bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A cross‐sectional evaluation of the validity of a smartphone otoscopy device in screening for ear disease in Nepal
Authors: Mandavia R. , Lapa T. , Smith M. , Bhutta M.F. 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesHearing loss is a neglected international health problem. The greatest burden of ear disease is in low‐income countries where there is also a lack of resources. In this context, screening for otological disease may be worthwhile. Cupris© has developed an otoscopy device that offers the possibility of low‐cost mass screening in remote communities. We evaluated the validity of this device in diagnosing ear disease and in determining whether referral to an ENT centre is warranted.DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingOutpatient clinic, Nepal.ParticipantsAll adults and children were invited to take part over a 2‐day period. The Cupris© device was used to record participants otological history and examination. Stored history and images were assessed in the United Kingdom by a Consultant‐grade ENT Surgeon, who provided a diagnosis and decided whether referral to an ENT centre was warranted.After screening with the Cupris© device, participants were immediately assessed by a UK trained ENT Consultant Surgeon using a standard otoscope (“standard assessment”). A diagnosis was recorded for each participant and a decision was made as to whether referral to an ENT centre was warranted.OutcomesConcordance in primary diagnosis (analysed per ear) and concordance in the decision to refer (analysed per patient). Cohen's kappa coefficient for inter‐rater agreement in diagnosis.ResultsFifty‐six patients agreed to participate. In four patients, the quality of video recorded precluded a diagnosis or management plan. These patients were excluded from subsequent analysis, leaving 52 patients for analysis. The same diagnosis was reached for 99 of 104 ears when comparing the Cupris© device to standard assessment (95% concordance), with Cohen's kappa coefficient of 0.89. The decision as to whether a patient should be referred to an ENT centre for further assessment was the same for all 52 participants when comparing the Cupris© device to standard assessment.ConclusionsWhen compared to standard assessment, the Cupris© device is a valid tool for the diagnosis of ear disease and decision for onward referral. It shows considerable promise for use by trained non‐medical workers, as a low‐cost and portable tool to screen for ear disease in remote settings, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
In‐transition culture of experimentation with cannabis in Latin American college students: A new role within a potential drug use sequencing pattern
Authors: Castaldelli‐Maia João Mauricio , Nicastri Sérgio , Cerdá Magdalena , Kim June H. , de Oliveira Lúcio Garcia , de Andrade Arthur Guerra , Martins Silvia S. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIntroduction and AimsGiven a scenario of intense discussion about the legal situation of cannabis users worldwide, this paper aims to investigate the role of cannabis within a drug use sequencing pattern.Design and MethodsData came from a representative sample of college students from 27 Brazilian capitals (n = 12 711). We analysed the patterns of transition from/to the first use of cannabis to/from the first use of alcohol, tobacco and seven other illegal drugs. Survival analysis methods were used to analyse age of onset data on all potential drug pairs. Drugs that were not specified as the target drug pair tested in each survival model were included as time‐varying covariates in all models.ResultsWe found significant transitions from alcohol [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–1.73, P < 0.001] and inhalants (aHR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.26–1.93, P < 0.001) to cannabis. Moreover, we found significant transitions from cannabis to alcohol (aHR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.47–3.91, P < 0.001), cocaine (aHR = 7.47, 95% CI = 4.26–13.09, P < 0.001), prescription opioids (aHR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.29–3.63, P < 0.01) and tranquilisers (aHR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.11–2.06, P < 0.01).Discussion and ConclusionsOverall, our findings point to a strategic role of cannabis within drug first use sequence pattern. We had an important and unexpected finding—the bi‐directional relationship between alcohol and cannabis. In addition, the first use of cannabis still precedes the first use of cocaine and non‐medical use of tranquilisers and prescription opioids. [Castaldelli‐Maia JM, Nicastri S, Cerdá M, Kim JH, Oliveira LG, Andrade AG, Martins, SS. In‐transition culture of experimentation with cannabis in Latin American college students: A new role within a potential drug use sequencing pattern. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;00:000‐000]
