bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nasal Carriage of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus among Health Care Workers in Tertiary and Regional Hospitals in Dar es Salam, Tanzania
Authors: Joachim Agricola , Moyo Sabrina J. , Nkinda Lillian , Majigo Mtebe , Rugarabamu Sima , Mkashabani Elizabeth G. , Mmbaga Elia J. , Mbembati Naboth , Aboud Said , Lyamuya Eligius F.
Published: September 2018

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among health care workers (HCWs) increases the risk of spreading the organism in hospital settings. A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and October 2016 among HCWs in tertiary and regional hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to determine the MRSA nasal carriage rate. Nasal swabs were collected from HCWs and cultured on mannitol salt agar. S. aureus was identified based on colonial morphology, Gram staining, catalase, coagulase, and DNase test results. MRSA was detected using the cefoxitin disk. Among 379 HCWs enrolled, 157/379 (41.4%) were colonized with S. aureus, of whom 59 (37.6%) were MRSA carriers giving an overall prevalence of 59/379 (15.6%). MRSA carriage was high among HCWs in Temeke (56.9%) and Amana (37.5%) regional hospitals. A high proportion of MRSA carriage was detected among nurses (35, 45.5%). MRSA isolates showed high resistance toward kanamycin (83.7%), gentamicin (83.1%), ciprofloxacin (71.2%), and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (46.8%) compared to methicillin-sensitive S. aureus isolates (p≤0.001). In conclusion, we found a high nasal carriage of MRSA and resistance to commonly prescribed antimicrobial agents among HCWs. Implementation of infection control measures including contact precautions, urgent reporting of MRSA laboratory results, and routine MRSA screening of HCWs is highly needed to reduce MRSA spreading.
Morphological Characterization of Emerging Cercariae among Lymnaeid Snails from Barangay Cawongan, Padre Garcia, Batangas, Philippines
Authors: Martin I Gregorio L. , Cabrera Esperanza C.
Published: September 2018

Background and Objectives. Lymnaeid snails are the known intermediate hosts of the liver fluke Fasciola spp. and therefore play an important role in the parasite’s life cycle. The study is conducted to determine specificity of snail host-parasite interaction and to determine the snail-trematode infection rate by cercarial emergence, characterizing the emerging larvae using standardized key. Materials and Methods. A total of 750 snails were collected from a rice field in Barangay Cawongan, Padre Garcia, Batangas, from November 2016 to March 2017 (n=150/month). Preliminary snail identification was based on morphological features of the shell. Each snail was acclimatized for 24 hours in a 50-ml capacity container before being exposed to strong artificial light. The 150 snails collected per month were grouped into 5 batches (n=30/batch) with each batch receiving different number of light exposures. Emerging cercariae were described and characterized using photo-referencing and standardized keys. All statistical tests were performed at p<0.05 level of significance using SPSS ver. 20. Results. The total cercarial shedding rate of the snails studied, as a measure of the infected snails, was found to be 35.6% and was positively associated with the length of the snail shell [OR = 1.809; 95% CI: 1.471–2.225; p<0.001], but not with the weight [OR = 0.003; 95% CI: 0.00–0.275; p=0.012] and width of the shell [OR = 0.937; 95% CI: 0.672–1.305]. The rates varied from 29.3% to 38.0% based on the frequency of 6-hour light exposure. Appearance of encysted forms increased with increasing number of light exposures [OR = 10.27, 95% CI: 3.04–34.76, p<0.001]. Three distinct cercariae were identified, namely, echinostome, longifurcate-pharyngeate distome cercariae (Strigea cercariae), and the virgulate xiphidiocercaria, with 26.4%, 2.27%, and 0.67% infection monitored by cercarial emergence, respectively. Conclusion. Local lymnaeid snails were infected with a single type of trematode larvae and coinfection with multiple larvae was rare but was encountered.
Helicobacter pylori Infection and Gastric Dysbiosis: Can Probiotics Administration Be Useful to Treat This Condition?
Authors: Bruno Giovanni , Rocco Giulia , Zaccari Piera , Porowska Barbara , Mascellino Maria Teresa , Severi Carola
Published: September 2018

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is responsible for one of the most common infections in the world. The prevalence exceeds 50% of the population in developing countries, and approximately one-third of the adults are colonized in North Europe and North America. It is considered a major pathogenic agent of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, atrophic gastritis, gastric cancer, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALT). Hp colonization modifies the composition of gastric microbiota that could drive the development of gastric disorders. Currently, an emerging problem in Hp treatment is represented by the increasing rate of antimicrobial therapy resistance. In this context, the search for adjuvant agents can be very useful to overcome this issue and probiotics administration can represent a valid option. The aim of this review is to describe the gastric microbiota changes during Hp colonization, the mechanisms of action, and a possible role of probiotics in the treatment of this infection.
TRILO: A Traffic Indication‐Based Downlink Communication Protocol for LoRaWAN
Authors: Oh Youngjune , Lee Jongwon , Kim Chong-Kwon
Published: September 2018

