bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Characteristics for Prediction of the Efficacy of Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Migraine Treatment: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wei Heng-Le , Wang Jin-Jin , Zhou Gang-Ping , Yu Yu-Sheng , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2021

Background: Although several special medications for migraine are currently available, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are still the first-line pharmacological option. A considerable proportion of migraineurs still be unresponsive to NSAIDs for reasons that remain unknown. The study aimed to develop significant characteristics to predict the efficacy of NSAIDs for patients with migraine. Methods: In this retrospective study, 567 patients suffering migraine were included and divided into an effective NSAIDs (M-eNSAIDs) group and a noneffective NSAIDs (M-neNSAIDs) group according to the analgesic efficacy at 2 hours after taking NSAIDs. Clinical and neuropsychiatric characteristics were collected and used to build a logistic regression model. And a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to represent the prediction capability.Results: Five predictors including education, attack duration, headache impact intensity, anxiety and depression scores were identified to build the logistic regression modal. The area under the curve (AUC) values of each predictor were 0.706, 0.639, 0.560, 0.683 and 0.632, respectively, failing to predict the efficacy of NSAIDs. All five predictors-combined method achieved an acceptable AUC value of 0.834 and a sensitivity of 90.9%.Conclusions: Despite the insufficient predictive capability of these predictors when analyzed individually, this study developed an effective and convenient method to accurately predict the efficacy of NSAIDs, which would be helpful for developing individualized therapeutic strategies for treatment of migraine.
Internal audit and financial performance of Yemeni commercial banks: Empirical evidence
Authors: A. Hazaea Saddam , I. Tabash Mosab , Zhu Jinyu , F. A. Khatib Saleh , H. S. Farhan Najib
Published: June 2021

This study seeks to verify the contribution of internal audit (IA), especially its role in improving financial performance in Yemeni commercial banks, with a specific focus on three factors, namely: the independence and objectives of IA, the quality of IA and the size of IA. This study reviews some existing literature on the contribution and role of IA in improving financial performance. It relies on available data from questionnaires. 90 questionnaires were distributed to nine commercial banks in Yemen (23 branches) working under the supervision of the Central Bank of Yemen; 81 questionnaires (90%) were regained and used in the process of analysis. To analyze the data, three analysis approaches were used, including description, correlation, and regression. The results showed that the IA has a significant impact on the overall performance of Yemeni commercial banks. Furthermore, the results showed that the auditors’ efficiencies, as well as their financial and accounting experiences, have a significant and positive impact on financial performance. It was revealed that the independence and objectivity of internal auditors are highly insignificant for financial performance. However, the size of IA and the frequency of the auditors’ meetings have a negative and significant effect on financial performance. This study provides some recommendations for improving the effectiveness of IA, which in turn will contribute to improving financial performance.
Errata The fundamental importance of basic science: examples of high-impact discoveries from an international Chemistry Network
Authors: Lopes Luiz , Sadler Peter , Bernardes-Génisson Vânia , Moura José , Chauvin Remi , Bernhardt Paul , Sousa Eduardo
Published: June 2021

During the last 150 years or more, society has witnessed many key scientific discoveries and inventions, which have dramatically improved not only our quality of life, but our lifespan. However, the motivation of scientists to provide scientific advances has generally not been the achievement of these goals, but mainly driven by research curiosity. Fundamental scientific studies, also known as basic science, have paved the way to a society of knowledge by means of continuously evolving education systems, and have led to applied science and technological breakthroughs changing the World. However, without basic science such life-changing advances would not happen, which is poorly understood by the society. Having this in mind, chemists and biochemists working in a chemistry network highlight here examples of how basic science has played a crucial role and led to major breakthroughs. In seven short stories, the authors describe cases and historical events where basic research discoveries have advanced science, and opened avenues for future achievements. Investment in basic science is crucial for a nation’s health and wealth. The support of scientists driven by curiosity ultimately can benefit the whole of society, not only in innovative products, but also in the improvement of the understanding of our own lives
Food and Feed Protein Preparations from Peas and Chickpeas: Production, Properties, Application
Authors: Kolpakova Valentina , Kulikov Denis , Ulanova Rusalia , Chumikina Ludmila
Published: June 2021

