bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary Bone Lymphomas: Long-Term Results of a Prospective Single-Center Trial
Authors: Smol'yaninova Anna Konstantinovna , Gabeeva N.G. , Mamonov V.E. , Tatarnikova S.A. , Gorenkova L.G. , Badmadzhapova D.S. , Kovrigina A.M. , Gemdzhian E.G. , Zvonkov E.E.
Published: July 2019

Background. Primary bone lymphomas (PBL) are rare extranodal lymphomas. In more than 90 % of cases they are reported as diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL). At local (IE) stage of PBL the standard R-CHOP immunotherapy demonstrates efficacy over 90 %. If, however, such poor prognostic factors (PPF) as multiple bone lesions (IVE stage), increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, B-symptoms, and large tumor mass are identified, R-CHOP efficacy tends to decrease. There is currently no optimal regimen for treatment of PBL patients with PPF. We suggest intensified multiagent chemotherapy for this category of patients. Aim. To assess long-term results of prospective single-center trial on the use of high-dose mNHL-BFM-90 program in patients with primary bone DLBCL and PPF. Materials & Methods. The trial included 33 patients with primary bone DLBCL followed-up at the National Medical Hematology Research Center from 2006 to 2018. The median age of patients was 44 years (range 16-78 years). The spectrum of assessed data included main clinical, laboratory, X-ray and MRI tumor characteristics as well as survival rates and prognostic factors. Results. PPF were identified in 29 (88 %) patients, out of them 20 (61 %) patients had an advanced stage (> IE), 20 (59 %) patients showed an increased LDH activity, B-symptoms were identified in 15 (45 %) patients, and large tumor mass was reported in 23 (71 %) patients. High-dose antitumor treatment (mNHL-BFM-90) was administered in 27 out of 33 patients. Overall and progression-free survival within the period of 5 years was 92 %. None of PPF significantly influenced survival rates. Conclusion. The use of high-dose mNHL-BFM-90 program in PBL with poor prognosis achieves long-term remissions in 92 % patients. We recommend mNHL-BFM-90 as a therapy of choice for PBL patients with poor prognosis.
The Use of Ibrutinib in Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and in High-Risk Patients
Authors: Kurkina Nadezhda Viktorovna , Repina E.A. , Mashnina N.N.
Published: July 2019

Despite advances in chemo-immunotherapy of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a choice of therapy is a frequent challenge in patients with a refractory form of the disease, autoimmune hemolytic complications, and also in high-risk patients with cytogenetic changes. The use of ibrutinib, one of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors, allows to overcome the resistance to anticancer therapy without adverse effects on patients’ quality of life.
Prediction of FLAG ± Ida Regimen Efficacy in Patients with Relapsed/ Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Budaeva Irina Garmaevna , Girshova L.L. , Ovsyannikova E.G. , Goryunova E.N. , Kulemina O.V. , Zaitsev D.V. , Motorin D.V. , Badaev R.Sh. , Zammoeva D.B. , Ivanov V.V. , Bogdanov K.V. , Pisotskaya O.S. , Mirolyubova Yu.V. , Nikulina T.S. , Alekseeva Yu.A. , Zaritskey A.Yu.
Published: July 2019

Aim. To assess the efficacy of FLAG/FLAG-Ida regimen and to identify factors that influence remission, duration of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Materials & Methods. The trial included 54 patients (28 men and 26 women), median age was 37 years (range 18-70 years). 27 (50 %) out of 54 patients had refractory AML and 27 (50 %) patients had relapsed AML. FLAG and FLAG-Ida regimens were administered as induction therapy. 37 (68.5 %) patients received bone marrow transplantation. Molecular genetic and cytogenetic examinations were performed prior to therapy and on the 28th day after the start of treatment. WT1 gene expression was evaluated on the 14th-16th day of treatment. Results. Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 42 (77.8 %) out of 54 patients. Refractoriness to therapy was observed in 9 (16.7 %) out of 54 patients, mortality was 5.5 % (3/54). Remission rate was higher in patients with relapsed AML compared with refractory AML: 85.2 % (23/27) and 70.4 % (19/27), respectively. On the 14th-16th day of treatment patients with blast cell count ≥ 10 % in bone marrow (BM) showed significantly lower CR rate (60 %) compared with the group of patients with < 10 % blast cells in BM (89.6 %; p = 0.024) and shorter DFS (median 7.6 vs. 17.6 months, respectively; p = 0.03). Median DFS in patients with WT1 expression reduction to < 1 log on the 14th-16th day was 5 vs. 18 months in patients without WT1 expression reduction (p = 0.01). DFS varied in groups of patients with blast cell count < 10 % in BM on the 14th-16th day of treatment based on the level of WT1 expression reduction (p = 0.04). MRD-negative patients (57.1 %) showed significantly longer DFS and OS compared with MRD-positive patients (median DFS was 17.6 vs. 5.2 months, respectively, p = 0.02; median OS was 19 vs. 6.9 months, p = 0.0002). Median DFS and OS were different only in ELN low- and high-risk groups (median not reached vs. 5.2 months, respectively, p = 0.039; median not reached vs. 10.2 months, p = 0.039). Conclusion. FLAG and FLAG-Ida are effective and safe regimens in the treatment of relapsed/refractory AML. Achieving remission depends on neither the risk group nor the time of relapse occurrence. The blast cell count in BM on the 14th-16th day of FLAG/FLAG-Ida treatment is a prognostic factor determining achievement and duration of remission. WT1 expression level in the early post-induction period is a sensitive DFS marker. MRD status and molecular genetic risk (ELN) group affiliation are essential prognostic factors determining DFS and OS.
The Effect of Anticoagulant Therapy on Survival and Outcome of Venous Thrombosis in Children, Teenagers, and Young Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treated According to ALL-MB-2008 and ALL-MB-2015 Protocols
Authors: Dmitriev Vyacheslav Vasil'evich , Migal N.V. , Bydanov O.I. , Lipai N.V. , Dmitriev E.V.
Published: July 2019

