bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utilization of nitrate stable isotopes of Chydorus sphaericus (OF Müller) to elucidate the hydrological characteristics of riverine wetlands in the Nakdong River, South Korea
Authors: CHOI Jong-Yun , KIM Seong-Ki , KIM Jeong-Cheol , LA Geung-Hwan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to identify NO3−-N sources using the stable isotope δ15N in Chydorus sphaericus (OF Müller), to investigate hydrological characteristics and nutrient states in artificial wetlands near the Nakdong River. Chydorus sphaericus is dominant in wetlands where aquatic plants are abundant, occurring in high density, and is sensitive to wetland water pollution, making it suitable for identification of NO3−-N sources.

Results
NO3−-N sources for each wetland were strongly dependent on hydrological characteristics. Wetlands with sewage or rainfall/groundwater as their main sources had high levels of NO3−-N, whereas wetlands with surface water as their main input had comparatively lower levels. Since wetlands with sewage and rainfall/groundwater as their main water sources were mostly detention ponds, their inputs from tributaries or the main river stream were limited and nutrients such as NO3−-N easily become concentrated. Changes in NO3−-N levels at each wetland were closely associated with δ15N of C. sphaericus. Interestingly, regression analysis also showed positive correlation between δ15N of C. sphaericus and NO3−-N level.

Conclusions
We conclude that the nitrate stable isotope (δ15N) of C. sphaericus can be used to elucidate the hydrological characteristics of riverine wetlands. This information is important for maintenance and conservation of artificial wetlands at the Nakdong River.
Development and psychometric properties of the Thai Graves’ ophthalmopathy quality of life (GO-QOL) questionnaire
Authors: Lumyongsatien Mingkwan , Keeratidamkerngsakul Benjama , Pornpanich Kanokrat , Vangveeravong Sumalee , Saonanon Preamjit , Wiwatwongwana Damrong , Mahaisavariya Pornchai , Aryasit Orapan , Pongpirul Krit 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Purpose
To develop and assess the psychometric properties of the Thai version of the Graves’ Ophthalmopathy Quality of Life (GO-QOL) questionnaire.

Background
Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) is a chronic condition that causes negative self-image and impaired visual function. These conditions impact quality of life (QOL) but are rarely documented. Graves’ Ophthalmopathy Quality of Life Questionnaire (GO-QOL) has good validity, reliability and responsiveness. In this study we developed a Thai GO-QOL questionnaire by translating the questionnaire from English to the Thai language and evaluated its reliability and validity.

Patients and methods
Forward and backward translations were performed independently by four translators with extensive experience in both English and Thai. Seventy patients at the thyroid clinic responded to the Thai translated version upon their first visit and again 2–3 weeks afterwards. Validity was assessed by the content validity index (CVI) and correlation with relevant clinical parameters. Reliability was evaluated by Cronbach’s alpha, the intraclass correlation coefficient, and the Bland-Altman plot.

Results
The Thai GO-QOL version showed high CVI (0.97) and a moderate negative correlation of the functional QOL score with disease severity (r = − 0.49), the clinical activity score (r = − 0.31), and exposure parameter (r = − 0.32). It showed good reliability with a high intraclass correlation coefficient (0.92) and high Cronbach’ s coefficient (0.86).

Conclusion
The Thai GO-QOL has good validity and reliability. It can be used to evaluate the quality of life of Graves’ ophthalmopathy patients as a consequence of their disease in thyroid treatment programs.
Development of an item pool for a questionnaire on the psychosocial consequences of hypertension labelling
Authors: Gyuricza János Valery , d’Oliveira Ana Flávia Pires Lucas , Machado Lucas Bastos Marcondes , Brodersen John 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Hypertension is the most prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular disease globally. Roughly one-third of the adult population has hypertension. However, most people diagnosed with hypertension do not benefit from blood pressure control with pharmacologic interventions: they are overdiagnosed and overtreated and might experience negative psychosocial consequences of being labelled. These consequences are relevant outcomes that need to be assessed and validly measured to identify all benefits and harms related to interventions designed to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Objectives
To develop a pool of items with high content validity for a draft version of a condition-specific questionnaire to measure the psychosocial consequences of being labelled with mild hypertension.

