bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skin Permeation of Nanoparticles: Mechanisms Involved and Critical Factors Governing Topical Drug Delivery
Authors: Wani Taha Umair , Mohi-ud-Din Roohi , Majeed Asmat , Kawoosa Shabnam , Pottoo Faheem Hyder
Published: July 2020

Transdermal route has been an ever sought-after means of drug administration, regarded as being the most convenient and patient compliant. However, skin poses a great barrier to the entry of the external particles including bacteria, viruses, allergens, and drugs as well (mostly hydrophilic or high molecular weight drugs), consequent to its complex structure and composition. Among the various means of enhancing drug permeation through the skin, e.g. chemical permeation enhancers, electroporation, thermophoresis, etc. drug delivery through nanoparticles has been of great interest. Current literature reports a vast number of nanoparticles that have been implicated for drug delivery through the skin. However, a precise account of critical factors involved in drug delivery and mechanisms concerning the permeation of nanoparticles through the skin is necessary. The purpose of this review is to enumerate the factors crucial in governing the prospect of drug delivery through skin and classify the skin permeation mechanisms of nanoparticles. Among the various mechanisms discussed are the ones governed by principles of kinetics, osmotic gradient, adhesion, hydration, diffusion, occlusion, electrostatic interaction, thermodynamics, etc. Among the most common factors affecting skin permeation of nanoparticles that are discussed include size, shape, surface charge density, composition of nanoparticles, mechanical stress, pH, etc.
Clavulanic Acid in the Scope of Helicobacter pylori Treatment: A Literature Review and Beyond
Authors: Alrabadi Nasr , Albustami Iyad S. , Abuhayyeh Husam A. , El-Muwalla Khaled M. , Alawneh Rama J. , AL-Eitan Laith N. , Alzoubi Karem H. , Masadeh Majed , Khabour Omar F. , Haddad Razan
Published: July 2020

Background:

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the most common cause of
peptic ulcer disease and it can be associated with many complications, including malignancies. In
clinical practice, some clinicians may use Clavulanic Acid (CA) in combination with amoxicillin or
other beta-lactams as an addition to the standard treatment regimens. This practice may be done by
habitual mistake, non-evidence based hypothetical assumptions, or by prescribing it as an alternative
treatment. This review aims to expose the effect of CA against H. pylori infection and to review
the possible mechanisms that may contribute to that effect.

Methods:

A PubMed and Google Scholar literature search was obtained on both pre-clinical and clinical studies related to
CA and H.pylori infection.

Results:

Available clinical studies showed improvement in the eradication of H. pylori by about 10-
20% when CA was added to the treatment regimens. This effect for CA could be related to several
mechanisms including inhibition of H. pylori growth by binding to Penicillin-Binding Proteins
(PBPs), the transformation of H. pylori from the active filamentous form into coccoidal form, induction
of the release of dopamine, modulation of immunological response towards H. pylori infection
and its relationship with other microbiota. Randomized-controlled studies on patients with
resistance to H. pylori are needed. Moreover, in vitro studies to evaluate the mechanisms by which
CA may influence H. pylori are warranted.

Conclusion:

The presented literature suggests potential avenues for the use of CA in the management of peptic ulcer disease
and H.pylori infection.
Recent Patents on Anti-Cancer Potential of Helenalin
Authors: Kriplani Priyanka , Guarve Kumar
Published: July 2020

Background:

Arnica montana, containing helenalin as its principal active constituent, is
the most widely used plant to treat various ailments. Recent studies indicate that Arnica and helenalin
provide significant health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antioxidant,
cholesterol-lowering, immunomodulatory, and most important, anti-cancer properties.

Objective:

The objective of the present study is to overview the recent patents of Arnica and its
principal constituent helenalin, including new methods of isolation, and their use in the prevention
of cancer and other ailments.

Methods:

Current prose and patents emphasizing the anti-cancer potential of helenalin and Arnica,
incorporated as anti-inflammary agents in anti-cancer preparations, have been identified and reviewed
with particular emphasis on their scientific impact and novelty.

Results:

Helenalin has shown its anti-cancer potential to treat multiple types of tumors, both in
vitro and in vivo. It has also portrayed synergistic effects when given in combination with other anti-
cancer drugs or natural compounds. New purification/isolation techniques are also developing
with novel helenalin formulations and its synthetic derivatives have been developed to increase its
solubility and bioavailability.

Conclusion:

The promising anti-cancer potential of helenalin in various preclinical studies may
open new avenues for therapeutic interventions in different tumors. Thus clinical trials validating
its tumor suppressing and chemopreventive activities, particularly in conjunction with standard
therapies, are immediately required.
Tumor Treating Fields – Behind and Beyond Inhibiting the Cancer Cell Cycle
Authors: Kissling Cédric , Di Santo Stefano
Published: July 2020