Introduction. New legume-based protein preparations are an excellent alternative to polymers of animal origin and can eliminate the protein deficiency in the diet of humans and animals. In this respect, the raw material base of common leguminous crops has to be thoroughly analyzed in order to develop new technological schemes for novel protein formulations. Study objects and methods. The present research compared modern trends in the production, properties, and safety of food and feed protein preparations based on peas and chickpeas. It involved such standard methods as data systematization and analysis of literary sources. Results and discussion. The leguminous agriculture in Russia is stable enough to produce food and feed protein preparations from peas and chickpeas with the maximum preservation of biological value, composition, and properties. Peas and chickpeas have a high biological value and are rich in polypeptides, fiber, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, etc., which are lost during processing. By-products of protein production can be processed using biosynthetic transformation with various types of fungal and/or bacterial enzymes, as well as physical and/or physicochemical methods, to obtain feed or food products with an appropriate yield. A synthesis with enzymes or microorganisms can result in functional foods and feeds fortified with minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants.
Bioethanol Production from Miscanthus sinensis Cellulose by Bioconversion
Authors: Kriger Olga , Babich Olga , Dolganyuk Vyacheslav , Kozlova Oksana , Sukhikh Stanislav , Larichev Timothy
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Cellulose-containing parts of herbs are an excellent source of alternative energy and can be used to produce biological ethanol. The present research aims at improving this fundamental and promising area of biotechnology. It introduces a new consortium of microorganisms that can saccharify while fermenting the substrate.

Study objects and methods. The research featured technical cellulose obtained from Miscanthus sinensis using hydrotropic delignification and oxidation with pertrifluoroacetic acid. The ethanol content in the culture liquid was determined using an Agilent 7890B gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector. The biocompatibility of the strains was studied by growing a direct co-culture in a dense nutrient medium.

Results and discussion. The research objective was to create a new microbial consortium for the single-step production of bioethanol from Miscanthus sinensis cellulose. A set of biocompatibility experiments and cultivation conditions made it possible to select the optimal producers. The two developed microbial consortia required optimal compositions of culture media, which were determined by varying the ratio of components and measuring the yield of ethanol in the resulting culture liquid.

Conclusion. The best consortium for Miscanthus sinensis cellulose consisted of Pichia stipites Y7124, Candida shehatae NCL3501, Kluyveromyces marxianus Y-4290, and Zymomonas mobilis 113 at a ratio of 1:1:1:1. The optimal parameters of bioethanol production included: temperature = 35 ± 1°C, pH = 5.2, time = 16 ± 1 h. The most efficient culture medium had the following composition (g/l): glucose – 5.0; peptone – 5.0; yeast extract – 0.4; K2HPO4 – 1.5; (NH)2 HPO4 – 1.5; MgSO4 – 0.5.
MiR-92a-3p Promotes the Malignant Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Mediating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Libing , Cui Mingxin , Qu Fengzhi , Cheng Daming , Yu Jingkun , Tang Zhaoyuan , Cheng Ling , Wei Yanbing , Wu Xiaotang , Liu Xiaogang
Published: June 2021

Background:

As one of the most common cancers globally, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually
has a poor prognosis. Many HCC patients are usually diagnosed at advanced stages. Therefore, new potential
biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC are urgently needed. More and more studies have shown
that miR-92a-3p can regulate the occurrence and development of various cancers, but its clinical significance
and molecular mechanism in HCC are still elusive. Here, we tried to clarify the regulatory mechanism of
miR-92a-3p in HCC.

Methods:

In this study, we conducted qRT-PCR and revealed that miR-92a-3p was notably upregulated in
HCC cells. MTT, flow cytometry, wound healing, Transwell invasion assays and western blot were conducted
to uncover that overexpressed miR-92a-3p could boost the proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal
transition (EMT) of HCC cells while inhibiting cell apoptosis. In addition, the proteins associated
with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway were also detected by western blot.

Results:

It was suggested that miR-92a-3p could activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that miR-92a-3p plays a tumor-promoting role in HCC and may be a potential
biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.
Relationships between Gender Roles and Attitudes Towards Menstruation
and Perception of Menstrual Pain in Iranian Women
Authors: Azmoude Elham , Alirezaei Somayeh , Mokhtari Najme
Published: June 2021

Background:

Menstruation is a prominent mark of womanhood. It is necessary to explore
what factors may develop female attitudes towards this natural phenomenon in different populations.

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the relationships between gender roles and attitudes towards
menstruation and perception of menstrual pain among Iranian women.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 164 women of reproductive age in Torbat-e
Heydariyeh in the east of Iran between September and December 2019. The participants completed
the Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI), Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire (MAQ), and Verbal Multidimensional
Scoring System (VMSS). Data analysis was then performed in SPSS 16.0.

Results:

According to the results, menstruation was perceived as a natural phenomenon more significantly
by the androgynous group than by the undifferentiated and masculine groups (p<0.05). It
was also perceived as a predictable phenomenon more significantly by the feminine women than
by the other gender role groups (p<0.05). Furthermore, the gender role groups had no significant
differences in the prevalence and severity of menstrual pain (p>0.05).

