bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curva de rendimiento y composición de leche en ovejas criollas de la Montaña de Guerrero, México
Authors: Nava García Alejandro , Martínez Rojero Rubén Darío , Mastache Lagunas Ángel Agustín , Ulloa-Arvizu Raúl
Published: August 2019

El objetivo fue estimar la curva de producción de leche y determinar sus componentes químicos en ovejas Criollas Obispo. Se procesaron datos de producción de 22 ovejas con el modelo de Wood; los registros se realizaron cada semana con el método de amamantamiento-pesaje de la cría-ordeño y la determinación de la composición química se hizo con un equipo Lactichek. El pico máximo promedio de producción (539.60 g) se alcanzó en la segunda semana, con un rendimiento diario de 342.82 ± 11.59 g y producción acumulada por oveja estimada para una lactancia de 12 semanas de 30.58 ± 1.21 kg. Los promedios para proteína, grasa, lactosa, sólidos totales y sólidos no grasos fueron de 5.71%, 2.49%, 4.59%, 13.66% y 11.24%, respectivamente. La curva de producción de leche en ovejas Obispo registra su máximo incremento entre la segunda y la tercera semana posparto.
TECNOLOGÍA DEL ADN RECOMBINANTE
Authors: López Domínguez Jaime , Moran Sarmina Karla María , Placier Sosa Denisse , López Monteon Aracely
Published: August 2019

La tecnología del ADN recombinante ha permitido la manipulación de la información genética de cualquier tipo de organismo, por lo que al día de hoy se han presentado grandes avances en cuanto a su desarrollo y aplicación en otras ramas, siendo una herramienta primordial en la creación de alternativas médicas para el control y prevención de enfermedades, tal es el caso de la obtención de la insulina recombinante humana que utiliza esta tecnología para tener un mayor rendimiento en la producción, así como para evitar las reacciones adversas que se presentaban con los productos obtenidos de origen animal. Por tal motivo, es importante comprender esta tecnología ya que con ello se han abierto las puertas a la producción de medicamentos y enzimas que pueden ayudar al tratamiento terapéutico de múltiples enfermedades.

Palabras clave: Genes; clonación; proteína recombinante.
Keywords: Genes; cloning; recombinant protein.
REIVINDICANDO LAS MALEZAS: UNA OPORTUNIDAD EN EL COMPOSTAJE
Authors: Vargas Roussel Diana Karen , Díaz Rámirez Ildefonso Jesús , Escalante Espinosa Erika
Published: August 2019

Las malezas representan un problema en diferentes aspectos, tanto por el crecimiento y proliferación abundante así como los riesgos que esto conlleva y por otro lado, la cantidad de herbicidas empleados en el afán de erradicarlas, lo que también produce un peligro potencial; es por eso que generar otras alternativas para su manejo y control en las que el impacto negativo sea mínimo es de suma importancia. Ante tal situación, el compostaje ofrece posibilidades para poder alcanzar esta meta, tanto al usar las malezas como materia prima en el proceso de compostaje, o bien, como inhibidor del crecimiento de las mismas. En este artículo se presenta una revisión bibliográfica que proporciona un panorama del estado actual del uso de malezas para procesos de compostaje.
PALINOLOGÍA DE CUATRO ESPECIES DEL MUNICIPIO DE TEAPA, TABASCO; MÉXICO
Authors: Pérez De la Cruz Leydi Daniela , Cid Martínez Marcela Alejandra
Published: August 2019

Para el presente estudio se colectaron y describieron cuatro especies del municipio de Teapa, Tabasco que florearon en el periodo agosto-noviembre del 2018. Las laminillas fueron montadas en gelvatol en forma permanente y se emplearon los pólenes frescos. Las especies 'Echinodorus andrieuxii' (Hook. & Arn.) Small y 'Jatropha integerrima' Jacq. tienen una forma esferoidal; mientras que 'Momordica charantia' L. es subprolado a prolado, finalmente 'Catharanthus roseus' (L.) G. Don y 'C. roseus' (L.) G. Don var. blanca es prolado-eferoidal. En cuanto a las aberturas se registró como pantoporado a 'E. andrieuxii', inaberturado a 'J. integerrima' y trizonocolporado a 'M. charantia', 'C. roseus' y 'C. roseus' var. blanca. La ornamentacion de la exina, se describió como microreticulada a 'E. andrieuxii', reticulada a 'M. charantia', patrón crotón a 'J. integerrima' y perforada en 'C. roseus' y 'C. roseus' var. blanca.
Inhibitory Activity of Levofloxacin against MDR Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolates
Authors: Nathalie Lisa , Alimsardjono Lindawati , Isnaeni Isnaeni
Published: August 2019

