bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbiomes of pathogenic Vibrio species reveal environmental and planktonic associations
Authors: Diner Rachel E. , Rabines Ariel J. , Zheng Hong , Steele Joshua A. , Griffith John F. , Allen Andrew Ellis
Published: December 2019

Background Many species of coastal Vibrio spp. bacteria can infect humans, representing an emerging health threat linked to increasing seawater temperatures. Vibrio interactions with the planktonic community impact coastal ecology and human infection potential. In particular, interactions with eukaryotic and photosynthetic organism may provide attachment substrate and critical nutrients (e.g. chitin, phytoplankton exudates) that facilitate the persistence, diversification, and spread of pathogenic Vibrio spp. Vibrio interactions with these organisms in an environmental context are, however, poorly understood.Results We quantified pathogenic Vibrio species, including V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. vulnificus, and two virulence-associated genes for one year at five coastal sites in Southern California and used metabarcoding to profile associated prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities, including vibrio-specific communities. These Vibrio spp. reached high abundances, particularly during Summer months, and inhabited distinct species-specific environmental niches driven by temperature and salinity. Associated bacterial and eukaryotic taxa identified at fine-scale taxonomic resolution revealed genus and species-level relationships. For example, common Thalassiosira genera diatoms capable of exuding chitin were positively associated with V. cholerae and V. vulnificus in a species-specific manner, while the most abundant eukaryotic genus, the diatom Chaetoceros, was positively associated with V. parahaemolyticus. Associations were often linked to shared environmental preferences, and several copepod genera were linked to low-salinity environmental conditions and abundant V. cholerae and V. vulnificus.Conclusions This study clarifies ecological relationships between pathogenic Vibrio spp. and the planktonic community, elucidating new functionally relevant associations, establishing a workflow for examining environmental pathogen microbiomes, and highlighting prospective model systems for future mechanistic studies.
Male castration alters the gut microbiota, leading to increased serum levels of branched-chain amino acids and adiposity
Authors: Whon Tae Woong , Kim Hyun Sik , Shin Na-Ri , Jung Eun Sung , Tak Euon Jung , Sung Hojun , Jung Mi-Ja , Jeong Yun-Seok , Hyun Dong-Wook , Kim Pil Soo , Jang Yu Kyung , Lee Choong Hwan , Bae Jin-Woo
Published: December 2019

Background: Testosterone deficiency is positively correlated with fat accumulation and obesity-related comorbidities, such as metabolic syndrome. Castration of young males is widely used in the cattle industry to improve meat quality. However, the mechanism linking hypogonadism and host metabolism is not clear. We aimed to evaluate the effect of male hypogonadism on the gut microbiota and serum metabolites, and the contribution of the altered microbiota to the host metabolic phenotype during hypogonadism. Results: We used metataxonomic and metabolomic approaches to evaluate the intestinal microbiota and host metabolism in male, castrated male (CtM), and female cattle. We then used a male mouse castration model to evaluate the causative factor(s) that underpin the alteration of the intestinal microbiota and host metabolic phenotype in response to hypogonadism. After pubescence, the CtM cattle harbored distinct ileal microbiota dominated by the family Peptostreptococcaceae, and exhibited distinct serum and muscle amino acid profiles (i.e., highly abundant branched-chain amino acids), with increased extra- and intramuscular fat storage. Castration of male mice phenocopied both the intestinal microbial alterations and obese-prone metabolism observed in cattle. Antibiotic treatment and fecal microbiota transplantation experiments in a mouse model further revealed that the intestinal microbial alterations associated with hypogonadism are a key contributor to the obese phenotype in the CtM animals. Conclusions: We demonstrated altered gut microbial profiles in the hypogonadal animals, with a negative feedback between the serum testosterone levels and the ileal abundance of Peptostreptococcaceae, and a distinct metabolic phenotype, with an enhanced amino acid metabolism. These findings suggest targeting the gut microbiota as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of both hypogonadism and obesity.
Projection of gut microbiome pre and post bariatric surgery to predict surgery outcome
Authors: louzoun yoram , Izhak Meirav Ben , Cohen Ruti , Shapiro Liora Madar , Meiri Hamutal , Wachtel Chaim , Eshel Adi , Leung Conrad , Messick Edward , Jongkam Narisra , Mavor Eli , Sapozhnikov Shimon , Maharshak Nitsan , Abu-Abeid Subhi , Alis Avishai , Mahler Ilanit , Meoded Aviel , Eldar Shai , Koren Omry
Published: December 2019

