bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic Resistance Trends Among Ocular Pathogens in the US—Cumulative Results from the Antibiotic Resistance Monitoring in Ocular Microorganisms (ARMOR) Surveillance Study
Authors: Asbell Penny A ,   Cornea Service and Refractive Surgery Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, US, Sanfilippo Christine M ,   Pharmaceutical Medical Affairs, Bausch + Lomb, Rochester, New York, US
Published: April 2017

Antibiotic resistance among ocular pathogens is a public health concern. The multicenter, prospective Antibiotic Resistance Monitoring in Ocular micRoorganisms (ARMOR) study is an ongoing surveillance study designed to report on antibiotic resistance rates and trends among Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS; includes Staphylococcus epidermidis), Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Haemophilus influenzae isolates from ocular infections. Results for more than 4,000 isolates collected from 2009 –2015, representing 7 years of ARMOR, were recently presented. More than a third of S. aureus and almost half of all CoNS isolates were found to be resistant to methicillin. Staphylococcal isolates also showed high levels of multidrug resistance (resistance to ≥3 antibacterial drug classes) with 76.4% and 73.7% of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant CoNS (MRCoNS) isolates, respectively, demonstrating multidrug resistance. Resistance among S. pneumoniae was notable for azithromycin (36.8%) and for penicillin (34.0%), whereas P. aeruginosa and H. influenzae were generally susceptible to the antibiotic classes tested. Longitudinal analyses demonstrated a small decrease in methicillin resistance among S. aureus over the 7-year study period, which may be a result of improved antibiotic stewardship. Continued surveillance of antibiotic resistance among ocular pathogens is warranted.
The Value of Area Under the Curve Analysis as an Outcome Measure in the Assessment of a Continuous Microdosing Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant (ILUVIEN®)
Authors: Bahadorani Sepehr ,   University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, US, Singer Michael A ,   Medical Center Ophthalmology Associates, San Antonio, Texas, US
Published: April 2017

The treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) has become one of the most challenging management issues faced by ophthalmologists in daily practice. This is partly due to the multifactorial nature of DME, progression of the disease and the clinical capacity needed to administer intravitreal injections. In recent years, the treatment options for DME have expanded to include intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents and steroids, and most recently, the use of intravitreal implants. In determining clinically relevant endpoints for clinical studies of these treatments, it is important to consider the patient’s journey and experience with a treatment over a specific time-period rather than isolated outcomes at a pre-specified time-point. Area under the curve (AUC) is an ideal tool for data analysis particularly when it comes to sustained release therapies such as dexamethasone (OzurdexR, Allergan Inc., California, US) and intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide implant (0.2μg/day FAc implant; IluvienR, Alimera Sciences Inc., Georgia, US). Unlike single time-point outcomes, AUC analysis provides the average letters gained per day over the entire treatment period, providing a better measure of long-term effectiveness. A recent analysis using the AUC approach highlights the significant visual acuity benefit resulting from the 0.2μg/day fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant during the FAME (Fluocinolone Acetonide for Macular Edema) trials. A step-by-step instruction is included in this article that allows statistical analysis of the AUC data from both functional and anatomical outcomes, using a free software tool to further facilitate the use of this technique for future investigators.
Update on the Management of Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Iverson Shawn M ,   Palmetto Health - University of South Carolina Medical Group, Columbia, South Carolina, US, Clark W Lloyd ,   Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Palmetto Retina Center LLC, West Columbia, South Carolina, US
Published: April 2017

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a treatable sequela of diabetic retinopathy and a significant cause of visual morbidity among working age individuals worldwide. While anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents are first-line agents in the management of DME, corticosteroids and laser therapy can play a role as well. Despite a growing understanding of best clinical practices, many patients respond unpredictably to therapy. This article will briefly review current treatment modalities and discuss future treatment options for managing DME.
Epidemiology and Implications of Ocular Trauma Admitted to a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India
Authors: Singh Kirti ,   Guru Nanak Eye Centre, Delhi, India, Mutreja Ankush ,   Guru Nanak Eye Centre, Delhi, India, Bhattacharyya Mainak ,   Guru Nanak Eye Centre, Delhi, India, Dangda Sonal ,   Guru Nanak Eye Centre, Delhi, India
Published: April 2017

Purpose: To study the aetiology, epidemiological profile of patients presenting with ocular trauma and compare visual outcomes of early versus late presentatiod. Design: Prospective observational study performed over fifteen month interval. Methods: Patients’ epidemiological characteristics were evaluated along with cause of trauma, place of injury, time lag post injury, and postoperative management. Injuries were classified by Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology (BETT). Final visual and anatomical outcome after providing tailored surgical management was evaluated. All patients had a minimum follow up of 6 months. Statistical Analysis: All the data collected was analysed using SPSS version 17.0 software. Results: One hundred and three cases of incident ocular injury were included in the study. Open globe: closed globe injuries were 78:22% respectively with intraocular foreign body present in 9% of cases. Actively working adults younger than 25 years of age were the commonest age group affected (64%). The commonest place of injury was at home (32%) followed by workplace environment (29%). Good outcome (vision of > 6/60 Snellen) could be achieved in 50% cases, of which 53% had purely anterior segment injury and 20% concomitant retinal injury. Good outcome had a direct correlation with early presentation in 57% and poor outcome with late presentation seen in 64% cases. Conclusion: Serious ocular trauma frequently occurs at home with the younger population maximum at risk. Good visual acuity is associated with early intervention and purely anterior segment injuries.
Minería, dinamismo y despojo
Authors: Alvarez Huwiler Laura
Published: April 2017

