bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response control of adjacent structures subjected to blast-induced vibrations
Authors: Kangda Muhammed Zain , Bakre Sachin
Published: November 2018

The response reduction efficiency of passive control viscous dampers installed between adjacent structures subjected to blast-induced vibrations was investigated. The blast-induced vibrations studied were mainly due to mining activities along with the accidental explosions in underground storage chambers. Equations of motion formulated by different researchers in examining the performance of damper-connected structures were reviewed. Two different types of structures (similar and dissimilar buildings) were selected to analyse the effectiveness of damper-connected buildings. A parametric study was also conducted to determine the optimum damper placement locations along with optimum damper properties for the similar buildings connected with viscous dampers. The results showed the efficiency of viscous dampers for the case of similar buildings. For dissimilar buildings, the peak responses were found to be almost equivalent for both connected and unconnected structures. Therefore, the root mean square responses were evaluated to compare the effect of blast vibrations beyond the initial impulse for the case of connected dissimilar buildings. In addition, the performance of similar structures connected with the same damping was compared with the responses obtained from different damping conditions to minimise the damping coefficient of dampers.
Gastric Dysrhythmia Corrected by Dual Chamber Pacemaker Implantation
Authors: Kiuchi Marcio Galindo
Published: November 2018

HighlightsNausea has been defined as an “unpleasant painless subjective feeling that one will imminently vomit”. While nausea and vomiting are often thought to exist on a temporal continuum, this is not always the case. There are situations when severe nausea may be present without emesis and less frequently, when emesis may be present without preceding nausea. The underlying mechanisms involved in nausea are complex and encompass psychological states, the central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, gastric dysrhythmias, and the endocrine system. We report a 92-year-old male patient with depression, hypothyroidism, and intermittent severe sinus dysfunction, causing nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, pre-syncope and low cerebral output. Dual chamber implantation was performed and 24 hours after the implantation of the device all the symptoms disappeared, the parameters of the pacemaker were stable, and the patient was discharged. At the 1st and the 3rd month after implantation the patient remained asymptomatic. Over-activity of autonomic outflow may be a determinant for overall nausea intensity, probably, may be a potential therapeutic target to be corrected, at least in part, by a dual chamber pacemaker implantation.
Meta-analysis of Mitral Valve Repair Versus Replacement for Mitral Valve Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Wang Michael Tzu Min , Haydock Matthew , Pemberton James , Wang Tom Kai Ming
Published: November 2018

Background: Mitral valve repair has superior results to replacement for severe degenerative mitral valve disease, however in the infective endocarditis setting, mixed results have been reported. We compared the outcomes of mitral valve repair and replacement for infective endocarditis in this meta-analysis.Methods: MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases from 1 January 1980 to 31 December 2015 were searched for original studies. Two authors evaluated these studies for inclusion independently, then data were extracted and pooled.Results: A total of 3,976 papers was obtained from the search, 99 full-texts were reviewed, and 13 studies which included both mitral valve repair and replacement patients involving 8,130 patients were included for analyses. Pooled rates and odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for operative mortality of repair versus replacement were 3.7% vs 10.9%, 0.33 (0.26-0.41). Odds ratio for long term mortality at 1-year (n=4) was 0.31 (0.14-0.72), and at 5 years (n=8) was 0.42 (0.25-0.69). Peri-operative stroke rates and odds ratio (n=4) were 2.8% vs 3.8%, 0.75 (0.55-1.00).  Five year recurrent endocarditis and redo-operations (n=6 for both) odds ratios were 0.39 (0.10-1.58) and 0.49 (0.12-2.02) respectively. Similar results were observed when one large study making up 85% of the meta-analysis cohort population was removed.Conclusion: Mitral valve repair is associated with reduction in mortality and stroke, and similar recurrent endocarditis and redo-operation rates compared to mitral valve replacement in mitral valve endocarditis. It is therefore preferred when feasible, similar to surgery for degenerative mitral valve disease.
Heavy Metal Contamination of Selected Vegetables from Crude Oil and Non Crude Oil-Producing States in Nigeria: A Comparative Study
Authors: Okonkwo M.A. , Onyechi U.A. , Anukwuorji Chidozie A. , Chukwunwe P.C. , Sopuru J.C.
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the heavy metal (HM) concentrations of selected vegetables harvested from crude oil-producing Rivers State and non-oil-producing Enugu State in Nigeria. Four vegetables;Telfaria occidentialis, Talinum triangulare, Ocimium gratissimum, and Murraya koenigii,were obtained from local farms in local government areas (LGAs) selected, each from the 3 senatorial zones in each state.The chemical analysis in mg/100g of the heavy metals (HMs) was conducted using standard methods. There mean values varied in the order: lead (Pb) > cadmium (Cd) > mercury (Hg) in mg/100g. Vegetable samples harvested from Rivers State had the highest toxicity level for both Pb (0.19 to 0.34) and Hg (0.01 to 0.03), while samples harvested from Enugu State had the highest toxicity level for Cd (0.07 to 0.25). The mean Pb contents forOcimium gratissimum(0.27) andTalinum triangulare(0.26), harvested from Rivers States were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than their counterparts harvested from Enugu State (0.19 and 0.21, respectively). Mercury had the least mean value than Pb and Cd in all the locations. All the vegetables from all the localities in this study had toxic levels of HM much above the FAO/WHO acceptable limits; 0.03 mg/100g for Pb, and 0.02 mg/100g for Cd in foods and 0.0001 mg/100g for Hg in mineral water. It can therefore be said that the public health importance for increased consumption of fruits and vegetables may equally mean increased HM consumption and bioaccumulation for the population in Rivers and Enugu States.
Chicken Meat, Beef and Vegetables: Potential Sources of Campylobacter jejuni Contamination in Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Adeleye Samuel A. , Braide Wesley , Chinakwe Etienne C. , Esonu Chimdi E. , Uzoh Chukwuma V.
Published: November 2018