LPWAN (Low‐Power Wide Area Network) technologies such as LoRa and SigFox are emerging as a technology of choice for the Internet of Things (IoT) applications where tens of thousands of untethered devices are deployed over a wide area. In such operating environments, energy conservation is one of the most crucial concerns and network protocols adopt various power saving schemes to lengthen device lifetimes. For example, to avoid idle listening, LoRaWAN restricts downlink communications. However, the confined design philosophy impedes the deployment of IoT applications that require asynchronous downlink communications. In this paper, we design and implement an energy efficient downlink communication mechanism, named TRILO, for LoRaWAN. We aim to make TRILO be energy efficient while obeying an unavoidable trade‐off that balances between latency and energy consumption. TRILO adopts a beacon mechanism that periodically alerts end‐devices which have pending downlink frames. We implement the proposed protocol on top of commercially available LoRaWAN components and confirm that the protocol operates properly in real‐world experiments. Experimental results show that TRILO successfully transmits downlink frames without losses while uplink traffic suffers from a slight increase in latency because uplink transmissions should halt during beacons and downlink transmissions. Computer simulation results also show that the proposed scheme is more energy efficient than the legacy LoRaWAN downlink protocol.
Are Shiftwork and Indoor Work Related to D3 Vitamin Deficiency? A Systematic Review of Current Evidences
Authors: Coppeta Luca , Papa Francesca , Magrini Andrea
Published: September 2018

Background. Reported cases of vitamin D3 deficiency have been increasing in incidence worldwide. Although there is a lack of consensus relating to optimal levels of vitamin D, generally serum 25-(OH)D concentrations lower than 50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL) are at least considered to be detrimental to bone health. Aim. Aim of this systematic review is to investigate if occupations, and specifically shiftworking and indoor working, may be considered as possible contributors to the increased incidence of vitamin D3 deficiency in industrialized nations. Materials and Methods. Systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement using PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Knowledge databases. Results. Overall 90 papers were found, 23 articles through PubMed, 30 through Scopus, and 37 through ISI Web of Knowledge. Successively, 46 duplicates and 34 articles that did not respect the inclusion criteria were excluded. Finally 10 articles were selected: 9 cross-sectional studies and 1 systematic review. Results of the studies included revealed that certain occupations are either suffering from, or have a predilection to suffer from, a deficiency of this vitamin. Shiftworkers and indoor workers are consistently reported as being the occupational group most likely to suffer from a deficiency of vitamin D3. It would appear prudent to investigate the potential of providing nutritional education to workers in addition to including preventative measures in the workplace.
Study on Strength Characteristics of Solidified Contaminated Soil under Freeze‐Thaw Cycle Conditions
Authors: Wang Qiang , Cui Jinyang
Published: September 2018

Cement solidification/stabilization is a commonly used method for the remediation of contaminated soils. The stability characteristics of solidified/stabilized contaminated soils under freeze‐thaw cycle are very important. A series of tests, which include unconfined compressive strength tests, freeze‐thaw cycle tests, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests, are performed to study the variation law of strength characteristics and microstructure. It aims at revealing the microcosmic mechanism of solidified/stabilized Pb2+ contaminated soils with cement under freeze‐thaw cycle. The results show that the unconfined compressive strength of the contaminated soils significantly improved with the increase of the cement content. The unconfined compressive strength of stabilized contaminated soils first increases with the increase of times of freeze‐thaw cycle, and after reaching the peak, it decreases with the increase of times of freeze‐thaw cycle. The results of the scanning electron microscopy tests are consistent with those of the unconfined compressive strength tests. This paper also reveals the microcosmic mechanism of the changes in engineering of the stabilized contaminated soils under freeze‐thaw cycle.
Anatomical and Functional MRI Changes after One Year of Auditory Rehabilitation with Hearing Aids
Authors: Pereira-Jorge M. R. , Andrade K. C. , Palhano-Fontes F. X. , Diniz P. R. B. , Sturzbecher M. , Santos A. C. , Araujo D. B.
Published: September 2018

Hearing aids (HAs) are an effective strategy for auditory rehabilitation in patients with peripheral hearing deficits. Yet, the neurophysiological mechanisms behind HA use are still unclear. Thus far, most studies have focused on changes in the auditory system, although it is expected that hearing deficits affect a number of cognitive systems, notably speech. In the present study, we used audiometric evaluations in 14 patients with bilateral hearing loss before and after one year of continuous HA use and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and cortical thickness analysis in 12 and 10 of them compared with a normal hearing control group. Prior to HA fitting, fMRI activity was found reduced in the auditory and language systems and increased in visual and frontal areas, expanding to multimodal integration cortices, such as the superior temporal gyrus, intraparietal sulcus, and insula. One year after rehabilitation with HA, significant audiometric improvement was observed, especially in free-field Speech Reception Threshold (SRT) test and functional gain, a measure of HA efficiency. HA use increased fMRI activity in the auditory and language cortices and multimodal integration areas. Individual fMRI signal changes from all these areas were positively correlated with individual SRT changes. Before rehabilitation, cortical thickness was increased in parts of the prefrontal cortex, precuneus, fusiform gyrus, and middle temporal gyrus. It was reduced in the insula, supramarginal gyrus, medial temporal gyrus, occipital cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and claustrum. After HA use, increased cortical thickness was observed in multimodal integration regions, particularly the very caudal end of the superior temporal sulcus, the angular gyrus, and the inferior parietal gyrus/superior temporal gyrus/insula. Our data provide the first evidence that one year of HA use is related to functional and anatomical brain changes, notably in auditory and language systems, extending to multimodal cortices.
Effects of Users’ Bounded Rationality on a Traffic Network Performance: A Simulation Study
Authors: Batista S. F. A. , Zhao Chuan-Lin , Leclercq Ludovic
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we revisit the principle of bounded rationality applied to dynamic traffic assignment to evaluate its influences on network performance. We investigate the influence of different types of bounded rational user behavior on (i) route flows at equilibrium and (ii) network performance in terms of its internal, inflow, and outflow capacities. We consider the implementation of a bounded rational framework based on Monte Carlo simulation. A Lighthill-Whitham-Richards (LWR) mesoscopic traffic simulator is considered to calculate time-dependent route costs that account for congestion, spillback, and shock-wave effects. Network equilibrium is calculated using the Method of Successive Averages. As a benchmark, the results are compared against both Deterministic and Stochastic User Equilibrium. To model different types of bounded rational user behavior we consider two definitions of user search order (indifferent and strict preferences) and two settings of the indifference band. We also test the framework on a toy Braess network to gain insight into changes in the route flows at equilibrium for both search orders and increasing values of aspiration levels.
Selective Targeting of Glioblastoma with EGFRvIII/EGFR Bitargeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell
Authors: Jiang Hua , Gao Huiping , Kong Juan , Song Bo , Wang Peng , Shi Bizhi , Wang Huamao , Li Zonghai
Published: September 2018