Conclusion:

Androgynous women considered menstruation a natural phenomenon more often. Psychological
interventions should focus on the correction of attitudes towards menstruation, especially
in women with femininity, masculinity, and undifferentiated gender roles.
Advances in Research on microRNAs Related to the Invasion and Metastasis
of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang ShanShan , Wang BaiQi , Zheng LuLu , Fu ZhuQiong , Fu YiTing , Huang WeiGuo , Cheng AiLan
Published: June 2021

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC), which is associated with latent Epstein-Barr virus infection
in most cases, is a unique epithelial malignancy arising from the nasopharyngeal mucosal
lining. Accumulating evidence is providing insights into the genetic and molecular aberrations that
likely drive nasopharyngeal tumor development and progression. We review recent analyses of microRNAs
(miRNAs), including Epstein-Barr virus-encoded miRNAs (EBV-encoded miRNAs) and
dysregulated cellular miRNAs, that may be related to the metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
The studies summarized herein have greatly expanded our knowledge of the molecular biology of
NPC involving miRNAs, and they may provide new biological targets for clinical diagnosis and reveal
the potential of microRNA therapeutics. However, much remains to be uncovered.
Development and Evaluation of a Low-cost Dairy Food Supplement with Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) to Combat Malnutrition: Translational Study in Mice and Institutionalized Elderly Woman
Authors: Bicalho Audrey Handyara , Santos Fabio Ribeiro , Moreira Daniele Cristina , Guimarães Victor Hugo Dantas , Ribeiro Guilherme Henrique , De Paula Alfredo Mauricio Batista , Guimarães André Luis Sena , Pereira Ulisses A. , Costa Theles , Paiva Caroline Liboreiro , Baldo Marcelo Perim , Santos Sérgio Henrique Sousa
Published: June 2021

Aims:

This study aimed to improve malnutrition in mice and elderlies with a new dairy/buriti oral dietary supplement.
Background: Malnutrition is a prevalent problem in the elderly; therefore, oral dietary supplementation is an important strategy to reduce the incidence of this health problem.

Objective:

The present study evaluated the effects of a low-cost food supplement, made from by-products of the dairy and fruit industry in the Brazilian Cerrado (Buriti), on the nutritional status and the recovery of the metabolic profile of malnourished animals and elderly women.

Methods:

In the pre-clinical phase, Swiss mice were divided into six groups and subjected to malnutrition and renutrition. The clinical phase was carried out with 25 elderly women residing at a long-term institution, aged ≥ 65 years and with malnutrition or risk of malnutrition.

Results:

The analyzes showed improvements in anthropometric parameters and an increase in serum albumin levels, in addition to lipid profile improvement in the preclinical phase and an increase in the red blood cells and hemoglobin in the clinical phase.

Conclusion:

The supplement based on buriti was able to reverse malnutrition promoting improvements in anthropometric and biochemical parameters.
Adsorption Isotherms and Kinetics of the Adsorption of Rare Earth Elements
{La(III)&Pr(III)} by Nanocobalt Ferrite
Authors: Suryakala Duvvuri , Vasundhara Dasri , Kaleswararao Thaticharla
Published: June 2021

Background:

Thermal decomposition of metal oxalates, which lead to transition metal
oxide composite, is considered to be a versatile method for the synthesis of transition metal oxide
composite and its extraordinary applications.

Objectives:

Nanometal oxide composite, especially, nanocobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4), is prepared efficiently
in a simple, eco friendly and cost effective manner. Various characterization techniques like
XRD, FTIR, SEM and EDS are applied to explore the morphology, functional groups, bonding nature
and size of the nano particles synthesized. Adsorption of rare earth elements La(III) and Pr(III)
onto synthesized nanocobalt ferrite is further studied using ICPAES method.

Methods:

Here, authors make an attempt to exploit meso porous CoFe2O4 synthesized through thermal
decomposition method and exploited it as an adsorbent for the adsorption of REEs, namely
Lanthanum and Praseodymium in their trivalent oxidation state La (III) & Pr (III) using ICPAES
technique.

Results and discussion:

The influencing parameters such as the adsorption efficiency, which include
equilibrium time, pH, initial rare earth element concentration, adsorbent dosage and effect of
temperature are studied. Adsorption isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamic parameters are analyzed.

Conclusion:

It is observed that adsorption studies follow pseudo second order kinetics and follow
adsorption isotherms of Langmuir. The adsorption capacity is observed to be more than 90%.
Metal-organic Framework (MOF) Composites for Photodegradation of Hazardous Organic Materials
Authors: Liu Xinxin , Ren Jiaqing , Fang Jiaqi , Pan An , Qin Nianqiao , Wu Xiaoyan , Ke Fei , Zhu Jing , Ramachandraiah Karna
Published: June 2021

Photocatalytic degradation is an energy efficient, cost-effective, and stable process that has
a wide-range of application. It is considered as a promising method for the removal of organic pollutants.
As a new type of porous material, Metal-organic framework (MOF) composites have been
proven to be an ideal catalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants due to their small size and large
specific surface area. In this review, several common preparation methods of MOF composites are
evaluated: microwave synthesis, solvent-thermal method, electrochemical method and layer by layer
growth method. The degradation effects of MOF composites on different organic pollutants are summarized,
and the excellent photocatalytic performances of some MOF composites are demonstrated.
Finally, the prospects of photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants by MOF composites are examined,
and the challenges in further development of MOF composites are discussed.
Consciência dionisíaca
Authors: Corá Silva João Luis
Published: June 2021

