Results of D-IMPACT

Summary Aims:  Diagnosis IMprovement in PrimAry Care Trial (D-IMPACT) was a prospective, multicentre epidemiological study in three European countries to identify the optimal subset of simple tests applied in primary care to diagnose benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men who spontaneously present with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Methods:  Consecutive male patients aged ≥ 50 years who spontaneously attended their regular general practitioner (GP) office with LUTS were eligible for inclusion if they had not previously undergone BPH diagnostic tests or received treatment for BPH. Patients were assessed on three occasions, twice by their regular GP (visits 1 and 2) and once by a urologist (visit 3). The diagnostic accuracy of each variable was determined using the urologists' final BPH diagnosis (at visit 3) as gold-standard. Independent variables analysed were as follows: age; BPH diagnosis performed by GP in visit 1 (yes/no); probability of BPH diagnosis assessed by GP in visit 1; urinalysis (normal/abnormal); prostate-specific antigen (PSA); International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS); diagnosis of BPH performed by GP in visit 2 (yes/no); and probability of BPH diagnosis assessed by GP in visit 2. Statistically significant variables (p 1.5 ng/ml and prostate volume ≥ 30 cm3). Among the independent variables analysed, only age, IPSS and PSA showed a statistically significant relationship with BPH diagnosis. In a logistic regression model including age, IPSS, PSA and probability of BPH (based on physical examination and symptoms), positive predictive value (PPV) was 77.1%. Exclusion of BPH probability resulted in a PPV of 75.7%. Conclusions:  A diagnostic algorithm including only objective variables (age, IPSS and PSA), easily implemented in any GP office, allows GPs to accurately diagnose BPH in approximately three-quarters of patients spontaneously reporting LUTS

Safety assessment of chronic oral exposure to iron oxide nanoparticles

Iron oxide nanoparticles with engineered physical and biochemical properties are finding a rapidly increasing number of biomedical applications. However, a wide variety of safety concerns, especially those related to oral exposure, still need to be addressed for iron oxide nanoparticles in order to reach clinical practice. Here, we report on the effects of chronic oral exposure to low doses of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles in growing chickens. Animal observation, weight, and diet intake reveal no adverse signs, symptoms, or mortality. No nanoparticle accumulation was observed in liver, spleen, and duodenum, with feces as the main excretion route. Liver iron level and duodenal villi morphology reflect the bioavailability of the iron released from the partial transformation of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles in the acid gastric environment. Duodenal gene expression studies related to the absorption of iron from γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles indicate the enhancement of a ferric over ferrous pathway supporting the role of mucins. Our findings reveal that oral administration of iron oxide nanoparticles is a safe route for drug delivery at low nanoparticle doses.Peer Reviewe

Incidence of hypohidration in athletes and sedentary male adults with intellectual disability

El presente estudio descriptivo de tipo transversal se diseñó para determinar el nivel de hidratación de deportistas con discapacidad intelectual y su comparación con adultos sedentarios con la misma discapacidad. Participaron 22 deportistas federados que realizan el mismo programa de entrenamiento además de 22 adultos sedentarios ajustados en sexo, edad y cociente de inteligencia. Los parámetros ensayados fueron la densidad urinaria determinada mediante refractómetro así como la ingesta diaria de líquido adlibitum. Este protocolo fue aprobado por un Comité de Ética Institucional. Tan solo 6 deportistas (21,6%) presentaron valores de euhidratación frente a 9 (40,9%) de los participantes sedentarios incluidos en el grupo control. Las únicas diferencias significativas respecto a la ingesta de líquidos se estableció precisamente entre deportistas y sedentarios con euhidratación. Se concluye que los deportistas con discapacidad intelectual se encuentran en riesgo de deshidratación que podría explicarse, al menos en parte, por una insuficiente ingesta hídricaThe current study was designed to determine hydration status of well-trained, male athletes with ID. A secondary purpose was to compare these results with hydration status of sedentary young adults with ID. A total of 22 athletes with ID volunteered for this cross-sectional, descriptive study. The control group included 22, age, sex and IQ-matched sedentary adults with ID. Main outcome measurements were urine specific gravity (USG) and daily fluid intake for three consecutive days. With regard to athletes with ID, it was found that 5 participants (21,7%) stayed significantly hypohydrated, 12 athletes (52,2%) appeared hypohydrated and 6 participants (26,1%) stayed euhydrated. In fact, a significantly lower percentage of athletes was euhydrated when compared to sedentary matched adults with ID (26,1vs.40,9%;χ2=5,67;p<001). In conclusion, athletes with ID are at increased risk of dehydration that may be explained, at least in part, given that ad-libitum fluid consumption was insufficien