El acelerado crecimiento del sector minero en Argentina en los últimos 15 años, así como en otros países de la región, estuvo acompañado por una intensa oleada de conflictos sociales. A partir de este contexto nos preguntamos por qué este crecimiento de la minería es particularmente conflictivo. La idea principal que desarrollaremos en este artículo es que, debido a las características específicas que reviste este crecimiento de la actividad, se producen dos procesos íntimamente relacionados: la transformación de la minería en una de las actividades más dinámicas de la economía argentina y un reforzamiento de la violencia de los mecanismos de despojo capitalista sobre las poblaciones de los territorios donde se instalan los proyectos mineros.
Enhancing Diversity in Biomedical Data Science
Authors: Canner Judith E. , McEligot Archana J. , Pérez María-Eglée , Qian Lei , Zhang Xinzhi
Published: April 2017

The gap in educational attainment separating underrepresented minorities from Whites and Asians remains wide. Such a gap has sig­nificant impact on workforce diversity and in­clusion among cross-cutting Biomedical Data Science (BDS) research, which presents great opportunities as well as major challenges for addressing health disparities. This article pro­vides a brief description of the newly estab­lished National Institutes of Health Big Data to Knowledge (BD2K) diversity initiatives at four universities: California State University, Monterey Bay; Fisk University; University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus; and California State University, Fullerton. We em­phasize three main barriers to BDS careers (ie, preparation, exposure, and access to resources) experienced among those pioneer programs and recommendations for possible solutions (ie, early and proactive mentoring, enriched research experience, and data sci­ence curriculum development). The diversity disparities in BDS demonstrate the need for educators, researchers, and funding agencies to support evidence-based practices that will lead to the diversification of the BDS workforce.

Ethn Dis. 2017;27(2):107-116; doi:10.18865/ed.27.2.107.
Good Night, Bat! : Good Morning, Squirrel! by P. Meisel
Authors: Haan Leah Den
Published: April 2017

Meisel, Paul. Good Night, Bat! : Good Morning, Squirrel! Highlights, 2016.Paul Meisel, Geisel Honor award winning author and illustrator, creates a humorous story about friendship and miscommunication. This fictional picture book follows homeless Bat on his journey to finding the perfect new home. Through whimsical mis-read notes the friendship between Bat and Squirrel blossoms.The literary content in this story is invaluable for young readers. Meisel demonstrates the complexities of the English language by playing with simple words and phrases while demanding that readers also read the images. This play on words offers a charming world in which young children can explore and expand upon their vocabulary.Complimenting this hilarious story are illustrations that demand the reader’s attention. At a first glance, the visuals appear gloomy due to the brown, green and grey tones. However, the expressions of Bat and Squirrel, along with the simple but easily misunderstood leaf note’s enable young readers to become enthralled in the world of Bat and Squirrel.Combining the two essential features of playing with language and reading illustrations, Good Night, Bat! Good Morning, Squirrel! is an essential read-aloud story for any early childhood classroom.Highly Recommended: 4 out of 4 starsReviewer: Leah Den HaanLeah Den Haan is a grade one French immersion teacher with Edmonton Public Schools. She has always enjoyed children’s literature and loves sharing her love of reading with her students on a daily basis.
The Mystery Of The Human Person : Mystical Anthropology In Hamzah Fansuri’s Shair
Authors: Laksana Bagus
Published: April 2017

This essay endeavors to look closely at the mystical theological anthropology of Hamzah Fansuri, the first and one of the greatest Sufi writers in the Malay world. Mystical anthropology is arguably the underlying theme of all Fansuri’s poems and he develops this mystical discourse on the theomorphic dignity of every human person, together with the dynamic of return to God, by using some quite original imageries and symbolisms of his own. However, Fansuri’s mystical theological anthropology belongs to the tradition of Ibn al-‘Arabi (the wujudiyyah doctrince), while his works also betray familiarity with and the influence of other great mystics of Islam, such as Attar and Hafez.Keywords : Fansuri, Islamic mysticism, Sufism, anthropology, union with God
Age-Related Diseases as Vicious Cycles
Authors: Belikov Aleksey V.
Published: April 2017

