bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic anisotropy accrued by seven unusually deep local earthquakes (between 50 and 60km) in the Albertine rift: Implications of asthenospheric melt upwelling
Authors: Batte Arthur Godfrey , Schumann A. , Twesigomwe E.
Published: May 2020

We investigated the primary mechanisms triggering the S-wave splitting of 7 unusually deep local earthquakes (between 50km and 60km) that originated in the lithosphere beneath the Rwenzori region, in attempt to develop an understanding of the relationship between anisotropic structures in the lithosphere and tectonic deformation processes. A total of 12 of 44 waveforms showed evidence of SWS on their polarization diagrams and were available for further analysis. The fast-wave direction (φ) and delay-time (δt) were estimated using the covariance matrix and the cross-correlation coefficient methods respectively. We observed a clockwise rotation of NW-SE and ~ENE-WSW trending φ-directions at stations deployed on the southward propagating Lake Albert rift segment. We related these directions to anisotropic fabric, probably lattice preferred orientation of preexisting olivine’s a-axis aligned with ESE absolute plate motion (APM) vector. At stations deployed away from the rift valley, we similarly observed WNW-ESE and NNW-SSE patterns of φ-directions which we associated to the shape preferred orientation of structures that were probably frozen in the lithosphere and are aligned with the present-day APM direction. We observed δt values ranging between 0.04±0.01s and 0.43±0.02s that significantly decrease with distance away from the rift axis which further supports the view that the anisotropy observed at stations deployed on the ESE propagating plate is related to aligned melt inclusions frozen into the surrounding lithosphere. We further observe that the δt increases linearly with ray-path length which could probably suggest a fairly uniform anisotropy between 50km to 60km depth.
Impact of viral coinfection and macrolide-resistant mycoplasma infection in children with refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
Authors: Zhou Yajuan , Wang Jing , Chen Wenjuan , Shen Nan , Tao Yue , Zhao Ruike , Luo Lijuan , Li Biru , Cao Qing
Published: May 2020

Background: The cases of of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia have been increasing recently; however, whether viral coinfection or macrolide-resistant M. infection contribute to the development of refractory M. pneumoniae pneumonia remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of viral coinfection and macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae infection on hospitalized M. pneumoniae pneumonia in hospitalized children and build a model to predict a severe disease course. Methods: Nasopharyngeal swabs or sputum specimens were collected from patients with community-acquired pneumonia who were admitted to Shanghai Children’s Medical Center from December 1, 2016, to May 31, 2019. The specimens were tested with the FilmArray Respiratory Panel, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay that detects 16 viruses, Bordetella pertussis, M. pneumoniae, and Chlamydophila pneumoniae. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the risk factors for adenovirus coinfection and macrolide-resistant mycoplasma infection.Results: Among the 107 M. pneumoniae pneumonia patients, the coinfection rate was 56.07%, and 68 (68/107, 63.55%) patients were infected by drug-resistant M. pneumoniae. Adenovirus was the most prevalent coinfecting organism, accounting for 22.43% (24/107). The classification tree confirmed that viral coinfection was more common in patients younger than 3 years. Adenovirus coinfection and drug-resistant M. pneumoniae infection occurred more commonly in patients with refractory M. pneumoniae pneumonia (P=0.019; P=0.001). A prediction model including wheezing, lung consolidation and extrapulmonary complications was used to predict adenovirus coinfection. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the prediction model was 0.795 (95% CI 0.679-0.893, P<0.001). A prolonged fever duration after the application of macrolides for 48 hours was found more commonly in patients infected by drug-resistant M. pneumoniae (P=0.002). A fever duration longer than 7 days was an independent risk factor for drug-resistant Mycoplasma infection (OR=3.500, 95% CI=1.310-9.353, P=0.012).Conclusions: The occurrence of refractory M. pneumoniae pneumonia is associated with adenovirus coinfection and infection by drug-resistant M. pneumoniae. A prediction model combining wheezing, extrapulmonary complications and lung consolidation can be used to predict adenovirus coinfection in children with M. pneumoniae pneumonia. A prolonged fever duration indicates drug-resistant M. pneumoniae infection, and a reasonable change in antibiotics is necessary.
Association and interaction of hemoglobin glycation index with hypertension risk: a community-based cross-sectional survey
Authors: Mi Jing , Song Jian , Zhao Yingying , wu xue-sen
Published: May 2020

