 9 cm), Tomahawk (50 × 17 × 17 cm) and pitfall and analyzed by Sheather's modified centrifugal-flotation method. Oocysts were identified by microscopical evaluation of their morphology and morphometry. Didelphis aurita Wied-Neuwied, 1826, Gracilinanus agilis Burmeister, 1854, Monodelphis americana Müller, 1776, Marmosa demerarae O. Thomas, 1905 and Marmosa murina Linnaeus, 1758 were parasitized by Eimeria philanderi Lainson & Shaw, 1989 and Eimeria gambai Carini, 1938. Mixed parasitism for these two coccidia was observed in two of the 56 marsupials sampled. In conclusion, this work registers new hosts for E. philanderi and E. gambai, as well as the state of Bahia as a new distribution site for these coccidia.
Helminth metacommunity structure of wild rodents in a preserved area of the Atlantic Forest, Southeast Brazil
Authors: Cardoso Thiago dos Santos , Braga Caryne Aparecida de Carvalho , Macabu Carla Elizabeth , Simões Raquel de Oliveira , Costa-Neto Sócrates Fraga da , Maldonado Júnior Arnaldo , Gentile Rosana , Luque José Luis
Published: November 2018

Abstract The helminth fauna and metacommunity structure of eight sympatric sigmodontine rodents were investigated at the Serra dos Órgãos National Park, an Atlantic Forest reserve located in the State of Rio de Janeiro, southeast Brazil. Rodents of the species Abrawayaomys ruschii, Akodon montensis, Blarinomys breviceps , Delomys dorsalis, Oligoryzomys flavescens, Oligoryzomys nigripes, Oxymycterus quaestor and Thaptomys nigrita were found infected with helminths. Akodon montensis presented the highest total helminth species richness, with six different species of helminths. The nematode Stilestrongylus lanfrediae was the most abundant and prevalent helminth species observed. The host-parasite network analysis showed little interactions among host species. Akodon montensis seems to act as a keystone-species in the rodent community. This species shared the nematodes Stilestrongylus aculeata with A. ruschii and Protospirura numidica criceticola with T. nigrita, and the cestode Rodentolepis akodontis with D. dorsalis. The congeners host species O. flavescens and O. nigripes shared the nematodes Guerrerostrongylus zetta and S. lanfrediae. The rodents B. breviceps and O. quaestor did not share any helminths with other hosts. The helminth metacommunity showed a random pattern on both infracommunity and component community levels, indicating different responses by each helminth species to the environmental gradient.
Detection of a putative novel genotype of Ehrlichia sp. from opossums (Didelphis aurita) from Brazil
Authors: Guimarães Andresa , Raimundo Juliana Macedo , Silva Aline Tonussi da , Carpintero Fernanda Modesto , Pires Jeferson Rocha , Benevenute Jyan Lucas , Machado Rosangela Zacarias , André Marcos Rogério , Baldani Cristiane Divan
Published: November 2018

Abstract Erlichiosis affects humans and animals worldwide. Its distribution and prevalence depends on the presence of tick vectors and hosts in one geographic area. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. in opossums (Didelphis sp.) from the State of Rio de Janeiro, southeast Brazil. Blood samples from 37 animals were tested for these two pathogens using molecular methods. One animal (2.7%) was positive for Ehrlichia sp. by 16S rRNA-based nested PCR. In a phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene using the maximum likelihood method and the GTRGAMMA+I evolutionary model, we detected a novel Ehrlichia sp. genotype closely related to genotypes of E. canis previously reported in dogs from Brazil. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first molecular detection of Ehrlichia sp. in opossums from this State in the southeastern region of the country.
Cucullanus marajoara n. sp. (Nematoda: Cucullanidae), a parasite of Colomesus psittacus (Osteichthyes: Tetraodontiformes) in the Marajó, Brazil
Authors: Pinheiro Raul Henrique da Silva , Santana Ricardo Luis Sousa , Monks Scott , Santos Jeannie Nascimento dos , Giese Elane Guerreiro
Published: November 2018

