bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age dependent contribution of entry via the CSF to the overall brain entry of small and large hydrophilic markers
Authors: Qiu Fiona , Huang Yifan , Saunders Norman R , Habgood Mark D , Dziegielewska Katarzyna M
Published: July 2022

Background
Permeability of blood brain barrier to hydrophilic markers has been shown to be higher in the developing brain. Apart from synthesis in situ, any substance detected in the brain parenchyma can originate from two sources: directly through blood vessels of brain vasculature and/or indirectly by entry from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after transfer across the choroid plexuses. The relative quantitative contribution of these two routes to the overall brain entry remains unclear.
Methods
In rats at embryonic day 16, 19 and postnatal day 4 and adults, a small (sucrose, mw. 342 Da) or a large (dextran, mw. 70 kDa) radiolabelled hydrophilic marker was injected intravenously for very short periods of time (30 seconds to 5 minutes) before collection of plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) & brain samples. Results are presented as concentration ratios between radioactivity in CSF or brain and that in plasma (%).
Results
The dextran brain/plasma ratio five minutes post injection was similar (2–4%) from E16 to adulthood whereas the sucrose brain/plasma ratio was higher in fetal brains but was comparable to dextran values in the adult. Sucrose CSF/plasma ratio was higher than that of the brain in fetal animals and also decreased with age. In very short experiments involving fetal animals, entry of sucrose in the CSF after only 30 seconds was similar to that of dextran and both markers showed similar brain/plasma ratios.
Conclusions
In the developing brain the apparent higher brain entry of a small hydrophilic marker such as sucrose can be attributed to its higher entry into the CSF and subsequent diffusion into the brain. By contrast, movement of a larger marker like 70 kDa dextran between the brain and CSF would be restricted by specialised junctional complexes between the neuroepithelium lining the ventricles. Brain/plasma ratios of 70 kDa dextran were similar in fetal and adult rats. Therefore 70 kDa dextran should be considered an appropriate marker if brain residual vascular space is to be measured, especially in younger animals.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Using Waste Glass Aggregates in Asphalt Pavement to Mitigate Urban Heat Islands
Authors: Mammeri Abdelhamid , Vaillancourt Michel , Shamsaei Mohsen
Published: July 2022

In this study, the experimental and numerical effects of using waste glass as aggregates of asphalt pavement are evaluated. The main reason for using this waste material as aggregates of hot mix asphalt (HMA) was to alleviate an environmental problem associated with asphalt pavements called urban heat islands (UHI). This phenomenon can increase the temperature in urban areas compared to their suburbs. Regarding the experimental part, two different HMA mixtures containing 100% limestone aggregates (HMAL) and 100% glass aggregates (HMAG) were made. An experimental setup was used to simulate the solar radiations on top of HMA specimens. As a result, thermal parameters, including thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat capacity, were measured and calculated using the heat transfer equations and the heat transfer test. These results were then used to develop finite element models for two different pavement structures with different asphalt concrete layers (one of them with HMAL and the other with HMAG). Furthermore, the air temperature data, extracted by TRNSYS software for Bechar city in Algeria, was used for modeling. The surface temperature, first, second, and third interface temperatures in the asphalt pavement were obtained. The results revealed that using this waste aggregate increased the surface temperature during the day, which can make it susceptible to rutting. However, it reduced the surface temperature at night. More importantly, the HMAL absorbed 34 % and released 47% more heat than HMAG during days and nights. Hence, the HMAG performance can mitigate the UHI effects. Moreover, using this waste material as aggregates in HMA can introduce a recycling method with low costs.
Spectroscopic characterization and in vitro studies of biological activity of bradykinin derivatives
Authors: Proniewicz Edyta , Burnat Grzegorz , Domin Helena , Iłowska Emilia , Roman Adam , Prahl Adam
Published: July 2022

Eleven multiple analogs of bradykinin (BK) – a peptide that is a natural ligand of B1 and B2 receptors – were synthesized. Their biological activity was evaluated on T-REx cell lines expressing B1 or B2 receptors using the intracellular IP1 assay. The mRNA expression of B1R and B2R in the lysate of tumor cell lines, e.g., U87-MG (human astrocytoma), SHP-77 (human small cell lung cancer), and H4 (human brain glioma), was determined. For five B1R antagonists, adsorption at the liquid/solid interface (Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) served as the solid surface) was discussed in terms of the vibrations of the molecular fragments (structural factors) responsible for the biological properties of these analogs.
Semi-active control of a new quasi-zero stiffness air suspension for commercial vehicles based on event-triggered H∞ dynamic output feedback
Authors: Jiang Xinwei , Xu Xing , Chen Lei , Wang Feng , Atindana Vincent Akolbire
Published: July 2022