Age-related diseases (ARDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, and contribute to 90% of mortality in developed countries. Interestingly, the mortality rates of individual ARDs increase exponentially with age. Processes described by the exponential growth function typically involve a branching chain reaction or, more generally, a positive feedback loop. Here I propose that each ARD is mediated by one or several positive feedback loops (vicious cycles). I then identify critical vicious cycles in five major ARDs: atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. I also propose that the progression of ARDs can be halted by selectively interrupting the vicious cycles and suggest the most promising targets. An evolutionary perspective is also offered.
Development and Evaluation of a Low Cost Cuffless Systolic Blood Pressure Device
Authors: Güttler Jörg ,   Chair of Building Realization and Robotics, Technische Universität München, Karim Muhammad , Georgoulas Christos , Bock Thomas
Published: April 2017

[abstFig src='/00290002/05.jpg' width='300' text='A cuffless blood pressure device implemented in a chair' ] In this paper, the authors describe the cuffless blood pressure meter prototype, which is targeting at potential long-term automated blood pressure screening. By the proposed cuffless approach, mental stress is reduced, which increases the reliability of measurement. By using a wireless communication medium to transmit data, care staff can store and access readings more easily. The proposed system was developed using low-cost off-the-shelf parts such as Arduino/Wattuino Uno boards and single-board computers. This enables thereby an unobtrusive implementation of such a compact system into furniture, for example. Its intuitive measurement enables care staff to devote more attention to the patient and less to the blood pressure measurement. The proposed system is described in its hard- and software functionality. Furthermore, experimental results confirm the proposed system’s reliability.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Vascular Access Imaging Device Used in Training Recently Graduated Nurses
Authors: Murakami Yutaka ,   Kobe Adventist Hospital, Ohno Yuko , Nishimura Miki , Kido Michiko , Yamada Kenji ,   Osaka University
Published: April 2017

[abstFig src='/00290002/08.jpg' width='300' text='The VAID helps to select proper IV insertion sites' ] Peripheral intravenous (IV) line placement is one of the most invasive and painful procedures performed by nurses. Although it is a common nursing procedure, sufficient and effective skill training is necessary before nurses, especially new nurses, work with patients. Vascular access imaging devices (VAIDs) have been developed and put into use in hospitals. Many studies have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the device in clinical settings such as in neonatal care, pediatric care, emergency care, etc., but the effectiveness of the device in training nurses who have just recently graduated has rarely been reported, especially in Japan. In this paper, we report on a quasi-experimental study that evaluated the effectiveness of the VAID for training recent nursing school graduates to successfully perform IV line placement. Eleven newly registered nurses participated in this study. Their preparations were video recorded for analysis. Students’t-tests were used to compare time and success rates of IV placement with VAID assistance and without it. Furthermore, subjects reported their feelings and the self-evaluation related to VAID use by answering a questionnaire, and their responses were analyzed. The results showed no significant change in the length of time needed nor in the success of peripheral IV line placement when the VAID was used; however, nurses indicated the VAID did help them in deciding where the IV should be inserted. These results suggest that the use of the VAID could be clinically meaningful as an IV training tool and that it could reduce the time needed to select venipuncture sites.
Teaching Tasks to Multiple Small Robots by Classifying and Splitting a Human Example
Authors: Heredia Jorge David Figueroa ,   Department of Precision Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Rubrico Jose Ildefonso U. , Shirafuji Shouhei , Ota Jun ,   Research into Artifacts, Center for Engineering (RACE), The University of Tokyo
Published: April 2017

[abstFig src='/00290002/14.jpg' width='300' text='Two robots performing the task of opening the folding chair lying on the floor' ] In this study, we present a novel framework to address the problem of teaching manipulation tasks performed by a single human to a set of multiple small robots in a short period. First, we focused on classifying the manipulation style used during a human-performed task. An allocator process is proposed to determine the type and number of robots to be taught based on the capabilities of available robots. Then, according to the detected task requirements, robot behaviors are generated to create robot programs by splitting human demonstration data. Small robots were used to evaluate our approach in four defined tasks that were taught by a single human. Experiments demonstrated the efficiency of the method to classify and judge whether the division of a task is necessary or not. Moreover, robot programs were generated for manipulating selected objects either individually or in a cooperative manner.
Assessment of the Quality of Mid-Day Meal Packaged for Nursery School Children in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Authors: Adetoogun Mary Folakemi , Ojedokun Olalekan Elijah
Published: April 2017

This study identified the kind of food and snacks packaged as mid-day meal for nursery school children and determined the magnitude of influence of the children on their parents' choice of school-bound mid-day in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research design and collected relevant information from parents of nursery school children and their classroom teachers. The study observed that there was no synergy of efforts between the parents and teachers of nursery school children in ensuring that food and snacks of good quality were packaged as mid-day meal for Ile-Ife nursery school children, as Rice with Stew was the most prominent mid-day in their launch pack alongside. Biscuits which have less nutritional value and are not balanced diet-wise.
Introducing Food Science
Authors: Balasasirekha R.
Published: April 2017