Abstract Cucullanus marajoara n. sp. (Cucullanidae) is reported to parasitize Colomesus psittacus (Tetraodontiformes), which is a fish species from the Marajó Archipelago, state of Pará, estuarine region of the Brazilian Amazon. The new species differs from similar species by the presence of a protruding upper lip on the cloacal opening, the distribution of the cloacal papillae: five pre-cloacal papillae pairs and 5 are ventral and located posteriorly to the pre-cloacal sucker and an unpaired papilla is located on the upper cloacal lip and five post-cloacal pairs, and a pair of lateral phasmids located between papillae pairs. Additionally, Cucullanus marajoara n. sp. is compared to other species of this genus described in Brazil, particularly Cucullanus ageneiosus and Cucullanus oswaldocruzi, which both occur in the same zoogeographic region of this study but parasitize fish of a different order (Siluriformes). Cucullanus dodsworthi and Cucullanus brevicaudatus are the only described species parasitizing fish of the order Tetradontiformes in Brazil, and the new species differs from these species by the distribution of the cloacal papillae and the host habitat. The description of Cucullanus marajoara n. sp. adds data to the biodiversity of described parasites that parasitize Tetradontiformes of the estuarine ichthyofauna in the Brazilian Amazon.
Theileria sp. in water buffaloes from Maranhão State, northeastern Brazil
Authors: Abate Hugo Luca , Santos Nelson Jessé Rodrigues dos , Brito Danilo Rodrigues Barros , Valente Jessica Damiana Marinho , Vieira Thállitha Samih Wischral Jayme , Garcia João Luis , Vieira Rafael Felipe da Costa , Vidotto Odilon
Published: November 2018

Abstract Anaplasma marginale and piroplasm species are widespread among Brazilian cattle herds. Both of these tick-borne pathogens hamper livestock production and cause a significant economic impact. Although buffaloes have demonstrated a high level of adaptability, data on tick-borne pathogens are scarcely reported in Brazil. Thus, the aim of this study was to screen water buffaloes from the state of Maranhão for piroplasm and A. marginale occurrence using PCR assays. All samples were negative for A. marginale. One of the 287 (0.35%) water buffaloes tested was positive for Theileria sp. Sequencing of the 18S rDNA fragment (356 bp) showed that the Theileria sp. identified was closely related to the T. buffeli /orientalis group. Future studies on the clinical signs of infection and the main vector in this country are needed.
In vitro culture of Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae): Influence of temperature and culture media
Authors: Costa Carinne Moreira de Souza , Lima Talissa Beatriz Costa , Cruz Matheus Gomes da , Almeida Daniela Volcan , Martins Maurício Laterça , Jerônimo Gabriela Tomas
Published: November 2018

Abstract Infection by the acantocephalan Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae is considered one of most important concerns for tambaqui fish (Colossoma macropomum ) production. Treatment strategies have been the focus of several in vivo studies; however, few studies have been undertaken on in vitro protocols for parasite maintenance. The aim of the present study was to develop the best in vitro culture condition for N. buttnerae to ensure its survival and adaptation out of the host to allow for the testing of substances to be used to control the parasite. To achieve this, parasites were collected from naturally infected fish and distributed in 6-well culture plates under the following treatments in triplicate: 0.9% NaCl, sterile tank water, L-15 Leibovitz culture medium, L-15 Leibovitz + agar 2% culture medium, RPMI 1640 culture medium, and RPMI 1640 + agar 2% culture medium. The plates containing the parasites were maintained at 24 °C, 28 °C, and 32 °C. The RPMI 1640 + agar 2% culture medium showed the best survival of 24 days at 24 °C. No body alterations such as swollen parasites, body deformation, dehydration and hardening were observed in the RPMI 1640 + 2% culture medium.
Trophic structure of the fish community throughout the reservoirs and tributaries of the Middle and Lower Tietê River (São Paulo, Brazil)
Authors: Smith Welber Senteio , Pereira Camila Galvão Francisco , Espindola Evaldo Luiz Gaeta , Rocha Odete
Published: November 2018

Abstract Aim: We investigated the use of food resources throughout the reservoirs and tributaries of the Middle and Lower Tietê River. Methods The samplings were made in July 2000 (dry period) and January 2001 (rainy period). The fish samples were collected using two batteries of gill nets consisting of 8 nets with 10 meters in length and 1.5 meters wide with different mesh sizes, dip net and dragging nets. The stomach contents were dissected, the portion studied was the stomach and the anterior third of the intestines. Food remains found in the stomach were analyzed under a stereoscopic microscope and its identification was performed to the lowest taxonomic category. Results The analysis of stomach contents returned 30 types of food sources, being 21 autochthonous and 8 allochthonous. Most of the diet of the species in the tributaries consists of terrestrial insects, followed by vegetal material, seeds, crustaceans and mud, whereas in the reservoirs the main diet consists of aquatic insects, vegetal material, seeds and scales. The species of fish analyzed were grouped into 13 trophic categories. In both reservoirs and tributaries, most of the diet was carnivorous, whereas the omnivorous diet occurred only in the reservoirs. Species from rivers are more specialized and in reservoirs they are more generalist, making it a better survival strategy. Conclusions Fishes use the coastal areas of the reservoirs and even of the tributaries to feed on superior plants and insects that have terrestrial and aquatic stages. The trophic characteristics exhibited by the fish in the reservoirs depend on the structuring of the community during the colonization process, the characteristics of each reservoir, the introduction of exotic species of fish and alternative food sources.
Study approach and step by step development of a fish-based multimetric index for reservoirs: a case study presentation from a neotropical cascade system
Authors: Petesse Maria Letizia
Published: November 2018