To further improve the multi-objective comprehensive vibration isolation performance of commercial vehicles and save network resource occupation, this paper proposes a new configuration of semi-active quasizero stiffness air suspension (QZSAS) with network communication architecture, and a matching dynamic output feedback control (DOFC) strategy considering eventtriggered mechanism. The semi-active QZSAS is mainly composed of a positive stiffness air spring, a pair of negative stiffness double-acting cylinders and two CDC dampers. Event-triggered mechanism determines whether the control signal is updated by judging the measured signal to save communication resources. Firstly, The nonlinear stiffness of the suspension system is regarded as an uncertain parameter and processed by constructing a Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy controller model. Then, the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional method is employed to design the dynamic output feedback controller under the linear matrix inequality (LMI) constraint to ensure system stability with H ∞ performance index. Finally, the co-simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) test results show that the presented new semi-active QZSAS structure and the DOFC method considering eventtriggered mechanism can significantly improve the multiobjective performance of commercial vehicles under different driving conditions with significantly reducing the network communication burden.
Taurocholate uptake by Caco-2 cells is inhibited by pro-inflammatory cytokines and butyrate
Authors: Couto Mafalda , Andrade Nelson , Magro Fernando , Martel Fátima
Published: July 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic and life-threating inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The active intestinal absorption of bile salts is reduced in IBD, resulting in higher luminal concentrations of these agents that contribute to the pathophysiology of IBD-associated diarrhea. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid produced by colonic bacterial fermentation of dietary fibers. Butyrate utilization is impaired in the intestinal inflamed mucosa of IBD patients. The aim of this work is to investigate the link between IBD and bile acid absorption, by testing the effect of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-a and IFN-γ and butyrate upon 3H-taurocholate uptake by Caco-2 cells. The results obtained show that the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-a and IFN-γ inhibit Na+-independent, non-ASCT-mediated 3H-TC uptake by Caco-2 cells. The inhibitory effect of these cytokines on 3H-taurocholate uptake is PI3K- and JAK2-mediated. Moreover, butyrate in high but physiological concentrations was also found to inhibit 3H-TC uptake and showed an additive effect with IFN-γ in reducing 3H-taurocholate uptake. So, an interaction between fiber-derived butyrate and inflammatory cytokines appears to exist in relation to bile salt intestinal uptake in IBD, which may participate in the link between fiber intake and IBD.
Binocular Metamorphopsia in Patients with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Multi- Center Study
Authors: Osaka Rie , Muraoka Yuki , Nagasato Daisuke , Mitamura Yoshinori , Nishigori Naomi , Murakami Tomoaki , Suzuma Kiyoshi , Tabuchi Hitoshi , Tsujikawa Akitaka
Published: July 2022

Purpose: The pathology of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), a retinal circulatory disease, is related to monocular metamorphopsia-related vision impairment of the affected eyes, but the association of binocular metamorphopsia in such patients is unclear. This study aimed to examine the frequency of binocular metamorphopsia and its association with the clinical characteristics of patients with BRVO. Methods: A total of 99 patients who were treated for BRVO-associated macular edema (ME) were included in this study. At baseline and 1 and 3 months after the initiation of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment, we quantified metamorphopsia in the affected eyes and binocular metamorphopsia using the M-CHARTS® diagnostic tool. Results: At baseline, 59 and 10 patients had metamorphopsia in the affected eyes and binocular metamorphopsia, respectively. Although the visual acuity improved significantly after the initiation of anti-VEGF treatment, the mean M-CHARTS score in the affected eyes did not change from the baseline score. At 3 months, 13 patients showed binocular metamorphopsia; it was significantly associated with metamorphopsia in the affected eyes with a 95% confidence interval of 0.037–0.172 (β = 0.305, p = 0.003). Conclusion: Metamorphopsia in the affected eyes can cause binocular metamorphopsia in patients with BRVO-ME.
Position-wise optimizer: A nature-inspired optimization algorithm
Authors: Valizadeh Amir
Published: July 2022

The human nervous system utilizes synaptic plasticity to solve optimization problems. Previous studies have tried to add the plasticity factor to the training process of artificial neural networks, but most of those models require complex external control over the network or complex novel rules. In this manuscript, a novel nature-inspired optimization algorithm is introduced that imitates biological neural plasticity. Furthermore, the model is tested on three datasets and the results are compared with gradient descent optimization.
Revisiting Statistics and Evidence-Based Medicine: On the Fallacy of the Effect Size Based on Correlation and Misconception of Contingency Tables
Authors: Roussakow Sergey
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is in crisis, in part due to bad methods, which are understood as misuse of statistics that is considered correct in itself. The study questions the correctness of the basic statistics related to the effect size (ES) based on correlation (CBES). METHODS: Monte Carlo simulation of paired samples, mathematical analysis, conceptual analysis, bias analysis. RESULTS: Correlation and ES are not related. CBES is a fallacy, mainly based on the point biserial correlation (PBC) fallacy and misconception of contingency tables (MCT), which makes no distinction between gross crosstabs (GCTs) and contingency tables (CTs). Misapplication of Pearson’s correlation coefficient to point biserial datasets and GCTs gives ES parameters that are not related to correlation. Equations directly expressing ES in terms of correlation coefficient are flawed, since it is impossible without including covariance. Generalization of these fallacies leads to erroneous inferences, conversions, transformations, meta-analyses, and misunderstanding of the nature of correlation. MCT leads to misuse of the relevant statistics and is so ubiquitous that all findings from CTs are suspect. CONCLUSIONS: Two related common statistical misconceptions, CBES and MCT, have been exposed and fixed. These misconceptions are threatening because most of the findings from correlation, paired samples and CTs, including meta-analyses, can be misleading. Since exposing these fallacies casts doubt on the reliability of the statistical foundations of EBM in general, we urgently need to revise them.
2D topological matter from a boundary Green's functions perspective: Faddeev-LeVerrier algorithm implementation
Authors: Alvarado Miguel , Yeyati Alfredo Levy
Published: July 2022

