bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extreme long‐term voice outcomes after concurrent chemoradiotherapy for advanced non‐laryngeal head and neck cancer: Eight‐year post‐treatment analysis
Authors: Davies‐Husband Cameron , Murphy Jennifer , Kelly Charles , Drinnan Michael , Paleri Vinidh
Published: August 2018

Background

The long‐term effect of concurrent chemoradiation on voice outcomes in the context of non‐laryngeal head and neck cancer is not established.

Methods

A prospective, observational study to evaluate the voice quality in disease‐free patients receiving concurrent chemoradiation for advanced non‐laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract. Voice assessment occurred at four distinct time‐points: pretreatment, 3, 12 and 92.6 months (mean) post‐treatment in 34, 21 and nine patients, respectively. The authors used a combination of subjective (VoiSS questionnaire), expert rater‐assessed (GRBAS scale) and acoustic analysis of the fundamental frequency to assess voice outcomes. Ethical approval was obtained from the United Kingdom National Research Ethics Service.

Results

Both the VoiSS impairment and GRBAS domains continued to deteriorate over time from pre‐treatment to 92.6 months post‐treatment (P = 0.03). There was a strong correlation between increase in total VoiSS and GRBAS scores (r = 0.93). Acoustic analysis demonstrated no statistically significant variation in fundamental frequency.

Conclusion

Radiation therapy for advanced non‐laryngeal head and neck has a significant, deleterious effect on voice, which is apparent up to eight years post‐treatment.
Evaluation of the Paris System in atypical urinary cytology
Authors: Mikou P. , Lenos M. , Papaioannou D. , Vrettou K. , Trigka E‐A. , Sousouris S. , Constantinides C.
Published: August 2018

Objective

Our aim was to evaluate the Paris System for reporting urinary cytology, especially in the field of atypia.

Methods

During the last year, 104 urinary cases had atypical cytology. These cases were reviewed and reclassified by three cytopathologists using the Paris criteria. Cyto‐histological correlation was performed in 47 cases. Additionally, all cytology diagnoses were correlated with double immunocytochemistry for p53 and CK20 result. Interobserver consistency was also evaluated.

Results

Out of 104 atypical cases, 30 were classified as benign, 49 atypical and 25 suspicious for high‐grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC). Diagnostic consistency between the three observers reached 93.27%. Using the new criteria, only 47.1% of the cases remained in the atypical category. The rate of HGUC histology was 14.3%, 26.7% and 96% in the benign, atypical and suspicious for HGUC cytological categories, respectively. Immunocytochemistry positivity was observed in 25.9%, 41.8% and 80% of the cases in the three diagnostic groups.

Conclusions

The Paris System for reporting urinary cytology provides clear, easy to adopt criteria, which lead to diagnostic categories with clinical significance, facilitating patient management decisions.
Nutritional status of rural community‐dwelling older people and changes after following nutritional recommendations
Authors: Spirgienė Lina , Damulevičienė Gytė , Tomkevičiūtė Jūratė , Riklikienė Olga
Published: August 2018

Background

It is crucial that community nurses in remote areas are competent to recognize the risk of malnutrition in older people and be able to help them to improve their nutritional status.

Aim

To examine the factors associated with malnutrition and the impact of nutritional recommendations in rural community‐dwelling older people.

Design

This was a cross‐sectional descriptive study.

Method

The study was conducted in 2014 in a rural primary health care setting in Lithuania with 169 older people. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment tool. Older people who were at risk of malnutrition or were already malnourished (n = 82) received written nutritional recommendations and were reassessed after 6 months.

Results

Nutritional status was normal for 51.5% of participants, 43.2% had risk of malnutrition, and 5.3% had malnutrition. Risk of malnutrition or malnutrition was associated with chronic and intermittent pain, chewing difficulties, swallowing disorders, dental problems, and medication use. The nutritional status of participants at risk of malnutrition or malnourished had improved 6 months later.

Conclusions

Risk of malnutrition or malnutrition was prevalent among rural community‐dwelling older. The study highlighted that positive health outcomes are achievable in undernourished or at risk of malnutrition older people when nutritional recommendations are applied with minimal resources.
Influence of calcium content on the atomic structure and phase formation of alkali‐activated cement binder
Authors: Si Ruizhe , Guo Shuaicheng , Dai Qingli
Published: August 2018

The effects of calcium on the atomic structure of alkali‐activated binder materials were investigated. The alkali‐activated binder samples with varied Ca/Si ratios were first statically examined with both the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and total scattering function analysis. The added calcium can reorder the atomic structure of the alkali‐activated materials and enhance its crystallization based on the X‐ray pair distribution function (PDF) and XRD analysis. In situ PDF experiments were undertaken to examine the evolution of the atomic structure of calcium‐contained geopolymer. The increase in calcium content accelerated the dissolution of precursor and the formation of the binder. It was shown that the additional Ca(OH)2 could serve as nucleation sites for the precipitation of sodium aluminosilicate hydrate gel to accelerate the reaction. PDF analysis and XRD characterization enable the examination of the phase development of alkali‐activated materials at the atomic scale.
Structural dependence of chemical durability in modified aluminoborate glasses
Authors: Mascaraque Nerea , Januchta Kacper , Frederiksen Kristine F. , Youngman Randall E. , Bauchy Mathieu , Smedskjaer Morten M.
Published: August 2018