The heterogeneous expression of EGFRvIII [variant III mutant of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)] in glioblastoma has significant impact on the clinical response to the treatment of EGFRvIII-specific chimeric antigen receptor–engineered T (CAR T) cells. We hypothesized that CAR T cells that could target both EGFRvIII and the form of EGFR expressed on tumor cells, but not EGFR on normal cells, would greatly improve efficacy without inducing on-target, off-tumor toxicity. Therefore, we developed a humanized single-chain antibody, M27, with a single specificity that binds to an epitope found both on wild-type EGFR- and EGFRvIII-overexpressing tumor cells, but not EGFR-expressing normal cells, including primary keratinocytes, on which wild-type EGFR is highly expressed. M27-derived CAR T cells effectively lysed EGFRvIII- or EGFR-overexpressing tumor cells, but showed no observable toxicity on normal cells. Inclusion of the CD137 (4-1BB) costimulatory intracellular domain in the M27-28BBZ CAR provided CAR T cells with higher tumor lysis activity than when not included (as in the M27-28Z CAR). The growth of established EGFR- or EGFRvIII-overexpressing glioma xenografts was suppressed by M27-28BBZ CAR T cells as well. The growth of heterogeneic xenograft tumors, created by mixing EGFR- and EGFR-overexpressing glioblastoma cells, was also effectively inhibited by M27-28BBZ CAR T cells. The survival of mice in the orthotopic models was significantly prolonged after M27-28BBZ CAR T-cell infusion. These results suggested that tumor-selective, bitargeted anti-EGFR/EGFRvIII CAR T cells may be a promising modality for the treatment of patients with EGFR/EGFRvIII-overexpressing glioblastoma. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(11); 1314–26. ©2018 AACR.
Patterns and Outcomes of the Top of the Basilar Artery Syndrome: The Role of the Posterior Communicating Artery
Authors: Ahn Sung-Ho , Kim Bum-Joon , Kim Yeon-Jung , Kang Dong-Wha , Kwon Sun U. , Kim Jong S.
Published: September 2018

Background: Clinical syndromes secondary to infarcts in the distal basilar artery (BA) area have been described as “top of the basilar” (TOB) syndrome. However, in the era of advanced imaging technology, it has been realized that the clinical and imaging features are quite diverse in patients with distal BA occlusion. The aim of the present study was to investigate the patterns and clinical outcomes of TOB assessed with modern images and categorize TOBs accordingly. Additionally, we examined the possible influence of the posterior communicating artery (PcoA) on the patterns of TOB. Methods: Patients with distal BA occlusion on magnetic resonance angiography were categorized as TOB-A, and those with multiple lesions in the distal BA territory on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging as TOB-L. Patients with angiographically and lesion distribution-defined TOB were classified as having TOB-A&L; those with angiographically defined TOB as having TOB-A without TOB-L; and those with lesion distribution-defined TOB as having TOB-L without TOB-A. The PcoA was categorized as “textbook-type” (good P1) and “fetal-type” (absent P1). Factors associated with unfavorable short-term outcomes (modified Rankin Scale 5–6 at discharge), and 1-year and long-term mortalities, were assessed. Results: Of 1,466 patients with ischemic stroke in the posterior circulation who were admitted to Asan Medical Center within 24 h of symptom onset, 124 (8.5%) had TOB, including 45 with TOB-A&L, 44 with TOB-A, and 35 with TOB-L. NIHSS scores (21 [9.5–26] vs. 6 [3–11.5] vs. 6 [3–9]; p < 0.01) and rates of motor deficit (75.6 vs. 54.5 vs. 34.4%; p < 0.01), concomitant pontine lesions (17.8 vs. 25.0 vs. 2.9%; p < 0.01), PcoA presence (44.4 vs. 68.2 vs. 25.7%; p < 0.01), and unfavorable short-term outcomes (62.2 vs. 25.0 vs. 14.3%; p < 0.01) differed significantly in the 3 patient groups. Multivariate analysis showed that textbook-type PcoA was independently associated with a lower frequency of unfavorable short-term outcomes (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03–0.70). Reperfusion therapy (hazard ratio [HR] 0.25, 95% CI 0.07–0.89) and the presence of textbook-type PcoA (HR 0.20, 95% CI 0.05–0.90) were associated with a lower 1-year mortality rate after stroke. Conclusion: Patterns and clinical outcomes of TOB vary and are affected by the hemodynamic status of the arterial system, such as BA recanalization and the presence of textbook-type PcoA.
Improvement of Central Nervous System Vasculitis in a Patient with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection after Treatment with an Interferon-Free Regimen
Authors: Lima Sérgio , Faria Raquel , Nery Filipe
Published: September 2018