Since the breakthrough of twistronics a plethora of topological phenomena in correlated systems has appeared. These devices can be typically analyzed in terms of lattice models using Green's function techniques. In this work we introduce a general method to obtain the boundary Green's function of such models taking advantage of the numerical Faddeev-LeVerrier algorithm to circumvent some analytical constraints of previous works. We illustrate our formalism analyzing the edge features of a Chern insulator, the Kitaev square lattice model for a topological superconductor and the Checkerboard lattice hosting topological flat bands. The efficiency and accuracy of the method is demonstrated by comparison to recursive Green's function calculations.
benefícios do aleitamento materno em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal: uma revisão de literatura.
Authors: Moraes Suellen Rocha , Souza Alessandra da Silva , Silva Jannaina Sther Leite Godinho , Silva Eliara Adelino da , Gomes Elisângela do Nascimento Fernandes , Ricci Adiel Queiroz
Published: July 2022

Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar fatores que não contribuem para aleitamento materno efetivo, a promoção à adesão do aleitamento materno e os benefícios que o AM em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal (UTIN). Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, exploratório descritivo que foi realizado através de uma revisão integrativa de literatura, com intuito de esclarecer os benefícios do aleitamento, identificar estratégias que auxiliam na promoção do aleitamento materno (AM), e identificar fatores que não efetivam essa prática em unidades neonatais. Os resultados mostraram que os benefícios do AM auxiliam no desenvolvimento elo mãe e filho e no desenvolvimento psiquico do RN, além de fatores nutricionais, fisiológicos, biológicos e imunológicos. O principal fator que não contribuí para AM é a separação mãe/filho, o contato físico é primordial para efetividade dessa prática. Em relação a promoção do aleitamento materno, a educação permanente, escuta qualificada, aplicabilidade de estratégias, como por exemplo o Método Mãe Canguru, acesso dos pais ao Recém-nascido Prematuro (RNP), através de flexibilização da rotina, são fatores primordiais para promoção e adesão dessa prática. Através da identificação dos fatores é possível traçar estratégias a fim de promover o aleitamento e prevenir motivos que impeçam a aplicabilidade desse método.
 Palavras-Chave: Aleitamento Materno; Nascimento Prematuro; Recém-nascido.
role of job satisfaction and job stress in mediate the effect of organizational justice on deviant behavior in the workplace
Authors: Bhandesa Wawan Mahajana , Wibawa I Made Artha
Published: July 2022

Workplace deviant behavior is the behavior of members of the organization that is not in accordance with the rules or norms, general habits that serve as guidelines in the organization that have a negative impact on the organization and/or members of the organization. This study aims to determine the role of job satisfaction and job stress in mediating effect of organizational justice on workplace deviant behavior. This research was conducted on government employees in Udayana University with a sample of 106 employees. The samples were collected by using proportionate random sampling. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the Partial Least Square (PLS) approach. The result showed that job satisfaction was not able to mediate the effect of organizational justice on workplace deviant behavior and job stress was able to fully mediate the effect of organizational justice on workplace deviant behavior. These result showed that in order to reduce workplace deviant behavior, the leader’s must improve organizational justice that can increase job satisfaction and reduce job stress levels, so that the employee’s intention to behave defiantly in the workplace will be reduced.
Electronic Patient Portal Access, Retention in Care, and Viral Suppression Among People Living With HIV in Southeastern United States: Observational Study
Authors: Schember Cassandra Oliver , Scott Sarah E , Jenkins Cathy A , Rebeiro Peter F , Turner Megan , Furukawa Sally S , Bofill Carmen , Yan Zhou , Jackson Gretchen P , Pettit April C
Published: July 2022

Background

Approximately 1.1 million people living with HIV live in the United States, and the incidence is highest in Southeastern United States. Electronic patient portal prevalence is increasing and can improve engagement in primary medical care. Retention in care and viral suppression—measures of engagement in HIV care—are associated with decreased HIV transmission, morbidity, and mortality.

Objective

We aimed to determine if patient portal access among people living with HIV was associated with retention and viral suppression.

Methods

We conducted an observational cohort study among people living with HIV in care at the Vanderbilt Comprehensive Care Clinic (Nashville, Tennessee) from 2011-2016. Individual access was defined as patient portal account registration at any point in the year prior. Retention was defined as ≥2 kept appointments or HIV lab measurements ≥3 months apart within a 12-month period. Viral suppression was defined as the last viral load in the calendar year <200 copies/mL. We calculated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% CIs using modified Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations to estimate the association of portal access with retention and viral suppression.

Results

We included 4237 people living with HIV contributing 16,951 person-years of follow-up (median 5, IQR 3-5 person-years). The median age was 43 (IQR 33-50) years. Of the 4237 people living with HIV, 78.1% (n=4237) were male, 40.8% (n=1727) were Black non-Hispanic, and 56.5% (n=2395) had access. Access was independently associated with retention (aPR 1.13, 95% CI 1.10-1.17) and viral suppression (aPR 1.18, 95% CI 1.14-1.22).