Alkali and alkaline earth aluminoborate glasses feature high resistance to cracking under sharp contact loading compared to other oxide glasses. However, due to the high content of hygroscopic B2O3, it is expected that applications of these glasses could be hindered by poor chemical durability in aqueous solutions. Indeed, the compositional and structural dependence of their dissolution kinetics remains unexplored. In this work, we correlate the dissolution rates of aluminoborate glasses in acidic, neutral, and basic solutions with the structural changes induced by varying the aluminum‐to‐boron ratio. In detail, we investigate a total of seventeen magnesium, lithium, and sodium aluminoborate glasses with fixed modifier content of 25 mol%. We show that the structural changes induced by alumina depend on the network modifier. We also demonstrate a correlation between the chemical durability at various pH values and the structural changes in Mg‐, Li‐ and Na‐aluminoborate glasses. The substitution of alumina by boron oxide leads to a general decrease in chemical corrosion in neutral and acidic solutions. The lowest dissolution rate value is observed in Mg‐aluminoborate glasses, as a consequence of the intermediate character of magnesium which can increase the network cross‐linking. For basic solutions, the chemical durability is almost constant for the different amount of alumina in the three series, likely because B2O3 is susceptible to nucleophilic attack, which is favored in high‐OH− solutions.
Aristotelian Appeals and the Role of Candidate‐Generated Videos in Talent Assessment
Authors: Huber Amy , Pable Jill
Published: August 2018

Videos made by job candidates can be an effective means of promoting their qualifications, thus potentially helping them secure a job. However, little past research has focused on the impact of such videos on reviewers’ appraisals of a prospective candidate. Using Aristotle's means of persuasion as a methodological framework, this study first identified the most sought after candidate attributes identified by hiring firms, then explored the degree to which firm representatives felt two candidate‐generated videos demonstrated these attributes. Findings suggest reviewers deemed the attributes characterised by pathos (emotional connections) as most important and found this quality to be most evident in the videos. As such, videos may provide the means to inject pathos into a job candidate's self‐promotional materials not possible in more traditional application packages. However, while such videos offer advantages over traditional candidate collateral, their potency can elicit strong and sometimes unintended reactions.
Effects of phylogeny and geography on ecomorphological traits in passerine bird clades
Authors: Phillips Anna G. , Töpfer Till , Rahbek Carsten , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin , Fritz Susanne A.
Published: August 2018

Aim

To compare phylogenetic effects with geographic effects across multiple clades of passerine birds to understand the roles of evolutionary history and geographic patterns on the ecomorphological characteristics of species.

Location

Global.

Methods

We combine phylogenetic and geographic approaches to investigate and compare their effects on patterns of ecomorphological distinctness, i.e. the relative position of species in multidimensional ecomorphological trait space. The trait space was based on measurements from preserved specimens, representing ecologically relevant morphological adaptations across almost 500 species in eight clades of the order Passeriformes.

Results

Ecomorphological distinctness increased with phylogenetic distance across species in all clades, whereas there was no significant relationship between geographic and ecomorphological distinctness in any clade. However, we observed a significant interaction between phylogenetic and geographic effects on ecomorphological distinctness. Closely related species were ecomorphologically indistinct if in geographic proximity, while at large geographic distances, there was no relationship between phylogenetic and ecomorphological distinctness.

Main conclusions

We conclude that phylogenetic relationships are influential in shaping ecomorphological traits in passerine bird clades, but that this effect depends on the geographic distributions of species. Closely related species were only ecomorphologically similar when geographically close, suggesting a signal of allopatric speciation. Our results imply that studies identifying phylogenetic effects in species’ traits should not focus exclusively on these but instead evaluate the interaction of phylogenetic effects with geographic effects.
Getting personal on overdiagnosis: On defining overdiagnosis from the perspective of the individual person
Authors: Hofmann Bjørn
Published: August 2018

How can overdiagnosis be defined, explained, and estimated on an individual level? The answers to this question are essential for persons to be able to make informed choices and give valid consents for tests. Traditional conceptions of overdiagnosis tend to depend on counterfactual thinking and prophetic abilities as you would have to know what would happen in the future if you did not test now. To avoid this, overdiagnosis can be defined in terms of the chance of diagnosing a person with a disease when this does not avoid or reduce manifest disease. To be able to relate this to 1's own life and deliberation, I argue that we need answers to specific questions such as the following: If I am tested, and the test and subsequent test results are positive, but I am not treated, what is the chance that I would not experience and suffer from manifest disease? A definition of overdiagnosis that aims at providing answers to this question is as follows: Prospectively overdiagnosis (of an individual person) is given by the estimated chance that a person having a positive test result would not experience and suffer from manifest disease if not treated or followed up in any way. Getting personal on overdiagnosis directs the attention of overdiagnosis estimates towards what matters in medicine: the experience of individual persons.
The evolution of GRADE (part 3): A framework built on science or faith?
Authors: Mercuri Mathew , Gafni Amiram
Published: August 2018

Rationale, Aims, and Objectives

The Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework has undergone several modifications since it was first presented as a method for developing clinical practice recommendations. In the previous two articles of this series, we showed that absent, in the first three versions of GRADE, is a justification (theoretical and/or empirical) for why the presented criteria for determining the quality of evidence and the components for determining the strength of a recommendation were included (and others not included) in the framework. Furthermore, it was often not clear how to operationalize and integrate the criteria/components when using the framework. In part 3 of this series, we examine the literature since version 3 to see if the GRADE working group has provided an overall justification scheme for GRADE or clear instruction on how to operationalize and integrate the criteria/components in the framework.