Este artigo analisou a consciência dionisíaca que perpassa a psicologia analítica de Jung e seu posterior desdobramento na psicologia arquetípica de James Hillman. O método utilizado foi o de pesquisa de revisão bibliográfica, iniciando com o levamento das diversas narrativas sobre o Dionísio mitológico. Em seguida, abordou-se o arquétipo de Dionísio à luz da psicologia analítica de Jung. Então, a partir da visão da psicologia arquetípica de James Hillman, tratou-se da consciência dionisíaca, entendida como um retorno ao feminino, a fim de metaforizar ou novamente tornar imaginais aspectos projetados sobre o corpo e a matéria – causa da neurose da consciência ocidental. Dionísio é o deus portador do pathos, deus das emoções e ambivalências. Enquanto experiência arquetípica, o dionisíaco relaciona-se ao pathos, aos instintos, às emoções humanas, portanto, é uma via privilegiada de acesso ao inconsciente. A consciência dionisíaca integra em si a dimensão reprimida pela cultura ocidental do pathos humano – a matéria, o corpo – às emoções e aos aspectos relegados ao feminino, possibilitando o surgimento de uma nova consciência unificada e uma reação à neurose da cultura ocidental.
Feasibility Study on the Use of Modified Copper Slag as a Sustainable Fine Aggregate in Mortar
Authors:   Magnel-Vandepitte Laboratory for Structural Engineering and Building Materials, Ghent University, TechnologieparkZwijnaarde 60, BE-9052 Ghent, Belgium, Sivakumar Pithchai Pandian ,   KU Leuven, Department of Civil Engineering, Materials and Constructions, Ghent Technology Campus, Gebroeders De Smetstraat 1, BE-9000 Ghent, Belgium,   SIM vzw, Technologiepark 48, BE-9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium, ruyaert Elke G ,   KU Leuven, Department of Civil Engineering, Materials and Constructions, Ghent Technology Campus, Gebroeders De Smetstraat 1, BE-9000 Ghent, Belgium, Belie Nele De ,   Magnel-Vandepitte Laboratory for Structural Engineering and Building Materials, Ghent University, TechnologieparkZwijnaarde 60, BE-9052 Ghent, Belgium, Matthys Stijn ,   Magnel-Vandepitte Laboratory for Structural Engineering and Building Materials, Ghent University, TechnologieparkZwijnaarde 60, BE-9052 Ghent, Belgium
Published: June 2021

Depending on the availability of aggregate sources pertaining to their geographic locations, the concrete industry utilizes conventional aggregates such as marine sand, dredged gravel, or crushed rocks. This method requires high energy and high processing costs for washing and grinding. The objective of this work is to use Modified Ferro silicate slag (MFS), a by-product obtained from the copper industry, as an alternative to the conventional fine aggregates found in mortar. No additional processing such as washing or grinding is required. By using the MFS slag as an aggregate in mortar or concrete, the factors of sustainability and a circular economy are enhanced. The current study focuses on the characterization of the MFS slag, including the mortar mixes with the MFS slag as a fine aggregate, and shows that the MFS slag can be a promising raw material to replace conventional aggregates in mortar. The leaching of its heavy elements such as Sb, As, Cr, Mo, Pb, and Zn was conducted well within limits (VLAREMA 4). The SEM and MIP analyses indicated that the porosity of the MFS slag mortar was higher compared to the standard aggregate mortar. Moreover, the MFS slag mortar showed acceptable resistance toward the alkali-silica reaction and carbonation.
Involvement of End Users in the Development of Serious Games for Health Care Professions Education: Systematic Descriptive Review
Authors: Maheu-Cadotte Marc-André , Dubé Véronique , Cossette Sylvie , Lapierre Alexandra , Fontaine Guillaume , Deschênes Marie-France , Lavoie Patrick
Published: June 2021

Background

On the basis of ethical and methodological arguments, numerous calls have been made to increase the involvement of end users in the development of serious games (SGs). Involving end users in the development process is considered a way to give them power and control over educational software that is designed for them. It can also help identify areas for improvement in the design of SGs and improve their efficacy in targeted learning outcomes. However, no recognized guidelines or frameworks exist to guide end users’ involvement in SG development.

Objective

The aim of this study is to describe how end users are involved in the development of SGs for health care professions education.

Methods

We examined the literature presenting the development of 45 SGs that had reached the stage of efficacy evaluation in randomized trials. One author performed data extraction using an ad hoc form based on a design and development framework for SGs. Data were then coded and synthesized on the basis of similarities. The coding scheme was refined iteratively with the involvement of a second author. Results are presented using frequencies and percentages.

Results

End users’ involvement was mentioned in the development of 21 of 45 SGs. The number of end users involved ranged from 12 to 36. End users were often involved in answering specific concerns that arose during the SG design (n=6) or in testing a prototype (n=12). In many cases, researchers solicited input from end users regarding the goals to reach (n=10) or the functional esthetics of the SGs (n=7). Most researchers used self-reported questionnaires (n=7).