Introducing Food Science authored by Robert L. Shewfelt, Alicia Orta- Ramirez and Andrew D.Clarke overviews the food issues, basic principles of food science, commercial food products and food labelling, packaging and recent trends in the principles of nutrition. The Section I emphasises on food safety issues, healthiest foods and on the foods we eat. Food safety on issues gives insights on foods in the news, unsafe foods, harmful microbes, hazards when food goes bad from the journalist point of view to the classrooms. Taking care of expiry date, preserving foods by different methods, the preservatives used are also emphasised. Governmental regulations of food safety and quality are also introduced.
Nutrition Transition: A Precursor of Disordered Eating Behaviour among Young Indians
Authors: Gupta Shipra , Kapur Deeksha
Published: April 2017

Rapid nutrition transition that is being witnessed by India has resulted in the emergence of a “new traditional Indian diet” which includes western foods as well as promotes intake of high energy, high fat processed foods and ready-to-eat foods on a regular basis. Consumption of such diets coupled with sedentary habits has led to an increase in the prevalence of obesity among Indians at all ages and in all socioeconomic groups. At the same time, exposure to the Western culture and the media is promoting a drive for thin body ideals which makes the populations resort to restrained or restricted eating and denial of hunger in pursuit of slimness. This seems to be leading to confusion among the individuals, especially the youth, regarding their diet and lifestyle practices, and is causing increased body dissatisfaction, anxiety, depression, lowered self-esteem etc. among them; and these conditions may further act as precursors of disordered eating behaviour and increase malnutrition. An attempt has been made in this paper to draw attention to how nutrition transition in India may result in increased disordered eating behaviour among its young adults.
A Public Health Approach to Hepatitis C in an Urban Setting
Authors: Laraque Fabienne , Varma Jay K.
Published: April 2017

The clinical consequences of HCV infection are increasing because the population with the highest prevalence of the infection, persons born between 1945 and 1965, is aging. As a result, health care expenditures are expected to increase.

Now that a cure for HCV infection is the norm, a public health approach is necessary to identify, link to care, and treat infected persons and prevent new infections. We believe that the success of public health interventions, such as those for tuberculosis, can be translated to HCV infection.

New York City has many HCV-infected residents and has developed a public health approach to controlling the HCV epidemic. It encompasses surveillance and monitoring, case finding, linkage to care, care coordination, increasing clinical provider capacity for screening and treatment, increasing public awareness, and primary prevention.
Medicaid Expansion and ACA Repeal: Evidence From Ohio
Authors: Seiber Eric E. , Berman Micah L.
Published: April 2017

Objectives. To examine the health insurance coverage options for Medicaid expansion enrollees if the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is repealed, using evidence from Ohio, where more than half a million adults have enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program through the ACA expansion.

Methods. The Ohio Medicaid Assessment Survey interviewed 42 000 households in 2015. We report data from a unique battery of questions designed to identify insurance coverage immediately prior to Medicaid enrollment.

Results. Ninety-five percent of new Medicaid enrollees in Ohio did not have a private health insurance option immediately before enrollment. These new enrollees are predominantly older, low-income Whites with a high school education or less. Only 5% of new Medicaid enrollees were eligible for an employer-sponsored insurance plan to which they could potentially return in the case of repeal of the ACA.

Conclusions. The vast majority of Medicaid expansion enrollees would have no plausible pathway to obtaining private-sector insurance if the ACA were repealed. Demographic similarities between the expansion population and 2016 exit polls suggest that coverage losses would fall disproportionately on members of the winning Republican coalition.
Morphology and morphometry of ramification of the aortic arch in domestic shorthair cats in the clinical aspect
Authors: Barszcz Karolina , Klećkowska-Nawrot Joanna , Goździewska-Harłajczuk Karolina , Bełkot Zbigniew , Czubaj Norbert , Sokołowski Wojciech , Dzierzęcka Małgorzata , Jańczak Dawid
Published: April 2017

The aim of the study was to investigate the morphology and morphometry of ramifications of the aortic arch in domestic shorthair cats in relation to the sex of the animals. The morphological study was performed on 61 hearts of adult domestic shorthair cats of both sexes, preserved in the 10% solution of formalin. Measurements of the area of openings of basic branches and distances between them were performed. In cats we can observe a double type of direct ramification of the aortic arch: the brachiocephalic trunk and the left subclavian artery. In all studied cases, the surface area of the ostium of the brachiocephalic trunk (SABT) was greater 4.94 ± 1.35 mm2 than the surface area of the ostium of the left subclavian artery (SALSA) 2.38 ± 0.88 mm2. The average difference between the opening area of the above vessels (r) amounted to 2.56 mm2. In the studied group of cats, the distance between the openings (d) varied between 0.5 and 4.37 mm. In the post hoc comparison of the mean values no statistically significant differences were found between the population of males and females. Fundamental changes in the structure of openings were found in two females. The first one concerned a secondary division of the brachiocephalic trunk opening and the second one – a secondary division of the opening of the left subclavian artery in the area of their parting from the aortic arch. CT angiography or MRI angiography is the method of choice for diagnosis of vascular disorders or malformations. The knowledge of the aortic arch morphology in various species of animals is a prerequisite for a correct assessment of the results of imaging tests.
Sex-sorted sperm in farm animals: scale of use, the effectiveness of insemination, risk factors
Authors: Jaśkowski Bartłomiej M. , Woźna Magdalena , Gehrke Marek
Published: April 2017