Methods

Narrative review.

Results

GRADE has undergone further modification since the last version was presented. In the recent literature, we see additional shifts in terminology (eg, “quality of evidence” is now “certainty of evidence”), clarification on the construct of certainty of evidence, continued emphasis on “transparency” and new emphasis on “trustworthiness,” the addition of health equity as a component for determining strength of a recommendation, and the development of the Evidence to Decision frameworks. However, these modifications have done little to improve the justification scheme that sustains GRADE or clarify how to operationalize the criteria/components.

Conclusions

If we desire that our clinical recommendations be based on scientific teaching rather than faith‐based preaching, then the GRADE framework should be justified theoretically and/or empirically. Until such time that the working group provides a theoretical justification that the use of the GRADE framework should produce valid recommendations, and/or empirical evidence to support that it does, enthusiasm for the framework should be tempered.
Characterization of Shiga‐toxin producing Escherichia coli isolated from meat products sold in San Luis, Argentina
Authors: Salinas Ibáñez Ángel Gabriel , Lucero Estrada Cecilia , Favier Gabriela Isabel , Vega Alba Edith , Stagnitta Patricia Virginia , Mattar María Aída , Zolezzi Gisela , Carbonari Carolina , Miliwebsky Elizabeth , Cortiñas Teresa Inés , Escudero María Esther
Published: August 2018

Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in meat products was studied by four procedures which combined enrichment, immunomagnetic separation (IMS), plating, and a stx screening polymerase chain reaction. A total of 167 samples (57 ground beef, 58 fresh sausages, and 52 precooked sausages) were collected from retail markets in San Luis, Argentina. The number of stx‐positive samples represented 11.4% of the total (19/167) distributed as follows: seven for raw ground beef (12.3%), six for precooked sausages (11.5%), and six for fresh sausages (10.3%). The stx‐positive sample rate increased when IMS was included in detection protocols. The stx2 gene (16/19) was more frequently detected than stx1 (4/19). The eae, rfbEO157, and fliCh7 genes were also investigated in stx‐positive samples. Three non‐O157 STEC strains were isolated from one precooked sausage and one fresh sausage (1.2%, 2/167). Their potential pathogenicity, antimicrobial susceptibility, and genetic diversity were determined. This study highlights meat products as possible vehicles for transmission of STEC in this Argentine region.

Practical applications

Meat products intended for human consumption can be vehicles for the transmission of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in this region. STEC strains isolated from sausages in this work represent a hazard for consumers. Further research to continue the STEC surveillance in meat products from this region in Argentina and to improve the STEC detection procedures in these foods and other possible transmission vehicles of this pathogen is required. Additionally, livestock control programs as well as good practices for slaughtering, processing, and manufacturing plants should be implemented to reduce STEC spreading in the food chain. Adequate cooking of ground beef and fresh and precooked sausages is recommended to consumers.
Opioid abuse/dependence among those hospitalized due to periapical abscess
Authors: Shroff Deepti , Nalliah Romesh P. , Allareddy Veerajalandhar , Chandrasekaran Sangeetha , Stein Kyle , Rampa Sankeerth , Allareddy Veerasathpurush
Published: August 2018

Aim

Opioid abuse/dependence (OAD) is an emerging public health crisis in the USA. The aim of the present study was to estimate the nationwide prevalence of OAD in those hospitalized due to periapical abscess in the USA.

Methods

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample for 2012‐2014 was used. All patients who were hospitalized due to periapical abscess were selected for analysis. In this cohort, OAD was identified and used as the outcome variable. A mix of patient and geographic factors were used as independent variables. The simultaneous association between outcome and independent variables was examined by a multivariable logistic regression model. Clustering of outcomes within hospitals was adjusted. Odds of OAD were computed for all independent variables.

Results

During the study period, 30 040 patients were hospitalized due to periapical abscess; 1.5% of these had OAD. Those aged 18‐29 years (odds ratio [OR] = 3.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.76‐7.72, P < 0.01) and 30‐44 years (OR = 3.19, 95% CI = 1.77‐5.76, P < 0.01) were associated with higher odds for OAD compared to those aged 45‐64 years. Blacks were associated with lower odds for OAD compared to whites (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.28‐0.95, P = 0.03). Those covered by Medicare (OR = 4.08, 95% CI = 1.458‐11.44, P = 0.01), Medicaid (OR = 5.86, 95% CI = 2.22‐15.47, P < 0.01), and those who were uninsured (OR = 3.68, 95% CI = 1.30‐10.45, P = 0.01) were associated with higher odds for OAD compared to those covered by private insurance. The odds of OAD increased with comorbid burden (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.50‐1.84, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