Aim. To assess the effect of anticoagulant therapy on survival and outcome of venous thrombosis in children, teenagers, and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Materials & Methods. Venous thrombosis was diagnosed in 42 out of 592 ALL patients treated according to ALL-MB-2008 and ALL-MB-2015 protocols from 2008 to 2017. Results. A daily dose of 150-200 lU/kg low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was administered to 30 patients. Duration of anticoagulant treatment was up to 1 month in 4 patients, 2-3 months in 8 patients, 4-6 months in 12 patients, and 7-12 months in 4 patients. To 2 patients anticoagulants were administered for more than 24 months. Complete recanalization of thrombosed vessel was achieved in 19 patients, partial recanalization was achieved in 6 patients, obliteration of predominantly internal jugular vein was found in 5 patients. During thrombocytopenia (100 to 35 x 109/L) 12 patients received reduced doses of LMWH for 1-4 weeks. In the period of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia the daily LMWH dose was reduced in proportion to thrombocyte level. After thrombocyte recovery up to more than 100 x 109/L antithrombotic treatment was continued with LMWH daily dose of 150-200 anti-Xa lU/kg. The duration of anticoagulant treatment among 12 patients who received reduced doses of LMWH was up to 1 month in 3 patients, 2-3 months in 4 patients, 4-6 months in 3 patients, and 7-12 months in 2 patients. Complete recanalization of thrombosed vessel was achieved in 8 patients, partial recanalization was achieved in 2 patients, vein obliteration was found in 2 patients. No correlation between LMWH dosage and thrombosis outcome was observed (χ2 = 0.494; p = 0.78). Maintenance (accompanying) therapy was completed in 38 out of 42 ALL patients with venous thrombosis. Event-free survival was 83 ± 8 %, that was similar to the one (81 ± 2 %) in patients without thrombosis (p = 0.654). Conclusion. Anticoagulant treatment of venous thrombosis complicating ALL in children, teenagers, and young adults did not yield a decrease of either overall or event-free survival. Reduction of LMWH doses in the period of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia did not affect the outcome of venous thrombosis.
Anemia of Chronic Disease: Key Mechanisms of Pathogenesis in Patients with Malignancies and Feasible Classification Approaches
Authors: Sakhin Valerii Timofeevich , Madzhanova E.R. , Kryukov E.V. , Sotnikov A.V. , Gordienko A.V. , Kazakov S.P. , Rukavitsyn O.A.
Published: July 2019

Aim. To study the effect of hepcidin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and cytokines on iron metabolism and occurrence of anemia in patients with malignancies and to propose, on this basis, a draft classification of anemia of chronic disease (ACD) based on the major pathogenic factor. Materials & Methods. The trial included 63 patients with malignancies of stage II/IV: 41 patients with anemia (34 men, 7 women, mean age 67.1 ± 9.9 years), 22 patients without anemia (17 men, 5 women, mean age 60.2 ± 14.9 years). Comparative analysis was based on the values of iron metabolism, C-reactive protein (CRP), hepcidin, sTfR, as well as pro-inflammatory (interleukin-6 [IL-6], tumour necrosis factor α [TNF-α]) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in solid malignancy patients with and without anemia. The correlation analysis between IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, hepcidin, sTfR, and blood count was performed. Results. Compared with the control group patients with anemia show lower levels of iron concentration, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and percent transferrin saturation (TSAT), as well as higher level of CRP, hepcidin, sTfR, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α (p < 0.05). IL-6 (r = -0.58), TNF-α (r = -0.32), and hepcidin (r = -0.57) proved to negatively affect erythrocyte level. A negative correlation was established between hemoglobin concentration and IL-6 (r = -0.57), IL-10 (r = -0.64), TNF-α (r = -0.65), hepcidin (r = -0.3), and sTfR (r = -0.57). A correlation was identified between concentrations of hepcidin and IL-6 (r = 0.58), IL-10 (r = 0.33), TNF-α (r = -0.4), as well as between concentrations of sTfR and IL-10 (r = 0.58), TNF-α (r = -0.53). A relationship was identified between IL-6 concentration and iron status (r = -0.38), TIBC (r = -0.56), TSAT (r = -0.31), ferritin (г = 0.56), transferrin (r = -0.72), CRP (r = 0.86) as well as between concentrations of IL-10 and iron (r = -0.63), TSAT (r = -0.67), transferrin (r = -0.7), ferritin (r = 0.55), CRP (r = 0.65), TIBC (r = -0.71). A correlation between the levels of TNF-α and TIBC (r = -0.36), transferrin (r = -0.5) was confirmed. Conclusion. The paper deals with multi-factorial pathogenesis of anemia in patients with malignancies. Most important factors are iron deficiency and erythropoietic disorder. A draft ACD classification based on the major pathogenic factor of anemia (ACD with dominating iron deficiency, ACD with impaired regulatory mechanism of erythropoiesis, and ACD with insufficient erythropoietin production) is proposed.
Entanglement evolution and generalised hydrodynamics: interacting integrable systems
Authors: Alba Vincenzo , Bertini Bruno , Fagotti Maurizio
Published: July 2019