Introduction: Staphylococcus  aureus  and  Pseudomonas  aeruginosa  are the most dangerous  and important species among  their genus.  These  bacteria  are often  resistant  to  many  classes  of antimicrobial  agents;  which  make difficulties in selecting appropriate drug to treat infections. Multidrug-resistance occurs readily in hospitals for which antimicrobials  agents  were   used  widely. Objective: The  aims  of  this  study  was  to  determine  minimum  inhibitory concentration  (MIC) and  minimum bacterial  concentration  (MBC) of levofloxacin  against 22 multidrug  resistant- clinical (MDR) strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from patients pus and urine in hospital. Methods: Determination of the MIC was performed by macro-dilution broth assay as recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), while the MBC was determined one-step further after the MIC determination. Results: It was found that MIC of the levofloxacin were (0.3 ± 0.0) - >0.5 µg/mL and (0.2 ± 0.1) - (1.0 ±0.0)µg/mL against S. aureus from pus and urine, respectively.  In addition, higher MICs were yielded against P. aeruginosa, (1.0 ± 0.0) - >8.0 µg/mL and (0.7 ± 0.3) - (3.0 ± 1.2) µg/mL for pus and urine isolates respectively. Similar to MICs, the MBCs against P. aeruginosa were higher than S. aureus, (0.6 ± 0.0) - > 4.0 µg/mL and (0.3 ± 0.0) - >8.0 µg/mL isolated from pus and urine respectively, (2.0 ± 0.6) - > 8.0 µg/mL and (3.0 ± 1.2) - >7.0 µg/mL against P. aeruginosa from pus and urine respectively. Conclusion: The levofloxacin was still susceptible as bacteriostatic against isolates from both body fluids, but not bactericidal towards all isolates.
Using Project-Based Learning in Improving Students' Critical Thinking Skills to Separate of Mixtures
Authors: Insani Nurul , Fadiawati Noor , Rudibyani Ratu Betta , Fauzi Syamsuri M. Mahfudz
Published: August 2019

Nowadays the development of thinking skills has become the main focus in educational research. Standard of graduate competency mandate that graduates of schools to universities in Indonesia must have thinking skills.  Related to this, the goal of this quasi-experimental study was to describe the effectivity of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) student worksheets to improve students' critical thinking skills (CTS) in the topic of mixtures separation. This study was carried out in the SMPN 1 Pugung by using the Non-Equivalent (Pretest-Posttest) Control Group Design. The effectivity of PjBL student worksheets measured based on the n-gain and the effect size values. Statistically, the n-gain value of the experimental class was higher than the control class. The effect size value was in medium categorized.  These results indicated that the PjBL student worksheets were effective to improve students' CTS in the topic of mixtures separation. Keywords: student worksheets, project-based learning, critical thinking skills, mixtures separation
Rethinking Sustainable Development Using Deep Ecology and Adaptive Governance of Social-Ecological Systems: Implications for Protected Areas Management
Authors: Akamani Kofi
Published: August 2019

Since the late 1980s the idea of sustainable development has been gaining widespread recognition as a guiding framework for policies on development and the environment. However, the concept of sustainable development has received a number of criticisms, including its over-emphasis on meeting human needs through economic growth, as well as its failure to recognize dynamic human-environment interactions. In response to these shortfalls, the concepts of resilience and adaptive governance have emerged as alternative perspectives for pursuing sustainable development. Resilience in social-ecological systems emphasizes the capacity of coupled human-environment systems to deal with change while continuing to develop. Adaptive governance relies on diverse and nested institutional mechanisms for connecting actors across multiple scales to manage conflicts and uncertainties in ecosystem management processes. However, the ethical dimensions of resilience and adaptive governance have not received enough attention. A promising ethical perspective for guiding policies on human-environment interactions is the philosophy of deep ecology which highlights the need for recognition of the intrinsic values of all living things, as well as the nurturing of ecological and cultural diversity. We argue that an integration of the principles of deep ecology and adaptive governance provides a complementary set of ethical principles and institutional attributes that offers better prospects for pursuing sustainable development in the era of the Anthropocene. The implications of this integrative agenda include: adoption of a holistic conception of dynamic human-environment interactions; recognition of diverse knowledge systems through an anti-reductionist approach to knowledge; promotion of long term sustainability through respect for ecological and cultural diversity; and embracing decentralization and local autonomy. We further illustrate this integrative agenda using the management of protected areas as a case study.
Combined Massive Allograft and Intramedullary Vascularized Fibula as the Primary Reconstruction Method for Segmental Bone Loss in the Lower Extremity
Authors: Houben Rudolph H. , Rots Mathijs , van den Heuvel Stefanie C.M. , Winters Henri A.H.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Reconstruction of segmental bone loss due to malignancy, infection, or trauma is a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. The combination of a vascularized fibular flap with a cortical allograft provides a reliable reconstructive option in the lower extremity. In this systematic review, we describe the outcome of this technique for the treatment of segmental bone loss.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed on the use of a combined massive allograft and intramedullary vascularized fibula as a reconstruction method for large bone defects. We used PubMed, Embase, and the Wiley Cochrane Library.

Results:

Seventeen clinical articles were included between 1997 and 2017, reporting 329 cases of lower-extremity reconstructions. A meta-analysis was performed on primary union rates. The main outcome measures were primary union rate, complication rate, reintervention rate, and function after reconstruction. All publications showed relatively high complication (5.9% to 85.7%) and reintervention rates (10% to 91.7%) with good primary union rates (66.7% to 100%) and functional outcome (range of mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society [MSTS] scores, 24 to 29 points).

