bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Nitrogen Fertilisation on Red Spider Mites (Oligonychus coffeae
Nietner) and Overhead Volatile Organic Compounds in Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Owuor P. Okinda , Odak Jenipher A. , Mang’uro Lawrence O.A. , Wachira Francis N. , Cheramgoi Evelyne
Published: April 2018

Nitrogen fertilisation influences tea yields, quality and pests infestation levels. Red spider mites
reduce tea production in western Kenya during prolonged droughts. Nitrogen fertiliser use maybe
an agronomic practice that may influence infestation levels by mites. Overhead volatile compounds
(OVOCs) composition also influences infestations of tea by mites. Influence of nitrogenous
fertiliser rates on red spider mite infestations and OVOCS levels was determined. Mites
populations varied (pd less than 0.05) with nitrogenous fertiliser rates. High infestations were at 0 and
300 kg N/ha/year, and sharp decline between 150 and 225 kg N/ha/year. Green leaf volatiles
increased while some aromatic and terpenoid compounds decreased with increasing nitrogenous
fertiliser rates. Significant (pd less than 0.05) direct linear regressions between 1-penten-3-ol, 3-penten-
2-ol, E-2-hexenal, Z-3-hexenyl acetate and inverse relationship between 2-phenyl ethanol, ethyl
benzene, -methyl styrene, longifolene and ß-cedrene and nitrogenous fertiliser rates were
observed. Most aromatic and terpenoid compounds, which are repellents of mites, were highest
between 150 and 225 kg N/ha/year where infestations by mites were lowest. The recommended
fertiliser rates of 100 to 225 kg N/ha/year in Kenya also produce most repellents of mites,
protecting tea plants against infestations. Use of recommended nitrogen rates can protect tea
from infestations by mites.
Clonal Variations in the Response of Hard Physically Withered Leaf to
Rehydration Following Long Chemical Wither Durations
Authors: Owuor P. Okinda , Obanda Martin
Published: April 2018

Long chemical wither durations and hard physical wither reduce the quality of plain black tea,
through reduction in total theaflavins production while encouraging thearubigins formation. Such
quality reduction may vary with genetic makeup of the tea plant. However, rehydration reactivates
activities of oxidative enzymes responsible for producing plain black tea quality parameters.
Influence of rehydrating hard physically withered leaf that had undergone long chemical wither
durations on two clonal plain black tea quality parameters were assessed. Rehydration restored
the formation of plain tea quality parameters from hard physically withered leaf. However,
quality deterioration due to long chemical wither duration could not be reversed by rehydration.
The patterns of responses of the clones used were similar. Thus in the processing of plain black
tea, efforts should be made to maintain chemical wither durations to below 30 hours. However,
rehydration reverses reduced plain black tea quality parameters by hard physical withers to
equivalent of chemical wither.
Changes in the Composition of Elements in Non-Aerated Green Teas Processed
from Seedling Tea (Camellia sinensis) Due to Variations in Nitrogenous Fertilizer
Rates and Seasons.
Authors: Ochanda Simon O. , Owuor Philip O. , Wanyoko John K. , Kamau David M. , Faraj Abdul K. , Onyango Christine A.
Published: April 2018

Soil nutrients are lost to the plant with harvested crop in tea production with most ending up as
minerals and contribute to human nutrition upon tea consumption. Production of non-aerated
green tea in Kenya has been low. The changes in the mineral profiles of these teas due to
nitrogenous fertilizer rates and seasons is not been documented. Several elements were profiled
from non-aerated green teas processed from seedling tea grown under varying fertilizer rates of
up to 800kg N/ha/year in different seasons. They included N, P, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu and Fe
which registered 3.32-3.79%, 0.22-0.29 %, 1.47-2.13%, 0.42-0.87%, 0.14-0.38%, 0.11-0.28%,
19.29-41.88ppm, 11.68-25.53ppm and 175.83-206.28ppm respectively with nitrogenous fertilizer
rates. The elements were significantly (pd”0.05) higher during the wet and warm, and wet and
cold seasons than in the warm and dry, and cold and dry seasons. For the seasons, N, P, K, Ca,
Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu and Fe registered 3.19-4.22%, 0.16-0.35%, 0.51-2.10%, 0.42-0.92%, 0.12-
0.44%, 0.13-0.35%, 8.74-84.94ppm, 6.67-84.67ppm and 66.07-363.39ppm respectively. The
values changed with rainfall distribution, although the response patterns differed between individual
elements. Inceasing NPKS fertilzer rate caused a rise in N, P and K values especially, from
October to June. However, there was a shift in the months of July to September between 400 and
800 kg N/ha/year, in the first year of study. During the second year, the observed shift in year one
of the study was revesred. Consequently throughout the year the increments in nutrients
corresponded to that of fertilzer rates. The results demonstrate that soil nutrients removed with
crop vary with seasons and nitrogenous fertilizer rates. High rate of fertilizer contributed to more
N, P and K and other micro-elements such as Mn.and Fe to the finished products. The results
also demonstrate that in non-aerated green tea production, application of high rates of nitrogen is
necessary to maintain plant nutritional requirements and fresh leaf quality.
Access to Aid-in-Dying in the United States: Shifting the Debate From Rights to Justice
Authors: Buchbinder Mara
Published: April 2018

Much of the literature on aid-in-dying (AID) has drawn heavily on rights-based ethical and legal frameworks that emphasize patients’ rights of self-determination in end-of-life decision-making. Less attention has focused on how terminally ill people actually experience such putative rights once they are legally authorized.