We investigate the dynamics of bipartite entanglement after the
sudden junction of two leads in interacting integrable models. By
combining the quasiparticle picture for the entanglement spreading with
Generalised Hydrodynamics we derive an analytical prediction for the
dynamics of the entanglement entropy between a finite subsystem and the
rest. We find that the entanglement rate between the two leads depends
only on the physics at the interface and differs from the rate of
exchange of thermodynamic entropy. This contrasts with the behaviour in
free or homogeneous interacting integrable systems, where the two rates
coincide.
The role of the banking system in supporting the financial equilibrium of the enterprises: the case of Ukraine
Authors: Yehorycheva Svitlana , Gudz Tetiana , Krupka Mykhailo , Kolodiziev Oleh , Tarasevych Nataliіa
Published: July 2019

The financial equilibrium (“financial health”) of the enterprises is a prerequisite for their sustainable development, which ensures macroeconomic stability of the economy and the welfare of the state. It should be supported by the banking system, which performs the function of the effective reallocation of capital. Recently, the Ukrainian banking system itself is in a challenging situation and is undergoing a period of transformation. The purpose of the study is to assess how sufficiently the banking system of Ukraine supports the financial equilibrium of enterprises and to find the possibilities to strengthen its role in the progress of the real sector of economy. The authors single out three stages of financial equilibrium growth; each of them can be supported by the relevant banking services. The empirical analysis proves that the Ukrainian banks successfully ensure only the first stage, namely, liquidity balancing. To quantitatively assess the role of the banking system in supporting the enterprises’ financial equilibrium, a multivariate regression applying mathematical gnostic analysis in the program shell R Console is used. The research makes it possible to find out that only the economy monetization, the share of time deposits of economic entities and growth rate of mortgage loans have a positive effect. The authors conclude that the problems of both enterprises and the banking system are in the sphere of development and implementation of government economic policy and are aggravated by the restrictive monetary policy.
Identification of Stone Sculptures of Tuva
Authors: Kuular Ayana I.
Published: July 2019

The paper features some discrepancies in various publications on the Tuvan stone statues. The statues were first discovered by A. V. Adrianov in 1881 on the territory of modern Barun-Khemchik, Dzun-Khemchik and Ulug-Khem districts. Five statues represent anthropomorphic beings holding a vessel in both hands. According to L. R. Kyzlasov, this posture is peculiar to the sculptures of the Uighur period. After A.V. Adrianov, these statues were rediscovered or re-documented by other scientists. When comparing the works of A. V. Andrianov, O. H. Appelgren-Kivalo (I. R. Aspelin’s materials), C. R. Mintslov, L. A. Evtukhova, M. P. Gryaznov, and E. R. Schneider, the author revealed some discrepancies in the indication of the locations of the same statues, and the differences in their graphic representation. The author compared graphic documentation of different quality and location data to identifythe statues in the publications of these researchers. The paper introduces information on the current location of four of the five sculptures discovered by A. V. Adrianov. The article states the need for redocumentation of stone statues of Tuva by modern methods and technical means.
Interaction with Reality in the Problems of Transformation of the Life Path of the Individual
Authors: Fominykh Ekaterina S.
Published: July 2019

This study features the relationship between the interaction of the individual with reality and the transformation of one’s life. The analysis and synthesis of domestic and foreign theoretical concepts allowed the authors to identify two key aspects of interaction with reality, which determine the constructive and destructive vector of life transformations. The development of personality and constructive changes in one’s life path are associated with the restructuring of reality on the basis of selective, selective, free choice, balance of openness/closeness and inclusion/distancing. This interaction results in an expansion of capabilities and adaptive resources of the individual. Situations of violation of psychological security and subjective comfort of the personal system, and threats to the Self of the individual distort the interaction with reality through the activation of psychological defense mechanisms. Dysfunctionality and scarcity of psychological defense mechanisms determine the preservation of the current life situation, personality stagnation, or regression and decay. The paper describes the role of socio-cultural factors in the process of distorted perception and interaction with reality. The results can be used for psychological and pedagogical support.
Evaluation of antagonistic actinomycetes isolates as biocontrol agents against wastewater-associated bacteria
Authors: Salah El-Din Mohamed Walaa , Zaki Dina Fouad Ahmed
Published: July 2019

