bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating eHealth within a transforming healthcare setting: a qualitative study into values, challenges, and prerequisites. (Preprint)
Authors: Lorenz-Artz Karin CAG , Bierbooms Joyce JPA , Bongers Inge MB
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

The EU has stated that mental health care services should become more person-centered and community-based. eHealth may contribute to this change by allowing clients to take an active, decision-making role in their healthcare service. In the Netherlands, five organizations currently use the open dialogue (OD) approach, which is an example of a person-centered and community-based healthcare service. OD is a unique approach to organizing care and therapeutic intervention for people who need mental health support. One of these Dutch organizations has integrated the OD approach with eHealth.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to help the transition towards person-centered and community-based care models by improving our understanding of eHealth and by showing how eHealth can best be integrated into a transforming healthcare service. The objective is to better understand the value of eHealth within OD practice, and to define the challenges and prerequisites for implementing eHealth within this transforming practice.

METHODS

This qualitative, practice-oriented field study is part of a pilot project of an ambulatory OD team in a Dutch mental health care institute. In total, 29 semi-structured interviews were held with clients, social network members, and OD professionals between December 2017 and March 2019. We used a thematic coding approach for analyses.

RESULTS

eHealth was considered mainly beneficial outside the treatment meetings as it improves communication, simplifies planning of treatment meetings, and provides a broader access to treatment. Videoconferencing was considered an acceptable alternative if someone could not attend treatment meetings in person. Several challenges were identified regarding the implementation of eHealth into OD practices: (1) a lack of trust and interest in eHealth, (2) a lack of knowledge about eHealth, (3) the strong conviction that face-to-face contact is needed for effective care, (4) normative pressure to offer eHealth, and (5) introducing eHealth during the start-up of a new OD team. This study has highlighted the multi-level complexity of implementing eHealth and has identified several prerequisites for successful implementation on individual, organization, society, and digital-product levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The benefits and challenges of eHealth have been identified as well as the prerequisites for its implementation. An important dilemma is to what extent eHealth should be used in healthcare settings when the client is not motivated to use it. We need to find the balance between using eHealth and letting clients refuse to use it. Interviewees emphasized the relevance of a continuous dialogue about eHealth to improve understanding of the possibilities and limitations of eHealth within healthcare settings that are transitioning towards client-centered and network-oriented care, such as OD.
Limited diagnostic accuracy of smartphone-based digital biomarkers for Parkinson's disease in a remotely-administered setting (Preprint)
Authors: Goni Maria , Eickhoff Simon B. , Sahandi Far Mehran , Patil Kaustubh R. , Dukart Juergen
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Smartphone-based digital biomarker (DB) assessments provide objective measures of daily-life tasks and thus hold the promise to improve diagnosis and monitoring of Parkinson's disease (PD). To date, little is known about which tasks perform best for these purposes and how different confounds including comorbidities, age and sex affect their accuracy.

OBJECTIVE

Here we systematically assess the ability of common self-administered smartphone-based tasks to differentiate PD patients and healthy controls (HC) with and without accounting for the above confounds.

METHODS

Using a large cohort of PD patients and healthy volunteers acquired in the mPower study, we extracted about 700 features commonly reported in previous PD studies for gait, balance, voice and tapping tasks. We perform a series of experiments systematically assessing the effects of age, sex and comorbidities on the accuracy of the above tasks for differentiation of PD patients and HC using several machine learning algorithms.

RESULTS

When accounting for age, sex and comorbidities, the highest balanced accuracy on hold-out data (67%) was achieved using relevance vector machine on tapping and when combining all tasks. Only moderate accuracies were achieved for other tasks (60% for balance, 56% for gait and 55% for voice data). Not accounting for the confounders consistently yielded higher accuracies of up to 73% (for tapping) for all tasks.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate the importance of controlling DB data for age and comorbidities. They further point to a moderate power of commonly applied DB tasks to differentiate between PD and HC when conducted in poorly controlled self-administered settings.
Determining the Efficacy of Electronic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder Compared to Pharmaceutical Interventions: Protocol for a Quasi-Experimental Study (Preprint)
Authors: Alavi Nazanin , Stephenson Callum , Yang Megan , Shirazi Amirhossein , Shao Yijia , Kumar Anchan , Yee Caitlin S , Miller Shadé , Stefatos Anthi , Gholamzadehmir Maedeh , Abbaspour Zara , Patel Archana , Patel Charmy , Reshetukha Taras , Omrani Mohsen , Groll Dianne
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is an extremely prevalent and debilitating mental health disorder. Currently, the gold standard treatment for GAD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or pharmacotherapy. The most common medications used to treat GAD are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. While CBT is the gold standard treatment for GAD, it is costly, time-consuming, and often inaccessible. Fortunately, the electronic delivery of CBT (e-CBT) has emerged as a promising solution to address these barriers. e-CBT has shown to offer comparable results to in-person CBT while improving accessibility for patients and time efficiency for clinicians.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the treatment efficacy of e-CBT compared to and in conjunction with pharmacotherapy for GAD.