Conclusions:

The combination of a massive allograft with intramedullary vascularized fibula provides a single-step reconstruction method for large bone defects (>6 cm) in the lower extremity, with good long-term outcomes.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Genome-Wide Exploration of Thaumatin-like Protein (TLP) Gene Family in Cereals
Authors: Iqbal Irfan , Tripathi Rajiv Kumar , Wilkins Olivia , Singh Jaswinder
Published: August 2019

Background:
TLP genes are the members of a conserved pathogenesis-related protein 5 (PR-5) gene family. They play role in abiotic stress response, hormone signaling, cell death, cold tolerance, enzyme inactivation, fruit maturation and seed germination. In this study, we characterized the TLP gene family in barley with specific emphasis on germination and malting.
Results: We identified 19 TLP genes from the reference genome of Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Morex and 37, 28 and 35 TLP genes from the Oryza sativa, Brachypodium distachyon and Sorghum bicolor genome respectively. Comparative phylogenetic analysis and thaumatin domain organization of TLPs using the conserved region classified the TLP family into nine groups. Data revealed that localized gene duplications contributed to the expansion of the TLP gene family in cereals with diverse exon/intron structures. In the barley genome, most HvTLPs were localized on chromosome 5H. The differential spatiotemporal expression pattern of HvTLP genes in barley indicate that TLPs have been expressed predominantly in the embryo, developing grains, root and shoot tissues. Additionally, transcript abundance of HvTLP genes was measured between 16 hrs. to 96 hrs. of grain germination. Differential expression of HvTLP14, HvTLP17 and HvTLP18 in the malting variety (Morex), as compared to the feed variety (Steptoe) at different stages of seed germination indicates their possible role in malting.
Conclusion: Barley genome contains higher number (19) of TLP genes as previously thought (8). This study provides a description of the TLP gene family in barley and their differential expression between 16-96 hrs. of germination. The results indicate their possible involvement in the malting process.
Keywords: Cereals, Barley, Thaumatin like-proteins, Phylogenetics, Expression analysis
Genome-wide identification of small heat shock protein (HSP20) genes family in grape and expression profile during berry development process
Authors: Ji Xiao-Ru , Yu Yi-He , Ni Pei-Yi , Zhang Guo-Hai , Guo Da-Long
Published: August 2019

Background

Studies have shown that HSP20 genes plays an important role in regulating plant growth, development and stress response. However, the grape HSP20 genes family have not been well studied.

Results

A total of 51 VvHSP20 genes were confirmed from grape genome. And they were divided into eleven subfamilies (CI, CII, CIII, CV, CVI, CVII, MI, MII, ER, CP and PX/Po) based on the phylogenetic tree and subcellular localization. Further structural analysis showed that the same group of VvHSP20 in the phylogenetic tree had the same motif and the structure was relatively conservative in the evolutionary process. In addition, majority of the VvHSP20 genes were located on the proximate or the distal ends of the chromosomes and four groups of VvHSP20 genes can be identified as tandem duplication genes, which inferred that tandem duplication played a predominant role in the expansion of VvHSP20 family together. To determine the functions of VvHSP20s during the development of grape berries, the expression profiles of VvHSP20s genes were analyzed after H2O2 treatment. VvHSP20s genes indeed involved in the grape berry development and the differences in transcription levels of VvHSP20s may be the result of functional differentiation of genes during evolution.

Conclusions

The results provide valuable information on the evolutionary relationship of the VvHSP20 family and on the functional properties of the VvHSP20 genes for grape berry development.
The Age of Natural Menopause and Related Factors among the Population of the Tabari Cohort.
Authors: Zamaniyan Marzieh , Moosazadeh Mahmood , Peyvandi Sepideh , Jaefari Kaveh , Goudarzi Reza , Moradinazar Mahdi , kheradmand motahareh
Published: August 2019

Background: Age of menopause is affected by several factors. In this study we aimed to identify the age of natural menopause and its related factors in a large-scaled population-based cohort study in Iran.
Methods: In this study, we utilized a subset of data collected in enrollment phase of Tabari cohort study (TCS). Reproductive history and other related data were collected using structural questionnaire. Blood samples were collected form all participants. We analyzed data using chi-square, independent t-test and ANOVA as well as multivariate linear regression model.
Results: Among all participants of Tabari cohort, 2753 were menopause women. The mean age of natural and induced menopause was 49.2±4.7 and 43.2 ± 6.4 respectively (P = 0.001). Our finding showed that number of pregnancy, breastfeeding duration, education, residency, thyroid disease and body mass index affect age of menopause. After adjustment for confounding variables, number of pregnancy remained significantly associated with late menopause.
Conclusion: Results of the present study showed that number of pregnancy was positively associated with menopausal age.
Doctors experiences on the quality of care for pesticide poisoning patients in hospitals in Kampala, Uganda: a qualitative exploration using donabedian’s model
Authors: Ssemugabo Charles , MPH Sarah Nalinya , Halage Abdullah Ali , Neebye Ruth Mubeezi , Musoke David , Jørs Erik
Published: August 2019

Background

Pesticide poisoning is a major public health problem in many Low-and-Middle Income Countries (LMICs). Pesticides are responsible for a significant percentage of deaths globally with majority occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Majority of the pesticide related deaths can be averted if poisoning patients are managed well. However, the quality of care given to pesticide poisoning patients is still insufficient especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study was aimed at exploring doctors’ experiences on quality of care for pesticide poisoning cases in hospitals in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

Fifteen (15) in-depth interviews were conducted with doctors who were directly involved in management of pesticide poisoning patients in the accident and emergency, Medicine, Pediatrics and Intensive Care Unit wards in 5 hospitals in Kampala, Uganda. All interviews were transcribed and subjected to directed content analysis with the guidance of the Donabedian model of quality of care which emphasizes structure, process and outcome measures as pertinent ensuring quality care.