In wastewater treatment plants the antagonistic activities of actinomycetes could be contributing signiﬁcantly in microbe-removing mechanisms, which are a combination of different factors. For this purpose, out of 58 actinomycetes isolates from a wastewater treatment plant in Al-Fayoum Governorate, Egypt, only 36 different morphological isolates were selected for further studies. Although 35 isolates (97.23%) were active against one or more of tested bacteria, WD5 isolate had broad-spectrum antagonistic activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive tested bacteria. WD5 ethyl acetate extract recorded the highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 96 (23 mm) and the lowest antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 2453 (11 mm). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of extract using available NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) library data identified seven bioactive compounds: 2-methylbutyl acetate, 3′,5′-dinitrobenzoic acid, 1-octadecene, tetradecane, dodecane, docosane, and methylamine,N,N-bis(N.-decyl). Many earlier studies mentioned the antibacterial activity of all above seven compounds. The 16S rRNA sequence of WD5 was recorded in GenBank under the accession number MK491056 and confirmed by comparing it with the known 16S rRNA sequences in GenBank as Streptomyces sp. These results indicated antagonistic activity of actinomycetes in the removal of wastewater-associated bacteria.
Stimuli-responsive Carriers for Controlled Intracellular Drug Release
Authors: Sheng Yan , Hu Jiaming , Shi Junfeng , Lee Ly James
Published: July 2019

Background:

Stimuli-responsive carriers are a class of drug delivery systems which can
change their physicochemical properties and/or structural conformations in response to specific stimuli.
Although passive and active drug targeting has proved to reduce the side effects to normal cells,
controlled intracellular drug release should be included in drug carriers to enhance the bioavailability
of drugs at the disease site.

Methods:

This review focuses on several recent advances in the development of stimuli-responsive
carriers for spatially and temporally controlled release of therapeutic agents in response to intracellular
stimuli, such as pH, redox potential, reactive oxygen species, enzyme and temperature.

Results:

Among the different types of stimuli, pH-responsive carriers have been mostly used to design
intracellular controlled release system. The sharp difference of redox potential between inside and outside
cells is attributed to the high variation in concentration of glutathione. ROS-responsive carriers
are gaining much attention for selective release of therapeutic agents by sensing oxidative conditions at
different levels. The advantages of utilizing enzymes as the trigger of stimuli-responsive carriers include
diverse types of enzymes, high selectivity of enzyme catalyzed reactions and the mild reaction
conditions involved. Abnormal temperature is another unique stimulus and has been widely used to
trigger controlled release of drug in tumor cells.

Conclusion:

Recent developments highlighted in this paper demonstrate that stimuli-responsive carriers
possess great potential as a new platform for controlled intracellular drug release.
γ-AApeptides as a New Strategy for Therapeutic Development
Authors: Nimmagadda Alekhya , Shi Yan , Cai Jianfeng
Published: July 2019

A new class of peptidomimetics termed as "γ-AApeptides" was recently developed
by our group. Similar to other peptidomimetics, γ-AApeptides are resistant to proteolytic
degradation, and possess limitless potential to introduce chemically diverse functional
groups. γ-AApeptides have shown great promise in biomedical applications. In
this article, we will review a few examples of γ-AApeptides with biological potential.
Certain γ-AApeptides can permeate cell membranes and therefore they can be used as potential
drug carrier. γ-AApeptides can also bind to HIV RNA with high specificity and affinity,
suggesting their potential application as anti-HIV agents. Moreover, they can mimic
host-defense peptides and display potent and broad-spectrum activity towards a range
of drug-resistant bacterial pathogens. They are also potential anti-cancer agents. For instance,
they have shown great promise in targeted imaging of tumor in mouse model, and
they are also capable of disrupting p53/DNA interactions, and thus antagonize STAT3 signaling
pathway. Recently, from combinatorial screening, γ-AApeptides are identified to
inhibit Aβ peptide aggregation, and thus they can be developed into potential anti-
Alzheimer’s disease agent.
Gestión contable ambiental en empresas manufactureras generadoras de residuos peligrosos
Authors: Florez Rios Angela Maryed , Morales Sierra María Eugenia
Published: July 2019

Este artículo presenta los resultados de investigación obtenidos en la implementación del subsistema de gestión contable ambiental en tres empresas manufactureras antioqueñas. Mediante esta prueba se validó la responsabilidad que tienen los empresarios de generar reportes ambientales oportunos y confiables. Asimismo, se evidenció que —además de resultar útiles y provechosos para su uso real en empresas— los instrumentos diseñados funcionaron como un medio pedagógico para la apropiación de estas temáticas por parte de las organizaciones analizadas. Finalmente, el subsistema de gestión contable ambiental propuesto constituye en una herramienta que aporta beneficios frente a determinadas problemáticas del medioambiente.
Pengembangan Komik Animasi Digital Untuk Simulasi American Service
Authors: Ekawatiningsih Prihastuti , Rinawati Wika , Mustaqim Ilmawan
Published: July 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan media komik animasi untuk simulasi pembelajaran melayani makan dan minum (food and beverage service) di restoran, khususnya materi American Service. Penelitian dilakukan untuk merancang alur cerita American Service dalam bentuk komik, khusunya memilih materi American Service yang sesuai, membuat alur cerita dan mengembangan komik American Service. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian dan pengembangan model 4D (define, design, developt and dissemination). Define dilakukan untuk menetapkan materi pembelajaran yang dapat disimulasikan dalam cerita komik. Desain dibuat bentuk komik dan developt dilakukan untuk menguji dan memperbaiki komik sekaligus menambah animasi. Disseminasi dilakukan dengan media on-line melalui situs internet Jurusan Pendidikan Teknik Boga dan Busana. Subjek penelitian untuk menguji produk  ditetapkan 5 pakar dan 40 orang calon pengguna. Metode pengumpulan data pengujian produk menggunakan teknik Delphi, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) dan observasi tampilan komik. Hasil  pengujian dianalisis secara deskriptif kuantitatif dan kualitatif. Penelitian menghasilkan rancangan media komik digital American service dengan sistem American Service, menggunakan aplikasi Comicize-thecomics maker dan Photo talks:speech bubbles. Pada tahap ini dapat diidentifikasi materi untuk pengembangan komik berupa American service.
Heart Rate Measures From Wrist-Worn Activity Trackers in a Laboratory and Free-Living Setting: Validation Study
Authors: Müller Andre Matthias , Wang Nan Xin , Yao Jiali , Tan Chuen Seng , Low Ivan Cherh Chiet , Lim Nicole , Tan Jeremy , Tan Agnes , Müller-Riemenschneider Falk
Published: July 2019

