bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transtheoretical model-based mobile health application for PCOS
Authors: Wang LianHong , Liu Ying , Tan Huiwen , Huang Shiming
Published: May 2022

Background

Lifestyle modification (diet, exercise, and behavioral interventions) is the first-line treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The benefits of face-to-face lifestyle modification intervention in a short time have been demonstrated. However, few studies have investigated the mobile technology effects on lifestyle modification in PCOS. Therefore, we examined the effect of transtheoretical model-based mobile health application intervention program for PCOS.

Methods

A randomised controlled, single-blind trial, was carried out from October 2018 to March 2019, which included 122 participants recruited from gynecology outpatient clinics of affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University in Guizhou. The study participants were randomised into intervention (n = 61) and control groups (n = 61). Participants in the intervention group undertook a TTM-based mobile health application program in addition to routine care, and participants in the control group received only routine care.

Results

Fifty-one participants in the intervention group and 49 in the control group completed the study. Compared to the control group, participants in the intervention group showed statistically significant decrease for BMI (P < 0.05), WC (P < 0.05), SAS (P < 0.05), and SDS (P < 0.05) scores at 6-month and 12-month, respectively. Behavior stage change of exercise and diet among paticipants with PCOS was significant at 6 months (c2 = 43.032, P < 0.05) and 12th months (c2 = 49.574, P < 0.05) between the intervention and control groups.

Conclusions

This study showed that the TTM-based mobile health application program can decrease BMI, WC, anxiety, and depression, and improve exercise and diet adherence in patients with PCOS in the long term. The TTM-based mobile health application program can be applied for lifestyle modification in women with PCOS.

Trial registrationThis study was approved by the ethics committee NO.[2019]1-028 in March 2018 and was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (website:www.chictr.org.cn, registry number: ChiCTR2000034572)
Comparable worth of life for all? Conducting and disseminating health economic evaluations for refugees in Germany
Authors: Biddle Louise , Wahedi Katharina , Bozorgmehr Kayvan
Published: May 2022

Comparative health economic evaluation is based on premise of being able to compare the worth of a year of life lived in full quality across different patients, population groups, settings and interventions. Given the rising numbers of forcibly displaced people, the nexus of economics, migration and health has emerged as a central theme in recent conceptual and empirical approaches. However, some of the assumptions made in conventional economic approaches do not hold true in the decision-making context of migration and the health of forcibly displaced populations. Using the experience of conducting and disseminating economic analyses to support decision-making on health screening policies for refugees in Germany, we show that in particular the assumptions of individual utility with no positive externalities, equity-blind utilitarian ethical stances and stable budgets are challenged. The further development of methods to address these challenges are required to support decision-makers in this contentious and politically fraught context and continue to make choices and decisions transparent.
Preoperative position and protection of radial nerve by B-ultrasound combined with MIPPO for treatment of middle-inferior humerus fractures
Authors: Cen Chaode , Cao Yongfei , Zhang Yong , Hu Chaoran , Luo Chunshan
Published: May 2022

Background and purpose

Open reduction and internal fixation through the posterior approach are standard methods for treating middle-inferior humerus fractures. Given the limited operative field and difficulty in locating the radial nerve, the minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) technique via the posterior approach to treat middle-inferior humerus fractures has rarely been reported. This study aims to evaluate the clinical effect of the preoperative study of the radial nerve position by B-ultrasound and its intraoperative protection combined with MIPPO in managing middle-inferior humerus fractures.

Methods

The data were studied retrospectively involving 64 participants who had surgery for middle-inferior humerus fractures from the start of 2017 to the end of 2020. Participants were divided into two groups, those treated with the MIPPO technique, including newly developed dual procedures and preoperative position and protection of radial nerve by B-ultrasound (group A), and those treated with open reduction and internal plating fixation (group B).

Results

All the cases were followed up for 12–34 months (an average of 25.6 ± 8.76 months), and there was no significant difference in the mean operative duration, surgical incision infection, range of motion (ROM) and MEPS (Mayo elbow performance score) for groups A and B. However, the occurrence of complications (radial nerve palsy, bone nonunion and flexible internal fixation or ruptures) in group B was significantly higher than the group A. A statistically significant difference was observed in the intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay and fracture nonunion time between the two groups. All the cases gained bone union within the MIPPO group.

Conclusion

MIPPO via the posterior dual approach associated with preoperative position and protection of radial nerve by B-ultrasound does not increase radial nerve injury, however, it exhibits obvious advantages in the bone union, which is worthy of clinical application.
New adjustable modular hemipelvic prosthesis replacement with 3D-print osteotomy guide plate used in periacetabular malignant tumors: a retrospective case series
Authors: Li Jun , Liu Zicheng , Peng Dan , Chen Xia , Yu Chao , Shen Yi
Published: May 2022

Background

Periacetabular malignant tumor seriously endangers the life and health of patients. Hemipelvic replacement provides a good method for patients who want complete resection of the tumor while retaining or restoring the function of the affected limb.