This analytic essay draws on findings from the Vermont Study on Aid-in-Dying, an ethnographic study of the implementation of AID in Vermont (2015–2017). First, I show that terminally ill people can face a range of barriers to accessing AID in permissive jurisdictions, and that access to AID is mediated by various inequalities endemic to US health care, as well as some that are unique to AID. I then build on these findings to examine the utility of the concept of justice for public health scholarship on AID.

By integrating empirical, ethical, and policy analysis, I reframe rights-based frameworks that emphasize the role of individual choice and decision-making at the end of life. In doing so, I draw attention to health care justice as a neglected issue in public health perspectives on AID.
The Collaborative Improvement and Innovation Network (CoIIN) to Reduce Infant Mortality: An Outcome Evaluation From the US South, 2011 to 2014
Authors: Hirai Ashley H. , Sappenfield William M. , Ghandour Reem M. , Donahue Sara , Lee Vanessa , Lu Michael C.
Published: April 2018

Objectives. To evaluate the impact of the Southern Public Health Regions’ (Regions IV and IV) Collaborative Improvement and Innovation Network (CoIIN) to Reduce Infant Mortality, supported by the US Health Resources and Services Administration.

Methods. We examined pre–post change (2011–2014) for CoIIN strategies with available outcome data from vital records (early elective delivery, smoking) and the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (safe sleep) as well as preterm birth and infant mortality for Regions IV and VI relative to all other regions.

Results. For most outcomes, CoIIN improvements were greater in Regions IV and VI than in other regions. For example, early elective delivery decreased by 22% versus 14% in other regions, smoking cessation during pregnancy increased by 7% versus 2%, and back sleep position increased by 5% versus 2%. Preterm birth decreased by 4%, twice that observed in other regions, but infant mortality reductions did not differ significantly.

Conclusions. The CoIIN approach to public health improvement shows promise in accelerating progress in intermediate outcomes and preterm birth. Impact on infant mortality may require additional strategies and sustained efforts.
First-Line Treatment of Mantle-Cell Lymphoma: Analysis of Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness
Authors: Kaplanov K.D. , Volkov N.P. , Klitochenko T.Yu. , Shipaeva A.L. , Matveeva I.V. , Shirokova M.N. , Proskurina A.C. , Red'kina N.A. , Gemdzhian E.G.
Published: April 2018

The costs of the first and subsequent therapy lines were analysed using a Markov model. Cost analysis of first-line therapy variants to be compared was based on cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). The analysis proved the cost-effectiveness of R-hyper-CVAD-R-HD-AraC program. Conclusion. R-hyper-CVAD-R-HD-AraC program meets eligibility criteria for effectiveness, toxicity and cost-effectiveness and can, therefore, be recommended as first-line therapy of mantle-cell lymphoma and be used for the further comparative clinical trials.
Epstein-Barr Virus in Patients with Classical Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Authors: Gurtsevitch V.E. , Demina E.A. , Senyuta N.B. , Botezatu I.V. , Smirnova K.V. , Dushen'kina T.E. , Maksimovich D.M. , Paramonova U.V. , Monin I.S. , Lichtenshtein A.V.
Published: April 2018

Background. A close relationship between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cHL) has been established in approximately 1/3 patients. EBV-positive lymphomas are characterized by increased level of EBV specific antibodies emerging long before tumor symptoms, аs well as a high plasma EBV DNA concentration. These viral markers normally correlate with clinical manifestations and the outcome of treatment performed. In patients with EBV-negative lymphomas, however, there has been no attempt to assess the clinical significance of either humoral response to EBV or EBV DNA concentration in plasma. Aim. To evaluate diagnostic and prognostic significance of EBV markers in patients with EBV-negative lymphomas. Methods. The clinical trial included 13 cHL-patients admitted at the Department of chemotherapy of hemoblastoses of NN Blokhin National Medical Cancer Research Center. The male to female ratio was 1: 1.3, the median age was 26.4 years. Leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were evaluated in all the patients before, during, and after treatment as well as throughout the follow-up period. The same indicators were analysed in the control group which contained 80 healthy persons (with the median age of 29.4 years, male to female ratio 1.5: 1). The study was based on serologic test for EBV antibodies and quantitative analysis of the viral DNA copy number in plasma. Results. The obtained data show a low immunie response to EBV and its diminishment after several polychemotherapy treatment cycles, correlating with decreased leukocyte and lymphocyte levels. As opposed to levels of virus-specific antibodies which do not reflect the efficacy of anticancer therapy, plasma EBV DNA concentration in 2 patients decreased to 0 after remission had been achieved. Conclusion. Although the number of observations is limited, one could suggest that viral load values in plasma of patients with EBV-negative lymphomas can prove to be a useful marker of anticancer therapeutic effect. Additional studies of these markers are required.
Minimal Residual Disease and IGHV-Genes Mutational Status as the Main Predictors of Response to Bendamustine-Rituximab Therapy in Previously Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Mirolyubova Yu.V. , Stadnik E.A. , Strugov V.V. , Andreeva T.O. , Nikulina T.S. , Virts Yu.V. , Butylin P.A. , Rumyantsev A.G. , Zaritskey A.Y.
Published: April 2018

