bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Indeterminismo y complejidad: problemas de la predicción científica en Popper
Authors: Ávila Roberto 
Published: March 2018

En principio, Popper defiende que existe un único método para las ciencias naturales y sociales. Sin embargo, el uso de la predicción como test científico tropieza con la impredecibilidad de los hechos humanos, y con la consiguiente pluralidad metodológica de la ciencia. Por otra parte, también existen hechos naturales impredecibles, lo cual sugiere que la predicciónno señala el límite entre ciencias de la naturaleza y ciencias sociales. En el escrito se hace una revisión general del problema, se repasa la concepción de Popper acerca de la predicción y se hace un recorrido por algunos problemas del estudio de las ciencias sociales, que concluyen en la pertinencia de la complejidad enrelación a los prospectos de indagación en las ciencias, como propuesta de un límite metodológico más adecuado.
Análise da Revisão Cochrane: Antibióticos Destinados ao Tratamento da Bacteriúria Assintomática. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;4:CD009534.
Authors: Bigotte Vieira Miguel , Alves Mariana , Costa João , Vaz-Carneiro António 
Published: March 2018

A bacteriúria assintomática é frequentemente detectada em mulheres com idade inferior a 60 anos, doentes com diabetes e doentes idosos. O benefício do seu tratamento com antibióticos é controverso. Esta revisão sistemática Cochrane teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia e a segurança da utilização de antibióticos no tratamento de bacteriúria assintomática em adultos. Foi realizada revisão sistemática da literatura até 24 de fevereiro de 2015, através de pesquisa no Cochrane Renal Group´s Specialised Register. Foram incluídos ensaios aleatorizados controlados e quasi-aleatorizados nos quais doentes adultos tivessem sido tratados com antibiótico comparativamente com placebo ou ausência de tratamento. Foi avaliada a ocorrência de infeções do trato urinário sintomáticas, complicações, morte, qualquer efeito adverso, desenvolvimento de resistência a antibióticos, cura bacteriológica e declínio da função renal. Foram incluídos nove ensaios clínicos nesta revisão (1614 participantes). A ocorrência de infeções do trato urinário sintomáticas, complicações e morte foi semelhante entre grupos. A utilização de antibióticos encontrou-se significativamente associada a cura bacteriológica e a um número mais elevado de efeitos adversos, predominantemente ligeiros. Não se verificou agravamento da função renal com qualquer um dos tratamentos. De acordo com os ensaios clínicos incluídos nesta revisão, os autores concluem não existir benefício no tratamento da bacteriúria assintomática.
The Road towards the Responsible and Safe Legalization of Cannabis Use in Portugal
Authors: Baptista-Leite Ricardo , Ploeg Lisa 
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Recently, the world has seen examples of the legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes. Due to the diversity of experiences in progress, it is urgent to analyze the impacts of this legalization, from a public health perspective. Therefore, this article aims to review the accumulated knowledge in the states and countries where the use of cannabis is legal and to ponder over the relevance of starting a similar path towards legalization in Portugal, thus supporting political decisions to be properly informed and evidence-based.Material and Methods: An extensive literature review was performed using databases and scientific journals, such as PubMed, as well as the search of institutional documentation, including the EMCDDA and SICAD.Results: The gathered information provided insights and enabled assessment of (1) the acute and chronic effects of cannabis use on health, (2) the Portuguese situation related to cannabis and (3) the processes and lessons learned after the legalization of cannabis in other countries or states. Given the above, and according to the data presented, the authors argue for a safe and responsible strategy towards the legalization of cannabis use in Portugal. In accordance, a set of concrete proposals are presented.Discussion: From a public health perspective, it is assumed that the interest of this proposal is to reduce the problematic use of cannabis, to effectively fight against illicit drug trafficking and drug-related crime, as well as health promotion and prevention of addictions and other adverse health impacts. This article reveals that the effects of legalization might, contrary to general beliefs, generate positive results with respect to these aims, given that there will be greater control on the market, price, quality, and information - to name a few - if implementation occurs with proper consideration and definition.Conclusion: The debate on the responsible and safe legalization of cannabis use in Portugal should be open and promoted, based on a public health perspective.