Objective

To investigate the performance and clinical application of the new adjustable modular hemipelvic prosthesis and to compare the effects of three kinds of hemipelvic prosthesis.

Methods

In this study, 23 patients, with an average age of 44.6 years (21–75 years), were collected, who received hemipelvic replacement with new adjustable, modular, and screw-rod system hemipelvic prosthesis. Preoperative preparation was conducted on them, and operative complications were recorded. Postoperative functional follow-up was performed regularly.

Results

The average operation time was 319 min (170–480 min), and the average blood loss was 2813 ml (1000 mL-8000 ml). The incidence of complications was 47.8%, and type A (wound-related complications) had the highest incidence (34.8%). Postoperative dislocation occurred in 3 cases (13.0%), and no dislocation occurred in the new adjustable modular hemipelvic prosthesis group. The average MSTS score of the patients was 18.6 (10–23), and the average Harris score was 73.7 (53–87).

Conclusions

The new adjustable modular hemipelvic prosthesis has the feasibility of reconstruction and good functional outcome, making it ideal for periacetabular tumors. Furthermore, preoperative tumor-feeding artery embolization and abdominal aortic balloon implantation may be an effective choice to reduce intraoperative blood loss and facilitate the operation of tumor resection.
Early weight bearing in tibial plateau fractures treated with ORIF: a systematic review of literature
Authors: Canton Gianluca , Sborgia Andrea , Dussi Micol , Rasio Nicholas , Murena Luigi
Published: May 2022

Background

To review the current clinical evidence on advantages and risks of early weight bearing (EWB) after internal fixation for tibial plateau fracture.

Methods

Data source: PubMed and Google Scholar from inception of database to 20 August 2021, using PRISMA guidelines. The included studies were randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective observational studies, case reports. Data extraction was performed independently by 2 reviewers. Collected data were compared to verify agreement. Statistical analysis was not performed in this study.

Results

The literature search produced 174 papers from PubMed and 186 from Google Scholar, with a total amount of 360 papers. The two reviewers excluded 301 papers by title or duplicates. Of the 59 remaining, 33 were excluded after reading the abstract, and 17 by reading the full text. Thus, 9 papers were finally included in the review.

Conclusions

EWB can be considered safe and effective in selected cases after internal fixation for tibial plateau fractures.

Level of evidence Therapeutic Level III.
Opportunities and challenges in preventing violence against adolescent girls through gender transformative, whole-family support programming in Northeast Nigeria
Authors: Koris Andrea , Steven Shadrack , Akika Veronica , Puls Cassondra , Okoro Charles , Bitrus David , Seff Ilana , Deitch Julianne , Stark Lindsay
Published: May 2022

Background

Household violence is one of the most prevalent forms of gender-based violence faced by adolescent girls in humanitarian settings. A growing evidence base demonstrates the extent to which multiple forms of familial violence, including intimate partner violence, violence against children, and sibling violence overlap in the same households. However, existing evidence of family support programming that effectively reduces violence against girls by addressing intersecting forms of household violence are limited, particularly in the Global South. Through a qualitative implementation evaluation informed by a grounded theoretical approach, we explored the perceived impact of a gender transformative, whole-family support intervention aimed at building adolescent girls’ protective assets against violence, among program participants in two communities of internally displaced people Maiduguri, Borno State, Northeast Nigeria.

Methods

We conducted six in-depth interviews and six focus group discussions with adult caregivers; six participatory activities and four paired interviews with adolescent girls and boys; and 12 key informant interviews with program staff. Criterion sampling was used to recruit 21 male caregivers, 21 female caregivers, 23 adolescent boys, and 21 adolescent girls; purposive sampling was used to recruit 12 program staff to participate in qualitative research activities. We audio recorded, translated, and transcribed all interviews. In a collaborative coding process, a multi-stakeholder team used applied thematic analysis in Dedoose to identify emergent themes in the data.

Results

Participants reported a decreased tolerance for and perpetration of violence against girls at the household level, and endorsed their right to protection from violence at the community level. However, alongside these self-reported changes in attitude and behavior, aspects of normative, patriarchal norms governing the treatment of adolescent girls were maintained by participants.

Conclusions

This study builds the evidence base for gender transformative, whole-family support programming and its impact on preventing violence against adolescent girls in humanitarian emergencies. Situating our findings in a feminist analysis of violence, this study calls attention to the complexity of gender norms change programming amongst families in conflict-affected settings, and highlights the need for programming which holistically addresses the relational, community, and structural drivers of violence against girls in emergencies.
Tuberculosis screening improves preventive therapy uptake (TB SCRIPT) trial among people living with HIV in Uganda: a study protocol of an individual randomized controlled trial
Authors: Semitala Fred C. , Chaisson Lelia H. , Dowdy David W. , Armstrong Derek T. , Opira Bishop , Aman Kyomugisha , Kamya Moses , Phillips Patrick P. J. , Yoon Christina
Published: May 2022

Background

People living with HIV (PLHIV) have an increased risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB). To reduce the burden of TB among PLHIV, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends systematic TB screening followed by (1) confirmatory TB testing for all who screen positive and (2) TB preventive therapy (TPT) for all TPT-eligible PLHIV who screen negative. Symptom-based screening remains the standard of care in most high TB burden settings, including Uganda. Despite having high sensitivity for active TB among antiretroviral-naïve PLHIV, symptom screening has poor specificity; as such, many high-risk PLHIV without active TB are not referred for TPT. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a promising alternative strategy for TB screening that has comparable sensitivity and higher specificity than symptom screening, and was endorsed by WHO in 2021. However, the impact of CRP-based TB screening on TB burden for PLHIV remains unclear.