Background: Bariatric surgery is often the preferred method to resolve obesity and diabetes, with ~800,000 cases worldwide yearly and high outcome variability. The ability to predict the long-term BMI change following surgery has important implications on individuals and the health care system in general. Given the tight connection between eating habits, sugar consumption, BMI and the gut microbiome, we tested whether the microbiome before any treatment is associated with different treatment outcomes, as well as other intakes (HDL, Triglycerides, etc.).Results: A projection of the gut microbiome composition of obese (sampled before and after bariatric surgery) and slim patients into principal components was performed and the relation between this projection and surgery outcome was studied. The projection reveals 3 different microbiome profiles belonging to slim, obese and obese who underwent bariatric surgery, with post-surgery more different from the slim than the obese. The same projection allows for a prediction of BMI loss following bariatric surgery, using only the pre-surgery microbiome. A different projection is associated with sugar metabolism and A1C levels. Conclusions: - the gut microbiome can be naturally decomposed into main components depicting the patient's development and predicting in advance the outcome. Those may be translated into a better clinical management of obese individuals planning to undergo metabolic surgery.
Increasing soil pH enhances the network interactions among bacterial and archaeal microbiota in alpine grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chen Beibei , Luo Shuaiwei , Ma Beibei , Qi Wei , Cao Changdong , Zhao Zhigang , Jiao Shuo , Du Guozhen , Ma Xiaojun
Published: December 2019

Background: Soil functioning and processes are driven by complex microbial interactions. It is therefore critical to understand the co-occurrence patterns of soil microbiota, especially in fragile alpine ecosystems. Here we explored the geographic patterns of the topological features and the major drivers shaping the topological structure of the co-occurrence network for bacterial and archaeal microbiota in alpine grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau based on high-throughput sequencing. Results: Soil pH was the most important environmental variable for predicting the topological features of the microbial network at both network and node levels. Associations among soil microbiota were enhanced with increasing pH (5.17–8.92), and the network was the most stable at neutral pH (7). Node-level topological features suggested that taxa of the high-pH cluster had more important roles in maintaining complex network connections than taxa of the low-pH cluster. Network-level features revealed closer relationships among soil microbiota in the steppe ecosystem than in the meadow ecosystem. Archaeal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) with higher values for node-level topological features appeared to be more important than bacterial OTUs in maintaining complex connections. The co-occurrence patterns of bacterial OTUs with lower node-level feature values followed a power-law distribution, whereas those of archaeal OTUs did not. Conclusions: Soil pH plays a decisive role in determining the complex interactions among soil microbiota in alpine grassland ecosystems of the Tibetan Plateau, with a more stable co-occurrence network at neutral pH. Bacterial and archaeal taxa, which occupy distinct network niches, have closer relationships in alpine steppe than in alpine meadow ecosystems.
A Comparison Study of Patients Satisfaction Rate of Registry System in Two Referral Hospitals Emergency Settings
Authors: Rezabakhsh Aysa , Delice Orhan , Vahdati Samad Shams , Arslan Senol , Hosseinifar Hossein , Ala Alireza , Houshmand Faride
Published: December 2019

BackgroundPatient satisfaction is an indirect indicator essential for evaluating the quality of care services and accurate predictor of health system policies. Recently, predictor factors affecting patient satisfaction are at the center of attention as well. The main objective of this study is to assess patient satisfaction rate during registry procedure in the emergency department of two referral hospitals.MethodsAn analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in both academic hospitals with high volume of patient admission in Tabriz-Iran and Erzurum-Turkey. We used a Press Ganey questionnaire as a data collection tool. Each patient or related companion filled out the self-administered questionnaire including 18 questions before discharging or referring to other area. Eventually, data were analyzed by using SPSS software version 16. Results Overall, 462 respondents were enrolled in this survey during three part-time courses including morning shift (122 patients), evening shift (112 patients) and night shift (228 patients). 48.92% of participants were male and 51.08% were female. Our results demonstrated that total satisfaction score in new (model) registry system was two scores higher than classic one (p<0.001). Furthermore, our findings showed a correlation between satisfaction rate and level of education and living place. In fact, patients with moderate education level in urban areas had higher satisfaction rate compared with rural regions (16±3.53 vs. 14.93±3.76; P=0.003) and higher/lower education levels (16.3±3.35 vs. 15.27±3.71 and 15.67±3.86; p=0.03). Conclusion Take together attempts at improving patient flow as well as satisfaction rate in emergency department could reduce hospital costs and improve the quality of health care.
Essential Newborn Care Utilization and Associated Factors in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alamneh Yoseph Merkeb , Nigat Fentahun Adane , Yirga Tadesse Yirga , Desta Melaku Desta
Published: December 2019

Background: Globally, neonatal death accounted for 46% of under-five deaths and more than 80% of newborn deaths are the result of preventable and treatable conditions. In Ethiopia, contradict and inconsistent studies have been conducted to assess the prevalence of essential newborn care utilization and associated factors. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of essential newborn care utilization and associated factors in Ethiopia. Methods: The international databases include MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Sciences, Scopus, and Grey literature databases, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Cochrane library were scientifically explored. All primary studies reporting the prevalence of essential neonatal care utilization and associated factors in Ethiopia were considered. All necessary data were retrieved by using a standardized data extraction format, spreadsheet. STATA 14 statistical software was used to analyze the data and Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test was used to assess the heterogeneity between the studies. There was significant heterogeneity between the studies so that a random effect model was computed. Results: The pooled estimate for utilization essential newborn care utilization from 11 studies in Ethiopia was 48.768% (95% CI: 27.891, 69.645). Residence [ OR = 2.50 (95% CI: 1.64, 3.88)], Postnatal care [OR=5.53, 95% CI = (3.02, 10.13], counseling during pregnancy and delivery [OR=4.39, 95% CI = (2.99, 6.45], antenatal care follows up (OR=6.84; 95% CI: 1.15, 4.70) and maternal educational status [OR = 1.63 (95% CI: 1.12, 2.37)] were identified as the associated factors of essential newborn care utilization. Conclusion: Based on the current study essential newborn care utilization in Ethiopia was significantly low as compared to the current global recommendation on essential neonatal care utilization. Place of residence, Postnatal care, counseling during pregnancy and delivery, antenatal care follows up and maternal educational status were associated risk factors variables. Hence, appropriate newborn services utilization at health facilities and raising mother’s level of awareness about newborn care practices should be recommended.
Effectiveness of pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation: Umbrella review and quality assessment of systematic reviews
Authors: Melka Alemu Sufa , Chojenta Catherine L , Holliday Elizabeth G , Bali Ayele G , Loxton Deborah J
Published: December 2019