METHODS

This study will use a quasi-experimental design to allow patients the freedom to choose which treatment modality they would like to receive. Participants with a diagnosis of GAD will be enrolled in 1 of 3 possible treatment arms: (1) e-CBT, (2) medication, or (3) a combination of e-CBT and medication. The e-CBT program will include a 12-week psychotherapy program delivered through the Online Psychotherapy Tool—a secure, cloud-based, digital mental health platform. The treatment efficacy of e-CBT will be compared with that of medication alone and medication in combination with e-CBT.

RESULTS

The study received ethics approval in April 2019 and participant recruitment began in June 2019. Participant recruitment has been conducted through social media advertisements, physical advertisements, and physician referrals. To date, 146 participants (e-CBT: n=53; medication: n=49; combination: n=44) have been recruited. Data collection is expected to conclude by June 2021, and data analysis is expected to be completed by October 2021. Linear regression (for continuous outcomes) and binomial regression (for categorical outcomes) analysis will be conducted using interpretive qualitative methods.

CONCLUSIONS

If either the efficacy of e-CBT is shown to be comparable to that of medication or the effects of both treatments are augmented when used in tandem, these findings could have major implications on the mental health care system. e-CBT is a more accessible and affordable treatment that could increase mental health care capacity 4-fold if proven viable.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04478526; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04478526

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/27772
In-hospital enrollment into an electronic patient portal results in improved follow-up after orthopedic surgery: Inpatient enrollment into electronic patient portal (Preprint)
Authors: Bhashyam Abhiram R. , Bansal Mira , McGovern Madeline M. , van der Vliet Quirine MJ , Heng Marilyn
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Electronic patient portal (EPP) use is associated with lower no-show rates and increased patient satisfaction. However, there are disparities in enrollment into these communication platforms.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that guided inpatient enrollment into an EPP would improve clinical follow-up and EPP use rates for orthopaedic surgery patients compared to the usual practice of providing information in the discharge summary.

METHODS

We performed a randomized controlled trial of 229 adult patients who were admitted to the hospital for an orthopedic condition that required a three-month follow-up visit. Patients were cluster randomized by week to either the control or intervention group. The control received information on how to enroll into and use the EPP in their discharge paperwork, while the intervention was actively enrolled and taught. At 3 months post-discharge, patients were followed to see if they attended their follow-up appointment or used the EPP.

RESULTS

83% of patients presented for follow-up at 3 months (80.2 vs 85.8, control vs intervention, P=0.25). Likelihood of EPP use was significantly higher in the intervention group (16.4% vs 62.0%; OR 8.3, 95% confidence interval = 4.5, 15.5; P<0.001). Intervention patients who used the EPP were more likely to present for post-surgical follow-up (OR 3.59, 95% confidence interval = 1.28, 10.06; P = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Inpatient enrollment of orthopaedic surgery patients into an EPP increased EPP use, but this did not independently result in enhanced follow-up. Patients who were enrolled as inpatients and subsequently used the portal had the highest likelihood of 3-month follow-up.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03431259
Impact of Information Quality on Customer Perceived Value, Experience Quality, and Customer Satisfaction from Using GoFood Aplication
Authors: Patma Tundung Subali , Fienaningsih Nilawati , Rahayu Karisma Sri , Artatanaya I Gusti Lanang Suta
Published: February 2021

Introduction/Main Objectives: The existence of technological advances in online transportation provides benefits to the community, and especially for the culinary industry; consumers no longer have to go to restaurants to buy food; it can be ordered through the Gojek application. The Gojek application makes it easy for people to buy food online. Various items of information about the restaurant are provided by Gojek’s online transportation service application. Background Problems: The government's appeal regarding COVID-19 requires people to stay at home, to support social distancing. Many activities must now be carried out at home, including eating. Along with the technological developments, people do not need to worry about staying at home because everything can be done from the home, with the GoFood application's support. Novelty: This study aims to determine and prove the effect of information quality on experience quality and customer perceived value, as well as satisfaction, from using the GoFood application in Malang City. This research is an update of the information gathered previously during the pandemic, which can be used as a reference for determining marketing strategies. Research Methods: This type of research is explanatory research through a quantitative approach, by conducting a direct survey of the application’s users, by using an online questionnaire. The research sample consists of 380 respondents. The sampling technique of this study was purposive sampling with the criteria that the Gojek application’s users had made purchases the application at least one times, and were aged 18 years and over, so the perceptions given would be quite clear and independent. Finding/Results: The results show that information quality has a positive and significant effect on experience quality, customer perceived value and customer satisfaction; experience quality has a positive and significant effect on customer perceived value; and customer perceived value has a positive and significant effect on customer satisfaction. Conclusion: This study reveals that the quality of the experience has a positive but insignificant effect on customer satisfaction. The result is a new finding from this study because there are differences in the previous studies' relationships between the variables. This study contributes that the stay-at-home appeal could increase the use of online applications to carry out activities.
The Kano Model: How the Pandemic Influences Customer Satisfaction with Digital Wallet Services in Indonesia
Authors: Budiarani Vanesa Hana , Maulidan Rahmat , Setianto Diki Putra , Widayanti Ipuk
Published: February 2021