High‐risk groups that are likely to have OAD were identified among those hospitalized due to periapical abscess.
Mother–Adolescent Conflict Interaction Sequences: The Role of Maternal Internalizing Problems
Authors: Van Bommel Debbie M. H. , Van der Giessen Daniëlle , Van der Graaff Jolien , Meeus Wim H. J. , Branje Susan J. T.
Published: August 2018

Adaptive mother–adolescent conflict interactions are characterized by the ability to move from negative to positive emotions. The current micro‐observational study investigated how mothers and adolescents make transitions between positive, neutral and negative emotions and whether these transitions depend on maternal internalizing problems. We used three annual waves of conflict interaction observations among 102 mother–adolescent dyads. Mothers were more likely than adolescents to initiate positivity after negativity whereas adolescents were more likely than mothers to reciprocate negativity. Mothers high and low in internalizing problems were equally likely to drive transitions toward positivity. Our study indicates that an active role of mothers in regulating negativity toward positivity is desirable because adolescents are likely to maintain dysfunctional interaction patterns of rigid negativity.
Biological control of Pratylenchus brachyurus in soya bean crops
Authors: Dias‐Arieira Cláudia R. , de Araújo Fernando Godinho , Kaneko Lécio , Santiago Débora Cristina
Published: August 2018

The aim of the current study was to assess the activity of Purpureocillium lilacinum and Trichoderma harzianum fungi, either alone or in combination, and the use of a bioactivator to control Pratylenchus brachyurus in soya bean crops. Thus, two experiments were conducted in a greenhouse, and two were conducted in naturally infested fields. Both fungi were efficient in controlling the nematode when they were applied alone, whereas the combination of the two did not improve nematode control. However, the addition of a bioactivator (moss) to the combination of fungi (P. lilacinum + T. harzianum + moss) generally promoted better control of the nematode in the greenhouse, with a reduction in the total abundance of the nematode ranging from 57.1% to 73.75%, and under field conditions, with a reduction ranging from 55.5% to 72.0%. The same treatment increased yield in both field experiments, but the treatment with T. harzianum promoted greater gains in productivity, varying from 11.79% to 20.85%.
Protecting protein against ruminal degradation could contribute to reduced methane production
Authors: Haro Andres N. , Carro Maria Dolores , de Evan Trinidad , González Javier
Published: August 2018

Ruminants have a low efficiency of nitrogen (N) utilization that has negative implications for animal production and the environment, but reducing the ruminal degradation of protein can help to reduce N losses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of sunflower meal (SM) and sunflower seed (SS) protected against ruminal degradation in high‐cereal diets on in vitro ruminal fermentation and CH4 production. Samples of SS and SM were sprayed with a solution of malic acid 1 M (400 ml/kg sample) and dried at 150°C for 1 hr as a protective treatment. Four diets were formulated to contain either 13 (low) or 17 (high) g of crude protein (CP)/100 g dry matter (DM), and included SM and SS either untreated (13CON and 17CON diets) or treated as before described (13TR and 17TR diets). Diets were incubated in vitro with rumen fluid from sheep for 8 and 24 hr. The treatment did not affect (p ≥ 0.57) total volatile fatty acid (VFA) production at any incubation time, but it reduced (p < 0.05) NH3‐N concentrations by 19.2 and 12.5% at 8 and 24 hr respectively. Both CH4 production and CH4/VFA ratio were lower (p < 0.02) in TR than in CON diets at 8 hr, but differences disappeared (p > 0.05) at 24 hr. The treatment increased the molar proportion of propionate (p = 0.001) and reduced that of isovalerate (p = 0.03) at 8 hr compared with CON diets, but only a reduction of isovalerate proportion (p = 0.03) was detected at 24 hr. There were no treatment x crude protein level interactions (p > 0.05) in any parameter, but high‐protein diets had greater NH3‐N concentrations (p < 0.001) and lower VFA production (p < 0.001) than low‐protein diets at 24 hr. The treatment reduced protein degradation, and CH4 production was decreased by 4.6 and 10.8% for low‐ and high‐protein diets, respectively, at short incubation times without affecting VFA production, thus improving fermentation efficiency and decreasing polluting emissions.
It's a Total Way of Life? Catholic Priests, Women's Ordination, and Identity Work
Authors: Harvey Peter Francis
Published: August 2018

Research has shown Catholic priests to be polarized on a few issues, including women's ordination. Explanations have been offered for why priests are initially polarized—particularly the influence of ordination cohort—but not for how attitudes are maintained over time. Using 31 in‐depth interviews with Catholic priests in the United Kingdom, I find that priests are indeed polarized into groups I call “Total Identity Priests” and “Plural Identity Priests.” Taking the example of women's ordination, I show that these two groups of priests maintain their anti‐ or pro‐women's ordination attitudes (respectively) via patterned, everyday identity work, in which they mobilize available cultural schemata. I highlight four areas in which their identity work differs: explicit identity talk, narratives of calling, clericalism and titles, and clothing. This identity work serves to summarize, communicate, and reinforce their personal identities, which in turn reinforce their existing attitudes towards women's ordination.
Troubles with Bayesianism: An introduction to the psychological immune system
Authors: Mandelbaum Eric
Published: August 2018