Background

Wrist-worn activity trackers are popular, and an increasing number of these devices are equipped with heart rate (HR) measurement capabilities. However, the validity of HR data obtained from such trackers has not been thoroughly assessed outside the laboratory setting.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the validity of HR measures of a high-cost consumer-based tracker (Polar A370) and a low-cost tracker (Tempo HR) in the laboratory and free-living settings.

Methods

Participants underwent a laboratory-based cycling protocol while wearing the two trackers and the chest-strapped Polar H10, which acted as criterion. Participants also wore the devices throughout the waking hours of the following day during which they were required to conduct at least one 10-min bout of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) to ensure variability in the HR signal. We extracted 10-second values from all devices and time-matched HR data from the trackers with those from the Polar H10. We calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), mean absolute errors, and mean absolute percentage errors (MAPEs) between the criterion and the trackers. We constructed decile plots that compared HR data from Tempo HR and Polar A370 with criterion measures across intensity deciles. We investigated how many HR data points within the MVPA zone (≥64% of maximum HR) were detected by the trackers.

Results

Of the 57 people screened, 55 joined the study (mean age 30.5 [SD 9.8] years). Tempo HR showed moderate agreement and large errors (laboratory: ICC 0.51 and MAPE 13.00%; free-living: ICC 0.71 and MAPE 10.20%). Polar A370 showed moderate-to-strong agreement and small errors (laboratory: ICC 0.73 and MAPE 6.40%; free-living: ICC 0.83 and MAPE 7.10%). Decile plots indicated increasing differences between Tempo HR and the criterion as HRs increased. Such trend was less pronounced when considering the Polar A370 HR data. Tempo HR identified 62.13% (1872/3013) and 54.27% (5717/10,535) of all MVPA time points in the laboratory phase and free-living phase, respectively. Polar A370 detected 81.09% (2273/2803) and 83.55% (9323/11,158) of all MVPA time points in the laboratory phase and free-living phase, respectively.

Conclusions

HR data from the examined wrist-worn trackers were reasonably accurate in both the settings, with the Polar A370 showing stronger agreement with the Polar H10 and smaller errors. Inaccuracies increased with increasing HRs; this was pronounced for Tempo HR.
Importance of Photography Education to Improve Image Quality for Accurate Remote Diagnoses in Dental Trauma Patients: Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Jeong Jin-Sun , Pang Nan-Sim , Choi Yiseul , Park Kyeong-Mee , Kim Taekbin , Xu Xin , Park Wonse
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

High-quality photos are critical for the remote diagnosis of dental trauma and thus are beneficial to the prognosis. The quality of the images obtained using a cell phone depends on the level of dental and photography knowledge of the person who is taking the photos.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of photography education in improving images used for the remote diagnosis of dental trauma.

METHODS

The subjects comprised 30 laypeople and 30 dentists who were randomly assigned to 15 subgroups with 2 subjects in each. Each subject was asked to take photos of their own anterior teeth and those of their partner on the assumption that an accident occurred using both an iPhone 4s and iPhone 6. Education about how to take an appropriate photo of the anterior teeth for teleconsultation purposes was then provided, after which photos were taken again. Photos were assessed by a dentist for their usefulness in diagnosis.

RESULTS

This study analyzed 965 photos: 441 taken by laypeople and 524 taken by dentists. Photos taken after providing education had significantly higher scores for all assessment items than those taken before education (P<.05). The scores were also significantly higher for photos taken using the rear camera than those taken using the front camera (P<.02). The iPhone 6 did not have overwhelming advantages. The photos taken by dentists had significantly higher scores than those taken by laypeople for most of the evaluated items.