The unmet need for a safe treatment that significantly improves the overall survival, as well
as the quality of life of patients with brain tumors, has urged researchers to work out new treatment
modalities. About 15 years ago, it was shown that alternating electric fields significantly impair the
growth of cancer cells. Recently, this potentially revolutionary approach called Tumor Treating Fields
(TTFs) has been FDA-approved for the treatment of glioblastoma as well as mesothelioma. However,
despite the promising reports on the potential of TTFs, the precise knowledge of the mechanisms of
action is still lacking. The purpose of this review is, thus, to present the current state of research and to
highlight the variety of ultrastructural effects of TTFs. Moreover, the aim is to bring to the foreground
less discussed mechanisms of action of TTFs, which might develop into novel therapeutic approaches.
Therefore, a systematic literature search in Ovid Medline and Embase was performed on clinical and
preclinical data concerning TTFs. The alternating electric fields force cellular components to aberrant
dynamics, among which the most evident is the inhibition of the mitotic spindle assembly leading to
impaired cancer cell division and cell death. However, a variety of other microstructural events induced
by TTFs, such as inhibition of DNA repair and cell migration, as well as an enhancement of anti-
tumor immune response and membrane permeability, have been reported. In addition, apart from a
suggested interference with angiogenesis, no TTF-induced effects on normal cells have been described
so far.
DyPO4·1.5H2O Microcrystals: Microwave/Ultrasound/ Ultraviolet Light- Assisted Synthesis, Characterization and Formation Mechanism
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Huang Shuang , Zhang Hang , Wang Lei , Zhong Shengliang
Published: July 2020

Background:

Researchers have pursued the new synthesis method. As a newly developed
method, microwave (MW), ultrasound (US) and ultraviolet light (UV) assisted synthesis has drawn
increasing interests. Under the synergistic effect, many materials with new structure, morphology and
properties may be found. As an important rare-earth phosphate, DyPO4 was selected and the effect of
MW, US and UV on the preparation was investigated.

Method:

The DyPO4·1.5H2O nanostructures were prepared by MW, US, UV and their combination.

Results:

Hexagonal DyPO4·1.5H2O microcrystals obtained under MW irradiation were broomstick
bundles. Needle-shaped products were formed in the presence of MW and US. Interestingly, the
broom-sheaf-like structures can self-assemble into flower-shaped structures upon the irradiation of
MW and UV. Whereas, MW/UV/US synergetic heating results in mixed morphologies of flower-like
and needle-shaped structures.

Conclusion:

The growth of DyPO4 nanostructures can be tuned by selecting the combination of heating
method of MW, US and UV.
Adverse Effects of Natural Products: A Brief Pre-Systematic Review
Authors: Pires Carla , Fernandes Ana S.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Natural products are commonly used for treating health problems. These
products may be associated with adverse events, which are defined as "noxious and unintended
response to a medicinal product" by the European Medicine Agency.

Objective:

To identify studies describing at least one adverse event (or with potential to promote
an adverse event) related to the use of natural products, as well as to describe the involved
product(s) and adverse event(s).

Methods:

A pre-systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic
Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. Keywords: "natural product(s)" and ["adverse drug
reaction(s)" or "adverse effect(s)"]. Screened databases: PubMed, SciELO, DOAJ and Google
Scholar. Inclusion criteria: Papers describing at least one adverse event associated with the use of
natural products and published between 2017 and 2019. Exclusion criteria: Repeated studies,
reviews and papers written in other languages than English, Portuguese, French or Spanish.

Results:

104 studies were identified (20 PubMed; 0 SciELO; 2 DOAJ; 82 Google Scholar), but
only 10 were selected (4 PubMed and 6 Google Scholar): 1 in-vitro study; 2 non-clinical studies, 1
study reporting in-vitro and clinical data and 5 case reports. Globally, 997 reports of adverse drug
reactions with natural products were identified, mainly non-severe cases.

Conclusion:

Since a limited number of studies was found, we conclude that adverse events due to
natural products may be underreported or natural products may have a good safety profile. This
review contributes to assuring the safety of natural products consumers by evaluating the
knowledge/information on the potential adverse events and interactions of these products.
As missões francesas na fundação do modernismo e da filosofia acadêmica no Brasil
Authors: Galvão André Luis Machado , De Andrade Ricardo Henrique Resende
Published: July 2020

Este artigo aborda a influência das missões francesas no século XX e o surgimento do modernismo artístico paulista como fatores que contribuíram para a criação da filosofia acadêmica a partir da fundação da Universidade de São Paulo em 1934. Utilizou-se de vasta bibliografia que documenta a chegada dos franceses em suas missões acadêmicas, artísticas e culturais e os impactos intelectuais provocados pelo ensino de filosofia na recém-criada Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras. Os objetivos principais deste trabalho são: descrever a importância da experiência universitária francesa no nascimento da investigação filosófica profissional no Brasil em um ambiente marcado por uma renovação cultural modernizante a partir da Semana de Arte Moderna em 1922 e destacar a perspectiva dos professores franceses sobre os estudantes universitários brasileiros naquele período.
Avaliação de um programa de intervenção em escolas: Aprender através do jogo
Authors: Rodríguez-Fernández Jose Eugenio , Pereira Vânia , Condessa Isabel , Pereira Beatriz
Published: July 2020