Methods
We selected relevant items from existing Consequences of Screening (COS) questionnaires. These items belonged to two groups: COS core items and potential condition-specific items. All items were originally in Danish and were translated into Brazilian Portuguese using the dual-panel method. Individual and group interviews were conducted with people with mild hypertension and low risk for cardiovascular disease, and were designed to test the translated items for face and content validity and were also used to generate new relevant items. Structured individual interviews were conducted to categorise all the items into domains.

Results
The Brazilian Portuguese dual-panel translation of both groups of items was found to be relevant for adults diagnosed with hypertension. We generated 52 new items to achieve high content validity. The result was a set of 132 items divided into 22 domains in 2 parts. Part I was directed at the general population, whereas part II was directed only at people diagnosed with hypertension and it consisted of 38 items in 8 domains. Twelve items remained as single items. High content validity was achieved with the pool of 132 items divided into 22 domains in 2 parts.

Discussion
High content validity was achieved for a condition-specific questionnaire measuring the psychosocial consequences of being labelled with mild hypertension. This instrument encompassed 132 items divided into 22 domains in 2 parts. Thereby, a draft of the Consequneces of Hypertension questionnaire (COH) was developed. The psychometric properties of this questionnaire will be discussed in a diferent paper.
One-year evaluation of epiduroscopy in chronic back pain with and without radiculopathy: a retrospective study
Authors: Akbas Mert , Babun Huseyin , Salem Haitham Hamdy , Emara Tamer Hussien , Elmosly Shereen , Gunduz Emel , Karsli Bilge , Asik Fatih 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundBack pain is a frequent complaint among the individuals in the society. It significantly affects the daily activities and the social and psychological life aspects leading to an economic health burden. Epiduroscopy is a relatively new minimally invasive technique that is used as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in cases of chronic back pain.Aim of the studyTo evaluate the extent of long-term benefit of epiduroscopy in patients with refractory chronic back pain with/without radiculopathy.Materials and methodsRetrospective data of 148 patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) and/or symptomatic lumbosacral disc prolapse who underwent epiduroscopy were collected. A 50% reduction in the visual analog scale (VAS) score was set as the primary outcome. Pre- and post-procedure analgesic use, quality of sleep, and changes in the activities of daily livings (ADLs) after 1-year follow-up were reviewed. Incidence and types of complications were recorded.ResultsThe mean age of the studied sample was 56.6 years with a higher percentage of females (61.5%). Patients having radicular pain represented 45.1%. Disc prolapse was prevalent (61.5%) compared to patients with FBSS (38.5%). A reduction of 50% or more in VAS score was reached in 52.7% (p< 0.01). This reduction was more evident in younger patients (p= 0.004). There was an improvement in ADLs (p< 0.01), quality of sleep (p< 0.05), and analgesic intake (p< 0.05).ConclusionEpiduroscopy is a relatively recent, safe, and minimally invasive tool that showed effectiveness in the difficult to treat patients with back pain with/without radiculopathy especially in FBSS.
Nephrolithiasis in gout: prevalence and characteristics of Brazilian patients
Authors: Hoff Leonardo Santos , Goldenstein-Schainberg Claudia , Fuller Ricardo 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The aims of this article were to assess the prevalence of nephrolithiasis and the factors associated with nephrolithiasis in Brazilian patients with primary gout.

Methods
One hundred twenty-three patients with primary gout were recruited from a tertiary referral hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. All patients underwent ultrasonography and had their clinical and laboratory characteristics assessed.

Results
One hundred fifteen (93.5%) patients were male, with a mean age of 62.9 ± 9.4 years. Twenty-three (18.7%) patients had asymptomatic nephrolithiasis (detected only by ultrasonography), 7 (6.0%) had symptomatic nephrolithiasis (detected by ultrasonography and a positive clinical history), and 13 (10.0%) had a history of kidney stones, but ultrasonography at evaluation did not show nephrolithiasis. Therefore, 35.0% of the patients had nephrolithiasis (detected either by ultrasonography and/or a positive clinical history). Nephrolithiasis was associated with male gender (43 [100%] vs 72 [90%], p = 0.049), the use of potassium citrate (13 [30.2%] vs 0, p <  0.001) and the use of medications for diabetes (10 [23.3%] vs 8 [10%], p = 0.047) and dyslipidemia (15 [34.9%] vs 10 [12.5%], p = 0.003); benzbromarone had an inverse association with nephrolithiasis (21 [48.8%] vs 55 [68.8%], p = 0.030). In patients with and without nephrolithiasis, no differences were found in the laboratory and ultrasonography characteristics, including serum uric acid levels, urinary uric acid excretion and urine pH.