Methods

TB SCRIPT (TB Screening Improves Preventive Therapy Uptake) is a phase 3, multi-center, single-blinded, individual (1:1) randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of CRP-based TB screening on clinical outcomes of PLHIV. The trial aims to compare the effectiveness of a TB screening strategy based on CRP levels using a point-of-care (POC) assay on 2-year TB incidence and all-cause mortality (composite primary trial endpoint) and prevalent TB case detection and uptake of TPT (intermediate outcomes), relative to symptom-based TB screening (current practice).

Discussion

This study will be critical to improving selection of eligible PLHIV for TPT and helping guide the scale-up and integration of TB screening and TPT activities. This work will enable the field to improve TB screening by removing barriers to TPT initiation among eligible PLHIV, and provide randomized evidence to inform and strengthen WHO guidelines.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04557176. Registered on September 21, 2020.
Quantifying heterologous gene expression during ectopic MazF production in Escherichia coli
Authors: Nikolic Nela , Sauert Martina , Albanese Tanino G. , Moll Isabella
Published: May 2022

Objective

MazF is a sequence-specific endoribonuclease-toxin of the MazEF toxin–antitoxin system. MazF cleaves single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) regions at adenine–cytosine–adenine (ACA) sequences in the bacterium Escherichia coli. The MazEF system has been used in various biotechnology and synthetic biology applications. In this study, we infer how ectopic mazF overexpression affects production of heterologous proteins. To this end, we quantified the levels of fluorescent proteins expressed in E. coli from reporters translated from the ACA-containing or ACA-less messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Additionally, we addressed the impact of the 5′-untranslated region of these reporter mRNAs under the same conditions by comparing expression from mRNAs that comprise (canonical mRNA) or lack this region (leaderless mRNA).

Results

Flow cytometry analysis indicates that during mazF overexpression, fluorescent proteins are translated from the canonical as well as leaderless mRNAs. Our analysis further indicates that longer mazF overexpression generally increases the concentration of fluorescent proteins translated from ACA-less mRNAs, however it also substantially increases bacterial population heterogeneity. Finally, our results suggest that the strength and duration of mazF overexpression should be optimized for each experimental setup, to maximize the heterologous protein production and minimize the amount of phenotypic heterogeneity in bacterial populations, which is unfavorable in biotechnological processes.
Visceral adiposity index and sex differences in relation to peripheral artery disease in normal-weight adults with hypertension
Authors: Shi Yumeng , Yu Chao , Hu Lihua , Li Minghui , Zhou Wei , Wang Tao , Zhu Lingjuan , Bao Huihui , Li Ping , Cheng Xiaoshu
Published: May 2022

Background

Previous studies on the relationship between the visceral adiposity index (VAI) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are limited. Therefore, this study explored the relationship between VAI and PAD in normal-weight patients with hypertension.

Methods

A total of 6615 normal-weight patients with hypertension were included in the current study. The VAI, a simple index calculated using blood lipid and waist circumference (WC), can be used as a simple biomarker of body fat distribution. The outcome was PAD, which was defined as present when each side’s ankle–brachial index (ABI) was ≤ 0.90.

Results

A significant positive association was observed between VAI and PAD prevalence. For per unit increment in LnVAI, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of PAD for the total participants and males were 1.55 (95% CI 1.15–2.10) and 2.12 (95% CI 1.46–3.07), respectively. However, the VAI was not associated with PAD in female patients with hypertension (OR 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85–1.95). There was no interaction between sex and VAI (P for interaction = 0.128). Accordingly, in total participants, when VAI was assessed in quartiles and compared with quartile 1 (< 0.84), the PAD prevalence was higher than that of quartiles 2 (0.84 to < 1.36: OR 1.49; 95% CI 0.92–2.44), 3 (1.36 to < 2.25: OR 1.95; 95% CI 1.14–3.32), and 4 (≥ 2.25: OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.04–3.57). There were no significant interactions with the other confounders.