BackgroundHemoglobin glycation index (HGI) is considered to be a convenient measurable indicator to assess the inter-individual variation of HbA1c. In the present study, we tested the relationship between HGI and risk of hypertension, and further explored the possible interacting influences of HGI with other such factors on hypertension risk among Chinese individuals.Methods The eligible subjects were chosen from a community-based cross-sectional survey in China. We collected relevant data and clinical indicators for each participant. HGI was calculated as “measured HbA1c-predicted HbA1c” and divided into four categories according to quartile. The following indicators were used to assess interactive effects：(1) relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI); (2) attributable proportion due to interaction (AP); and (3) synergy index (SI). Statistical analysis was performed using R software.ResultsSpecifically, 1777 eligible participants were selected in this cross-sectional survey. There were 433 subjects who were identified to have hypertension (24.4%). A significant increase in the prevalence of hypertension from Q1 to Q4 of HGI was observed (P<0.001). Multivariable logistic model demonstrated that subjects at the highest HGI group had a substantially increased risk of being hypertensive than subjects in the first quartile of HGI, as indicated by the OR value of 1.87(95%CI: 1.26-2.78). Moreover, a significant interaction between family history of hypertension and HGI on hypertension risk was detected (RERI:1.36,95%CI:0.11-2.63; AP: 0.43, 95%CI:0.17-0.69; and SI:2.68, 95% CI:1.10-6.48). The interactive effect between HGI and abdominal obesity was also found to be significant, as estimated by the value of RERI (1.04, 95%CI:0.24-1.85), AP (0.33, 95% CI: 0.11-0.56) and SI (1.96, 95%CI:1.01-3.79). However, in the analysis of the interaction between HGI and general obesity, only the AP value (0.28, 95%CI: 0.01-0.54) was observed to be significant.ConclusionHigh HGI was independently associated with the risk of hypertension. Moreover, HGI significantly shared interactions with obesity and family history of hypertension that influenced the risk of hypertension.
Redox-Responsive Tumor Targeted Dual-Drug Loaded Biocompatible Metal-Organic Frameworks for Enhancing Anticancer Cytotoxicity
Authors: Liu Chang , Xu Xiaoyu , Zhou Junnian , Yan Jiaqi , Wang Dongqing , Zhang Hongbo
Published: May 2020

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have proven to be a promising class of drug carriers due to their high porosity, crystalline properties with defined structure information, and their potential for further functionalization. However, to date, no extensive research has been conducted on MOF-based drug carriers with stimuli-responsive, dual-drug delivery, and tumor targeting functions. Here, we demonstrate the strategy of constructing a redox responsive and tumor-targeted MOF, as dual-drug carrier, by anchoring functional disulfide anhydride and folic acid (FA) molecules to the organic links of MOFs, respectively. The MOF composites show the controlled release of loaded 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) entrapped within UiO-66-NH2 nanostructures modified by dichloroacetic acid (DCA). Moreover, the MOF building block DCA acts as a synergistical drug to 5-FU in cancer cells inhibition. Through disulfide bonds, the gated MOF has redox-responsive drugs release. The confocal laser scanning microscopy further proved that conjugation of folic acid to the MOF surface can significantly enhance the targeting ability to cancer cells and the cancer cell uptake of FA-MOFs. The synthesis of redox-responsive dual-drug delivery MOF hybrids paves the way to assemble of other MOF hybrids that respond to other triggering factors such as light, temperature, pH, or biomarkers. The properties and functions of such materials are expected to influence the development of sensors, new catalysts, photonic devices, and drug delivery carriers.
Medicinal Ethnobotany of Wild Woody Plants: a Cross-cultural Comparison Around Georgia-turkey Border, the Western Lesser Caucasus
Authors: Kazancı Ceren , Oruç Soner , Mosulishvili Marine
Published: May 2020

Background: The Mountains of the Western Lesser Caucasus with its rich plant diversity, multicultural and multilingual nature, host diverse ethnobotanical knowledge related to medicinal plants. However, medicinal ethnobotany and the factors shaping the patterns of plant knowledge/use in the region have not been investigated broadly yet. Doing so could show the variations between communities and highlight the acknowledged salient medicinal plant species. We aimed to determine and discuss the similarities and differences of medicinal ethnobotany among people living in highland pastures on both sides of Georgia-Turkey border. Methods: During 2017 and 2018 summer transhumance period, we interviewed 119 participants, 74 in Turkey, 45 in Georgia, with semi-structured. We structured our data in use-reports (URs) following ICPC classification. We used Cultural Importance (CI) Index, Informant Consensus Factor (FIC), shared/separate species-use combinations, as well as literature data for comparison. Results:We documented 63 native wild woody plant species nearly half of which are in common on both side of the border. 267 distinct species-use combinations are reported.Only 7% of themare shared.Around 63% of the reports have not been mentioned specifically in the literature. The species having similar/same use reports in both countries are Picea orientalis, Pinus sylvestris var. hamata, Berberis vulgaris, Sambucus nigra, Vaccinium arctostaphylos, Vaccinium myrtillus, Tilia rubra subsp. caucasica, Crataegus monogyna, Rosa canina, Rosa hirtissima and Sorbus aucaparia. For 40% of the species in both countries, more than one plant part is used medicinally.The most common way of using shrubs and trees as medicine in Georgia is drinking the water infusion of fruits and leaves, while in Turkey drinking the water decoction of fruits and roots. 60% of the top 20 genera in both countries have use reports for at least three medicinal use categories. The most cited reports with high agreement arerelated with the treatment of digestive disorders in both countries. It seems that patterns of medicinal knowledge is connected with more than one cultural factors in particular etnolinguistic diversity, cultural background, and access to multilingual written folk and scientific literature,even combination of various factors.Conclusion: Considering their floral similarity, common historical/cultural contact along with similar livelihood strategies, shared ethnomedicinal knowledge across the border is quite low. Even though the effects of accessing multilingual written folk and scientific literature is likely to be significantly relevant, the factors that shape the medicinal knowledgepatterns of the communities seem complex and dynamic which needs further assessments considering intracultural diversity, socio-economical conditions, as well as political history across the border.
Pyridine Degradation by Suspensions and Biofilms of Achromobacter pulmonis PNOS and Burkholderia dolosa BOS Strains Isolated from Activated Sludge of Sewage Treatment Plants
Authors: Sergeeva A.A. , Ovechkina G.V. , Maksimov A.Yu.
Published: May 2020