Conclusions

In this population, patient portal access was associated with retention and viral suppression. Future prospective studies should assess the impact of increasing portal access among people living with HIV on these HIV outcomes.
System Usability Scale Benchmarking for Digital Health Apps: Meta-analysis
Authors: Hyzy Maciej , Bond Raymond , Mulvenna Maurice , Bai Lu , Dix Alan , Leigh Simon , Hunt Sophie
Published: July 2022

Background

The System Usability Scale (SUS) is a widely used scale that has been used to quantify the usability of many software and hardware products. However, the SUS was not specifically designed to evaluate mobile apps, or in particular digital health apps (DHAs).

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine whether the widely used SUS distribution for benchmarking (mean 68, SD 12.5) can be used to reliably assess the usability of DHAs.

Methods

A search of the literature was performed using the ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, CORE, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases to identify SUS scores related to the usability of DHAs for meta-analysis. This study included papers that published the SUS scores of the evaluated DHAs from 2011 to 2021 to get a 10-year representation. In total, 117 SUS scores for 114 DHAs were identified. R Studio and the R programming language were used to model the DHA SUS distribution, with a 1-sample, 2-tailed t test used to compare this distribution with the standard SUS distribution.

Results

The mean SUS score when all the collected apps were included was 76.64 (SD 15.12); however, this distribution exhibited asymmetrical skewness (–0.52) and was not normally distributed according to Shapiro-Wilk test (P=.002). The mean SUS score for “physical activity” apps was 83.28 (SD 12.39) and drove the skewness. Hence, the mean SUS score for all collected apps excluding “physical activity” apps was 68.05 (SD 14.05). A 1-sample, 2-tailed t test indicated that this health app SUS distribution was not statistically significantly different from the standard SUS distribution (P=.98).

Conclusions

This study concludes that the SUS and the widely accepted benchmark of a mean SUS score of 68 (SD 12.5) are suitable for evaluating the usability of DHAs. We speculate as to why physical activity apps received higher SUS scores than expected. A template for reporting mean SUS scores to facilitate meta-analysis is proposed, together with future work that could be done to further examine the SUS benchmark scores for DHAs.
A Call to Expand the Scope of Digital Phenotyping
Authors: De Boer Christopher , Ghomrawi Hassan , Zeineddin Suhail , Linton Samuel , Kwon Soyang , Abdullah Fizan
Published: July 2022

Digital phenotyping refers to near–real-time data collection from personal digital devices, particularly smartphones, to better quantify the human phenotype. Methodology using smartphones is often considered the gold standard by many for passive data collection within the field of digital phenotyping, which limits its applications mainly to adults or adolescents who use smartphones. However, other technologies, such as wearable devices, have evolved considerably in recent years to provide similar or better quality passive physiologic data of clinical relevance, thus expanding the potential of digital phenotyping applications to other patient populations. In this perspective, we argue for the continued expansion of digital phenotyping to include other potential gold standards in addition to smartphones and provide examples of currently excluded technologies and populations who may uniquely benefit from this technology.
Providing Brief Personalized Therapies for Insomnia Among Workers Using a Sleep Prompt App: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Shimamoto Tomonari , Furihata Ryuji , Nakagami Yukako , Tateyama Yukiko , Kobayashi Daisuke , Kiyohara Kosuke , Iwami Taku
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder and the foremost health concern among workers. We developed a new sleep prompt app (SPA) for smartphones to positively alter the users' consciousness and behavior by sending timely short messages for mild sleep problems at an early stage.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the SPA in providing brief personalized therapy for insomnia among workers.

METHODS

We conducted a 2-arm parallel randomized controlled trial. The intervention group used the SPA, and the control group received no intervention. Participants were recruited between November 2020 and January 2021. The researcher sent emails for recruitment to more than 3000 workers of 2 companies and 1 university in Japan. The SPA provided personalized prompt messages, sleep diaries, sleep hygiene education, stimulus control therapy, and sleep restriction therapy. The prompt messages were sent automatically to the participants to encourage them to improve their sleep habits and sleep status and were optimized to the individual's daily rhythm. The intervention program duration was 4 weeks. The primary outcome was a change in the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) for the study period. The ISI was obtained weekly using a web questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 116 Japanese workers (intervention group n=60, control group n=56) with sleep disorders were recruited. Two participants in the intervention group were excluded from the analyses because of challenges in installing the SPA. The mean ISI scores at baseline were 9.2 for both groups; however, after 4 weeks, the mean ISI scores declined to 6.8 and 8.0 for the intervention and control groups, respectively. Primary analysis using a linear mixed model showed a significant improvement in the temporal trends of the ISI in the SPA group and in the total population (P=.03). Subgroup analyses of ISI-8-insomniacs revealed a significant improvement in the temporal trends of ISI in the SPA group (P=.01), and the CFS score for physical condition significantly improved following the intervention (P=.02).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the SPA in providing brief personalized therapy for insomnia among Japanese workers with mild insomnia. The physical fatigue score significantly improved in ISI-8-insomniacs. Thus, SPA could play an important role in reducing the adverse effects of sleep disorders in workers. To promote the wide use of the SPA in the future, further studies are required to examine its effectiveness in other age groups and individuals with health problems.