Conclusions
The prevalence of nephrolithiasis in primary gout was 35.0%, and 18.7% of the patients were asymptomatic. Nephrolithiasis was associated with male gender, diabetes and dyslipidemia. A positive history of nephrolithiasis probably biased the prescription of potassium citrate and benzbromarone.
Role of three-dimensional ultrasound in females with obstructed defecation (in comparison with defecography)
Authors: Latif Mahmoud Abdel , Shady Magda , Elawadly Nahla M. , Thabet Waleed M. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Growing attention of pelvic floor disorders has led to development of new imaging techniques, with increasing importance of ultrasonography. The 3DUS technique is considered an accessible tool for imaging of the posterior pelvic compartment. The purpose of this study is to highlight the role of 3D ultrasound in evaluation of obstructed defecation in females and comparing the findings with defecography.

Results
Study included 30 females classified into two groups: (1) 20 patients (case group complaining of obstructed defecation); (2) ten females (control group-normal nulliparous females). All of them were subjected to defecography and 3D ultrasound during resting, squeezing, and straining. Detection rate of rectocele and intussusception with 3D ultrasound was lower than defecography. By US, significant statistical difference between patients and controls in all measurements of levator hiatus, IS, ES, and PRS thickness during straining (P value < 0.001). During straining, cut-off value of 20.75 cm2 for hiatal area gives sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 95% and using ARA, cut-off value of 105° gives sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 90% for differentiation between patients and controls.

Conclusion
Ultrasound can be considered a complementary test to defecography in investigation of patients with obstructed defecation. Ultrasound can diagnose levator muscle attenuation and avulsion, thickness of IS, ES, PRS, and distensibility of hiatal area.
Using lean principles to introduce intraoperative navigation for scoliosis surgery
Authors: Cawley Derek T. , Rajamani Vijay , Cawley Michael , Selvadurai Susanne , Gibson Alexander , Molloy Sean 
Published: December 2019

Aims Intraoperative 3D navigation (ION) allows high accuracy to be achieved in spinal surgery, but poor workflow has prevented its widespread uptake. The technical demands on ION when used in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are higher than for other more established indications. Lean principles have been applied to industry and to health care with good effects. While ensuring optimal accuracy of instrumentation and safety, the implementation of ION and its associated productivity was evaluated in this study for AIS surgery in order to enhance the workflow of this technique. The aim was to optimize the use of ION by the application of lean principles in AIS surgery. Methods A total of 20 consecutive patients with AIS were treated with ION corrective spinal surgery. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed with real-time modifications. Operating time, scan time, dose length product (measure of CT radiation exposure), use of fluoroscopy, the influence of the reference frame, blood loss, and neuromonitoring were assessed. Results The greatest gains in productivity were in avoiding repeat intraoperative scans (a mean of 248 minutes for patients who had two scans, and a mean 180 minutes for those who had a single scan). Optimizing accuracy was the biggest factor influencing this, which was reliant on incremental changes to the operating setup and technique. Conclusion The application of lean principles to the introduction of ION for AIS surgery helps assimilate this method into the environment of the operating theatre. Data and stakeholder analysis identified a reproducible technique for using ION for AIS surgery, reducing operating time, and radiation exposure. Cite this article: Bone Joint J. 2020;102-B(1):5–10
¿Éxito en la Desdicha? A problematização dos conceitos de cultura e interculturalidade nas aulas de ELE a partir de um conto de Leónidas Barletta
Authors: Cerdeira Phelipe De Lima 
Published: December 2019