This work was carried out to determine the incidence ofCampylobacter jejuniin selected food products in Imo state, Nigeria. Unprocessed Chicken meat, Beef and processed salad vegetables (diced Carrots and cabbage) were assessed for the incidence ofCampylobacter jejuni. 600 samples were collected between August, 2017-December, 2017 from selected local Markets. TheCampylobacter jejuniwas characterized using relevant biochemical test, growth characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibility and the results were read off using ABIS online showing 99% similarity with 65% accuracy. Results show that chicken samples isolated from Ihiagwa and relief markets were positive toCampylobacter jejuniwith a 96% and 95% incidence respectively. More beef samples from Relief market were positive compared to those from Ihiagwa market with 56% and 43% incidence respectively. On the other hand higher incidence was reported for the salad vegetables from Relief market than those from Ihiagwa market with values of 22% and 16% respectively. Also most samples from Relief Market had higher microbial load than samples from Ihiagwa market. This work stresses the need for routine checks on meat sold in markets and also recommends proper processing of meat and vegetable samples before consumption.
Immigration-related stressors and mental health problems among Asian-American Immigrants
Authors: Liu Sizhe , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2018

Focusing on Asian-American immigrants in the National Latino and Asian American Study, this work examines (1) whether immigration-related stressors are associated with 12-month depressive disorder and suicidal ideation, and (2) how individual religious involvement moderates the associations. Findings from regression analyses reveal that limited English proficiency increases the risk of both 12-month depressive disorder and suicidal ideation. No significant differences in 12-month depressive disorder and suicidal ideation are found by age at immigration. Most importantly, religious coping — frequently seeking comfort from religion — buffers the negative effects of limited English proficiency on suicidal ideation. Our findings suggest the importance of individual religious involvement in helping Asian-American immigrants cope with stress associated with immigration. Mental health professionals may need to integrate religious coping mechanisms into the clinical setting to offer more effective treatments that are sensitive to individuals’ religious and spiritual needs.
Gender differences in hypertension-free life expectancy in Bangladesh
Authors: Tareque Md. Ismail , Saito Yasuhiko
Published: November 2018

In Bangladesh, although some research on health expectancy exists, life expectancies with and without hypertension (HTN) have never been computed. We examined gender differences in the prevalence of hypertension and Hypertension-Free Life Expectancy (HFLE) in Bangladesh. We used data from a nationally representative survey of 7,864 people aged 35 and older. We classified an individual as having HTN if s/he had blood pressure levels ≥140 mmHg systolic blood pressure or ≥90 mmHg diastolic blood pressure, or s/he was at the time on antihypertensive medication. The Sullivan method was employed to compute HFLE. We found that women have HTN in significantly higher percentages (32% of women vs. 19% of men), and the prevalence of HTN increases as age increases for both men and women. Among individuals with HTN, individuals unaware of HTN make up the largest group, followed by those with uncontrolled HTN, controlled HTN, and those who are aware of HTN but not in treatment. Compared with men, women could expect shorter HFLE at all ages, in terms of both number and proportion of years. To increase HFLE as well as quality of life and to prevent and control HTN in general and unawareness of HTN and uncontrolled HTN in particular, special care and attention should be given to women and older adults. The findings shed important light on the role of HTN in lowering the quality of life in Bangladesh.
Exposure to urban life and mortality risk among older adults in China
Authors: Gu Danan , Feng Qiushi , Sautter Jessica M. , Qiu Li
Published: November 2018

We examined whether exposure to urban environments was linked with mortality in a longitudinal survey dataset of nearly 28,000 Chinese adults who were 65 years of age or older in the years 2002–2014. Urban life exposure was measured by residential status at birth, current residential status, and urban-related primary lifetime occupation, which generated eight different categories of urban life exposure: no exposure, mid-life-only exposure, late-life-only exposure, mid-late-life exposure, early-life-only exposure, early-mid-life exposure, early- & late-life exposure, and full life exposure. We also included a measure of migration, whether the respondent lived in the same county/city at birth and at first interview, to further classify these eight categories. Overall, we found that when demographics were controlled for, compared to those with no urban life exposure and no migration, mortality risk was lower for older adults with mid-late life exposure with or without migration and for older adults with full-life exposure with migration; mortality risk was higher for older adults with early-life-only exposure. Once socioeconomic status, family/social support, health behaviors, and baseline health were simultaneously controlled for, only the higher mortality risk for older adults with early-life-only exposure was still significant. Our findings provided valuable information about how urban life exposure at different life stages was associated with elderly mortality in China.
Public pensions, economic development, and the labor force participation of older adults in Latin America in 1990–2010
Authors: Queiroz Bernardo Lanza
Published: November 2018