Conclusion

This study showed a positive association between VAI and PAD in normal-weight adults with hypertension among men but not among women.
Semiclassical states for non-cooperative singularly perturbed fractional Schrödinger systems
Authors: Li Suhong , Wu Limeng , Yue Xiaoyun , Zhang Lingmin
Published: May 2022

We study the following non-cooperative type singularly perturbed systems involving the fractional Laplacian operator: $$ \textstyle\begin{cases} \varepsilon ^{2s}(-\Delta )^{s} u+a(x)u=g(v), & \text{in } \mathbb{R}^{N}, \\ \varepsilon ^{2s}(-\Delta )^{s} v+a(x)v=f(u), & \text{in } \mathbb{R}^{N}, \end{cases} $$

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is a small parameter. f and g are power-type nonlinearities having superlinear and subcritical growth at infinity. The corresponding energy functional is strongly indefinite, which is different from the one of the single equation case and the one of a cooperative type. By considering some truncated problems and establishing some auxiliary results, the semiclassical solutions of the original system are obtained using “indefinite functional theorem”. The concentration phenomenon is also studied. It is shown that the semiclassical solutions can concentrate around the global minima of the potential.
Predicting the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs based on net energy and digestible lysine intake using multiple regression and artificial neural networks models
Authors: Wang Li , Hu Qile , Wang Lu , Shi Huangwei , Lai Changhua , Zhang Shuai
Published: May 2022

Backgrounds

Evaluating the growth performance of pigs in real-time is laborious and expensive, thus mathematical models based on easily accessible variables are developed. Multiple regression (MR) is the most widely used tool to build prediction models in swine nutrition, while the artificial neural networks (ANN) model is reported to be more accurate than MR model in prediction performance. Therefore, the potential of ANN models in predicting the growth performance of pigs was evaluated and compared with MR models in this study.

Results

Body weight (BW), net energy (NE) intake, standardized ileal digestible lysine (SID Lys) intake, and their quadratic terms were selected as input variables to predict ADG and F/G among 10 candidate variables. In the training phase, MR models showed high accuracy in both ADG and F/G prediction (R2ADG = 0.929, R2F/G = 0.886) while ANN models with 4, 6 neurons and radial basis activation function yielded the best performance in ADG and F/G prediction (R2ADG = 0.964, R2F/G = 0.932). In the testing phase, these ANN models showed better accuracy in ADG prediction (CCC: 0.976 vs. 0.861, R2: 0.951 vs. 0.584), and F/G prediction (CCC: 0.952 vs. 0.900, R2: 0.905 vs. 0.821) compared with the MR models. Meanwhile, the “over-fitting” occurred in MR models but not in ANN models. On validation data from the animal trial, ANN models exhibited superiority over MR models in both ADG and F/G prediction (P < 0.01). Moreover, the growth stages have a significant effect on the prediction accuracy of the models.

Conclusion

Body weight, NE intake and SID Lys intake can be used as input variables to predict the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs, with trained ANN models are more flexible and accurate than MR models. Therefore, it is promising to use ANN models in related swine nutrition studies in the future.
Lethal ventricular arrhythmia can be prevented by adjusting the dialysate potassium concentration and the use of anti-arrhythmic agents: a case report and literature review
Authors: Uchida Takayuki , Ookawara Susumu , Ito Kiyonori , Okada Hitomi , Hayasaka Hideyuki , Kofuji Masaya , Kimura Masahiko , Ueda Yuichiro , Hasebe Tadashi , Momose Naoki , Morishita Yoshiyuki
Published: May 2022

Background

Hypokalemia is common in patients with malnutrition undergoing hemodialysis and is often involved in the development of lethal arrhythmia. Moreover, hemodialysis therapy decreases the serum potassium concentration due to potassium removal to the dialysate. However, it is difficult to adjust the dialysate potassium concentration owing to the use of the central dialysate delivery system in Japan. Here, we have presented a case undergoing hemodialysis with dialysate potassium concentration adjustment to prevent ventricular arrhythmia.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old man with Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy and chronic heart failure was admitted to our hospital and needed subsequent hemodialysis therapy due to renal dysfunction. During hemodialysis, the cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator was activated to the treatment of his lethal ventricular arrhythmia. Decreases in serum potassium concentration after hemodialysis and changes in serum potassium concentration during HD were considered the causes of lethal ventricular arrythmia. Therefore, along with using anti-arrhythmic agents, the dialysate potassium concentration was increased from 2.0 to 3.5 mEq/L to minimize changes in the serum potassium concentration during hemodialysis. Post-dialysis hypokalemia disappeared and these changes during hemodialysis were minimized, and no lethal ventricular arrhythmia occurred thereafter.