Abstract Aim The present paper approached some issues related to the construction and adaptation of the Reservoir Fish Assemblage Index (RFAI). Method the case study presents the step by step construction of the multimetric index adopted for the Tietê cascade reservoir system, and it is discussed the comparison between discrete and continuous scoring criteria. Results The main questions related to the adaptation of multimetric indexes to reservoir were synthesized as: i – terminology question; ii - representative fish sampling; iii – reference condition. The construction of the RFAI for the Tietê cascade reservoir system resulted in seven steps, and the continuous scoring criterion showed to increase the accuracy of the final index when compared to the discrete scoring especially for the most degraded environment. Conclusion Biological criteria for the assessment of aquatic ecosystems are widely recognized and accepted by scientific community. The increasing value of water resource makes reservoirs important object of scientific and social interest, justifying the definition of proper tools for their assessment and monitoring. Among the available tools, the multimetric approach is one of the most popular. The observed results showed the validity of the approach also for artificial environments, expecting for its official incorporation in biomonitoring programs in Brazil.
Relationship between zooplankton richness and area in Brazilian lakes: comparing natural and artificial lakes and trends
Authors: Longato Luisa Orbitelli , Ferreira Iuri Emmanuel de Paula , Perbiche-Neves Gilmar
Published: November 2018

Abstract Aim We analyzed the relationship between zooplankton species richness and the area of 34 natural and 55 artificial lakes in Brazil (total of 89), with area varying between 0.01 to 2,430 km2. Methods A total of 33 studies were found in the specialized bibliography, containing data from zooplankton sampled in the limnetic areas, here analyzed through descriptive statistics, nonparametric group comparisons, Spearman correlation, and non-linear regression. Results The relationship between zooplankton richness and area in Brazilian lakes depend both on the size and type of the environments. Contradicting aspects of the biogeographic theory, in small environments (up to 6 km2) there is no significant influence of the area on the richness, whether it is natural (ponds) or artificial (dams, reservoirs). The natural lakes present greater richness and habitat variation independent of the size, possibly due to a more diverse composition of niches. Large natural lakes are scarce in Brazil but, with dams, area and zooplankton richness are positively correlated on an intermediate scale, up to 39 km2, critical point of size from which species’ richness stabilizes. Conclusions For the artificial lakes of large or intermediate size in Brazil, area and richness of microcrustaceans have a point from which richness starts to stabilize, as would be expected by the biogeographic theory. But in small size environments there is no evidence confirming this association. Also, it is observed that the natural lakes present higher and more variable values for richness than the artificial ones.
Responses of the phytoplankton functional structure to the spatial and temporal heterogeneity in a large subtropical shallow lake
Authors: Crossetti Luciane Oliveira , Freitas-Teixeira Lacina Maria , Bohnenberger Juliana Elisa , Schulz Uwe Horst , Rodrigues Lúcia Ribeiro , Motta-Marques David da
Published: November 2018

Abstract Aim Studies on biological communities that take into account only the species composition and abundances (or biomass) and their relative contributions, most of the time, do not reflect their ecological functions, especially considering the wide spatial and temporal variation of large shallow lakes. This paper aimed at evaluating the influence of environmental spatial and temporal heterogeneity on the functional structure of phytoplankton in a subtropical large shallow lake. Methods Seasonal samplings were carried out in 2010 and 2011, in 19 sampling sites distributed along the entire length (90 km) and width (3-10 km) of Lake Mangueira, a large (820 km2 ) and shallow lake (zmean = 2.6 m), comprising the littoral and pelagic zones of the north, central and southern regions. Abiotic variables and phytoplankton functional traits (volume, maximum linear dimension, life forms) and functional groups were analyzed as measures of functional structure. Results The results showed that there was no spatial organization of phytoplankton functional traits during the study. Colonial non-flagellated organisms, organisms with cellular volume between 103 and 104 μm3 and greater than 104 μm3, and with maximum linear dimension between 21 and 50 μm prevailed in all zones and regions. Phytoplankton functional groups and traits responded to resource variation, especially increasing their variety and contribution during spring and summer periods. Conclusions The functional structure of the phytoplankton community in Lake Mangueira, here accessed by functional traits and RFGs, was more conditioned by its environmental temporal variability rather than by the spatial variation, indicating that the resources and life conditions seasonal variation strongly influence the phytoplankton in this ecosystem.
Pigmented Euglenophyceae of a lentic environment at the Upper Paraná River Floodplain, Brazil
Authors: Jati Susicley , Borsalli Carla Cristiane de Jesus , Train Sueli
Published: November 2018