Pielonefrite Enfisematosa Fulminante Secundária a Neoplasia Urotelial com Fístula Renocólica
Authors: Elvas Ana Rita , Pereira Bruno Jorge , Carrega Filipa , Vicente Leopoldina 
Published: March 2018

A pielonefrite enfisematosa é uma entidade pouco frequente e potencialmente fatal. O reconhecimento desta patologia permite a correta orientação precoce dos doentes. A diabetes e a obstrução ureteral são os principais fatores de risco identificados. Apresenta-se o caso de uma doente saudável, sem fatores de risco conhecidos, em que o motivo de ida ao serviço de urgência foi apenas uma dor lombar, acabando por evoluir com quadro de choque séptico nas primeiras horas. Os exames imagiológicos permitiram identificar a presença de gás perirrenal e subcutâneo o que orientou o correto diagnóstico (pielonefrite enfisematosa secundária a neoplasia urotelial fistulizada) e tratamento cirúrgico. Contudo, e como o estado clínico e analítico à admissão e no pós-operatório faziam prever a doente acabou por falecer. De referir ainda que este mesmo caso documenta uma bacteriemia por Sphingomonas paucimobilis (adquirida na comunidade) com lesões cavitadas a nível pulmonar (provável embolismo séptico).
Smoking Cessation after Bladder Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Mota Paulo , Sousa Pedro Miguel , Botelho Francisco , Carvalho-Dias Emanuel , Cordeiro Agostinho , Torres João Pimentel , Morais Nuno , Anacleto Sara , Lima Estevão 
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Smoking is an important risk factor for the development, recurrence and progression of bladder cancer. Our aim was to analyze smoking habits after diagnosis in bladder cancer patients. Additionally, we evaluated patient knowledge about smoking as a risk factor and the urologist role in promoting abstinence.Material and Methods: A cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study was performed in bladder cancer patients, diagnosed between January 2013 and September 2015 (n = 160) in Braga Hospital, in Portugal.Results: Smoking history was present in 71.9% of the sample, with 21.9% current smokers, (40.7% of abstinence after diagnosis). Smoking was acknowledged as a risk factor by 74.4% of the sample, with only 51.3% of ever smokers and 24.4% of non-smokers recognizing smoking as the leading risk factor (p = 0.008). The presence of other household smokers were significantly higher in patients who continued smoking (40%) than in ex-smokers after diagnosis (4.2%) (p = 0.005). The majority of smokers at diagnosis (83.1%) were advised to quit by their urologist, but only one smoker (1.7%) was offered any specific intervention to aid in cessation.Discussion: Smoking is not recognized as the leading risk factor for bladder cancer. This limited awareness, associated with the known difficulties in quitting smoking and the observed lack of smoking cessation interventions, may account for the high current smoking prevalence, albeit in line with other studies.Conclusion: This study highlights the need for efficient smoking cessation programs directed to bladder cancer patients.
Parasitose Palpebral por Carraça: Caso Clínico e Revisão da Literatura
Authors: Moreira Jorge , Maio Tiago , Sampaio Filipa 
Published: March 2018

No âmbito da prática clínica oftalmológica, as parasitoses por carraças são incomuns. Os autores descrevem o caso clínico de uma doente de 73 anos observada por edema e eritema da pálpebra superior direita. O exame oftalmológico revelou uma carraça aderente à margem palpebral. A carraça foi removida usando uma pinça fina, e poucos dias após, houve regressão total dos sinais inflamatórios, sem registo de complicações. O parasitismo por carraças representa uma ameaça para a Saúde Pública, pois as carraças são vetores de inúmeros agentes infeciosos responsáveis por patologias potencialmente graves, como a doença de Lyme. As carraças podem também induzir reações cutâneas locais e, mais raramente, paralisia neuromuscular. A morbilidade associada à picada da carraça aumenta com a duração da parasitação, pelo que a carraça deve ser removida o mais rápido possível, e os doentes devem ser alertados para os sinais de possíveis complicações locais e sistémicas.