Conclusions

Researchers mentioned end users’ involvement in the development of less than half of the identified SGs, and this involvement was also poorly described. These findings represent significant limitations to evaluating the impact of the involvement of end users on the efficacy of SGs and in making recommendations regarding their involvement.
Examining the Trends in Online Health Information–Seeking Behavior About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Singapore: Analysis of Data From Google Trends and the Global Burden of Disease Study (Preprint)
Authors: Fang Yang , Shepherd Thomas A , Smith Helen E
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death globally, and timely health care seeking is imperative for its prevention, early detection, and management. While online health information–seeking behavior (OHISB) is increasingly popular due to widespread internet connectivity, little is known about how OHISB for COPD has changed in comparison with the COPD disease burden, particularly at a country-specific level.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the trends in OHISB for COPD and how that compared with the estimates of COPD disease burden in Singapore, a highly wired country with a steadily increasing COPD disease burden.

METHODS

To examine the trends in OHISB for COPD, we performed Prais-Winsten regression analyses on monthly search volume data for COPD from January 2004 to June 2020 downloaded from Google Trends. We then conducted cross-correlational analyses to examine the relationship between annualized search volume on COPD topics and estimates of COPD morbidity and mortality reported in the Global Burden of Disease study from 2004 to 2017.

RESULTS

From 2004 to 2020, the trend in COPD search volume was curvilinear (β=1.69, t194=6.64, P<.001), with a slope change around the end of 2006. There was a negative linear trend (β=–0.53, t33=–3.57, P=.001) from 2004 to 2006 and a positive linear trend (β=0.51, t159=7.43, P<.001) from 2007 to 2020. Cross-correlation analyses revealed positive associations between COPD search volume and COPD disease burden indicators: positive correlations between search volume and prevalence, incidence, years living with disability (YLD) at lag 0, and positive correlations between search volume and prevalence, YLD at lag 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Google search volume on COPD increased from 2007 to 2020; this trend correlated with the upward trajectory of several COPD morbidity estimates, suggesting increasing engagement in OHISB for COPD in Singapore. These findings underscore the importance of making high-quality, web-based information accessible to the public, particularly COPD patients and their carers.
A Caregiver Digital Intervention to Support Shared Decision Making in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Development Process and Stakeholder Involvement Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Liverpool Shaun , Edbrooke-Childs Julian
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Parents and caregivers are generally recognized by literature and the law as key to child and adolescent mental health decisions. Digital interventions are increasingly being used to support care and treatment in child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). However, evidence of the design and development process is generally not made available.

OBJECTIVE

In light of calls for more transparency, this paper aims to describe the development of an evidence-based, theoretically informed digital decision support intervention for parents and caregivers of young people accessing CAMHS.

METHODS

The intervention was developed in line with the UK Medical Research Council framework for developing complex interventions. The process incorporated the steps for developing patient decision aids, as follows: assessing need, assessing feasibility; defining objectives; identifying the framework of decision support; and selecting the methods, designs, and dissemination approach. We synthesized theory, research, international guidelines, and input from relevant stakeholders using an iterative design approach.

RESULTS

The development steps resulted in Power Up for Parents, a decision support intervention, with five key features (ie, decisions, goals, journey, support, and resources). The intervention aims to encourage discussion, allow parents to ask questions during sessions or seek further information between sessions, and allow service providers to tailor the shared decision-making process to accommodate the needs of the parent and child.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed that it is possible to use input from end users—integrated with theory and evidence—to create digital interventions to be used in CAMHS. Key lessons with implications for practice, policy, and implementation science, along with preliminary findings, are presented.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-10.2196/14571
Mobile Apps for Drug–Drug Interaction Checks in Chinese App Stores: Systematic Review and Content Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Shen Chunying , Jiang Bin , Yang Qilian , Wang Chengnan , Lu Kevin Z , Gu Meng , Yuan Jing
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

As a computerized drug–drug interaction (DDI) alert system has not been widely implemented in China, health care providers are relying on mobile health (mHealth) apps as references for checking drug information, including DDIs.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the quality and content of mHealth apps supporting DDI checking in Chinese app stores.

METHODS

A systematic review was carried out in November 2020 to identify mHealth apps providing DDI checking in both Chinese iOS and Android platforms. We extracted the apps’ general information (including the developer, operating system, costs, release date, size, number of downloads, and average rating), scientific or clinical basis, and accountability, based on a multidimensional framework for evaluation of apps. The quality of mHealth apps was evaluated by using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). Descriptive statistics, including numbers and percentages, were calculated to describe the characteristics of the apps. For each app selected for evaluation, the section-specific MARS scores were calculated by taking the arithmetic mean, while the overall MARS score was described as the arithmetic mean of the section scores. In addition, the Cohen kappa (κ) statistic was used to evaluate the interrater agreement.