No contexto escolar, o recreio é um dos momentos mais favoráveis para a realização de jogos e atividades de forma voluntária e, consequentemente, para a melhoria das relações sociais e da prática de atividade física. A fim de conhecer a perceção dos alunos em termos de diversidade de jogos no recreio e das interações que aí ocorrem, foi desenhado um estudo quase-experimental de metodologia mista, com uma proposta de intervenção através do jogo, na qual participaram 161 alunos de 6 a 10 anos de uma escola do 1.º ciclo da educação básica no norte de Portugal. Para a coleta de dados, utilizou-se preferencialmente um questionário ad hoc, além de notas de campo e gravações em vídeo. Os resultados mostram uma alta participação na proposta por razões de interesse e atratividade, especialmente em rapazes, sendo que os jogos com regras e em grande grupo são os preferidos por ambos os géneros; da mesma forma, é nessas relações intergénero que há um aumento maior, sobretudo nos alunos do último ano. Programas de intervenção lúdica devem ser promovidos para criar oportunidades práticas e diversificar o tipo de jogos praticados pelos alunos na escola.
A sobredotação na Região Autónoma da Madeira: Desenvolvimento de políticas e práticas educativas
Authors: Antunes Ana Pereira , Almeida Leandro Silva , Miranda Lúcia Cerqueira , Xavier Joana Oliveira , Ramos Conceição , Raffan Johanna Magreta
Published: July 2020

A atenção à sobredotação e a alunos com altas capacidades, na Região Autónoma da Madeira (RAM), tem sido referenciada pelo seu pioneirismo no contexto português. Neste artigo descreve-se a evolução desde os anos 90 dos mecanismos de atendimento das crianças e adolescentes com elevadas capacidades, e respetivo enquadramento legal. Os dados foram recolhidos a partir de entrevistas a alguns dos intervenientes neste processo e através da consulta de documentos disponíveis. Assim, foi possível organizar o percurso histórico da sobredotação na Madeira, apresentando um breve enquadramento da emergência do apoio à sobredotação e descrevendo três fases sequenciais do mesmo: (a) Implementação de serviços de atendimento; (b) Consolidação da prestação de serviços; e (c) Serviços prestados na atualidade. De uma forma geral, apesar da evolução e modificação dos serviços, o investimento tem-se centrado no processo de identificação e de intervenção, na formação e na prática baseada em evidência, procurando fazer convergir as atuações com as orientações internacionais na área. Apontam-se algumas reflexões sobre as políticas públicas na área da sobredotação, tendo como premissa a escola inclusiva e uma melhoria de serviços que promovam a igualdade de oportunidades e a diferenciação das práticas educativas, em função das características e necessidades de cada aluno.
Avaliação de jogos educativos no ensino de conteúdos acadêmicos: Uma revisão sistemática da literatura
Authors: Tsutsumi Myenne Mieko Ayres , Goulart Paulo Roney Kilpp , Silva Júnior Mauro Dias , Haydu Verônica Bender , Jimenéz Érika Larissa de Oliveira
Published: July 2020

Este estudo teve como objetivo fazer uma revisão sistemática da literatura de estudos empíricos que avaliaram o efeito de jogos educativos na aprendizagem de assuntos acadêmicos, comparando os efeitos de estudos com diferentes delineamentos de pesquisa. Na revisão, foram incluídos artigos empíricos e relatos de casos publicados em inglês ou português, de janeiro de 2006 a setembro de 2019, que mencionavam ou continham palavras-chave definidas previamente que avaliavam os jogos como método de intervenção para o ensino de conteúdo escolar formal. Inicialmente, 171 registros foram localizados e 24 foram selecionados com base nos critérios de inclusão. Verificou-se que: as crianças foram os principais participantes; os jogos eletrônicos foram os mais utilizados; e a Matemática foi a disciplina utilizada na maioria estudos. Em 13 estudos, o desenho do grupo foi empregado e verificou-se que o grupo experimental apresentou melhor desempenho acadêmico quando comparado ao grupo-controle. Em todos os 11 estudos que utilizaram um delineamento de caso único, o desempenho pós-teste foi maior que o do pré-teste. Esses resultados mostraram que os jogos tiveram o efeito de aumentar o desempenho acadêmico dos alunos.
Editorial
Authors: Dionísio Maria de Lourdes Trindade
Published: July 2020

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Books, Films, and Phonographs: Australian Interwar Magazines and the Intermediation of Historical New Media
Authors: Kuttainen Victoria
Published: July 2020

Using two of Australia’s most prominent quality culture and leisure magazines of the 1920s and 1930s, BP and Home, this article turns to the periodical print culture of the Antipodes to examine the theme of this issue: ‘what was popular’ in the periodical press in the interwar period. These magazines are offered as case studies of the way in which these kinds magazines — which reviewed other forms of culture and media from books to films, theatre, and phonographs — are inherently intermedial forms. Moreover, it advances the idea that cultural values were remarkably unstable in Australia in the interwar years when historical new media, as well as Australian and American literature, were increasingly acceptable cultural pursuits.
Review of Paolo Giovannetti, ed., Periodici del Novecento e del Duemila fra Avanguardie e Postmoderno (2018)
Authors: Hoyt Andrew D.
Published: July 2020