Introduction/Main Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of digital wallets service qualities using Kano Model. Understanding customer needs and satisfaction is crucial in developing products. Background Problems: In the “new normal” era, payment method is predicted to shift to digital wallets. For quality improvement, digital wallet companies should understand customer needs and satisfaction. This study used the Kano model to analyze customer needs and satisfaction in OVO and ShopeePay, two digital wallets widely used for online shopping transactions during COVID19. Novelty: Although studies into the Kano model implementation towards e-commerce exist, there are no specific studies on the model implementation concerning digital wallet payments amid COVID-19. The Kano model is significant in understanding which software products generate high customer satisfaction, which will give a greater influence, as well as necessary attributes for the customers. Research Methods: This study employed the Kano model as one of the most relevant method to measure customer satisfaction by measured of each attribute’s quality. Finding/Results: Most features of OVO and ShopeePay are categorized into the “must be” and “one dimensional” category. The satisfaction map results indicate that most items placed in the “indifferent” quadrant denote the unfulfilled customer expectations. Conclusion: OVO and ShopeePay should improve the items placed in the “indifferent” quadrant first. This study contributes empirically and theoretically by emphasizing the Kano model’s utility for digital wallet services and providing new insights for digital wallet companies and the government on Indonesians’ usage of digital wallets in the “new normal”.
International Perspectives of Strategic Team and Player Development in Diverse Amateur/Grassroots 60+ Small-Sided Football Contexts
Authors: T. Hubball Harry , Diaz-Cidoncha Garcia Jorge
Published: February 2021

Despite the significant growth of amateur/grassroots over-60s (60+) small-sided football in diverse indoor and outdoor settings around the world, scant attention has been afforded to related research, coach education, and strategic team and player development initiatives within these unique seniors‘ football contexts. Drawing upon case study methodology using multiple-case design, this paper examines whether and how Strategic Team and Player Development (STPD) initiatives are implemented in diverse amateur/grassroots 60+ small-sided football coaching contexts. Data suggest there is substantial interest among players and coaches for age-appropriate STPD initiatives, which require organization-specific support structures and integrated, progressive, and evidence-based activities customised for the unique needs and competitive circumstances of players/participants. STPD initiatives can significantly enrich participant experiences and maximize program outcomes such as player and team skills and sustained participation. STPD initiatives in these contexts are still in the early stages, both theoretically and practically. While there are many challenges and areas for improvement, strategic organizational support including a commitment to customised football coach education can be the basis for implementing STPD in diverse amateur/grassroots 60+ small-sided football contexts. Key challenges and implications for customised football coach education are discussed.
Creating the Healthiest Nation: Climate Change and Environmental Health Impacts in Nigeria: A Narrative Review
Authors: Raimi Morufu Olalekan , Odubo Tonye Vivien , Omidiji Adedoyin Oluwatoyin
Published: February 2021

Climate change is a “threat multiplier and a prime cause of universal threat to health in the 21st century, including 4th industrial revolution. The health effects of climate change will increase dramatically over the next few years and pose a risk to human life and the well-being of billions of people. As we all know, the milieu is fundamental to our sustained earth survival and environmental changes (natural and artificial) affect it either to the benefit or detriment of humans. Climate change is one of such changes in the physical environment which has grave consequences for the existence of mankind. Climate change is interestingly, no longer a speculative subject. There is a good international scientific consensus existing to show that this phenomenon is real and if recent global warming movements continue, temperature rise, ocean levels and more frequently weather conditions that is extreme (storms, heat-waves, droughts, floods, cyclones, etc.) may perhaps cause severe food shortages, loss of shelter, water, livelihoods, extinction of flora and fauna species. In the recent past, the earth has witnessed devastating weather-related events in different portions of the globe including hurricanes (e.g., Katrina and Rita in USA), tsunamis, typhoons, flooding especially in the Asian Continent, wild fires especially in Australia, USA, etc. Currently, the on-going flood incident in Pakistan that has so far claimed about 1,600 lives and rendered another four million people homeless is a sad reminder of the ugly and devastating consequences of global warming on the environment. There is no gainsaying the fact that humankind is paying dearly for the massive alterations in the environment that have induced changes in climate. This is because of frequent incidence of changes in climate related disasters in the world today. There is hardly any month that passes without an incident occurring in one part of the globe or another since the advent of the 21st century. Changes in climate has significant and potentially devastating health consequences, whether through direct actions (e.g., deaths resulting from heat wave and weather disasters) or disruption of complex biological methods (e.g., changes in infectious diseases patterns, supplies in fresh water and production of food).The report of the fourth assessment of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have globally submitted that “it is estimated that the health of millions of people is affected, for instance, malnutrition increases; deaths increase, diseases and injury; burden of increase diarrheal diseases; frequency of increased cardio-respiratory diseases caused by high levels of ground-level ozone in cities due to climate change; besides altered spatial distribution of some communicable diseases”. The association amongst changes in climate, its drivers, systemic effects, health and socioeconomic growth, mitigation and adaptation has been specified.
ANTIPROLIFERATIVE AND ANTIOXIDANT EFFECTS OF ERUCA SATIVA (JARJEER) LEAVES EXTRACT ON CARCINOMA OF WOMEN’S BREAST
Authors: A DERBALA SAFAA , E ELKADY MANAR , A ELBANHAWY REHAB , AF ABDEL-AZIZ
Published: February 2021

Objective: This work aims to investigate the influence of Eruca sativa leaves extract on the cell viability of the breast carcinoma cell line (MCF-7).