Background: In the long term, smoking cessation can decrease the risk of cancer, stroke, and heart attacks and improve overall survival. This umbrella review aimed to assess the effect of pharmacological interventions on smoking cessation and to evaluate the methodological quality of previously conducted systematic reviews. Methods: Databases including the Cochrane library, PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar were used to retrieve reviews. Systematic reviews that included only randomized controlled trials designed to assess pharmacotherapeutic interventions supporting abstinence from smoking were considered in this umbrella review. Each review was assessed for quality using the Revised Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (R-AMSTAR) tool. Two authors (AM, AB) screened the titles and abstracts of all reviews obtained by the search strategy, assessed the full text of selected articles for inclusion and extracted data independently. Two authors (AM, AB) also performed a quality appraisal independently and Cohen’s Kappa statistic was used to assess inter-rater agreement. The findings of the studies were narrated qualitatively to describe the evidence regarding the effectiveness of pharmacotherapies for smoking cessation.Results: Nine reviews were included in this umbrella review. Most of the reviews included in this review reported that Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), bupropion and varenicline were effective for smoking cessation. The combination of a nicotine patch with other nicotine formulations was also more effective than monotherapy. Similarly, the combination of nicotine with the non-nicotine therapy varenicline was found to be more effective than varenicline alone. However, the opioid antagonist naltrexone alone was not found to be effective for smoking cessation nor in combination with nicotine replacement therapy. The quality of reviews published after the development of the R-AMSTAR tool was higher than reviews published before the inception of the tool.Conclusions: This review revealed that drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are effective for smoking cessation. A combination of nicotine patches with other nicotine formulations was also effective for smoking cessation compared to nicotine monotherapy. The quality of papers published after the development of the AMSTAR tool demonstrated better quality compared to papers published before the inception of the tool.
Intracranial aneurysms associated with middle cerebral artery anomalies: the clinical characteristics and treatment considerations: a systematic review
Authors: Hou Kun , Li Guichen , Liu Hongping , Xu Kan , Yu Jinlu
Published: December 2019

Background: As a result of its low occurrence, most of the studies on intracranial aneurysms associated with MCA anomalies were presented as case reports or small case series. In this study, a systematic review on this specific entity was conducted. Methods: A PubMed search of the published studies was performed on April 6th, 2019 for patients who had intracranial aneurysms associated with MCA anomalies. The languages included in this study were English, Chinese, and Japanese. Results: Finally, 58 articles reporting of 67 patients including 1 case in our center were included. The identified patients (37 females, 55.2%) aged from 4 to 81 (49.85 ± 15.22) years old. Fifty (50/67, 74.6%) patients presented with hemorrhagic stroke either because of rupture of the aneurysms associated with MCA anomalies or other sources. Sixty-three aneurysms (63/67, 94.0%) were saccular, 3 (4.5%) were dissecting or fusiform, and 1 (1.5%) was pseudoaneurysm. Thirty-two (32/65, 49.2%) patients had other concurrent cerebrovascular anomalies. Fifty-six (83.6%) patients underwent open surgeries, 8 (11.9%) patients underwent endovascular treatment, and 3 (4.5%) patients were conservatively managed. Fifty-six (56/61, 91.8%) patients achieved a good recovery. Conclusions: The pathophysiological genesis of MCA anomalies associated aneurysms is still obscure to us. The inflicted patients tend to have concurrent other cerebrovascular anomalies, which denotes that congenital defect in cerebrovascular development might play a role in this process. Open surgery is, hitherto, the mainstay of treatment for this specific entity. Most of the affected patients could experience a good recovery.
Diagnostic Performance of CTA and vessel wall MR imaging in Carotid webs—A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zheng Hanpei , Li Huan , Li Sirui , Wu Xiangbo , Bin Mei , Wang Yinghui , Xu Haibo
Published: December 2019