Viabilidad de un modelo alternativo de Supervisión para las Cooperativas de Ahorro y Crédito en Costa Rica

Proyecto de Graduación (Licenciatura en Administración de Empresas. Enfasis en Finanzas) Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, 2009.El motor principal del desarrollo de las naciones lo constituyen las empresas, ya que estas son las principales generadoras del empleo, proveen bienes y servicios a los individuos, generan riqueza y capital, y son parte medular en el desarrollo de tecnología e innovación. En la actualidad nos desarrollamos y vivimos dentro de una sociedad que está en constante transformación, para poder acoplarse a los rápidos cambios del mercado y así poder hacer una diferenciación con sus productos y servicios; así que, buscar elementos que nos ayuden a propiciar esta retroalimentación que nos beneficiará a todos al generar ganancias, tanto para aquellos que adquieren un bien o servicio, como, para quienes lo ofrecen. Respecto a ahorro y crédito en nuestro país se cuenta con diversas alternativas, sin embargo, a la hora de conocer la supervisión de los entes que ofrecen estos servicios podemos ver que esta supervisión no hace ninguna diferencia, a pesar de que los objetivos de estas instituciones son completamente diferentes unas de otras. Hoy en día, algunas cooperativas ven la supervisión diferenciada como una fortaleza y otras como una amenaza, debido a que a pesar de que ésta es necesaria, el desarrollar una supervisión adecuada implica gastos adicionales que se verían reflejados en el corto y mediano plazo, en los beneficios dirigidos a los asociados, por lo que es conveniente que se asuma una actitud solidaria entre las cooperativas del sector, sean o no supervisadas, para dar a conocer todos aquellos cambios que se necesitan para mejorar la actual supervisión, sin generar temor entre los asociados. Debido a lo anterior es importante identificar los diferentes procesos que ha analizado la SUGEF en cuanto a la supervisión orientada hacia los diferentes entes financieros y conocer al mismo tiempo las alternativas existentes para un modelo alternativo de supervisión, así como la viabilidad de aceptación dentro de las Cooperativas de Ahorro y Crédito de Costa Rica.Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica. Escuela Administración de Empresas

About identification of features that affect the estimation of citrus harvest

Accurate models for early harvest estimation in citrus production generally involve expensive variables. The goal of this research work was to develop a model to provide early and accurate estimations of harvest using low-cost features. Given the original data may derive from tree measurements, meteorological stations, or satellites, they have varied costs. The studied orchards included tangerines (Citrus reticulata x C. sinensis) and sweet oranges (C. sinensis) located in northeastern Argentina. Machine learning methods combined with different datasets were tested to obtain the most accurate harvest estimation. The final model is based on support vector machines with low-cost variables like species, age, irrigation, red and near-infrared reflectance in February and December, NDVI in December, rain during ripening, and humidity during fruit growth. Highlights: Red and near-infrared reflectance in February and December are helpful values to predict orange harvest. SVM is an efficient method to predict harvest. A ranking method to A ranking-based method has been developed to identify the variables that best predict orange production.  Accurate models for early harvest estimation in citrus production generally involve expensive variables. The goal of this research work was to develop a model to provide early and accurate estimations of harvest using low-cost features. Given the original data may derive from tree measurements, meteorological stations, or satellites, they have varied costs. The studied orchards included tangerines (Citrus reticulata x C. sinensis) and sweet oranges (C. sinensis) located in northeastern Argentina. Machine learning methods combined with different datasets were tested to obtain the most accurate harvest estimation. The final model is based on support vector machines with low-cost variables like species, age, irrigation, red and near-infrared reflectance in February and December, NDVI in December, rain during ripening, and humidity during fruit growth. Highlights: Red and near-infrared reflectance in February and December are helpful values to predict orange harvest. SVM is an efficient method to predict harvest. A ranking method to A ranking-based method has been developed to identify the variables that best predict orange production