Conclusions

In this case, we prevented lethal arrhythmia by maintaining the serum potassium concentration by increasing the dialysate potassium concentration, in addition to the use of anti-arrhythmic agents. In the acute phase of patients with frequent lethal arrhythmia undergoing hemodialysis, an increase in dialysate potassium concentration may be an effective method for preventing arrhythmogenic complications.
Four-dimensional hierarchical structure of love constructs in a cross-cultural perspective
Authors: Karandashev Victor , Evans Nicholas D. , Neto Félix , Zarubko Elena , Artemeva Veronika , Fallah Sadeq , Cassepp-Borges Vicente , Oliveira Eliany Nazaré , Akyol Havvanur , Dincer Duygu
Published: May 2022

This article reports new methodology for cross-cultural exploration of psychometric properties of a four-dimensional hierarchical love scale. We collected data from 2831 participants from nine regional locations from six countries and assessed their responses to the love scale as well as several other love feelings. We applied a new methodological approach using recently advanced statistical methods to the comparison of forty love attitudes underscoring four distinct latent attitudes associated with love to another person in romantic relationships across these samples. The results demonstrate the importance of measurement invariance tests for cross-cultural comparison of scores on love scales. To properly assess measurement invariance, we suggest five statistical procedures, which we investigated in this study: (1) making corrections for acquiescence and extreme response biases; (2) taking into consideration cultural uniqueness in how participants respond to the measures, which may contribute to poor model fit; (3) accounting for such cultural uniqueness to make cross-cultural comparisons more valid; (4) removing items, which substantially contribute to poor model fit; and (5) shortening the subscales when scoring and analyzing the data. The results of the studies propose two shortened versions (33 and 30 items) of the love scale as two cross-culturally valid and invariant alternatives to the original 40-item scale.
Impact of donor-to-recipient weight ratio on the hospital outcomes of pediatric heart transplantation
Authors: Mahdavi Mohammad , Tahouri Tahmineh , Tabib Avisa , Bakhshandeh Hooman , Sadeghpour-Tabaei Ali , Shahzadi Hossein , Harooni Nader
Published: May 2022

Background

Identifying the factors that can influence the prognosis and final outcomes of pediatric heart transplantation is important and makes it possible to prevent complications and improve outcomes. Coordination of donor characteristics with the recipient in terms of sex, weight, body mass index (BMI), and body surface area (BSA) is an important factor that can influence the outcome of the transplantation. There is still no consensus regarding the role of discrepancy in anthropometrics between donors and recipients. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between donor and recipient weight mismatch on the early outcomes of pediatric heart transplantation. In this historical cohort study, 80 children who had underwent heart transplantation for the first time between 2014 and 2019 in Shahid Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center in Tehran, Iran, were enrolled and divided into three groups according to donor-to-recipient weight ratio (0.8 < D/RW ≤ 1.5, 1.5 < D/RW ≤ 2.5, and 2.5 < D/RW). The early outcomes of transplantation, during the first post-transplant month, including right heart failure, renal failure, graft rejection, inotrope dependency, duration of intubation, length of ICU stay, death and requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, were recorded through reviewing patient records.

Results

Median donor-to-recipient BSA ratio was directly associated with higher vasoactive–inotropic score (P = 0.038), while no significant association was found between donor-to-recipient weight ratio and vasoactive–inotropic score (P = 0.07). No significant relationship was found between other outcomes and donor-to-recipient weight ratio or donor-to-recipient BSA ratio.

Conclusions

Patients who require heart transplantation may also benefit from mismatch donors, especially in those with significant cardiomegaly.
Contrast-enhanced spectral mammographic findings of phyllodes tumor of the breast
Authors: Orguc Sebnem , Mavili Seda , Açar Çağdaş Rıza , Aydede Hasan , Kandiloğlu Ali Rıza
Published: May 2022

Background

Phyllodes tumors of breast are rare fibroepithelial neoplasms. They have similar radiological findings with fibroadenomas. While fibroadenomas are benign lesions, phyllodes tumors may have malignant potential. Therefore, any imaging findings to differentiate fibroadenoma from phyllodes tumor are valuable.

Case presentation

A 51-year-old female patient was admitted to our clinic with the complaint of a palpable mass. Tru-Cut biopsy resulted as phyllodes tumor, and excision was recommended. However, the patient neglected herself during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 20 months later, she presented with a huge and complex mass. On CESM imaging, cystic areas and clefts were identified. The case was diagnosed as borderline phyllodes tumor.

Conclusions

Although MRI findings of phyllodes tumor are well known and reported many times, there is no information about CESM findings of this tumor in literature. Bubbly appearance on CESM is useful finding in the diagnosis of phyllodes tumor of breast.
Comparing two federal financing strategies on penetration and sustainment of the adolescent community reinforcement approach for substance use disorders: protocol for a mixed-method study
Authors: Dopp Alex R. , Hunter Sarah B. , Godley Mark D. , Pham Chau , Han Bing , Smart Rosanna , Cantor Jonathan , Kilmer Beau , Hindmarch Grace , González Isabelle , Passetti Lora L. , Wright Kelli L. , Aarons Gregory A. , Purtle Jonathan
Published: May 2022

Background

Sustained, widespread availability of evidence-based practices (EBPs) is essential to address the public health and societal impacts of adolescent substance use disorders (SUD). There remains a particularly significant need to identify effective financing strategies, which secure and direct financial resources to support the costs associated with EBP implementation and sustainment. This protocol describes a new project comparing two types of U.S. federal grant mechanisms (i.e., a type of financing strategy), which supported the implementation of the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA) EBP for SUD, through either organization-focused or state-focused granting of funds. The Exploration-Preparation-Implementation-Sustainment (EPIS) framework will guide our study aims, hypotheses, and selection of measures.