A Bayesian mind is, at its core, a rational mind. Bayesianism is thus well‐suited to predict and explain mental processes that best exemplify our ability to be rational. However, evidence from belief acquisition and change appears to show that we do not acquire and update information in a Bayesian way. Instead, the principles of belief acquisition and updating seem grounded in maintaining a psychological immune system rather than in approximating a Bayesian processor.
Differential requirements for conserved peptidoglycan remodeling enzymes during Clostridioides difficile spore formation
Authors: Ribis John W. , Fimlaid Kelly A. , Shen Aimee
Published: August 2018

Spore formation is essential for the bacterial pathogen and obligate anaerobe, Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile, to transmit disease. Completion of this process depends on the mother cell engulfing the developing forespore, but little is known about how engulfment occurs in C. difficile. In Bacillus subtilis, engulfment is mediated by a peptidoglycan degradation complex consisting of SpoIID, SpoIIP and SpoIIM, which are all individually required for spore formation. Using genetic analyses, we determined the functions of these engulfment‐related proteins along with the putative endopeptidase, SpoIIQ, during C. difficile sporulation. While SpoIID, SpoIIP and SpoIIQ were critical for engulfment, loss of SpoIIM minimally impacted C. difficile spore formation. Interestingly, a small percentage of ∆spoIID and ∆spoIIQ cells generated heat‐resistant spores through the actions of SpoIIQ and SpoIID, respectively. Loss of SpoIID and SpoIIQ also led to unique morphological phenotypes: asymmetric engulfment and forespore distortions, respectively. Catalytic mutant complementation analyses revealed that these phenotypes depend on the enzymatic activities of SpoIIP and SpoIID, respectively. Lastly, engulfment mutants mislocalized polymerized coat even though the basement layer coat proteins, SpoIVA and SipL, remained associated with the forespore. Collectively, these findings advance our understanding of several stages during infectious C. difficile spore assembly.
Localized crystal‐storing histiocytosis of the posterior fossa
Authors: Flanagan Margaret E. , Keene Christopher Dirk , Louis David N. , Juric‐Sekhar Gordana
Published: August 2018

Crystal‐storing histiocytosis (CSH) is an uncommon histiocytic proliferation reported to involve diverse organs and tissues, but involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) is rare. In most cases CSH is identified in association with underlying lymphoproliferative, plasma cell diseases or rarely with various inflammatory or infectious conditions. CSH is characterized by the cytoplasmic accumulation of crystalline material in histiocytes, most commonly of kappa immunoglobulin light chain. We report a unique case of localized CSH involving the left cerebellum and caudal brain stem in a young man with a history of gout but without known lymphoproliferative or plasma cell disorders. Awareness of this entity is important diagnostically, but also to ensure appropriate management and follow‐up, particularly in the absence of apparent underlying malignancy.
Testing Part of a DSGE Model by Indirect Inference
Authors: Minford Patrick , Wickens Michael , Xu Yongdeng
Published: August 2018

We propose a way of testing a subset of equations of a DSGE model. The test draws on statistical inference for limited information models and the use of indirect inference to test DSGE models. Using the numerical small sample distribution of our test for two subsets of equations of the Smets–Wouters model we show that the test has accurate size and good power in small samples, and better power than using asymptotic distribution theory. In a test of the Smets–Wouters model on US Great Moderation data, we reject the specification of the wage‐price but not the expenditure sector. This points to the wage‐price sector as the source of overall model rejection.
Pharmacologic therapy to induce weight loss in women who have obesity/overweight with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang F.‐F. , Wu Y. , Zhu Y.‐H. , Ding T. , Batterham R. L. , Qu F. , Hardiman P. J.
Published: August 2018

Background

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are almost three times more likely to be obese than those without PCOS. However, we have no specific interventions to induce weight loss so far and rely on drugs used to treat other symptoms of the syndrome or obesity in the general population.

Objective

The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of metformin, inositol, liraglutide and orlistat to induce weight loss in women with PCOS and overweight/obesity.

Methods

A search was conducted using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed and CENTRAL databases. Individually randomized, parallel group trials that evaluated the effects of these pharmacological treatments among adults or adolescents with PCOS and overweight/obesity, compared with a placebo or metformin group, were considered eligible. Registration number: PROSPERO CRD 42017076625.

Results

Twenty‐three trials reporting on 941 women were included in the network meta‐analysis. The amount of weight lost differed significantly among the drugs (in descending order): liraglutide, orlistat and metformin. Liraglutide alone, liraglutide/metformin and metformin alone significantly reduced waist circumference, but no change was found with orlistat. Data for waist‐to‐hip ratio were only available for metformin, which had no significant effect.