Abstract Aim Contributing to taxonomic knowledge on Pigmented Euglenophyceae at the Upper Paraná River Floodplain by enlarging the biodiversity survey in this ecosystem, in addition to contributing to the knowledge on the geographical distribution of this group in Brazil. Methods Quarterly samplings in the limnetic region of a floodplain lake between February 2000 and March 2009, numbering 30 samples obtained from both vertical and horizontal trawls using plankton net of a 15 µm-mesh aperture and subjected to Transeau-solution preservation. We prepared temporary slides and analyzed in order to have the organisms identified, measured and photographed through digital camera, directly using an Olympus binocular optical microscope with a 400x/1000x magnification. The analysis included the calculation of Constancy (C) for the sample of each species. Results 36 taxa were identified. Genus Trachelomonas Ehr. emend. Defl. had the best representation, with 20 taxa. Among the taxa surveyed, 53% (19 taxa) constituted new records of occurrence for the Upper Paraná River Floodplain. The taxa recorded as frequent (33.3%) are considered cosmopolitan and present wide geographical distribution throughout Brazil; however, most of the taxa surveyed (67%) was classified as sporadic or rare, which is probably related to the high environmental variability observed along the study period. Conclusion Among the surveyed 19 taxa constituted new records of occurrence for the upper Paraná River floodplain and extended the geographical distribution of Euglenophyceae in Brazil.
Is thermal stability a factor that influences environmental heterogeneity and phytoplankton distribution in tropical lakes?
Authors: Barbosa Luciana Gomes , Barbosa Francisco Antônio Rodrigues , Bicudo Carlos Eduardo de Mattos
Published: November 2018

Abstract Aim To evaluate the effects of environmental heterogeneity promoted by thermal stratification on the distribution of limnologic variables and phytoplankton functional groups (FGs) in two natural lakes. Methods Monthly measurements were performed over a five-year period in the vertical profile of a warm monomitic shallow lake (Lago Carioca) and in a deep and meromictic (Lake Dom Helvécio). Results The vertical zonation generated by the high thermal stability during the stratification period promoted an increase in the spatial heterogeneity and, consequently, in the richness of functional groups of the two lakes. In the epilimnion, the dominance of small chlorophytes and desmids (NA, A and X1, ≤20μm) and larger dinophyceans (Lo, ≥20μm) were associated with high turbulence and light availability and soluble phosphorus limitation. In the metalimnion, the presence of filamentous cyanobacteria (R) and colonial chlorophyceans (F) of larger size (≥20µm) were associated with stable habitats with high concentrations of N-NH4 and P-PO4-3 and light limiting conditions. Comparatively, Lake Dom Helvécio presented a higher richness of FGs in the meta-hipolimnetic layers (SN, P) as well as a higher number of species per functional group. Seasonal changes in the climatic conditions (e.g. the decrease in air temperature with the consequent heat loss) caused the break of the water column stability, which promoted the redistribution of the dissolved nutrient forms and the increase of light limitation in the two lakes during the mixing period. Therefore, there was a drastic reduction in the richness and population biomass of FGs (≤80%). Conclusions Thermal stability and atelomixis were the main driving forces of vertical heterogeneity during the stratification, favoring the coexistence of FGs and, consequently, their increase in richness and biomass.
Mouse Tissue Fixation with Paraformaldehyde for Fluorescent Reporter Mice v2
Authors: Marcovecchio Paola , Mcardle Sara , Mikulski Zbigniew , Denn Angela , Dobaczewska Katarzyna
Published: November 2018

Fixation of mouse tissues for either histology or fluorescence microscopy is an essential first step in tissue preparation. In this protocol, we outline a reliable method for fixation and perfusion of mice for tissue histology or microscopy. Tissues prepared by this method can be used downstream as FFPE sections, cryosections for fluorescence microscopy, or tissue clearing for whole tissue imaging. For mice with transgenic fluorescent reporters, it is especially important that the tissues are preserved properly to ensure that the signal of the fluorescent reporter can be imaged.
The utility of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in predicting urolithiasis in acute abdominal pain accompanied by flank pain
Authors: AKGÜN Feride Sinem , SİNANOĞLU Orhun
Published: November 2018

Objectives:
To evaluate whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte
ratio (NLR), can differentiate between urinary stone disease and inflammatory
conditions in patients admitted to emergency department having acute abdominal
pain accompanied by flank pain. Methods: Data of 191 patients with acute abdominal pain accompanied by flank pain
admitted to emergency department in a single institution during 1 year period
was retrospectively reviewed. Complete blood count and urine analysis were
evaluated, the definitive diagnosis was established radiologically. The NLR was
calculated as the absolute neutrophil count divided by the absolute lymphocyte
count. The cut off value for the NLR in relation to stone status was
calculated. Results: Of the 191 patients 51.3% (n = 98) were males, 48.7% (n = 93) were females
(p > 0.05). White blood counts of
the patients according to the presence of stone does not show a statistically
significant difference (p > 0.05).
NLR measurement of patients according to the presence of stone shows a
statistically significant difference (p
= 0.009). NLR of patients with urinary stones were significantly lower than
patients without urinary stones. NLR measurements did not differ significantly
according to stone location. A cut-off point of ≤ 2.16 for the NLR was
determined according to the stone status of the patients. NLR values were
higher in patients with acute abdominal pain/flank pain due to inflammatory
pathologies.