This paper investigates the coverage of public pension programs in Latin America and discusses the relation between economic development, the existence of public pension programs, and elderly labor force participation. The paper presents stylized facts about the labor force by age and the connection between economic development and labor supply using aggregated data from 23 Latin American countries. The second part of the paper uses regression models to investigate the effects of economic development and social security system on the labor force participation of the older adults in 23 Latin American countries over the period 1990–2010. The results show that in lower income Latin American countries, most men remained in the labor force until age 65 or beyond and that with economic development and related changes, the labor force participation of older men, even those aged 55–59, starts to decline. Overall, the paper provides some insight on the evolution of labor supply patterns in less developed economies with rising income, changes in population age structure, shifts in occupational composition, and development in public pension programs.
Multilevel analysis of infant mortality and its risk factors in South Africa
Authors: Zewdie Samuel Abera , Adjiwanou Vissého
Published: November 2018

The study analyzed infant mortality and its risk factors in South Africa. It aimed to examine infant mortality in the country by taking into account the hierarchical nature of the problem and investigate the with-in country variation in modeling. In addition to the usual individual level risk factors of infant mortality, living standard, mother’s education, and income inequality were defined at municipal level, while HIV prevalence was fixed at province level. A multilevel logistic regression model was then fitted with Bayesian MCMC parameter estimation procedure using the 2011 South African census data. Most of the demographic and socioeconomic variables identified at individual level were found significant. More remarkably, the result indicated that communities with better living standard and women's education were associated with lower infant mortality rates, while higher income inequality and HIV prevalence in the communities were associated higher levels of infant mortality. The changes in infants’ odds of death were estimated to be 26%, -21%, 13% and 8% respectively for HIV, women’s education, income inequality and level of the living standard. In addition, unobservable municipal and province level random effects significantly affected the level of infant mortality rates. 
Effect of hydration with Ringer's solution submitted to magnetic field in an experimental model of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Freire Juliana Mendonça , Souza Jeovana Pinheiro Fernandes de , Azevedo Italo Medeiros , Azevedo Fabio Medeiros de , Carriço Artur Da Silva , Medeiros Aldo Cunha
Published: November 2018

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of hydration with Ringer's solution submitted to magnetic field in experimental model of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion in rats. Methods: Wistar rats weighing 389.58±46.88g were randomly allocated into 2 groups: control group (n = 6) - Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion and hydration with Ringer's solution; and test group (n = 6) - Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion and hydration with Ringer submitted to magnetic field of 20 mT during 2 hours. After anesthesia with ketamine 70 mg/kg and xylazine 7 mg/kg i.p., the animals were weighed and operated by aseptic technique. The ischemia of the median and left liver lobes was induced for 30 minutes using a vascular clip. Then, i.v. hydration with 3 ml of Ringer in the control group, and 3 ml of magnetized Ringer’s solution in the test group. After 24 hours, blood sample and fragment of the left liver lobe were collected for the determination of AST, ALT, ALP and albumin levels, and histopathological examination. Results: There was no significant difference in comparison of the rats weight loss, biochemical measurements and histopathological scores between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: The hydration with Ringer's solution submitted to magnetic field after hepatic ischemia/reperfusion in rats did not alter liver function tests neither histopathological scores, comparing with the control group.
The Implementation of Pyrolisis of Waste Material to Bio-Oil in The KKN Course
Authors: Ardhayanti Lutfia Isna , Anugrahwati Mai , Nurillahi Rico , Saeful Ahmad , Khasanah Khuswatun , Diah Wati Retno
Published: November 2018

Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN) is one kind of university contribution to community. Through KKN, student also learn how to apply their knowledge and contribute it to community need. In Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) there are two kind of KKN which are Reguler and Pembelajaran Pemberdayaan Masyarakat (PPM), which differentiate from the topic used. KKN PPM already has major topic that obtained from village destination need. The problem from KKN PPM is limitation time for student to learn about major topic before socialize to community like in KKN UII 57 unit 310-315 which has pyrolisis method as their major topic. Not all the sudent that include in unit 310-315, which come from different study, understand about pyrolisis. To settle this problem, experimental method was choose as learning method used, which help student understand about pyrolisis in limitation time. The effectiveness of this method was observed by observation, interview and questioner. The result show that expertimental method give good result. The student understand basic concept of pyrolisis process that needed in limitation time, eventhough they did not understand anything about pyrolisis method before.
Multi-agent modeling and simulation of a stock market
Authors: Amine Souissi Mohamed , Bensaid Khalid , Ellaia Rachid
Published: November 2018