Methods: In vitro, breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) treated by E. sativa leaves extract for 48 h. The cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis were assessed using colorimetric (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, flow cytometric technique, and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and catalase [CAT]) measurement.

Results: This study demonstrated that the incubation of MGF-7 cells with E. sativa for 48 h caused a significative reduction in cell viability and proliferation of MGF-7 cell line. In parallel, E. sativa treatment induces a significant increase in apoptosis of MGF-7 cells compared to control. Moreover, flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that the inhibition of MGF-7 cell proliferation existed at the G2 and M phase in the cell-division cycle. Finally, the intracellular antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT activities were significantly increased in the administered cells compared with unadministered MCF-7 cells.

Conclusions: Taken together, E. sativa treatment reduces cell viability and proliferation concomitant with enhanced antioxidant enzymes expression and apoptosis of breast cancer cell line MGF-7. This may help in protection from breast cancer or preclinical recommendation.
LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY–MASS SPECTROMETRY/MASS SPECTROMETRY METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF LAPATINIB IN RAT PLASMA: APPLICATION TO PHARMACOKINETIC STUDIES IN WISTAR RATS
Authors: PALNATI NARMADA , KOTAPATI NALINI , VAIDYANATHAN GOPAL
Published: February 2021

Objective: The objective of the study was to develop and validate a simple, accurate, and sensitive liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS)/MS method for the determination of lapatinib a dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor in rat plasma using gefitinib as internal standard.

Methods: An Inertsil ODS column (50 mm×4.6 mm×5 μm) was used for separation with isocratic elution of 10 mM ammonium formate-acetonitrile (5:95 v/v). Analyte and internal standard were extracted from 50 μl of plasma using tertiary butyl methyl ether followed by subsequent reconstitution in a mixture of water-acetonitrile.

Results: The extraction recoveries were 95% and 98% for lapatinib and gefitinib, respectively. The lower limit of quantification was 5 ng/ml with a precision of 6.2% and accuracy of 108%. The response was found to be linear over the range of 5–1000 ng/ml with a correlation coefficient of 0.999. The intraday and interday precision expressed as relative standard deviation was <15%.

Conclusion: This validated method was applied to the pharmacokinetic study in Wistar rats. The proposed bioanalytical LC–MS/MS method for lapatinib is a simple, sensitive, and accurate to quantify the concentrations in rat plasma.
ASSESSMENT OF COMPARATIVE PATIENT SATISFACTION AND SIDE-EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH TAMSULOSIN VERSUS SILODOSIN THERAPY IN BENIGN PROSTATE HYPERPLASIA
Authors: JAYAKUMAR VINEETH , VARGHESE PRITTY ANNA , TREESA JOHNSON ASHLIN , V KARTHIK , M BABITHA
Published: February 2021

Objective: The aim of our study was to assess the comparative patient satisfaction and side-effects of the currently prescribed drugs – tamsulosin and silodosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods: A prospective study was conducted in a total of 110 BPH patients from the Department of Urology for a period of 6 months. Fifty-five patients in each group received silodosin 8 mg or tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily. Data were collected using a suitably designed pro forma and the patient satisfaction was assessed with patient’s perception of study medication (PPSM) scale. International prostate symptom score (IPSS) was used for assessing the severity of symptoms.

Results: The current study found that the treatment had a significant effect on improving scores of PPSM and IPSS at which all changes were significant at p<0.01 (paired t-test). An independent t-test showed that silodosin group had a greater improvement in PPSM scores – PPSM total by 40.4%, PPSM global by 43.7%, and PPSM pain by 0.39% which was supported by corresponding decline in IPSS scores. The side effects reported for tamsulosin were headache (5.5%), dizziness (5.5%), dry mouth (3.6%), and postural hypotension (14.4%) and those reported for silodosin were myalgia (5.5%), dizziness (7.3%), diarrhea (1.8%), and postural hypotension (10.9%).

Conclusion: Patient satisfaction was improved by both the alpha blockers but silodosin showed a significantly greater increase in patient satisfaction than tamsulosin. Thus, silodosin is the better drug of choice.
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, ANTIBACTERIAL, AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF CASSIA MONTANA HEYNE EX ROTH LEAF EXTRACTS
Authors: M HEMALATHA , L BHAKSHU , N YASODAMMA
Published: February 2021

Objective: The leaf extracts of Cassia montana (Caesalpiniaceae) were being used for leucorrhea and rheumatic pains used by the certain tribal people in Andhra Pradesh. The present studies focused on the antibacterial, antioxidant activity of leaf extracts of C. montana which provide the scientific basis for its folklore applications in various ailments.