RESULTS

A total of 7 apps met the selection criteria, and only 3 included citations. The average rating score for Android apps was 3.5, with a minimum of 1.0 and a maximum of 4.9, while the average rating score for iOS apps was 4.7, with a minimum of 4.2 and a maximum of 4.9. The mean MARS score was 3.69 out of 5 (95% CI 3.34-4.04), with the lowest score of 1.96 for Medication Guidelines and the highest score of 4.27 for MCDEX mobile. The greatest variation was observed in the information section, which ranged from 1.41 to 4.60. The functionality section showed the highest mean score of 4.05 (95% CI 3.71-4.40), whereas the engagement section resulted in the lowest average score of 3.16 (95% CI 2.81-3.51). For the information quality section, which was the focus of this analysis, the average score was 3.42, with the MCDEX mobile app having the highest score of 4.6 and the Medication Guidelines app having the lowest score of 1.9. For the overall MARS score, the Cohen interrater κ was 0.354 (95% CI 0.236-0.473), the Fleiss κ was 0.353 (95% CI, 0.234-0.472), and the Krippendorff α was 0.356 (95% CI 0.237-0.475).

CONCLUSIONS

This study systematically reviewed the mHealth apps in China with a DDI check feature. The majority of investigated apps demonstrated high quality with accurate and comprehensive information on DDIs. However, a few of the apps that had a massive number of downloads in the Chinese market provided incorrect information. Given these apps might be used by health care providers for checking potential DDIs, this creates a substantial threat to patient safety.
Mobile Health in Chronic Disease Management and Patient Empowerment: Exploratory Qualitative Investigation Into Patient-Physician Consultations (Preprint)
Authors: Stampe Kathrine , Kishik Sharon , Müller Sune Dueholm
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Chronic diseases often present severe consequences for those affected. The management and treatment of chronic diseases largely depend on patients’ lifestyle choices and how they cope with the disease in their everyday lives. Accordingly, the ability of patients to self-manage diseases is a highly relevant topic. In relation to self-management, studies refer to patient empowerment as strengthening patients’ voices and enabling them to assert control over their health and treatment. Mobile health (mHealth) provides cost-efficient means to support self-management and foster empowerment.

OBJECTIVE

There is a scarcity of research investigating how mHealth affects patient empowerment during patient-physician consultations. The objective of this study is to address this knowledge gap by investigating how mHealth affects consultations and patient empowerment.

METHODS

We relied on data from an ethnographic field study of 6 children and adolescents diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. We analyzed 6 patient-physician consultations and drew on Michel Foucault’s concepts of power and power technology.

RESULTS

Our results suggest that the use of mHealth constitutes practices that structure the consultations around deviations and noncompliant patient behavior. Our analysis shows how mHealth is used to discipline patients and correct their behavior. We argue that the use of mHealth during consultations may unintentionally lead to relevant aspects of patients’ lives related to the disease being ignored; thus, inadvertently, patients’ voices may be silenced.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that concrete uses of mHealth may conflict with extant literature on empowerment, which emphasizes the importance of strengthening the patients’ voices and enabling patients to take more control of their health and treatment. We contribute to the state-of-the-art knowledge by showing that the use of mHealth may have unintended consequences that do not lead to empowerment. Our analysis underscores the need for further research to investigate how mHealth impacts patient empowerment during consultations.
Effect of a Consumer-Focused Website for Low Back Pain on Health Literacy, Treatment Choices, and Clinical Outcomes: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Hodges Paul William , Hall Leanne , Setchell Jenny , French Simon , Kasza Jessica , Bennell Kim , Hunter David , Vicenzino Bill , Crofts Samuel , Dickson Chris , Ferreira Manuela
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

The internet is used for information related to health conditions, including low back pain (LBP), but most LBP websites provide inaccurate information. Few studies have investigated the effectiveness of internet resources in changing health literacy or treatment choices.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the MyBackPain website compared with unguided internet use on health literacy, choice of treatments, and clinical outcomes in people with LBP.

METHODS

This was a pragmatic, web-based, participant- and assessor-blinded randomized trial of individuals with LBP stratified by duration. Participants were randomly allocated to have access to the evidence-based MyBackPain website, which was designed with input from consumers and expert consensus or unguided internet use. The coprimary outcomes were two dimensions of the Health Literacy Questionnaire (dimension 2: “having sufficient information to manage my health;” dimension 3: “actively managing my health;” converted to scores 1-100) at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included additional Health Literacy Questionnaire dimensions, quality of treatment choices, and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 453 participants were recruited, and 321 (70.9%) completed the primary outcomes. Access to MyBackPain was not superior to unguided internet use on primary outcomes (dimension 2: mean difference −0.87 units, 95% CI −3.56 to 1.82; dimension 3: mean difference −0.41 units, 95% CI −2.78 to 1.96). Between-group differences in other secondary outcomes had inconsistent directions and were unlikely to be clinically important, although a small improvement of unclear importance in the quality of stated treatment choices at 1 month was found (mean difference 0.93 units, 95% CI 0.03 to 1.84).