Escrito nos anos vinte do século XX e publicado a partir da organização da crítica literária Miranda Klix na obra Cuentistas argentinos de hoy (1929), o conto “Desdicha”, do escritor argentino Leónidas Barletta, apresenta ao leitor o improvável diálogo entre um zelador de um zoológico e os animais enjaulados, vítimas do seu exotismo, calados pelo seu próprio destino. Ao mesmo tempo em que o narrador conduz a história a partir da insólita conversa entre um trabalhador e um leão ferido, a narrativa permite um desenho do cenário de modernização protagonizado por Buenos Aires, sobretudo para aqueles que não faziam parte da aspiração do ideal de civilização. Por meio da construção de imagens, metáforas e uma descrição sinestésica, a prosa de Barletta permite que o leitor descortine as outras fronteiras da realidade da nação argentina, dando ênfase ao que está às margens, ao que menosprezado e, por fim, à própria ideia de cultura. Dessa maneira, é possível acessar um conceito de cultura que não é estável, mas híbrido (GARCÍA CANCLINI, 2001). Ao resgatar a história de um mais um imigrante e, ao mesmo tempo, compará-la com a solidão de um animal, o conto exemplifica o caráter de mescla (SARLO, 2010) que caracteriza não somente a população da Argentina, mas também de muitos países que receberam europeus nas ondas migratórias do século XIX e XX. Tomando todas essas características, o presente trabalho propõe relatar experiências didáticas de trabalho nas aulas de espanhol como língua estrangeira (ELE), valorizando a dinâmica de leitura do conto literário a partir das experiências e interesses dos próprios alunos (PENNAC, 1996). Para isso, a reflexão estabelece como eixo teórico a problematização do conceito de cultura como uma ferramenta de contato e transformação constante e, fundamentalmente, na perspectiva da interculturalidade para entender que nenhuma sociedade pode se compreender por si mesma, reforçando o social através de deslocamentos, fronteiras, choques e interações (GRIMSON, 2011). O conceito de distância estrutural, desenvolvido por Evans-Pritchard nos anos 40 e resgatado por Alejandro Grimson, se transforma também como outra chave de leitura possível para o conto, exemplificando como grupos sociais diferentes, ainda que fisicamente no mesmo espaço, podem não fazer parte do mesmo espaço cultural e simbólico. Temos, assim, uma oportunidade para encarar no infortúnio, na desdicha, uma oportunidade para problematizar os sujeitos pós-modernos.
Previsão da demanda por viagens domiciliares através de método sequencial baseado em população sintética e redes neurais artificiais
Authors: Pianucci Marcela Navarro , Pitombo Cira Souza , Cunha André Luiz , Lima Segantine Paulo César 
Published: December 2019

A estimativa de viagens por domicílio é fundamental para a tomada de decisões relativas ao planejamento de transportes. Porém, para obter essa estimativa são necessários dados desagregados dos domicílios, que geralmente são obtidos pela Pesquisa Domiciliar de Origem e Destino. No entanto, a maioria das cidades enfrenta problemas para a aquisição desses dados, uma vez que este tipo de pesquisa é de alto custo de preparação e execução. Desta forma, surge a necessidade de ferramentas que forneçam dados confiáveis e com baixo custo. Assim, o objetivo deste artigo é apresentar um método sequencial, para estimativa de viagens domiciliares, a partir de população sintética e Redes Neurais Artificiais (RNAs). A população sintética foi baseada em dados agregados do censo e simulação Monte Carlo. Os resultados obtidos com as RNAs foram comparados aos resultados de um modelo linear tradicional, mostrando-se melhores e corroborando o potencial do uso de RNAs para modelagem da demanda por transportes. As viagens sintéticas por domicílio foram validadas a partir dos dados desagregados da Pesquisa Origem-Destino (2007) e testes de hipótese para comparação de valores típicos e distribuições populacionais. Em 71% dos setores censitários, as viagens sintéticas foram consideradas similares aos dados reais, confirmando a eficiência do método proposto. Assim, a principal lacuna desta pesquisa, é a apresentação do método sequencial, capaz de tanto minimizar problemas de aquisição de dados quanto atenuar as restrições e suposições matemáticas, inerentes aos modelos tradicionais de demanda por transportes.
PERFIL DOS EGRESSOS DE FARMÁCIA DE UMA FACULDADE DE SAÚDE
Authors: Da Silva Elice Maria , Arruda de Azevedo Larissa Negromonte , Barbosa da Silva Gomes Elisangela Christhianne , Barroso da Cunha Ivana Gláucia , Da Silva Bruno Hipólito , Morais de Medeiros Flavia Patrícia 
Published: December 2019