Conclusion

Liraglutide appears superior to the other drugs in reducing weight and waist circumference.
DNA and mRNA vaccination against allergies
Authors: Scheiblhofer Sandra , Thalhamer Josef , Weiss Richard
Published: August 2018

Allergen‐specific immunotherapy, which is performed by subcutaneous injection or sublingual application of allergen extracts, represents an effective treatment against type I allergic diseases. However, due to the long duration and adverse reactions, only a minority of patients decides to undergo this treatment. Alternatively, early prophylactic intervention in young children has been proposed to stop the increase in patient numbers. Plasmid DNA and mRNA vaccines encoding allergens have been shown to induce T helper 1 as well as T regulatory responses, which modulate or counteract allergic T helper 2–biased reactions. With regard to prophylactic immunization, additional safety measurements are required. In contrast to crude extracts, genetic vaccines provide the allergen at high purity. Moreover, by targeting the encoded allergen to subcellular compartments for degradation, release of native allergen can be avoided. Due to inherent safety features, mRNA vaccines could be the candidates of choice for preventive allergy immunizations. The subtle priming of T helper 1 immunity induced by this vaccine type closely resembles responses of non‐allergic individuals and—by boosting via natural allergen exposure—could suffice for long‐term protection from type I allergy.
A root‐associated purple acid phosphatase, SgPAP23, mediates extracellular phytate‐P utilization in Stylosanthes guianensis
Authors: Liu Pandao , Cai Zefei , Chen Zhijian , Mo Xiaohui , Ding Xipeng , Liang Cuiyue , Liu Guodao , Tian Jiang
Published: August 2018

As a major fraction of soil organic phosphorus (P), phytate‐P is unavailable to plants unless hydrolysed by phytase. However, it remains fragmentary that natural variation in root‐associated phytase activity and its underlying molecular mechanisms in plants. In this study, variations in root‐associated phytase activity were observed among 39 stylo genotypes. Subsequently, a root‐associated purple acid phosphatase (PAP) with phytase activity, SgPAP23, was found to be a primary contributor to the superior extracellular phytate‐P utilization in stylo.
S100 calcium‐binding protein A12 as a diagnostic index for subclinical mastitis in cows
Authors: Zhong Kai , Zhang Cheng‐yu , Zha Guang‐ming , Wang Xin‐jian , Jiao Xian‐qin , Zhu He‐shui , Wang Yue‐ying
Published: August 2018

Contents

Diagnosis of subclinical mastitis is very important in management of the dairy industry and improvement of dairy cow productivity. S100A12, that is found in related tissues of mammals, is considered as an index for diagnosing inflammatory reaction. To evaluate whether S100A12 is involved in subclinical mastitis, milk somatic cell mRNA from 276 dairy cows was used to detect the transcriptional level of S100A12 by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. A predictive analysis for mastitis was performed, and the correlation between S100A12 and other subclinical mastitis indicators was also assessed. The transcriptional levels of S100A12 in the milk of cows with mastitis were significantly higher than those in the milk of healthy cows (p < 0.05). The correlation analysis showed that S100A12 was positively associated with the somatic cell count and the sodium and chloride concentrations of milk. In contrast, a negative correlation was found between S100A12 and the potassium concentration and pH of milk. However, no significant correlation was detected between S100A12 and the other parameters, such as protein, lactose, ash, fat, density, Ca2+ and SNF. These results suggested that the S100A12 level in milk may serve as a diagnostic tool for subclinical mastitis in cows without obvious clinical signs.
Canine and feline cutaneous screw‐worm myiasis in Malaysia: clinical aspects in 76 cases
Authors: Han Hock Siew , Toh Peik Yean , Yoong Hock Binn , Loh Hooi Meng , Tan Lee Lee , Ng Yin Yin
Published: August 2018

Background

Cutaneous screw‐worm myiasis in companion animals either due to the New World screw‐worm, Cochliomyia hominivorax or the Old World screw‐worm, Chrysomya bezziana, has been reported particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Although treatment of screw‐worm myiasis in dogs has been described, few studies have been conducted regarding its clinical and epidemiological aspects in companion animals.

Objectives

To describe clinical and epidemiological aspects of canine and feline screw‐worm myiasis.

Animals

Naturally infested dogs and cats, presented to five veterinary clinics in four Malaysian states from September 2017 to February 2018.

Methods and materials

Cutaneous screw‐worm myiasis was diagnosed based on clinical signs and visual examination of burrowing larvae within lesion. Age, breed, gender, anatomical site of infestation and suspected underlying predisposing causes were investigated.

Results

A total of 55 dogs and 21 cats were included in the study. Intact male mixed breed dogs (mean age 58 months) and intact male domestic short hair cats (mean age 24 months) with suspected fight‐related wounds were most commonly presented with exudative and ulcerative lesions associated with screw‐worm myiasis. The most common anatomical sites of infestation in the dogs were the external ear canals, followed by the perineum and medial canthus. For the cats, the most commonly affected areas were paws and tail. Five cats with screw‐worm myiasis were concurrently infected with sporotrichosis.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Aggression between unneutered animals is a likely underlying cause for cutaneous screw‐worm myiasis in both cats and dogs. Sporotrichosis was also a potential predisposing cause for screw‐worm myiasis in cats.
Impact of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge Based Education Applications on Prospective Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Belief Levels Toward Science Education
Authors: Sensoy Onder , Yildirim Halil Ibrahim
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of technological pedagogical content knowledge-based education applications on prospective teachers’ self-efficacy belief levels toward science education. The study was conducted on the 3rd year prospective science teachers of a public university and continued for 14 weeks. In the study, quasi -experimental method, pretest-posttest experimental design with a control group. The research was performed in the Instructional Technologies and Material Design courses during the education year of 2015-2016. In the research, one of the classes of the 3rd years was determined as a control and another one as an experimental group. There were 65 students (control=33, experiment=32) in the study group. As the instrument of data collection, the self-efficacy belief levels toward science education scale was used and the scale was applied as pretest, posttest and follow-up test. Cronbach Alpha (a) consistency coefficient of the scale is 0.82. To the students in the experimental group, the education applications based on Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge were introduced by the researcher; the courses were made with these applications and they were requested to use these applications that they learned in the materials that they were making. As for the control group, the courses were made with the current curriculum. The research results show that the self-efficacy belief levels of prospective science teachers toward science education design is higher in the experimental group than the students in the control group.
Encuentros y desencuentros de saberes y experticias en el patrimonio cultural inmueble. Reflexiones del contexto colombiano
Authors: Rodríguez Echeverry Natalie
Published: August 2018