Conclusion: As the
diagnosis and treatment of urolithiasis take long time and require elaborate
methods, NLR may be used as a simple method in the differential diagnosis of
pain due to urinary stone disease or inflammatory condition.
Effect of hearing aid on balance
Authors: ŞAHİN Hasan , KARAMAN Hanifi
Published: November 2018

Aim:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hearing aid usage on
balance system in individuals older than 60 years of age who use hearing aid
due to presbiacusia.Materials and Methods: Individuals (>60 years of age) with at least 25 dB
age-related sensorineural hearing loss in both ears and who were given
bilateral hearing aid for 3 months were included to our study. The data
obtained by evaluating balance system with cVEMP and Romberg on foam test prior
to the usage of hearing aid and 3 months after individuals used bilateral
hearing aid (without device condition) were compared. Results: While P1-N1 responses were not taken from 21 of the tested ears, they
were taken from 39 of the tested ears. Even though remarkable improvement was
found in Romberg on foam test done after 3-month usage of hearing aid
(p=0.001), no significant change was observed in cVEMP findings (p>0.05)
other than the N1 latencies (p=0.03). 

Conclusion: With the usage of hearing aid due to
presciacusia, an increase is seen in the ability of keeping balance parallel
with the increase in auditory inputs.
Jackpotting and the Canadian Banking Environment
Authors: Vancouver CASIS
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Mood Prediction of Patients With Mood Disorders by Machine Learning Using Passive Digital Phenotypes Based on the Circadian Rhythm: Prospective Observational Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Cho Chul-Hyun , Lee Taek , Kim Min-Gwan , In Hoh Peter , Kim Leen , Lee Heon-Jeong
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Virtually, all organisms on Earth have their own circadian rhythm, and humans are no exception. Circadian rhythms are associated with various human states, especially mood disorders, and disturbance of the circadian rhythm is known to be very closely related. Attempts have also been made to derive clinical implications associated with mood disorders using the vast amounts of digital log that is acquired by digital technologies develop and using computational analysis techniques.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to evaluate the mood state or episode, activity, sleep, light exposure, and heart rate during a period of about 2 years by acquiring various digital log data through wearable devices and smartphone apps as well as conventional clinical assessments. We investigated a mood prediction algorithm developed with machine learning using passive data phenotypes based on circadian rhythms.

METHODS

We performed a prospective observational cohort study on 55 patients with mood disorders (major depressive disorder [MDD] and bipolar disorder type 1 [BD I] and 2 [BD II]) for 2 years. A smartphone app for self-recording daily mood scores and detecting light exposure (using the installed sensor) were provided. From daily worn activity trackers, digital log data of activity, sleep, and heart rate were collected. Passive digital phenotypes were processed into 130 features based on circadian rhythms, and a mood prediction algorithm was developed by random forest.

RESULTS

The mood state prediction accuracies for the next 3 days in all patients, MDD patients, BD I patients, and BD II patients were 65%, 65%, 64%, and 65% with 0.7, 0.69, 0.67, and 0.67 area under the curve (AUC) values, respectively. The accuracies of all patients for no episode (NE), depressive episode (DE), manic episode (ME), and hypomanic episode (HME) were 85.3%, 87%, 94%, and 91.2% with 0.87, 0.87, 0.958, and 0.912 AUC values, respectively. The prediction accuracy in BD II patients was distinctively balanced as high showing 82.6%, 74.4%, and 87.5% of accuracy (with generally good sensitivity and specificity) with 0.919, 0.868, and 0.949 AUC values for NE, DE, and HME, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of the theoretical basis of chronobiology, this study proposed a good model for future research by developing a mood prediction algorithm using machine learning by processing and reclassifying digital log data. In addition to academic value, it is expected that this study will be of practical help to improve the prognosis of patients with mood disorders by making it possible to apply actual clinical application owing to the rapid expansion of digital technology.
A Health Education Website Developed to Meet Young People’s Information Needs About Web-Based Pornography and Sharing of Sexually Explicit Imagery (SCOPE): Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Davis Angela C , Wright Cassandra J C , Temple-Smith Meredith J , Hellard Margaret E , Lim Megan S C
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Although we know that many young people watch online pornography and engage in sexting, there is limited literature examining their needs in relation to information on these highly sensitive and complex issues. Online resources exist; however, we can find no evidence of any of them having been formally tested for usability within the target population.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to test the usability of a resource about online pornography and sexting among young people.