Background: There currently is no consensus on the performance of Vessel wall MRI (VW MRI) with carotid webs (CaWs). No clear data exist on compare the performance of each diagnostic features in CaWs. Purpose: To set a standards about the diagnostic features and compare the performance of each diagnostic features in CaWs. Materials and methods : All patients (n = 165, median age, 56.9 ± 13.3) who has done both neck CTA and VW MRI in our radiology department, Zhongnan hospital, performed from February 2017 to April 2019 were included. All CTA and VW MRI images were read by two experienced radiologists. Interobserver agreement for the two reader’s decision of CTA was checked by using kappa statistics. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) of each diagnostic features at CTA and VW MRI were compared. Results: 10 patients with carotid web was found. The feature “double lumen sign” of CTA and “valve sign” and “contrast stasis” of VW MRI showed good specificity (specificity, 98.6% vs 92.9% vs 93.6%, respectively; P<0.001). The feature “double lumen sign” of VW MRI compared to it of CTA showed higher sensitivity (sensitivity, 80.0% [8 of 10] vs 50.0% [5 of 10], respectively; P<0.001) and better diagnostic performances (area under the curve [AUC], 0.93 [95% CI: 0.68, 0.97] and 0.74 [95% CI: 0.54, 0.94], respectively; P<0.001). Conclusion: The feature “double lumen sign” and “a line or septum” of CTA and “valve sign” and “contrast stasis” of VW MRI may be a crucial performance of carotid web.
Detection and prevalence of Cercopithifilaria bainae infection in shelter dogs in Oklahoma, USA
Authors: Lineberry Megan W. , Sundstrom Kellee D. , Little Susan E. , Stayton Erin M. , Allen Kelly E.
Published: December 2019

Background Cercopithifilaria bainae is a filarioid nematode of dogs. Infection with the parasite was not reported in the USA until 2017, when a dog with skin lesions in Florida was diagnosed. Brown dog ticks, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, are the purported tick vectors, and are widespread in the USA. Therefore, C. bainae is likely present in additional states. Here, we tested dogs and ticks in Oklahoma for evidence of C. bainae infection.Methods Dermal punch biopsies were opportunistically collected from municipal shelter and client-owned dogs. Multiple skin samples collected from interscapular and head regions were tested by saline sedimentation to recover live microfilariae for morphometric identification and by PCR to amplify a 330 bp region of 12S filarioid rDNA. Also, ticks observed on surveyed dogs were collected, identified to species level, and tested for filarioid DNA.Results A total of 1,521 biopsy samples were collected from 230 shelter and 20 client-owned dogs. Cercopithifilaria bainae infections were identified in 2.6% (6/230) of shelter dogs by morphometry of microfilariae in sedimentations and/or amplification of DNA from skin. DNA sequences amplified from PCR positive skin samples were 99–100% identical to C. bainae reported in Italy. All skin samples from client-owned dogs were negative for filarioid infection by saline sedimentation and PCR. A total of 112 ticks, comprised of four species, were collected. Two of 72 R. sanguineus s.l., both replete females found attached to a C. bainae infected dog, harbored C. bainae DNA (99–100% identity). One attached R. sanguineus s.l. male on the same dog harbored filarioid DNA sequence which was difficult to interpret at numerous base-pair locations, but was closest in identity (~80%) to C. bainae.Conclusions The distribution of C. bainae is more widespread than previously known. Here, we document C. bainae infections in dogs and DNA in brown dog ticks in Oklahoma for the first time. As brown dog ticks are commonly found throughout the USA, veterinarians in this region should consider C. bainae infection as a differential diagnosis in canine patients with dermatitis or polyarthritis.
Resistance against macrocyclic lactones in Psoroptes ovis in cattle
Authors: Mol Wouter van , De Wilde Nathalie , Casaert Stijn , Chen Zhenzhen , Vanhecke Marieke , Duchateau Luc , Claerebout Edwin
Published: December 2019

Background Psoroptic mange is an important disease in beef cattle, and Belgian Blue cattle are particularly susceptible. Treatment failure of macrocyclic lactones against Psoroptes ovis has been reported, but clear evidence of in vivo resistance is still lacking. This study was conducted to investigate ML efficacy in 16 beef farms in Belgium and The Netherlands in vivo and in vitro.Methods On each farm a group of animals (n= 7-14) with clinical psoroptic mange was treated with two subcutaneous injections of a macrocyclic lactone with 7-10 days interval (15 farms) or a single injection with a long-acting macrocyclic lactone (1 farm). In vivo efficacy was assessed by the reduction in mite counts and clinical index (part of the body affected by lesions), the cure rate after the first treatment round and the number of treatment rounds needed to cure all animals. In vitro knock-down and mortality was evaluated in a contact test.Results Cure rates after the first treatment round varied from 0-80%. All farms needed two or more rounds of treatments to obtain full efficacy. Clinical index had a high variation and only started to reduce after the second treatment round. Only three farms were categorized as susceptible with a mean mite count reduction>95% and a lower limit of the uncertainty interval>90%. One farm had a mean reduction>95%, but its lower limit of the confidence interval was <90%. All other farms had mean reductions<95% and lower limits of their uncertainty intervals<90%. No correlation was found between in vitro lethal dose 50 and knock-down dose 50 values and any parameter of in vivo efficacy.Conclusion Unambiguous treatment failure was detected on 12/16 beef farms, confirming the presence of macrocyclic lactone resistance in Belgian Blue beef farms. In vitro parameters could not discriminate the farms based on their in vivo susceptibility. The mean reduction in mite counts and the lower limit of the confidence interval stood out as most useful parameter to identify acaricide resistance.
Commuting time and Sickness Absence: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Zicheng , Liu Jiachun , Guo Murong
Published: December 2019