Methods: Ethyl-alcohol and water extracts of C. montana (leaf) were screened for phytochemicals, antimicrobial activity and antioxidant activity using in vitro methods. The total phenolics were estimated using Folin–Ciocalteu reagent with reference to gallic acid, whereas the antioxidants of the extracts were quantified using ammonium molybdate reduction assay with reference to the ascorbic acid. The antibacterial activity was studied by disk-diffusion method and the radical scavenging assay by DPPH discoloration method with reference to ascorbic acid.

Results: The leaf extracts were tested for antibacterial, antioxidants, and phytochemical screening and found the significant phytoconstituents as steroids, lignins, flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, tannins, cardiac glycosides, and reducing sugars in ethanol and aqueous extracts. The tested extracts exhibited significant antibacterial activity. It is also observed that ethanolic extracts are more effective with minimum inhibition concentrations values at 28 and 32 μg/disk against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus followed by Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with 80 and 90 μg/disk. Total polyphenols quantified in alcohol and water extracts with reference to the gallic acid is 108 and 267 mg/g dry weight of leaf, respectively. Total antioxidants quantified in alcohol and water extracts with reference to the ascorbic acid is 70 and 85 mg/g dry weight of leaf, respectively. The tested extracts were exhibited strong effect on the discoloration of DPPH indicated the significant scavenging activity.

Conclusion: The present study revealed that the tested extracts were exhibited significant anti-bacterial antioxidant activity along with the diversified phytochemicals. Hence, the leaf extracts of C. montana were having potential role in the treatment of ethno botanical health claims.
ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN OF ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATED FROM CHILDREN WITH URINARY TRACT INFECTION
Authors: OLI YOGESH , BHANDARI GANESH , BHANDARI UPASHANA , BISTA SUNITA , KUMAR BHATTARAI AMRIT , KATUWAL ARCHANA , BHANDARI NETRA LAL
Published: February 2021

Objective: This work aimed to detect the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Escherichia coli isolated from children, as it is the most predominant pathogen of urinary tract infection (UTI).

Methods: About 530 urine samples were collected and tested using the modified Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method to find the susceptibility pattern of isolated bacteria.

Results: Out of a total of 530 samples, 114 (21.50%) showed significant growth. A total of 8 different types of bacteria were isolated from the growth of positive samples. Among the isolates, E. coli 66 (57.8%) was found to be the most predominant organism followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae 18(15.8%), Proteus spp. 10 (8.8%), Staphylococcus aureus 8 (7.0%), Acinetobacter spp. 4 (3.5%), CoNS 4 (3.5%), Enterobacter spp. 2 (1.8%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 2 (1.8%). In the present study, out of 66 E. coli, 37 (56.1%) were multidrug-resistant strain. E. coli showed 94.0% resistance to ceftriaxone followed by ceftazidime 86.5% and cefotaxime 70.3%. Imipenem (91.9%) followed by amikacin (89.2%) seems to be the effective drug against UTI causing E. coli in children.

Conclusion: Multidrug resistance may possess difficulties with the choice of therapeutic options for the treatment of severe infections.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DISABILITY AND RADIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS OF LUMBAR DISK DEGENERATION IN SAMPLE OF IRAQI PATIENTS WITH MECHANICAL LOW BACKACHE
Authors: AL-BEDRI KHUDAIR , ALI RIYAM , A. MAHMOOD ZAINAB
Published: February 2021

Objectives: Disability related to chronic low back pain (LBP) is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon all over the world. The prevalence of backache in middle age and elderly is up to 84%. This study aims to evaluate the associations of X-ray features of lumbar disk degeneration with severity of disability among patients with mechanical LBP.

Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 300 patients with chronic mechanical LBP. Severity of disability was measured using Modified Oswestry Disability Index and intensity of backache was assessed using numeric rating scale (0–10). X-ray features of lumbar disc degeneration according to Lane classification and spondylolisthesis were assessed in lateral recumbent lumbar X-rays.

Results: The mean age of our sample was 52.45±7.87 and 71.7% of involved patients were women. Most patients were recorded as overweight or obese. The findings of disk space narrowing were mild in 65.7%, moderate in 28.7%, and severe in 5.6%, where the presence of osteophytes were small in 76.9%, moderate in 20.5%, and large in 2.6%. Regarding disability, two-third of cases were focused on minimal disability, followed by moderate, severe, and crippled as (26%), (6%), and (2%), respectively. There was highly significant association between women and pain radiation to legs (p=0.004). Obesity and overweight had meaningless effects on all markers.

Conclusions: The severity of disability was significantly more in women, high intensity of lower back pain, presence of pain radiating to legs, moderate/severe disk space narrowing on X-ray, and disk degenerative disease score on X-ray, while age, presence of osteophytes and spondylolisthesis, body mass index, and pain duration were not associated with severity of disability.
EVALUATING RISK FACTORS, CLINICAL AND THERAPEUTIC PROFILE OF STROKE PATIENTS PRESENTING TO A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: P LAKSHMI , S SUCHITHA , V SAI ASWANI , SREE V DHANYA , SK ZAFEER
Published: February 2021

Objective: According to the World Health Organization, stroke is the second leading cause of death for people above the age of 60 years, and the fifth leading cause in people aged 15–59 years old. This study mainly aims to evaluate the prevalence of risk factors, clinical features, pattern of drugs prescribed, and severity of stroke among patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary care teaching hospital on 210 patients for a period of 6 months. Patients aged 18 years and above were included in the study. The severity of stroke was assessed using National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).

