bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of A Parameter of Morgenstern Type Bivariate Logistic Distribution with Equal Coefficients of Variation By Concomitants of Order Statistics
Authors: Sajeevkumar N.K. , Irshad M.R. 
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat For a sample of n pairs of observations from Morgenstern Type Bivariate Logistic Distribution (MTBLD) in which the marginal distributions of random variables X and Y have the same coefficients of variation c, we derive the best linear unbiased estimator of the parameter associated with the Y variable using concomitants of order statistics.
Olfactory Outcomes after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Kohli Preeti , Naik Akash N. , Farhood Zachary , Ong Adrian A. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Soler Zachary M. , Schlosser Rodney J. 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveTo use combined pre‐ and postsurgical olfactory outcomes to assess the impact of endoscopic sinus surgery on chronic rhinosinusitis−related olfactory impairment.Data SourcesCINAHL, Cochrane, OVID, EMBASE, PubMed, and SCOPUS. Each database was searched from inception up to October 2015.Review MethodsStudies were included that reported subjective or objective olfactory data in chronic rhinosinusitis patients before and after endoscopic sinus surgery.ResultsThirty‐one studies were used in the meta‐analysis. Weighted mean differences of olfactory measures demonstrated significant improvement in mixed CRS patients (those with and without polyps) through visual analog scales (−0.83, P =. 001), altered taste/smell item on Sinonasal Outcome Test (−1.32, P <. 00001), 40‐item Smell Identification Test (3.49, P =. 0010), and Sniffin’ Sticks identification (0.34, P =. 03). Chronic rhinosinusitis mixed patients demonstrated nonsignificant improvements via Sniffin’ Sticks threshold (1.60, P =. 16) and Brief Smell Identification Test (0.20, P =. 32). When separated, polyp patients and dysosmic patients experienced the highest levels of olfactory improvement. Polyp patients improved by 7.87 (P =. 006) on the 40‐item Smell Identification test, 11.54 (P <. 0001) with the Sniffin’ Sticks total score, and 2.57 (P <. 00001) through Sniffin’ Sticks identification. Dysosmic patients improved by 5.75 via the 40‐item Smell Identification Test (P =. 0001).ConclusionEndoscopic sinus surgery improves nearly all subjective and objective measures of olfaction in chronic rhinosinusitis patients. Patients with nasal polyposis or preoperative olfactory dysfunction improve to a greater degree.
Feeding Tube Utilization in Patients with Salivary Gland Malignancies
Authors: Chen Diane Wenhua , Lewin Jan S. , Xu Li , Lai Stephen Y. , Gunn G. Brandon , Fuller Clifton David , Mohamed Abdallah S. R. , Kanwar Aasheesh , Sturgis Erich M. , Hutcheson Katherine A. 
Published: August 2016

ObjectivesTo evaluate feeding tube utilization in patients with salivary gland malignancies (SGMs).Study DesignCase series with planned data collection.SettingThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.Subjects and MethodsPatients (N = 287) were sampled from an epidemiologic SGM registry during a 12‐year period. Feeding tube history was retrospectively reviewed. Patients with outside locoregional therapy or palliative treatment were excluded. Enteral feeding and length of dependence were analyzed as a function treatment modality and site of SGM.ResultsOf 287 patients, 79 (28%) required temporary nasogastric tube feeding (median duration: 13 days, interquartile range: 6‐21). Among those 79, 30 (10% of total cohort) required conversion to percutaneous gastrostomy tube (G‐tube). Median G‐tube duration was 4.8 months (interquartile range: 3.7‐13.1). G‐tube placement was necessary only in patients receiving multimodality therapy (P <. 001), and among those, 50% with SGMs arising from pharyngeal/laryngeal sites required G‐tube, as compared with 8% to 19% of SGMs arising from all other sites (P <. 01). At a median follow‐up of 2.4 years, 9 (3%) of all SGM patients were G‐tube dependent, but 14% (3 of 22) with laryngeal/pharyngeal sites treated with multimodality therapy remained chronically G‐tube dependent.ConclusionWhile almost 30% of SGM survivors require a temporary nasogastric tube, G‐tube utilization is uncommon, in roughly 10% of SGM overall. G‐tube utilization appears exclusive to patients treated with multimodality therapy, and chronic gastrostomy remains high (14%) in patients with minor gland cancers arising in the pharynx/larynx, suggesting impetus for dysphagia prophylaxis in these higher‐risk subsets, similar to patients treated for squamous cancers.
Precocious Initiation into Smoking, Alcohol Use, and Gambling among Children with Conduct Problems
Authors: Temcheff Caroline E. , Déry Michèle , St-Pierre Renée A. , Laventure Myriam , Lemelin Jean-Pascal 
Published: August 2016