CONCLUSIONS

MyBackPain was not superior to unguided internet use for health literacy, but data suggest some short-term improvement in treatment choices. Future research should investigate if greater interactivity and engagement with the website may enhance its impact.

CLINICALTRIAL

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12617001292369; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=372926

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027516
Awareness, Views, Perceptions, and Beliefs of Pharmacy Interns Regarding Digital Health in Saudi Arabia: Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Alsahali Saud
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Digital health technologies and apps are rapidly advancing in recent years. It is expected to have more roles in transforming the health care system in this era of digital services. However, limited research is available regarding delivering digital health education in pharmacy and the pharmacy students’ perspectives on digital health.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess pharmacy interns’ awareness of digital health apps in Saudi Arabia and their views regarding the coverage of digital health in the education of pharmacists. In addition, we assessed the interns’ perceptions and beliefs about the concepts, benefits, and implementation of digital health in practice settings.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study using a web-based survey was conducted among pharmacy interns at Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. An invitation with a link to the web-based survey was sent to all interns registered at the college between January and March 2021.

RESULTS

A total of 68 out of 77 interns registered in the internship year participated in this study, giving a response rate of 88%. The mean total score for pharmacy interns’ awareness of digital health apps in Saudi Arabia was 5.66 (SD 1.74; maximum attainable score=7). The awareness with different apps ranged from 97% (66/68) for the Tawakkalna app to 65% (44/68) for the Ministry of Health 937 call center. The mean total score for attitude and beliefs toward concepts and benefits of telehealth and telemedicine apps was 58.25 (SD 10.44; maximum attainable score=75). In this regard, 84% (57/68) of the interns believed that telehealth could enhance the quality of care, 71% (48/68) believed that it could help effectively provide patient counseling, and 69% (47/68) believed it could improve patients’ adherence to therapy. In this study, 41% (28/68) believed that the current coverage of digital health in the curriculum was average, whereas only 18% (12/68) believed it was high or very high coverage. Moreover, only 38% (26/68) attended additional educational activities related to digital health. Consequently, the majority (43/68, 63%) were of the opinion that there is a high or very high need to educate and train pharmacists in the field of digital health.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the interns showed good awareness of common digital health apps in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the majority of the interns had positive perceptions and beliefs about the concepts, benefits, and implementation of digital health. However, the findings showed that there is still scope for improvement in some areas. Moreover, most interns indicated that there is a need for more education and training in the field of digital health. Consequently, early exposure to content related to digital health and pharmacy informatics is an important step to help in the wide use of these technologies in the graduates’ future careers.

CLINICALTRIAL
Correction: Screening Tools: Their Intended Audiences and Purposes. Comment on “Diagnostic Accuracy of Web-Based COVID-19 Symptom Checkers: Comparison Study” (Preprint)
Authors: Millen Elizabeth , Gilsdorf Andreas , Fenech Matthew , Gilbert Stephen
Published: June 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

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Novel Surgical Indications at COVID-19 Pandemic? Did COVID-19 Pandemic Narrow the Spectrum of Surgical Indications?
Authors: Karslioglu Bulent
Published: June 2021

Background. The COVID-19 outbreak changed orthopedic practices more than we thought. We are going through a period in which conservative treatment will become prominent when deciding on fractures with indistinct surgical margins in guidelines. Considering global tendency for surgical interventions in the pre-pandemic period, we tried to find out the answer to the following question: will conservative treatment be the shining star in the post pandemic period? Materials and methods. 262 patients who were with “gray zone fractures-injuries” like extraarticular distal radius fracture, proximal humerus fracture and Weber type B ankle fracture were treated conservatively during March 11, 2020 and 11 August, 2020. Open or pathological fracture, fractures with vascular or neurological injury and fractures involving the articular joint were excluded. Results. 59 patients with proximal humerus fracture followed with arm-sling. Mean ASES scores at 6th was 48.3 and 69.9 12th week. 91 patients with Weber B-type ankle fracture were followed up with below-knee plaster for 6 weeks. American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Score was 48 in the 6th week and 75 in the 12th week. 90 patients with distal radius fracture were followed up with plaster. Malunion was detected at 5 patients. Mean Quick Dash score at 6th weeks was 52.3 and 29.5 at 12 th weeks. Mean wrist flexion was 450, wrist extension was 35º, forearm supination 60º and forearm pronation was 70º at final control. Conclusions. The conservative treatment experiences we have gained from pandemic periods will change our treatment algorithm, unless it is overshadowed by our ambition to perform surgery for different reasons.
The nucleus pulposus microenvironment in the intervertebral disc: the fountain of youth?
Authors:   Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedics and Mechanobiology (TOM), Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR) of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland, Guerrero J , , Häckel S , Croft AS , Hoppe S , Albers CE , Gantenbein B
Published: June 2021