The stock market represents complex systems where multiple agents interact. The complexity of the environment in the financial markets in general has encouraged the use of modeling by multi-agent platforms and particularly in the case of the stock market.In this paper, an agent-based simulation model is proposed to study the behavior of the volume of market transactions. The model is based on the case of a single asset and three types of investor agents. Each investor can be a zero intelligent trader, fundamentalist trader or traders using historical information in the decision making process. The goal of the study is to simulate the behavior of a stock market according to the different considered endogenous and exogenous variables.
Circular RNAs Serve as Novel Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Cancers
Authors: Fang Shuai , Pan Jinchang , Zhou Chengwei , Tian Hui , He Jinxian , Shen Weiyu , Jin Xiaofeng , Meng Xiaodan , Jiang Nan , Gong Zhaohui
Published: November 2018

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that structurally form closed loops without 5'-end cap and 3'-end poly(A) tail unlike linear RNAs. CircRNAs are widely present in eukaryotic cells with the capabilities of structural stability, high abundance and cell- /tissue-specific expression. A growing body of researches suggest that the dysregulated circRNAs are intimately relevant to the occurrence and development of cancer. In this review, we mainly discuss the differentially expressed circRNAs in cancer tissues, plasma and exosomes, which makes it possible for clinicians to use certain circRNAs as novel biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. In particular, we primarily focus on circRNAs as potential therapeutic targets, which will provide promising applications in cancer gene therapy.
Synthesis, Anti-Varicella-Zoster Virus and Anti-Cytomegalovirus Activity of 4,5-Disubstituted 1,2,3-(1H)-Triazoles
Authors: Yuan Wei-yuan , Chen Xue , Liu Ning-ning , Wen Yi-ning , Yang Bei , Andrei Graciela , Snoeck Robert , Xiang Yu-hong , Wu Yong-wei , Jiang Zhen , Schols Dominique , Zhang Zhuo-yong , Wu Qin-pei
Published: November 2018

Background:

Clinical drugs for herpesvirus exhibit high toxicity and suffer from significant
drug resistance. The development of new, effective, and safe anti-herpesvirus agents with
different mechanisms of action is greatly required.

Objective:

Novel inhibitors against herpesvirus with different mechanisms of action from that of
clinical drugs.

Methods:

A series of novel 5-(benzylamino)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxamides were efficiently
synthesized and EC50 values against Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Varicella-Zoster Virus
(VZV) and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) were evaluated in vitro.

Results:

Some compounds present antiviral activity. Compounds 5s and 5t are potent against both
HCMV and VZV. Compounds 5m, 5n, 5s, and 5t show similar EC50 values against both TK+ and
TK− VZV strains.

Conclusion:

5-(Benzylamino)-1H-1, 2,3-triazole-4-carboxamides are active against herpesviruses
and their activity is remarkably affected by the nature and the position of substituents in the benzene
ring. The results indicate that these derivatives are independent of the viral thymidine kinase
(TK) for activation, which is indispensable for current drugs. Their mechanisms of action may differ
from those of the clinic anti-herpesvirus drugs.
Report of Adverse Events in Colombia: A Successful Case
Authors: Moreno-Mattar Ornella , Ramírez Rosana , Alvarado Andrés , Sierra Francisco , Guzmán Javier
Published: November 2018

Background:

The Colombian National Food and Drug Surveillance Institute (INVIMA) is
responsible for monitoring the safety and efficacy of medicines circulating the Colombian market.

Discussion:

This article summarizes the three key strategies the institution has implemented to
strengthen the National Pharmacovigilance Program: improving the interaction and working
relationship with regional health authorities, expanding the National Pharmacovigilance Network and
implementing the electronic submission of adverse events.

Conclusion:

The number of adverse events reported in Colombia increased from 5,447 in 2013 to 95,658
in 2017, reaching a population-based reporting ratio within international standards (563 in 2016).
Protein Inter-Residue Contacts Prediction: Methods, Performances and Applications
Authors: Jing Xiaoyang , Dong Qimin , Lu Ruqian , Dong Qiwen
Published: November 2018

Background:

Protein inter-residue contacts prediction play an important role in the field of protein structure and function research. As a low-dimensional representation of protein tertiary structure, protein inter-residue contacts could greatly help de novo protein structure prediction methods to reduce the conformational search space. Over the past two decades, various methods have been developed for protein inter-residue contacts prediction.

Objective:

We provide a comprehensive and systematic review of protein inter-residue contacts prediction methods.

Results:

Protein inter-residue contacts prediction methods are roughly classified into five categories: correlated mutations methods, machine-learning methods, fusion methods, templatebased methods and 3D model-based methods. In this paper, firstly we describe the common definition of protein inter-residue contacts and show the typical application of protein inter-residue contacts. Then, we present a comprehensive review of the three main categories for protein interresidue contacts prediction: correlated mutations methods, machine-learning methods and fusion methods. Besides, we analyze the constraints for each category. Furthermore, we compare several representative methods on the CASP11 dataset and discuss performances of these methods in detail.