Background. In patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) the eradication of minimal residual disease (MRD) is a prognostic factor of overall survival (OS) and progressionfree survival (PFS). IGHV mutational status has also independent prognostic value. Aim. To analyse the impact of mutational status and MRD eradication in CLL patients after first-line standard BR (ben-damustine + rituximab) immunochemotherapy. Materials & Methods. The prospective study included patients with immunophenotypically confirmed CLL who had not previously received anticancer therapy. All patients were treated by BR combination from 2012 to 2015. MRD level was determined in 109 patients after completing the 3rd and the 6th treatment courses. IGHV mutational status data were available for 98 patients. IGHV mutational status was evaluated in accordance with ERIC recommendations. MRD was assessed by standardized method of 4-color flow cytometry. Results. MRD negativity was achieved in 37 (34 %) out of 109 patients. MRD eradication correlated with the best PFS (p = 0.04). IGHV mutational status had a statistically significant impact on PFS (p = 0.02). In patients with MRD-nega-tive response and IGHV mutation no unfavorable events occurred during the period of monitoring. Conversely, PFS rates in MRD-negative patients having no IGHV mutation and in MRD-positive patients with mutation were significantly worse. MRD eradication resulted in statistically significant improvement of PFS rates after completing 3 treatment courses, compared with the cases with MRD persistence regardless of residual malignant clone level (p = 0.01). Conclusion. BR therapy as first-line treatment statistically improved PFS in patients who achieved MRD-negative remission after completing the 3rd treatment course. PFS was significantly higher in MRD-negative patients with IGHV mutation after 6 treatment courses. MRD negativity resulting from 6 BR therapies in patients having no / GHV mutation was not accompanied by PFS improvement. It follows that by itself MRD negativity cannot be considered to be a universal prognostic factor.
Evolution of Anti-Cancer Treatment and its Impact on Surrogate Prognostic Factors in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Luchinin A.S. , Semochkin S.V. , Minaeva N.V. , Pozdeev N.M. , Paramonov I.V.
Published: April 2018

Aim. To assess prognostic value of surrogate clinical and laboratory markers in current therapy of multiple myeloma (MM). Materials & Methods. The analysis included 567 patients (215 men and 352 women), the Kirov region inhabitants with newly diagnosed MM over the period from January 1, 1994 to December 31, 2016. The median age was 64 years (range 29-90). Patients were divided into two groups: the first group received treatment from 1994 to 2005 (n = 269), the second group received treatment from 2006 to 2016 (n = 298). Impact of factors on overall survival (OS) was evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analysis using the Cox method. Results. Over the period from 2006 to 2016 the number of patients treated with traditional chemotherapy decreased from 78.4 to 32.5 %. At the same time the number of patients treated with bortezomib-based regimens increased from 1.9 to 56.3 % and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) protocols - from 1.4 to 14.0 %. Median OS over the period from 1994 to 2005 was 27 months. It increased to 55 months in the period of 2006-2016. In the reference decades 5-year overall survival increased from 21 % (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 17-27 %) to 47 % (95% CI 39-55 %), respectively (hazard ratio [HR] 0.51; 95% CI 0.41 0.64; p < 0,0001). In patients treated with bortezomib-based regimens over the period from 2006 to 2016 median OS increased to 73 months compared to 27 months in 19942005. In patients aged < 65 years and treated with auto-HSCT median OS was not reached, and median OS in patients without auto-HSCT treatment was 54 months. Conclusions. Surrogate prognostic markers, such as the age over 65, hemoglobin level < 100 g/L, ß2-microglobulin > 6 mg/L, serum creatinine > 177 pmol/L and stage III according to ISS and Durie-Salmon, are unfavourable predictors of survival of MM patients.
Polymerase Chain Reaction for Prognosis Assessment and Monitoring of the Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Authors: Katsin M.A. , Zhil'tsov Ivan Viktorovich , Semenov V.M. , Novik D.K.
Published: April 2018

The review provides the analysis of 34 papers on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a method of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA detection in biological material of patients with EBV-associated cancer diseases including Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL). A comparative analysis of different methods of EBV DNA detection in biological material is presented. EBV is associated with HL in 20 to 100 % of cases depending on a geographic region and HIV status. EBV-associated HLs are characterized by latency type II. EBV is found in all the atypical cells and can be detected in blood of EBV-associated HL patients by means of the PCR method. The review includes the results of studies on EBV detection using the PCR method compared to in situ methods of hybridization and immunohistochemistry in various EBV-associated cancer diseases including HL. The obtained data indicate that PCR can be used for quantitative determination of EBV DNA in blood plasma of HL patients for therapeutic efficacy monitoring and prognosis assessment of disease and relapses. Quantitative determination of EBV DNA in blood plasma of HL patients using the real time PCR method is a promising technique. Its further practical application requires standardization of the method, larger trials, and comparison to positron emission tomography.
Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma in the Era of New Drugs
Authors: Pirogova Ol'ga Vladislavovna , Darskaya E.L. , Porunova V.V. , Kudyasheva O.V. , Smirnova A.G. , Moiseev I.S. , Babenko E.V. , Afanas'ev B.V.
Published: April 2018