Evaluación de la conectividad estructural y funcional en el corredor de conservación Podocarpus-Yacuambi, Ecuador

Con el objetivo de determinar el grado de conectividad estructural en el corredor de conectividad Podocarpus-Yacuambi (Yawi-sumak) en el sur del Ecuador, se evaluaron métricas del paisaje y se analizó la conectividad funcional en tres especies de mamíferos con requerimientos ecológicos contrastantes: Tapirus pinchaque, Sturnira erythromos y Cebus albifrons. El corredor tiene una extensión de 315346 hectáreas, la cobertura con la mayor proporción es el bosque (71%), paisaje correspondiente a un tipo de alteración “jaspeada”; sin embargo, este uso del suelo tuvo una de las mayores densidades de fragmento (0,25/100 ha), la mayor densidad de borde, contraste de borde y uno de los más bajos índices de conectividad, lo cual es indicativo de fragmentación. A nivel de paisaje, el índice de contagio fue de 74% y la conectividad con un umbral de distancia de 40 Km alcanzó el 74%. El hábitat óptimo para el Tapirus pinchaque abarcó la mayor proporción del corredor (78%), para Sturnira erythromos fue de 72%, mientras que Cebus albifrons obtuvo (29%). Los fragmentos de hábitat que pueden servir como puentes de paso para las tres especies se encuentran principalmente en los poblados de Tutupali, 28 de mayo e Imbana, por lo que es necesario priorizar estas áreas para hacer proyectos de producción sostenible y conservación. Aunque el bosque abarca una gran proporción de la zona, la conectividad estructural es baja debido a la fragmentación. La conectividad funcional para el tapir y el murciélago es óptima; no obstante, existen cuellos de botella en las zonas fragmentadas.In order to determine the degree of structural connectivity in the Podocarpus-Yacuambi (Yawi-sumak) ecological corridor in southern Ecuador, landscape metrics were evaluated and functional connectivity was analyzed for three mammalian species with contrasting ecological requirements: Tapirus pinchaque, Cebus albifrons, and Sturnira erythromos. The corridor is a variegated landscape with an area of 315346 hectares, of which 71 percent is forest. However, the forest is highly fragmented with high patch density (0.25/100 ha), high edge density and edge contrast index and low levels of connectivity. At the landscape level, the contagion index was 74 percent and connectivity with a threshold distance of 40 Km reached 74 percent. The optimal habitat for Tapirus pinchaque spanned the largest proportion (78%) of the corridor compared to Sturnira erythromos (72%) and Cebus albifrons (29%). Habitat patches that can serve as “stepping stones” for the three species are found mainly in the districts of Tutupali, 28 de Mayo and Imbana, so it is necessary to prioritize these areas for sustainable production and conservation projects. The study suggests that although forest cover is high, structural connectivity is low due to fragmentation. Functional connectivity for the tapir and the bat is optimal; however, there are bottlenecks in fragmented areas

Metal Halide Perovskite Polycrystalline Films Exhibiting Properties of Single Crystals