Challenges of Ageing in Portugal: Data from the EpiDoC Cohort
Authors: Rodrigues Ana Maria , Gregório Maria João , Sousa Rute Dinis , Dias Sara S , Santos Maria José , Mendes Jorge M , Coelho Pedro Simões , Branco Jaime C , Canhão Helena 
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Portuguese adults have a long lifespan, but it is unclear whether they live a healthy life in their final years. We aimed to determine the prevalence of multimorbidity and characterize lifestyle and other health outcomes among older Portuguese adults.Material and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional evaluation of 2393 adults, aged 65 and older, during the second wave of follow-up of the EpiDoC cohort, a population-based study involving long-term follow-up of a representative sample of the Portuguese population. Subjects completed a structured questionnaire during a telephone interview. Socioeconomic, demographic, lifestyle behaviours, chronic diseases, and health resources consumption were assessed. Cluster analysis was done to identify dietary patterns. Descriptive and analytic analysis was performed to estimate multimorbidity prevalence and its associated factors.Results: Multimorbidity prevalence among older adults was 78.3%, increased with age strata (72.8% for 65 – 69 years to 83.4% for ≥ 80 years), and was highest in Azores (84.9%) and Alentejo (83.6%). The most common chronic diseases were hypertension (57.3%), rheumatic disease (51.9%), hypercholesterolemia (49.4%), and diabetes (22.7%). Depression symptoms were frequent (11.8%) and highest in the oldest strata. The mean health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-3L) score was 0.59 ± 0.38. Hospitalization in the previous 12 months was reported by 25.8% of individuals. Overall, 66.6% of older adults were physically inactive. ‘Fruit and vegetables dietary pattern’ was followed by 85.4% of individuals; however, regional inequalities were found (69% in Azores). Obesity prevalence was 22.3% overall and was highest among Azoreans (33%).Conclusion: The high prevalence of multimorbidity, combined with unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, suggests that the elderly populationconstitutes a vulnerable group warranting dedicated intervention.
Children Who Leave the Emergency Department Without Being Seen: Why Did They Leave and What Would Make Them Stay?
Authors: Sousa Rodrigo , Correia Cátia , Valsassina Rita , Moeda Sofia , Paínho Teresa , Oom Paulo 
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Children who visit emergency departments and leave without being seen represent a multifactorial problem. We aimed to compare the sociodemographic characteristics of children who left and of those who did not leave, as well as to evaluate parental reasoning, subsequent use of medical care and patient outcome.Material and Methods: This was a prospective case-control study of a random sample of children who left without being seen and their matched controls from an emergency department during a three-month period. We performed a phone questionnaire to obtain information concerning reasons for leaving, patient outcomes and general feedback.Results: During the study period, 18 200 patients presented to the emergency department, of whom 92 (0.5%) left without being seen. Fifty-five (59.8%) completed the questionnaire and there were 82 controls. The most common reasons for leaving were ‘excessive waiting time’ (92.7%) and ‘problem could wait’ (21.8%). A significantly higher number of patients who left sought further medical care (78.2% vs 11%) but they did not experience higher levels of unfavourable outcomes.Discussion: The waiting time seems to be the major factor that drives the decision to leave. The fact that parents felt safe in leaving and the low level of adverse outcomes highlights the low-acuity nature of the majority of patients who leave.Conclusion: Reducing the waiting times may be the logical strategic mean to decrease the rates of patients who leave without being seen. However, our data seems to indicate that the concerns surrounding clinical outcome after leaving may be partly unwarranted.
NOBLE and EXCEL: The debate for excellence in dealing with left main stenosis
Authors: Al Kindi Hamood , Samaan Amir , Hosny Hatem 
Published: March 2018

Left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) has always been the standard revascularization strategy for this group of patients. However, with the recent developments in stents design and medical therapy over the past decade, several trials have been designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as an alternative to CABG surgery in patients with LMCA disease. Recently, the results of two major trials, EXCEL and NOBLE, comparing CABG versus PCI in this patient population have been released. In fact, the results of both trials might appear contradictory at first glance. While the EXCEL trial showed that PCI was non-inferior to CABG surgery, the NOBLE trial suggested that CABG surgery is a better option. In the following review, we will discuss some of the similarities and contrasts between these two trials and conclude with lessons to be learned to our daily practice.