Results

Presence of hospital units such as medical wards including Intensive Care Unit (ICU), pediatrics and internal medicine; availability of equipment and clinical guidelines such as airway, breathing and consciousness (ABC) protocol; and doctors’ knowledge and experiences improved the quality of care given to pesticide poisoning patients. Doctors relied on history, and signs and symptoms to establish the cause and severity of pesticide poisoning. However, some patients and caretakers provided inaccurate pesticide poisoning history. Due to its availability in hospitals, doctors largely relied on atropine to manage pesticide poisoning cases. Although majority of the cases treated recovered, those due to suicide were further referred to the hospital psychiatrist. Sharing experiences of managing pesticide poisoning patients among health workers and engaging in sensitization outreaches against pesticide poisoning were reported as potential activities to improve quality of care for pesticide poisoning patients.

Conclusion

Doctors reflected on the structure, process and outcome measures of quality of care given to pesticide poisoning patients. The implications of hospital structures and clinical process to the quality of the outcomes of care demonstrates their importance to improving management of pesticide poisoning cases in hospitals in Kampala, Uganda.
Patient-level factors influencing hypertension control in adults in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Okai Darlene Esinam , Manu Abubakar , Amoah Emefa Modey , Laar Amos , Akamah Joseph , Torpey Kwasi
Published: August 2019

Background

Effective control of blood pressure is necessary to avert the risk of cardiovascular diseases from uncontrolled hypertension. Despite evidence on the benefits of hypertension control, rates of control in Ghana remain low.

Objective

This study assessed the patient-level factors that influence hypertension control among adults in Accra, Ghana.

Methods

360 patients from two hospitals in Accra, Ghana were enrolled into the study. Client socio-demographic characteristics were tabulated and associations between client characteristics and hypertension control were estimated using chi-square tests and logistic regression.

Results

Approximately 27.8% of clients were adherent to their antihypertensive medications. High pill burden predicted non-adherence [AOR=0.20 (95% CI 0.08; 0.48)] . The client’s sex [AOR=3.13 (95% CI:1.48-6.62], presence of a comorbidity [AOR=2.59 (95% CI 1.35; 4.96)] and adherence to medication [AOR=6.60[3.54-11.95)] predicted increased BP control among clients. An increased pill burden however reduced BP control [AOR=0.42(95% CI: 0.23-0.77)]. Majority of patients reported forgetfulness, side effects of medication and high pill burden as reasons for missing their medications.

Conclusion

There is the need for better implementation of hypertension treatment guidelines with emphasis on client education on hypertension, its management and reducing patient pill burden to improve adherence and hypertension control.
Management Outcome and Associated Factors among Intestinal Obstruction Patients Treated Surgically, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Derseh Tesfaye , Biniam Minuye , Yusouf Mohammed , Dingeta Tariku
Published: August 2019

Background

Intestinal obstruction is a global problem consuming much in terms of surgical services. It is a common surgical emergency and a significant health problem in Ethiopia. Several factors contribute to poor management outcomes in the case of intestinal obstruction. Post-operative mortality rate ranges from 3% to 30%. Despite this high rate of mortality, there is no recently published literature that has explored Intestinal Obstruction and its associated factors at Chiro General Hospital.

Methods

Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 254 of patients admitted with Intestinal obstruction who treated surgically at Chiro General Hospital. Data were collected using checklists from individual patient cards by trained three BSc nurses from 13 to 18 July 2018 and completeness of data collection was checked every day by the principal Investigator. Data were entered to Epi-Data version 3.1 computer software and exported to SPSS statistical software version 22 for analysis. Bivariable binary logistic regression was used to saw the association between each independent variable and dependent variable. All variables with P-value < 0.2 during bi-variable analyses were considered for multivariable logistic regression analyses. Odds ratio along with 95%CI were estimated to measure the strength of the association. Level of statistical significance was declared at p value less or equal to 0.05.

Results

In this study the magnitude of unfavorable outcome of Intestinal Obstruction was 21.3% (95% CI: (16.5, 26.4). Age group of 55 years or above [AOR=2.9, 95%CI: (1.03, 8.4)], duration of illness of 24hrs or above [AOR=3.1, 95%CI: (1.03, 9.4)], pre-operative diagnosis of gangrenous SBO & gangrenous LBO [(AOR=3.6, 95%CI: (1.3, 9.8)), (AOR=4.2, 95%CI: (1.3, 13.7))], respectively were significantly associated with unfavorable outcome.

Conclusions

The magnitude of unfavourable management outcome of patients with Intestinal obstruction who treated surgically in this study was high. Old age, late presentation of illness and gangrenous bowel obstruction were significantly associated with unfavourable management outcome. So that early detection prompt management of patients with Intestinal obstruction reduce the occurrence of unfavourable outcome of patients.
A narrative systematic review of quantitative and qualitative evidence on the impacts of HIV on women living with HIV and their families in developing countries
Authors: Fauk Nelsensius Klau , Ward Paul R. , Hawke Karen , Mohamadi Leila , Mwanri Lillian
Published: August 2019

Background

HIV infections among women cause a range of detrimental impacts on the affected women and their families. This review seeks to understand what impacts are associated with living with HIV in women and their families; and how the identified impacts relate to each other.