Background: Most of employees in urban China have experienced a heavy commuting burden ，which has become an urgent issue that should be solved in the process of promoting the new urbanization strategy. However, not only has the exploration of relationship between commuting and sickness absence been still scant in China, but also there is no discussion made to analyze the mechanism linking the commuting time and sickness absence. To address these gaps, this study firstly investigates the commuting-absence effect as well as the potential transmission channel between them. Methods: Using a unique dataset of 2013 Matched Employer-Employee Survey (CMEES) in China, we apply the zero-inflated negative binomial model to explore the nexus between the commuting and sickness absence. To discuss the potential mechanism linking commuting and sickness absence in the context of China, the estimations of the impact of the commuting on health-related outcomes and work efforts are performed to confirm transmission channels of commute-absence effect by the OLS and Logit regression model. Results: The empirical results reveal that a longer commute has a positive effect on sickness absences, while it is still robust against several specifications. More importantly, the commuting-absence effect is mainly transmitted through health-related outcomes of employees, whereas we cannot find evidence that the effect is transmitted through shirking behavior s. Additionally, the heterogeneous effects of commuting-absence are differentiated across Hukou status, gender, pattern of commuter travel, scale of cities and types of enterprises . Conclusion: The long commute induces to lower productivities through the sickness absence, that is, the longer journey from home to work is positively related with the increasing sickness absence, which keeps in consistency with previous studies. And the potential effect of commute-sickness absence is mainly transmitted through their health-related outcomes.
Prevalence and risk factors of acute lower respiratory infection among children living in biomass fuel using households: A community-based cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Adane Mesafint Molla , Alene Getu Degu , Mereta Seid Tiku , Wanyonyi Kristina L.
Published: December 2019

Background: Childhood acute lower respiratory infection in the form of pneumonia is recognized as the single largest cause of childhood death globally accounting for 16% of the overall deaths. Some studies also reported a higher prevalence of childhood acute respiratory infection in Ethiopia, which ranges from 16% up to 33.5%. Concerning the risk factors, there are limited community-based studies in Ethiopia in general, and in the current study region in particular. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of childhood acute respiratory infection and associated factors in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: As part of the wider stove trial project, a cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2018 among a total of 5830 children aged less than four years old in randomly selected clusters. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify factors linked with childhood acute lower respiratory infection and adjusted odds ratios were used as measures of effect with a 95% confidence interval. Results: A total of 5830 children were included in the study within 100 clusters. Out of which 51.7% were male and 48.3% female. The prevalence of childhood lower acute respiratory infection was 19.2% (95% CI: 18.2-20.2) and found to decrease among children living in homes with chimney, eaves space and improved cookstove than children living in households with no chimney, eaves space and improved cookstove with estimated AOR of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.51-0.70), 0.70 (95% CI: 0.60-0.84) and 0.43 (95% CI: 0.28- 0.67) respectively. It was also associated with other cooking-related factors such as cow dung fuel use [AOR=1.54 (95% CI: 1.02-2.33)], child spending time near stove during cooking [AOR=1.41 (95% CI: 1.06-1.88), presence of extra indoor burning events [AOR= 2.19 (95% CI: 1.41-3.40)] and with frequent cooking of meals [AOR=1.55 (95% CI: 1.13- 2.13)]. Conclusion: High prevalence of childhood acute lower respiratory infection was demonstrated by this study and it was found to be associated with household ventilation, cooking technology, and behavioral factors. Therefore, we recommend a transition in household ventilation, cooking technologies as well as in child handling and in the peculiar local extra indoor burning practices.
A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial evaluating vibration therapy as an intervention for postural training and fall prevention after distal radius fracture in elderly patients
Authors: WONG Ronald Man Yeung , HO Wing Tung , TANG Ning , TSO Chi Yin , NG Wai Kit Raymond , CHOW Simon Kwoon Ho , Cheung Wing-Hoi
Published: December 2019