CLINICALTRIAL

University Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) UMIN000042263; https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000046295
Impacts of Digital Care Programs for Musculoskeletal Conditions on Depression and Work Productivity: Longitudinal Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Costa Fabíola , Janela Dora , Molinos Maria , Moulder Robert , Bento Vírgilio , Lains Jorge , Scheer Justin , Yanamadala Vijay , Cohen Steven , Dias Correia Fernando
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Comorbidity between musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and depression is highly common, and is associated with a greater symptom burden and greater loss of work productivity than either condition alone. Multimodal care programs tackling both physical and mental health components may maximize productivity recovery and return to work. Digital delivery of such programs can facilitate access, ensure continuity of care, and enhance patient engagement.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a completely remote multimodal digital care program (DCP) for MSK pain on mental health and work-related outcomes stratified by baseline depression levels.

METHODS

Ad hoc analysis of an interventional, single-arm, cohort study of individuals with MSK pain undergoing a DCP was performed. Three subgroups with different baseline depression severity levels were established based on responses to the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9): cluster 1 (score<5: minimal depression), cluster 2 (scores 5-10: mild depression), and cluster 3 (score≥10: moderate depression). The mean changes in depression, anxiety, fear-avoidance beliefs, work productivity, and activity impairment and adherence between baseline and end of program (8-12 weeks) were assessed across subgroups by latent growth curve analysis.

RESULTS

From a total of 7785 eligible participants, 6137 (78.83%) were included in cluster 1, 1158 (14.87%) in cluster 2, and 490 (6.29%) in cluster 3. Significant improvements in depression and anxiety scores were observed in clusters 2 and 3 but not in cluster 1, with average end-of-the program scores in clusters 2 and 3 below the initially defined cluster thresholds (score of 5 and 10, respectively). All clusters reported significant improvements in productivity impairment scores (mean changes from –16.82, 95% CI –20.32 to –13.42 in cluster 1 to –20.10, 95% CI –32.64 to –7.57 in cluster 3). Higher adherence was associated with higher improvements in depression in clusters 2 and 3, and with greater recovery in activities of daily living in cluster 3. Overall patient satisfaction was 8.59/10.0 (SD 1.74).

CONCLUSIONS

A multimodal DCP was able to promote improvements in productivity impairment scores comparable to those previously reported in the literature, even in participants with comorbid depression and anxiety. These results reinforce the need to follow a biopsychosocial framework to optimize outcomes in patients with MSK pain.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04092946; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04092946
Acceptability and Feasibility of “Village,” a Digital Communication App for Young People Experiencing Low Mood, Thoughts of Self-harm, and Suicidal Ideation to Obtain Support From Family and Friends: Mixed Methods Pilot Open Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Thabrew Hiran , Kumar Harshali , Steadman Evandah
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Young people experiencing low mood, thoughts related to self-harm, and suicidal ideation often struggle to communicate their emotions and receive timely support from family and friends. Technologically delivered support interventions may be useful in addressing this need.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aimed to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of “Village,” a communication app co-designed with young people and their family and friends from New Zealand.

METHODS

A mixed methods pilot open trial design was adopted. Participants were primarily recruited via social media advertisements and clinicians in specialist mental health services over an 8-month period. The primary outcomes were acceptability of the app (via thematically analyzed qualitative feedback and retention rates) and feasibility of conducting a larger randomized controlled trial gauged via effectiveness of recruitment methods, completion of chosen outcome measures, and occurrence of unanticipated operational issues. Secondary outcomes were app usability, safety, and changes in symptoms of depression (via the Patient Health Questionnaire–9 modified for adolescents), suicidal ideation (on the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire), and functioning (using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 or Child and Youth version).

RESULTS

A total of 26 young people (“users”) were enrolled in the trial, of which 21 recruited friends and family members (“buddies”) and completed quantitative outcome measures at baseline, 4 weeks, and 3 months. Furthermore, 13 users and 12 buddies also provided qualitative feedback about the app, identifying the key themes of appeal of app features and layout, usefulness of its content, and technological challenges (primarily with onboarding and notifications). Users gave Village a mean rating of 3.8 (range 2.7-4.6) out of 5 on a 5-point scale for app quality and an overall star rating of 3.4 out of 5 for subjective quality. Within this limited sample, users reported a clinically significant reduction in depressive symptoms (P=.007), but nonsignificant changes in suicidal ideation and functioning. The embedded risk detection software was activated on 3 occasions, and no additional support was required for users.

CONCLUSIONS

During this open trial, Village was found to be acceptable, usable, and safe. The feasibility of a larger randomized controlled trial was also confirmed after some modifications to the recruitment strategy and app.