Risk of stroke in prescription and other amphetamine‐type stimulants use: A systematic review
Authors: Indave Blanca Iciar , Sordo Luis , Bravo María José , Sarasa‐Renedo Ana , Fernández‐Balbuena Sonia , De la Fuente Luis , Sonego Michela , Barrio Gregorio 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIntroduction and AimsAmphetamine‐type stimulants (ATS) are a putative cause of stroke with high abuse potential. We aim to systematically review the association between use of ATS and stroke.Design and MethodsTo assure a sensitive search strategy, a broad definition of ATS was used. Cochrane Plus, EMBASE, IBECS/Lilacs, ISI WOK, Medline and Scopus were searched through 2016. Three researchers independently reviewed studies (Meta‐analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses). Validity and bias were appraised.ResultsOf 3998 articles, four cohort studies and eight case–control studies (CCS) were selected; 11 focused on prescribed or over‐the‐counter ATS. Current ATS users showed a higher ischaemic stroke risk than non‐users in two cohort studies {adjusted rate ratio = 1.6 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1, 2.4] and 3.4 [95% CI = 1.1, 10.6]}. One study observed increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke in former users versus non‐users [adjusted rate ratio = 2.3 (95% CI = 1.3, 4.1)]. Higher haemorrhagic stroke risk was seen in two CCS among women using ATS [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 16.6 (95% CI = 1.5, 182.2) and 3.9 (95% CI = 1.1, 13.1)]. All‐stroke was negatively associated with ATS in another CCS [aOR = 0.4 (95% CI = 0.2, 0.8)] and positively associated in the only study on non‐medical ATS [aOR = 3.8 (95% CI = 1.2, 12.6)]. Selection bias and uncontrolled confounding were common.Discussion and ConclusionsThis is the first systematic review on ATS and stroke. Limited epidemiological evidence suggests that ATS use increases stroke risk. Possible disparities in ATS effect across stroke type and higher effect in women deserve further clarification. Studies on non‐medical ATS use should be a priority. [Indave BI, Sordo L, Bravo MJ, Sarasa‐Renedo A, Fernández‐Balbuena S, De la Fuente L, Sonego M, Barrio G. Risk of stroke in prescription and other amphetamine‐type stimulants use: A systematic review. Drug Alcohol Rev 2018;37:56–69]
Evidenz von Silber in der Wundbehandlung – Metaanalyse der klinischen Studien von 2000–2015
Authors: Dissemond Joachim , Böttrich Johannes Georg , Braunwarth Horst , Hilt Jörg , Wilken Patricia , Münter Karl‐Christian 
Published: May 2017

ZusammenfassungHintergrundDa die wissenschaftliche Evidenz für Silber in der Wundbehandlung meist als unzureichend angesehen wird, besteht für die Anwender eine Unsicherheit hinsichtlich des klinischen Einsatzes.Material und MethodikVon einer Expertengruppe wurden die publizierten klinischen Studien zu Silber in der Wundbehandlung für den Zeitraum 2000–2015 ausgewertet.ErgebnisseEs konnten 851 Artikel identifiziert werden, von denen 173 Artikel eingeschlossen und kategorisiert wurden. Hierbei fanden sich 31 randomisierte kontrollierte Studien (RCTs) und acht Kohortenstudien. Bei 28 dieser Studien fanden sich statistisch signifikante Endparameter zugunsten von Silber. Thematisch waren dies neun Studien zu Verbrennungen, 20 Studien zu anderen Indikationen (9 x Ulcus cruris venosum, 3 x Dekubitus, 2 x chronische Wunde, 1 x diabetisches Fußsyndrom und 5 x andere Wunden), 16 Studien mit dem Parameter Heilung, zwölf Studien bezogen sich auf Lebensqualität inklusive Schmerz, acht Studien mit Kosteneffektivität und drei Studien mit Reduktion der bakteriellen Keimlast. Auf der Basis dieser Ergebnisse wurde ein Behandlungsalgorithmus für Silber in der Wundbehandlung entwickelt.SchlussfolgerungenDiese aktuelle Metaanalyse zeigt, dass die Evidenzlage für Silber in der Wundbehandlung deutlich besser ist, als in der derzeitigen wissenschaftlichen Diskussion wahrgenommen wird. So ergeben sich bei gezieltem und zeitlich begrenztem Einsatz neben den antimikrobiellen Effekten unter anderem auch Hinweise auf eine Verbesserung der Lebensqualität sowie eine gute Kosteneffektivität.
New lasers and light sources – old and new risks?