Results: The majority of the patients were under the age group of 61–70 years (31%). The incidence of ischemic stroke (81%) was more common compared to hemorrhagic stroke (19%). Males (66%) are prone to stroke compared to females (34%). The most common risk factor was hyperlipidemia (29%) followed by hypertension (17%). Antihypertensives (28%) were most commonly used drugs followed by antihyperlipidemics (23%). Most of the prescriptions were prescribed with 4–6 drugs per prescription (62%). Moderate stroke (69%) was most commonly observed in patients. A total of 147 drug-drug interactions were observed. Among 147 drug-drug interaction, the most commonly observed drug-drug interaction was aspirin with metformin (15%).

Conclusion: The present study emphasizes on the need to identify risk factors and providing awareness among the patients by a pharmacist in minimizing the disease burden. Early identification of risk factors and pattern of therapy based on therapeutic guidelines plays a crucial role in qualitative patient care.
Damir V. Mukhetdinov, “The Islamic renovationist movement from the end of the 20th century to the start of the 21st century: ideas and prospects” (Thesis)
Authors: Ali-Zadeh A. A.o.
Published: February 2021

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The Latin Translation of the Qur’ān Between Controversy and Research
Authors: Mukhetdinov D. V.
Published: February 2021

This article examines the history of the translation of the Qur’an into Latin. The main attention was paid to the study of the transformation of the approach to the translation of the Qur’an into Latin. During the long historical period (XII–XVII centuries) its basic principles remained unchanged, but the ways of their practical application were signiﬁcantly changed. The study shows that the combination of polemical and research components forms the basis of the translation approach developed in the translation of Robert of Ketton and Corpus Tholetanum (c. 1143), a collection of works on Islam, created in Toledo under the guidance of Peter the Venerable. These leading components of the translation approach constitute the basis of all other translations of the Qur’an into Latin. However, since Mark of Toledo’s translation (c. 1210) the structural characteristics of these components greatly change. In addition, the correlation between them also changes: while in the twelfth century the polemical component signiﬁcantly shaped certain translation decisions, by the seventeenth century it was deﬁnitively detached from the translation itself. This transformation prepared the ground for the modern scientiﬁc approach to the translation of the Qur’an.
Interdisciplinary Approach to Studying the Text of the Qur’ān
Authors: Redkin O. I. , Bernikova O. A.
Published: February 2021

The article examines the language of the Qur’ān as an object of interdisciplinary study. Based on the research of the periods of the formation of the text of the Qur’ān and the available approaches to its description, the authors compare history and modernity, determining the prospects for the development of the Qur’ānic studies. As an example of particular areas of scholar research, the paper considers Qur’ān manuscript as an object of separate research. The authors cite both classical methods of codicological research and available solutions for digital processing of Arabographic manuscripts. Attention is also paid to the study of the language of the Qur’ān in a historical perspective through the development of the Arabic linguistic tradition. Another example of the application of an interdisciplinary approach was the study of the possibilities of carrying out linguistic analysis of the text of the Qur’ān using methods of automatic data processing. The effectiveness of methods of sentiment analysis was also considered. The use of Information and Communication Technologies in humanities in general, and the possibilities of processing Arabographic text in particular, have created new methods and perspectives for the development of the Qur’ānic Studies. An analysis of the Qur’ānic corpus, the use of artiﬁcial intelligence methods in conducting textual research will make it possible to verify some facts related to the historical development of the Arabic language, to reconstruct certain features of the linguistic situation on the Arabian Peninsula in the pre-Islamic period, as well as in the ﬁrst centuries of Islam. In this regard, it is necessary to consider the Qur’ānic text in all its diversity using both traditional and innovative research methodologies, including taking into account the latest achievements of the humanities and natural sciences.
Taha Hussein and the Development of Education in Egypt
Authors: Moskalets O. V.
Published: February 2021

Taha Hussein is one of the greatest thinkers of Egypt, who was provided with high intelligence and extensive knowledge in different areas. Formation of his personality coincided with the dramatic moments in the history of the country associated with the British occupation of Egypt. The author of paper traces the role of T. Hussein in the development and reform of education in Egypt in the early thirties of the 20th century. Moreover, the author analyzes the pedagogical concepts of T. Hussein, i. e. the idea of the democratization of education and overcoming the inertia of public consciousness, which blocked the creative development of the individual. As the Minister of Education of Egypt, T. Hussein was able to implement a number of his ideas on the progress and reform of education, the most important of which was the establishment of free primary education for all segments of the population, regardless of social status and material welfare.
What drives the acquisition behavior of agroholdings? Performance analysis of agricultural acquisition targets in Northwest Russia and Ukraine
Authors: Ostapchuk Igor , Gagalyuk Taras , Epshtein David , Dibirov Abusupyan
Published: February 2021