METHODS

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 17 participants aged 15 to 29 years.

RESULTS

We found that the SCOPE resource was perceived as trustworthy and credible because of its evidence-based content, nonjudgmental tone, and balanced perspectives. Multimedia and video content enhanced the layout and usability of the resource; however, content relevance could be improved by targeting age and developmental stages. Participants identified resource sections such as Real Stories from young people as relevant and engaging. However, they raised issues with the translation of formative research findings relating to these stories into their final presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that young people prefer online resources about complex issues, such as online pornography and sexting, if they are balanced in content and tone. Most importantly, in the context of responding to complex and sensitive issues such as these, co-design methods can ensure that young people are central to the development of resources and avoid gaps in translating research into practice. In the context of limited literature focusing on the usability of online resources about these topics, this paper provides important insights for public health practitioners working in this emerging space.
Use of the Smartphone App WhatsApp as an E-Learning Method for Medical Residents: Multicenter Controlled Randomized Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Clavier Thomas , Ramen Julie , Dureuil Bertrand , Veber Benoit , Hanouz Jean-Luc , Dupont Hervé , Lebuffe Gilles , Besnier Emmanuel , Compere Vincent
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

The WhatsApp smartphone app is the most widely used instant messaging app in the world. Recent studies reported the use of WhatsApp for educational purposes, but there is no prospective study comparing WhatsApp’s pedagogical effectiveness to that of any other teaching modality.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study was to measure the impact of a learning program via WhatsApp on clinical reasoning in medical residents.

METHODS

This prospective, randomized, multicenter study was conducted among first- and second-year anesthesiology residents (offline recruitment) from four university hospitals in France. Residents were randomized in two groups of online teaching (WhatsApp and control). The WhatsApp group benefited from daily delivery of teaching documents on the WhatsApp app and a weekly clinical case supervised by a senior physician. In the control group, residents had access to the same documents via a traditional computer electronic learning (e-learning) platform. Medical reasoning was self-assessed online by a script concordance test (SCT; primary parameter), and medical knowledge was assessed using multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The residents also completed an online satisfaction questionnaire.

RESULTS

In this study, 62 residents were randomized (32 to the WhatsApp group and 30 to the control group) and 22 residents in each group answered the online final evaluation. We found a difference between the WhatsApp and control groups for SCTs (60% [SD 9%] vs 68% [SD 11%]; P=.006) but no difference for MCQs (18/30 [SD 4] vs 16/30 [SD 4]; P=.22). Concerning satisfaction, there was a better global satisfaction rate in the WhatsApp group than in the control group (8/10 [interquartile range 8-9] vs 8/10 [interquartile range 8-8]; P=.049).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to traditional e-learning, the use of WhatsApp for teaching residents was associated with worse clinical reasoning despite better global appreciation. The use of WhatsApp probably contributes to the dispersion of attention linked to the use of the smartphone. The impact of smartphones on clinical reasoning should be studied further.
CURRENT TREND OF RESISTANT FOR THE COMMONLY PRESCRIBED NEW FLUOROQUINOLONES AMONG HOSPITALISED PATIENTS IN SANA'A, YEMEN
Authors: Alyahawi Ali , Alkaf Ali , Alnosary Taha
Published: November 2018

The new fluoroquinolones have demonstrated enhanced activity against the most common bacteria involved in lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). Moxifloxacin is the most commonly prescribed respiratory flouroquinolone drug in Yemen. Pneumonia is a major and an on-going public health problem globally. With the widely use of fluoroquinolones in the clinical practice, the potential for developing resistance has become a concern. The aim of present study was to determine the trend of moxifloxacin resistant and the distribution of resistant for different sample types among hospitalised patients in Sana'a, Yemen. The study was performed at a private hospital in Sana’a, Yemen. The records were taken from the microbiology department for hospitalised patients. Moxifloxacin susceptibility samples were collected from January, 2017 to December, 2017. The moxifloxacin susceptibility was studied against several isolates. Full ethical clearance was obtained from the qualified authorities who approved the study design. All data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics version 21. Out of 927 sample isolates, 580 (62.6%) were moxifloxacin resistant isolates and only 30.1% were sensitive. The Escherichia coli was observed in 24.4% of total sample isolates, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.1%). From the study findings, 44.8% of total sample was isolated from sputum cultures.There was a statistically significant difference between bacteria type and culture results (P-value < 0.001). Moreover, 96.2% of Acinetobacter species and all Acinetobacter baumannii isolates were moxifloxacin resistant. The study findings reported that 70.4% of Escherichia coli isolates were resistant for moxifloaxin, followed by methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (64.7%), Klebsiella pneumonia (60.6%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (46.4%). However, 86.1% of staphylococcus aureus isolates were moxifloxacin resistant. Results in this study showed that there was high significantly relationship between culture results and sample type (P-value< 0.001).  Also 44.8% of sample isolates were from sputum cultures. Moreover, 74.2% of sputum cultures isolates were moxifloxacin resistant. There was a statistically significant difference between culture results with age groups (P-value = 0.02). Also 64.1% of males had moxifloxacin resistant and 36.9% of isolate resistant were aged > 60 years. This study reveals that varieties of pathogens are responsible for LRTI and moxifloxacin resistance has become a great public health issue. The possibility of reducing resistance by controlling the use of antibiotics is a reasonable approach. Inappropriate and irrational drug usage should be avoided. This study may help the government’s regulatory authority to develop a policy about rational prescription of antibiotics to minimize resistance of new antibiotics and also to ensure the maximum safety to the health of patients.
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-DIABETIC POTENTIALS OF PERSEA AMERICANA MILL. (LAURACEAE) FRUIT EXTRACT
Authors: Rao US Mahadeva
Published: November 2018