Bacterial strains capable of degradation of 0.8-15.8 g/1 pyridine hydrochloride have been isolated from activated sludge of municipal biological treatment plants in Perm (BOS) and local treatment facilities of the LUKOIL-Permnefteorgsintez enterprise (PNOS). The strains were identified as Achromobacter pulmonis and Burkholderia dolosa. The optimal pyridine concentration for the growth of the isolated strains was 4.0 g/1. The pyridine degradation during the A. pulmonis PNOS and B. dolosa BOS cultivation on a medium with ammonium chloride and glucose and without additional nitrogen or carbon sources was studied. It was shown that the strains are able to accumulate biomass in a medium with pyridine as the sole carbon and nitrogen source; the addition of glucose to the medium (1 g/L) accelerated the pyridine degradation by A. pulmonis PNOS, but inhibited the process carried out by B. dolosa BOS. B. dolosa BOS and A. pulmonis PNOS biofilms efficiently utilized pyridine during growth on basalt and carbon fibers; the highest rate of pyridine utilization (1.8 g /(L day)) was observed in A. pulmonis PNOS biofilms on basalt fibers.

pyridine, biodegradation, activated sludge, biofilms, Achromobacter pulmonis, Burkholderia dolosa

The authors grateful to Dr. I.I. Tchaikovsky, Head of the Laboratory of Geology of Mineral Deposits of the Mining Institute, a branch of the Perm Federal Research Center, for help with electron microscopy of the samples.

This work was carried out as part of a state assignment on the topic « Study of the Functional and Species Diversity of Microorganisms Useful for Ecocenoses and Human Practical Activity», registration number R&D AAAA-A19-119112290008-4.
Activism identification in law enforcement approaches of judges of the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Klyuchnikov Andrew Yu.
Published: May 2020

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) is a unique institution not only in Europe, but in the whole world; it is by far the most effective among all the international human rights courts. Since its foundationing in 1959, it has dealt a huge number of decisions, becoming the most active participant in the international justice. The success of individual appeals, on which the entire Convention system is based, has inevitably led to the involvement of new areas of human rights in the subject of the court’s research, and has extended it to a new range of subjects. The Court’s systematic expansion of the area (borders) of the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the involvement of new areas in it due to the progressive nature of the practice, is a positive quality. The rich and diverse Strasbourg practice has changed the political and legal landscape of Europe. This has led to the ECHR becoming a victim of its own success, in some cases invading the sovereign powers of states and affecting their constitutional identity. Among practitioners and researchers of international justice issues, the voices about excessive activism of the Court started appearing more often. The author of this article studies the factors that contribute to the manifestation of activist positions by judges of the ECHR, identifies forms of activism, and distinguishes them from judicial passivism. The material for the article includes the work of prominent researchers of international justice problems, judges of the ECHR, Russian authors, and the judicial practice of this supranational court. The author uses traditional research methods — general scientific and special, with an emphasis on the comparative legal method. The subject of the study is the author’s scientific concepts that reveal judicial activism through the case-law of the ECHR. The relevance of the work lies in the problem of using the practice of supranational courts in national justice, and the effective application of the developed standards.
Development of the regulatory function of VAT in Russia: prospects for borrowing the Chinese tax refund practices
Authors: Karpova Olga M. , Mayburov Igor A.
Published: May 2020