Background: Neurosarcoidosis is a rare manifestation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, mainly in patients exposed to interferon-based therapies. Although we are living in a new era of HCV treatment, there is still little data concerning the treatment of extrahepatic complications of the disease with direct antiviral agents, especially rare ones such as neurosarcoidosis. Summary: We present a rare case of central nervous system vasculitic lesions in the context of chronic HCV infection associated with mixed cryoglobulinemia, elevated angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels, and documentation of viral RNA in the cerebrospinal fluid in a treatment-naïve chronic HCV patient. Successful treatment with an interferon-free regimen improved all clinical manifestations, reduced the levels of serum ACE, and reduced the cryoglobulin levels to undetectable. Messages: Neurosarcoidosis and cryoglobulinemia are rare but well-recognized complications of HCV infection, even in treatment-naïve patients. Direct antiviral agents can be useful in the management of this condition.
Stereoscopic Vision in Macular Telangiectasia Type 2
Authors: Müller Simone , Heeren Tjebo F.C. , Nadal Jennifer , Charbel Issa Peter , Herrmann Philipp , Holz Frank G. , Wabbels Bettina K.
Published: September 2018

Purpose: To investigate stereoscopic vision in patients with macular telangiectasia (MacTel) type 2 and correlate paracentral sensitivity loss to reduced stereoscopic function. Methods: In a prospective single-center study, 50 patients with MacTel type 2 and 25 age-matched controls were investigated. Stereoscopic function was evaluated with Lang I, Titmus, and TNO tests. Sensitivity of the central 16° was tested using fundus-controlled perimetry (microperimetry). Functional loss was quantified as depth, size, and localization of scotomata. Results: Both the Titmus and the TNO test revealed significantly reduced stereoscopic vision in patients compared to controls (p < 0.0001 for both). This applied even to patients with only relative or monocular paracentral scotoma. A strong correlation was observed for reduced stereoscopic vision with horizontal scotoma size and with the distance of scotomata from the foveal center. Conclusions: The results indicate that stereoscopic vision is impaired early in patients with MacTel type 2. A paracentral sensitivity loss, even if mild and limited to one eye, may considerably interfere with stereoscopic function despite normal visual acuity. Projection of paracentral scotomata within the patient’s central visual field plays an important role in stereoscopic vision and should be considered when interpreting stereoscopic test results.
A Review of Diagnostic Impact of Amyloid Positron Emission Tomography Imaging in Clinical Practice
Authors: Kim Yejin , Rosenberg Paul , Oh Esther
Published: September 2018

Background: Molecular imaging of brain amyloid for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using positron emission tomography (PET) has been approved for use in clinical practice by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2012. However, the clinical utility and diagnostic impact of amyloid PET imaging remain controversial. We conducted a review of the recent studies investigating clinical utility of amyloid PET imaging with focus on changes in diagnosis, diagnostic confidence, and patient management. Summary: A total of 16 studies were included in the final analysis. Overall rate of changes in diagnosis after amyloid PET ranged from 9 to 68% (pooled estimate of 31%, 95% CI 23–39%). All studies reported overall increase in diagnostic confidence or diagnostic certainty after amyloid PET. Changes in patient management ranged from 37 to 87%; the most common type of change in management reported was either the initiation or discontinuation of planned AD medications. Key Messages: Amyloid PET imaging led to moderate to significant changes in diagnosis, diagnostic confidence, and subsequent patient management. It may be most useful in patients with high level of diagnostic uncertainty even after the completing the standard workup.
Recall and Retention of Consent Procedure Contents and Decisions: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rebers Susanne , Vermeulen Eric , Brandenburg Alexander P. , Aaronson Neil K. , Schmidt Marjanka K.
Published: September 2018

Background: Residual tissue samples, i.e., samples excised for diagnosis or during treatment, are commonly used for medical research. In the Netherlands, they can be used provided the patient did not opt out of this use. Previous research has shown that recall of the informed consent procedure for tissue use is poor. Here, we investigate recall of three consent procedures: informed consent, opt-out, and opt-out plus (an opt-out procedure with an information procedure similar to that of informed consent). Methods: Patients (n = 1,319) with a variety of diseases were randomized into three trial arms: informed consent, opt-out plus, and opt-out. Questionnaires were administered 6 weeks and 6 months after randomization. Results: Six hundred and seventy-three and 553 patients returned the 6-week and 6-month questionnaire, respectively. In the informed consent arm, recall of having received a brochure (55.3%) or oral information (69.4%) was similar to that in the opt-out plus arm (48.5 and 71.6%, respectively), at the 6-week assessment. Significantly more respondents in the informed consent and the opt-out plus arms versus the opt-out arm recalled that they had been informed about being able to control tissue use and which consent procedure they had experienced (6-week questionnaire range 53.2–75.8 vs. 13.9–16.1%; 6-month questionnaire range 43.5–84.2 vs. 3.2–35.4%). There were no significant differences between the informed consent and opt-out plus arms in this regard. Conclusions: Recall of the consent procedure was similar in opt-out plus and informed consent procedures. Overall, recall was moderate, indicating that there is room for improvement in the quality of information provision.
Cystic Appearance on Imaging Methods (Bosniak III-IV) in Histologically Confirmed Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma is Mainly Characteristic of Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma Type 1 and Might Predict a Relatively Indolent Behavior of Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Procházková Kristýna , Mírka Hynek , Trávníček Ivan , Pitra Tomáš , Kolár Jirí , Roušarová Milena , Hošek Petr , Bajcurová Kristýna , Ferda Jiří , Staehler Michael , Brookman May Sabine D. , Hes Ondřej , Hora Milan
Published: September 2018