Review of Paolo Giovannetti, ed., Periodici del Novecento e del Duemila fra Avanguardie e Postmoderno (2018).
El clado Gustavia (Lecythidaceae) en América Central: un nuevo registro de Gustavia sessilis y una clave para sus especies
Authors: Batista Guerra Juvenal Enrique , Ortiz Orlando O.
Published: July 2020

Antecedentes y Objetivos: Gustavia sessilis es un árbol neotropical perteneciente a la familia Lecythidaceae, hasta la fecha conocido únicamente de la región colombiana del Chocó. En este artículo, se registra por primera vez G. sessilis para Centroamérica.Métodos: Los especímenes centroamericanos de G. sessilis se recolectaron en la Provincia de Darién (oriente de Panamá), durante el año 2019. La identificación de las plantas se confirmó comparando los especímenes recolectados con las colecciones alojadas en los herbarios MO, PMA, SCZ y UCH. Los especímenes tipo se examinaron consultando la base de datos de JSTOR Global Plants. La estimación del estado de conservación se realizó con base en los criterios de la UICN.Resultados clave: El registro de G. sessilis en Centroamérica se presenta con base en una colección realizada en el Este de Panamá (Provincia de Darién). Se proporcionan fotografías, comentarios taxonómicos y notas sobre la conservación de esta especie. Además, se incluye una clave de las especies centroamericanas de Gustavia.Conclusiones: La distribución de G. sessilis se extiende desde Bahía Piñas, Provincia de Darién, Panamá hasta el río Condoto, región de Chocó, Colombia, lo que resalta la gran importancia de la región de Chocó Panamá-Colombia para la conservación de la biodiversidad, ya que podría actuar como corredor natural de especies. Teniendo en cuenta el escaso número de localidades y el restringido rango natural de esta especie, recomendamos considerar a G. sessilis como una especie en peligro de extinción.
Epidemiology and characteristics of urinary tract dysfunction in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Ziryanov A. V. , Bazhenov I. V. , Philippova E. S. , Ustinov G. S. , Turova E. L. , Toreyev I. O. , Leushin E. K.
Published: July 2020

Introduction. Data on the epidemiology and nature of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) in multiple sclerosis (MS) are contradictory: the prevalence rate ranges from 50 to 90% according to different authors.

Purpose of the study. To assess the frequency and nature of urination disorders in patients with various forms of multiple sclerosis.

Materials and methods. We analyzed the data of patients observed in the Regional Centre of Multiple sclerosis at Sverdlovsk Regional Clinical Hospital No. 1. The study included 160 patients aged 42.6±12.3 years, of which 64% were men and 36% were women. The primary progressive course of the disease occurred in 5% of patients, the secondary progressive course in 39%, and remitting in 56%. The average score according to the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was 3.94±2.10. The nature of neurogenic dysfunction of the lower urinary tract was evaluated using questionnaires (NBSS, SF-Qualiveen) and urodynamic studies.

Results. NLUTD were detected in 65% of MS patients. The average score according to the Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Scale (NBSS) in patients with NLUTD was 26.93±13.12, which was significantly (p < 0.001) exceed than the value of this indicator among patients without pelvic disorders (6.43±2.34). Symptoms of emptying were noted in more than half of patients with a neurogenic bladder in the presence of multiple sclerosis: poor urine flow (63%), abdominal straining during urination (76%). Complaints of storage symptoms, such as urgency and frequency, were presented by 98% of patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. Urinary incontinence was diagnosed in 84% of cases. The values of the «incontinence», «storage and voiding» and «complications» domains of NBSS were 8.66±7.17, 12.18±3.7 and 3.48±4.21, respectively. The total score of SF-Qaliveen questionnaire in patients with MS with urinary disorders was 2.93±1.13, in patients without NLUTD, 1.03±0.91 (р < 0,001).

Conclusions. Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction occurs in patients with multiple sclerosis with a frequency of 65%. These urinary disorders have a significant impact on the patients` quality of life.
The ureaplasma biovars clinical significance in the practice of a urologist
Authors: Savzikhanov R. T. , Alibekov M. M.
Published: July 2020

Introduction. The presence of Ureaplasmas in the body of healthy men has been proved by many studies. The ability to assess their effect on the male body from a different perspective appeared with the advent of modern quantitative diagnostic methods.

Purpose of the study. Определить распространённость уреаплазм у мужчин без репродуктивных нарушений, а также распространённость биоваров уреаплазм и их влияние на урологическую симптоматику.

Materials and methods. There was analyzed 249 patient surveys in the clinic, divided into 2 groups: men who had various urological complaints and clinically healthy men.

Results. We found Ureaplasmas in 76 (30.5%) men based on a survey of 249 men. In the group of clinically healthy men (n = 129), microorganisms were found in 24 (18.6%) cases, in the group of men with urological symptoms (n = 129) in 52 (43.3%) cases. U. Urealyticum was observed in 28 (36.8%) patients, U. parvum were in 45 (59.2%). The combination of both strains was detected in 3 (4%) cases.