Objective: Adolescent participation in risky and addictive behaviours, such as smoking, substance use, and gambling has the potential to lead to many serious problems. The presence of conduct problems (CPs) and early initiation into risky and addictive behaviours have been independently shown to be associated with adolescent and young adult smoking, drinking, and gambling. Nevertheless, the relation between early initiation into risky and addictive behaviours and CPs remains to be explored among pre-adolescents. Our study aims to examine the prospective relation between CPs in early primary school and pre-adolescent initiation into smoking, alcohol use, and gambling. Method: Our study used data from participants in an ongoing prospective, longitudinal study at the Université de Sherbrooke to examine cigarette, alcohol, and gambling initiation among primary school-aged boys and girls with CPs. Children were recruited between the ages of 6 and 9 years from several low socioeconomic status public schools in diverse geographical regions of Quebec. Initiation into cigarettes, alcohol, and gambling was measured 1 year later. Results: Children with CPs were found to be at greater risk for early initiation into smoking, alcohol, and gambling. These effects remained even once other known risk factors, such as poor parental supervision and child effortful control, were controlled for. Conclusions: These results suggest that CPs present in early elementary school can predict early initiation in to potentially addictive behaviours among boys and girls. Implications for targeted preventive intervention are discussed.
Combining Antidepressants in Acute Treatment of Depression: A Meta-Analysis of 38 Studies Including 4511 Patients
Authors: Henssler Jonathan , Bschor Tom , Baethge Christopher 
Published: August 2016

Objective: Combining antidepressants (ADs) for therapy of acute depression is frequently employed, but randomized studies have yielded conflicting results. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at determining efficacy and tolerability of combination therapy. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CENTRAL databases were systematically searched through March 2014 for controlled studies comparing combinations of ADs with AD monotherapy in adult patients suffering from acute depression. The prespecified primary outcome was standardized mean difference (SMD), secondary outcomes were response, remission, and dropouts. Results: Among 8688 articles screened, 38 studies were eligible, including 4511 patients. Combination treatment was statistically, significantly superior to monotherapy (SMD 0.29; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.42). During monotherapy, slightly fewer patients dropped out due to adverse events (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.53 to 1.53). Studies were heterogeneous (I2 = 63%), and there was indication of moderate publication bias (fail-safe N for an effect of 0.1:44), but results remained robust across prespecified secondary outcomes and subgroups, including analyses restricted to randomized controlled trials and low risk of bias studies. Meta-regression revealed an association of SMD with difference in imipramine-equivalent dose. Combining a reuptake inhibitor with an antagonist of presynaptic α2-autoreceptors was superior to other combinations. Conclusion: Combining ADs seems to be superior to monotherapy with only slightly more patients dropping out. Combining a reuptake inhibitor with an antagonist of presynaptic α2-autoreceptors seems to be significantly more effective than other combinations. Overall, our search revealed a dearth of well-designed studies.
Potential of mHealth to Transform Healthcare in India
Authors: Shukla Surendra Nath , Sharma J.K. 
Published: August 2016

Lack of hospitals and skilled healthcare providers across India is a challenge. Almost 70 per cent of the Indian population has very little access to healthcare and villagers often travel long distances even for primary healthcare. As a result, many of them go unattended because they cannot afford to reach to a healthcare centre on time on account of the cost of travel and also due to fear of losing the day’s wages. This eventually contributes to higher morbidity and mortality rates. Government may take a long time to provide traditional healthcare infrastructure to 70 per cent of the population living in rural India, but mobile health may bridge this gap. Mobile phones, Internet and SMS facilities provide people a tremendous opportunity to connect with healthcare providers for consultation, counselling, diagnosis and other information at anytime and anywhere. This study aims to find out the potential of mHealth to improve the health conditions and spending on healthcare.
Evaluation of insulin-like growth factor-1, total thyroxine, feline pancreas-specific lipase and urinary corticoid-to-creatinine ratio in cats with diabetes mellitus in Switzerland and the Netherlands
Authors: Schaefer Sandra , Kooistra Hans S , Riond Barbara , Suchodolski Jan S , Steiner Jörg M , Prins Marrit , Zini Eric , Reusch Claudia E 
Published: August 2016