Methods

A systematic review of literature was conducted to identify the impacts of HIV on women and their families in developing countries. We conducted a systematic search of literatures published up to September 2018 in the following databases: Medline, PsycINFO, CINAL, Emcare, Scopus and ProQuest. Articles were included if they were published in English language, with full text available, in developing countries, involving married and non-married women age 15 years and above with HIV and focusing on the impacts of HIV on women and their families. Critical appraisal tools developed by Joana Briggs Institute (JBI) were used to assess methodological quality of the studies and thematic narrative synthesis was used to analyse the findings of the included articles.

Results

A total of 20 articles were included in the review. The review indicated that HIV infections among women living with HIV (WLHIV) caused numerous negative impacts on WLHIV and their families. They included (i) psychological impacts, (ii) poor physical health and intimate partner violence, (iii) social impacts such as stigma and discrimination, disruption of children’s social life and education, family separation and child-parent conflict, and (iv) economic impacts including loss of job and increased family health expenditure leading to poor family economic condition, the sale of family assets, food insecurity and hunger and poverty.

Conclusions

The findings indicate the need for interventions that address among impacts, psychological, stigma and discrimination and economic consequences of HIV facing WLHIV and their families in developing countries.
An operon consisting of a P-type ATPase gene and a transcriptional regular gene given the different cadmium resistances in Bacillus vietamensis 151-6 and Bacillus marisflavi 151-25
Authors: Yu Xiaoxia , Ding Zundan , Ji Yangyang , Zhao Jintong , Liu Xiaoqing , Tian Jian , Wu Ningfeng , Fan Yunliu
Published: August 2019

Cadmium (Cd) is a severely toxic heavy metal to most microorganisms. Many bacteria have developed Cd2+ resistance. In this study, we isolated two different Cd2+ resistance Bacillus sp. strains, Bacillus vietamensis 151-6 and Bacillus marisflavi 151-25, which could be grown in the presence of Cd2+ at concentration up to 0.3 mM and 0.8 mM, respectively. According to the genomic sequencing, transcriptome under cadmium stress and related biological experiments, a gene cluster in plasmid p25 containing orf4802 and orf4803, which encode an ATPase transporter and a transcriptional regulator protein, respectively, was a major contributor to Cd2+ resistance in B. marisflavi 151-25. Although 151-6 has much lower Cd2+ resistance than 151-25, they contain similar gene cluster, but in different locations. A gene cluster on the chromosome containing orf4111, orf4112 and orf4113, which encode an ATPase transporter, a cadmium efflux system accessory protein and a cadmium resistance protein, respectively, was found to be a major role on the Cd2+ resistance for B. vietamensis 151-6. Based on homologies to the cad system (CadA-CadC) in Staphylococcus aureus, the mechanisms of cadmium resistance in B. vietamensis 151-6 and B. marisflavi 151-25 were as same as the cad system. Our study on the cadmium mechanism for B. vietamensis 151-6 and B. marisflavi 151-25 proved preliminarily that the cad system is widespread in Bacillus sp. bacteria.
Performance of diabetes screening tests: an evaluation study of Iranian diabetes screening program
Authors: Kianpour Fateme , Fararouei Mohammad , Hassanzadeh Jafar , Mohammadi Mohammadnabi
Published: August 2019

Background

Diabetes is a common non-communicable disease which is responsible for about 9% of all deaths and 25% reduction in life expectancy and nearly half of the diabetic patients are not aware of their disease. In this regard, diabetes screening to identify un-known diabetic patients is of great importance.The aims of this study were first to evaluate the performance of two commonly used diabetes screening tests, which are currently used by the Iranian national screening program for diabetes (NSPD).

Methods

Validity of diabetes screening tests among 1057 participants older than 30 years was measured. Screening tests included Capillary fasting blood glucose (CBG) with glucometer and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). In addition, the validity of the tests was measured based on venous fasting plasma glucose (VPG) as golden standard test.

Results

According to the results, the sensitivity of CBG and HbA1c tests were 69.01% and 84.5% and the specificity of the tests were 95.7% and 79.3% respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 53.84% and 97.72% for CBG and 22.72% and 98.61% for HbA1c respectively. New cut points for CBG (116.5 mg/dl) and HbA1c (7.15%) are obtained. Using these values as new cut points, sensitivity and specificity of CBG raised to 80.30% and decreased 89.10% respectively. Similarly, using 7.15% as cut point of HbA1c test, sensitivity and specificity changed to 77.50% and 94.20% respectively.

Conclusions

Compared to several other countries, the performance of NSPD is relatively higher. ROC analysis suggested new cut points for significantly better performance of NSPD.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Among University Students in Jordan
Authors: Al-Shdaifat Amjad , Al-Kassar Anwar , Johannessen Asgeir , Al-Dabbagh Zaid , Al-Ethawi Mohamed , Al-Obaidi Faisal , El-Halabi Ihsan
Published: August 2019

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the commonest diagnosed gastrointestinal disorders (GI) in primary care and gastroenterology practices. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of IBS, and identify associated factors, among university students in Jordan.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among students at the Hashemite University in Jordan. A validated, confidential, self-administered data collection questionnaire was used for the collection of personal and sociodemographic data, and the Rome III criteria were used to define IBS. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with IBS.