Conclusion. The total prevalence of Ureaplasmas in men without reproductive disorders was 30% of cases. The prevalence of Ureaplasmas in the group of men with urological symptoms was more than 2 times higher. U. parvum and U. urealyticum are usually found in isolation from each other. We found both taxa in 4% of cases only. The prevalence of ureaplasmas was 19% among clinically healthy men. Both strains can develop symptoms, but U. urealyticum does it to a greater extent if both are present at the same time.
Results of the nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy in obese patients
Authors: Sokolov E. A. , Veliev E. I.
Published: July 2020

Introduction. According to several studies, an increased body mass index (BMI) may be one of the unfavorable prognostic factors of prostate cancer (PC) associated with lower oncological and functional outcomes of radical prostatectomy (RP).

Purpose of the study. To evaluate pathomorphological characteristics, recurrence-free survival, and restoration of erectile function (EF) after RP with nerve-sparing technique (NST) in obese patients.

Materials and methods. The study group consisted of 91 patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 , the control group consisted of 356 patients with BMI < 30 kg/m2 who underwent RP with unilateral or bilateral NST from January 2012 to December 2019. A comparative analysis of pathomorphological results, the rate of complications, recurrence-free survival, and the dynamics of EF restoration in both groups was performed.

Results. Obese patients had a larger prostate volume, a higher score for the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire. Unilateral and bilateral NST was used in both groups in equal proportions: 50.5% and 49.5% in the group with BMI ≥ 30 and 51.4% and 48.6% in the group with BMI < 30 (p = 0.88 ) There were no significant differences between the groups in the rate of adverse pathomorphological characteristics, serious postoperative complications and the volume of intraoperative blood loss. The five-year recurrence-free survival after RP was 93.1% in the BMI group ≥ 30 and 95.1% in the BMI group < 30 (p = 0.55). The total rate of EF recovery after RP with NST after 24 months was 75% and 78.5% (p = 0.24). The restoration of EF in obese patients was slower: sufficient for sexual intercourse EF after 6 and 12 months was observed in 17.9% and 32.1% versus 35.4% and 53.8% in the group with BMI < 30, and the meantime to recovery was 10.9 (± 1) and 8.6 (± 0.6) months, respectively (p = 0.04).

Conclusions. Obesity does not affect the pathomorphological and oncological results of RP with NST. EF recovery in patients with a BMI of ≥ 30 is slowed down, however, 24 months after surgery, the results are comparable with the potency level in patients with a BMI < 30. The data obtained may be of value in counselling and planning surgical intervention in obese patients with PC.
Pyelonephritis during pregnancy (opinion of the editor-in-chief about the problem)
Authors: Kogan M. I.
Published: July 2020

The editorial board concludes the discussion on the problem of acute pyelonephritis in a pregnant woman. As editor-in-chief, I express my gratitude to the authors of publications on this subject [1–8]. At the same time, I want to draw attention to the weak activity of urologists in reaction to the discussion. In my opinion, one of the reasons for this is the lack of large-scale research on this issue in Russian Federation. Although, in the world, things are the same way for the most part. Therefore, it is extremely difficult in current medical practice to solve tactical tasks and make inferences in many clinical situations.

I do not intend to comment in any way on the scientific publications of respected colleagues who spoke on the pages of the journal “Urology Herald”. Nevertheless, I want to give my considerations based solely on my own clinical experience in emergency urology and based on many scientific studies with my fellows in the Rostov-on-Don City Emergency Hospital and Rostov State Medical University.
Oligometastatic prostate cancer: diagnosis and preliminary results of radiation therapy
Authors: Dzhabarov F. R. , Alnikin A. B. , Tolmachev V. G.
Published: July 2020

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains one of the most pressing problems of modern oncology, which is primarily associated with the high prevalence of this pathology. Of course, the appearance of metastases is an unfavourable factor in the course of the disease. However, PCa metastases is a very heterogeneous condition. «Oligometastatic cancer» is considered as a special disease with other properties of the tumour, i.e. as a transitional state between the localized and disseminated stage of the disease. Diagnosis of oligometastatic cancer is an extremely difficult task associated with the accurate determination of the number and localization of metastases, both hematogenous and lymphogenous, which in turn requires differentiation with regional lesions of the lymph nodes of a locally advanced tumour process. Currently, radiotracers are widely used to diagnose metastatic lymph node lesions that have high specificity for PCa, targeting a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA; also known as glutamate carboxypeptidase), such as 11C-choline, 18F-fluoroethylcholine, 68Ga.

9 patients with prostate cancer with the oligometastatic lesion were treated. All patients underwent external beam radiation therapy. Total focal dose on the visualized lymph collector of the affected lymph node amounted to 44.0 Gr. Total focal dose with the method of radiotherapy treatment «field in the field» on the node 70.0 Gr. In all patients, a PSA was reduced to a level below 1.0 ng/ml 6 weeks after completion of the course of radiation therapy and levelling the severity of adverse reactions. None of the treated patients showed signs of a PCa recurrence.
Male fertility: review of the publications of January ― March 2020
Authors: Rogozin D. S.
Published: July 2020