Conclusion:

Correlated mutations methods achieve better performances for long-range contacts, while the machine-learning method performs well for short-range contacts. Fusion methods could take advantage of the machine-learning and correlated mutations methods. Employing more effective fusion strategy could be helpful to further improve the performances of fusion methods.
Recent Advances in the Development of Polymeric Nanocarrier Formulations for the Treatment of Colon Cancer
Authors: Kumar Sahil , Sharma Bandna , Thakur Kiran , Bhardwaj Tilak R. , Prasad Deo N. , Singh Rajesh K.
Published: November 2018

Background:

Many efforts have been explored in the last decade to treat colon cancer but
nanoparticulate drug delivery systems are making a vital contribution in the improvement of drug delivery
to colon cancer cells.

Objective:

In this review, we attempt to highlight recent advancements in the development of novel
drug delivery systems of nanoparticles for the targeted drug delivery to colon. Polymers like Epithelial
Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM) aptamer chitosan, Hyaluronic Acid (HA), Chitosan (CS)–
Carboxymethyl Starch (CMS), silsesquioxane capped mesoporous silica, Near IR (NIR) fluorescent
Human Serum Albumin (HAS), poly(ethylene glycol)-conjugated hyaluronic acid etc. have been discussed
by employing various anticancer drugs like doxorubicin, oxaliplatin, paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil
etc.

Conclusion:

These novel drug delivery systems have been determined to be more efficacious in terms
of stability, sustained and targeted drug delivery, therapeutic efficacy, improved bioavailability and enhanced
anticancer activity.
Online Information About Periviable Birth: Quality Assessment (Preprint)
Authors: Haragan Adriane F , Zuwiala Carly A , Himes Katherine P
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Over 20,000 parents in the United States face the challenge of participating in decisions about whether to use life support for their infants born on the cusp of viability every year. Clinicians must help families grasp complex medical information about their baby’s immediate prognosis as well as the risk for significant long-term morbidity. Patients faced with this decision want supplemental information and frequently seek medical information on the Internet. Empirical evidence about the quality of websites is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate the quality of online information available about periviable birth and treatment options for infants born at the cusp of viability.

METHODS

We read a counseling script to 20 pregnant participants that included information typically provided by perinatal and neonatal providers when periviable birth is imminent. The women were then asked to list terms they would use to search the Internet if they wanted additional information. Using these search terms, two reviewers evaluated the content of websites obtained via a Google search. We used two metrics to assess the quality of websites. The first was the DISCERN instrument, a validated questionnaire designed to assess the quality of patient-targeted health information for treatment choices. The second metric was the Essential Content Tool (ECT), a tool designed to address key components of counseling around periviable birth as outlined by professional organizations. DISCERN scores were classified as low quality if scores were 2, fair quality if scores were 3, and high quality if scores were 4 or higher. Scores of 6 or higher on the ECT were considered high quality. Interreviewer agreement was assessed by calculated kappa statistic.

RESULTS

A total of 97 websites were reviewed. Over half (57/97, 59%) were for-profit sites, news stories, or personal blogs; 28% (27/97) were government or medical sites; and 13% (13/97) were nonprofit or advocacy sites. The majority of sites scored poorly in DISCERN questions designed to assess the reliability of information presented as well as data regarding treatment choices. Only 7% (7/97) of the websites were high quality as defined by the DISCERN tool. The majority of sites did not address the essential content defined by the ECT. Importantly, only 18% of websites (17/97) indicated that there are often a number of reasonable approaches to newborn care when faced with periviable birth. Agreement was strong, with kappa ranging from .72 to .91.

CONCLUSIONS

Most information about periviable birth found on the Internet using common search strategies is of low quality. News stories highlighting positive outcomes are disproportionately represented. Few websites discuss comfort care or how treatment decisions impact quality of life.
Evaluating the Feasibility of a Software Prototype Supporting the Management of Multimorbid Seniors: Mixed Methods Study in General Practices (Preprint)
Authors: Kersting Christine , Weltermann Birgitta
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Longitudinal, patient-centered care represents a challenge for general practices. Decision support and reminder systems can offer targeted support.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to follow a user-oriented, stepwise approach to develop an add-on for German electronic health record (EHR) systems, which aims to support longitudinal care management of multimorbid seniors, using a flag system displaying patient-centered information relevant for comprehensive health care management. This study evaluated the prototype’s feasibility from both a technical and users’ perspective.

METHODS

The study was conducted with 18 general practitioners (GPs) and practice assistants (PAs) from 9 general practices using a mixed methods approach. In all practices, 1 GP and 1 PA tested the software each for 4 multimorbid seniors selected from the practice patient data. Technical feasibility was evaluated by documenting all technical problems. To evaluate the feasibility from the users’ perspective, participants’ responses during the software test were documented. In addition, they completed a self-administered questionnaire, including the validated System Usability Scale (SUS). Data were merged by transforming qualitative data into quantitative data. Analyses were performed using univariate statistics in IBM SPSS statistics.

RESULTS

From a technical perspective, the new software was easy to install and worked without problems. Difficulties during the installation occurred in practices lacking a 64-bit system or a current version of Microsoft .NET. As EHRs used in German practices do not provide an interface to extract the data needed, additional software was required. Incomplete flags for some laboratory data occurred, although this function was implemented in our software as shown in previous tests. From the users’ perspective, the new add-on provided a better overview of relevant patient information, reminded more comprehensively about upcoming examinations, and better supported guideline-based care when compared with their individual practice strategies. A total of 14 out of 18 participants (78%) were interested in using the software long-term. Furthermore, 8 of 9 GPs were willing to pay 5 to 25 Euros (mean 14.75, SD 5.93) monthly for its use. The usability was rated as 75% (43%-95%).