This article discusses the possible directions for the development of the regulatory function of the value-added tax (VAT) in Russia. The relevance of the study lies in the need to expand the set of tools to support the Russian exports. The aim of this work is to identify the possible directions for the development of the regulatory function of VAT.
The authors consider the functions of taxes and prove their thesis about the multifunctionality of VAT. They have distinguished four tax functions: fiscal, regulatory, control, and distribution — and provided the characteristics of each of them. The features of the implementation of the regulatory function of VAT in China are considered.
A key feature of the Chinese model is the application of differentiated rates to VAT refund amounts for exporting companies. This practice was introduced a year after the introduction of VAT and today is used as a tool to stimulate (or discourage) foreign trade companies.
In addition, the authors have identified three possible ways to use the Chinese experience in Russian conditions. The first direction involves differentiating the amounts of VAT deductions within the framework of the operation of the automated VAT control system (version 2): the most reliable companies receive the most deductions and vice versa. The second area involves the differentiation of VAT deduction amounts within the framework of industry charters: the most trustworthy organizations in the industry receive the largest deductions and vice versa. The third area involves the differentiation of VAT deductions in the framework of national projects: the largest deductions are provided for priority categories of goods.
To work in each of these directions, the authors propose a system of export coefficients. An assessment is given of possible distortion of the principle of VAT neutrality, which will inevitably occur when the role of the regulatory function is enhanced.
Using Reduced Amino Acid Alphabet and Biological Properties to Analyze and Predict Animal Neurotoxin Protein
Authors: Yu Yao , Wang Shiyuan , Wang Yakun , Cao Yiyin , Yu Chunlu , Pan Yi , Su Dongqing , Lu Qianzi , Zuo Yongchun , Yang Lei
Published: May 2020

Background:

Because of the high affinity of these animal neurotoxin proteins for some special target site, they were usually used as pharmacological tools and therapeutic agents in medicine to gain deep insights into the function of the nervous system.

Background and Objective:

The animal neurotoxin proteins are one of the most common functional groups among the animal toxin proteins. Thus, it was very important to characterize and predict the animal neurotoxin proteins.

Methods:

In this study, the differences between the animal neurotoxin proteins and non-toxin proteins were analyzed.

Results:

Significant differences were found between them. In addition, the support vector machine was proposed to predict the animal neurotoxin proteins. The predictive results of our classifier achieved the overall accuracy of 96.46%. Furthermore, the random forest and k-nearest neighbors were applied to predict the animal neurotoxin proteins.

Conclusion:

The compared results indicated that the predictive performances of our classifier were better than other two algorithms.
Anti-inflammatory Augmentation Therapy in Obsessive-compulsive Disorder: A Review
Authors: Ghasemi Hanie , Nomani Homa , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Mohammadpour Amir Hooshang
Published: May 2020

Background:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is considered as a serious disabling
psychiatric disorder, influencing 2-3% of the total general population, with an unknown etiology.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search in electronic databases was performed to investigate
treatments targeting inflammation in patients suffering from OCD.

Results:

Recent studies display that inflammation processes and the dysfunction of the immune system
are likely to play a role in the pathophysiology of OCD, indicating that the disturbances in neurotransmitters
such as serotonin and dopamine cannot be alone involved in the development of
OCD. Therefore, it seems that medications with anti-inflammatory effects have the potential to be
evaluated as a new therapeutic strategy for OCD. However, this issue can be studied closely if OCD
etiological factors are thoroughly understood. The present review study aims at gathering all obtained
results concerning new treatments targeting inflammation in OCD patients. Reviewing the
conducted studies shows that the use of agents with anti-inflammatory properties, including some
NSAIDs, Minocycline and Atorvastatin, could lead to promising and intriguing results in the treatment
of OCD. Curcumin also showed good efficacy in the reduction of OCD-like behavior when it
has been used in an animal model. However, there is still no definitive and conclusive evidence for
any of the medications proposed.

Conclusion:

More future studies are needed to investigate anti-inflammatory treatment strategies for
OCD and its other subtypes such as Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS), and
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal infection
(PANDAS).
Oxytocin Signaling Pathway: From Cell Biology to Clinical Implications
Authors: Iovino Michele , Messana Tullio , Tortora Anna , Giusti Consuelo , Lisco Giuseppe , Giagulli Vito Angelo , Guastamacchia Edoardo , De Pergola Giovanni , Triggiani Vincenzo
Published: May 2020

Background:

In addition to the well-known role played in lactation and parturition, Oxytocin
(OT) and OT receptor (OTR) are involved in many other aspects such as the control of maternal
and social behavior, the regulation of the growth of the neocortex, the maintenance of blood supply to
the cortex, the stimulation of limbic olfactory area to mother-infant recognition bond, and the modulation
of the autonomic nervous system via the vagal pathway. Moreover, OT and OTR show antiinflammatory,
anti-oxidant, anti-pain, anti-diabetic, anti-dyslipidemic and anti-atherogenic effects.

Objective:

The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the main data coming from the literature
dealing with the role of OT and OTR in physiology and pathologic conditions focusing on the most
relevant aspects.

Methods:

Appropriate keywords and MeSH terms were identified and searched in Pubmed. Finally,
references of original articles and reviews were examined.