Individualizing immunosuppression in lung transplantation
Authors: McDermott Jennifer K , Girgis Reda E 
Published: March 2018

Immunosuppression management after lung transplantation continues to evolve, with an increasing number of agents available for use in various combinations allowing for more choice and individualization of immunosuppressive therapy. Therapeutic developments have led to improved outcomes including lower acute rejection rates and improved survival. However, a one size fits all approach for any immunosuppressive strategy may not be best suited to the individual patient and ultimately patient specific factors must be considered when designing the immunosuppressive regimen. Recipient factors including age, race, co-morbidities, immunologic risk, genetic polymorphisms, concomitant and previous pharmacotherapy, and overall immunosuppression burden should be considered. There are several significant drug-drug interactions with select immunosuppressive agents utilized in lung transplant pharmacotherapy that must be considered when choosing and devising a dosing strategy for an individual immunosuppressive agent. Herein, considerations for immunosuppression management in the individual patient will be reviewed.
Modelling coronary flow after the Norwood operation: Influence of a suggested novel technique for coronary transfer
Authors: Al-Jughiman Mohammed K , Al-Omair Maryam A 
Published: March 2018

Background: The dynamic behavior of the aortic sinuses has an important function in the specific characteristics of coronary blood flow. Several publications have confirmed suboptimal myocardial perfusion after the Norwood procedure. Our study was undertaken to confirm four hypotheses. First, we hypothesized that there is more resistance to coronary flow due to coronary attachments to hypoplastic aortic root and sinuses. Also, as the amalgamation of the ascending aorta with the pulmonary artery occurs above the aortic root, the coronary blood flow is not fully in antegrade pattern. Second, performing the Norwood with our modification i.e., coronary transfer to the well-developed sinuses of the pulmonary root will result in less resistance to flow and a full antegrade flow pattern. This may eventually improve the long term ventricular and survival outcomes. Third, our modification is applicable to all procedures where the pulmonary root supplies the systemic circulation e.g., Norwood, Damus–Kaye–Stansel (DKS), and Yasui operations, whether applied to single or biventricular repair. Fourth, with our modification, the effect of the type of shunt; Sano vs. Blalock Taussig (BT shunt) on the coronary flow after the Norwood will be mitigated. This will give the surgeon more freedom to which shunt to use, and may make the surgeon keener to perform the BT shunt in order to avoid the ventricular scar associated with the Sano shunt which will negatively impact the ventricular function. Methods: Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations were performed to evaluate flow streamlines and to quantify flow distribution and total pressure drop in the coronary branches in both Norwood (pre-transfer) and modified Norwood (post-transfer) models. Comparisons between the two models were performed. Results: The systolic flow rate in all coronary branches was higher in the post-transfer model in the proportions of: left main 5%, left anterior descending (LAD) 6%, left circumflex (LCx) 3.5%, and right coronary artery (RCA) 7.2% higher flow rates. In diastole, pressure drop from the aortic inlet to distal left main and distal right main was substantially less in the post-transfer model. Conclusion: Post-transfer model has produced more favorable coronary hemodynamics in all coronary branches. As a result, performing our modification could potentially improve the long term ventricular and survival outcomes.
A comparison of artificial intelligence models for the estimation of daily suspended sediment load: a case study on the Telar and Kasilian rivers in Iran
Authors: Emamgholizadeh Samad , Demneh Razieh Karimi 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The estimation of the suspended sediment load in rivers is one of the main issues in hydraulic engineering. Different traditional methods such as the sediment rating curve (SRC) can be used to estimate the suspended sediment load of rivers. The main problem with this method is its low accuracy and uncertainty. In this study, the ability of three intelligence models namely: gene expression programming (GEP), artificial neural networks (ANN) and adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) were compared with the SRC method. The daily flow discharge and sediment discharge at two hydrometric stations of the Kasilian and Telar rivers in the period of 1964–2014 were used to develop intelligence models. The performance of these methods indicated that all intelligence models give reliable results in the estimation of the suspended sediment load and their performance was better than the SRC method. Moreover, results showed that the GEP model with a high coefficient of determination (R2) and a low mean absolute error (MAE) was better than both the ANN and ANFIS models for the estimation of daily suspended sediment load of the two sub-basins of the Kasilian and Telar rivers.