This article provides pioneering empirical evidence on the selection of acquisition targets by agroholdings in transition economies. We use panel data from Ukraine and Northwest Russia covering the years 2005-2016. Binomial logistic regression models were estimated to analyze the impacts of farm capital strength, financial performance and size on the farm’s likelihood of being acquired by an agroholding. Our results indicate that agroholding target selection considerations tend to change over time and have shifted from farm size to farm performance in both countries. However, agroholdings in both countries prefer to ‘grab lemons’, i.e. acquire poorly performing farms, but they differ with respect to target selection criteria. Agroholdings in Northwest Russia tend to focus on farm profitability, while their Ukrainian counterparts emphasize the capital structure of the target farms.
Clinical predictors at admission and combined treatment for COVID-19 outcomes
Authors: Floriani Maiara , Bessel Marina , Zorzo Isabelle , Glaeser Andressa , Grando Rafael , Rodeghiero Raphael , Parrini Mohamed , Bastos Gisele Nader , Nasi Luiz
Published: February 2021

Aims of the study: To investigate the effect of clinical predictors on
admission and the set of therapeutic interventions on length of stay,
ICU admission, need for MV and mortality. Methods used to conduct the
study: Retrospective cohort of inpatients with RT-PCR positive for
COVID-19 from March to July 2020. Multivariate models were used to
assess risk for ICU admission, need for MV and hospital mortality.
Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine factors associated
with the results. Results of the study: 459 patients were enrolled
(median age 60.0 years old). For patients treated with
AZM-Corticosteroid (46.8%) the risk for ICU admission was 0.17 (OR;
95%CI 0.05-0.57), for MV 0.16 (OR; 95%CI 0.04-0.74) and for mortality
0.16 (OR; 95%CI 0.03-0.91). AZM-Corticosteroid also decreased the
length of stay in 1.5 day. AZM-Corticosteroid and anticoagulation when
indicated (17.2%), also reduced the ICU stay in 1.5 and MV in 4 days.
When included HCQ, the benefits were lost and the times increased. Age
>65 years, presence of up one comorbidity, pulmonary
involvement more than or equal to 50%, saturation <93%,
lymphocytes <900 mm3, D-dimers >1,250 ng/mL and
CRP >8.0 mg/dL at admission were clinical predictors for
death. HFNC was able to prevent intubation by 38.1%. Conclusion drawn
from the study and clinical implications: AZM-Corticosteroids and
anticoagulation represented a favorable combination for inpatients with
COVID-19, reducing length of hospitalization, risk of MV and mortality.
HCQ did not yield benefits to combination therapy and we do not support
its use for inpatients. HFNC was able to prevent intubation in one third
of patients. Already on admission some clinical predictors may help to
estimate a higher risk of poor evolution.
IS THERE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MIDKINE LEVELS AND PROGNOSIS OF COVID-19 DİSEASE?
Authors: Genc Ahmed Bilal , Yaylaci Selcuk , Dheir Hamad , Genc Ahmed Cihad , Yıldırım İlhan , Kocayigit Havva , Tuncer Fatma Betül , Toptan Hande , Çokluk Erdem , Demiryurek Bekir Enes , Nalbant Ahmet , Kaya Tezcan , Tamer Ali , Karabay OÄuz
Published: February 2021

Aim: The aim of this study was to measure plasma midkine levels in
patients with COVID-19 and to assess its clinical significance. Material
and Method: 88 patients followed in our hospital with a diagnosis of
COVID-19 were included in the study. Demographic characteristics,
clinical and laboratory data of the patients were recorded, and the
relationship between midkine level and prognosis and other parameters
were investigated. Results: Of the 88 patients included in the study, 43
(48.9%) were female and 45 (51.1%) were male. 24 (27%) of our cases
were died. The mean age of non-survivals was 70 ± 12.3 and the survivals
were 61.9 ± 18.2 years. Mortality predictors due to COVID-19 in group 2
patients were significantly higher than those in group 2 (p
<0.05). The median (IR) value of the MK level was 152.5±125
pg/ml in all patients, 143±149 pg/ml in survivors and 165.5±76 pg/ml in
those who died (p= 0.546). The difference between these two groups
compared according to mortality was not statistically significant The
area under the ROC curve was found to be 0.542 (95% CI 0.423-0.661, p=
0.546). Conclusion: MK is not a biomarker that can reinforce known
predictors of mortality in COVID-19 patients and can provide better
predictions of mortality.
THE EFFECT OF HYPERURICEMIA AND ALLOPURINOL ON OUTCOME OF KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS
Authors: Nazlican Ersin , Yucel Neshat , Paydas Saime , Unal Ilker
Published: February 2021