The aim of the study was to present the scale of use, risk factors and possibilities, which sorter semen gives in biotechnics used in reproduction of cattle. Modern sorters allow for the evaluation of 6 million X and Y spermatozoa per hour. Sex-sorted semen, which is commercially used, contains 2.1 x 106 of spermatozoa. It is used mostly in AI of milk heifers, mainly in large cattle herds. Sorted semen containing Y spermatozoa is sold less often in the world than the one with X spermatozoa. The percentage of the desired sex of the young is higher than 90. The pregnancy rate after application of sorted semen is about 20–25% lower than after insemination of non-sorted semen and depends on a number of factors. The main factors are: breed of female, service number, the herd of origin, the depth of semen deposition, the bull producing semen, ambient temperature and technical parameters during sperm sorting. A number of methods have been developed to improve conception rate, including timed artificial insemination (TAI) and synchronization of heat and ovulation. Results of donor inseminations with the use of sorter semen are presented, with the lower percentage of embryos suitable for the transfer and embryos of the highest quality highlighted. Previous studies do not indicate a reduction of the conception rate after the transfer of embryos obtained in vitro and in vivo after fertilization using sorted semen. It remains difficult to justify a significant increase in the frequency of stillbirths of bulls after using sorted sperm. Similarly, 16% of stillbirths of bulls were observed after embryo transfer, when donors were inseminated with sorter semen. The percentage of stillbirths of bulls after embryo transfer with the use of conventional semen is 9%. The sorted semen is not often used for inseminations in pigs, sheep and goats.
Factors Associated with Help Seeking Behavior of Turkish Women with Urinary Incontinence; A Single Center Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sönmez Seyhan , Eraydın Ersen , Arıcan Yalçın , Sönmez Ferhan
Published: April 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the patient and UI-related factors affecting help seeking behavior of Turkish women with undiagnosed urinary incontinenceMethods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 490 female patients aged > 18 years old and were seen in general gynecology outpatients’ clinic of Denizli State Hospital. According to referral complaint and results of UDI-6 questionnaire, the participants were classified into 3 groups: Group A: Help seeker patient, Group B: Non help seeker patient and Group C: Continent patient.Results: Overall UI prevelance was 24%. Nearly two thirds ( 67% ) of the UI patients do not complaint about their UI symptoms unless they were asked specifically about UI. Consultation rate increased with age, duration of incontinence, menopause and the severity of UI. After logistic regression analyses, only increasing age, UDI-6 score and severity (SSS) were found to be associated independently with help seeking behavior.Conclusions: This study showed that, older, more bothered and severe UI patients visit physician and seek medical help. Still nearly half of women who are suffering from clinically significant UI remain undiagnosed and untreated. Regardless the visiting reason if its asked specifically for UI symptoms by using simple questionnaires, we can reveal and diagnose this patients’ group that is suffering from UI but yet keeps it disguise .Keywords: Urinary incontinence, help seeking behavior, undiagnosed urinary incontinence
Spatiotemporal distribution of nitrogen and phosphorus in alpine lakes in the Sanjiangyuan Region of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Lu Su-jin , Si Jian-huan , Hou Chuan-ying , Li Yu-si , Wang Meng-meng , Yan Xiao-xia , Xie Meng , Sun Jin-xu , Chen Bai-jie , Li Shu-sen
Published: April 2017

To provide a theoretical basis for alpine source lake protection, ten samples were taken from each lake annually from 2012 to 2015. Each year, the various species of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients were measured. The average contents of nitrate nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total nitrogen in the four lakes are 0.195–0.0 mg/L, 0.038–0.143 mg/L, 0.004–0.168 mg/L, 0.006–0.740 mg/L, and 0.050–0.547 mg/L, respectively. The total phosphorus contents in Eling Lake, Longbao Lake and Sea Star were higher than Class I water quality standards, and the total nitrogen contents in Eling Lake, Sea Star and Zhaling Lake were higher than Class I water quality standards as well. The concentration contour maps of the nitrate nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, total phosphorus and total nitrogen showed that the indicators of the four lakes in the east, the west, and the center of the lake did not have the same trend. From 2012 to 2015, each of the measured nutrients showed a rising trend year by year. The four lakes are polluted by both endogenous and exogenous pollution, and it is necessary to limit the exogenous pollution and protect the alpine lakes immediately.
Caracterização e restrições de forrageiras indicadas para as diferentes espécies de animais de produção – revisão
Authors: AMORIM Diego Sousa , SILVA Alex Lopes , SOUSA Sheila Vilarindo , SOUSA Paulo Henrique Amaral Araújo de , LIMA Barbara Silveira Leandro de , REIS Áquila Laurence Almeida
Published: April 2017