CONCLUSIONS

The new EHR add-on was well accepted and achieved a good usability rating measured by the validated SUS. In perspective, the legally consolidated, standardized interface to German EHRs will facilitate the technical integration. In view of the high feasibility, we plan to study the software’s effectiveness in everyday primary care.

CLINICALTRIAL

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00008777; https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do? navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00008777
The Role of Social Interactions in Motor Performance: Feasibility Study Toward Enhanced Motivation in Telerehabilitation (Preprint)
Authors: Barak Ventura Roni , Nakayama Shinnosuke , Raghavan Preeti , Nov Oded , Porfiri Maurizio
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Robot-mediated telerehabilitation has the potential to provide patient-tailored cost-effective rehabilitation. However, compliance with therapy can be a problem that undermines the prospective advantages of telerehabilitation technologies. Lack of motivation has been identified as a major factor that hampers compliance. Exploring various motivational interventions, the integration of citizen science activities in robotics-based rehabilitation has been shown to increase patients’ motivation to engage in otherwise tedious exercises by tapping into a vast array of intrinsic motivational drivers. Patient engagement can be further enhanced by the incorporation of social interactions.

OBJECTIVE

Herein, we explored the possibility of bolstering engagement in physical therapy by leveraging cooperation among users in an environmental citizen science project. Specifically, we studied how the integration of cooperation into citizen science influences user engagement, enjoyment, and motor performance. Furthermore, we investigated how the degree of interdependence among users, such that is imposed through independent or joint termination (JT), affects participation in citizen science-based telerehabilitation.

METHODS

We developed a Web-based citizen science platform in which users work in pairs to classify images collected by an aquatic robot in a polluted water canal. The classification was carried out by labeling objects that appear in the images and trashing irrelevant labels. The system was interfaced by a haptic device for fine motor rehabilitation. We recruited 120 healthy volunteers to operate the platform. Of these volunteers, 98 were cooperating in pairs, with 1 user tagging images and the other trashing labels. The other 22 volunteers performed both tasks alone. To vary the degree of interdependence within cooperation, we implemented independent and JTs.

RESULTS

We found that users’ engagement and motor performance are modulated by their assigned task and the degree of interdependence. Motor performance increased when users were subjected to independent termination (P=.02), yet enjoyment decreased when users were subjected to JT (P=.005). A significant interaction between the type of termination and the task was found to influence productivity (P<.001) as well as mean speed, peak speed, and path length of the controller (P=.01, P=.006, and P<.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Depending on the type of termination, cooperation was not always positively associated with engagement, enjoyment, and motor performance. Therefore, enhancing user engagement, satisfaction, and motor performance through cooperative citizen science tasks relies on both the degree of interdependence among users and the perceived nature of the task. Cooperative citizen science may enhance motivation in robotics-based telerehabilitation, if designed attentively.
Effect of an Augmented Reality Ultrasound Trainer App on the Motor Skills Needed for a Kidney Ultrasound: Prospective Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Ebner Florian , De Gregorio Amelie , Schochter Fabienne , Bekes Inga , Janni Wolfgang , Lato Krisztian
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Medical education is evolving from "learning by doing" to simulation-based hands-on tutorials.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this prospective 2-armed study was to evaluate a newly developed augmented reality ultrasound app and its effect on educational training and diagnostic accuracy.

METHODS

We recruited 66 medical students and, using imaging and measuring a kidney as quality indicators, tested them on the time they needed for these tasks. Both groups used textbooks as preparation; in addition, the study group had access to a virtual ultrasound simulation app for mobile devices.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the study arms regarding age (P=.97), sex (P=.14), and previous ultrasound experience (P=.66). The time needed to complete the kidney measurements also did not differ significantly (P=.26). However, the results of the longitudinal kidney measurements differed significantly between the study and control groups, with larger, more realistic values in the study group (right kidney: study group median 105.3 mm, range 86.1-127.1 mm, control group median 92 mm, range 50.4-112.2 mm; P<.001; left kidney: study group median 100.3 mm, range 81.7-118.6 mm, control group median 85.3 mm, range 48.3-113.4 mm; P<.001). Furthermore, whereas all students of the study group obtained valid measurements, students of the control group did not obtain valid measurements of 1 or both kidneys in 7 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The newly developed augmented reality ultrasound simulator mobile app provides a useful add-on for ultrasound education and training. Our results indicate that medical students’ use of the mobile app for training purposes improved the quality of kidney measurements.
Tweet Classification Toward Twitter-Based Disease Surveillance: New Data, Methods, and Evaluations (Preprint)
Authors: Wakamiya Shoko , Morita Mizuki , Kano Yoshinobu , Ohkuma Tomoko , Aramaki Eiji
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

The amount of medical and clinical-related information on the Web is increasing. Among the different types of information available, social media–based data obtained directly from people are particularly valuable and are attracting significant attention. To encourage medical natural language processing (NLP) research exploiting social media data, the 13th NII Testbeds and Community for Information access Research (NTCIR-13) Medical natural language processing for Web document (MedWeb) provides pseudo-Twitter messages in a cross-language and multi-label corpus, covering 3 languages (Japanese, English, and Chinese) and annotated with 8 symptom labels (such as cold, fever, and flu). Then, participants classify each tweet into 1 of the 2 categories: those containing a patient’s symptom and those that do not.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to present the results of groups participating in a Japanese subtask, English subtask, and Chinese subtask along with discussions, to clarify the issues that need to be resolved in the field of medical NLP.