Results:

We report the most significant and updated data on the role played by OT and OTR in physiology
and different clinical contexts.

Conclusion:

Emerging evidence indicates the involvement of OT system in several pathophysiological
mechanisms influencing brain anatomy, cognition, language, sense of safety and trust and maternal
behavior, with the possible use of exogenous administered OT in the treatment of specific neuropsychiatric
conditions. Furthermore, it modulates pancreatic β-cell responsiveness and lipid metabolism
leading to possible therapeutic use in diabetic and dyslipidemic patients and for limiting and even
reversing atherosclerotic lesions.
Nigella sativa Seed Protects Against Cadmium-induced Renal Toxicity in Rats
Authors: Uchendu Ikenna Kingsley , Okoroiwu Henshaw Uchechi
Published: May 2020

Background:

Prevalence of chemical-induced renal injuries has been on a fast rise
over the years and has become the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the society,
with environmental pollutants, heavy metals inclusive, seen as the causal agents. Recently,
the role of medicinal foods in human health has gained considerable attention.

Objective:

We investigated the protective effects of methanolic extract of Nigella sativa
(MENS) (Black seed) against cadmium-induced renal toxicity in albino rats.

Methods:

Twenty-five (25) male albino rats, weighing (150-170g), were randomly grouped
into five groups: A-E. Group B (Negative Control) received intraperitoneal administration of
cadmium chloride (CdCl2, 5mg/kg) only, group C received CdCl2 and low dose MENS
(300mg/kg, oral), group D received CdCl2 and high dose MENS (600mg/kg, oral), group E
(Positive control) received CdCl2 and Vitamin C (200mg/kg, oral), for 7 days. No treatment
was administered to group A (Normal control). Renal injury was assessed by measuring serum
levels of Na+, K+, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) using standard methods.
The kidneys were harvested for histopathological examination.

Results:

CdCl2 induced significant nephrotoxicity with marked elevation in the levels of biochemical
markers of renal functions (p<0.05 or p<0.01); these were, however, ameliorated
by a low dose of MENS. Histopathological examination of the kidney sections supported the
biochemical findings.

Conclusion:

We conclude that Nigella sativa seed extract, at a low dose, is potentially nephroprotective
against harmful chemical toxins such as cadmium.
Effect of Process Variables on the Crevice Corrosion in Type-304 Stainless Steels
Authors: Adeniyi Adewale George , Ighalo Joshua O.
Published: May 2020

Background:

Corrosion is a major problem in most industries making use of metals
across the world. The protection of metals and pipelines in the petroleum industry against
different forms of corrosion has been of interest to stakeholders for many years.

Objective:

In this study, the effects of NaCl concentration, crevice scaling factor and immersion
time on the percentage area attacked and the maximum depth of crevice attack in type-
304 stainless steels were investigated.

Method:

The assembly and experimentation of crevice attack in type-304 stainless steels
were according to ASTM G-78. Furthermore, the open circuit potential of the system was
determined and numerical optimisation of the process factors was conducted.

Results:

The open-circuit potential for creviced SS-304 revealed a greater susceptibility to
crevice corrosion at higher NaCl concentrations. It was observed that the percentage area attacked
and the maximum depth of attack increased with increasing NaCl concentration and
time. However, the higher scaling factors led to a lesser area and depth of attack. Numerical
optimisation revealed that the optimum value (minimum) of % area attacked and the maximum
depth of attack were 0.00005847% and 0.00984 mm at 2.43 wt% NaCl, 19.3 crevices
scaling factor and 15 days, respectively.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that by taking appropriate measures of maintenance and
avoidance of moist environment (supplying O and H2O), the crevice corrosion of SS-304 can
be mitigated.
Influence of Personality on mHealth Use in Patients with Diabetes: Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Su Jingyuan , Dugas Michelle , Guo Xitong , Gao Guodong (Gordon)
Published: May 2020

Background

Mobile technology for health (mHealth) interventions are increasingly being used to help improve self-management among patients with diabetes; however, these interventions have not been adopted by a large number of patients and often have high dropout rates. Patient personality characteristics may play a critical role in app adoption and active utilization, but few studies have focused on addressing this question.

Objective

This study aims to address a gap in understanding of the relationship between personality traits and mHealth treatment for patients with diabetes. We tested the role of the five-factor model of personality traits (openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) in mHealth adoption preference and active utilization.

Methods

We developed an mHealth app (DiaSocial) aimed to encourage diabetes self-management. We recruited 98 patients with diabetes—each patient freely chose whether to receive the standard care or the mHealth app intervention. Patient demographic information and patient personality characteristics were assessed at baseline. App usage data were collected to measure user utilization of the app. Patient health outcomes were assessed with lab measures of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c level). Logistic regression models and linear regression were employed to explore factors predicting the relationship between mHealth use (adoption and active utilization) and changes in health outcome.