Background & Aims. The present retrospective singlecenter study analysed the impact of high-dose chemotherapy with melphalan with subsequent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) on survival in multiple myeloma (MM) in the era of new induction regimens. Materials & Methods. The clinical trial included 133 MM patients aged from 31.2 to 78.2 years (the median age was 55.3 years). There were 66 female and 67 male patients. Bortezomib-based regimens as first-line treatment were administered in 133 MM patients, 74 of them received high-dose chemotherapy with melphalan and either single (n = 25), or double (n = 49) auto-HSCT as consolidation therapy in the period from 2006 to 2016. Results. The overall 5-year survival (OS) rates were 86.5 % for the auto-HSCT treated group vs. 72.9 % for the non-auto-HSCT treated group (p = 0.03); 5-year progressionfree survival (PFS) rates were 64.9 vs. 39 % for the auto-HSCT and non-auto-HSCT treated groups, respectively (p = 0.0016). MM relapse/progression occurred more frequently in the non-auto-HSCT treated patients (52.5 vs. 28.4 %; p = 0.0016). In multivariate analysis the age above 60 was determined as prognostic factor of lower PFS and increase in relapse/progression rate (p = 0.004 and p = 0.04, respectively). The variant of monoclonal protein (Bence-Jones myeloma) was determined as prognostic factor of higher OS and decrease in relapse/progression rate (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively). Complete nonresponsiveness to induction therapy has proved to be an independent predictor of both poor OS and PFS (p = 0.04 and p = 0.041, respectively). 2-year bortezomib-based maintenance therapy following the auto-HSCT treatment resulted in a statistically significant improvement in 5-year PFS (67.4 vs. 60.7 %; p = 0.03) and a decrease in relapse/ progression frequency (26.1 vs. 32.1 %; p = 0.05). Conclusion. High-dose chemotherapy with melphalan with subsequent auto-HSCT is an effective MM treatment strategy, and a subsequent long-term maintenance therapy results in a PFS improvement and a decrease in relapse/progression frequency.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Collection in Multiple Myeloma Patients: Influence of the Lenalidomide-Based Therapy and Mobilization Regimen Prior to Auto-HSCT
Authors: Kostroma I.I. , Zhernyakova A.A. , Chubukina Zh.V. , Zapreeva I.M. , Tiranova S.A. , Sel'tser A.V. , Semenova N.Yu. , Bessmel'tsev S.S. , Chechetkin A.V. , Gritsaev S.V.
Published: April 2018

Background. A prompt graft acceptance is essential for positive autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) outcome in multiple myeloma patients (MM). Prompt and favourable hematopoietic regeneration is associated with CD34+ cell count in a transplant. Although the indicators of low autotransplant cellularity have been defined, the practical application of new drug products and HSC mobilization regimens strengthens the relevance of determining their influence on the transplant quality. Aim. To determine the factors that are associated with low efficacy of auto-HSCT in MM patients and to evaluate the impact of lenalidomide during induction period and of vinorelbine as a mobilization regimen on the prognosis. Materials & Methods. The authors performed a retrospective analysis of autotransplant collection results in 68 MM patients treated with two mobilization regimens: 3 g/m2 cyclophosphamide with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and 30 mg/m2 vinorelbine with G-CSF. Mobilization was aimed at collecting not less than 2-4 х 106 CD34+ cells per kg body mass. CD34+ cell count was determined by four-color analysis on the Cytomics FC 500 laser flow cytometer. Results. The analysis showed that age or MM immunochemical specificity were not associated with CD34+ cell count in the transplant. Prior lenalidomide treatment compared to therapy without immunomodulators (4.1 х 106/kg vs. 7.76 х 106/kg) tends to decrease CD34+ count (р = 0.066). Cyclophosphamide included into mobilization regimen compared to vinorelbine (3.96 х 106/kg vs. 6.8 х 106/kg) significantly increased CD34+ cell count (р = 0.022). Conclusion. The decrease of CD34+ cell count in the autotransplant of the MM patients treated with lenalidomide prior to auto-HSC collection, and a lower mobilization activity of vinorelbine provide a basis for a differentiated selection of mobilization regimens. Vinorelbine may be administered to patients with a single auto-HSCT, i.e. elderly people and patients with complete response. In case of substantial lena-lidomide treatment prior to auto-HSCT, intermediate-dose cyclophosphamide is preferred.
High‐flow apnoeic oxygenation delivered by LMA or tracheal tube for tracheal resection and reconstruction surgery
Authors: Egan Michael , Redmond Karen C.
Published: April 2018

Airway management for tracheal resection and reconstruction can be challenging. 'LET Flow' is a novel technique using a high‐flow oxygen delivery device attached directly to a laryngeal mask or tracheal tube that may provide apnoeic oxygenation during surgery on an open trachea.