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o perfil e a percepção do egresso de Farmácia quanto à influência do currículo de graduação em sua atuação profissional, o que possibilita também atender às necessidades do mercado diante das atuais transformações. Foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa descritiva e exploratória que abordou os aspectos de formação na graduação, partindo dos conhecimentos dos egressos do curso de Farmácia de uma faculdade privada, especializada em Saúde, que utiliza o método Aprendizagem Baseada em Problemas, em Recife, Nordeste do Brasil. Os resultados obtidos contemplaram a opinião de 38 egressos (34,86%) de turmas com conclusão de graduação entre 2011.2 a 2017.1. Desses, 97,37% avaliaram o método como sendo um diferencial na sua formação e 100% afirmaram que a dinâmica de grupo tutorial o tornou mais crítico. Outro ponto destacado pelos egressos (97,37%) foi a inserção nos estágios ao longo da formação. 78,95% dos egressos entraram no mercado de trabalho imediatamente após a graduação. Como pontos para melhoria do Projeto Pedagógico do Curso, foram destacados o incentivo à pesquisa (2,63%), à extensão (2,63%) e a abordagem da Química em tutorias (7,89%). Os diferenciais curriculares na graduação colaboraram para o desempenho profissional dos egressos no mercado de trabalho e que o retorno dado poderá auxiliar na melhoria da gestão e avaliação do Projeto Pedagógico do Curso.
One-Point Cellulose Adsorbents for Water Purification
Authors: AZEH Yakubu , Paiko Yohanna Bello , Alfred Gimba 
Published: December 2019

The protection of our environment from pollution by various industrial wastewater discharges is of great importance that each Industry treats its effluent to meet acceptable limit/design means to reclaim water from industrial effluents for re-use. The study aimed at reclaiming water from wastewater by assessing the performance of two cellulose adsorbents using the fixed-bed column method to treat pharmaceutical/metal wastewater. The study was carried out by determining the physico-chemical and microbiological parameters of wastewater quality before and after treatment using fixed-bed column. Effluent samples were collected and analyzed according to standard methods.
The range of percentage reduction in pollution load with respect to treatment time: 30, 120, 360 and 1440 min was 45-52%, 55-64%, 31-43, 25- 45%, 41- 44%, 55-73%, 48- 51%, 48-54%, 56-71% 13-31%, 45-52%, 47-67% from the metal effluent using nanocellulose adsorbent while 14-24%, 18-23%, 4-10%, 28-46%, 16-20%, 24-42%, 14-32%, 42-57%, 32-52%, 36-47%, 37-56%, 8-53% from the pharmaceutical effluent using oxidized cellulose adsorbent for colour, turbidity, conductivity, total hardness, Nitrite, Phosphate, Ammonia, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand, total solids, total suspended solids and total dissolved solids respectively. Up to 99.9 % was achieved by the adsorbents in the removal of biological contaminants. The study concluded that the celluloses adsorbents showed promising potentials as one-point adsorbent that can be used for water reclamation from wastewater by its ability to remediate both physico-chemical and bacteriological contaminants.
Three-dimensional optimal design of a cooled turbine considering the coolant-requirement change
Authors: Ba Wei , Wang Ziyuan , Li Xuesong , Gu Chunwei 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Cooling technology is widely applied in modern turbines to protect the turbine blades, and extracting high-pressure cooling air from a compressor exerts a remarkable influence on the gas-turbine performance. However, the three-dimensional optimal design of a turbine in modern industrial practice is usually carried out by pursuing high component efficiency without considering possible changes in coolant requirement; hence, it may not exactly lead to improvement in the gas-turbine cycle efficiency. In this study, the turbine stator was twisted and leaned to achieve higher comprehensive efficiency, which is the cycle-based efficiency definition for a cooled turbine that considers both turbine aerodynamic performance and coolant requirement. First, the influence of twist and compound lean on turbine aerodynamic performance, considering stator-hub leakage, was investigated. Then, a method to predict the coolant requirement for turbines with different stator designs was applied, to evaluate coolant-requirement change at the design condition. The optimized turbines were finally compared to demonstrate the necessity of considering the coolant-requirement change in the optimal design. This indicated that proper twisting to open the throat area in the stator hub and compound lean to the pressure surface side could help improve the cooled-turbine comprehensive efficiency.