CONCLUSIONS

Both laypeople and dentists might find photography education useful for when they are taking photos to be used in teleconsultations. The type of cell phone does not significantly affect the usefulness of such photos.
Usability Evaluations of Mobile Mental Health Technologies: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Inal Yavuz , Wake Jo Dugstad , Guribye Frode , Nordgreen Tine
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Many mobile health (mHealth) apps for mental health have been made available in recent years. Although there is reason to be optimistic about their effect on improving health and increasing access to care, there is a call for more knowledge concerning how mHealth apps are used in practice.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to review the literature on how usability is being addressed and measured in mHealth interventions for mental health problems.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature review through a search for peer-reviewed studies published between 2001 and 2018 in the following electronic databases: EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science. Two reviewers independently assessed all abstracts against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 299 studies were initially identified based on the inclusion keywords. Following a review of the title, abstract, and full text, 42 studies were found that fulfilled the criteria, most of which evaluated usability with patients (n=29) and health care providers (n=11) as opposed to healthy users (n=8) and were directed at a wide variety of mental health problems (n=24). Half of the studies set out to evaluate usability (n=21), and the remainder focused on feasibility (n=10) or acceptability (n=10). Regarding the maturity of the evaluated systems, most were either prototypes or previously tested versions of the technology, and the studies included few accounts of sketching and participatory design processes. The most common reason referred to for developing mobile mental health apps was the availability of mobile devices to users, their popularity, and how people in general became accustomed to using them for various purposes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a detailed account of how evidence of usability of mHealth apps is gathered in the form of usability evaluations from the perspective of computer science and human-computer interaction, including how users feature in the evaluation, how the study objectives and outcomes are stated, which research methods and techniques are used, and what the notion of mobility features is for mHealth apps. Most studies described their methods as trials, gathered data from a small sample size, and carried out a summative evaluation using a single questionnaire, which indicates that usability evaluation was not the main focus. As many studies described using an adapted version of a standard usability questionnaire, there may be a need for developing a standardized mHealth usability questionnaire.
Transfer Learning for Risk Classification of Social Media Posts: Model Evaluation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Howard Derek , Maslej Marta M , Lee Justin , Ritchie Jacob , Woollard Geoffrey , French Leon
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Mental illness affects a significant portion of the worldwide population. Online mental health forums can provide a supportive environment for those afflicted and also generate a large amount of data that can be mined to predict mental health states using machine learning methods.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to benchmark multiple methods of text feature representation for social media posts and compare their downstream use with automated machine learning (AutoML) tools. We tested on datasets that contain posts labeled for perceived suicide risk or moderator attention in the context of self-harm. Specifically, we assessed the ability of the methods to prioritize posts that a moderator would identify for immediate response.

METHODS

We used 1588 labeled posts from the Computational Linguistics and Clinical Psychology (CLPsych) 2017 shared task collected from the Reachout.com forum. Posts were represented using lexicon-based tools, including Valence Aware Dictionary and sEntiment Reasoner, Empath, and Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count, and also using pretrained artificial neural network models, including DeepMoji, Universal Sentence Encoder, and Generative Pretrained Transformer-1 (GPT-1). We used Tree-based Optimization Tool and Auto-Sklearn as AutoML tools to generate classifiers to triage the posts.

RESULTS

The top-performing system used features derived from the GPT-1 model, which was fine-tuned on over 150,000 unlabeled posts from Reachout.com. Our top system had a macroaveraged F1 score of 0.572, providing a new state-of-the-art result on the CLPsych 2017 task. This was achieved without additional information from metadata or preceding posts. Error analyses revealed that this top system often misses expressions of hopelessness. In addition, we have presented visualizations that aid in the understanding of the learned classifiers.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we found that transfer learning is an effective strategy for predicting risk with relatively little labeled data and noted that fine-tuning of pretrained language models provides further gains when large amounts of unlabeled text are available.
Reducing Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions for Older Patients Using Computerized Decision Support Tools: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Monteiro Luís , Maricoto Tiago , Solha Isabel , Ribeiro-Vaz Inês , Martins Carlos , Monteiro-Soares Matilde
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Older adults are more vulnerable to polypharmacy and prescriptions of potentially inappropriate medications. There are several ways to address polypharmacy to prevent its occurrence. We focused on computerized decision support tools.

OBJECTIVE

The available literature was reviewed to understand whether computerized decision support tools reduce potentially inappropriate prescriptions or potentially inappropriate medications in older adult patients and affect health outcomes.

METHODS

Our systematic review was conducted by searching the literature in the MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for interventional studies published through February 2018 to assess the impact of computerized decision support tools on potentially inappropriate medications and potentially inappropriate prescriptions in people aged 65 years and older.

RESULTS

A total of 3756 articles were identified, and 16 were included. More than half (n=10) of the studies were randomized controlled trials, one was a crossover study, and five were pre-post intervention studies. A total of 266,562 participants were included; of those, 233,144 participants were included and assessed in randomized controlled trials. Intervention designs had several different features. Computerized decision support tools consistently reduced the number of potentially inappropriate prescriptions started and mean number of potentially inappropriate prescriptions per patient. Computerized decision support tools also increased potentially inappropriate prescriptions discontinuation and drug appropriateness. However, in several studies, statistical significance was not achieved. A meta-analysis was not possible due to the significant heterogeneity among the systems used and the definitions of outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Computerized decision support tools may reduce potentially inappropriate prescriptions and potentially inappropriate medications. More randomized controlled trials assessing the impact of computerized decision support tools that could be used both in primary and secondary health care are needed to evaluate the use of medication targets defined by the Beers or STOPP (Screening Tool of Older People’s Prescriptions) criteria, adverse drug reactions, quality of life measurements, patient satisfaction, and professional satisfaction with a reasonable follow-up, which could clarify the clinical usefulness of these tools.