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of cystic tumors according to preoperative CT (Bosniak III, IV) among surgically treated patients with histologically confirmed papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) and to assess progression rates among patients with and without cystic appearance on imaging. Methods: A total of 138 patients with pRCC histology surgically treated in the period of January 2007–March 2017 were included. Clinical and radiological characteristics, type of surgery, histopathology results, and follow-up data were recorded and statistically evaluated. Results: Forty-one cases (29.7%) of cystic lesions (10× BIIF, 14× BIII, 17× BIV) were detected by CT. Patients with pRCC1 significantly more frequently presented with cystic appearance on CT (33/78; 42.3%) in comparison to other papillary types (8/60; 13.3%; p = 0.0002). During a median follow-up time of 49.4 months, only 2 patients with cystic lesions progressed after surgery. Conclusions: Cystic appearance on imaging methods is mainly a characteristic of pRCC1 (42.3%). Cystic morphology on imaging might predict a relatively indolent behavior of all pRCC types. Preoperative scoring systems including tumor growth patterns (cystic vs. solid) are needed for further classification.
Impact of Thermo-Expandable Memokath Ureteral Stent on Renal Function in the Management of Ureteroileal Anastomotic Stricture
Authors: Miernik Arkadiusz , Suarez-Ibarrola Rodrigo , Bourdoumis Andreas , Buchholz Noor
Published: September 2018

Purpose: The study aimed to assess the impact of the Memokath 051 stent (MK) on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and split renal function in the management of ureteroileal anastomotic strictures. Materials and Methods: We treated 6 patients in the ages of 66–77 years, 2 of whom had bilateral strictures, with a total of 8 ureteroileal strictures using the MK stent. Five patients had chronic kidney disease (CKD) prior to MK insertion. Mean time between conduit surgery and MK insertion was 28.4 months. Serum creatinine, GFR, and MAG-3 renography were determined before stent insertion and postoperatively at 3 months. Results: Postoperative complications at 3-month follow-up included migration in 2 patients, occlusion in 2 patients, and urinary tract infection in 4 patients. The mean stent indwelling time was 353.4 ± 169.3 days. Mean preoperative creatinine, GFR, right, and left split renal function were 158.3 ± 76.3 μmol/L, 43.6 ± 32.9 mL/min/1.73 m2, 52.8 ± 22.2%, and 47.1 ± 22.2%, respectively. Mean postoperative values were 168.1 ± 84 μmol/L (p = 0.84), 40.8 ± 28.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p = 0.56), 51.1 ± 18.3% (p = 1), and 48.8 ± 18.3% (p = 1), respectively. Conclusion: MK stent is a safe and efficient minimally invasive long-term treatment option to preserve GFR in patients who develop CKD through ureteroileal anastomotic stricture. In spite of MK stent insertion and alleviation of obstruction, it was presumably inserted too late to improve renal function.
Hypercoagulation on Thromboelastography Predicts Early Neurological Deterioration in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Shi Zhu , Zheng Wei C. , Fu Xiao L. , Fang Xue W. , Xia Pei S. , Yuan Wei J.
Published: September 2018

Background: Thromboelastography (TEG) provides an integrated measurement of blood coagulation function and has been reported to be a useful tool for predicting clinical outcomes in patients with cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to investigate the application of TEG on admission for predicting early neurological deterioration (END) in patients with acute ischemic stroke and its potential correlation with the evolution of ischemic lesions. Methods: Among patients consecutively admitted between January 1, 2016, and September 31, 2017, those presenting with mild and moderate acute ischemic stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score ≤14) within 24 h of stroke onset were identified and included in this study. TEG was performed on the first day of admission. END was defined as an increase of ≥1 on subitems of the NIHSS or the emergence of new symptoms within 72 h of admission. Demographics, lab test results, and TEG values were compared according to whether END occurred. A multiple logistic regression model was then developed to investigate the predictive power of TEG for END. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were then plotted to evaluate the optimal cutoff values. Results: Of the 246 eligible patients (mean age 65.3 ± 12.9 years, 73.6% male), END was identified in 72 (29.3%) patients. Patients with END corresponded to a higher proportion of females, a more prevalent history of diabetes mellitus (DM), higher baseline NIHSS scores, higher serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, and significantly shorter R on TEG (4.0 ± 1.0 vs. 4.7 ± 1.2 min, p < 0.001). In further comparisons stratified by R tertiles, significant trends were found between shorter R and being female and older and being more likely to exhibit diffusion weighted imaging progression on follow-up MRI. After adjusting for female sex, baseline NIHSS score, DM, and hsCRP, the lower tertile of R (R ≤3.8 min) was strongly associated with END (OR 3.556, 95% CI 1.165–10.856, p < 0.001). ROC analysis demonstrated that R ≤3.45 min had the best predictive value for END with 87.9% sensitivity and 40.3% specificity. Conclusion: Decreased R time on admission TEG is associated with END within 3 days in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Geomorfologia Aplicada à Análise Forense: Uma Avaliação Necessária
Authors: Mantovani Juliana Da Costa , Rodrigues Cleide
Published: September 2018