Background: Fractures of the distal radius are one of the most common osteoporotic fractures in elderly men and women. These fractures are a particular health concern amongst the elderly, who are at risk of fragility fractures, and are associated with long-term functional impairment, pain and a variety of complications. This is a sentinel event as these fractures are associated with 2 to 4 times increased risk of subsequent hip fractures in elderly patients. This is an important concept as it is well established that these patients have an increased risk of falling. Fall prevention is therefore crucial to decrease further morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of low-magnitude high frequency vibration (LMHFV) on postural stability and prevention of falls in elderly patients post distal radius fracture. Methods: This is a prospective single-blinded randomized controlled trial. 200 patients will be recruited consecutively with consent, and randomized to either LMHFV (n=100) or control group (n=100). The primary outcome is postural stability measured by the static and dynamic ability of patients to maintain center of balance on the Biodex Balance System SD. Secondary outcomes are the occurrence of fall, the health-related quality of life (SF-36), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test for basic mobility skills, compliance and adverse events. Outcome assessments for both groups will be performed at baseline 0 months, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months time-points. Discussion: Previous studies have stressed the importance of reducing falls in distal radius fracture elderly patients, and an effective intervention is crucial. Numerous studies have proven vibration therapy to be effective in improving balancing ability in normal patients. No previous study has applied the device for fracture patients. Our study will be going to translate LMHFV to fracture patients to improve postural stability and prevent recurrent falls. Positive results would provide a large impact in the prevention of secondary fractures and save healthcare costs.
Effectiveness of Intravitreal Ranibizumab in Nonvitrectomized and Vitrectomized Eyes with Diabetic Macular Edema: A Two-Year Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Totuk Ozgun Melike Gedar , Kanra Ayse Yagmur , Bromand Mohammed Nadim , Kilic Guler , Yaylali Sevil Ari , Turkmen Irem , Akcakaya Aylin Ardagil
Published: December 2019

Background: To compare the effectiveness of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injections for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) in eyes with and without previous vitrectomy. Methods: The medical records of 30 eyes (13 vitrectomized, 17 nonvitrectomized) of 28 patients (mean age, 59.0±9.6 years; male to female ratio 1:1) who were diagnosed with DME and had received IVR treatment were reviewed retrospectively. The indications of vitrectomy in 13 vitrectomized eyes were intravitreal hemorrhage (n=8), vitreomacular traction (n=1), and epiretinal membrane (n=4). The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and total macular volume (TMV) were measured at baseline and at months 6, 12, 18, and 24 of the follow-up. The number of IVR injections, the duration between diagnosis of DME and IVR injection, and hemoglobin A1c ( HbA1c ) level at baseline were also recorded. Retreatment criteria included persistence of submacular fluid, intraretinal cysts, or CMT of more than 300 μm. Results: Baseline demographics, HbA1c, BCVA, CMT, and TMV values were similar between the vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized groups (p>0.05). The duration between diagnosis of DME and IVR injections was longer in the nonvitrectomized group than in the vitrectomized group (16±5 months vs. 13±4 months, respectively; p=0.045). IVR injection was performed 6.3 times in vitrectomized eyes and 6.1 times in nonvitrectomized eyes during the 24-month period (p>0.05). The mean BCVA improved significantly during the 24-month period in both groups (for vitrectomized group from 0.51±0.26 logMAR to 0.40±0.22 logMAR; for nonvitrectomized group from 0.72±0.28 logMAR to 0.50±0.22 logMAR). The improvement in BCVA was significant at month 6 in nonvitrectomized eyes, while there was no significant improvement in vitrectomized eyes before month 18. Compared to the baseline values, the decrease in both CMT and TMV was significant in months 6, 12, 18, and 24 in the nonvitrectomized group (p<0.05). In the vitrectomized group both CMT and TMV improved significantly only in months 18 and 24 (p<0.05). Conclusion: IVR treatment for DME is equally effective in both vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized eyes. However, the response to treatment is seen later in vitrectomized eyes compared to nonvitrectomized eyes.
When a Market Runs a Hierarchy: Retrenchment of Bureaucratic Practices in Lithuanian Uniformed Services
Authors: Ungurytė-Ragauskienė Svajūnė , Bileišis Mantas
Published: December 2019

Some public administration literature that focuses on public administration reform indulges in constructing grand narrative theories such as New Public Management (NPM), or New Governance (NG). The most recent such theory that has been gaining attention over the past decade is the Neo Weberian State (NWS). The content of the theory with regard to its practical implication when it comes to reform is still unsettled. However, one key assumption behind the NWS is that reforms should be handled with care, as they may undermine the very institutions that have brought Western societies to the levels of their development they are in now. NPM’s drive to increase efficiency, and NG’s – democracy from the point of view of NWS is impossible if reforms deconstruct institutions that ensure the protection of the public interest and rule of law. NWS’s critique of post-communist reform efforts in the new eastern EU member-states is a case in point suggesting that leapfrogging the construction of a professional bureaucracy is ill-advised and does not lead to politically desired outcomes. In this paper we aim to evaluate which path of reform may lead to the best outcomes in a particular area of the public service – two non-military uniformed services of Lithuania – customs and penitentiary. These services have to a large degree avoided sweeping reforms throughout the independence period, in both cases – a soviet institutional legacy is also a factor. Both Customs and the Penitentiary service are suffering from multiple corruption scandals and very low public trust levels. These services are continuously in the crosshairs of reform, but few have been clearly articulated, even less so – implemented. Applying NPM to uniformed services, due to the nature of their functions was complicated, so as reforms in the 1990s and 2000s went along in the other sectors, policy-makers have largely left uniformed to their own devices, and this has led to retrenchment of the bureaucratic principles as would historical institutionalisms theory predict. We suggest that NPM-oriented governance avoids intervention in areas where NPM principles are hard to apply, leaving such areas without proper attention to continue down undesirable development paths. When the deconstruction of a hierarchy appears impossible, higher order governance needs to remain modelled as hierarchy as well. NWS in this case does offer a management modernization agenda, which could keep state institutions in step with social, technological, and economic developments.
Perception of Political Leadership in Local Governments in Latvia
Authors: Stučka Malvīne
Published: December 2019