Metal halide perovskites are generating enormous excitement for use in solar cells and light-emission applications, but devices still show substantial non-radiative losses. Here, we show that by combining light and atmospheric treatments, we can increase the internal luminescence quantum efficiencies of polycrystalline perovskite films from 1% to 89%, with carrier lifetimes of 32 μs and diffusion lengths of 77 μm, comparable with perovskite single crystals. Remarkably, the surface recombination velocity of holes in the treated films is 0.4 cm/s, approaching the values for fully passivated crystalline silicon, which has the lowest values for any semiconductor to date. The enhancements translate to solar cell power-conversion efficiencies of 19.2%, with a near-instant rise to stabilized power output, consistent with suppression of ion migration. We propose a mechanism in which light creates superoxide species from oxygen that remove shallow surface states. The work reveals an industrially scalable post-treatment capable of producing state-of-the-art semiconducting films.S.D.S. has received funding from the European Union's Seventh Framework Program (Marie Curie Actions) under REA grant number PIOF-GA-2013-622630. This work made use of the Shared Experimental Facilities supported in part by the MRSEC Program of the National Science Foundation (NSF) under award number MDR – 1419807. R.B. acknowledges support from the MIT Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). A.O. acknowledges support from the NSF under grant no. 1605406 (EP/L000202). D.G. acknowledges the China Scholarship Council for funding, file no. 201504910812. The authors acknowledge funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under EP/P02484X/1 and the Programme Grant EP/M005143/1. M.S.I. and C.E. acknowledge support from the EPSRC Program grant on Energy Materials (EP/KO16288) and the Archer HPC/MCC Consortium (EP/L000202). E.M.H. gratefully acknowledges the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) Echo number 712.014.007 for funding. The work was also partially supported by Eni S.p.A. via the Eni-MIT Solar Frontiers Center. The authors thank Mengfei Wu and Marc Baldo for access to an integrating sphere, Jay Patel and Michael Johnston for EQE verifications, and Eli Yablonovitch and Luis Pazos-Outón for helpful discussion

A Short-Term Resistance Training Circuit Improved Antioxidants in Sedentary Adults with Down Syndrome

Previous studies have found aerobic training improved oxidative damage in people with Down syndrome (DS). However, there is a lack of information regarding the influence of resistance training on redox imbalance in this population. Accordingly, this study was conducted to determine the effect of resistance training (RT) on antioxidant defence system in sedentary adults with DS. Thirty-six male adults with DS were recruited through different community support groups. Eighteen were randomly assigned to perform a circuit RT program with 6 stations, 3 days/week for 12 weeks. Plasma total antioxidant status (TAS), reduced glutathione (GHS), ascorbate, serum alpha-tocopherol, and erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity were assessed. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl groups (CG) were assessed as markers of oxidative damage. Muscle strength was also measured. Dynamic torque of knee extensors and flexors as well as maximal handgrip strength was significantly improved after the completion of the training program. Plasma levels of TAS and erythrocyte glutathione reductase (GR) activity were significantly increased. Conversely, MDA and CG levels were significantly reduced. It was concluded RT improved antioxidant defence system and reduced oxidative damage in adults with DS. Further, long-term studies are required to determine whether the increased antioxidant system may improve clinical outcomes of adults with DS

Colouration in amphibians as a reflection of nutritional status : the case of tree frogs in Costa Rica

Colouration has been considered a cue for mating success in many species; ornaments in males often are related to carotenoid mobilization towards feathers and/or skin and can signal general health and nutrition status. However, there are several factors that can also link with status, such as physiological blood parameters and body condition, but there is not substantial evidence which supports the existence of these relationships and interactions in anurans. This study evaluated how body score and blood values interact with colouration in free-range Agalychnis callidryas and Agalychnis annae males. We found significant associations between body condition and plasmatic proteins and haematocrit, as well as between body condition and colour values from the chromaticity diagram. We also demonstrated that there is a significant relation between the glucose and plasmatic protein values that were reflected in the ventral colours of the animals, and haematocrit inversely affected most of those colour values. Significant differences were found between species as well as between populations of A. callidryas, suggesting that despite colour variation, there are also biochemical differences within animals from the same species located in different regions. These data provide information on underlying factors for colouration of male tree frogs in nature, provide insights about the dynamics of several nutrients in the amphibian model and how this could affect the reproductive output of the animals