The article provides an overview of the most influential papers on the topic of “male infertility”. The selection criteria were the practical significance of the article and the impact factor of the journal in which it was published, according to SCImago Journal Rank (SJR). As a result, we created the list of 10 papers published in the I quarter (January – March) of 2020. The review included articles on the following issues: the effectiveness and safety of antioxidants, zinc and folic acid in the treatment of male infertility; the effect of obesity on sperm DNA-fragmentation; the possibility of obtaining of spermatogonia in children and adolescents with Kleinfelter syndrome; comparison of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and intracytoplasmic morphologically selected spermatozoa injection (IMSI); the reaction of the female reproductive system to the seminal fluid; viral profile in seminal fluid of men receiving the antiretroviral therapy, the effect of sleep duration on fertility and the risk of diabetes mellitus in children, conceived using assisted reproductive technologies.
Bulking agents in case of treatment of female stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Tsukanov A. Yu. , Mirzakadiev A. A. , Dunkurs A. V.
Published: July 2020

The main treatment for stress urinary incontinence is surgical. However, this approach to treatment has come under scrutiny and is undergoing reevaluation in connection with the revision of the balance of risk and benefit for the patient in recent years. Increasingly, the introduction of volume-forming substances as a method of alternative care for women with mild and uncomplicated urinary incontinence during exercise is being discussed. This treatment option achieves the effect through coaptation of the urethra. Various types of substances are known solid microparticles in an absorbable liquid or gel carrier, carriers containing a hard-to-absorb homogeneous gel (without particles). Separate methods of introducing volume-forming substances are also described: transurethral and suburethral with the location of the implant in the submucous layer of the urethra, under it, and around the organ. Various authors suggest different implantation control: endoscopic and under ultrasound guidance. The review discusses the currently available volumeforming substances, methods of use, effectiveness and known complications. Besides, an original method of injection a volume-forming substance is proposed, and the first results of its application are presented.
Comparison of text-image fusion models for high school diploma certificate classification
Authors: Atmaja Perdana Chandra Ramadhan , Adi Nugroho Hanung , Ardiyanto Igi
Published: July 2020

File scanned documents are commonly used in this digital era. Text and image extraction of scanned documents play an important role in acquiring information. A document may contain both texts and images. A combination of text-image classification has been previously investigated. The dataset used for those research works the text were digitally provided. In this research, we used a dataset of high school diploma certificate, which the text must be acquired using optical character recognition (OCR) method. There were two categories for this high school diploma certificate, each category has three classes. We used convolutional neural network for both text and image classifications. We then combined those two models by using adaptive fusion model and weight fusion model to find the best fusion model. We come into conclusion that the performance of weight fusion model which is 0.927 is better than that of adaptive fusion model with 0.892.
Primary Care Peer-Supported Internet-Mediated Psychological Treatment for Adults With Anxiety Disorders: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Nissling Linnea , Fahlke Claudia , Lilja Josefine L , Skoglund Ingmarie , Weineland Sandra
Published: July 2020

Background

The effect of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) on anxiety in adults is well-known. However, patient dropouts and poor adherence to treatment are common. Feelings of belonging and empowerment from the treatment might be key to the completion of iCBT. Peer support workers are people with a personal experience of mental health problems, trained to provide professional support to people who require mental health care.

Objective

This study aims to assess patient experiences; the feasibility, safety, and acceptability; and preliminary effectiveness on anxiety and depression, empowerment, and adherence to treatment in an 8-week peer-supported iCBT program for patients with anxiety disorders treated in primary care.

Methods

This was a single-arm mixed methods feasibility study. Participants were patients referred to a central unit for iCBT in primary care. Quantitative data were collected pre-, post-, and 3 months postintervention. Qualitative data were collected through semistructured interviews.

Results

A total of 9 participants completed the quantitative outcome assessment. Statistically significant improvements were observed in perceived empowerment at a 3-month follow-up, and significant decreases in anxiety, depression, and psychological distress at the end of the treatment were maintained at a 3-month follow-up. In total, 8 of the 9 patients showed improvement in the severity of their symptoms of anxiety. Adherence to treatment was good among the participants. No serious adverse events were reported. Eight participants were enrolled in the qualitative analysis. The qualitative results showed 3 main themes: (1) real contact in an online world, (2) empowering experiences, and (3) being behind the wheel. Qualitative results largely emphasized the personal relationship and supported the acceptability of adding peer support to iCBT.

Conclusions

Peer support in digital treatment seems to be a safe and acceptable intervention. The preliminary results suggest the effectiveness of peer support on patient empowerment, anxiety, depression, psychological distress, and adherence to treatment. The results indicate the need for future studies to evaluate the effect of adding peer support to iCBT in larger randomized controlled trials.
Emergency Center Curbside Screening During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Halalau Alexandra , Ditkoff Jeffrey , Hamilton Jessica , Sharrak Aryana , Vanood Aimen , Abbas Amr , Ziadeh James
Published: July 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a global pandemic that has placed a significant burden on health care systems in the United States. Michigan has been one of the top states affected by COVID-19.

Objective

We describe the emergency center curbside testing procedure implemented at Beaumont Hospital, a large hospital in Royal Oak, MI, and aim to evaluate its safety and efficiency.

Methods

Anticipating a surge in patients requiring testing, Beaumont Health implemented curbside testing, operated by a multidisciplinary team of health care workers, including physicians, advanced practice providers, residents, nurses, technicians, and registration staff. We report on the following outcomes over a period of 26 days (March 12, 2020, to April 6, 2020): time to medical decision, time spent documenting electronic medical records, overall screening time, and emergency center return evaluations.