El artículo surge a partir de una reflexión sobre la relación entre patrimonio cultural inmueble y comunidades locales, y se dirige a reflexionar otras formas de acercamiento en torno al patrimonio cultural material desde una perspectiva incluyente y participativa, que responda a las características y condiciones de las poblaciones locales y su territorio; meditación que gira en torno al caso específico del contexto colombiano. Así, este se centra en aquella concepción del patrimonio que alude a un discurso hegemónico, desde el cual se han identificado, impuesto e inducido desde “afuera” los bienes culturales inmuebles, lo que no siempre resulta de un ejercicio reflexivo ni se fundamenta en el diálogo con las comunidades, en lo concerniente al significado y lo que este representa localmente. Desde este discurso se plantea que el patrimonio termina por desligarse de las relaciones con los territorios de implantación de los bienes inmuebles, y esta descontextualización se evidencia en las prácticas asociadas a los bienes, las que terminan por generar un patrimonio no apropiado, interiorizado ni afianzado y, en muchos casos, deriva en su invisibilización, destrucción y desaparición.
El itinerario cultural del ferrocarril de Antioquia como escenario de creaciones y representaciones: una apuesta a su activación
Authors: Jaramillo Germán
Published: August 2018

La idea del ferrocarril de Antioquia como sistema estructurante del territorio y en particular como categoría patrimonial de itinerario cultural, nos plantea una lectura que va más allá de un simple listado de bienes muebles e inmuebles de interés cultural dispersos en una geografía y que en las últimas décadas han estado sometidos a su abandono y obsolescencia, con cambios significativos en las dinámicas de asentamiento, intercambio multidimensional y permanencia de sus comunidades aledañas. Un nuevo escenario de creaciones y representaciones que se construye desde la memoria y los imaginarios sociales ha permitido revelar claves de identidad que, en la categoría de itinerario cultural, se constituyen, como lo plantea el Icomos (2008), en valores de conjunto compartidos, y por tanto, en potencial emergente de gestión para su puesta en valor como recurso patrimonial desde la perspectiva del desarrollo a escala humana. Este trabajo permite develar aquellas versiones de identidad que se han construido en los ámbitos local y cotidiano de las comunidades ferroviarias y que trascienden el discurso oficial, con lo que el espectro de valoración se amplía al escenario intangible de las apropiaciones y significaciones, en la construcción de nuevos relatos, y por ende, de nuevos caminos hacia la activación y gestión participativa del itinerario ferroviario.
La tecnología en la arquitectura El caso de la arquitectura neogranadina: estado de la cuestión
Authors: Carvajal Jaramillo Henry Hernán
Published: August 2018

Partiendo de la premisa de que el verdadero patrimonio es el conocimiento que de este se pueda transmitir a las futuras generaciones, y con el fin de aportar al conocimiento de la tecnología arquitectónica en las edificaciones patrimoniales, se ha emprendido una investigación sobre este tema. En este artículo se presenta la primera fase de esta investigación en la que se realizó una revisión y análisis de 189 títulos, entre publicaciones e investigaciones sobre la arquitectura patrimonial colonial, más precisamente del periodo neogranadino en Colombia. Se demuestra el poco interés que este aspecto de la arquitectura ha generado y la visión que de este tienen los autores e investigadores.  Se inicia con una relación del conocimiento difundido hasta la actualidad y se identifica el nivel de desarrollo en cada uno de los aspectos tecnológicos. A partir de lo anterior, se patentiza la urgencia que hoy tiene la investigación de la tecnología arquitectónica como medida para la intervención responsable del patrimonio y su conservación en caso de pérdida material de este.
Tendencias del consumo de agua en la producción de bioetanol en Colombia
Authors: Ibarra Vega Danny , Redondo Johan Manuel , Olivar Gerard
Published: August 2018

En este artículo se presenta un modelo matemático y la evaluación de distintos escenarios de la estimación de la tendencia del consumo de agua en el proceso productivo del bioetanol en Colombia. El modelo fue establecido con la metodología de dinámica de sistemas, la cual permitió representar las principales variables de la cadena de producción de bioetanol y la vinculación del consumo de agua por hectárea y por litro de bioetanol producido. La información para la construcción, validación y calibración del modelo fue obtenida de la Federación Nacional de Biocombustibles. Se evaluaron estrategias técnicas para el ahorro de consumo de agua, y se evidenció que sin estas el consumo de agua seguirá en aumento, debido al incremento de producción en Colombia.
Crianza parental, sucesos de vida y consumo de drogas en adolescentes escolarizados
Authors: Alonso Castillo María Magdalena , Guzmán Ramírez Verónica , Armendáriz García Nora Angélica , Alonso Castillo Bertha Alicia , Alarcón Luna Nohemí Selene
Published: August 2018