A Ciência Criminalística refere-se à aplicação de instrumental científico em investigações conduzidas nas instâncias civil, criminal e administrativa, visando compreender as causas, os agentes responsáveis ou o dimensionamento de danos ocasionados. Podem ser realizadas em casos diversos, envolvendo ameaça à vida humana, questões médicas, trabalhistas e, mais recentemente, questões ambientais. A aproximação entre as Ciências da Terra e a análise forense tem ganhado destaque atualmente, em especial nos campos da geologia e da pedologia. A geomorfologia foi mais recentemente incorporada nessas análises, com pesquisas e aplicações ainda pouco numerosas, mas de grande potencial de contribuição, sobretudo em relação aos casos que envolvam processos e intervenções em sistemas físicos da superfície terrestre. Identificando os principais conceitos, abordagens e instrumentais utilizados nessas análises e baseando-se principalmente em literatura internacional, o estudo caracteriza o estado-da-arte da participação das Ciências da Terra e da geomorfologia na análise forense e elabora uma avaliação dessas aplicações, em relação aos seus potenciais e limitações. Dentre outros levantamentos, foi realizada investigação bibliográfica no portal Web of Sciences, com base em palavras-chave previamente selecionadas. O período avaliado inicia-se na década de 1960, em que se verificou crescente número de publicações dedicadas ao diálogo entre Ciências da Terra e análises forenses, especialmente a partir da década de 2000. Dentre outras tendências, foram evidenciadas lacunas sistemáticas quanto à participação da geomorfologia nas análises forenses e em peritagem, principalmente no que se refere ao seu potencial discriminador em situações de maior complexidade, que necessariamente envolvam abordagens integradoras.
Avaliação das Construções Danificadas por Corridas de Detritos e Inundações Bruscas no Vale do Ribeira (SP) em 2014
Authors: Matos Luzia De Jesus , Ferreira Claudio José , Bateira Carlos Valdir de Meneses , Vieira Bianca Carvalho
Published: September 2018

O presente estudo quantifica o número de construções atingidas por eventos de escoamentos como as corridas de detritos (debris flow), de lama (mud flow) e as consequentes inundações rápidas (flash flood) ocorridas nos municípios de Itaoca e Apiaí, Vale do Ribeira, em janeiro de 2014. O percurso dos eventos de 2014 foi cartografado por meio da distribuição dos depósitos inconsolidados sobre as áreas construídas. Ferramentas como as imagens históricas do Google Earth (agosto de 2014), ortofotos, fotografias do mesmo ano e trabalhos de campo possibilitaram a visualização dos eventos e das construções conforme as seguintes etapas metodológicas: 1) Mapeamento das construções em anos anteriores aos eventos; 2) Mapeamento das corridas e inundações rápidas deflagradas em 2014; 3) Sistematização de dados e quantificação das construções atingidas. Ao todo, foram mapeadas 1.221 construções das quais 565 foram diretamente atingidas pelas corridas ou inundações rápidas. Resultados preliminares destacam que a densidade de construções na área de deflagração dos eventos aumenta a quantidade dos elementos atingidos; os impactos, entretanto, são condicionados pela variação dos tipos dos processos perigosos
Mapeamento de Superfícies Impermeáveis Utilizando Ortofotos, Imagens de Satélite e Regressão Linear
Authors: Martins Marcos Henrique , Morato Rubia Gomes , Kawakubo Fernando Shinji
Published: September 2018

Um dos efeitos mais marcantes do processo de urbanização, na atualidade, é o aumento das superfícies impermeáveis. A expansão indiscriminada da impermeabilização do solo possui significativo potencial produtor de impactos negativos ao ambiente, como deterioração da qualidade e quantidade da água, mudanças na infiltração e nas características do escoamento superficial e, consequentemente, subsupercial das águas, aumento da temperatura do ambiente, dentre outros. Em razão da relevância científica e social da temática, o presente estudo tem como objetivo estimar o percentual de superfícies impermeáveis na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo (RMSP) a partir de ortofotos digitais (Emplasa, 2010) e imagens do sensor Operational Land Imager (OLI) do Landsat-8. O primeiro procedimento metodológico consistiu na definição de áreas de controle, que foram utilizadas para calibrar o modelo. A partir das informações detalhadas das ortofotos, valores percentuais de impermeabilização foram calculados para um conjunto de janelas amostrais georreferenciadas a partir da localização e dimensão dos pixels das imagens OLI. Em seguida, estes valores percentuais foram correlacionados linearmente com valores da imagem Índice Vegetação de Diferença Normalizada (NDVI em Inglês), haja vista a cobertura vegetal possuir correlação negativa com as áreas impermeáveis. Realizou-se uma análise detalhada dos resíduos da modelagem a partir do método de validação cruzada e os resultados obtidos indicam que a metodologia descrita é eficiente para estimar as áreas impermeáveis (R2 = 0.90 e p <0.05), ainda que um pequeno erro de subestimativa tenha sido observado.
Geoconservação no Ceará: Um Olhar Sobre as Unidades de Conservação Estaduais
Authors: Da Silveira Andrea César , Bastos Frederico De Holanda , Meira Suedio Alves
Published: September 2018