Results

In total, 2782 patients received curbside services. A nasopharyngeal swab was performed on 1176 patients (41%), out of whom 348 (29.6%) tested positive. The median time for the entire process (from registration to discharge) was 28 minutes (IQR 17-44). The median time to final medical decision was 15 minutes (IQR 8-27). The median time from medical decision to discharge was 9 minutes (IQR 5-16). Only 257 patients (9.2%) returned to the emergency center for an evaluation within 7 or more days, of whom 64 were admitted to the hospital, 11 remained admitted, and 4 expired.

Conclusions

Our curbside testing model encourages the incorporation of this model at other high-volume facilities during an infectious disease pandemic.
External Validation of the International IgA Nephropathy Prediction Tool
Authors: Zhang Junjun , Huang Bo , Liu Zhangsuo , Wang Xutong , Xie Minhua , Guo Ruxue , Wang Yongli , Yu Dan , Wang Panfei , Zhu Yuze , Ren Jingjing
Published: July 2020

Background and objectives

The International IgA Nephropathy Network recently developed and externally validated two models to predict the risk of progression of IgA nephropathy: full models without and with race. This study sought to externally validate the International IgA Nephropathy Prediction Tool in a large, independent, and contemporary cohort in China.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We included 1373 patients with biopsy-confirmed primary IgA nephropathy from The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2012 to May 2018 and calculated predicted risks for each patient. The outcomes of interest were a 50% decline in eGFR or kidney failure. We assessed the performance of both models using discrimination (concordance statistics and Kaplan–Meier curves between subgroups), calibration (calibration plots), reclassification (net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement), and clinical utility (decision curve analysis).

Results

The median follow-up was 29 months (interquartile range, 21–43 months; range, 1–95 months), and 186 (14%) patients reached the kidney outcomes of interest. Both models showed excellent discrimination (concordance statistics >0.85 and well separated survival curves). Overall, the full model without race generally underestimated the risk of primary outcome, whereas the full model with race was well calibrated for predicting 5-year risk. Compared with the full model without race, the full model with race had significant improvement in reclassification, as assessed by the net reclassification improvement (0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.41 to 0.59) and integrated discrimination improvement (0.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.04 to 0.08). Decision curve analysis showed that both full models had a higher net benefit than default strategies, and the model with race performed better.

Conclusions

In this study, both full models demonstrated remarkable discrimination, acceptable calibration, and satisfactory clinical utility. The relatively short follow-up time may have limited the validation of these models.
Movimiento asociativo de personas con discapacidad: su impacto en la universidad y en la sociedad
Authors: Gutiérrez Rodríguez Víctor Hugo
Published: July 2020

El cambio de paradigma sobre la “discapacidad” fue impulsado por personas con discapacidad que se asociaron y generaron un movimiento que desencadenó una lucha por exigir los derechos más fundamentales en Estados Unidos e Inglaterra a partir de los setenta. Su apuesta se basó en un activismo que mezcló experiencia personal, conocimientos académicos y propuestas teóricas para generar un cambio político, social y cultural en torno a la “discapacidad”. En México, el panorama es diferente: la generación de conocimiento crítico sobre el tema es casi nula y no está vinculada con el movimiento asociativo de personas con discapacidad; sumado a esto, el acceso a la educación superior para este sector es reducido, lo que se traduce en que existan pocas propuestas de investigación generadas por las mismas personas con discapacidad. ¿Cuál fue el papel que jugaron las universidades en este cambio? ¿Cómo repercutió el movimiento asociativo generado en la universidad en el contexto social y político? ¿Qué papel está desempeñando la universidad en México en temas relacionados con la “discapacidad” y cuál es su impacto en el movimiento social?
Distribución del empleo en las industrias culturales y creativas en Baja California, México
Authors: Sánchez-Jofras Jorge Francisco , Kuri-Alonso Ingrid
Published: July 2020

Esta investigación contribuye al análisis de los Sistemas Locales de Producción (SLP) particularmente en las industrias culturales y creativas en el estado de Baja California, México. Como trabajo pionero ofrece una aproximación al estudio del empleo y su distribución en el territorio, identificando mediante técnicas de análisis regional la distribución del personal ocupado en estas industrias. Con datos del Censo Económico 2014 del INEGI se analizó el empleo en los cinco municipios de la entidad. La variable utilizada fue personal ocupado total y se estimaron cocientes y coeficientes de localización, especialización y concentración territorial. Los resultados muestran una dispersión del empleo en las industrias culturales y creativas en el territorio estatal de acuerdo a las características propias de cada municipio.
Recombinant Allergens in Immunotherapy of Asthma
Authors: Mohammadi Farsani Gholamreza , Yaghubi-tabar Reza , Mohammadi Farsani Taiebeh
Published: July 2020