We report a case where a high‐flow oxygen device, AIRVOTM 2 (Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Aukland, New Zealand), was attached to a size three laryngeal mask airway and 100% oxygen at a flow‐rate of 40 l.min‐1 delivered across an open trachea. This permitted 42 minutes of uninterrupted surgery in an apnoeic female patient with subglottic tracheal stenosis. Oxygen saturations remained above 96% during the apnoeic period and arterial blood gas parameters within acceptable limits. To avoid possible barotrauma or volutrauma as complete tracheal closure approached, flow was reduced to 10 l.min‐1 followed by laryngeal mask cuff deflation. Mechanical ventilation recommenced at tracheal closure. 'LET Flow' provided optimal surgical conditions by removing an airway device from the operative field. No urgent interruption of surgery or rescue mechanical ventilation was required.
Co-Creation of Public Services; Levels of Customers’ Participation
Authors: Damkuviene Milda , Petukiene Evandzelina
Published: April 2018

Customer participation is one of the critical research issues in service management. This study draws on the client participation concept to explore the content and levels of customer participation in public services (Lithuanian elderships). By integrating Unified Service theory, Service Dominant logic, and using a research design with 12 interviews and 600 participating customer surveys, the study confirms the three level customer participation model, identifies four categories of participating customers and shows how sociodemographic characteristics affect customer participation level. Data suggest that public service providers need to pay attention to customer participation management (identification, selection, education and motivation).
Znaki uzdrowienia chromego w świątyni (Dz 3, 1–10)
Authors: Mikołajczak Mieczysław
Published: April 2018

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Katechetyczna interpretacja wybranych tytułów chrystologicznych
Authors: Nakonieczny Rafał
Published: April 2018

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Prevalence of mineralocorticoid antagonist prescription after ST-elevation myocardial infarction with impaired left ventricular function: a single centre experience. (Preprint)
Authors: Haji Kawa , Wong Joshua , Wong Chiew , Simons Koen , Cox Nicholas , Seman Michael , Pitkins Matthew , Neil Christopher
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests long term benefit from angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition (ACE-I) or angiotensin receptor blockade (ARB), beta-adrenoceptor antagonism and mineralocorticoid antagonism (MRA) in patients with left ventricular dysfunction After myocardial infarction. However, despite clinical evidence and clearly articulated guidelines, several studies suggest low rates of prescription of some medications like MRA in the target group with post- myocardial infarction left ventricular dysfunction (MI LVD), both in Australia and other countries

OBJECTIVE

To identify the real world medication prescription in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with impaired left ventricular function

METHODS

We studied prescription trends in 152 consecutive STEMI patients between August 2013 and December 2016 admitted to a single referral centre who also had a pre-discharge echo that demonstrated at least moderate Left ventricular dysfunction

RESULTS

The average age was 63 years. Most patients were male (78%) and the average BMI was 28 (±6). 132 patients [87% (80% - 92%)] were prescribed ACE-I/ARBs, 144 patients received beta-adrenoceptor antagonists (95% [90% - 98%]), 147 patients (97%) received DAPT and 146 patients (95%) received statins post-STEMI.
45 eligible patients (30% [23% - 28%]) received an MRA. Younger patients were more likely to be prescribed an MRA (p = 0.008). The MRA prescribed cohort were younger, 59 versus 64 years, had marginally better renal function with average eGFR 108 vs 91 mL/min/1.73m2 and lower rates of stage ≥III CKD 11 vs 22 (p <0.05)

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows a substantial treatment gap, in that a majority of patients with impaired LV dysfunction after STEMI with symptoms of heart failure or diabetes are not receiving medications in the MRA class, despite proven benefit. As such, the root causes of this treatment gap require elucidation in a multi-centre context.
eHealth Apps Replacing or Complementing Health Care Contacts: Scoping Review on Adverse Effects (Preprint)
Authors: Stevens Wilhelmina Josepha Maria , van der Sande Rob , Beijer Lilian J , Gerritsen Maarten GM , Assendelft Willem JJ
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

The use of eHealth has increased tremendously in recent years. eHealth is generally considered to have a positive effect on health care quality and to be a promising alternative to face-to-face health care contacts. Surprisingly little is known about possible adverse effects of eHealth apps.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a scoping review on empirical research into adverse effects of eHealth apps that aim to deliver health care at a distance. We investigated whether adverse effects were reported and the nature and quality of research into these possible adverse effects.

METHODS

For this scoping review, we followed the five steps of Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review methodology. We searched specifically for studies into eHealth apps that replaced or complemented the face-to-face contact between a health professional and a patient in the context of treatment, health monitoring, or supporting self-management. Studies were included when eHealth and adverse effects were mentioned in the title or abstract and when empirical data on adverse effects were provided. All health conditions, with the exception of mental health conditions, all ages, and all sample sizes were included. We examined the literature published between December 2012 and August 2017 in the following databases: PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklists.

RESULTS

Our search identified 79 papers that were potentially relevant; 11 studies met our inclusion criteria after screening. These studies differed in many ways and the majority were characterized by small research populations and low study quality. Adverse effects are rarely subject to systematic scientific research. So far, information on real adverse effects is mainly limited to incidental reporting or as a bycatch from qualitative pilot studies. Despite the shortage of solid research, we found some indications of possible negative impact on patient-centeredness and efficiency, such as less transparency in the relationship between health professionals and patients and time-consuming work routines.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a lack of high-quality empirical research on adverse effects of eHealth apps that replace or complement face-to-face care. While the development of eHealth apps is ongoing, the knowledge with regard to possible adverse effects is limited. The available research often focuses on efficacy, added value, implementation issues, use, and satisfaction, whereas adverse effects are underexplored. A better understanding of possible adverse effects could be a starting point in improving the positive impact of eHealth-based health care delivery.
Quantifying the relationship between diseases and symptoms using big data (Preprint)
Authors: Lin ShihHan , Shao Hsin Hui
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Crises in endemic transmitted diseases affect humans worldwide, and the symptoms these diseases cause may provide firsthand information about these disorders.