Authors: Paasch Uwe , Schwandt Antje , Seeber Nikolaus , Kautz Gerd , Grunewald Sonja , Haedersdal Merete 
Published: May 2017

SummaryRecent developments (new wavelengths, treatment concepts, and combinations) in the field of lasers, intense pulsed light (IPL), LED, as well as new energy and light sources have opened up new therapeutic options that extend beyond mere aesthetic indications. Thus, while fractional lasers used to be employed to merely treat wrinkles, the same devices – in the context of laser‐assisted drug delivery – have now become important tools in the treatment of scars, field cancerization, and epithelial tumors. The requirements posed to physicians, both with respect to establishing the indication and conducting treatment, have been growing along with the increase in technological complexity as well as the rising number of comorbidities and comedications in a patient population that continues to age.At the same time, home‐use devices have been introduced for a variety of indications. These devices are characterized by low power and special safety features aimed at preventing accidents, risks, and side effects. Despite the reduced efficacy of such self‐treatment devices, there is an increased risk of misuse, given that the basic prerequisite for adequate treatment cannot be ensured, to wit, the exact diagnosis and therapeutic indication. Consequently, during hair removal or anti‐wrinkle treatment, pigmented lesions and cutaneous neoplasms may be altered, thus giving rise to expected, unexpected and new side effects and complications.In the aforementioned setting, it is important that all potential users of these new technologies be properly trained in a manner that ensures those treated a maximum of safety and efficacy in accordance with the guiding principle “diagnosis certa – ullae therapiae fundamentum”.
Diagnostic precision of component‐resolved vs. extract‐based in vitro diagnosis of hymenoptera venom allergy: effects on clinical management
Authors: Seyfarth Florian , Miguel Diana , Schliemann Sibylle , Hipler Uta‐Christina 
Published: May 2017

SummaryBackgroundThe measurement of specific IgE (sIgE) antibodies plays a key role in the diagnosis of honeybee and wasp venom allergy. In recent years, component‐resolved diagnosis (CRD) has been introduced, which allows for the measurement of sIgE antibodies against Api m 1, Ves v 1, Ves v 5, and Pol d 5, as well as cross‐reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs). These tests are intended to help determine the clinical relevance of any given sensitization, especially in patients with dual sensitization.Patients and methodsSpecific IgE antibody levels were measured in 143 patients with bee and/or wasp venom allergy using the extract‐based ImmunoCAP® allergens i1 and i3 as well as the ImmunoCAP® allergen components i208‐211 and O214 (Api m 1, Ves v 1, Ves v 5, Pol d 5, CCDs). In patients with dual sensitization, inhibition testing was also performed. In a subgroup of the study population, sIgE to Api m 1, Api m 4, Pol d 5, and Ves v 5 were determined using the ISAC® allergy microarray (n = 44).ResultsThe sensitivity of Ves v 5 in patients with isolated wasp venom allergy was 78.5 %; in combination with Ves v 1, that figure increased to 92.3 %. The sensitivity of Api m 1 in individuals with isolated bee venom allergy was 25 %. CRD and inhibition testing in individuals with dual sensitization showed divergent results. CRD using the ISAC® allergy microarray showed marked differences, especially with regard to Api m 1 and CCDs.ConclusionComponent‐resolved tests are a valuable addition to the diagnostic spectrum as long as they are used in combination with established procedures. Apart from Ves v 5, measuring IgE antibodies to Ves v 1 should always be included in the diagnostic workup.
Chronic venous insufficiency – a review of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment
Authors: Santler Bettina , Goerge Tobias 
Published: May 2017

SummaryChronic venous disease is a common disorder associated with a variety of symptoms in later disease stages but also with complications such as venous leg ulcer. This, in turn, has substantial socioeconomic effects and significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. While there are a number of diagnostic procedures available, color‐flow duplex ultrasound has become the gold standard. As regards therapeutic options, major advances have been made in recent decades. Today, there are alternatives to saphenofemoral ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein, including endovenous thermal ablation techniques. However, treatment selection continues to depend on many factors such as individual anatomical circumstances and disease stage. The following article provides an overview of the anatomy and pathophysiology as well as current diagnostic and therapeutic standards.