METHODS

In summary, 8 groups (19 systems) participated in the Japanese subtask, 4 groups (12 systems) participated in the English subtask, and 2 groups (6 systems) participated in the Chinese subtask. In total, 2 baseline systems were constructed for each subtask. The performance of the participant and baseline systems was assessed using the exact match accuracy, F-measure based on precision and recall, and Hamming loss.

RESULTS

The best system achieved exactly 0.880 match accuracy, 0.920 F-measure, and 0.019 Hamming loss. The averages of match accuracy, F-measure, and Hamming loss for the Japanese subtask were 0.720, 0.820, and 0.051; those for the English subtask were 0.770, 0.850, and 0.037; and those for the Chinese subtask were 0.810, 0.880, and 0.032, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper presented and discussed the performance of systems participating in the NTCIR-13 MedWeb task. As the MedWeb task settings can be formalized as the factualization of text, the achievement of this task could be directly applied to practical clinical applications.
Болевой синдром у детей с гемобластозами. Современное состояние проблемы
Authors: Adamchuk N.M. , Sorokina O.Yu.
Published: November 2018

Сегодня болевой синдром у детей с гемоблас­тозами все еще остается актуальной проблемой. Даже при наличии современных обезболивающих препаратов, к сожалению, не всегда удается полностью устранить болевой синдром и предупредить его негативные последствия. У пациентов с онкопатологией часто имеет место болевой синдром смешанного типа, с наличием нейропатического компонента. И если нейропатический тип боли у взрослых всесторонне изучается, есть много мультицентровых исследований, то у детей и подростков данный тип изучался редко. Поэтому целью данной работы является обоснование выбора направления исследования болевого синдрома у детей c гемобластозами на основании анализа литературы. В статье представлен анализ литературных источников, опубликованных с 2008 по 2018 год в базах данных Cochrane Library, Medline, Scopus, Pubmed. Описаны случаи проявления болевого синдрома при манифестации заболевания и представлены данные исследований развития боли после лечения винкристином и аспарагиназой. Однако остается довольно много неизученных вопросов относительно влияния других химиопрепаратов на развитие нейропатий, взаимосвязи возраста и пола при формировании интенсивности болевого синдрома, наличия нейропатического компонента боли при остром болевом синдроме, эффективности разных видов обезболивания и качества жизни после их применения у детей с гемобластозами. Недостаточно данных об эффективности применения препаратов габапентина при комплексной терапии острого болевого синдрома у детей с лейкозами с целью сокращения длительности применения опиатов, а также профилактики хронизации боли с астенизацией. Из этого следует, что изучение данных вопросов поможет вовремя принимать решение относительно выбора вида и длительности обезболивающей терапии, а также препятствовать негативным последствиям.
Малоизвестные черты давно известного препарата: в центре внимания — Нефопам
Authors: Bondar M.V. , Pylypenko M.M. , Areshnikov D.B. , Melnik V.M. , Vashchuk F.S.
Published: November 2018

В статье представлены сведения, которые расширяют знания о механизмах развития синдрома периферической и центральной сенситизации, а также о механизме развития послеоперационной мышечной дрожи. На основании детального их анализа указаны ведущие механизмы действия препарата Нефопам для предупреждения и лечения вышеупомянутых синдромов. Определено место Нефопама в программах послеоперационного обезболивания как средства предупреждения и лечения острой толерантности к опиоидам. Приведены результаты собственного опыта применения этого препарата в отделениях интенсивной терапии г. Киева.
Интенсивная терапия синдрома полиорганной недостаточности при политравме: место экстракорпоральной гемокоррекции
Authors: Yovenko I.O. , Marzan O.O. , Tsariov O.V. , Dubyna V.M. , Kovalenko L.V.
Published: November 2018

В статье рассмотрен вопрос целесообразности и эффективности использования экстракорпоральных методов гемокоррекции в интенсивной терапии полиорганной недостаточности. Представлен клинический случай интенсивной терапии синдрома полиорганной недостаточности у пациента с политравмой с использованием продленной вено-венозной гемодиафильтрации.
Вміст греліну в плазмі крові дітей із синдромом біологічно неактивного гормона росту
Authors: Sprinchuk N.A. , Bolshova Ye.V.
Published: November 2018