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder caused by T-cell-mediated inflammation within airways. The prevalence of allergic diseases is rapidly increasing so that knowing allergens (characterization and types) and strategies for asthma management, prevention and treatment are very important. The most strategy is the production of recombinant allergens. Many of the problems associated with using natural allergenic products for allergy diagnosis and treatment can be overcome with the use of genetically engineered recombinant allergens. Various recombinant allergens are now emerging as strong candidates for allergen-specific immunotherapy. Extrinsic asthma (a type of asthma) may respond to immunotherapy such as using recombinant allergens. These exciting novel therapies provide not only the promise of new therapies for asthma but also valuable tools for the investigation of asthma mechanisms. This review describes strategies for asthma management, prevention and treatment, and especially recombinant allergens and also recent progresses in the molecular biology of recombinant allergens and then advantage and disadvantage of these allergens are explained. There are many methods for producing allergens such as extraction of serum, Ro/SS-A anti-Ro/SS-A system, Using the Solid-Phase Immunoadsorption system and finally recombinant technology for producing recombinant allergens. Recombinant allergens can express in many systems such as bacteria, yeast, insect cells, animal cells, and transgenic plant. We describe recombinant allergens produced in these systems. The obtained results hold promise that recombinant allergenâ€“based immunotherapy will improve current immunotherapy practice and may open possibilities for new treatment strategies and possibly even for prophylactic vaccination.
Smoking and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke among health occupations students in Iran
Authors: Khoshnevisan Mohammad Hossein , Deghatipour Marzie , EbnAhmady Arezoo , Keshavarz Hooman
Published: July 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the smoking behaviour and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) among the students of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBUMS).

Methods: This survey was conducted using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire mainly based on the Persian version of the Global Health Professions Student Survey (GHPSS) questionnaire. The students of eight disciplines (Dentistry, Environmental health engineering, Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Public health) of SBUMS were invited to participate in this study. Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and logistic regression served for statistical analyses. The P-value of â‰¤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: A total of 290 students (151 male) participated in the study. About 1.4% of the participants were 15-18 years old, 85.5% were 19-24, 8.6% were 25-29, 3.4% were 30 or older, and 1.0% of them did not report their age. Among all the disciplines, dental students reported the highest prevalence (52.0%) for current cigarette smoking while public health students reported the lowest (0.0%). Regarding the prevalence of exposure to ETS, nutrition students reported the highest (96.4%), and nursing students reported the lowest (57.1%). Current cigarette smoking was reported by 34.4% of the participants. This rate was significantly higher in men when compared to women (PË‚0.001). Among participants, 78.6% had been exposed to ETS. The frequency distribution of exposure to ETS was statistically significantly different between males and females (P Ë‚ 0.001).

Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of current cigarette smoking and/or the prevalence of exposure to ETS among the students of SBUMS were alarming. These results have further highlighted the importance and necessity of planning to reduce tobacco use and increase awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco products on overall health among the students of SBUMS.
Deteksi Filariasis Bancrofti dengan Filariasis Test Strip (FTS) dan Perilaku Pencegahan Gigitan Nyamuk di Desa Endemis Filariasis Amban Manokwari Papua Barat
Authors: Muhajir Nurlaili Farida , Prasetya Hieronymus Rayi , Lusiyana Novyan , Arisandi Desto
Published: July 2020

Mass Drug Administration (MDA) of filariasis in Amban, the endemic area of filariasis, was carried out since 2016. The treatment target of the filariasis area is the area with the microfilaria rate (Mf rate ≥ 1%). The purposes of this study were to detect Wuchereria bancrofti antigens after 3 years of mass treatment and to find out the environmental characteristic and preventive behavior from mosquito bites in Amban the endemic filariasis village Manokwari, West Papua. This observational analytic study was conducted in Amban by examining the subject with the AlereTM Filariasis Strip Test (FTS) and questionnaires collection on 56 research subjects. Respondents were taken capillary blood and followed by tracking environmental and behavioral data of questionnaires. The data obtained was performed by bivariate analysis. The result showed that 56 respondents were negative for W. bancrofti filarial antigen (Mf rate 0%). Research subjects were dominated by the age range of adults, moderate education, and unemployment. The subjects living environment 58.9% far from the garden and 57.1% far from standing water. Preventive behavior from mosquito bites showed that 44.1% use wire ventilation; 44.6% use repellent; 19.6% do not do an outdoor activity at the night; 39.3% use mosquito nets; 28.6% do not do habits of hanging clothes. The level of education was related to the behavior to use repellent (p = 0.025).
Student Optimism – Grading of an Experiential Learning Project
Authors: Ahmad Nawaz , Nauman Sarwat
Published: July 2020

In order to obtain good grades, students involve themselves in hard work according to the best of their ability, yet an experiential learning project makes it even harder to attain the grades that the students are aiming for. Researches have shown that students are generally optimistic about their grades, yet no research has been found in Pakistan to gauge student optimism in grades with regard to experiential learning projects. This study is an attempt to gauge an empirical attempt to gauge students’ optimism towards their grades in an experiential learning project. A sample of 106 students is obtained via purposive sampling technique enrolled in the same university and same course. After being involved in an experiential learning project, they were asked their expected marks which were compared later with their actually obtained marks. Pair sample t-test is applied to figure out whether the average of perceived marks is statistically different than the average of actually obtained marks. The average of expected marks exceeds by 2.14 which is statistically significant at 99.9% confidence interval.