OBJECTIVE

We suggest that massive new data sources resulting from human interaction with the Internet may offer a unique perspective on the relationship between illness and symptoms.

METHODS

By analyzing changes in Google query volumes for search terms related to disease, we find a pattern that may define the relationship between symptoms and disorders. We first retrieved pattern data from Google Trend using the common cold as the primary disease, and sore throat, stuffy nose, sneeze, fever, cough, and headache as symptoms. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated using SPSS to determine the relationship between the symptoms and the disease.

RESULTS

Data created since 2013/1/13 was retrieved from Google Trend on a weekly basis. A total of 261 sets of data were calculated to create a high correlation coefficient of 0.925 between the common cold and the stuffy nose symptom. The cough symptom has the second highest correlation coefficient of 0.925, sore throat has a correlation coefficient of 0.853, and fever has a correlation coefficient of 0.626, which was significant at the 0.01 level in a two-tailed test.

CONCLUSIONS

Data on the relationship between diseases and symptoms often comes from facilities such as government, hospitals, and clinics, where the data is collected through the documentation of physicians and nurses. A conventional study can be limited by the region, the number of patients and the interpretation of the specialist. However, with access to Google Trend’s big data, millions or even billions of data points are accumulated directly from the patient. Another contribution of this study is that the quantified relationship between symptoms and diseases can be used to educate future physicians or even artificial intelligence.
Self-Management Education Through mHealth: Review of Strategies and Structures (Preprint)
Authors: Bashi Nazli , Fatehi Farhad , Fallah Mina , Walters Darren , Karunanithi Mohanraj
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Despite the plethora of evidence on mHealth interventions for patient education, there is a lack of information regarding their structures and delivery strategies.

OBJECTIVE

This review aimed to investigate the structures and strategies of patient education programs delivered through smartphone apps for people with diverse conditions and illnesses. We also examined the aim of educational interventions in terms of health promotion, disease prevention, and illness management.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, and PsycINFO for peer-reviewed papers that reported patient educational interventions using mobile apps and published from 2006 to 2016. We explored various determinants of educational interventions, including the content, mode of delivery, interactivity with health care providers, theoretical basis, duration, and follow-up. The reporting quality of studies was evaluated according to the mHealth evidence and reporting assessment criteria.

RESULTS

In this study, 15 papers met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The studies mainly focused on the use of mHealth educational interventions for chronic disease management, and the main format for delivering interventions was text. Of the 15 studies, 6 were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which have shown statistically significant effects on patients’ health outcomes, including patients’ engagement level, hemoglobin A1c, weight loss, and depression. Although the results of RCTs were mostly positive, we were unable to identify any specific effective structure and strategy for mHealth educational interventions owing to the poor reporting quality and heterogeneity of the interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence on mHealth interventions for patient education published in peer-reviewed journals demonstrates that current reporting on essential mHealth criteria is insufficient for assessing, understanding, and replicating mHealth interventions. There is a lack of theory or conceptual framework for the development of mHealth interventions for patient education. Therefore, further research is required to determine the optimal structure, strategies, and delivery methods of mHealth educational interventions.
A Computer Application to Predict Adverse Events in the Short-Term Evolution of Patients With Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Preprint)
Authors: Arostegui Inmaculada , Legarreta María José , Barrio Irantzu , Esteban Cristobal , Garcia-Gutierrez Susana , Aguirre Urko , Quintana José María ,   IRYSS-COPD Group
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common chronic disease. Exacerbations of COPD (eCOPD) contribute to the worsening of the disease and the patient’s evolution. There are some clinical prediction rules that may help to stratify patients with eCOPD by their risk of poor evolution or adverse events. The translation of these clinical prediction rules into computer applications would allow their implementation in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to create a computer application to predict various outcomes related to adverse events of short-term evolution in eCOPD patients attending an emergency department (ED) based on valid and reliable clinical prediction rules.

METHODS

A computer application, Prediction of Evolution of patients with eCOPD (PrEveCOPD), was created to predict 2 outcomes related to adverse events: (1) mortality during hospital admission or within a week after an ED visit and (2) admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) or an intermediate respiratory care unit (IRCU) during the eCOPD episode. The algorithms included in the computer tool were based on clinical prediction rules previously developed and validated within the Investigación en Resultados y Servicios de Salud COPD study. The app was developed for Windows and Android systems, using Visual Studio 2008 and Eclipse, respectively.

RESULTS

The PrEveCOPD computer application implements the prediction models previously developed and validated for 2 relevant adverse events in the short-term evolution of patients with eCOPD. The application runs under Windows and Android systems and it can be used locally or remotely as a Web application. Full description of the clinical prediction rules as well as the original references is included on the screen. Input of the predictive variables is controlled for out-of-range and missing values. Language can be switched between English and Spanish. The application is available for downloading and installing on a computer, as a mobile app, or to be used remotely via internet.