Results

Of 98 study participants, 46 (47%) downloaded and used the app. Relatively younger patients with diabetes were 9% more likely to try and use the app (P=.02, odds ratio [OR] 0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.98) than older patients with diabetes were. Extraversion was negatively associated with adoption of the mHealth app (P=.04, OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.51-0.98), and openness to experience was positively associated with adoption of the app (P=.03, OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.07-2.80). Gender (P=.43, OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.23-1.88), education (senior: P=.99, OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.32-3.11; higher: P=.21, OR 2.51, 95% CI 0.59-10.66), and baseline HbA1c level (P=.36, OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.47-1.31) were not associated with app adoption. Among those who adopted the app, a low education level (senior versus primary P=.003; higher versus primary P=.03) and a high level of openness to experience (P=.048, OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.01-4.00) were associated with active app utilization. Active users showed a significantly greater decrease in HbA1c level than other users (ΔHbA1c=−0.64, P=.05).

Conclusions

This is one of the first studies to investigate how different personality traits influence the adoption and active utilization of an mHealth app among patients with diabetes. The research findings suggest that personality is a factor that should be considered when trying to identify patients who would benefit the most from apps for diabetes management.
Telemedicine (or Teleconsultation?) Practice Guidelines of India: A Game changer or a half-hearted attempt amid COVID-19? (Preprint)
Authors: U Venkatesh , Gandhi P Aravind
Published: May 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Telemedicine is where health care intersects with Information Technology. In India, there has been no statutory regulations or official guidelines, specific for Telemedicine practice and allied matters, so far. For the first time, Government of India has released Telemedicine Practice Guidelines for Registered Medical Practitioners on March 25, 2020, amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Through this paper, we would like to initiate the discussion on the features of the guidelines, limitations, and its significance in times of COVID-19 pandemic. The guidelines are with a restricted scope for providing medical consultation to patients, excluding other aspects of Telemedicine such as research and evaluation, and the continuing education of health-care workers. The guidelines have elaborated on the eligibility for practicing Telemedicine in India, the modes and types of Teleconsultation, delved into doctor-patient relationship, consent, & management protocols, touched upon the data security & privacy aspects of the Teleconsultation. After releasing the guidelines, Telescreening of public for COVID-19 symptoms is being advocated by the Government of India. COVID-19 National Teleconsultation Centre (CoNTeC) has been initiated, which connects the doctors across the India to AIIMS in real-time for accessing expert guidance on treatment of the COVID-19 patients.
Exploring the Items for Measuring the Consumers’ Behavior in Online Health Information-Seeking via E-Health Websites Constructs: An Exploratory Factor Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: ENGKU ALWI SHARIFAH SUMAYYAH , AZMI MURAD MASRAH AZRIFAH , ABDULLAH SALFARINA , KAMARUDDIN AZRINA
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Advance technological breakthroughs have dramatically contributed to the nature of the healthcare environment paired with current concerns arise over patients’ health information seeking and how to seek them effectively; the e-health systems are gaining the attention of more and more people.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to conduct exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to validate questionnaire instruments for measuring the consumers’ behavior in online health information-seeking via e-health websites.

METHODS

The questionnaire was refined and modified from sixteen different studies. Survey questionnaires were randomly distributed to consumers at public places (such as hospitals and universities) in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Over three weeks, 100 participants were recruited. EFA was performed using Principal Component Analysis as a variable reduction technique.

RESULTS

The results of the analysis showed that all of the twelve constructs consist of only one component or dimension. The value of factor loading for every item in each construct is more than 0.6, which represents that the factor extracts sufficient variance from that item. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy was higher than 0.6 for all the constructs, which demonstrate that the sample size is adequate. For all constructs, the P-value from Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity is lower than the significance level (<.05), which indicates that the dataset is suitable for a data reduction technique. For the entire constructs’ items, Cronbach’s Alpha value was higher than 0.7, which demonstrates the reliability of all items.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has established in developing a valid and reliable instrument for measuring online consumers’ health information-seeking behavior via e-health websites.
The Role of Technology and Social Media Use in Sleep-Onset Difficulties Among Italian Adolescents: Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Varghese Nirosha Elsem , Santoro Eugenio , Lugo Alessandra , Madrid-Valero Juan J , Ghislandi Simone , Torbica Aleksandra , Gallus Silvano
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

The use of technology and social media among adolescents is an increasingly prevalent phenomenon. However, there is a paucity of evidence on the relationship between frequency of use of electronic devices and social media and sleep-onset difficulties among the Italian population.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate the association between the use of technology and social media, including Facebook and YouTube, and sleep-onset difficulties among adolescents from Lombardy, the most populous region in Italy.