CLINICALTRIAL

International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) CRD42017067021; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42017067021
Using Video Feedback Through Smartphone Instant Messaging in Fundamental Nursing Skills Teaching: Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Yang Xiaoxian , Xie Ri-Hua , Chen Si , Yu Wei , Liao Yan , Krewski Daniel , Wen Shi Wu
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Video feedback has been shown to be an effective teaching tool that can improve student learning when having them view their own performance. However, the literature on the effect of integrating smartphones with video feedback in fundamental nursing skills teaching is sparse.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the potential effects of video feedback through smartphone-based instant messaging on teaching undergraduate nursing students fundamental nursing skills.

METHODS

We conducted a study on teaching fundamental nursing skills to 6 classes of second-year undergraduate nursing students. In 2 classes (the intervention group), the instructor elected to use smartphone-based video feedback to facilitate teaching; instructors in the other 4 classes (the control group) elected to use routine methods of teaching without video feedback. Scores from the final examination, in-class assignments, and the General Self-Efficacy Scale questionnaire were collected and compared between the two groups. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to estimate the independent effect of video feedback after adjusting for gender, age, and prior experience in the use of WeChat/QQ in learning applications. An ad hoc questionnaire was used for student evaluation of the novel smartphone-based video feedback teaching method.

RESULTS

A total of 195 nursing students (65 in the video feedback group and 130 in the control group) completed the study and were included in the final analysis. Mean and standard deviation of scores on the final examination, bed making, aseptic procedure, vital signs measurement, and oxygen therapy were 91.29 (SD 2.36), 90.52 (SD 3.18), 93.23 (SD 3.16), 91.65 (SD 4.21), and 92.06 (SD 3.58), respectively, in the video feedback group and 89.99 (SD 3.12), 81.71 (SD 8.63), 87.12 (SD 5.50), 87.45 (SD 8.00), and 90.37 (SD 6.36), respectively, in the control group (differences were statistically significant). The mean and standard deviation of scores for assignments in catheterization and enema and General Self-efficacy Scale were 89.69 (SD 3.22), 91.14 (SD 3.15), and 24.52 (SD 5.35), respectively, in the video feedback group and 88.82 (SD 7.48), 90.79 (SD 6.08), and 24.50 (SD 6.16), respectively, in the control group (differences were not statistically significant). The majority (over 98%) of nursing students were satisfied with this smartphone-based video feedback teaching method.

CONCLUSIONS

Video feedback through smartphone-based instant messaging may be an effective way to improve nursing students’ academic performance and professional skills.
Сучасні рекомендації щодо лікування псоріатичного артриту згідно з рекомендаціями Американського коледжу ревматологів і Національної організації з псоріазу 2018 року
Authors: Golovach I.Yu. , Yehudina Ye.D.
Published: July 2019

Псоріатичний артрит (ПсА) — це хронічне запальне скелетно-м’язове захворювання, асоційоване з псоріазом, яке маніфестує зазвичай з периферичного артриту, дактиліту, ентезиту та/чи спондиліту. Рання ідентифікація та діагностика ПсА, ранній початок терапії важливі для покращення довгострокових наслідків хвороби. Клінічна картина ПсА є гетерогенною, і лікарі досить часто стикаються з проблемами при визначенні стратегій лікування. Метою нашого огляду були надання й інтерпретація рекомендацій Американського коледжу ревматологів (ACR) і Національної організації з псоріазу (NFP) 2018 року з лікування активного ПсА у дорослих з використанням фармакологічних і нефармакологічних методів. Ці рекомендації щодо лікування ПсА можуть допомогти як клініцистам, так і пацієнтам досягти оптимальних рішень щодо менеджменту хвороби. У рекомендаціях наведені стратегії вибору препаратів для лікування активного ПсА при різних клінічних ситуаціях та залежно від проведеної попередньої терапії. Наявність або відсутність коморбідних станів, таких як запальне захворювання кишечника, увеїт, діабет або серйозні інфекції, а також знання попередніх методів лікування є факторами, що дозволяють зробити вибір оптимальної терапії для окремого пацієнта в даний момент часу, застосовуючи індивідуальний підхід. Рекомендації ACR/NFP щодо лікування активного ПсА рекомендують інгібітори фактора некрозу пухлини, а не пероральні низькомолекулярні препарати як препарати першої лінії, саме ці біологічні агенти запобігають прогресуванню захворювання та пошкодженню суглобів. Наголошується на необхідності ранньої та агресивної терапії у пацієнтів з вперше виявленим ПсА.
Adhesion of steel and fiberglass meshes with concrete
Authors: Makarov Aleksey I. , Morina Elena A. , Martynov Gleb V. , Monastyreva Daria E. , Morina Anna A. , Sherstobitova Polina A.
Published: July 2019

Introduction. To prevent the formation of cracks and destruction of masonry structures they are reinforced with meshes at the stage of construction. Compatibility of the reinforcing material and the main body of the structure is an important parameter for the efficient operation of the structure. The article examines the amount of adhesion of fiberglass and steel mesh elements with sand concrete, which is the binding of bricks.

Materials and methods. Reinforced beams are tested for bending. Samples of beams consist of two halves connected by a rod in a stretched zone and uncoupled by a hinge in a compressed zone. Elements of steel and fiberglass grids with limited anchorage zones in concrete act as reinforcement. The values of rod slippage in concrete were fixed by a dial gauge.