Recentemente, graças aos profissionais das Ciências da Terra e à consolidação dos conceitos de geodiversidade, patrimônio geológico e geoconservação, os esforços voltados para a proteção dos recursos naturais têm dado maior atenção aos elementos abióticos. O presente trabalho tem como principal objetivo identificar quais unidades de conservação (UCs) estaduais do Ceará foram criadas visando a proteção da geodiversidade ou de elementos do patrimônio geológico. Para tanto foi realizada uma análise dos dispositivos legais de criação das 27 UCs estaduais cearenses. Para verificar se os dispositivos legais possuíam objetivos de criação voltados à geoconservação, foram criadas duas variáveis (Geodiversidade e Patrimônio Geológico) e três cenários, cada um correspondendo a uma resposta (Diretamente, Indiretamente, Não possui), que definiram os objetivos de criação das UCs. Os resultados mostraram que, para a variável Geodiversidade apenas uma UC possui objetivos de criação específicos voltados para a geoconservação e 19 UCs possuem apenas considerações e intenções protetivas. Quanto à variável Patrimônio Geológico, 6 UCs foram criadas com objetivos específicos para a proteção de tal aspecto local. Nas demais não consta, nem de forma indireta, o objetivo ou intenção em proteger patrimônio geológico. A partir desta análise, também foi possível verificar as disparidades do número de UCs em relação às unidades geoambientais cearenses, tendo como exemplo principal a depressão sertaneja (sertões), que constitui a mais expressiva unidade geoambiental do estado ao mesmo tempo em que é a menos contemplada com a criação de UC, a despeito da sua considerável extensão, ameaças, vulnerabilidades e reconhecida complexidade litológica.
O Geossistema pela Complexidade: Uma releitura das Esferas Geográficas
Authors: Gomes Rodrigo Dutra , Vitte Antonio Carlos
Published: September 2018

A definição e descrição das esferas geográficas é uma das principais características dos estudos dos Geossistemas. Pelas leituras clássicas de V. Sotchava e G. Bertrand as esferas geográficas são descritas a partir das propriedades de homogeneização e diferenciação. Contudo, o contexto da Complexidade vem destacando as propriedades organizacionais dos sistemas da natureza, trazendo novas considerações para a reflexão das dualidades. Diferente da hegemonia das forças 'universais' que dava supremacia a homogeneidade geral sobre a diferença local, a relevância agora é também a de se observar os mecanismos endógenos, que, a partir de interações locais são responsáveis pelas emergências de níveis organizacionais, de totalidades, de autonomias. O objetivo deste artigo foi discutir a descrição das esferas geográficas em diálogo com a perspectiva organizacional da Complexidade. A análise foi feita pelo discernimento das proposições de constituição da perspectiva organizacional e dos argumentos geossistêmicos, destacando aspectos ligados aos dualismos de funcionamento e de delimitação das esferas geográficas. Como resultado, as esferas geográficas tornam-se constituídas a partir de relações internas-endógenas, recebendo influências externas, mas realizadas a nível local, pelas relações das diferenciações espaciais locais. As dinâmicas endógenas tornam-se as principais responsáveis pela constituição e manutenção das homogeneidades espaciais. As unidades mínimas de análise podem considerar o humano e cultural como possíveis referencias para a delimitação das esferas geográficas.
Tipologias de Caatinga: Uma Revisão em Apoio a Mapeamentos Através de Sensoriamento Remoto Orbital e GEOBIA
Authors: Sperle da Silva Diego Vicente , Madureira Cruz Carla Bernadete
Published: September 2018

A Caatinga é um bioma exclusivamente brasileiro, sendo um dos menos conhecidos e estudados no país. A oscilação da disponibilidade hídrica no semiárido brasileiro, faz com que sua vegetação seja extremamente dinâmica e sazonal. Esta característica dificulta a identificação de tipos fisionômicos visando mapeamento. O presente trabalho busca discutir diferentes classificações de tipologias de Caatinga e a sua aplicabilidade em sensoriamento remoto orbital e GEOBIA, baseado no critério de separação entre as classes. GEOBIA (Análise de Imagens Baseada em objetos Geográficos) é uma metodologia que se destaca da tradicional, já que considera diversos atributos extraídos dos objetos, permitindo uma relação semântica no processo de classificação. Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica onde foram encontradas cinco classificações de tipologias de caatinga, a de Andrade-Lima (1981), Veloso e Góes-Filho (1982), George Eiten (IBGE, 2012), Chaves et al. (2008) e Cavalcanti (2014). O trabalho propõe o uso da classificação de Cavalcanti (2014) como o mais adequado para mapeamentos baseados em modelagem através de GEOBIA, devido ao seu caráter geossistêmico e multiescalar.
Two new orthoclad species from Colombian Andes (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: OSPINA-TORRES RODULFO , MEY WOLFRAM , JAIME-MURCIA PATRICIA
Published: September 2018