Results

A total of 198 students participated in the study, of whom 163 had complete data and could be assessed by the Rome III criteria. The age range of the students was 18 to 35 years, and 91 (55.8%) were women. Overall, 26 (16.0%) of the respondents were diagnosed with IBS.

Poor sleep (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 3.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-10.4; p<0.01), being married (AOR 7.6; 95% CI 2.0-28.8; p<0.01) and a family history of IBS (AOR 2.9; 95% CI 1.1-7.7; p=0.03) were independently associated with IBS in multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

IBS was common among otherwise healthy university student in Jordan. Lifestyle factors such as poor sleep appeared to be associated with IBS symptoms.
Changes in body mass index and outcomes after kidney transplantation: a single centre, retrospective, observational study
Authors: Arshad Adam , Hodson James , Khalil Khalid , Sharif Adnan
Published: August 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to describe the changes in body mass index (BMI) after kidney transplantation and assess how this influences long-term outcomes.

Methods

Data were collected for all kidney transplant recipients between January 2007 and July 2016. Changes in BMI over the post-transplant period were modelled using a generalised estimating equation. The change in BMI from pre-transplantation to six months was then calculated for each patient. These were categorised into three groups: stable BMI (a change of ±1.5 kg/m2), BMI reduction and BMI increase (changes of >1.5 kg/m2), between which a range of outcomes were compared.

Results

Data was available for 1,344 patients, who had a geometric mean pre-transplant BMI of 27.3 kg/m2. This declined significantly (P<0.001), to a geometric mean of 25.6 kg/m2 one month after transplantation, before increasing and stabilising to pre-transplant levels by 36 months (geometric mean 27.2 kg/m2, P=0.522).

The n=882 patients with BMI measurements at six months, were divided into groups of reduced (n=303), stable (n=388) and increased (n=131) BMI, relative to pre-transplantation levels. On multivariate analysis, 12-month creatinine levels were significantly higher in the BMI reduction cohort, with adjusted levels of 160.6 μmol/l, compared to 135.0 μmol/l in stable BMI. However, no significant associations were detected between six-month BMI change and patient survival, graft survival, incidence of post-transplant diabetes, cancer, or a range of clinical and histological outcomes (all P>0.05).

Conclusions

Our data demonstrates that BMI significantly reduces in the first month after kidney transplantation, before increasing to pre-transplant levels at 3-5 years. Furthermore, patients with decreasing BMI at six-months have impaired graft function in the long-term. These observations conflict with the existing literature and warrant further investigation.
Unmet need for family planning and associated factors among married women in Asebot town, west Hararge zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia, Cross- sectional study design, 2018
Authors: Muche Misganaw , Kaso Muhammedawel , Eshete Amde , kalayu ismael
Published: August 2019

Background

Unmet need for family planning was one of the several frequently used indicators for monitoring and evaluation of family planning programs. It also helps to identify women at greatest risk of unintended pregnancy for satisfying the unmet need for modern contraception. So this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of unmet need for modern contraceptive among women of reproductive age in Asebot town, west Harargie zone, Oromia Regional state, Ethiopia.

Methods

A community based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Asebot town. Systematic random sampling techniques were used to select 410 reproductive age women. Data collection was carried out from July 19 to August 05, 2018 using a pre- tested structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered to Epi-info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Candidate variables with p-value of <0.25 in bivariate analysis were entered into multivariable logistic regression and AOR at 95% CI with p-value of <0.05 was considered as significant.

Result

The magnitude of unmet need for modern family planning in the study area was 37.3%. [95% CI (32.7, 42.2)]. After multivariate analysis Age, monthly income, desire to have children within two years and partner approval of family planning use were statistically significantly associated factors of unmet need for family planning with their 95% CI as follows (2.00-39.83), (1.10-6.10), (4.79-15.67), (3.88-14.61) respectively.
What did the community health worker do that was helpful? Perceptions from patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Yan Connie H , Rodriguez Aida , Gerber Ben S , Sharp Lisa K
Published: August 2019

Background: Evidence supporting the effectiveness of community health worker (CHW) programs in improving type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) outcomes is mixed. CHWs provide numerous activities; although, it is not clear what is effective or considered helpful by patients. This summative evaluation reports on patients’ perspectives of CHW activities offered as part of a larger randomized controlled trial of a team-based diabetes-management program.

Methods: Following one-year of access to CHW support, 192 racial/ethnic minorities with uncontrolled T2DM were provided a two-item summative evaluation that assessed how helpful they found the CHWs, on a ten-point scale, along with an open-ended question about specific activities they found most helpful.

Results: Patients’ mean age was 57 years, and 25% Hispanic/Latino, of which 47% preferred Spanish. The mean number of CHW visits was higher among Hispanics/Latinos compared to African-Americans (9.8, standard deviation [SD] 5.4 vs. 5.0, SD 4.7; p<0.001); however, perceived helpfulness was similar for both groups (Hispanic/Latinos 9.2, SD 1.5 vs. African-Americans 9.1, SD 1.9). Although the frequency of CHW visits was similar between Spanish- and English-speaking Hispanic/Latinos, the mean helpfulness rating was higher for Spanish-speakers than for English-speakers (9.6, SD 0.8 vs. 8.8, SD 1.8; p=0.05). After qualitative coding of the list of helpful activities, four major themes emerged: social support, health education, communication with the healthcare team and care coordination.