Актуальність. У світовій літературі відомості про стан системи «гормон росту/ростові фактори» (ГР/інсуліноподібний фактор росту 1 (ІФР-1)), зокрема щодо відношень ГР/ІФР-1/грелін (Ghr), у пацієнтів із низькорослістю вкрай обмежені. Мета роботи — визначення особливостей секреції греліну в пацієнтів із синдромом біологічно неактивного гормона росту порівняно із секрецією греліну в дітей із соматотропною недостатністю. Матеріали та методи. Ghr визначали в 33 хворих із низькорослістю, серед них 22 пацієнти — із соматотропною недостатністю і 11 хворих — із синдромом біологічно неактивного гормона росту. Паспортний вік всіх обстежених пацієнтів відповідав діапазону статевого дозрівання. Кістковий вік в обох групах відставав від паспортного більше ніж на 2 роки. Відставання в рості всіх дітей становило від мінус 2SD. Контрольну групу становили 6 здорових дітей. У всіх обстежених дітей визначали базальний рівень ГР, ІФР-1 й рівень ГР під час нічного викиду та стимуляційного тесту з клонідином. Одночасно отримували зразки крові для дослідження рівня Ghr. Результати. Найсуттєвіші зміни показників рівня Ghr були виявлені через 120 хвилин після засинання у всіх обстежених. Установлено значне підвищення рівня Ghr у дітей із синдромом біологічно неактивного гормона росту, соматотропною недостатністю, а також у групі контролю порівняно з базальними показниками та максимальним викидом при проведенні клонідинового тесту. Так, нічний рівень Ghr перевищував базальний в 1,4 раза в дітей із соматотропною недостатністю, у 3,4 раза — у дітей із синдромом біологічно неактивного гормона росту та у 2,8 раза — у дітей контрольної групи. Ми не встановили зв’язку між показниками ІФР-1 та Ghr у всіх обстежених дітей. Висновки. У пацієнтів із синдромом біологічно неактивного гормона росту та соматотропною недостатністю встановлено суттєвий викид греліну в перші години після засинання. Не виявлено взаємозв’язку між рівнями греліну та ІФР-1 у пацієнтів із синдромом біологічно неактивного гормона росту, соматотропною недостатністю та в здорових дітей. Введення клонідину не викликає суттєвих змін рівня греліну в низькорослих та здорових дітей.
Гігантські аденоми гіпофіза: поширеність, особливості діагностики і клінічного перебігу
Authors: Urmanova Yu.M. , Alimova K.B.
Published: November 2018

На підставі огляду літератури встановлено, що в діагностичному комплексі при гігантських аденомах гіпофіза, крім клінічного обстеження, необхідне застосування комплексу методів нейровізуалізації із визначенням розташування хіазми, ступеня поширення пухлини на основу черепа і деструкції останнього. Хірургічне лікування розглядається методом вибору при встановленні діагнозу гігантської аденоми гіпофіза, виняток становлять поодинокі випадки соматотропін- і пролактинсекретуючих пухлин, при яких можливе лікування агоністами дофаміну. При цьому при гігантських аденомах гіпофіза (діаметр понад 4 см) відсутній єдиний алгоритм оптимальної хірургічної стратегії.
Persistence and Bioaccumulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the Soil and Aquatic Ecosystems: Syrian Frontiers in Ecology and Environment
Authors: Aljerf Loai , AlMasri Nuha
Published: November 2018

In Syria, there are no effective chemicals management programmes including any estimation and assessment programmes to screen organic chemicals for bioaccumulation potential from regulatory and resource implications are conducted yet. An important issue of excessive organic hazardous substances exposure of inhabitants living in Barada basin (Southwest) was not investigated. Among these danger substances, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) have specific properties make them possible linger in soil and water for so many years. Considering the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and enabling activities for the Stockholm convention on POPs related to the national implementation plan for Syria, the current paper presents the results of the analysis of the persistence of chemicals in surface water and ground water samples gathered from different locations in this basin. The study was conducted in 2007-2008, the biodegradability under laboratory and filed conditions were assessed, half?lives of priority pollutants were predicted, and data were monitored and compared. The level of POPs in a larger percentage of the samples exceeded guidelines which results a call for additional protective measures for a sustainable water management for producing clean water involving reduction strategies to mitigate the POPs concentrations in the indoor environment of Barada, and safely destroy them.
Niños, niñas y adolescentes solicitantes de asilo en México: una crítica a los defectos del procedimiento para el reconocimiento de la condición de refugiado
Authors: Ortega Velázquez Elisa
Published: November 2018

Este artículo tiene dos objetivos. De un lado, sistematizar y, de este modo, hacer visible el procedimiento legal al que tienen que enfrentarse los niños, las niñas y los adolescentes (NNA) que deciden buscar asilo en México, dada la opacidad y las dificultades que son inherentes a dicho procedimiento. Y, de otro lado, identificar y analizar los obstáculos más notorios que la forma jurídica específica de este procedimiento crea en su práctica cotidiana, con el fin de iluminar, desde una perspectiva crítica, la situación real del derecho de los NNA de buscar y recibir asilo en México. Para tales efectos, primero, se estudiará el procedimiento que debe seguirse para buscar y recibir asilo en México, y, segundo, se examinarán los obstáculos prácticos y jurídicos a los que se enfrentan los niños, las niñas y los adolescentes que inician este tortuoso procedimiento.