Results. According to the results of the test, the slipping forces of the rods were obtained and the cohesive stresses of the elements of steel and fiberglass grids with concrete were calculated, and diagrams were drawn. The value of adhesion with concrete fiberglass rods was greater compared with the adhesion of steel rods for all values of slip.

Conclusions. Fiberglass meshes have a number of drawbacks to steel meshes, however, a large number of positive characteristics of fiberglass meshes, including adhesion with concrete, make them competitive with steel, and in many cases more preferable for use in structures.

Keywords: coupling reinforcement with concrete, adhesion, brickwork, reinforcement of structures, masonry mesh, composite materials, steel mesh, composite mesh, innovation in construction/
Quantizing time: Interacting clocks and systems
Authors: Smith Alexander R. H. , Ahmadi Mehdi
Published: July 2019

This article generalizes the conditional probability interpretation of time in which time evolution is realized through entanglement between a clock and a system of interest. This formalism is based upon conditioning a solution to the Wheeler-DeWitt equation on a subsystem of the Universe, serving as a clock, being in a state corresponding to a time t. Doing so assigns a conditional state to the rest of the Universe |ψS(t)⟩, referred to as the system. We demonstrate that when the total Hamiltonian appearing in the Wheeler-DeWitt equation contains an interaction term coupling the clock and system, the conditional state |ψS(t)⟩ satisfies a time-nonlocal Schrödinger equation in which the system Hamiltonian is replaced with a self-adjoint integral operator. This time-nonlocal Schrödinger equation is solved perturbatively and three examples of clock-system interactions are examined. One example considered supposes that the clock and system interact via Newtonian gravity, which leads to the system's Hamiltonian developing corrections on the order of G/c4 and inversely proportional to the distance between the clock and system.
INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT OF THE FUNCTIONAL STATE OF HEALTHY STUDENTS IN DEPENDENCE ON THE PHASE AND THE DURATION OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Authors: Penzhoyan G. A. , Kashina Yu. V. , Abyshkevich V. G. , Pokrovsky V. M.
Published: July 2019

Relevance: one of the causes of menstrual disorders are functional disorders associated with a violation of the central regulatory level.The aim: integratively assess the functional state of healthy girls, depending on the phase and duration of the menstrual cycle. Materials and methods: observations were performed on 65 practically healthy girls 18-19 years old with regular menstrual cycles. They conducted questionnaires, gynecological examinations, tests on functional diagnostics tests, ultrasound scanning of pelvic organs. To determine the phases of the menstrual cycle used the method of Ogin-Knaus, the onset of ovulation used a test for luteinizing hormone (strip tests of the brand Eviplan). The concentration in the blood of estradiol and progesterone was selectively determined. All subjects underwent a cardio-respiratory synchronism test. The parameters of the serous-respiratory synchronism determined the index of the regulatory-adaptive status, and according to it the regulatory-adaptive capabilities (functional state) were evaluated. Statistical analysis of the results of the study was carried out using the following programs: «STATISTICA 10» of «Stat Soft, Inc.». After establishing the normal distribution of the variant, significant differences were used in comparing the mean values in paired comparisons, taking the t-test of Student for p < 0.05. Results: in 35 people the duration of the menstrual cycle was 21-27 days. In the follicular phase, the regulatory-adaptive status index was 183.0 ± 0.4, which indicated a high regulatory adaptive capacity. In the luteal phase, respectively, 60.1 ± 0.3, - good regulatory adaptive capacity. In 30 watchers, the cycle was 28 to 32 days. In the follicular phase, the regulatory-adaptive status index was 156.5 ± 0.6. Regulatory adaptive capabilities were good. In the luteal phase, respectively, 52.4 ± 0.5 are good regulatory adaptive capacities. The conclusion: Regulatory adaptive opportunities for female students are greater in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle than in the luteal cycle. Regulatory adaptive capacity is greater for a cycle of 21 to 27 days than for a cycle of 28 to 32 days.
Concurrent validity and reliability of cephalometric analysis using smartphone apps and computer software
Authors: Livas Christos , Delli Konstantina , Spijkervet Frederik K. L. , Vissink Arjan , Dijkstra Pieter U.
Published: July 2019

Objectives:

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of two smartphone cephalometric analysis apps compared with Viewbox software.

Materials and Methods:

Pretreatment digital lateral cephalograms of 50 consecutive orthodontic patients (20 males, 30 females; mean age, 19.1 years; SD, 11.7) were traced twice using two apps (ie, CephNinja and OneCeph), with Viewbox used as the gold standard computer software program. Seven angular and two linear measurements, originally derived from Steiner cephalometric analysis, were performed.

Results:

Regarding validity, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranged from .903–.983 and .786–.978 for OneCeph vs Viewbox and CephNinja vs Viewbox, respectively. The ICC values for intratool reliability ranged from .647–.993. None of the CephNinja measurements was below the recommended cutoff values of ICCs for reliability.

Conclusions:

OneCeph has a high validity compared with Viewbox, while CephNinja is the best alternative to Viewbox regarding reliability. Smartphone apps may have a great potential in supplementing traditional cephalometric analysis.