Conclusion: This is among the first reports of differential CHW engagement within racial/ethnic groups. Additional research is needed to understand the relationship between CHW activities and mechanisms influencing outcomes.
Verifying participant reported clinical outcomes: challenges and implications
Authors: Breeman Suzanne , Constable Lynda , Duncan Anne , Starr Kath , McDonald Alison , Wileman Samantha , Cotton Seonaidh
Published: August 2019

Background

Researchers often rely on trial participants to self-report clinical outcomes (for example fracture, re-operation). Little information exists as to the “accuracy” of participant reported clinical outcomes, particularly in randomised controlled trials (RCTs). To help address this evidence gap, we report four case-studies, nested within different RCTs where participant reported clinical outcome data were compared with that reported by clinicians or extracted from medical notes.

Methods

Four publicly-funded RCTs with different methods of verifying participant reported outcomes were identified:

KAT: Participants were asked about hospital admissions for any reason. Where it was thought to be relevant to the trial knee, further information was sought from the lead surgeon at the admitting site to confirm whether or not the admission was relevant to the trial knee.

REFLUX: Participants were asked about hospital admissions for any reason. For participants who reported a re-operation, further information was sought from the lead surgeon at the admitting site to confirm this.

RECORD: Participants were asked three questions regarding broken bones. Where they were thought to be low-trauma fractures, clinical verification was sought, initially from the research nurse at site.

CATHETER: Participants were asked about urinary tract infections (UTIs) and a prescription of antibiotics for treatment of UTIs following urethral catheterisation. The GPs of those who reported a UTI were contacted to confirm that an antibiotic prescription had been issued for the suspected UTI.

Results
KAT: 397 of 6882 (6%) participant reported hospital admissions were confirmed as relevant to the trial knee.

REFLUX: 16 of 19 participants (84%) who appeared to have had a re-operation were confirmed as having had one.

RECORD: 473 of 781 (61%) fractures reported by participants were confirmed as low-trauma fractures.

CATHETER: 429 of 830 participant reported UTIs (52%) were confirmed as such by the GPs.

Conclusions
We used different approaches to the verification of participant reported outcomes in clinical trials, and it is our opinion that there is no one optimal solution. Consideration of issues such as what information is sought from participants, the phrasing of questions, whether the medical records are a true “gold standard” and costs and benefits to the RCT may help determine the appropriate approach.
Organizing pneumonia with elevated surfactant protein-D needs attention to the possibility of relapse
Authors: Yamagishi Toru , Kodaka Norio , Watanabe Kayo , Nakano Chihiro , Oshio Takeshi , Niitsuma Kumiko , Shimada Nagashige , Matsuse Hiroto
Published: August 2019

Background and Objectives

Organizing pneumonia (OP) usually responds spectacularly well to initial treatment, but relapses can occur and some cases run a fatal course. Still the issue of relapse has been addressed in relatively few studies and predictors have not been clarified. The purpose of this study was to examine the pattern of relapses in OP, to determine whether relapse affects morbidity and mortality and to identify possible predictors of relapse.

Methods

Blood sampling, pulmonary function testing, computed tomography (CT) of the chest and bronchofiberscopy were performed for all patients and were retrospectively reviewed along with clinical information. To determine relapse of OP, additional chest CT was performed regularly or when relapse of OP was clinically suspected. All patients were followed regarding treatment response, treatment duration and presence of relapse. Results were compared between two groups based on serum concentrations of surfactant protein (SP)-D: normal SP-D; and high SP-D.

Results

Twenty-two patients were analyzed in this study. SP-D showed a negative correlation with percutaneous oxygen saturation, and positive correlations with serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Krebs von den Lungen (KL)-6 and percentage lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Prognosis was good for all patients, but relapse was significantly more frequent in the high SP-D group (6 cases) than in the normal SP-D group (0 cases; p=0.049). Serum KL-6 and percentage monocytes in BAL were significantly higher and pulmonary vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s were significantly lower in the high SP-D group than in the low SP-D group.

Conclusions

When treating cases of OP with high serum concentrations of SP-D, attention should be paid to the possibility of relapse.
Evaluation of the Hypothetical Constructs of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices regarding Dengue in Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Lamidi-Sarumoh Alaba Ajibola , Shohaimi Shamarina , Adam Mohd Bakri , Nadzir Mohd Noor Hisham Mohd , Oguntade Emmanuel Segun , Ghani Nurul Akmar
Published: August 2019