OBJECTİVE: Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) may have increased serum
uric acid (SUA) level due to presence of existing greft dysfunction and
used immunosuppressives. In this retrospective study, we evaluated
effect of high SUA levels and allopurinol therapy in KTRs on renal
functions. PATIENTS and METHODS: 113 KTRs of 233 KTRs included, had
elevated SUA level (G1). Fiftyseven of G1 received allopurinol treatment
(G1A+) and 56 patients (G1A-) did not. 56 of 118 patients who were
followed for five years (G5) were hyperuricemic (G5-1) and 26 of G5-1
treated with allopurinol (G5-1A+) and 30 of them did not (G5-1A-). 62
patients were normourisemic (G5-2). RESULTS: Of the 233 patients
included the mean age was 42.8±11.6 (17-76), 164 were male (70.0%). In
2. year graft loss developed in 9 (7.5 %) and 18 (15.9%) of G2 and G1
respectively (p = 0.045). According to allopurinol therapy 10 of the
graft loss occurred in the G1A+ and 8 in the G1A- (p=0,330). Graft loss
occurred in 12 (21%) and 9 (14%) in G5-1 and G5-2 respectively (p =
0.62). Graft loss occurred in 7 (23 %) and 5 (19%) in G5-1A+ and
G5-1A- respectively P = 0.71). Considering the first 2 in G5; in G5-1
graft loss was higher than in the G5-2 (p = 0.023), and higher SUA
levels increased the graft loss by 3.6 times compared to normal SUA
levels (95% confidence interval: 1,2-12.70). CONCLUSION: There was a
significant relationship between high SUA levels and graf loss in kidney
transplant recipients in 2 years and 5 years. Treatment of high SUA with
alIopurinol therapy had protective effect on renal functions. So that
hyperuricemia should be treated and low dose allopurinol can be option
for treatment of hyperuricemia therefore prevention of loss of kidney
function in kidney transplant recipients.
Hexamerin-2 Protein as a Novel Allergen in Occupational Locust Allergy
Authors: Wang Yu , Lou Hongfei , Wang Chengshuo , Ni Ming , Yu Dan , Zhang Luo , Kang Le
Published: February 2021

Background: Locusts as model systems are widely used in many biological
laboratories worldwide. Occupational exposure to locusts induces a high
prevalence of allergic sensitization. However, knowledge on occupational
locust allergens remains unclear. This study aimed to identify a novel
allergen from locusts that causes occupational allergies. Methods: We
conducted a 20-year retrospective survey of 94 persons using
questionnaires and a cross-sectional survey of 57 persons using
questionnaires and immunological tests for occupational allergies in
long-term locust laboratories. We identified the major allergens by
immunoblotting and analysed them by LC-MS/MS. The allergenicity of the
major allergen proteins was assessed by specific IgE (sIgE) detection,
immunoblotting and ELISA inhibition assays. Results: The retrospective
survey indicated that the frequency of occupational allergies was
relatively low (13.8%), while the cross-sectional survey showed a
higher frequency (40.4%). The symptoms in most allergic males were
allergic rhinitis and asthma, while females showed higher prevalence of
atopic dermatitis. Occupational exposure for 2-3 h per day or continuing
one and half years obviously increased the allergy risk. We identified
the hexamerin-2 protein as a major allergen in locusts. Purified
hexamerin-2 protein achieved approximately 60% serum IgE reactivity
with locust protein extract. The potential for cross-reactivity with
cockroaches was indicated by sequence alignment of the hexamerin-2
protein and allergens of cockroaches. Conclusion: Occupational exposure
is an important risk factor for locust allergy. The hexamerin-2 protein
of locusts as a major allergen in occupational allergy was identified
for the first time.
Percutaneous approach with AngioVac system for complicated hepatic rupture in pregnancy.
Authors: Tarzia Vincenzo , Piperata Antonio , vezzaro roberto , volpe alessandro , Gerosa Gino
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT The hepatic rupture durig pregnancy is a catastrophic clinical
issue associated with high fetal and maternal mortality. We describe the
case of hepatic hemangioma rupture complicated by massive thrombosis of
the inferior vena cava successfully treated by using AngioVac aspiration
system. Although an aggressive surgical strategy is recommended, a
multidisciplinary approach using modern devices can represent a new
frontier in the treatment of these patients.
Generating functions for generalization Simsek numbers and their applications
Authors: Goubi Mouloud
Published: February 2021

Our purpose in this work is the complete the study of Simsek numbers. We give answer to some open problems concerning polynomial representations and associated generating function. At the end of the study we investigate a new generalization of these numbers and obtain useful identities which connect Simsek numbers and Stirling numbers of second kind.
Presentation of “Das feuer oder das ewige leben” (3.1) of Rosenzweig’s Stern der Erlösung
Authors: Bojanic Petar
Published: February 2021

In this text, I analyze the most important topics of one of the most complex
portions of Rosenzweig?s Star of Redemption. The chapter ?The Fire or the
Eternal Life? deals with the community and communal life of the eternal
people, and it reconstructs the basic elements and conditions of communal
living. A presentation of all key protocols of life and work of a group of
people ought to show the plurality of heterogeneous practices that have
helped maintain a people scattered and always on the verge of extinction.
Hermeneutics of the other
Authors: Radinkovic Zeljko
Published: February 2021

The article primarily addresses different philosophical views of otherness
(Levinas, Waldenfels, Liebsch) and tries to question them from a
hermeneutic perspective. Above all, the conceptual radicalism of the
asymmetrical relationships is criticized through the hermeneutic approach,
understood not as mere strategy of appropriating the other or the stranger,
but as an open process of understanding, in which the heterogeneity of those
involved is subject to constant change, but is nevertheless always
maintained. On this basis, the cultural-philosophical, but also social and
political relevance of the opposition between cultural pessimism and
cultural optimism is called into question.