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), feline pancreas-specific lipase (fPLI) and total thyroxine (TT4) concentrations and urinary corticoid-to-creatinine ratio (UCCR) as indicators for the prevalence of acromegaly, pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism and hypercortisolism in cats with diabetes mellitus. Methods Blood and urine samples were collected from diabetic cats treated in primary care clinics in Switzerland and the Netherlands. Standardised questionnaires and physical examination forms provided clinical information from owners and veterinarians. Laboratory testing included serum biochemistry profile analysis and measurement of circulating fructosamine, IGF-1, fPLI, and TT4 concentrations and UCCR. CT of the pituitary gland was performed using a multidetector computed tomography scanner. Results Blood samples were available from 215 cats and urine samples were collected at home from 117 cats. Age ranged from 2–18 years (median 12 years) and body weight from 2.7–12.3 kg (median 5.5 kg). Sixty-five percent of the cats were castrated male and 35% were female (33% spayed); 82% were domestic shorthair cats. Eighty percent of cats received a porcine insulin zinc suspension, 19.5% insulin glargine and 0.5% a human neutral protamine hagedorn insulin. Thirty-six of 202 (17.8%) cats had IGF-1 concentrations >1000 ng/ml. Serum fPLI, and TT4 concentrations and UCCR were increased in 86/196 (43.9%), 9/201 (4.5%) and 18/117 cats (15.3%), respectively. Prevalence did not differ between countries. Conclusions Hyperthyroidism is rare, whereas increased fPLI concentration, possibly reflecting pancreatitis, is common in diabetic cats. The high UCCR may reflect activation of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis, which also occurs in diabetic humans. The percentage of cats with increased IGF-1 was high but lower than reported in recent studies.
Effectiveness of light paths coupled with personal emergency response systems in preventing functional decline among the elderly
Authors: Lachal Florent , Tchalla Achille Edem , Cardinaud Noëlle , Saulnier Isabelle , Nessighaoui Hichem , Laubarie-Mouret Cécile , Dantoine Thierry 
Published: August 2016