Background: Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on dengue are hypothetical constructs which are substantiated through the set of composed questions. KAP on dengue is one of the most economical and effective methods used to curtail the incidence of dengue fever because of the absence of efficient vaccines with considerable contraindications and certified chemoprophylaxis for the infection in the affected regions of the world. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with the use of a validated structured bilingual questionnaire specifically to assess the KAP on dengue among population in Selangor, Malaysia. Exploratory factor analysis was used to examine the dimensionality and interdependence among the items of the questionnaire and partial least square path analysis (PLS-path analysis) was used to explore the weights of the indicative sub-constructs on the main constructs. Results: Items on knowledge about dengue fever and vectors were factored into six sub-constructs, items on attitudes towards dengue were factored into four sub-constructs and items on preventive practices against dengue were also factored into four sub-constructs. PLS-path analysis revealed the exact sub-constructs which had a low and negative impact on the main hypothetical constructs. Conclusion: Visualization of the structural system of KAP on dengue was presented. The results from this novel application gave an insight into the exact KAP on dengue that is insufficient among respondents. Also, this result can be of benefit to the planning of future community health campaigns and mediation strategies to reduce the risk of dengue virus infection.
Two-loop splitting in double parton distributions
Authors: Diehl Markus , Gaunt Jonathan , Plössl Peter , Schafer Andreas
Published: August 2019

Double parton distributions (DPDs) receive a short-distance
contribution from a single parton splitting to yield the two observed
partons. We investigate this mechanism at next-to-leading order (NLO) in
perturbation theory. Technically, we compute the two-loop matching of
both the position and momentum space DPDs onto ordinary PDFs. This also
yields the 1 \to 21→2
splitting functions appearing in the evolution of momentum-space DPDs at
NLO. We give results for the unpolarised, colour-singlet DPDs in all
partonic channels. These quantities are required for calculations of
double parton scattering at full NLO. We discuss various kinematic
limits of our results, and we verify that the
1 \to 21→2
splitting functions are consistent with the number and momentum sum
rules for DPDs.
Fronteira, conflitos e Estado de exceção
Authors: Mondardo Marcos
Published: August 2019

No estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, na faixa de fronteira do Brasil com o Paraguai, em relação à condição humana dos povos indígenas, existe um Estado de exceção declarado. Muitos direitos consuetudinário-constitucionais são negados, como os direitos territoriais e humanos. Devido aos processos de demarcação e ao movimento de autodemarcação das terras indígenas, esses grupos étnicos vivenciam a condição de insegurança social ao se tornarem alvos de violência, de assassinatos, suicídios e genocídios. Se os conflitos e confrontos colocam em xeque ainda mais a “vida nua” e a condição de exceção desses povos, as ações de retomadas de tekoha são a possibilidade concreta do devir indígena no estado.
A fronteira como espaço de trabalho: o mercado de trabalho no contexto das regiões de fronteira de Brasil e Bolívia
Authors: Aguiar Pedro
Published: August 2019

Nos últimos anos os fluxos de imigrantes entre a Bolívia e o Brasil cresceram, isso fez com que houvesse mudanças nas dinâmicas do mercado de trabalho dos países. Essas mudanças impactariam de forma diferenciada dentro da Zona de Fronteira entre os países, já que existiria uma tendência para que esse fluxo estivesse muito presente na região. Sendo assim, essa pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar a dinâmica do mercado de trabalho na Zona de Fronteira entre Brasil e Bolívia, observando a migração da população boliviana e as atividades exercidas por esses migrantes. Para isso foram coletados dados relativos a entrada e registros dos migrantes, setores de atividade de trabalho e tipo de trabalho formal e informal dos bolivianos no Brasil.
Recursos Públicos investidos na Educação Infantil: uma análise das consultorias internacionais
Authors: Langhinotti Carpes Dulce Mara , Lara Ângela Mara De Barros
Published: August 2019

O estudo promove uma reflexão analítica de como se viabilizaram os recursos públicos no contexto da política nacional para a educação infantil a partir dos convênios firmados entre o Brasil e a Organização dos Estados Ibero-americanos – OEI e Organização das Nações Unidas para Educação, a Ciência e a Cultura – UNESCO para contratação de consultorias internacionais. No intuito de subsidiar os argumentos foram consultadas as concepções dos referidos organismos. Analisaram-se os documentos do Ministério da Educação – Relatórios de Gestão do MEC/SEB/COEDI, dos anos de (2012-2013). A construção do referencial e as análises foram desenvolvidas à luz do materialismo histórico-dialético. A análise dos dados caracteriza-se como qualitativa e se deram por meio da pesquisa documental e da análise de conteúdo. Dentre os resultados, constatou-se que os recursos públicos foram viabilizados na perspectiva de uma política focalizada, na lógica da redução de gastos.
Amyloid Beta Hypothesis in Alzheimer's Disease: Major Culprits and Recent Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Vijayan Dileep , Chandra Remya
Published: August 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common forms of dementia and has been a global concern for several years. Due to the multi-factorial nature of the disease, AD has become irreversible, fatal and imposes a tremendous socio-economic burden. Even though experimental medicines suggested moderate benefits, AD still lacks an effective treatment strategy for the management of symptoms or cure. Among the various hypotheses that describe development and progression of AD, the amyloid hypothesis has been a long-term adherent to the AD due to the involvement of various forms of Amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides in the impairment of neuronal and cognitive functions. Hence, majority of the drug discovery approaches in the past have focused on the prevention of the accumulation of Aβ peptides. Currently, there are several agents in the phase III clinical trials that target Aβ or the various macromolecules triggering Aβ deposition. In this review, we present the state of the art knowledge on the functional aspects of the key players involved in the amyloid hypothesis. Furthermore, we also discuss anti-amyloid agents present in the Phase III clinical trials.