CLINICALTRIAL

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Network Registry ACTRN12620000241932p; https://tinyurl.com/ya6t4fx2
Understanding Recruitment Yield From Social Media Advertisements and Associated Costs of a Telehealth Randomized Controlled Trial: Descriptive Study (Preprint)
Authors: Aily Jéssica Bianca , Copson Jennifer , Voinier Dana , Jakiela Jason , Hinman Rana , Grosch Megan , Noonan Colleen , Armellini Megan , Schmitt Laura , White Mika , White Daniel
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Recruiting study participants for clinical research is a challenging yet essential task. Social media platforms, such as Facebook, offer the opportunity to recruit participants through paid advertisements. These ad campaigns may be a cost-effective approach to reaching and recruiting participants who meet specific study criteria. However, little is known about the extent to which clicks on social media advertisements translate to the actual consent and enrollment of participants who meet the study criteria. Understanding this is especially important for clinical trials conducted remotely, such as telehealth-based studies, which open the possibility to recruit over large geographical areas and are becoming more common for the treatment of chronic health conditions, such as osteoarthritis (OA).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to report on the conversion of clicks on a Facebook advertisement campaign to consent to enrollment in an ongoing telehealth physical therapy study for adults with knee OA, and the costs associated with recruitment.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis using data collected over the first 5 months of an ongoing study of adults with knee OA. The Delaware Physical Exercise and Activity for Knee Osteoarthritis program compares a virtually delivered exercise program to a control group receiving web-based resources among adults with knee OA. Advertisement campaigns were configured on Facebook to reach an audience who could be potentially eligible. Clicking on the advertisement directed potential participants to a web-based screening form to answer 6 brief questions related to the study criteria. Next, a research team member called individuals who met the criteria from the screening form and verbally asked additional questions related to the study criteria. Once considered eligible, an electronic informed consent form (ICF) was sent. We described the number of potential study participants who made it through each of these steps and then calculated the cost per participant who signed the ICF.

RESULTS

In sum, between July and November 2021, a total of 33,319 unique users saw at least one advertisement, 9879 clicks were made, 423 web-based screening forms were completed, 132 participants were successfully contacted, 70 were considered eligible, and 32 signed the ICF. Recruitment costed an average of US $51.94 per participant.

CONCLUSIONS

While there was a low conversion from clicks to actual consent, 32% (32/100) of the total sample required for the study were expeditiously consented over 5 months with a per-subject cost well below traditional means of recruitment, which ranges from US $90 to US $1000 per participant.

CLINICALTRIAL

Clinicaltrails.gov NCT04980300; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04980300
Long-Term Effect of Physical Exercise on the Risk for Hospitalization and Death in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Mallamaci Francesca , D’Arrigo Graziella , Tripepi Giovanni , Lamberti Nicola , Torino Claudia , Manfredini Fabio , Zoccali Carmine
Published: July 2022

Background and objectives

In the EXerCise Introduction to Enhance Performance in Dialysis (EXCITE) trial, a simple, personalized 6-month walking exercise program at home during the day off of dialysis improved the functional status and the risk for hospitalization in patients with kidney failure. In this post-trial observational study, we tested whether the same intervention was associated with a lower long-term risk of death or hospitalization (combined end point) during a follow-up extended up to 36 months.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

In total, 227 patients (exercise, n=104; control, n=123) completed the 6-month trial and entered the post-trial observational study. Data were analyzed by unadjusted and adjusted Cox regression analyses and Bayesian analysis.

Results

In the long-term observation (up to 36 months), 134 events were recorded (eight deaths not preceded by hospitalization and 126 hospitalizations, which were followed by death in 38 cases). The long-term risk for hospitalization or death was 29% lower (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.50 to 1.00), and in an analysis stratified by adherence to the walking exercise program during the 6-month trial, the subgroup with high adherence (>60% of prescribed sessions) had a 45% lower risk as compared with the control group (hazard ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.35 to 0.87). A Bayesian analysis showed that the posterior probability of a hazard ratio of 0.71 (95% confidence interval, 0.50 to 1.00) for the risk of the composite outcome observed in the post-trial observational study was 93% under the conservative prior and 97% under the optimistic prior. Sensitivity analyses restricted to the risk of hospitalization only or censoring patients at the time of transplantation fully confirmed these findings.

Conclusions

A simple, personalized, home-based, low-intensity exercise program was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization.

Clinical Trial registry name and registration number:

EXerCise Introduction to Enhance Performance in Dialysis (EXCITE), NCT01255969
El palo de rosa: la tala ilegal y su comercio
Authors: Pedraza Ortega Euler , Julio Catarino Leticia , Martínez Salas Esteban , Sotuyo Solange
Published: July 2022

El género Dalbergia se conforma por especies leñosas que habitan gran variedad de ecosistemas tropicales en todo el mundo. Estimaciones conservadoras mencionan que podría tener alrededor de 250 especies. Dentro de este género, el palo de rosa o granadillo es un grupo de especies que se encuentra en riesgo de extinción, como consecuencia de su tala ilegal, que continuamente alimenta al mercado de maderas duras tropicales. Esto conlleva al decremento de sus poblaciones, la destrucción de su hábitat y el modo de vida de las personas que dependen de estos bosques para su subsistencia.
Educación y superación femenina en el siglo XIX: dos ensayos de Laureana Wright
Authors: Alvarado y Martínez Escobar María de Lourdes
Published: July 2022

La autora rescata dos trabajos de Laureana Wright (escritora pionera de la liberación femenina), inéditos desde hace más de cien años, que están precedidos por un excelente estudio introductorio y cuentan con una edición ágil y fidedigna. Los lectores encontrarán aquí abundante material académico sobre los albores de la lucha de emancipación de la mujer y la vida durante el porfiriato.
Review on Different Methods for Real Time Object Detection for Visually Impaired
Authors: Soans Melisa Andrea
Published: July 2022