Introduction: The elderly population is at high risk of functional decline, which will induce significant costs due to long-term care. Dependency could be delayed by preventing one of its major determinants: falls. Light paths coupled with personal emergency response systems could prevent the functional decline through fall prevention. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of light paths coupled with personal emergency response systems on the functional decline in an elderly population living at home. It is a secondary analysis on data from a previous cohort. In all, 190 older adults (aged 65 years or more) living at home participated. Participants in the exposed group were equipped with home-based technologies: light paths coupled with personal emergency response systems. The participants’ functional status was assessed using the Functional Autonomy Measurement System scale at baseline (T0) and at the end of the study (T12-month). Baseline characteristics were evaluated by a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Results: After 1 year, 43% of the unexposed group had functional decline versus 16% of the exposed group. Light paths coupled with personal emergency response systems were significantly associated with a decrease in the functional decline (Δ Functional Autonomy Measurement System ⩾ 5) at home (odds ratio = 0.24, 95% confidence interval (0.11–0.54), p = 0.002). Discussion: This study suggests that light paths coupled with personal emergency response systems prevent the functional decline over 12 months. This result may encourage the prescription and use of home-based technologies to postpone dependency and institutionalization, but they need a larger cost-effectiveness study to demonstrate the efficiency of these technologies.
Inflammatory properties of antibiotic-treated bacteria
Authors: Wolf Andrea J , Liu George Y , Underhill David M 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Antibiotics have proven to be enormously effective tools in combating infectious diseases. A common roadblock to the effective use of antibiotics is the development of antibiotic resistance. We have recently observed that the very mechanism by which methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) becomes antibiotic resistant causes the organism to be more inflammatory to innate immune cells. In this review, we offer some thoughts on the ways in which antibiotics have been observed to influence immune responses to bacteria.
Diversity of Soil Beetles (Hexapoda, Coleoptera) in an Area at the Pantanal of Poconé, Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: Marques Marinêz Isaac , De Figueiredo Ana Maria , Dos Santos Geane Brizzola , Sousa Wesley Oliveira , Ide Sérgio , Battirola Leandro Dênis 
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Soil beetles (Hexapoda, Coleoptera) community, mainly Scarabaeidae, was evaluated in an area with different phytophysiognomies during the rising water period (November/2005) in the Pantanal of Poconé, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Thirty transects of 250 m, 1 km distant from each other, in an area of 5x5 km2 (RAPELD) were delimitated. In each transect, which characterized a sampled area, five samples of 1 m² were collected using mini-Winkler, and five pitfall traps distributed at a distance of 50 m between one sample and another and with a distance of 1 m between the two methods. A total of 767 Coleoptera individuals belonging to 27 families and 192 species were obtained. Scarabaeidae and Staphylinidae were the most abundant families. Staphylinidae, Curculionidae and Scarabaeidae were richest in species. Scarabaeidae was represented by 236 individuals distributed in the Scarabaeinae and Aphodiinae subfamilies, 11 genera and 22 species. The multivariate analyses of variance demonstrated that the relationship between the Coleoptera community and the phytophysiognomy was significant, and the relationship between the Scarabaeidae community and the phytophysiognomy was not significant. The murundu fields, cambarazal, landi and introduced pastures were the most representative phytophysiognomies for Coleoptera richness and abundance in this region. Diversidade de Besouros de Solo (Hexapoda, Coleoptera) em uma Área no Pantanal de Poconé, Mato Grosso, BrasilResumo. A comunidade de besouros de solo (Hexapoda, Coleoptera), principalmente Scarabaeidae, foi avaliada em uma área com diferentes formações vegetacionais (fitofisionomias) durante o período de enchente (novembro/ 2005) no Pantanal de Poconé, Mato Grosso, Brasil. Foram delimitados 30 transectos de 250 m, distantes 1 km entre si, em uma área de 5x5 km² (RAPELD). Em cada transecto, caracterizado como uma área amostral, cinco amostras de 1m² foram coletadas usando mini-Winkler e cinco armadilhas pitfall foram distribuídas a cada 50 m, mantendo-se uma distância de 1 m entre as duas técnicas empregadas. Foram amostrados 767 coleópteros pertencentes a 27 famílias e 192 espécies. Scarabaeidae e Staphylinidae foram as famílias mais abundantes. Staphylinidae, Curculionidae e Scarabaeidae apresentaram maior riqueza de espécies. Scarabaeidae foi representada por 236 indivíduos distribuídos entre Scarabaeinae e Aphodiinae, 11 gêneros e 22 espécies. A análise de variância multivariada evidenciou que a relação entre a comunidade de Coleoptera e as fitofisionomias foi significativa, enquanto entre Scarabaeidae e as fitofisionomias a relação não foi significativa. As áreas de campos de murundus, cambarazal, landi e pastagens introduzidas foram as fitofisionomias mais representativas para a riqueza e abundância de Coleoptera nessa região.
Análise Faunística de Insetos Associados à Cultura do Quiabeiro [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] em Plantio Comercial, no Município de Canindé de São Francisco, SE, Brasil
Authors: Silva Daniele Cristina de Oliveira Lima da , Ramos Marcelo Alves , Silva Henrique Costa Hermenegildo da , Alves Ângelo Giuseppe Chaves 
Published: August 2016