Theme of the paper is political leadership in local governments in Latvia. The work uses secondary data analysis and case studies. The aim of the study is to find out what kind of role does the chairperson of the municipality have as a political leader and what kinds of factors are influencing him/her. The results revealed that formally the chairperson of the municipality has no decisive influence on the municipality and that both types of factors (internal and external) interact with each other limiting the political leader’s (chairperson’s of a municipality) freedom of action.
Experimental Designs and Estimation Methods for On‐Farm Research: A Simulation Study of Corn Yields at Field Scale
Authors: Alesso Carlos Agustín , Cipriotti Pablo Ariel , Bollero Germán Alberto , Martin Nicolas Federico
Published: December 2019

On‐farm experimentation using Precision Agriculture technology enables farmers to make decisions based on data from their fields. Results from on‐farm experiments depend on the experimental design and statistical analyses performed. Detailed information about the accuracy of the treatment effect estimates, and Type I error rates of hypothesis testing under different spatial structure scenarios attained by alternative experimental designs and analysis is required to improve on‐farm research experiments. Three thousand yield data sets were drawn from 15 random fields simulated by unconditional Gaussian geostatistical simulation technique and were modeled by applying 10 experimental designs and three estimation methods with experimental units ranging from 138 to 9969 m2. No effect of spatial structure, experimental design, and estimation methods was observed on overall mean yield and treatment bias. Unaddressed changes of nugget/sill ratio and range of variogram had a significant effect on estimator efficiency and accuracy with Type I error rates above the nominal rate, which increased with higher spatial autocorrelation. Spatial methods were robust to changes in spatial structure regardless of the design. Randomization of treatment increased the uncertainty of model estimators. In general, the accuracy of treatment effect estimates increased with the number of replications of smaller size. The opposite trend was observed between those estimates and the size of the plots. Analyses showed that the best designs for testing the overall treatment effect in two‐treatment experiments would be split‐planter, strip‐plots, and chessboard because of their size and number of experimental units.

Core Ideas

Spatial autocorrelation increases grand mean estimator variance in any design or method.

Spatial autocorrelation reduces treatment effect estimator efficiency if not modeled.

Spatial autocorrelation increases Type I error if not modeled.

Designs with small experimental units (strip plots or chessboard) performed better.
Violencia y conflicto armado en Colombia: desarrollo moral, representaciones sociales e identidad
Authors: López Ramírez Alejandro , Chantre Castaño Yenyfer , Meneses Hernández Mariana Sofía , Botero López Leidy Alejandra , López Vitola Elianis , Alfonso Salazar Andrea Katherine , Madrigal Zuluaga Nina , Vanegas Acevedo Katerine , García María Maribel
Published: December 2019

El presente artículo se elaboró con el objetivo de analizar factores psicosociales que intervienen de manera significativa en el desarrollo personal en contextos de violencia colectiva, específicamente en el conflicto armado colombiano, como una manifestación de violencia sistemática; así, se hizo énfasis en los procesos que dan lugar al ingreso de niños y adolescentes a organizaciones armadas. Metodológicamente se realizó desde una revisión teórica de conceptos propios de la psicología que favorecieran el conocimiento de este fenómeno, como el desarrollo moral, la elaboración de representaciones sociales frente a la violencia y al conflicto armado y, la relación entre identidad e influencia social como factores antecedentes de la vinculación a dichas organizaciones. Los hallazgos permitieron identificar que efectivamente estos procesos se ven alterados en contextos caracterizados por la violencia y que pueden estimular el ingreso a grupos armados, de lo cual fue posible concluir, entre otras cosas, que las características socioculturales de un país como Colombia están asociadas a su historia de violencia y, asimismo, que los impactos psicosociales del conflicto armado están íntimamente ligados a estas características.
Turismo de salud: cirugías estéticas, un mercado potencial para la exportación de servicios
Authors: Arcila Santiago , Giraldo David
Published: December 2019

En el presente artículo se resalta el creciente y potencial mercado de cirugías estéticas como canal para el ingreso de turistas extranjeros a Colombia, en lo denominado como turismo de salud; se presenta inicialmente una introducción temática donde se abordan las generalidades sobre el concepto, las líneas y las cifras de lo que comprende el turismo de salud, para posteriormente analizar el contexto internacional de este sector a partir de los tres países (India, Singapur y Tailandia) líderes en ofertar y exportar servicios estéticos. Luego se realiza una exposición sobre lo que comprende el comportamiento de este creciente mercado en Colombia respecto a características como el precio y la calidad de los profesionales en salud. Finalmente, se describen factores, procedimientos, cifras y ejemplos de servicios sobre las cirugías estéticas en Colombia, haciendo énfasis en la exportación a receptores extranjeros.
El documental audiovisual como herramienta para la investigación social
Authors: Ceballos Blandón Juanes Simón
Published: December 2019