Abstract: Real-time object detection is the task of doing object detection in real-time with fast inference while main- taining a base level of accuracy. Real time object detection helps the visually impaired detect the objects around them. Object detection can be done using different models such as the yolov3 model and the ssd mobilenet model. This paper aims to review and analyze the implementation and performance of various methodologies for real time object detection which will help the visually impaired. Each technique has its advantages and limitations. This paper helps in the review of different methods and help in selecting the best method for object detection.
American Sign Language Translator
Authors: K Mohammed Nihad
Published: July 2022

Abstract: Sign language is one of the ancient and most natural form of language for communication. Sign Language is being used by many people in the world, but only a small part of the population knows how to interpret the language. Which makes it tough for the Deaf people to communicate with other people. We used the Tensorflow object detection API in our research, which is an open-source framework for training and deploying object detection models.
ANALISIS PENGARUH SUKU BUNGA SERTIFIKAT BANK INDONESIA DAN JUMLAH UANG BEREDAR TERHADAP TINGKAT INFLASI DI INDONESIA PERIODE 2006.12015.12 (PENDEKATAN ERROR CORRECTION MODEL)
Authors: Rahmawati D.A. Dwi
Published: July 2022

Abstract Prominent characteristics of the direction economic policy in Asia is the emphasis on the inflation rate. Inflation is defined as a condition increases the price of prevailing goods in an economy continuously. The purpose of this research is to find out and analyze the influence of Bank Indonesia Certificate interest rate and money supply toward the inflation rate in Indonesia. This research method using time series of monthly data during the period of the 2006.1-2015.12 model approach using error correction (ECM) in the long term or short term. The results of the estimation of cointegration equation indicate that on the long run variable Bank Indonesia Certificate interest rate and money supply is significantly effected by to the inflation rate in Indonesia. While ECM model is considered valid because the error correction term (ECT) has significant value. In the short term only Bank Indonesia Certificate interest rates that influence significantly to the inflation rate in Indonesia. Keywords: inflation, interest rates, money supply, error correction model
Implementasi Kebijakan Stimulus Perekonomian Sebagai Countercycical dalam Upaya Menyelamatkan Pelaku Pariwisata Terdampak Covid-19 di Kabupaten Badung
Authors: Dewi I Gusti Agung Ayu Yuliartika , Purba Ida Bagus Gde Indra Wedhana
Published: July 2022

Pariwisata telah menjadi sektor andalan dalam pembangunan di Provinsi Bali. Kontribusi pariwisata terhadap perekonomian tergolong tinggi. Akhir tahun 2019 kunjungan wisatawan domestik dan wisatawan internasional mengalami penurunan secara signifikan disebabkan oleh Pandemi Covid-19 yang menyebabkan tumbangnya pariwisata Bali khususnya di Kabupaten Badung sebagai kawasan tujuan wisata utama. Menghadapi situasi perekonomian yang semakin sulit ditengah mewabahnya virus Corona, Otoritas Jasa Keuangan mulai menerapkan kebijakan pemberian stimulus bagi perekonomian dengan telah diterbitkannya POJK No.11/POJK.03/2020 tentang Stimulus Perekonomian Nasional sebagai Kebijakan Countercyclical sebagai dampak dari penyebaran Covid-19. POJK ini diharapkan menjadi kebijakan yang mampu menjaga stabilitas perekonomian, menjaga pertumbuhan ekonomi masyarakat Bali yang sebagian besar bergerak di sektor pariwisata khususnya di Kabupaten Badung. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif dengan tipe penelitian deskriptif. Data primer diperoleh melalui proses observasi, dan wawancara, dan dokumenter. Pemilihan informan dilakukan secara purposive sampling. Validasi data dilakukan dengan triangulasi sumber data sehingga data yang disajikan merupakan data yang absah. Hasil penelitian ini menggambarkan implementasi kebijakan stimulus perekonomian sebagai countercycical dalam upaya menyelamatkan pelaku pariwisata yang terdampak pandemi covid-19 serta mendeskripsikan faktor pendukung dan penghambat dari kebijakan ini.
Lisdexamfetamine is an effective monotherapy for moderate to severe binge eating disorder
Authors: Young Benjamin
Published: July 2022

A clinical decision report using:

McElroy SL, Hudson J, Ferreira-Cornwell MC, Radewonuk J, Whitaker T, Gasior M. Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate for adults with moderate to severe binge eating disorder: Results of two pivotal phase 3 randomized controlled trials. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2016;41(5):1251-1260. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2015.275

for a young woman requesting a novel pharmacological intervention for a Binge Eating Disorder (BED).
Pengaruh Infusa Serai Dapur (Cymbopogon citratus DC.) sebagai Larvasida Aedes aegypti
Authors: Wulandari Zuni , Atmaja Bayu Purnama , Putra Farhandika , Kusumaningtyas Harninda , Rahayu Nita
Published: July 2022