METHODS

The relationship between use of technology and social media and sleep-onset difficulties was investigated. Data came from the 2013-2014 wave of the Health Behavior in School-aged Children survey, a school-based cross-sectional study conducted on 3172 adolescents aged 11 to 15 years in Northern Italy. Information was collected on difficulties in falling asleep over the last 6 months. We estimated the odds ratios (ORs) for sleep-onset difficulties and corresponding 95% CIs using logistic regression models after adjustment for major potential confounders.

RESULTS

The percentage of adolescents with sleep-onset difficulties was 34.3% (1081/3151) overall, 29.7% (483/1625) in boys and 39.2% (598/1526) in girls. It was 30.3% (356/1176) in 11-year-olds, 36.2% (389/1074) in 13-year-olds, and 37.3% (336/901) in 15-year-olds. Sleep-onset difficulties were more frequent among adolescents with higher use of electronic devices, for general use (OR 1.50 for highest vs lowest tertile of use; 95% CI 1.21-1.85), use for playing games (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.11-1.64), use of online social networks (OR 1.40 for always vs never or rarely; 95% CI 1.09-1.81), and YouTube (OR 2.00; 95% CI 1.50-2.66).

CONCLUSIONS

This study adds novel information about the relationship between sleep-onset difficulties and technology and social media in a representative sample of school-aged children from a geographical location that has not been included in studies of this type previously. Exposure to screen-based devices and online social media is significantly associated with adolescent sleep-onset difficulties. Interventions to create a well-coordinated parent- and school-centered strategy, thereby increasing awareness on the unfavorable effect of evolving technologies on sleep among adolescents, are needed.
Digital Media as a Proponent for Healthy Aging in the Older Chinese American Population: Longitudinal Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Shu Sara , Woo Benjamin K P
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Ensuring health literacy among underserved populations is essential amid an aging population. Accessible and appropriate (both culturally and linguistically) information is important when considering digital media education for older Chinese Americans.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate how social media fare over time in disseminating health information and how we may most effectively educate this population.

METHODS

For this study, 5 geriatric-themed educational videos about Parkinson disease, fall prevention, gastrointestinal health, oral health, and pulmonary disease were uploaded to YouTube. Data were collected over a 40-month period. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis were used to compare results from the first and second 20-month periods.

RESULTS

In 40 months, the 5 videos in aggregate accrued 1171.1 hours of watch time, 7299 views, and an average view duration of 9.6 minutes. Comparing the first and second 20-month periods, there was a significant increase in mobile device usage, from 79.4% (3541/4458) to 83.3% (2367/2841). There was no significant difference in the usage of various external traffic sources and methods of sharing, with WhatsApp accounting for the majority of sharing in both 20-month periods.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides insight into where to focus future strategies to optimize digital media content, and how to best recruit, direct, and disseminate health education to an older adult Chinese American population. Combining the success of YouTube, social media, and messaging platforms such as WhatsApp can help to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers to promote healthy aging.
Understanding the Extent of Adolescents’ Willingness to Engage With Food and Beverage Companies’ Instagram Accounts: Experimental Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lutfeali Samina , Ward Tisheya , Greene Tenay , Arshonsky Josh , Seixas Azizi , Dalton Madeline , Bragg Marie A
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Social media platforms have created a new advertising frontier, yet little is known about the extent to which this interactive form of advertising shapes adolescents’ online relationships with unhealthy food brands.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to understand the extent to which adolescents’ preferences for Instagram food ads are shaped by the presence of comments and varying numbers of “likes.” We hypothesized that adolescents would show the highest preferences for ads with more “likes” and comments. We predicted that these differences would be greater among adolescents who were “heavy social media users” (ie, >3 hours daily) vs “light social media users” (ie, <3 hours daily).

METHODS

We recruited Black and non-Latinx White adolescents (aged 13-17 years; N=832) from Dynata, a firm that maintains online participant panels. Participants completed an online survey in which they were randomized to view and rate Instagram food ads that either did or did not show comments. Within each condition, adolescents were randomized to view 4 images that had high (>10,000), medium (1000-10,000), or low (<100) numbers of “likes.” Adolescents reported ad preferences and willingness to engage with the brand.

RESULTS

Adolescents rated ads with medium or high numbers of “likes” higher than ads with few “likes” (P=.001 and P=.002, respectively). Heavy social media users (>3 hours/day) were 6.366 times more willing to comment on ads compared to light users (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents interact with brands in ways that mimic interactions with friends on social media, which is concerning when brands promote unhealthy products. Adolescents also preferred ads with many “likes,” demonstrating the power of social norms in shaping behavior. As proposed in 2019, the Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act should expand online advertising restrictions to include adolescents aged 12 to 16 years.
Users’ experiences of an evidence-informed health information website for spinal cord injury: A prospective qualitative study across the hospital and community setting (Preprint)
Authors: Cassady Christina , Mortenson William Ben , Townson Andrea F , Sproule Shannon , Eng Janice Jennifer
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Access to quality health information is essential for self-management after serious injuries such as spinal cord injury (SCI).