Method

We will employ a longitudinal, mixed-method (i.e., web surveys, semi-structured interviews, document review, focus groups, administrative data), quasi-experimental design to compare the grant types’ outcomes and examine theoretically informed mediators and moderators. Aim 1 will examine the proportion of eligible clinicians certified in A-CRA with adequate fidelity levels (i.e., penetration outcomes) at the end of grant funding. Aim 2 will examine the sustainment of A-CRA up to 5 years post-funding, using a 10-element composite measure of treatment delivery and supervision activities. We will integrate the new data collected from state-focused grant recipients (~85 organizations in 19 states) with previously collected data from organization-focused grant recipients (Hunter et al., Implement Sci 9:104, 2014) (82 organizations in 26 states) for analysis. We will also use sensitivity analyses to characterize the effects of observed and unobserved secular trends in our quasi-experimental design. Finally, aim 3 will use comparative case study methods (integrating diverse quantitative and qualitative measures) to identify and disseminate policy implications about the roles of state- and organization-focused federal grants in efforts to promote adolescent SUD EBP implementation and sustainment.

Discussion

The proposed research will have direct, practical implications for behavioral health administrators, policymakers, implementation experts, and the public. It will offer new knowledge that can directly inform financing strategies to support large-scale, sustained EBP delivery in behavioral health—while advancing implementation science through the use of novel methods to study financing strategies and sustainment.
The ameliorative effect of Apium graveolens & curcumin against Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease induced by high fructose-high fat diet in rats
Authors: Abd‐Elrazek Areeg M. , Ibrahim Shaimaa R. , El‐dash Heba A.
Published: May 2022

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition resulting from fat aggregates in liver cells and is associated with metabolic syndrome, obesity, and oxidative stress. The present work was designed to investigate the role of celery and curcumin against high-fructose–high-fat (HFHF) diet-induced NAFLD in rats. Thirty male rats were classified into five groups: GP1: control group (rats were fed a normal control diet), GP2: HFHF group as a positive control (rats were fed a HFHF diet) for 20 weeks, GP3: HFHF + sily group, GP4: HFHF + celery group, and GP5: HFHF + cur group (rats in 3, 4, and 5 were treated as in the HFHF group for 16 weeks, then combined treatment daily by gavage for 4 weeks with either silymarin (as a reference drug, 50 mg/kg bw) or celery (300 mg/kg bw) or curcumin (200 mg/kg bw), respectively. The progression of NAFLD was evaluated by estimating tissue serum liver enzymes, glycemic profile, lipid profile, oxidative stress markers in liver tissue, and histopathological examination. Moreover, DNA fragmentation and the released lysosomal enzymes (acid phosphatase, β-galactosidase, and N-acetyl-B-glucosaminidase) were estimated.

Results

Our results showed that HFHF administration for 16 weeks caused liver enzymes elevation, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. Furthermore, increased hepatic MDA levels along with a decline in GSH levels were observed in the HFHF group as compared to the control group. The results were confirmed by a histopathological study, which showed pathological changes in the HFHF group. DNA fragmentation was also observed, and the lysosomal enzyme activities were increased. On the other hand, oral supplementation of celery and cur improved all these changes compared with positive control groups and HFHF + sily (as a reference drug). Moreover, celery, as well as curcumin co-treatment, reduced HFHF-enhanced DNA fragmentation and inhibited elevated lysosomal enzymes. The celery combined treatment showed the most pronounced ameliorative impact, even more than silymarin did.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that celery and curcumin consumption may exhibit ameliorative impacts against NALFD progression, while celery showed more ameliorative effect in all parameters.
Risk factors for frailty in elderly Japanese people who received Ningen Dock: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Araki Mie , Takahashi Yuta , Ohyama Yoshiaki , Nagamine Ayumu , Takahashi Emiri , Imai Kunihiko , Hayashi Kunihiko , Nakamura Tetsuya , Kurabayashi Masahiko , Obayashi Kyoko
Published: May 2022

Background

Frailty is a clinical condition characterized by increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes. Elderly people are screened for frailty as part of preventative care. However, the risk factors for frailty among older adults who undergo Ningen Dock, a comprehensive medical checkup, remain unclear. Thus, this cross-sectional study aims to identify the risk factors for frailty in older adults who received Ningen Dock. The study included 372 participants over 65 years of age who underwent Ningen Dock at the Health Care Center of Gunma Chuo Hospital between April 2019 and March 2020. Frailty was defined using the Kihon Checklist, a basic checklist. Clinical variables were obtained from Ningen Dock records, a vascular function test, and a questionnaire on medication, among others. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression models were used to assess risk factors.