Abstract. Dengue fever is a disease caused by the dengue virus transmitted through the bite of the female mosquito Aedes aegypti. The purpose of this study was to determine lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) infusion in killing Ae. aegypti larvae and analyze at which concentration the most influential of the lemongrass infusion to the death of Ae. aegypti larvae. This research was carried out with a true experimental design. The subject of the study was 500 larvae of Ae. aegypti instar III, each container contain 20 larvae with 5 repetitions. The observed variables were the average mortality of Ae. aegypti larvae every 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 hours in the control group (aquadest) and the intervention group with varying concentrations of 25 ml, 50 ml, 75 ml, and 100 ml lemongrass infusion. The data were analyzed using the two-way ANOVA test. The results show a significant value of 0.000 (p<0.05), indicating that there is a difference between the intervention groups. The results showed that all (100%) Ae. aegypti larvae move actively before being administered lemongrass infusion. After 24 hours of treatment, the mortality results at concentrations of 25, 50, 75, and 100 mlwere 15%, 35%, 75%, and 90% respectively. The results of this study show the lemongrass potential as a natural larvicide.
Abstrak. Demam berdarah dengue merupakan penyakit yang disebabkan oleh virus dengue yang ditularkan melalui gigitan nyamuk betina Aedes aegypti. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pengaruh infusa serai dapur (Cymbopogon citratus) dan menganalisispada konsentrasi mana paling berpengaruh terhadap kematian larva Ae. aegypti. Penelitian dilakukan dengan desain eksperimen sejati. Sampel penelitian adalah 500 ekor larva instar III Ae. aegypti dengan satu wadah berisi 20 ekor larva dan dilakukan 5 kali pengulangan. Variabel yang diamati adalah rata-rata kematian larva Ae. aegypti setiap 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, dan 24 jam pada kelompok kontrol (aquades) dan pada kelompok intervensi dengan berbagai konsentrasi yaitu 25 ml, 50 ml, 75 ml, dan 100 ml infusa serai dapur. Data dianalisis menggunakan uji two-way Anova dengan hasil menunjukkan nilai signifikan 0,000 (p<0,05), berarti ada perbedaan antara kelompok intervensi. Pengamatan menunjukkan bahwa semua (100%) larva Ae. aegypti bergerak aktif sebelum diberikan infusa serai dapur. Setelah 24 jam pemberian infusa serai dapur pada konsentrasi 25, 50, 75, dan 100 ml didapatkan jumlahkematian berturut-turut 15% (3 ekor), 35 % (7 ekor), 75% (15 ekor) dan 90% (18 ekor). Hal in memperlihatkan potensi serai dapur sebagai larvasida nabati.
Hubungan Sosiodemografi dan Lingkungan Rumah terhadap Kejadian Dengue di Kota Tasikmalaya
Authors: Yuliani  , Novianti Siti
Published: July 2022

Abstract. Tasikmalaya City is an endemic area of dengue in West Java Province, being the fifth highest with an IR of 99.2 per 100,000 population in 2019. Home environmental factors have a role in the transmission of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), this is related to the presence of potential habitats and density of mosquito vectors. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between sociodemographic factors and home environmental conditions on the incidence of dengue in the city of Tasikmalaya. The research design used is case control. This research was conducted in Tasikmalaya City in May–October 2021. The sample size was 114 consisting of 38 case samples and 76 control samples. Data collection is done directly (observation). Data analysis using chi-square test. The results of this study indicate that there is a socio-democratic relationship, namely age (p-value = 0.000), gender (p-value = 0.000), occupation (p-value = 0.839) and education (p-value = 0.014) to the incidence of dengue. Physical environmental factors of the house such as temperature (p-value = 0.004) and ventilation screens (p-value = 0.009) were associated with the incidence of dengue. In addition, the presence of larvae was associated with the incidence of dengue with an OR of 3.046. Therefore, dinas kesehatan and puskesmas are expected to carry out intensive counseling to the community about DHF and educate the public to take efforts to prevent DHF such as PSN 3M plus.
Abstrak. Kota Tasikmalaya merupakan wilayah endemis dengue di Provinsi Jawa Barat, menjadi urutan kelima tertinggi dengan IR sebesar 99,2 per 100.000 penduduk pada tahun 2019. Faktor lingkungan rumah mempunyai peranan dalam penularan demam berdarah dengue, hal ini terkait dengan keberadaan habitat potensial dan kepadatan vektor nyamuk. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui hubungan faktor sosiodemografi dan kondisi lingkungan rumah terhadap kejadian dengue di Kota Tasikmalaya. Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah case control. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di Kota Tasikmalaya pada Mei–Oktober 2021. Besar sampel sebanyak 114 yang terdiri dari 38 sampel kasus dan 76 sampel kontrol. Pengumpulan data dilakukan secara langsung (observasi). Analisa data menggunakan uji chi-square. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat hubungan sosiodemograsi yaitu umur (p-value = 0,000), jenis kelamin (p-value = 0,000), pekerjaan (p-value = 0,839) dan pendidikan (p-value = 0,014) terhadap kejadian dengue. Faktor lingkungan fisik rumah seperti suhu (p-value = 0,004) dan ventilasi berkasa (p-value = 0,009) berhubungandengan kejadian dengue. Selain itu, faktor keberadaan jentik berhubungan dengan kejadian dengue dengan OR 3,046. Maka dari itu, dinas kesehatan dan puskesmas diharapkan untuk melakukan penyuluhan intensif kepada masyarakat tentang DBD dan mengedukasi masyarakat untuk melakukan upaya-upaya pencegahan DBD seperti PSN 3M plus.