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and the management of blood glucose level is an important strategy in the control of the disease and complications associated with it. Therefore, components that cause uptake of glucose from the bloodstream and inhibitors of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes can be useful in treatment of DM and medicinal plants are often used to achieve this aim. Avocado fruit is rich in phytochemicals necessary for treatment of DM. The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of Persea americana fruit extracts on α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. The percentage yield, phytochemical screening (both qualitative and quantitative), in vitro antioxidant and anti-diabeticassays, and kinetic studies were performed with different solvent extracts of Avocado fruit pulp. Results: Avocado hadgreat and promising potential as pharmaceutical agent, particularly to be developed as anti-diabetic through the inhibition of α-glucosidase and α- amylase enzymes.  In vitro studies of the antioxidant activity of the fruit extract gaveanevidence and strong biochemical rationale of their therapeutic potential. The fruit extract of P. americana may play an important role in the development of nutraceuticals and also in the management of oxidative stress induced DM.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS OF LEAF, STEM-BARK AND ROOT OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA (NEEM)
Authors: ON. Nwali , A. Idoko , JE Okolie , E Ezeh , PO Ugwudike , ON Rita , MO Ezenwali , IA Odo , PN Ani , SO Okolie
Published: November 2018

Plant chemicals abound in different parts of plants, in different compositions. Thus, the comparative screening of the leaf, stem-bark and root of Azadirachta Indica becomes imperative. The presence of nine phytochemicals which include; Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Saponins, Glycosides, Phenols, Steroids, Tannins, Reducing sugars and Anthraquinones, and the quantity of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and glycoside in the leaf, stem-bark and root of Azadirachta indica were investigated. The plant parts were collected from a plantation grown in Okpotegu Echara, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Plant samples were  air dried at room temperature, ground into uniform powder, sieved, bottled and labeled, ready for physico – chemical analysis. Results of the investigation revealed that anthraquinones were beyond detection limits in all the plant parts tested in both ethanol and aqueous extracts. Alkaloids were not detectable in leaf, stem-bark and root samples of aqueous extract. Glycosides were not detectable in leaf sample of ethanol and aqueous extracts. Quantitatively, the phytochemical compositions of each part showed higher concentrations of Alkaloids in the leaf, stem-bark and root (11.63%, 4.93% and 3.79%), compared to flavonoids (2.19%, 2.72% and 0.92%), saponins (0.70%, 1.12% and 0.44%), tannins (0.33 mg/100, 0.50mg/100 and 0.17mg/100) and glycosides (0.23%, 0.27% and 0.19%), respectively. Obviously, except for the higher percentage (11.63%) of alkaloids in the leaf, the phytochemicals in the stem-bark are higher as shown by the results, which could support the reason that the bark is preferably chewed commonly together with the stem as chew stick for its germicidal and antifungal action.
THE EFFECT OF TRAFFIC FACTORS AND TECHNOLOGY FACTORS ON CHRONOLOGICAL DELAY OF EMERGENCY (115) ON THE BESIDES OF INJURED PEOPLE IN BOYER AHMAD CITY IN 2017
Authors: Sadat Seyed Ehsan , Barzabad Parviz Aghayii , Asl Iravan Masoudi
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study is to investigate traffic factors and technology factors on chronological delay of emergency (115) on the besides of injured people in Boyer Ahmad city in 2017. The research method of this investigation from the point of view related to target is operational and according to nature is descriptive-analytic.  The target population is users of 115 emergency services of Boyer Ahmad city from the first of March to August2017. On the basis of the similar statistics of the first six months of 2016, 2240 people have used emergency services of Boyer Ahmad city that on the basis of Krejcie and Morgan table, 100 people will be chosen as statistical sample. In this study, data has been gathered by using researcher made questionnaire. At first, needed data has been achieved by responses to questionnaires and then study variables have been tested and analyzed by using SPSS statistical software and statistical methods in two sections of descriptive and perceptive. The results of the study indicated that there is a meaningful relation between environmental, relational and traffic factors and also between technological factors and 115 emergency delay on the patient’s beside in Boyer Ahmad city (p>0.05). As, the meaningfulness level and correlation coefficient between studied variables with 115 emergency delay respectively are: traffic factors (P=0.001, r=0.73), technology factors (P=0.001, r=0.62). So, research hypothesis is verified.
Reformas anticorrupción en México: introducción a la Ley de Fiscalización y Rendición de Cuentas de la Federación / Anticorruption reforms in Mexico. Introduction to the Law of Fiscalization and Accountability of the Federation
Authors: Márquez Rosales Antonio , Tovar Partida Guillermo
Published: November 2018