Lipurometriocnemus. bogotensis sp. n. and Antillocladius laviejae sp. n., two species collected at the “La Vieja” creek, near Bogotá, Colombia; 2666 m, are described and depicted as male imagines. L. bogotensis sp. n. can be separated from other Lipurometriocnemus species by lacking acrosticals setae on thorax, thus an emendation of the genus concept is presented. Antillocladius laviejae sp. n. is differentiated from other closely related members of the genus mainly by the pilosity of wings.
The reproduction of educational inequalities – do parenting and child behavioural problems matter?
Authors: Kaiser Till , Li Jianghong , Pollmann-Schult Matthias
Published: September 2018

The strong link between parental socioeconomic status (SES) and children’s success in school is well established. However, mechanisms that underpin this association remain a major issue in current research on social inequality. Using data from the Families in Germany Study and structural equation modelling, this study demonstrates that parenting styles and child behavioural problems explain, in part, the association between parental SES and child school grades for mathematics and German between the ages of 9 and 10. We found that parents with a low SES are more likely to be inconsistent in their parenting and to use psychological control with their children more often, these two factors being linked to child behavioural problems. Adverse parenting and behavioural problems are, in turn, associated with low school grades. Our findings also show that behavioural problems in children are associated with lower school grades independent of parenting style. These findings suggest that parenting styles and child behavioural problems and their interplay may be potential pathways that underpin the influence of parental SES on children’s school achievement.
Evaluating Quality of Life in Patients With Meniere’s Disease Treated as Migraine
Authors: Ghavami Yaser , Haidar Yarah M. , Moshtaghi Omid , Lin Harrison W. , Djalilian Hamid R.
Published: September 2018

Objective:

To evaluate the change in quality of life (QOL) of patients with Meniere’s disease (MD) after treatment with migraine prophylaxis therapy.

Methods:

Patients with definite MD were given the Meniere’s Disease Outcomes Questionnaire–Retrospective (MDOQ-R) after migraine prophylactic therapy to assess QOL. Changes in physical, emotional, and social parameters affected by MD were calculated, along with a global pre- and posttreatment QOL scores.

Results:

The MDOQ-R was given to 27 consecutive patients with definite MD. Patients who had at least an 18-month follow-up were included, resulting in 25 questionnaires. The mean change in QOL score was 25 ± 16 (range, –3 to 55), P = .02. Quality of life was improved in 23 (92%) of the respondents in every metric measured, unchanged in 1 (4%), and poorer in 1 (4%) of patients after migraine prophylaxis treatment.

Conclusions:

Majority of MD patients who had all failed diuretic therapy responded positively to medications used for migraine prophylaxis, as indicated by a significant improvement in QOL. This study may further suggest a correlation between the pathophysiologic basis of disease in MD and vestibular migraine. Patients with MD may be successfully managed with medications intended to treat migraine.
Quantifying Graphene Oxide Reduction Using Spectroscopic Techniques: A Chemometric Analysis
Authors: Ramakrishna Tejaswini Rama Bangalore , Killeen Daniel Patrick , Nalder Tim David , Marshall Susan Nellette , Yang Wenrong , Barrow Colin James
Published: September 2018

The surface chemistry of graphene oxide (GO) can be modified by the chemical reduction of oxygen-containing groups using L-ascorbic acid (L-AA). Being able to “tune” the surface hydrophobicity of GO in a controlled manner, with a well-defined level of reduction, provides a valuable tool for understanding and controlling interactions with hydrophobic surfaces. Numerous analytical and chemical methods have been used to determine the extent of reduction in chemically reduced graphene oxide (CRGO) samples. However, many of these methods are limited by their laborious nature, cost, or lack of sensitivity in resolving oxygen content in samples that have only been reduced for short periods of time, making them inappropriate for rapid use with multiple samples. Here, we have used ultraviolet (UV), Raman, and attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy to monitor the chemical reduction of GO. These three techniques are simple, rapid, nondestructive, accurate, and widely available. The data set from each technique has been correlated and modeled against a reference data set (carbon to oxygen ratio obtained from elemental analysis) using partial least squares regression (PSLR). Using this approach, the chemical reduction of GO was quantified from UV (r2 = 0.983, RMSECV = 0.049), Raman (r2 = 0.961, RMSECV = 0.073) and ATR-IR (r2 = 0.993, RMSECV = 0.032) data. ATR-IR enabled identification of the different oxygen-containing groups on GO, and coupled with chemometric modeling, provides an excellent approach for the routine quantitative analysis of the chemical reduction of GO.
The Revival of Charisma: Experimental Evidence From Argentina and Venezuela
Authors: Andrews-Lee Caitlin
Published: September 2018

Scholars have long claimed that political movements founded by charismatic leaders must undergo “routinization,” or depersonalization, to survive. Yet many such movements appear to have sustained their charismatic nature and have persisted or reemerged in cases as diverse as Argentina, Venezuela, Peru, Turkey, and China. Focusing on Argentine Peronism and Venezuelan Chavismo, this article examines the potential of new leaders to revive their charismatic predecessors’ legacies to perpetuate the movement and gain the followers’ support. Through face-to-face survey experiments conducted in both countries, the article shows that new leaders who (a) implement bold, initially impressive policies and (b) symbolically tie themselves to the charismatic founder cause citizens to express stronger emotional attachments to the movement and garner political support. The results challenge the notion that charismatic movements are short-lived and underscore the potential of these movements to impact democratic politics and party-system development long after their founders disappear.