Resumo. A presente pesquisa objetivou estudar a entomofauna associada ao cultivo comercial de quiabo, no Município de Canindé do São Francisco (SE), por meio de análise faunística. As espécies Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biótipo B, Aphis gossypii (Glover), Phenacoccus sp., Icerya purchasi (Maskell) e Lagria villosa (Fabricius) foram as principais pragas do quiabeiro neste estudo. Diabrotica speciosa (Germar) e Gryllus assimilis (Fabricius) foram pragas de importância secundária. Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas), Nezara viridula L., Pachycoris torridus (Scopoli) e Oxycarenus hyalinipennis (Costa) foram pragas esporádicas. Foram encontradas quatro espécies de insetos predadores, sendo uma constante e dominante (Cycloneda sanguinea L.), uma dispersa, mas constante (Eriopis connexa German) e duas raras (Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville e Psyllobora confluens F.). Insect Faunal Analysis Associated with the Commercial Cultivation of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] in Canindé do São Francisco, SE, BrazilAbstract. This research aims to study the entomofauna associated with the commercial cultivation of okra in municipality of Canindé do São Francisco, Sergipe State, Brazil, through faunal analysis. The species Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B, Aphis gossypii (Glover), Phenacoccus sp., Icerya purchasi (Maskell) and Lagria villosa (Fabricius) were the okra key pests. Diabrotica speciosa (Germar) and Gryllus assimilis (Fabricius) were plagues of secondary importance. And Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas), Nezaraviridula L., Pachycoris torridus (Scopoli) and Oxycarenus hyalinipennis (Costa) were sporadic pests. Four species of predatory insects were found, a constant and dominant (Cycloneda sanguinea L.) a dispersed, but constant (Eriopis connexa German) and two rare (Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville and Psyllobora confluens F.).
Comparing the range and costs of COPD treatments in primary care
Authors: Cope Graham 
Published: August 2016

Practice nurses should familiarise themselves with the many products available for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Graham Cope outlines the treatments used in primary care, and compares cost benefits.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term illness caused by inflammation and tissue destruction, resulting in impaired airflow and inadequate oxygen availability during exercise. Inhalers acting on the nervous system that control the respiratory muscles are the main drug therapy used to treat COPD and are often used in combination to enhance their efficacy. Anti-inflammatory formulae are also used, but usually with long-lasting bronchoinhalers. Patients should be treated cost-effectively, but providing patient-centred care is paramount.
Contraception in general practice: Frequently asked questions
Authors: Robinson Carol Marilyn Ann 
Published: August 2016

Practice nurses often have queries about contraception, particularly combined hormonal contraception. Carol Marilyn Ann Robinson offers evidence-based advice, responding to typical questions and using expert resources. The aim of this article is to address questions frequently asked by practice nurses related to contraception and, in particular, combined hormonal contraception. The questions are based on an analysis of enquiries and clinical situations highlighted during contraception and sexual health training programmes for practice nurses. To formulate evidence-based answers, electronic sources were routinely searched, including clinical guidance from the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health (FSRH); the World Health Organization (WHO) publications: UK Medical Eligibility Recommendations for Contraceptive Use (UKMEC) (2016); the Cochrane library; and MEDLINE, plus manufacturers' summaries of product characteristics (SPC).
Offering pre-travel advice to the last-minute traveller
Authors: Driver Carolyn 
Published: August 2016

How should practices offering travel health services deal with last-minute requests for vaccinations and travel consultations? Carolyn Driver outlines good practice, including using a variety of opportunities to promote the importance of travel preparation. Last-minute and frequent travel are part of modern life and practices that provide travel health services should make efforts to ensure there is capacity to see last-minute travellers when they seek advice, devising an appropriate policy. Part of the global sum that practices currently receive is to cover the provision of NHS-reimbursable travel vaccinations. A risk assessment will identify the most significant hazards for the individual traveller, followed by tailored advice about prophylaxis and vaccinations. Where appointments cannot be found, a telephone conversation can elicit important information and allow health professionals to signpost alternative travel clinics.
Improving adherence for patients using topical treatments
Authors: Buchanan Pauline Judy 
Published: August 2016

Poor adherence affects quality of life and clinical outcomes for patients living with long-term, chronic skin conditions. Pauline Judy Buchanan highlights the barriers to adherence and discusses taking a biopsychosocial approach to assessment and intervention. This article explores adherence and non-adherence to topical treatment regimens. The paper identifies important influences on adherence and highlights how poor adherence impacts on quality of life and clinical outcomes for patients living with long-term chronic skin conditions. It examines important aspects of care, including nurse–patient consultations, communication, a biopsychosocial approach and health literacy. In line with evidence-based practice and quality improvement, nursing assessment, interventions and evaluation strategies are discussed with the aim of aiding nurses in supporting patients to improve adherence.