A escolha adequada das forrageiras, sejam elas de Ciclo C3 ou C4, para os diferentes animais de produção é importante, pois algumas forrageiras podem causar danos à saúde do animal quando fornecida inadequadamente para determinada espécie de animal. Nesse sentido, utilizar as novas técnicas de manejo, as quais consideram as alturas de entrada e saída dos animais de cada cultivar forrageiro (não negligenciam variações climáticas e de solo existente nas diferentes regiões do país), são indispensáveis para que se tenha uma produção de pasto e, consequentemente, animal, sustentável e sem comprometer a saúde animal. Este trabalho está dividido entre os principais gêneros de gramíneas de Ciclo C4 e às forrageiras de Ciclo C3 (gramíneas e leguminosas), sendo que seu objetivo é apresentar as características ecofisiológicas e produtivas das forrageiras mais utilizadas para cada espécie de animais para produção, bem como discutir resultados disponíveis sobre a restrição ou danos a saúde animal de forrageira na alimentação. Devem-se usar forrageiras indicada para cada espécie animal, de alta produtividade com manejo adequado. E que não causa prejuízo à saúde do animal.
Evaluation of the in vitro Chemosensitivity and Correlation with Clinical Outcomes in Lung Cancer using the ATP-TCA
Authors: Chen Zhiyao , Zhang Shichao , Ma Sheng , Li Chang , Xu Chun , Shen Yinfang , Zhao Jun , Miao Liyan
Published: April 2017

Background and Objective: Multiple drug resistance (MDR) to chemotherapeutic agents often leads
to a failure to respond to chemotherapy. We utilized an in vitro chemosensitivity test to identify sensitive and
effective chemotherapeutic drugs and further elucidated the correlation between the in vivo chemosensitivity and
clinical outcomes.

Methods:

Here, we evaluated the in vitro chemosensitivity and MDR of 120 lung cancer patients to eight singledrug
chemotherapies and of 291 lung cancer patients to seven chemotherapy regimens using an ATP-based
tumor chemosensitivity assay (ATP-TCA). Additionally, the chemosensitivity profiles of lung adenocarcinoma
patients (284 cases) and lung squamous cell carcinoma patients (90 cases) to these single-drug and chemotherapy
regimens were compared. Furthermore, the correlations between the chemosensitivity and clinical outcomes
were investigated in 16 stage III squamous cell carcinoma patients.

Results and Conclusion:

PTX (51.7%), TXT (43.3%), GEM (12.5%), PTX+DDP (62.5%), TXT+L-OHP
(54.3%) and VP-16+DDP (16.2%) had the highest in vitro chemosensitivity rates. Approximately 31.7% of
patients developed resistance to all eight single-drug chemotherapies, and 25.8% of patients displayed resistance
to all seven chemotherapy regimens. In addition, lung squamous cell carcinoma was significantly more sensitive
to GEM and MTA+DDP than lung adenocarcinoma (P<0.05). Further analysis showed that patients with higher
drug sensitivity tended to have longer disease-free survival (18 months vs. 8.5 months) than patients displaying
drug resistance (P<0.05). These results suggest that the implementation of in vitro drug susceptibility testing
before chemotherapy can effectively prevent the occurrence of primary drug resistance and inappropriate drug
treatment.
Tinjauan kualitas informasi sistem pembelajaran e-learning scele.ui.ac.id (studi kasus: mahasiswa bidang administrasi program vokasi UI)
Authors: Sancoko S.
Published: April 2017

Universitas Indonesia memiliki banyak aplikasi sistem informasi manajamen (SIM). Salah satunya ialah media pembelajaran scele.ui.ac.id. Scele.ui.ac.id banyak digunakan para pengampu matakuliah berbasis IT atau pernah mengikuti pelatihan scele.ui.ac.id ini. Penelitian ini bertujuan menjelaskan tentang kualitas informasi output dari scele.ui.ac.id. Ada 3 aspek yang diuji dalam penelitian ini yaitu: Aspek Bentuk, Aspek Isi dan Aspek waktu. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode analisis deskriptif dengan pendekatan kuantitatif, yaitu penelitian yang menggambarkan atau mendeskripsikan kumpulan data atas hasil pengamatan yang telah dilakukan. Populasi dalam penelitian ini ialah mahasiswa Bidang Administrasi Program Vokasi UI tahun 2014-2016. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa kualitas dari output scele.ui.ac.id berada ditahap berkualitas.Kata kunci: sistem informasi, kualitas informasi QUALITY INFORMATION REVIEW OF SCELE.UI.AC.ID E-LEARNING LEARNING SYSTEM (CASE STUDY: STUDENTS OF VOCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM OF UI) AbstractUniversitas Indonesia has many applications of management information systems(MIS). One of them is the instructional media scele.ui.ac.id. Scele.ui.ac.id is used by many lectures of IT-based courses or they who attended the scele.ui.ac.id training. This study aims to explain the quality of information output from scele.ui.ac.id. Three aspects that were tested in this study are: Form Aspect, Fill Aspect and Time Aspect. The method used in this research is descriptive analysis method with quantitative approach, is research that describes a collection of data on the observations that have been made. The population in this study is students of Administration UI Vocational Program year 2014-2016. Based on these results it can be concluded that the quality output of scele.ui.ac.id is good.Keywords: information systems, quality of information.
Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein F Stimulates Sirtuin-1 Gene Expression and Attenuates Nephropathy Progression in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Lo Chao-Sheng , Shi Yixuan , Chenier Isabelle , Ghosh Anindya , Wu Chin-Han , Cailhier Jean-Francois , Ethier Jean , Lattouf Jean-Baptiste , Filep Janos G. , Ingelfinger Julie R. , Zhang Shao-Ling , Chan John S.D.
Published: April 2017