Este artículo presenta una revisión teórica en torno al uso del documental audiovisual como medio para la investigación social. Se abordan diferentes conceptos sobre el significado y las características de este género partiendo del reconocimiento de su diversidad, lo cual permite concebirlo hoy como un género cinematográfico que está en constante exploración narrativa y estética. Posteriormente, se analiza la relación entre el cine documental y la investigación cualitativa, a propósito del desarrollo de un documental audiovisual como apoyo a la investigación El arte como mediación para la comunicación alternativa de personas con Trastornos del Espectro Autista. Por último, se describe el documental como arte performativo.
Reconocimiento de voces divergentes en el marco del post conflicto colombiano: una experiencia dialógica
Authors: Cardona Cardona Angela Maritza , Gutiérrez Medina Manuela , Vanegas Mejía Sandra Patricia , García Garzón Luz Adriana , Calderón Ospina Nancy Viviana
Published: December 2019

En medio del polémico proceso de paz que ha despertado posiciones polarizadas, a favor y en contra de la firma e implementación del acuerdo de paz, surge la inquietud por propiciar escenarios que favorezcan el reconocimiento entre las personas con voces y perspectivas divergentes frente a lo que ha sido la historia del conflicto en Colombia y las posibilidades de reconciliación social; de esta manera surge la pregunta ¿cómo, a partir del diálogo público, se puede propiciar el reconocimiento entre voces divergentes en el marco del posacuerdo colombiano? Así, se llevó a cabo un espacio de diálogo siguiendo la metodología del Proyecto de Conversaciones Públicas (PCP) (Herzig y Chasin 2001), entre personas con diferentes perspectivas frente al conflicto armado, al posacuerdo y a la reconciliación. Se realizaron cinco entrevistas a profundidad previas y cinco entrevistas posteriores para evaluar el diálogo, se hizo un análisis cualitativo del proceso, valorando las voces que emergían en el diálogo y el proceso de reconocimiento durante este. Como resultado surgieron diferentes voces que se agruparon de acuerdo a su intensidad y movimiento en el diálogo, estas son: la voz del estereotipo, de la solidaridad y la desconfianza, predominó la voz del estereotipo al comienzo del diálogo y se posicionaron en la conversación la voz de la desconfianza y la solidaridad. Como aspectos importantes de discusión se analiza la línea divisoria que históricamente ha existido entre el reconocimiento jurídico y la valoración social, y la importancia de un reconocimiento basado en la valoración social para avanzar hacia la reconciliación, así como la importancia de la mirada y la voz para un diálogo que permita el reconocimiento de la humanidad compartida. Como conclusión, se confirma la potencialidad del diálogo para promover escenarios de reconocimiento.
El Ecoturismo visto desde una perspectiva solidaria
Authors: Henao Avendaño Maria Camila
Published: December 2019

El presente ensayo el resultado de la validación del proceso de aprendizaje durante la práctica investigativa llevada a cabo en el grupo de investigación ECOSOL de la Universidad Católica Luis Amigo. Con éste se pretende dar a conocer articulación existente entre el ecoturismo y la economía solidaria; fundamentando dicha relación en los principios de solidaridad, cooperación, participación, ayuda mutua, el servicio a la comunidad y la promoción de la cultura ecológica.Para ello se abordarán las categorías de análisis delimitadas a la descripción las características del ecoturismo en articulación con la economía solidaria, sus beneficios respecto al turismo tradicional, su incidencia en las comunidades donde se promueven sus prácticas y su percepción como una experiencia solidaria y responsable.
Control político y control del controlador
Authors: Sepúlveda Alexandra , Cardona Brayan Steven , Gómez María Paula
Published: December 2019

Este artículo pretende explorar la noción de control político y su carácter esencial en los sistemas democráticos. A su vez, y con base en la exploración, señalar el problema que representa la inoperancia de los mecanismos de control político preestablecidos en el ordenamiento jurídico, teniendo en cuenta que las autoridades no utilizan estos mecanismos por falta de voluntad, o porque ellas mismas participan del abuso y/o mal uso del poder.Por lo anterior, se realiza un ejercicio que contempla tres instantes: en primer lugar, la presentación y descripción del concepto control político. Luego, la presentación de los mecanismos de control político existentes en la República de Colombia, y finalmente, el análisis crítico del estado real del control político en Colombia y la necesidad de controlar el rol de las autoridades responsables de su ejercicio para evitar la fractura completa de esta institución clave en la democracia.
Sobre la Universidad contemporánea
Authors: Agudelo Torres José Federico
Published: December 2019

No existe una fórmula mágica, una única receta o una metódica lineal para que la Universidad convoque y exhorte a los sujetos del presente a ser partícipes activos en la construcción de su propio conocimiento, pues esta es una teleología móvil, divergente e inacabada. Lo que sí ha de resultar claro, tal como lo expresa Derrida (2002), es el acto y la acción constante de la Universidad en procura de descubrir, acceder, co-construir y enseñar la verdad. No esa verdad que se esgrime en términos monolíticos, sino aquella que se sabe inconclusa, frágil y cercana a la condición de humanidad de cada sujeto.