El consumo de drogas en los adolescentes es multifactorial, aunque existen factores clave para el desarrollo de esta conducta relacionados con la familia y experiencias de vida. Objetivo: identificar la relación existente entre la percepción de la crianza parental y los sucesos de vida con el consumo de sustancias lícitas e ilícitas en adolescentes. Metodología: el diseño fue descriptivo correlacional, con muestreo probabilístico por conglomerados unietápico. Se obtuvo una muestra de 371 estudiantes de preparatoria de un municipio del estado de Nuevo León, México, donde se consideró un intervalo de conanza del 95%, una potencia de prueba del 90%, un efecto de diseño de 1,5 y una tasa de no respuesta del 10%. Para recolectar la información se utilizó una cédula de datos sociodemográficos y de prevalencia de consumo de drogas y la Escala de Estilos Parentales Percibidos (mis memorias de crianza, sucesos de vida) y la Prueba de Identificación de los Trastornos por Uso de Alcohol. La confiabilidad de los instrumentos fue aceptable. Resultados: la crianza parental se relacionó negativa y significativamente con el consumo de alcohol, marihuana y sustancias inhalables. Los sucesos de vida se relacionaron positiva y significativamente con el consumo de alcohol, marihuana, cocaína y sustancias inhalables. Los sucesos de vida expresan el 14% de la varianza explicada para el consumo de alcohol. Conclusiones: a menor crianza parental, mayor es el consumo de alcohol, marihuana e inhalables; y los sucesos de vida influyen en el consumo de alcohol, marihuana, cocaína y sustancias inhalables.
Grado de implementación del proceso de seguridad en el paciente en IPS odontológicas públicas y privadas en Santa Marta
Authors: Vila-Sierra Luis Armando , Salcedo-Salgado Juan David , Fernández-Roncallo Yelaine Yamile , Narváez-Barandica Mayuri Milena
Published: August 2018

El propósito de esta investigación es determinar el grado de implementación del proceso de seguridad en el paciente en IPS odontológicas de Santa Marta. Es un estudio descriptivo, cuya muestra está conformada por doce instituciones, siete públicas y cinco privadas. Se aplicó una encuesta analizada con el programa estadístico SPSS 20.0. Todas las entidades privadas cuentan con un programa de seguridad del paciente, mientras que solo tres de las siete entidades públi­cas pueden validarlo. El 58 % de las instituciones muestran un programa de capacitaciones. La política de seguridad se pudo validar en un 58 % de las IPS, mientras que para los criterios de validación de procesos, procedimientos y formatos solo ocho de las doce entidades lo evidencian y dos de estas instituciones solo reportaron registros. Se evidencia que la causa más frecuente de eventos adversos en las IPS públicas es atribuible a fallas administrativas y de adherencia, mientras en las IPS privadas prevalecen las causas atribuibles a los procedimientos.
Plan Control del cáncer en Colombia 2012-2021. Un análisis formal
Authors: Vergara - Dagobeth Edgar , Suárez-Causado Amileth , Gómez-Arias Rubén Darío
Published: August 2018

En Colombia el cáncer es un problema de salud pública. Su incidencia y mortalidad afectan tanto a la población adulta como a la población pediátrica. Desde el año 2010 el país se viene preparando para afrontar este problema. El Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INC) ha realizado investigaciones para caracterizar epidemiológicamente el cáncer, así como otros factores que inciden en su letalidad. Las leyes 1384 y 1388 de 2010 fijaron las bases para el control integral del cáncer y designaron al INC para asesorar al Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social en esta tarea. Se analizó el contenido del plan, con base en una guía elaborada por la Facultad de Salud Pública de la Universidad de Antioquia. Debido a la importancia del problema y la complejidad de la política, se concluye: solo con un sistema estricto de monitoreo, una evaluación permanente de las actividades del plan y la aplicación de correctivos oportunos, Colombia podría alcanzar las metas en el control del cáncer.
Tendencias de los accidentes de tránsito en Ecuador: 2000-2015
Authors: Algora-Buenafé Alfonso Francisco , Russo-Puga Marcel , Suasnavas-Bermúdez Pablo Roberto , Merino-Salazar Pamela , Gómez-García Antonio Ramón
Published: August 2018

Introducción: los accidentes de tránsito constituyen un problema prioritario en salud pública a escala mundial, principalmente en los países de Latinoamérica, por ser una de las primeras causas de mortalidad en la región. Objetivo: estudiar la evolución y tendencia de los accidentes de tránsito en Ecuador en el periodo del 2000 al 2015. Método: estudio ecológico a partir de fuentes secundarias de información oficiales. Se presentan los resultados de las tasas de mor­talidad poblacional por accidentes de tránsito y los índices de motorización, accidentabilidad, lesividad y letalidad, con el objeto de comparar las variaciones temporales en el periodo de estudio. Resultados: la tasa de mortalidad poblacional presentó una tendencia al aumento en el periodo de estudio y correlacionada con los índices de motorización y lesividad (p<0.01). Conclusiones: se requiere un mayor esfuerzo para optimizar las actividades destinadas al cumplimiento de las normas legales de tránsito y educación vial para la población ecuatoriana.