CONCLUSIONS

The PrEveCOPD app shows how clinical prediction rules can be summarized into simple and easy to use tools, which allow for the estimation of the risk of short-term mortality and ICU or IRCU admission for patients with eCOPD. The app can be used on any computer device, including mobile phones or tablets, and it can guide the clinicians to a valid stratification of patients attending the ED with eCOPD.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00102401; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/results/NCT02434536 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/76iwTxYuA)

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR

RR2-10.1186/1472-6963-11-322
Health Service Utilization Implications of a Mobile Diabetes Health Intervention (Preprint)
Authors: Quinn Charlene C , Swasey Krystal K , Torain Jamila M , Shardell Michelle D , Terrin Michael L , Barr Erik A , Gruber-Baldini Ann L
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes is a major chronic condition requiring management through lifestyle changes and recommended health service visits. Mobile health is a promising tool to encourage self-management, but few studies have investigated the impact of mobile health on health care utilization.

OBJECTIVE

In the current analysis, we aimed to determine change in two-year health service utilization and whether utilization explained a 1.9% absolute decrease in HbA1c over one-year in the Mobile Diabetes Intervention Study (MDIS).

METHODS

We used commercial claims data from 2006-2010 linked with enrolled patients’ medical chart data in 26 primary care practices in Maryland. Secondary claims data analysis was available for 56% of participants (n=92). In the primary MDIS study, physician practices were recruited and randomized to usual care and one of three increasingly complex interventions. Patients followed physician randomization assignment. Main variables in the analysis include health service utilization by type of service and change in HbA1c. The claims data was aggregated into 12 categories of utilization to assess change in two-year health service utilization. We also examined whether utilization explained the 1.9% decrease in HbA1c over one-year in a mobile diabetes cluster randomized clinical trial.

RESULTS

A significant group by time effect was observed in physician office visits (P<.001), general practitioner visits (P<.001), other outpatient services (P=.009), and prescription medications (P<.001). No significant effects of utilization were observed to explain clinically significant change in HbA1c.

CONCLUSIONS

Claims data analyses identified patterns of utilization relevant to mobile health interventions. Findings may encourage patients and health providers to discuss utilization of treatment-recommended services, lab tests, and prescribed medications.
Reach of Messages in a Dental Twitter Network: Cohort Study Examining User Popularity, Communication Pattern, and Network Structure (Preprint)
Authors: El Tantawi Maha , Al-Ansari Asim , AlSubaie Abdulelah , Fathy Amr , Aly Nourhan M , Mohamed Amira S.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Increasing the reach of messages disseminated through Twitter promotes the success of Twitter-based health education campaigns.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify factors associated with reach in a dental Twitter network (1) initially and (2) sustainably at individual and network levels.

METHODS

We used instructors’ and students’ Twitter usernames from a Saudi dental school in 2016-2017 and applied Gephi (a social network analysis tool) and social media analytics to calculate user and network metrics. Content analysis was performed to identify users disseminating oral health information. The study outcomes were reach at baseline and sustainably over 1.5 years. The explanatory variables were indicators of popularity (number of followers, likes, tweets retweeted by others), communication pattern (number of tweets, retweets, replies, tweeting/ retweeting oral health information or not). Multiple logistic regression models were used to investigate associations.

RESULTS

Among dental users, 31.8% had reach at baseline and 62.9% at the end of the study, reaching a total of 749,923 and dropping to 37,169 users at the end. At an individual level, reach was associated with the number of followers (baseline: odds ratio, OR=1.003, 95% CI=1.001-1.005 and sustainability: OR=1.002, 95% CI=1.0001-1.003), likes (baseline: OR=1.001, 95% CI=1.0001-1.002 and sustainability: OR=1.0031, 95% CI=1.0003-1.002), and replies (baseline: OR=1.02, 95% CI=1.005-1.04 and sustainability: OR=1.02, 95% CI=1.004-1.03). At the network level, users with the least followers, tweets, retweets, and replies had the greatest reach.

CONCLUSIONS

Reach was reduced by time. Factors increasing reach at the user level had different impact at the network level. More than one strategy is needed to maximize reach.
LIBERALIZACIÓN POLÍTICA Y REFORMA ECONÓMICA EN MÉXICO: 1988-1992
Authors: Rosas Sánchez Javier
Published: April 2018

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Bibliografía del Trimestre
Authors: Políticos Estudios
Published: April 2018

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CUATRO PARTIDOS POLÍTICOS SIN REGISTRO ELECTORAL: PCM, PDM, PMT, PST.
Authors: Fernández Christlieb Fátima
Published: April 2018

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CONOCIMIENTO, SOCIEDAD Y ECONOMÍA.
Authors: Cassigoli Armando
Published: April 2018

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COMENTARIO AL AUMENTO DE EMERGENCIA EN LA UNAM.
Authors: García Cantu Gastón
Published: April 2018

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AMÉRICA LATINA FRENTE A LAS ELECCIONES NORTEAMERICANAS.
Authors: Fenner Vargas Ricardo
Published: April 2018

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RAÚL MACÍN, LA IGLESIA HOY: ¿CLERO DE IZQUIERDA O DERECHA?
Authors: Rodríguez Díaz Erwin
Published: April 2018

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PROGRAMA DE GOBIERNO DE FRANCISCO MUGICA.
Authors: Mondragón Magdalena
Published: April 2018

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Hobbes y Rousseau. Entre la autocracia y la democracia.
Authors: Hernández Arteaga. Laura
Published: April 2018

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México 1982-1988. Los conflictos políticos en la crisis
Authors: Benitez Manault Raúl
Published: April 2018