We investigated the mechanism of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein F (hnRNP F) renoprotective action in a type 2 diabetes (T2D) mouse model (db/db). Immortalized rat renal proximal tubular cells (IRPTCs) and kidneys from humans with T2D were also studied. The db/db mice developed hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and nephropathy at age 20 weeks compared with their db/m littermates. These abnormalities, with the exception of hyperglycemia, were attenuated in db/db hnRNP F–transgenic (Tg) mice specifically overexpressing hnRNP F in their RPTCs. Sirtuin-1, Foxo3α, and catalase expression were significantly decreased in RPTCs from db/db mice and normalized in db/db hnRNP F–Tg mice. In vitro, hnRNP F overexpression stimulated Sirtuin-1 and Foxo3α with downregulation of acetylated p53 expression and prevented downregulation of Sirtuin-1 and Foxo3α expression in IRPTCs by high glucose plus palmitate. Transfection of Sirtuin-1 small interfering RNA prevented hnRNP F stimulation of Foxo3α and downregulation of acetylated p53 expression. hnRNP F stimulated Sirtuin-1 transcription via hnRNP F–responsive element in the Sirtuin-1 promoter. Human T2D kidneys exhibited more RPTC apoptosis and lower expression of hnRNP F, SIRTUIN-1, and FOXO3α than nondiabetic kidneys. Our results demonstrate that hnRNP F protects kidneys against oxidative stress and nephropathy via stimulation of Sirtuin-1 expression and signaling in diabetes.
Glycemic Control During Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Versus Multiple Daily Insulin Injections in Type 2 Diabetes: Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis and Meta-regression of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Pickup John C. , Reznik Yves , Sutton Alex J.
Published: April 2017

OBJECTIVE

To compare glycemic control during continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) in people with type 2 diabetes to identify patient characteristics that determine those best treated by CSII.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Randomized controlled trials were selected comparing HbA1c during CSII versus MDI in people with type 2 diabetes. Data sources included Cochrane database and Ovid Medline. We explored patient-level determinants of final HbA1c level and insulin dose using Bayesian meta-regression models of individual patient data and summary effects using two-step meta-analysis. Hypoglycemia data were unavailable.

RESULTS

Five trials were identified, with 287 patients randomized to receive MDI and 303 to receive CSII. Baseline HbA1c was the best determinant of final HbA1c: HbA1c difference (%) = 1.575 − (0.216 [95% credible interval 0.371–0.043] × baseline HbA1c) for all trials, but with largest effect in the trial with prerandomization optimization of control. Baseline insulin dose was best predictor of final insulin dose: insulin dose difference (units/kg) = 0.1245 − (0.382 [0.510–0.254] × baseline insulin dose). Overall HbA1c difference was −0.40% (−0.86 to 0.05 [−4.4 mmol/mol (−9.4 to 0.6)]). Overall insulin dose was reduced by −0.25 units/kg (−0.31 to −0.19) (26% reduction on CSII), and by −24.0 units/day (−30.6 to −17.5). Mean weight did not differ between treatments (0.08 kg [−0.33 to 0.48]).

CONCLUSIONS

CSII achieves better glycemic control than MDI in people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, with ∼26% reduction in insulin requirements and no weight change. The best effect is in those worst controlled and with the highest insulin dose at baseline.
The impact of regular GP visits on diabetic potentially preventable hospitalisations
Authors: Youens David , Moorin Rachael
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

ObjectivesPotentially preventable hospitalisations (PPHs) place a substantial burden on the Australian health system, with over 212,000 PPHs reported for diabetes alone in 2005/06. Timely and effective primary care may reduce the risk of acute episodes and subsequent hospitalisation among those with chronic diseases. The Medicare Enhanced Primary Care program, introduced to improve the regularity and quality of healthcare provided by GPs to Australians with chronic disease, has been shown to improve regularity of GP access. The aim of our study is to ascertain whether more regular GP access reduces diabetes PPHs.

ApproachWhole of population longitudinal study using linked hospital, mortality, and general practice data. Regularity of GP access was determined through calculating the variance in the number of days between GP visits within a year. Regular GP contact was taken to indicate planned, proactive primary care, and irregular GP contact taken to indicate unplanned, reactive care. Multilevel modelling techniques were used to determine the relationship between regularity of GP access and diabetic PPHs in the population at risk of diabetes. Analyses were performed for the periods prior to and following the introduction of policies aimed at promoting primary care contact.