Results

Prevalence for frailty and pre-frailty was 12.6% and 26.6%, respectively. The mean age of participants was 72.0 ± 5.1 years old, and 43.5% were female. Compared with systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 130 mmHg, the odds ratios for the 100–129 mmHg and < 100 mmHg groups were 2.43 (P = 0.020) and 8.95 (P <0.001). The odds ratio for the ≥ 7 medications group medications was 3.64 (P = 0.003) compared to 0–2 medications. Compared with serum iron ≥ 126 μg/dL, the odds ratio for ≤ 85 μg/dL was 2.91 (P = 0.002). The odds ratio for total bilirubin ≤ 0.6 mg/dL was 2.49 (P = 0.011) compared with > 0.6 mg/dL. Compared with an exercise habit of ≥ 4 metabolic equivalents (METs), the odds ratio for < 2 METs/week was 2.45 (P < 0.001). The odds ratio for the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) ≥ 9 group was 1.84 (P = 0.020) compared to < 9.

Conclusions

In older adults who received Ningen Dock, SBP < 100 mmHg, medications ≥ 7, serum iron ≤ 85 μg/dL, total bilirubin ≤ 0.6 mg/dL, exercise habits < 2 METs, and CAVI ≥ 9 were associated with frailty.
Updated clinical practice treat-to-target guidelines for JIA management: the Egyptian College of Pediatric Rheumatology initiative
Authors: El Miedany Y. , Salah S. , Lotfy H. , El Gaafary M. , Abdulhady H. , Salah H. , Nasef S. I. , El-Latif E. Abd , Farag Y. , Eissa M. , Esam Maher S. , Radwan A. , El-Shanawany Amira T. , Medhat B. M. , El Mikkawy D. , Mosa D. M. , El Deriny G. , Mortada M. , Osman N. S. , Fouad N. A. , Elkaraly N. E. , Mohamed S. S. , Tabra S. A. , Hassan W. A. , Amer Y. , Abu-Zaid M. H.
Published: May 2022

Background

These updated guidelines aimed to provide appropriate and convenient guidelines for the treatment of various types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Using the Delphi technique, this study was conducted to reach expert consensus on a treat-to-target management strategy for JIA. According to the PICO (patient/population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes) approach, the preliminary scientific committee identified a total of 17 key clinical questions. To assemble evidence on the advantages and dangers associated with JIA treatments, an evidence-based, systematic literature review was conducted. Researchers and clinicians with experience in JIA management were identified by the core leadership team. To establish a consensus on the management suggestions for JIA patients, a Delphi approach (2 rounds) was used.

Results

An online survey was applied to the expert panel (n = 27), and 26 of them completed both rounds. At the conclusion of round 2, a total of eighteen (18) recommendation items were gathered, which were divided into four sections to address the four key JIA categories. The percentage of those who agreed with the recommendations (ranks 7–9) ranged from 83.2 to 100% (average 86.8%). The phrasing of all 18 clinical standards identified by the scientific committee was agreed upon (i.e. 75% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed). Algorithms have been proposed for the management of JIA polyarthritis, oligoarthritis, and systemic JIA.

Conclusion

A wide and representative panel of experts initiated a consensus about the management of JIA. The created guidelines give a complete approach to the management of JIA for all healthcare professionals involved in its management, as well as a means of monitoring and evaluating these guidelines on a regular basis.
DNA Cleavage by Bisphenanthroline-polyamine-acridine Conjugates
Authors: Morimura Masato , Sunaga Yuuki , Masuda Tomokazu , Ozaki Hiroaki
Published: May 2022

DNA-cleaving molecules were designed and synthesized based on previously reported phenanthroline-polyamine conjugates. This newly constructed molecule consists of two phenanthrolines, one acridine, and one polyamine, and can more effectively cleave a plasmid DNA. Using this molecule, DNA cleavage was induced without multivalent metal ions or reducing agents.
Thermal Metathesis of C–C Single Bonds Induced by Steric Frustration
Authors: Ishida Naoki , Ito Misato , Murakami Masahiro
Published: May 2022

Examples of σ-bond metathesis are significantly limited when compared with those of alkene metathesis. This report presents a metathesis reaction of carbon–carbon single bonds. It proceeds through homolytic carbon–carbon bond cleavage, which is facilitated by steric frustration operating between two bulky carbon fragments. Of note is that simple heating is enough, and neither transition metal catalysts nor reagents are required.
Neonatal resuscitation: A cross-sectional study measuring the readiness of healthcare personnel
Authors: Utomo Martono Tri , Sampurna Mahendra Tri Arif , Widyatama Rufina Adelia , Visuddho Visuddho , Angelo Albright Ivan , Etika Risa , Angelika Dina , Handayani Kartika Darma , Irzaldy Abyan
Published: May 2022

Background: The optimal neonatal resuscitation requires healthcare personnel knowledge and experience. This study aims to assess the readiness of hospitals through its healthcare personnel in performing neonatal resuscitation.

Methods: This study was an observational study conducted in May 2021 by distributing questionnaires to nurses, midwives, doctors, and residents to determine the level of knowledge and experience of the subject regarding neonatal resuscitation. We conducted the research in four types of hospitals A, B, C, and D, which are defined by the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia by the capability and availability of medical services. The type A hospital is the hospital with the most complete medical services, while type D hospitals have the least medical services. The comparative analysis between participants’ characteristics and the knowledge or experience score was conducted. 