El objetivo de este trabajo es ofrecer al lector una visión amplia de la estructura y los títulos que constituyen la Ley de Fiscalización y Rendición de Cuentas de la Federación (2009). Para ello, se explican los principios esenciales establecidos en cada uno de sus preceptos, así como las atribuciones y facultades de la Cámara de Diputados del Congreso de la Unión, la Comisión de Vigilancia y de la Auditoría Superior de la Federación y los organismos públicos encargados de la fiscalización de la cuenta pública. En la conclusión se señala que esta ley viene a representar un instrumento jurídico muy útil para fortalecer el lineamiento normativo de las autoridades públicas y para intentar reducir a su mínima expresión el fenómeno de la corrupción en el país.
Effect of high-fat-fructose diet on synaptic plasticity in hippocampus and lipid profile of blood serum of rat: pharmacological possibilities of affecting risk factors
Authors: Micháliková D. , Kaprinay B. Tyukos , Lipták B. , Švík K. , Slovák L. , Sotníková R. , Bezek Š. , Gáspárová Z.
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to determine pharmacological possibilities of influencing the risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Hypertriacylglycerolemic (HTG) rats fed with high-fat-fructose diet (HFFD) were used as a model of the MetS. Wistar rats fed with standard diet were used as negative control group. HTG rats fed with HFFD for 8 weeks were used as positive control group. The effects of atorvastatin and SMe1EC2 were tested. The compounds were administered to the HTG rats after 5 weeks of HFFD, once a day for 3 weeks. After 8 weeks, the blood serum lipid profile and electrophysiology of neurotransmission in hippocampal sections were evaluated in vitro. SMe1EC2 and atorvastatin had a significant effect on total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol) and atorvastatin had a significant effect on triacylglycerols (TGs). SMe1EC2 improved the long-term potentiation (LTP) course in the hippocampus.
Analysis of Long-Term Measured Exterior Air Temperature in Zilina
Authors: Jurasova Daniela
Published: November 2018

The climate change assumes nowadays on significance. Weather data may be available on various time scales – long-term, minutes, hours, days, periods, years. Measurements of air temperature are realized for a long time. Data in Slovakia are available from few weather stations of Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMI). For long-term and wide-ranging measurement of various parameters this can be complicated and expensive. This paper is focused on temperature measurement near the experimental laboratory. Estimation of daily, monthly and yearly mean temperatures is done in different ways. Results from experimental temperature measurement, in a way of selection of unusual extremes are presented. Shorter recording intervals describe the temperature courses in a more pertinent way.
Schizophrenia as a process of mental dissolution
Authors: Perzyńska-Starkiewicz Aneta
Published: November 2018

In creating his Psychophysiological Theory, Jan Mazurkiewicz transplanted John Hughlings Jackson’s method into the field of psychiatry. Like his precursor, he distinguished four evolutionary levels, but this time with regard to mental activity. According to Mazurkiewicz’s approach, disease is the reverse of evolution. Doing damage to the highest evolutionary level, it allows evolutionarily lower levels to take control of the patient’s psyche. Distorted by the etiological factor, the lower mental levels manifest as mental disease. In his Psychophysiological Theory, Mazurkiewicz distinguishes three types of dissolution: intra-level dissolution (psychoneuroses), slow dissolution or dissociation proper (schizophrenia), and rapid, delirium-like dissolution (impaired consciousness). Kaczyński noted that, based on an in-depth analysis of the phylogenetic and ontogenetic development of the successive evolutionary levels of the nervous system, Mazurkiewicz transposed the principles of the Jacksonian concept of hierarchical evolution – dissolution. Within a dozen or so years from birth to maturity, the process of evolution of mankind is recapitulated, with the speed of lightning, in an individual – from instincts, which are phylogenetically the oldest, to the highest functions of the frontal lobes. The present paper makes mention of research conducted at Lublin’s Department of Psychiatry which expands on Mazurkiewicz’s theory.