ResultsThis paper will report results on the relationship between regular, proactive GP contact and diabetes PPHs in the population with and at risk of diabetes. Socio-demographic, geo-spatial and access factors were found to influence the regularity of GP access. Individual factors, in particular disease status, were found to substantially modify the relationship between regularity and PPH outcome. Findings differed between the periods prior to and following the introduction of government policies aimed at promoting proactive primary care in chronic disease.

ConclusionFindings from this study will provide important evidence concerning strategies to reduce PPHs in relation to diabetes, which will be of interest to policy-makers wishing to reduce unnecessary hospitalisations. This work will extend to examine the impact of regularity on PPHs for a number of other chronic conditions considered priorities in Australia.
Implementing privacy-preserving record linkage: welcome to the real world
Authors: Boyd James , Ferrante Anna , Brown Adrian , Randall Sean , Semmens James
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

ObjectivesWhile record linkage has become a strategic research priority within Australia and internationally, legal and administrative issues prevent data linkage in some situations due to privacy concerns. Even current best practices in record linkage carry some privacy risk as they require the release of personally identifying information to trusted third parties. Application of record linkage systems that do not require the release of personal information can overcome legal and privacy issues surrounding data integration. Current conceptual and experimental privacy-preserving record linkage (PPRL) models show promise in addressing data integration challenges but do not yet address all of the requirements for real-world operations. This paper aims to identify and address some of the challenges of operationalising PPRL frameworks.

ApproachTraditional linkage processes involve comparing personally identifying information (name, address, date of birth) on pairs of records to determine whether the records belong to the same person. Designing appropriate linkage strategies is an important part of the process. These are typically based on the analysis of data attributes (metadata) such as data completeness, consistency, constancy and field discriminating power. Under a PPRL model, however, these factors cannot be discerned from the encrypted data, so an alternative approach is required. This paper explores methods for data profiling, blocking, weight/threshold estimation and error detection within a PPRL framework.

ResultsProbabilistic record linkage typically involves the estimation of weights and thresholds to optimise the linkage and ensure highly accurate results. The paper outlines the metadata requirements and automated methods necessary to collect data without compromising privacy. We present work undertaken to develop parameter estimation methods which can help optimise a linkage strategy without the release of personally identifiable information. These are required in all parts of the privacy preserving record linkage process (pre-processing, standardising activities, linkage, grouping and extracting).

ConclusionsPPRL techniques that operate on encrypted data have the potential for large-scale record linkage, performing both accurately and efficiently under experimental conditions. Our research has advanced the current state of PPRL with a framework for secure record linkage that can be implemented to improve and expand linkage service delivery while protecting an individual’s privacy. However, more research is required to supplement this technique with additional elements to ensure the end-to-end method is practical and can be incorporated into real-world models.
Linking the Diagnostic Imaging Dataset (DID) to Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) – improving and understanding the diagnosis of lung cancer
Authors: Kennedy David , Bentley Abigail , Denton Erika , Ohuma Ella , Ormison-Smith Nick , Dixon Sheila
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

ObjectivesTo link the Diagnostic Imaging Dataset (DID) to Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) to explore the association between patient imaging and hospital based care and outcomes for cancer patients in English NHS hospitals. This is the first time this linkage has taken place. The analysis also aims to look at how each patient first presented in HES (A&E, emergency admission, elective care, regular attendance), when and by what route relevant tests were requested and geographic variation in access to imaging

ApproachPatient imaging records from the DID were linked to HES databases containing details of all inpatient, outpatient and A&E admissions at NHS hospitals in England in 2012/13 and 2013/14. Match rank criteria were developed to ensure that patients in HES were accurately linked to patients in DID by NHS number, date of birth and other unique identifiers. We used HES to identify patients with a lung cancer diagnosis and investigate their use of imaging and the temporal nature of tests to evaluate whether patients were following recommended pathways (e.g. having chest x-rays followed by CT scans before their lung cancer diagnosis) and the time between these events. Lung cancer patients were identified by developing an algorithm to search through diagnostic fields for clinical codes within HES databases. Where there was a lung cancer code the record was flagged and subsequently extracted.

ResultsThe combined HES and DID datasets consisted of more than 340 million records. Within this large dataset we identified 49,888 patients with a lung cancer code in one of their HES diagnosis fields to a DID diagnostic image record for inpatient records alone. A high proportion (97%) of records were matched in one of the top 3 rank levels, suggesting the linkage was successful. The results illustrate the relationship between the imaging referral pathway and hospital episodes (e.g. surgical resection, emergency presentation).

ConclusionInvestigating how people engage with imaging services and hospital care will increase our understanding of the pathways associated with lung cancer diagnosis.

The results from this analysis will contribute new knowledge about how lung cancer patients interact with hospitals and imaging services.