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to evaluate the role of a consumer website in addressing the information needs of persons and families with SCI, as well as its impact on their knowledge and behaviour.

METHODS

Persons with SCI and family members were recruited from 3 settings: an acute hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, and an SCI community organization to acquire perspectives from early after injury to the chronic stage. Participants were introduced to the Spinal Cord Injury Research Evidence (SCIRE) Community website, which was an internet site developed to provide evidence-informed health information about SCI in everyday language. After using the SCIRE Community website for 4 weeks, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to explore purposes of use, user experience, and impact on knowledge and behaviour. Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The participants were 24 individuals (18 persons with SCI and 6 family members). Thirteen participants completed the study in a hospital setting and 11 participants in a community setting. We identified 3 main themes in the data: (1) ‘An internet tool to support and empower persons and families’ described the empowering nature of access to an independent information source which enabled persons and families with SCI to take a more active role in their care; (2) ‘an accessible source of credible information’ described how users valued easy to access content with oversight by experts (i.e., perceived to be trustworthy); and (3) ‘Opportunities to increase impact’ outlined suggestions on creating opportunities to engage with content through active learning strategies and community connections.

CONCLUSIONS

Persons and families with SCI valued having access to an independent online health information website, especially early after injury, as it helped to empower autonomy and facilitated better communication between persons and families and healthcare providers. Our study provides support for the value of internet-based health information as a supplementary tool for therapeutic education for persons and families with serious health conditions such as SCI.
Strategies to Increase Peer Support Specialists’ Capacity to Use Digital Technology in the Era of COVID-19: Pre-Post Study (Preprint)
Authors: Fortuna Karen L , Myers Amanda L , Walsh Danielle , Walker Robert , Mois George , Brooks Jessica M
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Prior to the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), telemental health to support mental health services was primarily designed for individuals with professional clinical degrees, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, registered nurses, and licensed clinical social workers. For the first the time in history, peer support specialists are offering Medicaid-reimbursable telemental health services during the COVID-19 crisis; however, little effort has been made to train peer support specialists on telehealth practice and delivery.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the Digital Peer Support Certification on peer support specialists’ capacity to use digital peer support technology.

METHODS

The Digital Peer Support Certification was co-produced with peer support specialists and included an education and simulation training session, synchronous and asynchronous support services, and audit and feedback. Participants included 9 certified peer support specialists between the ages of 25 and 54 years (mean 39 years) who were employed as peer support specialists for 1 to 11 years (mean 4.25 years) and had access to a work-funded smartphone device and data plan. A pre-post design was implemented to examine the impact of the Digital Peer Support Certification on peer support specialists’ capacity to use technology over a 3-month timeframe. Data were collected at baseline, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months.

RESULTS

Overall, an upward trend in peer support specialists’ capacity to offer digital peer support occurred during the 3-month certification period.

CONCLUSIONS

The Digital Peer Support Certification shows promising evidence of increasing the capacity of peer support specialists to use specific digital peer support technology features. Our findings also highlighted that this capacity was less likely to increase with training alone and that a combinational knowledge translation approach that includes both training and management will be more successful.
The Story of #GetMePPE and GetUsPPE.org - Rapidly Deploying Digital Tools for Better Healthcare (Preprint)
Authors: He Shuhan , Ojo Ayotomiwa , Beckman Adam , Gondi Suhas , Ranney Megan , Betz Marian , Faust Jeremy , Choo Esther , Kass Dara , Raja Ali
Published: May 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers initiated the #GetMePPE movement on Twitter to spread awareness of the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dwindling supplies, such as face masks, gowns and goggles, and inadequate production to meet increasing demands, has left healthcare workers and patients at risk. The momentum of this Twitter hashtag resulted in a petition to urge public officials to address the PPE shortage through increased funding and production.
Simultaneously, GetUsPPE.org was launched by a collaborative of physicians and software engineers to develop a digital platform for the donation, request, and distribution of multi-modal sources of PPE. GetUsPPE.org and #GetMePPE merged in an attempt to combine public engagement and advocacy on social media with the coordination of PPE donation and distribution. Within ten days, over 1800 hospitals and PPE suppliers were registered in a database that allowed for the rapid coordination and distribution of scarce and in-demand materials. One month after its launch, the organization has distributed hundreds of thousands of items of PPE and built a database of over 6,000 PPE requesters[1]
The call for action on social media and the rapid development of this digital tool created a productive channel for the public to contribute to the healthcare response to COVID-19 in meaningful ways. #GetMePPE and GetUsPPE.org were able to mobilize individuals and organizations outside of the healthcare system to address the unmet needs of the medical community. The success of GetUsPPE.org demonstrates the potential of digital tools as a platform for larger healthcare institutions (table 1) to rapidly address urgent issues in healthcare. In this manuscript, we outline this process and discuss key factors determining success.