Institutionalized corruption in Indonesian irrigation: An analysis of the upeti system
Authors: Suhardiman Diana , Mollinga Peter P. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis article analyzes the internal logic of the upeti system in Indonesian irrigation and brings to light how corruption rules are shaped through complex socio‐political relationships reflected in the organizational culture of the irrigation agency. Based on 100 interviews with water sector professionals the article highlights: (1) the importance of social relations in shaping institutionalized corruption, (2) how the upeti system justifies corruption practices as the prevailing social norm, and (3) the need for structural change to eradicate corruption. Illustrating how corruption rules are embedded in project management procedures, with projects highly dependent on donor funding, the article highlights the importance of the issue for international agencies and the need to be more politically grounded in promoting their development agenda.
Public‐private partnerships (PPPs) in development policy: Exploring the concept and practice
Authors: Brogaard Lena , Petersen Ole Helby 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPublic‐private partnerships (PPPs) have proliferated in development studies over the past decades. However, the partnership notion often remains loosely defined, thus making it difficult to grasp the concept and evaluate practice. This article aims to contribute to conceptual and empirical exploration of the PPP concept. Based on a comprehensive review of the literature, we frame eight characteristics of PPPs in development policy. Turning then to exploration of empirical practice, we present a longitudinal analysis of PPPs in Danish development policy over a 20‐year period. The conceptual and empirical insights are aimed at PPP development researchers and practitioners alike.
Measurement of soil‐surface heat flux with a multi‐needle heat‐pulse probe
Authors: Peng X. , Wang Y. , Heitman J. , Ochsner T. , Horton R. , Ren T. 
Published: May 2017

SummarySoil‐surface heat flux (G0), an important component of the surface energy balance, is often determined by summing soil heat flux (Gz) at a depth (z) below the surface and the rate of change in soil heat storage (ΔS) in the layer above z. The soil heat flux Gz is commonly measured with passive heat flux plates, but self‐calibrating plates or additional corrections are required to obtain accurate data. In some cases, ΔS is neglected because of the difficulty of monitoring the dynamics of volumetric heat capacity (C), which might lead to erroneous estimates of G0. To overcome these limitations, we introduce the heat‐pulse method for measuring G0 with a multi‐needle heat‐pulse probe (HPP). Soil temperature (T) distribution, thermal conductivity (λ) and C of the 0–52‐mm layer were measured hourly on five consecutive days with an 11‐needle HPP, and Gz at 50‐mm depth (G50) and ΔS of the 0–50‐mm layer (ΔS0–50) were determined by the gradient and calorimetric methods, respectively. Independent measurements of G50 with a self‐calibrating heat flux plate and ΔS0–50 calculated with the de Vries model C were used to evaluate the HPP data. With reliable G50 and ΔS0–50 measurements, the HPP‐based G0 data agreed well with those estimated from the independent method (with a mean absolute difference of 4.5 W m−2). Supporting measurements showed that determining Gz at the 50‐mm depth minimized the likelihood of errors from evaporation below the measurement depth. The multi‐needle HPP provides a reliable way to determine G0 in situ. Additional analysis demonstrated that by reducing the number of needles from 11 to 5, the datalogging requirement was reduced by half and G0 was still determined with acceptable accuracy.HighlightsHeat flux at the soil surface (G0) was monitored by the heat‐pulse technique.
A multi‐needle heat‐pulse probe (HPP) was used to measure subsurface soil heat flux (Gz) and heat storage concurrently.
Appropriate measurement depths of Gz were determined to minimize the effects of subsurface latent heat sink on G0.
A simplified calculation reduced the datalogging requirement of the multi‐needle HPP.