The intervertebral disc (IVD) is a complex tissue, and its degeneration remains a problem for patients, without significant improvement in treatment strategies. This mostly age-related disease predominantly affects the nucleus pulposus (NP), the central region of the IVD. The NP tissue, and especially its microenvironment, exhibit changes that may be involved at the outset or affect the progression of IVD pathology. The NP tissue microenvironment is unique and can be defined by a variety of specific factors and components characteristic of its physiology and function. NP progenitor cell interactions with their surrounding microenvironment may be a key factor for the regulation of cellular metabolism, phenotype, and stemness. Recently, celltransplantation approaches have been investigated for the treatment of degenerative disc disease, highlighting the need to better understand if and how transplanted cells can give rise to healthy NP tissue. Hence, understanding all the components of the NP microenvironment seems to be critical to better gauge the success and outcomes of approaches for tissue engineering and future clinical applications. Knowledge about the components of the NP microenvironment, how NP progenitor cells interact with them, and how changes in their surroundings can alter their function is summarised. Recent discoveries in NP tissue engineering linked to the microenvironment are also reviewed, meaning how crosstalk within the microenvironment can be adjusted to promote NP regeneration. Associated clinical problems are also considered, connecting bench-to-bedside in the context of IVD degeneration.
Smart Parking System using IoT and Cloud
Authors: Sayed Fauziya
Published: June 2021

An efficient and smart way to automate the management of parking system that allocates an efficient parking space using internet of things technology. The IoT provides wireless access to the system and the user can keep a track of the availability of the parking area. In this system, the user can easily view this availability by using a simple android application that monitors the real-time database and updates in a cloud database. This application will also provide the facility of payment for the toll fee.
Machine Learning and Data Analytics based Restaurant Management System for Improving Customer Experience
Authors: Jaiswal Akhilesh
Published: June 2021

In restaurant industry many of them do not have automated tool for monitoring the customers. Machine learning helps to predict information from the data and Data analysis will provide data in well visualized manner. This project is divided into 3 parts as descriptive learning, predictive learning and prescriptive learning. The application is prepared using php and Data analysis using Google Data Studio and python. With this product restaurant can find their weakness focus on it and can increase the revenue after filling it up. In the project descriptive analysis focuses on customer data and sales data. Predictive analytics focus on instore analysis and expense tracking by visualizations. Lastly, predictive analytics includes Apriori algorithm for making combos of menu and XGBoost and RandomForest Classifier algorithm. The project also includes NLP analysis on reviews given by the customers.
Effect of Polypropylene Fiber, GGBS and Fly Ash over the Strength Aspects of Concrete: A Critical Review
Authors: Mir Khalid Bashir
Published: June 2021

In this review study the usage of three different kinds of constructional materials was discussed in detail. The three materials comprised of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag, fly and polypropylene fiber. Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag is basically the slag derived after the quenching process of iron slag produced during the processing of iron in iron industry. Fly ash is the waste generated from the coal processing industries and is mainly used in the road constructions works. Polypropylene fiber is a synthetic fiber that has very high tensile strength and flexural strength. This fiber is also known as synthetic fiber as it is mainly used in the synthetic industry. Depending upon the results of previous studies over the usage of these materials various conclusions has been drawn which are as follows. The results of studies related to the usage of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag as partial replacement of cement concluded that the most optimum usage percentage of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag as partial replacement of cement was found to be between 20 percent and 30 percent and beyond this limit the strength of concrete was decreasing. The past studies related to the usage of fly ash as partial replacement of cement shoed that the most optimum usage percentage of fly ash was found to be between 15 percent to 20 percent and beyond this percentage the strength parameters of concrete such as compressive strength, flexural strength and split tensile strength starts declining up to a greater extent. The studies related to the usage of polypropylene fiber showed that the usage of this fiber increases the compressive strength of soil and the most optimum results were found between 1.0 percent to 1.5 percent usages of polypropylene fiber. Above this percentage there will be negative effect on the strength aspects and the compressive strength starts declining.
Innovative System for Metropolitan Sound Pollution Management
Authors: Bhaladhare Prof. Dr. P. R.
Published: June 2021

According to population Reference Bureau, the current world population is 7.4 Billion. At present, a total number of the vehicle is 1.2 Billion according to survey and it will be 2 Billion up to 2035. Cars and trucks turn out pollution throughout their life, as well as pollution get emit throughout the vehicle operation, refuelling, producing, and disposal. Due to heavier traffic and powerful engines, noise level in cities is rapidly increasing. Our proposed system provides the solution to these problems. Our system Monitor the noise pollution created by vehicle and if any vehicle crosses its threshold value then it will get reported on the LCD and generate notification for municipal corporation. In this project we are using GPS for getting current location of vehicle & software panel checks that whether it is in no honking zone or not, if it is no honking zone then software panel informs Arduino (microcontroller) to control the horn. If user is out of honking zone then horn will reset to its original value.