Rapid surface water intervention performance comparison for urban planning
Authors: Webber James L. , Fu Guangtao , Butler David 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Surface water flooding can be a significant source of damage and disruption in urban areas. The complexity of urban surfaces, the need for spatially disaggregated approaches and the multiplicity of interventions makes management challenging from a number of perspectives. This research responds to the challenge of selecting appropriate surface water management interventions by applying a fast assessment framework to generate evidence for comparing strategies at low resource cost during initial design. This is demonstrated by simulating flood dynamics and comparing damage costs in 144 flood scenarios. The main finding of this work is that a high-level quantitative assessment of large numbers of scenarios is capable of providing evidence to identify performance trends and consider resilience to extreme events at an early stage of planning.
Behaviour of polysulfone ultrafiltration membrane for dyes removal
Authors: Hidalgo A. M. , Gómez M. , Murcia M. D. , Serrano M. , Rodríguez-Schmidt R. , Escudero P. A. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Although ultrafiltration membranes have been used for the separation of macromolecules and colloids from solutions, this process has a limited application in the removal of dyes present in coloured discharges of textile industry, as these typically have much lower molecular weight than the molecular cut-off of the membranes (MWCO). In the present work, we have evaluated the behaviour of a polysulfone ultrafiltration membrane in the removal of different dyes from aqueous solutions (Congo red, methyl green and amaranth). Different variables (tangential flow rate, concentration of dye and pH of the feed) were studied to determine their influence on the separation processes (permeate flux and rejection coefficient). The results show that Congo red is easily removed with a GR60PP membrane (MWCO = 25 kDa), whereas methyl green and amaranth show rejection coefficient values of approximately 25.78% and 13.85%, respectively, at neutral pH. Also, an interesting effect is observed for the rejection coefficient for methyl green at different pH values. In addition, several treatments were performed to the membrane so as to modify its surface, trying to improve the values obtained for permeate flux and rejection rate.
Heptachlor degradation characteristics of a novel strain and its application
Authors: Qiu Liping , Wang Hu , Wang Xuntao 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
With heptachlor as the sole carbon source, an effective heptachlor-degrading microorganism (named strain H) was isolated from the sludge of heptachlor-polluted sewage of a chemical plant, via enrichment, screening and purification. Strain H was identified as a facultative anaerobic Gram-negative bacterial strain belonging to genus Shigella based on the physiological-biochemical characteristics and the similarity analysis of its 16S rDNA gene sequence with the sequences logged in the Ribosomal Database Project and GenBank databases. When the optimal inoculation volume and the pH were 20% and 7.1–7.6, respectively, strain H was able to degrade heptachlor by more than 88.2% after130 h, with initial concentration of heptachlor being 300 μg/L at 30 ± 0.5 °C. It was also shown that strain H can grow on the degradation products of heptachlor such as 1-hydroxychlordene or heptachlor epoxide. Furthermore, additional carbon sources can accelerate the degradation rate of heptachlor because of co-metabolism. The degradation dynamics could be described by a first-order reaction model. A real-world field experiment demonstrated that strain H was effective in practical applications of heptachlor biodegradation in contaminated soil.
Performance Review through Post Occupancy Audit on Refurbished Listed Public Building in Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Hashim Ahmad Ezanee , Aksah Hasnizan , Said Shahrul Yani 
Published: March 2018

Malaysian public listed buildings are valuable assets, for their architectural landmark and tourism potential. Refurbishment works are carried out to keep the original design characteristics while maintaining their functions. The study aims to review through Post Occupancy Audit/Evaluation (POE) concept in identifying performance issue and to determine the functional performance satisfaction level from the occupants perspective. Another aim is to develop a conceptual conducive design guideline or framework for future refurbish public building. The finding revealed that building performance criteria highly correlated with the occupant's satisfaction.