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La relación México-Estados Unidos: Crisis interna y reajustes externos a través del conflicto centroamericano
Authors: Gutiérrez-Haces María Teresa
Published: April 2018

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LAS ELECCIONES LOCALES DESPUÉS DEL 6 DE JULIO: LAS RESISTENCIAS AL CAMBIO.
Authors: Peschard Jacqueline
Published: April 2018

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EL LIBERALISMO, LA IGLESIA Y EL ESTADO NACIONAL.
Authors: Galeana De Valadés Patricia
Published: April 2018

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EL LLAMADO DE LAS URNAS, DE SOLEDAD LOAEZA .
Authors: Sánchez Noriega Ángeles
Published: April 2018

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LAS ELECCIONES FEDERALES DE 1991 Y EL SISTEMA DE PARTIDOS EN MÉXICO
Authors: Muñoz Víctor Manuel
Published: April 2018

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Libros
Authors: Reveles Francisco
Published: April 2018

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LA PEPSICOLOGÍA: PODER TOTAL Y COMUNICACIÓN EN LOS NOVENTA
Authors: Baena Paz Guillermina
Published: April 2018

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LOS PROYECTOS POLÍTICOS: UNA PROPUESTA PARA EL ESTUDIO DE LOS MOVIMIENTOS SOCIALES EN LA HISTORIA
Authors: Trejo Romo Pablo
Published: April 2018

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Transición política y modernización social en la España de fin de siglo
Authors: Zamítiz Héctor
Published: April 2018

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EL TRATADO DE LIBRE COMERCIO Y LA REESTRUCTURACIÓN FINANCIERA
Authors: Solorzano Carmen
Published: April 2018

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LA GERENCIA PUBLICA: UNA OPCIÓN PARA MEJORAR LA ACCIÓN DEL BUEN GOBIERNO
Authors: Uvalle Berrones Ricardo
Published: April 2018

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La participación política ciudadana; sus límites y controles institucionales en el caso mexicano
Authors: López Serrano Jesús , López Serrano Javier
Published: April 2018

La participación política ciudadana ha sido determinante en los diferentes periodos de la historia de la humanidad. Esa misma participación ha permitido que los diversos regímenes políticos adopten determinadas modalidades en la construcción de la democracia. Existen diversos grados de participación, la ciudadana, la política y la electoral. En México, la participación ciudadana ha sido encausada hacia cuestiones electorales que han permitido al país transformarse progresivamente, hasta llegar a la alternancia en el Poder Ejecutivo; sin embargo, los controles institucionales del régimen, hasta ahora, la han limitado de diversas maneras en la legislación secundaria.
Presencia y poder de la partidocracia mexicana en los comicios federales de 2009
Authors: Trujillo Bolio Mario
Published: April 2018

En el presente artículo el autor nos presenta un análisis sobre las particularidades que tuvo el reciente proceso de elección del mes de julio. Para la elaboración del trabajo toma en cuenta diferentes fuentes de información para revisar cuáles fueron los métodos y las estrategias seguidas por los principales partidos políticos involucrados. Para el autor es importante tomar en cuenta el papel de los partidos políticos para la construcción de un escenario político dominado por figuras individuales, más que por ideales o programas de trabajo. Del mismo modo, considera que mientras que no se hagan cambios serios a la legislación y en las instituciones políticas que definen el rumbo de las elecciones en México, no se podrá considerar como una realidad al cambio político hacia un orden democrático, y por ende, no se podrá fortalecer la legitimidad de este último.
La cultura política en Bolivia. La posibilidad del populismo autoritario
Authors: Mansilla H. C. F.
Published: April 2018

Hay pocas investigaciones sobre la cultura política en Bolivia, fenómeno que no ha causado mucho interés entre los intelectuales de ese país. Los elementos centrales de la cultura política y de la mentalidad colectiva bolivianas se arrastran desde la época colonial. Han sufrido obviamente muchas alteraciones; la más importante ha sido la inducida por el proceso de modernización en la segunda mitad del siglo XX. Pero sus rasgos más importantes siguen vigentes hasta ahora: autoritarismo, paternalismo y centralismo, por un lado, y el funcionamiento lento, ineficiente y enrevesado del aparato burocrático, por otro.
Satisfação da clientela de um serviço de alimentação institucional do Eusébio-CE: uma análise de produtos e serviços.
Authors: Barreto Brena
Published: April 2018

Objetivo: Avaliar a satisfação dos consumidores sobre os produtos e serviços oferecidos por uma Unidade de Alimentação e Nutrição de uma indústria farmacêutica situada na cidade do Eusébio-CE. Método: Pesquisa do tipo transversal, prospectiva e de abordagem quantitativa com uma população amostral de 245 comensais, com dados obtidos através de questionário estruturado com perguntas fechadas. Resultados: A satisfação geral dos comensais quanto aos produtos e serviços foi considerada positiva, tendo recebido maior percentual de insatisfação questões de repetição de cardápios e higiene dos utensílios e refeitório. Conclusão: os cardápios da UAN estudada precisam ser formulados para melhorar os aspectos sensoriais, nutricionais, evitando assim repetições. Os funcionários necessitam participar de um treinamento que deve ser desenvolvido pela equipe responsável para melhorar o processo de higienização dos utensílios e refeitório da UAN.