Results: The total 123 participants are included in the knowledge questionnaire analysis and 70 participants are included in the resuscitation experience analysis. We showed a significant difference (p = 0.013) of healthcare personnel knowledge between the A type hospital (Median 15.00; Interquartile Range [IQR] 15.00–16.00) and the C type hospital (median 14.50; IQR 12.25–15.75). For the experience, the healthcare personnel of type A and type B hospitals have significantly higher experience scores than the type D hospital (p = 0.014; p = 0.007), but we did not find a significant difference between others type of hospital comparison.

Conclusions: In this study, we found that the healthcare personnel from type A and type B hospitals are more experienced than the type D hospital in conducting neonatal resuscitation. We suggest more neonatal resuscitation training to improve the readiness of healthcare personnel from type C and type D hospital.
Sustainable development of smart cities and smart territories based on the model of minimizing externalities
Authors: Kuandykovna Suyendikova Guldana , Evgenievich Barykin Sergey , Mikhailovich Sergeev Sergey , Vasilievna Kapustina Irina , Krupnov Yuri , NikolaevnaShchepkina Natalia
Published: May 2022

The development of conceptual models of a digital city poses numerous challenges for developers. The public sector concept model has become one of the most difficult models to use. When developing algorithms to find a solution, the multidirectional interests of businesses and public institutions are combined. This type of model reflects the most acute and urgent problems faced by megapolises with regard to combining numerous localized services provided to the community in a limited territory. The administrations of both cities and regions (the scale of the smart territories) must make decisions concerning overcoming the barriers existing between the profits of commercial structures, the negative externalities generated by their activities, and the social benefits to the population in the territory under their control. It is necessary to solve this problem to achieve the effective management of enterprises belonging to the segment of long-term participants in various business activities, interacting with the surrounding social and business environment in a complex. This study takes into account the complex structures of the economic processes characteristic of megacities. The periodicity of economic processes is also taken into account. When choosing an optimization criterion, functions reflecting the level of internalization of responsibility for external effects were considered. The authors propose a mathematical model that can be used as part of the management decision support systems software, aiming at taking into account the externalities of a wide range of national, institutional, business, and social activities.
Older adults and family caregivers’ experience of digital health technology in frailty care: A systematic review and meta-ethnography protocol
Authors: Darley Andrew , Dix Rachael , Rocher Elena , Stokes Diarmuid , Carroll Áine
Published: May 2022

Background: Digital health technology has been identified as a valuable tool to support older adults with frailty needs in their home setting. Despite the numerous technologies and evaluations of these innovations, a synthesis of the older person and family caregivers’ experience using technology for support self-management has not been conducted to date.

Methods and analysis: A systematic review and meta-ethnography will be conducted in accordance with the PRISMA and eMERGe reporting guidelines. Four peer-reviewed empirical evidence databases will be searched (Medline (Ovid), CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO) using a defined search strategy. Studies containing qualitative data on the experiences of older people or family caregivers of using digital health technology to support frailty care will be included. Covidence software will be used to screen studies and extract data. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist for qualitative research will be used by two independent reviewers to appraise all included papers. A meta-ethnography will be undertaken in accordance with the seven-phase method described by Noblit and Hare: (1) Getting started, (2) Deciding what is relevant to the initial interest, (3) Reading the studies, (4) Determining how the studies are related, (5) Translating the studies into one another, (6) Synthesizing translations and (7) Expressing the synthesis.

Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first systematic review to integrate and synthesize the findings of qualitative studies of older citizens’ experience of digital health technology. The findings of this meta-ethnography will endeavour to inform future research, policy and clinical practice. In particular, the results will help to inform the design of future digital health technology to meet the needs of older adults.

PROSPERO registration number: Submitted 05/04/2022 and currently under review.
The Role of Feminitives in Communicative Practices Yesterday and Today
Authors: Strel'nikova N.
Published: May 2022

The article is devoted to the problem of considering feminitives from a linguistic and communicative point of view, discussing the question of how natural or artificial the use of the words of this group is in different situations of interpersonal communication. Feminitives have existed in Russian speech for a long time, but their use was extremely inconsistent and remains so to this day. Currently, the discourse on feminitives is one of the most relevant in communication science and linguistics, in new speech and communication practices. In modern Russian, two opposite linguistic tendencies coexist. On the one hand, the formation of correlates to masculine words denoting professions, i.e. active use of feminitives in speech, and, on the other hand, the use of masculine words regardless of gender. As illustrations, the exhibits of the art exhibition, composed of the works of A. Deineka and A. Samokhvalov, are used, in the canvases of which not only visually, pictorially and graphically, the era is reflected, but the language of time is fixed verbally: the names of a large number of paintings, sketches and sculptures are feminitives. In addition, contemporary literary and cinematic texts are also cited as examples.