Evolution of loess‐derived soil along a climatic toposequence in the Qilian Mountains, NE Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yang F. , Huang L. M. , Rossiter D. G. , Yang F. , Yang R. M. , Zhang G. L. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryHolocene loess has been recognized as the primary source of the silty topsoil in the northeast Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. The processes through which these uniform loess sediments develop into diverse types of soil remain unclear. In this research, we examined 23 loess‐derived soil samples from the Qilian Mountains with varying amounts of pedogenic modification. Soil particle‐size distribution and non‐calcareous mineralogy were changed only slightly because of the weak intensity of chemical weathering. Accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC) and leaching of carbonate were both identified as predominant pedogenic responses to soil forming processes. Principal component analysis and structural analysis revealed the strong correlations between soil carbon (SOC and carbonate) and several soil properties related to soil functions. Accretion of SOC effectively decreased soil bulk density (R2= 0.81) and increased cation exchange capacity (R2= 0.96), soil water retention at saturation (R2= 0.77), field capacity (R2= 0.49) and wilting point (R2= 0.56). These results indicate that soil ecological functions are strengthened during pedogenic modification of such loess sediments. Soil C/N ratio was constant at small SOC contents, but after reaching a threshold of approximately 35 g kg−1SOC, soil C/N increased linearly with SOC. This indicates a change from a carbon‐limited loess ecosystem in arid regions to a nitrogen‐limited one in alpine settings. This research suggests that loess sequences within environmental gradients offer great potential as natural experiments to explore intrinsic soil behaviour and ecosystem evolution because the effect of parent material is well constrained.HighlightsWe examined pedogenic modifications of loess with uniform origin from contrasting environments.Accumulation of SOC and depletion of carbonate coincide during pedogenesis of loess‐derived soil.Pedogenesis underpins functional evolution of loess‐derived soil across the Qilian Mountains.Loess sequences provide ideal natural experiments to study soil and ecosystem evolution.
Amendment with sugarcane pith improves the hydrophysical characteristics of saline‐sodic soil
Authors: Abd El‐Halim A. A. , Lennartz B. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryThe application of organic materials is an environmental practice in soil restoration, but the use of sugarcane pith, a by‐product of the paper industry, as an amendment in soil reclamation has not been tested so far. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of the application of sugarcane pith on various hydrophysical properties of saline‐sodic soil. A 4‐month incubation pot trial under stagnant water and leaching conditions was carried out. Application of 5, 10 and 20 t ha−1pith led to a decrease in bulk density by 19, 41 and 42%, respectively, and a corresponding increase in drainable porosity. Likewise, soil structure expressed in terms of aggregate stability was enhanced substantially from 0.5 to 0.9. Water‐saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and available water content were also positively affected by the amendments with pith; these changes were attributed to its spongy nature and the increase in organic matter with its decomposition. The doubling ofKsto 1.4 cm hour−1with the application of 20 t ha−1pith was considered crucial because it resulted in larger rates of leaching of salt. The fast decomposition of pith released Ca2+, Mg2+and K+ions, which accelerated the leaching of Na+. We recommend that saline‐sodic soil of the type that we investigated in this study should be amended with sugarcane pith powder up to a rate of 10 t ha−1. Future work should investigate the effects of pith amendments in field trials on a wide range of types of saline‐sodic soil.HighlightsIs fresh sugarcane pith effective as an amendment for saline‐sodic soil?Sugarcane pith could play a vital role in the management and reclamation of saline‐sodic soil.Application of 10–20 t ha−1sugarcane pith positively affected soil physicochemical properties.Sugarcane pith applied to saline‐sodic soil improves the hydrophysical characteristics.
Crystal structure of plant acetohydroxyacid synthase, the target for several commercial herbicides
Authors: Garcia Mario Daniel , Wang Jian‐Guo , Lonhienne Thierry , Guddat Luke William 
Published: May 2017

Acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS, EC 2.2.1.6) is the first enzyme in the branched‐chain amino acid biosynthesis pathway. Five of the most widely used commercial herbicides (i.e. sulfonylureas, imidazolinones, triazolopyrimidines, pyrimidinyl‐benzoates and sulfonylamino‐cabonyl‐triazolinones) target this enzyme. Here we have determined the first crystal structure of a plant AHAS in the absence of any inhibitor (2.9 Å resolution) and it shows that the herbicide‐binding site adopts a folded state even in the absence of an inhibitor. This is unexpected because the equivalent regions for herbicide binding in uninhibited Saccharomyces cerevisiae AHAS crystal structures are either disordered, or adopt a different fold when the herbicide is not present. In addition, the structure provides an explanation as to why some herbicides are more potent inhibitors of Arabidopsis thaliana AHAS compared to AHASs from other species (e.g. S. cerevisiae). The elucidation of the native structure of plant AHAS provides a new platform for future rational structure‐based herbicide design efforts.DatabaseThe coordinates and structure factors for uninhibited AtAHAS have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (www.pdb.org) with the PDB ID code 5K6Q.